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DI Heather Filson #1
The One That Got Away
What if your worst enemy was your only hope?
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with…
Uncover the secrets of The One That Got Away in the first book in a brand new Scottish crime fiction series by JD Kirk, author of the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan novels.
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with…
Uncover the secrets of The One That Got Away in the first book in a brand new Scottish crime fiction series by JD Kirk, author of the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan novels.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2023
1702 people are currently reading
11036 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,743 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
June 18, 2023
My Rating: 2⭐️⭐️ Did not hit the mark for me but still got a little bit of the authors spark in here!!
Back Cover Synopsis
What if your worst enemy was your only hope?
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with…
Well … it finally happened - this is the only book of J.D. Kirk’s I have rated under 4 stars. Let’s face it I guess it was bound to happen but I wasn’t expecting it. I have read that J.D Kirk felt that this is his best book to date… for me it is my least favourite of all the books DCI Jack Logan and the spin off Bob Hoon Thrillers… this one was the weakest by far. I will tell you my in my opinion…
First up the writing is good… just not great. It was lacking the consistency that the other novels have… I think by the time I got to the ending I understood that the reason was the character Heather Filson. Her character is not strong enough to hold the lead for a 400+ page book… she is too unlikeable and too annoying as a standalone…
There are secondary characters in this but she doesn’t have a partner or a team she works with (not really) which is a little unrealistic given that even big bad tough Jack Logan has a whole team and he leans on them very well he doesn’t often run off half cocked doing his own damn thing (not much anyway) but Heather does. She is always running off getting drunk, sleeping with strangers and then investigating all alone in dangerous and outright stupid situations. This felt like citizen gone rogue but shes a police officer… really the fact she was already under review was no surprise but to get away with the behaviour she does it just ridiculous. She should have been kicked off the force for sure…
She was already very unlikeable in most of the books she appeared in the Logan-verse but that last one I kind of got a feel for her… I liked her a little bit especially when she was kind to Sinead… but this book ugh she is unlikable for the entire time. Its really hard to feel sorry for her cause she is a big dumb jerk face that just basically looks out for herself 99% of the time. She has a massive chip on her shoulder and yes we find out why… but come on… that is no reason not to help people, considering you are police after all that is your job. She lets people down left right and centre so I really just couldn’t connect with her at all.
There were times when the plot was choppy, we see some guests like Shona Maguire which I love… but really there was no reason for her appearance other than she was there and people like her but she didn’t become part of the story… there were a lot of red herrings along the way. And extra characters thrown in to make the ending work… I felt like the ending was written first and the rest of the story was kind of slotted around it to make it work… I am sure thats not what happened but it felt disjointed to me.
The local mob guy Shuggie Cowan was a weird addition and another reason why if you read to the end you will feel like ohhhh thats why he’s here… cause he needed to do this or that… but really his presence is confusing for most of the book.
Also a controversial opinion here but I didn’t like Ace’ addition to this book. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the character but the fact she was a 15 year old girl and she had more of a grasp on reality and the case than Heather did just made no sense. Come on… surely a teenager doesn’t think that way… maybe some do but more logical than all the police force… its just stupid especially if you have read the other books in the other series the police work is pretty solid if not a bit oopsie at times. Now if Ace had been a Rookie assigned to Heather…that would have worked for me. We could have had flashbacks to her time at the same school, she could have been just as weird and could have compiled the same amount of evidence with actual ways and means… not just a 15 year old snot nose kid with a computer who is nosey and socially awkward… It didn’t work for me. Citizen gone rogue teenagers are the worst in my opinion. I know its an unpopular one though… so yeah come at me.
Oh and the ending… I did guess the baddie which is normally ok… but it was a bit of a shit reveal… and the reason behind it was … weak… I dunno it just felt rushed at the end. There was so much filler about nothing along the way building up to something that I felt was anti-climactic.
There were some good parts, the way J.D. Kirk tells a story is so classically Scottish and I like that.. he writes like a Scottsman/or woman speaks and I love that this makes it feel really authentic. I really liked the humour (when it was presented) we got shades of the awkward and weird humour with Mingey Mouse (I shall say no more)… and other jokes that were dropped but for me thats about it that made it worthwhile… I was disappointed in this offering.
Overall - would I recommend it… look I am probably harsh cause I have read all the other books and this one is very much a personal choice one… I would not recommend it over any of the Jack Logan series… I very much recommend starting at 1 and going all the way to 16 (soon to be 17), even the Hoon books are better than this one… but if you want to check it out and see what the hype is all about then by all means… do it… If you are sensitive to swearing then there is one or two C-bombs, a lot of F-Bombs and other swear words but as is with any of the J.D. Kirk novels you will know this by now.
Bring on the new In Service of Death (DCI Jack Logan) novel!!!
Back Cover Synopsis
What if your worst enemy was your only hope?
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with…
Well … it finally happened - this is the only book of J.D. Kirk’s I have rated under 4 stars. Let’s face it I guess it was bound to happen but I wasn’t expecting it. I have read that J.D Kirk felt that this is his best book to date… for me it is my least favourite of all the books DCI Jack Logan and the spin off Bob Hoon Thrillers… this one was the weakest by far. I will tell you my in my opinion…
First up the writing is good… just not great. It was lacking the consistency that the other novels have… I think by the time I got to the ending I understood that the reason was the character Heather Filson. Her character is not strong enough to hold the lead for a 400+ page book… she is too unlikeable and too annoying as a standalone…
There are secondary characters in this but she doesn’t have a partner or a team she works with (not really) which is a little unrealistic given that even big bad tough Jack Logan has a whole team and he leans on them very well he doesn’t often run off half cocked doing his own damn thing (not much anyway) but Heather does. She is always running off getting drunk, sleeping with strangers and then investigating all alone in dangerous and outright stupid situations. This felt like citizen gone rogue but shes a police officer… really the fact she was already under review was no surprise but to get away with the behaviour she does it just ridiculous. She should have been kicked off the force for sure…
She was already very unlikeable in most of the books she appeared in the Logan-verse but that last one I kind of got a feel for her… I liked her a little bit especially when she was kind to Sinead… but this book ugh she is unlikable for the entire time. Its really hard to feel sorry for her cause she is a big dumb jerk face that just basically looks out for herself 99% of the time. She has a massive chip on her shoulder and yes we find out why… but come on… that is no reason not to help people, considering you are police after all that is your job. She lets people down left right and centre so I really just couldn’t connect with her at all.
