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DI Haskell and Quinn #1
A Wicked Mercy
He's in your home . . . and you don't even know it.
Not everything is as it seems in this sleepy Yorkshire village.
DI Drew Haskell is a no-nonsense detective recovering from a devastating personal loss. When a number of young people are found dead in a sleepy Yorkshire village, Haskell believes a murderer is on the loose. But his boss isn't so sure and won't authorize an investigation. Breaking the rules is Haskell's only chance at solving this case.
Teaming up with criminal profiler Harriet Quinn--the only other person who believes a murderer is at large--Haskell opens up a can of worms that triggers a deadly sequence of events.
Can they stop the killer before he finds another victim?
Not everything is as it seems in this sleepy Yorkshire village.
DI Drew Haskell is a no-nonsense detective recovering from a devastating personal loss. When a number of young people are found dead in a sleepy Yorkshire village, Haskell believes a murderer is on the loose. But his boss isn't so sure and won't authorize an investigation. Breaking the rules is Haskell's only chance at solving this case.
Teaming up with criminal profiler Harriet Quinn--the only other person who believes a murderer is at large--Haskell opens up a can of worms that triggers a deadly sequence of events.
Can they stop the killer before he finds another victim?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published December 24, 2019
970 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Bilinda P. Sheehan
15 books45 followersBilinda P. Sheehan writes psychological thrillers and police procedurals. She currently resides in Whitby with her partner and their three cats, more affectionately known as the banes of her existence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 9, 2021
I got to chapter 8 before I couldn’t bare it anymore - this book has not been professionally proofread and has many, many punctuation errors that add to its poor sentence structure. I have no idea whether the narrative was any good cause I didn’t get far enough in to truly tell. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get past the errors, they were distracting and made it too difficult to read. INVEST IN PROOFREADERS - they are essential, they see things you don’t see yourself! When you’ve put so much work and heart into writing a novel, I just do not understand why you wouldn’t make sure it’s perfect before publishing.
January 21, 2022
Whilst it was a read that mostly held my attention, and had tension and so forth, it needs good subediting. There are numerous errors with possessive apostrophes (e.g. a singular noun rendered as a plural, or a plural possessive noun being punctuated as singular possessive). There are also a distracting number of Americanisms, which weakens verisimilitude, an essential to losing oneself in a book that is set in England. For example, I've never heard any Brit call their child or grandchild "pumpkin". I'm afraid this has put me off reading the other books in the series. I can't understand why the author, an Irishwoman living in Whitby, is using Americanisms.
March 4, 2022
Just OK.
Was OK. Not a fan of books where the bad guy comes out of the blue near the end of the story with no previous appearance in the book. No way for the reader to work out who the villain is.
Was OK. Not a fan of books where the bad guy comes out of the blue near the end of the story with no previous appearance in the book. No way for the reader to work out who the villain is.
February 19, 2022
Too much time was spent developing characters. While that’s not always bad, in this book I was still left in the dark. As for the mystery, I do not see how it all so conveniently fell into place.
April 25, 2020
A really enjoyable start to a series, looking forward to the next one in the series
March 31, 2020
Not bad but the Police were useless!
January 16, 2022
Awesome
This book had completely captivated me with plenty of thrill, suspense until the climax, exciting discoveries during the investigation and a gripping climax that could challenge your nerves. Brilliant, outstanding, awesome is how I would describe it.
Sian, a teenager, gets nasty messages on her phone after her boyfriend, Aidan, commits suicide. She senses a creepy movement but before she can do anything, it's too late.
Detective Inspector Drew Haskell gets called upon to investigate the crime scene. He discovers the dead body of Sian Jones. This is the third suicide. The first two suicide victims are Jack Whitly and Aidan Wilson. He can't help but feel that all the three suicides are interlinked and they are cold-blooded murders by a psychopath. His Boss, Detective Chief Inspector Gregson wants him to close the case as a suicide.
