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DS Sara Hirst #2
Into Deadly Storms
Detective Sara Hirst has moved from London to Norfolk Police’s Serious Crimes Unit. Under the brooding skies of North Norfolk, Sara faces her toughest case yet and finds that great beauty sometimes conceals great violence.
Too many secrets.
Too much pain.
Too many leads.
Dawn breaks as a dog-walker finds a dead body, half-naked and wrapped tightly in an old groundsheet.
Sara is first on the scene.
Who is the victim? And who will be next?
Sara must take on some of Britain’s most wanted criminals if she’s to find out the truth.
This crackling, twisty thriller set within the mysterious beauty of the east coast will have you flying through the pages right till the gripping end.
Too many secrets.
Too much pain.
Too many leads.
Dawn breaks as a dog-walker finds a dead body, half-naked and wrapped tightly in an old groundsheet.
Sara is first on the scene.
Who is the victim? And who will be next?
Sara must take on some of Britain’s most wanted criminals if she’s to find out the truth.
This crackling, twisty thriller set within the mysterious beauty of the east coast will have you flying through the pages right till the gripping end.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2021
488 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Judi Daykin
13 books60 followersYorkshire born, Judi has lived, worked and made theatre in Norfolk for the last forty years. She completed her MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and her debut novel was shortlisted for the Little, Brown UEA writer's prize in 2019.
'I love the beautiful, vast skies and watery landscapes of Norfolk. Our home in a village on the north coast can feel wonderfully remote, even though the nearest town is only a few miles away. I can't imagine living anywhere better than this.'
Judi is also a working actor, and has been known to twiddle the knobs on the sound desk for the variety shows at Cromer Pier. She runs her own theatre company, Broad Horizons, specialising in commissioning new plays recovering and retelling women's stories.
'I love the beautiful, vast skies and watery landscapes of Norfolk. Our home in a village on the north coast can feel wonderfully remote, even though the nearest town is only a few miles away. I can't imagine living anywhere better than this.'
Judi is also a working actor, and has been known to twiddle the knobs on the sound desk for the variety shows at Cromer Pier. She runs her own theatre company, Broad Horizons, specialising in commissioning new plays recovering and retelling women's stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 11, 2021
When the wrapped body was found by a poor, unsuspecting dog-walker, Detective Sara Hirst and DI Edwards, along with the Norfolk Serious Crimes unit began their investigation. Soon the Drug Unit joined the investigation as tentacles spread far and wide. Sophie, a schoolteacher at the nearby high school was a habitual drug user – a habit she’d started in university and couldn’t break – and when her supplier didn’t show, she went looking for him. It wasn’t long before the connection between the murder and the drug user became apparent, but Sara and her team were struggling to put it together.
When DNA led to a connection to a person the Met had been chasing for a long time, London Detectives joined the Norfolk team. Would they be stymied again in the quest to arrest these people? With the many minor players in the wind, Sara wasn’t sure if they would crack this one…
Into Deadly Storms is the 2nd in the DS Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a lot of characters, but it was easy to keep track of them. And the link with the Met in London brought characters back from the 1st book – Under Violent Skies. I’m finding this series entertaining, with the suspense and mystery, fast pace and chilling action, right up my alley! I do recommend this series be read in order though because of the flow on from the first book to the second – and I have no doubt it’ll flow to the third as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When DNA led to a connection to a person the Met had been chasing for a long time, London Detectives joined the Norfolk team. Would they be stymied again in the quest to arrest these people? With the many minor players in the wind, Sara wasn’t sure if they would crack this one…
Into Deadly Storms is the 2nd in the DS Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a lot of characters, but it was easy to keep track of them. And the link with the Met in London brought characters back from the 1st book – Under Violent Skies. I’m finding this series entertaining, with the suspense and mystery, fast pace and chilling action, right up my alley! I do recommend this series be read in order though because of the flow on from the first book to the second – and I have no doubt it’ll flow to the third as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2021
DS Sarsh Hist Series #2
The half-naked body, wrapped tigtly in an old groundsheet is a bit to big to sit confortably in the back seat of a car. But he manages to fit him in anyway. Too risky to dump in the sea. There's a wood nearby. No one will be there right now. Won't be found till morning. Anyway, no one willl care if the kid doesn't show up to school. Not some little piece of scum like this.
I have not read the first book in this series. A dog walker finds the body of a boy covered by a groundsheet. DS Sarah Hist is called in to invesstigate. Set in the small village of Happisburgh, Norfolk. Callum Young was just fifteen and lived in a care home. When he doesn't turn up for school, his teacher, Sophie Bailey, goes to look for him. Callum had been a drug dealer. This was a quite good chatacter driven police procedural. The story is mostly told from Sarah's perspective but er do get some input from Danni and Sophie. The ploltline is believable.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks an the author #JudiDaykin for my ARC #IntoDeadlyStorms in exchange for an honest review.
The half-naked body, wrapped tigtly in an old groundsheet is a bit to big to sit confortably in the back seat of a car. But he manages to fit him in anyway. Too risky to dump in the sea. There's a wood nearby. No one will be there right now. Won't be found till morning. Anyway, no one willl care if the kid doesn't show up to school. Not some little piece of scum like this.
