The Raven's Mark

The Preston Murders #1

by Christie J. Newport

Meet Detective Beth Fellows in this brand-new mystery from Joffe Books Prize for Crime Writers of Colour winner Christie J. Newport that will have you gripped from start to explosive finish.

A brutal murder.
A raven tattoo.
A twisted killer has returned.
And Detective Beth Fellows cannot fail again . . .

Detective Chief Inspector Beth Fellows is thrown into the biggest case of her career: the brutal murder of Rose Danes. She quickly realizes Rose’s murder is linked to a cold case she investigated two years previously. The victim, fourteen-year-old Celine Wilson, survived but now languishes in a coma.

Both girls were branded with the image of a raven.

The only lead is a vague description and a first name, Simon.

Beth’s convinced he’s the killer. Especially when she receives a mobile phone containing one sole contact, Simon — and a warning to tell no one.

Then a key witness is kidnapped and Beth finds herself in a race against time to stop the killer before he can kill again.

She’s breaking all the rules to play his game. But will it be enough?

Genres: Audiobook, Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew Nattrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut from an author with a big future and the audiobook was brilliantly narrated.

Beth Fellows find herself dealing with the biggest murder case of her career. She soon realises that it is connected with a cold case from two years previous.

Soon she is in receipt of a parcel delivered to the police station and when she opens it it contains a phone with only one contact in it with the name of Simon..
Beth received a message telling her that she can not tell anyone about the phone as this would put all the people she knows and loves in serious danger.

The killer appears to have targeted the detective but why what is their connection and how will this end?
Can Beth track down the killer before he kills again how far will she go to bring the killer to justice and how many rules will she break even if it includes putting her own life in severe jeopardy?
I was totally hooked from start to its highly dramatic gripping conclusion.
Cannot wait for more in this series this is an author with a massive future ahead of her!!

[Ann Dewar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and I’m sure that the terrible narration made a pretty obvious plot and irritating characters even worse.

There are no twists that you don’t see coming from very early on and the whole is overwrought and implausible.

[Emily Dunthorne · Rating 2 out of 5]

So bad. Plot twist as obvious from the very beginning and the whole book is just the main character “oh woe is me wah wah me me me me” with zero actual policing involved. My eyes hurt from the eye rolling everytime she went on about her feelings for the fifth time in a chapter. The storyline had potential if it was written right.

[Night Runner · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 40%

The MC is just too negative all of the time and definitely selfish. I know that she had a tough childhood but her attitude towards her partner is just too much.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of a new series, this is a strong police procedural with plenty of twist and a few surprises but what spoiled it for me was the main characters on off relationship. It was annoying and getting very repetitive. This book could have been so much more. Saying that I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Emma Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, but I absolutely hate this kind of protagonist. The female detective martyr who is happy to sacrifice anyone else to save the people she loves and yet still thinks she’s a wonderful person. If she said “only I can…” one more time I was going to throw my phone away! Self-important and ridiculous at the same time.

[Mahayana Dugast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good, with seriously twisted endings. Pun fully intended.
I look forward to the next one.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often you get a debut novel that is so gripping, but The raven's Mark is.
What particularly appealed to me was the diversity of the characters. I felt this book echoed with me and the community in which I live and wider society, which made the book more appealing from the start.
This is a twisty, humerous, engaging read, with a character (Beth Fellows) who is flawed, yet strong,vulnerable and empathetic, intuitive and impulsive.
The balance between the procedural aspects of the investigation and the human aspects was perfect and this was exemplified by tight plotting.
I have to say that I read this quickly whilst on holiday and was loathe to put it down. I loov forward to reading more of this series. 5***** from me.

