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DCI Helen Lavery #4
Evil Intent
When a series of women’s bodies are discovered in the heart of rural Hamptonshire with a pentagram carved on their chests, DCI Helen Lavery is forced into a cat and mouse chase with a murderer who ultimately turns the tables and targets her.
Meanwhile, she is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organised crime boss Chilli Franks – the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s.
As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
Meanwhile, she is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organised crime boss Chilli Franks – the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s.
As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
- GenresProceduralFiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
10 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Jane Isaac
45 books348 followersJane Isaac is married to a retired detective and they live in rural Northamptonshire, UK with their dogs, Bollo and Digity.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 4, 2022
Evil Intent is an engrossing read, a solid police procedural / mystery in dual-narration format. Although I haven't yet read any of the preceding books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth instalment and will be returning to the earlier books to familiarise myself with the character backstories.
The book opens with the harrowing scene of a young woman, Shauna, being pursued through a dark wood by an unknown predator, desperately searching for a place in which she can seek cover. Immediately, the scene is set and the reader immersed in the gritty crime-mystery. Our attention and sympathies are also focussed upon the impact of violent crime on victims and their loved ones.
The remainder of the narrative shifts between the perspective of the senior investigating officer, Acting Detective Superintendent Helen Lavery, and that of Marnie O'Hennessey, Shauna's mother. We follow Lavery's investigation into the attack on Shauna as she balances the administrative pressures of her current more senior role with her own home life and the appearance in Hampton of a close relative of a notorious gangster who's previously threatened Lavery and her family. Meanwhile, Marnie and her husband Darren must deal with the devastating loss of their only surviving child, while ensuring the wellbeing of Shauna's young children and confronting some challenging realities uncovered by Lavery's investigation into Shauna's death.
As the action races towards the dramatic conclusion, the book enters thriller territory, as Lavery puts her own safety on the line in a last-ditch effort to stop a clever and vicious villain.
I felt that Evil Intent was a step up from the usual run of police procedural mysteries, in the sensitive handling by author Jane Isaac of issues surrounding the impact of violent crime on those left to pick up the pieces. In DSupt (Acting) Lavery, she has created an intuitive and relatable main protagonist and an evocative, though fictional, setting in the central midlands county of Hamptonshire. The supporting cast, comprising Lavery's police colleagues, her mother and two sons, and the witnesses and family members with whom she comes into contact, are all convincingly depicted. The mystery itself is twisted, throwing up several unexpected developments as the plot unfolds. Isaacs explores some confronting issues surrounding the challenges facing young single mothers and others who struggle to make ends meet. Short chapters and punchy dialogue make this a read that is hard to put down once started.
I'd recommend Evil Intent to any reader who seeks well-written and complex crime-mysteries. Helen Lavery is a strong female protagonist, whose demanding work and family responsibilities enhance a realistic and stimulating reading experience. I look forward to reading further titles from the series.
My thanks to the author, Jane Isaac, publisher Legend Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The book opens with the harrowing scene of a young woman, Shauna, being pursued through a dark wood by an unknown predator, desperately searching for a place in which she can seek cover. Immediately, the scene is set and the reader immersed in the gritty crime-mystery. Our attention and sympathies are also focussed upon the impact of violent crime on victims and their loved ones.
The remainder of the narrative shifts between the perspective of the senior investigating officer, Acting Detective Superintendent Helen Lavery, and that of Marnie O'Hennessey, Shauna's mother. We follow Lavery's investigation into the attack on Shauna as she balances the administrative pressures of her current more senior role with her own home life and the appearance in Hampton of a close relative of a notorious gangster who's previously threatened Lavery and her family. Meanwhile, Marnie and her husband Darren must deal with the devastating loss of their only surviving child, while ensuring the wellbeing of Shauna's young children and confronting some challenging realities uncovered by Lavery's investigation into Shauna's death.
As the action races towards the dramatic conclusion, the book enters thriller territory, as Lavery puts her own safety on the line in a last-ditch effort to stop a clever and vicious villain.
I felt that Evil Intent was a step up from the usual run of police procedural mysteries, in the sensitive handling by author Jane Isaac of issues surrounding the impact of violent crime on those left to pick up the pieces. In DSupt (Acting) Lavery, she has created an intuitive and relatable main protagonist and an evocative, though fictional, setting in the central midlands county of Hamptonshire. The supporting cast, comprising Lavery's police colleagues, her mother and two sons, and the witnesses and family members with whom she comes into contact, are all convincingly depicted. The mystery itself is twisted, throwing up several unexpected developments as the plot unfolds. Isaacs explores some confronting issues surrounding the challenges facing young single mothers and others who struggle to make ends meet. Short chapters and punchy dialogue make this a read that is hard to put down once started.
I'd recommend Evil Intent to any reader who seeks well-written and complex crime-mysteries. Helen Lavery is a strong female protagonist, whose demanding work and family responsibilities enhance a realistic and stimulating reading experience. I look forward to reading further titles from the series.
My thanks to the author, Jane Isaac, publisher Legend Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
February 12, 2022
Evil Intent by Jane Isaac is the fourth instalment in the DCI Helen Lavery series but reads quite well as a stand-alone. The police procedural takes place in Hamptonshire, where the DCI and her investigators are on the hunt for a serial killer of young women. His gruesome signature is the upside-down pentagram that he carves on his victims’ chests. The book deals with Helen’s personal life and the day-to-day investigative work done to solve these horrid crimes. Jane Isaac brings a humane touch to this violent story by showing that the victims’ families are treated with compassion and personal attention. The characters are varied and interesting and the resolution of Evil Intent is developed slowly and logically but remains a surprise for the reader till the end. This police procedural is a great way to spend a winter day. I look forward to reading more mysteries written by Jane Isaac. Highly recommended. Thank you to Legend Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2022
Jane Isaac is the author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). “Evil Intent” is the fourth in the Helen Lavery series and is a traditional police procedural featuring the typical, twisted and feared serial killer.
- “When a series of women’s bodies are discovered in the heart of rural Hamptonshire with a pentagram gruesomely carved on their chests, DCI Helen Lavery is forced into a dangerous cat and mouse chase with a murderer, who ultimately turns the tables and targets her.”
There’s nothing I like better than a first class police procedural featuring a frightening serial killer on the loose and Jane Isaac’s books fits that criteria fully. On top of plots that keep the reader entertained and engrossed, her writing is razor sharp, waffle and filler free and focus purely on the one investigation and only the minimal of personal lives crossing into professional ones. Humour is appropriate with gallows humour virtually non existent, making the deaths sympathetic and believable. The author features realistic and empathetic characters that are truly relatable and who you form an instant connection with.
I’ve recently read the third in the series, “A Deathly Silence” which set the scene for this one perfectly but I have to say, these books can very easily be enjoyed as individual reads, there’s enough background information in each to ensure you’re kept up to date.
I really couldn’t fault “Evil Intent”, as soon as the first woman was discovered, naked with a pentagram horrifically carved into her chest, I knew this was a story for me and Jane Isaac will continue to remain on my list of automatic ‘go to’ authors!
#EvilIntent - 5 stars
*Many thanks to The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook for my copy of the book in return for an honest opinion*
- “When a series of women’s bodies are discovered in the heart of rural Hamptonshire with a pentagram gruesomely carved on their chests, DCI Helen Lavery is forced into a dangerous cat and mouse chase with a murderer, who ultimately turns the tables and targets her.”
There’s nothing I like better than a first class police procedural featuring a frightening serial killer on the loose and Jane Isaac’s books fits that criteria fully. On top of plots that keep the reader entertained and engrossed, her writing is razor sharp, waffle and filler free and focus purely on the one investigation and only the minimal of personal lives crossing into professional ones. Humour is appropriate with gallows humour virtually non existent, making the deaths sympathetic and believable. The author features realistic and empathetic characters that are truly relatable and who you form an instant connection with.
I’ve recently read the third in the series, “A Deathly Silence” which set the scene for this one perfectly but I have to say, these books can very easily be enjoyed as individual reads, there’s enough background information in each to ensure you’re kept up to date.
I really couldn’t fault “Evil Intent”, as soon as the first woman was discovered, naked with a pentagram horrifically carved into her chest, I knew this was a story for me and Jane Isaac will continue to remain on my list of automatic ‘go to’ authors!
#EvilIntent - 5 stars
*Many thanks to The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook for my copy of the book in return for an honest opinion*
January 22, 2022
EVIL INTENT is Fourth novel in the DCI Helen Lavery Series, an excellent dark and twisted crime thriller/ police procedural by Jane Isaac. I feel this novel can be read as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy this novel so much, you will be reaching for the previous three books in the series, to follow up more on the characters. I am as much to blame as I have her first two novels in this series to read…but it won’t be for long.
The novels in the DCI Helen Lavery Series include:
An Unfamiliar Murder (Book 1)
The Truth Will Out (Book 2)
A Deathly Silence (Book3)
Evil Intent (Book 4)
When a woman's body is found with a pentagon symbol carved into her skin, DCI Helen Lavery and her team are in a race against time to find the killer before he strikes again…a cat-and-mouse chase with a murderer who ultimately turns the tables and targets her.
Meanwhile, Helen is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organized crime boss Chilli Franks, the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s.
As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
This is a gripping police procedural with interesting family subtleties, and this book kept me hooked till the end. Tension builds steadily throughout the book.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
The novels in the DCI Helen Lavery Series include:
An Unfamiliar Murder (Book 1)
The Truth Will Out (Book 2)
A Deathly Silence (Book3)
Evil Intent (Book 4)
When a woman's body is found with a pentagon symbol carved into her skin, DCI Helen Lavery and her team are in a race against time to find the killer before he strikes again…a cat-and-mouse chase with a murderer who ultimately turns the tables and targets her.
Meanwhile, Helen is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organized crime boss Chilli Franks, the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s.
As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
This is a gripping police procedural with interesting family subtleties, and this book kept me hooked till the end. Tension builds steadily throughout the book.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
February 18, 2022
This is the fourth in the DCI Helen Lavery series; it is the second I have read and enjoyed. Although part of a series, I think Evil Intent would be fine as a standalone.
In this case, a series of dead bodies of young women with a pentagram carved into their chests is investigated by Helen’s team. In addition, the half brother of a notorious criminal who was the nemesis of both Helen and, before that, her father, has turned up in town and his son has become a close friend of her son’s.
This is not only a solid police procedural, but it also focuses on the affects of violence on victim’s families, as well as the impact of policing on an officer’s family. It moves along at a good pace and I did not want to put it down!
Helen is a strong, confident female character. I’ve read too many authors with female leads who have flaws in the their personality make up. Helen is an emotionally mature individual and I look forward to reading the next in this series. Are changes coming? As the story ends, Helen, who is Acting Detective Superintendent is about to say goodbye to her Assistant Chief Constable who has taken a job with another department.
In this case, a series of dead bodies of young women with a pentagram carved into their chests is investigated by Helen’s team. In addition, the half brother of a notorious criminal who was the nemesis of both Helen and, before that, her father, has turned up in town and his son has become a close friend of her son’s.
This is not only a solid police procedural, but it also focuses on the affects of violence on victim’s families, as well as the impact of policing on an officer’s family. It moves along at a good pace and I did not want to put it down!
Helen is a strong, confident female character. I’ve read too many authors with female leads who have flaws in the their personality make up. Helen is an emotionally mature individual and I look forward to reading the next in this series. Are changes coming? As the story ends, Helen, who is Acting Detective Superintendent is about to say goodbye to her Assistant Chief Constable who has taken a job with another department.
February 1, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Thank you Legend Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before it's published.
This was my first book by Jane Isaac, so I was jumping into the DCI Helen Lavery series a bit late. However, there was enough context that any reader could pick up the book and enjoy the story without needing to read the three books before it.
THE PLOT
In this police procedural, DCI Helen Lavery is on the hunt for a twisted killer after a series of bodies are discovered with Pentagrams carved into their chests. Is it the doings of a Satanist? An occult member? Lavery and her squad relentlessly hunt down the killer when she finds herself a target. What happens... Well, you'll have to find out yourself ;)
MY OPINION
As I mentioned, this is my first Jane Isaac novel, but immediately her writing reminded me of Alafair Burke. The storyline was full of twists and turns, with a surprise ending. An easy read for a lazy afternoon.
I was captivated by the opening scene; a woman running fearfully for her life. It really set the tone of the scene and kept me reading.
Ok, so why 3/5 stars? Mostly because I felt there was too much filler text... By that I mean descriptions/scene that didn't do anything to advance the plot. It felt like the author was trying to meet a word count minimum at some points. However, I do recognize that a lot of people like these longer drawn out scene and descriptions because it connects them with the characters. But personally, I'm not one to care what the characters look like, or what they had for dinner, or if they have kids, because I'm all about a juicy plot.
Would I read another DCI Helen Lavery novel? I'm open to it.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: FANTASTIC opening scene, straightforward police procedural that's believable and intriguing, solid amount of twists and revelations
Cons: Unnecessary fluffy text (again—a personal preference)
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this book before publication.
Thank you Legend Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before it's published.
This was my first book by Jane Isaac, so I was jumping into the DCI Helen Lavery series a bit late. However, there was enough context that any reader could pick up the book and enjoy the story without needing to read the three books before it.