I have not read the first book in this series. A dog walker finds the body of a boy covered by a groundsheet. DS Sarah Hist is called in to invesstigate. Set in the small village of Happisburgh, Norfolk. Callum Young was just fifteen and lived in a care home. When he doesn't turn up for school, his teacher, Sophie Bailey, goes to look for him. Callum had been a drug dealer. This was a quite good chatacter driven police procedural. The story is mostly told from Sarah's perspective but er do get some input from Danni and Sophie. The ploltline is believable.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks an the author #JudiDaykin for my ARC #IntoDeadlyStorms in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2021
Into Deadly Storms is the second instalment in the Detective Sergeant Sara Hirst series, featuring her exploits as part of Norfolk Police's Serious Crimes Unit. The prologue opens with a half-naked body sprawled across a bathroom floor. The right foot is broken at the ankle and despite having his face to the vinyl the visible part of his cheek shows the impact of a bunched fist. Blood runs from a head wound, even though breathing has ceased. There is blood on the toilet bowl and a bloody piece of scalp on the porcelain shower tray. A middle-aged man is standing nearby frantic about what to do about his predicament. Trying to justify the dark deed he reminds himself that the lad was cocky and had picked a fight with the wrong person; he weighs up his options: call the police, tell them the truth and trust them. Or tidy up the mess, dump the evidence and hope that Norfolk police are too inept to connect it to him. Decision made, he takes an old groundsheet from the shed along with a roll of gaffer tape and grabbing the boy's legs he pulls him out of the tiny bathroom space and onto the plastic. He arranges him arms across his chest and tapes the tarpaulin tightly shut. It was 10:30 pm and with his neighbours’ houses in darkness, he double-checks he's alone before placing the body in the backseat and setting off to the dumpsite. It isn't long before Sara and Detective Constable Mike Bowen are diverted from the scene of a fight to investigate when a body is discovered by Lawrence Brown and his Retriever, Goldy, wrapped up and dumped at Stiffkey Woods near Little Kettleford. The area. four miles from Fakenham, was a site frequented by male prostitutes and drugs gangs. Her boss DI Edwards soon joins them as do the CSI team and police pathologist Dr Taylor. They quickly identify the victim as fifteen-year-old Callum Young, a Year Eleven student at the local high school.
A resident at Lyndford Lodge, a care home for homeless youngsters based in Marlham, he was a known drug dealer specialising in weed and cocaine. Meanwhile, twenty-four-year-old English teacher Sophie Bailey becomes concerned when Callum doesn't turn up to school and ends up at the home looking for him where she meets Matt Morgan, the housefather, who is a rather dodgy character. Both Matt and Sophie and some very manipulative, cold-hearted people are interviewed and the police realise they have a wide-ranging, extremely dangerous conspiracy on their hands. This is a riveting and compulsive procedural from the very beginning through to the very end and there is no doubt that Judi Daykin is a force to be reckoned with despite being a new face in the genre. It is a brilliant, complex, multilayered read full of drama, tension and some wickedly twisted twists. The further you progress into the story the more you realise just how adept Daykin is at weaving a scintillating, unputdownable, thrilling ride. It touches on the issues of drugs, abuse, sexual assault, manipulation, violence, grooming and prostitution, and the fact that it's told primarily from Sara’s perspective means it is easy to become immersed in the case. The large pool of suspects makes it nigh on impossible to guess exactly who is involved and to what extent, and it has an authentic and incredibly realistic and believable narrative with Sara being a protagonist I look forward to reconnecting with. Living in the quaint village of Happisburgh, in a beautiful cottage bequeathed to her by her late father, Sara is content with life in her mid-thirties having left the hustle and bustle of London and a successful career in the Met for the gentler pace in Norfolk Police's Serious Crimes Unit. An enthralling, absorbing and thoroughly entertaining page-turner. Highly recommended.
A resident at Lyndford Lodge, a care home for homeless youngsters based in Marlham, he was a known drug dealer specialising in weed and cocaine. Meanwhile, twenty-four-year-old English teacher Sophie Bailey becomes concerned when Callum doesn't turn up to school and ends up at the home looking for him where she meets Matt Morgan, the housefather, who is a rather dodgy character. Both Matt and Sophie and some very manipulative, cold-hearted people are interviewed and the police realise they have a wide-ranging, extremely dangerous conspiracy on their hands. This is a riveting and compulsive procedural from the very beginning through to the very end and there is no doubt that Judi Daykin is a force to be reckoned with despite being a new face in the genre. It is a brilliant, complex, multilayered read full of drama, tension and some wickedly twisted twists. The further you progress into the story the more you realise just how adept Daykin is at weaving a scintillating, unputdownable, thrilling ride. It touches on the issues of drugs, abuse, sexual assault, manipulation, violence, grooming and prostitution, and the fact that it's told primarily from Sara’s perspective means it is easy to become immersed in the case. The large pool of suspects makes it nigh on impossible to guess exactly who is involved and to what extent, and it has an authentic and incredibly realistic and believable narrative with Sara being a protagonist I look forward to reconnecting with. Living in the quaint village of Happisburgh, in a beautiful cottage bequeathed to her by her late father, Sara is content with life in her mid-thirties having left the hustle and bustle of London and a successful career in the Met for the gentler pace in Norfolk Police's Serious Crimes Unit. An enthralling, absorbing and thoroughly entertaining page-turner. Highly recommended.
March 18, 2021
When the body of a teenager is found wrapped in a sheet and dumped in the woods, Detective Sara Hirst and her team are called in to investigate.
Who would want this young man dead? For sure, not his English teacher. He's been keeping her supplied with little packets of goodies ... the things she needs to stay on an even keel. Maybe a rival drug dealer? Maybe one of his other clients? Maybe this was just a random killing.
There are many suspects ... and they all seem to be hiding something. But is it all related to this killing? And will the killing stop here?
Suspenseful from the first page, this is a well written follow up to UNDER VIOLET SKIES. There are plenty of twists and turns featuring deftly drawn characters. This is the second in the series and is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions /Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 25, 2024
The first novel in this series, "Under Violent Skies", encompassed all of the attributes I admire in a police procedural. It had a good balance between an interesting crime plot and a personable and relatable protagonist. The setting was one of my favourites and complimented the story. "Into Deadly Storms" was very good, but did not put as much emphasis on Sara Hirst. There were more peripheral characters who took center stage.