[Rachel Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, but I did find the lead character to be a little annoying. Listed as a police procedural, I had expect the key focus to be on solving the crime, but as a team leader? No siree. To me she did not come across as a seasoned detective, so her rank was surprising, as was her tendency to break the rules, jump to incorrect assumptions and work solo. But her biggest sin was keeping crucial information to herself and taking actions that should have led to her death. I still don't understand how she survived. There is insufficient information to explain this miracle. I also found it hard to believe that she would not have spent her early days on the force learning more about her mother's death and family circumstances. She went from almost nieivty to full knowing in a matter of minutes. The character would have been more believable to me if aspects of her background had been introduced as an issue that had been explored, or something she was struggling with, but this aspect of her life came out of the blue, giving me the impression that she was out of control in her personal life and in her professional life. In real life the characters career would have been over before it had begun. She is too immature to hold the rank and level of responsibility. I appreciate as a new author there is a desire to create a gripping novel. Characters are allowed to have thier vulnerabilities, but the lead character is the storyteller and there is no sense that she has any insight into the dangers of her assumptions or see what she is doing is wrong. Instead she blames her boss for being too controlling and bolshi, and fails to acknowlege the repercussions. I would not want to be a part of Beths team. I think the author has achieved a gripping storyline of the crimes as described with lots of twists and turns that kept the reader rivetted to the storyline. To me there was no need for any personal link with the lead detective. The personal link got in the way of what was a great story.

In general I found the author's style of writing to be easy to read with a good level of information. It was not overly descriptive and gave room for the reader to use his/her own imagination. I believe this is a fantastic achievement for a first time author. Congratulation.

[JennyM · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has clearly put a lot of effort into creating The Raven’s Mark - effort that appears to strain from every page - and therefore I wanted so much to enjoy it, but sadly this novel is poorly written.

Reading it was a slog. The narrative is all ‘tell’ and no ‘show’ - relentless over-description of the minutiae of every twitch, every glance of every character from the protagonist’s point of view; the reader is not given a chance to breathe and fill in the gaps for themselves. There is little - if any - character development. The dialogue between the protagonist and her aunt made me wince. I don’t know much about police procedure, but I know enough to realise that there are frequent, nonsensical liberties taken with said procedures for the sake of an increasingly bizarre plot.

I ploughed on, hoping that the novel would improve, but half way though - after reading yet another cliche (the protagonist describes another character as “cool as a cucumber”) - I realised that improvement was highly unlikely.

The Raven’s Mark contains the makings of an interesting lead character and the kernel of an idea for a half-decent plot - it is such a shame that the final product is so badly executed.

[Surjit Parekh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts with Raven’s Mark, Christie Newport has exerted a pretty decent writing into the story, which holds a much prominent value. There are lots of moments in the book, which are praiseworthy. They intensely impact you with huge excitement. There is a special crafting to this book, which all seems to fit in place naturally, writer Christie Newport manages to blend the characters and the story together, which she has mastered it brilliantly. if you enjoy underappreciated crime thrillers, you’ll adore this serial killer thriller. Another thing what I like about Christie’s book is, the story is set in Preston which I’m familiar with, which brings back childhood memories for me. I still visit my family in Preston in Ribbleton and Blackpool Road. The story of Christie J Newport’s Raven’s Mark begins with the introduction of Detective Chief Inspector Beth Fellows, who is thrown into the biggest case of her career: the brutal murder of Rose Danes. She quickly realizes Rose’s murder is linked to a cold case she investigated two years previously. The victim, fourteen-year old Celine Wilson, survived but now languishes in a coma. Both girls were branded with the image of a raven. The only lead is a vague description and a name, Simon. Beth’s convinced he’s the killer. Especially when she receives a mobile phone containing one sole contact, Simon – and a warning to tell no one. Then a key witness is kidnapped and Beth finds herself in a race against time to stop the killer before he can kill again. She’s breaking all the rules to play his game. But will it be enough. Christie Newport’s Raven’s Mark will hold a special place amongst the readers in years to come. Christie Newport’s Raven’s Mark has a intense excitement, suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5

I read the synopsis for The Raven's Mark and having not read either a police procedural or debut novel for a while; I thought I'd give it a go.

What a gritty, gruesome yet intriguing debut The Raven's Mark is!

Beth was a flawed but likeable character. She doubts her abilities, even though she is a good detective, which made me root for her to come out on top. Her personal life is a bit of a mess, although she has an excellent support system of her Aunt Margie and best friend Millie. Beth still had a tough time dealing with her needy partner Yvette, who I really didn't like.

There were plenty of shocks along the way of the book, with an ending that I had an inkling of, but never could have guessed the full motive and depths of depravity behind the killings.

