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Detective Beth Young #3
Fear in the Lakes
Detective Beth Young traced the body in her mind… His skull wasn’t harmed and neither was his spine… as if someone wanted him to survive only to experience the utmost suffering.
When Laura Sinclair arrives home, she is horrified to discover her sweet, kind, husband James close to death. But this is no robbery gone wrong. There are over 200 breaks to his bones, each apparently applied carefully, symmetrically, methodically…
Laura insists that James is a man with no enemies. But how much does she know about her husband? And what secrets are hidden in the email account she discovers, filled with cryptic messages?
When two bodies are then pulled from Lake Windermere exhibiting similar injuries – it becomes clear that the killer they are calling the Sculptor is on a mission.
But Detective Beth Young is too. She knows that if she can work out the secrets of James’s past, she has a chance of locating The Sculptor’s next victim… and maybe the killer too.
When Laura Sinclair arrives home, she is horrified to discover her sweet, kind, husband James close to death. But this is no robbery gone wrong. There are over 200 breaks to his bones, each apparently applied carefully, symmetrically, methodically…
Laura insists that James is a man with no enemies. But how much does she know about her husband? And what secrets are hidden in the email account she discovers, filled with cryptic messages?
When two bodies are then pulled from Lake Windermere exhibiting similar injuries – it becomes clear that the killer they are calling the Sculptor is on a mission.
But Detective Beth Young is too. She knows that if she can work out the secrets of James’s past, she has a chance of locating The Sculptor’s next victim… and maybe the killer too.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2019
77 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 28, 2019
Saved by the Bell!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I loved the second book, so I then read the first book, both of these were excellent and possibly up for inclusion in my books of the year. So I was eagerly anticipating this the third book. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with it. However I advise you to read the earlier books, before this as Beth's back story and history run through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
The start was great, well up to the previous standard, but personally I felt the pace dropped a bit after the initial scenes. DC Beth Young is as great as ever, but the other members of the team seemed to lack something this time. Fortunately the pace picked up towards the end and had a fantastic conclusion, which saved the book for me and brought my rating back up.
There are a couple of very well written and emotional scenes (for me anyway). One when more is discovered about events surrounding her scar, and one after the villain has been apprehended.
I am looking forward to visiting the setting of this book on Solway in a few weeks, hope it’s safe!
I will definitely read a fourth book in the series if there is one, as I feel there is a lot more to be written about Beth.
Merged review:
Saved by the Bell!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I loved the second book, so I then read the first book, both of these were excellent and possibly up for inclusion in my books of the year. So I was eagerly anticipating this the third book. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with it. However I advise you to read the earlier books, before this as Beth's back story and history run through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
The start was great, well up to the previous standard, but personally I felt the pace dropped a bit after the initial scenes. DC Beth Young is as great as ever, but the other members of the team seemed to lack something this time. Fortunately the pace picked up towards the end and had a fantastic conclusion, which saved the book for me and brought my rating back up.
There are a couple of very well written and emotional scenes (for me anyway). One when more is discovered about events surrounding her scar, and one after the villain has been apprehended.
I am looking forward to visiting the setting of this book on Solway in a few weeks, hope it’s safe!
I will definitely read a fourth book in the series if there is one, as I feel there is a lot more to be written about Beth.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I loved the second book, so I then read the first book, both of these were excellent and possibly up for inclusion in my books of the year. So I was eagerly anticipating this the third book. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with it. However I advise you to read the earlier books, before this as Beth's back story and history run through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
The start was great, well up to the previous standard, but personally I felt the pace dropped a bit after the initial scenes. DC Beth Young is as great as ever, but the other members of the team seemed to lack something this time. Fortunately the pace picked up towards the end and had a fantastic conclusion, which saved the book for me and brought my rating back up.
There are a couple of very well written and emotional scenes (for me anyway). One when more is discovered about events surrounding her scar, and one after the villain has been apprehended.
I am looking forward to visiting the setting of this book on Solway in a few weeks, hope it’s safe!
I will definitely read a fourth book in the series if there is one, as I feel there is a lot more to be written about Beth.
Merged review:
Saved by the Bell!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I loved the second book, so I then read the first book, both of these were excellent and possibly up for inclusion in my books of the year. So I was eagerly anticipating this the third book. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with it. However I advise you to read the earlier books, before this as Beth's back story and history run through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
The start was great, well up to the previous standard, but personally I felt the pace dropped a bit after the initial scenes. DC Beth Young is as great as ever, but the other members of the team seemed to lack something this time. Fortunately the pace picked up towards the end and had a fantastic conclusion, which saved the book for me and brought my rating back up.
There are a couple of very well written and emotional scenes (for me anyway). One when more is discovered about events surrounding her scar, and one after the villain has been apprehended.
I am looking forward to visiting the setting of this book on Solway in a few weeks, hope it’s safe!
I will definitely read a fourth book in the series if there is one, as I feel there is a lot more to be written about Beth.
July 12, 2019
Fear in the Lakes is the third in the critically-acclaimed police procedural series featuring DC Beth Young, however, each instalment can be read independently without any issues. James Sinclair has been murdered in a brutal and merciless manner by a killer who didn't think twice about ending a life. But he apparently was admired by all he came into contact with. That said, his loved ones know little to nothing about his formative years; it seems he'd kept his cards incredibly close to his chest on the matter.
Enter Detective Young. She believes the key to the mystery surrounding his death lies in the years he avoided talking about so she begins a long, arduous exploration of his younger years. Then another two people are killed and Beth realises she must work a little faster to uncover the dark, disturbing truth before another life is lost.
This is a thriller that grabs you hook, line and sinker and refuses to let you stop reading even as your eyes are beginning to close. This is the epitome of a one-sitting spectacular! Beth embarks on an exciting and exhilarating race against time and all the time the tension is being ratcheted up before Smith smacks you with a huge out-of-the-blue twist; these twists make sense in retrospect only — they are so intelligently woven into the plot.
It flows effortlessly and is well written with a swift pace to it. Fear in the Lakes is not for the faint-hearted as it's really quite sick and depraved and explores amongst other topics: problematic relationships, unresolved childhood issues that have been pushed to the back of the mind, small community mentality, gossip, lies, duplicity and deception.
I must also quickly mention that the sense of time and place provides a simply magical contrasting backdrop to these gruesome killings, and as I live a couple of minutes from the Cumbrian border and visit both the Lake District and Carlisle frequently can vouch for its authenticity. A superb, nail-biting thriller. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Enter Detective Young. She believes the key to the mystery surrounding his death lies in the years he avoided talking about so she begins a long, arduous exploration of his younger years. Then another two people are killed and Beth realises she must work a little faster to uncover the dark, disturbing truth before another life is lost.
This is a thriller that grabs you hook, line and sinker and refuses to let you stop reading even as your eyes are beginning to close. This is the epitome of a one-sitting spectacular! Beth embarks on an exciting and exhilarating race against time and all the time the tension is being ratcheted up before Smith smacks you with a huge out-of-the-blue twist; these twists make sense in retrospect only — they are so intelligently woven into the plot.
It flows effortlessly and is well written with a swift pace to it. Fear in the Lakes is not for the faint-hearted as it's really quite sick and depraved and explores amongst other topics: problematic relationships, unresolved childhood issues that have been pushed to the back of the mind, small community mentality, gossip, lies, duplicity and deception.
I must also quickly mention that the sense of time and place provides a simply magical contrasting backdrop to these gruesome killings, and as I live a couple of minutes from the Cumbrian border and visit both the Lake District and Carlisle frequently can vouch for its authenticity. A superb, nail-biting thriller. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
July 8, 2019
Fear in the Lakes is the third book in the excellent DC Beth Young series, set in England’s beautiful Lake District. Beth is a junior officer with the Force Major Investigation Team, who tackle serious crimes across the region. Each mystery stands alone, but the ongoing back story of Beth’s injury and quest to find the men responsible, and the relationships within the team, make this a good series to read in order.
A man is found unconscious at home, almost every bone in his body carefully broken to ensure survival with maximum pain and long term disability. The FMIT is called in, but can find no evidence and the victim, a chef, appears to have led a blameless life. When two local thugs are found dead with bizarre injuries from symbols chiselled into their skulls, the team realise they are dealing with the sadistic killer from London known as The Sculptor. With a fierce snowstorm closing roads and preventing them following leads, Beth must use her penchant for puzzles to decode a series of emails and find the next victim before it’s too late.
Smith is a superb writer, and I love the way Cumbria itself becomes such a major character in the story, from the dangerous roads and changeable weather to the distance and sheer isolation of some of the places heroic Beth and her DI, the hilariously stroppy O’Dowd, must visit. Beth is a great character, brave and resourceful but not infallible. The progress made in her hunt for Neck Kisses was welcome, as while it’s good to have a backstory, I’m not a fan of them being overly drawn out, and what she discovers opens a whole new can of worms.
This had a good pace and interesting cast, including an obnoxious new DS who really needs to be put in his place. The villain was truly creepy, as we get some chapters from the Sculptor’s point of view, and I totally didn’t see the twist coming. While some awful things happen to the victims, we don’t witness them happening, thankfully, that would’ve been too gruesome for me.
