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Sam Shephard #4
Bound
A brutal home invasion shocks the nation. A man is murdered, his wife bound, gagged and left to watch.
But when Detective Sam Shephard scratches the surface, the victim, a successful businessman, is not all he seems to be. And when the evidence points to two of Dunedin's most hated criminals, the case seems cut and dried... until the body count starts to rise.
Meanwhile, Sam is in big trouble again
But when Detective Sam Shephard scratches the surface, the victim, a successful businessman, is not all he seems to be. And when the evidence points to two of Dunedin's most hated criminals, the case seems cut and dried... until the body count starts to rise.
Meanwhile, Sam is in big trouble again
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2011
55 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 25, 2020
This, the fourth and final (so far) Sam Shephard thriller is just like the others.
This is by no means a bad thing.
There is an amazing, electrifying beginning, short short chapters, Sam's judgemental thoughts on a wide ranging number of issues where Symon appears to putting her own view's in Sam's mouth,(to be fair, there was far less of that this time) Sam's personal life, a slight dip in the middle before an action packed conclusion.
For me this isn't predictability, it is immensely satisfying having a writer deliver what you expect, served up with a good dollop of New Zealand atmosphere.
Was the ending too much? A lot was piled on, but I really enjoyed it.
I'm wondering if Symon always planned this book to be Sam's swan song. Dr Symon took a break (if you can call it that) to do her PHD and it was 2011 when this book was published.
When Symon has finished editing and publicising these books for the overseas market, I'll be excited for her writing return, whether she comes back with Sam, writes another standalone or introduces us to a new series. I'll be waiting.
No pressure.
This is by no means a bad thing.
There is an amazing, electrifying beginning, short short chapters, Sam's judgemental thoughts on a wide ranging number of issues where Symon appears to putting her own view's in Sam's mouth,(to be fair, there was far less of that this time) Sam's personal life, a slight dip in the middle before an action packed conclusion.
For me this isn't predictability, it is immensely satisfying having a writer deliver what you expect, served up with a good dollop of New Zealand atmosphere.
Was the ending too much? A lot was piled on, but I really enjoyed it.
I'm wondering if Symon always planned this book to be Sam's swan song. Dr Symon took a break (if you can call it that) to do her PHD and it was 2011 when this book was published.
When Symon has finished editing and publicising these books for the overseas market, I'll be excited for her writing return, whether she comes back with Sam, writes another standalone or introduces us to a new series. I'll be waiting.
No pressure.
March 15, 2021
I think Bound might be my favourite of this series so far, it was in a lot of ways a quiet narrative yet utterly gripping. Sam Shephard is such a great character, she avoids every cliche of crime writing, she’s beautifully normal and so engaging as life throws her many curveballs.
In Bound her challenges are both personal and professional as she deals with family loss, looks to her future and at the same time digs into a case everyone else believes has been easily solved.
Vanda Symon writes so elegantly, with a lot of emotional resonance and creates characters that have so many layers, all relatable so the reader sticks with them through thick and thin. The plotting is taut and cohesive, the short snappy chapters cleverly allowing both binge reading and a short dive in over a coffee break.
I loved it. Looking forward to many more from this author.
Recommended.
In Bound her challenges are both personal and professional as she deals with family loss, looks to her future and at the same time digs into a case everyone else believes has been easily solved.
Vanda Symon writes so elegantly, with a lot of emotional resonance and creates characters that have so many layers, all relatable so the reader sticks with them through thick and thin. The plotting is taut and cohesive, the short snappy chapters cleverly allowing both binge reading and a short dive in over a coffee break.
I loved it. Looking forward to many more from this author.
Recommended.
January 11, 2021
Bound is the fourth instalment in the Detective Sam Shephard series and here once again, is a series that is going from strength to strength. Should you have read the other books in the series? Well, yes. Of course. Because they’re good. But it’s not a necessary requirement. I’m sure you’d be able to get away with reading this as a stand-alone. I just don’t think you should. You’d most definitely get a better feel of the kind of character Sam is.
A respectable local businessman is murdered in cold blood. There are things about his death that don’t seem to quite add up, though. By all accounts he was well liked and respected so why would anyone want him dead? Was he involved in things he shouldn’t have been? Not as squeaky clean as people believed him to be? Or was there something else going on? The investigation seems to lead firmly into a given direction but newly promoted Detective Sam Shephard isn’t entirely convinced it’s the right direction.
Bound is the perfect example of why I love a stonking good prologue. This one is particularly chilling and horrifying in the best way possible. I was immediately intrigued and ready to find out more. As far as an introduction to a story goes, you really can’t ask for much more than this! But I wasn’t at all prepared for where things would end up. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing until the final reveal. And as always, the balance Vanda Symon achieves between Sam’s personal and professional life easily held my attention throughout.
It seems to me that Bound is quite a bit more emotionally charged than its predecessors. There is quite a lot going on in Sam’s personal life, all of it utterly relatable. I’m not one to get emotional easily, not the kind of person who tends to use the “I was peeling onions” excuse but I must admit that Bound left me with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at one point. Luckily the chuckles are never too far away in these books and Sam remains the utterly kick-ass character she’s always been.
In my most humble opinion, Vanda Symon took this series to a whole new level with Bound and I would definitely say it’s the best one. Clever plot, engaging cast of characters, compelling investigation and a fabulous setting in Dunedin, New Zealand. I was also left with an extremely bad feeling in my stomach throughout this storyline. Obviously it’s not something I can talk about because it would be a huge spoiler but between that particular thing and a few others, well, let’s just say I’d quite like some more of this series, please.
A respectable local businessman is murdered in cold blood. There are things about his death that don’t seem to quite add up, though. By all accounts he was well liked and respected so why would anyone want him dead? Was he involved in things he shouldn’t have been? Not as squeaky clean as people believed him to be? Or was there something else going on? The investigation seems to lead firmly into a given direction but newly promoted Detective Sam Shephard isn’t entirely convinced it’s the right direction.
Bound is the perfect example of why I love a stonking good prologue. This one is particularly chilling and horrifying in the best way possible. I was immediately intrigued and ready to find out more. As far as an introduction to a story goes, you really can’t ask for much more than this! But I wasn’t at all prepared for where things would end up. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing until the final reveal. And as always, the balance Vanda Symon achieves between Sam’s personal and professional life easily held my attention throughout.
It seems to me that Bound is quite a bit more emotionally charged than its predecessors. There is quite a lot going on in Sam’s personal life, all of it utterly relatable. I’m not one to get emotional easily, not the kind of person who tends to use the “I was peeling onions” excuse but I must admit that Bound left me with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at one point. Luckily the chuckles are never too far away in these books and Sam remains the utterly kick-ass character she’s always been.
In my most humble opinion, Vanda Symon took this series to a whole new level with Bound and I would definitely say it’s the best one. Clever plot, engaging cast of characters, compelling investigation and a fabulous setting in Dunedin, New Zealand. I was also left with an extremely bad feeling in my stomach throughout this storyline. Obviously it’s not something I can talk about because it would be a huge spoiler but between that particular thing and a few others, well, let’s just say I’d quite like some more of this series, please.
May 14, 2011
An exciting book by one of New Zealand's top mystery writers. The heroine is a feisty detective Sam Shephard who cannot stay out of trouble with her boss or her demanding mother. It has wonderful local color about Dundedin, New Zealand.
February 20, 2021
Bound is the fourth book in the Sam Shephard series by Vanda Symon, and I think it’s the best book in the series yet. Vanda Symon knows how to create a really chilling opening, and she has created another gripping first few pages here. I wanted to know what had happened from the first page, and Vanda Symon kept me turning the pages. I raced through this book in just a couple of days.
A teenage boy returns home to a shocking scene that will be forever imprinted on his memory. His father, a local businessman, is dead, and his mother is seriously injured. What happened here, and who attacked his parents? What have they got themselves involved in?
This is such a gripping crime novel. The chapters are short and pacy, and they always left me thinking, I’ll just read one more. It’s what makes Vanda Symon’s books so addictive, and I love her writing. I had to know what was going on here and who was responsible for the crime. But this isn’t the only thing Sam is having to deal with. Her father is dying. Sam is struggling to come to terms with what is inevitably going to happen. She tries to distract herself by throwing herself into her work.
There are some shocking reveals as Sam Shephard comes closer to unravelling the truth, and there is a jaw-dropping twist that I did not see coming. Sam knows that there is more here to what meets the eye, but she seems to be the only person who can see this. It seems that the rest of the team are keen to brush the case under the carpet. I really liked how Sam fought for the victims.
Sam Shephard is such a great character, and she is one of my favourite detectives in crime fiction. She is a character you can root for right the way through, and I hope there will be many more books featuring her to come. I thought the scenes in which she was dealing with her father’s illness were really emotional, and you can see how she is struggling to accept it.
Bound is so cleverly well plotted. I loved how Vanda Symon kept the tension turning up a notch and how she kept me asking questions. Vanda’s writing is taut and so pacy. It made for such a compelling read, and I loved it.
