The Coldest Clues

Kate Hanson #2

by A.J. Cross

Please note this book was previously published as Art of Deception.

Three murders. Two decades. One killer.

New Year’s Day. A dogwalker is enjoying the early morning calm in Birmingham’s Woodgate Country Park. At first he thinks it’s some old rubbish. His dogs are always digging up trouble.

But it’s a mummified body.

The victim is Nathan Troy, an art student who disappeared twenty years ago.

Days later, a second body is found. This time it’s a fresh kill. And the ligature marks on the victim’s neck are identical.

It’s been twenty years, but after all this time, forensic psychologist Kate Hanson knows that Nathan’s killer is back.

The Unsolved Crimes Unit must solve a decades-old murder to stop this twisted killer before he strikes again . . .

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Detective, Suspense, Fiction

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2013

About the author

A.J. Cross is a forensic psychologist and frequent court-appointed expert witness. She obtained her Masters Degree and PhD at the University of Birmingham, the latter relating to children as witnesses within the criminal court system. Her professional experience has included consultancy work for the Probation Service within its sexual offender unit in her home city. She currently lives in the West Midlands with her musician husband.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Caroline Ingvaldsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in forensic procedural series starring an intrepid psychologist supported by a likeable police team and challenged by academic and domestic detritus.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kate is overbearing, rude, self centered and horrible. And the writing is tediously slow.

[Furciferous Quaintrelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this one, and it actually had a slightly more complicated plot than the first one in this series, but in this book the main character Kate just really started to grate on me. She's more whiny, more condescending to Bernie (who I love more as each book comes to a close) and is doing all that "I'm a strong independent woman who don't need no man" crap...before fainting and always needing one of the bigger, stronger men to come to her aid. Typical empty feminist crap, but it's annoying to have it creep in more and more in the second book.

I did figure out whodunit in this one, probably because I took more time to highlight and more every little thing that looked like it might be a clue. There were some interesting references to classical mythology, literature and geography which I picked up on, but there was one I figured out, relating to one character in particular, which weirdly, once revealed, wasn't then mentioned it picked up on again. It was pretty frustrating because I cordoned into it about a quarter of the way through, I was then sort of proved right in the third quarter but nothing else was made of it, despite it kind of being a big thing.

There were a few little things like that which I now don't know whether or not they were loose ends overlooked by the author, or red herrings. I'm inclined to go with the former, because even red herrings are traditionally supposed to be wrapped up as having been so, by the end of the story.

The first book in this series was one that I just sat down and ploughed through it, taking only the odd note. I didn't guess the perp in that one, but they were obscured in a different way to the one in this instalment. And by slowing down, noting every little potential clue, and ruminating a bit more, I was better able to figure it out. The reasoning behind the overall grand narrative was obvious earlier on, but the reason behind the perp in this be deemed a bit lazily thought out. The grand reveal at the denouement felt like the author was bored with their own story and just wanted to the everything up in a nice tidy bow...only they didn't do so in a truly satisfying way. I mean, maybe I missed it (and this is not a spoiler at all - my entire review is spoiler-free) but, I don't even think the author told us who the lake house belonged to. If I'm wrong and it was revealed, by all means please tell me, because that would have been one of the first things I would have personally followed up on if this was my case.

I hated the "will-they-won't-they?" shtick around the potential relationship between the main character and someone else. It's tedious. I don't care. I'm here for the murder and psychological insights, not some crappy romance. I imagine that the author will prolong the tedium throughout this series (possibly with a typical yawn-fest spanner in the works to make it seem like the road to romance is rarely smooth) but I can put up with it for the other three books in this series that I've already downloaded, as long as the main stories are gripping and the plotting is tightened up a bit.

It was an enjoyable romp, if a little predictable, and there were too many little details not wrapped up properly by the end. I'll probably read the next instalment today or tomorrow. Let's hope the editors weren't as lazy with that one as they were with this one.

🆗 ⭐⭐⭐

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and am pleased to say that it’s another excellent continuation in this series. The case itself was very complex and really kept me concentrating all the way through. At times I was convinced that I knew who the killer was, but I was continually proved wrong right up until the very end. All in all, it was a very chilling case dealing with one of the worst “silent” crimes imaginable and I found it all very concerning, but I was very pleased that the team managed to work out what was going on and Kate’s suspicions were sound and very well founded. All the characters are all very likeable – even Bernie Watts – and I am continually hoping that a romance will spark between Kate and Joe at some point, although at the moment she seems to be holding back. The ending was conclusive and satisfying and I am now about to start on book 3. I highly recommend this author and this brilliant series.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s a bit slow to start off with but once you get into it it’s amazing. there’s so much detail and information and you can coke up with your own theories, as you read along, with the characters. sometimes it was a bit difficult to keep up with based on how long ago you last read it and what you remember through out. the ending was really sweet and i was not expecting the murderer to be who it was. definitely recommend

[Rebecca Hock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. It is the only one I have read by this author. I think I would be interested in reading others, particularly if there are others in the Dr. Hanson Cold Case series. Many times I find that I have figured out who did it halfway through the book. But not this one. And for me, that is a good thing.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good procedural, interesting although a little slow for moments. But my main issue with this story is not the plot or the writing, is the protagonist.

I liked Kate Hanson a lot less in this book. She acts as if the laws are for others, not her, and she jeopardizes her co-workers' job to get what she wants. That's not strength, is callousness. And why, why would she go alone to a suspect's house, a known sex predator none the less, when in her last case she did the same risky thing and almost lost her life?

And yes, I take that mothering a pre-teen is hard, and if you are an overworked, stressed-out, single mom is even worse. And that she sees the worst of people all the time. But I'd hate to be her daughter. There is no real warmth in that relationship :/

I'll be listening to the next one, but at this point I'm not really hopeful :(

[Jessica Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good police procedural with plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you reading. Other reviewers have commented the main culprit was too predictable, but I found there was a large enough cast, and enough mystery as to what role each character played and why to keep me satisfied.

(Also, in response to the review complaining about the use of the word 'mom' - the book is set in Birmingham where it's in common usage.)

[Sandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received a copy as a First Reads giveaway.

I'm afraid that I found this book quite tedious and I struggled to finish it. I was skimming the pages towards the end just to get it read.

I didn't find any of the characters likeable and the main characters behaviour was so outrageous I'm sure no police force would employee her.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Amberfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to give this five stars, the second in the five book collection. Began slowly but soon livened up until finding I couldn't put it down.

A complicated plot, several red herrings regarding the perpetrator's identity and, must admit, I hadn't worked out who it was until almost the end.

Characters ..... Kate is definitely a law unto herself which often jeopardises the case; somehow she manages to escape censure. Can only put this down to her not being a police person who still doesn't understand, or chooses to ignore, protocol and procedures. Perhaps she thinks UCU is an entirely different animal to "upstairs" - cold cases rather than "live crimes".

Unfortunately, there is still the eye rolling 12 year old daughter who seems to spend more time being looked after at her best friend's house while defying and giving lip to her own mother. Can only hope that she improves in the next books otherwise I can't see the point of her unless it's to highlight the "single, full time working mother" issue. Now temporarily joined in Kate's house is a narcissistic ex-husband with a minor injury who still thinks he rules the roost while keeping a jealous eye on any man who comes to the door. At this stage, all of whom are work colleagues. Ex-husband has been dumped by his girlfriend and it's easy to understand why.

Am beginning to warm to DS Bernie Watts, and Gander who at least listens to the opinions of others unlike Furman who has nothing but contempt for Kate dismissing her out of hand despite the fact that in this and the last crime, she'd gotten to grips with the whole back story, intelligently knitting together all the clues.

I picked up on some of the artefacts and their country of origin but was unsure until it was revealed who had brought them into the story.

But the actual plot behind these characters becomes compelling - the reader is led this way and that as bodies, ancient and recent, are uncovered and found myself tensing up at certain points. You really wish for the perpetrator to be found before they can do any more damage, not only to their victims but to their families. At one point, I actually began to feel physically sick and more than a bit claustrophobic when Kate found herself, alone, in yet another tricky position.

But it has encouraged me to re-educate myself on my shorthand - once written every day as part of my job but not used for some while now. Determined to get my speed returned.

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read… Recommend series for fans of many different genre types!

I am a big fan of this Dr. Kate Hanson Mysteries series.
It has the perfect combination of fabulous, creative, & well-edited writing, an intriguing plot/storylines, humor, detective as well as forensic ingredients, really enjoyable & deep characters, as well as a satisfying conclusion.
I especially enjoyed the particular slant to the mystery, which is eventually reveled in stages. It’s a topic of major importance across the world, & the manner in which A.J. Cross handles it is unique in it’s tactfulness & with respect. (Can’t get into it more than this - no one enjoys a spoiler! ;)
I do feel, however, in this 2nd addition to the series, the “beginning stages” of the adventure are overly drawn out. As I was reading along, I found myself too often checking my percentage completed thus far, as I became increasingly more frustrated that the story should be on more solid ground, “by now.”
Meaning — into the thick of the middle of the investigation, rather than still having a feeling of build up to it. The initial plot rise is for sure more of a slow slant up to a peak in the middle, with then a rapid decent to the ending. (Rather than the most often found, more of a bell curve plot shape.)
With that said, it won’t stop me from immediately going on to read Book 3 of Kate, Bernie, Joe, Maisie, Connie, & company’s next leg of their journey together. I look forward to what I know will be a super creative story ahead!
So even though Book 2 wasn’t as completely fantastic as the 1st in this series, I still highly recommend it for readers who enjoy all different types of genres. As there is SO MUCH to love packed into each of these books!
Book 3! What fun awaits us next …. ?! ;)

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art of Deception #2, A.J. Cross. iBook.

Dr Kate Hanson is a divorced single Mom of a 12 year old daughter. She is a forensic psychologist working as a lecturer at university and also at the UCU, the unsolved case unit, cold case unit of the police. Bernie, Joe and Kate work together when she’s at UCU. Set in the English Midlands, Birmingham, a mummified body is found....three murders, two decades, one killer........
A chilling discovery leads to trying to link together a series of dark secrets.......another death......then another body! By the end there are a few.... Who is behind these deaths dating back and now current. There are plenty of good twists in this good read. Hopefully more in the series will become available soon....


6 books in this series:
Gone in Seconds, Dr Kate Hanson #1. ✅
Art of Deception #2 ✅
A Little Death #3, only iBook Audiobook very expensive!!
Something Evil Comes #4, “
Cold, Cold Heart #5, “
......#6..? No title found..... 6/19

[Alma · Rating 2 out of 5]

In questo libro l'autrice si riafferma nel suo stilo, sarà per questo che mi è sembrata molto più semplice e veloce la sua lettura. O forse sia perché la trama in questo era più intrigante, catturava di più la mia attenzione. Il ritmo della narrazione permette a chi legge di visualizare perfettamente l'ambiente nel quale si sviluppa la storia, e anche i personaggi sono molto ben definiti. La verità è che A.J. Cross non cade nella trappola d'insistere negli aspetti macabri della sua propria storia o cercare i colpi bassi. Tutto il contrario, porta lentamente al lettore a scoprire gli aspetti psicologici dei personaggi; i quali cominciano di un modo e un po' alla volta lasciano cadere tutte le maschere per finire a vederli per quello che veramente sono.

[Melitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secondo libro della seria dedicata alla dottoressa Kate Hanson, volume sicuramente più ricco e coinvolgente del primo, dalla trama più particolareggiata che lascia il lettore incollato alle quasi cinquecento pagine del volume.
Storia scorrevole, personaggi che iniziamo a conoscere, ad amare e ad odiare (chi non ha preso in antipatia dal primo capitolo l'ex marito di Kate, Kevin o il capo della UDI Furman alla sua prima apparizione?) e che sicuramente nei successivi libri della serie verranno approfonditi e le cui storie si intrecceranno facendo da sfondo alle nuove indagini.

Consigliato agli amanti del genere: voto finale 4 stelline e 1/2

[Melinda Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that for such a short book, this one didn't really work hard to keep my attention on it's plot point. it was a bit all over the place with a lot of repetition and whilst it started strong, the investigative analysis of all the players in the book took far too long to resolve and so I did lose interest towards the end as we went through yet another interrogation.

I haven't read any others by this author or in this series so I can't say what I've missed, but there were some details that you needed to guess that alluded to the previous novel.

[John Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is the third one of this series I have read (not in order). I just can't put up with the unbelievable characters and action any longer. Dr. Hanson just runs off and does whatever she wants to without regard to safety or legal procedures. Sgt. Watts seems more uncouth than I remember from other books. Insp. Furman is an absolute caricature, doing no investigating at all, but putting obstacles in the way of those who do.
I'm definitely not going to read any more by this author.
Rating 2.9.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was toying between a three and a four. I liked this one but if you're a skim reader like me and you just get absorbed you might find you miss some detail. I have to say that I got half way through and started to lose the plot (no pun intended) as to who had done what to whom and when. That said, there's always a fairly good summary at the end. And it was a good enough read to make me want to skim it a little as I was keen to find out what happened next.

[Chiara.L · Rating 3 out of 5]

la parte che mi è piaciuta di più di tutto il romanzo? le relazioni amorose, il che è tutto dire! La Cross ti dice praticamente chi è il colpevole sin dalle prime pagine e lo fa illudendosi di averlo ben camuffato. Solo che un camuffamento può essere tale la prima volta, ma questa è già la seconda che usa questa tecnica (fallata già di base!).

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coldest Clues (Dr Kate Hanson Mysteries Book2)

what an awesome book. It seemed to go on and on for ever, kept my attention right the way through. Was so well written, so compelling I just couldn’t put it down. I would thoroughly recommend if you like mystery books you read A J Cross.

[Margaret Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!!!

I have read/consumed these first two books in the series in 72 hours or less. I am totally enthralled by the characters, stories, and the author’s style & brilliance.
I have the next 2 books lined up on my Kindle but need to take a break to do some household “management”!!

[Evelyn Launderville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing

Two teenagers were in the park and wandered into the lake house. There was a hole in the floor. The older boy looked and ran off. The younger boy looked in and grabbed a trinket. He got up but was accosted by a man. Using many means of getting evidence Kate and her colleagues settle a big case with many surprises.

[giuli’s books❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro davvero molto carino, ti prende dal punto di vista mentale. Il mio voto reale sarebbe 3 stelle e mezzo; perché anche se non sembra la mezza stella fa molta differenza.
L’unica cosa che ho notato è che in alcuni tratti è molto lento, e nonostante ami gli intrecci, verso la fine ci sono davvero molti argomenti da trattare e ritengo che alcuni non siano stati trattati ad hoc.

[Sandra K. Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery

I enjoyed the mystery and the characters were very interesting and kept me trying to decide who the killer was. I especially like Dr. Hanson and Joe. Bernie gave another perspective too.

[Linda Butler-Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all five of this series, and with each one I couldn’t figure out who was the killer(s). Very well written with lots of twists.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a really good mystery. Great characters and I love the progression of all the characters.

[James Beal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

This was a fantastic read. I was gripped from the very beginning. I could not put this book down. I just love the characters there stories fascinating. Now on to the next book.

[Berenice Kreymborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bearable, but not that enjoyable0

[aprilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will continue the series

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy going not sure i would risk reading more in this series

[sue millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping thriller with everything in it

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers 1 of a series of Dr Kate Hanson books a real page turner.