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Helen Grace #9
All Fall Down
"You have one hour to live."
Those are the only words on the phone call. Then they hang up. Surely, a prank? A mistake? A wrong number? Anything but the chilling truth... That someone is watching, waiting, working to take your life in one hour.
But why?
The job of finding out falls to DI Helen Grace: a woman with a track record in hunting killers. However, this is A case where the killer seems to always be one step ahead of the police and the victims.
With no motive, no leads, no clues - nothing but pure fear - an hour can last a lifetime...
Those are the only words on the phone call. Then they hang up. Surely, a prank? A mistake? A wrong number? Anything but the chilling truth... That someone is watching, waiting, working to take your life in one hour.
But why?
The job of finding out falls to DI Helen Grace: a woman with a track record in hunting killers. However, this is A case where the killer seems to always be one step ahead of the police and the victims.
With no motive, no leads, no clues - nothing but pure fear - an hour can last a lifetime...
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
615 people are currently reading
6618 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,236 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 867 reviews
April 2, 2022
For me time spent with DI Helen Grace and her team investigating crime is time well spent indeed. This is the ninth book in the series and I have read them faithfully in order. Sadly I have nearly caught up with the author's production of new stories - just one more already published and the prospect of another this year.
All Fall Down focusses on a number of murders in the current day which all seem to relate back to a crime in the past when a group of five teenagers were taken captive. It is an intricate story with many red herrings, lots of suspense, and a surprising conclusion. Of course the book would not be complete without Helen herself putting her life on the line and ending up injured!
The character of Joseph Hudson who joined Helen's team in the last book is further developed and many truths about him are revealed. I was hoping Helen would be able to deal with him efficiently but it appears he is going to stick around and cause more trouble. I will not be able to wait very long before I seek out the next book just to discover his plans.
All Fall Down focusses on a number of murders in the current day which all seem to relate back to a crime in the past when a group of five teenagers were taken captive. It is an intricate story with many red herrings, lots of suspense, and a surprising conclusion. Of course the book would not be complete without Helen herself putting her life on the line and ending up injured!
The character of Joseph Hudson who joined Helen's team in the last book is further developed and many truths about him are revealed. I was hoping Helen would be able to deal with him efficiently but it appears he is going to stick around and cause more trouble. I will not be able to wait very long before I seek out the next book just to discover his plans.
July 14, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for a fair review.
Before I start, I confess that I was a little bit disappointed by the last book in this series. However, even a slightly inferior book from this author is better than some of the other offerings out there. I am extremely pleased to announce that this one has returned to previous high levels.
A fast-moving book from page one, through to the last. Written in short, quick to read chapters, that mean you are constantly thinking just one more chapter. As ever DI Grace is thoughtful and inciteful, with lots of action. Great well-developed characters, lots of twists and turns, with a very exciting climatic ending.
Overall a great addition to this wonderful series, highly recommended.
Before I start, I confess that I was a little bit disappointed by the last book in this series. However, even a slightly inferior book from this author is better than some of the other offerings out there. I am extremely pleased to announce that this one has returned to previous high levels.
A fast-moving book from page one, through to the last. Written in short, quick to read chapters, that mean you are constantly thinking just one more chapter. As ever DI Grace is thoughtful and inciteful, with lots of action. Great well-developed characters, lots of twists and turns, with a very exciting climatic ending.
Overall a great addition to this wonderful series, highly recommended.
August 9, 2021
When I noticed a new novel by M.J. Arlidge, I could not wait to see what DI Helen Grace was doing and how she might tackle yet another ruthless killer. In a story that keeps the reader guessing throughout, Arlidge does not disappoint. When Justin Lanning receives an anonymous call stating that he has only one hour to live, he is understandably upset. His panic is only increased when his hired driver takes him on a route with which he is not familiar. After Lanning’s body is found the following day, DI Helen Grace and her team arrive at the scene. Lanning’s notoriety is not overlooked, as he was one of a number of teenage schoolchildren who escaped the clutches of Daniel King eight years earlier. King abducted them and was prepared to kill them all, when all but one was able to escape and make it to the authorities. King torched his rural farm and fled, leaving one of the children inside to die. Grace must now fight against the publicity, as well as a recently released memoir by one of the others, Maxine Pryce. As Grace tries to piece it all together, she cannot help but wonder if there is a connection between Lanning’s murder and Pryce’s new book, which is exacerbated by an outspoken journalist looking for her next scoop. After a second of the schoolchildren is murdered, Grace cannot help but see the pattern clearly. All hands on deck to sift through any possible clues as to where Daniel King might have gone. While all this is taking place, some with Grace’s team take risks to follow leads and track down people of interest, so much so that the police brass must wonder whether DI Helen Grace is in over her head. A decent copper, but her leadership skills are surely in question. After a twist in the case takes the team down a different rabbit hole, Grace cannot help but wonder if their tunnel vision all along might have derailed the investigation at the worst possible time. M.J. Arlidge does a masterful job of spinning a complex web of events and takes the reader along. Recommended to those who love British police procedurals, as well as those who have come to love Helen Grace and all her antics.