There were times when the plot was choppy, we see some guests like Shona Maguire which I love… but really there was no reason for her appearance other than she was there and people like her but she didn’t become part of the story… there were a lot of red herrings along the way. And extra characters thrown in to make the ending work… I felt like the ending was written first and the rest of the story was kind of slotted around it to make it work… I am sure thats not what happened but it felt disjointed to me.
The local mob guy Shuggie Cowan was a weird addition and another reason why if you read to the end you will feel like ohhhh thats why he’s here… cause he needed to do this or that… but really his presence is confusing for most of the book.
Also a controversial opinion here but I didn’t like Ace’ addition to this book. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the character but the fact she was a 15 year old girl and she had more of a grasp on reality and the case than Heather did just made no sense. Come on… surely a teenager doesn’t think that way… maybe some do but more logical than all the police force… its just stupid especially if you have read the other books in the other series the police work is pretty solid if not a bit oopsie at times. Now if Ace had been a Rookie assigned to Heather…that would have worked for me. We could have had flashbacks to her time at the same school, she could have been just as weird and could have compiled the same amount of evidence with actual ways and means… not just a 15 year old snot nose kid with a computer who is nosey and socially awkward… It didn’t work for me. Citizen gone rogue teenagers are the worst in my opinion. I know its an unpopular one though… so yeah come at me.
Oh and the ending… I did guess the baddie which is normally ok… but it was a bit of a shit reveal… and the reason behind it was … weak… I dunno it just felt rushed at the end. There was so much filler about nothing along the way building up to something that I felt was anti-climactic.
There were some good parts, the way J.D. Kirk tells a story is so classically Scottish and I like that.. he writes like a Scottsman/or woman speaks and I love that this makes it feel really authentic. I really liked the humour (when it was presented) we got shades of the awkward and weird humour with Mingey Mouse (I shall say no more)… and other jokes that were dropped but for me thats about it that made it worthwhile… I was disappointed in this offering.
Overall - would I recommend it… look I am probably harsh cause I have read all the other books and this one is very much a personal choice one… I would not recommend it over any of the Jack Logan series… I very much recommend starting at 1 and going all the way to 16 (soon to be 17), even the Hoon books are better than this one… but if you want to check it out and see what the hype is all about then by all means… do it… If you are sensitive to swearing then there is one or two C-bombs, a lot of F-Bombs and other swear words but as is with any of the J.D. Kirk novels you will know this by now.
Bring on the new In Service of Death (DCI Jack Logan) novel!!!
June 2, 2023
I am a giant nerd for JD Kirk’s books no matter what pen name he is writing under. Heather was already my least favorite character. Literally hated her because she tried to mess up Jack Logan’s relationship. By the end of this book I dislike her still but maybe less. The story was good, nice twists and a couple laughs. All in all not my favorite book. It happens I can’t wait for the next DCI Jack Logan book.
May 4, 2023
Wow! This story was so much more than I was expecting. Once I started I could hardly put the book down. I stayed up way to late on a work night and just kept saying, 1 more page to myself, through a few chapters. This is the first book in a new series by J.D. Kirk, the DCI Jack Logan books have been coming out steadily for a few years now, and the off shoot quadrilogy of Bob Hoon books was epic in the levels of violence and use of language. And along come the first story about Di Heather Filson. We have encountered her a few times in the Logan books, and there are some cross over characters. But What an incredible story. I was waiting months for this volume to drop and see what it was all about. It was more than worth the wait.
Over the last year I read about a book a week By Kirk under one of his three pen names. And this marks the 22nd under the Kirk name and coming up to 15 under the names Barry Hutchison and Barry J, Hutchison. So this is the 37th volume from this author in about a year that I have read. I have now read the first 16 in the DCI Logan series and all 4 in the Robert Hoon series, as well as stand alone VIP exclusive short story. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I have been hooked since that first read. I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out. But back to this volume.
The description of this novel is:
“What if your worst enemy was your only hope?
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with.”
This story is very different than anything else I have read by Kirk, and yet we have the cross over characters, the elements of Scottish police procedurals, and the nature of the crimes. From the very beginning we get to see deeper into the history and psyche of DI Filson than we have with either Hoon or Logan. This story is set in present day, and yet much relates to cases from many years ago. And a case in particular that played a key role in shaping Filson herself.
When the first girl goes missing, they are racing against the clock. When Future events happen even much more is at risk.
The story has several intense passages of memories of abuse and of witnessing abuse on another. It deals with repressed memories. And it deals with coming to terms with our own personal demons and our past. Or at least Heathers. She has already been busted down from DCI to DI, and even risk that to break the rules because of her conviction of what is happening in this case.
Be warned this story is not for the feint of heart, or readers with sensitive stomachs. It is crime lit written dark and dirty. But it also provides a little hope, especially at the end. I can only home this is the first of many stories focused around DI Filson and even that ‘Nancy Drew’ makes future appearances. Amazing characters, great pace, and man oh man what a plot. Kirk has knocked it out of the cricket field with this one.
This is another great read in what looks to be another great series. I love the books written under the pen name J.D. Kirk, they are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with Smith’s and Mayhew’s works, as well as several other more mainstream names. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! And I believe my gramps born in Fife would have loved them, and have recommended them to my own dad. This book would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan, or Temperance Brennan. I state it again this is a great read and beginning to what should be an amazing series!
Over the last year I read about a book a week By Kirk under one of his three pen names. And this marks the 22nd under the Kirk name and coming up to 15 under the names Barry Hutchison and Barry J, Hutchison. So this is the 37th volume from this author in about a year that I have read. I have now read the first 16 in the DCI Logan series and all 4 in the Robert Hoon series, as well as stand alone VIP exclusive short story. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I have been hooked since that first read. I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out. But back to this volume.
The description of this novel is:
“What if your worst enemy was your only hope?
When a fifteen-year-old girl fails to make it home after school, DI Heather Filson believes she’s dealing with just another teenage runaway.
The girl’s grandfather, a notorious Glasgow gangster, disagrees. Convinced one of his underworld enemies has grabbed her, he’s prepared to bathe the city in blood in order to bring his princess home.
But, as the days pass and the evidence mounts, Heather starts to fear that they’re both wrong, and that a brutal killer from the past has returned.
A killer who once stalked the streets of her hometown, preying on vulnerable young victims.
