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Detective Ella Marconi #7
Deserving Death
Two female paramedics murdered in a month. Is it coincidence, or are they victims of a serial killer? Detective Ella Marconi isn't sure, but goes hard after her key suspects, including police officer John Morris. But each turn of the case throws up more questions and entanglements, and Ella and her partner, Detective Murray Shakespeare, struggle to find the truth among the lies. Ella also attempts to balance work and her relationship with Dr Callum McLennan, which is both growing both stronger and more difficult as they face Callum's mother's disapproval and the anniversary of his cousin's murder. Meanwhile, Carly Martens - paramedic and close friend of the second victim - conducts her own investigation. She's certain that her fellow paramedic Tessa Kimball is hiding something, and her refusal to let it go puts her, Tessa, and even Ella into more danger than Carly could ever imagine.
Detective Ella Marconi returns in this thrilling case, set against the dangerous background of drug deals, police corruption and deadly consequences.
Detective Ella Marconi returns in this thrilling case, set against the dangerous background of drug deals, police corruption and deadly consequences.
Audio CD
First published February 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Howell
15 books136 followersKatherine Howell worked as a paramedic for fifteen years while completing her Bachelor and Masters degrees in creative writing. Her first novel, Frantic, was published in 2007 by Pan Macmillan and set a paramedic alongside Sydney police detective Ella Marconi in 'an adrenaline rush of a thriller' (Sydney Morning Herald). It won the 2008 Davitt award for best crime fiction. Her second book, The Darkest Hour, continued the pattern with Ella and another paramedic in 'a finely paced and engrossing novel' (Guardian UK). The third in the series, Cold Justice, made the Australian bestseller list, saw Katherine travelling on a P&O cruise as guest author, and was described by NYT bestselling author Tess Gerritsen as 'one of my favourite books of the year'. It also won the 2011 Davitt award for best crime fiction, making Katherine the only author to have won twice. Her fourth book, Violent Exposure, was described by Bookseller & Publisher as 'arguably her best yet - four stars', while the fifth, Silent Fear, was chosen as a ‘Guaranteed Book You Can’t Put Down’ by the national Get Reading! programme. Katherine’s books are published in multiple countries and languages and have been likened to the work of Karin Slaughter and Patricia Cornwell. Katherine is studying female doctor investigators in crime fiction for her PhD at the University of Queensland, and teaches writing and editing. She lives in Queensland with her partner, who owns a bookshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 17, 2015
Detective Ella Marconi has her work cut out for her when two paramedics are found murdered in a month. Could this be the makings of a serial killer or could the two victims be linked in some way?
As Ella and her team investigate the two murders it seems they come across more unanswered questions. Will Ella find who is responsible for the two murders or will they have another victim on their hands?
Once again Aussie author Katherine Howell has delivered another gripping page turner and one in which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
As Ella and her team investigate the two murders it seems they come across more unanswered questions. Will Ella find who is responsible for the two murders or will they have another victim on their hands?
Once again Aussie author Katherine Howell has delivered another gripping page turner and one in which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2019
Paramedics Carly and Tessa get called to the scene of a woman badly assaulted and found motionless in her bed. When they arrive they find that the victim is their friend and colleague Alicia.
And she's dead.
Five weeks ago another female colleague was killed in a similar fashion.
Now, Ella Marconi and her partner Murry Shakespeare are on the case but so far there are precious few leads to go on.
From the start, Tessa's been acting strangely to Alicia's death causing Carley to wonder if something else is going on.
When she tries to get Tessa to open up, Tessa becomes angry and refuses to talk to her. Then Carley notices other people around Tessa seem on edge, as well, and she's determined to find out what they're hiding.
On a personal level Carly's girlfriend, Lindsey, is struggling to tell her family that she's gay and is going to move in with Carly. As if it's easy to in the first place it's made worse as they are openly short-sighted and judgemrntal towards 'those kind of people.'
Meanwhile, the case has stalled leaving Ella and Murry frustrated but resolved to solve who killed the two young female paramedics.
Closer to home Ella has her own problems in her ongoing relationship with ER Dr. Cullen McLennan. During a previous case Ella found Cullen's father guilty of molesting then killing his nephew, devastating Cullen's mother. Naturally, Cullen's mother is furious about his dating Ella as she's the person who sent her husband to prison. She's still convinced that he was forced into the confession and was therefore wrongfully convicted.
As Carley digs on her own, she passes a few pieces of information on to Ella and Murry but they find nothing substantial that would help with the case.
However, bits of evidence here and there are uncovered leading them to more suspects. As they get deeper into the investigation, asking more and more questions, a few leads to come to light.
But are the leads pointing to the right killer? Or.... Is an innocent man being set up? And if so, why?
Once again, Katherine Howell has woven a complicated web of story lines, brilliantly wrapped in and around each other, some leading to possible answers, some going no where. I dare you to figure out who killed two seemingly innocent, young women. And did they deserve to die? You decide.