When I discovered this series, I could not get enough. M.J. Arlidge writes in such a way that there is no shaking the lure of the stories or the banter between the characters. Throughout the nine novels in the collection, DI Helen Grace has shown her grit and determination, never one to shy away from things that many would deep out of their comfort zone. While her choices have sometimes been dicey, she is always focussed on her job and helping those in need. The rest of the group have all evolved in their own way over the years, some coming and going, but always developing throughout the experience. Arlidge does well in not creating a stagnant collection of characters whose sole goal is to support Helen Grace, as she pushes the envelope and tries to do what she feels is best. The story was well crafted and pulls the reader in from the opening pages. With great plot development that builds with each chapter, the reader wants to know a little more. Short chapters that clip along, as well as segments of Maxine Pryce’s memoir interspersed throughout, help give the reader the impetus to forge ahead and devour the book in short order, which I have done. A perfect addition to the series that will keep readers begging for more soon.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge, for another winner. I cannot say enough about your writing or this series. Please keep them coming!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
When I discovered this series, I could not get enough. M.J. Arlidge writes in such a way that there is no shaking the lure of the stories or the banter between the characters. Throughout the nine novels in the collection, DI Helen Grace has shown her grit and determination, never one to shy away from things that many would deep out of their comfort zone. While her choices have sometimes been dicey, she is always focussed on her job and helping those in need. The rest of the group have all evolved in their own way over the years, some coming and going, but always developing throughout the experience. Arlidge does well in not creating a stagnant collection of characters whose sole goal is to support Helen Grace, as she pushes the envelope and tries to do what she feels is best. The story was well crafted and pulls the reader in from the opening pages. With great plot development that builds with each chapter, the reader wants to know a little more. Short chapters that clip along, as well as segments of Maxine Pryce’s memoir interspersed throughout, help give the reader the impetus to forge ahead and devour the book in short order, which I have done. A perfect addition to the series that will keep readers begging for more soon.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge, for another winner. I cannot say enough about your writing or this series. Please keep them coming!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 12, 2021
Μια υπόθεση από τα παλιά, αναβιώνει με τραγικό τρόπο για τους επιζώντες εκείνης της ιστορίας. Απειλητικά τηλεφωνήματα, αφήνουν τα θύματα να μετρούν αντίστροφα την τελευταία ώρα της ζωής τους. Ένας δολοφόνος που γεμίζει τον τόπο πτώματα, ένας αγώνας ενάντια στο χρόνο για την Έλεν και την ομάδα της.
Όχι από τα πολύ δυνατά της σειράς, παρόλα αυτά καλό,θα άγγιζε τα 4⭐ αν δεν είχε αυτή την ακατάσχετη "κρεβατομουρμούρα" του (...δεν αποκαλύπτω για ευνόητους λόγους).
(Ακολουθεί ελαφρύ- όσο πατάει η γάτα σποϊλεράκι,που δεν επηρεάζει όμως την ανάγνωση ---> συνεχίστε με δική σας ευθύνη)
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Μου έβγαλε κάτι κουραστικό από μέρους του συγγραφέα,σαν να μην ήξερε τι να κάνει με τους ήρωές του:Η Τσάρλι θα κάνει κι άλλο παιδί ,η Έλεν δεν ταιριάζει με κανέναν, η Γκαρανίτα τα ίδια Παντελάκη μου,οι άντρες μπάτσοι δεν θέλουν γυναίκες αφεντικά κλπ κλπ.Κι όσο για την αποκάλυψη του τέλους, κλασική πια.
Γνώμη μου είναι ο συγγραφέας να δώσει πέντε έξι γάτες στην Έλεν, να την παροπλίσει και να ξεκινήσει μια νέα σειρά με έναν φρέσκο ήρωα. Δεν βλέπω πολλά κουράγια για να συντηρηθεί η σπιρτάδα της Έλεν σαν χαρακτήρας για πολλά βιβλία ακόμα.
3⭐
Όχι από τα πολύ δυνατά της σειράς, παρόλα αυτά καλό,θα άγγιζε τα 4⭐ αν δεν είχε αυτή την ακατάσχετη "κρεβατομουρμούρα" του (...δεν αποκαλύπτω για ευνόητους λόγους).
(Ακολουθεί ελαφρύ- όσο πατάει η γάτα σποϊλεράκι,που δεν επηρεάζει όμως την ανάγνωση ---> συνεχίστε με δική σας ευθύνη)
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Μου έβγαλε κάτι κουραστικό από μέρους του συγγραφέα,σαν να μην ήξερε τι να κάνει με τους ήρωές του:Η Τσάρλι θα κάνει κι άλλο παιδί ,η Έλεν δεν ταιριάζει με κανέναν, η Γκαρανίτα τα ίδια Παντελάκη μου,οι άντρες μπάτσοι δεν θέλουν γυναίκες αφεντικά κλπ κλπ.Κι όσο για την αποκάλυψη του τέλους, κλασική πια.
Γνώμη μου είναι ο συγγραφέας να δώσει πέντε έξι γάτες στην Έλεν, να την παροπλίσει και να ξεκινήσει μια νέα σειρά με έναν φρέσκο ήρωα. Δεν βλέπω πολλά κουράγια για να συντηρηθεί η σπιρτάδα της Έλεν σαν χαρακτήρας για πολλά βιβλία ακόμα.
