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Detective April Fisher #1
Taken While She Slept
Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside.
When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood.
Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood.
Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
1114 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 21, 2023
This was a very fast read and there wasn’t a moment of boredom.
The chapters are short and the development is well paced
The storytelling is good, but the writing could have been better, as I found it a bit repetitive. It did feel that this was written in a hurry.
The plot is really good, with plenty of twists, but the explanation/conclusion was not what I expected.
The author threw so many little secrets that I was afraid that he was going to lose the thread.
I wished for more in-depth character development, so if there is a follow up, I hope that the author will give some consideration.
Overall it was a good entertainment and I’m looking forward to reading his next book.
The chapters are short and the development is well paced
The storytelling is good, but the writing could have been better, as I found it a bit repetitive. It did feel that this was written in a hurry.
The plot is really good, with plenty of twists, but the explanation/conclusion was not what I expected.
The author threw so many little secrets that I was afraid that he was going to lose the thread.
I wished for more in-depth character development, so if there is a follow up, I hope that the author will give some consideration.
Overall it was a good entertainment and I’m looking forward to reading his next book.
March 26, 2024
Terrific new police procedural series.
WHAT I LIKED BEST......
I did not guess the ending!
I listened to the audiobook read by Bronwen Price, who did a superb job with the narration.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The audiobook was an 11-hour audiobook that could have been a 9-hour book.
I will be watching for Detective April Fisher #2.
WHAT I LIKED BEST......
I did not guess the ending!
I listened to the audiobook read by Bronwen Price, who did a superb job with the narration.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
The audiobook was an 11-hour audiobook that could have been a 9-hour book.
I will be watching for Detective April Fisher #2.
October 14, 2023
And Breathe!!!!!
Taken while she slept by C.J. Grayson was an Excellent book from start to finish - It was a book once I started to read the first few pages it was hard to put it down, so glad it was the weekend.
This book is set in Manchester the idyllic surroundings of this vibrant but dangerous — City.
You will learn more about this new character Detective Sergeant April Fisher, who I love! She's thirty-four-year-old she needs to be tough in her job especially as she has seen too much much out on the streets of Manchester. She’s experienced more than her share of tragedy in her personal life. However, she takes this all in her stride and keeps her head high, ready to tackle whatever is thrown at her — and she goes through a lot in this book. Hence why I think she is one of the best Detective Sergeant out there at the mo............She’s hardworking, very focused and intelligent, but she has a tendency to be a bit rash in making quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, which often gets her in trouble.
Which is why she is Brilliant!!!! She is like Marmite - either hate her or Love her.........
With three dead bodies, and the victims are missing hands and eyes.
Two missing people, a baby and her mother.
With only one suspected a serial killer stalking the streets of Manchester.
When DS April Fisher is called to investigate. She has got big problems of her own, and especially when she can’t remember much of last night when she went out with her work colleagues and who she went home with, he was someone she has never met before!
But, she need to protect the victims but how; if she can’t protect herself?
Will she catch the killer before they strike again!
WoW WoW - Brilliant!!!
This book is full of brilliant twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. So strap your selves in, reschedule all you have planned for that day ahead. Once you open you kindle and see this beautiful cover and start to read the first few pages you will be stuck in your chair!
I highly recommend this book and looking forward reading more.
5 Star's and hats off for creating a new brilliant character!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Joffe and especially C.J. Grayson the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
Taken while she slept by C.J. Grayson was an Excellent book from start to finish - It was a book once I started to read the first few pages it was hard to put it down, so glad it was the weekend.
This book is set in Manchester the idyllic surroundings of this vibrant but dangerous — City.
You will learn more about this new character Detective Sergeant April Fisher, who I love! She's thirty-four-year-old she needs to be tough in her job especially as she has seen too much much out on the streets of Manchester. She’s experienced more than her share of tragedy in her personal life. However, she takes this all in her stride and keeps her head high, ready to tackle whatever is thrown at her — and she goes through a lot in this book. Hence why I think she is one of the best Detective Sergeant out there at the mo............She’s hardworking, very focused and intelligent, but she has a tendency to be a bit rash in making quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, which often gets her in trouble.
Which is why she is Brilliant!!!! She is like Marmite - either hate her or Love her.........