If you’re not yet reading this series, then you really need to be. It’s a fast paced, highly engaging police procedural. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
A teenage boy returns home to a shocking scene that will be forever imprinted on his memory. His father, a local businessman, is dead, and his mother is seriously injured. What happened here, and who attacked his parents? What have they got themselves involved in?
This is such a gripping crime novel. The chapters are short and pacy, and they always left me thinking, I’ll just read one more. It’s what makes Vanda Symon’s books so addictive, and I love her writing. I had to know what was going on here and who was responsible for the crime. But this isn’t the only thing Sam is having to deal with. Her father is dying. Sam is struggling to come to terms with what is inevitably going to happen. She tries to distract herself by throwing herself into her work.
There are some shocking reveals as Sam Shephard comes closer to unravelling the truth, and there is a jaw-dropping twist that I did not see coming. Sam knows that there is more here to what meets the eye, but she seems to be the only person who can see this. It seems that the rest of the team are keen to brush the case under the carpet. I really liked how Sam fought for the victims.
Sam Shephard is such a great character, and she is one of my favourite detectives in crime fiction. She is a character you can root for right the way through, and I hope there will be many more books featuring her to come. I thought the scenes in which she was dealing with her father’s illness were really emotional, and you can see how she is struggling to accept it.
Bound is so cleverly well plotted. I loved how Vanda Symon kept the tension turning up a notch and how she kept me asking questions. Vanda’s writing is taut and so pacy. It made for such a compelling read, and I loved it.
If you’re not yet reading this series, then you really need to be. It’s a fast paced, highly engaging police procedural. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
September 9, 2011
As always an addictive read, a fantastic who-dunnit. And even though it's a little silly, I love knowing exactly where she's talking about (there's a spot on the Leith by the Botanic Garden in Dn that I'm always a little wary of now because of Vanda's last novel) And in fact if you're considering reading this one, I'd say start at the beginning with Overkill. You'd still understand this novel, you don't NEED to have read the rest, but I think it makes it a little better if you have.
March 13, 2021
Bound is the fourth book in Vanda Symon's Sam Shephard series, of which I've been a huge fan since the beginning. New readers needn't be concerned about starting here, however, as reminders of Sam's past are woven unobtrusively throughout the plot. Nevertheless, it is always more satisfying to follow the development of a character from the beginning, and so I would advise reading from the beginning of this excellent series if possible.
The book opens at the tail-end of a terrifying home invasion, which has left a man violently slain and his wife in dire straits. It's this case which becomes a professional and personal test for Sam and her colleagues. Sam has recently been promoted from Detective Constable to Detective but rising through the ranks hasn't made life any easier for her. She still has to deal with her belligerent, bullying boss, DI Johns but her former mentor, Smithy isn't the rock he once was. The discovery of key evidence combined with revelations that the murdered man, John Henderson most likely had some shady dealings alongside his legitimate business result in the team quickly suspecting two local gangsters. In an emotive twist which will hold particular resonance for those who read the previous novel, Containment, Sam and her colleagues have a very personal reason for wanting these two lowlifes to finally face the justice they undoubtedly deserve.
A second death complicates matters and much to the fury of some of her colleagues, Sam begins to question whether they have the right killers, as satisfying as retribution might be. One of the main reasons why I love this series is that although there is always an intriguing major crime to be investigated, Sam's character shines through each novel. Her deep sense of morality coupled with the intense personal issues she is dealing with means she is perhaps more vulnerable than ever here. She is troubled but her problems are the sort that most of us will face at one point or another; difficult colleagues, a terminally ill parent, a relationship at a crossroads, and it's this which makes her so relatable and engaging. My own father was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months ago and I must admit to feeling slightly nervous about how it would affect me but although it does trigger some moments of drama within Sam's family, I thought the depiction of the emotions experienced as somebody's life draws to a close were expressed with empathetic honesty.
It does seem as if Sam has reached a point in her life where she might begin to allow herself to feel more anchored and her evident love for Dunedin not only demonstrates how she has made the city her home, it also allows us to experience the rich sense of place which is always a highlight of these books. A brief visit to Auckland is no less immersive, although it's clear where Vanda Symon's heart lies! It does seem to substantiate the evidence that points to John Henderson being dodgy, however, and so her decision to properly listen to the wives of the two accused men and to reconsider what all the evidence seems to suggest, really underlines her courage and commitment to fair justice. It's a complex, emotional case which throws up plenty of suspects and the tense, compelling plot keeps the surprises coming until the perfectly pitched resolution which is as thought-provoking as it is shocking.
There often seems to be a pivotal novel in a series where the main character is forced to confront their life and to make decisions about their future, and Bound feels as if it's a significant moment for Sam Shephard. There are still loose ends left to tantalise readers but her relationships with Paul and her mother may well be strengthened by events here while her concerns about Smithy's psychological state will surely continue to reverberate as the series progresses. This series keeps getting better and Bound has been my favourite so far, I look forward to what lies in store for Sam Shephard next with eager anticipation. Heartily recommended.
The book opens at the tail-end of a terrifying home invasion, which has left a man violently slain and his wife in dire straits. It's this case which becomes a professional and personal test for Sam and her colleagues. Sam has recently been promoted from Detective Constable to Detective but rising through the ranks hasn't made life any easier for her. She still has to deal with her belligerent, bullying boss, DI Johns but her former mentor, Smithy isn't the rock he once was. The discovery of key evidence combined with revelations that the murdered man, John Henderson most likely had some shady dealings alongside his legitimate business result in the team quickly suspecting two local gangsters. In an emotive twist which will hold particular resonance for those who read the previous novel, Containment, Sam and her colleagues have a very personal reason for wanting these two lowlifes to finally face the justice they undoubtedly deserve.
A second death complicates matters and much to the fury of some of her colleagues, Sam begins to question whether they have the right killers, as satisfying as retribution might be. One of the main reasons why I love this series is that although there is always an intriguing major crime to be investigated, Sam's character shines through each novel. Her deep sense of morality coupled with the intense personal issues she is dealing with means she is perhaps more vulnerable than ever here. She is troubled but her problems are the sort that most of us will face at one point or another; difficult colleagues, a terminally ill parent, a relationship at a crossroads, and it's this which makes her so relatable and engaging. My own father was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months ago and I must admit to feeling slightly nervous about how it would affect me but although it does trigger some moments of drama within Sam's family, I thought the depiction of the emotions experienced as somebody's life draws to a close were expressed with empathetic honesty.
It does seem as if Sam has reached a point in her life where she might begin to allow herself to feel more anchored and her evident love for Dunedin not only demonstrates how she has made the city her home, it also allows us to experience the rich sense of place which is always a highlight of these books. A brief visit to Auckland is no less immersive, although it's clear where Vanda Symon's heart lies! It does seem to substantiate the evidence that points to John Henderson being dodgy, however, and so her decision to properly listen to the wives of the two accused men and to reconsider what all the evidence seems to suggest, really underlines her courage and commitment to fair justice. It's a complex, emotional case which throws up plenty of suspects and the tense, compelling plot keeps the surprises coming until the perfectly pitched resolution which is as thought-provoking as it is shocking.
There often seems to be a pivotal novel in a series where the main character is forced to confront their life and to make decisions about their future, and Bound feels as if it's a significant moment for Sam Shephard. There are still loose ends left to tantalise readers but her relationships with Paul and her mother may well be strengthened by events here while her concerns about Smithy's psychological state will surely continue to reverberate as the series progresses. This series keeps getting better and Bound has been my favourite so far, I look forward to what lies in store for Sam Shephard next with eager anticipation. Heartily recommended.
March 7, 2021
I am a huge huge fan of Vanda Symon's writing and the Sam Shephard series is one of my all time favourite police procedural series. Sam is a feisty, mouthy, loyal and hard working woman. She holds her own in the male-dominated police force that services the New Zealand city of Dunedin. She's an absolute delight to read about, and I really think that Bound is the best story yet. This author gets better and better.
Whilst Bound is part of a series and I really would urge anyone to read all of the books, it's perfectly easy to read this one as a stand alone story. Sam and her team do have a back story, but the author cleverly fills the reader in, making previous events a major part of the current story.
The reader is led into Bound through a chilling and quite harrowing prologue which sets the scene for what will become a complicated and complex murder investigation for Sam and the team. Teenage Declan arrives home to find carnage. His father is dead, his face blown away by a shotgun and his mother is gagged and tied to a chair in the same room. Nothing has been taken, and John and Jill Henderson are known to be an upstanding, wealthy, successful couple in the local community.
It's a particularly violent killing, meticulously planned and not a shred of evidence left at the scene. Declan is distraught, Jill is injured and traumatised and nobody seems to know of a motive. However, it soon becomes clear that John Henderson's business may not have been quite above board. Jill makes it plain that she knows that John was involved with people she'd rather not know about, and that she distanced herself from the murkier side of his business.
Almost immediately, two of the most well-known criminals in Dunedin are in the picture. Sam and the police team have their own reasons for wanting to see these guys behind bars, and there's a sense of determination that sets in. No stone is unturned, and it seems that the police have got their killers.
But have they? Sam is uneasy about many things. There are little things that just don't add up. Trying to prove this is difficult, not least, because her boss and the rest of the team disagree with her. Sam is a fighter though and despite several warnings, she carries on.
Vanda Symon is not kind to Sam. Not only does she have a complex and very difficult case to solve, she's also struggling with numerous personal issues. Her beloved father is at the end of his life, in Hospice care, and her relationship with her mother has never been easy. Watching her dad die is almost too much to bear.
Bound is another triumph for this very talented author. It is everything that you need from crime fiction, and more. A fabulous female lead character who knows her own mind, a small, yet perfectly formed police team filled with an array of fascinating characters and a blistering plot line that doesn't fail to serve up thrills and twists along the way. Do not miss this, it's edge-of-the-seat drama that will satisfy any fan of crime fiction. Highly recommended.
Whilst Bound is part of a series and I really would urge anyone to read all of the books, it's perfectly easy to read this one as a stand alone story. Sam and her team do have a back story, but the author cleverly fills the reader in, making previous events a major part of the current story.
The reader is led into Bound through a chilling and quite harrowing prologue which sets the scene for what will become a complicated and complex murder investigation for Sam and the team. Teenage Declan arrives home to find carnage. His father is dead, his face blown away by a shotgun and his mother is gagged and tied to a chair in the same room. Nothing has been taken, and John and Jill Henderson are known to be an upstanding, wealthy, successful couple in the local community.
It's a particularly violent killing, meticulously planned and not a shred of evidence left at the scene. Declan is distraught, Jill is injured and traumatised and nobody seems to know of a motive. However, it soon becomes clear that John Henderson's business may not have been quite above board. Jill makes it plain that she knows that John was involved with people she'd rather not know about, and that she distanced herself from the murkier side of his business.
Almost immediately, two of the most well-known criminals in Dunedin are in the picture. Sam and the police team have their own reasons for wanting to see these guys behind bars, and there's a sense of determination that sets in. No stone is unturned, and it seems that the police have got their killers.
But have they? Sam is uneasy about many things. There are little things that just don't add up. Trying to prove this is difficult, not least, because her boss and the rest of the team disagree with her. Sam is a fighter though and despite several warnings, she carries on.
Vanda Symon is not kind to Sam. Not only does she have a complex and very difficult case to solve, she's also struggling with numerous personal issues. Her beloved father is at the end of his life, in Hospice care, and her relationship with her mother has never been easy. Watching her dad die is almost too much to bear.
Bound is another triumph for this very talented author. It is everything that you need from crime fiction, and more. A fabulous female lead character who knows her own mind, a small, yet perfectly formed police team filled with an array of fascinating characters and a blistering plot line that doesn't fail to serve up thrills and twists along the way. Do not miss this, it's edge-of-the-seat drama that will satisfy any fan of crime fiction. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2024
Wow where do I even start with this book, my emotions are still reeling from that crazy rollercoaster of a story! The twists and shocks just kept coming, the hints and tips did NOT help me figure it out, and then the ending? A whole series of “WOOOOWWWW what just happened?” Like pow pow pow… what even just…. WHAT?!
Ok. So perhaps I should put that a tad more eloquently.
This is an even more twisty read than the previous stories in this series, with more of the personal relationship dynamics with immediate family coming to the forefront of the story for a variety of reasons. There was a heartwrenching thread that wove between the chapters, and in that one you knew how it was going to end to an extent, and yet even when it happens it is not in the way you would think. That surprise right at the end completely threw me, and the range of emotions the Author instills with her descriptions is phenomenal. Not only did I not see it coming, i didn’t suspect at all and the emotional backlash was astounding!
Then lets look at the personal relationships. We get a much fuller, richer view of our main characters personal relationships here for a variety of reasons, from the friendship element it was nice to see a thread from that whopper of an ending carried over. The weight it added to the crime element was intriguing, and you could easily feel the main’s characters battle to deal with what was happening. Trying to balance the profession she is in and wanting to do it well, with the expectations from team members and her prior mentor. You can’t help but admire Sams strength of character, even when it makes your heart break a little to see she knows she is going to have to disappoint others to not disappoint herself.
We also see the relationship with Paul changing during this story, our main character trying to balance being colleagues and deal with a relationship that is getting more intense regardless of whether it was intended or not, and even that had a surprise or two!
I’m honestly in awe of how the author has managed to have so many different types and elements to each relationship, and yet every single one had a surprise along the way that I just was not expecting.
The writing is full of emotion, full of so much depth of feeling that it’s almost as if you are with Sam, you are experiencing this all alongside her and can feel her turmoil at all the emotional hits she gets in this book, and a part of me is really hoping that Vanda has gone a bit easy on Sam in the next book!
All in all, an absolutely incredible story once again, a surprising crime story with twists and turns galore. This is a crime book that has all the emotional range you could ask for and more, and leaves you reeling from it at the end. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, you need to because this Author just keeps on getting better!
Ok. So perhaps I should put that a tad more eloquently.
This is an even more twisty read than the previous stories in this series, with more of the personal relationship dynamics with immediate family coming to the forefront of the story for a variety of reasons. There was a heartwrenching thread that wove between the chapters, and in that one you knew how it was going to end to an extent, and yet even when it happens it is not in the way you would think. That surprise right at the end completely threw me, and the range of emotions the Author instills with her descriptions is phenomenal. Not only did I not see it coming, i didn’t suspect at all and the emotional backlash was astounding!
Then lets look at the personal relationships. We get a much fuller, richer view of our main characters personal relationships here for a variety of reasons, from the friendship element it was nice to see a thread from that whopper of an ending carried over. The weight it added to the crime element was intriguing, and you could easily feel the main’s characters battle to deal with what was happening. Trying to balance the profession she is in and wanting to do it well, with the expectations from team members and her prior mentor. You can’t help but admire Sams strength of character, even when it makes your heart break a little to see she knows she is going to have to disappoint others to not disappoint herself.
We also see the relationship with Paul changing during this story, our main character trying to balance being colleagues and deal with a relationship that is getting more intense regardless of whether it was intended or not, and even that had a surprise or two!
I’m honestly in awe of how the author has managed to have so many different types and elements to each relationship, and yet every single one had a surprise along the way that I just was not expecting.
The writing is full of emotion, full of so much depth of feeling that it’s almost as if you are with Sam, you are experiencing this all alongside her and can feel her turmoil at all the emotional hits she gets in this book, and a part of me is really hoping that Vanda has gone a bit easy on Sam in the next book!
All in all, an absolutely incredible story once again, a surprising crime story with twists and turns galore. This is a crime book that has all the emotional range you could ask for and more, and leaves you reeling from it at the end. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, you need to because this Author just keeps on getting better!
March 11, 2021
Bound is #4 in the Sam Shephard series, it can be read as a stand-alone )but you are missing out on a great series.).
A local businessman is murdered in his home, his wife is left bound to a chair and seriously injured, their young son had returned home to find them like this.
Sam is investigating the case to find out who would kill a supposedly respectable man, all the while she is also dealing with the fact her father has cancer and is dying. Throwing herself into work helps her forget her personal life for a while.
Can she find out the truth?
This is such a tightly plotted tale full of tension, great characters and a gasp inducing twist. So well written you are willing Sam on as she fights to find a killer. Sam is such a great character, strong and determined, yet with a softer side too. A marvellously tense, emotional thriller that’s has you hooked from page one. Just brilliant.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Bound.
A local businessman is murdered in his home, his wife is left bound to a chair and seriously injured, their young son had returned home to find them like this.
Sam is investigating the case to find out who would kill a supposedly respectable man, all the while she is also dealing with the fact her father has cancer and is dying. Throwing herself into work helps her forget her personal life for a while.
Can she find out the truth?
This is such a tightly plotted tale full of tension, great characters and a gasp inducing twist. So well written you are willing Sam on as she fights to find a killer. Sam is such a great character, strong and determined, yet with a softer side too. A marvellously tense, emotional thriller that’s has you hooked from page one. Just brilliant.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Bound.
March 29, 2021
Full review here: https://bookmarkthat.co.uk/bound-vand... (NO SPOILERS)
This has to be my favourite plot so far out of all 4 of Symon’s books I’ve read – they just keep getting better and better, and honestly, I consider Sam Shepherd to be like a close friend who you only hear from once a year, but boooooy, is that one of the best days of the year.
One of my favourite things about this Sam Shephard series is Sam herself – this book really shows how strong she is, and whilst battling two (yes, two) personal side-plots, you also have her just being the best version of herself. I ADORE how she is built – more please!
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
This has to be my favourite plot so far out of all 4 of Symon’s books I’ve read – they just keep getting better and better, and honestly, I consider Sam Shepherd to be like a close friend who you only hear from once a year, but boooooy, is that one of the best days of the year.