3⭐
April 26, 2023
In brief - Back on form again thank goodness. Pacey, tense and a good story. Book 8 was disappointing to me - this one definitely isn't! 4.5/5.
In full
You get a phone call saying that you have one hour to live but that can’t be true can it? Or is someone watching and planning to murder you? And if so why? This is the puzzle set for DI Helen Grace at the start of this 9th book in the series. The book follows the investigation of Helen and her team as this tale twists and turns. As the case progresses the search is for links between victims. If there is one can it have a bearing on current events?
Helen and Charlie are back working on another “edge of the seat” case. They do make a good team and their relationship is an aspect of these books I enjoy. Emilia - the local reporter - is also around although whether that is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. The guy who was the new DS in the last book - Joseph Hudson - is back again too. There are the usual blind alleys and the like however this holds together well as a story for me.
Helen Grace has long been one of my favourite UK police characters. She is edgy and vivid. She manages to be thoughtful as well as very much an action person. As I’ve come to expect from this author we have a tense and pacey tale once again. He does manage the writing of stories extremely well.
I confess I was a little disappointed by the author’s last two books (one in the Helen Grace series). That said even an indifferent Arlidge book is far better than some of the run of the mill ones. This one is definitely a return to form for me. The tension and uncertainty about the outcome is well sustained. The end when I got to it was good enough and a surprise! Ultimately it looks like I can look forward to another Helen Grace story next year which does please me! I would always suggest that this series should be read in order. The first books are very good indeed and the way the characters build and develop is good too. Fans should love this one I think.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
You get a phone call saying that you have one hour to live but that can’t be true can it? Or is someone watching and planning to murder you? And if so why? This is the puzzle set for DI Helen Grace at the start of this 9th book in the series. The book follows the investigation of Helen and her team as this tale twists and turns. As the case progresses the search is for links between victims. If there is one can it have a bearing on current events?
Helen and Charlie are back working on another “edge of the seat” case. They do make a good team and their relationship is an aspect of these books I enjoy. Emilia - the local reporter - is also around although whether that is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. The guy who was the new DS in the last book - Joseph Hudson - is back again too. There are the usual blind alleys and the like however this holds together well as a story for me.
Helen Grace has long been one of my favourite UK police characters. She is edgy and vivid. She manages to be thoughtful as well as very much an action person. As I’ve come to expect from this author we have a tense and pacey tale once again. He does manage the writing of stories extremely well.
I confess I was a little disappointed by the author’s last two books (one in the Helen Grace series). That said even an indifferent Arlidge book is far better than some of the run of the mill ones. This one is definitely a return to form for me. The tension and uncertainty about the outcome is well sustained. The end when I got to it was good enough and a surprise! Ultimately it looks like I can look forward to another Helen Grace story next year which does please me! I would always suggest that this series should be read in order. The first books are very good indeed and the way the characters build and develop is good too. Fans should love this one I think.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
April 3, 2022
I do love a Helen Grace thriller! What is not to love, it is always twisty, exciting and unpredictable. This is book 9 in this fantastic series but can certainly be read as a stand alone. I do highly recommend that you read the others so that you get a better opines of all the characters and their backgrounds. Helen is a complex character. She is strong, stubborn women but deep down she cares about those around her. Her relationship with Charlie is testament to that. She doesn’t like to be told no and can be a bit hotheaded and impulsive. But that is what we love about her. She has her demons and we see a lot of her personal life in this book which is nice. The case is a messy and complex one. Justin Lanning has done well for himself after a traumatic childhood. He is rich and well known in the Southampton community. The opening chapters are scary and really make this book hard to put down. Justin receives a call telling him that he has an hour to live. He puts it down to a prank, but an hour later he is dead. Next morning Helen and her team are at the crime scene trying to put the pieces together. There is soon an second murder, and the victim is linked to Justin. This book is just fantastic and it kept me up late last night to finish it. All worth it though. Thanks to Orion Publishing and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
July 17, 2023
Trădarea celor în care ai încrederea doare, dar condamnarea la moarte de către aceștia, iar apoi ipocrizia acestora te face să-ți pierzi mințile. Un volum foarte reușit, dar nu înțeleg ce are autorul cu personajul principal pentru că de fiecare dată îi inventează un personaj care o trădează și o lovește.
June 6, 2022
2,5*
Ίσως ήρθε η ώρα να πάρει η Έλεν σύνταξη, να πάρει το εφάπαξ και να πάει σε κανένα νησί να ανοίξει πιτσαρία με τη Γκαρανίτα σερβιτόρα και την κουμπάρα της στη μάρκα.
Ίσως ήρθε η ώρα να πάρει η Έλεν σύνταξη, να πάρει το εφάπαξ και να πάει σε κανένα νησί να ανοίξει πιτσαρία με τη Γκαρανίτα σερβιτόρα και την κουμπάρα της στη μάρκα.
June 9, 2020
Helen Grace #9
Justin Lanning recieves a call telling him he will die in an hour and that's exactly what happens. DI Helen Grace and her team soon learn that Justin was the first in a spate of killings. Grace also has her private life to deal with.
Once again I did not know that this book was past of a series when I requested it. 5henstory moves along quickly enough. I did see the end twist coming. The book does read well as a standalone but I do prefer to read a series from the beginning. This is a well written and twist filled read. When I get the chance, I will read this series from the start.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author M.J. Arlidge for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Justin Lanning recieves a call telling him he will die in an hour and that's exactly what happens. DI Helen Grace and her team soon learn that Justin was the first in a spate of killings. Grace also has her private life to deal with.
Once again I did not know that this book was past of a series when I requested it. 5henstory moves along quickly enough. I did see the end twist coming. The book does read well as a standalone but I do prefer to read a series from the beginning. This is a well written and twist filled read. When I get the chance, I will read this series from the start.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author M.J. Arlidge for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
Este foi o livro que mais me custou a ler de Arlidge.. ficou longe da qualidade dos outros!
Apesar de ter adivinhado o final, as últimas 100 páginas salvaram o livro das 2*.
Apesar de ter adivinhado o final, as últimas 100 páginas salvaram o livro das 2*.
November 20, 2021
Wow, wat leest dit deel vlot zeg! Heel leuk verhaal, dat van in het begin spannend is.
June 26, 2022
„Întotdeauna ai de plătit un preț pentru acțiunile tale.”
Ghici cine urmează este cel de-al nouălea roman din seria thriller-psihologic Helen Grace, o serie care mi-a fost alături din anul 2015. Nu cred că mă voi sătura vreodată de romanele lui Arlidge și de adrenalina ce-mi pulsează în vene atunci când petrec câteva ore în compania celui mai badass detectiv din lumea ficțională: Helen Grace, această eroină de care nu ai cum să nu te atașezi, un personaj care își depășește limitele cu fiecare volum parcurs și pe care il poți numi cu ușurință un model de tărie, caracter, corectitudine și perseverență.
Arlidge impresionează din nou cititorii prin povestea imaginată, prin punerea în scenă a acțiunii și prin onestitatea și vivacitatea personajelor atent șlefuite. Avem răsturnri de situație, elemente specifice celor mai bune seriale detectivistice, situații de viață și de moarte și o redare perfectă a psihologiei personajelor. Autorul știe cum să capteze atenția cititorilor, iar seria Helen Grace dă dependență cu fiecare volum parcurs. E ca un drog literar de cea mai bună calitate, o lectură crime care poate satisface pretențiile oricărui cititor, indiferent cât de pretențios ar fi acesta.
Mai ai de trăit o oră este mesajul anonim transmis telefonic. Destinatarul, un bărbat de afaceri cunoscut, este mai apoi găsit omorât, într-un mod brutal. Investigația începe imediat, iar echipa detectivului Grace își face simțită prezența, cu promptitudine și seriozitate. Indiciile sunt puține, supectul, de neidentificat. Însă când un al doilea bărbat primește același mesaj, lucruile încep să o ia razna. Ce au în comun cei doi? Un trecut traumatizant, obscur, o poveste despre supraviețuire, moarte și prietenie, căci cu opt ani în urmă, cei doi bărbați, împreună cu alte trei femei, toți pe atunci tineri colegi, au fost sechestrați și traumatizați de către un om cu probleme psihice. Patru dintre ei au supraviețuit, una dintre fete și abuzatorul acestora fiind considerați morți în incendiul iscat în casa sechestratorului. Oare trecutul i-a prins din nou în mreje, iar supraviețuitorii au din nou motive de îngrijorare? Este posibil ca omul care le-a schimbat total viețile să fie încă în viață și să revină în peisaj, hotărât mai mult ca oricând să termine ce a început cu ani în urmă? Și dacă da, de ce a decis acesta să acționeze după atâția ani? Care este povestea și motivația lui? Dar a celor patru supraviețuitori? Este adevărat că doar prietenia și loialitatea i-a salvat din ghearele infernului? Care este povestea lor și ce secrete întunecate ascund de fapt?
Recenzia completa: https://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogs...
Ghici cine urmează este cel de-al nouălea roman din seria thriller-psihologic Helen Grace, o serie care mi-a fost alături din anul 2015. Nu cred că mă voi sătura vreodată de romanele lui Arlidge și de adrenalina ce-mi pulsează în vene atunci când petrec câteva ore în compania celui mai badass detectiv din lumea ficțională: Helen Grace, această eroină de care nu ai cum să nu te atașezi, un personaj care își depășește limitele cu fiecare volum parcurs și pe care il poți numi cu ușurință un model de tărie, caracter, corectitudine și perseverență.
Arlidge impresionează din nou cititorii prin povestea imaginată, prin punerea în scenă a acțiunii și prin onestitatea și vivacitatea personajelor atent șlefuite. Avem răsturnri de situație, elemente specifice celor mai bune seriale detectivistice, situații de viață și de moarte și o redare perfectă a psihologiei personajelor. Autorul știe cum să capteze atenția cititorilor, iar seria Helen Grace dă dependență cu fiecare volum parcurs. E ca un drog literar de cea mai bună calitate, o lectură crime care poate satisface pretențiile oricărui cititor, indiferent cât de pretențios ar fi acesta.