With three dead bodies, and the victims are missing hands and eyes.
Two missing people, a baby and her mother.
With only one suspected a serial killer stalking the streets of Manchester.
When DS April Fisher is called to investigate. She has got big problems of her own, and especially when she can’t remember much of last night when she went out with her work colleagues and who she went home with, he was someone she has never met before!
But, she need to protect the victims but how; if she can’t protect herself?
Will she catch the killer before they strike again!
WoW WoW - Brilliant!!!
This book is full of brilliant twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. So strap your selves in, reschedule all you have planned for that day ahead. Once you open you kindle and see this beautiful cover and start to read the first few pages you will be stuck in your chair!
I highly recommend this book and looking forward reading more.
5 Star's and hats off for creating a new brilliant character!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Joffe and especially C.J. Grayson the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2023
Well it looks like I’m easily in the minority here but I did not enjoy this book. The plot is fine and the characters are interesting enough but it was the immature writing style I found irksome. The language was very basic with adjectives clearly being a problem to the author as the ones he/she did use were repeated.
I will give three stars but do expect better vocabulary skills.
I will give three stars but do expect better vocabulary skills.
October 24, 2023
This is a very busy crime thriller. A young girl has gone missing, never to be seen again. Another disfigured body of a woman is found. The victim is missing a hand and an eye. Packed to the rafters with tension and suspense, red herrings and so much more. While reading this book I was constantly holding my breath and omg that twist at the end it blew me away. A well deserved five stars and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
November 28, 2023
Way too much going on in this read, and somehow it all magically ties together with one family.
Honestly felt like the author had so many ideas, and just put them all together in this and made it make sense at the end.
The twist with the mum I saw coming.
The killer, the kidnapper, the affairs the real killer, the real dad the weird and helpful neighbour the death of the bother , the possible rape at the start of the book. And everything else was way too much.
Honestly I didn't like it. And if it was toned down and just focused on the kidnapping of the little one it would of been a much better read, then going in on this whole rollercoaster of stuff.
As said it all tied together at the end, but only because it needed it to.
Each family has drama, and secrets and lies. Not to this extent unless your the west family.
Honestly felt like the author had so many ideas, and just put them all together in this and made it make sense at the end.
The twist with the mum I saw coming.
The killer, the kidnapper, the affairs the real killer, the real dad the weird and helpful neighbour the death of the bother , the possible rape at the start of the book. And everything else was way too much.
Honestly I didn't like it. And if it was toned down and just focused on the kidnapping of the little one it would of been a much better read, then going in on this whole rollercoaster of stuff.
As said it all tied together at the end, but only because it needed it to.
Each family has drama, and secrets and lies. Not to this extent unless your the west family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Welcome to new series Greater Manchester And Detective April Fisher.
It's every parents nightmare, a pulse pounding crime thriller.
After a night out April wakes up the next morning bruised and battered and doesn't remember a thing
after been checked out she has a job to do, to catch the hand-eye killer after three female killings before he strikes again.
Tony Anderson meets up with a man to sell his car and the nightmare is about to happen, his daughter Abigail is in the car and it is taken, it all happened so fast.
Stolen car, missing daughter, messy house, blood and no signs of his wife Amanda.
This book was so breathtakingly good as the story gets deeper and deeper, chilling, mind blowing and will keep you hooked and gripped into the full works. I loved every single page.
The character Fisher I hope will bring us more in further books one things for sure she will never drink wine again. 5 stars from me.
It's every parents nightmare, a pulse pounding crime thriller.
After a night out April wakes up the next morning bruised and battered and doesn't remember a thing
after been checked out she has a job to do, to catch the hand-eye killer after three female killings before he strikes again.
Tony Anderson meets up with a man to sell his car and the nightmare is about to happen, his daughter Abigail is in the car and it is taken, it all happened so fast.
Stolen car, missing daughter, messy house, blood and no signs of his wife Amanda.
This book was so breathtakingly good as the story gets deeper and deeper, chilling, mind blowing and will keep you hooked and gripped into the full works. I loved every single page.
The character Fisher I hope will bring us more in further books one things for sure she will never drink wine again. 5 stars from me.
February 21, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. So this book is titled Taken While She Slept. So you’d think this book is about a child that’s kidnapped while she’s sleeping, correct? Wrong! While there is a child that’s taken, it’s only about 10% of the entire plot. And she doesn’t even get taken until 19% through the book! Then we really hear nothing more about her til 68ish% of the book. You can tell this book is written by a man. The way he wrote a woman talking about her “time of the month”. Yeah we don’t talk like that (face palm)! And I don’t know what this authors obsession with cars and driveways is but dear lawd!!! Every other sentence talks about a wide driveway or a Volvo or some other European car. There is a scene in the beginning that happens to our main detective. And people ask her about it in every chapter after and it never ends!! Plus the wrap up as to why and if it even happened feels like an after thought. Like oh hey yeah here’s the third storyline I had going on in this hot mess of a book, I should probably wrap that up. And in doing so left me rolling my eyes so much I got a headache. Seriously, save yourself some time and skip this one. It’s insufferable.
December 4, 2023
There are so many twists and turns in this story that you could be in a labyrinth. No-one seems to be telling the truth and every time the cops feel they are getting somewhere they hit another dead end. This is the first book in a new series and I think it's a great start. DS April Fisher and her partner DS Matthew Phillips are likeable characters who seem to get on well with their superiors so there doesn't seem to be any of the maverick cop and the boss who wants rid of them that so many authors rely on. The pace of the story is almost as frantic as the search for the missing child so it keeps you absorbed until suddenly you realise it's the middle of the night but there's no way you can stop now. I look forward to the next episode.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
November 27, 2023
Proof reader must have had a day off
Terrible mistakes throughout the whole story. Spelling, names, grammar, missed words, the list is endless. Give this book a definite miss
Terrible mistakes throughout the whole story. Spelling, names, grammar, missed words, the list is endless. Give this book a definite miss
January 14, 2024
Author : C.J. GRAYSON
TAKEN WHILE SHE SLEPT
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description :
Discover the most gripping crime thriller this year.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside. When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood. Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔
Review :
I read this book in two days. I just couldn't put it down. I was totally shocked to find out who the killer was. If you love a good thriller (and prefer them on the twisted side), this book is for you. It makes me think how much we really know about the people around us and whom they claim to say they are. You can read this book on Kindle unlimited for free.
TAKEN WHILE SHE SLEPT
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description :
Discover the most gripping crime thriller this year.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside. When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood. Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔
Review :
I read this book in two days. I just couldn't put it down. I was totally shocked to find out who the killer was. If you love a good thriller (and prefer them on the twisted side), this book is for you. It makes me think how much we really know about the people around us and whom they claim to say they are. You can read this book on Kindle unlimited for free.
January 17, 2024
I found this book so hard to put down. Lots going on throughout, to the point you don’t get a chance to think what the outcome will be.
I would of given this 4.5 stars but there are quite a few big mistakes in the plot
Need editing again
May 1, 2024
This book is the first in a series. Really good detective story with interesting plot.
There were parts that I felt needed better vocabulary selection to rate it higher then a 4 star.
It is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
There were parts that I felt needed better vocabulary selection to rate it higher then a 4 star.
It is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
April 6, 2024
I thought I had worked it all out rather quickly. How wrong was I. This book was fantastic with so many twists and turns. Definitely recommend
May 10, 2024
Take a deep breath and breathe…
What a fantastic book just twist after twist and an ending I did not see coming.
A book not to be missed
What a fantastic book just twist after twist and an ending I did not see coming.
A book not to be missed
January 12, 2024
This book is so much more than the title implies! There’s a lot of action that continues throughout! It’s also a police procedural and I also enjoyed the detectives’ interaction throughout! I don’t want to say anything about it as it would give too much away. This book grips from the start and never lets up!
August 5, 2024
This book was okay - the twist at the end saved it as I really didn’t see it coming. I did however find it hard to get into and found the first mystery regarding the detective pointless.
Easy read to pass the time.
Easy read to pass the time.
January 23, 2024
farcical story line
I enjoyed the book and the premise when I first started reading it, but the story became completely far-fetched and the English as though a 14 year old had written it.
I enjoyed the book and the premise when I first started reading it, but the story became completely far-fetched and the English as though a 14 year old had written it.
