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DS Nikki Parekh #5
Dying Breath
The killer is closing in… can she find him before he finds her?
When Detective Nikki Parekh receives a set of threatening postcards, she knows it can only mean one thing… The man who escaped arrest after murdering her mother two years ago is back.
Each postcard has a similar message: You’re next Parekh.
As the post marks on the cards gradually get closer to Bradford, Nikki must do everything she can to protect her family and catch the killer before it’s too late.
But when human remains are found in a remote barn on the icy Yorkshire moors, Nikki’s attention is pulled away from her family. When a tattoo on the victim’s arm – the only means of identification – leads nowhere, the team have already met a dead end.
Will the team be able to make a breakthrough before someone else gets hurt, and can Nikki finally get justice for her mother’s tragic death?
Don’t miss the next utterly gripping crime thriller from the Queen of Northern Noir! Fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and JD Kirk will love this nail-biting read.
When Detective Nikki Parekh receives a set of threatening postcards, she knows it can only mean one thing… The man who escaped arrest after murdering her mother two years ago is back.
Each postcard has a similar message: You’re next Parekh.
As the post marks on the cards gradually get closer to Bradford, Nikki must do everything she can to protect her family and catch the killer before it’s too late.
But when human remains are found in a remote barn on the icy Yorkshire moors, Nikki’s attention is pulled away from her family. When a tattoo on the victim’s arm – the only means of identification – leads nowhere, the team have already met a dead end.
Will the team be able to make a breakthrough before someone else gets hurt, and can Nikki finally get justice for her mother’s tragic death?
Don’t miss the next utterly gripping crime thriller from the Queen of Northern Noir! Fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and JD Kirk will love this nail-biting read.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2022
53 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Liz Mistry
23 books193 followersBorn in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 8, 2022
DS Nikki Parekh #5
Nikki has a Demon breathing down her neck, the most evil person she has ever known and that is her father Freddie Downey. His threats are sickening and he’s getting ever closer and stringent police protocols are put in place for the families protection but until he is caught they will get no peace. Meanwhile, Nikki is called to a crime scene where all kinds of ugly have taken place as human remains are discovered.This is the start of a horrifying and potentially deadly enquiry for the Bradford-based team.
There are a lot of good police procedurals out there right now and I count this series among them. The team is terrific and Niki is an excellent central protagonist whose issues are very well portrayed. The impact of Downey on her family are done well to, especially on Charlie her teenage daughter who though she tests many a boundary she has a good heart.
The themes in this latest instalment are dark, harsh and will make your blood boil and churn your stomach as it’s cruel beyond belief. The situation that Nikki et al face is further reinforced by some terrific bleak settings especially in Yorkshire and the adverse weather provides an ever greater chill factor. The scenarios become creepy, exceptionally dangerous and there are some vivid, violent and colourful confrontations and dangerous traps as evil nets close in and the tension becomes very taut. It builds and builds and twists and turns to a nailbiting conclusion and how it all pans out is very fitting.
This is a dark novel and I’m very grateful to the author for the infusions of humour so her readers can breathe again! This is a multi layered mystery thriller told via several narrators and Liz Mistry does really well with all the fast paced plot ‘plate spinning’ to bring it all together seamlessly. I’m looking forward to what Nikki gets up to next!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Nikki has a Demon breathing down her neck, the most evil person she has ever known and that is her father Freddie Downey. His threats are sickening and he’s getting ever closer and stringent police protocols are put in place for the families protection but until he is caught they will get no peace. Meanwhile, Nikki is called to a crime scene where all kinds of ugly have taken place as human remains are discovered.This is the start of a horrifying and potentially deadly enquiry for the Bradford-based team.
There are a lot of good police procedurals out there right now and I count this series among them. The team is terrific and Niki is an excellent central protagonist whose issues are very well portrayed. The impact of Downey on her family are done well to, especially on Charlie her teenage daughter who though she tests many a boundary she has a good heart.
The themes in this latest instalment are dark, harsh and will make your blood boil and churn your stomach as it’s cruel beyond belief. The situation that Nikki et al face is further reinforced by some terrific bleak settings especially in Yorkshire and the adverse weather provides an ever greater chill factor. The scenarios become creepy, exceptionally dangerous and there are some vivid, violent and colourful confrontations and dangerous traps as evil nets close in and the tension becomes very taut. It builds and builds and twists and turns to a nailbiting conclusion and how it all pans out is very fitting.
This is a dark novel and I’m very grateful to the author for the infusions of humour so her readers can breathe again! This is a multi layered mystery thriller told via several narrators and Liz Mistry does really well with all the fast paced plot ‘plate spinning’ to bring it all together seamlessly. I’m looking forward to what Nikki gets up to next!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 9, 2022
DS Nikki Parekh #5
when Detective Nikki Parekh receives a set of threatening postcards, she knows it can only mean one thing.... The man who escaped arrest after murdering her mother two years ago is back. Each postcard has a similar message: You're nest Parekh. As the postmarks on the cards gradually get closer to Bradford, Nikki must do everything she can to protect her family and catch the killer before it's too late. But when human remains are found in a remote barn in the Yorkshire moors, Nikki's attention is pulled away from her family. When a tattoo on the victim's arm - the only means of identification - leads nowhere, the team have already met a dead-end.
What a gripping, rollercoaster ride this is. DS Nikki Parekh and DS Sajid Malik are investigating the discovery of a severed limb and trying to locate the rest of the body. We also enter the illegal dog fighting arena. Then there's Nikki's father who might be back on the scene after being on the run for two years as he killed Nikki's mother. This is a dark and gruesome read. The pace is fast from the beginning, and I was hooked from the first page. The tension and suspense build throughout. The characters are well developed. Between her busy work life and trying to keep her family safe, Nikki can't afford to be distracted. The story held my attention throughout. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read them in the order they are written in or you will miss out on some of the background story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #LizMistry for my ARC of #DyingBreath in exchange for an honest review.
when Detective Nikki Parekh receives a set of threatening postcards, she knows it can only mean one thing.... The man who escaped arrest after murdering her mother two years ago is back. Each postcard has a similar message: You're nest Parekh. As the postmarks on the cards gradually get closer to Bradford, Nikki must do everything she can to protect her family and catch the killer before it's too late. But when human remains are found in a remote barn in the Yorkshire moors, Nikki's attention is pulled away from her family. When a tattoo on the victim's arm - the only means of identification - leads nowhere, the team have already met a dead-end.
