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Kate Redman Mysteries #11.5
Tasteful
Two ramblers make a grim discovery in their walk along the Cotsworld Way, just outside the market town of Abbeyford: a severed human foot by the side of the path. Detective Inspector Kate Redman takes on the case, which turns even more bizarre when a second human foot is found a few days later. Is it just a gory prank or does it tie in with the mysterious disappearance of a local girl?
Tasteful is a new novella in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye and Fury.
Praise for Celina Grace from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
"The gradual crescendo of action and pace remorselessly increases..."
"Love Kate. She is human, does not always make good choices just like us."
“At last, a mystery that delivers…I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn’t.”
“…a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too.”
“…amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself…”
“…the most enjoyable Kindle book I have so far read since the 'low cost electronic revolution' which has been sweeping my reading habits for the last couple of years! Thoroughly recommended.”
“This was my introduction to the author, and I'm so glad I discovered the book. Well-written and a real page turner.”
“I was awake till the early hours to finish it !! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it so I'm pleased I also have the sequel downloaded to read at some point. I know it should be great.”
“Attention to detail and great character building coupled with a mystery that keeps you guessing are all the ingredients that make me keep reading till the early hours of the morning.”
"Celina Grace has done it again, she compels you from page to page and chapter to chapter, a great, riveting read..."
"I found it difficult to put down and was completely distracted from all the other things I should have been doing with my time."
"This is a great series that I couldn't put down and grabbed the next book right away at 1 a.m. to keep reading."
Tasteful is a new novella in the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries series, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of Hushabye and Fury.
Praise for Celina Grace from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
"The gradual crescendo of action and pace remorselessly increases..."
"Love Kate. She is human, does not always make good choices just like us."
“At last, a mystery that delivers…I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn’t.”
“…a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too.”
“…amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself…”
“…the most enjoyable Kindle book I have so far read since the 'low cost electronic revolution' which has been sweeping my reading habits for the last couple of years! Thoroughly recommended.”
“This was my introduction to the author, and I'm so glad I discovered the book. Well-written and a real page turner.”
“I was awake till the early hours to finish it !! I really enjoyed it and the characters in it so I'm pleased I also have the sequel downloaded to read at some point. I know it should be great.”
“Attention to detail and great character building coupled with a mystery that keeps you guessing are all the ingredients that make me keep reading till the early hours of the morning.”
"Celina Grace has done it again, she compels you from page to page and chapter to chapter, a great, riveting read..."
"I found it difficult to put down and was completely distracted from all the other things I should have been doing with my time."
"This is a great series that I couldn't put down and grabbed the next book right away at 1 a.m. to keep reading."
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2019
61 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Celina Grace
63 books456 followersI’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 2, 2019
Another wonderful foray into the world of Kate Redman, this short novella is a quick, light read perfect for whetting your appetite.
We see Kate and her team at a bit of a standstill with cases when a pair of ramblers come across a body part. Initially everyone is perplexed and slightly amused with finding the foot but when more feet show up the team rushes to quickly solve the crime. A missing girl in another jurisdiction and a bizarre find by a burglar only cause the tension to ramp up. The shockingly icky conclusion caught me by surprise with the impression left that Kate will have a sicko new nemesis to deal with in the future.
An intriguing teaser to the author's new Kate Redmond novel Scimitar, to be released soon.
I received an ARC of this novella directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
We see Kate and her team at a bit of a standstill with cases when a pair of ramblers come across a body part. Initially everyone is perplexed and slightly amused with finding the foot but when more feet show up the team rushes to quickly solve the crime. A missing girl in another jurisdiction and a bizarre find by a burglar only cause the tension to ramp up. The shockingly icky conclusion caught me by surprise with the impression left that Kate will have a sicko new nemesis to deal with in the future.
An intriguing teaser to the author's new Kate Redmond novel Scimitar, to be released soon.
I received an ARC of this novella directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
July 13, 2019
I don't normally like novella's.
Kate Redman is on the trail of another possible serial killer when severed feet show up in different places around the area.
This is a very fun story from Celina Grace. It has well developed characters, a solid story line, and unusually, a fun and surprising ending that I definitely did not see coming. It also introduced us to a new possible villian that Kate and her crew will shortly be coming up against. A possibly very dangerous one.
Kate Redman is on the trail of another possible serial killer when severed feet show up in different places around the area.
This is a very fun story from Celina Grace. It has well developed characters, a solid story line, and unusually, a fun and surprising ending that I definitely did not see coming. It also introduced us to a new possible villian that Kate and her crew will shortly be coming up against. A possibly very dangerous one.
April 16, 2022
and intriguing case.
Just a short taste of Kate Redman but so worth the read to keep in touch with one of my favourite detectives.