When the body of a teenager is found in the woods, Detective Sara Hirst and her team are called in to investigate. Turns out the teen lived in a residential home with nine other 'at risk' youth, under the supervision of a 'house father'. House father, Matt Morgan, is an altruistic young man who aged out of the foster system himself, a do-gooder who is intent on changing the lives of the youngsters in his charge.
During the course of the investigation into the teen's murder, it comes to light that Callum, age 15, was dealing drugs. This discovery brings various other characters into play including his literature teacher, Sophie, who is in her early twenties and is addicted to cocaine. Another is Danni, a young woman who is used as a drug mule. Danni is eager to better her lot in life financially, and is willing to do just about anything to do so. She is in thrall of her boss, Lisa London, a heartless woman from an Italian organized crime family based in London.
I was slightly puzzled by the choice of title for this one and did not discern a reason for it. Perhaps it was a metaphor for storms other than the literal meaning of the word. Even so...
In addition to being a murder mystery, the novel spoke to themes of organized crime, at risk youth, the illegal drug trade, and rural policing.
"Into Deadly Storms" is the second novel in the DS Sara Hirst crime fiction series. Though I much preferred the first Sara Hirst novel, I intend to pursue this series further as time permits.
3.5 stars rounded up
When the body of a teenager is found in the woods, Detective Sara Hirst and her team are called in to investigate. Turns out the teen lived in a residential home with nine other 'at risk' youth, under the supervision of a 'house father'. House father, Matt Morgan, is an altruistic young man who aged out of the foster system himself, a do-gooder who is intent on changing the lives of the youngsters in his charge.
During the course of the investigation into the teen's murder, it comes to light that Callum, age 15, was dealing drugs. This discovery brings various other characters into play including his literature teacher, Sophie, who is in her early twenties and is addicted to cocaine. Another is Danni, a young woman who is used as a drug mule. Danni is eager to better her lot in life financially, and is willing to do just about anything to do so. She is in thrall of her boss, Lisa London, a heartless woman from an Italian organized crime family based in London.
I was slightly puzzled by the choice of title for this one and did not discern a reason for it. Perhaps it was a metaphor for storms other than the literal meaning of the word. Even so...
In addition to being a murder mystery, the novel spoke to themes of organized crime, at risk youth, the illegal drug trade, and rural policing.
"Into Deadly Storms" is the second novel in the DS Sara Hirst crime fiction series. Though I much preferred the first Sara Hirst novel, I intend to pursue this series further as time permits.
3.5 stars rounded up
March 23, 2021
DS Sara Hirst hit the ground running in book one in her new posting to the Serious Crimes Unit in Norfolk, but the initial hostility she encountered due her skin colour and the fact that she was not expected is well and truly over, and she is now settled into the team with DC Mike Bowen, new DC Ian Noble and motherly admin Aggie working for DI Edwards. DC Ellie James has transferred into the Drugs team under DI Powell. Since finding and losing her father, Sara has a choice to make over his estate while her relationship with her mother Tegan back in London’s Tower Hamlets is still very strained. At least her romance with Chris the café owner is going well. The story begins with the disposal of the body of a young man dressed only in his underwear and wrapped in a tarpaulin in the woods. It doesn’t stay hidden for long though and the following day it is discovered by a man and his dog. A school teacher is concerned about a missing pupil for a number of reasons and visits the care home where he is living. A chance discovery by the manager there brings the police and soon the boy’s body has an identification. Callum Young was fifteen and was always out riding the bike he adored. Meanwhile in London, things are afoot for a notorious crime family which sets them on a collision course with the quiet villages of Norfolk, and the case explodes wide open revealing a host of dangerous suspects and motives. With tensions running high between the drugs and murder squads and facing some clever and powerful criminals, can they manage to pull together to crack the case? The many different people and their stories all come together to start to reveal the awful truth about London, Norfolk and Callum Young.
The well drawn and very likable detectives from book one are back and expanded upon, with the welcome addition of a couple more members to the team. This is a book with a nicely complex plot and loads of interesting characters. There is lots going on to capture the reader’s attention and keep them completely engrossed, while at the same time being so well written that it was easy to follow the storyline and watch as the various threads all came together in a very satisfying ending with some winners and some losers. I wonder if some of them will make another appearance in future stories? I can thoroughly recommend this book, with its current themes and issues, and I sincerely hope there will be more from Sara and the team in Norfolk. 5*
The well drawn and very likable detectives from book one are back and expanded upon, with the welcome addition of a couple more members to the team. This is a book with a nicely complex plot and loads of interesting characters. There is lots going on to capture the reader’s attention and keep them completely engrossed, while at the same time being so well written that it was easy to follow the storyline and watch as the various threads all came together in a very satisfying ending with some winners and some losers. I wonder if some of them will make another appearance in future stories? I can thoroughly recommend this book, with its current themes and issues, and I sincerely hope there will be more from Sara and the team in Norfolk. 5*
March 20, 2021
This is a really good follow on from Under Violent Skies but can also be read as a standalone. This well written story keeps your interest throughout with many characters intertwined with an intriguing plot. I do admit to finding the ending rather weak but that is only my opinion. Thanks to the author and Joffe books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 24, 2021
I read, loved and reviewed the first book in the series called ‘Under Violent Skies’ featuring Detective Sergeant Sara Hirst. I couldn’t wait to meet up with Sara Hirst again. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the second book in the series is called ‘Into Deadly Storms’ was released on 18th March 2021. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of ‘Into Deadly Storms’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Into Deadly Storms’. In fact as soon as I read the synopsis, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read this book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a lack of sleep hangover the following day. I found that I just could not put this book down for any length of time. I had take so well to the character of Sara that she began to feel as though she had become a friend and of course I had to keep reading to see if she managed to solve the case. The pages seemed to be turning so quickly that the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say farewell to Sara Hirst and her team.