He decides to follow his gut instincts and seeks the help of Dr. Harriet Quinn, a psychologist. She has her own share of tragedy as her mother tried to kill her and her brother Kyle. He died while saving her life. Harriet Quinn gets intrigued by the case files that he shares with her. As she digs deeper, she finds the cases are more sinister in nature and feels that someone is trying to stage murders as suicides. DI Haskell upon her insistence seeks to perform another examination of Sian's body.
And plenty of surprises, shocks, and twists lie ahead. Will there be another body? Can DI Haskell and Quinn unmask the murderer before it's too late?
This book had completely captivated me with plenty of thrill, suspense until the climax, exciting discoveries during the investigation and a gripping climax that could challenge your nerves. Brilliant, outstanding, awesome is how I would describe it.
Sian, a teenager, gets nasty messages on her phone after her boyfriend, Aidan, commits suicide. She senses a creepy movement but before she can do anything, it's too late.
Detective Inspector Drew Haskell gets called upon to investigate the crime scene. He discovers the dead body of Sian Jones. This is the third suicide. The first two suicide victims are Jack Whitly and Aidan Wilson. He can't help but feel that all the three suicides are interlinked and they are cold-blooded murders by a psychopath. His Boss, Detective Chief Inspector Gregson wants him to close the case as a suicide.
He decides to follow his gut instincts and seeks the help of Dr. Harriet Quinn, a psychologist. She has her own share of tragedy as her mother tried to kill her and her brother Kyle. He died while saving her life. Harriet Quinn gets intrigued by the case files that he shares with her. As she digs deeper, she finds the cases are more sinister in nature and feels that someone is trying to stage murders as suicides. DI Haskell upon her insistence seeks to perform another examination of Sian's body.
And plenty of surprises, shocks, and twists lie ahead. Will there be another body? Can DI Haskell and Quinn unmask the murderer before it's too late?
January 12, 2020
This is the second book I have read by this author and she is becoming one of my favorites.
This one is the first in the series about Harriet Quinn. Harriet is a psychologist and she works with patients that have mental problems, but also is teaching at a University.
Harriet's mother is also in a mental hospital, so she goes there to visit her and knows the Dr's that treat and sometimes she helps with cases when she is asked to. Right now. a Detective has contacted her. He knows that she has knowledge of patients and families that deal with suicides. He has a case where 3 teenagers have taken their lives and he feels it is more then that. But, to help prove his case, he needs Harriet to help him prove that it could have been murder and there might be a serial killer on the loose.
Great book and I definitely did not guess the ending..I am looking forward to the 2nd in this series
This one is the first in the series about Harriet Quinn. Harriet is a psychologist and she works with patients that have mental problems, but also is teaching at a University.
Harriet's mother is also in a mental hospital, so she goes there to visit her and knows the Dr's that treat and sometimes she helps with cases when she is asked to. Right now. a Detective has contacted her. He knows that she has knowledge of patients and families that deal with suicides. He has a case where 3 teenagers have taken their lives and he feels it is more then that. But, to help prove his case, he needs Harriet to help him prove that it could have been murder and there might be a serial killer on the loose.
Great book and I definitely did not guess the ending..I am looking forward to the 2nd in this series
January 17, 2022
A forensic psychologist and a detective with tragedy in their pasts join forces to investigate a spate of teen suicides. A clever killer on a mission to murder must be stopped despite the misgivings of the detective's superiors and colleagues.
This is a good book. Harriet is better defined than the detective. I did not like the romantic interest with the creepy doctor nor did it make sense that Harriet's openly hostile, rude and subversive secretary would remain employed. Still the highs outweighed the lows. Worth a read and a peak at the sequel.
This is a good book. Harriet is better defined than the detective. I did not like the romantic interest with the creepy doctor nor did it make sense that Harriet's openly hostile, rude and subversive secretary would remain employed. Still the highs outweighed the lows. Worth a read and a peak at the sequel.
January 19, 2022
Following a spate of suicides in the village of Tollby, DI Drew Haskell seeks the help of Dr. Harriet Quinn, a forensic psychologist to pick her brain over the case.
DI Drew is not all convinced that their deaths are suicide. He suspects there’s foul play involved. His superiors however are putting pressure on him to close the case and give the grieving families closure.
He hopes to get his boss DCI Gregson on board using Harriet’s expertise. Perhaps convince his boss to take a second look at the case files.
DI Drew is not all convinced that their deaths are suicide. He suspects there’s foul play involved. His superiors however are putting pressure on him to close the case and give the grieving families closure.
He hopes to get his boss DCI Gregson on board using Harriet’s expertise. Perhaps convince his boss to take a second look at the case files.
January 3, 2021
Adrenaline activator
This was a roller coaster read. Gripping, scary, creepy sad with foundations laid for the series that obviously followed.
The final page was a wet fish in the face.
The story climax was exciting and the outcome offered hope that justice might be served.
The key characters, Drew and Harriet, both haunted by past events, were credible, sympathetic, complex and interesting.
This was a roller coaster read. Gripping, scary, creepy sad with foundations laid for the series that obviously followed.
The final page was a wet fish in the face.
The story climax was exciting and the outcome offered hope that justice might be served.
The key characters, Drew and Harriet, both haunted by past events, were credible, sympathetic, complex and interesting.
February 5, 2022
Misery loves company
Interesting, captivating, some characters, well developed. This was a sad book and it was made even more sad with the death of Bianca. I felt that the book would have received more stars from me if she had not died. Her death did not fit the previous pattern and seemed totally out of character for the killer, so it left me to wonder why.
The end was surprising, totally unexpected.
Interesting, captivating, some characters, well developed. This was a sad book and it was made even more sad with the death of Bianca. I felt that the book would have received more stars from me if she had not died. Her death did not fit the previous pattern and seemed totally out of character for the killer, so it left me to wonder why.
The end was surprising, totally unexpected.
April 12, 2022
Great
What a marvellous read right from the beginning to the end. It was thoroughly enjoyable. All the characters played their parts extremely well. However, a slight use of profanity was not welcome therefore one star off. Saying that, I was still able to continue in my quest to complete this amazing book. Thank you for your dedication to make it a worthwhile few hours of spectacular enjoyment.
What a marvellous read right from the beginning to the end. It was thoroughly enjoyable. All the characters played their parts extremely well. However, a slight use of profanity was not welcome therefore one star off. Saying that, I was still able to continue in my quest to complete this amazing book. Thank you for your dedication to make it a worthwhile few hours of spectacular enjoyment.
July 22, 2022
A good start
This series could turn out to be really good, though you probably need to look past the fact that here is yet another police officer with issues. I wonder if there are books out there with officers who lead normal lives? Anyway, this one was good, and I will definitely read another.
This series could turn out to be really good, though you probably need to look past the fact that here is yet another police officer with issues. I wonder if there are books out there with officers who lead normal lives? Anyway, this one was good, and I will definitely read another.
April 17, 2020
Why the Americanisms ?
This was a really good story with believable characters BUT it was spoilt by the American words and phraseology. Why set a story in Yorkshire , England and not use English as it would be spoken there.
This was a really good story with believable characters BUT it was spoilt by the American words and phraseology. Why set a story in Yorkshire , England and not use English as it would be spoken there.
December 26, 2024
The pacing was slow, with the narrative dragging through excessive detail and uneventful stretches that detracted from the suspense. The dynamic between DI Haskell and Quinn showed potential, but it wasn’t enough to carry the story. Fell short for me.
June 23, 2020
Good read
A pacy page turner but better proof reading would have got rid of some spelling mistakes and at one point Bianca turned into Harriet
A pacy page turner but better proof reading would have got rid of some spelling mistakes and at one point Bianca turned into Harriet
January 11, 2023
I found the characters irritating.
July 12, 2024
The basic plot of this mystery revolves around the psychological profiling of a killer and the psychology behind the story is presented well enough. It was interesting but at times seemed plodding. We are told that the killer has gotten into the minds and lives of those whom he chooses but really never get into depth on how he did this. Yes, he selected victims who were depressed or suicidal, but how did he know of them? Maybe it was because it happened in a small village and he observed them and decided they needed to be put out of their misery. The connections between the victims were eventually established but it seemed rather specious. The real problem, however, is not the storyline or characters. This book was horribly edited and written. The grammatical mistakes were abundant, punctuation errors all over the place, if not missing correct punctuation itself. Run-on sentences abounded, and if planned as a writing style, fell miserably short. It got to the point where I was so annoyed by the many errors that it took away from enjoying the story.
I liked the characters and may try the next book in the series, but if it is as horribly edited I will give up on it.
I liked the characters and may try the next book in the series, but if it is as horribly edited I will give up on it.
April 6, 2020
It's always great to discover a new author and even better to thoroughly enjoy the first read and this was a terrific read. Three teen suicides in as many months sound simple enough except DI Drew Haskell isn't convinced and enlists the help of psychologist Doctor Harriet Quinn to help him look into it further.
The story itself is nice and simple and the characters engaging and not without flaws but what I really loved was how certain aspects of the story go against the usual cliches of the genre - with one chapter in particular leaving me awaiting an unlikely twist which doesn't arrive, making it all the more realistic!!
Thoroughly enjoyable, not overly graphic (but the subject matter is always difficult) and leaving me already looking for the rest of the series!
The story itself is nice and simple and the characters engaging and not without flaws but what I really loved was how certain aspects of the story go against the usual cliches of the genre - with one chapter in particular leaving me awaiting an unlikely twist which doesn't arrive, making it all the more realistic!!
Thoroughly enjoyable, not overly graphic (but the subject matter is always difficult) and leaving me already looking for the rest of the series!
April 20, 2025
The characters were shockingly bad.
A ME who skimped on doing his job, a detective whose pride came before common sense, a forensic psychologist who can’t seem to put the simplest of details together. The higher-up was just obtuse and inept, and I’m pretty sure would have been fired before he even thought of getting to the rank he apparently is.
I only kept reading to see if I got the killer right. I didn’t, purely because there were absolutely zero clues as to who it was until he was caught.
And don’t get me started on the stepfather plot. Pretty sure that was there mostly for shock value.
A ME who skimped on doing his job, a detective whose pride came before common sense, a forensic psychologist who can’t seem to put the simplest of details together. The higher-up was just obtuse and inept, and I’m pretty sure would have been fired before he even thought of getting to the rank he apparently is.
I only kept reading to see if I got the killer right. I didn’t, purely because there were absolutely zero clues as to who it was until he was caught.
And don’t get me started on the stepfather plot. Pretty sure that was there mostly for shock value.
July 30, 2023
The idea for the plot in this book is a good one however the story is not executed very well at all. I'm actually shocked the book got any 4 or 5 star ratings. I suppose if you must have a book where you don't have to think at all, and where the police and forensics are too stupid for words, this would be a good one.
There are too many ridiculous coincidences throughout the entire book and there is a level of hostility between the characters that is simply not believable.
I cannot see how any of this book could have made it past a good editor.
There are too many ridiculous coincidences throughout the entire book and there is a level of hostility between the characters that is simply not believable.
I cannot see how any of this book could have made it past a good editor.
February 7, 2020
I don’t always read this genre but wanted a change from the ‘boy meets girl’ and what a change it was.Harriet has bit of a complex background I felt but really liked her working relationship with Drew both were brave characters.I will be sleeping with the lights in after reading this end wasn’t what I though and did think it ended rather abruptly not sure if I will read the next book in this series or not only if it features Drew in it.
February 7, 2022
one thing missing
Dr. Quinn tries to help police find a killer before they know that they need to look for one. DI Haskell knows something is off but can’t find evidence to prove it. The DCI simply wants the case closed. The author works diligently to show us the mind of the killer. The only thing missing is a good editing. The book is fraught with poor punctuation and sentence structure. It’s a shame, because it’s a really good story.
Dr. Quinn tries to help police find a killer before they know that they need to look for one. DI Haskell knows something is off but can’t find evidence to prove it. The DCI simply wants the case closed. The author works diligently to show us the mind of the killer. The only thing missing is a good editing. The book is fraught with poor punctuation and sentence structure. It’s a shame, because it’s a really good story.
September 16, 2022
A book in my to be read pile.
Mostly a setup forging a relationship between our two main protagonists. Not much on police procedure nor the crimes themselves.
For me, not near enough clues (breadcrumbs) to create a mystery for me to solve ahead of the conclusion. Really intended to setup the series. I am much more used to Crime Thrillers that tease me all along as I rack my brain sorting out the facts from the lies.
This was a GoodReads.
Mostly a setup forging a relationship between our two main protagonists. Not much on police procedure nor the crimes themselves.
For me, not near enough clues (breadcrumbs) to create a mystery for me to solve ahead of the conclusion. Really intended to setup the series. I am much more used to Crime Thrillers that tease me all along as I rack my brain sorting out the facts from the lies.
This was a GoodReads.
December 27, 2023
Adrenalin Galore
The suspense builds slowly at first, like “being followed by a moon shadow” as Cat Stevens tells us in his delightful song. But then like a feral animal chasing its prey, the suspense peaks and the adrenalin rush leaves you breathless! That’s what reading this thriller was like to me. If you want to find a good detective series, this is it. Get a copy and read it.
The suspense builds slowly at first, like “being followed by a moon shadow” as Cat Stevens tells us in his delightful song. But then like a feral animal chasing its prey, the suspense peaks and the adrenalin rush leaves you breathless! That’s what reading this thriller was like to me. If you want to find a good detective series, this is it. Get a copy and read it.
May 5, 2020
Couldn't put this book down, you must read this, excellent read!
Just about to start book 2!
A very human character who everybody will fall in love with.
She has her flaws, but who doesn't, Harriet is asked to help by the police when a series of suicides by teenagers don't the up. The D.I isn't convinced that they didn't have a little help with their decision............
Just about to start book 2!
A very human character who everybody will fall in love with.
She has her flaws, but who doesn't, Harriet is asked to help by the police when a series of suicides by teenagers don't the up. The D.I isn't convinced that they didn't have a little help with their decision............
January 17, 2022
Multifaceted story involving three suspicious deaths
I always like surprise endings. Somewhat disappointed that investigation took up so much of the bulk of the storyline. I thought the characters were well developed with two or three minor alternately lines developed. In the end every aspect was made clear.
I always like surprise endings. Somewhat disappointed that investigation took up so much of the bulk of the storyline. I thought the characters were well developed with two or three minor alternately lines developed. In the end every aspect was made clear.
July 11, 2022
Forensic psychology
I liked this book because the characters worked well together and seemed real. The doctor and the detective possessed separate skills that were necessary to solve the case. I appreciate that sex, violence and foul language were not necessary to market the story. I look forward to growing with the mystery/thriller series
I liked this book because the characters worked well together and seemed real. The doctor and the detective possessed separate skills that were necessary to solve the case. I appreciate that sex, violence and foul language were not necessary to market the story. I look forward to growing with the mystery/thriller series
January 23, 2023
Damn
Woooo. This is one HELL of a boom. I couldn't put it down! I'm just floored by how good this is.ok that sounds wrong but I don't mean that bad lol. Its really so good. my only sad point is that Jonathon didn't get the scrap punched out of him. Lol! You'll see when you read it. And trust me. You need to read it
Woooo. This is one HELL of a boom. I couldn't put it down! I'm just floored by how good this is.ok that sounds wrong but I don't mean that bad lol. Its really so good. my only sad point is that Jonathon didn't get the scrap punched out of him. Lol! You'll see when you read it. And trust me. You need to read it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews