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DI Fiona Williams Mystery #1
A Fiery End
Driving home late at night, DI Fiona Williams comes across a vehicle engulfed in flames. The driver is at the wheel, oblivious to the inferno surrounding him.
There is no explanation for why the vehicle was on the road or why the quiet tradesman was murdered in such a macabre way. The only witness to the fire, claims she saw nothing. Whatever she did see goes to the grave with her when she is brutally strangled. Frustration grows when the driver’s daughter disappears.
With time running out to find the daughter alive, Fiona is drawn into a web of powerful men determined to keep their deadly games secret. Juggling a family crisis and a growing suspicion her boss is corrupt, her judgement is hampered by her attraction to the man central to everything.
There is no explanation for why the vehicle was on the road or why the quiet tradesman was murdered in such a macabre way. The only witness to the fire, claims she saw nothing. Whatever she did see goes to the grave with her when she is brutally strangled. Frustration grows when the driver’s daughter disappears.
With time running out to find the daughter alive, Fiona is drawn into a web of powerful men determined to keep their deadly games secret. Juggling a family crisis and a growing suspicion her boss is corrupt, her judgement is hampered by her attraction to the man central to everything.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2020
123 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 20, 2020
Can I just say how much I missed detectives Fiona and Peter? Thanks to Ms. Febry, I’ve been following their cases for several years now and I grew so attached to them, I was super excited to learn that this newest book in the series featuring a new investigation came out. I grabbed it right away and I was not disappointed - from page one the plot grips you and refuses to let you go. It starts literally with a bang: a van explodes in flames and sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually endanger not only everyone involved but both detectives who lead the investigation. But what can possibly be in common between a children’s app, a recently divorced plumber, his young daughter, and a mysterious man in charge of a construction company who managed to awaken not only Fiona’s professional, but personal interest? You’ll need to read this riveting thriller to find out. As with all of Ms. Febry’s books, it’s very atmospheric and has that unforgettable Agatha Christie’s flair to it. If you’re a fan of English mysteries/thrillers, you definitely need to read not only this book but the entire series. I promise you will thank me later. A true five star read!
May 25, 2021
I have to admit there were many moments I had great difficulty putting down this book and once I even risked going to sleep too late, because I wanted to keep reading. And when the culprit was revealed, I said to myself 'How is it possible I didn't suspect? The writer really fooled me." The main characters are likeable and realistic since they are far from being perfect and leading perfect lives.
I have to admit though, I enjoyed much more the murder mystery than the parallel plot, which seemed rather confusing to me. Another thing was that the case was solved with many questions on how things happened staying unanswered. I guess this is what happens in real life since many details could have been clarified only by persons who died in the process before being able to tell (although they were given the chance, which they unwisely refused, as it always happens in murder mysteries). Nevertheless, as a reader of a murder mystery, I am rather spoiled and want everything explained to me, which adds to the pleasure of the mystery solution. All things said I believe this is a book worth reading for the thrilling moments it will offer you and I would read with pleasure more books on the adventures of Fiona and Peter.
I have to admit though, I enjoyed much more the murder mystery than the parallel plot, which seemed rather confusing to me. Another thing was that the case was solved with many questions on how things happened staying unanswered. I guess this is what happens in real life since many details could have been clarified only by persons who died in the process before being able to tell (although they were given the chance, which they unwisely refused, as it always happens in murder mysteries). Nevertheless, as a reader of a murder mystery, I am rather spoiled and want everything explained to me, which adds to the pleasure of the mystery solution. All things said I believe this is a book worth reading for the thrilling moments it will offer you and I would read with pleasure more books on the adventures of Fiona and Peter.
November 3, 2020
REALLY ENJOYED
A good solid read, that kept me turning the pages. I’ve met policewoman Fiona in earlier books and I like her character and that of her colleague Peter. This time they become involved in two strands to the same criminals, and not only are they busy solving getting to the truth, they also have a new boss to contend with who just maybe not be on the same side. Each book is better than the last.
