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Dr. Pippa Durrant #1
Fatal Fortune
Is someone trying to frame psychologist Pippa Durrant for the brutal murder of a woman she’s never even met?It certainly seems that way when Pippa’s photo is found on the body of murdered lottery winner, Leanne Smith.Pippa soon finds herself a suspect at the centre of a huge media storm. But she has an invaluable skill set – she is a human polygraph, expertly trained to spot lies and deceit. Skills she will need to help her to solve the mystery of who killed Leanne before it destroys her career - and her life.But every cloud has a silver lining and this one arrives in the shape of DS Joe Swain. Initially suspicious of Pippa, he comes to trust her and to value her lie detection skills. Soon it’s clear there’s a definite spark between them....Then, when another body turns up, Pippa realises her reputation isn’t the only thing in danger. Can she identify the killer before she becomes the next victim?Fatal Fortune is the electrifying first book in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery Series. If you like edge-of-your-seat action, clever sleuths, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Miranda Rijks’ gripping mystery novel.What readers are saying about Fatal ‘The twists and turns that the narrative takes will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat…this just has to become a new series!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune had a fast paced and exciting storyline that kept my attention throughout. I didn’t know who to trust and certainly didn’t expect the culmination of events to end the way in which they did!’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘It is five stars from me for this one, I loved the characters, the plot was very strong and I loved how it held my attention right from the start to the fantastic ending! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!’– donnasbookblog‘I loved this book, so cleverly plotted, with many suspects and secrets to keep you guessing with never a dull moment…it all comes together in a final, nerve shredding finish.’ – Goodreads Reviewer‘Believe me when I say that you are in for a thrilling read! The story is really well written and I could not put it away. Can highly recommend!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘This is the second Miranda Rijks book that I have read, and I have to say I’m very impressed. I very much look forward to reading more about Dr Pippa Durrant!’ - PinkAndDizzy‘This author is quickly becoming one of my go to authors…this book was a fast paced, edge of my seat book with many surprises along the way. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was surprising and well put together.’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘Fatal Fortune hooks you at the very beginning…this book felt to me like a roller coaster…the plot cleverly weaves around itself and killer is finally revealed!&rsquo
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2019
1073 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
42 books877 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 2, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
FATAL FORTUNE (A Dr. Pippa Durrant Mystery Book 1) by Miranda Rijks is the first book in a new mystery series featuring psychologist Dr. Pippa Durrant.
Leanne Smith won the lottery. As she plans for her future, Leanne is found murdered and a photo of Pippa is left on her body, but Pippa does not know Leanne or her family. Pippa does not like being a suspect. She is losing her private practice clients due to the notoriety so she agrees to work with DS Swain to get her life back.
Pippa has a talent for criminal work. She was a forensic psychologist while working on her PhD and has studied micro expressions as a way of being able to read the truth in facial expressions. She is like a human lie detector. She has also studied graphology. Pippa changed to more main stream private practice after the loss of her daughter and the disintegration of her marriage.
DS Joe Swain is at first suspicious of Pippa, but as he gets to know her and verifies her background, he starts to trust her and her skills. As they work together, he seems interested in more than just Pippa’s professional assistance.
Another dead body and another picture of Pippa on the body with a threat written on the back. Will Pippa and Joe be able to identify the killer before Pippa becomes the third victim?
I liked the fast paced murder mystery plot in this story. It kept me turning the pages. The twist at the end was not what I was expecting and that always makes me happy. The characters were realistically flawed and each has secrets that they are trying to keep. I still have questions in regards to Pippa’s professional and personal past which I hope will be answered in future books. I also will be interested to read how the author handles Pippa and Joe’s attraction.
I enjoyed this first mystery in the series and am looking forward to reading more.
FATAL FORTUNE (A Dr. Pippa Durrant Mystery Book 1) by Miranda Rijks is the first book in a new mystery series featuring psychologist Dr. Pippa Durrant.
Leanne Smith won the lottery. As she plans for her future, Leanne is found murdered and a photo of Pippa is left on her body, but Pippa does not know Leanne or her family. Pippa does not like being a suspect. She is losing her private practice clients due to the notoriety so she agrees to work with DS Swain to get her life back.
Pippa has a talent for criminal work. She was a forensic psychologist while working on her PhD and has studied micro expressions as a way of being able to read the truth in facial expressions. She is like a human lie detector. She has also studied graphology. Pippa changed to more main stream private practice after the loss of her daughter and the disintegration of her marriage.
DS Joe Swain is at first suspicious of Pippa, but as he gets to know her and verifies her background, he starts to trust her and her skills. As they work together, he seems interested in more than just Pippa’s professional assistance.
Another dead body and another picture of Pippa on the body with a threat written on the back. Will Pippa and Joe be able to identify the killer before Pippa becomes the third victim?
I liked the fast paced murder mystery plot in this story. It kept me turning the pages. The twist at the end was not what I was expecting and that always makes me happy. The characters were realistically flawed and each has secrets that they are trying to keep. I still have questions in regards to Pippa’s professional and personal past which I hope will be answered in future books. I also will be interested to read how the author handles Pippa and Joe’s attraction.
I enjoyed this first mystery in the series and am looking forward to reading more.
May 7, 2019
he book started off exciting, a woman was murdered, and the picture of a psychologist Dr. Pippa Durrant was placed on the body. That led to the start of the investigation by DS Joe Swain. The dead woman was Leanne, a million pounds lottery winner, and her family especially daughter Donna was absolutely shattered.
