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Detective Gina Harte #8
Hij ziet jou
Amber doet nog wat rode lippenstift op en bekijkt zichzelf in de spiegel voordat ze op een date gaat. ‘Niet opblijven!’ roept ze naar haar huisgenoten wanneer ze weggaat. Maar Amber komt die avond niet thuis. Amber komt nooit meer thuis.
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar er beginnen steeds meer geruchten de ronde te doen over Amber en het lijkt erop dat iedereen een ander verhaal te vertellen heeft. Maar zodra Ambers levenloze lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park, met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen, wordt het plotseling stil. Terwijl Gina Harte de laatste paar uur van Ambers leven naloopt, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer een andere jonge vrouw in het holst van de nacht vermist raakt, is het een race tegen de klok om haar te vinden voordat ook haar voor altijd het zwijgen wordt opgelegd.
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar er beginnen steeds meer geruchten de ronde te doen over Amber en het lijkt erop dat iedereen een ander verhaal te vertellen heeft. Maar zodra Ambers levenloze lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park, met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen, wordt het plotseling stil. Terwijl Gina Harte de laatste paar uur van Ambers leven naloopt, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer een andere jonge vrouw in het holst van de nacht vermist raakt, is het een race tegen de klok om haar te vinden voordat ook haar voor altijd het zwijgen wordt opgelegd.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
523 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kovach
33 books1,036 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
February 18, 2021
That was tense!
The body of young woman, Amber Slater, a student, is found on the shores of a lake. She has ligature marks, a stab wound to the chest and, eerily, her lips had been superglued shut! DI Gina Harte and her team catch this disturbing case. From the start though you know the killer stalks his victims, he hides in the bushes and watches them, he stands outside their windows. It pretty creepy behaviour. The more people the police interview, the more question marks there are though. It seems many people have something to hide. The author dropped those little red herrings expertly throughout the book. You were never quite sure which clues were important.
Soon another girl is being stalked and, just for once, I don’t want to say any more about the plot. But I will say that I really, really enjoyed this. The police officers are such a close knit and supportive group without any dark secrets, well not too dark and not relevant in this book! The pace picked up and ramped up and then galloped away - someone’s life was in the balance! Would they be in time? The end was very suspenseful and satisfying. I didn’t guess who the killer was for a long time so well done on the whodunit side of things too.
As with many of the Gina Harte books the outcome is tinged with sadness. So many of the bad things in many of her stories could have been avoided if people had just treated each other better! She often illustrates how bullying or abuse or other neglect or mistreatment causes her perpetrators to succumb to the stresses within their minds with dire consequences. Random acts of kindness can go a long way! Anyway this particular book was suspenseful, fast paced and well plotted. It will appeal to thriller lovers and those who like a crime mystery. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carla Kovach for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
4 strong stars.
The body of young woman, Amber Slater, a student, is found on the shores of a lake. She has ligature marks, a stab wound to the chest and, eerily, her lips had been superglued shut! DI Gina Harte and her team catch this disturbing case. From the start though you know the killer stalks his victims, he hides in the bushes and watches them, he stands outside their windows. It pretty creepy behaviour. The more people the police interview, the more question marks there are though. It seems many people have something to hide. The author dropped those little red herrings expertly throughout the book. You were never quite sure which clues were important.
Soon another girl is being stalked and, just for once, I don’t want to say any more about the plot. But I will say that I really, really enjoyed this. The police officers are such a close knit and supportive group without any dark secrets, well not too dark and not relevant in this book! The pace picked up and ramped up and then galloped away - someone’s life was in the balance! Would they be in time? The end was very suspenseful and satisfying. I didn’t guess who the killer was for a long time so well done on the whodunit side of things too.
As with many of the Gina Harte books the outcome is tinged with sadness. So many of the bad things in many of her stories could have been avoided if people had just treated each other better! She often illustrates how bullying or abuse or other neglect or mistreatment causes her perpetrators to succumb to the stresses within their minds with dire consequences. Random acts of kindness can go a long way! Anyway this particular book was suspenseful, fast paced and well plotted. It will appeal to thriller lovers and those who like a crime mystery. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carla Kovach for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
4 strong stars.
February 12, 2021
The Broken Ones by Carla Kovach is the 8th book in the Gina Harte series. I always look forward to authors next book and this I think it is the best one yet.
When a body of a young girl is found in the local park with her mouth glued shut it’s Gina responsibility to find who killed her.
Amber a local girl, who is well liked not only by her friends and housemates. But also, her tutors at the local university. She is also popular at the pub that she works 3 nights a week. But when Gina and her team start investigating, there are lots of secrets that people are not telling. So, when another girl is found gravely wounded but alive. They find a link through a dating app called Appydater. The Police have a race against time to find the perpetrator.
This is another thrilling episode in the series that keeps you guessing through to the end, with all the potential leads that they must investigate. What is everyone hiding. I also love the camaraderie between the team, they are like one big happy family and the on/off relationship between Gina and Briggs to spice things up. 5 stars from me.
When a body of a young girl is found in the local park with her mouth glued shut it’s Gina responsibility to find who killed her.
Amber a local girl, who is well liked not only by her friends and housemates. But also, her tutors at the local university. She is also popular at the pub that she works 3 nights a week. But when Gina and her team start investigating, there are lots of secrets that people are not telling. So, when another girl is found gravely wounded but alive. They find a link through a dating app called Appydater. The Police have a race against time to find the perpetrator.
This is another thrilling episode in the series that keeps you guessing through to the end, with all the potential leads that they must investigate. What is everyone hiding. I also love the camaraderie between the team, they are like one big happy family and the on/off relationship between Gina and Briggs to spice things up. 5 stars from me.
February 18, 2021
Amber Slater heads out to a party but she never comes home. Residing with university roommates, only one of them might have a clue as to where Amber might have gone. So, as far as Detective Gina Harte is concerned, he is a probable suspect. Someone else is on Gina's radar as well. Not only did Amber not turn up at the restaurant she works at, a chef there does not have a strong alibi.
After some searching, Amber's body is found at a local park. One disturbing piece of evidence is that her lips have been sealed shut. When another woman goes missing, Gina gets really concerned. Evidence shows that Amber might not have been killed immediately, so Gina is hopeful that they will find the other missing woman in time.