A good solid read, that kept me turning the pages. I’ve met policewoman Fiona in earlier books and I like her character and that of her colleague Peter. This time they become involved in two strands to the same criminals, and not only are they busy solving getting to the truth, they also have a new boss to contend with who just maybe not be on the same side. Each book is better than the last.
May 17, 2021
This mystery/ thriller literally starts with a bang. The detective duo – Fiona and Peter – come across a campervan going up in flames with the driver at the wheel making no effort to escape. The witness to the macabre accident, a passenger in a nearby car crash, claims to have seen nothing. Before the detectives can probe deeper, she is murdered. The mystery deepens with the disappearance of the campervan’s victim’s daughter and also two other teenage girls.
The fast-paced narrative and the well-constructed mystery kept me reading to the end. The characters are well drawn and believable as they deal with personal life pressures and work-place dynamics.
I usually avoid thrillers because many of them have graphic descriptions of sexual crimes against children/women. Febry, however, firmly keeps the spotlight on solving the crime rather than going into the details of sexual abuse of teenage girls.
Recommended for fans of a good murder mystery - police procedural.
The fast-paced narrative and the well-constructed mystery kept me reading to the end. The characters are well drawn and believable as they deal with personal life pressures and work-place dynamics.
I usually avoid thrillers because many of them have graphic descriptions of sexual crimes against children/women. Febry, however, firmly keeps the spotlight on solving the crime rather than going into the details of sexual abuse of teenage girls.
Recommended for fans of a good murder mystery - police procedural.
October 26, 2020
An excellent who dunnit.
It is great to be back with DI Fiona Williams and DCI Peter Hatherall in the most recent book of this fabulous series.
The explosion of a campervan leads the team into the more sinister area of a large criminal network with severe repercussions for Williams and Hatherall.
Once again Diana J Febry has the reader embroiled from beginning to end.
Very highly recommended for crime fiction lovers.
It is great to be back with DI Fiona Williams and DCI Peter Hatherall in the most recent book of this fabulous series.
The explosion of a campervan leads the team into the more sinister area of a large criminal network with severe repercussions for Williams and Hatherall.
Once again Diana J Febry has the reader embroiled from beginning to end.
Very highly recommended for crime fiction lovers.
January 10, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This was the first I've read in the series, but I found I didn't need to have read more as the author gave enough information to pick up as a standalone novel. The main characters of Fiona and Peter were relatable. The novel had quite a few different plot lines that all wrapped up nicely, even if challenging to follow at times.
The book could have used some editing, there were instances of a name being reused that was confusing or another name being spelled differently, along with basic punctuation. All in all, a decent read.
This was the first I've read in the series, but I found I didn't need to have read more as the author gave enough information to pick up as a standalone novel. The main characters of Fiona and Peter were relatable. The novel had quite a few different plot lines that all wrapped up nicely, even if challenging to follow at times.
The book could have used some editing, there were instances of a name being reused that was confusing or another name being spelled differently, along with basic punctuation. All in all, a decent read.
January 8, 2021
This was another great read by Diana J. Febry. In this story DI Fiona Williams, DCI Peter Hatherall's partner, comes across a fiery wreck with a body at the wheel. There is a second vehicle with a body in the front seat next to it, and a hysterical woman wandering around in shock. The story involves the grooming of young girls for the sex trade amongst the elite of the area. This was a well put together story with a satisfying ending. I hope there are more Fiona books to come.
September 1, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, thanks to Voracious Readers for sending me a free copy.
A great female lead, and a well paced plot made this a really enjoyable read. I'll be looking out for more by this author.
A great female lead, and a well paced plot made this a really enjoyable read. I'll be looking out for more by this author.
April 19, 2022
This is the first book by Diana J Febry that I have read - and I really, really enjoyed it! This one had me hooked. Luckily I was on holiday when I read it because once I started I just kept going.
The dynamic between Fiona and Peter was a nice one, and the other interactions between Fiona and the other officers seemed realistic (well, to someone who has no knowledge of the profession). Devious characters, twists and turns - this one has all the good stuff!
I received a free digital copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review. This one was a pleasure to read, and I'll follow up with more from this author. It looks like there are some earlier books featuring DI Fiona - should be good!
