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Detective Sheridan Holler #1
Long Time Dead
DI Sheridan Holler is used to solving crimes on Liverpool’s streets, but after a decayed corpse turns up in a cemetery, she finds herself reopening not one but two cold cases. Seven years earlier, two women were gunned down and the only suspect, small-time drug dealer John Lively, was never seen again. Case closed. Until the body in the cemetery is identified as his.
Holler needs to work out if Lively was killed out of revenge, or was just a victim of the criminal world he inhabited. When shocking evidence is revealed about the murder weapon, Holler’s cold case starts to look hopeless once more.
But defeat is not an option. Driven by the unsolved and traumatic murder of her brother when they were children, DI Holler’s pursuit of justice is relentless. As old wounds are reopened, the police close in on the killer, but the threat of them striking again is all too real. Can DI Holler put the pieces of the puzzle together before anyone else winds up dead?
Holler needs to work out if Lively was killed out of revenge, or was just a victim of the criminal world he inhabited. When shocking evidence is revealed about the murder weapon, Holler’s cold case starts to look hopeless once more.
But defeat is not an option. Driven by the unsolved and traumatic murder of her brother when they were children, DI Holler’s pursuit of justice is relentless. As old wounds are reopened, the police close in on the killer, but the threat of them striking again is all too real. Can DI Holler put the pieces of the puzzle together before anyone else winds up dead?
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
2710 people are currently reading
6806 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Payne
5 books157 followersT.M. Payne’s Detective Sheridan Holler series will be published by Amazon Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
August 1, 2024
3.5 rounded down
The storyline and plot are good, it has pace and there are twists. However, the start is disjointed and then the end also becomes that way, dragging the novel out unnecessarily. Until that point it’s a four star read but when my eyes start rolling with frustration it has to be downgraded to a 3. There are a lot of plot threads and some are unresolved- either they are a distraction or will be picked up in the next book?? Not sure if I’ll bother tbh.
The storyline and plot are good, it has pace and there are twists. However, the start is disjointed and then the end also becomes that way, dragging the novel out unnecessarily. Until that point it’s a four star read but when my eyes start rolling with frustration it has to be downgraded to a 3. There are a lot of plot threads and some are unresolved- either they are a distraction or will be picked up in the next book?? Not sure if I’ll bother tbh.
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March 25, 2024I think a lot of people will like this book and follow the series but it's not for me.
'A Long Time Dead' has a good plot populated by lots of interesting and believable women.
The exposition was smooth, with information being disclosed not just by following DI Holler and her team but through what I learned following other characters. I liked the way this invited me to put the pieces together for myself and sometimes gave me the feeling that I was ahead of Holler and her team. I also liked that the police are shown as competent and collaborative, avoiding the cliché of the lone Detective working hard and still getting grief from their less-than-competent boss. The police procedures and the atmosphere in the team felt real to me.
I liked that most of the people who move the plot forward are women and that the women are very different from one another.
The story is set in Liverpool but I didn't feel any strong connection to the place or its people. The place names were right but other than that, this could have been in Manchester.
The writing is light and confident.The individual scenes, like the first killing and the one with the grave digger, are vivid, dramatic and memorable.
So why have I set it aside at 20%?
My problem was that I felt I was getting a camera-eye view of the events and the characters that never took me beneath the surface to deal with things a camera wouldn't catch. I know that this style works well for many people. It reminds me of some of Ann Cleeves' novels and, like those novels, I'd be happy to watch this as a TV programme but I wasn't getting enough traction to keep me engaged with it as a novel.
'A Long Time Dead' has a good plot populated by lots of interesting and believable women.
The exposition was smooth, with information being disclosed not just by following DI Holler and her team but through what I learned following other characters. I liked the way this invited me to put the pieces together for myself and sometimes gave me the feeling that I was ahead of Holler and her team. I also liked that the police are shown as competent and collaborative, avoiding the cliché of the lone Detective working hard and still getting grief from their less-than-competent boss. The police procedures and the atmosphere in the team felt real to me.
I liked that most of the people who move the plot forward are women and that the women are very different from one another.
The story is set in Liverpool but I didn't feel any strong connection to the place or its people. The place names were right but other than that, this could have been in Manchester.
The writing is light and confident.The individual scenes, like the first killing and the one with the grave digger, are vivid, dramatic and memorable.
So why have I set it aside at 20%?
My problem was that I felt I was getting a camera-eye view of the events and the characters that never took me beneath the surface to deal with things a camera wouldn't catch. I know that this style works well for many people. It reminds me of some of Ann Cleeves' novels and, like those novels, I'd be happy to watch this as a TV programme but I wasn't getting enough traction to keep me engaged with it as a novel.
February 24, 2024
A highly recommended 5 star and more read !
What a fantastic start to a new series I can’t wait for the next one and I’m sure this is going to be one of my all time favourites going by the first book. From the very start I just fell in love with this read it kept me guessing all the way through and has one of the most satisfying end I have read. The characters are all superb and so well crafted , the humour is just spot on and had me laughing a lot especially the very lovely Maud !
The book is filled with unpredictable twists that I didn’t see coming and when you read a lot of mystery thrillers as I do that always a big bonus. I just can’t fault the read in any way and my only sadness is I have to wait for the next to find out what is going to be happening next.
My thanks to TM Payne…. well girl you did yourself proud this is an amazingly good read and one that’s not to be missed, please write the next one soon.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What a fantastic start to a new series I can’t wait for the next one and I’m sure this is going to be one of my all time favourites going by the first book. From the very start I just fell in love with this read it kept me guessing all the way through and has one of the most satisfying end I have read. The characters are all superb and so well crafted , the humour is just spot on and had me laughing a lot especially the very lovely Maud !
The book is filled with unpredictable twists that I didn’t see coming and when you read a lot of mystery thrillers as I do that always a big bonus. I just can’t fault the read in any way and my only sadness is I have to wait for the next to find out what is going to be happening next.
My thanks to TM Payne…. well girl you did yourself proud this is an amazingly good read and one that’s not to be missed, please write the next one soon.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
Wow, I absolutely loved this book, wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
DI Sheridan Holler is one of a cast of very likeable characters. I enjoyed the relationships between the many 'good guys' and hated the few bad ones. And I laughed at Maud, the cat, sooo cute!
The story is terrific, as is the way it's presented. It's clever, surprising and absolutely absorbing. And it has a lot of heart. I just can't say enough about it, it's that good. Hopefully there are many more in this series, because this first one is awesome. Highly recommended!
Wow, I absolutely loved this book, wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
DI Sheridan Holler is one of a cast of very likeable characters. I enjoyed the relationships between the many 'good guys' and hated the few bad ones. And I laughed at Maud, the cat, sooo cute!
The story is terrific, as is the way it's presented. It's clever, surprising and absolutely absorbing. And it has a lot of heart. I just can't say enough about it, it's that good. Hopefully there are many more in this series, because this first one is awesome. Highly recommended!
March 14, 2024
DI Sheridan Holler is called to a crime scene in a cemetery where a body has been uncovered by the grave digger. Who is the murder victim? How did they end up here? How were they killed? This book is updownable and the only reason I stopped was I needed sleep and to recharge the Kindle, lol!! The story is told over several time periods. DI Sheridan Holler, when she was a child, her brother Matthew was killed. Fast forward to the present day, she wants to find the killer. It is a plot full of twists and turns!! It is well written and very descriptive and I could see the locations used in my mind! The characters are well written and I enjoyed their interactions with each other. All the threads from the sub plots were all tied together with a dramatic ending! I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2023
this is a new author for me and this first book in series is amazing. the story pulls you in from page one. Detective Sheridan Holler. has never forgotten her brother who was murdered they never found the killer.so she joined the force. to help others. Garry Lee is getting a grave ready. And he finds a body on the top. and its John Lively who killed a police officer and a woman who survived. but in a nursing home Joni works at that nursing home and looks after that victim Ellie. Its Sheridan and her team that has to put everything together. there a lot of twists and turns a very gripping read so looking forward to book 2. so recommend
April 30, 2024
DNF ... bei Seite 204.