Mai ai de trăit o oră este mesajul anonim transmis telefonic. Destinatarul, un bărbat de afaceri cunoscut, este mai apoi găsit omorât, într-un mod brutal. Investigația începe imediat, iar echipa detectivului Grace își face simțită prezența, cu promptitudine și seriozitate. Indiciile sunt puține, supectul, de neidentificat. Însă când un al doilea bărbat primește același mesaj, lucruile încep să o ia razna. Ce au în comun cei doi? Un trecut traumatizant, obscur, o poveste despre supraviețuire, moarte și prietenie, căci cu opt ani în urmă, cei doi bărbați, împreună cu alte trei femei, toți pe atunci tineri colegi, au fost sechestrați și traumatizați de către un om cu probleme psihice. Patru dintre ei au supraviețuit, una dintre fete și abuzatorul acestora fiind considerați morți în incendiul iscat în casa sechestratorului. Oare trecutul i-a prins din nou în mreje, iar supraviețuitorii au din nou motive de îngrijorare? Este posibil ca omul care le-a schimbat total viețile să fie încă în viață și să revină în peisaj, hotărât mai mult ca oricând să termine ce a început cu ani în urmă? Și dacă da, de ce a decis acesta să acționeze după atâția ani? Care este povestea și motivația lui? Dar a celor patru supraviețuitori? Este adevărat că doar prietenia și loialitatea i-a salvat din ghearele infernului? Care este povestea lor și ce secrete întunecate ascund de fapt?
Recenzia completa: https://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogs...
May 11, 2025
Review mei 2025
Reread, ik dacht nog te weten wie de moordenaar was maar toch niet helemaal 😆 verder kan ik mij nog vinden in onderstaande review.
Wow wat een geweldig boek heeft Arlidge weer geschreven! Een dikke pil met maar liefst 525 pagina’s.
Ik was zo enthousiast over dit boek en het verhaal heeft mijn enthousiasme alleen maar meer aangewakkerd. Het is zo goed geschreven, ik had echt werkelijk geen idee wie de dader zou kunnen zijn. Arlidge zet ons op veel dwaalsporen. Ook vond ik het zo leuk om weer te lezen over Helen Grace en de andere agenten.
Ik moet wel heel eerlijk zeggen dat ik de spanning soms wel een beetje miste. Het plot was erg goed, maar ik voelde de spanning niet zo. Maar op dit na, was echt een mega goed boek!
Reread, ik dacht nog te weten wie de moordenaar was maar toch niet helemaal 😆 verder kan ik mij nog vinden in onderstaande review.
Wow wat een geweldig boek heeft Arlidge weer geschreven! Een dikke pil met maar liefst 525 pagina’s.
Ik was zo enthousiast over dit boek en het verhaal heeft mijn enthousiasme alleen maar meer aangewakkerd. Het is zo goed geschreven, ik had echt werkelijk geen idee wie de dader zou kunnen zijn. Arlidge zet ons op veel dwaalsporen. Ook vond ik het zo leuk om weer te lezen over Helen Grace en de andere agenten.
Ik moet wel heel eerlijk zeggen dat ik de spanning soms wel een beetje miste. Het plot was erg goed, maar ik voelde de spanning niet zo. Maar op dit na, was echt een mega goed boek!
June 9, 2020
Helen Grace #99
Justin Lanning recieves a call telling him he will die in an hour and that's exactly what happens. DI Helen Grace and her team soon learn that Justin was the first in a spate of killings. Grace also has her private life to deal with.
Once again I did not know that this book was part of a series when I requested it. Then sory moves along quickly enough. Imdid see the end twist coming. The book does read well as a standalone but I do prefer to read a series from the beginning. This is a well written and twist filled read. When I get the chance, I will read this series from the start.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author M. J. Arlidge for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Justin Lanning recieves a call telling him he will die in an hour and that's exactly what happens. DI Helen Grace and her team soon learn that Justin was the first in a spate of killings. Grace also has her private life to deal with.
Once again I did not know that this book was part of a series when I requested it. Then sory moves along quickly enough. Imdid see the end twist coming. The book does read well as a standalone but I do prefer to read a series from the beginning. This is a well written and twist filled read. When I get the chance, I will read this series from the start.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author M. J. Arlidge for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
When I was invited to read All Fall Down a few months ago, I had no idea what I was in for. I haven’t read Arlidge’s work before or heard of this series BUT…within a few breaths and a few pages I knew this was going to be a series that I would come to binge read. A story with a strong female sleuth with a tattered background but always focussed on the end result. Six hours later and I was guts deep into a compulsive story and I was 100% in.
All Fall Down is an ambitious story that fulfils on everything it promises.
How on earth do you write a review with so many threads spinning simultaneously without giving anything away?
This story was pinpoint accurate, and the historical elements kept me guessing and I loved the backdrop of the downs. It was compelling, and the story gave us plenty room to grow into characters, to explore the circumstances and to breathe the rotten core that was spilling out, all for the reader to investigate. I’m not ashamed to admit my mind flitted between numerous suspects to which I was wrong each time. The author managed to emit feelings of empathy for such morally corrupt characters deserves to be applauded. This crime series has everything, and the author wraps it neatly, fires it out of the barrel of a gun and the reader has to watch out for the ricocheting bullet.