The dynamic between Fiona and Peter was a nice one, and the other interactions between Fiona and the other officers seemed realistic (well, to someone who has no knowledge of the profession). Devious characters, twists and turns - this one has all the good stuff!
I received a free digital copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review. This one was a pleasure to read, and I'll follow up with more from this author. It looks like there are some earlier books featuring DI Fiona - should be good!
September 21, 2021
( Backstory: I have to confess - I love mysteries. Particularly British detective series. So I saved this book for a day I knew I would need a treat - and it’s fair to say I was not disappointed. So much so that I read this one straight through, elevating my entire day to the emotional equivalent of one giant delightful hug. )
DI Fiona Williams is a fiery red head - headstrong, stubborn and extremely capable at her job. Her DCI, Peter Hatherall, is a good friend, and with two failed marriages under his belt, may or may not be a romantic interest (they are still working it out). (Interesting already!)
When Fiona and Peter stumble on a catastrophic car crash scene - complete with charred remains, suspicious circumstances and a reluctant witness, the stage is set for a homicide investigation, a process which quickly begins to uncover a complex coil of suspects, victims, and an entire posse of shady criminals, who are none too worried about any additional violence or murders that may be needed to cover their tracks.
Reminiscent in many ways of Deborah Crombie’s excellent series featuring Scotland Yard detectives Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, sinking into this story was indeed pure pleasure for this mystery and crime reader. The plot was well orchestrated, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout, intermingled with nail-biting suspense and an undercurrent of threat that left me cringing for the safety of several young and terror-stricken victims.
Fiona herself is a wonderfully layered character - tough and determined, ambitious and clever - but at the same time, unnecessarily sarcastic and sometimes just plain wrong in her lightning-fast judgements. Peter, on the other hand, is still a bit of an enigma to me - after just this one book, I haven’t quite made up my mind about him and I look forward to getting to know more of this duo through their further exploits in additional books.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book (and an introduction to a whole new detective series). All thoughts presented are my own.
DI Fiona Williams is a fiery red head - headstrong, stubborn and extremely capable at her job. Her DCI, Peter Hatherall, is a good friend, and with two failed marriages under his belt, may or may not be a romantic interest (they are still working it out). (Interesting already!)
When Fiona and Peter stumble on a catastrophic car crash scene - complete with charred remains, suspicious circumstances and a reluctant witness, the stage is set for a homicide investigation, a process which quickly begins to uncover a complex coil of suspects, victims, and an entire posse of shady criminals, who are none too worried about any additional violence or murders that may be needed to cover their tracks.
Reminiscent in many ways of Deborah Crombie’s excellent series featuring Scotland Yard detectives Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, sinking into this story was indeed pure pleasure for this mystery and crime reader. The plot was well orchestrated, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout, intermingled with nail-biting suspense and an undercurrent of threat that left me cringing for the safety of several young and terror-stricken victims.
Fiona herself is a wonderfully layered character - tough and determined, ambitious and clever - but at the same time, unnecessarily sarcastic and sometimes just plain wrong in her lightning-fast judgements. Peter, on the other hand, is still a bit of an enigma to me - after just this one book, I haven’t quite made up my mind about him and I look forward to getting to know more of this duo through their further exploits in additional books.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book (and an introduction to a whole new detective series). All thoughts presented are my own.
December 29, 2020
This is the third book by Ms Febry that I’ve read. Two were police procedurals and one concerned a mystery solved by a pair of amateurs. I really enjoyed the first police thriller because the plot was believable and the main character was interesting. This novel is also a police thriller but I thought the plot was overly convoluted. The characters were interesting and believable and I got emotionally involved with them.
The setting is rural England in an area that is experiencing growth—not the hinterlands, in other words. More like exurbia. The plot concerns the sexual abuse of teenagers—but don’t worry: There’s nothing graphic or exploitive about how the author handles the topic. The main character, police detective Fiona, is a recurrent character in Ms Febry’s books. One of the plot arcs concerns the tension between Fiona’s job responsibilities and her need to care for her aging parents. Fiona has trouble accepting offers of friendship, is very wary of offers of love, and is lonely but doesn’t know how to escape her self-imposed isolation. Well, isolation is putting too strongly; she does have friends, including a suppressed-sexual-tension relationship with her co-worker Peter. I liked the character-and-relationship part of the book more than the mystery.