My only criticism is how often O’Dowd repeats her line about Beth’s “sideways brain” or similar, it’s an unnecessary repetition that got annoying.
Special praise for the cover art which looks stunning even if it doesn’t necessarily relate to the plot (needed some snow!)
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Fear in the Lakes is published on 12th July 2019.
A man is found unconscious at home, almost every bone in his body carefully broken to ensure survival with maximum pain and long term disability. The FMIT is called in, but can find no evidence and the victim, a chef, appears to have led a blameless life. When two local thugs are found dead with bizarre injuries from symbols chiselled into their skulls, the team realise they are dealing with the sadistic killer from London known as The Sculptor. With a fierce snowstorm closing roads and preventing them following leads, Beth must use her penchant for puzzles to decode a series of emails and find the next victim before it’s too late.
Smith is a superb writer, and I love the way Cumbria itself becomes such a major character in the story, from the dangerous roads and changeable weather to the distance and sheer isolation of some of the places heroic Beth and her DI, the hilariously stroppy O’Dowd, must visit. Beth is a great character, brave and resourceful but not infallible. The progress made in her hunt for Neck Kisses was welcome, as while it’s good to have a backstory, I’m not a fan of them being overly drawn out, and what she discovers opens a whole new can of worms.
This had a good pace and interesting cast, including an obnoxious new DS who really needs to be put in his place. The villain was truly creepy, as we get some chapters from the Sculptor’s point of view, and I totally didn’t see the twist coming. While some awful things happen to the victims, we don’t witness them happening, thankfully, that would’ve been too gruesome for me.
My only criticism is how often O’Dowd repeats her line about Beth’s “sideways brain” or similar, it’s an unnecessary repetition that got annoying.
Special praise for the cover art which looks stunning even if it doesn’t necessarily relate to the plot (needed some snow!)
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Fear in the Lakes is published on 12th July 2019.
June 30, 2019
Beth is back and what a case to be working on! The story starts off with a shocking and very disturbing scene that sent shivers down my spine. The author knows how to set the scene in the readers mind, which made it even more chilling.
Whilst the investigation is obviously at the forefront of this story, I like how the author gives it a heart humanising the team. He touches on topics like Alzheimer’s and sexual harassment in the work place. Things that may not directly affect us all but is very much real and happening in the world.
Beth, I just love. The combination of her work and her battling her own demons makes this an even more riveting read. I was just as invested in the case as I was in what was going on with Beth personally.
Fear In The Lakes is another great read in the series that kept me guessing all the way through. It is a dark and chilling story that had me hooked and yet again leaving me desperate for more. The author knows how to get the reader hanging off every word he writes waiting to see what each page holds in store and for the thrills and chills to keep on coming. Now just the agonising wait for the next book.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Whilst the investigation is obviously at the forefront of this story, I like how the author gives it a heart humanising the team. He touches on topics like Alzheimer’s and sexual harassment in the work place. Things that may not directly affect us all but is very much real and happening in the world.
Beth, I just love. The combination of her work and her battling her own demons makes this an even more riveting read. I was just as invested in the case as I was in what was going on with Beth personally.
Fear In The Lakes is another great read in the series that kept me guessing all the way through. It is a dark and chilling story that had me hooked and yet again leaving me desperate for more. The author knows how to get the reader hanging off every word he writes waiting to see what each page holds in store and for the thrills and chills to keep on coming. Now just the agonising wait for the next book.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
August 1, 2019
Young Beth does it again! She's smart, she's suave, and she's determined (and she's also a fan of spreadsheets and has a really great choice in music ). is better known for his Jake Boulder series (and I'm yet to make a start with that one) but this is an up and coming police procedural that has really great potential and so far has been excellent. I've been a fan of this series ever since reading the first book Death in the Lakes/The Silent Dead and I'm glad I follow Beth Young and her team around charming Cumbria whilst she has her 'adventures'.
When James Sinclair's wife Laura returns from her sister's she expects to find James content and possibly drunk with happiness from his time away from his wife. But what she finds shocks her to the core. James is found badly beaten n his very home. When the FMIT team is called to investigate Beth and her team makes the most terrible of discoveries. Each of James's bones has been left pulverized. With James in a coma, the investigation takes a standstill when James's past is unknown cannot be traced, by anyone at all. Then when two local thugs are left with the same injuries and bizarre sculpting on their heads, Beth and her team step into gear to stop "The Sculptor" before he strikes again. Soon the body count begins to increase and Beth and her team must stop the killer before the hunters become the hunted.
I found this series to be very high in action and drama. Beth's character is multi-faceted and with each book, a little is revealed and every time I learn something about her its something really admirable. We see Beth's love for puzzle's and a lot of how her 'side-ways thinking' brain works. We also see her address an issue from her past, but only a little is teased out. I hope to learn more in the next book! All other characters were as usual excellent. The plot is dark and thrilling and makes the book very compelling. The ending is really good and is something you mostly will not see coming! I can't wait to read the next book. I'm sure Graham Smith will come up with something more entertainingly horrific, twisty and thrilling the next time!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and Graham Smith for an arc!
When James Sinclair's wife Laura returns from her sister's she expects to find James content and possibly drunk with happiness from his time away from his wife. But what she finds shocks her to the core. James is found badly beaten n his very home. When the FMIT team is called to investigate Beth and her team makes the most terrible of discoveries. Each of James's bones has been left pulverized. With James in a coma, the investigation takes a standstill when James's past is unknown cannot be traced, by anyone at all. Then when two local thugs are left with the same injuries and bizarre sculpting on their heads, Beth and her team step into gear to stop "The Sculptor" before he strikes again. Soon the body count begins to increase and Beth and her team must stop the killer before the hunters become the hunted.
I found this series to be very high in action and drama. Beth's character is multi-faceted and with each book, a little is revealed and every time I learn something about her its something really admirable. We see Beth's love for puzzle's and a lot of how her 'side-ways thinking' brain works. We also see her address an issue from her past, but only a little is teased out. I hope to learn more in the next book! All other characters were as usual excellent. The plot is dark and thrilling and makes the book very compelling. The ending is really good and is something you mostly will not see coming! I can't wait to read the next book. I'm sure Graham Smith will come up with something more entertainingly horrific, twisty and thrilling the next time!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and Graham Smith for an arc!
July 13, 2019
Beth is back in a new and exciting case! Beginning with a shocking scene, FEAR IN THE LAKES is the third installment in Graham Smith's DC Beth Young series. Set in the beautiful Lakes District in Cumbria in England, Beth is a detective constable with the Force Major Investigation Team (FMIT), a team of four detectives who tackle serious crimes throughout the county. Alongside the standalone mystery with each book there is also the ongoing backstory of Beth's injury and her search for the men responsible. This, and the relationships within the team, make this a good series to read in order.
A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies.
A killer with no conscience…
The story begins with the discovery of James Sinclair by his wife, found clinging to life with virtually every single bone in his body shattered. A quiet mild-mannered man, James was head chef at the Fox and Hounds who kept to himself and even shied away from photos. The team can find no reason for this senseless attack but are soon suspicious when there appears to be no record of James Sinclair before the age of 18. Does his mysterious past hold the key to his attack?
Then the bodies of two low level crooks are discovered in Lake Ullswater with similar injuries...but this time, they're dead. Injuries, it appears, akin to the damage inflicted on Sinclair which seemingly confirm that both cases were the result of one villain. The one difference - apart from being dead - is that each man had a symbol carved into their skulls. What did this mean? Are the symbols a reference to something?
With the bizarre injuries on the victims, the precise and methodical technique, it is soon realised that the weapon of choice is a chisel - leading the team to discover they are on the hunt of a sadistic killer for hire hailing from London known as "The Sculptor".
It soon becomes clear that Sinclair had secrets when the team delve into his laptop and find a mailbox with encrypted messages between three people. Beth, who thrives on puzzles, is tasked with decoding them to discover what was so important that Sinclair had to keep it secret? Identifying his messages were paramount in determining their importance and once she had done so, Beth then worked her way through decoding the others. Why was Sinclair emailing coded messages to two other people? Who were they? Where did they fit in? And did it have something to do with Sinclair's attack?
Then someone posing as Sinclair begins sending messages to the other two. Still in a medically induced coma in hospital with two amputated legs, the team know full well that it isn't Sinclair. It can only be the killer. Beth decodes the messages. He is arranging a meet. But will the other two agree? And can the team get to them in time to stop what is inevitably a trap?
With a fierce snowstorm closing roads and preventing the team from following leads, Beth must listen to her inner voice and solve the puzzle before someone else gets injured...or killed! But the closer Beth gets, the closer she is to becoming the The Sculptor's next victim!
FEAR IN THE LAKES is Beth's third outing I have to mention that I really like the way the backstory of her injury has developed. Her sideline investigation into Neck Kisses and learning his identity leads her to a discovery about him that is both surprising and tragic, prompting Beth to realise that some stories are not what they seem. With each book another chapter behind her injury is revealed with the door left open to continue and delve further into the next one.