A killer that DI Heather Filson is uniquely familiar with.”
This story is very different than anything else I have read by Kirk, and yet we have the cross over characters, the elements of Scottish police procedurals, and the nature of the crimes. From the very beginning we get to see deeper into the history and psyche of DI Filson than we have with either Hoon or Logan. This story is set in present day, and yet much relates to cases from many years ago. And a case in particular that played a key role in shaping Filson herself.
When the first girl goes missing, they are racing against the clock. When Future events happen even much more is at risk.
The story has several intense passages of memories of abuse and of witnessing abuse on another. It deals with repressed memories. And it deals with coming to terms with our own personal demons and our past. Or at least Heathers. She has already been busted down from DCI to DI, and even risk that to break the rules because of her conviction of what is happening in this case.
Be warned this story is not for the feint of heart, or readers with sensitive stomachs. It is crime lit written dark and dirty. But it also provides a little hope, especially at the end. I can only home this is the first of many stories focused around DI Filson and even that ‘Nancy Drew’ makes future appearances. Amazing characters, great pace, and man oh man what a plot. Kirk has knocked it out of the cricket field with this one.
This is another great read in what looks to be another great series. I love the books written under the pen name J.D. Kirk, they are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with Smith’s and Mayhew’s works, as well as several other more mainstream names. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! And I believe my gramps born in Fife would have loved them, and have recommended them to my own dad. This book would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan, or Temperance Brennan. I state it again this is a great read and beginning to what should be an amazing series!
January 4, 2025
I feel like this one meandered a little too much and the evidence was all too haphazard. Not sure how to explain it except that at the end it felt like they found out the culprit through sheer luck 😅
August 5, 2023
First book I've read of JD Kirk. I must admit, the Scottish language made me chuckle at times. As an Australian reader, I'd never seen the words "aye" and "shite" used before in text so many times. Was entertaining.
I don't know what it is of late, but I don't understand why traditional publishers have a desire to add in 100 pages of writing that adds nothing to stories, other than dragging out the plot. This book is just another in that category.
The story was great and the ending was unpredictable, but it dragged in some parts and I struggled to pick it up at times. The main character, Heather Filson is a tough one to follow. You love her 'no bullshit' attitude but her stubborn and arrogance also makes you hate her.
I would have loved to have heard more from the quirky side kick student-wannabe-detective Ace. But we don't see much of her character sadly.
Overall, the book was probably a bit too long for my liking and the ending didn't quite have the climax I was expecting.
Three ⭐'s
I don't know what it is of late, but I don't understand why traditional publishers have a desire to add in 100 pages of writing that adds nothing to stories, other than dragging out the plot. This book is just another in that category.
The story was great and the ending was unpredictable, but it dragged in some parts and I struggled to pick it up at times. The main character, Heather Filson is a tough one to follow. You love her 'no bullshit' attitude but her stubborn and arrogance also makes you hate her.
I would have loved to have heard more from the quirky side kick student-wannabe-detective Ace. But we don't see much of her character sadly.
Overall, the book was probably a bit too long for my liking and the ending didn't quite have the climax I was expecting.
Three ⭐'s
May 29, 2023
It's always a challenge to me as a reader when an author presents a new series. I have to admit being surprised when the new main character from J D Kirk turned out to be DI Heather Filson, someone I felt I barely knew. As I read The One That Got Away I found myself awarding stars as I went.
After I'd read a third of the book I felt disappointed. I like to read about police teams working together to solve crimes. But Heather Filson is definitely not a team player. So I was thinking three stars, mainly because I love the other J D Kirk books and am a loyal reader.
However, after reading two thirds of the book I was feeling happier. Jack and Shona had appeared, briefly lighting up the story. And I was getting more used to Heather. Oh and Ace came along - a brilliant character. Four stars.
Now I've finished the book, and what an ending it has too. I can't say more without giving too much away, but it's gripping stuff. Okay, J D Kirk - it's five stars all the way.
After I'd read a third of the book I felt disappointed. I like to read about police teams working together to solve crimes. But Heather Filson is definitely not a team player. So I was thinking three stars, mainly because I love the other J D Kirk books and am a loyal reader.
However, after reading two thirds of the book I was feeling happier. Jack and Shona had appeared, briefly lighting up the story. And I was getting more used to Heather. Oh and Ace came along - a brilliant character. Four stars.
Now I've finished the book, and what an ending it has too. I can't say more without giving too much away, but it's gripping stuff. Okay, J D Kirk - it's five stars all the way.
June 9, 2023
4.5/5
This is an Ace stan account now!
The range of emotions this novel elicited from me, particularly the suspense, was remarkable. Despite my attempts to predict the ending, I was unsuccessful, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book. I have a great fondness for the main character, despite any negative feedback she may have received in the author's previous works. While I initially had some reservations about the Shuggie subplot and was considering rating the book a 4/5, my concerns were ultimately addressed by the end of the novel. Furthermore, the infusion of humor throughout the story made the book even more entertaining.
This is an Ace stan account now!
The range of emotions this novel elicited from me, particularly the suspense, was remarkable. Despite my attempts to predict the ending, I was unsuccessful, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book. I have a great fondness for the main character, despite any negative feedback she may have received in the author's previous works. While I initially had some reservations about the Shuggie subplot and was considering rating the book a 4/5, my concerns were ultimately addressed by the end of the novel. Furthermore, the infusion of humor throughout the story made the book even more entertaining.
September 9, 2025
Gripping enough. Surprisingly, the writing style was not a complete turn off at all. This is why I gave it 4⭐️. I guess it worked, with the gangster theme, Heather's character type and the location. I like it when authors do this, painting a bigger picture with multiple plot devices and storytelling elements. It makes for a more cohesive (and intentional) reading experience, while also building something beyond a plot that's entertaining.
One of the most useful plot devices in a thriller is the atmosphere. And for it to be accurate (not intense or vivid necessarily, but accurate), it has to be relevant through all that I've said above, including the writing style.
I liked that it had loose ends and misleads, I liked the twist, even though I saw it coming from the beginning. It's fine, I don't deduct stars for guessing the twist, I actually like when authors deliver on them. Makes me feel that we think alike.
Overall, yeah, it could've been a bit shorter, probably with less characters as some of them are a bit redundant, but again, it makes everything way more real and relevant. Not everyone has a great meaning or a monumental task to carry. Sometimes, some people are just there because they exist.