‘Into Deadly Storms’ is superbly written. I thought the same of the first book in the series too. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be a compelling story. I love the fact that the stories are set in Norfolk as I have relatives from there and I loved reading about places with which I am familiar. Judi tackles some topical and often very tough subjects but she treats them with compassion and sensitivity. Reading ‘Into Deadly Storms’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I found ‘Into Deadly Storms’ to be an unputdownable and gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Into Deadly Storms’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Judi’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Into Deadly Storms’. In fact as soon as I read the synopsis, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read this book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a lack of sleep hangover the following day. I found that I just could not put this book down for any length of time. I had take so well to the character of Sara that she began to feel as though she had become a friend and of course I had to keep reading to see if she managed to solve the case. The pages seemed to be turning so quickly that the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say farewell to Sara Hirst and her team.
‘Into Deadly Storms’ is superbly written. I thought the same of the first book in the series too. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be a compelling story. I love the fact that the stories are set in Norfolk as I have relatives from there and I loved reading about places with which I am familiar. Judi tackles some topical and often very tough subjects but she treats them with compassion and sensitivity. Reading ‘Into Deadly Storms’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I found ‘Into Deadly Storms’ to be an unputdownable and gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Into Deadly Storms’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Judi’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 18, 2021
3 stars
An interesting murder/drugs mystery involving a young teen victim, competing police task forces causing drama, & a young woman sucked into the high stakes world of drug trafficking. Decent mystery & well written, but there were no characters who engaged me much.
[What I liked:]
•There is a handy glossary at the back for slang & jargon! I sincerely appreciated it, since it saved me having to pause every few pages to google a UK emergency services acronym.
•There are 2 other women characters (in addition to the series’ MC) who have major plot lines told from their POVs. All three story lines end up intersecting more & more as the story progresses. I thought that was an interesting narrative approach, & the writer pulled it off.
•The mystery has several threads, including a murder & a drugs investigation. This gave a nice complexity to the story, & there is added drama of inter-department police politics (competing task forces).
•I liked Sara, the MC, alright. She’s smart, respected by her colleagues, & hard working. Some of her coworkers (Edwards & Aggie especially) made great side characters, too.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There are lots of characters, & they’re introduced one after another in the first few chapters so it was hard for me to keep them all straight at first.
•A few of the characters were hard for me to grasp. Danni seemed a little flat; she was all about grasping power for the sake of power. While that can be a realistic character motivation, it felt too 1 dimensional for a main character like her.
•Gary wasn’t flat so much as...odd. He didn’t have much consistency as a character. He seemed more childlike than spoiled, but he was no innocent. Some of his erratic behavior could be chalked up to drug use, but even that didn’t make sense sometimes. It was hard for me to imagine a grown man acting so completely childishly.
CW: drug use, drug dealing, murder, on page violence, off page underage sex, racism/racist language (directed at a POC MC by a minor character)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
An interesting murder/drugs mystery involving a young teen victim, competing police task forces causing drama, & a young woman sucked into the high stakes world of drug trafficking. Decent mystery & well written, but there were no characters who engaged me much.
[What I liked:]
•There is a handy glossary at the back for slang & jargon! I sincerely appreciated it, since it saved me having to pause every few pages to google a UK emergency services acronym.
•There are 2 other women characters (in addition to the series’ MC) who have major plot lines told from their POVs. All three story lines end up intersecting more & more as the story progresses. I thought that was an interesting narrative approach, & the writer pulled it off.
•The mystery has several threads, including a murder & a drugs investigation. This gave a nice complexity to the story, & there is added drama of inter-department police politics (competing task forces).
•I liked Sara, the MC, alright. She’s smart, respected by her colleagues, & hard working. Some of her coworkers (Edwards & Aggie especially) made great side characters, too.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•There are lots of characters, & they’re introduced one after another in the first few chapters so it was hard for me to keep them all straight at first.
•A few of the characters were hard for me to grasp. Danni seemed a little flat; she was all about grasping power for the sake of power. While that can be a realistic character motivation, it felt too 1 dimensional for a main character like her.
•Gary wasn’t flat so much as...odd. He didn’t have much consistency as a character. He seemed more childlike than spoiled, but he was no innocent. Some of his erratic behavior could be chalked up to drug use, but even that didn’t make sense sometimes. It was hard for me to imagine a grown man acting so completely childishly.
CW: drug use, drug dealing, murder, on page violence, off page underage sex, racism/racist language (directed at a POC MC by a minor character)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
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March 20, 2021Into Deadly Storms by Judi Daykins is the second book in a series featuring DS Sara Hirst who works in the Norfolk Police's Serious Crimes Unit. This is a book you can read without needing to read the first as Judi Daykin fills in the bits you need well. I must say, I have read both and as with any series if you read them in correlation to each other you get more of a feeling for the characters. If you don't mind about that it is fine to read alone.
A teenager is discovered wrapped in a tarpaulin and dumped. Sara and the team start investigating and as they dig deeper and begin to discover information about the boy the more it becomes clear that other sections of the Police force need to be included in this case. As they investigate they get to a point where they realise this is no run of the mill death. It seems they have a conspiracy that is a wide reaching and dangerous one on their hands, but can they find the answers?
