When a man is shot at point blank range outside an isolated country pub, Kay Hunter is thrust into one of the most dangerous cases of her career.
As personal and political disputes threaten to undermine her efforts to track down the killer, Kay’s investigation is complicated further when her superiors elect to coordinate the subsequent manhunt themselves.
Uncovering a covert trade in outlawed weapons and faced with witnesses too scared to talk, Kay will have to do everything in her power to stop the killer and prevent another tragedy.
Except this time, one of her team is in the direct line of fire…
The Dying Season is the 12th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett, and perfect for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers.
Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
The twelfth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series and it begins with an unknown person being shot dead in a pub car park. For reasons I was not quite sure about the powers that be suspect possible terrorism, and for the first part of the book Kay is not completely in charge of the investigation.
This is very much a police procedural and it is very heavy on the detail of how such a case is handled. There are many dead ends as possible suspects are eliminated due to strong alibis. The person I guessed to be our perpetrator was passed by and I thought I was wrong, but he bounced back later! Many of the details about forensics and gun control in the UK were fascinating.
I enjoyed the last part of the book the most when Kay gets full control again and we see our favourite team in action. Adam is always there to give Kay and the reader a break from the heavy stuff which is nice. The ending is startling and very, very sad. Altogether this is another good book in this great series.
The two arguing men left as the publican called closing, leaving him, one of his staff and her husband behind to clean up. But the gunshot following their exit was loud and frightening; another followed as they hunkered down behind the bar. It wasn't long before police arrived on scene, quickly followed by Detective Kay Hunter and her offsider, Ian Barnes. The person who'd been shot was dead; there was no way to identify him either. There was no sign of anyone else - the shooter had vanished.
As Kay and her team began the investigation, her superior and mentor, DCI Sharp was there for support. Working between head office and her station, Kay felt overwhelmed as days passed with nothing to show. Until slowly, small clues appeared. But it was too slow - there was still a killer out there and the person had to be stopped before someone else was killed...
The Dying Season is #12 in the Detective Kay Hunter series by Aussie/British author Rachel Amphlett and once again it was a fast paced, electric and chilling thriller. Kay is a magnetic character and her team a perfect support; her partner, Adam, a vet, is an extremely likeable character as well. All in all, an outstanding read which I recommend.
The narrator is shaving 2 stars to this book. It's soooo bad!!! That chick always reads with a tone as if those people are on the precipice of winning the most glorious battle and this is the captain's final speech before going to fight for their life and the ultimate glory.
Especially this is even more absurd when the whole team is basically flying by the seam of their pants They have no clue who and what is at fault and it is only by grace of God they stumble into a confession.
I love this series and I can't believe we are twelve cases in already! In Kay Hunter, Rachel Amphlett has developed a brilliant character, one who exhibits warmth and humour, garnering the support and trust of her team, whilst also having the strength and determination to tackle the most challenging and draining of cases. Which is just as well really as, in The Dying Season, she is faced with a series of dead ends as she tries to track down a cold blooded killer. Gun crime is always going to create tsunami sized waves, and it's the last kind of crime you'd expect to occur outside a pub in rural Kent, however dodgy its Landlord.
What I really enjoyed about this case is the way in which Rachel Amphlett manages to keep motive, and indeed, victim, under wraps until just the perfect moment. There is a double mystery in play here. First of all, and perhaps most important, is who is the victim. His injuries have rendered him unrecognisable and with no ID on him, tracking down his name is the first step in determining why someone would want to kill him in such a vicious and devastating way. Beyond the mystery of the victim lie the who and whydunnit elements, taking us into the world of shady gun deals and people who put status and standing before safety and protection. It's an interesting look into the world of those who own guns for fun - imagine that - and the reasons why people's licenses have been revoked. But how this ties back into this particular case, and what connections they have to the victim remain to be seen.
There are a raft of suspects who move in and out of frame over the course of the investigation, each seemingly ruled out by air tight alibis. That suspicion and the twists and turns of a very high profile, high stakes case, keep the tension and pacing just right and really hooked me into the narrative. By all accounts, the victim seemed like a kind individual and that makes the why of their murder all the more interesting. The truth is actually hidden in plain sight and the resolution both surprising and somehow not. The emotional toll of the investigation is felt by all, and there is further tragedy to unfold, but all handled in a none gratuitous fashion, despite the abhorrent nature of the first murder.
I do really love the team that surrounds Kay in the investigation. From DCI Devon Sharp, Kay's boss and mentor, through to her direct team, DS Ian Barnes and DC Gavin Piper, they are all great, original, characters who bring their own personalities to the story. There is a good camaraderie between them and the necessary banter and humour to counter the darker days. There is that sense of unconditional support that I love - far better a team that works together than one in perpetual conflict - and over the course of the series I have become completely invested in all of them. Piper is really coming into his own, and seeing his continual development makes me intrigued to see where the author will lead him next. Outside of the Police family, Kay's home life is gloriously settled with her partner, Adam, providing a much needed crutch and distraction from the darker days at work. No major starring role for one of his clients this time around, but I guess even Vet's need a night off.
