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Harvey and Birch #3
Deadly Shores
TWO SHIPS IN THE NIGHT.
ANOTHER DEAD BODY.
NO SAFE HARBOUR.
The tip-off comes just as the Christmas roast is being served. Smugglers coming into a boatyard in Bangor.
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent in to investigate. It means being pulled away from pulling crackers, but in truth they’re both a bit relieved. Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining them lately — and this case could be big.
The illicit cargo is long gone by the time Asha and Aaron arrive, but local man Phil Johnston is caught on the boatyard’s CCTV. The same Phil Johnston who’s broken into and planted a brick of cocaine in the boatyard manager’s house.
But before anyone can declare it case closed, the driver who delivered the boat is found murdered in his hotel room.
Harvey and Birch have found themselves caught in a deadly storm. Will they sink or swim?
ANOTHER DEAD BODY.
NO SAFE HARBOUR.
The tip-off comes just as the Christmas roast is being served. Smugglers coming into a boatyard in Bangor.
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent in to investigate. It means being pulled away from pulling crackers, but in truth they’re both a bit relieved. Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining them lately — and this case could be big.
The illicit cargo is long gone by the time Asha and Aaron arrive, but local man Phil Johnston is caught on the boatyard’s CCTV. The same Phil Johnston who’s broken into and planted a brick of cocaine in the boatyard manager’s house.
But before anyone can declare it case closed, the driver who delivered the boat is found murdered in his hotel room.
Harvey and Birch have found themselves caught in a deadly storm. Will they sink or swim?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
102 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Buchanan
20 books39 followersKerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon who lives with her family and a menagerie of animals on a farm in County Down. There are inspiring views of hills and lakes from every window.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 19, 2022
3+ stars
A ketch 'Snow Goose' makes it's way in the North Atlantic in terrible weather towards Ireland. Meanwhile, DC Aaron Birch is on desk duty in Lisburn and DCI Asha Harvey is working in Bangor, separated following the escape of two corrupt cops, Aitken and Kenarghan. Birch takes a call from DCS Patterson of a potential drugs haul contained in a boat being transported by lorry to Newry from France. Birch is to work again with Asha, a decision Patterson may regret! What unfolds is an intriguing tale of dark deeds and corruption.
It takes a while for the different plot strands to come together but once they do you understand the depth of the deception and scale. It's full of intriguing twists and turns, it's dangerous, there are ruthless characters and some vivid. exciting scenes especially in a boat yard which I really enjoy. A host of huge lies builds and suspicions grow, nets close in and it starts to unravel for some characters. the finale is exciting, maybe a bit over the top but it is tense. The actual end seems a bit abrupt.
However, despite much to like, the intensity of the plot sacrifices the character development and I only get a superficial view of them although the two central characters are likeable. Oddly too, despite the rapid pace I never really connect with the storyline and it doesn't entirely wow me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Joffre Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
A ketch 'Snow Goose' makes it's way in the North Atlantic in terrible weather towards Ireland. Meanwhile, DC Aaron Birch is on desk duty in Lisburn and DCI Asha Harvey is working in Bangor, separated following the escape of two corrupt cops, Aitken and Kenarghan. Birch takes a call from DCS Patterson of a potential drugs haul contained in a boat being transported by lorry to Newry from France. Birch is to work again with Asha, a decision Patterson may regret! What unfolds is an intriguing tale of dark deeds and corruption.
It takes a while for the different plot strands to come together but once they do you understand the depth of the deception and scale. It's full of intriguing twists and turns, it's dangerous, there are ruthless characters and some vivid. exciting scenes especially in a boat yard which I really enjoy. A host of huge lies builds and suspicions grow, nets close in and it starts to unravel for some characters. the finale is exciting, maybe a bit over the top but it is tense. The actual end seems a bit abrupt.
However, despite much to like, the intensity of the plot sacrifices the character development and I only get a superficial view of them although the two central characters are likeable. Oddly too, despite the rapid pace I never really connect with the storyline and it doesn't entirely wow me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Joffre Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
3.5 stars
Deadly Shores by Kerry Buchanan is the third in the detective series starring Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detectives Asha Harvey, and Aaron Birch handle crime in Belfast, Ireland. Asha is always trying to prove herself as the rare Indian woman in a largely white, male police force. She is a little too trusting. Her family supports everything she does. Aaron, too is trying to prove himself, because he became a detective through a graduate recruitment scheme, so his fellow officers think he jumped procedures. He tends to stretch the rules a little. Their boss is CS Yvonne Patterson, who can be a little abrupt.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Asha is has moved to the Bangor police station, but Aaron is sent to help out on Christmas Day when a tip comes in of a smuggling job at the harbour. This could be big.
A local handyman, Phil Johnston, is caught on CCTV, and it looks like he was taking cocaine off of a newly delivered new boat. When he tries to plant a brick in the boatyard manager's house, more charges are pending. But Asha and Aaron want his boss.
When the driver who delivered the boat is found murdered in his hotel room, things take another turn.
Meanwhile, there is a human trafficking ring also working the area. Are they connected?
My Opinions:
This was very well written, although I am not really into police corruption novels, it looks like this series is following so many others down this path. It may be a show-stopper for me.
I do really like both Asha and Aaron, and they continue to grow on me. Some of the side characters (like Faith), just rub me the wrong way.
There was a lot of action, and the pace was very good, leading to a fast read.
Again, their is a glossary of terms for "US readers", but it is just a recap from the first two books, many of the terms not even in the current book. I still think it's a waste of space.
So, although the book was good, I'm still of two minds whether I want to continue to read another series following the police corruption angle.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 6, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Deadly Shores, the third novel to feature DI Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch of PSNI.
Asha has moved from Lisburn Road to Bangor after Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson seems to sideline them. A tip-off about a drugs consignment reunites them when Aaron is sent to Bangor to liaise. When they get to the marina housing the boat the drugs are purportedly in the drugs have gone, but CCTV gives them a lead on a local suspect. Then the driver of the lorry that transported the boat is murdered and it seems that the case is suddenly much bigger than drug smuggling.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Shores, which is an action packed read with plenty of twists and turns. The novel is told from various points of view, so the identity of the criminals is not in doubt and it becomes more about the scale of their activities and how they are going to evade capture versus how Asha and Aaron are going to catch them. I’m not always a fan of the both sides approach, but in this case it works really well and still manages to produce some unexpected twists.
It moves along at a fast pace with developments in every chapter to keep up the momentum and there are several action scenes involving gun fights, explosions and general mayhem. It never stops, so all in all it had me riveted from start to finish.
I like Asha and Aaron who are real have a go detectives. They like getting stuck in and take the consequences in their stride (as Asha’s mother says she’s running out of hospitals to survey) without slowing down. The plot’s fun and so are they, so what’s not to like?
Deadly Shores is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Asha has moved from Lisburn Road to Bangor after Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson seems to sideline them. A tip-off about a drugs consignment reunites them when Aaron is sent to Bangor to liaise. When they get to the marina housing the boat the drugs are purportedly in the drugs have gone, but CCTV gives them a lead on a local suspect. Then the driver of the lorry that transported the boat is murdered and it seems that the case is suddenly much bigger than drug smuggling.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Shores, which is an action packed read with plenty of twists and turns. The novel is told from various points of view, so the identity of the criminals is not in doubt and it becomes more about the scale of their activities and how they are going to evade capture versus how Asha and Aaron are going to catch them. I’m not always a fan of the both sides approach, but in this case it works really well and still manages to produce some unexpected twists.
It moves along at a fast pace with developments in every chapter to keep up the momentum and there are several action scenes involving gun fights, explosions and general mayhem. It never stops, so all in all it had me riveted from start to finish.
I like Asha and Aaron who are real have a go detectives. They like getting stuck in and take the consequences in their stride (as Asha’s mother says she’s running out of hospitals to survey) without slowing down. The plot’s fun and so are they, so what’s not to like?
Deadly Shores is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 3, 2022
Harvey and Birch #3
The tip-off comes just as the Christmas roast is being served. Smugglers coming into a boatyard in Bangor. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent to investigate. It means being pulled away from pulling crackers, but in truth, they're both a bit relieved. Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining them lately - and this case could be big. The illicit cargo is long gone by the time Asha and Adam arrive, but local man Phil Johnston on the boatyards CCTV.
Set in Belfast. The pace is steady and the plotline is intriguing. There's drugs, a murder and human trafficking. Not everyone seems to be who they say they are. The story is told from multiple points of view. I like Harvey and Birch but they always just seemed to miss out getting to the locations in time, it makes them feel more human. There's twists and lots of action. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #DeadlyShores in exchange for an honest review.
The tip-off comes just as the Christmas roast is being served. Smugglers coming into a boatyard in Bangor. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent to investigate. It means being pulled away from pulling crackers, but in truth, they're both a bit relieved. Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining them lately - and this case could be big. The illicit cargo is long gone by the time Asha and Adam arrive, but local man Phil Johnston on the boatyards CCTV.
Set in Belfast. The pace is steady and the plotline is intriguing. There's drugs, a murder and human trafficking. Not everyone seems to be who they say they are. The story is told from multiple points of view. I like Harvey and Birch but they always just seemed to miss out getting to the locations in time, it makes them feel more human. There's twists and lots of action. This book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #DeadlyShores in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
Narrated by Esther Wane, Deadly Shores proved to be another intense case for Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch. After their last case shook the department, Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining the duo and separating them. But the holidays have them once again paired off to inspect a boatyard for possible smuggling and the case soon blows into something bigger when the deliver driver is found murdered.
Set in Belfast, Buchanan pulled me in from the banter between the detectives to the interesting clues and suspects they encounter. The case was intense, with plenty of twists, suspects, and coverups. I enjoyed how these two detectives work together. Despite being three books in, I can’t say I know either beyond the job, but that is often the case in procedural novels.
The case is well done with turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. They’ll have to deal with human trafficking, police corruption, and drug trafficking before it’s all over.
Told from multiple points of view, including those of suspects, Buchanan pulls the listener in and Ester Wane’s narration from accents to tone enhances the overall story. The tale lends itself to the audio format and I am hoping we get more. There are only three books in the series at present.
My only complaint rests with the audio production itself. Swallows and breaths were not edited out. It was a shame. As the narrator herself was superb. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Set in Belfast, Buchanan pulled me in from the banter between the detectives to the interesting clues and suspects they encounter. The case was intense, with plenty of twists, suspects, and coverups. I enjoyed how these two detectives work together. Despite being three books in, I can’t say I know either beyond the job, but that is often the case in procedural novels.
The case is well done with turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. They’ll have to deal with human trafficking, police corruption, and drug trafficking before it’s all over.
Told from multiple points of view, including those of suspects, Buchanan pulls the listener in and Ester Wane’s narration from accents to tone enhances the overall story. The tale lends itself to the audio format and I am hoping we get more. There are only three books in the series at present.
My only complaint rests with the audio production itself. Swallows and breaths were not edited out. It was a shame. As the narrator herself was superb. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 23, 2022
A fantastic crime thriller as we join once again Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch book three.
I am so loving this series.
This book is full of action, lots of upbeat story lines, with added humour.
After an almighty tip off on Christmas day of cocaine smugglers in the boat yard, Phil Johnston is seen on CCTV and then is found murdered in the hotel.
Harvey and Birch make a great team together.
The author has once again brought the characters alive as you read, that leaves a cracking ending, I loved it right through. 5 stars and more.
I am so loving this series.
This book is full of action, lots of upbeat story lines, with added humour.
After an almighty tip off on Christmas day of cocaine smugglers in the boat yard, Phil Johnston is seen on CCTV and then is found murdered in the hotel.
Harvey and Birch make a great team together.
The author has once again brought the characters alive as you read, that leaves a cracking ending, I loved it right through. 5 stars and more.
April 26, 2022
I have been a fan of Kerry’s work for a little while now. In fact I have been a fan ever since I had the good fortune to pick up the first book in the series featuring Detectives Harvey and Birch, which is called ‘Knife Edge’. ‘Deadly Shores’ is the third book in the series and what a story it is too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Shores’ but more about that in a bit.
The fact that Kerry’s name was on the front cover of a book was enough to grab my attention and when I realised I hadn’t read it yet, I knew that I was going to have to read it as soon as I could. So without further ado I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for an afternoon of reading. It didn’t take me long at all to feel as though I had reunited with old friends in the form of Harvey and Birch. By the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to become addicted to the story and that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. I did become addicted to the story and I begrudged having to put the book down. Because I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or not. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I made my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Harvey and Birch. I found ‘Deadly Shores’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Deadly Shores’ is extremely well written but then I found that to be true of the first two books in the series too. Kerry certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Kerry describes the characters so vividly that they seem to come alive and they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘Deadly Shores’ felt a bit like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Kerry makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Shores’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kerry’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The fact that Kerry’s name was on the front cover of a book was enough to grab my attention and when I realised I hadn’t read it yet, I knew that I was going to have to read it as soon as I could. So without further ado I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for an afternoon of reading. It didn’t take me long at all to feel as though I had reunited with old friends in the form of Harvey and Birch. By the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to become addicted to the story and that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. I did become addicted to the story and I begrudged having to put the book down. Because I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or not. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I made my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Harvey and Birch. I found ‘Deadly Shores’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Deadly Shores’ is extremely well written but then I found that to be true of the first two books in the series too. Kerry certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Kerry describes the characters so vividly that they seem to come alive and they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘Deadly Shores’ felt a bit like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Kerry makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Shores’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kerry’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 23, 2022
Wow, so many corrupt officers at Lisbon Road police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland! First retired and subsequently murdered Chief Inspector Alistair King, then rogue officers George Aiken and Larry Kernaghan who went on the run with their uniforms and patrol car and who are still at large, and finally at the end of book 2, readers discovered that it was Chief Supt Yvonne Patterson pulling the strings and involving young PC Faith McAvoy. No wonder DI Asha Harvey was glad to transfer to Bangor in North Down and join a new team, although regrettably leaving behind DC Aaron Birch with whom she had worked well. Now at the start of book 3, Birch and Harvey are brought back together in a case. On Christmas Day Patterson informs Birch of a tip off that a boat full of drugs is on its way up to the private boatyard of millionaire Richard Steele in Bangor, and he makes his way up there to join Harvey. The police arrive at the yard to find the boat there but the drugs already gone. Soon after, the boat’s delivery driver is found brutally murdered and the drug courier is in grave danger. Unknown to Richard, his sister Clara has been threatened and forced into working for a human trafficking ring and is headed for the safety of his yard. As more attacks follow on those connected to the investigation, Harvey and Birch find themselves caught up in two converging cases where it’s difficult to know who to trust and where danger lurks all around from some very ruthless criminals. These people are watching and controlling events, desperate to evade justice after all these years, and will stop at nothing. Absolutely nothing.
In a hard-hitting story full to the brim with relentless action and excitement, Harvey and Birch really have their work cut out, hampered by the fact that the only people they can rely on are Sergeant Lonnie Jacob, an old timer who has been in the job for years, and as a black woman in the PSNI she has seen and heard it all, together with the ACC Asha’s Aunt Harriet, and her own Supt Sewell. I love Lonnie, probably my favourite of all the very well-drawn characters, although Harvey, Birch and Jana are also extremely likeable.
There are loads of twists and turns in this very well written and thrilling story which I can highly recommend. I do hope there will be more! 5*
In a hard-hitting story full to the brim with relentless action and excitement, Harvey and Birch really have their work cut out, hampered by the fact that the only people they can rely on are Sergeant Lonnie Jacob, an old timer who has been in the job for years, and as a black woman in the PSNI she has seen and heard it all, together with the ACC Asha’s Aunt Harriet, and her own Supt Sewell. I love Lonnie, probably my favourite of all the very well-drawn characters, although Harvey, Birch and Jana are also extremely likeable.
There are loads of twists and turns in this very well written and thrilling story which I can highly recommend. I do hope there will be more! 5*
March 28, 2022
| Book Review |
Deadly Shores - Kerry Buchanan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: April 18, 2022 by Joffe Books
▼SUMMARY: Detective Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent to investigate a drug smuggling operation at the boat yard that turns into an investigation neither one could have seen coming. When the boat delivery driver is found murdered in his hotel room, they realize that this case has taken a sinister turn. Not everyone is who they think they are and the detectives are beginning to find out who they can and cannot trust.
▼REVIEW: I really enjoyed this read. This is the first book I have read by this author but this is the 3rd book in the Harvey + Birch Mysteries. This was another quick read for me - I finished it in one sitting! I love the multiple POV in each chapter - switching POVs holds my attention and I couldn’t wait to figure out what Detectives Harvey and Birch were going to get into next. This book really felt like I was in on an episode of Law & Order or NCIS and I am here for it!! I do feel like it was a slower build but the author did a wonderful job at fleshing out the characters and environments that they were in. There were a couple twists that I did see coming but the main twist, did catch me off guard. 😳 I was expecting the ending to be different — it’s still great, just not what I expected. Overall, I really enjoyed this read!
Read if you enjoy:
▼Slow burns 🔥
▼Multiple POVs 👀
▼Detectives as main characters 🕵🏼♂️
Thank you NetGalley + Joffe Books for my digital ARC!! I can’t wait to check out more of Kerry Buchanan’s work!
Deadly Shores - Kerry Buchanan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: April 18, 2022 by Joffe Books
▼SUMMARY: Detective Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent to investigate a drug smuggling operation at the boat yard that turns into an investigation neither one could have seen coming. When the boat delivery driver is found murdered in his hotel room, they realize that this case has taken a sinister turn. Not everyone is who they think they are and the detectives are beginning to find out who they can and cannot trust.
▼REVIEW: I really enjoyed this read. This is the first book I have read by this author but this is the 3rd book in the Harvey + Birch Mysteries. This was another quick read for me - I finished it in one sitting! I love the multiple POV in each chapter - switching POVs holds my attention and I couldn’t wait to figure out what Detectives Harvey and Birch were going to get into next. This book really felt like I was in on an episode of Law & Order or NCIS and I am here for it!! I do feel like it was a slower build but the author did a wonderful job at fleshing out the characters and environments that they were in. There were a couple twists that I did see coming but the main twist, did catch me off guard. 😳 I was expecting the ending to be different — it’s still great, just not what I expected. Overall, I really enjoyed this read!
Read if you enjoy:
▼Slow burns 🔥
▼Multiple POVs 👀
▼Detectives as main characters 🕵🏼♂️
Thank you NetGalley + Joffe Books for my digital ARC!! I can’t wait to check out more of Kerry Buchanan’s work!
April 19, 2022
In this third book in the Harvey and Birch series we find that DCI Asha Harvey has recently moved from the Lisburn road office of the Police Service Northern Ireland and is now based at Bangor.
She is just about to sit down to her christmas meal when she gets a call confirming a tip off that a consignment of cocaine is heading for a local boat yard.
DC Aaron Birch is to meet her there, hopefully to intercept the drugs.
When they search the yacht which has been delivered by truck to the yard there is no sign of any drugs, they have been removed.
Their investigations quickly throw up a possible suspect, though the discovery of the truck driver found dead in his hotel room, his truck stolen from the boatyard point to this being a much bigger case than they first thought.
As they discover more we find ourselves involved in not only a case of drug smuggling but people trafficking, kidnapping, blackmail, police corruption and murder.
This is a fast paced action packed read that uncovers a whole web of crimes that lead right to the very top of the P.S.N.I.
An exciting read , I`m already looking forward to the next in the series.
She is just about to sit down to her christmas meal when she gets a call confirming a tip off that a consignment of cocaine is heading for a local boat yard.
DC Aaron Birch is to meet her there, hopefully to intercept the drugs.
When they search the yacht which has been delivered by truck to the yard there is no sign of any drugs, they have been removed.
Their investigations quickly throw up a possible suspect, though the discovery of the truck driver found dead in his hotel room, his truck stolen from the boatyard point to this being a much bigger case than they first thought.
As they discover more we find ourselves involved in not only a case of drug smuggling but people trafficking, kidnapping, blackmail, police corruption and murder.
This is a fast paced action packed read that uncovers a whole web of crimes that lead right to the very top of the P.S.N.I.
An exciting read , I`m already looking forward to the next in the series.
April 15, 2022
Deadly Shores by Kerry Buchanan is the third book in the Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch series. The two detectives are paired for another case involving a shipment of drugs coming into the harbor at Bangor. Soon they have reason to suspect there is much more going on at the harbor than drug smuggling. They must work the investigation very carefully because they have reasons to believe several people from inside the police force have become mixed up in covering up this drug smuggling and human trafficking operation. Asha has been suspecting Patterson of unscrupulous activities, but now she must prove these deceitful actions are part of the smuggling ring.
The final scene at the harbor is so fast-paced! I always enjoy Harriet's scenes in the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Publication Date: April 19, 2022
The final scene at the harbor is so fast-paced! I always enjoy Harriet's scenes in the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Publication Date: April 19, 2022
April 19, 2022
First things first, I must point out that Deadly Shores is the third in a series and can be read as a standalone (I did and thoroughly enjoyed it) but I feel that it would be most enjoyable to read them in order. I loved Deadly Shores so much that I bought the other two, Knife Edge and Small Bones and have started from the beginning. Reading book 3 first means that I am aware of the outcome of the two previous cases but I wanted the whole story.
Kerry Buchanan is a very gifted thriller writer and her books are very character driven. Her detectives are Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, they make a brilliant team and really care about one another but not in a romantic way. This book is highly addictive, I couldn't put it down and would unhesitatingly recommend it and the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a good detective story.
Kerry Buchanan is a very gifted thriller writer and her books are very character driven. Her detectives are Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, they make a brilliant team and really care about one another but not in a romantic way. This book is highly addictive, I couldn't put it down and would unhesitatingly recommend it and the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a good detective story.
March 23, 2022
Detectives Harvey and Birch have had a tip off about a boat being delivered to a nearby dockyard. On seeing what they think is someone around the boat at night, they investigate further and a whole new case is opened up. A local man denies everything but has been caught on CCTV but still denies knowing anything about what is in the rucksack he was seen carrying. When there is a murder things are turning nasty and complicated as even more things begin to appear. What is going on and why?
This is the third in a series but happily stands alone. Set in Belfast there is the beauty of the city and the nearby coast giving a nice variety of settings. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the characters and the twists and turns that kept this moving at a nice pace. Likeable, relatable characters you can easily take to and a good strong story line make this a highly enjoyable read that keeps the grey matter active.
This is the third in a series but happily stands alone. Set in Belfast there is the beauty of the city and the nearby coast giving a nice variety of settings. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the characters and the twists and turns that kept this moving at a nice pace. Likeable, relatable characters you can easily take to and a good strong story line make this a highly enjoyable read that keeps the grey matter active.
April 11, 2022
This is book 3 in the series. I read the 1st one and enjoyed it and this took it up another level. Despite not reading the 2nd one yet, there are references to it and there's enough to give you an idea of what happened.
This time, Asha and Birch are split up across 2 different stations but due to a tip-off about smugglers in a Bangor boatyard, they are reunited to investigate.
This is a fast-paced story, told through the viewpoints of several characters. There are lots going on - murders, corrupt police, people smuggling, drug smuggling, kidnapping and blackmail. Asha and Birch are as determined as ever and we get to know them more in this book. There is even a hint of a romance for Asha. I was gripped from the start and read it very quickly and look forward to seeing what is next in store for this duo.
This time, Asha and Birch are split up across 2 different stations but due to a tip-off about smugglers in a Bangor boatyard, they are reunited to investigate.
This is a fast-paced story, told through the viewpoints of several characters. There are lots going on - murders, corrupt police, people smuggling, drug smuggling, kidnapping and blackmail. Asha and Birch are as determined as ever and we get to know them more in this book. There is even a hint of a romance for Asha. I was gripped from the start and read it very quickly and look forward to seeing what is next in store for this duo.
April 16, 2022
Third in this series but easily read as a standalone, Deadly Shores brings Northern Ireland police detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch together again on an investigation that begins with a Christmas day tip-off that drugs are being smuggled aboard a yacht being delivered to a local boatyard. By the time they are able to inspect the boat, the drugs have been removed, but their investigation rapidly identifies a suspect. When the driver of the truck that delivered the boat is found dead in his hotel room and his truck stolen from the boatyard, however, Asha and Aaron realize that this case is part of something bigger. Likeable main characters, fast-paced and action-packed with a twist or two, the author keeps you wondering who Asha and Aaron can really trust.
April 21, 2022
Deadly Shores is the third book in the Harvey and Birch stories. This book can be a stand alone read. The story begins on Christmas Day as dinner is about to be served. Being on call Aaron gets a call about a potential drug run on a boat coming into a marina in Bangor.
By the time they get to the marina the drugs are gone, but CCTV gives them a lead on a local suspect. The bodies start to pile up as they investigate the crime. There appears to be much more than just a drug run and several former police are suspected of being involved.
The story has plenty of twists and turns as well as not everyone is who they think they are. There is plenty of action with lots of suspects, and it moves along pretty quickly.
I liked the relationship between Asha and Aaron. It made the story very enjoyable. But most of all I really appreciate the glossary for those of us that are not from the UK. We all take for granted that English is English, but we all have our colloquialisms and slangs which can make it difficult for a reader to follow.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
By the time they get to the marina the drugs are gone, but CCTV gives them a lead on a local suspect. The bodies start to pile up as they investigate the crime. There appears to be much more than just a drug run and several former police are suspected of being involved.
The story has plenty of twists and turns as well as not everyone is who they think they are. There is plenty of action with lots of suspects, and it moves along pretty quickly.
I liked the relationship between Asha and Aaron. It made the story very enjoyable. But most of all I really appreciate the glossary for those of us that are not from the UK. We all take for granted that English is English, but we all have our colloquialisms and slangs which can make it difficult for a reader to follow.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
April 25, 2022
Every country's law enforcement has particular issues and common frustrations, but I am only minimally acquainted with those specific to Northern Ireland. The dangers and problems with evildoers are the same worldwide.
The extensive publisher's blurb grabbed me by the brain and said, "Read me". Then I started the book and surfaced three hours later! The PSNI in this one face trouble from within and without making for a very tense and riveting read with engaging, interesting characters. I absolutely loved it and will go back, and binge read the first two in series!
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The extensive publisher's blurb grabbed me by the brain and said, "Read me". Then I started the book and surfaced three hours later! The PSNI in this one face trouble from within and without making for a very tense and riveting read with engaging, interesting characters. I absolutely loved it and will go back, and binge read the first two in series!
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 15, 2022
Deadly Shores is my first introduction to author Kerry Buchanan and the Harvey and Birch series and whilst it was a story full of twists and shocks. I did struggle to read it partly I think because its part of a series and theres a bit of a continuing thread to it. But also because I found the pacing a little on the slow side and whilst plenty happened, the shocks didn't really mean much to me and I wasn't entirely gripped.
Yet, there's no denying it was a well-written mystery, and I liked the characters a lot and I'm sure I'd feel a whole lot differently if I'd read this series from the beginning.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Yet, there's no denying it was a well-written mystery, and I liked the characters a lot and I'm sure I'd feel a whole lot differently if I'd read this series from the beginning.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 19, 2022
Book 3 in the Harvey and Birch series, set in Northern Ireland, is full of action with a few plot strands. There are plenty of twists in this well written, fast paced thriller but little in the way of character development. We still have corruption in the PSNI, people smuggling and some dodgy characters throughout. The ending came a bit quick for me but overall, I enjoyed the read. I will just have to wait and see what comes next for the two main characters. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
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April 19, 2022What can I say but wow..!! Full of actioned packed murders and drug trafficking with Harvey and Birch coming to the rescue. Would certainly recommend this book. It's is Book 3 of the Harvey and Birch series but can most certainly be read as a stand alone. I look forward to the next book. Well done Kerry in keeping me entertained.
October 19, 2022
Deadly Shores by Kerry Buchanan is another worthy page-tuner with loads of pain for the characters and loads of thrills and suspense for readers. Buchanan’s writing is again the stand-out for me in this twisty, intriguing tale.
I’ve read both of Kerry Buchanan’s previous books and she gives us something different with each outing. Her latest, Deadly Shores, is no exception. While there is still plenty of suspense, a twisty plot, and the realistic and engaging cast of characters we’ve learned to expect from her, this one seems to lean more strongly into police procedural territory, which I loved. Buchanan has impressive story-telling ability and hits the mark with strong attention to detail every time. She is one author I’m always eagerly awaiting the next book from.
The book opens with a bang as the prologue grabs our attention. A woman named Clara is at the wheel of a boat on a treacherous, stormy North Atlantic passage bound for the northwest coast of Ireland. With the decks awash with saltwater, another massive wave sweeping the deck would have tossed her over the rail into the sea had her lifeline not brought her up short. We’re not sure what this is all about, but a woman alone on an angry sea teetering on the fine line between life and death is more that adequate to grip our attention and get our pulse pumping. Of course, we learn much more about Clara and what she is about as we get deeper into the story and then the thrilling opening makes all the sense in the world.
We’re reunited with DC Aaron Birch and later DI Asha Harvey, the engaging leads from the previous books in the series. Both barely survived encounters with some corrupt police colleagues in the previous book, Small Bones. Buchanan offers adequate backstory from that book so that readers entering the series with this one won’t feel lost. She strikes a nice balance between the crimes-at-hand and past events impacting on recurring characters, so this book can work as a stand- alone. But readers who appreciate a fuller context might want to read Small Bones first.
Our lead characters are no longer partners since Harvey has received a promotion and transferred from the police station where they both worked together under Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson to the Bangor station in North Down. To Birch’s delight, after Patterson gets a tip-off from an informant about a large drug delivery destined for Bangor’s patch, she sends Aaron there to liaise with DI Harvey for the investigation, giving him the chance to work side-by-side once again with his friend and former partner.
Birch and Harvey begin their investigation, and it isn’t long before the first body drops when someone murders a suspected drug courier. Immediately, the investigation grows in scope and complexity. Both the action and suspense build from that point, keeping us turning the pages until the satisfying end. Both Birch and Harvey develop romantic interests (in others) in this book, which made for an interesting subplot, but the romance part never overshadows the primary plot which centers on drugs, murder, and bent cops.
Here, Buchanan again offers readers likeable leads, well-drawn, realistic supporting characters, and another intriguing plot with several twists and turns to keep us guessing. As much as I enjoyed her first two books, this one is my favorite of the series so far since it seems to enter the realm of a police procedural (my favorite genre) more strongly than the others. And it’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year. Fans of crime thrillers with a strong police procedural flavor should give this one a read.
I’ve read both of Kerry Buchanan’s previous books and she gives us something different with each outing. Her latest, Deadly Shores, is no exception. While there is still plenty of suspense, a twisty plot, and the realistic and engaging cast of characters we’ve learned to expect from her, this one seems to lean more strongly into police procedural territory, which I loved. Buchanan has impressive story-telling ability and hits the mark with strong attention to detail every time. She is one author I’m always eagerly awaiting the next book from.
The book opens with a bang as the prologue grabs our attention. A woman named Clara is at the wheel of a boat on a treacherous, stormy North Atlantic passage bound for the northwest coast of Ireland. With the decks awash with saltwater, another massive wave sweeping the deck would have tossed her over the rail into the sea had her lifeline not brought her up short. We’re not sure what this is all about, but a woman alone on an angry sea teetering on the fine line between life and death is more that adequate to grip our attention and get our pulse pumping. Of course, we learn much more about Clara and what she is about as we get deeper into the story and then the thrilling opening makes all the sense in the world.
We’re reunited with DC Aaron Birch and later DI Asha Harvey, the engaging leads from the previous books in the series. Both barely survived encounters with some corrupt police colleagues in the previous book, Small Bones. Buchanan offers adequate backstory from that book so that readers entering the series with this one won’t feel lost. She strikes a nice balance between the crimes-at-hand and past events impacting on recurring characters, so this book can work as a stand- alone. But readers who appreciate a fuller context might want to read Small Bones first.
Our lead characters are no longer partners since Harvey has received a promotion and transferred from the police station where they both worked together under Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson to the Bangor station in North Down. To Birch’s delight, after Patterson gets a tip-off from an informant about a large drug delivery destined for Bangor’s patch, she sends Aaron there to liaise with DI Harvey for the investigation, giving him the chance to work side-by-side once again with his friend and former partner.
Birch and Harvey begin their investigation, and it isn’t long before the first body drops when someone murders a suspected drug courier. Immediately, the investigation grows in scope and complexity. Both the action and suspense build from that point, keeping us turning the pages until the satisfying end. Both Birch and Harvey develop romantic interests (in others) in this book, which made for an interesting subplot, but the romance part never overshadows the primary plot which centers on drugs, murder, and bent cops.
Here, Buchanan again offers readers likeable leads, well-drawn, realistic supporting characters, and another intriguing plot with several twists and turns to keep us guessing. As much as I enjoyed her first two books, this one is my favorite of the series so far since it seems to enter the realm of a police procedural (my favorite genre) more strongly than the others. And it’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year. Fans of crime thrillers with a strong police procedural flavor should give this one a read.
April 15, 2022
I really struggled to get into this but it was an okay read. It was just a bit of a slow read for me and I couldnt really bond with the characters. But I am glad that I read it.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
April 25, 2022
addicting read for sure!