I will say that this novel is very focussed on the details of police procedure. It's difficult to strike the right balance between trying to offer a more accurate version of a police procedural and fictional events and sadly a couple of times the book didn't quite get it right and I kept wishing we'd get back to the action.

If you love a dark police procedural, with a focus on the procedure, then I'd highly recommend this book to you!

[Gillian Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading #TheRavensMark and it was absolutely brilliant. Gripping from the get go. If I didn't have to work and sleep, I would have finished it sooner. Cannot wait for the next book to come out. This book should be on everyone's list!

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish this book. It may have been better if it wasn’t for the narrator on audible but I just couldn’t even wait it out to find out if I was right about who it was. Maybe I’ll just skip the rest and listen to see if I was right. Maybe not.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A meticulously-written police procedural and a well-plotted tension twister of a tale, but the inclusion of a danger-ignoring female detective, who knowingly jettisons professional practice to follow a hunch - one of my especial turn-offs - reduced its enjoyment for me.

[Sophie Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annoying and Un-likeable main character; the twist at the end was so obvious from early chapters. The level of detailed description for irrelevant things was nauseating and the killers arc and escalation was so ridiculous wish I’d DNF’d

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too implausible a plot and one of the perpetrators you could see from a mile off.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one thing that I like doing, it's discovering new authors. Christie J. Newport is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis of 'The Raven's Mark' and it certainly sounded like the sort of crime novel I particularly enjoy. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for what proved to be an interesting afternoon of reading. I did enjoy reading 'The Raven's Mark' but more about that in a bit.

I loved meeting Detective Beth Fellows. Beth is a career police officer whose career has been influenced by her experiences as a child. Sadly when Beth was 4 years old, Beth's Mam was murdered and the tragic twist is that Beth witnessed her mother's murder. Since Beth became a police officer, she has often gone above and beyond the call of duty when she is investigating a murder. Beth doesn't want anybody to suffer how she suffered. Beth is a lovely young lass, who has a heart of gold and she is popular with her peers.

I was drawn into 'The Raven's Mark' from the very start. In fact the synopsis grabbed my attention and the story itself drew me in. From then on, I found it rather difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was intrigued by the plot and by the characters. I developed my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Raven's Mark' and I had to say goodbye to Beth and her team. I found 'The Raven's Mark' to be a gritty, gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

'The Raven's Mark is superbly written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I had trouble believing that this was a debut novel as the author's writing style seems so polished and so confident. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Christie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes them seem just as real as you and I. Reading 'The Raven's Mark' felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Christie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Raven's Mark' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Christie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Raven’s Mark, the first novel to feature DCI Beth Fellows of the Major and Serious Crimes Northwest Division, based in Preston, Lancashire.

The murder of teenager Rose Danes, brings back memories of a cold case that Beth investigated two years ago and failed to solve, where the victim, Celine Wilson, is still in a coma. Both girls have been branded. This time all she has is a vague figure calling himself Simon and a secret phone she is warned to tell nobody about, its only contact Simon.

I understand that The Raven’s Mark is a debut and as such it is very promising. Personally I wasn’t bowled over and found it to be a bit of a mixed bag with both good and bad aspects, but I do stress that this is about my choice in reading matter, not the author’s writing or plotting.

Firstly I will say that I really like the writing, which is crisp and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding or ambiguity on the reader’s part. On the downside the novel is told from Beth’s first person point of view. She isn’t a character I warmed to, because she’s not a team player, she seems to think she knows best for everyone and she makes some really horrendous decisions and this brings me to my next point. The novel is billed as a police procedural, but with Beth going totally off piste and ignoring procedure, it’s more like a psychological thriller with a cat and mouse game between her and Simon and that’s not my preferred reading. I find it very hard to understand the logic in the decision making in this type of novel and it’s the same here, Beth is irrational in her choices. Still, it creates excitement and tension in the novel.

I was impressed mostly by the resolution of the case. Yes, there is a cliffhanger (who’ll remember by the time the next novel appears?) but the motive and all the explanations are clever.