I was also thrilled to see her pick up her relationship with paramedic Ethan that tentatively began in the last book. And I am even more thrilled that it is not the usual relationship that sees each party with their own agenda and always at loggerheads. I know police and paramedic shift patterns can make for difficulties with relationships, but Beth and Ethan seem to compliment each other. That, and they just seem so cute together.
The relationship of the team members are also an interesting backdrop. While we have yet to delve into O'Dowd and Unthank's private lives (we catch but a glimpse of Unthank's with a new girlfriend), we have seen into DS Frank Thompson's and are witness to his pain and grief, having lost his wife Julie to early onset Alzheimer's in the previous book. As this story unfolds, we see just how Thompson struggles during the early stages of the investigation - particularly when questioning a witness whose own loved one has Alzheimer's. He is soon place on paid leave and another more obnoxious DS is brought in as a temporary replacement. The sensitivity with which Smith deals with Alzheimer's throughout the story is admirable, keeping in mind that some of his readers may be facing their own loved ones with the insidious disease. There is an obvious awareness throughout and the understanding given to DS Thompson during his grief is exceptional. To watch a loved suffer this disease is heart-wrenching but in someone so young it must be beyond unbearable.
I love the camaraderie between the team members. They all compliment each other and everyone works well together...with the exception of the temporary secondment in DS McKay, who was deserving of the several reprimands he received from O'Dowd as well as Beth's clever counter-blows in quiet retaliation. On the one hand I hope I don't see him return in the next book but on the other I would love to see him further put back in his place.
As for the team, I love how they interact and work together without one trying to outdo the other, as seen in other police procedural series. My only complaint is how often O'Dowd continually refers to Beth's "sideways brain" or similar. It's repetitive and I feel a litle unnecessary as we are all aware of the fact that Beth sees and thinks things a little differently than others.
I love Beth. She is personable and clever, battling her own demons whilst unraveling puzzles both on and off the case. This combination makes FEAR IN THE LAKES an even more riveting read. I do question why Beth is just a lowly DC when she is more obviously suited to the rank of DS. I would love to see her promoted as her talents are wasted, though not unrecognised, they could be under-appreciated at times.
As for the villain, who was truly creepy, it was enlightening to be privy to a killer's mind with a sprinkling of chapters here and there from the Sculptor's perspective. And I totally didn't see that twist coming!!
I have to mention that I love how Cumbria itself becomes such a prominent character with its treacherous roads, changeable weather and the isolation it brings to the story. How its sheer beauty can be transformed into an unforgivable monster. I often chuckle to myself in reading of the vast differences between the Penrith in Cumbria to the Penrith I know here in Australia.
FEAR IN THE LAKES is a riveting read and an enthralling addition to the series. It kept me guessing throughout and, while I had to, I didn't want to put it down. Smith is a superb writer and draws his readers into a web of mystery with a dark and chilling tale that will have you intrigued and then leave you wanting more. Whilst the attacks and killings are graphic in nature, Smith tells the story without any graphic content. I look forward to Beth's next outing and where Smith next takes us.
Another enjoyable read I highly recommend, though in order with other two first to fully appreciate Beth's journey.
I would like to thank #GrahamSmith, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #FearInTheLakes in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies.
A killer with no conscience…
The story begins with the discovery of James Sinclair by his wife, found clinging to life with virtually every single bone in his body shattered. A quiet mild-mannered man, James was head chef at the Fox and Hounds who kept to himself and even shied away from photos. The team can find no reason for this senseless attack but are soon suspicious when there appears to be no record of James Sinclair before the age of 18. Does his mysterious past hold the key to his attack?
Then the bodies of two low level crooks are discovered in Lake Ullswater with similar injuries...but this time, they're dead. Injuries, it appears, akin to the damage inflicted on Sinclair which seemingly confirm that both cases were the result of one villain. The one difference - apart from being dead - is that each man had a symbol carved into their skulls. What did this mean? Are the symbols a reference to something?
With the bizarre injuries on the victims, the precise and methodical technique, it is soon realised that the weapon of choice is a chisel - leading the team to discover they are on the hunt of a sadistic killer for hire hailing from London known as "The Sculptor".
It soon becomes clear that Sinclair had secrets when the team delve into his laptop and find a mailbox with encrypted messages between three people. Beth, who thrives on puzzles, is tasked with decoding them to discover what was so important that Sinclair had to keep it secret? Identifying his messages were paramount in determining their importance and once she had done so, Beth then worked her way through decoding the others. Why was Sinclair emailing coded messages to two other people? Who were they? Where did they fit in? And did it have something to do with Sinclair's attack?
Then someone posing as Sinclair begins sending messages to the other two. Still in a medically induced coma in hospital with two amputated legs, the team know full well that it isn't Sinclair. It can only be the killer. Beth decodes the messages. He is arranging a meet. But will the other two agree? And can the team get to them in time to stop what is inevitably a trap?
With a fierce snowstorm closing roads and preventing the team from following leads, Beth must listen to her inner voice and solve the puzzle before someone else gets injured...or killed! But the closer Beth gets, the closer she is to becoming the The Sculptor's next victim!
FEAR IN THE LAKES is Beth's third outing I have to mention that I really like the way the backstory of her injury has developed. Her sideline investigation into Neck Kisses and learning his identity leads her to a discovery about him that is both surprising and tragic, prompting Beth to realise that some stories are not what they seem. With each book another chapter behind her injury is revealed with the door left open to continue and delve further into the next one.
I was also thrilled to see her pick up her relationship with paramedic Ethan that tentatively began in the last book. And I am even more thrilled that it is not the usual relationship that sees each party with their own agenda and always at loggerheads. I know police and paramedic shift patterns can make for difficulties with relationships, but Beth and Ethan seem to compliment each other. That, and they just seem so cute together.
The relationship of the team members are also an interesting backdrop. While we have yet to delve into O'Dowd and Unthank's private lives (we catch but a glimpse of Unthank's with a new girlfriend), we have seen into DS Frank Thompson's and are witness to his pain and grief, having lost his wife Julie to early onset Alzheimer's in the previous book. As this story unfolds, we see just how Thompson struggles during the early stages of the investigation - particularly when questioning a witness whose own loved one has Alzheimer's. He is soon place on paid leave and another more obnoxious DS is brought in as a temporary replacement. The sensitivity with which Smith deals with Alzheimer's throughout the story is admirable, keeping in mind that some of his readers may be facing their own loved ones with the insidious disease. There is an obvious awareness throughout and the understanding given to DS Thompson during his grief is exceptional. To watch a loved suffer this disease is heart-wrenching but in someone so young it must be beyond unbearable.
I love the camaraderie between the team members. They all compliment each other and everyone works well together...with the exception of the temporary secondment in DS McKay, who was deserving of the several reprimands he received from O'Dowd as well as Beth's clever counter-blows in quiet retaliation. On the one hand I hope I don't see him return in the next book but on the other I would love to see him further put back in his place.
As for the team, I love how they interact and work together without one trying to outdo the other, as seen in other police procedural series. My only complaint is how often O'Dowd continually refers to Beth's "sideways brain" or similar. It's repetitive and I feel a litle unnecessary as we are all aware of the fact that Beth sees and thinks things a little differently than others.
I love Beth. She is personable and clever, battling her own demons whilst unraveling puzzles both on and off the case. This combination makes FEAR IN THE LAKES an even more riveting read. I do question why Beth is just a lowly DC when she is more obviously suited to the rank of DS. I would love to see her promoted as her talents are wasted, though not unrecognised, they could be under-appreciated at times.
As for the villain, who was truly creepy, it was enlightening to be privy to a killer's mind with a sprinkling of chapters here and there from the Sculptor's perspective. And I totally didn't see that twist coming!!
I have to mention that I love how Cumbria itself becomes such a prominent character with its treacherous roads, changeable weather and the isolation it brings to the story. How its sheer beauty can be transformed into an unforgivable monster. I often chuckle to myself in reading of the vast differences between the Penrith in Cumbria to the Penrith I know here in Australia.
FEAR IN THE LAKES is a riveting read and an enthralling addition to the series. It kept me guessing throughout and, while I had to, I didn't want to put it down. Smith is a superb writer and draws his readers into a web of mystery with a dark and chilling tale that will have you intrigued and then leave you wanting more. Whilst the attacks and killings are graphic in nature, Smith tells the story without any graphic content. I look forward to Beth's next outing and where Smith next takes us.
Another enjoyable read I highly recommend, though in order with other two first to fully appreciate Beth's journey.
I would like to thank #GrahamSmith, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #FearInTheLakes in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 17, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview Fear in the Lakes by Graham Smith. This is a UK book so there is some language that I am not familiar with, but our friends across the pond will defintely like!
Police procedureal, with good strong characters.
A man is injured severely - this man has no known enemies, he is married, and lives a calm lifestyle, yet he has been beaten so badly that something is off from the start.
Beth is a young officer who is assigned to this case and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Other murders have occurred and they have a similar MO. The killer is called the Sculpter and he is ruthless.
The police are not making progress, but Beth is a strong and smart police woman. She takes the clues and starts cracking the case, but will she be the next victim by going above and beyond in her crimer work?
Will she ever bring this killer to justice?
I was not aware that this is a series book, and it is very good. UK Readers will love it..US readers will have to get with the lingo.
3 stars.
Police procedureal, with good strong characters.
A man is injured severely - this man has no known enemies, he is married, and lives a calm lifestyle, yet he has been beaten so badly that something is off from the start.
Beth is a young officer who is assigned to this case and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Other murders have occurred and they have a similar MO. The killer is called the Sculpter and he is ruthless.
The police are not making progress, but Beth is a strong and smart police woman. She takes the clues and starts cracking the case, but will she be the next victim by going above and beyond in her crimer work?
Will she ever bring this killer to justice?
I was not aware that this is a series book, and it is very good. UK Readers will love it..US readers will have to get with the lingo.
3 stars.
June 25, 2019
All the basics are here: Solid police procedural, well-developed characters (most of whom have flaws), a couple of twists and near-death misses and an easy-to-follow plot. Perfect, IMHO, for on-the-beach or way-to-work reading you'll enjoy but that won't seriously challenge your brain or scare you half to death.
This is, for the record, the third in a series featuring Detective Beth Young, who works in and around Cumbria in England. I've not read the others, but that wasn't a problem - this one stands on its own just fine. Beth has a few issues from her past - most notably that she's trying to find the person who started a fight years earlier that ended with her being hit with a broken bottle, leaving her with a nasty scar on her face. She's also got a relatively serious boyfriend, Ethan, a paramedic who understands her dedication to work and unpredictable hours.
As this story begins, Beth is called in to investigate the near-murder of James Sinclair. His wife found him clinging to life, with virtually every single bone in his body shattered in methodical fashion. His wife insists he's an extremely mild-mannered guy, but Beth and her team become suspicious when his squeaky-clean background ends around age 18 (before that, there's no evidence that he ever even existed). Needless to say, Beth is convinced that James and his gruesome attacker share a connection somewhere in that past. But what is it, and how can it be found?
Then two more bodies turn up with similar injuries; this time, they're dead, but it appears the damage done matches what was done to James so well that they must have been inflicted by the same person (now thought to be a serial killer known as the "Sculptor" because the weapon of choice appears to be a chisel).
From then on, it's mostly a matter of following clues and Beth's listening to her own inner voice that's just a bit off-center (one of the reasons her talents are appreciated in her department). But the closer Beth gets to identifying the killer, the closer the killer gets to choosing Beth as his next victim. Oops!
Entertaining and easy to read, this one definitely whets my appetite for the next one. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
This is, for the record, the third in a series featuring Detective Beth Young, who works in and around Cumbria in England. I've not read the others, but that wasn't a problem - this one stands on its own just fine. Beth has a few issues from her past - most notably that she's trying to find the person who started a fight years earlier that ended with her being hit with a broken bottle, leaving her with a nasty scar on her face. She's also got a relatively serious boyfriend, Ethan, a paramedic who understands her dedication to work and unpredictable hours.
As this story begins, Beth is called in to investigate the near-murder of James Sinclair. His wife found him clinging to life, with virtually every single bone in his body shattered in methodical fashion. His wife insists he's an extremely mild-mannered guy, but Beth and her team become suspicious when his squeaky-clean background ends around age 18 (before that, there's no evidence that he ever even existed). Needless to say, Beth is convinced that James and his gruesome attacker share a connection somewhere in that past. But what is it, and how can it be found?
Then two more bodies turn up with similar injuries; this time, they're dead, but it appears the damage done matches what was done to James so well that they must have been inflicted by the same person (now thought to be a serial killer known as the "Sculptor" because the weapon of choice appears to be a chisel).
From then on, it's mostly a matter of following clues and Beth's listening to her own inner voice that's just a bit off-center (one of the reasons her talents are appreciated in her department). But the closer Beth gets to identifying the killer, the closer the killer gets to choosing Beth as his next victim. Oops!
Entertaining and easy to read, this one definitely whets my appetite for the next one. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
June 26, 2019
This series has really gripped me with tenacious lead character Detective Beth Young on the case following another horrific crime in beautiful Cumbria. (As a Cumbrian native I'm not even being biased.)
Someone has been tortured and left for dead and then another badly beaten body appears whilst Beth is still investigating, I love her puzzle-solving brain that helps her investigate these hideous crimes and I can almost feel the cogs working as I'm reading about her ideas and next steps. This time it ends with Beth in real danger and I thought the ending was brilliant as she tried to work her way frantically out of trouble.
There has been a sideline to Beth's story in that she was glassed in the face when she was younger and still bears the scar. She is always on the lookout for the perpetrator of this and I really enjoyed the sideline in this story particularly because it made Beth take her eye off the ball on the case and it was interesting to see her response to this as someone's life could have been in danger and I wondered how she would cope or if she'd feel overwhelming guilt.
Another really enjoyable read that I raced through and I will never tire of hearing about my local area even if some of the content is a bit gruesome at times!
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Someone has been tortured and left for dead and then another badly beaten body appears whilst Beth is still investigating, I love her puzzle-solving brain that helps her investigate these hideous crimes and I can almost feel the cogs working as I'm reading about her ideas and next steps. This time it ends with Beth in real danger and I thought the ending was brilliant as she tried to work her way frantically out of trouble.
There has been a sideline to Beth's story in that she was glassed in the face when she was younger and still bears the scar. She is always on the lookout for the perpetrator of this and I really enjoyed the sideline in this story particularly because it made Beth take her eye off the ball on the case and it was interesting to see her response to this as someone's life could have been in danger and I wondered how she would cope or if she'd feel overwhelming guilt.
Another really enjoyable read that I raced through and I will never tire of hearing about my local area even if some of the content is a bit gruesome at times!
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2019
Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. I’ve read this series from the start and have come to love Beth. I love the series as I live in Cumbria and like to read about familiar places. Especially this one as it had a lot about where I live now! Fast paced and exciting I read this quickly sitting up till the early hours to finish! Someone called “The sculptor” has attacked and left for dead a man who seemingly has no enemies. The victims soon start piling up and Beth needs to find the culprit before it’s too late!
Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
June 1, 2019
Edge of your seat amazing. This book will have you gripped from the very first page. It is fast paced, with an amazing storyline with multiple twist and turns. It will have you guessing until the very last page. Fab.
July 17, 2019
Yesterday it was time to sit back and get immersed in a new story with Beth Young in the leading role!
Not only does the author give her interesting cases to solve but her own private battles are worth following as well.
Do you have to read the other books to follow her background? Not really in my opinion. The author gives enough details for the new readers to be able to follow, but the stories are soooo good, I would advise you to read them all.
I have to admit I had a few ideas about the who and the what. Did it disturb me? No, way! I had fun finding out if I was spot on or completely missed the boat.
Well, let’s say I was hanging half in and half out of the boat LOL.
Beth is the shining star of the police department. Time to give her a promotion?
A great third book in a fabulous series. 5 stars.
Thank you, Graham Smith, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Not only does the author give her interesting cases to solve but her own private battles are worth following as well.
Do you have to read the other books to follow her background? Not really in my opinion. The author gives enough details for the new readers to be able to follow, but the stories are soooo good, I would advise you to read them all.
I have to admit I had a few ideas about the who and the what. Did it disturb me? No, way! I had fun finding out if I was spot on or completely missed the boat.
Well, let’s say I was hanging half in and half out of the boat LOL.
Beth is the shining star of the police department. Time to give her a promotion?
A great third book in a fabulous series. 5 stars.
Thank you, Graham Smith, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
June 21, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series and backed up to read the first Beth Young book. Fear in the Lakes is the third in this series and I was a little disappointed with it. I do think the earlier books should be read first as Beth's back story and history play through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
This was a fairly fast and easy read, but not particularly compelling as it seemed to be a lot more tell than show. I just find it harder to care about the characters and the story when it seems like it's just a news report. My other complaint was it seemed like Beth's maturity level was "devolving". I realize she's a young and relativity inexperienced DC, but more than once I was surprised with her sanctimoniousness. The rest of her team members seemed to be flatter in this book as compared to the earlier books. The "big reveal" left me with more questions than answers. All in all, this was just not as satisfactory as the earlier books of this series.
2.5 stars
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series and backed up to read the first Beth Young book. Fear in the Lakes is the third in this series and I was a little disappointed with it. I do think the earlier books should be read first as Beth's back story and history play through this one as a fairly strong secondary story line.
This was a fairly fast and easy read, but not particularly compelling as it seemed to be a lot more tell than show. I just find it harder to care about the characters and the story when it seems like it's just a news report. My other complaint was it seemed like Beth's maturity level was "devolving". I realize she's a young and relativity inexperienced DC, but more than once I was surprised with her sanctimoniousness. The rest of her team members seemed to be flatter in this book as compared to the earlier books. The "big reveal" left me with more questions than answers. All in all, this was just not as satisfactory as the earlier books of this series.
2.5 stars
July 13, 2019
Yes I’m back in the beautiful county of Cumbria with the tenacious, puzzle solving Beth Young and what a treat Fear In The Lakes is.
Through the previous two books, I’ve loved the way Beth’s mind works and this latest outing is no different. She has her three word thought process that is totally unique and I admire the way she throws out the most random but surprisingly obvious suggestions when you look back at the case in hand.
Now then that aforementioned case in hand. Oh bejeezus what a psycho killer has hit Cumbria. The injuries that James Sinclair suffered seriously made me wince and his battering isn’t one I’ll forget in a hurry. Graham Smith seems to have a rather sick way of making his characters suffer but kind of equally weirdly, I like it. The imaginative tortuous injuries and deaths that come out of that man’s head are addictive making me come back for more each time!
And the imagery Mr Smith uses is bang on! As I read the various scenes in the snowy backdrop, my head was alive with images; this section I think most people will get….
“driving in snow to those moments in sci-fi films when a spaceship travelled at warp speed and the stars streamed past the windscreen.”
Fear In The Lakes is another cracking addition to the Beth Young series. It is a stand-alone read but Mr Smith keeps that ongoing story of Beth and her scar bubbling away in the background. So if you’ve read A Body In The Lakes, you need find out what happens next….and if you haven’t read it….WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!??
Through the previous two books, I’ve loved the way Beth’s mind works and this latest outing is no different. She has her three word thought process that is totally unique and I admire the way she throws out the most random but surprisingly obvious suggestions when you look back at the case in hand.
Now then that aforementioned case in hand. Oh bejeezus what a psycho killer has hit Cumbria. The injuries that James Sinclair suffered seriously made me wince and his battering isn’t one I’ll forget in a hurry. Graham Smith seems to have a rather sick way of making his characters suffer but kind of equally weirdly, I like it. The imaginative tortuous injuries and deaths that come out of that man’s head are addictive making me come back for more each time!
And the imagery Mr Smith uses is bang on! As I read the various scenes in the snowy backdrop, my head was alive with images; this section I think most people will get….
“driving in snow to those moments in sci-fi films when a spaceship travelled at warp speed and the stars streamed past the windscreen.”
Fear In The Lakes is another cracking addition to the Beth Young series. It is a stand-alone read but Mr Smith keeps that ongoing story of Beth and her scar bubbling away in the background. So if you’ve read A Body In The Lakes, you need find out what happens next….and if you haven’t read it….WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!??
September 22, 2019
Just love D.C. Beth Young
I have thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book. Beth is one of my favourite police officers, I love the way her brain works and the way she isn't afraid to say her piece, no matter who it's to. I can't wait to read the next instalment. I recommend this book, but suggest that a read the first two books beforehand.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book. Beth is one of my favourite police officers, I love the way her brain works and the way she isn't afraid to say her piece, no matter who it's to. I can't wait to read the next instalment. I recommend this book, but suggest that a read the first two books beforehand.
June 12, 2019
I read this from Netgalley. Again this author writes a compelling story, I found it difficult to put down. O'Dowd and Beth Young are in harness to solve this grizzly story set in North Cumbria. I find the Beth Young character fascinating and she features highly in this book. Time for you to pre-order now.
June 22, 2019
In this third book featuring Detective Beth Young she an Odowd find themselves investigating a truly grisly case.
They are called in when Laura a young woman arrives home to discover her husband James barely clinging to life.
He has been brutally attacked resulting in every bone in his legs and arms being broken, even if he survives he has life changing injuries.
Two mens bodies are pulled out of Lake Windemere with patterns chiselled into their skulls, is there a connection?
To all intents and purposes there seems to be no reason why anyone would have targetted James in his own home. He is known to all as a quiet man without enemies.
Beth looks into all avenues of his life and thinks she has found something hidden in his emails.
A series of emails, between James and two others, all in code.
Right up Beth`s street, her love of puzzles set her on the trail of the attacker/ killer.
When another man turns up attacked with damaged limbs to match James, Beth and Odowd are in a race against time to save the third correspondent in the email trail.
Fear in the Lakes is an exciting read, a dark and grisly tale and I loved it.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this as an ARC.
They are called in when Laura a young woman arrives home to discover her husband James barely clinging to life.
He has been brutally attacked resulting in every bone in his legs and arms being broken, even if he survives he has life changing injuries.
Two mens bodies are pulled out of Lake Windemere with patterns chiselled into their skulls, is there a connection?
To all intents and purposes there seems to be no reason why anyone would have targetted James in his own home. He is known to all as a quiet man without enemies.
Beth looks into all avenues of his life and thinks she has found something hidden in his emails.
A series of emails, between James and two others, all in code.
Right up Beth`s street, her love of puzzles set her on the trail of the attacker/ killer.
When another man turns up attacked with damaged limbs to match James, Beth and Odowd are in a race against time to save the third correspondent in the email trail.
Fear in the Lakes is an exciting read, a dark and grisly tale and I loved it.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this as an ARC.
July 12, 2019
Let me summarise my experience with Fear in the Lakes.
Ouch!
Wow!
What on Earth???
Wicked sick.
Okay, I’m just gonna go with the flow…
I don’t like you.
Where is this going? I’m going mad!!!
Could… No.
It’s always the weather…
Oooh, I see!!!!!!
Did I read that right???
No!
NO WAY!
That’s sick. Sick sick sick.
Ah!
What do you mean ‘the end’?????
Yes, that’s pretty much what I thought while reading Graham Smith’s latest DC Beth Young novel. No, you won’t find clues in my notes. I couldn’t even think properly as I was engrossed in the book!
The prologue hits hard (and I’m not only talking about the reader!) with a victim found with many of his bones broken in a way that ensures the most horrendous injuries. I couldn’t help but cringe at the details given on that poor man’s state. Who deserves such a violent attack? My answer? No one! I wouldn’t wish it to my biggest enemy! Certainly not James Sinclair, who looks white as a dove!
Now don’t go thinking this violence is free and used for fun. Graham Smith always keeps his purpose in mind and the schemes behind the horrors he describes are beautifully complex and show how deeply disturbed minds can work. No violence for the sake of it, but for a greater purpose, whether we agree with it or not. Of course, I couldn’t help but react, I am not a monster. I think the book gave me a couple of new wrinkles as I either grimaced at the pain endured or pulled a face whenever the frustration and tension would ratchet up. I was faced with a dilemma. I wanted to get to know the culprit more… Yet, I wanted him/her/them behind bars for the rest of their lives. I feel guilty to have found this chase particularly exciting and spine-chilling! Yes, it was so good that the awful events playing their parts between long hours of work, questioning, and personal life issues, kept me up late after my curfew!
While the entire book skillfully juggles a crazy plot and a strong characterization, I’ll say I found Fear in the Lakes to put the emphasis on the case, using it to bring a new light on the team, their dynamics, and how the work affects their reactions and the way they see the world. Beth has grown. I am still getting to know her, and I was glad to get more glimpses into her past, her present, and how she is willing to handle the future. The way Graham Smith throws personal matters and cases into the mix to add layers to his characters and use all the possible threads to make his book richer is really stunning. It was also refreshing to see the friend part of Beth when her great brain skills can sometimes make me roll my eyes in a “stop it with the super power, I’m jealous” way.
Plot-wise? Get ready for a wicked read!!! A guy gets beaten up so much his life is going to change forever. His wife swears he is the calmest, kindest man you can find. But his past is a mystery and all the police have to work with is the very ‘original’ injuries left by the attacker. Add to the mix an unhelpful weather and a strong sense of atmosphere, where the place becomes another enemy to deal with, and you find yourself with another beautifully-written, taut, and (sickly) entertaining novel!!
Ouch!
Wow!
What on Earth???
Wicked sick.
Okay, I’m just gonna go with the flow…
I don’t like you.
Where is this going? I’m going mad!!!
Could… No.
It’s always the weather…
Oooh, I see!!!!!!
Did I read that right???
No!
NO WAY!
That’s sick. Sick sick sick.
Ah!
What do you mean ‘the end’?????
Yes, that’s pretty much what I thought while reading Graham Smith’s latest DC Beth Young novel. No, you won’t find clues in my notes. I couldn’t even think properly as I was engrossed in the book!
The prologue hits hard (and I’m not only talking about the reader!) with a victim found with many of his bones broken in a way that ensures the most horrendous injuries. I couldn’t help but cringe at the details given on that poor man’s state. Who deserves such a violent attack? My answer? No one! I wouldn’t wish it to my biggest enemy! Certainly not James Sinclair, who looks white as a dove!
Now don’t go thinking this violence is free and used for fun. Graham Smith always keeps his purpose in mind and the schemes behind the horrors he describes are beautifully complex and show how deeply disturbed minds can work. No violence for the sake of it, but for a greater purpose, whether we agree with it or not. Of course, I couldn’t help but react, I am not a monster. I think the book gave me a couple of new wrinkles as I either grimaced at the pain endured or pulled a face whenever the frustration and tension would ratchet up. I was faced with a dilemma. I wanted to get to know the culprit more… Yet, I wanted him/her/them behind bars for the rest of their lives. I feel guilty to have found this chase particularly exciting and spine-chilling! Yes, it was so good that the awful events playing their parts between long hours of work, questioning, and personal life issues, kept me up late after my curfew!
While the entire book skillfully juggles a crazy plot and a strong characterization, I’ll say I found Fear in the Lakes to put the emphasis on the case, using it to bring a new light on the team, their dynamics, and how the work affects their reactions and the way they see the world. Beth has grown. I am still getting to know her, and I was glad to get more glimpses into her past, her present, and how she is willing to handle the future. The way Graham Smith throws personal matters and cases into the mix to add layers to his characters and use all the possible threads to make his book richer is really stunning. It was also refreshing to see the friend part of Beth when her great brain skills can sometimes make me roll my eyes in a “stop it with the super power, I’m jealous” way.
Plot-wise? Get ready for a wicked read!!! A guy gets beaten up so much his life is going to change forever. His wife swears he is the calmest, kindest man you can find. But his past is a mystery and all the police have to work with is the very ‘original’ injuries left by the attacker. Add to the mix an unhelpful weather and a strong sense of atmosphere, where the place becomes another enemy to deal with, and you find yourself with another beautifully-written, taut, and (sickly) entertaining novel!!
July 14, 2019
This is book #3 in the DC Beth Young series. It can be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading the rest of the series to understand the character’s backstory better.
DC Beth Young is called to investigate a case of an attack on James Sinclair. Found at home by his wife, James’s attack was vicious and apparently unprovoked. According to his wife, he was a very good natured man who had no enemies and got on with everyone. Yet Beth can’t help but think that it was a personal attack on him and begins to look into James’s past. As more bodies are found, with similar injuries to the first victim, what is the connection between them all…..
I was looking forward to this book having read the previous two. The story begins in the most gruesome way ever when Laura Sinclair returns home and finds her husband, James has been attacked, leaving him with almost every bone in his body broken. It honestly couldn’t have gotten into the action any quicker and the first few chapters made sure I wasn’t going to be putting the book down at any point soon! It was blatantly obvious initially that this was no normal attack but as the story moved on, you begin to realise that James perhaps wasn’t the person his wife thought he was.
I love Beth Young’s character and it was great to have her back in another book! As before, her character shows her dogged determination when working the case and in getting results. Beth also has her own personal storyline running alongside and this was just as gripping as the main plot. Again, I loved her relationship with her boss O’Dowd, and O’Dowd’s stroppy attitude to everything bought some dark humour into what was a very tense thriller!
This certainly was a hypnotic read which was packed full of tension and suspense. It is a bit shocking at times (James’s injuries made me wonder where these authors get their ideas from!) but I literally couldn’t put it down before I found out what was going on. It also had some surprisingly tender and heart-breaking moments, which really fitted in well to the story and gave me a little respite from all the beatings! I love this series, and it is definitely getting better and better with each book. This book, for me, is my favourite of the series so far! If you love a book which sets your nerves on edge then this is certainly the book for you!
DC Beth Young is called to investigate a case of an attack on James Sinclair. Found at home by his wife, James’s attack was vicious and apparently unprovoked. According to his wife, he was a very good natured man who had no enemies and got on with everyone. Yet Beth can’t help but think that it was a personal attack on him and begins to look into James’s past. As more bodies are found, with similar injuries to the first victim, what is the connection between them all…..
I was looking forward to this book having read the previous two. The story begins in the most gruesome way ever when Laura Sinclair returns home and finds her husband, James has been attacked, leaving him with almost every bone in his body broken. It honestly couldn’t have gotten into the action any quicker and the first few chapters made sure I wasn’t going to be putting the book down at any point soon! It was blatantly obvious initially that this was no normal attack but as the story moved on, you begin to realise that James perhaps wasn’t the person his wife thought he was.
I love Beth Young’s character and it was great to have her back in another book! As before, her character shows her dogged determination when working the case and in getting results. Beth also has her own personal storyline running alongside and this was just as gripping as the main plot. Again, I loved her relationship with her boss O’Dowd, and O’Dowd’s stroppy attitude to everything bought some dark humour into what was a very tense thriller!
This certainly was a hypnotic read which was packed full of tension and suspense. It is a bit shocking at times (James’s injuries made me wonder where these authors get their ideas from!) but I literally couldn’t put it down before I found out what was going on. It also had some surprisingly tender and heart-breaking moments, which really fitted in well to the story and gave me a little respite from all the beatings! I love this series, and it is definitely getting better and better with each book. This book, for me, is my favourite of the series so far! If you love a book which sets your nerves on edge then this is certainly the book for you!
July 15, 2019
I just knew as soon as I started this book that I wasn't going to be disappointed. Mr Smith certainly knows how to write a book that will drag you in at page one and spit you back out at the end, leaving you wanting more. I'm loving this series.
When DC Beth Young is given a new case to investigate it's all systems go. Found at home by his wife, James Sinclair is on the edge of life, an attack that was so vicious , so nasty that Beth know whoever has done this needs to be caught and caught soon. It seems James had no enemies and got on with everyone. But it's clear to Beth that this can’t be the case or this man wouldn't have just been found looking like he'd been hit with a speeding train.
Beth and her investigating team are soon put to the test when two more bodies are found. It's time to look into things more and start examining who could be responsible for these crimes.
There has to be some connection somewhere, it's time to did in to their pasts and see what answers are thrown up.
I'm loving the character of Beth, and it's good to see she getting on with her private life and not all work. Beth is a great character that over the last few books I really feel we have gotten to know her. She has demons that she wants answers to and it seems in this outing she is going to find the answers she needs.
This was a fast read and I seemed so engrossed I devoured it in no time at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no problems recommending this book at all. As with all of this authors books once you start them it's difficult to put them down. I look forward to reading more of this series and believe it's just getting better and better.
Personally I would advise that you read these books in order as you get the feel for the characters a whole lot better. It could be read as a standalone but for the best of the characters then knowing their back stories is best.
When DC Beth Young is given a new case to investigate it's all systems go. Found at home by his wife, James Sinclair is on the edge of life, an attack that was so vicious , so nasty that Beth know whoever has done this needs to be caught and caught soon. It seems James had no enemies and got on with everyone. But it's clear to Beth that this can’t be the case or this man wouldn't have just been found looking like he'd been hit with a speeding train.
Beth and her investigating team are soon put to the test when two more bodies are found. It's time to look into things more and start examining who could be responsible for these crimes.
There has to be some connection somewhere, it's time to did in to their pasts and see what answers are thrown up.
I'm loving the character of Beth, and it's good to see she getting on with her private life and not all work. Beth is a great character that over the last few books I really feel we have gotten to know her. She has demons that she wants answers to and it seems in this outing she is going to find the answers she needs.
This was a fast read and I seemed so engrossed I devoured it in no time at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no problems recommending this book at all. As with all of this authors books once you start them it's difficult to put them down. I look forward to reading more of this series and believe it's just getting better and better.
Personally I would advise that you read these books in order as you get the feel for the characters a whole lot better. It could be read as a standalone but for the best of the characters then knowing their back stories is best.
July 16, 2019
Oh myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!! I have loved the past two books in the DC Beth Young series (Death in the Lakes and Body in the Lakes) but this one…this one is a proper belter. Sick and twisted murders are my favourite (don’t judge me), the more blood, guts and broken bones the better and the number of bones broken in Fear in the Lakes must be a record!!
Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones; not just broken but shattered to tiny pieces and beyond salvation. This attack on local man James Sinclair looks like a professional hit job but his wife is adamant that her husband is not mixed up in anything dodgy, she can’t think of anyone that would want to hurt this calm tempered, quiet man. It’s obvious that there must be something in James’ past that she does not know about; he has never told her much about his childhood or his life before he moved to The Lake District. Beth’s dogged determination and unusual thought processes lead to the discovery of secret coded messages on James’ laptop and she becomes convinced the secret to his brutal attack is hidden in his past.
After two more bodies emerge with similar injuries to the ones James suffered it appears there is a ruthless and vicious killer on the loose in the picturesque surroundings of The Lakes. The skill and precision that the murderer exhibits are exceptional; to be able to take a person to the brink of death but leave them with life changing injuries or simply cut their life short…impressive! Can Beth find the killer while putting herself in their sights as another victim?
As well as this case, Beth is wrangling with the knowledge of discovering more about the man that was involved in the bar fight which left her scarred for life; can she trust herself to delve further into without getting distracted from the investigation?
For such a dark read there is some light relief in O’Dowd (my second favourite character after Beth) and heartfelt emotion with the repercussions of bereavement within the team.
My absolute favourite in the series so far – more please Mr Smith!!
Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones; not just broken but shattered to tiny pieces and beyond salvation. This attack on local man James Sinclair looks like a professional hit job but his wife is adamant that her husband is not mixed up in anything dodgy, she can’t think of anyone that would want to hurt this calm tempered, quiet man. It’s obvious that there must be something in James’ past that she does not know about; he has never told her much about his childhood or his life before he moved to The Lake District. Beth’s dogged determination and unusual thought processes lead to the discovery of secret coded messages on James’ laptop and she becomes convinced the secret to his brutal attack is hidden in his past.
After two more bodies emerge with similar injuries to the ones James suffered it appears there is a ruthless and vicious killer on the loose in the picturesque surroundings of The Lakes. The skill and precision that the murderer exhibits are exceptional; to be able to take a person to the brink of death but leave them with life changing injuries or simply cut their life short…impressive! Can Beth find the killer while putting herself in their sights as another victim?
As well as this case, Beth is wrangling with the knowledge of discovering more about the man that was involved in the bar fight which left her scarred for life; can she trust herself to delve further into without getting distracted from the investigation?
For such a dark read there is some light relief in O’Dowd (my second favourite character after Beth) and heartfelt emotion with the repercussions of bereavement within the team.
My absolute favourite in the series so far – more please Mr Smith!!
June 9, 2019
A good book and a very interesting story with a great set of characters. This book was enough to get me to revisit DC Young and her colleagues and it kept my attention.
When people start showing up damaged in such a way that it is unsure if they will make it or why the police get involved in a major way. When it becomes obvious they are tracking a serial killer they pull out all the stops. There is never a question of if but more how will they catch this person. This is entertaining to read and follow along.
I was hooked. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When people start showing up damaged in such a way that it is unsure if they will make it or why the police get involved in a major way. When it becomes obvious they are tracking a serial killer they pull out all the stops. There is never a question of if but more how will they catch this person. This is entertaining to read and follow along.
I was hooked. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2019
This is the third book to feature Detective Beth Young working with Cumbria police, although it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the previous two before this one. The plot is easy to follow with a fast pace and there are some good twists in the story. This series just keeps improving. This is definitely one to take on holiday and enjoy. My thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
June 12, 2019
A man is found in his own bedroom with multiple shattered bones, to the extent that he needs his arms and leg amputated. It’s a puzzle for Beth and the team to find out who did it and also why. More bodies – different wounds but there seems to be a connection. When a series of emails appears, all written in code, Beth is in her element. There’s more about her own life, and the race is on to find the perpetrator before there’s another set of crushed limbs. It’s an exciting story, a real puzzle with an unexpected ending. This series is going from strength to strength. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2019
This is the third in the Beth Young series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
“They have to be crippled with life-changing injuries.”
Laura Sinclair returns home to find her husband James’ unconscious and badly beaten …the doctors find all bones from his knees and elbows Dow, have been smashed, plus ribs broken …life changing injuries…just who would torture a gentle man?
DC Beth Young is part of the investigating team, when two more bodies are found they hunt to find a link…
Finding weirdly coded emails on James’ computer, they realise there is something more going on….Beth manages to work out the code and finds two people are messaging each other……by why code? As the investigation progresses they find out more and it involves The Sculptor ! Can they find ‘Babes’ in time?
The chapters from the Sculptor’s perspective are particularly chilling for its lack of emotion….
This is a solid procedural, with well rounded and mainly likeable characters …apart from McKay, he’s just a horrible excuse for a man …they all have relatable problems and a life outside of work. I really felt for Thompson and his family….Beth, with her analytical brain, is dogged in her determination to find the killer, putting herself in danger as a result.
I found this to be well plotted with a fantastic twist, totally gripping from start to finish…
Thank you to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
Merged review:
This is the third in the Beth Young series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
“They have to be crippled with life-changing injuries.”
Laura Sinclair returns home to find her husband James’ unconscious and badly beaten …the doctors find all bones from his knees and elbows Dow, have been smashed, plus ribs broken …life changing injuries…just who would torture a gentle man?
DC Beth Young is part of the investigating team, when two more bodies are found they hunt to find a link…
Finding weirdly coded emails on James’ computer, they realise there is something more going on….Beth manages to work out the code and finds two people are messaging each other……by why code? As the investigation progresses they find out more and it involves The Sculptor ! Can they find ‘Babes’ in time?
The chapters from the Sculptor’s perspective are particularly chilling for its lack of emotion….
This is a solid procedural, with well rounded and mainly likeable characters …apart from McKay, he’s just a horrible excuse for a man …they all have relatable problems and a life outside of work. I really felt for Thompson and his family….Beth, with her analytical brain, is dogged in her determination to find the killer, putting herself in danger as a result.
I found this to be well plotted with a fantastic twist, totally gripping from start to finish…
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
“They have to be crippled with life-changing injuries.”
Laura Sinclair returns home to find her husband James’ unconscious and badly beaten …the doctors find all bones from his knees and elbows Dow, have been smashed, plus ribs broken …life changing injuries…just who would torture a gentle man?
DC Beth Young is part of the investigating team, when two more bodies are found they hunt to find a link…
Finding weirdly coded emails on James’ computer, they realise there is something more going on….Beth manages to work out the code and finds two people are messaging each other……by why code? As the investigation progresses they find out more and it involves The Sculptor ! Can they find ‘Babes’ in time?
The chapters from the Sculptor’s perspective are particularly chilling for its lack of emotion….
This is a solid procedural, with well rounded and mainly likeable characters …apart from McKay, he’s just a horrible excuse for a man …they all have relatable problems and a life outside of work. I really felt for Thompson and his family….Beth, with her analytical brain, is dogged in her determination to find the killer, putting herself in danger as a result.
I found this to be well plotted with a fantastic twist, totally gripping from start to finish…
Thank you to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
Merged review:
This is the third in the Beth Young series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
“They have to be crippled with life-changing injuries.”
Laura Sinclair returns home to find her husband James’ unconscious and badly beaten …the doctors find all bones from his knees and elbows Dow, have been smashed, plus ribs broken …life changing injuries…just who would torture a gentle man?
DC Beth Young is part of the investigating team, when two more bodies are found they hunt to find a link…
Finding weirdly coded emails on James’ computer, they realise there is something more going on….Beth manages to work out the code and finds two people are messaging each other……by why code? As the investigation progresses they find out more and it involves The Sculptor ! Can they find ‘Babes’ in time?
The chapters from the Sculptor’s perspective are particularly chilling for its lack of emotion….
This is a solid procedural, with well rounded and mainly likeable characters …apart from McKay, he’s just a horrible excuse for a man …they all have relatable problems and a life outside of work. I really felt for Thompson and his family….Beth, with her analytical brain, is dogged in her determination to find the killer, putting herself in danger as a result.
I found this to be well plotted with a fantastic twist, totally gripping from start to finish…
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
June 10, 2019
This is book three in the brilliant Detective Beth Young series and ohhh it’s a goody!!!
I have read the previous books and in my opinion this is a series that’s just getting better and better. Once more we are back with the team who are faced with a real gruesome perpetrator named the sculptor and this really is one sadistic person leaving the first victim barely alive and horrifically injured and not much in the way of clues as to why.The story keeps you on the edge of your seat as the team struggle to piece together what clues they have and once more Graham Smith had written an amazing mystery with lots going on keeping you on your toes throughout.
Beth’s back story of her hunt to try and find the men who were the cause of her facial injury hots up as she meets up with one of the men and this all adds to the continuing enjoyment of this series.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, a gripping storyline and excellent writing what more could you wish for in a book so thank you Graham and I look forward to reading more in the series, 4+ stars and well recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read the previous books and in my opinion this is a series that’s just getting better and better. Once more we are back with the team who are faced with a real gruesome perpetrator named the sculptor and this really is one sadistic person leaving the first victim barely alive and horrifically injured and not much in the way of clues as to why.The story keeps you on the edge of your seat as the team struggle to piece together what clues they have and once more Graham Smith had written an amazing mystery with lots going on keeping you on your toes throughout.
Beth’s back story of her hunt to try and find the men who were the cause of her facial injury hots up as she meets up with one of the men and this all adds to the continuing enjoyment of this series.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, a gripping storyline and excellent writing what more could you wish for in a book so thank you Graham and I look forward to reading more in the series, 4+ stars and well recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 15, 2019
This is another cracking book from Graham, thoroughly enjoyable, although Bt with an excellent storyline and the beautiful Lake District.
I have read all of the series and they get better all the time. This one is more about Beth and she shines throughout the book as a good detective and mucks in well.
The story is a good one, but it is easy to see what was going on from the start, but the ending is superb.
I hope Graham continues with these characters as they are developing nicely throughout the series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Graham and the publishers for the ARC.
I have read all of the series and they get better all the time. This one is more about Beth and she shines throughout the book as a good detective and mucks in well.
The story is a good one, but it is easy to see what was going on from the start, but the ending is superb.
I hope Graham continues with these characters as they are developing nicely throughout the series.
My thanks to Netgalley, Graham and the publishers for the ARC.
June 13, 2019
A first by this author for me, it won't be my last. Beth is a compelling character and her thought processes make the investigative parts of the story interesting. The mystery is full of twists and I didn't see the ending coming at all. I was drawn in from the beginning and couldn't put it down until I finished.
July 12, 2019
Fear in the Lakes is the third installment in the Beth Young series written by Graham Smith, released on 07/12/19 by my best friends at Bookouture! 💙
Description:
A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies.
A killer with no conscience…
When Detective Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones, nothing prepares her for what she finds. James Sinclair is fighting for his life, and Beth can’t shake the idea that the nature of his injuries suggest someone with a personal grudge against him.
But James’s devastated wife Laura insists that her kind, softly-spoken husband is a man with no enemies. She was the one with the fiery temper, but James was so calm, she’d never once managed to provoke even a cross word from him in their eight year marriage. And he was the same with everyone – she can’t name one person who might want to hurt him.
But she knows virtually no details about her husband’s childhood or his life before he moved to the Lake District as a young man, and Beth feels sure that the key to finding James’s attacker is hidden in the secrets of his past. Who was he really? And what is the significance of the coded messages that Beth finds hidden on his laptop?
Then two more bodies are found in one of the deep, picturesque lakes that the area is so famous for, exhibiting similar injuries to the ones James Sinclair suffered. How are they connected? And how many more people are at risk?
Beth knows she is in a race against time to hunt a vicious killer who is both elusive and incredibly dangerous. A killer who knows what James did in the past. Who likes to be one step ahead. But who – if they realise they’re being hunted – might come for Beth next…
My Review:
I was hooked the moment they went over the uniqueness of the injuries James sustained. Here is this man who apparently has no enemies, but he was tortured almost to death. Even his wife Laura can't figure out who would want to do this to her dear sweet husband. I shouldn't have read this at home alone, because it was truly chilling to think someone could break into a house and leave a person in that kind of state! Then Detective Young finds more bodies and the story explodes. This has it all-flawed characters, a suspenseful plot, and an ending I didn't see coming. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! It felt a lot like a huge puzzle being put together, and I loved the way Young's mind worked.
Overall, this was a fast read that I enjoyed immensely. I do wish I had read the first two books prior to this one because it seems like I missed out on some backstory, but it wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying this book. The "sculptor" was a truly frightening and sadistic profile to follow. I've watched more than my fair share of Criminal Minds and SVU, so I love it when a book truly shakes me to the core. I'll definitely be backtracking because I have to know more about Young, and how she got to where she was in this book.
Solid suspenseful book, as usual with Bookouture!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars
About the author:
Graham Smith is the bestselling author of four explosive crime thrillers in the Jake Boulder series, Watching the Bodies, The Kindred Killers, Past Echoes and Die Cold. Watching the Bodies spent over two weeks at number one in the Amazon UK chart and Amazon CA charts. Graham is also the author of the popular DI Harry Evans series and has collections of short stories and novellas. His latest novels with Bookouture are set in Cumbria and the Lake District, featuring DC Beth Young.
He is the proud father of a young son. As a time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since 2000 he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.
An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well-respected review site Crimesquad.com since 2010.
When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family.
You can find more about him by following these links:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmith...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972
WEBSITE: https://grahamsmithauthor.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Again, huge thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to read this book. I can't wait to read more about Beth Young!
Description:
A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies.
A killer with no conscience…
When Detective Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones, nothing prepares her for what she finds. James Sinclair is fighting for his life, and Beth can’t shake the idea that the nature of his injuries suggest someone with a personal grudge against him.
But James’s devastated wife Laura insists that her kind, softly-spoken husband is a man with no enemies. She was the one with the fiery temper, but James was so calm, she’d never once managed to provoke even a cross word from him in their eight year marriage. And he was the same with everyone – she can’t name one person who might want to hurt him.
But she knows virtually no details about her husband’s childhood or his life before he moved to the Lake District as a young man, and Beth feels sure that the key to finding James’s attacker is hidden in the secrets of his past. Who was he really? And what is the significance of the coded messages that Beth finds hidden on his laptop?
Then two more bodies are found in one of the deep, picturesque lakes that the area is so famous for, exhibiting similar injuries to the ones James Sinclair suffered. How are they connected? And how many more people are at risk?
Beth knows she is in a race against time to hunt a vicious killer who is both elusive and incredibly dangerous. A killer who knows what James did in the past. Who likes to be one step ahead. But who – if they realise they’re being hunted – might come for Beth next…
My Review:
I was hooked the moment they went over the uniqueness of the injuries James sustained. Here is this man who apparently has no enemies, but he was tortured almost to death. Even his wife Laura can't figure out who would want to do this to her dear sweet husband. I shouldn't have read this at home alone, because it was truly chilling to think someone could break into a house and leave a person in that kind of state! Then Detective Young finds more bodies and the story explodes. This has it all-flawed characters, a suspenseful plot, and an ending I didn't see coming. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! It felt a lot like a huge puzzle being put together, and I loved the way Young's mind worked.
Overall, this was a fast read that I enjoyed immensely. I do wish I had read the first two books prior to this one because it seems like I missed out on some backstory, but it wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying this book. The "sculptor" was a truly frightening and sadistic profile to follow. I've watched more than my fair share of Criminal Minds and SVU, so I love it when a book truly shakes me to the core. I'll definitely be backtracking because I have to know more about Young, and how she got to where she was in this book.
Solid suspenseful book, as usual with Bookouture!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars
About the author:
Graham Smith is the bestselling author of four explosive crime thrillers in the Jake Boulder series, Watching the Bodies, The Kindred Killers, Past Echoes and Die Cold. Watching the Bodies spent over two weeks at number one in the Amazon UK chart and Amazon CA charts. Graham is also the author of the popular DI Harry Evans series and has collections of short stories and novellas. His latest novels with Bookouture are set in Cumbria and the Lake District, featuring DC Beth Young.
He is the proud father of a young son. As a time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since 2000 he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.
An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well-respected review site Crimesquad.com since 2010.
When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family.
You can find more about him by following these links:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmith...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972
WEBSITE: https://grahamsmithauthor.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Again, huge thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to read this book. I can't wait to read more about Beth Young!
August 6, 2019
This is a police procedural featuring DC Beth Young of the FMIT out of Cumbria.
What it's about: A man, James Sinclair, has been found, barely alive, after surviving a horrendous attack that has resulting in all the bones of his lower legs and arms being systematically broken. The team first runs into a problem when James is found to have no past, no history. Who is he and why would someone do this to him? Even as the baffled team at FMIT tries to trace a clever killer, a pair of local hoodlums is killed with intricate carvings left on their heads. Did "the Sculptor" do that too, and how are they related to the James Sinclair case? Even as they race to identify future possible victims, the codes in email, the lack of evidence, and the frustration is about to do them all in. Will this serial killer escape? NO SPOILERS
Do you want to read? Well, first things first. I don't like the main character, Beth Young. Everything about her irritates me. Her "sideways thinking brain" is a joke and her personality is as flat as a pancake. There's nothing about her that makes me relate and her stupid obsession with finding the man who wielded the broken bottle to cause her scar has gotten really old here in book #3. At least she's gotten some information and answers in this outing, but I'm over it. Apparently, however, she's the DI Zoe Dowd's pet and she gets special treatment because she's oh so smart. There is also way too much narrative fluff that does nothing to move the plot forward so this story could have definitely been shortened. I found myself putting the book down many times and delayed picking it back up again and that's never a good sign for me. So, slow read. There's little to be said about the other members of the team as they are virtually only names on a page in this particular installment. What did I like? Well I do like police procedural novels where clues are found and suspects are detained and questioned. Unfortunately, since we heard the "voice" of the killer, we had a little motive there. I like the setting, but endless descriptions of snow don't do anything for me. All I can say is that this isn't my favorite. The whole plot really wasn't that interesting to be honest. And of course the worst part was when Beth ends up in the killer's clutches. I mean, really????
Anyway, I'm sorry this didn't do it for me. I did finish it and I'm not saying it's a bad book, and I figure anyone who's started the series will probably pick it up anyway. Overall, just disappointed in the thin story and in Beth as a character. I need a lot more to find a story gripping or thrilling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Will I be interested in reading #4? Well, it depends.
What it's about: A man, James Sinclair, has been found, barely alive, after surviving a horrendous attack that has resulting in all the bones of his lower legs and arms being systematically broken. The team first runs into a problem when James is found to have no past, no history. Who is he and why would someone do this to him? Even as the baffled team at FMIT tries to trace a clever killer, a pair of local hoodlums is killed with intricate carvings left on their heads. Did "the Sculptor" do that too, and how are they related to the James Sinclair case? Even as they race to identify future possible victims, the codes in email, the lack of evidence, and the frustration is about to do them all in. Will this serial killer escape? NO SPOILERS
Do you want to read? Well, first things first. I don't like the main character, Beth Young. Everything about her irritates me. Her "sideways thinking brain" is a joke and her personality is as flat as a pancake. There's nothing about her that makes me relate and her stupid obsession with finding the man who wielded the broken bottle to cause her scar has gotten really old here in book #3. At least she's gotten some information and answers in this outing, but I'm over it. Apparently, however, she's the DI Zoe Dowd's pet and she gets special treatment because she's oh so smart. There is also way too much narrative fluff that does nothing to move the plot forward so this story could have definitely been shortened. I found myself putting the book down many times and delayed picking it back up again and that's never a good sign for me. So, slow read. There's little to be said about the other members of the team as they are virtually only names on a page in this particular installment. What did I like? Well I do like police procedural novels where clues are found and suspects are detained and questioned. Unfortunately, since we heard the "voice" of the killer, we had a little motive there. I like the setting, but endless descriptions of snow don't do anything for me. All I can say is that this isn't my favorite. The whole plot really wasn't that interesting to be honest. And of course the worst part was when Beth ends up in the killer's clutches. I mean, really????
Anyway, I'm sorry this didn't do it for me. I did finish it and I'm not saying it's a bad book, and I figure anyone who's started the series will probably pick it up anyway. Overall, just disappointed in the thin story and in Beth as a character. I need a lot more to find a story gripping or thrilling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Will I be interested in reading #4? Well, it depends.
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