What a gripping, rollercoaster ride this is. DS Nikki Parekh and DS Sajid Malik are investigating the discovery of a severed limb and trying to locate the rest of the body. We also enter the illegal dog fighting arena. Then there's Nikki's father who might be back on the scene after being on the run for two years as he killed Nikki's mother. This is a dark and gruesome read. The pace is fast from the beginning, and I was hooked from the first page. The tension and suspense build throughout. The characters are well developed. Between her busy work life and trying to keep her family safe, Nikki can't afford to be distracted. The story held my attention throughout. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read them in the order they are written in or you will miss out on some of the background story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #LizMistry for my ARC of #DyingBreath in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
3.5/5
This book felt forever to finish. It ticks all the right boxes, suspense, police procedures dark plot and good built up of characters. But it felt like it dragged on, like I spent a whole week reading it. I have to admit I struggled to get into the book, felt long winded, super dark but struggled in pace. There was parts in the book where it just dips, dips in action and consistency, nothing happens with a few filler scenes.
I enjoyed the book, it had me gripped in but halfway into the book, I did lose interest. Maybe it’s the fact that I read the book as a standalone rather than reading from the start. But when the story switched to Nikki Parekh perspective it felt really slow to build up, random things happening and not adding to the story. It lacked and felt bland.
Overall I did enjoy the book, the story line was unique and dark. But it felt slow, and the last 50 pages had so much going on it was a rush to fit everything in, and the ending just happened in a split second, it didn’t feel satisfying. Felt like why did we get to all this hassle for everything to be resolved so quickly.
This book felt forever to finish. It ticks all the right boxes, suspense, police procedures dark plot and good built up of characters. But it felt like it dragged on, like I spent a whole week reading it. I have to admit I struggled to get into the book, felt long winded, super dark but struggled in pace. There was parts in the book where it just dips, dips in action and consistency, nothing happens with a few filler scenes.
I enjoyed the book, it had me gripped in but halfway into the book, I did lose interest. Maybe it’s the fact that I read the book as a standalone rather than reading from the start. But when the story switched to Nikki Parekh perspective it felt really slow to build up, random things happening and not adding to the story. It lacked and felt bland.
Overall I did enjoy the book, the story line was unique and dark. But it felt slow, and the last 50 pages had so much going on it was a rush to fit everything in, and the ending just happened in a split second, it didn’t feel satisfying. Felt like why did we get to all this hassle for everything to be resolved so quickly.
July 14, 2023
This was the first of the Nikki Parekh books I’d read and really enjoyed it so I’ll definitely be reading the others and if the others are like this I recommend reading them
September 13, 2022
This is a fabulous read, right from the outset, the pace is relentless as Nikki is hounded by her nemesis and father Downey.
The story itself is menacing with dog fighting and animal cruelty at the fore, but Liz doesn’t dwell or go into detail of the fights, for which, I was very grateful.
Poor Nikki has a ring of steel around herself and the family, but still Downey managed to torment her and the team.
What follows is a game to Downey of cat and mouse, can he get to Nikki and kill her, or will she live to see another day?
My heart was in my mouth several times, I could barely turn the pages, as I know how Liz can alter her characters lives, leaving the reader absolutely heartbroken.
This book is the best yet, and would be hard to follow. I read it in a day despite interruptions, it was that enthralling.
My thanks to Liz, the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
The story itself is menacing with dog fighting and animal cruelty at the fore, but Liz doesn’t dwell or go into detail of the fights, for which, I was very grateful.
Poor Nikki has a ring of steel around herself and the family, but still Downey managed to torment her and the team.
What follows is a game to Downey of cat and mouse, can he get to Nikki and kill her, or will she live to see another day?
My heart was in my mouth several times, I could barely turn the pages, as I know how Liz can alter her characters lives, leaving the reader absolutely heartbroken.
This book is the best yet, and would be hard to follow. I read it in a day despite interruptions, it was that enthralling.
My thanks to Liz, the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 14, 2022
A new Nikki Parekh book is always something to look forward to and Dying Breath, the fifth in the series is another dark, twisty read that kept me engrossed from start to finish. In many ways it feels as if this may be a crossroads novel and I'm intrigued to see what comes next.
In the previous book, Blood Games, DS Nikki Parekh was in a bad way; she is much stronger here but is still an often tormented figure, weighed down by guilt, regret and her responsibilities to her family. There are many opinions as to what makes a good crime novel but as important as plot and pacing may be, I believe that it's the characters who really make the difference and Dying Breath is as reliably strong as ever with regards to the people – whether good, bad or downright evil – who populate its pages. Nikki is a sheer delight because she is completely believable and therefore so relatable. She is an ambitious, resolute woman but she is damaged by her past, scared, angry and often very funny – whether intentionally or otherwise. She is also a working mother whose family comes first and the interactions with her partner and children, most notably her eldest daughter, Charlie are warm, turbulent and entirely authentic. She knows her family are at risk from a twisted killer with a vengeful plan and is doing everything she can to protect them. However, the steps she has taken to try to ensure their safety leads to a different sort of conflict, resulting in one of the many fascinating subplots woven into this cleverly plotted thriller.
There's a growing sense of foreboding throughout the novel and the chapters which follow her nemesis are particularly chilling. He leaves her a terrifying message which leaves her in no doubt of the danger they are all in and the tension is ratcheted up still further with the gritty, brutal case Nikki and her team are investigating. The sense of place is always a highlight of this series but the action moves away from the city of Bradford in Dying Breath as Liz Mistry makes full use of the remote Yorkshire moors. The icy weather and sense of isolation really adds to the bleak atmosphere which permeates throughout the whole book. The investigation is almost too horrible to even contemplate and although most of the violence happens off the page, readers are left in no doubt as to the terrible suffering inflicted on the victims.
There are very few leads to follow and it's vividly clear just how frustrating it is to work a case with so little to go on, especially as the escalating danger Nikki and her family are in threatens to distract her from her work and to engulf her once again in darkness. The switching viewpoints follow Nikki, the killer on her trail, Jacko, a man out of his depth and horrified by what he has become a part of, and an unnamed young man who is in a piteous state and seems likely to face something even worse than the torture he has already been subjected to, and it's a real rollercoaster ride of fear and emotion. Eventually all the strands of this cleverly plotted novel are brought together and the pulse-racing climactic scenes are the stuff of nightmares.
Change is an ongoing theme throughout Dying Breath and as I said at the start of this review, it does feel as if we have reached a pivotal point in the series. What doesn't change, however, is that Liz Mistry writes compelling thrillers that explore the darkest recesses of humanity but still imbues her books with insightful compassion and a generous helping of humour. Dying Breath is no exception, I thoroughly recommend it.
In the previous book, Blood Games, DS Nikki Parekh was in a bad way; she is much stronger here but is still an often tormented figure, weighed down by guilt, regret and her responsibilities to her family. There are many opinions as to what makes a good crime novel but as important as plot and pacing may be, I believe that it's the characters who really make the difference and Dying Breath is as reliably strong as ever with regards to the people – whether good, bad or downright evil – who populate its pages. Nikki is a sheer delight because she is completely believable and therefore so relatable. She is an ambitious, resolute woman but she is damaged by her past, scared, angry and often very funny – whether intentionally or otherwise. She is also a working mother whose family comes first and the interactions with her partner and children, most notably her eldest daughter, Charlie are warm, turbulent and entirely authentic. She knows her family are at risk from a twisted killer with a vengeful plan and is doing everything she can to protect them. However, the steps she has taken to try to ensure their safety leads to a different sort of conflict, resulting in one of the many fascinating subplots woven into this cleverly plotted thriller.
There's a growing sense of foreboding throughout the novel and the chapters which follow her nemesis are particularly chilling. He leaves her a terrifying message which leaves her in no doubt of the danger they are all in and the tension is ratcheted up still further with the gritty, brutal case Nikki and her team are investigating. The sense of place is always a highlight of this series but the action moves away from the city of Bradford in Dying Breath as Liz Mistry makes full use of the remote Yorkshire moors. The icy weather and sense of isolation really adds to the bleak atmosphere which permeates throughout the whole book. The investigation is almost too horrible to even contemplate and although most of the violence happens off the page, readers are left in no doubt as to the terrible suffering inflicted on the victims.
There are very few leads to follow and it's vividly clear just how frustrating it is to work a case with so little to go on, especially as the escalating danger Nikki and her family are in threatens to distract her from her work and to engulf her once again in darkness. The switching viewpoints follow Nikki, the killer on her trail, Jacko, a man out of his depth and horrified by what he has become a part of, and an unnamed young man who is in a piteous state and seems likely to face something even worse than the torture he has already been subjected to, and it's a real rollercoaster ride of fear and emotion. Eventually all the strands of this cleverly plotted novel are brought together and the pulse-racing climactic scenes are the stuff of nightmares.
Change is an ongoing theme throughout Dying Breath and as I said at the start of this review, it does feel as if we have reached a pivotal point in the series. What doesn't change, however, is that Liz Mistry writes compelling thrillers that explore the darkest recesses of humanity but still imbues her books with insightful compassion and a generous helping of humour. Dying Breath is no exception, I thoroughly recommend it.
October 1, 2022
Liz Mistry, what the hell have I just read?!?! I feel chilled to the bone!!! And not because we’ve not got the heating on!!! Dying Breath is a shockingly dark and twisted read!!! It gave me goosebumps and I loved it!!!!!!!!!!
Nikki is faced with a double header of a monstrous time – a fingerless body-less arm (I did chuckle at the name this body part was given) and the threatening postcards from the one who took one of the most precious people from our Yorkshire detective. What a real life pair of night-terrors to face!!!
I loved the perspective jumping Mistry put me through. Going from Nikki to headstrong rebellious Charlie and then Jacko. Despite Jacko sitting on the criminal side of the story, he seemed a slightly reluctant participant in a number of matters with Fugly having him (and his other “employees”) over a slight barrel of fear and intimidation.
But oh Fugly! What a nasty piece of work. A man ruling by tyranny. Is he all mouth and not trousers ? I wouldn’t like to test the idea given the line of work he’s developing which makes me feel sick. This man gave me the heebie jeebies!!!
Dying Breath is a seriously dark crime thriller that is not for the faint hearted. Mistry has pulled together so many horrific ideas to create such a dastardly investigation for Nikki. despite wincing at various points throughout, I was hooked from the off and I didn’t want to put it down though the real world and my sleepy eyelids enforced it at times! Blooming brilliant!!
Nikki is faced with a double header of a monstrous time – a fingerless body-less arm (I did chuckle at the name this body part was given) and the threatening postcards from the one who took one of the most precious people from our Yorkshire detective. What a real life pair of night-terrors to face!!!
I loved the perspective jumping Mistry put me through. Going from Nikki to headstrong rebellious Charlie and then Jacko. Despite Jacko sitting on the criminal side of the story, he seemed a slightly reluctant participant in a number of matters with Fugly having him (and his other “employees”) over a slight barrel of fear and intimidation.
But oh Fugly! What a nasty piece of work. A man ruling by tyranny. Is he all mouth and not trousers ? I wouldn’t like to test the idea given the line of work he’s developing which makes me feel sick. This man gave me the heebie jeebies!!!
Dying Breath is a seriously dark crime thriller that is not for the faint hearted. Mistry has pulled together so many horrific ideas to create such a dastardly investigation for Nikki. despite wincing at various points throughout, I was hooked from the off and I didn’t want to put it down though the real world and my sleepy eyelids enforced it at times! Blooming brilliant!!
September 9, 2022
Book 5 in the DS Nikki Parekh series and this one has very dark themes that could be distressing for some. I mention it’s because it’s something that I feel quite strongly about. The main theme is illegal dogfighting, and I couldn’t normally read anything involved animal cruelty but I can say that this has been done in a sensitive manner and it’s more about the people who run these hideous meets rather than the actual fight. This is well written and, although part of a series, could be read as a stand-alone. Running alongside the police case is another thread concerning Nikki’s father, Downey, a completely heartless man who murdered her mother and is now back and threatening other members of her family; his ultimate aim, to break Nikki.
Briefly, a tattooed arm is found on a site where an illegal dogfight had taken place but the arm has been ripped out and had teeth marks suggesting something much more sinister than a dog fight was taking place. Meanwhile members of Nikki’s extended family have been receiving postcards, with implied threats, and one of them has gone missing. Can Nikki ensure the safety of her family, until Downy is caught, whilst dealing with the dog fighting case?
I’m a big fan of police procedurals and this series is, in my opinion, amongst the best. I love this authors writing and I’m always fully invested in the story. Nikki is a great character, flawed and fighting her own mental health issues, she is fiercely loyal and family first. Her nemesis Downey is the total opposite, pure evil and cares about no one but himself. A great read full of breath holding moments and good twists and turns. Excellent.
Briefly, a tattooed arm is found on a site where an illegal dogfight had taken place but the arm has been ripped out and had teeth marks suggesting something much more sinister than a dog fight was taking place. Meanwhile members of Nikki’s extended family have been receiving postcards, with implied threats, and one of them has gone missing. Can Nikki ensure the safety of her family, until Downy is caught, whilst dealing with the dog fighting case?
I’m a big fan of police procedurals and this series is, in my opinion, amongst the best. I love this authors writing and I’m always fully invested in the story. Nikki is a great character, flawed and fighting her own mental health issues, she is fiercely loyal and family first. Her nemesis Downey is the total opposite, pure evil and cares about no one but himself. A great read full of breath holding moments and good twists and turns. Excellent.
September 28, 2022
It's grim up north, so the saying goes. And Dying Breath simply reinforces this image in a graphic, unrelenting way,
This is the fifth book in the series about D.S. Nikki Parekh, whose personal life is as horrific any any of the cases she works on. The story is told from her perspective as well as her seventeen year-old daughter, her seriously abusive father and someone involved in a grisly crime that includes dogs. Uncomfortable stuff.
In effect, there are two stories: the crime Parekh is investigating and her family. Unlike other detective books though, the family issues are capable of standing alone as I am always looking ahead to reading the next part of their drama. Not the normal family drama though, it must be said. Sometimes, the points of view seep into each other, but it's not a major issue. Eventually, of course, the two paths will merge to produce an exciting and dramatic climax.
The narrative for each of the characters is modern and flows fairly well, making the voices distinct and contemporary. A story about courage and determination in the the face of adversity. Intense and at times, gruesome, this is a powerful read that touches on current social issues.
This is the fifth book in the series about D.S. Nikki Parekh, whose personal life is as horrific any any of the cases she works on. The story is told from her perspective as well as her seventeen year-old daughter, her seriously abusive father and someone involved in a grisly crime that includes dogs. Uncomfortable stuff.
In effect, there are two stories: the crime Parekh is investigating and her family. Unlike other detective books though, the family issues are capable of standing alone as I am always looking ahead to reading the next part of their drama. Not the normal family drama though, it must be said. Sometimes, the points of view seep into each other, but it's not a major issue. Eventually, of course, the two paths will merge to produce an exciting and dramatic climax.
The narrative for each of the characters is modern and flows fairly well, making the voices distinct and contemporary. A story about courage and determination in the the face of adversity. Intense and at times, gruesome, this is a powerful read that touches on current social issues.
September 14, 2022
Liz Mistry has done it again. She has crafted a well developed novel with multiple plot lines all skillfully woven together in an exciting climax in the book. The characters are well developed and realistic. Mistry demonstrates an ability to get into the head space of rebellious teenagers, as well as psychopathic killers. While this is the 5th book in the Nikki Parekh series, it is the first book in the series that I have read. Yet, I didn’t feel that I was missing any essential background required to understand the backgrounds of the various characters. This book is for people who are comfortable reading about violent situations as Mistry describes in detail several violent scenes. This is a very good and engaging story,
September 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Nikki and her team investigate when a body part is found and struggle to identify who it is. The investigation leads them into illegal dog fighting rings and someone from Nikki's past is very close to home wanting revenge and threatening her family, putting them all at risk. I liked that the story was told through different characters and from their perspective. I thought the story line was all too believable and realistic and as always the author has wrote a very good and thrilling book here that grabbed my attention and interest right from the start and held it all the way through. This book didn’t quite have the wow factor for me, although I really loved the tension and suspense Liz Mistry built up as the book progressed and raced to its conclusion, with an ongoing story thread coming to an end. I’d recommend this book and series if you like good, solid crime and police procedurals although you need to read the books in order to get to know Nikki and her history right from the start. Looking forward to the next book.
October 11, 2022
Dying Breath by Liz Mistry
Dying Breath by Liz Mistry is book 5 in the Detective Nikki Parekh police series and it was a breathtaking read. This storyline was about dogs used in illegal fights but this time the stakes were raised and the victims were not just dogs as victims.
The storyline and characters in the Nikki Parekh series are outstanding. It is like watching your own family growing up and all the temper tantrums and outbursts that you encounter regularly are there in front of your eyes.
I have enjoyed reading this latest book and look forward to reading more in the series.
Highly recommended
Dying Breath by Liz Mistry is book 5 in the Detective Nikki Parekh police series and it was a breathtaking read. This storyline was about dogs used in illegal fights but this time the stakes were raised and the victims were not just dogs as victims.
The storyline and characters in the Nikki Parekh series are outstanding. It is like watching your own family growing up and all the temper tantrums and outbursts that you encounter regularly are there in front of your eyes.
I have enjoyed reading this latest book and look forward to reading more in the series.
Highly recommended
August 19, 2022
The latest in Liz Mistry's DS Nikki Parekh series, set in Bradford, is a truly dark and chilling affair, with Nikki and her family under pressure, with the continuing threatening postcards she is receiving from her evil psychopathic father, Freddie Downey. The police protection, along with help from Ali, has her teenage rebellious daughter, Charlie, exploding with frustration at the restrictions and limitations, particularly with her hormones at play over a relationship she is keeping secret from everyone. However, there is nothing Nikki will not do to ensure the safety of her children, Charlie, Ruby and Sunni, and including others, such as her nephew Haqib, and Down's Syndrome Isaac, sweet but vulnerable with his tendency to trust far too easily.
On top of all this, Nikki and the newly promoted DS Sajid Malik find themselves at a troubling scene where illegal dogfighting had clearly take place and where a tattooed dismembered arm, with dog bites and its fingers cut off, is found. Working with other relevant police groups, Nikki and Saj struggle to identify who the arm belongs to, whom they can only logically assume is now dead. It turns out that there is a thriving underground dog fighting scene that has so far managed to elude the police, a financially lucrative business which is organised on the dark web, where there are suggestions that it is heading into worryingly macabre directions under the leadership of a particularly brutal, cruel and sadistic man, referred to as Fugly in the narrative. Nikki has to handle this challenging case, whilst simultaneously she and those in her family come under increasing danger from Freddie.
Mistry writes a dark and atmospheric crime read, full of suspense and tension, with a growing sense of menace, all culminating in a terrifying and horrifying finale. One of the highlights of this series are the relationships that have developed with Nikki and her police team, with her partner, Saj, and her boss, DCI Archie Hegley. However, it's the central character of Nikki, vulnerable, yet tough and resilient, that holds centre stage, and despite all the setbacks and trauma she has suffered, she is a survivor. A crime series I recommend. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
On top of all this, Nikki and the newly promoted DS Sajid Malik find themselves at a troubling scene where illegal dogfighting had clearly take place and where a tattooed dismembered arm, with dog bites and its fingers cut off, is found. Working with other relevant police groups, Nikki and Saj struggle to identify who the arm belongs to, whom they can only logically assume is now dead. It turns out that there is a thriving underground dog fighting scene that has so far managed to elude the police, a financially lucrative business which is organised on the dark web, where there are suggestions that it is heading into worryingly macabre directions under the leadership of a particularly brutal, cruel and sadistic man, referred to as Fugly in the narrative. Nikki has to handle this challenging case, whilst simultaneously she and those in her family come under increasing danger from Freddie.
Mistry writes a dark and atmospheric crime read, full of suspense and tension, with a growing sense of menace, all culminating in a terrifying and horrifying finale. One of the highlights of this series are the relationships that have developed with Nikki and her police team, with her partner, Saj, and her boss, DCI Archie Hegley. However, it's the central character of Nikki, vulnerable, yet tough and resilient, that holds centre stage, and despite all the setbacks and trauma she has suffered, she is a survivor. A crime series I recommend. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
February 11, 2023
Although quite brutal it has you sitting on the edge of your seat.
August 29, 2022
Cosy crime this most certainly is not! Nikki Parekh has suffered more than most fictional detectives--which is saying a lot!-and her life gets worse in this superb novel. Not only is she fully involved in the day job, which involves identifying a body found in a barn, but at the same time she is trying to protect her family from a terrifying threat close to home. Great characters, intriguing plot and the backdrop of West Yorkshire all contribute to this tremendous story.
August 23, 2022
Book 5 of the Nikki Parekh series is another great read, engaging and thrilling with strong characters and a well developed plot. There are themes running through the series that make it best read in order for full effect, although this novel may also work as a standalone.
The two main story arcs involve Nikki's evil natural father, long missing but still in touch. He has sworn to come after the Bradford detective and occasionally sends her postcards to remind her. A more current case sees a dismembered arm found at the sight of suspected dog fighting. The case is difficult without the rest of the body, but Nikki and her team investigate, and find themselves in a world they have no previous experience of.
The final section of the novel sees many long running themes from the series come together. Without spoilers, it is difficult to say more than that the storylines are compelling, the action fast and the finale is gripping.
The two main story arcs involve Nikki's evil natural father, long missing but still in touch. He has sworn to come after the Bradford detective and occasionally sends her postcards to remind her. A more current case sees a dismembered arm found at the sight of suspected dog fighting. The case is difficult without the rest of the body, but Nikki and her team investigate, and find themselves in a world they have no previous experience of.
The final section of the novel sees many long running themes from the series come together. Without spoilers, it is difficult to say more than that the storylines are compelling, the action fast and the finale is gripping.
August 27, 2022
DS Nikki Parekh is back in this dark, gruesome thriller.
With her family under threat from the man who brutally killer her mother, Nikki must do everything in her power to keep them safe.
When human remains are found in a deserted barn Nikki and the team are dragged into the dark and dangerous world of illegal dog fighting. Who was the victim and where is the rest of the body?
This is a fast paced page turner that kept me reading late into the night. I highly recommend this fantastic series to all crime loving fans
With her family under threat from the man who brutally killer her mother, Nikki must do everything in her power to keep them safe.
When human remains are found in a deserted barn Nikki and the team are dragged into the dark and dangerous world of illegal dog fighting. Who was the victim and where is the rest of the body?
This is a fast paced page turner that kept me reading late into the night. I highly recommend this fantastic series to all crime loving fans
August 21, 2022
Dying Breath is book 5 in the Nikki Parekh series by Liz Mistry. Nikki’s father is getting ever closer and determined to get his revenge on her and those dear to her. With his efforts at misdirection, the results could be disastrous. Liz writes so well – you can feel the fear. Even amongst all this darkness and despair, there is humour. While all this is going on, her daughter Charlie is rebelling against the restrictions Nikki put in place to protect her family and keep them safe. The characters are so fascinating and so different from each other. In each book they grow a bit more and we get to know them a bit more. This was a gripping read, racing along at a fast pace and dragging me along with it. Look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
August 23, 2022
This is book 5 in the series featuring DS Nikki Parekh, set in Bradford. This dark and chilling tale is a brilliant addition to the series, which I highly recommend to lovers of the genre. It's tense, fast paced and gripping but be aware of some violent content in this latest addition to the series. Each character is so different and I love trying to figure out all the dynamics in the team. It's an easy 5* from me and I am grateful for my ARC from Net Galley.
August 7, 2022
If you believe the story books it's the stepmother who is evil, and good always wins in the end. For DS Nikki Parekh life has never been like a fairytale instead it made her the strong woman she has had to become but even she couldn't have imagined the fear which has gradually enveloped her entire family.
As Nikki and partner DS Sajid Malik are tasked with the almost impossible task of reuniting a severed arm with the rest of its as yet undiscovered body they are also drawn into the shady world of illegal dog fighting and the secrecy surrounding it. Working almost permanently on empty Nikki has problems at home and work to contend with but knows if she loses focus for even a minute her family will be caught up in everything she is struggling to prevent.
This is the fifth Nikki Parekh book and things are moving at pace towards a confrontation which has been coming for the last few storylines. The main protagonists are all there, although some in name only, and each play their part in what happens throughout.
Although the two plot lines were entertaining and exciting I didn't feel the heart stopping jeopardy I'd expected. I think this was in the main because a prologue was used to show something from during the story rather than beforehand and so was repeated in its correct place later on. This spoilt the story for me as the impact of whatever was happening was lessened because I knew what was still to come.
I hope there will be more books in this series as, even with its limitations this time around, Nikki and Sajid are great main protagonists and their backstories still have a way to go. The writing is also excellent and without the prologue this would have been a definite 5.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this and will definitely keep reading any new books in this series. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
As Nikki and partner DS Sajid Malik are tasked with the almost impossible task of reuniting a severed arm with the rest of its as yet undiscovered body they are also drawn into the shady world of illegal dog fighting and the secrecy surrounding it. Working almost permanently on empty Nikki has problems at home and work to contend with but knows if she loses focus for even a minute her family will be caught up in everything she is struggling to prevent.
This is the fifth Nikki Parekh book and things are moving at pace towards a confrontation which has been coming for the last few storylines. The main protagonists are all there, although some in name only, and each play their part in what happens throughout.
Although the two plot lines were entertaining and exciting I didn't feel the heart stopping jeopardy I'd expected. I think this was in the main because a prologue was used to show something from during the story rather than beforehand and so was repeated in its correct place later on. This spoilt the story for me as the impact of whatever was happening was lessened because I knew what was still to come.
I hope there will be more books in this series as, even with its limitations this time around, Nikki and Sajid are great main protagonists and their backstories still have a way to go. The writing is also excellent and without the prologue this would have been a definite 5.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this and will definitely keep reading any new books in this series. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
August 14, 2022
Nikki Parakh has a rather odd case on her hands. An arm has been found- just an arm no body. From the looks of both the scene and the limb there has been illegal dog fighting. At home things aren't much better as Downey, her father, looks like he is getting nearer. Downey has been threatening Nikki and those around her for a while. Occasional chapters take us to someone being held captive close to the fighting dogs wondering how long they have left to live.
I really enjoy these books. They not only have character- I feel as if I “ know” Nikki having read the series- but they are also incredibly well researched. Yes there are things many of us perhaps don’t realise go on in the criminal world and would perhaps prefer not to know, whilst this is fiction, and yes sadly these things do happen in real life at times. Although part of a series this would stand alone however to get the Downey background the others should be read in order. A stunner of a read that kept me between the pages right to the very end. Love Nikki!
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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I really enjoy these books. They not only have character- I feel as if I “ know” Nikki having read the series- but they are also incredibly well researched. Yes there are things many of us perhaps don’t realise go on in the criminal world and would perhaps prefer not to know, whilst this is fiction, and yes sadly these things do happen in real life at times. Although part of a series this would stand alone however to get the Downey background the others should be read in order. A stunner of a read that kept me between the pages right to the very end. Love Nikki!
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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August 11, 2022
An amazing addition to the Nicky Parekh Northern crime series. Nicky is still coming to terms with the death of her mother who was murdered by her sadistic and evil father. He has vowed to kill Nicky as well as any family members that stand in his way. When she starts receiving threatening postcards first from the other side of the world but gradually getting nearer to her home in Bradford, Nicky knows that the protection of her family must come first at all costs.
If this was the only thing that needed her attention she might have been able to deal with it but she has a serious case running after finding human remains in an isolated barn on the Yorkshire moors. The book contains scenes of inhuman barbarity, it is tense, gripping. and a thrilling read.
If this was the only thing that needed her attention she might have been able to deal with it but she has a serious case running after finding human remains in an isolated barn on the Yorkshire moors. The book contains scenes of inhuman barbarity, it is tense, gripping. and a thrilling read.
August 8, 2022
Dying Breath is another excellent crime thriller in the DS Nikki Parekh series. Hold onto your hats as it’s a rollercoaster of a ride, so much is happening from the gruesome to the downright evil.
Never having a quiet life on the personal front or professionally Nikki is having police protection for herself and family after receiving death threats from her evil father. Adding to the mix is a crime scene that raises so many questions. A tattooed arm is found at a site on the moors with no body attached to it or to be found. At the site there is evidence that illegal dog fighting has taken place which raises lots of alarms of horrifying and cruel scenarios.
With the strong support of her husband at home, and her lovely colleague Sajid we have a gripping story where the action never stops.
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Never having a quiet life on the personal front or professionally Nikki is having police protection for herself and family after receiving death threats from her evil father. Adding to the mix is a crime scene that raises so many questions. A tattooed arm is found at a site on the moors with no body attached to it or to be found. At the site there is evidence that illegal dog fighting has taken place which raises lots of alarms of horrifying and cruel scenarios.
With the strong support of her husband at home, and her lovely colleague Sajid we have a gripping story where the action never stops.
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
September 27, 2022
The threat of Freddie Downey, Nikki’s father who blames her for everything bad that has happened to him, looms large at the start of this story. Having already murdered her mother, Freddie is determined to make Nikki pay, torturing her thoughts in a series of postcards moving ever nearer to Bradford and planning to kill her after making her suffer first. DI Zain Ahad has moved in next door with her sister Anika and nephew Haqib, and Ali’s men are mounting a guard around the family. After also receiving a threat, Isaac has been moved into Nikki’s house and the tension is reaching breaking point. The reader hears how a heavily disguised Freddie is watching and waiting to make his move, bolstered by a lucrative new business venture. The close team are all together, with Sajid Malik promoted to DS and solid DCs Farah Anwar and Liam Williams providing excellent support, as they are called to the horrific scene of an illegal dog fight. The organisers have fled, but strangely have left a fingerless human arm ripped from its socket so there’s a case of murder for the detectives to investigate. The reader also hears from a man held captive in appalling circumstances, fearing that he will be the next victim. The organiser is pure evil, and having found a new gut-wrenching and barbaric form of entertainment for the baying crowd, is planning something bigger and even more gruesome, but someone may just be in a position to stop it, if only he can find the courage. Nikki has always been a fighter and a survivor but will this fight prove too much for her?
The main cast are well known and loved now after four previous stories and there are some great returning characters like taxi boss Ali who provides more than cars when required, and young Isaac who is starting to make a success of himself in a café job. Still two of my absolute favourites are Archie with his “proverbials” and also Marcus who provides an ever-calming presence in the turbulent lives of his family and close friends. I would suggest reading these books in order as they form a fantastic series and there’s lots of history running into each new one. The tension and pace throughout this story are constant and the suspense is almost unbearable at times in a grim and compelling story told by an author who can only be described as a master story teller! Another breath-taking heart stopping brilliant addition to the series! 5*
The main cast are well known and loved now after four previous stories and there are some great returning characters like taxi boss Ali who provides more than cars when required, and young Isaac who is starting to make a success of himself in a café job. Still two of my absolute favourites are Archie with his “proverbials” and also Marcus who provides an ever-calming presence in the turbulent lives of his family and close friends. I would suggest reading these books in order as they form a fantastic series and there’s lots of history running into each new one. The tension and pace throughout this story are constant and the suspense is almost unbearable at times in a grim and compelling story told by an author who can only be described as a master story teller! Another breath-taking heart stopping brilliant addition to the series! 5*
September 16, 2022
Dying Breath Liz Mistry
5 stars
This is the 5th book in the series and it is just as good as the preceding ones.
This time the crime revolves around illegal dog-fighting but worse than that the dogs are not fighting each other but are being set loose on human beings. The first clue about this for DS Nikki Parekh is when they find a severed arm left at a dog fighting scene.
Nikki is slowly recovering from the murder of her mother by her evil father Freddie Downey and the betrayal of her trust from her therapist Dr Mallory. She has suffered a nervous breakdown but with support from her husband Marcus and her three children is slowly getting back on her feet. Although this crime is looking like it will be distressing and vicious Nikki is relieved to be getting back to doing her job.
However it is not long before she starts to receive notifications again from her father.
One of them is placed on the windscreen of her car and she then receives photographs of herself and her daughter which were taken the day before. Not only is her father still trying to kill her but he is now in the neighbourhood.
Nikki tries to immerse herself in the current case but cannot free herself of the constant dread not only for herself and her family but also anyone whom she loves. It then transpires that Freddy is the main person involved in the dog-fighting circle and is planning a grand finale where the dogs will be pursuing and killing people.
Yet again in this book Ms Mistry excels at showing us the terrible depths that some human beings can descend to. I also found her description of one of the pubs that she and her partner, DC Malik have to go to particularly depressing full of racist, sexist and homophobic people. The most depressing thing is that I am sure that such places still exist in this day and age.
I think one of the strengths of this author is how she can describe problems that are still current when living in a multi-cultural society without trying to preach. In the end bad people generally receive their just punishment but it made me think about how this sort of stuff is still going on and how hopefully as time goes by maybe things will improve.
I enjoyed this book and will be looking out for any future books by this author.
Karen Deborah
5 stars
This is the 5th book in the series and it is just as good as the preceding ones.
This time the crime revolves around illegal dog-fighting but worse than that the dogs are not fighting each other but are being set loose on human beings. The first clue about this for DS Nikki Parekh is when they find a severed arm left at a dog fighting scene.
Nikki is slowly recovering from the murder of her mother by her evil father Freddie Downey and the betrayal of her trust from her therapist Dr Mallory. She has suffered a nervous breakdown but with support from her husband Marcus and her three children is slowly getting back on her feet. Although this crime is looking like it will be distressing and vicious Nikki is relieved to be getting back to doing her job.
However it is not long before she starts to receive notifications again from her father.
One of them is placed on the windscreen of her car and she then receives photographs of herself and her daughter which were taken the day before. Not only is her father still trying to kill her but he is now in the neighbourhood.
Nikki tries to immerse herself in the current case but cannot free herself of the constant dread not only for herself and her family but also anyone whom she loves. It then transpires that Freddy is the main person involved in the dog-fighting circle and is planning a grand finale where the dogs will be pursuing and killing people.
Yet again in this book Ms Mistry excels at showing us the terrible depths that some human beings can descend to. I also found her description of one of the pubs that she and her partner, DC Malik have to go to particularly depressing full of racist, sexist and homophobic people. The most depressing thing is that I am sure that such places still exist in this day and age.
I think one of the strengths of this author is how she can describe problems that are still current when living in a multi-cultural society without trying to preach. In the end bad people generally receive their just punishment but it made me think about how this sort of stuff is still going on and how hopefully as time goes by maybe things will improve.
I enjoyed this book and will be looking out for any future books by this author.
Karen Deborah
October 3, 2022
A new Nikki Parekh novel is always a treat – albeit a gruesome and gritty one! This – the fifth in the series – is another gem.
In this instalment, Detective Nikki Parekh is thrown into a grisly investigation when a human arm is recovered at the site of an illegally organised dog fight. Struggling to identify the body, she is also working to keep her family safe from the man who killed her mother and is back in the UK – with Nikki (and her family) in his sights.
This story cuts between several perspectives which is engaging. As well as watching Nikki and the Bradford Police investigation, there are also chapters focused on Nikki’s arch enemy and someone caught up in the illegal dog fighting operation. These are cleverly constructed and brilliantly reveal twists along the way. This is a book with plenty of pace!
As usual, I found Nikki Parekh a compelling and well-rounded character at the centre of the various events. Her family take more of a central role in this novel and it is a welcome shift – I think there’s a lot of readers who can find something relatable in watching Nikki balance her stressful job with raising children (and – more challengingly – teenagers!) She’s not a character who is always perfect but she is an interesting and credible figure.
Her partnership with Sajid Malik is also (as usual) a highlight of the novel – there is a genuine warmth and rapport between the two. Mistry presents a totally believable picture of two long-term colleagues who have a lot of shared history, but also real friendship.
As with Mistry’s previous books, this probably isn’t one for the faint-hearted. As well as the stray tattooed arm, there are some pretty brutal and violent scenes around the criminal gangs and those they exploit. The dog fighting is also quite grim – just a word of warning!
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written and twisty police procedurals. If you haven’t followed Nikki Parekh from the start, you’ve missed 4 great books and might not fully understand the significance of the man stalking Nikki’s family – basically, you’ve missed a great back-story! I’d recommend you start with the first book, but ‘Dying Breath’ would also work as a standalone.
In this instalment, Detective Nikki Parekh is thrown into a grisly investigation when a human arm is recovered at the site of an illegally organised dog fight. Struggling to identify the body, she is also working to keep her family safe from the man who killed her mother and is back in the UK – with Nikki (and her family) in his sights.
This story cuts between several perspectives which is engaging. As well as watching Nikki and the Bradford Police investigation, there are also chapters focused on Nikki’s arch enemy and someone caught up in the illegal dog fighting operation. These are cleverly constructed and brilliantly reveal twists along the way. This is a book with plenty of pace!
As usual, I found Nikki Parekh a compelling and well-rounded character at the centre of the various events. Her family take more of a central role in this novel and it is a welcome shift – I think there’s a lot of readers who can find something relatable in watching Nikki balance her stressful job with raising children (and – more challengingly – teenagers!) She’s not a character who is always perfect but she is an interesting and credible figure.
Her partnership with Sajid Malik is also (as usual) a highlight of the novel – there is a genuine warmth and rapport between the two. Mistry presents a totally believable picture of two long-term colleagues who have a lot of shared history, but also real friendship.
As with Mistry’s previous books, this probably isn’t one for the faint-hearted. As well as the stray tattooed arm, there are some pretty brutal and violent scenes around the criminal gangs and those they exploit. The dog fighting is also quite grim – just a word of warning!
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written and twisty police procedurals. If you haven’t followed Nikki Parekh from the start, you’ve missed 4 great books and might not fully understand the significance of the man stalking Nikki’s family – basically, you’ve missed a great back-story! I’d recommend you start with the first book, but ‘Dying Breath’ would also work as a standalone.
October 4, 2022
‘Dying Breath’ is a book that will raise goosebumps, make you gasp, and reel you in with it's insanely good plot! This is the first Nikki Parekh book that I have read and I was seriously impressed. It's clear that this book is the culmination of an ongoing story from the previous books but it can be read as a standalone as enough information is given to a new reader to understand what is going on! I will be going back to the start of the series though as this book was brilliant. Just as a warning to readers the narrative of the main murder does circle round the issue of dog fighting and some readers may find it hard to stomach. However, Liz does handle this topic with empathy and a sense of humanity. Don't let that put you off as you would be missing out on a banger of a book!
Detective Nikki Parekh has been receiving postcards and they can only have been sent by one person. The person who killed her mother. Her father. As the postmarks on the cards show that he is steadily getting nearer to her family she increases the police presence at her house. Meanwhile, Nikki and her team have been called to a crime scene in an isolated barn on the North York Moors. Human remains have been found but there are few leads and soon the team have meet a dead end.
Despite coming into this book series as a new reader I was instantly engaged and became engrossed in the story and the characters. Nikki is a highlight - strong, flawed by trauma, intent on protecting her family, working on her demons and determined to find justice for the person who was killed.
Liz is a talented author. The level of tension that ramped up in this book was insane! It was already a high-stakes situation but it was drip-fed bit by bit until you just knew that a showdown was coming and when it did, oh boy… Also, how can someone so nice as Liz come up with such a digesting and hideous character as Nikki's father?! It has been a while since a character has managed to crawl into my psyche and made me shiver like he did.
Roll on the next book in the series as I want to know what happens now
Detective Nikki Parekh has been receiving postcards and they can only have been sent by one person. The person who killed her mother. Her father. As the postmarks on the cards show that he is steadily getting nearer to her family she increases the police presence at her house. Meanwhile, Nikki and her team have been called to a crime scene in an isolated barn on the North York Moors. Human remains have been found but there are few leads and soon the team have meet a dead end.
Despite coming into this book series as a new reader I was instantly engaged and became engrossed in the story and the characters. Nikki is a highlight - strong, flawed by trauma, intent on protecting her family, working on her demons and determined to find justice for the person who was killed.
Liz is a talented author. The level of tension that ramped up in this book was insane! It was already a high-stakes situation but it was drip-fed bit by bit until you just knew that a showdown was coming and when it did, oh boy… Also, how can someone so nice as Liz come up with such a digesting and hideous character as Nikki's father?! It has been a while since a character has managed to crawl into my psyche and made me shiver like he did.
Roll on the next book in the series as I want to know what happens now
August 26, 2022
So, so, disappointed. I had given the author’s previous book a 4* review, but here I’m really struggling to justify a 2*. I quite liked Nikki before, but in this book she began to get on my nerves, as did the rest of her family – particularly Charlie. Nikki’s family is allegedly the most important thing in her life (except perhaps twanging that wrist band which drove me nuts every time she did it). Really? About half way through the book we learn that Nikki’s kids ‘were happy and well-adjusted’. Don’t think so! Only a few pages later, Charlie is glaring at her mother and telling her to ‘Just butt out of my life, will you? I can’t breathe with you always trying to control me.’ Not long after that, Nikki refers to Charlie as ‘That little bloody cow! I’ll kill her.’
As I read the first part of the book I felt the writing was OK, but then I started noticing things which began to annoy me. For example, the errors. Yes, I know some reviewers will say ‘Ignore them, they don’t matter, it’s an uncorrected copy’, but they matter to me and I can’t ignore them. Missing/wrong words spoil a good smooth read and it doesn’t take more than a week to thoroughly proofread a book. End of that rant. Oh, and the overuse of the word ‘for’ caused me to take a deep breath every time I saw one. Why did we need: ‘for I’m pretty sure …, for his prints weren’t in the system …, for the words spilled out …, for it’s not showing up, for she was determined …, for there, cowering next to …, for the signal had …, for they were straining …, for Charlie’s voice …’ over and over again.
The plot? Enough time wasted on this book and review so I’ll just use the last word that popped into my head as I read the last page. Ridiculous. I am clearly out of step with other reviewers, but have to say how I feel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
October 3, 2022
Dying Breath is the fifth book in the Detective Nikki Parekh series. Set in Bradford, Yorkshire, I always look forward to returning to see what's happening in Nikki's world, usually something that's dark and not too great.
This book is a dark and twisted read. One that I found chilled me right down to the bone. I never know why I am surprised when I come to write my review. This is what Liz Mistry does best, this particular book isn't for those who are a little faint hearted. She weaves so many terrible things together to create a horrific investigation for Nikki Parekh to handle.
Not only does Nikki have a tattooed arm (no hand or body) that's discovered at a site where there has been illegal dog fighting to investigate. There is also the matter of postcards being sent to her family from the person who killed her mum. These both prove to be a nightmare for our Dectective.
Told from multiple perspectives, this made the book even more of a suspenseful read. It almost gives the reader the 'eagle-eye view' of the story. I always appreciate this type of perspective, it tends to add an edge to everything.
This series is always superbly researched and the setting is so well described I really do picture it in my mind (it helps a bit that I know Bradford). Liz Mistry has created a set of characters that are easy to get to know and even understand what makes them tick (mostly anyway). That's part of what makes this series so readable.
Dying Breath is a story that is an addictive one. Even when I almost couldn't read anymore I didn't want to put down this book. Even through the dark, twisted, violent bits, I kept turning the pages. Liz Mistry never let's me down with her superb writing. Highly recommended as a standalone or as the full series.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Liz Mistry for my inclusion on the blog tour and copy of the book.
This book is a dark and twisted read. One that I found chilled me right down to the bone. I never know why I am surprised when I come to write my review. This is what Liz Mistry does best, this particular book isn't for those who are a little faint hearted. She weaves so many terrible things together to create a horrific investigation for Nikki Parekh to handle.
Not only does Nikki have a tattooed arm (no hand or body) that's discovered at a site where there has been illegal dog fighting to investigate. There is also the matter of postcards being sent to her family from the person who killed her mum. These both prove to be a nightmare for our Dectective.
Told from multiple perspectives, this made the book even more of a suspenseful read. It almost gives the reader the 'eagle-eye view' of the story. I always appreciate this type of perspective, it tends to add an edge to everything.
This series is always superbly researched and the setting is so well described I really do picture it in my mind (it helps a bit that I know Bradford). Liz Mistry has created a set of characters that are easy to get to know and even understand what makes them tick (mostly anyway). That's part of what makes this series so readable.
Dying Breath is a story that is an addictive one. Even when I almost couldn't read anymore I didn't want to put down this book. Even through the dark, twisted, violent bits, I kept turning the pages. Liz Mistry never let's me down with her superb writing. Highly recommended as a standalone or as the full series.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Liz Mistry for my inclusion on the blog tour and copy of the book.
October 4, 2022
I’ll start by saying that this book is part of the DS Nikki Parekh series, you can read it as a standalone, but in this case you’ll need a little bit of background story about Nikki’s lovely family… just to be advised! This is the 5th book of the series, but believe me when I say that they are worth the read, twisted and gripping it’s impossible to not fall in love with Nikki and her messy life.
As I was expecting, this is not a simple book, because Liz Mistry has a special talent to make her books complex and layered so that they are impossible to stop reading or wanting to know more about the characters, even the evil ones! This is a case about dog fights and something much darker, the horrible people that organize them and the worst ones that are part of it. We’ll have a first voice in the story, someone inside of the group, someone that knows how horrible is what they are doing but at the same time is scared to leave the group fearing for his life. When Nikki will start investigating the discovery of a body part, she would never have expected the case to be so dark or threatening. But, as a reader, we know that Nikki’s cases are never easy and you never get bored reading them! But this book will be part of Nikki’s personal life; her family is scared of her father, a man that is sending dangerous postcards to people around her, and he is much closer than she expects…
If you are looking for a new book, this should be your first choice; thrilling and intriguing, impossible to not love it! Are you ready for the “Dying Breath”?
As I was expecting, this is not a simple book, because Liz Mistry has a special talent to make her books complex and layered so that they are impossible to stop reading or wanting to know more about the characters, even the evil ones! This is a case about dog fights and something much darker, the horrible people that organize them and the worst ones that are part of it. We’ll have a first voice in the story, someone inside of the group, someone that knows how horrible is what they are doing but at the same time is scared to leave the group fearing for his life. When Nikki will start investigating the discovery of a body part, she would never have expected the case to be so dark or threatening. But, as a reader, we know that Nikki’s cases are never easy and you never get bored reading them! But this book will be part of Nikki’s personal life; her family is scared of her father, a man that is sending dangerous postcards to people around her, and he is much closer than she expects…
If you are looking for a new book, this should be your first choice; thrilling and intriguing, impossible to not love it! Are you ready for the “Dying Breath”?
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