The Raven’s Mark is a promising debut.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago DCI Bethany Fellows reviewed the four-year-old cold case of Celine Wilson, a girl brutally attacked and raped. Still alive but only just, she’s been in a nursing home ever since. Beth promised her devastated family she’d catch the culprit but never did and this fact haunts her still. Set in Preston, she is now called to the murder of another teenage girl, Rose Danes, found with her throat slashed and the same imprint of a raven burnt into her skin as Celine had. It looks like The Brander is back after six years. Rose’s friends, with whom she spent her last evening drinking and taking over the home of a man with special needs, don’t seem to know anything but is her best friend Jenny hiding something? Almost immediately a sinister package is delivered to Beth’s office, a phone with only the contact name Simon, the same name as the much older outsider in the group of friends and containing photos of her nearest and dearest, clearly a threat. Does she dare tell anyone about it? Breaking all the rules, will she keep those she cares about safe and discover the true identity of Simon before it’s too late?
Beth is a very driven character, stemming from the murder of her mother when she was a young child. She can’t help herself but is determined to help other victims of terrible crimes. I really liked her, Amer, Dillon, Aunt Margie and Millie, all great characters and easy to envisage. The plot is clever and well executed, easily gripping my attention throughout right up to the exciting and shocking ending. It’s a cracking debut and it looks like the story is far from over - I do hope there will be more to come. 5*

[Stephanie | Upstate NY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising fabulous 4 star surprise. A thriller-mystery that was not what I expected at all....in fact I kept putting this book aside for the longest time. But once I picked it up...could not put it down.

The pacing really picks up after the first 25% of the book. It starts out very police procedural...reminicient of CSI and NCIS. It keeps a steady pacing after that first 25% adding in gruesome and horrific murders,,,and keeps 'em coming. It does not let you dwell too long on them....due to the pacing.

While some reviewers complain the main character's personal relationship gets in the way (think "whininess" and "oh I"m a failure" thought processes). Retrospectively, while this was irritating - it provided some relief from the intensity of this book.

This book is not for the faint of heart - gore and gruesomeness are explained. TRIGGERS: rape, abuse, serial killer, torture.

This book cover...seems too soft in retrospect. Blue bird reminiscent of the night sky on a white background. Drew me in as a female mystery lover...but I feel like many guys would overlook this cover...and would be highly into this type of mayhem/mystery. As well as the pacing.

I am interested to see where this series goes. I'm am hoping the CSI aspect will continue, and that the gruesomeness will get a bit more toned down.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this book.

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. I'm not normally a crime reader but this had me hooked from page one. It had me guessing every step. When I thought I knew the answer, it was completely wrong only to come back later when I least expected. The characters were well crafted and well rounded with flaws and idiosyncrasies. They had annoying habits you'd expect and I could really see them as real people.
It could be argued that some of the dialogue is quite copy and pasted from any basic crime drama ever but you could say that about a lot of books. The premise and the plot twist and the characters had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't get through it quickly enough. The stakes were high and real and there were consequences to everything. It was brilliant.
On a smaller note, it was nice to have gay characters where being gay was an aspect of their character, no their entire personality. The relationship drama was good relationship drama (with more focus on the drama drama due to the characters), that didn't focus on being gay, but the people themselves.
Absolutely brilliant. The sort of book I'd love to read again for the first time. Could easily be a stand-alone book without needing a sequel but I understand why there is one.
Sound design and narrator were perfect choices. The narrator got across all of the pain and sadness and desperation, as well as the love and joy moments too. It was spot on.
One of the best books I've read in a while.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great start to what I hope is a new crime series. This book will have you gripped from the first page. Guaranteed. If you love a serial killer thriller then look no further. Meet Beth Fellows she is made the DSIO Of the latest case, but it’s not long before she realises that this case is linked to a cold case she had worked on. The killer leaves a signature that of a Raven on the skin of the bodies. The first victim Celine had survived but was left in a coma.

Why did the killer wait so long to start again? Beth was determined to try and stop anyone else being killed. When she received a package in the post with a burner phone in she tells no one, because this phone is from the killer with photo’s of everyone Beth loves on it, it also has a photo of herself she knows someone is watching her. When the killer calls she does what he asks despite the risks. Can Beth catch this killer?