All Fall Down highlights everything that is human about every person you meet. They are all hiding secrets, hiding pain and anguish and everyone is dysfunctional to a certain degree. We have characters disguising in plain sight, disguising at being good people but deep down they just can’t chase the darkness creeping in at the edges. Like I mentioned before, I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but it is easy to read the story without knowing a ton of background. Undoubtedly however, there has been a lot of groundwork already carried out.
All Fall Down brings back DI Helen Grace to investigate a whole new dark and disturbing case. A body has been found on a building site, a well-known man, mainly due to his traumatic past has turned up dead with ligature marks around his neck. His notoriety becomes the talking point as he was part of the group of schoolchildren who were held against their will and nearly killed by Daniel King. King was livid that they escaped but he managed to take back one of the kids and torch his farmhouse with the child still contained within. How is it possible that a person could survive such horrors only to be taken out in such a brutal act of violence.
DI Grace has her work cut out for her in this case. She needs to find a quick resolution to the crime before the publicity from it spirals out of control. She is fighting against a tsunami as another victim, Maxine Pryce has recently released a memoir outlining the details around their ordeal. Has this just put a mark upon all their heads and just why are some of the victims so reluctant for the truth to come out?
DI Grace also has trouble in her private life and although she mostly gets it spot on in her professional life, she sometimes gets it wrong in other avenues of her life. I felt really bad for her in this situation because even the best cops can’t see rat even in the heavy embrace of passion, it gets in the way, but once a cop, always a cop, she will route it out.
Arlidge creates characters that are so morally incomprehensible that rage is a common emotion whilst reading his books. He should be called the spider because his development of webs and strands and hooking the reader in with one whisper. The first chapter is an absolute doozy. A quick read that builds to a crescendo with the blink of an eye.
All Fall Down cements Arlidge as a highly skilled crime fiction writer. If you like the kind of book where you are constantly picking your jaw off the floor, then you need to pick up this one.
All Fall Down is an ambitious story that fulfils on everything it promises.
How on earth do you write a review with so many threads spinning simultaneously without giving anything away?
This story was pinpoint accurate, and the historical elements kept me guessing and I loved the backdrop of the downs. It was compelling, and the story gave us plenty room to grow into characters, to explore the circumstances and to breathe the rotten core that was spilling out, all for the reader to investigate. I’m not ashamed to admit my mind flitted between numerous suspects to which I was wrong each time. The author managed to emit feelings of empathy for such morally corrupt characters deserves to be applauded. This crime series has everything, and the author wraps it neatly, fires it out of the barrel of a gun and the reader has to watch out for the ricocheting bullet.
All Fall Down highlights everything that is human about every person you meet. They are all hiding secrets, hiding pain and anguish and everyone is dysfunctional to a certain degree. We have characters disguising in plain sight, disguising at being good people but deep down they just can’t chase the darkness creeping in at the edges. Like I mentioned before, I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but it is easy to read the story without knowing a ton of background. Undoubtedly however, there has been a lot of groundwork already carried out.
All Fall Down brings back DI Helen Grace to investigate a whole new dark and disturbing case. A body has been found on a building site, a well-known man, mainly due to his traumatic past has turned up dead with ligature marks around his neck. His notoriety becomes the talking point as he was part of the group of schoolchildren who were held against their will and nearly killed by Daniel King. King was livid that they escaped but he managed to take back one of the kids and torch his farmhouse with the child still contained within. How is it possible that a person could survive such horrors only to be taken out in such a brutal act of violence.
DI Grace has her work cut out for her in this case. She needs to find a quick resolution to the crime before the publicity from it spirals out of control. She is fighting against a tsunami as another victim, Maxine Pryce has recently released a memoir outlining the details around their ordeal. Has this just put a mark upon all their heads and just why are some of the victims so reluctant for the truth to come out?
DI Grace also has trouble in her private life and although she mostly gets it spot on in her professional life, she sometimes gets it wrong in other avenues of her life. I felt really bad for her in this situation because even the best cops can’t see rat even in the heavy embrace of passion, it gets in the way, but once a cop, always a cop, she will route it out.
Arlidge creates characters that are so morally incomprehensible that rage is a common emotion whilst reading his books. He should be called the spider because his development of webs and strands and hooking the reader in with one whisper. The first chapter is an absolute doozy. A quick read that builds to a crescendo with the blink of an eye.
All Fall Down cements Arlidge as a highly skilled crime fiction writer. If you like the kind of book where you are constantly picking your jaw off the floor, then you need to pick up this one.
June 15, 2020
All Fall Down is the ninth instalment in the Southampton-based Detective Inspector Helen Grace series, and although many series’ may have been starting to flag at this point it's testament to Arlidge’s masterful plotting that this is one of the most riveting to date. As each book has a self-contained plot it isn't necessary to have read any of the previous instalments to enjoy this one and enough of Grace’s backstory is supplied to bring new readers who want to dive on in up to speed and on a level playing field to those long-time fans. Justin Lanning is rather taken aback when he receives an anonymous telephone call and an unidentifiable voice utters the terrifying line ”you have one hour to live” but naturally he writes it off as merely a bad taste prank call and doesn't think a great deal about it. It turns out it wasn't just a threat but a promise as Mr Lanning met his end shortly after. Enter dogged investigator DI Grace and team who must piece together the puzzling pieces and both identify and apprehend a brutal murderer who is only just getting started...