The novel may be breaching some traditional writing norms, like the one mentioned above, but I like when books do that.
I didn't like the banter between Ace and Heather, I didn't like Ace as a character in fact. Heather was okay, not my type of character, but decent as a detective. Again, she works well in the story, but I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy her archetype in a different novel.
This might come as a shock, but I don't like that much dialogue in thrillers and crime stories, especially not small talk or irrelevant details. Who doesn't like dialogue? And I am very talkative in real life. But in thrillers? I don't care if the rookie took paracetamol for his headache at 3 am and I certainly don't care for the conversation they are having with their chief about it before looking at the case files. Not saying this happens in the book, but you get the idea.
Anyway, long story short, I recommend it. It really depends on what you are looking for in a thriller. But for a gangster story, it does the job, it's quite entertaining and keeps you a bit hooked.
One of the most useful plot devices in a thriller is the atmosphere. And for it to be accurate (not intense or vivid necessarily, but accurate), it has to be relevant through all that I've said above, including the writing style.
I liked that it had loose ends and misleads, I liked the twist, even though I saw it coming from the beginning. It's fine, I don't deduct stars for guessing the twist, I actually like when authors deliver on them. Makes me feel that we think alike.
Overall, yeah, it could've been a bit shorter, probably with less characters as some of them are a bit redundant, but again, it makes everything way more real and relevant. Not everyone has a great meaning or a monumental task to carry. Sometimes, some people are just there because they exist.
The novel may be breaching some traditional writing norms, like the one mentioned above, but I like when books do that.
I didn't like the banter between Ace and Heather, I didn't like Ace as a character in fact. Heather was okay, not my type of character, but decent as a detective. Again, she works well in the story, but I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy her archetype in a different novel.
This might come as a shock, but I don't like that much dialogue in thrillers and crime stories, especially not small talk or irrelevant details. Who doesn't like dialogue? And I am very talkative in real life. But in thrillers? I don't care if the rookie took paracetamol for his headache at 3 am and I certainly don't care for the conversation they are having with their chief about it before looking at the case files. Not saying this happens in the book, but you get the idea.
Anyway, long story short, I recommend it. It really depends on what you are looking for in a thriller. But for a gangster story, it does the job, it's quite entertaining and keeps you a bit hooked.
June 19, 2023
The mystery in this book kept me reading, but I wasn't really satisfied at the end. The main character is quite unpleasant and rude and none of the other characters are very likable either. There is no playful banter, as in the Jack Logan series. I don't plan to continue reading this series.
September 11, 2023
I’m actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. I gasped a few times, had heart palpitations at chapter 25. And I even giggled sometimes. I was successfully thrown off about who the killer was and the random flowers, and notes actually being from her one night stand. I thought it was going to be much scarier but it was decent solve a murder case that kept me on my toes for a bit!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
This is a great start to a new series.
Having not read any JD Kirk before, and I kept seeing this one mentioned, I thought I’d give it a go.
I wasn’t disappointed as this is a great crime thriller. There’s a bit of humour as well so it ticked all the boxes for me.
A great read.
Having not read any JD Kirk before, and I kept seeing this one mentioned, I thought I’d give it a go.
I wasn’t disappointed as this is a great crime thriller. There’s a bit of humour as well so it ticked all the boxes for me.
A great read.
June 21, 2023
A 15 year old girl fails to make it home after school. Heather believes the girl’s a runaway but the girl’s gangster grandfather isn’t convinced and believes her disappearance is linked to one of his underworld enemies. But what if they’re both wrong and a brutal killer has emerged from the past…
This book is the first in a new series by JD Kirk following DI Heather Filson, who is bisexual. From reading JD’s DCI Jack Logan series, I’ve already met Heather through them and I must admit that I didn’t like her in that series so I was apprehensive whether I would like her in her own series.
Whilst I appreciated and enjoyed getting to know Heather more with some of her backstory that’s included in this book, I still found my original opinion of her unchanged. I find her unlikeable, I don’t think she’s strong enough of a character to have an entire series for and she isn’t a team player so it begs the question why she’s in the police to begin with? There’s just nothing redeemable about her.
I really struggled to get into this book. The beginning was quite slow with the pace increasing later on, which is when I struggled to put the book down. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters, although my favourites were Marty (who is gay) and Ace. The only other characters that I did like only made a very brief appearance. Whilst it does have some action, I felt not much was happening with the main plot which felt slow to progress. Like with all of JD’s books I still found myself laughing but unfortunately, unlike his DCI Jack Logan series, this one failed to hold my attention and I found myself picking up other books instead. I also predicted who the killer was going to be before it was revealed.
Also worth mentioning in chapter 32, it says that a character “committed suicide” which isn’t the right language to use when discussing suicide. Instead it should be died by suicide to reduce the negative connotations associated with suicide, as committed suicide implies it’s a sin/crime.
⚠️ CWs: blood, profanity, male genitalia, derogatory language, underage relationship, dementia, rape, suicide, child abduction, paedophilia, bullying, physical assault, alcohol use; mentions sex, Nazi symbol, child exploitation material and distribution, victim blaming, child abuse, cancer ⚠️
This book is the first in a new series by JD Kirk following DI Heather Filson, who is bisexual. From reading JD’s DCI Jack Logan series, I’ve already met Heather through them and I must admit that I didn’t like her in that series so I was apprehensive whether I would like her in her own series.
Whilst I appreciated and enjoyed getting to know Heather more with some of her backstory that’s included in this book, I still found my original opinion of her unchanged. I find her unlikeable, I don’t think she’s strong enough of a character to have an entire series for and she isn’t a team player so it begs the question why she’s in the police to begin with? There’s just nothing redeemable about her.
I really struggled to get into this book. The beginning was quite slow with the pace increasing later on, which is when I struggled to put the book down. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters, although my favourites were Marty (who is gay) and Ace. The only other characters that I did like only made a very brief appearance. Whilst it does have some action, I felt not much was happening with the main plot which felt slow to progress. Like with all of JD’s books I still found myself laughing but unfortunately, unlike his DCI Jack Logan series, this one failed to hold my attention and I found myself picking up other books instead. I also predicted who the killer was going to be before it was revealed.
Also worth mentioning in chapter 32, it says that a character “committed suicide” which isn’t the right language to use when discussing suicide. Instead it should be died by suicide to reduce the negative connotations associated with suicide, as committed suicide implies it’s a sin/crime.