Pippa was suspected by the cops in the beginning, and with her photo being released to the press, she started losing her clients. She had to get into the investigation to clear her name, as along with being a forensic psychologist, she had training in reading micro-expression and graphology, so she was kind of a human lie detector. So that aspect was quite thrilling.
My first book by Miranda Rijks was suspenseful to begin with. I was intrigued by the killer who had so much anger as shown by the mutilated bodies. Pippa was said to be extremely intelligent, and I liked most parts of her characterization.
However, throughout the story, my niggles kept haunting me. There was something off about the reactions of both Donna and Pippa. Donna hated her mom as she refused to share the lottery money. But the way she was shown heartbroken left me scratching my head. She kept crying for her mother. Where did the love come from suddenly?
Pippa being suspected by the cops felt odd. They had no proof except the photograph on the corpse. Yet she became their prime suspect. Huh? What was that about? Also, most of her reactions didn't match the actions. The spark of attraction between Pippa and Joe was great initially, but it became a bit weird. Joe laughed when she said her house was broken into and her dog taken. Even Joe's investigation felt so unprofessional.
There was no logic in the reactions of all the characters in the book, but the basic whodunit was great. Wanting to know who the murderer was made me turn the pages till the end.
Pippa was suspected by the cops in the beginning, and with her photo being released to the press, she started losing her clients. She had to get into the investigation to clear her name, as along with being a forensic psychologist, she had training in reading micro-expression and graphology, so she was kind of a human lie detector. So that aspect was quite thrilling.
My first book by Miranda Rijks was suspenseful to begin with. I was intrigued by the killer who had so much anger as shown by the mutilated bodies. Pippa was said to be extremely intelligent, and I liked most parts of her characterization.
However, throughout the story, my niggles kept haunting me. There was something off about the reactions of both Donna and Pippa. Donna hated her mom as she refused to share the lottery money. But the way she was shown heartbroken left me scratching my head. She kept crying for her mother. Where did the love come from suddenly?
Pippa being suspected by the cops felt odd. They had no proof except the photograph on the corpse. Yet she became their prime suspect. Huh? What was that about? Also, most of her reactions didn't match the actions. The spark of attraction between Pippa and Joe was great initially, but it became a bit weird. Joe laughed when she said her house was broken into and her dog taken. Even Joe's investigation felt so unprofessional.
There was no logic in the reactions of all the characters in the book, but the basic whodunit was great. Wanting to know who the murderer was made me turn the pages till the end.
May 4, 2019
Having not encountered Miranda Rijks's fiction before I had no idea about what expect, but I thought that it was a good opportunity to see what she's all about with this being the first thriller in a brand new series featuring psychologist Dr Pippa Durrant, a specialist in lie detection. I liked the idea that there was apparently a little bit of everything included and apparently something for everyone - romance, mystery, suspense and what some readers will likely term as thrills.
However, I was rather taken aback by just how far-fetched and immature both the plot and characters were. Now I am not one of those people who demands my fiction to be realistic as I appreciate that often improbable incidents can add great excitement to a story provided you can suspend your disbelief and just go with it. But, here, I simply couldn't enjoy it. I think it was a case of too many issues and finishing it was such a tedious slog. I also, sadly, found the characters excruciatingly annoying.
Having a deep interest in psychology and the expertise involved in criminal profiling I was looking forward to some of the talk about the topic by Dr Durrant but unfortunately, the frenetic pace meant that the plot moved at such an unrelenting pace so you were given no time to let any interesting information sink in. I also found that I had correctly guessed how the story would go by the 20% mark.
The second instalment, Fatal Flowers, due to be published on 25 May 2019 is highly unlikely to make it onto my Kindle given that there are so many fantastic thriller writers out there penning superb novels. I'm afraid I would rather play a little safer by opting for one of them. Many thanks to Inkubator Books/Weapenry Co-Op for an ARC.
However, I was rather taken aback by just how far-fetched and immature both the plot and characters were. Now I am not one of those people who demands my fiction to be realistic as I appreciate that often improbable incidents can add great excitement to a story provided you can suspend your disbelief and just go with it. But, here, I simply couldn't enjoy it. I think it was a case of too many issues and finishing it was such a tedious slog. I also, sadly, found the characters excruciatingly annoying.
Having a deep interest in psychology and the expertise involved in criminal profiling I was looking forward to some of the talk about the topic by Dr Durrant but unfortunately, the frenetic pace meant that the plot moved at such an unrelenting pace so you were given no time to let any interesting information sink in. I also found that I had correctly guessed how the story would go by the 20% mark.
The second instalment, Fatal Flowers, due to be published on 25 May 2019 is highly unlikely to make it onto my Kindle given that there are so many fantastic thriller writers out there penning superb novels. I'm afraid I would rather play a little safer by opting for one of them. Many thanks to Inkubator Books/Weapenry Co-Op for an ARC.
April 29, 2019
I read I Want You Gone by Miranda Rijks earlier on this month which I enjoyed even though the main character drove me half mad with her histrionics! But I knew that I wanted to read more by this author and so was very happy to be able to read Fatal Fortune. I have to say that I enjoyed it more than I Want You Gone especially as I didn’t work out a couple of the twists which impressed me and also because I took to Pippa Durrant as the main protagonist more than I had expected.
Once again there are quite a few characters here and it did take me a while to get into my reading rhythm and work out who was who. But once I did the story flowed well as did the relationships between the characters. This book is incredibly well titled as everything that happens seems to be because of a very large lottery win. The winner, Leanne, is murdered not long after her good fortune but why did the murderer leave a photo of Pippa at the scene? Everyone connected to the money seems to now be in danger and it is up to DS Joe Swain to work out why and to try to stop further murders from taking place. Pippa and Joe seem to make a good connection and they work well together so I’m definitely intrigued to see where they will end up in the next two books in this trilogy!
Fatal Fortune had a fast paced and exciting storyline that kept my attention throughout. I didn’t know who to trust and certainly didn’t expect the culmination of events to end the way in which they did! I was definitely left wanting more especially as there did seem to be parts of Pippas past that I think need to be explored a bit deeper.
Overall a great read!
Once again there are quite a few characters here and it did take me a while to get into my reading rhythm and work out who was who. But once I did the story flowed well as did the relationships between the characters. This book is incredibly well titled as everything that happens seems to be because of a very large lottery win. The winner, Leanne, is murdered not long after her good fortune but why did the murderer leave a photo of Pippa at the scene? Everyone connected to the money seems to now be in danger and it is up to DS Joe Swain to work out why and to try to stop further murders from taking place. Pippa and Joe seem to make a good connection and they work well together so I’m definitely intrigued to see where they will end up in the next two books in this trilogy!
Fatal Fortune had a fast paced and exciting storyline that kept my attention throughout. I didn’t know who to trust and certainly didn’t expect the culmination of events to end the way in which they did! I was definitely left wanting more especially as there did seem to be parts of Pippas past that I think need to be explored a bit deeper.
Overall a great read!
April 29, 2019
This is the first book in series featuring Dr Pippa Durrant.
Pippa is a psychologist and has gained a good reputation for herself, but then her photo is all over the media identifying her as the murdered lottery winner, Leanne Smith.
The police had issued the photo to the press as it had been found on the brutally murdered Leanne…but why? Is Pippa linked somehow?
“I look down at my handiwork and smile. The bitch is unrecognisable “
DS Joe Swain is investigating the murder and there is definitely a spark between him and Pippa, but is he just using her for her skills as a psychologist and micro expression reader?
Donna, is Leanne’s daughter and is distraught at her mothers death, her husband Ricky is supportive and caring….for now!
Mike is helping Ricky complete an extension on their home and he becomes close to Donna, when as Ricky starts behaving oddly, disappearing for hours…..and her Dad has been arrested for the murder…
Pippa tries to find out what’s going on and does her own bit of investigation, which leads nowhere but raises more suspicions, at the same time she is struggling with her own personal issues, her estranged son has come home, but things are still a bit fraught and then he is involved in an accident, her dog is let out of the house by someone and she has a client, the troubled Brent who needs to talk……and then another person is murdered!
I loved this book, so cleverly plotted, with many suspects and secrets to keep you guessing with never a dull moment…..it all comes together in a final, nerve shredding finish….brilliant writing by Miranda Rijks.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Pippa is a psychologist and has gained a good reputation for herself, but then her photo is all over the media identifying her as the murdered lottery winner, Leanne Smith.
The police had issued the photo to the press as it had been found on the brutally murdered Leanne…but why? Is Pippa linked somehow?
“I look down at my handiwork and smile. The bitch is unrecognisable “
DS Joe Swain is investigating the murder and there is definitely a spark between him and Pippa, but is he just using her for her skills as a psychologist and micro expression reader?
Donna, is Leanne’s daughter and is distraught at her mothers death, her husband Ricky is supportive and caring….for now!
Mike is helping Ricky complete an extension on their home and he becomes close to Donna, when as Ricky starts behaving oddly, disappearing for hours…..and her Dad has been arrested for the murder…
Pippa tries to find out what’s going on and does her own bit of investigation, which leads nowhere but raises more suspicions, at the same time she is struggling with her own personal issues, her estranged son has come home, but things are still a bit fraught and then he is involved in an accident, her dog is let out of the house by someone and she has a client, the troubled Brent who needs to talk……and then another person is murdered!
I loved this book, so cleverly plotted, with many suspects and secrets to keep you guessing with never a dull moment…..it all comes together in a final, nerve shredding finish….brilliant writing by Miranda Rijks.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
July 28, 2021
This is the first book in the Dr Pippa Durrant series by author Miranda Rijks.
It looks like someone is trying to frame psychologist Pippa Durrant for the brutal murder of a woman she has never met. Pippa’s photo is found on the body of murdered lottery winner, Leanne Smith and she finds herself a suspect at the centre of a huge media storm. Pippa needs to use her job skills to spot lies and deceit in order to clear her name and find the real killer. DS Joe Swain is investigating the case and there is some chemistry between him and Pippa although he suspects her initially. It is not long before another body turns up and Pippa realises her reputation isn’t the only thing in danger. Can she identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.
I enjoy the writing of Miranda Rijks and although I didn’t think this book reached the high standard I have previously experienced it was still an enjoyable read.
It looks like someone is trying to frame psychologist Pippa Durrant for the brutal murder of a woman she has never met. Pippa’s photo is found on the body of murdered lottery winner, Leanne Smith and she finds herself a suspect at the centre of a huge media storm. Pippa needs to use her job skills to spot lies and deceit in order to clear her name and find the real killer. DS Joe Swain is investigating the case and there is some chemistry between him and Pippa although he suspects her initially. It is not long before another body turns up and Pippa realises her reputation isn’t the only thing in danger. Can she identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.
I enjoy the writing of Miranda Rijks and although I didn’t think this book reached the high standard I have previously experienced it was still an enjoyable read.
March 17, 2023
This book is the first of the Pippa Durrant mystery series. It starts off with a bang. A woman is so brutally murdered that her face is unrecognizable. Along with the body is a picture of Pippa. Naturally, this causes Pippa all kinds of problems, so she is anxious to help solve the murder. As the story progresses, there are multiple POVs and even a lovely Labrador gets plenty of action. To add more interest, the dead lady just won a multimillion dollar lottery. Her family is also highly involved in figuring out why Pippa’s picture is on the body. There’s lots of animosity among all of these players. Figuring out the resolution could be difficult when everyone is a suspect.
May 15, 2019
This is an other excellent book from Miranda Rijks, with a story along the same lines of I Want You Gone, and being equally gripping and intriguing. It's very much a 'someone is out to get you' storyline with psychologist Pippa's photo being left on a dead body. Pippa can read people so she is the perfect choice to help the police catch a brutal murderer, especially when it appears that she could be the main target.
The victim is a lottery winner so you can imagine that there are many people in her own family who would have motive to kill her. As the police look at Leanne Smith's family for suspects, it's interesting to see how people react especially when a potential windfall could be coming their way after Leanne's death. Naturally we suspect anyone who starts spending money they don't have, but did they kill Leanne to get her money? There's definitely a bit of animosity in the family as there are those who think they should have received a bigger gift of cash after Leanne's big win.
Miranda Rijks is brilliant at lining up suspects in her books; I looked at every single character and could see motive until my sights settled on one in particular. I did find it a little too easy to guess the killer but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book at all. It's not always about the big reveal at the end when you are enjoying the literary journey you are on.
This is an author who crams so much mystery and intrigue into her books that it makes you keep turning those pages as quick as you can. I really liked the character of Pippa Durrant and the introduction to her personal story that I am sure will continue to unravel in future novels to keep us interested throughout what I'm sure will be an amazing series. I, for one, certainly can't wait to see where Pippa's story takes us next.
Fatal Fortune is a fast-paced, gripping and intriguing book with a myriad suspects when money appears to be the motive...but this story goes so much deeper than that. A very enjoyable read that scratches the surface of a shady cast of characters and shows us what lies beneath.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The victim is a lottery winner so you can imagine that there are many people in her own family who would have motive to kill her. As the police look at Leanne Smith's family for suspects, it's interesting to see how people react especially when a potential windfall could be coming their way after Leanne's death. Naturally we suspect anyone who starts spending money they don't have, but did they kill Leanne to get her money? There's definitely a bit of animosity in the family as there are those who think they should have received a bigger gift of cash after Leanne's big win.
Miranda Rijks is brilliant at lining up suspects in her books; I looked at every single character and could see motive until my sights settled on one in particular. I did find it a little too easy to guess the killer but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book at all. It's not always about the big reveal at the end when you are enjoying the literary journey you are on.
This is an author who crams so much mystery and intrigue into her books that it makes you keep turning those pages as quick as you can. I really liked the character of Pippa Durrant and the introduction to her personal story that I am sure will continue to unravel in future novels to keep us interested throughout what I'm sure will be an amazing series. I, for one, certainly can't wait to see where Pippa's story takes us next.
Fatal Fortune is a fast-paced, gripping and intriguing book with a myriad suspects when money appears to be the motive...but this story goes so much deeper than that. A very enjoyable read that scratches the surface of a shady cast of characters and shows us what lies beneath.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 4, 2019
I don't insist that a book's characters be likeable. I only ask that they be believable. If that's not the case, then any number of a writer's other talents are wasted.
This is the second Miranda Rijks book I've read, and I had the same experience here with Fatal Fortune that I did with I Want You Gone. In both books, there was one flurry after another of frenetic activity in search of the answer to an urgent question: The main character must find out who wants to ruin, and possibly end, her life.
In Fatal Fortune, that character is Pippa Durrant, a psychologist with a private practice. There are some clever plot devices, such as the title-referenced win of an obscenely high lottery jackpot, and the central issue of mistaken identity. But the pace and a few unique literary tricks couldn't bring me back from my constant mental refrain: EVERY ONE of these characters acts so impetuously, with no rhyme, reason or logic other than the requirement to move the plot forward a notch.
It was easier to swallow an unceasing stream of rash, flaky behavior in the previous book (with the main-character real estate agent) and in this book (with the young mother and her dysfunctional parents). I dug in my heels, however, when a seasoned detective and an experienced mental health professional -- both of whom should have their protocols and boundaries trained in so deeply as to be almost reflex -- each do one inexplicably impulsive thing after another, apparently just to serve as a segue to the next scene.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a second try at this new-to-me writer.
This is the second Miranda Rijks book I've read, and I had the same experience here with Fatal Fortune that I did with I Want You Gone. In both books, there was one flurry after another of frenetic activity in search of the answer to an urgent question: The main character must find out who wants to ruin, and possibly end, her life.
In Fatal Fortune, that character is Pippa Durrant, a psychologist with a private practice. There are some clever plot devices, such as the title-referenced win of an obscenely high lottery jackpot, and the central issue of mistaken identity. But the pace and a few unique literary tricks couldn't bring me back from my constant mental refrain: EVERY ONE of these characters acts so impetuously, with no rhyme, reason or logic other than the requirement to move the plot forward a notch.
It was easier to swallow an unceasing stream of rash, flaky behavior in the previous book (with the main-character real estate agent) and in this book (with the young mother and her dysfunctional parents). I dug in my heels, however, when a seasoned detective and an experienced mental health professional -- both of whom should have their protocols and boundaries trained in so deeply as to be almost reflex -- each do one inexplicably impulsive thing after another, apparently just to serve as a segue to the next scene.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a second try at this new-to-me writer.
November 8, 2019
This is the first in the Dr Pippa Durrant series, and it was really lovely to come in at the beginning of this new collection.
