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Billie Wilde #3
The Mad Hatter Murders
"GRIPPING! Wow . . . kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, so many twists and turns, that kept me thinking, just one more chapter! . . A rollercoaster ride!" --Amazon reviewer, five stars
A British police detective's latest case gets curiouser and curiouser in this hard-hitting novel by the author of The Devil's Line.
DSI Billie Wilde's romantic relationship is intense--but it's nothing compared to the pressure of her latest case, especially since the new chief of police is gunning for her squad. If they don't get a handle on a series of deaths--which seem to have a connection to Alice in Wonderland--they could wind up being demoted. And the identity of one of the victims has made things devastatingly personal for Billie.
In search of clues, she winds up working closely with PI Ellis Darque, who is working undercover. But as Billie works to sort out what's going on behind the scenes, and confronts dark truths about her own family, she starts to feel like she's gone through the looking-glass herself . . .
This chilling police procedural by the author of The Magpie, finalist for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction, is a compelling tale filled with complex motives, tangled mysteries, and shocking surprises.
A British police detective's latest case gets curiouser and curiouser in this hard-hitting novel by the author of The Devil's Line.
DSI Billie Wilde's romantic relationship is intense--but it's nothing compared to the pressure of her latest case, especially since the new chief of police is gunning for her squad. If they don't get a handle on a series of deaths--which seem to have a connection to Alice in Wonderland--they could wind up being demoted. And the identity of one of the victims has made things devastatingly personal for Billie.
In search of clues, she winds up working closely with PI Ellis Darque, who is working undercover. But as Billie works to sort out what's going on behind the scenes, and confronts dark truths about her own family, she starts to feel like she's gone through the looking-glass herself . . .
This chilling police procedural by the author of The Magpie, finalist for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction, is a compelling tale filled with complex motives, tangled mysteries, and shocking surprises.
- GenresMystery
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2022
15 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Marrisse Whittaker
8 books27 followersMarrisse Whittaker has been creating characters for all of her working life, first as a TV and Film Make-Up Artist, where she might have been called upon to construct a corpse, age an actor by a hundred years, or make a real-life drug-raddled rock star look desirable.
Next as a TV Scriptwriter, creating stories for popular series such as CBBC’S Byker Grove, BBC’s Doctors and Channel 4 Hollyoaks.
But plenty of drama takes place in real-life too and when Marrisse joined forces with her husband, former TV Journalist Bob Whittaker, to establish Orion TV, they produced a fascinating range of factual programmes for major broadcasters.
Now creating a scene has taken on a new meaning for Marrisse since 2020, when she launched a new career as a novelist, writing crime fiction.
Living by the sea in rural Northumberland, Marrisse likes to invent murder and mayhem whilst travelling far and wide or walking through the surf and turf landscape on her doorstep, whilst eating lots of chocolate.
Next as a TV Scriptwriter, creating stories for popular series such as CBBC’S Byker Grove, BBC’s Doctors and Channel 4 Hollyoaks.
But plenty of drama takes place in real-life too and when Marrisse joined forces with her husband, former TV Journalist Bob Whittaker, to establish Orion TV, they produced a fascinating range of factual programmes for major broadcasters.
Now creating a scene has taken on a new meaning for Marrisse since 2020, when she launched a new career as a novelist, writing crime fiction.
Living by the sea in rural Northumberland, Marrisse likes to invent murder and mayhem whilst travelling far and wide or walking through the surf and turf landscape on her doorstep, whilst eating lots of chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 13, 2023
After about 20% it was clear I wouldn’t like this. I ended up zipping through it. I was hoping it would be more like Jasper Fforde with a lot of connections to literary characters, in this case Alice in Wonderland. If you like cozy crime + Alice in Wonderland this might be ok for you.
February 4, 2022
Brilliant. I loved it. Book 3 in the Billie Wilde series and another fabulous police procedural. This lady is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Set in the North of England the book references lots of places and connections to the author Lewis Carroll ( Charles Lutwidge Dodgson ) and to Alice Liddell the ‘real’ Alice in Wonderland in the book of that name. I found it fascinating and I want to reread the two Alice books now. Billie is a wonderful (no pun intended) character who, despite all life has thrown at her, and continues to throw, is always determined that right will always win.
Briefly, Billie and her team are investigating a gruesome murder but before they get far a second murder occurs on the set where a film crew are filming a new version of Alice in Wonderland. With both murders appearing to be linked to Alice in Wonderland Billie strikes up a tenuous connection to PI Ellis Darque, who is working undercover on the set. Meanwhile, Billie’s personal life is a bit topsy turvy, her work partner Ash is lodging with her and often has his kids there, and her partner Max is getting a bit peeved that her work keeps taking priority over him.
Alongside the main storyline there are a number of other stories building around Billie and her friends and colleagues all of which tie up seamlessly as the story builds to a close. A slightly crazy story full of over the top characters this was a fast paced and fun read. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next chapter in Billie’s crazy life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Billie and her team are investigating a gruesome murder but before they get far a second murder occurs on the set where a film crew are filming a new version of Alice in Wonderland. With both murders appearing to be linked to Alice in Wonderland Billie strikes up a tenuous connection to PI Ellis Darque, who is working undercover on the set. Meanwhile, Billie’s personal life is a bit topsy turvy, her work partner Ash is lodging with her and often has his kids there, and her partner Max is getting a bit peeved that her work keeps taking priority over him.
Alongside the main storyline there are a number of other stories building around Billie and her friends and colleagues all of which tie up seamlessly as the story builds to a close. A slightly crazy story full of over the top characters this was a fast paced and fun read. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next chapter in Billie’s crazy life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 15, 2022
Another cracking read from Marisse Whittaker. I'm not sure Alice in Wonderland will ever be the same. Ingenious murders which get curiouser and curiouser but Billie Wilde is on the case and is determined to get the right answers. Fantastic twist at the end. Look forward to more adventures with Billie Wilde.
January 20, 2022
This is a good read.
It took me a while to get into it with all the Alice in Wonderland references but ultimately people are being killed and Ellie and her team are hunting a killer.
Ellie has a new boss who really has it in for her at first, but after seeing Ellie work, she realises she may have misjudged her.
There are some colourful characters in this story, as you would expect with links to Alice in Wonderland.
There’s also a few characters who are hiding some things.
I didn’t guess who the killer was and really liked how the story built up to their identity being revealed.
A good read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
It took me a while to get into it with all the Alice in Wonderland references but ultimately people are being killed and Ellie and her team are hunting a killer.
Ellie has a new boss who really has it in for her at first, but after seeing Ellie work, she realises she may have misjudged her.
There are some colourful characters in this story, as you would expect with links to Alice in Wonderland.
There’s also a few characters who are hiding some things.
I didn’t guess who the killer was and really liked how the story built up to their identity being revealed.
A good read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
January 25, 2022
The Mad Hatter Murders is the 3rd crime novel by Marisse Whittaker to feature DSI Billie Wilde.
It is a very entertaining and gritty plot, set in the North East of England. There is much excitement in the area because Hollywood stars have arrived with a film unit, shooting scenes on location from Lewis Carroll’s Adventures of Alice Through the Looking Glass. There is a killer on the loose whose victims are left with clues planted on them that seem to link them to the Alice stories. The investigation very quickly leads DSI Bille Wilde and her team right into the crazy world of Hollywood and the even crazier topsy-turvy world of Lewis Carroll.
The sometimes larger than life characters are vividly drawn and the action is very fast paced, with some complex and surprising relationships between them. The narrative has a very immediate feel to it, with characters, locations and situations being very concisely depicted.
The behind-the-scenes world of the film set is very realistic. As with the best crime novels, the twist at the end is very unexpected. The novel also reveals some fascinating research into the background of Lewis Carroll (whose real name was Charles Dodgson).
Although the plot stands alone in its own right, there are several tantalising references to events that took place in the previous two novels, so it would probably be beneficial to read those first.
It is a very entertaining and gritty plot, set in the North East of England. There is much excitement in the area because Hollywood stars have arrived with a film unit, shooting scenes on location from Lewis Carroll’s Adventures of Alice Through the Looking Glass. There is a killer on the loose whose victims are left with clues planted on them that seem to link them to the Alice stories. The investigation very quickly leads DSI Bille Wilde and her team right into the crazy world of Hollywood and the even crazier topsy-turvy world of Lewis Carroll.
The sometimes larger than life characters are vividly drawn and the action is very fast paced, with some complex and surprising relationships between them. The narrative has a very immediate feel to it, with characters, locations and situations being very concisely depicted.
The behind-the-scenes world of the film set is very realistic. As with the best crime novels, the twist at the end is very unexpected. The novel also reveals some fascinating research into the background of Lewis Carroll (whose real name was Charles Dodgson).
Although the plot stands alone in its own right, there are several tantalising references to events that took place in the previous two novels, so it would probably be beneficial to read those first.
January 29, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author and I was very impressed. It's also the third in the series but you can read it as a standalone.
The whole story is incredibly fascinating. I must admit I had no knowledge of Lewis Carroll's background or his links to this area of England so along with reading a terrific book, I've also learned quite a bit of extra knowledge!
Someone is killing off people and each murder has connections to the Alice in Wonderland story. The whole thing sounds quite bizarre but actually works quite well and the whole weirdness just had me hooked. Totally different from anything I had previously read. Billie and her team are investigating the murders, one of which is quite close to home. Alongside this, her godfather is suspended pending an investigation and her new boss is determined to clean house and Billie is in her sights.
The gripping storyline is made even more so as there are so many twists and you don't know who to actually trust, and everything builds up to a thrilling finale. I can't wait to read more by this author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The whole story is incredibly fascinating. I must admit I had no knowledge of Lewis Carroll's background or his links to this area of England so along with reading a terrific book, I've also learned quite a bit of extra knowledge!
Someone is killing off people and each murder has connections to the Alice in Wonderland story. The whole thing sounds quite bizarre but actually works quite well and the whole weirdness just had me hooked. Totally different from anything I had previously read. Billie and her team are investigating the murders, one of which is quite close to home. Alongside this, her godfather is suspended pending an investigation and her new boss is determined to clean house and Billie is in her sights.
The gripping storyline is made even more so as there are so many twists and you don't know who to actually trust, and everything builds up to a thrilling finale. I can't wait to read more by this author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2022
I am a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and it was the title of this book that drew me in.
DSI Billie Wilde is on the hunt for a serial killer who, with every victim, leaves a reference to Alice in Wonderland. When the first victim, an actress, is found on the set of a new production of Alice being filmed locally, Billie and her team set out to track down the killer.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and I felt as if I really got to know them, I will admit though that I did sometimes struggle as this is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the others so it was a bit like they were talking about things that I wasn’t a part of and at times I felt a little lost.
There are plenty of twists and turns throughout and although I did guess the ending it was still an extremely good read. Light hearted and funny at times but also has some more serious themes that are relatable to a lot of people. A great book, I’m definitely going to go and read the first two.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review
DSI Billie Wilde is on the hunt for a serial killer who, with every victim, leaves a reference to Alice in Wonderland. When the first victim, an actress, is found on the set of a new production of Alice being filmed locally, Billie and her team set out to track down the killer.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and I felt as if I really got to know them, I will admit though that I did sometimes struggle as this is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the others so it was a bit like they were talking about things that I wasn’t a part of and at times I felt a little lost.
There are plenty of twists and turns throughout and although I did guess the ending it was still an extremely good read. Light hearted and funny at times but also has some more serious themes that are relatable to a lot of people. A great book, I’m definitely going to go and read the first two.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review
January 15, 2022
DSI Billie Wilde book three.
A fantastic thriller.
A dead body is found in woodlands alongside the River Wear in Sunderland, a film crew are shooting, the victim is and extra called Pippa Sykes as she lay among Blood red poppies it's not pretty.
Billie and ash her partner and now housemate are on the scene.
Alice in wonderland, magic mushroom poison, and the late Charles Carrol a cross dresser called Alice his case was never solved so are they connected?
It's getting curiouser as the days go on.
This book was so good as well as full of twists and turns also has a bit of added humour to be enjoyed .Once you get the story line it's unputdownable.
The Alice murders take it's toll on Billie but she's an upstanding police officer that her dad would have been proud of, with an almighty turn at the end bring on book four.
Thank you to Bloodhound publishers and the author for another fabulous read from a contented Booklover.
A fantastic thriller.
A dead body is found in woodlands alongside the River Wear in Sunderland, a film crew are shooting, the victim is and extra called Pippa Sykes as she lay among Blood red poppies it's not pretty.
Billie and ash her partner and now housemate are on the scene.
Alice in wonderland, magic mushroom poison, and the late Charles Carrol a cross dresser called Alice his case was never solved so are they connected?
It's getting curiouser as the days go on.
This book was so good as well as full of twists and turns also has a bit of added humour to be enjoyed .Once you get the story line it's unputdownable.
The Alice murders take it's toll on Billie but she's an upstanding police officer that her dad would have been proud of, with an almighty turn at the end bring on book four.
Thank you to Bloodhound publishers and the author for another fabulous read from a contented Booklover.
January 20, 2022
I couldn't wait to read the third book in the Billie Wilde series as the first two were exceptional reads and had me totally gripped.
The Mad-Hatter Murders centre around Alice in Wonderland books and the connections between the books and the North East. As filming of Alice in Wonderland starts in Sunderland it's not long before D.S.I Wilde is investigating a suspicious death and, as in the previous books, she soon finds that she has a personal connection with the case.
As the investigations continue and more murders take place it becomes clear that Billie is about to discover that the past continues to haunt her. Who can she trust? Her godfather, the Chief Superintendent of Police is under investigation and her department is also under threat.
The Mad-Hatter Murders is a thrilling read and the conclusion is mind blowing.
Congratulations Marrisse Whittaker on a fantastic book and thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
The Mad-Hatter Murders centre around Alice in Wonderland books and the connections between the books and the North East. As filming of Alice in Wonderland starts in Sunderland it's not long before D.S.I Wilde is investigating a suspicious death and, as in the previous books, she soon finds that she has a personal connection with the case.
As the investigations continue and more murders take place it becomes clear that Billie is about to discover that the past continues to haunt her. Who can she trust? Her godfather, the Chief Superintendent of Police is under investigation and her department is also under threat.
The Mad-Hatter Murders is a thrilling read and the conclusion is mind blowing.
Congratulations Marrisse Whittaker on a fantastic book and thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 31, 2022
This is the third in the DSI Billie Wilde murder series and possibly the best yet, which is no mean feat! If you haven't previously read the first two do not be put off as this book reads extremely well as a standalone.
Billie Wilde is a gritty, hard hitting Detective who is not afraid to go in where it hurts. This time is no different although her investigation into the murders, yes there are more than one, gets very personal. As you may guess from the title there are many references to Alice In Wonderland as most of the action is based around the filming of a new adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic.
As usual with this author there are no shortages in action with many twists and turns. It keeps you in suspense from start to finish. Even when you think you that there couldn't possibly be more twists there is!
This is a wonderful thriller and fully deserving of the 5 star review I've given it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily .
Billie Wilde is a gritty, hard hitting Detective who is not afraid to go in where it hurts. This time is no different although her investigation into the murders, yes there are more than one, gets very personal. As you may guess from the title there are many references to Alice In Wonderland as most of the action is based around the filming of a new adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic.
As usual with this author there are no shortages in action with many twists and turns. It keeps you in suspense from start to finish. Even when you think you that there couldn't possibly be more twists there is!
This is a wonderful thriller and fully deserving of the 5 star review I've given it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily .
February 5, 2022
Will just start by saying I LOVE the cover on this.
The third instalment of DSI Billie Wilde series and what a corker, all three books have been great reads and has put the author on my radar for future books. The mad hatter murders is a very appropriate title because they are just as mad as the March hare, no rhyme or reason as to who and why. Billie is on hunt for a killer that has ties and links that seem to keep leading back to one place, the filming of Lewis carol’s Alice in wonderland in the local area. Well written as are all the books with great characters we see some familiar faces from previous books and catch up with what’s been going on with them but you could get away with reading this as a stand-alone, though highly recommend you read them all. I won’t write about the storyline too much as I feel this is the job of a blurb to entice you in but I will say you are in for a treat.
The third instalment of DSI Billie Wilde series and what a corker, all three books have been great reads and has put the author on my radar for future books. The mad hatter murders is a very appropriate title because they are just as mad as the March hare, no rhyme or reason as to who and why. Billie is on hunt for a killer that has ties and links that seem to keep leading back to one place, the filming of Lewis carol’s Alice in wonderland in the local area. Well written as are all the books with great characters we see some familiar faces from previous books and catch up with what’s been going on with them but you could get away with reading this as a stand-alone, though highly recommend you read them all. I won’t write about the storyline too much as I feel this is the job of a blurb to entice you in but I will say you are in for a treat.
February 6, 2022
At the start of book three (and I would strongly suggest reading these books in order since a lot of past history is referred to) Billie is ecstatically happy in her relationship with therapist Max, even if she worries when he has to go off on his top-secret consultancy missions abroad for the army. And of course she misses Jo Green. Boo is now seeing Ellis but sadly Ash is not doing as well, lodging with Billie while his marriage is coming to an end. This story follows straight on from the end of book two where cross dresser Charles Carroll, wearing the clothing of his alter ego Alice, had been discovered in a shallow grave on top of Edith “Hattie” Mustard. A suspect was quickly arrested and gravedigger Will Cox is up in court. The voices in his head told him to do it. Despite how daft it sounds, even to herself, Billie has niggling doubts about his guilt. Even the victim’s wife Mary (who incidentally had a lot more fun with Alice than Charles) doubted Will had killed him, since he had tutored the boy and they got on well. However before the trial can even start Will is found dead and shortly afterwards Billie and Ash are called to a new murder scene. An extra at a local film set has been found by the river with a head injury and looking a very funny colour. This is the second death connected to Lewis Carroll where Billie also has a very humorous meeting with ex NCA officer turned PI Ellis Darque. Billie’s beloved godfather and Chief Constable is due to retire soon, and his abrasive successor Miriam Nelson seems very keen to push him out, but things move to a whole new level when he is suspected of misconduct and hunted by his own men. With a third death and buried secrets coming to light, Billie finds herself truly immersed in the surreal and wacky world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. Just who is TMH and what on earth is going on in these three bizarre and seemingly connected cases? Moreover, will Billie and the team be able to prevent more killings?
This is my absolute favourite in the series so far, brimming with colourful and diverse characters. I loved the whole inclusion of Carroll’s stories, in fact I went out and bought new copies to bring back fabulous childhood memories of those tales. This is a truly devastating and harrowing investigation for all the team including Billie, full of twists and shocks, with loads of false trails for the detectives and readers alike to become baffled by in a superbly written story which had me gripped from start to finish. I do hope there will be more books featuring Billie to come. 5*
This is my absolute favourite in the series so far, brimming with colourful and diverse characters. I loved the whole inclusion of Carroll’s stories, in fact I went out and bought new copies to bring back fabulous childhood memories of those tales. This is a truly devastating and harrowing investigation for all the team including Billie, full of twists and shocks, with loads of false trails for the detectives and readers alike to become baffled by in a superbly written story which had me gripped from start to finish. I do hope there will be more books featuring Billie to come. 5*
January 28, 2022
Wow... where do i start with this book, this is the 3rd book of the Billie Wilde Series and once again it didn't disappoint, this book has kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, so many twists and turns, that kept me thinking, just one more chapter! Billie has become one of my favourite female characters, i love that she potrays a strong confident woman who will stop at nothing until she gets the truth.
I really enjoyed the Alice in wonderland references and found out some interesting facts that i wasn't aware of.
I personally would recommend reading these books in order as you get to know Billies story.
I think ive been through every emotion possible while reading this book its definitely been a rollercoaster ride!
Thank you Bloodhound books for an ARC for and unbiased and honest review.
I really enjoyed the Alice in wonderland references and found out some interesting facts that i wasn't aware of.
I personally would recommend reading these books in order as you get to know Billies story.
I think ive been through every emotion possible while reading this book its definitely been a rollercoaster ride!
Thank you Bloodhound books for an ARC for and unbiased and honest review.
January 31, 2022
This book is the third book by this author featuring Billie Wilde. I read this as a standalone, as i didn't realise this. However, if I had known i would have read the other two first as there are several references to events that have taken place previously.
There are lots of Alice In Wonderland references (which has made me want to re read it) hence the title.
I found that this book was totally different to other books that I have read but the storyline had me hooked from the beginning. There was plenty of twists, the story had a great ending. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Even though I wished I had read the two previous books first, this is still easily readable as a standalone and is book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for this advance read.
There are lots of Alice In Wonderland references (which has made me want to re read it) hence the title.
I found that this book was totally different to other books that I have read but the storyline had me hooked from the beginning. There was plenty of twists, the story had a great ending. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Even though I wished I had read the two previous books first, this is still easily readable as a standalone and is book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for this advance read.
January 28, 2022
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it didn’t disappoint!!
The Mad-Hatter Murders reference Alice in Wonderland a lot and I’ve never read a book that interlinks characters from a different book into theirs but somehow it works!!
As filming of Alice in Wonderland starts it's not long before D.S.I Wilde is investigating a suspicious death and she soon finds that she has a personal connection with the case.
As the investigations continue and more murders take place it becomes clear that Billie is about to discover that her past is coming back to haunt her. Her godfather, the Chief Superintendent of Police is under investigation and her department is also under threat.
The Mad-Hatter Murders is a thrilling read
The Mad-Hatter Murders reference Alice in Wonderland a lot and I’ve never read a book that interlinks characters from a different book into theirs but somehow it works!!
As filming of Alice in Wonderland starts it's not long before D.S.I Wilde is investigating a suspicious death and she soon finds that she has a personal connection with the case.
As the investigations continue and more murders take place it becomes clear that Billie is about to discover that her past is coming back to haunt her. Her godfather, the Chief Superintendent of Police is under investigation and her department is also under threat.
The Mad-Hatter Murders is a thrilling read
January 31, 2022
I had the opportunity to review this for ARC in return for an honest review and once I established this was the third in a series I had to read the others in the series first. This can also be easily read as a standalone book but it’s nice to be so familiar with the characters as the plot progress.
When you have a murder mystery set against the backdrop of film production featuring Alice in Wonderland you know you’re in for an interesting read. There were some really insightful facts about Lewis Carroll which helps the story line and explains the motives for the murders that take place. Some really shocking twists and turns (which I’ve now come to expect from this author) with the biggest twist reserved for the end of the book.
An entertaining read.
When you have a murder mystery set against the backdrop of film production featuring Alice in Wonderland you know you’re in for an interesting read. There were some really insightful facts about Lewis Carroll which helps the story line and explains the motives for the murders that take place. Some really shocking twists and turns (which I’ve now come to expect from this author) with the biggest twist reserved for the end of the book.
An entertaining read.
February 8, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is a well written story that is full of action and edge sitting twists and turns. I enjoyed bieng pulled into the story by the characters. They are creative, unique and connectable. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. They made the story feel realistic and keep the story engaging. This is a story that dark secrets about a family and the feeling of looking at life through a looking glass. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed what the characters brought to the story and how the author's writing style made the story easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
January 23, 2022
It is the shocking opening we have come to expect from the Billie Wilde series… but I am always amazed at how the author is able to encapsulate the whole flavour of the book in her first page!!!
Marrisse Whittaker has the ability to make us smile with recognition in the darkest of situations, and her detailed observations of characters’ attire, behaviours and dialogue take enjoyment to a new level. No plot spoilers here – but Billie Wilde is in the dark along with us in this one…almost to the end – with another horrific shock in store for readers!! Definitely a 5 star read – and hopefully not the last we will hear of Billie Wilde?
Marrisse Whittaker has the ability to make us smile with recognition in the darkest of situations, and her detailed observations of characters’ attire, behaviours and dialogue take enjoyment to a new level. No plot spoilers here – but Billie Wilde is in the dark along with us in this one…almost to the end – with another horrific shock in store for readers!! Definitely a 5 star read – and hopefully not the last we will hear of Billie Wilde?
January 17, 2022
The Mad-Hatter Murders sees DSI Billie Wilde faced with a string of deaths, all seemingly linked to the Lewis Carroll story of Alice In Wonderland. Can she solve what becomes a very personal case, before any one else loses their life?
This was the first book I've read in this series, and I really enjoyed it. I do think it would have been useful to read the earlier ones before this, but will certainly go back and fill in the information I'm missing! I loved the character of Billie, she's very tenacious, and is a perfect figurehead for the set of stories.
This was the first book I've read in this series, and I really enjoyed it. I do think it would have been useful to read the earlier ones before this, but will certainly go back and fill in the information I'm missing! I loved the character of Billie, she's very tenacious, and is a perfect figurehead for the set of stories.
January 17, 2022
Marrisse Whittaker has written another great Billie Wilde book. This is a very creative book, that uses pieces of Alice in Wonderland as the backdrop to a series of murders. Lewis Carroll fans will enjoy this book.
Somehow even though the book is about a series of gruesome murders, including people who are close to Billie, the book is an enjoyable fun read. There is a significant twist at the end that I did not see coming….making the book that much more interesting, i eagerly await Billie’s next adventure.
Somehow even though the book is about a series of gruesome murders, including people who are close to Billie, the book is an enjoyable fun read. There is a significant twist at the end that I did not see coming….making the book that much more interesting, i eagerly await Billie’s next adventure.
January 22, 2022
This is the third book in DSI Billie Wilde, although a standalone, once you have read this you would certainly want to read the other two books
DSI Billie Wilde and the murder squads investigation is a very strange case, involving a connection to Alice in Wonderland.
Once I started this book I just couldn't put it down. I was practically on the edge of my seat reading this. Certainly fast pace, full of twists and absolutely shocking revelations and big surprises.
Certainly looking forward to book 4.
This is my honest and unbiased review of a arc book thank you to Bloodhound books.
DSI Billie Wilde and the murder squads investigation is a very strange case, involving a connection to Alice in Wonderland.
Once I started this book I just couldn't put it down. I was practically on the edge of my seat reading this. Certainly fast pace, full of twists and absolutely shocking revelations and big surprises.
Certainly looking forward to book 4.
This is my honest and unbiased review of a arc book thank you to Bloodhound books.
February 7, 2022
Here’s a book that hits you from all sides! What a rollercoaster. A fantastic mystery, great writing where you can feel the emotions, twists and turns and intrigue and devastation - amazing!