Another brilliantly creative and mystery laden tale that kept me hooked to the very last page. Definitely recommended and fans of the series will love it. Roll on case thirteen!
Well, this is a novel that gets straight to business, opening with a couple of strangers drinking in a local’s pub. When they leave one is shot and killed. A no nonsense start to proceedings and this directness runs throughout the storytelling. There is a tightness to the writing style, with few diversions, and it’s rather fast paced.
The plot is the investigation into this killing, so it is a true police procedural but one that concentrates upon the process and journey of the investigation rather that the bureaucracy that blights modern policing. So, expect lots of methodical following of the clues, checking of alibis and eliminating suspects from lists. As the progress zips along this is enough to capture the attention and keep the (listener) reader engaged and entertained. The storyline may appear to be linear but the progress twists and turns with some deception along the way plus a surprise or two.
There are several characters within the story and considering the pace and length of the novel there isn’t scope for in depth character studies, but they are far from being one dimensional. Kay Hunter is central and clearly well-established lead, but there’s some lovely little polished cameos within that bring it to life. Lydia the caustic barmaid, no they are not all like that, but most are not doing it because they want to but because they need to and don’t suffer fools gladly. Len the dodgy publican, and her boss, keeping his cards always close to his chest, is enough to get the reader’s iffy detection radar working. Then there’s Porter MacFarlane, a man with a façade that hides the fact he is a broken man, one who has accepted defeat and is now deluding himself.
The serious issues of the storyline are balanced with some nicely judged injections of humour and spiky dialogue. Lydia dobbing in Len for his money-making side line after he sacks her being one such scene.
There is a feeling of realism at play throughout. Too realistic would of course be tedious, but the reader shares the sense of disappointment at each dead end. The story doesn’t morph into a serial killer and there aren’t lots of fights or car chases, the jeopardy is left towards the end of the novel and then it comes when it’s not really expected. It’s sudden, brief and something of a surprise. It works so well because it is out of keeping with the mundane routine of much of the investigation and the fall out it produces is rather bold.
The Dying Season is a fast-paced police procedural that manages to entertain and surprise. Fans of the series are going to love it.
It's always a delight to return to the oh-so-British world of Detective Kay Hunter. I usually read this series with my ears, but I snagged a deal on Kindle and read the eBook this time. Naturally, with eleven prior audiobooks in the series, all swimming in my head, I was able to hear the voices of all the favorites on Kay's team and in her life.
As Kay's climbed the ladder in the police force, she's evolved into an even more confident and effective leader than ever. I've enjoyed watching this growth and the obstacles thrown at her through the process. She's a commanding presence now and taken seriously, and I love that. But, as is with real life and the burden of being so responsible and accountable, she's lost some of her lightness, and there's less time for her -- and readers -- to enjoy the amazing relationship she has with Adam in her personal life.
What struck me about this installment was how differently all things related to guns is handled in the UK versus the US. There's a horrible crime committed outside a pub in Kent, UK, and it's practically a national emergency to find the killer and justice for the victim. Gun violence is nearly unheard of due to the stringent laws to own a gun at all. Everyone's in a panic with the gunman on the loose, so all resources are pooled to solve the case. How refreshing it would be if shootings were so rare. I was reading this book on the heels of the 4th of July in the US where there'd been 100 shootings in the Chicago area alone, so the contrast was even more astounding. And honestly, it made me sad for the state of my own country.
Of the twelve books in the series that I've read so far, I think this is the most police-procedural heavy of them, but especially given the difference between UK and US procedures, it is a great story. There's plenty of action and edge-of-your-seat moments, and the urgency to get the case solved is palpable.
I'm a fan, and I look forward to diving into the next installment, A DEADLY PROMISE, which published in February of this year.
This review and links to others in the series on Hall Ways Blog.
Book 12 in the Detective Kay Hunter Series and this is another brilliantly plotted and written police procedural. This is one of my favourite police procedural series and Kay Hunter a favourite character. The whole police team from her subordinates to her direct boss DCI Devon Sharp work so well together, great mutual support and banter, to counter the difficult moments, are perfectly done. There is also a bit more of an insight into Kay’s personal life with her partner veterinarian Adam.
Briefly, a man is shot outside a pub and although Kay and her team are initially running the case because of the high profile of a murder case her superior officers take control. When the victim is identified the motive is less than clear. With a number of suspects the search is on for the location of the gun, which is further exacerbated when a company which specialises in props for theatre, film and television production companies find two of their rifles are missing, along with a large amount of ammunition.
