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Detective Jessie Blake #1
Heartlands
Call it mother’s intuition, but I knew she was dead the moment she was late home. As I listened to her phone ring and ring, that’s when I knew for sure. My little girl was gone.
Twenty years ago, Sophie Nicoll never came home from school. Days later her body was found in a shallow grave on a remote farm a few miles from her hometown. Two boys from her school were found guilty. The press called the boys evil. Sophie’s family wanted them dead. The judge promised they’d never walk free.
Two decades later and schoolgirl Shannon Ross has vanished from a small town in the Scottish Highlands.
It’s Detective Jessie Blake’s first big case since she joined Perthshire Police. Having recently arrived from London, Jessie lives in fear of people finding out about her past and her reasons for moving north.
When Shannon’s body is found in the river on the outskirts of Inverlochty, Jessie discovers she’s not the only one with something to hide. As the small community begins to crack under pressure, people begin to point fingers. And soon, the big secrets hidden within the small town are revealed – with devastating consequences.
This shocking crime thriller set in the dramatic Scottish Highlands will have you reading well into the night. If you like LJ Ross, Cara Hunter or Robert Bryndza, you will absolutely love this.
Twenty years ago, Sophie Nicoll never came home from school. Days later her body was found in a shallow grave on a remote farm a few miles from her hometown. Two boys from her school were found guilty. The press called the boys evil. Sophie’s family wanted them dead. The judge promised they’d never walk free.
Two decades later and schoolgirl Shannon Ross has vanished from a small town in the Scottish Highlands.
It’s Detective Jessie Blake’s first big case since she joined Perthshire Police. Having recently arrived from London, Jessie lives in fear of people finding out about her past and her reasons for moving north.
When Shannon’s body is found in the river on the outskirts of Inverlochty, Jessie discovers she’s not the only one with something to hide. As the small community begins to crack under pressure, people begin to point fingers. And soon, the big secrets hidden within the small town are revealed – with devastating consequences.
This shocking crime thriller set in the dramatic Scottish Highlands will have you reading well into the night. If you like LJ Ross, Cara Hunter or Robert Bryndza, you will absolutely love this.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
288 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Watts
21 books84 followers.Kerry Watts was born and grew up in a small town in the East of Scotland where she still lives today. She is always writing and carries a little notebook and pen with her wherever she goes because at her age ideas need to be captured before they disappear.
Kerry specialises in crime fiction because she enjoys pushing the boundaries of what it is to be human. The nature versus nurture debate fascinates her. She loves to put her characters in impossible situations just to see what happens. Her experience as a psychiatric nurse heavily influences her writing. She also wants to create characters that people can relate to who might be facing the same struggles as anyone else.
Authors who inspire her are anyone capable of creating a character who lives inside her head long after she has closed the book. Her favourite fictional character's are Dexter Morgan, created by Jeff Lindsay as well as Hannibal Lechter created by Thomas Harris. She doesn't have a favourite genre as a reader. Kerry will read anything. Written by anyone. If the blurb has a good feel about it she's hooked.
When she's not writing she loves to spend time following her other passions - dogs, particularly rescue mutts and horse racing. The sight of a thoroughbred race horse at full stretch has been known to move her to tears, not just lump in the throat stuff but full on blubbing. And for that she is unashamed. One day she's going to buy a racehorse filly and call her Into Darkness.
She also had a small role in a film called The Rocket Post but decided acting wasn't for her. She would rather create a character than play one.
Kerry specialises in crime fiction because she enjoys pushing the boundaries of what it is to be human. The nature versus nurture debate fascinates her. She loves to put her characters in impossible situations just to see what happens. Her experience as a psychiatric nurse heavily influences her writing. She also wants to create characters that people can relate to who might be facing the same struggles as anyone else.
Authors who inspire her are anyone capable of creating a character who lives inside her head long after she has closed the book. Her favourite fictional character's are Dexter Morgan, created by Jeff Lindsay as well as Hannibal Lechter created by Thomas Harris. She doesn't have a favourite genre as a reader. Kerry will read anything. Written by anyone. If the blurb has a good feel about it she's hooked.
When she's not writing she loves to spend time following her other passions - dogs, particularly rescue mutts and horse racing. The sight of a thoroughbred race horse at full stretch has been known to move her to tears, not just lump in the throat stuff but full on blubbing. And for that she is unashamed. One day she's going to buy a racehorse filly and call her Into Darkness.
She also had a small role in a film called The Rocket Post but decided acting wasn't for her. She would rather create a character than play one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 13, 2019
Detective Jessie Nicoll never came home from school. Days later her body was found in a shallow grave on a remote farm. Two boys from school were found guilty. Now, schoolgirl Shannon Ross has vanished from a small town in the Scottish Highlands. It's Detective Jessie Blake's first big case since she joined the Perthshire police. She's more used to working in London. Jessie lives in fear about people finding out about her past. But it seems that there is more than Jessie with big secrets that they want to keep hidden.
I did like this book but there was just far too much going on in it. Shannon's case almost mirrors the case of Sophie who had went missing twenty years ago. As Jessie and her team investigate, they find that there is more to the small town than they first believed. Apart from the dual storyline there are a lot of characters to try and remember. DC Dylan Logan and Jessie make a great team. I can't wait to read the second book in this series to find out more about Jessie's dark secret!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Kerry Watts for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did like this book but there was just far too much going on in it. Shannon's case almost mirrors the case of Sophie who had went missing twenty years ago. As Jessie and her team investigate, they find that there is more to the small town than they first believed. Apart from the dual storyline there are a lot of characters to try and remember. DC Dylan Logan and Jessie make a great team. I can't wait to read the second book in this series to find out more about Jessie's dark secret!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Kerry Watts for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
Heartlands by Kerry Watts is the first in the Detective Jessie Blake series and I was disappointed. The potential is huge; the reality is, there are way too many characters to keep up with, the dialogue is disjointed, jumping all over the place and the characters are wooden and featureless. The book started with an horrific murder and twenty years later another young woman vanished from Inverlochty in the Scottish Highlands. Detective Jessie Blake, with her own secrets, is tasked with investigating Shannon Ross’ disappearance. It’s her first case since leaving London and already she feels the pressure.
It was difficult to keep the storyline in order and it’s a shame the editing wasn’t tighter to tidy it up. I’ll look at the second in the series when it’s released and make a decision then as to whether to continue.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was difficult to keep the storyline in order and it’s a shame the editing wasn’t tighter to tidy it up. I’ll look at the second in the series when it’s released and make a decision then as to whether to continue.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
I’m a bit late to the table with this one.
I liked this book, I didn’t love it, but I liked it.