October 7, 2024
Passed the time
The phrase, smiled thinly was repeated so many times and the references to mental health issues was not very accurate leaving people to think that depression could cause problems towards others which is seldom the case
All a bit far fetched
The phrase, smiled thinly was repeated so many times and the references to mental health issues was not very accurate leaving people to think that depression could cause problems towards others which is seldom the case
All a bit far fetched
January 24, 2026
Here is my review for Taken While She Slept by CJ Grayson
I thoroughly loved reading this electrifyingly crime thriller which had me hooked right from the first page! I really liked DS April Fisher and the rest of the team seemed to work as well. The storyline was gripping and it was like being on a roller coaster with the twists and turns as well as the pace which was pretty fast. I felt as though the author had done some research for this story before writing it as the more you read, the more questions it throws up that you want answers to. I found I just didn’t want to put the book down as I wanted those answers! Plus I wanted to know where Abigail was! It was a terrific plot that had been brilliantly written in my mind and extremely well thought out. Some chapters were short, which is what I like. The characters are well described and some of the back biting is great between the in-laws when they are trying to rile each other in front of the police. Everything is described in great detail. It’s a great storyline which is a great start to a new series. This is a new author for me and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Blurb :
Discover the most gripping crime thriller this year.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside.
When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood.
Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
This brand-new, electrifying crime thriller packed with twist after shocking twist is perfect for fans of Charlie Gallagher, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, D.S. Butler or Mark Billingham.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Thirty-four-year-old Detective Sergeant April Fisher needs to be tough. She’s seen too much out on the streets of Manchester to be any other way. And she’s experienced more than her share of tragedy in her personal life too. But she takes this all in her stride and keeps her head high, ready to tackle whatever is thrown at her — and there’s been a lot. She’s hardworking, focused and intelligent, but she has a tendency to make rash decisions without thinking about the consequences, which often gets her in trouble.
I thoroughly loved reading this electrifyingly crime thriller which had me hooked right from the first page! I really liked DS April Fisher and the rest of the team seemed to work as well. The storyline was gripping and it was like being on a roller coaster with the twists and turns as well as the pace which was pretty fast. I felt as though the author had done some research for this story before writing it as the more you read, the more questions it throws up that you want answers to. I found I just didn’t want to put the book down as I wanted those answers! Plus I wanted to know where Abigail was! It was a terrific plot that had been brilliantly written in my mind and extremely well thought out. Some chapters were short, which is what I like. The characters are well described and some of the back biting is great between the in-laws when they are trying to rile each other in front of the police. Everything is described in great detail. It’s a great storyline which is a great start to a new series. This is a new author for me and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Blurb :
Discover the most gripping crime thriller this year.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside.
When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood.
Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.
This brand-new, electrifying crime thriller packed with twist after shocking twist is perfect for fans of Charlie Gallagher, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, D.S. Butler or Mark Billingham.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Thirty-four-year-old Detective Sergeant April Fisher needs to be tough. She’s seen too much out on the streets of Manchester to be any other way. And she’s experienced more than her share of tragedy in her personal life too. But she takes this all in her stride and keeps her head high, ready to tackle whatever is thrown at her — and there’s been a lot. She’s hardworking, focused and intelligent, but she has a tendency to make rash decisions without thinking about the consequences, which often gets her in trouble.
October 18, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Taken While She Slept, the first novel to feature DS April Fisher of Greater Manchester Police.
Tony Anderson is showing his car to a prospective buyer when he is hit over the head and his car is driven off with his two year old daughter, Abigail in it. When he gets home he finds his wife, Amanda, missing, signs of a struggle in the kitchen and drops of blood. April Fisher and DS Phil Walker are asked to investigate, even though they are already investigating a recent murder, where a woman was found missing a hand and an eye.
I thoroughly enjoyed Taken While She Slept, which is a fast moving read, full of twists and turns. It is told from various points of view, mainly April Fisher and Tony Anderson with other voices chipping in at strategic moments. I’m not always a fan of this approach as it almost never gives me an immersive read, but in this case it works extremely well with these additional voices giving the reader some pointers, but also tantalising them with more possibilities.
I was astonished by how the plot plays out. There are a couple of early twists, but the author saves the big hits for later in the novel, when it’s bam, bam, bam with one twist or reveal after another. And all the time it moves forward relentlessly. There is little waste, with some kind of development or reveal in every chapter. I found it compulsive reading as I like the author’s writing style, which seems to draw the reader in and compel them to keep turning the pages.
I have enjoyed the author’s Byrd and Tanzy series and this is in a similar vein without the humour. Still, April Fisher is a likeable protagonist as the driven detective with next to no social life, if you exclude the opening scenes (the explanation for them comes late in the novel and is the funniest and most relatable part of the novel).
Taken While She Slept is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Tony Anderson is showing his car to a prospective buyer when he is hit over the head and his car is driven off with his two year old daughter, Abigail in it. When he gets home he finds his wife, Amanda, missing, signs of a struggle in the kitchen and drops of blood. April Fisher and DS Phil Walker are asked to investigate, even though they are already investigating a recent murder, where a woman was found missing a hand and an eye.
I thoroughly enjoyed Taken While She Slept, which is a fast moving read, full of twists and turns. It is told from various points of view, mainly April Fisher and Tony Anderson with other voices chipping in at strategic moments. I’m not always a fan of this approach as it almost never gives me an immersive read, but in this case it works extremely well with these additional voices giving the reader some pointers, but also tantalising them with more possibilities.
I was astonished by how the plot plays out. There are a couple of early twists, but the author saves the big hits for later in the novel, when it’s bam, bam, bam with one twist or reveal after another. And all the time it moves forward relentlessly. There is little waste, with some kind of development or reveal in every chapter. I found it compulsive reading as I like the author’s writing style, which seems to draw the reader in and compel them to keep turning the pages.
I have enjoyed the author’s Byrd and Tanzy series and this is in a similar vein without the humour. Still, April Fisher is a likeable protagonist as the driven detective with next to no social life, if you exclude the opening scenes (the explanation for them comes late in the novel and is the funniest and most relatable part of the novel).
Taken While She Slept is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
October 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.
I'm a fan of this authors books so was eager to read this latest one featuring DS April Fisher. Tony takes his young daughter with him in his car to meet someone interested in buying it. He is assualted and comes round to find both his daughter and car are gone. DS Fisher and her team investigate and are concerned when it appears his wife is also missing.
Wow, this read certainly hits the ground running and grabbed my attention and interest straightaway. I wasn't sure if I liked either DS Fisher or Tony initially although they did grow on me the more I read. I think this is a well written book that flows easily with a cracking plot line. I love the sense of unease, tension and suspense the author introduces into his writing that made me wonder what is going on here and is all as it seems? Quite a few of the characters aren't particularly likeable to say the least, they are secretive, protective and seem to be hiding things. What though? I honestly felt like I was unwrapping layer upon layer of lies, deceit and subterfuge and each time I'd sussed out what I thought was going on, the author turned the story around by throwing in another twist and I'd change my mind who was responsible. The last part of the book is a real thrilling read, with quite a few wow moments along the way and it raced to an ending I'd half guessed correctly. I didn't get everything right though, read this yourself and you'll know what I mean. Overall, a thrilling read and a great start for new character and series. I'd highly recommend this book and author and look forward to the next one.
4.5 stars
I'm a fan of this authors books so was eager to read this latest one featuring DS April Fisher. Tony takes his young daughter with him in his car to meet someone interested in buying it. He is assualted and comes round to find both his daughter and car are gone. DS Fisher and her team investigate and are concerned when it appears his wife is also missing.
Wow, this read certainly hits the ground running and grabbed my attention and interest straightaway. I wasn't sure if I liked either DS Fisher or Tony initially although they did grow on me the more I read. I think this is a well written book that flows easily with a cracking plot line. I love the sense of unease, tension and suspense the author introduces into his writing that made me wonder what is going on here and is all as it seems? Quite a few of the characters aren't particularly likeable to say the least, they are secretive, protective and seem to be hiding things. What though? I honestly felt like I was unwrapping layer upon layer of lies, deceit and subterfuge and each time I'd sussed out what I thought was going on, the author turned the story around by throwing in another twist and I'd change my mind who was responsible. The last part of the book is a real thrilling read, with quite a few wow moments along the way and it raced to an ending I'd half guessed correctly. I didn't get everything right though, read this yourself and you'll know what I mean. Overall, a thrilling read and a great start for new character and series. I'd highly recommend this book and author and look forward to the next one.
4.5 stars
May 3, 2024
"Taken While She Slept", by CJ Grayson is highly recommended for fans of suspenseful storytelling! Grayson's debut in the Detective April Fisher series is a gripping read from start to finish. With a gritty narrative filled with unexpected twists, Grayson keeps readers guessing with each turn of the page.
From the outset, the story grips you, plunging you into a world of uncertainty and intrigue. Initially ambivalent towards characters like Detective Fisher and Tony, I found myself drawn deeper into their complexities as the plot unfolded. Grayson's writing flows effortlessly, maintaining a steady pace that keeps you engaged throughout.
What sets this novel apart is the palpable sense of unease and tension woven into every scene. Characters, shrouded in secrecy and suspicion, add layers of depth to the narrative, leaving you questioning their motives at every turn. As the story progresses, Grayson skillfully peels back the layers of deception, keeping readers on their toes with each new revelation.
The final chapters deliver a thrilling climax, packed with unexpected twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. While I may have anticipated some aspects of the ending, Grayson still managed to surprise me, leaving me eager for more.
In summary, this is a gripping read that marks an impressive debut for both author and series. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an exhilarating literary ride and eagerly await the next installment.
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, Joffe Books Ltd, and C.J. Grayson for the Advanced Reader Copy.
From the outset, the story grips you, plunging you into a world of uncertainty and intrigue. Initially ambivalent towards characters like Detective Fisher and Tony, I found myself drawn deeper into their complexities as the plot unfolded. Grayson's writing flows effortlessly, maintaining a steady pace that keeps you engaged throughout.
What sets this novel apart is the palpable sense of unease and tension woven into every scene. Characters, shrouded in secrecy and suspicion, add layers of depth to the narrative, leaving you questioning their motives at every turn. As the story progresses, Grayson skillfully peels back the layers of deception, keeping readers on their toes with each new revelation.
The final chapters deliver a thrilling climax, packed with unexpected twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. While I may have anticipated some aspects of the ending, Grayson still managed to surprise me, leaving me eager for more.
In summary, this is a gripping read that marks an impressive debut for both author and series. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an exhilarating literary ride and eagerly await the next installment.
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley, Joffe Books Ltd, and C.J. Grayson for the Advanced Reader Copy.
January 10, 2026
Tony Anderson arrives home from a work trip away and overhears what he thinks is an odd conversation his wife is having on the phone. Having advertised his car for sale, he goes off to meet a prospective buyer and is promptly hijacked by him and another man who flee with his car, phone, house keys and, most importantly, his two-year-old daughter Abigail. Tony is found in the street, injured, and the police are called. When they return him home, they find that his kitchen has been ransacked, a blood stained knife is hidden in a drawer and his wife Amanda is also missing. The reader will soon have their doubts about Tony. His father-in-law distrusts him and his own family are worried what his might do if he hasn’t taken his medication. So, what has actually happened here? Who knows more than they are letting on? This is the job for Greater Manchester Police, including DS April Fisher, DS Matthew Phillips, DC Arnold Peterson and PC’s Ashleigh Baan and Adam Jackson, led by DI Thomas James and DCI Baker. It’s going to be a busy time for the team in CID, finding both a missing woman and child, and also hunting the Hand-Eye serial killer who has just murdered his third victim in three years.
This is the opening story in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. There is just so much going on in this
totally absorbing police procedural featuring a great lead character and a plethora of twists and turns leading up to a shocking ending. An intense and gripping story, and I am looking forward to book 2, Taken From Her Home.
This is the opening story in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. There is just so much going on in this
totally absorbing police procedural featuring a great lead character and a plethora of twists and turns leading up to a shocking ending. An intense and gripping story, and I am looking forward to book 2, Taken From Her Home.
January 11, 2026
This is the first book I have read by C.J. Grayson, and it won't be the last! I was hooked straight away. The fact that it is set in my area made this an even easier book to read!
We are introduced to DS April Fisher, a woman who has seen too much and also experienced way too much tragedy. At 34, she is a hard worker and can be a bit rash at times. This side of her tends to get her in trouble, but it doesn't stop her!
She finds herself investigating the murder of three victims while , at the same time, a mother and baby are missing. She has her hands full , especially when she herself is struggling to keep her feet on solid ground too! Can she manage to do her job properly when she feels vulnerable at the same time?
I do appreciate a main character who is so real, and April is exactly that. She jumped off the page in my mind as I read, and I was so invested. The twists and turns of the story definitely kept me on my toes. I was so interested in how things would turn out that I stayed up late to finish it too!
The fact that I had the next book to read straight away was even better! Believe me, I finished this and knew I would be reading the next one as soon as I could. A crime thriller that ticks all my boxes! I would highly recommend Taken While She Slept to anyone who loves being on the edge of their seat!
We are introduced to DS April Fisher, a woman who has seen too much and also experienced way too much tragedy. At 34, she is a hard worker and can be a bit rash at times. This side of her tends to get her in trouble, but it doesn't stop her!
She finds herself investigating the murder of three victims while , at the same time, a mother and baby are missing. She has her hands full , especially when she herself is struggling to keep her feet on solid ground too! Can she manage to do her job properly when she feels vulnerable at the same time?
I do appreciate a main character who is so real, and April is exactly that. She jumped off the page in my mind as I read, and I was so invested. The twists and turns of the story definitely kept me on my toes. I was so interested in how things would turn out that I stayed up late to finish it too!
The fact that I had the next book to read straight away was even better! Believe me, I finished this and knew I would be reading the next one as soon as I could. A crime thriller that ticks all my boxes! I would highly recommend Taken While She Slept to anyone who loves being on the edge of their seat!
February 20, 2024
WOW I really enjoyed reading Taken While She Slept (Detective April Fisher book 1 of 2) by C.J. Grayson which is a roller coaster detective crime thriller.
Tony Anderson is married to Amanda and they have a two year old daughter Abigail but their marriage is beggining to show some cracks.
Amanda needs to take an important business call and Tony takes Abigail with him in his car as he goes to meet a man who is interested in buying his car. Unfortunately Tony has left his car keys in the ignition and also his mobile phone when he is assaulted by him and he then drives off with Abigail inside.
Tony recovers and makes his way back but finds his home empty and his wife missing. Also everything has been disturbed and blood splatters are in the kitchen.
D.S. April Fisher and her team are investigating the Hand-Eye killer a murderer who has chopped one hand and extracted both eyes of pretty female victims. Now they are called upon to find Tony's missing daughter and wife but will they be able to save them and also catch the Hand-Eye killer.
There is a spectacular twist at the end of this crime thriller that just blew me away.
Tony Anderson is married to Amanda and they have a two year old daughter Abigail but their marriage is beggining to show some cracks.
Amanda needs to take an important business call and Tony takes Abigail with him in his car as he goes to meet a man who is interested in buying his car. Unfortunately Tony has left his car keys in the ignition and also his mobile phone when he is assaulted by him and he then drives off with Abigail inside.
Tony recovers and makes his way back but finds his home empty and his wife missing. Also everything has been disturbed and blood splatters are in the kitchen.
D.S. April Fisher and her team are investigating the Hand-Eye killer a murderer who has chopped one hand and extracted both eyes of pretty female victims. Now they are called upon to find Tony's missing daughter and wife but will they be able to save them and also catch the Hand-Eye killer.
There is a spectacular twist at the end of this crime thriller that just blew me away.
October 24, 2023
This crime thriller was fast paced and had two cases that tied together at the end very well. I was hooked from the very beginning, and I didn’t breathe until I got to the end. This one was hard to put down. The plot was brilliant. There were twists and turns galore, and none of them were expected! I got whiplash from trying to keep up with the twists, and each on was better than the last. I wondered the entire time who the culprit was, and I was wrong, wrong, WRONG!
I did not like many of the characters, which means a book is well written when it comes to me.
This book moved very fast, and throughout most of the book, I was trying to determine how the various storylines were connected. When it all lined up…WOW! The ending was so unexpected and so GOOD!
What a great start to a new series featuring the intelligent, hardworking, and determined DS April Fisher. I truly enjoyed getting to know her. No more drinking for her though! *wink wink*
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
I did not like many of the characters, which means a book is well written when it comes to me.
This book moved very fast, and throughout most of the book, I was trying to determine how the various storylines were connected. When it all lined up…WOW! The ending was so unexpected and so GOOD!