One of my favourite things about this Sam Shephard series is Sam herself – this book really shows how strong she is, and whilst battling two (yes, two) personal side-plots, you also have her just being the best version of herself. I ADORE how she is built – more please!
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars. I am deeply conflicted by this book. The action picked up from the the very first page, and kept me guessing, but the tailoring of the evidence to mean this how it happened, no ifs and buts left me rather cold. I felt like the entire department was missing a healthy dose of scepticism. The climax turned up very late, but felt like a letdown, and then just to confuse matters, throws another problem during the resolution, which raised far more questions than it answered. The epilogue was a nice touch, but I'm still disappointed with how the book ended.
May 28, 2023
Pretty intense! Despite it being a short book, a lot happened in this one. Sam Shepherd is sassy as ever.
July 26, 2024
Another great read by our Kiwi crime writer. Set in Dunedin.
December 8, 2024
Love this series. Have enjoyed the developed of all the characters
April 1, 2021
What a cracking book!
Thoroughly enjoyed the setting, the crime caper and the ending.
Why have we, in Britain, not heard from this author before now?
Thoroughly enjoyed the setting, the crime caper and the ending.
Why have we, in Britain, not heard from this author before now?
March 5, 2012
A leading light amongst the recent surge in quality Kiwi crime writing, Dunedin-based Vanda Symon was last year a finalist for the inaugural Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel, for her third Sam Shephard novel, Containment.
Now Shephard returns in a thrilling tale kick-started by a brutal home invasion where a shady businessman is shotgunned and his wife is left hospitalised after being tied to a chair, gagged, and left to watch his blood pool on the floor. When evidence starts pointing to a couple of high-profile lowlifes who are prime suspects in an earlier unsolved cop killing, many of Shephard’s Dunedin CID colleagues are ecstatic. But our sassy heroine is uneasy, and decides to investigate further - annoying her colleagues - while at the same time juggling with plenty of professional and personal conundrums; a dying father, ongoing family issues, and the stresses of a workplace relationship.
With Bound, Symon takes an already-great series to another level, bringing everything together superbly with real verve and personality. Shephard has become one of the best heroines in contemporary crime fiction, anywhere. Bound has an intriguing plot with plenty of surprises, snappy repartee, touches of humour, vivid visuals and setting, and a real sense of energy. Excellent storytelling.
Now Shephard returns in a thrilling tale kick-started by a brutal home invasion where a shady businessman is shotgunned and his wife is left hospitalised after being tied to a chair, gagged, and left to watch his blood pool on the floor. When evidence starts pointing to a couple of high-profile lowlifes who are prime suspects in an earlier unsolved cop killing, many of Shephard’s Dunedin CID colleagues are ecstatic. But our sassy heroine is uneasy, and decides to investigate further - annoying her colleagues - while at the same time juggling with plenty of professional and personal conundrums; a dying father, ongoing family issues, and the stresses of a workplace relationship.
With Bound, Symon takes an already-great series to another level, bringing everything together superbly with real verve and personality. Shephard has become one of the best heroines in contemporary crime fiction, anywhere. Bound has an intriguing plot with plenty of surprises, snappy repartee, touches of humour, vivid visuals and setting, and a real sense of energy. Excellent storytelling.
July 6, 2012
It has been awhile since I have read a mystery and this one did the business for me. It catches you and pulls you in in the first few pages, which leaves you a little shell shocked but a great introduction to the story. This is a New Zealand author, with a story set in New Zealand but could have been anywhere in the world. I found the language familiar and enjoyable being a Kiwi myself, because of this book I will be reading more books by New Zealand authors in this genre. Sam is a wonderful down to earth, realistic character and I look forward to reading more of her adventures. If you like mystery well worth a read.
July 20, 2011
Fabulous novel, I can't believe we're left hanging with Sam Shepard's adventures and there's no next book??? Man. Great to see the gritty underside of the Dunedin world, crime, police drama... it's all tightly packaged up in another great fast read. Perfect for anyone, even if you're not a New Zealander. Although you might have to ask your Kiwi friends for a few translations.
December 2, 2015
Good easy read, clever plot and not too grim
Sam Shephard is growing on me - perhaps she is maturing, holding her tongue more. Enjoyed reading the Dunedin setting, Clever plot with unexpected twist, characters appropriate to the story. Enjoyable easy read
Sam Shephard is growing on me - perhaps she is maturing, holding her tongue more. Enjoyed reading the Dunedin setting, Clever plot with unexpected twist, characters appropriate to the story. Enjoyable easy read
December 4, 2011
Best book that I've read this year!
March 9, 2021
Bound by Vanda Symon is book 4 in the bestselling Detective Sam Shephard series and will be published in original paperback with Orenda Books on March 18th. Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, two previous books in this series (The Ringmaster and Containment) I was really looking forward to reading Bound and it certainly did not disappoint. Described as ‘a taut, atmospheric and compelling police procedural', Detective Sam Shephard is an authentic character in every way, extracting great empathy from readers for her no-nonsense approach to policing and for her own personal battles in her private relationships. Set in Dunedin, the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, Vanda Symon always places her readers right into the setting, with her wonderful descriptions of place. Sam Shephard is a fabulous feisty protagonist perpetually exhausted, perpetually fighting the fight to be accepted in a predominantly male workforce. Her relationship with her boss is toxic and he wastes no time in showing his general disinterest and disgust in her presence. Her once time friend and colleague, Smithy, has changed since a previous tragic incident that left another colleague dead. He is slovenly, disrespectful and challenging Sam in ways she hadn’t experienced before. He is less amenable to her and is making his attitude known. Sam is well peeved off but she is a policewoman first and foremost, meaning justice and truth must prevail against all else.
When Sam is called to a house in the remote area of Seacliff she is very unprepared for the scene awaiting her. It’s eleven-thirty at night and the journey to the home in question is bumpy, dark and quite sinister. At the house she is met with the very heavily blood-spattered gruesome sight of a local wealthy businessman, John Henderson, slain and his wife, Jill, now extremely traumatised, having been gagged and bound, almost suffocating. Their young teenage son, Declan, made the horrendous discovery, raising the alarm. No trace of evidence left behind, just death and devastation. Who was John Henderson? Why was he the target of such a malicious crime? Jill Henderson is immediately hospitalised, clearly in pain and in shock after the experience. Why would anyone so callously murder her husband? She admits to a vague knowledge of some of his more nefarious activities but cannot comprehend who would want him dead.
As the team get to work on the case, information begins to trickle in and Sam soon realises that this murder is a lot more layered and complex than originally thought. Her colleagues see a more cut and dried outcome but Sam is unsure. Something smells. Something is off. With her usual tenacity and ability to dig deeper, Sam goes on a solo run in her search for the truth.
Sam’s personal life comes under serious pressure when her Dad is moved to a hospice. His days are numbered and Sam is distraught at seeing her father so weakened, a shell of the man she once knew. Her mother and herself have a very dysfunctional relationship and Sam carries enormous guilt as her workload ramps up, allowing her less time to spend with the family. Yet, for Sam, the increase in casework is almost therapeutic in other ways, distracting her from her pain, were it not for the deliberate digs and quips coming from her boss. He is relentless in his bullying attitude toward her but she will not be broken by him, raising a respectful eyebrow from a few colleagues.
Vanda Symon’s books contain short chapters which make for a very snappy reading experience. Once started it is very difficult to put these books down as the reader races through the chapters at speed. Bound is an exciting page-turner packed with lots of nasty and devious characters, all depicted excellently by Vanda Symon. I mentioned in a previous review that there is an old-school Hollywood noir style to this series of books and it carries through in Bound. The dialogue between all the cast is sharp and fast with black humour and wit evident, even in the darker moments. Sam Shephard carries a very heavy load determined to prove her worth in a job where she is constantly undermined. She is driven, she is strong and she is dogged in her pursuit for the truth.
Bound is a very engaging read with a wonderfully plotted tale that keeps the suspense rolling right to the end. Sam Shephard is not without flaw, making her an intriguing protagonist, as it is in her quirks and imperfections that we feel the authenticity of her character. A really enjoyable series, these are books that I always look forward to reading, confident in Vanda Symon’s ability to transport me to Dunedin and its surrounding landscape. Bound is a sure-fire recommendation from me, so do please dive in and let me know how you get on!
When Sam is called to a house in the remote area of Seacliff she is very unprepared for the scene awaiting her. It’s eleven-thirty at night and the journey to the home in question is bumpy, dark and quite sinister. At the house she is met with the very heavily blood-spattered gruesome sight of a local wealthy businessman, John Henderson, slain and his wife, Jill, now extremely traumatised, having been gagged and bound, almost suffocating. Their young teenage son, Declan, made the horrendous discovery, raising the alarm. No trace of evidence left behind, just death and devastation. Who was John Henderson? Why was he the target of such a malicious crime? Jill Henderson is immediately hospitalised, clearly in pain and in shock after the experience. Why would anyone so callously murder her husband? She admits to a vague knowledge of some of his more nefarious activities but cannot comprehend who would want him dead.