I had to concentrate far too much for my liking with this one. It was told from dual timelines PLUS too many characters to keep account of. Sitting alone with no distractions and reading it from beginning to end I may have faired better alas, for most of us readers that cannot be the case as real life needs to be lived.
Then picking up the book again I found myself asking “ now where was I?” And rereading parts. For me, that’s never a good sign.
Very good story. But just not easy to read with all going on.
I liked this book, I didn’t love it, but I liked it.
I had to concentrate far too much for my liking with this one. It was told from dual timelines PLUS too many characters to keep account of. Sitting alone with no distractions and reading it from beginning to end I may have faired better alas, for most of us readers that cannot be the case as real life needs to be lived.
Then picking up the book again I found myself asking “ now where was I?” And rereading parts. For me, that’s never a good sign.
Very good story. But just not easy to read with all going on.
March 21, 2019
Heartlands by Kerry Watts had a really good story. Unfortunately it was really hard to get into and enjoy for me. I found that there was too much going on at once and too many characters to get my head around. There was also multiple timelines happening and it was hard to keep up. I found it a bit too predictable as well, the ending not a real surprise.
I think that the series has potential, a Detective in Scotland with secrets of her own. A teenage girl goes missing and is found dead. There is also a story of a girl who was raped and murdered 20 years earlier.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
I think that the series has potential, a Detective in Scotland with secrets of her own. A teenage girl goes missing and is found dead. There is also a story of a girl who was raped and murdered 20 years earlier.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
January 27, 2020
Favorite Quote:
‘You’ll be a journalist then,’ she added. ‘Is it that obvious?’ Blair grinned. ‘Aye, it’s the 666 tattooed on your head that gives it away,’ she chuckled.
My Review:
Although I've only had the pleasure of visiting once, I love my ancestral home of Scotland and am totally enamored with their deep rumbling burr. I enjoyed this complex, multi-layered, and tautly written tale and was totally engaged and intrigued by the myriad and vastly unusual and highly eventful storylines and oddly compelling and complicated characters who, honestly, weren’t even likable most of the time. But there just were so many of each that it boggled my mind and bruised the little pea in my brain to keep them straight.
I was reluctant to put my Kindle down and remained deeply invested in the story from beginning to end while mentally conjuring and casting aside so many of my own theories as to whether there had been a murder if so, who was responsible for the heinous crime against a young girl. My first theory was the correct one, although I had waffled and wavered several times due to this deviously clever author’s misdirection and taunting details. Kerry Watts certainly has my attention and a new fangirl.
‘You’ll be a journalist then,’ she added. ‘Is it that obvious?’ Blair grinned. ‘Aye, it’s the 666 tattooed on your head that gives it away,’ she chuckled.
My Review:
Although I've only had the pleasure of visiting once, I love my ancestral home of Scotland and am totally enamored with their deep rumbling burr. I enjoyed this complex, multi-layered, and tautly written tale and was totally engaged and intrigued by the myriad and vastly unusual and highly eventful storylines and oddly compelling and complicated characters who, honestly, weren’t even likable most of the time. But there just were so many of each that it boggled my mind and bruised the little pea in my brain to keep them straight.
I was reluctant to put my Kindle down and remained deeply invested in the story from beginning to end while mentally conjuring and casting aside so many of my own theories as to whether there had been a murder if so, who was responsible for the heinous crime against a young girl. My first theory was the correct one, although I had waffled and wavered several times due to this deviously clever author’s misdirection and taunting details. Kerry Watts certainly has my attention and a new fangirl.
April 2, 2019
I received a free e-copy of Heartlands (Detective Jessie Blake #1) by Kerry Watts from NetGalley for my honest review.
Twenty years ago in the town of Inverlochty, a young girl named Sophie goes missing. Now, twenty years later another young girl, Shannon is missing. Detective Jessie Blake is put on the case and soon realizes that this case mirrors the case of a young girl, Sophie, who got murdered twenty years ago. Shannon's body is found on a river bank just outside of town a few days later. Who is responsible for these two girls being murdered? Are they connected?
Detective Jessie Blake also finds that the people of Inverlochty are keeping lots of secrets and she believes they are hiding the killer as well. But, Jessie, just like this town has her own secrets she doesn't want to get out. Shannon also kept a diary that is full of secrets on all of her friends and neighbors. So many horrible secrets, buy why? A good story line with a good plot.
Twenty years ago in the town of Inverlochty, a young girl named Sophie goes missing. Now, twenty years later another young girl, Shannon is missing. Detective Jessie Blake is put on the case and soon realizes that this case mirrors the case of a young girl, Sophie, who got murdered twenty years ago. Shannon's body is found on a river bank just outside of town a few days later. Who is responsible for these two girls being murdered? Are they connected?
Detective Jessie Blake also finds that the people of Inverlochty are keeping lots of secrets and she believes they are hiding the killer as well. But, Jessie, just like this town has her own secrets she doesn't want to get out. Shannon also kept a diary that is full of secrets on all of her friends and neighbors. So many horrible secrets, buy why? A good story line with a good plot.
March 28, 2019
Before I started this book, I did what I always do and read some of the other reviews to get a feel for the general consensus. Despite others' opinions, I still go in with an open mind - which may sound strange considering I check out the reviews beforehand with the idea of what to expect - because when I open the book, it's my opinion and my opinion alone that decides whether I am going to enjoy it or not.
Having said that, I began HEARTLANDS with no real expectations beyond what the description outlined. So of course I was surprised by the mediocre reviews of the book when I found it completely intriguing and compelling! So much so that I read it in two sittings, reading over 70% of the book right through to the end and staying up till almost 3am just to finish it! For me, this is a fantastic start to what I envision to be a promising series and I look forward to reading more of Jessie Blake in the near future.
HEARTLANDS begins some 20 years prior with the horrific rape and murder of local teenage girl, Sophie Nicoll, for which two boys of the same age were convicted. The detail of the crime through the eyes of these boys is both graphic and intense while at the same time terrifying for the girl. Although the POV is from that of the boys' you can still feel Sophie's terror at the same time.
Fast forward some 20 years and the disappearance of another teenage girl of similar age and appearance in Iverlochty in Perthshire, Scotland sends alarm bells ringing. But what does Shannon Ross' disappearance have to do with Sophie's murder in the North East of England two decades before? Are the cases somehow related?
These are questions the reader asks themselves throughout while Jessie Blake, newly promoted Detective Inspector transferred to Perthshire from London, and her partner DC Dylan Logan are not privy to this fact until nearer the end. But that doesn't stop us, the readers, from wondering and trying to find a link. While we get bits and pieces of the puzzle before the detectives, we are no nearer to piecing them together to form the bigger picture any quicker either. But don't let that deter you. There is a lot to sink you teeth into in this book.
To start with, HEARTLANDS is told in dual timelines from the previous crime to the present one, and from various perspectives. While none of it is in the first person, the third person POV enables us to be privy from just about everyone's perspectives and little pieces of their secrets. But how do we put them all together to make sense of the bigger picture? Honestly? I didn't care. I just enjoyed the ride just to see how it came to an end. I have always enjoyed dual timelines as they give us a wider perspective and this one was a whole lot wider with a completely different story unfolding in the first instance to the one coming to light in the present day.
Some have said there are too many characters with too many subplots to make sense of it all. But I disagree. Yes, there were a lot of characters but that was because there were two separate stories unfolding throughout. I do agree that some characters didn't seem to have a real purpose and just suddenly disappeared without any real reason from the story while I felt they could have been built on a little more, particularly as two that come to mind specifically for me from both timelines had such an impact on two separate characters that they deserved a little more time spent on and with them in those cases. One character seemed to be integral to the story at one point and then suddenly was gone! It all seemed a bit, well, sudden. Some aspects of the present day story did seem a little convoluted which could have been smoothed out a little better. However, having said that, at no point was I confused with who was who and with what fitted where. I was completely immersed within both stories as I watched each of them unfold and finally merge.
The main characters in HEARTLANDS, aside from Jessie and Dylan, were Rob and Cassie and Louise and Jason. Both couples were well rounded in the sense that the reader really gets to know them as well as empathise with them. As their stories centre around Shannon's disappearance we really see the core of each of them, though some more than others. The other central characters at the periphery of the story is Eric (Shannon's best friend), Ben (Shannon's uncle and Louise's brother) and Andrew Foster (a schizophrenic man Shannon looks out for while her uncle Ben and his friends ridicule him). Other periphery charcters are Blair Crawford (the journalist who covered Sophie's murder) and Tom Nicoll (Sophie's older brother) - both who have their place in the story. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Eric considering he was Shannon's best friend, and as best friends go they are normally the key to every teenage girl's secrets and the heart of their story. I did think Blair Crawford was a little redundant in the present day storyline as he didn't really do anything. And what was the note that was pushed under his door that he silently thanked Tom Nicoll for? We never really saw that play out.
The characters in the Daniel Simpson storyline in the aftermath of Sophie's murder were also well rounded, apart from the support worker Gail Robertson. I felt as she'd had such an impact on Daniel that she should have had a little more depth because by the next chapter in that storyline she'd suddenly departed. The fact that her departure had had such an impact on Daniel that he responded in such a negative way meant that her presence in his life had meant something to him. While his psychologist and social worker both were present through most of his storyline, I felt Gail should have had a bigger part to play also. Her sudden departure explained in a subplot kind of way just felt a little too dismissive of her importance to him.
As for Jessie Blake - I like her. Though we have only just scratched the surface with her backstory still lurking, I quite enjoyed the time I spent with her and Dylan, whom I also liked. I hope to see them both paired up again in future cases despite them both being in different parts of Perthshire. Yes, I would have loved to know more about Jessie although the focus here was mainly on the case at hand. But we did get little snippets sprinkled throughout the book to whet our appetites. And we were given that cliffhanger at the end in case we needed more. But so far, all we know about Jessie is that she moved to Perthshire from London to escape a past and a secret; that she was married, her husband's name was Dan and he went to prison; that she had a son; that she has an old friend called Carol who was constantly texting; she has a sister called Freya, a mother called Moira, a neighbour called Dave and a Russian Blue cat named Smokey. That... and now she lives in fear of Dan finding her. Anything beyond that, we'll have to wait for the next book!
I have to mention that I really liked the fact that Shannon was a well-liked kind-hearted girl. She was not the town bitch that got what she deserved, as the case is with many victims of these types of books. She really was just a lovely girl.
HEARTLANDS isn't the type of thriller you'd expect. It's not edge-of-your-seat but it is intriguing and it is compelling. It's a police procedural with a difference. The setting in the Scottish highlands of Perthshire gives it a different edge. I like it. When the killer is revealed it's unexpected but not a shocking twist. This book was much more than that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping thriller with a difference.
I would like to thank #KerryWatts, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for this deliciously disturbing ARC of #Heartlands in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Having said that, I began HEARTLANDS with no real expectations beyond what the description outlined. So of course I was surprised by the mediocre reviews of the book when I found it completely intriguing and compelling! So much so that I read it in two sittings, reading over 70% of the book right through to the end and staying up till almost 3am just to finish it! For me, this is a fantastic start to what I envision to be a promising series and I look forward to reading more of Jessie Blake in the near future.
HEARTLANDS begins some 20 years prior with the horrific rape and murder of local teenage girl, Sophie Nicoll, for which two boys of the same age were convicted. The detail of the crime through the eyes of these boys is both graphic and intense while at the same time terrifying for the girl. Although the POV is from that of the boys' you can still feel Sophie's terror at the same time.
Fast forward some 20 years and the disappearance of another teenage girl of similar age and appearance in Iverlochty in Perthshire, Scotland sends alarm bells ringing. But what does Shannon Ross' disappearance have to do with Sophie's murder in the North East of England two decades before? Are the cases somehow related?
These are questions the reader asks themselves throughout while Jessie Blake, newly promoted Detective Inspector transferred to Perthshire from London, and her partner DC Dylan Logan are not privy to this fact until nearer the end. But that doesn't stop us, the readers, from wondering and trying to find a link. While we get bits and pieces of the puzzle before the detectives, we are no nearer to piecing them together to form the bigger picture any quicker either. But don't let that deter you. There is a lot to sink you teeth into in this book.
To start with, HEARTLANDS is told in dual timelines from the previous crime to the present one, and from various perspectives. While none of it is in the first person, the third person POV enables us to be privy from just about everyone's perspectives and little pieces of their secrets. But how do we put them all together to make sense of the bigger picture? Honestly? I didn't care. I just enjoyed the ride just to see how it came to an end. I have always enjoyed dual timelines as they give us a wider perspective and this one was a whole lot wider with a completely different story unfolding in the first instance to the one coming to light in the present day.
Some have said there are too many characters with too many subplots to make sense of it all. But I disagree. Yes, there were a lot of characters but that was because there were two separate stories unfolding throughout. I do agree that some characters didn't seem to have a real purpose and just suddenly disappeared without any real reason from the story while I felt they could have been built on a little more, particularly as two that come to mind specifically for me from both timelines had such an impact on two separate characters that they deserved a little more time spent on and with them in those cases. One character seemed to be integral to the story at one point and then suddenly was gone! It all seemed a bit, well, sudden. Some aspects of the present day story did seem a little convoluted which could have been smoothed out a little better. However, having said that, at no point was I confused with who was who and with what fitted where. I was completely immersed within both stories as I watched each of them unfold and finally merge.