This is in audio book format and is narrated by Caroline Lee. It's no surprise that she's done another smashing job of bringing the author's words and characters to life! She could easily entertain me by reading the back of a cereal box! She's Outstanding!
Deserving death is a rip roaring ride that will leave you breathless and shaking!
Bring on the 8th and final book in the Ella Marconi series, Tell the Truth!
And she's dead.
Five weeks ago another female colleague was killed in a similar fashion.
Now, Ella Marconi and her partner Murry Shakespeare are on the case but so far there are precious few leads to go on.
From the start, Tessa's been acting strangely to Alicia's death causing Carley to wonder if something else is going on.
When she tries to get Tessa to open up, Tessa becomes angry and refuses to talk to her. Then Carley notices other people around Tessa seem on edge, as well, and she's determined to find out what they're hiding.
On a personal level Carly's girlfriend, Lindsey, is struggling to tell her family that she's gay and is going to move in with Carly. As if it's easy to in the first place it's made worse as they are openly short-sighted and judgemrntal towards 'those kind of people.'
Meanwhile, the case has stalled leaving Ella and Murry frustrated but resolved to solve who killed the two young female paramedics.
Closer to home Ella has her own problems in her ongoing relationship with ER Dr. Cullen McLennan. During a previous case Ella found Cullen's father guilty of molesting then killing his nephew, devastating Cullen's mother. Naturally, Cullen's mother is furious about his dating Ella as she's the person who sent her husband to prison. She's still convinced that he was forced into the confession and was therefore wrongfully convicted.
As Carley digs on her own, she passes a few pieces of information on to Ella and Murry but they find nothing substantial that would help with the case.
However, bits of evidence here and there are uncovered leading them to more suspects. As they get deeper into the investigation, asking more and more questions, a few leads to come to light.
But are the leads pointing to the right killer? Or.... Is an innocent man being set up? And if so, why?
Once again, Katherine Howell has woven a complicated web of story lines, brilliantly wrapped in and around each other, some leading to possible answers, some going no where. I dare you to figure out who killed two seemingly innocent, young women. And did they deserve to die? You decide.
This is in audio book format and is narrated by Caroline Lee. It's no surprise that she's done another smashing job of bringing the author's words and characters to life! She could easily entertain me by reading the back of a cereal box! She's Outstanding!
Deserving death is a rip roaring ride that will leave you breathless and shaking!
Bring on the 8th and final book in the Ella Marconi series, Tell the Truth!
February 25, 2014
Paramedics Carly Martens and Tessa Kimball were part-way through their shift together – both were slightly hungover from the previous night when they had joined others for a birthday get-together for one of their friends – a rare night when they were all off duty. As they were heading back to base, Control issued them with an emergency callout to Alicia’s address. What they found when they arrived was a scene of horror which they would never forget. Carly managed to call it in while trying to keep Tessa outside…
Detective Ella Marconi and her partner Detective Murray Shakespeare were on the scene within minutes – they both had the worrying feeling that there was something bad happening as a month previously another paramedic had been murdered – were there any links between the two cases? Did they have a serial killer on their hands?
Ella was digging deeply into the lives of the victims’ colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours – but she was frustrated by the lack of evidence. The task force was working pretty much around the clock – they discovered strange happenings; were they connected? With Carly also doing her own investigation, she was shocked by the weird way Tessa was acting – suddenly she was sure Tessa knew much more than she was letting on.
With evidence of corruption within the police force, drug dealing and murder all in the mix, the danger was mounting rapidly for everyone involved. Would Ella find the murderer before someone else lost their life? Was Carly safe, or had she bitten off more than she could chew – would she find that she should have left the investigation to the police?
Another brilliant thriller by Aussie author Katherine Howell! The fast pace, the dramatic and thrilling action by all involved; it is all there, and it kept me on the edge of my seat! The worst part about having just finished this wonderful book is that I’ll have to wait another 12 months for the next episode of Detective Ella Marconi and her paramedic friends:) If you haven’t read any of these, make sure you start at the beginning with Frantic – you won’t regret it! Highly recommended.
Detective Ella Marconi and her partner Detective Murray Shakespeare were on the scene within minutes – they both had the worrying feeling that there was something bad happening as a month previously another paramedic had been murdered – were there any links between the two cases? Did they have a serial killer on their hands?
Ella was digging deeply into the lives of the victims’ colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours – but she was frustrated by the lack of evidence. The task force was working pretty much around the clock – they discovered strange happenings; were they connected? With Carly also doing her own investigation, she was shocked by the weird way Tessa was acting – suddenly she was sure Tessa knew much more than she was letting on.
With evidence of corruption within the police force, drug dealing and murder all in the mix, the danger was mounting rapidly for everyone involved. Would Ella find the murderer before someone else lost their life? Was Carly safe, or had she bitten off more than she could chew – would she find that she should have left the investigation to the police?