Ms Febry’s writing is functional, rather than eloquent, as befits a police procedural. I suspect that the procedural aspects of policing are not always authentic, but I’m not really in a position to judge. Anyway lots of mysteries take liberties with police procedures. (Probably because most people don’t want to read about the boredom and paperwork.)
This is a solid mystery-police procedural that will be enjoyed by fans of the genre
The setting is rural England in an area that is experiencing growth—not the hinterlands, in other words. More like exurbia. The plot concerns the sexual abuse of teenagers—but don’t worry: There’s nothing graphic or exploitive about how the author handles the topic. The main character, police detective Fiona, is a recurrent character in Ms Febry’s books. One of the plot arcs concerns the tension between Fiona’s job responsibilities and her need to care for her aging parents. Fiona has trouble accepting offers of friendship, is very wary of offers of love, and is lonely but doesn’t know how to escape her self-imposed isolation. Well, isolation is putting too strongly; she does have friends, including a suppressed-sexual-tension relationship with her co-worker Peter. I liked the character-and-relationship part of the book more than the mystery.
Ms Febry’s writing is functional, rather than eloquent, as befits a police procedural. I suspect that the procedural aspects of policing are not always authentic, but I’m not really in a position to judge. Anyway lots of mysteries take liberties with police procedures. (Probably because most people don’t want to read about the boredom and paperwork.)
This is a solid mystery-police procedural that will be enjoyed by fans of the genre
January 4, 2021
A Fiery End is the first of Diana J. Febry's British police procedurals that I have read, and on the whole, I enjoyed it. DI Fiona Williams is an interesting character, although a bit too much plagued by self-doubt for a policewoman, I think. Even though her partner Peter is the senior officer, she seems to constantly be in his shadow, and is much too apologetic when she does assert herself. True, she has issues to cope with - aging parents, few friends, no love life, and a desire to be at a post more exciting and conducive to promotion than the rural station she's currently assigned to, but I couldn't help but think she'll never make it unless she becomes more assertive.
The story itself concerns the murder of a man who is incinerated in a wreck, which seems to be linked to the disappearance of several young women. We learn early on that a group of rich and powerful men may be involved, who have enough influence to stymie the police investigation. All of this provides fertile ground for an interesting story, although I felt like Fiona and the author were dancing around the situation instead of aggressively pursuing the miscreants. This was realistic, I suppose, given the political ramifications, but somewhat unsatisfying. I also thought that Fiona and Peter were not as savvy as they should be, given the situation they got themselves into near the end of the story. I found the ending lackluster, if realistic. All of this, plus some elementary errors that could have been corrected by more editing, caused the loss of a star.
The story itself concerns the murder of a man who is incinerated in a wreck, which seems to be linked to the disappearance of several young women. We learn early on that a group of rich and powerful men may be involved, who have enough influence to stymie the police investigation. All of this provides fertile ground for an interesting story, although I felt like Fiona and the author were dancing around the situation instead of aggressively pursuing the miscreants. This was realistic, I suppose, given the political ramifications, but somewhat unsatisfying. I also thought that Fiona and Peter were not as savvy as they should be, given the situation they got themselves into near the end of the story. I found the ending lackluster, if realistic. All of this, plus some elementary errors that could have been corrected by more editing, caused the loss of a star.
September 30, 2021
A big Thankyou to Voracious Readers and author Diana J. Febry for offering me a digital copy of this amazing book.
A Fiery End is the first of Diana J. Febry’s Crime Thriller that I have read.
Fiona and Peter stumble on a disastrous car crash scene accidentally, leading them to discover foul play in the accident. The homicide department quickly begins to uncover a complex loop of crimes involved.
The main characters of this novel are the two Detectives DI Fiona Williams and Peter Hatherall’s who are friends and partners in the homicide department. There is also some underlying romantic tension between them which they are trying to figure out parallelly throughout the book. Fiona is an introverted detective, and it is easy to follow both her actions and thoughts. Struggling between personal and professional life I found her a bit irrational in her personal decisions, but then she makes up with outstanding work in her professional areas.