Another excellent and multi-layered, intricate read that is definitely packed full of drama and twists with plenty of intrigue along the way. Into Deadly Storms is mainyl written from Sara's point of view so it really had me gripped and I was really turning the pages to see what we would get next in the story. Although this is simply a crime thriller we are faced with much more. The author has managed to weave a story that takes us on a simply exhilerating journey. She has managed to touch on drugs, sexual assault, prostitution, violence and prostitution throughout this book. An investigation that deals with the murkiest things and brings plenty of suspects so it almost makes it an impossible job to find the right person!
I loved going back to spend some time in Sara's world again, a copper who came to Norfolk for 'the quiet life' from London. She has an realistic feel and that alone makes me feel at home when I am knee deep in her investigations!
Thanks to Joffe Books, NetGalley Jill Burkinshaw for the copy of the book.
A teenager is discovered wrapped in a tarpaulin and dumped. Sara and the team start investigating and as they dig deeper and begin to discover information about the boy the more it becomes clear that other sections of the Police force need to be included in this case. As they investigate they get to a point where they realise this is no run of the mill death. It seems they have a conspiracy that is a wide reaching and dangerous one on their hands, but can they find the answers?
Another excellent and multi-layered, intricate read that is definitely packed full of drama and twists with plenty of intrigue along the way. Into Deadly Storms is mainyl written from Sara's point of view so it really had me gripped and I was really turning the pages to see what we would get next in the story. Although this is simply a crime thriller we are faced with much more. The author has managed to weave a story that takes us on a simply exhilerating journey. She has managed to touch on drugs, sexual assault, prostitution, violence and prostitution throughout this book. An investigation that deals with the murkiest things and brings plenty of suspects so it almost makes it an impossible job to find the right person!
I loved going back to spend some time in Sara's world again, a copper who came to Norfolk for 'the quiet life' from London. She has an realistic feel and that alone makes me feel at home when I am knee deep in her investigations!
Thanks to Joffe Books, NetGalley Jill Burkinshaw for the copy of the book.
April 8, 2021
Teenager Callum Young is missing and then his body is discovered, sparking a murder inquiry. DS Sara Hirst embarks on the investigation and is thrown into a web of drugs and lies. But who killed Callum and why...?
Into Deadly Storms is the second book by Judi Daykin to feature Sara and her team but it is the first that I have read, It works perfectly well as a stand alone novel and there were no spoilers about events or the case in the first book.
Sara Hirst's character has lots of potential but I felt like she didn't shine in this book. Her relationship with her boyfriend is struggling due to their work commitments and both feel resentful. She hasn't spoken to her mother since her father's funeral and then her stepdad gets in touch with bad news. Her colleagues and her relationships with them take second place to the main murder plot and I wonder if these were established more fully in the first book.
Another main character is Sophie, a teacher at Callum's school who bought drugs from him. Her descent into despair and desperation prove a distraction to Sara and her team. In contrast is drugs gang leader Lisa London: ruthless, determined, downright scary!
The character I felt most in tune with was Danni, a young woman whose boyfriend's drug involvement leads to her being a mule. She then uses her own initiative to find favour with the gang boss Lisa. Danni wasn't a particularly likeable character but she showed more emotion and felt more realistic than any of the other characters in my opinion.
With a plot of drugs and murder, there are some unpleasant parts to the book. There is violence and some forensic detail but not a great deal. The focus of the plot is upon the three main strands of plot: Sara's investigation, Danni's drug running and the downfall of teacher Sophie. Three women with very different experiences and aspects to the murder of Callum.
Into Deadly Storms is an interesting and intriguing read overall.
Into Deadly Storms is the second book by Judi Daykin to feature Sara and her team but it is the first that I have read, It works perfectly well as a stand alone novel and there were no spoilers about events or the case in the first book.
Sara Hirst's character has lots of potential but I felt like she didn't shine in this book. Her relationship with her boyfriend is struggling due to their work commitments and both feel resentful. She hasn't spoken to her mother since her father's funeral and then her stepdad gets in touch with bad news. Her colleagues and her relationships with them take second place to the main murder plot and I wonder if these were established more fully in the first book.
Another main character is Sophie, a teacher at Callum's school who bought drugs from him. Her descent into despair and desperation prove a distraction to Sara and her team. In contrast is drugs gang leader Lisa London: ruthless, determined, downright scary!
The character I felt most in tune with was Danni, a young woman whose boyfriend's drug involvement leads to her being a mule. She then uses her own initiative to find favour with the gang boss Lisa. Danni wasn't a particularly likeable character but she showed more emotion and felt more realistic than any of the other characters in my opinion.
With a plot of drugs and murder, there are some unpleasant parts to the book. There is violence and some forensic detail but not a great deal. The focus of the plot is upon the three main strands of plot: Sara's investigation, Danni's drug running and the downfall of teacher Sophie. Three women with very different experiences and aspects to the murder of Callum.
Into Deadly Storms is an interesting and intriguing read overall.
March 6, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Into Deadly Storms, the second novel to feature DS Sara Hirst of the Norfolk Police.
The body of a teenager is found wrapped in a tarpaulin and dumped. They think he has been murdered but first they have to identify him. Once they have a name they can trace his movements and identify his contacts. What they find leads to more potential crime and criminal activity.
I enjoyed Into Deadly Storms, which is a fairly typical police procedural with a wide open field of suspects that gradually narrows as enquiries continue. The novel is mostly told from Sara’s investigative point of view but it switches from to time to Danni and Sophie, two young women inadvertently caught up on the other side. This has the advantage of showing the other side of the case and highlighting the choices that have to be made in certain circumstances, although neither come out of it well.
The plot is very realistic, showing the plodding nature of much of police work, like watching CCTV, and the slow grind of accumulating enough evidence for a charge. In a fictional sense I was disappointed by the outcome, because not everyone got their just desserts, but in realism terms it’s as good as it gets and I think the author is to be commended for it. This may make the novel sound boring, but it’s anything but. There are enough developments and small twists to keep the reader interested and turning the pages, not least the choices the characters make.
Sara Hirst is on her way to becoming a favourite with me. Her backstory is complicated enough to lift her above a mere plod, but not too complicated that it overwhelms the narrative or seriously affects her judgement. She is a level headed professional, just what the novel call for.
Into Deadly Storms is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The body of a teenager is found wrapped in a tarpaulin and dumped. They think he has been murdered but first they have to identify him. Once they have a name they can trace his movements and identify his contacts. What they find leads to more potential crime and criminal activity.
I enjoyed Into Deadly Storms, which is a fairly typical police procedural with a wide open field of suspects that gradually narrows as enquiries continue. The novel is mostly told from Sara’s investigative point of view but it switches from to time to Danni and Sophie, two young women inadvertently caught up on the other side. This has the advantage of showing the other side of the case and highlighting the choices that have to be made in certain circumstances, although neither come out of it well.
The plot is very realistic, showing the plodding nature of much of police work, like watching CCTV, and the slow grind of accumulating enough evidence for a charge. In a fictional sense I was disappointed by the outcome, because not everyone got their just desserts, but in realism terms it’s as good as it gets and I think the author is to be commended for it. This may make the novel sound boring, but it’s anything but. There are enough developments and small twists to keep the reader interested and turning the pages, not least the choices the characters make.
Sara Hirst is on her way to becoming a favourite with me. Her backstory is complicated enough to lift her above a mere plod, but not too complicated that it overwhelms the narrative or seriously affects her judgement. She is a level headed professional, just what the novel call for.
Into Deadly Storms is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 31, 2021
This second book in the D.S. Sara Hirst series involves the discovery of a young mans naked body found wrapped in a plastic sheet and dumped in the woods.
Sara and the team manage to identify him as Callum Young a 15 year old who lived in a local care home.
Subsequent inquiries uncover the fact that his english teacher Sophie Bailey had been at the home looking for him prior to his disappearance.
Strange when he`d only missed one of her lessons.
Could there be another reason for her concern regarding his whereabouts?
This is an engrossing story that has a lot going on.
A boy selling cocaine, a teacher with a habit and a tough ruthless woman who runs the drug gang.
Add to this a young girl, Danni, who despite the dangers decides to throw her lot in with the gang in what she sees as an opportunity for a glamorous and easy life..
Plenty of suspects and twists and turns to navigate until Sarah and the team uncover all the facts.
Sara may have transferred to north Norfolk for a quieter life after London , seems that`s not quite how it turns out.
Great read excellent characters, already looking forward to Sarah`s next case.
Thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC
Sara and the team manage to identify him as Callum Young a 15 year old who lived in a local care home.
Subsequent inquiries uncover the fact that his english teacher Sophie Bailey had been at the home looking for him prior to his disappearance.
Strange when he`d only missed one of her lessons.
Could there be another reason for her concern regarding his whereabouts?
This is an engrossing story that has a lot going on.
A boy selling cocaine, a teacher with a habit and a tough ruthless woman who runs the drug gang.
Add to this a young girl, Danni, who despite the dangers decides to throw her lot in with the gang in what she sees as an opportunity for a glamorous and easy life..
Plenty of suspects and twists and turns to navigate until Sarah and the team uncover all the facts.
Sara may have transferred to north Norfolk for a quieter life after London , seems that`s not quite how it turns out.
Great read excellent characters, already looking forward to Sarah`s next case.
Thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC
June 16, 2021
What an absolutely cracking novel!
DS Sara Hirst, newly relocated to Norfolk, has a tough case on her hands when she is called to the discovery of a body, half-naked and wrapped in an old groundsheet. Who is he, how did he get there and why are the questions – but how hard will it be to find the answers?
Late to the party (as usual), this is my first novel by this author but I’m delighted that there is no harking back to the first so I have added it to my tbr. Judi Daykin is an author who really knows to create an enigmatic read and it’s a pleasure to see how this one twists and turns before finally getting to a very satisfying conclusion. There are lots of characters and they all have their place in this story. I intended to read for ten minutes when I went to bed; three hours later I had to admit defeat and, with my eyes struggling to stay open, reluctantly laid it aside to continue the next morning. This is a cracking read, lively all the way through and utterly rewarding when it’s all done and dusted. Creatively planned and well-written, I’m very happy to recommend this to all lovers of an exciting thriller and give it all five glowing stars.
DS Sara Hirst, newly relocated to Norfolk, has a tough case on her hands when she is called to the discovery of a body, half-naked and wrapped in an old groundsheet. Who is he, how did he get there and why are the questions – but how hard will it be to find the answers?
Late to the party (as usual), this is my first novel by this author but I’m delighted that there is no harking back to the first so I have added it to my tbr. Judi Daykin is an author who really knows to create an enigmatic read and it’s a pleasure to see how this one twists and turns before finally getting to a very satisfying conclusion. There are lots of characters and they all have their place in this story. I intended to read for ten minutes when I went to bed; three hours later I had to admit defeat and, with my eyes struggling to stay open, reluctantly laid it aside to continue the next morning. This is a cracking read, lively all the way through and utterly rewarding when it’s all done and dusted. Creatively planned and well-written, I’m very happy to recommend this to all lovers of an exciting thriller and give it all five glowing stars.
March 23, 2025
There is an old adage, "do not write about things you know nothing about" and I completely failed to finish this book due to the awful writing about children's homes in Norfolk. Seriously? One "house father" in a care home with 10 teenage boys known for their bad behaviour and over the age of 16? "We had take aways because I can't cook!" "No budget for a cleaner until the new financial year".