I have read all but the first two books in the Detective Gina Harte series. I have come to know and respect Gina as a dedicated detective, especially as she came from a disturbing past herself. Each book in the series touches on Gina's past, as well as her expertise, so I think readers could to well with this book as a standalone. However, as much as possible, I do try and read previous series titles when I have a book for review.
One aspect of this book is that the girl who originally went missing used an app called Appydater. It is this app that proves to tie the victims together, but it also plays into other characters in this book. If you like thrilling crime fiction, then I would highly recommend this book, as well as all the previous books in this series. Whether it is the twists and the turns, the occasional surprises or the thrilling conclusion, The Broken Ones proved to be an excellent read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
After some searching, Amber's body is found at a local park. One disturbing piece of evidence is that her lips have been sealed shut. When another woman goes missing, Gina gets really concerned. Evidence shows that Amber might not have been killed immediately, so Gina is hopeful that they will find the other missing woman in time.
I have read all but the first two books in the Detective Gina Harte series. I have come to know and respect Gina as a dedicated detective, especially as she came from a disturbing past herself. Each book in the series touches on Gina's past, as well as her expertise, so I think readers could to well with this book as a standalone. However, as much as possible, I do try and read previous series titles when I have a book for review.
One aspect of this book is that the girl who originally went missing used an app called Appydater. It is this app that proves to tie the victims together, but it also plays into other characters in this book. If you like thrilling crime fiction, then I would highly recommend this book, as well as all the previous books in this series. Whether it is the twists and the turns, the occasional surprises or the thrilling conclusion, The Broken Ones proved to be an excellent read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 31, 2024
Spannend boek weer! Verrassende dader.
May 17, 2021
This was another fast-paced novel featuring Detective Gina Harte, though I must admit I didn't like it as much as some of the others. This time, Gina and team are investigating the murder of a young woman named Amber who never showed up for a date with someone she met on the internet. As they investigate, many potential perpetrators are uncovered and they have to move quickly before another girl is killed.
There were a lot of potential "bad guys" in this book, which led to some twists, but I wasn't that surprised when the villain was uncovered and I definitely wasn't surprised when I learned why, as I felt like that was extremely clear throughout the book from the chapters narrated by that person.
I like Detective Harte and find her a mostly relatable character, but I do feel that there are a lot of people on her team and we don't really get to know any of them well enough that I don't have to sometimes remind myself who they are when their names come up. I do think this series strikes a good balance of not over-focusing on the personal lives of the detectives versus the crime that is being investigated, though.
All in all, a good police procedural and a fast-paced book. While not my favorite Gina Harte novel, it's still a good read; I'd give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were a lot of potential "bad guys" in this book, which led to some twists, but I wasn't that surprised when the villain was uncovered and I definitely wasn't surprised when I learned why, as I felt like that was extremely clear throughout the book from the chapters narrated by that person.
I like Detective Harte and find her a mostly relatable character, but I do feel that there are a lot of people on her team and we don't really get to know any of them well enough that I don't have to sometimes remind myself who they are when their names come up. I do think this series strikes a good balance of not over-focusing on the personal lives of the detectives versus the crime that is being investigated, though.
All in all, a good police procedural and a fast-paced book. While not my favorite Gina Harte novel, it's still a good read; I'd give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2021
Cara Kovach's Gina Harte series is one of the best series in the mystery/thriller genre. Every book has a topic/crime so different its entertaining to see Gina & her team work through the complex & twisted cases. In the midst of it all, following the tense relationships Gina shares with most of the people she's close to keeps me going. The broken ones starts with a chapter that's creepy & mysterious enough to reel you right in. Reading the following chapters had my heart in my mouth. This was expected from a book in this series! Every time the case took a twisted turn, I remember breathing heavily. That's what a good book can do to you. I loved the plot in this book & was so glad the book ended the way it did. I can't wait for the next. Discovering this series is gift that just keeps on giving!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Carla Kovach for an arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Carla Kovach for an arc!
March 8, 2021
I have found another great crime series to read. Typical I started with book 8 but it just means I have 7 books to get through this week!!
The broken ones follows the work of DI Gina Harte as she investigates the murder of a local student. A dating app seems to be the centre of the crime but she cannot work our the motive. When another student is attacked and a woman is kidnapped, Gina is forced to go back to the begining and work out what she missed.
Gina is a hot mess and I love her. She clearly has a bad past and as I haven't read the first 7 books I can only infer from information that is provided. However her history seems to motivate her need to problem solve. She is further motivated to solve the crime as she finds herself picturing her daughter as a victim, she knows only to well how easy it can be.
She is also dealing with feelings towards her DCI Briggs, there's clearly a history there but no idea what!
We also follow the killer in first person entries. I really loved how they did it. He mentions how he locked eyes with one of the officers for a little to long and then every suspect does the same I had no idea who did what. I loved that we knew his rationale quite early on, so as I read I was screaming at the book this is his m.o. !!! However it progresses nicely. The way in which he narrates comes off a but creepy but in a serial killer way! I wanted to know who it was!
We also follow Megan who is one of the victims. I quite liked her unreliable narrative of events. If your friend told you the suspicions she had you would think they were going mad!! But I enjoyed her chapters as well. Her chapters help to break up the intensity of the investigation.
The narrative is well written and very descriptive. I felt like I was there half the time. The way the car park is described is fantastic and it brought me into the scene. I would say this book isn't for the faint hearted, it's a tad gory but I felt that is more for shock purpose than graphic purposes. I have a strong stomach but even I found a few bits shock me but I loved it!!
Do you enjoy crime thrillers? If you answered yes give this a read. It is book 8 so be smarter than me and start with book 1! I must say it can easily be read as a stand alone book though! If you like Katerina Diamond's Grey's and Mile's series you will love this I promise. I am happy to rate this book 5 stars I couldn't put it down
.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the free advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. 5 stars easy
The broken ones follows the work of DI Gina Harte as she investigates the murder of a local student. A dating app seems to be the centre of the crime but she cannot work our the motive. When another student is attacked and a woman is kidnapped, Gina is forced to go back to the begining and work out what she missed.
Gina is a hot mess and I love her. She clearly has a bad past and as I haven't read the first 7 books I can only infer from information that is provided. However her history seems to motivate her need to problem solve. She is further motivated to solve the crime as she finds herself picturing her daughter as a victim, she knows only to well how easy it can be.
She is also dealing with feelings towards her DCI Briggs, there's clearly a history there but no idea what!
We also follow the killer in first person entries. I really loved how they did it. He mentions how he locked eyes with one of the officers for a little to long and then every suspect does the same I had no idea who did what. I loved that we knew his rationale quite early on, so as I read I was screaming at the book this is his m.o. !!! However it progresses nicely. The way in which he narrates comes off a but creepy but in a serial killer way! I wanted to know who it was!
We also follow Megan who is one of the victims. I quite liked her unreliable narrative of events. If your friend told you the suspicions she had you would think they were going mad!! But I enjoyed her chapters as well. Her chapters help to break up the intensity of the investigation.
The narrative is well written and very descriptive. I felt like I was there half the time. The way the car park is described is fantastic and it brought me into the scene. I would say this book isn't for the faint hearted, it's a tad gory but I felt that is more for shock purpose than graphic purposes. I have a strong stomach but even I found a few bits shock me but I loved it!!
Do you enjoy crime thrillers? If you answered yes give this a read. It is book 8 so be smarter than me and start with book 1! I must say it can easily be read as a stand alone book though! If you like Katerina Diamond's Grey's and Mile's series you will love this I promise. I am happy to rate this book 5 stars I couldn't put it down
.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the free advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. 5 stars easy
February 17, 2021
The Broken Ones by Carla Kovach is the eighth book in the Gina Harte series. I have not read any of the other books in the series but after reading this I'll definitely go back and catch up on the previous ones. I really liked this book and Gina Harte is a strong and interesting character that I would like to read more about. The book was very suspenseful and thrilling with clever twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way. I have always liked British crime novels like the Rebus series by Ian Rankin and this is on the same level. If you are looking for a fast paced crime thriller then this is a book for you, highly recommended.
Thanks to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book an advance and share my honest review.
Thanks to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book an advance and share my honest review.
May 19, 2024
Een heel goed geschreven en spannend deel in de reeks.
February 25, 2021
The Broken Ones is the eighth book in the DI Gina Harte police procedural series set in Warwickshire. I’ve read them all in order but you really don’t need to, as each one is a separate mystery, and while I have enjoyed them all, they are starting to become a bit formulaic and repetitive, whereas I think new readers will be more impressed. It could be that I read the right book at the wrong time: one of the downsides of reading a lot of ARCs is feeling I must meet deadlines despite not really being in the mood for this genre just now - I’ve just read too many British detective series in the last couple of years. Looking back at my 5 star review of the last one, this has all the same elements and it’s probably just as good a book, I just wasn’t feeling it the same way this time.
A popular student heads out on a blind date on a freezing January night, but never arrives. When her body is found on the shore of a lake, stabbed through the heat with her lips glued together, Gina and her team wonder whether her use of a popular dating app led her killer to her. Then another student is attacked and the suspect pool widens, but everyone they interview seems to have an alibi. Why is the perpetrator targeting dark haired women and who will be next?
The books in this series are all dark, suspenseful crime thrillers, which are very well written, plotted and paced, and this one is no exception. The cover looks great, as ever, although why it features a balloon I have no idea. Gina is a great Detective, and is finally starting to move on from her past trauma, albeit at a snail’s pace, although I wanted to knock her & Briggs’s heads together for being so emotionally incompetent with each other. I like the way her team work together, and the loyalty they show towards one another. There’s a great cast of minor characters, and I was genuinely worried about some of them, and suspected one after another, as I was supposed to, without ever guessing the true villain.
I do struggle with the premise of the same detective coming up against similar crimes against women in a small town over and over again, sure, they’re not all serial killers, but Gina certainly has investigated a lot of crazy predators within a short space of time! I do highly recommend both this book and the whole series to fans of this genre, even if I didn’t love it like the last one, and I do want to continue the series, but would like to see Gina’s team investigate some different types of murder. I also disagree with the tag-line which promises a “jaw-dropping twist” - it takes more than a cleverly concealed killer to make my jaw drop!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
The Broken Ones is published on March 1st.
A popular student heads out on a blind date on a freezing January night, but never arrives. When her body is found on the shore of a lake, stabbed through the heat with her lips glued together, Gina and her team wonder whether her use of a popular dating app led her killer to her. Then another student is attacked and the suspect pool widens, but everyone they interview seems to have an alibi. Why is the perpetrator targeting dark haired women and who will be next?
The books in this series are all dark, suspenseful crime thrillers, which are very well written, plotted and paced, and this one is no exception. The cover looks great, as ever, although why it features a balloon I have no idea. Gina is a great Detective, and is finally starting to move on from her past trauma, albeit at a snail’s pace, although I wanted to knock her & Briggs’s heads together for being so emotionally incompetent with each other. I like the way her team work together, and the loyalty they show towards one another. There’s a great cast of minor characters, and I was genuinely worried about some of them, and suspected one after another, as I was supposed to, without ever guessing the true villain.
I do struggle with the premise of the same detective coming up against similar crimes against women in a small town over and over again, sure, they’re not all serial killers, but Gina certainly has investigated a lot of crazy predators within a short space of time! I do highly recommend both this book and the whole series to fans of this genre, even if I didn’t love it like the last one, and I do want to continue the series, but would like to see Gina’s team investigate some different types of murder. I also disagree with the tag-line which promises a “jaw-dropping twist” - it takes more than a cleverly concealed killer to make my jaw drop!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
The Broken Ones is published on March 1st.
March 3, 2022
THE BROKEN ONES is the Eighth crime thriller novel in the Detective Gina Harte Series, by author Carla Kovach. Having enjoyed the previous novels in the series, I move on to book 8. The story is set in Worcestershire England.
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
In this novel, Gina and team are investigating the murder of a young woman named Amber Slater who never showed up for a date with someone she met on the internet. She never returns home and is never seen again.
After further investigation, many possible culprits are discovered and they have to move quickly before another girl is killed.
Amber was last seen by her housemate. He watched her leave. He listened to her phone conversation with her friend before she left. He knows more than anyone…
Amber was very popular at university, but too close to her tutor. Maybe his wife found out about their relationship. She also never showed up at the restaurant that night where she was supposed to eat.
She was found in a local park, with her lips glued shut. After further investigation, it seems that the girl simply vanished on her way to catch her bus. And when another woman goes missing, it’s a race against time to catch the culprit.
Another great read in the series.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
In this novel, Gina and team are investigating the murder of a young woman named Amber Slater who never showed up for a date with someone she met on the internet. She never returns home and is never seen again.
After further investigation, many possible culprits are discovered and they have to move quickly before another girl is killed.
Amber was last seen by her housemate. He watched her leave. He listened to her phone conversation with her friend before she left. He knows more than anyone…
Amber was very popular at university, but too close to her tutor. Maybe his wife found out about their relationship. She also never showed up at the restaurant that night where she was supposed to eat.
She was found in a local park, with her lips glued shut. After further investigation, it seems that the girl simply vanished on her way to catch her bus. And when another woman goes missing, it’s a race against time to catch the culprit.
Another great read in the series.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
October 18, 2023
Amber doet nog wat rode lippenstift op en bekijkt zichzelf in de spiegel voordat ze op een date gaat. ‘Niet opblijven!’ roept ze naar haar huisgenoten wanneer ze weggaat. Maar Amber komt die avond niet thuis. Amber komt nooit meer thuis.
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar er beginnen steeds meer geruchten de ronde te doen over Amber en het lijkt erop dat iedereen een ander verhaal te vertellen heeft. Maar zodra Ambers levenloze lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park, met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen, wordt het plotseling stil.
Terwijl Gina Harte de laatste paar uur van Ambers leven naloopt, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer een andere jonge vrouw in het holst van de nacht vermist raakt, is het een race tegen de klok om haar te vinden voordat ook haar voor altijd het zwijgen wordt opgelegd.
'Hij ziet jou' is het achtste deel met Gina Harte in de hoofdrol en ook deze keer vloog ik door het verhaal.
Het verhaal begint met een fragment dat zich tien jaar eerder heeft afgespeeld. Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het heden en lees je over Amber die op weg is naar haar date. Maar Amber komt helemaal niet meer thuis. De spanning zit er dus meteen al goed in.
Vervolgens lees je over Gina Harte. Er is een lichaam bij een meertje gevonden en zij wordt, samen met haar collega's, op de zaak gezet. Het slachtoffer is gruwelijk aan haar eind gekomen.
Dan lees je ook hoofdstukken vanuit een ander meisje, dat later vermist raakt, én vanuit de onbekende dader. Je hebt natuurlijk wel een vermoeden dat dat degene is uit het fragment van tien jaar geleden, maar WIE het is blijft onduidelijk.
Dan raakt er wéér iemand vermist en het lijkt erop dat ze de dader niet op tijd kunnen vinden. Lukt het Gina en haar team toch nog om de twee vermisten te redden?
Verschillende mensen lijken steeds verdacht en ik wist echt niet wie de dader was. Carla Kovach weet de spanning dus goed op te bouwen.
Ik heb wederom genoten en kijk nu al uit naar het negende deel. Ook wil ik @boekerij enorm bedanken voor dit exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar er beginnen steeds meer geruchten de ronde te doen over Amber en het lijkt erop dat iedereen een ander verhaal te vertellen heeft. Maar zodra Ambers levenloze lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park, met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen, wordt het plotseling stil.
Terwijl Gina Harte de laatste paar uur van Ambers leven naloopt, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer een andere jonge vrouw in het holst van de nacht vermist raakt, is het een race tegen de klok om haar te vinden voordat ook haar voor altijd het zwijgen wordt opgelegd.
'Hij ziet jou' is het achtste deel met Gina Harte in de hoofdrol en ook deze keer vloog ik door het verhaal.
Het verhaal begint met een fragment dat zich tien jaar eerder heeft afgespeeld. Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het heden en lees je over Amber die op weg is naar haar date. Maar Amber komt helemaal niet meer thuis. De spanning zit er dus meteen al goed in.
Vervolgens lees je over Gina Harte. Er is een lichaam bij een meertje gevonden en zij wordt, samen met haar collega's, op de zaak gezet. Het slachtoffer is gruwelijk aan haar eind gekomen.
Dan lees je ook hoofdstukken vanuit een ander meisje, dat later vermist raakt, én vanuit de onbekende dader. Je hebt natuurlijk wel een vermoeden dat dat degene is uit het fragment van tien jaar geleden, maar WIE het is blijft onduidelijk.
Dan raakt er wéér iemand vermist en het lijkt erop dat ze de dader niet op tijd kunnen vinden. Lukt het Gina en haar team toch nog om de twee vermisten te redden?
Verschillende mensen lijken steeds verdacht en ik wist echt niet wie de dader was. Carla Kovach weet de spanning dus goed op te bouwen.
Ik heb wederom genoten en kijk nu al uit naar het negende deel. Ook wil ik @boekerij enorm bedanken voor dit exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
March 3, 2021
This is the 8th book in the DI Gina Harte crime thriller series so don't tackle this until you've read the others. Gina is with the Cleevesford Police and this installment continues with the team that includes her sometime lover, DCI Chris Briggs. Gina has a complicated backstory that he is privy to but they can't seem to establish a real relationship for the usual reasons that include jumping to erroneous conclusions and miscommunication.
This installment starts with the discovery of a murdered girl, Amber Slater, in a park lake. Amber's neighbor in the apartment complex where they live, Lauren Sandiford, had reported her missing when she hadn't returned from a dinner meeting she had set up on a dating site called AppyDater. As they begin the investigation, question witnesses, haul in suspects, and examine scant evidence, another girl who looks very similar to Amber is attacked in the car park at a local hospital. Although Madison escapes the attempted abduction, the police are concerned about the connection between the two women and feel they are hunting for a man who has a type of woman he wants. When one of their own team disappears without a trace, Gina and her team step up the pace knowing that they must find her before it's too late. NO SPOILERS.
OK. Well, another crime thriller that evokes all the familiar tropes in this genre. There are certainly a lot of serial killers and crazy people in this area and the author dangles plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I did think the motive for this killer was a bit thin and I found the story less than compelling. All the details involved in a police procedural described each step of the investigation although it seems that this far into the series there should be murders that don't involve dead women and serial killers. I think after awhile even the best characters wear out and it's time to move on. Maybe it's just me, tired of female detective series that all seem interchangeable with only the setting being different. Yes, I've grown with these team members, but I didn't find the same suspense or a fresh, unique case in this one. I haven't decided if I'm done with Gina Harte, but I never found the level of tension and surprise with the reveal of the perpetrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Fans of Gina Harte will want to read this one and keep up with the series.
This installment starts with the discovery of a murdered girl, Amber Slater, in a park lake. Amber's neighbor in the apartment complex where they live, Lauren Sandiford, had reported her missing when she hadn't returned from a dinner meeting she had set up on a dating site called AppyDater. As they begin the investigation, question witnesses, haul in suspects, and examine scant evidence, another girl who looks very similar to Amber is attacked in the car park at a local hospital. Although Madison escapes the attempted abduction, the police are concerned about the connection between the two women and feel they are hunting for a man who has a type of woman he wants. When one of their own team disappears without a trace, Gina and her team step up the pace knowing that they must find her before it's too late. NO SPOILERS.
OK. Well, another crime thriller that evokes all the familiar tropes in this genre. There are certainly a lot of serial killers and crazy people in this area and the author dangles plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I did think the motive for this killer was a bit thin and I found the story less than compelling. All the details involved in a police procedural described each step of the investigation although it seems that this far into the series there should be murders that don't involve dead women and serial killers. I think after awhile even the best characters wear out and it's time to move on. Maybe it's just me, tired of female detective series that all seem interchangeable with only the setting being different. Yes, I've grown with these team members, but I didn't find the same suspense or a fresh, unique case in this one. I haven't decided if I'm done with Gina Harte, but I never found the level of tension and surprise with the reveal of the perpetrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Fans of Gina Harte will want to read this one and keep up with the series.
April 26, 2021
The Broken Ones by Carla Kovach is the 8th in the Detective Gina Harte series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Gina Harte works homicides. Her team consists of: DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Harry O’Connor and DC Paula Wyre, with a lot of assistance from PC Smith, and now PC Kapoor. Gina is a stubborn lady, and a determined detective. She has had a rough life, which has led to an uneasy relationship with her daughter and grand-daughter. It has also led to a lack of real friends, and an on-again/off-again relationship with her boss, DCI Chris Briggs. It is not common knowledge that her husband was abusive, and no one knows that she helped him fall to his death many years ago.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
On Monday morning Lauren Sandiford reports her friend Amber Slater missing when she hasn't returned from a date on Friday night. They are both students, and live in a large house off campus. They are very close, but Amber isn't answering her phone, and Lauren is sure there is a problem. Her body turns up in the lake shortly after.
Suspects abound. It looks like one of Amber's lecturer was a little too friendly with her, although he denies it. The landlord is creepy, and some of the other residents are hiding something as well. Then there is this dating app that Amber had been a part of, and it seems it is widely used.
Another student is attacked, and the investigation widens. But when one of their own goes missing, Gina and the team now are racing against the clock.
My Opinions:
The series is good. There was less of Gina's past coming back to haunt her, so that was a definite improvement. It's always nice when we can move forward!
While I'm thinking about it....I liked the cover, but was unsure where the balloon came into play, and I'm not sure I understood the title either.
It was nice to see that we are starting to learn a bit more about the team member, so their characters are becoming deeper.
The plot was good, and for a change, I didn't automatically know the perpetrator, as there were a number of creepy suspects. So that was really good. The pace was fast, and nothing dragged, thereby lending itself to the feel of a fast read.
Overall, a good addition to the series.
November 12, 2023
"Carla Kovach - Hij ziet jou"
💘💘💘💘💘
Oh boy! Ze doet het opnieuw! 🤭
Ik heb gedurende het hele boek iedereen verdacht! 😅
Carla deed haar uiterste best - met succes - om de spanning er in te houden van de eerste tot de laatste pagina. Plottwists, verrassingen, alles is aanwezig!
💘💘💘💘💘
Oh boy! Ze doet het opnieuw! 🤭
Ik heb gedurende het hele boek iedereen verdacht! 😅
Carla deed haar uiterste best - met succes - om de spanning er in te houden van de eerste tot de laatste pagina. Plottwists, verrassingen, alles is aanwezig!
February 25, 2021
Nail bitting suspense! I read this book in a day - it is that good.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Please note I have not read previous books in this series - did not hold me back , but maybe become my next obsession.
Amber's body is found beside a lake. Clearly she had been held captive, stabbed in the heart. As a young woman attending university, Amber was living her life. And was murdered.
Gina is trying to grasp a lead - but everyone is lying. Her philandering lecturer. Over protective father. Smitten neighbor. Gina and her team struggle through the stories.
Fast paced, amazing suspense. Did not guess the killer.
Great book!
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Please note I have not read previous books in this series - did not hold me back , but maybe become my next obsession.
Amber's body is found beside a lake. Clearly she had been held captive, stabbed in the heart. As a young woman attending university, Amber was living her life. And was murdered.
Gina is trying to grasp a lead - but everyone is lying. Her philandering lecturer. Over protective father. Smitten neighbor. Gina and her team struggle through the stories.
Fast paced, amazing suspense. Did not guess the killer.
Great book!
July 17, 2021
These books keep getting better. Gina Harte has grown on me and I’m beginning to really like her as a detective. This investigation starts off when a young university student is found murdered. As things take off we get glimpses into the mind of the murderer. As another student is attacked and one of Gina’s own goes missing, the adrenaline revs up as time ticks on. The race is on to solve this before someone else is murdered. Fast paced and red herrings will keep you invested until the end.
February 22, 2024
Vreemd ... In het begin wist ik niet waar het boek me naartoe zou leiden, ook al heb ik reeds alle vorige boeken van Kovach gelezen. Echter op een bepaald punt kreeg dit verhaal me in zijn ban, wist ik totaal niet de punten met elkaar te verbinden, om op het einde een ontknoping te krijgen die ik niet kon voorspellen.
Kovach you did it again!!!
Kovach you did it again!!!
June 10, 2023
Edge of your seat fun. Another excellent entry in this series. The author manages to deliver yet again another chilling and unique crime mystery which will blow you away. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
February 19, 2021
20-year-old student Amber is ambushed and abducted when she’s leaving her flat to go out on a date she met on a dating app. A few days later, she’s found in a lake stabbed in her chest. She was an outgoing and happy girl with lots of friends and no enemies. Not much later, an attack on another female student goes wrong and she barely escapes. She also had a profile on the same app.
It is up to DI Gina Harte and her team to solve those crimes before another girl falls victim to this creep. But we find out that the perpetrator has his eyes on one of the policewomen that have a profile on the dating app but we don’t know who. Both Jhanvi and Paula (who’s engagement just flopped) were already on it and after she finds out that her boss and lover Briggs also has a profile, Gina makes one herself. For investigative purposes, she claims but the men that send her a smiley look very attractive.
The reader also possesses some knowledge as to the motivation of the killer that the police doesn’t but the full story is only revealed in the last pages of the book. It’s always just a bit more complicated than one thinks.
This is the 8th book in this series, but they can all be read on their own. It’s always better to read the books in the right order for the continuity of the background stories.
This book really focuses on the criminal aspects although we can say that Jahnvi Kapoor gets the main role this time. I hadn’t seen much of this very courageous PC in the last book, but she turns out to be a powerful and brave woman. I don’t know if I could do the same things that she ends up doing if I ended up in similar circumstances but it’s a well-done job! The home life of the other officers, even that of Gina and Paula is only mentioned in passing remarks or where it influences the narrative.
Carla Kovacs knows how to weave an interesting and suspenseful tale. As is customary there are a bunch of people that behave very suspiciously because they harbour secrets that have nothing to do with this investigation. This way, valuable police time gets wasted on non-related matters as ex-marital affairs and drugs that could have been used for real leads.
It was excruciating to watch Maddie and her Nanna in the knowledge that she was destined to be the next victim. She’s such a caring and loving person. I hoped that she could be saved in time. 😊
The investigation focuses mainly on the imaginary dating app that’s intended for mere dating and not for serious relationships. It also shows the inherent dangers of such apps. You never know for sure who you’re talking to and when you meet IRL, things may be different from what you expect. I have been hitched for a very long time and never tried Tinder or other dating apps and I do the pity young people of today. Even before Covid closed down pubs and parties, they seem to have lost their appeal as a meeting place for singles.
As to the culprit, I didn’t guess his identity this time. This person was actually off my radar, so it’s a good surprise. I had my eyes on a different suspect but in retrospect, there are a few, well-concealed hints.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
It is up to DI Gina Harte and her team to solve those crimes before another girl falls victim to this creep. But we find out that the perpetrator has his eyes on one of the policewomen that have a profile on the dating app but we don’t know who. Both Jhanvi and Paula (who’s engagement just flopped) were already on it and after she finds out that her boss and lover Briggs also has a profile, Gina makes one herself. For investigative purposes, she claims but the men that send her a smiley look very attractive.
The reader also possesses some knowledge as to the motivation of the killer that the police doesn’t but the full story is only revealed in the last pages of the book. It’s always just a bit more complicated than one thinks.
This is the 8th book in this series, but they can all be read on their own. It’s always better to read the books in the right order for the continuity of the background stories.
This book really focuses on the criminal aspects although we can say that Jahnvi Kapoor gets the main role this time. I hadn’t seen much of this very courageous PC in the last book, but she turns out to be a powerful and brave woman. I don’t know if I could do the same things that she ends up doing if I ended up in similar circumstances but it’s a well-done job! The home life of the other officers, even that of Gina and Paula is only mentioned in passing remarks or where it influences the narrative.
Carla Kovacs knows how to weave an interesting and suspenseful tale. As is customary there are a bunch of people that behave very suspiciously because they harbour secrets that have nothing to do with this investigation. This way, valuable police time gets wasted on non-related matters as ex-marital affairs and drugs that could have been used for real leads.
It was excruciating to watch Maddie and her Nanna in the knowledge that she was destined to be the next victim. She’s such a caring and loving person. I hoped that she could be saved in time. 😊
The investigation focuses mainly on the imaginary dating app that’s intended for mere dating and not for serious relationships. It also shows the inherent dangers of such apps. You never know for sure who you’re talking to and when you meet IRL, things may be different from what you expect. I have been hitched for a very long time and never tried Tinder or other dating apps and I do the pity young people of today. Even before Covid closed down pubs and parties, they seem to have lost their appeal as a meeting place for singles.
As to the culprit, I didn’t guess his identity this time. This person was actually off my radar, so it’s a good surprise. I had my eyes on a different suspect but in retrospect, there are a few, well-concealed hints.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
February 18, 2021
This is one series I’m always impatient for! As soon as I see it’s available on NetGalley I request it straight away as there’s no way I can wait any longer for publication day.
As I dove into the next instalment I pleasantly settled back into the lives of Gina Harte and her team. All the familiar relationships come rushing back and within a couple of chapters I feel like I’m there watching from the sidelines.
The storyline for this was intriguing. I like to guess the culprit but as I settled in, I naturally fell into super sleuth mode and all my suspicions are activated and alert! Lol
I can say I was too immersed into the storyline and was totally fooled! It sometimes happens and when it does it’s a nice surprise.
Another fabulous novel and once again can’t wait for the next!
As I dove into the next instalment I pleasantly settled back into the lives of Gina Harte and her team. All the familiar relationships come rushing back and within a couple of chapters I feel like I’m there watching from the sidelines.
The storyline for this was intriguing. I like to guess the culprit but as I settled in, I naturally fell into super sleuth mode and all my suspicions are activated and alert! Lol
I can say I was too immersed into the storyline and was totally fooled! It sometimes happens and when it does it’s a nice surprise.
Another fabulous novel and once again can’t wait for the next!
February 13, 2021
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel
a young womans body is found by a lake, there is evidence that she had been restrained...as the evidence mounts up on their perp and with several lines of enquiry opening up gina and her team have their work cut out for them
with more red herrings and false leads you can feel the tension, which keeps you gripped right to the very end...
when one of their own goes missing the race is on to find them and with the clues piling up its a race against time
brilliant, just brilliant and i hadnt guessed who it was until near the end...so many red herrings
cant wait for the next book in the series
a young womans body is found by a lake, there is evidence that she had been restrained...as the evidence mounts up on their perp and with several lines of enquiry opening up gina and her team have their work cut out for them
with more red herrings and false leads you can feel the tension, which keeps you gripped right to the very end...
when one of their own goes missing the race is on to find them and with the clues piling up its a race against time
brilliant, just brilliant and i hadnt guessed who it was until near the end...so many red herrings
cant wait for the next book in the series
March 4, 2025
Zaczynam mieć serio dosyć tej serii, bo to już kolejny tom, w którym stoimy w miejscu. Jeszcze jeden raz pani detektyw będzie jojczyć, że Briggs ma swoje życie i nie jest z nią w związku i chyba zacznę krzyczeć. Plus ta cała akcja z obrażaniem się o aplikację randkową... Ja pierniczę.
September 4, 2025
Super spannend! Kon hem geen moment wegleggen. Echt een aanrader 🤩
February 5, 2021
Wow another fabulous book from this author, I just love Gina Harte and her colleagues, so well written with a great story line and characters.
I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end, just brilliantly addictive, I loved every page and I can thoroughly recommend.
I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end, just brilliantly addictive, I loved every page and I can thoroughly recommend.
March 13, 2021
Carla Kovach’s Gina Harte series is one of the best detective series out there and is certainly one of my favourites.
The 8th book in the series is one of the best yet.
A main strength of these stories is Gina herself and the detectives she works with, plus the ongoing attraction between Gina and Briggs, her boss. These aspects are an important part of the story but never overshadow the investigation.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
The 8th book in the series is one of the best yet.
A main strength of these stories is Gina herself and the detectives she works with, plus the ongoing attraction between Gina and Briggs, her boss. These aspects are an important part of the story but never overshadow the investigation.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
November 30, 2025
Amber doet nog wat rode lippenstift op en bekijkt zichzelf in de spiegel voordat ze op een date gaat. ‘Niet opblijven!’ roept ze naar haar huisgenoten wanneer ze weggaat. Maar Amber komt die avond niet thuis. Amber komt nooit meer thuis.
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar al snel doen er allerlei geruchten de ronde: iedereen vertelt iets anders over Amber. Zodra haar lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park — met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen — wordt het plotseling stil. Terwijl Gina de laatste uren van Ambers leven probeert te reconstrueren, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer kort daarna nóg een jonge vrouw vermist raakt, begint een race tegen de klok om te voorkomen dat zij dezelfde gruwelijke afloop tegemoetgaat.
Hij ziet jou is alweer het achtste deel in de Gina Harte-reeks, en hoewel het even geleden was dat ik een boek van Carla Kovach las, zat ik verrassend snel weer in het vertrouwde ritme van de serie. De personages voelen direct herkenbaar, waardoor dit deel prima los te lezen is. Wat opvalt, is dat dit deel minder nadruk legt op Gina’s eigen verleden. Je krijgt nog steeds kleine inkijkjes in Gina’s traumatische verleden — en hoe dat haar dagelijks raakt — maar het overheerst niet. Al zou ik persoonlijk wel aanraden om de serie in volgorde te volgen voor de volledige karakterontwikkeling.
Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit meerdere perspectieven: Gina, slachtoffers én de dader. Vooral de hoofdstukken vanuit de slachtoffers hebben een beklemmende lading. Hun angst, onzekerheid en pogingen om de dader te “pleasen” om te overleven, zijn intens en kruipen onder je huid. Daarnaast bevat het boek een verhaallijn vanuit het perspectief van de dader. Je krijgt een inkijk in de duistere gedachten, motieven en obsessies, deze geven het verhaal een beklemmende laag. Soms voelde ik zelfs een moment van sympathie voor de dader, wat precies laat zien hoe overtuigend deze stukken geschreven zijn.
Het team van Gina krijgt veel te verduren, zeker wanneer blijkt dat één van de teamleden zelf gevaar loopt. De onderlinge band voelt warm en hecht, bijna als een familie, waardoor hun emoties en frustraties extra binnenkomen. Dat maakte dat ik extra met hen meeleefde tijdens de zoektocht.
De spanning ligt niet constant op het hoogste niveau, maar de mix van emotionele diepgang, korte hoofdstukken en de vlotte schrijfstijl maakt dat je blijft doorlezen. Ik had meerdere verdachten in gedachten, maar de uiteindelijke ontknoping kwam volledig onverwacht. Het plot is slim opgebouwd en het einde heeft me echt verrast.
Hij ziet jou is wat mij betreft een van de sterkere delen in de reeks: een toegankelijke thriller met een overtuigende plot, sterke perspectiefwisselingen en genoeg emotionele intensiteit.
Dank aan Boekerij voor het toezenden van dit recensie-exemplaar!
Gina Harte probeert een gedegen onderzoek op te zetten, maar al snel doen er allerlei geruchten de ronde: iedereen vertelt iets anders over Amber. Zodra haar lichaam wordt gevonden in een plaatselijk park — met dichtgelijmde blauwe lippen — wordt het plotseling stil. Terwijl Gina de laatste uren van Ambers leven probeert te reconstrueren, lijkt het erop dat het meisje simpelweg verdween op weg naar de bushalte. Wanneer kort daarna nóg een jonge vrouw vermist raakt, begint een race tegen de klok om te voorkomen dat zij dezelfde gruwelijke afloop tegemoetgaat.
Hij ziet jou is alweer het achtste deel in de Gina Harte-reeks, en hoewel het even geleden was dat ik een boek van Carla Kovach las, zat ik verrassend snel weer in het vertrouwde ritme van de serie. De personages voelen direct herkenbaar, waardoor dit deel prima los te lezen is. Wat opvalt, is dat dit deel minder nadruk legt op Gina’s eigen verleden. Je krijgt nog steeds kleine inkijkjes in Gina’s traumatische verleden — en hoe dat haar dagelijks raakt — maar het overheerst niet. Al zou ik persoonlijk wel aanraden om de serie in volgorde te volgen voor de volledige karakterontwikkeling.
Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit meerdere perspectieven: Gina, slachtoffers én de dader. Vooral de hoofdstukken vanuit de slachtoffers hebben een beklemmende lading. Hun angst, onzekerheid en pogingen om de dader te “pleasen” om te overleven, zijn intens en kruipen onder je huid. Daarnaast bevat het boek een verhaallijn vanuit het perspectief van de dader. Je krijgt een inkijk in de duistere gedachten, motieven en obsessies, deze geven het verhaal een beklemmende laag. Soms voelde ik zelfs een moment van sympathie voor de dader, wat precies laat zien hoe overtuigend deze stukken geschreven zijn.
Het team van Gina krijgt veel te verduren, zeker wanneer blijkt dat één van de teamleden zelf gevaar loopt. De onderlinge band voelt warm en hecht, bijna als een familie, waardoor hun emoties en frustraties extra binnenkomen. Dat maakte dat ik extra met hen meeleefde tijdens de zoektocht.
De spanning ligt niet constant op het hoogste niveau, maar de mix van emotionele diepgang, korte hoofdstukken en de vlotte schrijfstijl maakt dat je blijft doorlezen. Ik had meerdere verdachten in gedachten, maar de uiteindelijke ontknoping kwam volledig onverwacht. Het plot is slim opgebouwd en het einde heeft me echt verrast.
Hij ziet jou is wat mij betreft een van de sterkere delen in de reeks: een toegankelijke thriller met een overtuigende plot, sterke perspectiefwisselingen en genoeg emotionele intensiteit.
Dank aan Boekerij voor het toezenden van dit recensie-exemplaar!
March 26, 2024
Het achtste boek in de Gina Harte-reeks. Carla Kovach weet de spanning enorm op te bouwen in het boek, dat je gewoon wilt blijven lezen om de ontknoping te weten
Het blijft gissen naar de mogelijke dader, je verdenkt op een bepaald moment iedereen wel eens denk ik en op het einde blijkt het toch een verrassing te zijn als je de ontknoping gelezen hebt
Je leeft ook mee met sommige personages in het boek en kan je u volledig inbeelden, alsof je op tv aan het kijken bent. Spanning ten top!
Het is wel fictie, maar ergens waarschuwt het meteen ook wel voor de mogelijke gevaren van dating apps.
Aanrader zeker en vast!
Het blijft gissen naar de mogelijke dader, je verdenkt op een bepaald moment iedereen wel eens denk ik en op het einde blijkt het toch een verrassing te zijn als je de ontknoping gelezen hebt
Je leeft ook mee met sommige personages in het boek en kan je u volledig inbeelden, alsof je op tv aan het kijken bent. Spanning ten top!
Het is wel fictie, maar ergens waarschuwt het meteen ook wel voor de mogelijke gevaren van dating apps.
Aanrader zeker en vast!
June 15, 2021
Gina Hart was one of the best main character in a police procedural and her author Carla Kovach made her so likable.
This one had student disappearing to meet someone from dating app and later a body was found. Gina and her team was called.
There were many twists and turns but one thing I found creepy was that this had the killer's POV.
The team worked like a well oiled machine with Gina in the lead.
Overall a solid gripping police procedural with some goosebumps raising scenes.
This one had student disappearing to meet someone from dating app and later a body was found. Gina and her team was called.
There were many twists and turns but one thing I found creepy was that this had the killer's POV.
The team worked like a well oiled machine with Gina in the lead.
Overall a solid gripping police procedural with some goosebumps raising scenes.
February 13, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Broken Ones, the eighth novel to feature DI Gina Harte of the Staffordshire Police.
Student Amber Slater disappears on her way to a date arranged through a dating app, then her body is found stabbed to death and her lips glued shut in a pond. Gina and the team are tasked with finding her killer, but things become more urgent when another young woman disappears in similar circumstances.
I enjoyed The Broken Ones which is a clever police procedural with plenty of twists and turns. It is told from various points of view, but mostly Gina and the killer’s. I don’t know if this or just my mood is the reason it didn’t really hold my attention. The killer’s identity is never revealed until the denouement but everything else is, including motive and modus operandi. This means that the reader is often watching Gina and her team play catch-up and personally I find that a bit boring. I also find fictional killers and their thoughts tiresome and this one’s delusions offer nothing new to the genre.
On the other hand the novel is well plotted and conceived. There are plenty of suspects and each one is plausible, until they no longer are. I found myself believing that every one of them could be guilty and marvelling at the author’s skill in making me, a confirmed skeptic, believe. I also appreciated the secrets being hidden and the crimes uncovered. They also seem plausible.
Gina’s personal life and history are starting to take a back seat in this novel. About time too. There is still her trust issue so on-off relationship with DCI Briggs is in trouble again but mostly she is focused on her investigation.
The Broken Ones is a good read.
Student Amber Slater disappears on her way to a date arranged through a dating app, then her body is found stabbed to death and her lips glued shut in a pond. Gina and the team are tasked with finding her killer, but things become more urgent when another young woman disappears in similar circumstances.
I enjoyed The Broken Ones which is a clever police procedural with plenty of twists and turns. It is told from various points of view, but mostly Gina and the killer’s. I don’t know if this or just my mood is the reason it didn’t really hold my attention. The killer’s identity is never revealed until the denouement but everything else is, including motive and modus operandi. This means that the reader is often watching Gina and her team play catch-up and personally I find that a bit boring. I also find fictional killers and their thoughts tiresome and this one’s delusions offer nothing new to the genre.
On the other hand the novel is well plotted and conceived. There are plenty of suspects and each one is plausible, until they no longer are. I found myself believing that every one of them could be guilty and marvelling at the author’s skill in making me, a confirmed skeptic, believe. I also appreciated the secrets being hidden and the crimes uncovered. They also seem plausible.
Gina’s personal life and history are starting to take a back seat in this novel. About time too. There is still her trust issue so on-off relationship with DCI Briggs is in trouble again but mostly she is focused on her investigation.
The Broken Ones is a good read.
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