This is a thriller with lots of engaging characters. Characters are well detailed, and the mystery thickens as these two investigate who and what caused the car accident. There are so many twists and turns. Till the very end, I was not able to guess who the actual preparators were, it was an unpredictable novel. The book is well-written. It’s just that I wanted to know more about a particular character, and I wish the author had described that character more.
Overall this is a fabulous book and I will check more books from this author.
A Fiery End is the first of Diana J. Febry’s Crime Thriller that I have read.
Fiona and Peter stumble on a disastrous car crash scene accidentally, leading them to discover foul play in the accident. The homicide department quickly begins to uncover a complex loop of crimes involved.
The main characters of this novel are the two Detectives DI Fiona Williams and Peter Hatherall’s who are friends and partners in the homicide department. There is also some underlying romantic tension between them which they are trying to figure out parallelly throughout the book. Fiona is an introverted detective, and it is easy to follow both her actions and thoughts. Struggling between personal and professional life I found her a bit irrational in her personal decisions, but then she makes up with outstanding work in her professional areas.
This is a thriller with lots of engaging characters. Characters are well detailed, and the mystery thickens as these two investigate who and what caused the car accident. There are so many twists and turns. Till the very end, I was not able to guess who the actual preparators were, it was an unpredictable novel. The book is well-written. It’s just that I wanted to know more about a particular character, and I wish the author had described that character more.
Overall this is a fabulous book and I will check more books from this author.
October 18, 2020
When Detective Inspector (DI) Fiona Williams drives by an RV engulfed in flames on the way home one night, she is thrust into a mystery that includes murder, kidnapping, and sex trafficking. Witnesses either refuse to talk and/or end up murdered. As DI Williams gets closer to the truth, will she and her partner be next?
This is a solid mystery/thriller with lots of interesting and engaging characters. I definitely didn't figure out who the "bad guy" was ahead of time which was terrific. I also liked that Fiona was depicted as a real person who had to deal with family and the pressures of being a single woman who everyone expects to be at their beck and call.
The reason it's a 4 star instead of a 5? The book could use another editorial pass to fix a few small things and one scene threw me out of the story making me wonder why it was never addressed later. But these are quibbles and overall the book was very enjoyable.
If you love murder mysteries, this is the book for you. This book is part of a series, but can easily be a standalone.
This is a solid mystery/thriller with lots of interesting and engaging characters. I definitely didn't figure out who the "bad guy" was ahead of time which was terrific. I also liked that Fiona was depicted as a real person who had to deal with family and the pressures of being a single woman who everyone expects to be at their beck and call.
The reason it's a 4 star instead of a 5? The book could use another editorial pass to fix a few small things and one scene threw me out of the story making me wonder why it was never addressed later. But these are quibbles and overall the book was very enjoyable.
If you love murder mysteries, this is the book for you. This book is part of a series, but can easily be a standalone.
November 14, 2020
I'm a big fan of the Peter Hatherall and Fiona Williams books, so I was very pleased to see this new addition to the series. Even though the story focuses more on Fiona, it was great to be reacquainted with all the characters in this rollercoaster ride of a mystery. The storyline begins with the two DIs coming across a burning camper van on a dark road and from there on, both the mystery and the suspects escalate. The plot involves deliberate and not so deliberate red herrings. It also involves vice rings, computer puzzles and apps. There are too many victims and loads of culprits but the puzzle is such that Fiona and her partner cannot fathom who is behind the sinister crimes until close to the explosive end of the book. What a page turner this turned out to be. I could barely put it down. This is also the closest Fiona has come to real romance, which in itself made it special. Well done, Diana Febry. A Fiery End was a terrific read and I hope Fiona and Peter will be back before too long.
May 20, 2021
A Fiery End by Diana J. Febry starts with a fiery promise but gets engulfed in the roundabout investigations that confuse rather than thrill. A murder mystery, the story loses its luster halfway and drags on, without creating any ripples. I couldn’t connect with the characters though Fiona is believable, with all her weaknesses and efforts to excel.