This is a serial killer thriller of the finest quality and has everything a crime connoisseur could ever want in a read - an utterly captivating plot woven to perfection; searing intensity; dangerous exploits; a brutal killer; an engaging, flawed and likeable protagonist; and a palpable sense of tension from the very beginning until the closing line. I had to place it down a number of times just to catch my breath as my heart was pounding leading to me feverishly flipping pages as though my life depended on it. It's creepy, pacy, high-stakes and exhilarating with twists, turns, reveals, superb use of misdirection and is the very definition of a nail-biter. Do yourself a favour and nab yourself a copy pronto and kick back for an edge of your seat thrill ride that'll leave you in awe. Arlidge is undoubtedly one of the most talented crime writers working today. A real page-turner with more excitement and action than I anticipated and one of my favourite reads of the year. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
This is a serial killer thriller of the finest quality and has everything a crime connoisseur could ever want in a read - an utterly captivating plot woven to perfection; searing intensity; dangerous exploits; a brutal killer; an engaging, flawed and likeable protagonist; and a palpable sense of tension from the very beginning until the closing line. I had to place it down a number of times just to catch my breath as my heart was pounding leading to me feverishly flipping pages as though my life depended on it. It's creepy, pacy, high-stakes and exhilarating with twists, turns, reveals, superb use of misdirection and is the very definition of a nail-biter. Do yourself a favour and nab yourself a copy pronto and kick back for an edge of your seat thrill ride that'll leave you in awe. Arlidge is undoubtedly one of the most talented crime writers working today. A real page-turner with more excitement and action than I anticipated and one of my favourite reads of the year. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
May 27, 2020
This is the 9th book in the Helen Grace series by author MJ. Arlidge and although I would recommend reading the whole series would work as a stand alone.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of action, good strong characters and a well thought out plot. The fast pace starts right from the start when someone receives a phone call saying they have one hour to live. The book starts at a break neck pace and keeps going right to the end.
There are lots of twists and turns that will be appreciated by followers of this author and I am pleased to say this is a great addition to this exciting series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of action, good strong characters and a well thought out plot. The fast pace starts right from the start when someone receives a phone call saying they have one hour to live. The book starts at a break neck pace and keeps going right to the end.
There are lots of twists and turns that will be appreciated by followers of this author and I am pleased to say this is a great addition to this exciting series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2020
Once you start you just won't want to put it down, as it's a brilliant read and a great addition to the series which is one of my favorites. A serial killer who notifies his victims of their impending death is something quite different and the first victim ignores the warning as nothing more than a prank, a decision he won't live to regret. I love how the author inserts little snippets of the history and trials and tribulations of the main character Helen Grace who has had a far from perfect life so far. My heart was in my mouth as I waited with bated breath for the jaw-dropping conclusion. If like me you love a nonstop full-on crime thriller then this is a must read.
June 25, 2023
Guess what? I’m going to read all of the author’s book 😍
June 10, 2020
I am a huge fan of DI Helen Grace series and the newest addition is another fantastic book from the author.
Helen and her team is set to catch a killer who rings the victims telling them they have one hour to live. The murders seems to be linked to the previous abduction of the teenagers and the clock is ticking for the police to find a killer.
All Fall Down has everything I love and expect from a good crime fiction novel: fast pace, full of action and suspense, a brilliant police procedures and well crafted characters. M. J. Arlidge again did not disappoint and delivered a fantastic and gruesome story.
If you read and liked any previous books by the author you will love this one too.
Helen and her team is set to catch a killer who rings the victims telling them they have one hour to live. The murders seems to be linked to the previous abduction of the teenagers and the clock is ticking for the police to find a killer.
All Fall Down has everything I love and expect from a good crime fiction novel: fast pace, full of action and suspense, a brilliant police procedures and well crafted characters. M. J. Arlidge again did not disappoint and delivered a fantastic and gruesome story.
If you read and liked any previous books by the author you will love this one too.
August 9, 2022
Actual rating: 3.75 🌟
May 4, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy of All Fall Down, the ninth novel to feature DI Helen Grace of the Southampton Police.
Justin Lanning receives an anonymous call telling him he will die in an hour’s time, then he is murdered. DI Helen Grace and her team are assigned the case and soon find that Justin will not be the only victim and the past has a long reach.
I thoroughly enjoyed All Fall Down which is an exciting, tense read with some good twists, as we have come to expect from Mr Arlidge. The novel is told from various points of view but, yippee, not from the killer’s so the reader (i.e. me) can investigate and speculate to their heart’s content along with the detectives. I got totally caught up in events, guessing some right and getting others completely wrong but that’s all part of the fun. I should, perhaps, have guessed more of it as, while not derivative, I have read some of the scenarios in other novels. This is not particularly important as the author puts his own spin on it and delivers a high octane read, culminating in a spectacular action scene.
It’s all go on the personal front as well. Helen is having an affair with one of her deputies, DS Joseph Hudson, and her friend DS Charlie Brooks is 8 months pregnant. With Helen nothing goes smoothly so be prepared for fireworks. It’s interesting and I love her strong attitude through it all. It’s aspirational.