The main characters in HEARTLANDS, aside from Jessie and Dylan, were Rob and Cassie and Louise and Jason. Both couples were well rounded in the sense that the reader really gets to know them as well as empathise with them. As their stories centre around Shannon's disappearance we really see the core of each of them, though some more than others. The other central characters at the periphery of the story is Eric (Shannon's best friend), Ben (Shannon's uncle and Louise's brother) and Andrew Foster (a schizophrenic man Shannon looks out for while her uncle Ben and his friends ridicule him). Other periphery charcters are Blair Crawford (the journalist who covered Sophie's murder) and Tom Nicoll (Sophie's older brother) - both who have their place in the story. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Eric considering he was Shannon's best friend, and as best friends go they are normally the key to every teenage girl's secrets and the heart of their story. I did think Blair Crawford was a little redundant in the present day storyline as he didn't really do anything. And what was the note that was pushed under his door that he silently thanked Tom Nicoll for? We never really saw that play out.
The characters in the Daniel Simpson storyline in the aftermath of Sophie's murder were also well rounded, apart from the support worker Gail Robertson. I felt as she'd had such an impact on Daniel that she should have had a little more depth because by the next chapter in that storyline she'd suddenly departed. The fact that her departure had had such an impact on Daniel that he responded in such a negative way meant that her presence in his life had meant something to him. While his psychologist and social worker both were present through most of his storyline, I felt Gail should have had a bigger part to play also. Her sudden departure explained in a subplot kind of way just felt a little too dismissive of her importance to him.
As for Jessie Blake - I like her. Though we have only just scratched the surface with her backstory still lurking, I quite enjoyed the time I spent with her and Dylan, whom I also liked. I hope to see them both paired up again in future cases despite them both being in different parts of Perthshire. Yes, I would have loved to know more about Jessie although the focus here was mainly on the case at hand. But we did get little snippets sprinkled throughout the book to whet our appetites. And we were given that cliffhanger at the end in case we needed more. But so far, all we know about Jessie is that she moved to Perthshire from London to escape a past and a secret; that she was married, her husband's name was Dan and he went to prison; that she had a son; that she has an old friend called Carol who was constantly texting; she has a sister called Freya, a mother called Moira, a neighbour called Dave and a Russian Blue cat named Smokey. That... and now she lives in fear of Dan finding her. Anything beyond that, we'll have to wait for the next book!
I have to mention that I really liked the fact that Shannon was a well-liked kind-hearted girl. She was not the town bitch that got what she deserved, as the case is with many victims of these types of books. She really was just a lovely girl.
HEARTLANDS isn't the type of thriller you'd expect. It's not edge-of-your-seat but it is intriguing and it is compelling. It's a police procedural with a difference. The setting in the Scottish highlands of Perthshire gives it a different edge. I like it. When the killer is revealed it's unexpected but not a shocking twist. This book was much more than that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping thriller with a difference.
I would like to thank #KerryWatts, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for this deliciously disturbing ARC of #Heartlands in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 21, 2019
Heartlands is the first book in the DI Jessie Blake series based in Perthshire, and although there was much potential I found it wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped. My primary issue was that the plot was very convoluted and over-complicated; sometimes less is more. There are two separate storylines that the author hints at being related to one another in some way, but actually, they aren't at all relevant to one another. It's probably a good time to say that I am a huge fan of challenging, complex plotting, but even this was too confusing for me. It also felt a lot like some of the plot was setting up for future books which was of course more than a little off-putting.
Rather than choosing a few key issues to cover in the book Watts' makes the mistake of covering many different topics in little depth when it would've been so much more satisfying for readers had she carried out a deeper exploration of just some of them. There are also far too many characters, most of them unnecessary too. I likely will try book two in the hope that it is a little less busy as it's clear the author has some interesting ideas and the potential to produce a great police procedural.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Rather than choosing a few key issues to cover in the book Watts' makes the mistake of covering many different topics in little depth when it would've been so much more satisfying for readers had she carried out a deeper exploration of just some of them. There are also far too many characters, most of them unnecessary too. I likely will try book two in the hope that it is a little less busy as it's clear the author has some interesting ideas and the potential to produce a great police procedural.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
March 22, 2019
If I take the book apart then this has a good arc of a lost teen and a murder mystery at its core. A disappearing child similar to what happened 20 years ago calls DI Jessie Blake and Dylan to investigate. Dual timelines give it another intriguing layer.
There were few things that caught my eye in this book. The story was set in Scotland, I liked the new locale. The main character, the lead detective Jesse Blake had been written with an intriguing detail by Author Kerry Watts. Jessie was quite a complex character, and her interactions with her colleague Dylan showed a growing bond. And she had her own personal backstory which was hinted at.
But a few things niggled me, there were many, many subplots for each character, and there were just too many characters. Some of them were similar sounding like Jessie and Cassie, two of them were named Dan. The initial quarter had all this shoved down my throat in a confusing manner without it unfolding smoothly and gradually. I was overwhelmed and confused nearly wanted to give up. I couldn't keep any character straight initially. I plugged on because of the disappearing teen plot.
The story became interesting only when the investigation started from nearly the mid half, and it was quite an enjoyable ride then. All my love for this book was for keeping me guessing about the murderer.
There were few things that caught my eye in this book. The story was set in Scotland, I liked the new locale. The main character, the lead detective Jesse Blake had been written with an intriguing detail by Author Kerry Watts. Jessie was quite a complex character, and her interactions with her colleague Dylan showed a growing bond. And she had her own personal backstory which was hinted at.
But a few things niggled me, there were many, many subplots for each character, and there were just too many characters. Some of them were similar sounding like Jessie and Cassie, two of them were named Dan. The initial quarter had all this shoved down my throat in a confusing manner without it unfolding smoothly and gradually. I was overwhelmed and confused nearly wanted to give up. I couldn't keep any character straight initially. I plugged on because of the disappearing teen plot.
The story became interesting only when the investigation started from nearly the mid half, and it was quite an enjoyable ride then. All my love for this book was for keeping me guessing about the murderer.
February 6, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I did not find this to be the shocking crime thriller it is publicized as being. I didn't even find it to be halfway compelling. Maybe my mind just isn't nimble enough today to read this. I don't know....
I found the first 60-65% of the book terribly disjointed. Too many characters, too many stories, simple characters acting robotically..... When will this start making any kind of sense? I stopped for lunch. Then I took the dog to the vet's office. Read some more..... Oh, are those folks making themselves another cup of instant coffee????