Three teenagers eager to do something different choose a path that turns out to be horrific beyond their imagination. While Charlotte and Lisa manage to wriggle out, Megan falls into the trap with serious consequences. The plot appears to be gripping with the burning camper on a dark road that arouses suspicions but it is the investigation that fails to hold the interest. There is something lacking in the style or the direction that the story takes. I also found some typos and editing issues that need attention.
Three teenagers eager to do something different choose a path that turns out to be horrific beyond their imagination. While Charlotte and Lisa manage to wriggle out, Megan falls into the trap with serious consequences. The plot appears to be gripping with the burning camper on a dark road that arouses suspicions but it is the investigation that fails to hold the interest. There is something lacking in the style or the direction that the story takes. I also found some typos and editing issues that need attention.
October 31, 2021
I've not read any of the previous books in this series and it wasn't a problem as it can be read as a stand alone. I will be going back and reading the earlier books though as I found them an interesting pair and want to get to know them better.
I will read new books as well as I also want to know more about the possible new romantic entanglement for DI Williams!
This police procedural seems to have multiple strands which are handled expertly by the author, but then they begin to merge. There are abductions of young girls, and the suspicious death of a plumber, how on earth do they connect. Will Williams find out how all the pieces fit together before the threat to kill her and her boss happens?
I will read new books as well as I also want to know more about the possible new romantic entanglement for DI Williams!
This police procedural seems to have multiple strands which are handled expertly by the author, but then they begin to merge. There are abductions of young girls, and the suspicious death of a plumber, how on earth do they connect. Will Williams find out how all the pieces fit together before the threat to kill her and her boss happens?
April 21, 2022
I received a review copy from the author via Voracious Readers and this is my honest opinion. The story has an interesting premise, but it is spoiled by poor execution. It is bogged down with extraneous details that do nothing to move the story forward. If much of that was cut out it would be a much tighter, concise, flowing story. As it is, it is easy for a reader to become confused by the plethora of characters and unnecessary details. Also, it desperately needs another read-through by a proofreader or line editor. Commas are way overused and appear in such weird places at times that it interrupts the flow of the sentence. I will say that I would be willing to try another of this author's books.
February 2, 2021
Cracking murder mystery
I’ve read previous books featuring detectives Hatherall & Williams, and I’m back for more. This one gives more focus to Williams, and we learn more about her life. DI Fiona Williams enters a web of powerful men determined to protect a deadly secret. Juggling a family crisis and suspecting her new boss is corrupt; her judgement is conflicted by attraction to a man who may be central to her investigation. A solid police drama, well plotted, and well supported with excellent characters. As Fiona and her colleague Peter Hatherall move closer to the truth, tension and risk escalate to make page turning more feverish at the end. Recommended.
I’ve read previous books featuring detectives Hatherall & Williams, and I’m back for more. This one gives more focus to Williams, and we learn more about her life. DI Fiona Williams enters a web of powerful men determined to protect a deadly secret. Juggling a family crisis and suspecting her new boss is corrupt; her judgement is conflicted by attraction to a man who may be central to her investigation. A solid police drama, well plotted, and well supported with excellent characters. As Fiona and her colleague Peter Hatherall move closer to the truth, tension and risk escalate to make page turning more feverish at the end. Recommended.
March 21, 2021
This novel A Fiery End was a good read which kept me engaged despite one or two reservations. I found the protagonist Fiona to be a character I couldn't get to like, both the personal side of her life, while professionally she wasn't a particularly good detective and didn't relate well to members of her team. Beyond that, there were one or two plot holes while policing methods in the UK would take advantage of technologies that are readily available to law enforcement officers these days. Putting these things aside, A Fiery End is more of a plot-based story which resolved itself with some unexpected but not obtrusive twists and turns towards the end. Overall, I enjoyed the read.
August 24, 2021
DCI Peter Hatherall and D.I. Fiona Williams are driving back to thier homes when they comes across a camper van engulfed in flames with a person in the driving seat. Another car has come from the other direction only to be hit with the debris from the van. But there will be more deaths, and missing teenager girls. But the more they discover the more complicated it gets.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable main characters. A book that can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable main characters. A book that can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2021
Story of murder and a depraved gang of predatory men, which is cleverly interwoven with the domestic problems and travails of the investigating officer, DI Fiona Williams, whose character is concisely sketched by the author. The traumatic and dramatic sits nicely alongside the more mundane details of everyday life and its demands, although, of course, as with all good thrillers, the melodramatic soon spills over into Fiona's everyday existence. This juxtaposition doesn't jar, but adds both to the authenticity and the 'pull' of the story. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2021
This is a story I really couldn't get into. Detective Fiona was far from an engaging character and that alone made it hard to keep reading. There were several idiosyncrasies, including a burned-out van with a burned body, assumed to be the owner of the van but never verified, or the missing teenager where the location and movement history of her mobile were never checked, basic policing for many years now, and a few other unlikely police investigation techniques. The story was fair enough perhaps a mixture of good, bad and the unlikely.
April 20, 2022
This mystery starts with two deaths and a burnt out van and is the start of the investigations by detectives Fiona and Peter. The plot thickens and there are a few thrills, twists and turns to keep the interest. There are good descriptions of several interesting characters.
The detectives characters at times failed to be that convincing. However it is a good read, fast paced and worth reading and recommending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author Diana J Febry and Voracious Readers. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
The detectives characters at times failed to be that convincing. However it is a good read, fast paced and worth reading and recommending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author Diana J Febry and Voracious Readers. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
June 6, 2024
Huh, what? Did the various crimes get solved? The detectives head off to the pub and that's the end - maybe I missed something. That apart, this book plods a bit and the MC DI Williams is just bland. Two bodies, one close call, missing persons, various assaults all somehow interrelated, so a bit complex but maybe that's just my dull brain. The best piece of writing was about Megan's awful dilemma, but then the author misses an open goal in not describing how on earth she escapes. There's a talented writer here somewhere but this book doesn't showcase it for me.
November 14, 2020
My go-to detective mysteries are back! Yes!!!!!! I was so excited when I saw a new Febry novel, I nabbed a copy right away (Trust me there is nothing better to curl up on the couch and read)
Williams & Hatherall are back in action when a Rec Vehicle is engulphed in flames. That's not all, though, in fact it is only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a whole lot of action and excitement behind the cover
Williams & Hatherall are back in action when a Rec Vehicle is engulphed in flames. That's not all, though, in fact it is only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a whole lot of action and excitement behind the cover
December 5, 2020
I've just got to say it has been so long since I read a great mystery, I thought they might have been extinct! This is the first of Febry's books I have read, and I will be going back for more. It was refreshing to read this genre in a current-day setting with the level of class it deserves. The plot thickened, the characters more than held my interest, and the pages kept turning up new surprises in this thriller. I guess that makes me Febry's newest fan!
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed this crime thriller with its good plot and believable characters. It was well-written (except for the overuse of commas), fast-paced and its tone and language fitted well into the genre.
It tackled some important and disturbing issues in addition to highlighting disgusting human behaviour - nicely portrayed.
I don't give spoilers but will recommend this story to those who enjoy a good police drama.
It tackled some important and disturbing issues in addition to highlighting disgusting human behaviour - nicely portrayed.
I don't give spoilers but will recommend this story to those who enjoy a good police drama.
June 2, 2021
This is an unpredictable and convoluted novel, keeping you guess who the villain is until the very end. There are many false tracks, and pulling all the strings together resembles opening a Matryoshka puppets set. Fiona is an introverted detective, and we follow both her actions and her thoughts as she dismantles a deadly cabal of powerful people willing to do anything to keep their secrets, even to kill a few policemen.
August 24, 2021
A solid murder mystery the likes of seasoned professionals. I’d definitely be interested in reading more of the series. Plot lines seem to have been tied up well, though I have a little confino about a couple of characters but I think that’s my own fault. Reading too late into the night. The main characters were likeable and it seems like a solid series.
I received a free copy for an honest review from voracious readers only. Thanks to the author for sending an EPUB when requested!
I received a free copy for an honest review from voracious readers only. Thanks to the author for sending an EPUB when requested!
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