Budgets in Children's care homes in Norfolk do not cover cleaners or take aways. They are put in YMCA or similar at 16 and staff do all cooking and cleaning! As for there only being one member of staff, does this man live there with them 24/7? Judi Daykin needs to go and ask NCC for a visit to a care home before writing about them any more. There is one just down the road from where she works but I do not suppose she thought to find out what they are really like? I do not need to go on about the description of the school involved. Sadly I also tortured my self with the audio version where pronunciation was completely wrong on so many things I just turned it off (Hunstanton lol ). What a load of rubbish!
Budgets in Children's care homes in Norfolk do not cover cleaners or take aways. They are put in YMCA or similar at 16 and staff do all cooking and cleaning! As for there only being one member of staff, does this man live there with them 24/7? Judi Daykin needs to go and ask NCC for a visit to a care home before writing about them any more. There is one just down the road from where she works but I do not suppose she thought to find out what they are really like? I do not need to go on about the description of the school involved. Sadly I also tortured my self with the audio version where pronunciation was completely wrong on so many things I just turned it off (Hunstanton lol ). What a load of rubbish!
March 8, 2021
A teenager’s body is found in the woods. Callum Young had had a terrible childhood and now, at 15, was living in a care home. When he doesn’t turn up for school his English Literature teacher, Sophie Bailey, goes to look for him. Sophie has an ulterior motive for looking for Callum - he’s one of her dealers. DS Sara Hirst and her team are assigned Callum’s case and work with the Drugs Team. Danni is a young girl in London. Her boyfriend has crossed the wrong person and now she has to deliver drugs to Norwich. There she meets up with Gary who is the boss’s brother and is in hiding after getting into trouble in the capital. As the two police teams work together they find links between Callum and the drugs business in London and a link to a notorious family from Italy.
This is the second in the Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and another thoroughly enjoyable read. Really enjoy learning about the characters and look forward to reading the next installment.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Judi Daykin for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second in the Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and another thoroughly enjoyable read. Really enjoy learning about the characters and look forward to reading the next installment.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Judi Daykin for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC!
Let me preface by pointing that I didn't read the first book in the series but it's not necessary, this book works very well as a standalone.
It's been a while since I've read a story in which I end up rooting for both the good guys and the bad guys (with some caveats, of course). On top of that, this is a multiperspective narration in which I didn't hate any of the main characters! (I'm looking at you Daenerys).
That's my take from Into Deadly Storms: the story follows three unique, fully fleshed characters that are very different from each other and interesting in their own right, and even when their actions are not entirely commendable you can't help but to empathize. I'd honestly love to read a sequel to any of their stories, as they're so different in nature even when they're tangled in the same murder / drugs mess.
I'll be looking forward to the next installment of the series!
Let me preface by pointing that I didn't read the first book in the series but it's not necessary, this book works very well as a standalone.
It's been a while since I've read a story in which I end up rooting for both the good guys and the bad guys (with some caveats, of course). On top of that, this is a multiperspective narration in which I didn't hate any of the main characters! (I'm looking at you Daenerys).
That's my take from Into Deadly Storms: the story follows three unique, fully fleshed characters that are very different from each other and interesting in their own right, and even when their actions are not entirely commendable you can't help but to empathize. I'd honestly love to read a sequel to any of their stories, as they're so different in nature even when they're tangled in the same murder / drugs mess.
I'll be looking forward to the next installment of the series!
March 5, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This is the second in the DS Sara Hirst series and as good as the first book.
The body of a teenage boy is found wrapped in a ground sheet in the woods, by a man and his dog. Sara and her team interview the boy's school teacher and the man who runs the care home where the boy lived. They immediately realize drugs were involved. The boy was selling cocaine wraps, including to his high school teacher. We meet the school teacher and her struggles with her addiction, as well as a young girl who gets in over her head with the woman, tough and deadly, who runs a drugs gang. Despite the dangers, the girl schemes her way into the gang, desperate for the glamorous life it may lead her into. I found her the most interesting character in the book.
This is a fast-paced, well written read that I definitely recommend.
This is the second in the DS Sara Hirst series and as good as the first book.
The body of a teenage boy is found wrapped in a ground sheet in the woods, by a man and his dog. Sara and her team interview the boy's school teacher and the man who runs the care home where the boy lived. They immediately realize drugs were involved. The boy was selling cocaine wraps, including to his high school teacher. We meet the school teacher and her struggles with her addiction, as well as a young girl who gets in over her head with the woman, tough and deadly, who runs a drugs gang. Despite the dangers, the girl schemes her way into the gang, desperate for the glamorous life it may lead her into. I found her the most interesting character in the book.
This is a fast-paced, well written read that I definitely recommend.
Read
March 25, 2021This is book 2 in the Sara Hirst series and is even better than the first.
The body of a young man is found and Sara and her team find this case is going to be far from easy beginning with the struggle to identify the body and then to find out what happened to him.
It seems everyone has a secret.
This is a gripping story with a lot going on. Drugs and their devastating effect on lives, a drug lord with no conscience and caught up in the middle is a young man who just wants to help everyone.
Love the characters they are all different but Lisa London is uniqueness wrapped up in a very believable character. The characters from the first book continue to grow and there are difficulties thrown in as when people turn out to be different than first thought.
All in all this was an absolutely stunning read that I couldn't put down and I am looking forward to more from Judi.
The body of a young man is found and Sara and her team find this case is going to be far from easy beginning with the struggle to identify the body and then to find out what happened to him.
It seems everyone has a secret.
This is a gripping story with a lot going on. Drugs and their devastating effect on lives, a drug lord with no conscience and caught up in the middle is a young man who just wants to help everyone.
Love the characters they are all different but Lisa London is uniqueness wrapped up in a very believable character. The characters from the first book continue to grow and there are difficulties thrown in as when people turn out to be different than first thought.
All in all this was an absolutely stunning read that I couldn't put down and I am looking forward to more from Judi.
March 5, 2021
Book two Detective Sara Hirst
Sara has had a few things on going in her life, a cottage in the small Norfolk village of Happisburgh has been left to her by her father, it's now in her hands to do what she wants with it.
At work Sara is on her way to the woods in Little Kettleford, a young mans body half naked wrapped in a groundsheet, later identified as Callum Young from the young persons care home Lyndford Lodge in Marlham, after searching his room a store of drugs are found a dealer that met his death. It's an on going murder case as things start to come to ahead for the team.
This book has it all, and well layed out story that will grip you as you read, the characters are growing on me big time and a great who dunnit. loved it.
Sara has had a few things on going in her life, a cottage in the small Norfolk village of Happisburgh has been left to her by her father, it's now in her hands to do what she wants with it.
At work Sara is on her way to the woods in Little Kettleford, a young mans body half naked wrapped in a groundsheet, later identified as Callum Young from the young persons care home Lyndford Lodge in Marlham, after searching his room a store of drugs are found a dealer that met his death. It's an on going murder case as things start to come to ahead for the team.
This book has it all, and well layed out story that will grip you as you read, the characters are growing on me big time and a great who dunnit. loved it.
March 8, 2021
This was my first book reading about DS Sarah Hirst and I look forward to many more. I didn’t read the first and that was not a problem. A man walking his dog in a wooded area finds a body wrapped in a ground cover tarp, who is the boy, why is dressed in only his shorts, .. bit by bit we learn about the characters in this boys life and how he and those that around him came to be where they are at, the people involved in drug distribution… And we learn about more about Sarah, racism, sexism in the workforce, her relationship with her mom, …
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for letting me read this book for my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for letting me read this book for my opinion.
March 18, 2021
Although the second book in the series, this reads well as a standalone too. DS Sara Hirst is coming to terms with the death of her father and moving to rural Lincolnshire from London. She is called out to a murder scene where a young boy has been wrapped up in a ground sheet and dumped in the forest. As she finds out more about the boy, the case begins to expand warranting other areas to become involved.
The book is well written and keeps the reader on their toes as to who is guilty and to what extent! It highlights many current issues and leaves you feeling both sympathy and anger together at times. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
The book is well written and keeps the reader on their toes as to who is guilty and to what extent! It highlights many current issues and leaves you feeling both sympathy and anger together at times. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
March 6, 2021
An engageing, enjoyable story with interesting characters. You don't expect a school teacher Sophie, to have a dubious lifestyle. One of her pupils Callum, from a care home is found murdered in the woods and his bike is missing.
Carefully crafted with strong female characters, with valuable insight into how the drug world operates. The drug gang is like a separate entertaining story in itself. It all neatly comes together with a satisfying ending.
Looking forward to reading more about DS Sara and also the drug dealers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for ARC.
Carefully crafted with strong female characters, with valuable insight into how the drug world operates. The drug gang is like a separate entertaining story in itself. It all neatly comes together with a satisfying ending.
Looking forward to reading more about DS Sara and also the drug dealers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for ARC.
March 6, 2021
The second of the DS Sarah Hirst stories, set in Norfolk. The action takes place between London, Norfolk and foreign parts and the story is at least as good as the first one in the series. It's well written with believable characters with a mainly sensible plot and background. I read it in one sitting.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
March 10, 2021
Judi Daykin is fairly new on the crime fiction scene. I think she is going to be around for a very long time. This is a gripping police procedural that is compelling and character driven. There's heart as well as suspense.
Sara Hirst is a great character. The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, tension and surprises. The empathy is shared out between the good guys and the bad guys.
This series has great potential. I will be watching out for more installments.
Sara Hirst is a great character. The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, tension and surprises. The empathy is shared out between the good guys and the bad guys.
This series has great potential. I will be watching out for more installments.
January 6, 2024
This wasn’t awful, but I just didn’t find it very engaging. I’m not really attached to any of the characters, even two books in, and I couldn’t muster much care for the trials of the cops or the criminals. It felt like being told a series of events in great detail of what everyone said, but not like I was watching events play out. I liked the first book a bit more, but I think I’ll abandon the series here.
March 21, 2021
Well written, deserves 4+
Sara Hirst is the detective at the heart of this series and a well developed, wonderful character. There are many suspects and a supporting cast that are cleverly written in a way that brings them to life. A number of social themes run through this story and they add to the overall picture. Recommend.
Sara Hirst is the detective at the heart of this series and a well developed, wonderful character. There are many suspects and a supporting cast that are cleverly written in a way that brings them to life. A number of social themes run through this story and they add to the overall picture. Recommend.
August 13, 2023
Great second book in Detective Sara Hirst series.
Comfortable read without the need for gratuitous melodramatic descriptive fillers. Judi Daykin paints a narrative that illustrates the scene just enough to immerse the reader in the essentials of the storyline. Look forward to reading more.
Comfortable read without the need for gratuitous melodramatic descriptive fillers. Judi Daykin paints a narrative that illustrates the scene just enough to immerse the reader in the essentials of the storyline. Look forward to reading more.
February 4, 2024
A great improvement on the first of the series. The characters are more fleshed out and likeable. Lisa London is a piece of work. Wonder if she and Gary will reappear in later stories. A very interesting set of plot lines that simmer nicely. Don't understand how the title relates to the story, however. Very clever, all told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
The 4 stars are for the writer and I enjoyed the story again. I’m afraid I listened on audible and the narrator of this second book was the wrong choice. I found it very irritating that half of the characters sounded like 10 year olds and it detracts from the story. A good narrator for children’s books but the wrong choice for this book.
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