⚠️ CWs: blood, profanity, male genitalia, derogatory language, underage relationship, dementia, rape, suicide, child abduction, paedophilia, bullying, physical assault, alcohol use; mentions sex, Nazi symbol, child exploitation material and distribution, victim blaming, child abuse, cancer ⚠️
November 21, 2024
For the majority of this book I wanted to leave a review that just said “Eh”. The plot takes you in a lot of different directions until you ultimately find out who the very surprising killer is about 90% of the way through, at which point it finally becomes a page turner. Many components of the story that ended up being very important to the plot were just randomly thrown in or glossed over in a way that made them feel irrelevant or random, until they weren’t. Even just a few more sentences of development would have helped significantly. The ending definitely achieved the surprise factor I look for in books, although it was extremely disturbing. I think this plot would make for a good movie in that it’d be easier to follow along with and would make for an action-packed ending, as long as there’s an alternative to showing what happened to the victims.
Extra points for the Scottish lingo though!
Extra points for the Scottish lingo though!
May 26, 2023
The One That Got Away by JD Kirk
The one that got away by JD Kirk is the first of the new DI Heather Filson series by JD Kirk and it is another cracking police series. This involves DI a Heather Filson who has been demoted and is searching for the killer of young female teenage girls.
It is said he is the Killie Kidder Killer who kidnapped and murdered young girls when Heather was a child. Unknown to many she was one of the victims who escaped.
A great new series with plenty of new characters with their own bizarre faults.
Highly recommended
The one that got away by JD Kirk is the first of the new DI Heather Filson series by JD Kirk and it is another cracking police series. This involves DI a Heather Filson who has been demoted and is searching for the killer of young female teenage girls.
It is said he is the Killie Kidder Killer who kidnapped and murdered young girls when Heather was a child. Unknown to many she was one of the victims who escaped.
A great new series with plenty of new characters with their own bizarre faults.
Highly recommended
February 16, 2024
Despite the rave reviews, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It had the elements of a good Scottish crime procedural, elements I usually enjoy, but somehow it didn’t work as well for me.
Something about the main character, DI Heather Filson, just didn’t work for me. I needed to at least like her, but I didn’t.
The story had good twists and turns, it was definitely gripping but.. the main character just kept taking me out of the story.
Something about the main character, DI Heather Filson, just didn’t work for me. I needed to at least like her, but I didn’t.
The story had good twists and turns, it was definitely gripping but.. the main character just kept taking me out of the story.
March 24, 2025
I enjoyed this novel. But every time I hear about Fetective Logan I think of Stuart McBride and I know it’s not even remotely related. This one has less humour than a McBride book. Oh, but wait, I could be completely mixed up. Was Logan part of the Prey series? Never mind, this is a completely different detective series. And she is rather a sad sack. But from the Afterword she was a much hated obscure character in the Logan series which makes me want to read even more of them.
October 10, 2025
This was great. I love JD Kirk and really enjoyed this offshoot from the characters in the Logan series. It's so typically Scottish as is the humour. Ace was ace(!) and a good addition to the narrative. Only one little thing I was unsure about but not saying as it would be a real spoiler.
I will definitely be following Heather as I did Hoon.
I will definitely be following Heather as I did Hoon.
June 4, 2023
Don’t make up your mind too soon
I really didn’t think I was going to like this book because I don’t like Filson.
I was so wrong!!
Wow, what a ride. Absolutely amazing read that I couldn’t put down. I never in a million years saw that coming
I really didn’t think I was going to like this book because I don’t like Filson.
I was so wrong!!
Wow, what a ride. Absolutely amazing read that I couldn’t put down. I never in a million years saw that coming
May 6, 2025
It was ok, but it felt rough around the edges. I really liked the character Ace, and that was the bright spot of the book. I might read another, but not sure. From other reviews, this is a character from a different series.
December 27, 2023
JD KIRK is a master at making you think you have it all figured out then *BAM* plot twist bigger than my boyfriend’s buttcheeks
November 2, 2024
This novel had me guessing until the reveal who the killer was. I liked it, a lot! Will have to look up the author’s other books now. :)
June 8, 2025
Un punct pentru simțul umorului al personajelor și pentru scenele extrem de grafice.
January 31, 2024
This was a big surprise. I didn't expect to like the book since I didn't like DI Heather Filson but it was very good and looking forward to the next one,
June 19, 2023
Amazing.
April 2, 2023
Just for a change, this is the first book I've read by J.D. Kirk. I've quite a few of the Jack Logan books in my collection, and I can't help feeling that if I'd read some of those, I'd perhaps have had more of an inkling as to who Di Heather Filson was going into this book. If, like me, you are a JD Kirk newbie, don't despair. Everything you need to know about our series heroine you will learn in this book, and, to be honest, the voyage of discovery, both of Heather's character quirks, her background and just what makes her tick (and tick she truly does), is half of the beauty of the book. There is a brief tie back to the DCI Jack Logan series, including a very brief cameo by the man himself, but this is very much Heather Filson's story. Quite literally in fact. With a case that forces her to confront her very dark past, and to team up with someone she considers to be foe not friend, this is a book which captured my attention from the start, really pulling me in, leaving me intrigued after the very first chapter and keeping me engaged to the very last page.
It's fair to say that Heather Filson is quite a complex character. Understandable given what we learn about her past, but to say that she is quite direct, clearly doesn't suffer fools (her boss) easily, and is quite feisty and spirited, would be an understatement. She doesn't play nicely with others and whilst not being the least observant of proper police procedure I've seen in books, she does stretch the limits of the law a touch. it's a good job the Superintendent is on her side and the chances of her getting in trouble are exceedingly high. I liked her. Liked her straight talking and her often sarcastic humour. She has a very personal reason to want to see the perpetrator in this case - the abduction of a young girl - brought to justice, but just what that is and why it adds to the pressure and intensity of the book, you'll have to read to find out.
This was a really fast paced, high drama and tension kind of read. Faced with an unknown antagonist and a very ling kist of possible suspects, it was really hard to predict what direction this investigation was going to take. I liked the back and forth between Heather and crime boss, and the missing girl's Grandfather, Shuggie Cowan. Great banter, even if tinged at times with a touch (lot)of menace on Shuggie's part. There is an unusual vibe between them, and we learn more of the reasons for Heather's animosity, other than the obvious law breaking on Shuggie's part, as the book goes on. But they make for a strangely effective team when it comes to seeing justice done. The conflict between Heather and her DCI, Samuel "Snecky" Grant adds a touch of humour to the book, with Heather constantly undermining him and his snivelling sidekick in a way that adds light to an otherwise dark investigation.