Pippa, although a little morose, was a likeable character. She has been through something really terrible in her past, and I’m really hoping that gets explored more in future books. Her history was outlined in this book to whet our appetites. She does make some questionable decisions. However, I think because of her past, this has hindered her from thinking logically during this current trying time.
The book is a little bit of a mix between crime fiction and psychological thriller, but the balance worked well. I thought I had figured out who the killer was, and even though I sort of guessed correctly, there was still a brilliant twist that I just didn’t see coming. There is enough suspense to really grip you and to make sure you keep turning the pages; it is very well-written. I liked the chemistry between Pippa and DS Joe Swain, it was very subtle, and again I hope this gets explored more in future books. It certainly lightened the feel of the book somewhat, which was a pleasant relief to the intensity of the murders and the suspense surrounding them.
This is the second Miranda Rijks book that I have read, and I have to say I’m very impressed. I very much look forward to reading more about Dr Pippa Durrant!
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
Pippa, although a little morose, was a likeable character. She has been through something really terrible in her past, and I’m really hoping that gets explored more in future books. Her history was outlined in this book to whet our appetites. She does make some questionable decisions. However, I think because of her past, this has hindered her from thinking logically during this current trying time.
The book is a little bit of a mix between crime fiction and psychological thriller, but the balance worked well. I thought I had figured out who the killer was, and even though I sort of guessed correctly, there was still a brilliant twist that I just didn’t see coming. There is enough suspense to really grip you and to make sure you keep turning the pages; it is very well-written. I liked the chemistry between Pippa and DS Joe Swain, it was very subtle, and again I hope this gets explored more in future books. It certainly lightened the feel of the book somewhat, which was a pleasant relief to the intensity of the murders and the suspense surrounding them.
This is the second Miranda Rijks book that I have read, and I have to say I’m very impressed. I very much look forward to reading more about Dr Pippa Durrant!
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
May 4, 2019
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.
There are some good parts to this story. The murder mystery element was interesting; I enjoyed figuring out the clues. The suspense just didn’t last long enough. By 32% it was pretty clear who had committed the crimes.
Fatal Fortune’s Pippa reminded me a little bit of Gwen Marcey, a character from my favorite Carrie Stuart Parks series. Her ability to psychoanalyze people fascinates me! I loved that part and wish there were more books with that type of character.
Otherwise, I’m sad to admit that Fatal Fortune was a bust for me. I couldn’t stand most of the other characters. They came across as self-absorbed and utterly forgettable. The repetitive words and details annoyed me, though it may have been the author’s intentional way of bringing continuity to an otherwise fragmented story. The only character I really liked was Mungo the dog.
I hesitated to read Fatal Fortune since this author’s last book didn’t rate high with me, but decided to give it another shot. Unfortunately, this author’s writing style just doesn’t resonate with me. I’ll skip the next one.
There are some good parts to this story. The murder mystery element was interesting; I enjoyed figuring out the clues. The suspense just didn’t last long enough. By 32% it was pretty clear who had committed the crimes.
Fatal Fortune’s Pippa reminded me a little bit of Gwen Marcey, a character from my favorite Carrie Stuart Parks series. Her ability to psychoanalyze people fascinates me! I loved that part and wish there were more books with that type of character.
Otherwise, I’m sad to admit that Fatal Fortune was a bust for me. I couldn’t stand most of the other characters. They came across as self-absorbed and utterly forgettable. The repetitive words and details annoyed me, though it may have been the author’s intentional way of bringing continuity to an otherwise fragmented story. The only character I really liked was Mungo the dog.
I hesitated to read Fatal Fortune since this author’s last book didn’t rate high with me, but decided to give it another shot. Unfortunately, this author’s writing style just doesn’t resonate with me. I’ll skip the next one.
May 5, 2019
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I really enjoyed this story, it was gripping and the storyline really had me hooked from the first chapter. If you do get a chance to read the book I am sure you will agree that after the first few pages I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to Dr Pippa!
I thought that the characters were great, Dr Pippa was very well developed and I really liked her she was a genuine character and I really liked getting to know more about her as the book progressed. I found the book to be very well written and this author has certainly made herself one to watch now for me.
It is five stars from me for this one, I loved the characters, the plot was very strong and I loved how it held my attention right from the start to the fantastic ending! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I really enjoyed this story, it was gripping and the storyline really had me hooked from the first chapter. If you do get a chance to read the book I am sure you will agree that after the first few pages I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to Dr Pippa!
I thought that the characters were great, Dr Pippa was very well developed and I really liked her she was a genuine character and I really liked getting to know more about her as the book progressed. I found the book to be very well written and this author has certainly made herself one to watch now for me.
It is five stars from me for this one, I loved the characters, the plot was very strong and I loved how it held my attention right from the start to the fantastic ending! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
May 18, 2019
Excellent psychological thriller. After just reading I Want You Gone, I was thrilled to get this book, and even more thrilled that it is number 1 in a series. The book starts with the gruesome murder of a woman who just won the lottery, when her body is discovered there is a picture of a total stranger placed on top of it. As her family gets involved in trying to find the killer, and the woman’s story comes out, it’s clear that many people could have a motive for murder. This is just the beginning of this awesome mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Well written, suspenseful, and addictive read. Ms. Rijks is one of my new favorite authors and I am very excited to see where this series goes. Thank you #NetGalley for this excellent book. #FatalFortune
July 6, 2019
One of the BEST books I've read!!
I can hardly wait to read the rest of the Pippa Durrant books!!! Unbelievably awesome read!!! Kept me on edge till the very end, this one.
I can hardly wait to read the rest of the Pippa Durrant books!!! Unbelievably awesome read!!! Kept me on edge till the very end, this one.
August 19, 2019
Veery Good reading!
I love the flow of this authors writing! As the plat unravels I am unable to piece together all of the characters association. Very good!
I love the flow of this authors writing! As the plat unravels I am unable to piece together all of the characters association. Very good!
August 22, 2019
Very suspenseful read! I really enjoyed this book. I'm glad there are more in this series and will be reading the next soon!
May 2, 2019
Thank you so much to the always amazing Emma at Damp Pebbles Booktours for the invite, after reading 'I Want You Gone', I nearly bit her hand off! And best of all, it is the first in a trilogy of books featuring her new central character, Dr Pippa Durrant -who doesn't love a series to get your teeth stuck into?
What do you do when you see your own picture in a newspaper , accompanied by a headline screaming bloody murder?
This is the dilemma facing Pippa Durrant in her first outing from Miranda Rijks, her picture is left on the body of lottery multimillionaire, Leanne and there are a host of people who could have done it....but why was it there ?
Who is setting her up and why?
This is similar to 'I Want You Gone' wherein an inexplicable amount of things happen to someone who is totally baffled with what is going on, but this time, Pippa is given more character development and you can tell there is room for her to grow in future instalments.
There are twists and turns aplenty and the relationship, between Pippa and investigating officer, DS Joe Swain has potential to become something more meaningful in time. Pippa's personal and professional lives overlap on occassion but in a totally believable way that most of us parents recognise-the struggle to maintain a realistic work/life balance is a work in progress!
A well titled and meaningful look into the darker side of life, family relationships and greed, 'Fatal Fortune' marks a new series for fans of psychological thrillers to put on their tbr pile!
What do you do when you see your own picture in a newspaper , accompanied by a headline screaming bloody murder?
This is the dilemma facing Pippa Durrant in her first outing from Miranda Rijks, her picture is left on the body of lottery multimillionaire, Leanne and there are a host of people who could have done it....but why was it there ?
Who is setting her up and why?
This is similar to 'I Want You Gone' wherein an inexplicable amount of things happen to someone who is totally baffled with what is going on, but this time, Pippa is given more character development and you can tell there is room for her to grow in future instalments.
There are twists and turns aplenty and the relationship, between Pippa and investigating officer, DS Joe Swain has potential to become something more meaningful in time. Pippa's personal and professional lives overlap on occassion but in a totally believable way that most of us parents recognise-the struggle to maintain a realistic work/life balance is a work in progress!
A well titled and meaningful look into the darker side of life, family relationships and greed, 'Fatal Fortune' marks a new series for fans of psychological thrillers to put on their tbr pile!
June 23, 2021
I have read all of Miranda Rijks books and I just discovered that there were three in a series I had missed so I was super excited to start this first one. The premise was good but unless I managed to get an older version some of the chapters were our of sync. The book was from several different perspectives. Pippa, Joe, Donna and Ricky and there was something that happened from one perspective and then the next perspective the previous thing that happened had not happened yet. Needless to say this was very confusing. You can't have the guy get out on bail in one chapter and then have the cop call the Dr. asking for helping keeping him from getting bail. That makes no sense and it happened in several instances. If it hadn't of been for that I would have given this book 5 stars. I will continue with the series and I'm hoping the characters get fleshed out a little more. So far I'm not a huge fan of Pippa and Joe because they seem to be so one dimensional. I feel like I got to know the dog better than I did them.
September 3, 2020
This was a great book that was fun to read and hard to put down! There are many characters woven into the story and you have the perspective of not just the main character, but also some people that you probably don't even trust. Any one of them could be the killer! The main character is Pippa Durrant, psychologist who used to work in tandem with the police but gave that up several years back when her college age daughter disappeared from South Africa. Her husband had left her soon after, along with her son who took off to parts unknown, leaving her lonely and better suited to private practice.
Now though, she has been thrust into a new murder investigation because her photograph was found on the dead body. She has no idea why, as she doesn't have a clue who the victim is or how they could be linked to one another. Of course, because of this photo, everyone in town and online begins to question her innocence and she starts losing her private clients left and right. She maintains a wary connection with the detective in charge of the case, who initially appears not quite trusting of Pippa. As they grow closer, she asks to assist in the case because she is specially trained to detect deception through scientific methods like micro movements and speech patterns. The passages describing these techniques are fascinating. I've read up on the same topics before and was delighted at the role they played in the story.
The twists and turns that the narrative takes will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. My only complaint is that the story has ended and there is no more to read! I look forward to the next book in this series, because this just has to become a new series!
Now though, she has been thrust into a new murder investigation because her photograph was found on the dead body. She has no idea why, as she doesn't have a clue who the victim is or how they could be linked to one another. Of course, because of this photo, everyone in town and online begins to question her innocence and she starts losing her private clients left and right. She maintains a wary connection with the detective in charge of the case, who initially appears not quite trusting of Pippa. As they grow closer, she asks to assist in the case because she is specially trained to detect deception through scientific methods like micro movements and speech patterns. The passages describing these techniques are fascinating. I've read up on the same topics before and was delighted at the role they played in the story.
The twists and turns that the narrative takes will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. My only complaint is that the story has ended and there is no more to read! I look forward to the next book in this series, because this just has to become a new series!
May 8, 2019
An interesting read through the scenes and events that are created.
Living in the proximity of the scenes presented in the book was a bit of a surprise as I definitely wasn't expecting that
I’ve read it in one sitting and was indeed on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen next and how everything will wrap up. The suspense was present and well proportioned for my liking.
What I didn't like much: maybe the chapters were a bit short, short sentences as well even if keep it short and simple is advisable, I felt like I needed more because the female character is a psychologist and was expecting more elaborate thoughts. Also, I love having both pov and I don't mind any time or person but I found a bit off the repetition of the name of the male character for almost every paragraph in one chapter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nowhere near an expert or anything, I enjoyed the book and all these are my honest opinions.
Overall it was a great story and I’m looking forward to more from this new to me author.
Living in the proximity of the scenes presented in the book was a bit of a surprise as I definitely wasn't expecting that
I’ve read it in one sitting and was indeed on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen next and how everything will wrap up. The suspense was present and well proportioned for my liking.
What I didn't like much: maybe the chapters were a bit short, short sentences as well even if keep it short and simple is advisable, I felt like I needed more because the female character is a psychologist and was expecting more elaborate thoughts. Also, I love having both pov and I don't mind any time or person but I found a bit off the repetition of the name of the male character for almost every paragraph in one chapter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nowhere near an expert or anything, I enjoyed the book and all these are my honest opinions.
Overall it was a great story and I’m looking forward to more from this new to me author.
May 1, 2019
"Fatal Fortune" by Miranda Rijks.
My second time reading that author. I first read "I want you gone" and loved it!
Now I can say I loved "Fatal Fortune" as well and can't wait to read the next book!
The title couldn't have been chosen better!
A woman wins the lottery, wants to remain anonymous. Then ends up dead, murdered. The photo on the news, in the paper... is someone else : Dr Pippa, a psychologist. She's never even met the woman, so how did her photo end up on the body? Who put it there, why? Everyone becomes a suspect...
Different POVs, fast paced, clever, well written, really interesting plot, good characters... A real investigation.
I liked that the story starts right away, no waiting half the book for something to happen, I hate those!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
My second time reading that author. I first read "I want you gone" and loved it!
Now I can say I loved "Fatal Fortune" as well and can't wait to read the next book!
The title couldn't have been chosen better!
A woman wins the lottery, wants to remain anonymous. Then ends up dead, murdered. The photo on the news, in the paper... is someone else : Dr Pippa, a psychologist. She's never even met the woman, so how did her photo end up on the body? Who put it there, why? Everyone becomes a suspect...
Different POVs, fast paced, clever, well written, really interesting plot, good characters... A real investigation.
I liked that the story starts right away, no waiting half the book for something to happen, I hate those!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2019
Pippa, the protagonist, has a few interesting qualities and characteristics that I feel will be well explored in future books. However, here she's not quite fully developed; her past certainly could use more explaining, which I think will be done over the course of the series.
Overall this was a (virtual) page-turner, although it was questionable why Pippa was truly believed to be a suspect in the first place. I give it four stars because while there were quite a few weaknesses in the plot, and sometimes the characters behaved in ways that didn't seem to make much sense, I didn't see the final twist coming (and I'd been smug, thinking I'd had it figured out!) and I want to see what is to come from Pippa. If it were possible, I'd likely give 3.75, but I rounded up on this one.
Overall this was a (virtual) page-turner, although it was questionable why Pippa was truly believed to be a suspect in the first place. I give it four stars because while there were quite a few weaknesses in the plot, and sometimes the characters behaved in ways that didn't seem to make much sense, I didn't see the final twist coming (and I'd been smug, thinking I'd had it figured out!) and I want to see what is to come from Pippa. If it were possible, I'd likely give 3.75, but I rounded up on this one.
May 4, 2019
What a great first chapter in a new series. The dynamic between the battle-hardened policeman and the world-weary psychologist has a perfect balance of professionalism and likability. Pippa has had her share of shock and grief in her life which I strongly suspect might come into play in future stories...I hope so.
August 17, 2020
4.5* from me and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I liked this the main character is different and interesting as she is a psychologist who can read microexpressions and body language. the story is great and you do get engaged with all the characters, this is the first of a trilogy and i'm excited to read more
August 26, 2020
Another page-turner from Miranda Rijks, giving the reader just enough for them to think they know who-done-it by the halfway point, then helping them to confirm their findings but adding enough extra so that they don't get everything; not if they're me, anyway. Well-paced and never boring. On to the next.
May 9, 2019
I did not like this book and can't see myself reading others by Miranda Rijks. It's too over the top emotionally and too hectic for me. I know I am in the minority here, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. Sorry! My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
July 7, 2019
Thrilling read
Kept me captivated from the start! Although I did figure out early in the novel who the killer was it still held my attention. The back story on the killer was really good and something you rarely find in novels!
Kept me captivated from the start! Although I did figure out early in the novel who the killer was it still held my attention. The back story on the killer was really good and something you rarely find in novels!
November 19, 2019
Good
Well written and descriptive. The scene with the little boys on the doorstep had me crying. Very emotive story, with a good plot twist. Wrapped up nicely. I enjoyed reading and felt like I couldn't put it down.
Well written and descriptive. The scene with the little boys on the doorstep had me crying. Very emotive story, with a good plot twist. Wrapped up nicely. I enjoyed reading and felt like I couldn't put it down.
May 13, 2019
After the annoying Laura Swallow(from I want you gone) I thought Pippa Durant would redeem the Miranda Rijks for me. And she did, but only a little.
When lottery winner Leanne's Smith is found dead, her face, beaten to a pulp with psychologist Pippas picture placed on the body of the victim, Pippa finds herself in the middle of a huge media storm. Battling a trial by media, Pippa finds her reputation torn to shreds and she must get to the bottom of the mystery & find the murderer who's trying to defame her. Trusting her lie-detection skills is DS Joe Swain who needs to bring in the killer before they murder anyone else. It soon becomes evident, Pippa is connected to the crimes when another body with her photograph turns up. Can they both identify the killer before Pippa becomes the next victim?
The only characters likable in this book are Benjie, Leanne's sweet grandchild & Mungo, Pippas faithful Labrador. Ok, and maybe Pippa too, but just a little. I feel ambivalent towards her at this point. I thought DS Joe Swain was a highly incompetent & condescending character for a police officer. Which decent officer laughs at victims to their face?
If you can ignore wacky behavior from the characters in the book, it is pretty good!
I can't seem to get over the fact that all the characters behave so damn bizarrely. Pippa seems to experience extreme emotions going from happy to sad, panicked to content in a matter of seconds. The way the characters respond to certain events in the book doesn't feel realistic at all.
As strange as the behavior of most of the characters is, the story was pretty good and I couldn't keep this one down. The start is gripping, the end is tension-filled. The middle is just average. Maybe there's hope for Pippa Durant after all. If the characters in this book/series can get a hold of their emotions and behave how normal human beings do, there's great potential for the series! I'm curious about the next book - Fatal Flowers and will be picking that one up soon.
Thank you Netgalley, Miranda Rijks & Inkubator Books for an arc.
When lottery winner Leanne's Smith is found dead, her face, beaten to a pulp with psychologist Pippas picture placed on the body of the victim, Pippa finds herself in the middle of a huge media storm. Battling a trial by media, Pippa finds her reputation torn to shreds and she must get to the bottom of the mystery & find the murderer who's trying to defame her. Trusting her lie-detection skills is DS Joe Swain who needs to bring in the killer before they murder anyone else. It soon becomes evident, Pippa is connected to the crimes when another body with her photograph turns up. Can they both identify the killer before Pippa becomes the next victim?
The only characters likable in this book are Benjie, Leanne's sweet grandchild & Mungo, Pippas faithful Labrador. Ok, and maybe Pippa too, but just a little. I feel ambivalent towards her at this point. I thought DS Joe Swain was a highly incompetent & condescending character for a police officer. Which decent officer laughs at victims to their face?
If you can ignore wacky behavior from the characters in the book, it is pretty good!
I can't seem to get over the fact that all the characters behave so damn bizarrely. Pippa seems to experience extreme emotions going from happy to sad, panicked to content in a matter of seconds. The way the characters respond to certain events in the book doesn't feel realistic at all.
As strange as the behavior of most of the characters is, the story was pretty good and I couldn't keep this one down. The start is gripping, the end is tension-filled. The middle is just average. Maybe there's hope for Pippa Durant after all. If the characters in this book/series can get a hold of their emotions and behave how normal human beings do, there's great potential for the series! I'm curious about the next book - Fatal Flowers and will be picking that one up soon.
Thank you Netgalley, Miranda Rijks & Inkubator Books for an arc.
April 28, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Pippa Durrant is a therapist but her life is interrupted when she finds out that a photo of her is found on the body of a woman who was brutally murdered. The police don't know whether to consider her a suspect or a potential future victim. At first her photo was shown as picture of the deceased which was of course wrong, but the police don't seem quick to change the narrative in the public.
Meanwhile Pippa decides to try to find out what is the link between herself and the dead woman, who was a recent lottery winner. Pippa also has a tragedy in her past when her daughter went missing after a trip to Africa. When that happened, her wonderful son changed completely and left home, turning his back on mom and dad, who had gotten divorced. While this is going on, he shows up unexpectedly with a girlfriend who is pregnant. And when they are run off the road, the question again is whether it's related to the murder?
There are some chapters told from p.o.v. of daughter and son-in-law of murdered woman. These weren't necessary and imo just interrupted the good flow of the story and mystery.
I liked the character of Dr. Pippa Durrant. I wasn't sure what the story is with the detective who seemed to be quite supportive, especially when Pippa offers to help analyze the suspects and determine whether they are lying or not, which had been a skill she offered to the police in the past. But he seemed to get annoyed when she determined their main suspect wasn't lying when he said he didn't do it. At the end of it all, he seemed to have cut her off so I don't know?
Overall, a good book and would give it a higher rating had the flow not been interrupted by chapters told from others' p.o.v. She was a strong enough and interesting enough character to hold the story all on her own, imo.
Pippa Durrant is a therapist but her life is interrupted when she finds out that a photo of her is found on the body of a woman who was brutally murdered. The police don't know whether to consider her a suspect or a potential future victim. At first her photo was shown as picture of the deceased which was of course wrong, but the police don't seem quick to change the narrative in the public.
Meanwhile Pippa decides to try to find out what is the link between herself and the dead woman, who was a recent lottery winner. Pippa also has a tragedy in her past when her daughter went missing after a trip to Africa. When that happened, her wonderful son changed completely and left home, turning his back on mom and dad, who had gotten divorced. While this is going on, he shows up unexpectedly with a girlfriend who is pregnant. And when they are run off the road, the question again is whether it's related to the murder?
There are some chapters told from p.o.v. of daughter and son-in-law of murdered woman. These weren't necessary and imo just interrupted the good flow of the story and mystery.
I liked the character of Dr. Pippa Durrant. I wasn't sure what the story is with the detective who seemed to be quite supportive, especially when Pippa offers to help analyze the suspects and determine whether they are lying or not, which had been a skill she offered to the police in the past. But he seemed to get annoyed when she determined their main suspect wasn't lying when he said he didn't do it. At the end of it all, he seemed to have cut her off so I don't know?
Overall, a good book and would give it a higher rating had the flow not been interrupted by chapters told from others' p.o.v. She was a strong enough and interesting enough character to hold the story all on her own, imo.
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