Another brilliant thriller by Aussie author Katherine Howell! The fast pace, the dramatic and thrilling action by all involved; it is all there, and it kept me on the edge of my seat! The worst part about having just finished this wonderful book is that I’ll have to wait another 12 months for the next episode of Detective Ella Marconi and her paramedic friends:) If you haven’t read any of these, make sure you start at the beginning with Frantic – you won’t regret it! Highly recommended.
March 20, 2016
This was another excellent page turner from Katherine Howell!
When two paramedics are murdered within a few weeks of each other policewoman Ella Marconi and her partner Murray Shakespeare must work out if they are somehow connected or if it is just a coincidence. Carly Martens, a friend of the most recent victim is concerned about the odd behaviour of her fellow paramedic Tessa and thinks she knows something she is not telling the police and tries to play amateur detective herself.
What I love most about Katherine Howell's books is that she is able construct a suspenseful mystery against the background of the paramedics going about their daily jobs and lives detailing the medical emergencies, stresses of the job and in their personal relationships. All together it makes for a very enjoyable read.
When two paramedics are murdered within a few weeks of each other policewoman Ella Marconi and her partner Murray Shakespeare must work out if they are somehow connected or if it is just a coincidence. Carly Martens, a friend of the most recent victim is concerned about the odd behaviour of her fellow paramedic Tessa and thinks she knows something she is not telling the police and tries to play amateur detective herself.
What I love most about Katherine Howell's books is that she is able construct a suspenseful mystery against the background of the paramedics going about their daily jobs and lives detailing the medical emergencies, stresses of the job and in their personal relationships. All together it makes for a very enjoyable read.
May 3, 2017
Deserving Death is book 7 in the Detective Ella Marconi Series by Katherine Howell. Deserving Death is about Detective Ella Marconi investigation into the death of two paramedics entwined with her blossoming romance with Dr Callum McLennan. Also, causing problems for Detective Ella Marconi was Carly Martens own investigation into the death of her friend Alicia. The readers of Deserving Death will be shocked and surprised by the conclusion of this book..
I enjoy the way Katherine Howell entwine different plots together that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride and ensuring that they do not put the book down until they finish reading. Deserving Death is well written, and I enjoy how Katherine Howell portrays her characters.
Deserving Death also highlights the importance of communicating with colleagues and your family. Also, readers of Deserving Death will learn not to go and investigate a crime on your own.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy the way Katherine Howell entwine different plots together that takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride and ensuring that they do not put the book down until they finish reading. Deserving Death is well written, and I enjoy how Katherine Howell portrays her characters.
Deserving Death also highlights the importance of communicating with colleagues and your family. Also, readers of Deserving Death will learn not to go and investigate a crime on your own.
I recommend this book.
September 17, 2020
4.5 stars
The 2nd last book in Katherine Howell’s Ella Marconi series. Miserable is an understatement to how I’m gonna feel once I’ve read the last book in this series.
All Katherine’s books have been page-turners and this one was no exception.
Two paramedics murdered in a month. Carly Martens is a close friend of the second victim. Carly is a paramedic who carries out her own investigation into the murders. I think Carly has missed her calling she’d make an ace detective. Ella Marconi, lead detective is awesome as ever, need I say more!
Hard to understand why this series has not been snapped up for TV yet!
*Book #72/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
The 2nd last book in Katherine Howell’s Ella Marconi series. Miserable is an understatement to how I’m gonna feel once I’ve read the last book in this series.
All Katherine’s books have been page-turners and this one was no exception.
Two paramedics murdered in a month. Carly Martens is a close friend of the second victim. Carly is a paramedic who carries out her own investigation into the murders. I think Carly has missed her calling she’d make an ace detective. Ella Marconi, lead detective is awesome as ever, need I say more!
Hard to understand why this series has not been snapped up for TV yet!
*Book #72/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
February 27, 2014
Katherine Howell is one of my TOP Aussie mystery authors and she is a ‘must buy her books as soon as they come out and then jump over the TBR queue to be read immediately’ author. Yes I think she is that good IMHO!!!
DESERVING DEATH is the seventh book in the Ella Marconi detective series and it is still as fresh and exciting as the very first one - Frantic. I always briefly worry before I open a new Katherine Howell book that maybe this book is going to be the one that doesn’t quite make it when compared to the others, it never is – it’s always amazing. Then once I have read the book I then start to worry about my review – how can I do justice to the amazing roller coaster ride that I have just been on with sounding like I am repeating myself? Well I possible can’t do it without repeating myself, but Katherine Howell writes a damn good story using her experience as a paramedic for fifteen years to bring gritty realism into her writing. When the reader is in the ambulance with the paramedics it is almost as if we are looking over their shoulders as they deal with life in the streets, and it is not always pretty. Howell’s plots are faultless with a great balance of tension, suspense and a touch of social interaction. DESERVING DEATH has a couple of sub-plots going on that link into (or maybe away from) the main story. However, the threads are gradually gathered together, with an occasional red herring, until all is revealed. I quickly found that I was unable to put the book down until I knew who was doing the killing and why!