There is a lot of mystery feeding through the book, a smattering of misdirection and misinformation, and a lot of surprise reveals, which really kept me guessing to the end of the book. Many comedic moments kept the book from going down to dark a path, although there is no dying the seriousness of the investigation. But perhaps one of the real treats of this book, one of the characters who really made me smile, was podcaster, and fellow student of the victim, Ace Wurzel. it's fair to say that she has a few character quirks of her own, but Ace's fascination with an unsolved case from the past brings her front and centre in Heather's latest investigation, and the pairing of the two is unconventional, endearing and often quite funny, especially with Ace and her literal interpretation of most situations meaning she's not really able to process Heather's sarcasm. She's very intelligent and quite astute though, and may well hold the key to solving the whole case.
A brilliant start to the series and I'm very intrigued to see where JD Kirk takes us, and Heather, in the future. I'm also more determined to read the Jack Logan books too. If this is anything to go by, they'll be a whole lot of fun and right up my street. Definitely recommended.
It's fair to say that Heather Filson is quite a complex character. Understandable given what we learn about her past, but to say that she is quite direct, clearly doesn't suffer fools (her boss) easily, and is quite feisty and spirited, would be an understatement. She doesn't play nicely with others and whilst not being the least observant of proper police procedure I've seen in books, she does stretch the limits of the law a touch. it's a good job the Superintendent is on her side and the chances of her getting in trouble are exceedingly high. I liked her. Liked her straight talking and her often sarcastic humour. She has a very personal reason to want to see the perpetrator in this case - the abduction of a young girl - brought to justice, but just what that is and why it adds to the pressure and intensity of the book, you'll have to read to find out.
This was a really fast paced, high drama and tension kind of read. Faced with an unknown antagonist and a very ling kist of possible suspects, it was really hard to predict what direction this investigation was going to take. I liked the back and forth between Heather and crime boss, and the missing girl's Grandfather, Shuggie Cowan. Great banter, even if tinged at times with a touch (lot)of menace on Shuggie's part. There is an unusual vibe between them, and we learn more of the reasons for Heather's animosity, other than the obvious law breaking on Shuggie's part, as the book goes on. But they make for a strangely effective team when it comes to seeing justice done. The conflict between Heather and her DCI, Samuel "Snecky" Grant adds a touch of humour to the book, with Heather constantly undermining him and his snivelling sidekick in a way that adds light to an otherwise dark investigation.
There is a lot of mystery feeding through the book, a smattering of misdirection and misinformation, and a lot of surprise reveals, which really kept me guessing to the end of the book. Many comedic moments kept the book from going down to dark a path, although there is no dying the seriousness of the investigation. But perhaps one of the real treats of this book, one of the characters who really made me smile, was podcaster, and fellow student of the victim, Ace Wurzel. it's fair to say that she has a few character quirks of her own, but Ace's fascination with an unsolved case from the past brings her front and centre in Heather's latest investigation, and the pairing of the two is unconventional, endearing and often quite funny, especially with Ace and her literal interpretation of most situations meaning she's not really able to process Heather's sarcasm. She's very intelligent and quite astute though, and may well hold the key to solving the whole case.
A brilliant start to the series and I'm very intrigued to see where JD Kirk takes us, and Heather, in the future. I'm also more determined to read the Jack Logan books too. If this is anything to go by, they'll be a whole lot of fun and right up my street. Definitely recommended.
May 19, 2023
J.D. Kirk is an extraordinary success. A self-published author, he is a best seller with a legion of devoted fans. So many readers eagerly devour his books as soon as they come out. He is immensely prolific with 16 D.C.I. Logan books under his belt, as well as 4 thrillers featuring the disgraced former Police Scotland Detective, Superintendent Bob Hoon.
His most recent novel, The One That Got Away is set in the world of DCI Logan, but features Detective Inspector Heather Filson as the protagonist. Heather comes with her own set of tropes – she drinks, has a habit of picking up randoms and taking them home, and she carries her own set of demons from her dark past as well as worrying constantly about her father. Heather can be a touch impetuous, underlined by her recent demotion from DCI to DI, after lamping a villain (not undeservedly, to be fair).
Paula Harrison has gone missing on her way home from school in Kilmarnock. Heather’s best instincts tell her the girl has probably run away, maybe to be with her older boyfriend, Conn. But Paula is no ordinary runaway; her grandfather is a notorious Glasgow gangster and he’s pretty sure that Paula’s been taken by one of his enemies.
J.D.Kirk understands well that the combining fast-paced, high intensity drama with down to earth humour and unforgettable characters is a pretty unbeatable formula. Add to that a kick-ass protagonist forced to work with a low life criminal she loathes and you are off to a great start.
Heather’s adversarial relationship with her boss, DCI Samuel ‘Snecky’ Grant and his snooty sidekick D.C. Simon Wolfe provides much light relief and the addition of an anonymous sender of flowers that curdle Heather’s stomach adds another layer of mystery to this down to earth, potty mouthed Detective.
Then there’s a complete curve ball in the person of ‘Ace’ Wurzel who adds another layer of interest and helps to increase the tension, too. Ace is a great character. A 15 year old schoolgirl with a fierce intelligence, though something of a misfit among her classmates, she has her own podcast, Crime De La Crime.
The missing girl is a classmate of Ace’s and she has been sleuthing away seeking to solve Paula’s disappearance, which may fit into a larger unsolved series of heinous child murders that she is investigating. She wants to interview Filson and though Heather originally bats her away, she comes to realise that Ace may know more than she realises, but Ace also understands more about Heather than she ever wants anyone to know.
Child murder and abduction are difficult themes, but throughout Kirk offers humour, great characters and a lot of deflection and misinformation which just adds to our appetite to understand what’s really going on in this psychological thriller come police procedural.
It is that special combination of warmth, humour and great characters that enables the darker side of these investigations to come through and JD Kirk handles these elements with aplomb.