THE PLOT
In this police procedural, DCI Helen Lavery is on the hunt for a twisted killer after a series of bodies are discovered with Pentagrams carved into their chests. Is it the doings of a Satanist? An occult member? Lavery and her squad relentlessly hunt down the killer when she finds herself a target. What happens... Well, you'll have to find out yourself ;)
MY OPINION
As I mentioned, this is my first Jane Isaac novel, but immediately her writing reminded me of Alafair Burke. The storyline was full of twists and turns, with a surprise ending. An easy read for a lazy afternoon.
I was captivated by the opening scene; a woman running fearfully for her life. It really set the tone of the scene and kept me reading.
Ok, so why 3/5 stars? Mostly because I felt there was too much filler text... By that I mean descriptions/scene that didn't do anything to advance the plot. It felt like the author was trying to meet a word count minimum at some points. However, I do recognize that a lot of people like these longer drawn out scene and descriptions because it connects them with the characters. But personally, I'm not one to care what the characters look like, or what they had for dinner, or if they have kids, because I'm all about a juicy plot.
Would I read another DCI Helen Lavery novel? I'm open to it.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: FANTASTIC opening scene, straightforward police procedural that's believable and intriguing, solid amount of twists and revelations
Cons: Unnecessary fluffy text (again—a personal preference)
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this book before publication.
January 20, 2022
When a woman's body is found with a pentagon symbol carved into her skin, DCI Helen Lavery and her team are in a race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.
Evil Intent by Jane Isaac is the 4th book in the DCI Helen Lavery series but my first and can be read as a stand-alone. A gripping police procedural with interesting family dynamics, this book kept me hooked till the end.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
Evil Intent by Jane Isaac is the 4th book in the DCI Helen Lavery series but my first and can be read as a stand-alone. A gripping police procedural with interesting family dynamics, this book kept me hooked till the end.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
January 4, 2022
I absolutely raced through this gripping police procedural novel by Jane Isaac. In this story DCI Helen Lavery investigates a series of murders – all women, all found in similar circumstances and all found with an inverted pentagram carved into their chest. Helen and her team are in a race against time to uncover the murderer and their motive before they kill again. Well paced tension builds steadily throughout the book which kept me flying through the pages.
It is the fourth novel in the Helen Lavery series and, although there is a back story that clearly builds throughout the series, it does also read perfectly well as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read in this series and I did not feel at a disadvantage with jumping in at book 4. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to THE Book Club Reviewer Group for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
It is the fourth novel in the Helen Lavery series and, although there is a back story that clearly builds throughout the series, it does also read perfectly well as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read in this series and I did not feel at a disadvantage with jumping in at book 4. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to THE Book Club Reviewer Group for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 15, 2022
I leapt at the chance to be a part of the blog tour for Evil Intent by Jane Isaac. Having read and enjoyed her previous books, I knew this would be one that I didn't want to miss.
Jane Isaac has a special ability to create characters who come alive on the page, there is such an investment in the people within the story that the reader is completely drawn in and involved throughout.
The descriptive elements are tangible, I was practically running through the woods with the first victim, with leaves and branches whipping at my skin and my own heart raced as she tried desperately to still her breathing so as not to reveal her hiding place.
Then follows the chase to catch this depraved killer before more young lives are taken.
DCI Helen Lavery has to balance her career and her home life as she tracks the killer in Evil Intent. Her professional and personal worlds look set to converge and she needs to dig deep to see this one through.
Evil Intent is a fabulous thriller / police procedural and like the previous books I can easily see this being made into an excellent TV series, especially with the added spice from the nephew of old foe Chilli Franks.
Huge thanks to Jane Isaac and Legend Times for letting me be a part of this blog tour.
Jane Isaac has a special ability to create characters who come alive on the page, there is such an investment in the people within the story that the reader is completely drawn in and involved throughout.
The descriptive elements are tangible, I was practically running through the woods with the first victim, with leaves and branches whipping at my skin and my own heart raced as she tried desperately to still her breathing so as not to reveal her hiding place.
Then follows the chase to catch this depraved killer before more young lives are taken.
DCI Helen Lavery has to balance her career and her home life as she tracks the killer in Evil Intent. Her professional and personal worlds look set to converge and she needs to dig deep to see this one through.
Evil Intent is a fabulous thriller / police procedural and like the previous books I can easily see this being made into an excellent TV series, especially with the added spice from the nephew of old foe Chilli Franks.
Huge thanks to Jane Isaac and Legend Times for letting me be a part of this blog tour.
October 11, 2021
Evil Intent is an utterly convincing, breathtakingly gripping police procedural – I couldn’t put it down. I think it’s the number of different factors underpinning this that make it such a great book. Jane Isaac gives you everything, weaving tensions from the case with those relating to Helen’s home life and never forgetting the impact of murder on the victims’ families. The way Isaac delves into human emotions makes for a compelling read and it all feels very real. I also love the way she manages to convey the huge combined effort of, and pressure on, a team working to catch a serial killer, yet still give the reader a strong feeling of connection with Helen as an individual. The combination kept me hooked. Meanwhile key supporting characters add warmth to the story providing just the right balance to the grittiness. Perfect.
Many thanks to Legend Press for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It’s been a treat!
Many thanks to Legend Press for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It’s been a treat!
February 4, 2022
When several women are murdered in rural Hamptonshire it's evident that DCI Helen Lavery has a serial killer on her hands and the race is on to catch them before more women die. There is something rather unusual and gruesome about these killings though as they all have a ritualistic pentagram carved into their chest. What does that mean? To apprehend the killer the police must find out the significance of the symbol. The closer they get to finding the murderer the more intense it gets for Helen Lavery. As the case closes in so does the killer and it appears the tables have turned on the leading detective.
I love a good police procedural thriller and I love a thriller that actually delivers on the thrills and Evil Intent delivers on both. I believe this is a series but it didn't alter my enjoyment of it at all. Jane Isaac's writing is razor sharp, there's no waffle or unnecessary plot lines and the way she builds suspense is fantastic.The pacing is perfect and focuses on the main investigation but at the same time creates a realistic view of the victims and their families so the reader feels great empathy. Now I'm not a police officer but I've read enough thrillers to tell when a book is realistic and when it's not. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, it made me feel doom and a sense of claustrophobia and I felt the desperation of needing to catch this killer. This is exactly what I want when I pick up a book like this. I wasn't underwhelmed at all. I will definitely be reading more from this author and will check the other books out that go before this one.
I love a good police procedural thriller and I love a thriller that actually delivers on the thrills and Evil Intent delivers on both. I believe this is a series but it didn't alter my enjoyment of it at all. Jane Isaac's writing is razor sharp, there's no waffle or unnecessary plot lines and the way she builds suspense is fantastic.The pacing is perfect and focuses on the main investigation but at the same time creates a realistic view of the victims and their families so the reader feels great empathy. Now I'm not a police officer but I've read enough thrillers to tell when a book is realistic and when it's not. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, it made me feel doom and a sense of claustrophobia and I felt the desperation of needing to catch this killer. This is exactly what I want when I pick up a book like this. I wasn't underwhelmed at all. I will definitely be reading more from this author and will check the other books out that go before this one.
January 29, 2022
DCI Helen Lavery returns in the latest instalment in this police procedural series, this time round she is Acting Superintendent, but she is still very much at the forefront of the action that continues to occur in rural Hamptonshire. She and her team are chasing the tail of a serial killer who murders his female victims and carves a pentagram on their chests. The perpetrator is very clever, always staying one step ahead of the team, inciting Helen to do something that could be dangerous, but she is determined to bring the killer to justice.
Evil Intent is the fourth in this series and hits the ground running, as in previous books it's full of characters with colourful lives, which is what makes these books so easy to read. Isaac creates her characters in a way that the reader connects to them, becoming invested in them and whatever life throws their way. Each one of her books is fresh and exciting, the plots are authentic, the subjects she covers are written sensitively, with compassion and integrity, keeping the reader coming back for more. The chapters are short and seamlessly executed and, although this is part of a series, can easily be read as a standalone, though I would recommend you read them in order, to appreciate the backgrounds of the characters. If you love a good detective novel, this author is definitely one to get acquainted with!
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Legend Press for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Evil Intent is the fourth in this series and hits the ground running, as in previous books it's full of characters with colourful lives, which is what makes these books so easy to read. Isaac creates her characters in a way that the reader connects to them, becoming invested in them and whatever life throws their way. Each one of her books is fresh and exciting, the plots are authentic, the subjects she covers are written sensitively, with compassion and integrity, keeping the reader coming back for more. The chapters are short and seamlessly executed and, although this is part of a series, can easily be read as a standalone, though I would recommend you read them in order, to appreciate the backgrounds of the characters. If you love a good detective novel, this author is definitely one to get acquainted with!
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Legend Press for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
February 23, 2022
Evil intent is a great police procedural story, part of a series that I have only read this one, book number 4. It can easily be read as a stand-alone with no problem in finding out who are the main characters.
DCI Helen is an interesting character that has to balance her personal life and her job as a detective.
When more young women are found dead with a specific mark, they have to look up for a serial killer that is not leaving them that many clues.
It's an interesting story overall, and I enjoyed seeing that many times the people in the investigation aren't solely focused on solving the crime but are compassionate about the victim's families as well.
Looking forward to read more by the author soon. Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
DCI Helen is an interesting character that has to balance her personal life and her job as a detective.
When more young women are found dead with a specific mark, they have to look up for a serial killer that is not leaving them that many clues.
It's an interesting story overall, and I enjoyed seeing that many times the people in the investigation aren't solely focused on solving the crime but are compassionate about the victim's families as well.
Looking forward to read more by the author soon. Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
February 8, 2022
There was a real sense of urgency in this book, I felt almost as if the quicker I read it, the more lives I would save. Needless to say I read it in one sitting. This is book 4 in a series but it is easily read as a stand alone. Jane Isaac is a new author to me and I look forward to reading her back catalogue as well as any future books.
February 1, 2022
Acting Superintendant Helen Lavery and her team are working hard to find the murderer when a number of bodies are found. All of the bodies have a pentagram carved into the body. Helen and her team explore all local links to groups that display pentagrams or are known to have satanic beliefs.
The book gives reference to a previous case that Helen was involved in that may have future repercussions but I didn’t feel that I had to have read the previous books to relate to this. Helen and her father, who was a detective, both came up against the same criminal family and Helen worries about the safety of her family.
This book was a fab read and I wanted to keep reading to find out who the murderer was. I will definitely be reading more of the Helen Lavery books.
The book gives reference to a previous case that Helen was involved in that may have future repercussions but I didn’t feel that I had to have read the previous books to relate to this. Helen and her father, who was a detective, both came up against the same criminal family and Helen worries about the safety of her family.
This book was a fab read and I wanted to keep reading to find out who the murderer was. I will definitely be reading more of the Helen Lavery books.
February 1, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish. Young women are found murdered with pentagrams cut into their skin and the race is on to find the motive and perpetrator fast. There are some factors which are fairly classic and unsurprising for a serial killer scenario but somehow the writer keeps the concept really fresh and exciting. There is also a good balance of backstory surrounding a local organised crime boss and hints to previous books and storylines, but even not having read them all it still added to the bugger picture for me and didn’t detract. I also liked the build up of the characters, both the detectives and the victims and their families as I felt it made them even the more engaging. I finished the book in a day as I was compelled to race to the end and see how it all tied up and I wasn’t disappointed.
March 26, 2022
Evil Intent, by Jane Isaac. Helen, Pemberton and Marnie were awesome. I was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed the twist and turns from each clue that was given for the different scenarios of finding the killer. The writer did a wonderful job with replicating the detectives and the corners dialogue.
The terminology that’s involved in the police field was easy to understand. I loved Helen’s character. To me she appears calm, cool and collective. She stands back to monitor what’s happening around her. She then gathers her information to puzzle it together, then she has her answer.
Pemberton is a good sidekick. He doesn’t talk much during interrogations, but he’s always on point if someone needs something to drink. I would to have like to read some of the book from the killers point of view in the book. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
The terminology that’s involved in the police field was easy to understand. I loved Helen’s character. To me she appears calm, cool and collective. She stands back to monitor what’s happening around her. She then gathers her information to puzzle it together, then she has her answer.
Pemberton is a good sidekick. He doesn’t talk much during interrogations, but he’s always on point if someone needs something to drink. I would to have like to read some of the book from the killers point of view in the book. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
February 1, 2022
This is book 4 in the DCI Helen Lavery series. I‘ve read the previous three but this story could easily be read as a stand alone. As always it’s a well written police procedural thriller and a real page turner. I love this authors writing, very tight with few wasted words and the occasional glimpse of wry humour.
Briefly, a woman is found strangled with a pentagram carved into her body. The DCI is put in charge of the investigation but before they can make progress more bodies are found with similar injuries. Meanwhile Helen discovers that her son has befriended the nephew of a crime boss whom she has put behind bars, awaiting trial.
This is a cleverly written thriller as despite the teams best efforts the killer always seems to be a step ahead. It is then that the DCI hatches a plan which goes badly wrong and she finds herself in serious danger of death. The story highlights the issues faced trying to mix professional and personal lives. The plot moves along at great pace with a surprising finish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, a woman is found strangled with a pentagram carved into her body. The DCI is put in charge of the investigation but before they can make progress more bodies are found with similar injuries. Meanwhile Helen discovers that her son has befriended the nephew of a crime boss whom she has put behind bars, awaiting trial.
This is a cleverly written thriller as despite the teams best efforts the killer always seems to be a step ahead. It is then that the DCI hatches a plan which goes badly wrong and she finds herself in serious danger of death. The story highlights the issues faced trying to mix professional and personal lives. The plot moves along at great pace with a surprising finish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 3, 2022
This is one heck of a police procedural, the author is very good at these! I have read book number three in the series but not the first two. I think this book could be read as a standalone but it is always nice to start from the beginning of a series :)
Helen is working hard to solve the mystery of young women who are found with a pentagram carved in their chests. The fact that they look a lot like each other and have something else in common that their friends and family don't know about, is a bit of a worry...
This is quite the intense case and I thought it was very well written. I like that Helen is living with her mother, who gives her a lot of support with her sons, and this then allows Helen to really get stuck into her job. Helen is still a devoted mother too though and this shines through as well. It can't be easy to be a single mum and a serving police officer.
Great read, looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me.
Helen is working hard to solve the mystery of young women who are found with a pentagram carved in their chests. The fact that they look a lot like each other and have something else in common that their friends and family don't know about, is a bit of a worry...
This is quite the intense case and I thought it was very well written. I like that Helen is living with her mother, who gives her a lot of support with her sons, and this then allows Helen to really get stuck into her job. Helen is still a devoted mother too though and this shines through as well. It can't be easy to be a single mum and a serving police officer.
Great read, looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 stars from me.
February 6, 2022
This is my 2nd book by this author but the 1st on this series, which was East to read as a standalone but I will be putting the others on my TBR pile to find out what has happened in the past with Chilly.
Helen is now acting superintendent with what seems to be a ritual murder to investigate. What I really enjoyed about this book is I didn't guess who it was and as crime thrillers are my favourite genre often I do. The writer offered plenty of detail into how police procedures work without losing your attention. Defiantly one I would recommend and I will look forward to the next
Helen is now acting superintendent with what seems to be a ritual murder to investigate. What I really enjoyed about this book is I didn't guess who it was and as crime thrillers are my favourite genre often I do. The writer offered plenty of detail into how police procedures work without losing your attention. Defiantly one I would recommend and I will look forward to the next
February 10, 2022
It’s not you, it’s me
I was due to be on the blog tour for this a few days ago, but struggled to find the words to describe how I felt! I’ve read quite a few books similar to this but I believe if I’d read Evil Intent first, I would’ve really enjoyed.
I like the author’s writing which makes you a fly on the wall to the investigation. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and whilst it can be read as a stand-alone, there’s probably a lot of value behind reading the previous.
I’ve rated this a low 3-stars, but only in proportion with similar books I’ve rated higher. I might take a break from crime fiction 😂😅
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
I was due to be on the blog tour for this a few days ago, but struggled to find the words to describe how I felt! I’ve read quite a few books similar to this but I believe if I’d read Evil Intent first, I would’ve really enjoyed.
I like the author’s writing which makes you a fly on the wall to the investigation. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and whilst it can be read as a stand-alone, there’s probably a lot of value behind reading the previous.
I’ve rated this a low 3-stars, but only in proportion with similar books I’ve rated higher. I might take a break from crime fiction 😂😅
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
Evil intent by Jane Isaac.
Dci Helen Lavery book 4.
When a series of women’s bodies is discovered in the heart of rural Hamptonshire with a pentagram carved on their chests, DCI Helen Lavery is forced into a cat-and-mouse chase with a murderer who ultimately turns the tables and targets her. Meanwhile, she is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organised crime boss Chilli Franks – the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s. As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. Helen was my favourite. 4*.
Dci Helen Lavery book 4.
When a series of women’s bodies is discovered in the heart of rural Hamptonshire with a pentagram carved on their chests, DCI Helen Lavery is forced into a cat-and-mouse chase with a murderer who ultimately turns the tables and targets her. Meanwhile, she is shocked to discover that her younger son’s new best friend is the nephew of organised crime boss Chilli Franks – the man who has held a grudge against Helen’s family since her father first put him away in the 1990s. As her personal and professional lives collide, Helen finds herself in mortal danger as she races to track down the serial killer and restore safety to the streets of Hampton.
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. Helen was my favourite. 4*.
February 5, 2022
This is the 4th book in the series and the first that I have read. It is okay to read as a standalone but there are those moments in the book that refer to previous events in another book and if you are like me then it will make you go and seek out the beginning of the series and start it and read through. Great characters and dark twisted plot make for a quick and intriguing read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
January 29, 2022
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
If you read this book, you are in for a treat as, once again, Jane Isaac brings us a doozy of a story and although this is the fourth in the series, don't let that put you off as it can easily be read as a standalone.
DCI Helen Lavery and her team are hunting a serial killer who is becoming more brazen as each victim is found. Evil Intent follows their difficult investigation where there are few suspects and even less clues.
With fantastic characters, an excellent story and written at a good pace, Evil Intent is a book full of tension and suspense from start to finish and I have no hesitation in recommending this to others who enjoy this genre.
My thanks must go to Legend Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
If you read this book, you are in for a treat as, once again, Jane Isaac brings us a doozy of a story and although this is the fourth in the series, don't let that put you off as it can easily be read as a standalone.
DCI Helen Lavery and her team are hunting a serial killer who is becoming more brazen as each victim is found. Evil Intent follows their difficult investigation where there are few suspects and even less clues.
With fantastic characters, an excellent story and written at a good pace, Evil Intent is a book full of tension and suspense from start to finish and I have no hesitation in recommending this to others who enjoy this genre.
My thanks must go to Legend Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
February 14, 2022
I was given a copy of Evil Intent by Legend Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Though this book is number four in the DCI Helen Lavery series, it can also be read as a stand alone book. After reading this book, I will definitely be reading more in the series!
Evil Intent takes off at a fast pace from the start. It follows DCI Lavery as she attempts to catch a killer who is murdering women before carving a pentagram on their chest. I definitely did not see the path this novel would take; however, I did not feel like there was a great deal of tension. While there were a couple tense moments, overall, I felt the case was wrapped up fairly easily.
All that being said, it was an enjoyable read that I kept coming back to. The characters were relatable, and I felt connected to their journey. I'll be looking to read the entire series in the future, and I've found a new author in my favorite genre. :)
Evil Intent takes off at a fast pace from the start. It follows DCI Lavery as she attempts to catch a killer who is murdering women before carving a pentagram on their chest. I definitely did not see the path this novel would take; however, I did not feel like there was a great deal of tension. While there were a couple tense moments, overall, I felt the case was wrapped up fairly easily.
All that being said, it was an enjoyable read that I kept coming back to. The characters were relatable, and I felt connected to their journey. I'll be looking to read the entire series in the future, and I've found a new author in my favorite genre. :)
February 1, 2022
DCI Lavery heads up a team of dedicated cops
There's a sadistic serial killer on the loose who preys on sex workers and it's up to DCI Lavery to stop him before he takes the life of another woman
To throw a spanner in the works DCI Lavery arch enemies step brother returns to town with his family in tow. His teenage son soon befriends the DCIs son. Could this be the beginning of the end?
My first read by Jane Issac and this book definitely has me reaching for her other books
There's a sadistic serial killer on the loose who preys on sex workers and it's up to DCI Lavery to stop him before he takes the life of another woman
To throw a spanner in the works DCI Lavery arch enemies step brother returns to town with his family in tow. His teenage son soon befriends the DCIs son. Could this be the beginning of the end?
My first read by Jane Issac and this book definitely has me reaching for her other books
December 28, 2021
Another brilliant book by this author. Lots of twists and turns and believable characters. Interesting side story involving other characters - will be definitely interesting to see how that develops. Really good plot and really well written- couldn’t wait to get to the end to see what happened.
February 1, 2022
Wow. I thought I'd worked out the killer pretty early on. Yeah, how wrong was I? I literally was kept on my toes the whole way whilst reading and have actually ordered the others books in the series as I read this as a stand alone. You definitely don't need to have read the series first but trust me you will want to as the writing style, story and characters are so well written.
February 1, 2022
Really enjoyed this!
It's the 4th in a series and I have not read the other 3 however this can be read perfectly well as a stand alone.
It's about a serial killer and the DCI and her team investigating.
Really easy tonread with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I will definitely be going back and reading the first 3 in this series.
Would definitely recommend!
It's the 4th in a series and I have not read the other 3 however this can be read perfectly well as a stand alone.
It's about a serial killer and the DCI and her team investigating.
Really easy tonread with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I will definitely be going back and reading the first 3 in this series.
Would definitely recommend!
February 1, 2022
A no brainer review from me. A psychological thriller which I devoured. I normally like to read a series in order but didn’t this time. This book can stand alone. There is history but not enough to deter from the current plot line.
A strong female lead and an elusive serial killer for her to track down. Thought provoking and well written. What’s not to like?
A strong female lead and an elusive serial killer for her to track down. Thought provoking and well written. What’s not to like?
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