As the team get to work on the case, information begins to trickle in and Sam soon realises that this murder is a lot more layered and complex than originally thought. Her colleagues see a more cut and dried outcome but Sam is unsure. Something smells. Something is off. With her usual tenacity and ability to dig deeper, Sam goes on a solo run in her search for the truth.
Sam’s personal life comes under serious pressure when her Dad is moved to a hospice. His days are numbered and Sam is distraught at seeing her father so weakened, a shell of the man she once knew. Her mother and herself have a very dysfunctional relationship and Sam carries enormous guilt as her workload ramps up, allowing her less time to spend with the family. Yet, for Sam, the increase in casework is almost therapeutic in other ways, distracting her from her pain, were it not for the deliberate digs and quips coming from her boss. He is relentless in his bullying attitude toward her but she will not be broken by him, raising a respectful eyebrow from a few colleagues.
Vanda Symon’s books contain short chapters which make for a very snappy reading experience. Once started it is very difficult to put these books down as the reader races through the chapters at speed. Bound is an exciting page-turner packed with lots of nasty and devious characters, all depicted excellently by Vanda Symon. I mentioned in a previous review that there is an old-school Hollywood noir style to this series of books and it carries through in Bound. The dialogue between all the cast is sharp and fast with black humour and wit evident, even in the darker moments. Sam Shephard carries a very heavy load determined to prove her worth in a job where she is constantly undermined. She is driven, she is strong and she is dogged in her pursuit for the truth.
Bound is a very engaging read with a wonderfully plotted tale that keeps the suspense rolling right to the end. Sam Shephard is not without flaw, making her an intriguing protagonist, as it is in her quirks and imperfections that we feel the authenticity of her character. A really enjoyable series, these are books that I always look forward to reading, confident in Vanda Symon’s ability to transport me to Dunedin and its surrounding landscape. Bound is a sure-fire recommendation from me, so do please dive in and let me know how you get on!
April 18, 2021
Sam Shephard is a detective in the beautiful city of Dunedin in New Zealand. Beautiful, that is, unless you count the nasty endeavours of certain criminals who want to exploit the city and area with dubious substances and women who have few choices. Sam works in a police department where there are long memories for all of past crimes and present suspicions, so when a vicious home invasion takes place and a man lies dead, Sam must follow her instincts to unravel the truth, however unpalatable that may be. Already up against an imminent family tragedy, she must tackle (sometimes literally) those she encounters who are intent on hiding all sorts of truth. The fourth in a lively series of incredible and well written adventures, this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone tale of a young woman police officer with an impressive instinct for people and many abilities, not least in terms of self defence. Written with a lively sense of humour as Sam describes everything in her own words, this is a “police procedural” that is compelling and human, a real page turner in all senses. The characters, even seemingly minor in the great scheme of things, leap from the page, while the settings stretch from the beautiful houses of the wealthy to the less salubrious areas of an intriguing city. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to reacquaint myself with the fiercely independent Sam and her friends and family, and to review this amazing book.
The Prologue to this book reveals a nightmare. A woman sits bound to a chair, staring at the body of her husband John, messily dead at her feet. Determined to stay alive for her son, fear and pain overwhelms her. When Sam arrives on the scene later, being the female officer present she is the one to interview Jill Henderson in a long night, featuring the presence of her traumatized son Declan. Contact with her colleagues, apart from her lover Paul, is dominated by the angry and opinionated DI Johns her boss, of whom she says “For whatever reason, he had it in for me, and nothing was going to change that”. The other person of significance, Detective Malcolm Smith, nurses the physical and mental scars of an encounter with a couple of the leading criminals in the area, in which another officer died. As the investigation proceeds, Sam is typically given the least likable jobs, such as searching for the source of cheap masks used in the raid. While the suspects seem to be obvious, Sam’s questioning of many of those involved in the secretive John’s life begins to make her wonder if the answers are a little more complex. Meanwhile, her father is seriously ill, her family are gathering around, and her mother seems to despair of her. As her relationship with Paul continues, her friend Maggie makes an observation that could change everything.
The characters in this novel are so well drawn as to be immediately multi dimensional, as their appearance, actions and gestures are brilliantly described. Sam herself leaps from the page, fully realized as a woman with determination and drive, as well as a touching concern for even those who seem to dislike her. The pace of this novel is well constructed, with human punctuation of eating unhealthy food at odd times and realistic conversations with people of all kinds. There is sufficient action to maintain the excitement throughout this novel, and I found the writing clever without the weight of extra description. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a lively detective novel with an excellent lead character.
The Prologue to this book reveals a nightmare. A woman sits bound to a chair, staring at the body of her husband John, messily dead at her feet. Determined to stay alive for her son, fear and pain overwhelms her. When Sam arrives on the scene later, being the female officer present she is the one to interview Jill Henderson in a long night, featuring the presence of her traumatized son Declan. Contact with her colleagues, apart from her lover Paul, is dominated by the angry and opinionated DI Johns her boss, of whom she says “For whatever reason, he had it in for me, and nothing was going to change that”. The other person of significance, Detective Malcolm Smith, nurses the physical and mental scars of an encounter with a couple of the leading criminals in the area, in which another officer died. As the investigation proceeds, Sam is typically given the least likable jobs, such as searching for the source of cheap masks used in the raid. While the suspects seem to be obvious, Sam’s questioning of many of those involved in the secretive John’s life begins to make her wonder if the answers are a little more complex. Meanwhile, her father is seriously ill, her family are gathering around, and her mother seems to despair of her. As her relationship with Paul continues, her friend Maggie makes an observation that could change everything.
The characters in this novel are so well drawn as to be immediately multi dimensional, as their appearance, actions and gestures are brilliantly described. Sam herself leaps from the page, fully realized as a woman with determination and drive, as well as a touching concern for even those who seem to dislike her. The pace of this novel is well constructed, with human punctuation of eating unhealthy food at odd times and realistic conversations with people of all kinds. There is sufficient action to maintain the excitement throughout this novel, and I found the writing clever without the weight of extra description. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a lively detective novel with an excellent lead character.
March 22, 2021
Bound picks up nicely where Sam Shepard's previous adventure, Containment, left off - with Sam now a fully fledged Detective, although still struggling to get the recognition she deserves from her less than pleasant boss, DI Johns. Things in the personal front are also going well with fellow cop Paul, now working in Dunedin with Sam, although they are trying to keep their relationship low-key at work, but Sam's father's illness is now in its later stages and she can no longer avoid the fact that his end is near.
However, Sam has little time to dwell on her own triumphs and tragedies when an apparently respected businessman is brutally murdered in his own home, with his bound and gagged wife forced to watch. The plot thickens when it seems the 'respectable' victim was involved in various murky business practices and had a habit of rubbing shoulders with some of Dunedin's less than reputable crowd.
As events play out, it looks like this is a cut and dried case, but Sam can't shift the nagging feeling that something is not quite right about where the clues are pointing them. It's up to her to go out on a limb on this one and take action that this going to make her less than popular with her fellow cops, especially when she discovers more than she bargained for - but everyone deserves the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, don't they?
It was an absolute delight to meet up with Detective Sam Shephard once more, and this time Vanda Symon has a devilishly delicious plot up her sleeve that takes you right round the houses before the truth is revealed. Sam is in the middle of quite a lot as far as her private life is concerned in this book, but, even so, she remains every bit as dedicated and focussed on the job in hand as ever, and the strength of her conviction to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served, whatever the personal cost, really shines through here - just what I love about her.
The pacing of the story is perfection, as usual, with short punchy chapters that keep the business end of the story flowing, and there is plenty of heart mixed in to ensure you are completely invested in the characters too. The twists and turns on both Sam's professional and private fronts in this book throw up rather a lot of interesting moral dilemmas and juicy themes to pick through once you are done with this one - the right to a fair trial, unconventional love stories, family dynamics and parental responsibility, sexism in the work place, the care of the terminally ill, among others - all wrapped up in a cracking crime story that takes draws you right into life in Dunedin. I am never sorry that Orenda's lovely Karen Sullivan encouraged Vanda Symon to make things 'more Kiwi' in these books, as I enjoy lapping up every little crumb about New Zealand life - the people, the backdrops, and even the weather all play an important part.
Intriguingly, there are some threads left hanging after the end of this one which serve as tantalising hooks to take us into book five, which I really hope will be on the horizon soon as I need to know what happens next!
If you are looking for an intelligent and gritty Down Under crime series that will keep you entertained all round, then this is definitely a series you should have on your reading pile. I love it!
However, Sam has little time to dwell on her own triumphs and tragedies when an apparently respected businessman is brutally murdered in his own home, with his bound and gagged wife forced to watch. The plot thickens when it seems the 'respectable' victim was involved in various murky business practices and had a habit of rubbing shoulders with some of Dunedin's less than reputable crowd.
As events play out, it looks like this is a cut and dried case, but Sam can't shift the nagging feeling that something is not quite right about where the clues are pointing them. It's up to her to go out on a limb on this one and take action that this going to make her less than popular with her fellow cops, especially when she discovers more than she bargained for - but everyone deserves the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, don't they?
It was an absolute delight to meet up with Detective Sam Shephard once more, and this time Vanda Symon has a devilishly delicious plot up her sleeve that takes you right round the houses before the truth is revealed. Sam is in the middle of quite a lot as far as her private life is concerned in this book, but, even so, she remains every bit as dedicated and focussed on the job in hand as ever, and the strength of her conviction to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served, whatever the personal cost, really shines through here - just what I love about her.
The pacing of the story is perfection, as usual, with short punchy chapters that keep the business end of the story flowing, and there is plenty of heart mixed in to ensure you are completely invested in the characters too. The twists and turns on both Sam's professional and private fronts in this book throw up rather a lot of interesting moral dilemmas and juicy themes to pick through once you are done with this one - the right to a fair trial, unconventional love stories, family dynamics and parental responsibility, sexism in the work place, the care of the terminally ill, among others - all wrapped up in a cracking crime story that takes draws you right into life in Dunedin. I am never sorry that Orenda's lovely Karen Sullivan encouraged Vanda Symon to make things 'more Kiwi' in these books, as I enjoy lapping up every little crumb about New Zealand life - the people, the backdrops, and even the weather all play an important part.
Intriguingly, there are some threads left hanging after the end of this one which serve as tantalising hooks to take us into book five, which I really hope will be on the horizon soon as I need to know what happens next!
If you are looking for an intelligent and gritty Down Under crime series that will keep you entertained all round, then this is definitely a series you should have on your reading pile. I love it!
May 23, 2021
You just know sometimes that when you pick up a book by a certain author, that it is going to be fabulous and Vanda Symons is one of those writers for me. Every novel she delivers to eager readers is pitch perfect and guaranteed to be full of wonderful character development and a story that will thrill as well as entertain.
In Bound book four in the Sam Shepherd Series she has delivered a story that I found thrilling and yet at the same time moving. Sometimes continuing drama can become bogged down, but this series remains a fresh and addictive read.
It's best asset is Sam Shephard herself, determined, flawed and honest. She is a breath of fresh air, as far removed from the traditional lead in such books, grumpy, badly dressed. worn down male detectives as you can dream of. In each instalment we get to know her better and this is definitely the case in Bound, where she battles a bullying boss and a complicated love life. Like many women Sam wants a career and to do so she has to navigate complex emotions and personal relationships every single day, to remain a functioning adult and this is why she is so loved by me. She is a complex, emotional human being and we can all identify with the challenges she faces. In this latest instalment Vanda Symon really put her and us through the emotional ringer and I know this sounds wrong, but her pain, her confusion, her distress, made this book a richer, more involving read. Her beloved dad is ill, she's not sure what she wants from her current relationship and then a new dilemma throws her into a whole new level of soul searching and we ride those ups and downs with her. Yet it never distracts Sam from her determination to deliver justice for those victims that cross her path, in fact her career if effectively keeping her sane.
The story is equally addictive and that is because the writer not only knows that to keep a character fresh, she needs to develop them, but to keep readers hooked the stories have to be theatrical, with moments of humour and electrifying points within the narrative that have you glued to the edge of your seat. Bound, abounds with them all. We are swept across New Zealand as Sam seeks to tie together the treads of a murder investigation, that seems to be spiralling out of control, moments of humour help to lessen the pressure in our chests as we worry Sam is pushing herself towards ever greater danger. One minute we are holding on the edge of our chair as she is hurtled throw traffic in pursuit of a suspect, the next moment we are cheering her on as she gives her boss some overdue attitude and then holding her hand as she faces her father's terminal diagnosis. We embrace the quiet moments, the conversations with family and friends and then are swept like adrenalin junkies on a roller coaster ride as Vanda Symons delivers the killer, sweeter and more delicious because it is Sam's keen intelligence and analytical mind that captures the criminal.
From the mind of a first rate writer, comes a character and story with a flourish of magnificence, a large portion of humanity and oodles of excitement.
In Bound book four in the Sam Shepherd Series she has delivered a story that I found thrilling and yet at the same time moving. Sometimes continuing drama can become bogged down, but this series remains a fresh and addictive read.
It's best asset is Sam Shephard herself, determined, flawed and honest. She is a breath of fresh air, as far removed from the traditional lead in such books, grumpy, badly dressed. worn down male detectives as you can dream of. In each instalment we get to know her better and this is definitely the case in Bound, where she battles a bullying boss and a complicated love life. Like many women Sam wants a career and to do so she has to navigate complex emotions and personal relationships every single day, to remain a functioning adult and this is why she is so loved by me. She is a complex, emotional human being and we can all identify with the challenges she faces. In this latest instalment Vanda Symon really put her and us through the emotional ringer and I know this sounds wrong, but her pain, her confusion, her distress, made this book a richer, more involving read. Her beloved dad is ill, she's not sure what she wants from her current relationship and then a new dilemma throws her into a whole new level of soul searching and we ride those ups and downs with her. Yet it never distracts Sam from her determination to deliver justice for those victims that cross her path, in fact her career if effectively keeping her sane.
The story is equally addictive and that is because the writer not only knows that to keep a character fresh, she needs to develop them, but to keep readers hooked the stories have to be theatrical, with moments of humour and electrifying points within the narrative that have you glued to the edge of your seat. Bound, abounds with them all. We are swept across New Zealand as Sam seeks to tie together the treads of a murder investigation, that seems to be spiralling out of control, moments of humour help to lessen the pressure in our chests as we worry Sam is pushing herself towards ever greater danger. One minute we are holding on the edge of our chair as she is hurtled throw traffic in pursuit of a suspect, the next moment we are cheering her on as she gives her boss some overdue attitude and then holding her hand as she faces her father's terminal diagnosis. We embrace the quiet moments, the conversations with family and friends and then are swept like adrenalin junkies on a roller coaster ride as Vanda Symons delivers the killer, sweeter and more delicious because it is Sam's keen intelligence and analytical mind that captures the criminal.
From the mind of a first rate writer, comes a character and story with a flourish of magnificence, a large portion of humanity and oodles of excitement.
March 19, 2021
The latest novel in the popular Detective Sam Shephard series, Bound, shows Sam under extreme pressure, both professionally and in her personal life. She is in conflict with her boss over her investigation of a horrific murder during a house invasion, which bears the signs of a gangland execution. Tragically, she has to deal with all this work stress while facing the impending death of her father, which is made even more traumatic by a difficult relationship with her mother. Under these trying circumstances, Sam manages to maintain her sense of humour and hold everything together, due to her strict moral compass and strong sense of responsibility.
The passionate young police officer Sam Shephard returns in a taut, atmospheric and compelling police procedural, which sees her take matters into her own hands when the official investigation into the murder of a local businessman fails to add up….
Sam’s passionate personality makes her come across as intense, and she sometimes follows her gut instincts to an extent that negatively affects her career. At times she seems to prioritise her police work over her personal relationships because this helps her to keep control of her emotions. Ironically, she performs best when she stops dashing about and takes time out to think through the turns and twists in the murder investigation. When she eventually breaks the case, it is because she is brave enough to think the unthinkable and have the courage of her convictions.
Symon’s relaxed narrative style segues easily from the dramatic to the intimate, engaging her readers’ sympathy and involving them in her characters’ experiences. Sam’s romantic involvement with a colleague reveals her softer side. When their relationship reaches a level neither of them was prepared for, she has to decide whether she can trust him. At this point, readers will sympathise with her deep internal conflict.
Learning about countries other than your own is one of the great pleasures of reading, and the landscape of New Zealand plays an important part in Bound. Sam has recently relocated to Dunedin on South Island, which gives the novel a coastal feel. Confrontations with suspects in the murder investigation take place in locations ranging from remote beaches to luxurious seafront properties. When Sam’s overbearing boss packs her off on a work trip against her will, she says she is ‘a card-carrying anti-Aucklander.’ However, her description of what sounds like a beautiful city complements the charm of the more rural areas where she lives and works.
Vanda Symon’s novels have been shortlisted for the New Blood Dagger and the Ngaio Marsh Award, and the Sam Shepherd series has been the number one bestseller in New Zealand. Personally, I found it very easy to relate to Sam. I enjoyed empathising with the ups and downs of her family’s journey equally as much as following the twists and turns in the murder investigation.
The passionate young police officer Sam Shephard returns in a taut, atmospheric and compelling police procedural, which sees her take matters into her own hands when the official investigation into the murder of a local businessman fails to add up….
Sam’s passionate personality makes her come across as intense, and she sometimes follows her gut instincts to an extent that negatively affects her career. At times she seems to prioritise her police work over her personal relationships because this helps her to keep control of her emotions. Ironically, she performs best when she stops dashing about and takes time out to think through the turns and twists in the murder investigation. When she eventually breaks the case, it is because she is brave enough to think the unthinkable and have the courage of her convictions.