Verdict: Heather Filson is a fantastic new protagonist. I can well see her unofficial sidekick becoming a staple of these books because the unfiltered Ace is a wonderful foil to Heather’s sarcastic, ‘bah humbug’ attitude and I’d love to see that relationship develop. There’s a good reason why so many people love J.D. Kirk’s books and it’s exemplified in The One That Got Away. Put simply, it’s a great read.
His most recent novel, The One That Got Away is set in the world of DCI Logan, but features Detective Inspector Heather Filson as the protagonist. Heather comes with her own set of tropes – she drinks, has a habit of picking up randoms and taking them home, and she carries her own set of demons from her dark past as well as worrying constantly about her father. Heather can be a touch impetuous, underlined by her recent demotion from DCI to DI, after lamping a villain (not undeservedly, to be fair).
Paula Harrison has gone missing on her way home from school in Kilmarnock. Heather’s best instincts tell her the girl has probably run away, maybe to be with her older boyfriend, Conn. But Paula is no ordinary runaway; her grandfather is a notorious Glasgow gangster and he’s pretty sure that Paula’s been taken by one of his enemies.
J.D.Kirk understands well that the combining fast-paced, high intensity drama with down to earth humour and unforgettable characters is a pretty unbeatable formula. Add to that a kick-ass protagonist forced to work with a low life criminal she loathes and you are off to a great start.
Heather’s adversarial relationship with her boss, DCI Samuel ‘Snecky’ Grant and his snooty sidekick D.C. Simon Wolfe provides much light relief and the addition of an anonymous sender of flowers that curdle Heather’s stomach adds another layer of mystery to this down to earth, potty mouthed Detective.
Then there’s a complete curve ball in the person of ‘Ace’ Wurzel who adds another layer of interest and helps to increase the tension, too. Ace is a great character. A 15 year old schoolgirl with a fierce intelligence, though something of a misfit among her classmates, she has her own podcast, Crime De La Crime.
The missing girl is a classmate of Ace’s and she has been sleuthing away seeking to solve Paula’s disappearance, which may fit into a larger unsolved series of heinous child murders that she is investigating. She wants to interview Filson and though Heather originally bats her away, she comes to realise that Ace may know more than she realises, but Ace also understands more about Heather than she ever wants anyone to know.
Child murder and abduction are difficult themes, but throughout Kirk offers humour, great characters and a lot of deflection and misinformation which just adds to our appetite to understand what’s really going on in this psychological thriller come police procedural.
It is that special combination of warmth, humour and great characters that enables the darker side of these investigations to come through and JD Kirk handles these elements with aplomb.
Verdict: Heather Filson is a fantastic new protagonist. I can well see her unofficial sidekick becoming a staple of these books because the unfiltered Ace is a wonderful foil to Heather’s sarcastic, ‘bah humbug’ attitude and I’d love to see that relationship develop. There’s a good reason why so many people love J.D. Kirk’s books and it’s exemplified in The One That Got Away. Put simply, it’s a great read.
August 13, 2024
The One That Got Away by JD Kirk is a crime thriller. It is the first book in the DI Heather Filson Series and the twenty-first book in the greater DCI Logan series.
Unlike the DCI Logan books, this book is set on the central west part of Scotland and predominantly around the Kilmarnock area. The story begins following Heather's disciplinary meeting which has resulted in some big changes in her job role and a new boss. At the same time, a girl has gone missing and many of the signs have a resemblance to something traumatic in Heather's past. Over the course of the book, we are introduced to new characters as twists and turns lead us to an ending many won’t see coming.
JD Kirk as always has introduced an intriguing character, with an incredible story mixed with humour, though not as much as some of the other books, and a very dark underlying crime that goes to darker places as the book progresses before ending in an astonishing fashion.
I have always been a fan of JD Kirk’s crime novels but hearing some of the feedback for this new entry to the ever-growing world of the DCI Logan series, I was going into it with concerns. The main feedback had always been about people's dislike for the Heather Filson character although I found during the course of previous Logan books that I quite liked the character and the dynamic she brought to the stories and impact on other characters. Through the book, I can certainly see why some people dislike the character but I actually really enjoyed the character with her mix of dark past and strong-willed determination. I found the story was much darker than some of the recent books the author has written and although it had some moments of humour, it didn’t have me laughing as much as the others in the overall series. This however was not a negative as it allowed the book to stand out from the rest of the series and felt right for the personality of Heather who is quite dark due to her past. This book isn’t as character-heavy as other books in the series and again this was a good thing as it allowed me to focus on learning the depths of the character and the world around her. The stand out for me was the introduction of Ace Wurzel who I hope will become a fixture in future books.
While others seemed to hate this book for me it was a solid book that I loved for very different reasons to the previous ones in the series and is another series I will be continuing with. JD Kirk continues to draw me into the world he is creating and it is a reading treat.
Unlike the DCI Logan books, this book is set on the central west part of Scotland and predominantly around the Kilmarnock area. The story begins following Heather's disciplinary meeting which has resulted in some big changes in her job role and a new boss. At the same time, a girl has gone missing and many of the signs have a resemblance to something traumatic in Heather's past. Over the course of the book, we are introduced to new characters as twists and turns lead us to an ending many won’t see coming.
JD Kirk as always has introduced an intriguing character, with an incredible story mixed with humour, though not as much as some of the other books, and a very dark underlying crime that goes to darker places as the book progresses before ending in an astonishing fashion.
I have always been a fan of JD Kirk’s crime novels but hearing some of the feedback for this new entry to the ever-growing world of the DCI Logan series, I was going into it with concerns. The main feedback had always been about people's dislike for the Heather Filson character although I found during the course of previous Logan books that I quite liked the character and the dynamic she brought to the stories and impact on other characters. Through the book, I can certainly see why some people dislike the character but I actually really enjoyed the character with her mix of dark past and strong-willed determination. I found the story was much darker than some of the recent books the author has written and although it had some moments of humour, it didn’t have me laughing as much as the others in the overall series. This however was not a negative as it allowed the book to stand out from the rest of the series and felt right for the personality of Heather who is quite dark due to her past. This book isn’t as character-heavy as other books in the series and again this was a good thing as it allowed me to focus on learning the depths of the character and the world around her. The stand out for me was the introduction of Ace Wurzel who I hope will become a fixture in future books.
While others seemed to hate this book for me it was a solid book that I loved for very different reasons to the previous ones in the series and is another series I will be continuing with. JD Kirk continues to draw me into the world he is creating and it is a reading treat.
