Deadly Connections

by Colin Wade

Sarah Braintree is the best Chief of Police that Jersey has ever had but the day after her success is celebrated by the government, someone starts killing people. Cryptic notes left on the victims' pique Sarah's interest in the case, and she breaks all protocols by deciding to lead the investigation herself. As the crime spree intensifies, Sarah's previous credibility is slowly eroded, and her ineffectual team seems powerless to stop the perpetrator terrorising the island. Will Sarah ever catch this killer and find out why they are doing it? Are you ready to play the game of Deadly Connections?

Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

Reviews

[Jacquii John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I have ever, in my 54 years, read in one sitting!
A great thriller which once picked up, is impossible to put down until the very last page. Chief of Police, Sarah Braintree is recognised for her outstanding service to Jersey and is highly praised for the reduction in crime on the island. Soon after this, a mysterious blonde goes on a killing spree, leaving clues for Sarah to solve, at each crime scene. Things are starting to feel very personal for the Chief of Police.
A really fast paced thriller, with unexpected twists and turns and a surprising climax.
A highly recommended read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 2 out of 5]

I reeeeally struggled with this one. I loved the overall premise of the story and it sounded really interesting...... I dont know if it was the style or writing or the fact that I just didn't care about the characters and it all seemed so stupid lol. Its supposed to be this criminal mastermind taunting the police but the notes were written like a child would write them and then they were pointless anyways and to me, it just never made much logical sense. I'm all for unexpected twists but I need them to still be logical or its just stupid. I like stories that still have that element of "this could happen to you"..... and that one just wasn't even remotely well researched or realistic. But in saying that, for people who do just want a thriller and don't care if it all adds up or not, then it probably is a decent enough story! It's not the worst by any means and because it wasn't to my taste doesn't mean other won't still find it enjoyable for what it is. Just don't expect too much and you'll be fine

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set on Jersey before, being an island makes it a perfect setting for a locked room mystery, albeit on a larger scale.

Police Chief Sarah Braintree receives a top award for her services & almost immediately a serial killer is on the rampage. Against protocol, she decides to be hands on in the investigation as she feels the killings are personal to her. Notes are left on the bodies & Sarah has to solve the random clues.

I haven’t read this author before, so I was unsure what to expect. The actual plot feels fairly simplistic & the notes don’t really make sense. Perhaps that’s the point? Certainly fast paced & twisted with an intriguing conclusion.

[Yen Rickeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like to try and beat the detective to a solution you really should try Deadly Connections by Colin Wade. With an interesting detective in charge, and plenty to prove, the plethora of seemingly childish clues take us on a twisted route, with so many hidden difficulties, and improbable outcomes that it is always interesting.
Although the characters are sometimes a little over the top for a British reader, the twist and turns make up for it, and the ending was not what I thought it would be at all.

[Rachael Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd Colin Wade book that I have read. I really liked it. The setting felt authentic and all the characters were memorable. I liked how determined Sarah was to get to the killer although she wasn't my favourite character (probably Lisa was). Although it was horrible, I liked how inventive the murders were including a poisoning that took place among visitors to a zoo! I really liked the clues as well. I felt the book's ending was a bit sudden and some scenes could have been a bit longer, but I also understand why it ended the way it did - you kind of feel that although what they did was horrible it is understandable how one person was able to influence the other two. I liked how the clues seem childish at the start and by the end it is clear why the murders happen in this way. It's very easy to read and very hard to put down once started. 4.5 stars rounded up :)

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off... the cover! Striking, bold and solid. Grabbed my attention instantly.

Secondly... just wow! I absolutely loved this book.

A formidable strong lead character Police Chief Sarah Braintree. After who receiving a top award for her services to the police department is then thrown straight in the deep end of a serial killers rampage.

The killings feel personal, aimed at Sarah. Notes are left on the bodies of each victim, leaving clues for Sarah to solve.

Whilst the body count rises, the riddles in the clues make no sense. The link needs to be made!

A fast paced, enthralling, engaging read that hooked me straight away and had me racing through the pages.

100% recommend.

[Steve Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sinister, imaginative, well-realised and cleverly plotted police crime thriller which rattles along at a great pace. Sarah Braintree is an engaging main character and the author drip feeds information to the reader at exactly the right moments. The Jersey setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere that is relevant to the story. I was a little concerned that a Jersey Chief of Police with twenty years in the force wasn’t more familiar with her own senior officers (there can’t be many Detective Chief Inspectors on the island) but this minor quibble does not detract from what is an excellent crime thriller.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his latest novel Colin Wade uses all the tropes that make crime fiction so good and this police procedural still sparkles with originality. Jersey, still relatively unused by crime novelists, provides a beautiful backdrop for an intensely dark and complex plot. The author pays homage to the genius of Agatha Christie in a story full of unexpected twists and turns, and a razor-sharp denouement.