Symon’s relaxed narrative style segues easily from the dramatic to the intimate, engaging her readers’ sympathy and involving them in her characters’ experiences. Sam’s romantic involvement with a colleague reveals her softer side. When their relationship reaches a level neither of them was prepared for, she has to decide whether she can trust him. At this point, readers will sympathise with her deep internal conflict.
Learning about countries other than your own is one of the great pleasures of reading, and the landscape of New Zealand plays an important part in Bound. Sam has recently relocated to Dunedin on South Island, which gives the novel a coastal feel. Confrontations with suspects in the murder investigation take place in locations ranging from remote beaches to luxurious seafront properties. When Sam’s overbearing boss packs her off on a work trip against her will, she says she is ‘a card-carrying anti-Aucklander.’ However, her description of what sounds like a beautiful city complements the charm of the more rural areas where she lives and works.
Vanda Symon’s novels have been shortlisted for the New Blood Dagger and the Ngaio Marsh Award, and the Sam Shepherd series has been the number one bestseller in New Zealand. Personally, I found it very easy to relate to Sam. I enjoyed empathising with the ups and downs of her family’s journey equally as much as following the twists and turns in the murder investigation.
April 5, 2021
Four books into this series, Symon's irrepressible detective, Sam Shephard, has yet another nasty murder to unpick as well as a series of personal and professional dilemmas. Her father is dying of cancer and she's wondering where to take her relationship with Paul (now one of the team - breaking Sam's unwritten rule about the thing you don't do with the "crew"). And DI Johns - aka The Boss - is as much of a sexist pain in the backside as ever.
I felt Sam was a bit more subdued in this one. Maybe it's the subject matter - her dad's illness is hitting her hard - or maybe it's that she is learning her limits (I do hope not!) but she doesn't get into quite so much trouble with Johns here. Even though, after being instrumental in solving the murder, she takes another look and begins unpicking the case again, potentially exonerating two known gangsters who are believed to have killed a police officer...
The book opens with the wife of a prominent Dunedin businessman gagged and tied to a chair in her own sitting room, gazing at his bloodstained body and waiting for her son to come home and release her. ('You vomit, you die'). It falls to Shephard and her team to unpick John Henderson's life and business, identify some dodgy connections and zoom in on those who might want him dead. The investigation allows Symon to sketch a whole web of shady Internet pharma dealing, which dovetails with drug dealing and organised crime. Sam even gets a trip away to Auckland (portrayed here very much as a place you don't want to go) to chase down some leads (literally).
The picture is complicated by the fact that the two prime suspects - who have gone to ground - are suspected of being involved in the earlier killing of a police officer, and the injury to Sam's friend Smithy that has left him morose and hurting. He's definitely not a neutral party here, so when allegations are made of a police fit-up, Sam's in rather an awkward position.
I really enjoyed Bound. Its opening is deceptive, appearing very much a conventional police procedural with a relatively straightforward case and with Sam rather on the periphery of events, sent to do the boring little jobs that nobody else wants while the big boys duo the real work (grrr, I really hate DO Johns!) But Symon twists things, and the book suddenly seems to be going to quite unexpected places (although if you go back, the clues are there).
That's true not only of the case but of Sam's private life and her future with Paul. (I'm not sure I completely welcomed developments there: don't think I really approve of him and I think Sam deserves better). There's a nice little dance around her relations with her family where either said family are being unreasonable expecting her to spend more time with dying dad while she has a big case on, or Sam is, rather deliberately, choosing not to seek approval to step back from the case which she reasonably could do. Or maybe both. At any rate it may be easier for her to throw herself heart and soul into avenging one (deliberate and avoidable) killing than to have to face up to the slow and lingering (but unavoidable) death of her father.
Whatever, Sam doesn't have it easy here - as is usual in these stories, her author really puts her through the wringer. (One day perhaps I'll read a Sam Shephard story where she is happy and relaxed and then I'll know that Symon has been kidnapped and is trying to get a message out via her books).
Recommended, where you've read this series before or not (but if you haven't, you should).
This is a review of a free copy of Bound sent to me to consider.
I felt Sam was a bit more subdued in this one. Maybe it's the subject matter - her dad's illness is hitting her hard - or maybe it's that she is learning her limits (I do hope not!) but she doesn't get into quite so much trouble with Johns here. Even though, after being instrumental in solving the murder, she takes another look and begins unpicking the case again, potentially exonerating two known gangsters who are believed to have killed a police officer...
The book opens with the wife of a prominent Dunedin businessman gagged and tied to a chair in her own sitting room, gazing at his bloodstained body and waiting for her son to come home and release her. ('You vomit, you die'). It falls to Shephard and her team to unpick John Henderson's life and business, identify some dodgy connections and zoom in on those who might want him dead. The investigation allows Symon to sketch a whole web of shady Internet pharma dealing, which dovetails with drug dealing and organised crime. Sam even gets a trip away to Auckland (portrayed here very much as a place you don't want to go) to chase down some leads (literally).
The picture is complicated by the fact that the two prime suspects - who have gone to ground - are suspected of being involved in the earlier killing of a police officer, and the injury to Sam's friend Smithy that has left him morose and hurting. He's definitely not a neutral party here, so when allegations are made of a police fit-up, Sam's in rather an awkward position.
I really enjoyed Bound. Its opening is deceptive, appearing very much a conventional police procedural with a relatively straightforward case and with Sam rather on the periphery of events, sent to do the boring little jobs that nobody else wants while the big boys duo the real work (grrr, I really hate DO Johns!) But Symon twists things, and the book suddenly seems to be going to quite unexpected places (although if you go back, the clues are there).
That's true not only of the case but of Sam's private life and her future with Paul. (I'm not sure I completely welcomed developments there: don't think I really approve of him and I think Sam deserves better). There's a nice little dance around her relations with her family where either said family are being unreasonable expecting her to spend more time with dying dad while she has a big case on, or Sam is, rather deliberately, choosing not to seek approval to step back from the case which she reasonably could do. Or maybe both. At any rate it may be easier for her to throw herself heart and soul into avenging one (deliberate and avoidable) killing than to have to face up to the slow and lingering (but unavoidable) death of her father.
Whatever, Sam doesn't have it easy here - as is usual in these stories, her author really puts her through the wringer. (One day perhaps I'll read a Sam Shephard story where she is happy and relaxed and then I'll know that Symon has been kidnapped and is trying to get a message out via her books).
Recommended, where you've read this series before or not (but if you haven't, you should).
This is a review of a free copy of Bound sent to me to consider.
March 1, 2021
After following Sam through the preceding three books in the series and watching her as she has grown and matured in her life, both in and out of the police force, she has become a bit of a friend now and I am always keen to catch up with and see what she is up to. Well, in this latest instalment, things are kicking off on every front for her.
The book opens with a particularly brutal crime which seems to be firmly tied to some unsavoury underworld bigwigs. However, it all seems to have come together a bit too conveniently for Sam’s liking, and she has her doubts about the way the investigation is going. Knowing Sam as we do by now, she never opts for the easy route and can’t keep her doubts to herself, which sets her on a collision course with most of her colleagues, particularly her boss, DI Johns, with whom her relationship just gets worse and worse. The scenes between feisty, take-no-crap Sam and the cantankerous boss are some of my favourites in the book.
At least Paul always has her back, and their relationship seems to be going from strength to strength. I have to admit, through the author’s descriptions, I have slightly got the hots for Paul myself but things are getting more complicated for Sam in that area of her life too. Then, throw in her father’s illness, her fraught relationship with her mother, the decline in her old partner Smithy … poor Sam has anything but a quiet life in any quarter at the moment. Thank heavens for Maggie!
I thought this book was fabulously plotted from start to finish. The crime was brutal and baffling, and it was a joy to watch things unfold to reveal all, which did not end as I thought it might. Vanda’s writing is smarty and snappy, with short chapters that keep you reading and reading at pace, with no time to even take a breath, it is fairly relentless which keeps it exciting. The clues are there to the solution if you pay attention, but it is fiendish enough to keep you guessing, and there are plenty of surprises at the conclusion to reward the effort of reading to the end (which is no effort at all, to be fair) and leave you panting for the next book to see how certain aspects pan out.
Vanda is a really clever writer. Her plots are ingenious and gripping, her characters living and breathing and she creates a real sense of place, which will make you dying to hop a plane to New Zealand as soon as possible. Sam is a proper, imperfect, relatable, warm and admirable person to carry the story, you really care about what happens because of her. I only have one complaint. I now have to wait a whole year for another Sam Shephard book, which is tortuous. Write faster, Vanda, please. Faster, faster!
The book opens with a particularly brutal crime which seems to be firmly tied to some unsavoury underworld bigwigs. However, it all seems to have come together a bit too conveniently for Sam’s liking, and she has her doubts about the way the investigation is going. Knowing Sam as we do by now, she never opts for the easy route and can’t keep her doubts to herself, which sets her on a collision course with most of her colleagues, particularly her boss, DI Johns, with whom her relationship just gets worse and worse. The scenes between feisty, take-no-crap Sam and the cantankerous boss are some of my favourites in the book.
At least Paul always has her back, and their relationship seems to be going from strength to strength. I have to admit, through the author’s descriptions, I have slightly got the hots for Paul myself but things are getting more complicated for Sam in that area of her life too. Then, throw in her father’s illness, her fraught relationship with her mother, the decline in her old partner Smithy … poor Sam has anything but a quiet life in any quarter at the moment. Thank heavens for Maggie!
I thought this book was fabulously plotted from start to finish. The crime was brutal and baffling, and it was a joy to watch things unfold to reveal all, which did not end as I thought it might. Vanda’s writing is smarty and snappy, with short chapters that keep you reading and reading at pace, with no time to even take a breath, it is fairly relentless which keeps it exciting. The clues are there to the solution if you pay attention, but it is fiendish enough to keep you guessing, and there are plenty of surprises at the conclusion to reward the effort of reading to the end (which is no effort at all, to be fair) and leave you panting for the next book to see how certain aspects pan out.
Vanda is a really clever writer. Her plots are ingenious and gripping, her characters living and breathing and she creates a real sense of place, which will make you dying to hop a plane to New Zealand as soon as possible. Sam is a proper, imperfect, relatable, warm and admirable person to carry the story, you really care about what happens because of her. I only have one complaint. I now have to wait a whole year for another Sam Shephard book, which is tortuous. Write faster, Vanda, please. Faster, faster!
March 4, 2021
I've been a fan of Vanda Symon's for a while now, and of her creation, Sam Shephard, who is a breath of fresh air in the police procedural area of crime fiction. Young, female, impetuous and with a sense of justice that frequently threatens to derail her career, Sam's adventures are always worth reading - and as a bonus we get to spend time in New Zealand without having to leave the safety of our sofas, a precious gift in these times of no travelling.
The prologue is brief but powerful and signals clearly that this will be a high stakes case. Sam is part of the team called to the luxurious but isolated mansion home of John Henderson: he's dead and his wife Jill injured. The couple were found by their teenage son, Declan, with the first assumption that it's been a home invasion gone horribly wrong. But talking to Jill the next day as she recovers in hospital, Sam learns that John's business interests weren't all entirely legitimate...
A forensic breakthrough leads the team to two suspects, previously involved in the killing of a police officer - the case just got personal. Both are interviewed, both vehemently deny any involvement with the Henderson case. But there's a link between them and John Henderson, and Sam and the team get the bit between their collective teeth.
During all this, Sam is dealing - or rather, not dealing - with the fact her dad's cancer is now terminal, and he's not likely to leave the Dunedin hospice room he is moved to, far away from the family farm. Coping with her feelings about her dad and her troubled relationship with her mother by burying herself in work lead her to make a breakthrough that shocks the officers.
That moment is followed by a world of pain descending on Sam, which pushes the plot firmly to the side in favour of a heartbreakingly intense character focus which brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. It's safe to say there's plenty of fallout to deal with in the next book in the series - though is there some positive news too? Maybe, just maybe...
The series (this is the fourth to be published in the UK) has given us a string of imaginative plots and an evolving picture of Sam, but the events of Bound challenge both character and author more than ever, with the result being a more rewarding read. How far would you go to protect your family? What would you do to serve the greater good? These questions run through Bound, and the novel makes it clear there are no easy answers.
The prologue is brief but powerful and signals clearly that this will be a high stakes case. Sam is part of the team called to the luxurious but isolated mansion home of John Henderson: he's dead and his wife Jill injured. The couple were found by their teenage son, Declan, with the first assumption that it's been a home invasion gone horribly wrong. But talking to Jill the next day as she recovers in hospital, Sam learns that John's business interests weren't all entirely legitimate...
A forensic breakthrough leads the team to two suspects, previously involved in the killing of a police officer - the case just got personal. Both are interviewed, both vehemently deny any involvement with the Henderson case. But there's a link between them and John Henderson, and Sam and the team get the bit between their collective teeth.
During all this, Sam is dealing - or rather, not dealing - with the fact her dad's cancer is now terminal, and he's not likely to leave the Dunedin hospice room he is moved to, far away from the family farm. Coping with her feelings about her dad and her troubled relationship with her mother by burying herself in work lead her to make a breakthrough that shocks the officers.
That moment is followed by a world of pain descending on Sam, which pushes the plot firmly to the side in favour of a heartbreakingly intense character focus which brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. It's safe to say there's plenty of fallout to deal with in the next book in the series - though is there some positive news too? Maybe, just maybe...
The series (this is the fourth to be published in the UK) has given us a string of imaginative plots and an evolving picture of Sam, but the events of Bound challenge both character and author more than ever, with the result being a more rewarding read. How far would you go to protect your family? What would you do to serve the greater good? These questions run through Bound, and the novel makes it clear there are no easy answers.
March 29, 2021
A twisty mystery & detective novel by an author at the top of her game.
In the fourth installment of the Sam Shephard series, Sam, now a full-fledged detective, and her Dunedin Police crime solving mates investigate the murder of a well-regarded local business owner killed during a bloody home invasion. The deeper they dig into the case, the more it seems the victim, John Henderson, may have been involved in things not entirely legitimate when the cops learn he carried on regular business with one of Dunedin’s most infamous crooks.
The unfolding mystery involving the dead entrepreneur, along with additional threads concerning Sam’s love interest, fellow detective, Paul Frost, a serious family crisis Sam had expected, but isn’t truly prepared for, and an unexpected personal development that catches her completely off-guard means there’s a lot happening in the book.
Vanda Symon’s books are always satisfyingly twisty with complex characters, usually with frailties, and there’s often a moral or ethical challenge at the heart of the book. Her latest is no exception.
There is a theme around right and wrong; good and bad. There are moral or ethical dilemmas about actions taken and meting out “justice.”
I really liked where Symon ended up taking Sam’s character in the book, which is one strength of this novel. This is probably my favorite Sam Shephard book, and I’ve read all four books in the series. It’s twisty, unpredictable in terms of the who-done-it, and in how the other threads eventually unfold.
I really love this series, and I adore everything about the character Sam Shephard. Also, I love Symon’s conversational style of writing. It feels as if Sam is telling us her story. As the narrator, she is engaging and funny and an unabashedly witty, clever, and cheeky young woman who often finds it necessary to bite her tongue—though she’s always quick to tell us exactly what she is thinking.
Because Sam is our narrator, the thoughts, the words and the phrasing Symon offers readers are witty, warm and honest. She is without a doubt one of my favourite crime fiction characters—serving up humorous thoughts and observations. There’s plenty of local Dunedin color on offer in Symon’s books, too.
If you’re new to Sam Shephard’s world, Bound, a twisty mystery & detective novel by an author at the top of her game, is a great place to jump in. Then go back and start the series from the beginning.
In the fourth installment of the Sam Shephard series, Sam, now a full-fledged detective, and her Dunedin Police crime solving mates investigate the murder of a well-regarded local business owner killed during a bloody home invasion. The deeper they dig into the case, the more it seems the victim, John Henderson, may have been involved in things not entirely legitimate when the cops learn he carried on regular business with one of Dunedin’s most infamous crooks.
The unfolding mystery involving the dead entrepreneur, along with additional threads concerning Sam’s love interest, fellow detective, Paul Frost, a serious family crisis Sam had expected, but isn’t truly prepared for, and an unexpected personal development that catches her completely off-guard means there’s a lot happening in the book.
Vanda Symon’s books are always satisfyingly twisty with complex characters, usually with frailties, and there’s often a moral or ethical challenge at the heart of the book. Her latest is no exception.
There is a theme around right and wrong; good and bad. There are moral or ethical dilemmas about actions taken and meting out “justice.”
I really liked where Symon ended up taking Sam’s character in the book, which is one strength of this novel. This is probably my favorite Sam Shephard book, and I’ve read all four books in the series. It’s twisty, unpredictable in terms of the who-done-it, and in how the other threads eventually unfold.
I really love this series, and I adore everything about the character Sam Shephard. Also, I love Symon’s conversational style of writing. It feels as if Sam is telling us her story. As the narrator, she is engaging and funny and an unabashedly witty, clever, and cheeky young woman who often finds it necessary to bite her tongue—though she’s always quick to tell us exactly what she is thinking.
Because Sam is our narrator, the thoughts, the words and the phrasing Symon offers readers are witty, warm and honest. She is without a doubt one of my favourite crime fiction characters—serving up humorous thoughts and observations. There’s plenty of local Dunedin color on offer in Symon’s books, too.
If you’re new to Sam Shephard’s world, Bound, a twisty mystery & detective novel by an author at the top of her game, is a great place to jump in. Then go back and start the series from the beginning.
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