I love the way Katherine Howell deals with her characters in both their professional and personal lives. I am a great fan of knowing what is going on in the private lives of the characters. The characters in DESERVING DEATH are as tough as they need to be professionally, be they paramedics or police. However, they each have their own vulnerabilities which Howell uses to demonstrate their humanity, which makes them more real. There are people struggling to understand why friends and colleagues have been murdered, couples trying to survive in their relationship against family opposition, and work partners struggling to work together as a cohesive team when they are totally different personalities. Each character, both major and minor, good and bad, appears in the book for a reason, not one is superfluous to the story.
I cannot recommend this book, and the whole series, enough. If you haven’t read them already then do so right now!
DESERVING DEATH is the seventh book in the Ella Marconi detective series and it is still as fresh and exciting as the very first one - Frantic. I always briefly worry before I open a new Katherine Howell book that maybe this book is going to be the one that doesn’t quite make it when compared to the others, it never is – it’s always amazing. Then once I have read the book I then start to worry about my review – how can I do justice to the amazing roller coaster ride that I have just been on with sounding like I am repeating myself? Well I possible can’t do it without repeating myself, but Katherine Howell writes a damn good story using her experience as a paramedic for fifteen years to bring gritty realism into her writing. When the reader is in the ambulance with the paramedics it is almost as if we are looking over their shoulders as they deal with life in the streets, and it is not always pretty. Howell’s plots are faultless with a great balance of tension, suspense and a touch of social interaction. DESERVING DEATH has a couple of sub-plots going on that link into (or maybe away from) the main story. However, the threads are gradually gathered together, with an occasional red herring, until all is revealed. I quickly found that I was unable to put the book down until I knew who was doing the killing and why!
I love the way Katherine Howell deals with her characters in both their professional and personal lives. I am a great fan of knowing what is going on in the private lives of the characters. The characters in DESERVING DEATH are as tough as they need to be professionally, be they paramedics or police. However, they each have their own vulnerabilities which Howell uses to demonstrate their humanity, which makes them more real. There are people struggling to understand why friends and colleagues have been murdered, couples trying to survive in their relationship against family opposition, and work partners struggling to work together as a cohesive team when they are totally different personalities. Each character, both major and minor, good and bad, appears in the book for a reason, not one is superfluous to the story.
I cannot recommend this book, and the whole series, enough. If you haven’t read them already then do so right now!
January 28, 2014
I have to commence this review with a disclaimer: Katherine Howell is a beloved friend of mine with whom I regularly share the ups and downs of being a writer, discuss politics, movies, books and the kind of things friends do – including the roller-coaster journey she went on writing this book. She even gives me a beautiful mention in her acknowledgements. Imagine my delight when I received my copy. I could not wait to read the published version of a tale that had wrung so much creative energy out of my talented friend.
Now, part of me didn’t want to admit to my friendship with Katherine – and you know why? I worried that it might colour the review I’m about to write – that reading it, others might think, well, she would say that, wouldn’t she, Katherine is a friend. The truth is, I don’t write reviews that don’t reflect how I feel about the book and the experience of reading it. I am much too professional for that and I would rather not write a word than be dishonest. That Deserving Death happens to be one of the best crime books I’ve read in a while has nothing to do with my friendship with the writer, but it does make me very, very proud that my mate wrote such a sensational novel.
Deserving Death is the latest in the hugely popular Ella Marconi detective series and, like the others (and what makes this series unique), is each book also has a principal protagonist, a paramedic (or two or three) and describes the inter-relationships between police and emergency services as well as what occurs in the daily and personal grind of our girls and boys in blue/white. In this book, paramedics feature more strongly than usual, occupying many different roles.
The story opens with the second brutal murder of a female paramedic in four weeks. Discovered by two colleagues, Carly and Tessa, the investigation of the woman’s death is handed to Ella Marconi and Murray Shakespeare who realise very quickly that not only are there connections between this death and the earlier one, but various witnesses and suspects linked to the women and thus the crimes are hiding the truth.
This is something Carly also recognises and, after being frustrated, hurt and confused by the blatant lies she’s being told – and by those she thought she knew and trusted - decides to take matters into her own hands, sacrificing friendship, professional and even personal relationships in the process. But as she steers close to the discovering the truth of what’s being hidden and the identity of the killer, little does she suspect that she may yet be forced to make the greatest sacrifice of all…
Relationships are depicted as complex and oft-times fragile things in this novel. Just when you think you know a person, or their motivation, something will emerge or enter a conversation and change everything. I loved the way Katherine built the various connections – from Carly and Tessa’s professional bonds, to those they have with their boss, Mark Vardy, and the dead woman, to the deeper, more complicated ones that dominate their personal lives.