All Fall Down is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Justin Lanning receives an anonymous call telling him he will die in an hour’s time, then he is murdered. DI Helen Grace and her team are assigned the case and soon find that Justin will not be the only victim and the past has a long reach.
I thoroughly enjoyed All Fall Down which is an exciting, tense read with some good twists, as we have come to expect from Mr Arlidge. The novel is told from various points of view but, yippee, not from the killer’s so the reader (i.e. me) can investigate and speculate to their heart’s content along with the detectives. I got totally caught up in events, guessing some right and getting others completely wrong but that’s all part of the fun. I should, perhaps, have guessed more of it as, while not derivative, I have read some of the scenarios in other novels. This is not particularly important as the author puts his own spin on it and delivers a high octane read, culminating in a spectacular action scene.
It’s all go on the personal front as well. Helen is having an affair with one of her deputies, DS Joseph Hudson, and her friend DS Charlie Brooks is 8 months pregnant. With Helen nothing goes smoothly so be prepared for fireworks. It’s interesting and I love her strong attitude through it all. It’s aspirational.
All Fall Down is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 15, 2021
Adoro este autor e apesar de não ser o melhor livro que li de MJ Arlidge, achei-o bastante acima da média no género de thriller e gostei bastante da história e de todo o enredo.
Uma leitura bastante rápida e emocionante.
Uma leitura bastante rápida e emocionante.
April 19, 2021
A really good fast paced and action packed book. When you think you’ve got it all worked out, then bam, another twist leaving you unsure again!
July 9, 2021
Weer zeer spannend! Kan niet wachten om het vervolg te lezen weer!
June 23, 2021
What can I say? I love this series. Helen Grace is one of my favourite detective/police characters.
Her stories are always full-on and OTT but I love this woman.
This is number 9 in the series and it's probably best to read in order (I have) but not essential.
This is crime/action fiction at its best!
Her stories are always full-on and OTT but I love this woman.
This is number 9 in the series and it's probably best to read in order (I have) but not essential.
This is crime/action fiction at its best!
July 1, 2020
Ik geniet van de vaart van deze serie. Helen Grace is zeker niet mijn favo rechercheur maar ik vind haar verhaal/leven wel interessant. Ook dit deel blijft een soort open einde houden... dus hopen op deel 10.
June 20, 2020
I think I love Helen Grace even more after reading this book. She is one strong, kick a** protagonist who I seriously can not get enough off. Whether it’s because she is everything I’m not, I don’t know, but you can’t help but admire this woman. The friendship between her and Charlie is especially endearing and if anything, I feel like we are seeing a more vulnerable side to the character lately. This comes through her relationship with Charlie and also Joseph.
The story started off strong with a victim being told they have one hour to live. From those first few pages, it becomes very clear that this is going to be a race against time. The ending had me clinging on for dear life and I had to remind myself to breath as you could cut the tension with a knife it that was thick. This is an author who knows how to hook his readers and delivers thrills and excitement with each chapter. What took place between the beginning and ending was every bit as gripping with the fear from the victims leaping off the pages.
All Fall Down was every bit as good as I had expected it would be. Helen’s personal life is certainly no plain sailing as it is with her work life. She always manages to put herself in danger which makes me want to give her a good shake yet it makes for hand over the mouth reading. If you love tense, steady to fast paced thrillers with action and excitement around each corner, you have got to read this series. Today!
My thanks to Tracy for inviting me to be on the tour and to Orion Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story started off strong with a victim being told they have one hour to live. From those first few pages, it becomes very clear that this is going to be a race against time. The ending had me clinging on for dear life and I had to remind myself to breath as you could cut the tension with a knife it that was thick. This is an author who knows how to hook his readers and delivers thrills and excitement with each chapter. What took place between the beginning and ending was every bit as gripping with the fear from the victims leaping off the pages.
All Fall Down was every bit as good as I had expected it would be. Helen’s personal life is certainly no plain sailing as it is with her work life. She always manages to put herself in danger which makes me want to give her a good shake yet it makes for hand over the mouth reading. If you love tense, steady to fast paced thrillers with action and excitement around each corner, you have got to read this series. Today!
My thanks to Tracy for inviting me to be on the tour and to Orion Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 27, 2020
This is the 9th book in the Helen Grace series by author MJ. Arlidge and although I would recommend reading the whole series would work as a stand alone.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of action, good strong characters and a well thought out plot. The fast pace starts right from the start when someone receives a phone call saying they have one hour to live. The book starts at a break neck pace and keeps going right to the end.
There are lots of twists and turns that will be appreciated by followers of this author and I am pleased to say this is a great addition to this exciting series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fast moving story with plenty of action, good strong characters and a well thought out plot. The fast pace starts right from the start when someone receives a phone call saying they have one hour to live. The book starts at a break neck pace and keeps going right to the end.
There are lots of twists and turns that will be appreciated by followers of this author and I am pleased to say this is a great addition to this exciting series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2022
This book was very slow start,even though I really enjoy this series this book wasnt as good as the other books in this series so my rating is 3,5 star rating.Wasnt to keen on the storyline but enjoyed the great strong characters...This starts with a phone call who says they will die within the hour,was it a prank call?Helen Grace is on the case will she find s motive why the caller leaving this message..fantastic ending to this book looking forward to reading the next instalment...
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