Feet showing up without a body is weird and interesting. Is there more to this one or is it just a prank?
Even after Kate and her team close the case she is left feeling unsettled but the rest will be for another day.
Just a short taste of Kate Redman but so worth the read to keep in touch with one of my favourite detectives.
Feet showing up without a body is weird and interesting. Is there more to this one or is it just a prank?
Even after Kate and her team close the case she is left feeling unsettled but the rest will be for another day.
July 16, 2019
Two “ramblers” along the Costwold Way, an ancient walking track in the southwest of England, stumble upon a decomposing severed foot laying in the brambles causes DI Kate Redman to think students from the local medical school are playing a prank, but she and her team treat it as a serious matter when one of them suggests they might have missed more body parts out there. Soon they do find more feet and Kate knows something’s wrong. She’s not sure what, but it can’t be good, and at its worst, they could be facing a serial killer.
There is much to like about this series. Kate is a strong central character, flawed in her personal life, but committed to The Job and making things right. I appreciate the fact her culturally diverse team reflects reality. The relationships between them, and between Kate and her now husband Anderton (her former DCI) are what keep me coming back.
I knew this was a novella going in, but I was mildly disappointed in the storyline. It felt a bit like the author had a publishing commitment to meet, or some loose fragments of a story she needed to get out of her head. Also, this was lighter in tone than the regular books, and I like the realistic grittiness of the series more than the lighter novellas. The plot itself was entertaining, but it felt like I was only getting half a sandwich when I wanted a whole sandwich, a bag of chips and a big dessert cookie. I guess that’s a compliment to the author’s writing skill in setting up characters I am so attached to, and having the ability to leave me wanting more.
If you’re new to the Kate Redman series, this will give you a sense of Kate and her team and their day-to-day lives. I do recommend you read the entire series, from the beginning, because each story builds on the previous one and reading them in order adds enjoyment to the experience. Even with my dismay with this particular entry, I still eagerly await the next entry in the Redman series, whether it’s a light meal, or a full-course dinner.
There is much to like about this series. Kate is a strong central character, flawed in her personal life, but committed to The Job and making things right. I appreciate the fact her culturally diverse team reflects reality. The relationships between them, and between Kate and her now husband Anderton (her former DCI) are what keep me coming back.
I knew this was a novella going in, but I was mildly disappointed in the storyline. It felt a bit like the author had a publishing commitment to meet, or some loose fragments of a story she needed to get out of her head. Also, this was lighter in tone than the regular books, and I like the realistic grittiness of the series more than the lighter novellas. The plot itself was entertaining, but it felt like I was only getting half a sandwich when I wanted a whole sandwich, a bag of chips and a big dessert cookie. I guess that’s a compliment to the author’s writing skill in setting up characters I am so attached to, and having the ability to leave me wanting more.
If you’re new to the Kate Redman series, this will give you a sense of Kate and her team and their day-to-day lives. I do recommend you read the entire series, from the beginning, because each story builds on the previous one and reading them in order adds enjoyment to the experience. Even with my dismay with this particular entry, I still eagerly await the next entry in the Redman series, whether it’s a light meal, or a full-course dinner.
July 14, 2019
A Kate Redman short story read, but big on suspense. I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of the novella. I adore the series, and have been waiting for what seems like forever for a new book. It was too short for me, I can never get enough of these books. It was enough to have me wanting more, the setup for the next full length book sounds intense and with a new member of the squad added I sure that will be interesting and entertaining. If your a fan this is a must read novella, it gets you caught, a few remember when's, and a foreshadowing of what is to come. Thank you to Celina Grace for the advanced reader copy, and continually writing outstanding police procedural thrillers.
July 14, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love this seriez. I love it so much that I am actually willing to read a Novella. Personally, they are always too short me. However, I did enjoy this and the reader will get an interesting clue as to where the series is heading. A fun, quick read.
October 4, 2022
I love all the Kate Redman mysteries and this quick reading novella is no exception. This seems as straightforward as the others but is seriously creepy and I hope Ms Grace goes back at some point to revisit and continue this story arc. Keep ‘em coming!
January 15, 2023
As with all Celina Grace Kate Redman books, I enjoyed reading it. I find it hard to stop reading them once I start. They grab your attention at the beginning and hold it throughout the book. Although this book may not have seemed as gory as others in the past you then realize that Kate’s instincts are correct in the end. Looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully we will find out exactly what treasures house number 18 actually holds.
August 5, 2020
I love Celina Grace. This is a very short quick read with a nice little twist at the end. The ending was a bit abrupt but didn't spoil the pleasure of reading another Kate Redman mystery.
August 31, 2020
Another brilliant novella to complement the rest of the series!!! Short but succinct and I certainly didn't expect the ending!!
October 2, 2020
A lighter Kate Redman mystery but the ending blur me away!
March 14, 2021
Not as good as some I've read, but still passed a pleasant couple of hours.
May 12, 2023
A fun story
This was a “fun” addition to the Kate Redman saga. Moments of humor and an unexpected twist at the end
This was a “fun” addition to the Kate Redman saga. Moments of humor and an unexpected twist at the end
July 31, 2019
This reviewer has received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Whether you are already a Kate Redman fan or discovering her for the first time, this novella will strike you as interesting and unsettling. Grace is always a terse writer, packing her full length novels with all the character development and plot twists they should have in a minimum number of pages. So it is not surprising that this novella has lots of character development and plot twists too despite it's short length. What is surprising is that Kate and her team do their jobs as usual but the book ends on an ominous note. This is not the typical story arch we are used to in this series, but of course I'll have to leave it at that to avoid providing outright spoilers.
If you are a Kate Redman fan you will have to read this book or face missing a lot of what will certainly be the back story for the next novel in this series. One important and entirely new character is introduced here, and Kate herself continues to develop in her work and personal life as well. So you really don't want to miss any of that.
If you are new to the series and thinking this is a cheap way to get introduced, please note that the first book in the series, Hushabye, is available for free and typically one or two others can be had cheaply or for free as well. Of course the Kate from book 1 of the series reads as a very different person than the Kate in this novella (book 11.5). So don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to read all the books in sequence, becoming more invested with each new episode.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this novella even if it is more or less a teaser between the last Kate Redman novel and the one we eagerly anticipate (hopefully) in the near future. Oh, and by the way, the title turns out to be one of the more thought provoking elements of the book. Before you read the story the title will definitely seem puzzling. But after you read the story, it will make sense on more than one level.
If you are a Kate Redman fan you will have to read this book or face missing a lot of what will certainly be the back story for the next novel in this series. One important and entirely new character is introduced here, and Kate herself continues to develop in her work and personal life as well. So you really don't want to miss any of that.
If you are new to the series and thinking this is a cheap way to get introduced, please note that the first book in the series, Hushabye, is available for free and typically one or two others can be had cheaply or for free as well. Of course the Kate from book 1 of the series reads as a very different person than the Kate in this novella (book 11.5). So don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to read all the books in sequence, becoming more invested with each new episode.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this novella even if it is more or less a teaser between the last Kate Redman novel and the one we eagerly anticipate (hopefully) in the near future. Oh, and by the way, the title turns out to be one of the more thought provoking elements of the book. Before you read the story the title will definitely seem puzzling. But after you read the story, it will make sense on more than one level.
July 29, 2019
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review. Must admit, the series has too much romance for my taste, and the heroine in the books I have read seems weak to me. But I will read on for free books, cheapskate that I am.
As this a Novella, it felt better, than the last books I read from the series, a little romance, but thankfully not too much - as there was probable not enough room for it, although I still tink, Kate would be more interesting as a single, this for me is the 1 missing star.
While I took my time reading this with starting a completely different book in between ( if interested: YA Fantasy Thief of Lies ) as I read a few police procedurals lately, may be a bit much.
Liked this Novella more than the last books in the series, for the short reading time quite a few twists, which I really liked. Can probably be read whole on a rainy afternoon, which just feels about right.
Recommended, even if you do not know other books from the series. Great teaser for the next book, I think.
As this a Novella, it felt better, than the last books I read from the series, a little romance, but thankfully not too much - as there was probable not enough room for it, although I still tink, Kate would be more interesting as a single, this for me is the 1 missing star.
While I took my time reading this with starting a completely different book in between ( if interested: YA Fantasy Thief of Lies ) as I read a few police procedurals lately, may be a bit much.
Liked this Novella more than the last books in the series, for the short reading time quite a few twists, which I really liked. Can probably be read whole on a rainy afternoon, which just feels about right.
Recommended, even if you do not know other books from the series. Great teaser for the next book, I think.
July 16, 2019
In this new novella, Celina Grace skillfully drives the readers through the twist and turns of a mystery taking place near Abbeyford.
Detective Inspector Kate Redman is struck by a bizarre discovery: a human foot emerging from the ground by the side of the Cotswolds Way. The investigations grope in the dark when a local burglar comes across a human head kept in a jar in the drawing room of a rich, tastefully furnished Georgian house in the outskirts, and what was supposed to be a nice and easy solution, turns out to be a new track on an unsolved case of a missing girl. I also found the last chapter very intriguing so I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about this series of novels.
With her distinguished style, ‘Tasteful’ is – once again - a confirmation of Celina Grace’s ability to create an interweaving narrative.