Running parallel to the investigation and the various liaisons and secrets it uncovers, are those that entangle and complicate the personal relationships in the book. One of the most significant secrets, and which is beautifully rendered, is the “coming out” of Carly’s currently clandestine relationship with Linsey. Forced to hide their love because of how Linsey’s family and, at the macrocosmic level society might judge them, the stronger Carly gently urges and supports her girlfriend to find the courage to be who and what she really is, not the version her parents want and which gives lie to her feelings. In a sense, this sensitively drawn (and very topical) plot-line cleverly mirrors others in the book as well.
Hidden from view are the feelings and emotions that draw people together and tear them apart, whether it be Carly’s love for Linsey and Linsey’s fear of what knowledge of her sexuality will do to her family, or the dreadful reality of what brought Ella and Callum together in the first place and which they tip-toe around, loathe to discuss lest it erupt into their present and destroy the fragile relationship they’re building. Then, there’s the bond between Tessa and her mother – who literally prefers to dwell in the shadows, refusing to face what she’s become - and how you can hate what someone does but still love them unconditionally as well.
Functional and dysfunctional relationships abound in this book, as do secrets, falsehoods and the reasons they exist and why. Sometimes, it’s safer to dissemble – for self-preservation, to protect those you care about, or because fear renders you inert and silent. But then there are also the secrets evil people and/or deeds forces one to keep and how these can commit even a good person to a path that’s fatally destructive.
I could not put this book down. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in horror and genuine fright. By the time I’d finished, I knew I’d been in the hands of a masterful storyteller from whose clever and careful hands I did not want to be released.
If you enjoy great crime stories and one with real heart, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Now, part of me didn’t want to admit to my friendship with Katherine – and you know why? I worried that it might colour the review I’m about to write – that reading it, others might think, well, she would say that, wouldn’t she, Katherine is a friend. The truth is, I don’t write reviews that don’t reflect how I feel about the book and the experience of reading it. I am much too professional for that and I would rather not write a word than be dishonest. That Deserving Death happens to be one of the best crime books I’ve read in a while has nothing to do with my friendship with the writer, but it does make me very, very proud that my mate wrote such a sensational novel.
Deserving Death is the latest in the hugely popular Ella Marconi detective series and, like the others (and what makes this series unique), is each book also has a principal protagonist, a paramedic (or two or three) and describes the inter-relationships between police and emergency services as well as what occurs in the daily and personal grind of our girls and boys in blue/white. In this book, paramedics feature more strongly than usual, occupying many different roles.
The story opens with the second brutal murder of a female paramedic in four weeks. Discovered by two colleagues, Carly and Tessa, the investigation of the woman’s death is handed to Ella Marconi and Murray Shakespeare who realise very quickly that not only are there connections between this death and the earlier one, but various witnesses and suspects linked to the women and thus the crimes are hiding the truth.
This is something Carly also recognises and, after being frustrated, hurt and confused by the blatant lies she’s being told – and by those she thought she knew and trusted - decides to take matters into her own hands, sacrificing friendship, professional and even personal relationships in the process. But as she steers close to the discovering the truth of what’s being hidden and the identity of the killer, little does she suspect that she may yet be forced to make the greatest sacrifice of all…
Relationships are depicted as complex and oft-times fragile things in this novel. Just when you think you know a person, or their motivation, something will emerge or enter a conversation and change everything. I loved the way Katherine built the various connections – from Carly and Tessa’s professional bonds, to those they have with their boss, Mark Vardy, and the dead woman, to the deeper, more complicated ones that dominate their personal lives.
Running parallel to the investigation and the various liaisons and secrets it uncovers, are those that entangle and complicate the personal relationships in the book. One of the most significant secrets, and which is beautifully rendered, is the “coming out” of Carly’s currently clandestine relationship with Linsey. Forced to hide their love because of how Linsey’s family and, at the macrocosmic level society might judge them, the stronger Carly gently urges and supports her girlfriend to find the courage to be who and what she really is, not the version her parents want and which gives lie to her feelings. In a sense, this sensitively drawn (and very topical) plot-line cleverly mirrors others in the book as well.
Hidden from view are the feelings and emotions that draw people together and tear them apart, whether it be Carly’s love for Linsey and Linsey’s fear of what knowledge of her sexuality will do to her family, or the dreadful reality of what brought Ella and Callum together in the first place and which they tip-toe around, loathe to discuss lest it erupt into their present and destroy the fragile relationship they’re building. Then, there’s the bond between Tessa and her mother – who literally prefers to dwell in the shadows, refusing to face what she’s become - and how you can hate what someone does but still love them unconditionally as well.
Functional and dysfunctional relationships abound in this book, as do secrets, falsehoods and the reasons they exist and why. Sometimes, it’s safer to dissemble – for self-preservation, to protect those you care about, or because fear renders you inert and silent. But then there are also the secrets evil people and/or deeds forces one to keep and how these can commit even a good person to a path that’s fatally destructive.
I could not put this book down. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in horror and genuine fright. By the time I’d finished, I knew I’d been in the hands of a masterful storyteller from whose clever and careful hands I did not want to be released.
If you enjoy great crime stories and one with real heart, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
December 3, 2014
Another good read by the Aussie author, Katherine Howell.
Somebody is killing paramedics - but who you ask? You don't really find out who it is until the last few chapters. Lots going on with relationships in this book - from spouses to boyfriends to girlfriends to moms and dads. Overall, the storyline was consistent and worth reading, my focus was a bit off for this book, but I managed to stay the course. What I like about this series is that you have 2 different points of view eventually leading to the same conclusions. I like how the author tells the story first from the paramedic's view, then from the detective's view. A little bit of angst thrown in the mix from time to time and maybe even a wrong cop or two, just to add to the thrill.
a thumbs up and 4 stars for this book.
Somebody is killing paramedics - but who you ask? You don't really find out who it is until the last few chapters. Lots going on with relationships in this book - from spouses to boyfriends to girlfriends to moms and dads. Overall, the storyline was consistent and worth reading, my focus was a bit off for this book, but I managed to stay the course. What I like about this series is that you have 2 different points of view eventually leading to the same conclusions. I like how the author tells the story first from the paramedic's view, then from the detective's view. A little bit of angst thrown in the mix from time to time and maybe even a wrong cop or two, just to add to the thrill.
a thumbs up and 4 stars for this book.
March 31, 2014
Such a good book! Once I started it I could not stop and I finished it in one day. The suspense is low key but constant which makes it a real page turner. The characters are all well written and believable and the storyline is gripping. Katherine Howell has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I can't wait for her next book!
March 28, 2014
LOVED IT! Kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat just like all of Howell's previous stories in this series. I particularly love her ability to spin multiple finely woven threads and bring them all together at the climactic ending - brilliant!
February 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this latest Ella Marconi novel. My only complaint is I read it too quick. Great storyline, recurring characters plus new ones makes this well worth reading.
March 3, 2014
Awesome!
May 13, 2014
Sorry guys, I thought this was incredibly badly written - I did not enjoy it one bit. Slow, overly descriptive....hmmmmm....nope, just found the whole pedestrian approach irritating.
July 23, 2019
It was personally a little hard for me to follow because there were so many characters but I was happy with the ending heckity yeah!
April 18, 2025
4.5⭐
Deserving death was a very great book if I do say so myself!! Katherine Howell did a very great job writing this with no plot error or no misconception (not that her other books have that) and I was a shocked at how the plot twist got me at the end of it!!
This book basically follows Ella Marconi, a detective who as the premise of the story goes, is trying to uncover a recent killing of fellow paramedics, Alicia Bayliss and Maxine Hardwick!
And as well as she's conducting her own investigation of the two murders, a best friend of one of the victims (Alicia Bayliss) namely, Carly (I forgot ever seeing if she had a surname), is going through heartache for the death of Alicia, therefore; she CONDUCTS HER OWN PRIVATE INVESTIGATION trying to find the killer of her very best friend.
Throughout the story as you read, you will see that the author has a very great imagination when it comes to character descriptions. Probably one of the things that I struggle to implement in my reading at times, but with this book, I could see what the author was seeing when she was writing and that made me happy!!!
The tension in this story is immaculate & great and is a type of story that you would not want to put down the moment you pick it up!
One other thing I also liked about the novel itself, was the queer romantic relationship between Carly and her secret lover, Lindsey. The way that Lindsey was there for Carly when she needed it the most was everything to me and the way that Carly was there for Lindsey whenever she also needed it was my favourite thing about the book. Lindsey is a queer character that is not yet out of her closet yet, so, you do have that family tension that affects the relationship tremendously! I loved the way the author handled that and I loved that their relationship was seen throughout the book till the end!
I would highly highly highly highly recommend this book 📚📖 if you want to read a murder mystery book because I enjoyed this book the way I know you will. So have a great reading time and see you in my next review!
XO, Nezh
@_soulhappiness_103
Deserving death was a very great book if I do say so myself!! Katherine Howell did a very great job writing this with no plot error or no misconception (not that her other books have that) and I was a shocked at how the plot twist got me at the end of it!!
This book basically follows Ella Marconi, a detective who as the premise of the story goes, is trying to uncover a recent killing of fellow paramedics, Alicia Bayliss and Maxine Hardwick!
And as well as she's conducting her own investigation of the two murders, a best friend of one of the victims (Alicia Bayliss) namely, Carly (I forgot ever seeing if she had a surname), is going through heartache for the death of Alicia, therefore; she CONDUCTS HER OWN PRIVATE INVESTIGATION trying to find the killer of her very best friend.
Throughout the story as you read, you will see that the author has a very great imagination when it comes to character descriptions. Probably one of the things that I struggle to implement in my reading at times, but with this book, I could see what the author was seeing when she was writing and that made me happy!!!
The tension in this story is immaculate & great and is a type of story that you would not want to put down the moment you pick it up!
One other thing I also liked about the novel itself, was the queer romantic relationship between Carly and her secret lover, Lindsey. The way that Lindsey was there for Carly when she needed it the most was everything to me and the way that Carly was there for Lindsey whenever she also needed it was my favourite thing about the book. Lindsey is a queer character that is not yet out of her closet yet, so, you do have that family tension that affects the relationship tremendously! I loved the way the author handled that and I loved that their relationship was seen throughout the book till the end!
I would highly highly highly highly recommend this book 📚📖 if you want to read a murder mystery book because I enjoyed this book the way I know you will. So have a great reading time and see you in my next review!
XO, Nezh
@_soulhappiness_103
October 31, 2022
5*s are saved for books that have that something special that will stay with me. Usually a Strong character driven storyline. Where I feel a connection to the book or characters or really loved me emotionally.
This is for my absolute favourite books, the ones I can only describe as a feeling. A story I fell so deep into I felt the hangover when I came out of it. Not just a book I enjoyed but one I LOVED. Elite level
4* A brilliant book that I’ve loved. A story with a great storyline and characters. One I really enjoyed reading.
It has everything I want in a book, and I would recommend to others.
It is only missing that little bit of magic or depth that would make it 5*s. Top level
3* A good book, enjoyable and nice/easy to read. Great filler books to read between the deep heavy ones. Most good books fall into this category. Usually a good or gripping storyline but are more storyline driven rather than character led and driven. Books that I enjoy but probably won’t remember the details of this time next year. May recommend to others for a filler book or binge series. Decent level
2* Finished it and it was Ok. Story was ok but not amazing or gripping. Characters were likely forgettable or unlikeable. Maybe a weak too perfect ending. Probably a shallow storyline and very forgettable. Probably wouldn’t recommend to others. Weak level.
1* I hate giving 1*s because I feel bad for the author who I know has worked so hard on a book. I just didn’t like it. I probably couldn’t get into it or didn’t finish it. Basic level.
This is for my absolute favourite books, the ones I can only describe as a feeling. A story I fell so deep into I felt the hangover when I came out of it. Not just a book I enjoyed but one I LOVED. Elite level
4* A brilliant book that I’ve loved. A story with a great storyline and characters. One I really enjoyed reading.
It has everything I want in a book, and I would recommend to others.
It is only missing that little bit of magic or depth that would make it 5*s. Top level
3* A good book, enjoyable and nice/easy to read. Great filler books to read between the deep heavy ones. Most good books fall into this category. Usually a good or gripping storyline but are more storyline driven rather than character led and driven. Books that I enjoy but probably won’t remember the details of this time next year. May recommend to others for a filler book or binge series. Decent level
2* Finished it and it was Ok. Story was ok but not amazing or gripping. Characters were likely forgettable or unlikeable. Maybe a weak too perfect ending. Probably a shallow storyline and very forgettable. Probably wouldn’t recommend to others. Weak level.
1* I hate giving 1*s because I feel bad for the author who I know has worked so hard on a book. I just didn’t like it. I probably couldn’t get into it or didn’t finish it. Basic level.
May 18, 2019
Katherine Howell doesn't disappoint in this the seventh book in the series featuring detective Ella Marconi.
When two paramedics are murdered within a few weeks of each other, Ella Marconi and her partner Murray Shakespeare must work out if they are somehow connected, perhaps the work of a serial killer.
Carly Martens, another paramedic and a friend of the most recent victim is concerned and tries to play amateur detective focussing on the strange behaviour of yet another paramedic.
Read this book through to the end; read the twists and turns until finally the murderer is named. Well worth reading or listening to on audiobooks.
When two paramedics are murdered within a few weeks of each other, Ella Marconi and her partner Murray Shakespeare must work out if they are somehow connected, perhaps the work of a serial killer.
Carly Martens, another paramedic and a friend of the most recent victim is concerned and tries to play amateur detective focussing on the strange behaviour of yet another paramedic.
Read this book through to the end; read the twists and turns until finally the murderer is named. Well worth reading or listening to on audiobooks.
September 11, 2017
Great thriller page turner, again, from Katherine Howell.
March 9, 2018
This is one of my favourite crime/mystery series. It moves fast, from one character to the next, never a dull moment. A solid plot...on to the next.
December 17, 2018
I hadn't read a Katherine Howell book for some time, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed her books. Loved this book and it won't be so long before I read more of Katherine.
April 9, 2022
Enjoyable but I don’t know how I feel about a book when I work out who the killer is half way through.
February 14, 2024
Cool and scary
December 27, 2024
Great read. Unfortunately I have read all of Katherine's books now and I believe that is it. Sadly.
February 12, 2020
I felt like paramedic Carly was the star of this book. Detective Ella Marconi seemed to play a lesser role. I was not a big fan of Ella's boyfriend Callum and his relationship with his mother. The interludes with him really slowed down the action.
The mystery of who is killing the paramedics was interesting and kept me guessing. I know there are 8 books in the Detective Ella Marconi series. but this is the first I have read. I really enjoyed it and would like to read the rest of the series.
The mystery of who is killing the paramedics was interesting and kept me guessing. I know there are 8 books in the Detective Ella Marconi series. but this is the first I have read. I really enjoyed it and would like to read the rest of the series.
January 1, 2019
A good read
February 15, 2014
Testament to Katherine Howell's talent, the 7th in the Ella Marconi series is fresh and polished with the author's trademark blend of paramedic voyeurism and investigative punch.
With each review I worry about doing justice to Katherine's novels without sounding like a broken record, but you know what, when something's good, I think repeating myself is allowable, essential even, heck it's practically a public service.
I love that character development isn't sacrificed for plot advancement, no mean feat in pacey suspense. What elevates Deserving Death to a new high is the intimate focus on topical relationship issues ... I seriously loved that focus.
Detective Ella Marconi is the constant in the series and Carly Martens and Tessa Kimball are the paramedics this time around. In Deserving Death we see Ella's relationship with Dr Callum McLennan reach something of a turning point. Can I confess, after all this time wanting things to work out for Ella, I'm not sure I actually like Callum that much.
With 100+ pages to go I had the bad guy picked.
I'm usually wrong.
I wasn't.
Imagine my glee; you'd think 'knowing' would have watered down the suspense but Katherine is the queen of red herrings and subtlety, so I continued to doubt and second guess and then high five my own cleverness. HA
Deserving Death is another unputdownable read, one that warrants sleep deprivation ...
Go on, get yourself a copy. Oh what the heck, lash out, get the whole series.
... you're welcome ;)
With each review I worry about doing justice to Katherine's novels without sounding like a broken record, but you know what, when something's good, I think repeating myself is allowable, essential even, heck it's practically a public service.
I love that character development isn't sacrificed for plot advancement, no mean feat in pacey suspense. What elevates Deserving Death to a new high is the intimate focus on topical relationship issues ... I seriously loved that focus.
Detective Ella Marconi is the constant in the series and Carly Martens and Tessa Kimball are the paramedics this time around. In Deserving Death we see Ella's relationship with Dr Callum McLennan reach something of a turning point. Can I confess, after all this time wanting things to work out for Ella, I'm not sure I actually like Callum that much.
With 100+ pages to go I had the bad guy picked.
I'm usually wrong.
I wasn't.
Imagine my glee; you'd think 'knowing' would have watered down the suspense but Katherine is the queen of red herrings and subtlety, so I continued to doubt and second guess and then high five my own cleverness. HA
Deserving Death is another unputdownable read, one that warrants sleep deprivation ...
Go on, get yourself a copy. Oh what the heck, lash out, get the whole series.
... you're welcome ;)
Read
April 14, 2014Deserving Death, by Katherine Howell, a-minus, Narrated by Caroline Lee, Produced by Bolinda Audio, downloaded from audible.com.
Two female paramedics murdered in a month. Is it coincidence, or is there a connection between the two which is not immediately visible? They didn’t work together and were generally assigned to different teams. Detective Ella Marconi goes hard
after her key suspects, including police officer John Morris. But each turn of the case throws up more questions and entanglements, and Ella and her partner,
Detective Murray Shakespeare, struggle to find the truth among the lies. Ella also attempts to balance work and her relationship with Dr. Callum McLennan,
which is growing both stronger and more difficult as they face Callum's mother's disapproval and the anniversary of his cousin's murder. Meanwhile,
Carly Martens, paramedic and close friend of the second victim, conducts her own investigation. She's certain that her fellow paramedic Tessa Kimball is
hiding something, and her refusal to let it go puts her, Tessa, and even Ella into more danger than Carly could ever imagine.
This case is set against the dangerous background of drug deals, police corruption, and deadly consequences. There is also a lesbian relationship that develops in this book and is handled very well by the author.
Two female paramedics murdered in a month. Is it coincidence, or is there a connection between the two which is not immediately visible? They didn’t work together and were generally assigned to different teams. Detective Ella Marconi goes hard
after her key suspects, including police officer John Morris. But each turn of the case throws up more questions and entanglements, and Ella and her partner,
Detective Murray Shakespeare, struggle to find the truth among the lies. Ella also attempts to balance work and her relationship with Dr. Callum McLennan,
which is growing both stronger and more difficult as they face Callum's mother's disapproval and the anniversary of his cousin's murder. Meanwhile,
Carly Martens, paramedic and close friend of the second victim, conducts her own investigation. She's certain that her fellow paramedic Tessa Kimball is
hiding something, and her refusal to let it go puts her, Tessa, and even Ella into more danger than Carly could ever imagine.
This case is set against the dangerous background of drug deals, police corruption, and deadly consequences. There is also a lesbian relationship that develops in this book and is handled very well by the author.
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