I really enjoyed the Alice in Wonderland references, they added a quirkiness to the whole story and I learnt some new things!
I’ve read book 2 but not book 1 in the series. Previous goings-on are referenced but I didn’t have any problem understanding what was going on with those longer running story lines (although will by buying book 1 to fill in all the details).
100% recommend.
I really enjoyed the Alice in Wonderland references, they added a quirkiness to the whole story and I learnt some new things!
I’ve read book 2 but not book 1 in the series. Previous goings-on are referenced but I didn’t have any problem understanding what was going on with those longer running story lines (although will by buying book 1 to fill in all the details).
100% recommend.
February 10, 2022
A corker of a book which I cannot recommend highly enough. It thrums with mystery and suspense and Billie Wilde may just be my new favourite detective.
She is sassy, gutsy and completely single minded in her pursuit of the "bad guys"
A rollercoaster of twists and turns that do not always go the way you expect.
This is part of a series and can be read on its own but I would recommend that you read the first 2 books to get all the background and do not miss a thing.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me.
She is sassy, gutsy and completely single minded in her pursuit of the "bad guys"
A rollercoaster of twists and turns that do not always go the way you expect.
This is part of a series and can be read on its own but I would recommend that you read the first 2 books to get all the background and do not miss a thing.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me.
January 25, 2022
DSI Billie Wilde is back. It looks like the murderer of a cross dresser is easily identified and the case closed, but Billie is not so sure. A tragic accident at the filming of Alice in Wonderland, or murder? As the body count increases with more anymore ties into Lewis Carroll and Alice, Billie isomer convinced there is a serial killer at large.
There are a few twists in this fast paced thriller - and a totally unexpected ending.
There are a few twists in this fast paced thriller - and a totally unexpected ending.
February 3, 2022
I loved the fact that the book was based around Lewis Carroll facts and the filming of a movie of Alice in Wonderland. I wasn’t aware Lewis Carroll had links to the North East so it was very informative as well as a good read.
You don’t need to have read The Magpie as anything you need to know is recapped. The Mad Hatter Murders continues Billie’s investigations as part of the local police force.
A good story with humour, twists and turns and a good ending. Definitely worth a read.
You don’t need to have read The Magpie as anything you need to know is recapped. The Mad Hatter Murders continues Billie’s investigations as part of the local police force.
A good story with humour, twists and turns and a good ending. Definitely worth a read.
February 6, 2022
initially I had real difficulty getting into this book, so I stopped and then went back to it. The second time I really did get involved in the murder mystery, so if this happens to you don't give up. As you would expect from a book with reference to Alice in the Wonderland there were colourful characters.
Fully recommend
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
Fully recommend
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
January 21, 2022
What a story! So many twists and turns and I really didn’t see that ending coming. With all the Alice in wonderland references to just add to the story.
Written I’m a way that it was so easy to imagine the settling and the characters. Great fasted paced story with lots of twist. Will be looking for more books by this author.
Written I’m a way that it was so easy to imagine the settling and the characters. Great fasted paced story with lots of twist. Will be looking for more books by this author.
January 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and how it was woven around the Alice in Wonderland stories. There were lots of twists and turns to hold your interest and the lead characters were believable and likeable. I'd not read any of the previous books in this series but have downloaded them now to answer a few questions that I have.
Very enjoyable read.
Very enjoyable read.
February 8, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the Billie Wilde series. It took me a little longer to get into this book than the previous ones in the series but it was worth the wait. This is a fast paced, gritty, and thrilling story with main characters that continue to surprise me a bit. There is a twist at the end that I never saw coming. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
April 13, 2023
Well it’s all going on in the third outing for Billie Wilde. Rollercoaster of a book with a somewhat crazy storyline that actually works really well. Lots of twists and turns and an ending that I didn’t see coming. Glad to see this series is carrying on as it would have worked equally as well as a trilogy. I will be back for more adventures with Billie!
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