Detective Inspector Kate Redman is struck by a bizarre discovery: a human foot emerging from the ground by the side of the Cotswolds Way. The investigations grope in the dark when a local burglar comes across a human head kept in a jar in the drawing room of a rich, tastefully furnished Georgian house in the outskirts, and what was supposed to be a nice and easy solution, turns out to be a new track on an unsolved case of a missing girl. I also found the last chapter very intriguing so I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about this series of novels.
With her distinguished style, ‘Tasteful’ is – once again - a confirmation of Celina Grace’s ability to create an interweaving narrative.
July 18, 2019
Kate Redman is one of my favorite mystery protagonists. Her character is complex as are the supporting characters in this series all part of a homicide investigation squad in the Abbeyford police department in rural England.
In this, too short, novella holiday ramblers come across a severed foot. This gruesome discovery is followed by another. The squad wonders if there is any connection to the missing girl Poppy Taige. The story has a surprise ending that may foreshadow another book. The series has kept me entertained for years while I eagerly await the next mystery.
I received an ARC from the author.
In this, too short, novella holiday ramblers come across a severed foot. This gruesome discovery is followed by another. The squad wonders if there is any connection to the missing girl Poppy Taige. The story has a surprise ending that may foreshadow another book. The series has kept me entertained for years while I eagerly await the next mystery.
I received an ARC from the author.
July 28, 2019
There is a rather gory beginning to this intriguing novella about Detective Inspector Kate Redman’s latest case. Now happily established in a relationship with her former boss Anderton, she is able to concentrate her mind on this strange case as she helps Martin, a new Detective Constable, to become a successful member of her team. Kate’s skill with people enables her to gain evidence from an unstable burglar who has made an horrific discovery, but will the police solve the mystery of the severed human feet? This is a spine-chilling case which encourages me to seek out the next full-length mystery, where more may well be revealed.
August 5, 2019
Yes this is a novella and yes this ends in a cliff hanger but it is well done as the initial case to which Kate and the gang start to look into is resolved so its really only half cliff hanger! I really liked seeing everyone again and meeting the new guy and seeing how he works with Kate, Theo, Chloe, Rav and the others and there is also a cute new arrival. The chase to find out where the feet are coming from is good and a surprise as to what they find out, but while they look for the person linked to the feet we are tempted with what I do hope is the next book!
July 15, 2019
While out walking on Hydon Hill near Abbeyford, two ramblers come across a foot. D.I. Kate Redman decided to investigate, and then another foot is found. But where is the rest of the body. Does this have anything connection to the missing student Poppy Taige.
An enjoyable well-written story with its cast of well-developed characters, and a good surprise at the end. Look forward to the next in the series.
Recieved an ARC from the author
An enjoyable well-written story with its cast of well-developed characters, and a good surprise at the end. Look forward to the next in the series.
Recieved an ARC from the author
July 21, 2019
It's been a long wait for another book in the Kate Redman series. I want to thank Celina Grace for sending me a prepublication copy to review. A new character is introduced to the detective team, who seems to fit in well. The epilogue offers a can't miss surprise ending. I'm looking forward to the next full length book in the series later this year.
August 3, 2019
I loved this book and the characters. There was some misdirection, more about family life, which adds dimension to the stories. I can hardly wait for the next book by this author about Kate Redman.
I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read an early copy. This review is my opinion only.
I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read an early copy. This review is my opinion only.
August 2, 2019
Brilliant. Jolly good read in typical Celina style. Short and sweet with the tantalizing promise of maybe another book in the making . No spoilers but it’s Kate’s instinct. Once she has a thought , it may stay dormant for a while, but has a habit of creeping back when she’s least expecting it.
August 18, 2019
OH, I feel like I ran into some old friends; that's how I felt when I started reading and then stayed with them for a bit. A human foot was discovered and brings Detective Kate Redman to some bizarre conclusions
October 2, 2019
OH, I feel like I ran into some old friends; that's how I felt when I started reading and then stayed with them for a bit. A human foot was discovered and brings Detective Kate Redman to some bizarre conclusions
July 14, 2019
An all too short but really good installment in the Kate Redman series. Touches base with all of the regulars to briefly update you on them and contains a rather gruesome mystery. Loved the ending.
July 22, 2019
Another gem from Celina.....just wish it had been longer , cant help thinking there is more to come on this one, really enjoyed it , lrft me intriged
July 24, 2019
This book is great. Just a short one, but packed full. There were many things that I did not see coming. Loved it!
August 2, 2019
Disappointing
I felt rather shortchanged when I realised this was a 'novella'
Just seemed to be advertising other Kate Redman books. Very poor plot, not up to,usual standards.
I felt rather shortchanged when I realised this was a 'novella'
Just seemed to be advertising other Kate Redman books. Very poor plot, not up to,usual standards.
August 2, 2019
Well-written but felt more like a superficial lead-in hook for a possible next novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews