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Who do you turn to when your baby is taken? The tense, must-read new Detective Kate Miles novel from the award-winning author of The Torrent.
'I was in the shower. I left Sienna in her bassinet ...When I got out ... She was gone.'
Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is back from maternity leave and struggling on multiple fronts - the pressures of a second child, financial strain from her husband losing his job, and a corruption scandal that may involve her father.
When an infant goes missing, Kate finds herself fronting a high-profile and emotionally fraught case. Was baby Sienna removed from her bassinet by an unknown abductor or is the answer much closer to home?
Amidst a frenzied media demanding answers, and a station chief looking for any reason to remove her from the investigation, Kate is pushed to her limits, pulled between the competing demands of the family at the centre of the case and her own spiralling personal life.
Praise for The Torrent:
'Such a good read' Val McDermid
'Vivid, pacy and refreshingly original. A gripping whodunnit with heart.' Emma Viskic
'Brings a fresh perspective to the crime genre ... This gripping debut will keep you turning the pages late into the night.' Petronella McGovern
'A realistic, character-driven policier that holds a mirror to contemporary tensions in rural Australian life and builds expertly from slow burn to adrenaline-fuelled climax' The Age
'I was in the shower. I left Sienna in her bassinet ...When I got out ... She was gone.'
Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is back from maternity leave and struggling on multiple fronts - the pressures of a second child, financial strain from her husband losing his job, and a corruption scandal that may involve her father.
When an infant goes missing, Kate finds herself fronting a high-profile and emotionally fraught case. Was baby Sienna removed from her bassinet by an unknown abductor or is the answer much closer to home?
Amidst a frenzied media demanding answers, and a station chief looking for any reason to remove her from the investigation, Kate is pushed to her limits, pulled between the competing demands of the family at the centre of the case and her own spiralling personal life.
Praise for The Torrent:
'Such a good read' Val McDermid
'Vivid, pacy and refreshingly original. A gripping whodunnit with heart.' Emma Viskic
'Brings a fresh perspective to the crime genre ... This gripping debut will keep you turning the pages late into the night.' Petronella McGovern
'A realistic, character-driven policier that holds a mirror to contemporary tensions in rural Australian life and builds expertly from slow burn to adrenaline-fuelled climax' The Age
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
August 21, 2023
Detective Kate Miles had just returned to work after maternity leave, as well as recovering from the injuries of her previous case and felt she wasn't being allowed back into her old role. When a call about a missing baby came through, Kate headed to the family's home. The shock and horror of six month old Sienna gone from her bassinet was on the faces of her mother and grandmother, and it struck Kate in the gut as well. Her little Amy was close to Sienna's age. Kate and the team were straight into the case, the Amber alert going out immediately, the two main suspects - a husband who was away at a conference, and an ex-partner of Elissa, Sienna's mother - on their radar.
As time moved forward, the desperation to find Sienna ramped up. For Kate, the tension from home with her husband Geoff telling her she wasn't ready to return to work; her father in some kind of trouble which Kate was sure she was involved in; Kate was exhausted but wouldn't allow herself to rest. And her off-sider at the station, Josh, who'd arrived from Sydney to take Kate's position while she was on leave, had it in for her. What would be the outcome of all that was going on?
Taken is the 2nd in the Detective Kate Miles series by Aussie author Dinuka McKenzie and I enjoyed it very much. I did feel though that Kate made many foolish decisions, to the detriment of herself and her family, because her job - and proving herself - was foremost in her mind. I hope she calms a little in the next book (which I'm looking forward to) Highly recommended.
As time moved forward, the desperation to find Sienna ramped up. For Kate, the tension from home with her husband Geoff telling her she wasn't ready to return to work; her father in some kind of trouble which Kate was sure she was involved in; Kate was exhausted but wouldn't allow herself to rest. And her off-sider at the station, Josh, who'd arrived from Sydney to take Kate's position while she was on leave, had it in for her. What would be the outcome of all that was going on?
Taken is the 2nd in the Detective Kate Miles series by Aussie author Dinuka McKenzie and I enjoyed it very much. I did feel though that Kate made many foolish decisions, to the detriment of herself and her family, because her job - and proving herself - was foremost in her mind. I hope she calms a little in the next book (which I'm looking forward to) Highly recommended.
June 5, 2023
Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is returning to work after being on maternity leave. Kate had been struggling lately and things were getting on top of her including financial issues after her husband lost his job now with their second child, Kate was tired, but on top of that, her father had been caught up in a corruption scandal.
When baby Sienna is taken from her home Kate and her partner are on the case and once they begin their investigation, Kate being a mother to two young children feels for the parents of Sienna. It’s a parents worst nightmare and Kate knows they must work quickly to find baby Sienna, but whilst they investigate time is ticking and in these cases time is everything. What has happened to baby Sienna and will they find her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it had me intrigued from the start. With a good plot twist, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys crime or the thriller genre. Highly recommended.
When baby Sienna is taken from her home Kate and her partner are on the case and once they begin their investigation, Kate being a mother to two young children feels for the parents of Sienna. It’s a parents worst nightmare and Kate knows they must work quickly to find baby Sienna, but whilst they investigate time is ticking and in these cases time is everything. What has happened to baby Sienna and will they find her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it had me intrigued from the start. With a good plot twist, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys crime or the thriller genre. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2023
Last year, The Torrent was one of my favourite Australian books of the year. I absolutely loved it, and I was thrilled when I received an early copy of Taken to read from the publisher. And I think I liked Taken even more! What a book! Crime and police procedurals are my favourite genres to read and Taken is outstanding. Once I started it I could not stop thinking about it until I was finished. Just brilliant.
If you have read The Torrent, you will know that our main character, Kate Miles, was heavily pregnant during those cases. Kate has now given birth to a daughter and returning to work after only 3 months. Her husband has lost his job so there really is no choice. She loves her job, and she loves her family, but she just can't seem to get the balance right. Her husband resents the hours she does, her fellow cops think she doesn't work hard enough. And on top of that, there is a corruption scandal brewing that may implicate her father. And now a baby has gone missing from her crib - a case that shakes her as a new mother. She is determined to show that she can handle these cases - but how far will she go to prove herself?
I love Kate - she is tough, ambitious and does not take no for an answer. She is a loving mother, wife and daughter and tries so hard to please everyone. She works so hard for the victims and will not let something go when she believes that she is right. If I was in trouble, I would want Kate on my team.
A big thanks to the team at Harper Collins for sending me this advanced copy to read. Take is published on February 1st.
If you have read The Torrent, you will know that our main character, Kate Miles, was heavily pregnant during those cases. Kate has now given birth to a daughter and returning to work after only 3 months. Her husband has lost his job so there really is no choice. She loves her job, and she loves her family, but she just can't seem to get the balance right. Her husband resents the hours she does, her fellow cops think she doesn't work hard enough. And on top of that, there is a corruption scandal brewing that may implicate her father. And now a baby has gone missing from her crib - a case that shakes her as a new mother. She is determined to show that she can handle these cases - but how far will she go to prove herself?
I love Kate - she is tough, ambitious and does not take no for an answer. She is a loving mother, wife and daughter and tries so hard to please everyone. She works so hard for the victims and will not let something go when she believes that she is right. If I was in trouble, I would want Kate on my team.
A big thanks to the team at Harper Collins for sending me this advanced copy to read. Take is published on February 1st.
January 27, 2023
Taken is the second book in the Detective Kate Miles series by prize-winning Australian author, Dinuka McKenzie. After twelve weeks of maternity leave and six weeks of desk duty, Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is itching to get back to active duty, so when she hears a domestic violence call go out, she attends, and the first thing she’s confronted with is a gun. Still, her cool handling of the situation is sufficient for her CI to decide she’s psychologically well enough to be in charge when a kidnapping case comes up the next day.
The day after Elissa Ricci reports a possible prowler, she emerges from the shower to find her four-month-old daughter, Sienna missing from her cot. Attending with Kate is DS Josh Ellis who is immediately confident that the absent father is responsible. After a chat with Elissa’s mother, Kate fixates on Elissa’s violent drug-dealing ex-boyfriend.
Neither man has a convincing alibi for the relevant time period and, as Kate and Josh each direct their efforts in different directions, the idea of teamwork suffers. Aware of how devastated she would be if Amy went missing, Kate is determined to find baby Sienna, but long hours at work see her neglecting her own family.
The story races along at a fair clip, with plenty of action, more than one dramatic climax, and enough red herrings and twists to keep the reader guessing. Kate’s narrative is interspersed with an anonymous account that seems to be from the perpetrator’s perspective. The astute reader may pick up on certain clues to determine who is responsible early on, but Kate’s journey to the truth keeps the reader gripped and the pages turning.
Kate does seem to be juggling a lot of roles in this instalment: as well as keeping her PTSD/panic under control, she’s mothering baby Amy, trying to prove to the male hierarchy that she’s capable of doing her job well, dealing with her colleague Josh’s resentment at being sidelined, and she is concerned over the fallout, both financial and reputational, of the exposé on her father’s former lover. And while it does sometimes get results, her exasperating need to, sometimes unnecessarily, do everything herself does put her in danger and puts pressure on her marriage.
While this can be read as a stand-alone, the experience is enhanced for those who have read The Torrent and the short story prequel, Skin Deep. This is an outstanding follow-up to McKenzie’s brilliant debut. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia.
The day after Elissa Ricci reports a possible prowler, she emerges from the shower to find her four-month-old daughter, Sienna missing from her cot. Attending with Kate is DS Josh Ellis who is immediately confident that the absent father is responsible. After a chat with Elissa’s mother, Kate fixates on Elissa’s violent drug-dealing ex-boyfriend.
Neither man has a convincing alibi for the relevant time period and, as Kate and Josh each direct their efforts in different directions, the idea of teamwork suffers. Aware of how devastated she would be if Amy went missing, Kate is determined to find baby Sienna, but long hours at work see her neglecting her own family.
The story races along at a fair clip, with plenty of action, more than one dramatic climax, and enough red herrings and twists to keep the reader guessing. Kate’s narrative is interspersed with an anonymous account that seems to be from the perpetrator’s perspective. The astute reader may pick up on certain clues to determine who is responsible early on, but Kate’s journey to the truth keeps the reader gripped and the pages turning.
Kate does seem to be juggling a lot of roles in this instalment: as well as keeping her PTSD/panic under control, she’s mothering baby Amy, trying to prove to the male hierarchy that she’s capable of doing her job well, dealing with her colleague Josh’s resentment at being sidelined, and she is concerned over the fallout, both financial and reputational, of the exposé on her father’s former lover. And while it does sometimes get results, her exasperating need to, sometimes unnecessarily, do everything herself does put her in danger and puts pressure on her marriage.
While this can be read as a stand-alone, the experience is enhanced for those who have read The Torrent and the short story prequel, Skin Deep. This is an outstanding follow-up to McKenzie’s brilliant debut. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia.
May 4, 2023
WoW! 👏
This is book #2 in the Detective Kate Miles series.
I was so impressed with Dinuka McKenzie’s debut book The Torrent, that I was waiting with baited breath for this, her next book in what is now known as the Detective Kate Miles series…and I was not disappointed!
I won’t go into the details of this story… you can read the blurb for that, instead I want to express how impressed I am with this book and this author.
Wow, what an incredibly intense and compelling story this is!
The story is so well researched and written that you would be forgiven for thinking this author had been writing award winning police procedurals and or suspense novels for many years.
As it turns out she is heading in exactly that direction already, with her debut novel The Torrent, having won the Harper Collins Australia 2020 Banjo Prize.
I feel certain this book will be equally well received as it is set to fly off the shelves…from page one, this book sells itself!
The writing is polished and measured, with the suspense building gradually, yet relentlessly from the very beginning.
The story unfolds with such a measured precision that the reader is compelled to keep turning the pages lest a vital piece of the puzzle goes unnoticed…and that, my reading friends is good credible writing!
The protagonist, Detective Kate Miles, is a well developed personality in her own right and carries off her role convincingly, as do her individual colleagues.
As with any story telling, there is a need to know how much information is enough to keep things interesting without getting bogged down with too many details. I think Dinuka McKenzie has found just the perfect balance of portraying the myriad complexities of her story whilst also maintaining a measure of restraint.
I believe it’s this underlying sense of measured restraint that makes this author stand out.
Don’t get me wrong, the story is richly complex and detailed but never overcooked…it is very mature writing.
It’s always exciting to discover a new good author! I can’t wait to see what Dinuka McKenzie brings next!
5⭐️s!
This is book #2 in the Detective Kate Miles series.
I was so impressed with Dinuka McKenzie’s debut book The Torrent, that I was waiting with baited breath for this, her next book in what is now known as the Detective Kate Miles series…and I was not disappointed!
I won’t go into the details of this story… you can read the blurb for that, instead I want to express how impressed I am with this book and this author.
Wow, what an incredibly intense and compelling story this is!
The story is so well researched and written that you would be forgiven for thinking this author had been writing award winning police procedurals and or suspense novels for many years.
As it turns out she is heading in exactly that direction already, with her debut novel The Torrent, having won the Harper Collins Australia 2020 Banjo Prize.
I feel certain this book will be equally well received as it is set to fly off the shelves…from page one, this book sells itself!
The writing is polished and measured, with the suspense building gradually, yet relentlessly from the very beginning.
The story unfolds with such a measured precision that the reader is compelled to keep turning the pages lest a vital piece of the puzzle goes unnoticed…and that, my reading friends is good credible writing!
The protagonist, Detective Kate Miles, is a well developed personality in her own right and carries off her role convincingly, as do her individual colleagues.
As with any story telling, there is a need to know how much information is enough to keep things interesting without getting bogged down with too many details. I think Dinuka McKenzie has found just the perfect balance of portraying the myriad complexities of her story whilst also maintaining a measure of restraint.
I believe it’s this underlying sense of measured restraint that makes this author stand out.
Don’t get me wrong, the story is richly complex and detailed but never overcooked…it is very mature writing.
It’s always exciting to discover a new good author! I can’t wait to see what Dinuka McKenzie brings next!
5⭐️s!
March 24, 2023
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Taken by Dinuka McKenzie. (2023).
(Detective Kate Miles; #2)
**Thank you to HarperCollins Books Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 February 2023**
Detective Sergeant Kate is back from maternity leave and struggling on multiple fronts - the pressures of a second child, financial strain from her husband losing his job, and a corruption scandal that may involve her father. When an infant goes missing, Kate is in charge of the investigation. Was baby Sienna removed by an unknown abductor or is the answer closer to home? Amidst a frenzied media demanding answers, and a station chief looking for any reason to get rid of her, Kate is pushed to her limits, torn between the competing demands of the case and her spiralling personal life.
I was so looking forward to this novel after loving the author's previous book 'The Torrent' which also has Kate as the lead character. You could read this as a standalone, but I'd really recommend reading the first novel beforehand just so you have Kate's recent backstory. Kate is such a likeable lead, and as a working mother I had a lot of empathy reading her struggles to juggle the work/life balance. The crime itself of a missing baby is horrifying, with a lot of complicating strings attached which made for very edge-of-your-seat reading.
Overall: another great novel from this author, I hope that there will be more in the series and I happily recommend for fans of Australian crime.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Taken by Dinuka McKenzie. (2023).
(Detective Kate Miles; #2)
**Thank you to HarperCollins Books Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 February 2023**
Detective Sergeant Kate is back from maternity leave and struggling on multiple fronts - the pressures of a second child, financial strain from her husband losing his job, and a corruption scandal that may involve her father. When an infant goes missing, Kate is in charge of the investigation. Was baby Sienna removed by an unknown abductor or is the answer closer to home? Amidst a frenzied media demanding answers, and a station chief looking for any reason to get rid of her, Kate is pushed to her limits, torn between the competing demands of the case and her spiralling personal life.
I was so looking forward to this novel after loving the author's previous book 'The Torrent' which also has Kate as the lead character. You could read this as a standalone, but I'd really recommend reading the first novel beforehand just so you have Kate's recent backstory. Kate is such a likeable lead, and as a working mother I had a lot of empathy reading her struggles to juggle the work/life balance. The crime itself of a missing baby is horrifying, with a lot of complicating strings attached which made for very edge-of-your-seat reading.
Overall: another great novel from this author, I hope that there will be more in the series and I happily recommend for fans of Australian crime.
February 1, 2023
Taken is the second thrilling book to feature Detective Sergeant Kathryn Miles who was introduced in Dinuka McKenzie’s bestselling debut, Torrent.
Picking up several months after the dramatic final scenes of the previous book, Kate has just returned to work following maternity leave and is eager to return to active duty. A domestic disturbance call gives Kate the opportunity she needs to prove herself ready, and results in her being assigned as co-lead detective in an infant abduction.
Four month old Sienna Ricci, her mother, Ellisa reports, was taken from her home while she showered. As the team investigates, Kate’s partner becomes convinced the baby’s father, Aaron Ricci, is responsible for the abduction and she is taken off the case, even though Kate believes she has a viable alternative suspect in Jason Veliu, a violent man Kate recently had cause to arrest.
With a child’s well-being at stake, the tension is high in Taken. The plot is well thought out with several red herrings, though I found it relatively easy to discern who was responsible early on. The story has good momentum and there is action too as Kate finds herself risking her life in two separate confrontations with desperate people. Sensitive readers should be aware that domestic violence, adultery and postnatal depression are among the issues that are raised in the crimes Kate is investigating.
Kate is under a lot of personal pressure in Taken. While struggling with the effects of PTSD, she is also trying to find a balance between the needs of her husband and children, and the demands of her career. On top of this, the media have picked up on a story involving her father's late partner’s business activity which could implicate them both in a corruption scandal, amplifying her concerns about the family’s finances. Determined not to be seen as lacking, Kate doesn’t always make sensible decisions, but she acts for the right reason.
Suspenseful, fast paced and gripping, Taken is an excellent read, perfect for fans of Australian crime fiction from authors such as Jane Harper, Chris Hammer and Emma Viskic.
Picking up several months after the dramatic final scenes of the previous book, Kate has just returned to work following maternity leave and is eager to return to active duty. A domestic disturbance call gives Kate the opportunity she needs to prove herself ready, and results in her being assigned as co-lead detective in an infant abduction.
Four month old Sienna Ricci, her mother, Ellisa reports, was taken from her home while she showered. As the team investigates, Kate’s partner becomes convinced the baby’s father, Aaron Ricci, is responsible for the abduction and she is taken off the case, even though Kate believes she has a viable alternative suspect in Jason Veliu, a violent man Kate recently had cause to arrest.
With a child’s well-being at stake, the tension is high in Taken. The plot is well thought out with several red herrings, though I found it relatively easy to discern who was responsible early on. The story has good momentum and there is action too as Kate finds herself risking her life in two separate confrontations with desperate people. Sensitive readers should be aware that domestic violence, adultery and postnatal depression are among the issues that are raised in the crimes Kate is investigating.
Kate is under a lot of personal pressure in Taken. While struggling with the effects of PTSD, she is also trying to find a balance between the needs of her husband and children, and the demands of her career. On top of this, the media have picked up on a story involving her father's late partner’s business activity which could implicate them both in a corruption scandal, amplifying her concerns about the family’s finances. Determined not to be seen as lacking, Kate doesn’t always make sensible decisions, but she acts for the right reason.
Suspenseful, fast paced and gripping, Taken is an excellent read, perfect for fans of Australian crime fiction from authors such as Jane Harper, Chris Hammer and Emma Viskic.
February 22, 2023
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Just what I needed, I finished it in two days! Taken is a fabulous read that kept me glued to the pages.
A young baby goes missing a Det Kate Miles leads the case. This is the second book in the series but I didn't feel like I had missed out on anything.
Kate has a lot going on in her life and she seems to be struggling but she always finds time to help others, often to the detriment of her own family time.
Kate brushes of racist remarks and battles misogynists while her personal life is threatening to derail her career as she worries that her father may be implicated in a corruption scandal.
Through Kate, Dinuka McKenzie highlights the struggle for all mothers returning to the paid workforce and the guilt this entails as they juggle being a wife, mother, daughter and employee.
Detective Kate Miles is a skillfully developed character; she makes bad decisions, thinks with her heart and struggles with the challenges life throws at her.
Taken is a well-rounded crime, mystery with themes of domestic abuse and the overwhelming expectations of motherhood.
Taken, book two in the Kate Miles series, is a fast paced and deftly plotted police procedural that reads well as a stand-alone.
I am pleased to have found a new series to follow with a relatable protagonist at its heart.
*I received an ecopy through Netgalley
Just what I needed, I finished it in two days! Taken is a fabulous read that kept me glued to the pages.
A young baby goes missing a Det Kate Miles leads the case. This is the second book in the series but I didn't feel like I had missed out on anything.
Kate has a lot going on in her life and she seems to be struggling but she always finds time to help others, often to the detriment of her own family time.
Kate brushes of racist remarks and battles misogynists while her personal life is threatening to derail her career as she worries that her father may be implicated in a corruption scandal.
Through Kate, Dinuka McKenzie highlights the struggle for all mothers returning to the paid workforce and the guilt this entails as they juggle being a wife, mother, daughter and employee.
Detective Kate Miles is a skillfully developed character; she makes bad decisions, thinks with her heart and struggles with the challenges life throws at her.
Taken is a well-rounded crime, mystery with themes of domestic abuse and the overwhelming expectations of motherhood.
Taken, book two in the Kate Miles series, is a fast paced and deftly plotted police procedural that reads well as a stand-alone.
I am pleased to have found a new series to follow with a relatable protagonist at its heart.
*I received an ecopy through Netgalley
March 2, 2023
Every parents worst nightmare, when baby Sienna is taken from her crib. He mother Elissa and Grandmother are beside themselves with worry.
Detective Kate Miles and her partner investigate, there are a lot of red herrings in this one. I liked Kate, her RTW struggles, the office politics in a male dominated industry where Kate has to justify her existence everyday. There are a couple of side stories I didn't feel were necessary and didn't add to the book for me.
The corruption in the police force I would have liked the author to dig into this a bit more would have been interesting.
I haven't read the first book, you can easily read this book as a standalone. Overall it was an enjoyable fast-paced read. 3.75 stars.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and Dinuka McKenzie for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading the next book
Detective Kate Miles and her partner investigate, there are a lot of red herrings in this one. I liked Kate, her RTW struggles, the office politics in a male dominated industry where Kate has to justify her existence everyday. There are a couple of side stories I didn't feel were necessary and didn't add to the book for me.
The corruption in the police force I would have liked the author to dig into this a bit more would have been interesting.
I haven't read the first book, you can easily read this book as a standalone. Overall it was an enjoyable fast-paced read. 3.75 stars.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and Dinuka McKenzie for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading the next book
January 13, 2023
Thank you Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
I was excited to reacquaint with Detective Sergeant Kate Miles in this book.
Dinuka is a new voice in the crime fiction family and does the genre proud.
Their is something very fresh in her writing style and her talent for weaving a crime thread tests my sleuthing ability.
Baby Sienna has gone missing.
A case that would trigger even the most hardened investigators.
Kate has just returned from maternity leave and is determined to discover the truth behind the disappearance.
This coupled with internal politics at work and her dramas with her own family will not undermine her talent for the job.
A list of suspects are whittled down and cracks form where she can ascertain the truth.
Interesting family dynamics are at play and serious social issues emerge.
It’s not only the criminal element I love in these books, the detailed characterisation are so well done.
Kate is not just a police officer, she is mum with real day to day issues and a daughter who worries about her father.
Her cultural pride shines and it highlights her Aussie traits.
If you haven’t already done I suggest you get onboard with this talented author.
I was excited to reacquaint with Detective Sergeant Kate Miles in this book.
Dinuka is a new voice in the crime fiction family and does the genre proud.
Their is something very fresh in her writing style and her talent for weaving a crime thread tests my sleuthing ability.
Baby Sienna has gone missing.
A case that would trigger even the most hardened investigators.
Kate has just returned from maternity leave and is determined to discover the truth behind the disappearance.
This coupled with internal politics at work and her dramas with her own family will not undermine her talent for the job.
A list of suspects are whittled down and cracks form where she can ascertain the truth.
Interesting family dynamics are at play and serious social issues emerge.
It’s not only the criminal element I love in these books, the detailed characterisation are so well done.
Kate is not just a police officer, she is mum with real day to day issues and a daughter who worries about her father.
Her cultural pride shines and it highlights her Aussie traits.
If you haven’t already done I suggest you get onboard with this talented author.
March 4, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Torrent was such a great crime debut that I immediately turned to Dinuka McKenzie’s second release, Taken. Continuing the story of Detective Kate Miles, this hardworking detective is faced with heartbreaking crime that hits close to home. Emotionally charged, feverish and full of twists, Taken is another deluxe read from Dinuka McKenzie.
Taken allows us to re-join Detective Sergeant Kate Miles as she settles back into work life following her maternity leave. But the move back to work proves to be difficult for this mother of two. With pressures coming from her partner, children and money woes, Kate is also rattled by a personal crisis involving her father. Kate’s life becomes even more complicated when she is placed at the helm of a difficult case involving a missing infant. This upsetting case involving a baby called Sienna strikes right at this mother of two’s heart. However, this trying case leads Kate to question a suspect close to home as being responsible for the infant’s disappearance. A media storm builds around this case and the pressure mounts on Kate to find baby Sienna. Kate’s superiors are looking for any excuse to throw her off this trying case. Can Kate keep the lid on her pressure filled personal life and find out what happened to this innocent child?
Dinuka McKenzie is rising up the ranks in the Australian crime fiction field, thanks to the success of her first novel The Torrent. Taken is a book I was so thrilled to receive in the mail from the publisher and I am glad I made it a priority read. Dinuka McKenzie’s second release was a thrilling story.
Detective Kate Miles was such a memorable and likeable character in Dinuka McKenzie’s first book that I was overjoyed to meet her again in Taken. This time around we see this dedicated detective negotiate her return to work following her maternity leave. We also witness the adjustments Kate has made to her life now she is a mother of two. I completely sympathised and felt a great deal of empathy for Kate’s position. I admired Kate’s work ethic, her approach to the law and her general outlook. The inclusion of Kate’s cultural background adds something a little extra to this fantastic character composition. Dinuka McKenzie has excelled in the field of characterisation and realism when it comes to juggling motherhood with work life.
McKenzie’s writing is fluid, fresh and original. I love that we have a great new voice in the Australian crime and thriller category of fiction. The book takes off very quickly and I was soon sucked into the narrative vortex of Taken. Seasoned readers of crime fiction will value the plot twists, deviations, forks and flips. While this is a police procedural tale, do expect a generous serving of personal wellbeing, social problems and family issues as you make your way through Taken. The crime aspect of the tale is perplexing, real and consuming. I know I was rather unsuccessful in my attempts to crack this one but that was fine by me! I know it is a sign that I have been a gifted with a well crafted mystery tale.
*Thanks extended to HarperCollins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Torrent was such a great crime debut that I immediately turned to Dinuka McKenzie’s second release, Taken. Continuing the story of Detective Kate Miles, this hardworking detective is faced with heartbreaking crime that hits close to home. Emotionally charged, feverish and full of twists, Taken is another deluxe read from Dinuka McKenzie.
Taken allows us to re-join Detective Sergeant Kate Miles as she settles back into work life following her maternity leave. But the move back to work proves to be difficult for this mother of two. With pressures coming from her partner, children and money woes, Kate is also rattled by a personal crisis involving her father. Kate’s life becomes even more complicated when she is placed at the helm of a difficult case involving a missing infant. This upsetting case involving a baby called Sienna strikes right at this mother of two’s heart. However, this trying case leads Kate to question a suspect close to home as being responsible for the infant’s disappearance. A media storm builds around this case and the pressure mounts on Kate to find baby Sienna. Kate’s superiors are looking for any excuse to throw her off this trying case. Can Kate keep the lid on her pressure filled personal life and find out what happened to this innocent child?
Dinuka McKenzie is rising up the ranks in the Australian crime fiction field, thanks to the success of her first novel The Torrent. Taken is a book I was so thrilled to receive in the mail from the publisher and I am glad I made it a priority read. Dinuka McKenzie’s second release was a thrilling story.
Detective Kate Miles was such a memorable and likeable character in Dinuka McKenzie’s first book that I was overjoyed to meet her again in Taken. This time around we see this dedicated detective negotiate her return to work following her maternity leave. We also witness the adjustments Kate has made to her life now she is a mother of two. I completely sympathised and felt a great deal of empathy for Kate’s position. I admired Kate’s work ethic, her approach to the law and her general outlook. The inclusion of Kate’s cultural background adds something a little extra to this fantastic character composition. Dinuka McKenzie has excelled in the field of characterisation and realism when it comes to juggling motherhood with work life.
McKenzie’s writing is fluid, fresh and original. I love that we have a great new voice in the Australian crime and thriller category of fiction. The book takes off very quickly and I was soon sucked into the narrative vortex of Taken. Seasoned readers of crime fiction will value the plot twists, deviations, forks and flips. While this is a police procedural tale, do expect a generous serving of personal wellbeing, social problems and family issues as you make your way through Taken. The crime aspect of the tale is perplexing, real and consuming. I know I was rather unsuccessful in my attempts to crack this one but that was fine by me! I know it is a sign that I have been a gifted with a well crafted mystery tale.
*Thanks extended to HarperCollins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
dnf
January 8, 2024DNF (though this is 100% on me)
I‘ve always really enjoyed crime novels, and I’ve kinda felt like this should be the year I‘m diving back in.
I was really excited to read this book. After all, the blurb sounds excellent. However, I‘ve now learned that one of my (very few) triggers is kidnapped children.
It seems like everyone’s raving about Taken, which is absolutely fantastic, but as a mum to a toddler, I was just in a total state of panic. This was totally unexpected because I can usually stomach a lot of gruesome stuff. I think it‘s just because this is in a contemporary setting and concerns something very real, and that just terrified me.
The publisher sent me this book for review consideration but all opinions are my own.
I‘ve always really enjoyed crime novels, and I’ve kinda felt like this should be the year I‘m diving back in.
I was really excited to read this book. After all, the blurb sounds excellent. However, I‘ve now learned that one of my (very few) triggers is kidnapped children.
It seems like everyone’s raving about Taken, which is absolutely fantastic, but as a mum to a toddler, I was just in a total state of panic. This was totally unexpected because I can usually stomach a lot of gruesome stuff. I think it‘s just because this is in a contemporary setting and concerns something very real, and that just terrified me.
The publisher sent me this book for review consideration but all opinions are my own.
November 26, 2023
After loving The Torrent I was excited to see Detective Sergeant Kate Miles back!
Kate is back to work after giving birth to her daughter and she is quickly thrown straight into a hard hitting investigation. A baby has gone missing from her bassinet.
Kate is struggling with the balance of being a wife, mother and doing the job that she loves so much. On top of work and home pressures, there is also a scandal brewing that may involve her father which may ultimately damage or end her career.
If you love Australian crime thriller books I highly recommend picking up this series.
Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia and @NetGalley for the eARC.
Kate is back to work after giving birth to her daughter and she is quickly thrown straight into a hard hitting investigation. A baby has gone missing from her bassinet.
Kate is struggling with the balance of being a wife, mother and doing the job that she loves so much. On top of work and home pressures, there is also a scandal brewing that may involve her father which may ultimately damage or end her career.
If you love Australian crime thriller books I highly recommend picking up this series.
Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia and @NetGalley for the eARC.
July 4, 2025
Setting: Northern New South Wales; modern day.
Book #2 in crime series featuring Detective Sergeant Kate Miles, whose professional struggles are exacerbated by her being a woman, a mother and of mixed race, all of which seem to produce an element of resentment towards her from many of her fellow officers, and indeed her boss.
Another cracking read as a baby goes missing from her parents' home whilst the mother is having a shower. Her husband was away at a conference at the time but his alibi doesn't quite stack up. And the mother's ex-partner has a history of violence in both his previous and current relationships - and also seems to have a false alibi.
As the investigation stumbles on, with several misleading lines of enquiry, Kate is at loggerheads with her colleague, Josh, who resents her being given the lead investigator role so sets out to undermine her constantly. Meanwhile, at home, Kate's husband Geoff is resentful of his full-time role caring for son Archie and new baby Amy after Kate returns to work earlier than he expected after a near-death incident featured in the previous book......
I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to this one too. Not disappointed at all - Kate is a flawed yet totally believable character who makes several errors and misjudgements that come back to haunt her. Yet she is also very perceptive and finally works out the answer to the mystery, a quite unexpected, yet logical, outcome. Looking forward to reading more in this series - 9/10.
Book #2 in crime series featuring Detective Sergeant Kate Miles, whose professional struggles are exacerbated by her being a woman, a mother and of mixed race, all of which seem to produce an element of resentment towards her from many of her fellow officers, and indeed her boss.
Another cracking read as a baby goes missing from her parents' home whilst the mother is having a shower. Her husband was away at a conference at the time but his alibi doesn't quite stack up. And the mother's ex-partner has a history of violence in both his previous and current relationships - and also seems to have a false alibi.
As the investigation stumbles on, with several misleading lines of enquiry, Kate is at loggerheads with her colleague, Josh, who resents her being given the lead investigator role so sets out to undermine her constantly. Meanwhile, at home, Kate's husband Geoff is resentful of his full-time role caring for son Archie and new baby Amy after Kate returns to work earlier than he expected after a near-death incident featured in the previous book......
I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to this one too. Not disappointed at all - Kate is a flawed yet totally believable character who makes several errors and misjudgements that come back to haunt her. Yet she is also very perceptive and finally works out the answer to the mystery, a quite unexpected, yet logical, outcome. Looking forward to reading more in this series - 9/10.
November 10, 2023
Taken is a fabulous second instalment in Dinuka McKenzie's series featuring northern NSW police detective Kate Miles. Strong on characterisation, and featuring a multi-layered plot drawing on contemporary issues, it is an engrossing read and a worthy follow-up to McKenzie's 2022 debut The Torrent.
Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is just returning to active duty following a period of maternity leave following the birth of her second child. Given the dramatic circumstances preceding her daughter Amy's early arrival, both Miles's police colleagues and her husband Geoff question the wisdom of her return to work so soon.
And there's no gentle easing into her police work for Kate. No sooner has she quelled a junior officer's concerns about a call concerning a suspected prowler than four-month-old Sienna Ricci is reported missing from the same household, apparently taken from her cot while her young mother Elissa was taking a shower. An AMBER alert is issued and police begin a frantic search for the infant, with suspicion falling on her father Aaron, who can't satisfactorily account for his whereabouts at the time of her abduction, and Jason Veliu, a local criminal and abusive former partner of Elissa. The detectives disagree as to who makes the more likely suspect, causing ongoing conflict between Kate Miles, her colleague DS Josh Ellis, and their DI, Andrew Skinner.
To make matters worse, the media are investigating reports of political corruption involving late Member of Parliament Martin Jackson, former lover of Kate's retired police officer father. Concerned that the scandal may soon reach both him and - by extension - her own immediate family, Kate must evade the frequent attempts by a tenacious journalist to seek her comment, while also locked in a battle of wills with her dissatisfied husband.
Taken is another tautly-plotted mystery-thriller by Dinuka McKenzie, featuring great characterisations and plenty of contemporary societal issues. I had the pleasure of meeting the author briefly at the recent Terror Australis Writers and Readers Festival at Port Huon, Tasmania. She's an effervescent and engaging panel member and has a great future in the competitive Aussie Noir genre. I'm already eagerly awaiting Kate Miles #3 - Tipping Point, scheduled for release in early 2024.
I'd highly recommend Taken to any reader who enjoys Australian regional crime-mystery-thrillers with complex characters and well-paced plots.
Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is just returning to active duty following a period of maternity leave following the birth of her second child. Given the dramatic circumstances preceding her daughter Amy's early arrival, both Miles's police colleagues and her husband Geoff question the wisdom of her return to work so soon.
And there's no gentle easing into her police work for Kate. No sooner has she quelled a junior officer's concerns about a call concerning a suspected prowler than four-month-old Sienna Ricci is reported missing from the same household, apparently taken from her cot while her young mother Elissa was taking a shower. An AMBER alert is issued and police begin a frantic search for the infant, with suspicion falling on her father Aaron, who can't satisfactorily account for his whereabouts at the time of her abduction, and Jason Veliu, a local criminal and abusive former partner of Elissa. The detectives disagree as to who makes the more likely suspect, causing ongoing conflict between Kate Miles, her colleague DS Josh Ellis, and their DI, Andrew Skinner.
To make matters worse, the media are investigating reports of political corruption involving late Member of Parliament Martin Jackson, former lover of Kate's retired police officer father. Concerned that the scandal may soon reach both him and - by extension - her own immediate family, Kate must evade the frequent attempts by a tenacious journalist to seek her comment, while also locked in a battle of wills with her dissatisfied husband.
Taken is another tautly-plotted mystery-thriller by Dinuka McKenzie, featuring great characterisations and plenty of contemporary societal issues. I had the pleasure of meeting the author briefly at the recent Terror Australis Writers and Readers Festival at Port Huon, Tasmania. She's an effervescent and engaging panel member and has a great future in the competitive Aussie Noir genre. I'm already eagerly awaiting Kate Miles #3 - Tipping Point, scheduled for release in early 2024.
I'd highly recommend Taken to any reader who enjoys Australian regional crime-mystery-thrillers with complex characters and well-paced plots.
December 20, 2023
Taken is Dinuka McKenzie's second crime thriller to feature Detective Kate Miles and highlights the difficulties of juggling work with home life for a working woman. Particularly when the job becomes dangerous and life threatening.
An infant goes missing from the family home and Detective Sergeant Kate Miles, fresh from maternity leave, is assigned the case. Six month old Sienna is close to the same age as Amy, her own baby and the emotional charge this strikes into Kate is acute.
Consequently its no surprise that emotions run extremely high as the investigation runs its course. Every failed lead, uncooperative suspect and incorrect assumption brings greatly magnified ramifications. The effect is tension from page 1 that draws tighter and tighter as it goes along.
The case starts off as a divisive one with two equally likely suspects. The husband, who was attending a conference when Sienna went missing, and the abusive ex-partner who was in the area that same night. Kate believes one of these men to be the abductor, her colleague Josh is equally adamant its the other. Neither is willing to concede they may be mistaken in their belief.
Kate is almost completely distracted by two factors: first, she feels threatened by her fellow officer, Josh who is working on a different theory as to who the kidnapper is; and second, she’s petrified details of a scandal involving her father will be revealed. Both of these things seem to be at the forefront of her mind rather than trying to solve the mystery of who might have taken Sienna.
This is a strong second thriller by Dinuka McKenzie that comfortably combines the drama and heartbreak of a missing infant with the human side of policing.
There's a realness about Detective Kate Miles as a character. She's battling sexism and racism on a daily basis, is prone to making poor decisions that threaten both her professional and personal life, yet she maintains enough self-belief to overcome most obstacles making her fascinating to follow.
Taken is a tightly plotted Australian police procedural that kept me engrossed right up to the final chapter. A few surprises along the way prompted more than the occasional nod of approval. It carries on seamlessly from the first book in the series, yet it can also be enjoyed as a standalone thriller.
An infant goes missing from the family home and Detective Sergeant Kate Miles, fresh from maternity leave, is assigned the case. Six month old Sienna is close to the same age as Amy, her own baby and the emotional charge this strikes into Kate is acute.
Consequently its no surprise that emotions run extremely high as the investigation runs its course. Every failed lead, uncooperative suspect and incorrect assumption brings greatly magnified ramifications. The effect is tension from page 1 that draws tighter and tighter as it goes along.
The case starts off as a divisive one with two equally likely suspects. The husband, who was attending a conference when Sienna went missing, and the abusive ex-partner who was in the area that same night. Kate believes one of these men to be the abductor, her colleague Josh is equally adamant its the other. Neither is willing to concede they may be mistaken in their belief.
Kate is almost completely distracted by two factors: first, she feels threatened by her fellow officer, Josh who is working on a different theory as to who the kidnapper is; and second, she’s petrified details of a scandal involving her father will be revealed. Both of these things seem to be at the forefront of her mind rather than trying to solve the mystery of who might have taken Sienna.
This is a strong second thriller by Dinuka McKenzie that comfortably combines the drama and heartbreak of a missing infant with the human side of policing.
There's a realness about Detective Kate Miles as a character. She's battling sexism and racism on a daily basis, is prone to making poor decisions that threaten both her professional and personal life, yet she maintains enough self-belief to overcome most obstacles making her fascinating to follow.
Taken is a tightly plotted Australian police procedural that kept me engrossed right up to the final chapter. A few surprises along the way prompted more than the occasional nod of approval. It carries on seamlessly from the first book in the series, yet it can also be enjoyed as a standalone thriller.
October 29, 2024
Who abducted baby Sienna right from her bassinet?
Was it her father, quiet and unassuming, but with something to hide. Or was it the ex-boyfriend, abusive, controlling, and has a score to settle?
Detective Kate Miles is tasked with this impossible case just moments after her return to active duty after maternity leave. Whilst she is sure that she's focusing on the right path, others at the station disagree. The pressure is on for Kate - her superiors aren't too happy and are looking for an excuse to push her out.
Is it possible that numerous unconnected incidents make up one bigger picture to solve this case?
Meanwhile, back at home, things are escalating as well. There's a scandal afoot in the midst of daily life, and the cracks are starting to show...
Whilst the suburb of Esserton is fictional, every other location featured is real. I'm proud to state that I grew up on the Tweed, and it was fun stepping back to my roots, albeit through a book.
Like The Torrent, Dinuka brings the Tweed and surrounds to life whilst uncovering a dark unbelly of crime. The abduction of Sienna, the numerous altercations with people of interest, and the events that transpire kept me gripped.
I am looking forward to Book 3, eventually!
4.75 🌟
Was it her father, quiet and unassuming, but with something to hide. Or was it the ex-boyfriend, abusive, controlling, and has a score to settle?
Detective Kate Miles is tasked with this impossible case just moments after her return to active duty after maternity leave. Whilst she is sure that she's focusing on the right path, others at the station disagree. The pressure is on for Kate - her superiors aren't too happy and are looking for an excuse to push her out.
Is it possible that numerous unconnected incidents make up one bigger picture to solve this case?
Meanwhile, back at home, things are escalating as well. There's a scandal afoot in the midst of daily life, and the cracks are starting to show...
Whilst the suburb of Esserton is fictional, every other location featured is real. I'm proud to state that I grew up on the Tweed, and it was fun stepping back to my roots, albeit through a book.
Like The Torrent, Dinuka brings the Tweed and surrounds to life whilst uncovering a dark unbelly of crime. The abduction of Sienna, the numerous altercations with people of interest, and the events that transpire kept me gripped.
I am looking forward to Book 3, eventually!
4.75 🌟
February 15, 2023
I will start this review with a disclosure- I am not a huge crime/thriller reader.
But when Harper Collins sent me a copy of Taken as part of their First in Best Read program I was immediately intrigued.
Taken is actually the second novel in which Kate Miles, detective, has been the protagonist. I have not read Torrent, but here is a run down on the premise for Taken:
- Newly returning from mat leave, Kate Miles is assigned a case that hits close to home. A four month old girl is missing.
- It's emotional and intense and there are multiple suspects.
- Kate is tasked with finding baby Sienna whilst also trying to hold her marriage and her own two children together.
I loved the concept of a mum who was a police officer- especially a mum with a baby. I think this part of Kate's character added an element to the story I appreciated and it felt very real. Being a devoted cop is hard, no doubt. But add in working an extremely high profile and emotional case whilst also dealing with mum guilt, balancing gender expectations in a marriage and trying to do well on all fronts of life and seemingly falling short of all of them? That's harrowing.
I was captivated and itching to solve this murder, but really what stood out was Kate as a character. The writing was easy and I feel like if I had been on a holiday this would be the book I could grab at the airport on the way there and consume it all before I landed.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this book!
But when Harper Collins sent me a copy of Taken as part of their First in Best Read program I was immediately intrigued.
Taken is actually the second novel in which Kate Miles, detective, has been the protagonist. I have not read Torrent, but here is a run down on the premise for Taken:
- Newly returning from mat leave, Kate Miles is assigned a case that hits close to home. A four month old girl is missing.
- It's emotional and intense and there are multiple suspects.
- Kate is tasked with finding baby Sienna whilst also trying to hold her marriage and her own two children together.
I loved the concept of a mum who was a police officer- especially a mum with a baby. I think this part of Kate's character added an element to the story I appreciated and it felt very real. Being a devoted cop is hard, no doubt. But add in working an extremely high profile and emotional case whilst also dealing with mum guilt, balancing gender expectations in a marriage and trying to do well on all fronts of life and seemingly falling short of all of them? That's harrowing.
I was captivated and itching to solve this murder, but really what stood out was Kate as a character. The writing was easy and I feel like if I had been on a holiday this would be the book I could grab at the airport on the way there and consume it all before I landed.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this book!
April 5, 2023
(3.5 stars)
Straight off the back of reading The Torrent, I picked up Dinuka McKenzie's second novel, Taken. This book continues to track the life of Detective Kate Miles in the fictitious Northern Rivers town of Esserton. It picks up just as Kate returns to work from paid parental leave—a mere three months after the birth of her daughter Amy—where she is faced with "A child going missing: the worst case scenario." The same workplace difficulties are carried through from the first novel: Skinner, a boss who plays favourites, and Josh, a partner who is competitive rather than a collaborator.
A key theme in this novel is domestic and family violence, and I was pleased to see nuanced explanations relating to this social issue. This included one character alluding to the heightened risks around pregnancy evident in some characters' observations: "She thought it would get better once Daniel was born, but if anything it got worse. He hated that he had to share her with the baby." It also pointed to the inadequacy of justice responses to domestic and family violence, including civil protection orders, which are described as "the toothless tiger of an apprehended violence order". Contemporary policing concepts like Australia's shift to pattern-based policing for domestic and family violence are also mentioned in the book: "Kate recognised the depressing pattern of incident-based policing with limited follow-up or connecting the dots to build an overall picture of systematic abuse."
Taken also leans into the difficulties working parents face: "The feeling of always being a step behind, never quite able to perform either job to everyone’s satisfaction." It is gently critical of policing in general, talking about "politicking" where police management push investigations toward a particular result, and about the "hyper-masculine glorification of strength and toughness". The book also highlights the difficulty of policing in a small town in which you also live: "So many of the locations and places in town had that effect on her, carrying the mark of her police work. A veiled second town touched by violence and tragedy that shimmered under the skin of the familiar places and people everyone knew."
While I liked these connections to contemporary Australian life, and agree that this novel is slightly better than the first book, once again it lacks tension for me. It's a solid, enjoyable crime novel set in a recognisable Australia, and the characters act in ways you can understand, but it stops slightly short of being a page-turner for me.
Straight off the back of reading The Torrent, I picked up Dinuka McKenzie's second novel, Taken. This book continues to track the life of Detective Kate Miles in the fictitious Northern Rivers town of Esserton. It picks up just as Kate returns to work from paid parental leave—a mere three months after the birth of her daughter Amy—where she is faced with "A child going missing: the worst case scenario." The same workplace difficulties are carried through from the first novel: Skinner, a boss who plays favourites, and Josh, a partner who is competitive rather than a collaborator.
A key theme in this novel is domestic and family violence, and I was pleased to see nuanced explanations relating to this social issue. This included one character alluding to the heightened risks around pregnancy evident in some characters' observations: "She thought it would get better once Daniel was born, but if anything it got worse. He hated that he had to share her with the baby." It also pointed to the inadequacy of justice responses to domestic and family violence, including civil protection orders, which are described as "the toothless tiger of an apprehended violence order". Contemporary policing concepts like Australia's shift to pattern-based policing for domestic and family violence are also mentioned in the book: "Kate recognised the depressing pattern of incident-based policing with limited follow-up or connecting the dots to build an overall picture of systematic abuse."
Taken also leans into the difficulties working parents face: "The feeling of always being a step behind, never quite able to perform either job to everyone’s satisfaction." It is gently critical of policing in general, talking about "politicking" where police management push investigations toward a particular result, and about the "hyper-masculine glorification of strength and toughness". The book also highlights the difficulty of policing in a small town in which you also live: "So many of the locations and places in town had that effect on her, carrying the mark of her police work. A veiled second town touched by violence and tragedy that shimmered under the skin of the familiar places and people everyone knew."
While I liked these connections to contemporary Australian life, and agree that this novel is slightly better than the first book, once again it lacks tension for me. It's a solid, enjoyable crime novel set in a recognisable Australia, and the characters act in ways you can understand, but it stops slightly short of being a page-turner for me.
February 19, 2023
I loved the first book in this series, and I was thrilled to see Detective Kate Miles back in action with Taken. Still dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events she faced in The Torrent, Detective Kate Miles is assigned to investigate the disappearance of baby Sienna, who has been abducted from her home. As the mother of a newborn, as well as a toddler, this case really hits home for Kate, as she works around the clock to find the missing baby.
While trying to solve this case, Kate must deal with the internal politicking of the police force, and the racial and sexual discrimination she is up against. On the home front, she faces marital problems, impending financial strife, and her a rift between her and her embattled father. The pressures of home and work escalate and merge into each other throughout the story, leaving Kate feeling as though she is failing in all aspects of her life. But Kate’s commitment, wisdom and courage always prevail, no matter how tough life gets.
Taken is a fast paced, intriguing story, featuring compelling characters and a plot that kept me guessing. Just as I thought I had solved the mystery, a new complication would arise that turned all my assumptions on their head. Kate is such an engaging protagonist, who demonstrates just how extraordinary seemingly ordinary people can be, and I look forward to seeing her solve more crimes in the future.
While trying to solve this case, Kate must deal with the internal politicking of the police force, and the racial and sexual discrimination she is up against. On the home front, she faces marital problems, impending financial strife, and her a rift between her and her embattled father. The pressures of home and work escalate and merge into each other throughout the story, leaving Kate feeling as though she is failing in all aspects of her life. But Kate’s commitment, wisdom and courage always prevail, no matter how tough life gets.
Taken is a fast paced, intriguing story, featuring compelling characters and a plot that kept me guessing. Just as I thought I had solved the mystery, a new complication would arise that turned all my assumptions on their head. Kate is such an engaging protagonist, who demonstrates just how extraordinary seemingly ordinary people can be, and I look forward to seeing her solve more crimes in the future.
April 17, 2023
Tense and twisty. Loved this second Detective Kate Miles tale. Kate goes back to work soon after baby number 2 and post the emergency at the end of the first book. McKenzie has Kate's mind and body spot on. Getting to know her further in this volume was a treat and seeing her struggling with motherhood, work, ambition and a slew of relationships was beautifully delivered.
I made the mistake of starting this one night (must stop doing that with crime thrillers) - and of course had to force myself to put it down at 2am.
A page turner tale, messy mystery with police detective, and family troubles bubbling along in the mythical town of Esserton.
An excellent read.
I made the mistake of starting this one night (must stop doing that with crime thrillers) - and of course had to force myself to put it down at 2am.
A page turner tale, messy mystery with police detective, and family troubles bubbling along in the mythical town of Esserton.
An excellent read.
February 2, 2025
Another great example of Australian rural noir. Kate Miles is a complex and flawed protagonist, and the author weaves her professional and personal strands together effective through the story: a baby is taken from a family, prompting Kate to reflect on her own relationship with her baby daughter and strains with other family members. There are several characters who seem credible as the abductor and various dangerous motives swirl around their lives.
April 29, 2025
Tense and emotionally fraught crime fiction, with police procedural elements. I enjoyed Detective Sergeant Kate Miles as our protagonist, with her realistic struggles.
The premise underlying this story is terrifying and heartbreaking.
The premise underlying this story is terrifying and heartbreaking.
Read
December 31, 2022Loved it.
February 18, 2023
A twisty, heartbreaking & convincing crime read. I love this author and can’t wait for book 3 in the DS Kate Miles series.
March 19, 2023
Taken is a brilliantly written book. Kate Miles is a very intriguing character. Lots of twists and turn, and no way did I guess the ending the way it happened.
December 1, 2024
If I thought I liked the first book I definitely liked this one better
March 26, 2023
3.5 stars. "Torrent" is better. Too many themes/issues and bordering on preachy – difficulties of a new mother returning to work in a male dominated environment, homosexual men, domestic violence, office politics, corruption. Some parts did not quite gel/seemed superficial particularly the action sequences. A good crime fiction but a little light weight (as a lot of them are) – no convincing Deep and Meaningful. The book probably appeals more to women.
February 16, 2023
This is the second book in a series. I really enjoyed it. Great characters and plot, with an interesting small NSW town setting. It stands out for its depiction of a working mother of a newish baby and her efforts to return to the workplace. Home pressures are big, her breastfeeding really affects her body, workmates question her ability to handle the demands of policing. There is so much new in this angle about women’s lives.
September 11, 2023
4.5 stars.
The second installment in the Detective Kate Miles series picks up several months after the events of book one. Kate is back at work following her maternity leave and chafing to get back in the field. Her first case is a kidnapping that has few leads. She has an idea who might have stolen the missing baby from her home but a lack of support in her theory leads to dicord. There is also lots of tension at home over her long hours and her husband's concern for her safety. A newspaper article adds to her stress as she fears secrets from the past are on the verge of being revealed. A fast-paced and engaging mystery with colorful characters and a heartbreaking case to solve.
The second installment in the Detective Kate Miles series picks up several months after the events of book one. Kate is back at work following her maternity leave and chafing to get back in the field. Her first case is a kidnapping that has few leads. She has an idea who might have stolen the missing baby from her home but a lack of support in her theory leads to dicord. There is also lots of tension at home over her long hours and her husband's concern for her safety. A newspaper article adds to her stress as she fears secrets from the past are on the verge of being revealed. A fast-paced and engaging mystery with colorful characters and a heartbreaking case to solve.
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