This was just the read I needed for a bit of down time. Great bunch of characters including the villains kept my nose glued in this book. Detectives Harvey and Birch were believable and I’ll be including them on another future adventure in print.
This was just the read I needed for a bit of down time. Great bunch of characters including the villains kept my nose glued in this book. Detectives Harvey and Birch were believable and I’ll be including them on another future adventure in print.
March 22, 2022
DEADLY SHORES drops into an unnerving, tempestuous situation. International intrigue, secrets and lies create a dangerous, baffling mystery. You'll be engrossed by high levels of tension as the pages fly by. Twists and turns in every riveting chapter will keep you guessing. Hair-raising suspense and action packed events lead to a dynamite, explosive conclusion.
March 22, 2022
Dodgy police officers, drugs, human traffickers, murder - this book has it all, plus plenty of action, fast paced drama, suspense and intrigue. It kept me up late into the night and I am looking forward to the next in the series. A very enjoyable read.
March 29, 2022
Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are back in the 3rd book in this brilliant series and yet another fantastic read that had me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
Aaron is still recovering from the last case which saw a corrupt group of their colleagues being uncovered and resulted in the death of one of the senior officers and 2 others going on the run. So when Patterson sends them to investigate a tip off at a boatyard they are both relieved that they may be able to get back to what they love. But as the saying goes: be careful what you wish for, the tip off appears to be the tip of the iceberg and the pair find themselves caught up in the middle of a deadly storm - will they sink or swim? At the back of the minds of both of them are the words spoken by Alistair King moments before he was murdered: I am not working alone. Is there another corrupt officer and if so who is it.
This is an adrenaline pumping story with danger lurking in every page as Harvey and Birch find themselves uncovering a web of crimes with all the lines leading up to the very top of the Police Department. Explosive action, corruption, drugs, human trafficking, murder, blackmail .... This story has it all and it is all wrapped up in a very realistic story.
The characters continue to develop and new ones are introduced each bringing something to the story in some cases carrying with them shocks the reader won't see coming.
Absolutely brilliant - 5 stars from me.
Aaron is still recovering from the last case which saw a corrupt group of their colleagues being uncovered and resulted in the death of one of the senior officers and 2 others going on the run. So when Patterson sends them to investigate a tip off at a boatyard they are both relieved that they may be able to get back to what they love. But as the saying goes: be careful what you wish for, the tip off appears to be the tip of the iceberg and the pair find themselves caught up in the middle of a deadly storm - will they sink or swim? At the back of the minds of both of them are the words spoken by Alistair King moments before he was murdered: I am not working alone. Is there another corrupt officer and if so who is it.
This is an adrenaline pumping story with danger lurking in every page as Harvey and Birch find themselves uncovering a web of crimes with all the lines leading up to the very top of the Police Department. Explosive action, corruption, drugs, human trafficking, murder, blackmail .... This story has it all and it is all wrapped up in a very realistic story.
The characters continue to develop and new ones are introduced each bringing something to the story in some cases carrying with them shocks the reader won't see coming.
Absolutely brilliant - 5 stars from me.
May 5, 2024
This is the third in the series and I think it would help to read the preceding books, as otherwise the sense of drama regarding the corruption isn’t quite as strong. Unfortunately I hadn’t read the other books - the story itself regarding the drugs and trafficking was OK, but I found the whole senior officer corruption just too implausible - the character was almost a caricature of a pantomime villain, and that sadly spoiled it for me. Each time they cropped up, it would pull me out of the story because it was just too unlikely.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this.
March 22, 2022
Another great story in this series and although may be read as a standalone, I would advise reading the previous 2 books as you will really get the full benefit of what is going on as there is still corruption going on within the PSNI . This story has drugs, people trafficking and blackmail just to begin with. Set in and around Christmas and New Year where most folks are relaxing and having fun, Asha and Aaron are back on the hunt for the perpetrators, but they seem to be one step behind due to inside information leaking out. Lots of action going on throughout and a good paced story to make you want to read more!Look forward to the next one!
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
September 19, 2024
4.5 stars again!
This has been such a great series. For once, the adjectives used in the subtitle are appropriate.
Harvey is a wonderful lead character, the story and character developments across the three books have been done really well, and the plotlines are complex, layered and keep you guessing.
I really really hope Asha returns.
This has been such a great series. For once, the adjectives used in the subtitle are appropriate.
Harvey is a wonderful lead character, the story and character developments across the three books have been done really well, and the plotlines are complex, layered and keep you guessing.
I really really hope Asha returns.
June 20, 2022
Totally compulsory reading
Really gripping third book in the series and the best yet. I couldn't put the book down and eagerly await another one with Harvey and Birch. More please.
Really gripping third book in the series and the best yet. I couldn't put the book down and eagerly await another one with Harvey and Birch. More please.
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