I loved the cast of characters in this book, so much diversity it was great to read, and I really look forward to getting to know more about each of the character’s. Beth had seen her mother murdered when she was only 4 years old that was what led her to becoming a police officer. The story grips you from page one, you get pulled right in I was trying desperately to guess who the killer was, just as you thought you had an idea another twist comes along. This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride the pages were turning so fast I didn’t want to put the book down. The pace was perfect, the characters were well crafted believable and likeable. What more can you ask for from a book. I cannot wait until book 2 in this series. It was actually hard to believe that this was a debut novel.

A great engrossing, fast paced crime novel that you will not be able to put down. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. If you love a crime novel, police procedural, with great characters then buy yourself a copy of this book now.

[Colin Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutal murder heralds the start of a cat-and-mouse game for Detective Chief Inspector Beth Fellows as she faces a case that could change her career – or bring it to a crashing end. Realising the killing could be linked to an earlier attack, gives Beth a few clues, but with the victim – 14-year-old Celine Wilson – in a coma, she must turn to the girl’s family for help. Meanwhile, the killer plans to disrupt Beth’s investigation when he sends her a mobile phone – a phone she must keep secret or suffer the consequences.

This is Christie Newport’s first novel, and it gets off to a great start. A police procedural, it centres on the heroine, Beth, as she tries to get to grips with a murder that may signal the police have a serial killer is on their hands. Written in the present tense (which I always prefer), we see everything from Beth’s point of view. Following an enticing start, the pace slows down a little before picking up speed again. For the most part, the writing is pretty good, though there are a few words in the dialogue that don’t quite hit the mark, given the book’s northern setting. However, once things really get going, the author builds the tension with several suspects, lots of clues and plenty of dead ends. Admittedly, I did see the ending coming, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment.

An exciting thriller that’ll appeal to lovers of down-to-earth cop dramas.

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

DCI Beth Fellows is having a hell of a time. We start with a flash forward of her in a café with a bomb and her thinking about what she can’t do.

Then we’re taken back to the start of the story and the case she’s working, a murdered girl with a raven branded into her skin. One of a group of teenagers who were using the flat of a special needs individual for drinking and more. There’s one outsider, and no one knows who he is. Look the blurb tells you all you need to know on that point anyway, and the way it unravels is something that you need to read as I don’t want to spoil it.

Beth is supported by her Aunt Margie at home, and at work by Millie – the worlds most empathic officer – and a station full of officers doing their jobs and helping with the cases, this one and the one it mirrors from six years ago. There was an instant discomfort for me in reading that one of the CID officers was now married to the sister of the six-year-old case victim, but, well, reasons roll out in the telling of the story. The one person Beth is not supported by is her girlfriend, yes, Beth is gay, so what? Anyway, Yvette has a very nasty way of demanding Beth’s attention, and I for one did not like her, though I could see why someone like Beth would be in a relationship with someone like that.

The book has a cast of good, interesting characters. Characters who should help a reader through the series, and this holds the promise of a good series to come.

The story is really about discovering identity, not just who the killer is, but who Beth is. Does who our parents are, known or unknow, affect who we are? How do the things that happen around us change us? Does discovering the truth make a difference? Those questions are what makes this case so personal to Beth, and probably why she takes it too much to heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can absolutely see why it won prizes from Joffe Books – I think that was well deserved. Christie employs some wonderfully descriptive turns of phrase; I really loved the writing style. But I don’t think it’s perfect. Beth spends more time in her head with her feelings than she really needs to, it’s a bit of a downer at time. Yes, she’s been through tough times, she’s going through tough times, and she’s hurting. But the focus on that is too heavy handed in places. I don’t think Beth is a selfish person, but there are moments of that. Beth’s relationships are strong, but I’m not convinced they are deep or complex, some positions and connections are just too obvious for words, so why they have to flash carded up in front of Beth is a mystery.

The plot isn’t that twisty-turny. It’s actually quite linear, but it’s a damn good journey anyway. I will admit that I got one reveal in the first couple of chapters, but then I’m like that. And I did shout at the book why this person was a villain a few times, because I thought it was painfully obvious, but I still enjoyed the denouement and revelation of all that came out.

I will be reading the next in series, though I will be gob-smacked if Beth is still a DCI at that point.