Hab die Hälfte gelesen und ich muss sagen, es reizt mich absolut nichts daran es zu ende zu lesen.
Die Ermittlerin ist für mich eine der langweiligsten, die ich jemals gelesen habe.
Und auch den Rest finde ich leider nicht sonderlich spannend.
Hab die Hälfte gelesen und ich muss sagen, es reizt mich absolut nichts daran es zu ende zu lesen.
Die Ermittlerin ist für mich eine der langweiligsten, die ich jemals gelesen habe.
Und auch den Rest finde ich leider nicht sonderlich spannend.
June 29, 2025
excelente plot twist!!!!
era como un capitulo de law & order pero en versión libro🤪
todas las noches me dormía con las ganas de seguir leyendo porque cada capítulo era mejor que el anterior! claramente ya me baje los libros siguientes🤩
era como un capitulo de law & order pero en versión libro🤪
todas las noches me dormía con las ganas de seguir leyendo porque cada capítulo era mejor que el anterior! claramente ya me baje los libros siguientes🤩
April 7, 2024
Another great Amazon first read! So glad I chose this one. The beginning of the book jumped between a few parts of the story which is something I usually find confusing but this quickly started to link up so I actually really enjoyed the way it was done.
I really liked the characters used in the book and the way you got to know them.
I have already pre-ordered the second book in the series which comes out in October and really hope that the ongoing story with Sheridan’s brother continues!
A great crime novel with other things such as romance added in to make it very wholesome!
I really liked the characters used in the book and the way you got to know them.
I have already pre-ordered the second book in the series which comes out in October and really hope that the ongoing story with Sheridan’s brother continues!
A great crime novel with other things such as romance added in to make it very wholesome!
March 11, 2024
When the body of a petty criminal is discovered some seven years after his disappearance it sparks the reopening of an investigation into a shooting that occurred at around the same time.
It’s a good solid, tense police procedural with an intriguing storyline. However, there were some things that I struggled with. It’s a bit hard to keep track of all the characters in the early stages, especially as some of them are rather one-dimensional. And although it’s set on Merseyside I didn’t really get a strong sense of place. There’s also a tendency to ‘head hop’ in parts rather than maintaining a consistent POV through each scene.
The plot is enough to get you through but this never quite manages to generate the shine needed to stand out in a crowded field.
Obtained free under the Amazon First Reads programme.
It’s a good solid, tense police procedural with an intriguing storyline. However, there were some things that I struggled with. It’s a bit hard to keep track of all the characters in the early stages, especially as some of them are rather one-dimensional. And although it’s set on Merseyside I didn’t really get a strong sense of place. There’s also a tendency to ‘head hop’ in parts rather than maintaining a consistent POV through each scene.
The plot is enough to get you through but this never quite manages to generate the shine needed to stand out in a crowded field.
Obtained free under the Amazon First Reads programme.
July 4, 2024
I’d heard good things about T M Payne’s books so maybe I just read the wrong one because this was just a bit meh.
This is a good police procedural with a strong female character at the forefront. The story begins 7 years ago with a case that remains unsolved today. However, I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the characters at the start and found it didn’t really get easier through the book, especially as some of these characters were quite one dimensional.
I also found the plot had too many threads to it sometimes and I found it hard to work out what the main focus of the book was. I think this made the book feel a bit confusing and it became a bit waffly because I wasn’t sure what was actually relevant. It also made it quite forgettable because there wasn’t a hugely strong plot line for me.
All in all, it was ok but I probably won’t be picking up the next book.
This is a good police procedural with a strong female character at the forefront. The story begins 7 years ago with a case that remains unsolved today. However, I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the characters at the start and found it didn’t really get easier through the book, especially as some of these characters were quite one dimensional.
I also found the plot had too many threads to it sometimes and I found it hard to work out what the main focus of the book was. I think this made the book feel a bit confusing and it became a bit waffly because I wasn’t sure what was actually relevant. It also made it quite forgettable because there wasn’t a hugely strong plot line for me.
All in all, it was ok but I probably won’t be picking up the next book.
February 13, 2024
From the prologue to the very last page I was engrossed in this novel.
The prologue begins with a shooting in a supermarket car park, fast forward seven years and DI Sheridan Holler is still trying to discover who killed her brother Matthew twenty seven years previously. But when a decomposed body is discovered and later revealed as John Lively, the man suspected of supermarket crime, her time and effort moves to that case.
With lots of characters you could be forgiven for wondering how they are all linked together but by the end of the novel all the threads come together to a satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to more in the series
The prologue begins with a shooting in a supermarket car park, fast forward seven years and DI Sheridan Holler is still trying to discover who killed her brother Matthew twenty seven years previously. But when a decomposed body is discovered and later revealed as John Lively, the man suspected of supermarket crime, her time and effort moves to that case.
With lots of characters you could be forgiven for wondering how they are all linked together but by the end of the novel all the threads come together to a satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to more in the series
January 12, 2025
Too much going on, too many stories within stories, none of the characters really convincing other than the big hearted care worker, Joni. Could have been a good story line, but seemed to lose credibility and only became interesting at 65%. And the author doesn’t know when to end the book, crime solved but rather than a brief epilogue to tie up loose ends, carries on for another 5 chapters!!!
March 5, 2024
Good read
New author for me but enjoyed this book. Liked the development of the characters and interesting story. Would read another
New author for me but enjoyed this book. Liked the development of the characters and interesting story. Would read another
January 23, 2025
A good page turner, couldn’t really see where it was going to begin with but there was a good few twists which I didn’t expect.. 3.5 ⭐️
December 25, 2024
Really enjoyed meeting a new detective who felt so real. Next book is waiting to be read and I’ve preordered book 3!
September 5, 2023
Another detective story which I really enjoyed. I loved the writing style, the storyline and all the suspense, twists and turns till the end when the mystery was solved. I loved it! My favourite type of book I love to read.
May 29, 2025
My Review –
First, I must thank Tina Payne for so very kindly sending me a signed copy of Long Time Dead, the first Di Sheridan Holler novel. It’s always exciting finding new authors and a privilege to read their works.
I had no idea how I had passed this series by, because I absolutely loved Long Time Dead, and here’s why.
We are introduced to DI Sheridan Holler in a court setting, where we get a taste of her type of character! When a decomposed body is found in a graveyard, Sheridan is leading the team on the investigation. And when it turns out that this is a small-time drug dealer who was accused of shooting two women seven years earlier, DI Holler and her team have to reopen a cold case and investigate.
This is a slickly written crime fiction novel of high calibre. The police procedural side is exemplary and easy enough for the layman to understand, and the realistic portrayal of Police Officers and Detectives working under pressure is superb. It’s clear that Tina has brought her time in the Criminal Justice system to bear here, and she has researched well how a criminal investigation works. The storyline is engrossing, and the plot is extremely well written – I thought I had an idea of the outcome, but I was SO wrong! I love that, reading a lot of crime fiction does sometimes mean you can see the perp and how the novel will go, but not with Long Time Dead, the plot was very unique and gripping!
I admired the cast of characters, Di Sheridan Holler is a clever, intelligent Detective who is well-liked by her team and colleagues. For me, her being a strong, Lesbian lead character was brilliant, it’s so nice to have someone to relate to for a change in a crime fiction series. And I loved that we got to find out her backstory, and her relationship with the very lovely Sam (not forgetting Maud the cat!), This was really well written and realistic. I’ve already fallen in love with Sheridan and cannot wait to read book two!
The story is pacey and when things really start to rack up, I could not put the book down (abandoning chores to read!), and the end was brilliant, a real surprise!
So my rating, well, a huge 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read and a brilliant start to what I hope will be a spectacular new series for me to binge read!
First, I must thank Tina Payne for so very kindly sending me a signed copy of Long Time Dead, the first Di Sheridan Holler novel. It’s always exciting finding new authors and a privilege to read their works.
I had no idea how I had passed this series by, because I absolutely loved Long Time Dead, and here’s why.
We are introduced to DI Sheridan Holler in a court setting, where we get a taste of her type of character! When a decomposed body is found in a graveyard, Sheridan is leading the team on the investigation. And when it turns out that this is a small-time drug dealer who was accused of shooting two women seven years earlier, DI Holler and her team have to reopen a cold case and investigate.
This is a slickly written crime fiction novel of high calibre. The police procedural side is exemplary and easy enough for the layman to understand, and the realistic portrayal of Police Officers and Detectives working under pressure is superb. It’s clear that Tina has brought her time in the Criminal Justice system to bear here, and she has researched well how a criminal investigation works. The storyline is engrossing, and the plot is extremely well written – I thought I had an idea of the outcome, but I was SO wrong! I love that, reading a lot of crime fiction does sometimes mean you can see the perp and how the novel will go, but not with Long Time Dead, the plot was very unique and gripping!
I admired the cast of characters, Di Sheridan Holler is a clever, intelligent Detective who is well-liked by her team and colleagues. For me, her being a strong, Lesbian lead character was brilliant, it’s so nice to have someone to relate to for a change in a crime fiction series. And I loved that we got to find out her backstory, and her relationship with the very lovely Sam (not forgetting Maud the cat!), This was really well written and realistic. I’ve already fallen in love with Sheridan and cannot wait to read book two!
The story is pacey and when things really start to rack up, I could not put the book down (abandoning chores to read!), and the end was brilliant, a real surprise!
So my rating, well, a huge 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read and a brilliant start to what I hope will be a spectacular new series for me to binge read!
March 26, 2024
Let me just say WOW! You know that feeling when you have just finished a book and you want to read everything the author has ever written? That is me at this moment; I just finished Long Time Dead, the first book in the DI Sheridan Holler Thriller series written by T. M. Payne. I so thoroughly enjoyed it that I hated to stop reading to sleep. DI Sheridan Holler is a single, feisty, respected detective of the Liverpool Police Department. Her life and her parents lives were devastated by the unsloved murder of her her 12 year old brother almost 30 years ago. That tragedy was the driving force in Sheridan's decision to join the force and her commitment to solving his murder has never wavered.
The story begins in December, 1997 when two women entering the supermarket are shot by a runaway driver on a motorcycle. One woman, Kate Armitage, a policewoman died. The other woman, Elle Sands, a local newspaper editor, suffered severe head injuries. After a long hospitalization Ellie was transferred to a long term nursing home.
Fast forward seven years, and a gravedigger discovers the remains of a body burried on top of a woman who died seven years ago. When Kate and her team begin investigating unsolved missing persons cases around that time, the name John Lively comes up. He had been a local drug user and often appeared on the police radar, especially that of Kate Armitage. Could the body be John Lively? Oh there is so much more to share, but I don't want to give anything away. Suffice to say Long Time Dead is a terrific thriller that will captivate your interest from the first page to the last. It is a fast-paced novel; the sub- plots and characters intriguing- its just a wonderful read. Oh and be sure and read the acknowledgements- they are a hoot. Long Time Dead is the first T.M. Payne work I have read; it will not be my last. Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of the book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion. 5 stars.
The story begins in December, 1997 when two women entering the supermarket are shot by a runaway driver on a motorcycle. One woman, Kate Armitage, a policewoman died. The other woman, Elle Sands, a local newspaper editor, suffered severe head injuries. After a long hospitalization Ellie was transferred to a long term nursing home.
Fast forward seven years, and a gravedigger discovers the remains of a body burried on top of a woman who died seven years ago. When Kate and her team begin investigating unsolved missing persons cases around that time, the name John Lively comes up. He had been a local drug user and often appeared on the police radar, especially that of Kate Armitage. Could the body be John Lively? Oh there is so much more to share, but I don't want to give anything away. Suffice to say Long Time Dead is a terrific thriller that will captivate your interest from the first page to the last. It is a fast-paced novel; the sub- plots and characters intriguing- its just a wonderful read. Oh and be sure and read the acknowledgements- they are a hoot. Long Time Dead is the first T.M. Payne work I have read; it will not be my last. Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of the book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion. 5 stars.
March 31, 2024
Seven years ago two women were gunned down outside a Liverpool supermarket, the suspect was believed to be drug dealer John Lively but he was never caught and the case remained unsolved, that is until now, when a body discovered in a cemetery is identified as the missing suspect. DI Sheridan Holler and her team now need to figure out when and why he died but, when new evidence comes to light about the murder weapon, it throws both cases into turmoil. Alongside all this Sheridan is desperate to find out who murdered her brother when he was a child and she won't rest until she does, but these cases must be dealt with first before anyone else is killed.
Long Time Dead is the first in this detective series, it's a multi layered plot with plenty going on and the author throws in a few twists along the way just to keep us readers on our toes. I felt, at first, that it was a bit too descriptive but as the story went on that seemed to settle down, picking up a good pace and I was hooked for the rest of the book. This was more than just a crime novel though, the author injects a certain level of comedy into her writing too, which shone through in the chapters involving Maud, the cat. There are some great characters in this novel, I particularly liked Sheridan and look forward to getting to know her, and the rest of the team, better in the next book. A great read from a new to me author and I can't wait for book two!
I'd like to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Long Time Dead is the first in this detective series, it's a multi layered plot with plenty going on and the author throws in a few twists along the way just to keep us readers on our toes. I felt, at first, that it was a bit too descriptive but as the story went on that seemed to settle down, picking up a good pace and I was hooked for the rest of the book. This was more than just a crime novel though, the author injects a certain level of comedy into her writing too, which shone through in the chapters involving Maud, the cat. There are some great characters in this novel, I particularly liked Sheridan and look forward to getting to know her, and the rest of the team, better in the next book. A great read from a new to me author and I can't wait for book two!
I'd like to thank Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
November 10, 2023
When a gravedigger digs up the skeletal remains of a male victim at a cemetery, DI Sheridan Holler and her colleague DS Anna Markinson with the Hale Street Police Station are called in to investigate.
The body was buried atop a coffin of a female who died several years earlier. The grave was reopened because her husband recently passed away and they were meant to be buried beside each other.
The victim is later identified as John Lively, a man who shot an off-duty police officer and another female in a supermarket seven years ago. Fortunately, the unknown female survived but the cop didn’t.
Soon after the shooting John Lively disappeared and is still wanted in connection with the shooting.
Apparently John Lively was shot to death and has been dead for seven years. Its now up to DI Sheridan Holler and her team to find out how John ended up buried in a cemetery.
Meanwhile DI Sheridan Holler’s still looking into a cold case involving her brother Andrew Holler who was murdered when he was fourteen years old.
Overall, this is an enjoyable detective story with engaging characters, an interesting plot, and terrific pacing. Would recommend
Thank you to T. M. Payne, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book.
The body was buried atop a coffin of a female who died several years earlier. The grave was reopened because her husband recently passed away and they were meant to be buried beside each other.
The victim is later identified as John Lively, a man who shot an off-duty police officer and another female in a supermarket seven years ago. Fortunately, the unknown female survived but the cop didn’t.
Soon after the shooting John Lively disappeared and is still wanted in connection with the shooting.
Apparently John Lively was shot to death and has been dead for seven years. Its now up to DI Sheridan Holler and her team to find out how John ended up buried in a cemetery.
Meanwhile DI Sheridan Holler’s still looking into a cold case involving her brother Andrew Holler who was murdered when he was fourteen years old.
Overall, this is an enjoyable detective story with engaging characters, an interesting plot, and terrific pacing. Would recommend
Thank you to T. M. Payne, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book.
January 11, 2025
The Blurb 📖
The discovery of a decaying corpse in a cemetery results in two cold cases being reopened when one of those corpses is identified as the suspect in the other cod case.
DI Sheridan Holler is not someone who gives up. Her own past drives her to pursue justice. Investigating these two cold cases takes many twists and turns with some humour along the way. Can Sheridan find the answers needed to solve the cases?
The Good 📖
The characters are all well developed in this book, from the goodies to the baddies and in between.
I liked Sheridan from the beginning. She is pushed to find answers because of the unsolved murder of her brother when she was young. Although this isn't the main plot of the book it is a huge driver for Sheridan and I am invested enough in her character to want to pick up the next in the series in the hope she might get answers.
I felt sorry for Ellie, one of the victims of the cold cases but the way this character and her difficulties were treated by different people felt very true to life.
For me, this book was all about the characters but the plot itself was also well done.
The Meh 📖
I don't want to give any spoilers but there were one or two points which felt obvious (not the ending, I felt that was very well done). These didn't ruin the overall book though and can easily be overlooked.
The Result 📖
I got into this book right from the start. If you want to find a new series to read where you want the main character to succeed, this could be it. The second in the series has been added to my tbr list. The third is due to be published in March.
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The discovery of a decaying corpse in a cemetery results in two cold cases being reopened when one of those corpses is identified as the suspect in the other cod case.
DI Sheridan Holler is not someone who gives up. Her own past drives her to pursue justice. Investigating these two cold cases takes many twists and turns with some humour along the way. Can Sheridan find the answers needed to solve the cases?
The Good 📖
The characters are all well developed in this book, from the goodies to the baddies and in between.
I liked Sheridan from the beginning. She is pushed to find answers because of the unsolved murder of her brother when she was young. Although this isn't the main plot of the book it is a huge driver for Sheridan and I am invested enough in her character to want to pick up the next in the series in the hope she might get answers.
I felt sorry for Ellie, one of the victims of the cold cases but the way this character and her difficulties were treated by different people felt very true to life.
For me, this book was all about the characters but the plot itself was also well done.
The Meh 📖
I don't want to give any spoilers but there were one or two points which felt obvious (not the ending, I felt that was very well done). These didn't ruin the overall book though and can easily be overlooked.
The Result 📖
I got into this book right from the start. If you want to find a new series to read where you want the main character to succeed, this could be it. The second in the series has been added to my tbr list. The third is due to be published in March.
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February 13, 2024
From the prologue to the very last page I was engrossed in this novel.
The prologue begins with a shooting in a supermarket car park, fast forward seven years and DI Sheridan Holler is still trying to discover who killed her brother Matthew twenty seven years previously. But when a decomposed body is discovered and later revealed as John Lively, the man suspected of supermarket crime, her time and effort moves to that case.
With lots of characters you could be forgiven for wondering how they are all linked together but by the end of the novel all the threads come together to a satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to more in the series
The prologue begins with a shooting in a supermarket car park, fast forward seven years and DI Sheridan Holler is still trying to discover who killed her brother Matthew twenty seven years previously. But when a decomposed body is discovered and later revealed as John Lively, the man suspected of supermarket crime, her time and effort moves to that case.
With lots of characters you could be forgiven for wondering how they are all linked together but by the end of the novel all the threads come together to a satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to more in the series
March 9, 2024
Long Time Dead by T. M. Payne is an absolutely superb crime novel that grabs you from the very beginning and won't let go.
Payne expertly devises a story that is full of suspense, twists, surprises, and cryptic clues. The character of DI Sheridan Holler is wonderfully complex and relatable, as are the supporting characters. The setting of the police station is realistic and believable, and I even learned a bit about England along the way.
The twists in the story, which is told from various points of view over various time periods, are shocking and yet make sense, causing you to wonder how you didn't see them coming. And just when you think all of the twists have been revealed, a few more come along and shock you all over again.
The ending wraps up nicely, and leaves you wanting to read more by this phenomenal storyteller.
I sincerely hope that this gets picked up for a crime series. I'd definitely tune in!
I am so happy to have received an ARC of #LongTimeDead from #NetGalley and I look forward to book two in the series.
Payne expertly devises a story that is full of suspense, twists, surprises, and cryptic clues. The character of DI Sheridan Holler is wonderfully complex and relatable, as are the supporting characters. The setting of the police station is realistic and believable, and I even learned a bit about England along the way.
The twists in the story, which is told from various points of view over various time periods, are shocking and yet make sense, causing you to wonder how you didn't see them coming. And just when you think all of the twists have been revealed, a few more come along and shock you all over again.
The ending wraps up nicely, and leaves you wanting to read more by this phenomenal storyteller.
I sincerely hope that this gets picked up for a crime series. I'd definitely tune in!
I am so happy to have received an ARC of #LongTimeDead from #NetGalley and I look forward to book two in the series.
May 15, 2024
Discovered this debut book by Tina Payne on social media. A crime/police procedural novel with a lead female detective is definitely my favourite book genre.
I downloaded the Audible version of this book and loved the narrator Heather Bleasdale she had me gripped from the start.
The body of John Lively a wanted criminal is discovered in the grave of another person when gravediggers open the grave to bury another person. Sheridan Holler is the detective leading the case. What follows are twists and turns.
The authors former career in law enforcement shines through making this book very authentic. Now eagerly awaiting book two.
I downloaded the Audible version of this book and loved the narrator Heather Bleasdale she had me gripped from the start.
The body of John Lively a wanted criminal is discovered in the grave of another person when gravediggers open the grave to bury another person. Sheridan Holler is the detective leading the case. What follows are twists and turns.
The authors former career in law enforcement shines through making this book very authentic. Now eagerly awaiting book two.
March 20, 2024
This is such a great story! A cold case that turns out to be the hottest case in town and nothing is as it seemed to be! Sheridan, a fierceless Detective Inspector, who leads a very close-knit team, is leading the investigation of who is the male found buried in somebody else's grave and discovers that he was accused of killing a Police Officer and injuring a journalist seven years prior. This will unravel a deep conspiracy to cover up theft and murder. Long Time Dead is well-written, with likeable and credible characters, and full of action. Highly recommended!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 26, 2025
a good mystery
An enjoyable whodunnit, D.I Holler and her team try and solve a cold case when a dead body that shouldn’t be there is found years later. The discovery throws doubt on to a solved case of a murdered police officer.
Differing P.O.V’s and timelines, it’s easy to follow and keeps you guessing. There’s even a little romance for the lesbian detective.
An enjoyable whodunnit, D.I Holler and her team try and solve a cold case when a dead body that shouldn’t be there is found years later. The discovery throws doubt on to a solved case of a murdered police officer.
Differing P.O.V’s and timelines, it’s easy to follow and keeps you guessing. There’s even a little romance for the lesbian detective.
March 8, 2024
A really entertaining murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns- it is obvious that the author has spent time in the justice system
January 31, 2025
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book at the beginning, there was too much information thrown in the space of a few chapters. However I really enjoyed the story and the fast pace. I might even read the sequel!
April 5, 2025
really enjoyed this, was gripped so quickly. characters were fun, and loved all the police aspects. can't wait to carry on these books
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