Bleech! What is wrong with these characters?? The various story strings finally started to come together for me about the 75% mark. Okay, maybe I don't need a nap right this very minute. The action finally started to coalesce for me for the next 10 - 12 %. Then, it abruptly turns into a couple of neat suicides and all is sunshine and lollipops for the remaining characters?? Oh good grief. OOOH but wait, there's a "cliff-hanger" ending!
Jessie's husband has been hiding in the bushes. (my bad, didn't mean to spoil it for other readers.
1.5 stars I think is generous
I did not find this to be the shocking crime thriller it is publicized as being. I didn't even find it to be halfway compelling. Maybe my mind just isn't nimble enough today to read this. I don't know....
I found the first 60-65% of the book terribly disjointed. Too many characters, too many stories, simple characters acting robotically..... When will this start making any kind of sense? I stopped for lunch. Then I took the dog to the vet's office. Read some more..... Oh, are those folks making themselves another cup of instant coffee????
Bleech! What is wrong with these characters?? The various story strings finally started to come together for me about the 75% mark. Okay, maybe I don't need a nap right this very minute. The action finally started to coalesce for me for the next 10 - 12 %. Then, it abruptly turns into a couple of neat suicides and all is sunshine and lollipops for the remaining characters?? Oh good grief. OOOH but wait, there's a "cliff-hanger" ending!
Jessie's husband has been hiding in the bushes. (my bad, didn't mean to spoil it for other readers.
1.5 stars I think is generous
October 26, 2022
Heartlands by Kerry Watts is the first book in a new series featuring Detective Jessie Blake, and it’s a ripper.
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
Missing persons case.
A large cast of riveting and emotional characters.
Murder.
Secrets.
Betrayals.
Lies.
Twists you won’t see coming.
Captivating and addictive.
A masterly crafted book that will engage your attention.
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
Missing persons case.
A large cast of riveting and emotional characters.
Murder.
Secrets.
Betrayals.
Lies.
Twists you won’t see coming.
Captivating and addictive.
A masterly crafted book that will engage your attention.
March 24, 2019
I have to say the author made me work hard in the beginning. It means that I needed all my concentration because there were a lot of characters and it took some time to place them in the story. Once I had given them their rightful place in my mind I was really sucked into the book.
The author takes us from the past to the present and back again. To me both storylines were equally fascinating but sometimes I had the feeling there was a little leap and I did not always quite understand how we went from A to B.
I really enjoyed the book and I did not have the faintest idea who the culprit was. I am looking forward to the sequel. DI Blake piqued my interest. There is more to her than the eye can see and that adds to the reading pleasure.
A good begining to a new series that is worth following. 4 stars.
Thank you, Kerry Watts, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The author takes us from the past to the present and back again. To me both storylines were equally fascinating but sometimes I had the feeling there was a little leap and I did not always quite understand how we went from A to B.
I really enjoyed the book and I did not have the faintest idea who the culprit was. I am looking forward to the sequel. DI Blake piqued my interest. There is more to her than the eye can see and that adds to the reading pleasure.
A good begining to a new series that is worth following. 4 stars.
Thank you, Kerry Watts, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
February 22, 2019
3 stars
The reader knows from the outset who killed the teenage girl named Sophie. They then learn what happened to them.
Twenty years later, another young woman named Shannon Ross goes missing. Detective Jessie Blake is assigned to the investigation. She has a secret in her past.
The writing in this book was good, but the plotting left something to be desired. The transitions were poorly done. The way the story skipped around was disorienting. There wasn't a clue that the book skipped ahead twenty years. I wasn't even sure of the ages of the characters until little clues were given as I read along. There were too many characters, so the book felt cluttered. I'd say that Kerry Watts has potential, but I wish someone had told her about her plotting problems. I wish I had learned more about Jessie Blake.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read and review.
The reader knows from the outset who killed the teenage girl named Sophie. They then learn what happened to them.
Twenty years later, another young woman named Shannon Ross goes missing. Detective Jessie Blake is assigned to the investigation. She has a secret in her past.
The writing in this book was good, but the plotting left something to be desired. The transitions were poorly done. The way the story skipped around was disorienting. There wasn't a clue that the book skipped ahead twenty years. I wasn't even sure of the ages of the characters until little clues were given as I read along. There were too many characters, so the book felt cluttered. I'd say that Kerry Watts has potential, but I wish someone had told her about her plotting problems. I wish I had learned more about Jessie Blake.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read and review.
March 25, 2019
When Shannon Ross, a teenage girl, disappears out of thin air, it is up to Detective Jessie Blake and her partner, Dylan to find out what has become of the missing girl. Is she alive? Did someone kill her? What does Shannon’s disappearance have to do with another case almost two decades ago? Are both cases related somehow?
These are just some of the questions that are left unanswered at the start of this new series by Kerry Watts. The mystery surrounding Shannon’s disappearance is really held strong for a good part of this story and I felt really drawn in into what happened this this teenage girl. Watts really knows how to keep you guessing by introducing a host of characters where anyone can be the culprit. I had a hard time in determining who was behind it all. Watts also runs a story parallel to the main story about a girl named Sophie who was murdered almost two decades ago. I was not sure at first what the connection was going to be and I feel that Watts really did such a fantastic job at keeping you guessing right up until almost the end. I will say though that the beginning of this book is quite overwhelming with the introduction of many characters, but after the first forty pages or so I was able to get a handle on all of the characters and the roles they in the story. With that being said, please do not let that deter you from reading as it does get easier.
There are two main couples in Heartlands - Rob and Cassie and Louise and Jason. I do feel like they were well rounded characters and that I really got a chance to come to know them and sympathize with what they were going through both as couples and as their stories centered around Shannon’s disappearance evolved. As far as Detective Jessie Blake, I think we really just scratched the surface with her, so it would be interesting to see her story slowly come about as the series progresses. Although, I would have loved to know more about Jessie, I think the focus was mainly placed on the case of Shannon’s disappearance.
Heartlands by Kerry Watts is a gripping police procedural with many twists and turns. These twists and turns are really shocking and quite expertly placed. We are also left with a bit of a cliffhanger which was a huge surprise and now makes me want to know what will happen next.
These are just some of the questions that are left unanswered at the start of this new series by Kerry Watts. The mystery surrounding Shannon’s disappearance is really held strong for a good part of this story and I felt really drawn in into what happened this this teenage girl. Watts really knows how to keep you guessing by introducing a host of characters where anyone can be the culprit. I had a hard time in determining who was behind it all. Watts also runs a story parallel to the main story about a girl named Sophie who was murdered almost two decades ago. I was not sure at first what the connection was going to be and I feel that Watts really did such a fantastic job at keeping you guessing right up until almost the end. I will say though that the beginning of this book is quite overwhelming with the introduction of many characters, but after the first forty pages or so I was able to get a handle on all of the characters and the roles they in the story. With that being said, please do not let that deter you from reading as it does get easier.
There are two main couples in Heartlands - Rob and Cassie and Louise and Jason. I do feel like they were well rounded characters and that I really got a chance to come to know them and sympathize with what they were going through both as couples and as their stories centered around Shannon’s disappearance evolved. As far as Detective Jessie Blake, I think we really just scratched the surface with her, so it would be interesting to see her story slowly come about as the series progresses. Although, I would have loved to know more about Jessie, I think the focus was mainly placed on the case of Shannon’s disappearance.
Heartlands by Kerry Watts is a gripping police procedural with many twists and turns. These twists and turns are really shocking and quite expertly placed. We are also left with a bit of a cliffhanger which was a huge surprise and now makes me want to know what will happen next.
March 30, 2019
Wow, where do I start with reviewing this book?
First of all, I found it incredibly confusing; too many characters were introduced too quickly and I had no clue what was going on. There was a witch burning mentioned at the very beginning and she was eluded to in the book but that didn't go anywhere (so much scope for some creepy related storyline there). There were multiple timelines which were mostly clear but sometimes the story jumped without indicating, so that was confusing too.
I so, so, wanted to love this story because it has excellent bones, the premise is really good. Who doesn't like a story set in a little town in Scotland? There were flashes of brilliance in this novel but overall I think it was in need of a good editor to go through it and smooth it out.
I liked the character of Jessie Blake, liked Duncan too but I didn't learn enough about either of them to get too emotionally involved. I AM, however, looking forward to reading more about the two of them in another book and hope that their characters get fleshed out a little more then.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read.
3 stars, I'm afraid. So much potential, but just not realised.
First of all, I found it incredibly confusing; too many characters were introduced too quickly and I had no clue what was going on. There was a witch burning mentioned at the very beginning and she was eluded to in the book but that didn't go anywhere (so much scope for some creepy related storyline there). There were multiple timelines which were mostly clear but sometimes the story jumped without indicating, so that was confusing too.
I so, so, wanted to love this story because it has excellent bones, the premise is really good. Who doesn't like a story set in a little town in Scotland? There were flashes of brilliance in this novel but overall I think it was in need of a good editor to go through it and smooth it out.
I liked the character of Jessie Blake, liked Duncan too but I didn't learn enough about either of them to get too emotionally involved. I AM, however, looking forward to reading more about the two of them in another book and hope that their characters get fleshed out a little more then.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read.
3 stars, I'm afraid. So much potential, but just not realised.
March 20, 2019
This is a great start to a new series.
Jessie has moved to Inverlochty to forget her past and is soon involved in a case where a teenage girl has gone missing.
There are other chapters set in the nineties which tell the story of the repercussions following the death of another teenage girl.
The story does jump around a bit but it’s pretty easy to follow.
I’d have liked to know about about Jessie’s past but hopefully that will come in the next book.
The story slowly unwinds and when the truth comes to light, the people of Inverlochty are in shock.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Jessie has moved to Inverlochty to forget her past and is soon involved in a case where a teenage girl has gone missing.
There are other chapters set in the nineties which tell the story of the repercussions following the death of another teenage girl.
The story does jump around a bit but it’s pretty easy to follow.
I’d have liked to know about about Jessie’s past but hopefully that will come in the next book.
The story slowly unwinds and when the truth comes to light, the people of Inverlochty are in shock.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 29, 2019
You heard it here first, that Kerry Watts' debut HEARTLANDS became an overnight sensation just hours after release.
Here's my FIVE STAR ***** review:
There are a lot of characters introduced early on so it does take a couple of chapters to figure out who they all are and what role they play in the book, however they're all integral to the plot. They aren't dropped into scenes just for the sake of it. Because there are so many there are lots of sub-plots and interesting threads that make this a complex crime thriller. I loved the fact there were backstories containing secrets, lies, deceit, and revenge. I also wanted to know what would happen next and kept reading until late into the night. I finished this book in less than a day, and stayed up to fit in just one more chapter. I usually struggle to read novels written in distant third person narration, especially with past tense, but I had no trouble with this one because it's fast paced and the tension keeps you gripped throughout. The ending was satisfactory and the little open ending suggested a more personal investigation for DI Jessie Blake next time. All in all, it was a great and gripping read and having read a few titles from Kerry, I was so pleased to learn she'd sealed a publishing contract with Bookouture. This being a debut traditionally published title, I have no doubts Watts' series is going to be a cracking one.
Here's my FIVE STAR ***** review:
There are a lot of characters introduced early on so it does take a couple of chapters to figure out who they all are and what role they play in the book, however they're all integral to the plot. They aren't dropped into scenes just for the sake of it. Because there are so many there are lots of sub-plots and interesting threads that make this a complex crime thriller. I loved the fact there were backstories containing secrets, lies, deceit, and revenge. I also wanted to know what would happen next and kept reading until late into the night. I finished this book in less than a day, and stayed up to fit in just one more chapter. I usually struggle to read novels written in distant third person narration, especially with past tense, but I had no trouble with this one because it's fast paced and the tension keeps you gripped throughout. The ending was satisfactory and the little open ending suggested a more personal investigation for DI Jessie Blake next time. All in all, it was a great and gripping read and having read a few titles from Kerry, I was so pleased to learn she'd sealed a publishing contract with Bookouture. This being a debut traditionally published title, I have no doubts Watts' series is going to be a cracking one.
May 10, 2019
In this first book in a new series by Kerry Watts, Detective Jessie Blake takes on her first big case. She is called in when a teen named Shannon Ross never arrived home after school. Jessie has a vigorous task ahead of her, and all the while, she is hiding something dreadful from her past. Never could Jesse have imagined that this very case could possibly expose her secrets.
As it turns out, secrets is what this is all about. What Jessie begins to expose in the small town starts off as small anomalies and eventually explodes. As things progress, layer upon layer of details and connections are revealed. Jessie does her best to put all of the pieces together, all the while hoping that another teen does not lose their life.
This story is delivered in two timelines, thus offering varying points of view. Heartlands was intriguing from the very start. There were a lot of twists and turns and the conclusion was utterly shocking. I look forward to continuing this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
As it turns out, secrets is what this is all about. What Jessie begins to expose in the small town starts off as small anomalies and eventually explodes. As things progress, layer upon layer of details and connections are revealed. Jessie does her best to put all of the pieces together, all the while hoping that another teen does not lose their life.