May 27, 2023
Having loved the Logan books but hated the Hoon spin-offs I was wary of this new series which features yet another peripheral character from the Logan books. I really didn’t need to be. This is a very different type of book. It is far more serious in tone than either of the other two series although it does have its lighter moments. This isn’t the slapstick humour of Hoon nor even the coffee spurting humour of Logan. The paragraph which had me choking on my drink was the very last paragraph in the author’s afterword but to understand that you really HAVE to read the book! The subject matter is quite dark but it isn’t overwhelming.
DI Heather Filson has her hands full and lots of things to juggle in addition to her work. She also appears to be Teflon coated because she gets away with so many things which could have seen her fired. She has good reason to care about the case she is involved in and isn’t going to let rules stop her getting the necessary answers. There is a depth and complexity to this story which are intriguing. There are plenty of suspects but picking the right one is never going to be an easy task for the reader yet there are clues of a sort if you can only spot them.
Based on this first book in the series I find the characterisations more congruent than in the other series (even though I love the characters and their relationships in the Logan books). These are more moderated and realistic. There are certain characters we will always hate (mentioning no names Snecky) but there are others which one immediately takes to and yet others who still need development.
The author had expressed reservations on social media about how this series would be received - all I can say is - dinnae fash yersel - it is great. All the signs are that this series is yet another winner and will be excellent. My appreciation of this book is underlined by the fact that I only give 5* reviews VERY occasionally.
DI Heather Filson has her hands full and lots of things to juggle in addition to her work. She also appears to be Teflon coated because she gets away with so many things which could have seen her fired. She has good reason to care about the case she is involved in and isn’t going to let rules stop her getting the necessary answers. There is a depth and complexity to this story which are intriguing. There are plenty of suspects but picking the right one is never going to be an easy task for the reader yet there are clues of a sort if you can only spot them.
Based on this first book in the series I find the characterisations more congruent than in the other series (even though I love the characters and their relationships in the Logan books). These are more moderated and realistic. There are certain characters we will always hate (mentioning no names Snecky) but there are others which one immediately takes to and yet others who still need development.
The author had expressed reservations on social media about how this series would be received - all I can say is - dinnae fash yersel - it is great. All the signs are that this series is yet another winner and will be excellent. My appreciation of this book is underlined by the fact that I only give 5* reviews VERY occasionally.
July 24, 2023
Afterword - I Did It Again
Well, the authors afterword starts off with a distinct ‘asking for it’ luckily for him, what he did, was pretty bloody brilliant.
I’ve read all the prior books from both series & devoured them, & this book was no exception, in fact part of the way through this one, I found myself hoping he was already on with writing book 2, as I want it, like now, well as of 5 mins ago when I finished this one.
I’m not going to go into the plot or this or that, if you want my very over involved comments on the actual storyline, you’ll have to read my highlights, as I write them as I read, I mean who wants to think of something to say on chapter 5 then hold that thought until the end of the book? Nobody could remember it all! But fair warning, I do tend to get personal at times, but that’s how our inner scaffolding works after all, at least with me, although I am kinda weird….
As for this book, I loved it, there’s even no faults or nitpicking I could even remotely think of. Who the killer was took me all over the place, but there were 2 clues that made my heart hurt & I couldn’t see past them, not for all the fur in China.
Oh & I just have to say the PS below - which is the AUTHORS not mine, is brilliant, you’ll have to read the book to ‘get it’ so I better shut up & let you go grab your kindle & get reading!
PS - I’m taking my family to Disneyland in October, and am fairly certain I won’t be able to look poor Minnie Mouse in the eye…
Well, the authors afterword starts off with a distinct ‘asking for it’ luckily for him, what he did, was pretty bloody brilliant.
I’ve read all the prior books from both series & devoured them, & this book was no exception, in fact part of the way through this one, I found myself hoping he was already on with writing book 2, as I want it, like now, well as of 5 mins ago when I finished this one.
I’m not going to go into the plot or this or that, if you want my very over involved comments on the actual storyline, you’ll have to read my highlights, as I write them as I read, I mean who wants to think of something to say on chapter 5 then hold that thought until the end of the book? Nobody could remember it all! But fair warning, I do tend to get personal at times, but that’s how our inner scaffolding works after all, at least with me, although I am kinda weird….
As for this book, I loved it, there’s even no faults or nitpicking I could even remotely think of. Who the killer was took me all over the place, but there were 2 clues that made my heart hurt & I couldn’t see past them, not for all the fur in China.
Oh & I just have to say the PS below - which is the AUTHORS not mine, is brilliant, you’ll have to read the book to ‘get it’ so I better shut up & let you go grab your kindle & get reading!
PS - I’m taking my family to Disneyland in October, and am fairly certain I won’t be able to look poor Minnie Mouse in the eye…
October 23, 2023
Detective Inspector Heather Filson's life isn't great at the moment. She was recently demoted from DCI to DI and now reports to a man who doesn't have a clue how to solve crimes. Her father is living with her as he is in the early stages of dementia and she doesn't know what to do about that yet. Then there is the murders. Two girls have been kidnapped and one has been found murdered. All the clues match up with crimes that happened when Heather was a child, although it was thought that crime had been solved. That killer had kidnapped Heather when she was five but she managed to get away and survived although with serious physical and psychological damage.
The latest girl who has disappeared is the granddaughter of the city's most ruthless crime boss. That adds more complexity to Heather's life as she has to convince him that the police will take care of this and that having his men maul suspects to try to get answers is just slowing down the process. Will Heather find the killer before more girls go missing?
This is the first novel in the Heather Filson series. JD Kirk is a Scottish writer and his DCI Logan series and his Robert Hoon series are both bestsellers. Heather is a believable character with understandable flaws and issues. As she works through the crime, it brings back memories from her own past which she is now adult enough to understand and process and which help her solve the crimes. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
The latest girl who has disappeared is the granddaughter of the city's most ruthless crime boss. That adds more complexity to Heather's life as she has to convince him that the police will take care of this and that having his men maul suspects to try to get answers is just slowing down the process. Will Heather find the killer before more girls go missing?
This is the first novel in the Heather Filson series. JD Kirk is a Scottish writer and his DCI Logan series and his Robert Hoon series are both bestsellers. Heather is a believable character with understandable flaws and issues. As she works through the crime, it brings back memories from her own past which she is now adult enough to understand and process and which help her solve the crimes. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
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