This is the first of a new series by a new author and that will always mean set up issues and things readers don’t like or understand, but this is one of the best series firsts and a debut from an author that I’ve ever read. I would highly recommend.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept seeing this book being spoken about, it was everywhere with absolutely rave reviews.
I had a break from blog tours so thought I'd squeeze this in and boy am I glad I did. What an absolute cracker of a read. Every rave review, every award, totally deserved.
The Ravens Mark is left by a psycho, at first not a killer, who struck 6 years previously before striking again.
Beth is on the case, and vows to take him down, and finally get justice for the family she gave false hope to. She's now deputy SIO.
Shes supported by her team Amer Anwar (nice nod to the author) Millie and the rest. Millie is an expert in reading people, body language and non visual clues. She was possibly my favourite character after aunt Margie. I like the strong relationship between the 3 of them too.
The first chapter is shocking and ends on something of a cliffhanger which it does come back to with a conclusion you couldn't possibly ever guess.
A very twisted but in depth and clever story. The pace never relents, and you simply cannot stop reading until you find out what happened. There best be a book 2, I'll be first in line to read it.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is a debut novel, and book 1 in a new series Detective Beth Fellows, if so it’s very good. Well written, this is an easy read book with some great characters. Beth is flawed but her strength shines through and I loved her Aunt Margie - I want to be like her - never married she’s still a hippy and full of colour, full of life, she’s amazing. Chapter one is a shocker with an ending that leads us smoothly into the case…

Briefly, Rose Danes is found brutally murdered with a brand of a raven on her shoulder. Beth knows this must be related to the attack on Celine Wilson, a cold case she investigated two years earlier, that left Celine in a coma. Also branded this is a fact the police never released to the public. The only suspect is a man called Simon, but he has disappeared. Can Beth and the team find him before he strikes again.

A well paced read with a good storyline this was an intense and at times surprising read. I did predict one of the big reveals but not everything, lots of twists and turns made that difficult. I love a good police procedural and this is definitely that. I’ll definitely be looking out for book 2.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two victims. Both Branded with the image of a Raven. An elusive perpetrator known only as 'Simon' and a vague description no-one wants to elaborate on.

When DCI Beth Fellows is assigned to the brutal murder of a fifteen year old girl, she quickly realises the case is linked to one she investigated two years before, whose victim remains in a coma, and whose attacker remains at large.

When a key witness disappears and mysterious phone calls begin to arrive, Beth is plunged into a race against time to stop her Nemesis before he kills again. But what secrets will she uncover in the process?

A fabulous debut novel from a promising writer. My only gripe is that I'd worked out at least part of the puzzle before I was even half way through the book, so although there was an element of surprise, it was a little bit of an anti-climax. Otherwise I really enjoyed the story, it flowed well, and the characters were not overbearing, aside from Beth's girlfriend Yvette who was by far the most annoying character. The short chapters were also a bonus for me, as I often read at work or in-between errands. I look forward to reading the next one.

4*

[Joe Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading this book for some time. It is a great achievement for a debut book.
The story is likely to be similar to ones you have read before with a police officer having issues with his personal life bleeding into his work life, but the story behind this is different in this case and one I am sure that readers will enjoy.
Although it was an interesting story and set in a place that I know relatively well (Lancashire), I felt that that the story missed the location as a character. A number of places were mentioned but they could have been anywhere. I wanted to see more connections with the places she visited, the police station on the river and the buzz of the city.
You do get to know the main characters well and there is a psychological thriller element as you really get into the thoughts and actions of the characters, and it may appear as though the story is going off at a tangent at times, everything comes together in the end.
The second book in the series is out next month and I am really looking forward to it.

[Kim J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can hardly believe this was a debut novel! The author did her research on police procedure extremely well! I loved the diversity of the characters. She did fantastic with character development. This was an often told story, but with some major twists and turns that I've not seen anywhere before, and I read British police procedural novels only! The main characters was likeable, even with the self esteem issues you can see. But you learn why later in the book. The range of relationships was also very detailed! Honestly, it gripped me from the start, and the only reason I have 4 stars is because much of the conversation with herself or with others was slightly stilted, and that made it hard to feel the emotions at all times. But this is a debit! I got a lot more than I expected. I'm actually putting this author on my watch list, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series! Thanks to the publisher, the author, and Net Galley for the ARC of this book!