This story is delivered in two timelines, thus offering varying points of view. Heartlands was intriguing from the very start. There were a lot of twists and turns and the conclusion was utterly shocking. I look forward to continuing this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read
March 29, 2019Sadly, this wasn't to my taste. I really want to find another police procedural series to read.
I may come back and write a review. Not sure right now.
I may come back and write a review. Not sure right now.
February 5, 2019
Simplistic
treating complex issues and problems as if they were much simpler than they really are.
This was uninspired storytelling. Not worthy of a clever, witty, humorous review.
Skip it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free download in exchange for an unbiased review.
treating complex issues and problems as if they were much simpler than they really are.
This was uninspired storytelling. Not worthy of a clever, witty, humorous review.
Skip it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free download in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 24, 2019
I will admit, this book took me a lot longer to read than it should have done. I struggled with it and it didn't catch my attention. But, I persevered and I am really pleased that I did.
The story unfolded once I had worked out the characters, of which there were many. I had guessed who was the murderer but I was still intrigued how it would all work out. It was chilling stuff, actually felt a little nervous as I was reading it due to the great writing and the atmosphere created.
I will be looking out for the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Watts and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story unfolded once I had worked out the characters, of which there were many. I had guessed who was the murderer but I was still intrigued how it would all work out. It was chilling stuff, actually felt a little nervous as I was reading it due to the great writing and the atmosphere created.
I will be looking out for the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Watts and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 7, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this arc.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was absolutely hooked from page one. I had to really focus in the beginning to grasp who was who. But I rushed back to it every time I had to put it down.
An ending you won't see coming. I definitely recommend it.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was absolutely hooked from page one. I had to really focus in the beginning to grasp who was who. But I rushed back to it every time I had to put it down.
An ending you won't see coming. I definitely recommend it.
March 23, 2019
I have just this second finished this book and I had to come straight on here and try to formulate some sort of coherent review….erm that is not happening! I went into this book with an open mind, not re-reading the blurb or any reviews and MY GOD it paid off!!
Now there are a LOT of characters thrown at you in the beginning and it will take a chapter to get used to everyone and how they are all linked. But I loved it! It meant I had a huge pool of suspects and intrigue to go with it and I loved it! The story was not just told from a Detective or killer’s voice but everyone! However, until you got used to this, it was not always clear which year we were in, in each new chapter, until you had started to read it.
Right this second, there is nothing I can fault about this book. This book is so character driven, that it made me fly through it! I quite enjoy that you don’t get to know the ins and outs of each of the characters straight away and that they all lead the story.
You are getting insights to their lives, but only fleeting because each chapter and chapter break is a different character’s viewpoint as we witness how they are dealing individually to the case of the missing girl Shannon Ross. Everyone had a voice and it really did drive this story.
With so many characters in this book, there is so much going on in the book and I think this helped progress the story and enable me to fly through it. I did not get bored with hearing the same voice.
Not only that but we are taken back to 1996, where a girl Sophie Nicholls was brutally raped and murdered by 2 boys Daniel and Jack. I was forever trying to figure out how the stories were linked. When I did, it was the who I did not guess! Especially with red herrings that got thrown my way!!
I did guess who had killed Shannon, but it did not matter, as the events that were covered in the two week period the case covered meant more. Watching how one single act destroyed so many lives and uncovered so many secrets. Making you question how well do you know someone.
About 65% into the book, my heart broke. As a mum it makes you worry and it makes you want to hold that little person so much closer to you (despite their meltdowns!) and wrap them up in cotton wool. My eyes misted over, as there was so much raw sadness at this point in the book.
Not going to lie, I do not think I have picked my jaw up off the ground yet and I did use the words OMFG a few times! I need the second book….like right now….seriously!! Can this be arranged! You can not leave me hanging like this!! It is cruel!
I really can not wait to get to know Jessie in the next books, as we begin to learn more about her. She is focussed and determined and I love that and she was portrayed in what I thought was a realistic way with her own secrets of course.
I found the writing by Ms Watts so addictive and she had me hook, line and sinker (sorry poor joke! When you read the book you will know why!). I found it completely fast paced and action packed, never knowing what might happen next! I felt everyone’s reactions were portrayed in a way that you could envisage it happening! It was a roller coaster of a ride and a brave move to that paid off by giving everyone their own voice.
Told you this review does not make much sense doh!
Now there are a LOT of characters thrown at you in the beginning and it will take a chapter to get used to everyone and how they are all linked. But I loved it! It meant I had a huge pool of suspects and intrigue to go with it and I loved it! The story was not just told from a Detective or killer’s voice but everyone! However, until you got used to this, it was not always clear which year we were in, in each new chapter, until you had started to read it.
Right this second, there is nothing I can fault about this book. This book is so character driven, that it made me fly through it! I quite enjoy that you don’t get to know the ins and outs of each of the characters straight away and that they all lead the story.
You are getting insights to their lives, but only fleeting because each chapter and chapter break is a different character’s viewpoint as we witness how they are dealing individually to the case of the missing girl Shannon Ross. Everyone had a voice and it really did drive this story.
With so many characters in this book, there is so much going on in the book and I think this helped progress the story and enable me to fly through it. I did not get bored with hearing the same voice.
Not only that but we are taken back to 1996, where a girl Sophie Nicholls was brutally raped and murdered by 2 boys Daniel and Jack. I was forever trying to figure out how the stories were linked. When I did, it was the who I did not guess! Especially with red herrings that got thrown my way!!
I did guess who had killed Shannon, but it did not matter, as the events that were covered in the two week period the case covered meant more. Watching how one single act destroyed so many lives and uncovered so many secrets. Making you question how well do you know someone.
About 65% into the book, my heart broke. As a mum it makes you worry and it makes you want to hold that little person so much closer to you (despite their meltdowns!) and wrap them up in cotton wool. My eyes misted over, as there was so much raw sadness at this point in the book.
Not going to lie, I do not think I have picked my jaw up off the ground yet and I did use the words OMFG a few times! I need the second book….like right now….seriously!! Can this be arranged! You can not leave me hanging like this!! It is cruel!
I really can not wait to get to know Jessie in the next books, as we begin to learn more about her. She is focussed and determined and I love that and she was portrayed in what I thought was a realistic way with her own secrets of course.
I found the writing by Ms Watts so addictive and she had me hook, line and sinker (sorry poor joke! When you read the book you will know why!). I found it completely fast paced and action packed, never knowing what might happen next! I felt everyone’s reactions were portrayed in a way that you could envisage it happening! It was a roller coaster of a ride and a brave move to that paid off by giving everyone their own voice.
Told you this review does not make much sense doh!