What a great start to a new series featuring the intelligent, hardworking, and determined DS April Fisher. I truly enjoyed getting to know her. No more drinking for her though! *wink wink*
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2023
This is the first book in a new series with DS April Fisher as the main character.
I was annoyed by the overuse of titles like DS, DI and DCI in sentences, in addition to repeating names instead of using referring pronouns.
The author occasionally explains too much instead of showing, while also putting too much emphasis on trivial details. This significantly disrupted the pace of the story, especially when Tony Anderson and his wife Amanda were introduced. The author went into too much detail.
Although I found the plot engaging, it lacked meaningful development and I did not find the story to be credible. How can someone in 2023 not remember their spouse's mobile number? Their initial bickering and marital woes came across as tedious.
I found the epilogue peculiar; a more undefined conclusion would have been better. The interrogations with the murderer were not authentic enough in my opinion.
While this is a promising start to a new series, I would advise the author to tighten up the plot, keep it to the point, not over-explain and make the dialogues more natural.
I was annoyed by the overuse of titles like DS, DI and DCI in sentences, in addition to repeating names instead of using referring pronouns.
The author occasionally explains too much instead of showing, while also putting too much emphasis on trivial details. This significantly disrupted the pace of the story, especially when Tony Anderson and his wife Amanda were introduced. The author went into too much detail.
Although I found the plot engaging, it lacked meaningful development and I did not find the story to be credible. How can someone in 2023 not remember their spouse's mobile number? Their initial bickering and marital woes came across as tedious.
I found the epilogue peculiar; a more undefined conclusion would have been better. The interrogations with the murderer were not authentic enough in my opinion.
While this is a promising start to a new series, I would advise the author to tighten up the plot, keep it to the point, not over-explain and make the dialogues more natural.
December 3, 2023
A twisty crime book set in Manchester. Fast paced, it involves murders, kidnapping and is mostly involved with a family (mother, father and 2 year old) as well as their parents and brothers. The investigating team have also been looking into the murder of a woman who was found missing an eye and hand, in the same circumstances as two other murders within the city.
The detective , April, appears to be a girl who drinks a lot and as the book begins, she is worried that she has been assaulted. Although I enjoyed the book on the whole and thought that the crimes were well written and interesting, with a few twists I did not predict, I am a little disappointed by the portrayal of the investigating team, a few were little more than names , though there was an attempt to describe their living circumstances half way through the book. Discussion about the case / conversation did not really do it for me either.
I loved the suspense and the action in this book and will definately look out for more in the series
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The detective , April, appears to be a girl who drinks a lot and as the book begins, she is worried that she has been assaulted. Although I enjoyed the book on the whole and thought that the crimes were well written and interesting, with a few twists I did not predict, I am a little disappointed by the portrayal of the investigating team, a few were little more than names , though there was an attempt to describe their living circumstances half way through the book. Discussion about the case / conversation did not really do it for me either.
I loved the suspense and the action in this book and will definately look out for more in the series
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2023
I received this book from the publisher through Net galley for the purposes of an unbiased review.
Debut domestic thriller by C.J. Grayson started strong. Fast paced and twisting narrative kept me reading for hours. Then I started to lose traction. I wanted the main detective to have a stronger presence and voice, the main suspect to be developed more so I could understand his emotive characteristics. I wanted the characters to be genuine so I could experience their anguish over the disappearances. Ending was unforgettable! I do, however, have high hopes for this author. I believe Joffe books to be one of the best publishers of mysteries and police procedurals in the business.
Disclaimer: I am signed up for their email newsletter, downloading most of their free books and purchasing sets of authors' works when able. I'm looking forward to more from this author and would recommend them to others. Great potential!
Debut domestic thriller by C.J. Grayson started strong. Fast paced and twisting narrative kept me reading for hours. Then I started to lose traction. I wanted the main detective to have a stronger presence and voice, the main suspect to be developed more so I could understand his emotive characteristics. I wanted the characters to be genuine so I could experience their anguish over the disappearances. Ending was unforgettable! I do, however, have high hopes for this author. I believe Joffe books to be one of the best publishers of mysteries and police procedurals in the business.
Disclaimer: I am signed up for their email newsletter, downloading most of their free books and purchasing sets of authors' works when able. I'm looking forward to more from this author and would recommend them to others. Great potential!
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