This is a good, well paced read with the author drip feeding information to keep you guessing until the next reveal. Plenty of red herrings had me fooled more than once. The information about guns, particularly the licensing and the number of guns in private hands, was well researched and I found quite shocking. An excellent crime novel with a great plot and a good ending. 4.5⭐️
This is book from the Detective Kay Hunter series. I have not read any of the other books but this worked really well as a standalone.
The story started at an easy pace - building the background to the story. Things quickly start to build and the plot rapidly becomes more detailed. There were several elements of the plot that I wasn’t expecting. Least of all the build up to the end which I found quite emotional. The rest of the story could be a real case but is safe in the territory of fiction. The reality of what officers go through hit home.
There are several suspects that intertwined- some lead you nowhere others closer to the final answer. All add something to the story though (it never felt like it was being dragged out) There’s plenty to keep you guessing and playing detective yourself.
The narrator was easy to listen to. Clear speech and a good rhythm and pace that kept the story moving along. This is always so important with an audiobook - I will be looking for other books by this narrator (Alison Campbell) as I really enjoyed the style.
If you are looking for a new crime book then I would definitely recommend this. I am certainly going to be getting more from this author.
In a remote country pub well known for dealing with problems in its own way, two men, strangers, are spotted having a heated discussion. They leave at closing time and shortly after, two shots ring out. DI Kay Hunter and DS Ian Barnes from Kent Police are called to the scene where the younger man lies dead and the older gunman has fled. Their priority is to establish the victim’s identity but once done, the question of motive for his death is harder to nail, with a number of good suspects surfacing. Little do the detectives realise at this point just how complicated their murder hunt will become as they race to catch a killer before anyone else is hurt. This was the first book in this series I have read (not sure how I’ve missed them before!) and it appeared to work perfectly well as a stand-alone. The pace is well set with a nicely laid out plot, and there’s plenty of suspense and a fair few red herrings as the twists and turns along the way made me keep changing my mind as to what to think. All the detectives work very well as a team, demonstrating their loyalty and care for each other. It’s a good solid police procedural and I shall definitely be going back to catch up from the start of this series. 4.5*
This book had action right from the start, gunshots in a pub, people injured and no one knows who or why they happened. Couldn't wait to see how it played out! Loved guessing along the way who was involved and being part detective learning about the villagers as it progressed. I didn't see the ending coming, guessing the suspect along the way and I was still surprised when it all came out!
The story flowed well, the characters were described well, their roles in the village meant something to the progression of the book and the atmosphere between villagers could be felt as the investigation went ahead.
This book is the twelfth in the Detective Kay Hunter series. This being the first one I have read/listened to I found it works perfectly well as a standalone.
The story didn’t waste anytime in getting into the action. Kay and her team are called out to a local pub after a shooting.
I was suspecting everyone, it seemed like no one could be trusted. Plenty of twists and turns along the way too.
The narrator does a great job bringing the story to life, I really enjoyed listening to it. I look forward to reading or listening to more from the author in the future.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted audio book.
I went in to this book completely blind, not having read any of the series before and I still loved it!
A good standalone read and there’s loads of other books if you want to fill in the context up to this point (which I am totally going to do now). I liked Kay as a character and the people around her in the police station, there were some good side characters as well. I thought the case was really interesting as well, the pacing was good and there were lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing.
A pacy, readable and enjoyable crime novel with a great ending which is a total win in my book.
Kay Hunter is at it again. The book reveals the gun control of the UK. Being from Canada where there is good gun control but not as strict as the UK. A man is killed and and her team has to find the killer. It draws some seedy characters and Kays has to dig deep to find solve the case. Adam is back for support and the whole team is there. Its a great novel and shouldn't be missed.
Rachel Amphlett delivers again with another steady police procedural featuring Detective Kay Hunter and the other characters in her world that we are now very familiar with, this being the 12th book in the series. In particular I thought the stress over the fact that this was a fire-arm incident was well written and the impact this has on the investigation and the officers involved.
As usual a fantastic book from Rachel Amphiett she keeps the story moving on all the whole keeping you in suspense her character are so real that when I e does it brings years to your eyes a really good read .
This was my first taste of an audio book, and I must admit I found it a bit strange at first, but soon got into it and loved listening to this story. This is the 12th book in the Kay Hunter series and still reads as a good standalone crime thriller if you've not read the others.
This was a good storyline with good strong characters. A man is shot outside a country pub, and its detective Kay Hunters job to find out by who! This has twists and turns galore and keeps you guessing until the very end.
The story was gripping at the end, I couldn't wait to know what happend, I am looking forward to reading or listening to the rest of the Kay Hunter series so now there's more books to collect, my poor bank balance. Happy reading.