April 3, 2019
"Shannon's disappearance gave him the chills. It was an echo of the Sophie Nicoll case from twenty years ago. Teenage girl. Didn't come home from school."
DI Jessie Blake and her partner, DC Dylan Logan, of the Perthshire Police are sent to Inverlochty on the Scottish Borders to investigate the apparent murder of 15-year-old Shannon Ross, daughter of Jason and Louise. The town is full of secrets and, little do the residents know, but the place is also harboring a killer. As the police investigate, question suspects, and try to figure out what happened to Shannon, some long buried hatred simmers to the surface and erupts in some violent encounters between the characters.
The narrative is a bit disjointed and confusing as it flips back and forth in time and shifts in point of view, but eventually all becomes clear as the truth is revealed. I regret that I didn't become fully engaged with the story or the characters so not sure if I'll continue the series or not. The reader learns that Jessie Blake has some personal issues that are only hinted at in this book that will probably be explored further in the next, given the ending here. I can't say that this was suspenseful and there weren't any twists or surprises as the plot was quite predictable. I was disappointed in the outcomes for some of the characters and the conclusion was quite pat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
DI Jessie Blake and her partner, DC Dylan Logan, of the Perthshire Police are sent to Inverlochty on the Scottish Borders to investigate the apparent murder of 15-year-old Shannon Ross, daughter of Jason and Louise. The town is full of secrets and, little do the residents know, but the place is also harboring a killer. As the police investigate, question suspects, and try to figure out what happened to Shannon, some long buried hatred simmers to the surface and erupts in some violent encounters between the characters.
The narrative is a bit disjointed and confusing as it flips back and forth in time and shifts in point of view, but eventually all becomes clear as the truth is revealed. I regret that I didn't become fully engaged with the story or the characters so not sure if I'll continue the series or not. The reader learns that Jessie Blake has some personal issues that are only hinted at in this book that will probably be explored further in the next, given the ending here. I can't say that this was suspenseful and there weren't any twists or surprises as the plot was quite predictable. I was disappointed in the outcomes for some of the characters and the conclusion was quite pat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
March 25, 2019
Shannon was a lively popular teenager. She was kind & considerate, always ready to stand up for the underdog. She was sensible & reliable so when she didn't come home when expected her mother was sure something dreadful had happened. At first DI Jessie Blake thinks this is a missing person case until a body is found. Who could have wanted to kill Shannon?
I was drawn to this book because the setting of the Scottish Highlands & Perthshire are place I know & love. So started this book with a great deal of optimism but soon began to struggle. I found the number of characters confusing. A large cast of characters need not be a problem if you get to know one lot before another lot is introduced but I didn't feel I had. DI Jessie Blake obviously has an interesting back story that will be revealed in later stories.
Although I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hoped I would like to see how the series develops. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher or letting me read & review this book.
I was drawn to this book because the setting of the Scottish Highlands & Perthshire are place I know & love. So started this book with a great deal of optimism but soon began to struggle. I found the number of characters confusing. A large cast of characters need not be a problem if you get to know one lot before another lot is introduced but I didn't feel I had. DI Jessie Blake obviously has an interesting back story that will be revealed in later stories.
Although I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hoped I would like to see how the series develops. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher or letting me read & review this book.
March 21, 2019
Heartlands is book one in a brand new series following detective Jessie Blake and her work partner Dylan. They work together well and have a great relationship in their first case of this series.
At first I was a little bit overwhelmed with the amount of characters in this story but I soon got to know each and every character. The story is looking into the disappearance of a teenage girl named Shannon. The story flicks back to a previous, similar case throughout which could link to this present case. There’s a clever link… But it may not be answer. The story makes you suspect several characters.
Brilliantly written story which is fast paced. The ending is bound to shock you, a jaw dropper of an outcome. One I would not see coming in a million miles, a nasty twist! Unexpected. I am looking forward to see what will happen next in this series. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
At first I was a little bit overwhelmed with the amount of characters in this story but I soon got to know each and every character. The story is looking into the disappearance of a teenage girl named Shannon. The story flicks back to a previous, similar case throughout which could link to this present case. There’s a clever link… But it may not be answer. The story makes you suspect several characters.
Brilliantly written story which is fast paced. The ending is bound to shock you, a jaw dropper of an outcome. One I would not see coming in a million miles, a nasty twist! Unexpected. I am looking forward to see what will happen next in this series. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
February 25, 2019
I struggled with this book. I started to read it and got a little way through it and abandoned it. Perhaps I was not concentrating enough. A week later I revisited the book and this time I persevered. Within the first few chapters I was confused again – far too many characters to keep track of and then to add to the confusion we have a twenty year gap in two separate story lines. In the historic timeline we learn that two schoolboys raped and murdered a beautiful little girl, they were tried and found guilty. In the later timeline we find that Shannon, a schoolgirl goes missing and DI Jessie Blake is called in to investigate. Clearly there are similarities.
In all honesty it took me a long time to settle into the book and have a clear perspective on who was who which really coloured my opinion on the book. Also, there just seemed so many characters who did little or nothing to add to the drama. Neither can I say I was shocked at the outcome. That said, I did quite like the character of Jessie.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
In all honesty it took me a long time to settle into the book and have a clear perspective on who was who which really coloured my opinion on the book. Also, there just seemed so many characters who did little or nothing to add to the drama. Neither can I say I was shocked at the outcome. That said, I did quite like the character of Jessie.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
April 9, 2021
This series has a lot of potential, and as a first in series, I just felt that the author tried to introduce too much, too soon, which left a confusing read. I found the plot over-complicated, with two separate storylines that never actually married-even though it was inferred-which just added to the confusion. There were so many characters too, which also had me re-reading parts just to make sure I wasn't lost. However, I'm still going to read the next one, as I feel the author was trying to set a scene and the backdrop to a longer series, but sometimes less is more.
March 28, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one. I think the author has a lot of potential, but it needed some work. The mystery itself was well plotted and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. But the characters all acted so woodenly and the dialogue did not seem natural. And there was too much going on in the first half, I found it hard to keep track of The Who and the When.
December 18, 2019
This is, of course, a parent's worst nightmare bar none. You would think that the situation couldn't be any worse but there are so many undercurrents and sadnesses, betrayals and secrets in this story that everyone is doomed even from before the beginning.
The scene settings were well drawn and the characters very believable and the reader has to sympathise with them as they watch their lives disintegrate. I did guess the perpetrator before the ending but not much before.
Smooth writing and a well worked plot - altogether an enjoyable read.
The scene settings were well drawn and the characters very believable and the reader has to sympathise with them as they watch their lives disintegrate. I did guess the perpetrator before the ending but not much before.
Smooth writing and a well worked plot - altogether an enjoyable read.
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