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Detective Gina Harte #3
Zo'n mooi meisje
THE UNPUTDOWNABLE NEW THRILLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NEXT GIRL
She’s just the girl he’s looking for…
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
As the town fears there’s a serial killer living amongst them, Detective Gina Harte must put aside her own struggles at home, and catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
AN ABSOLUTELY HEART-STOPPING CRIME THRILLER FROM CARLA KOVACH – if you like Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza or Clare Mackintosh, Her Pretty Bones will have you hooked.
She’s just the girl he’s looking for…
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
As the town fears there’s a serial killer living amongst them, Detective Gina Harte must put aside her own struggles at home, and catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
AN ABSOLUTELY HEART-STOPPING CRIME THRILLER FROM CARLA KOVACH – if you like Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza or Clare Mackintosh, Her Pretty Bones will have you hooked.
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First published January 17, 2019
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About the author
Carla Kovach
33 books1,038 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
January 6, 2019
She’s just the girl he’s looking for…
A young woman falls out of the back of a van on a quiet road. She is in desperate need of medical attention and right before she loses consciousness, she says "Help Her." Days later another young woman's body is found in a shallow grave. The two young women have a few things in common: their red hair color, their age, and their very thin frail bodies.
Detective Gina Harte is called in to investigate. She must put all her energy into solving these two cases. She needs to determine the connection between the two girls, is there a serial killer involved, and to also determine the identity of the young women.
This book had a few twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The reader is also given various POV’s which helps move the book along and gives us insight into what is occurring for some of the characters. For most of the book, I was trying to determine the connection between the opening scene and the rest of the book. Readers will also be guessing about what is going on in this book and why. There were times in the book where my attention wandered, and I wanted things to move along just a little bit faster.
This book is the third in the series but worked well as a stand-alone novel for me. I am sure that readers of the previous books might enjoy this one a bit more than I did as they had some background information on Detective Harte. I did not realize when I requested the book that this was the third in the series. But again, I did feel it worked well as a stand-alone but would encourage other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. This was a solid police procedural with interesting characters.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A young woman falls out of the back of a van on a quiet road. She is in desperate need of medical attention and right before she loses consciousness, she says "Help Her." Days later another young woman's body is found in a shallow grave. The two young women have a few things in common: their red hair color, their age, and their very thin frail bodies.
Detective Gina Harte is called in to investigate. She must put all her energy into solving these two cases. She needs to determine the connection between the two girls, is there a serial killer involved, and to also determine the identity of the young women.
This book had a few twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The reader is also given various POV’s which helps move the book along and gives us insight into what is occurring for some of the characters. For most of the book, I was trying to determine the connection between the opening scene and the rest of the book. Readers will also be guessing about what is going on in this book and why. There were times in the book where my attention wandered, and I wanted things to move along just a little bit faster.
This book is the third in the series but worked well as a stand-alone novel for me. I am sure that readers of the previous books might enjoy this one a bit more than I did as they had some background information on Detective Harte. I did not realize when I requested the book that this was the third in the series. But again, I did feel it worked well as a stand-alone but would encourage other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. This was a solid police procedural with interesting characters.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 22, 2019
Redheads beware! You’re just the girl he’s looking for!
This was a gripping dark and twisted police procedural... The third book in the DI Gina Hart series and just as engaging as the previous two... even though I have read the previous books I do believe this can absolutely be read as a standalone.... but I’m going to bet that after you read this one you will want to go back and read the previous two!
A young girl’s body falls out of the back of a van, she is rushed to the hospital and her last words are, “help her!” A couple days later and a couple miles away a young girl’s body is found in a shallow grave... what these girls had in common their age, their emaciated bodies, and their hair color, red... Gina who just had an argument with her own daughter, is more determined than ever to solve this horrendous case....
I really liked how Gina and Company worked this case... I also liked how we got multiple perspectives including that of another young girl and potential next victim as well as a mother whose daughter was missing... I think the additional perspectives really added a layer of authenticity and terror to the story.... The mystery was full of the perfect amount of twists and turns and red herrings.... my one little niggle with the series is we don’t necessarily get to know Gina quite as much as I would like... we get a little glimpse, but I really would love to get to know this character better!
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Narration:
Tamsin Kennard made this British crime thriller even more British, that’s a good thing! I read the previous two books in the series so listening to the audio was a new experience and it definitely enriched the story for me...Tamsin has a beautiful English accent, much better than the one that runs through my head, she also added a little more of a feminine hand to Gina, and I really like that! She also did a really good job with the male voices, always a bonus! A audiobook narrator that adds another dimension to the story cannot be beat, if you are an audiobook person I’d pick this one up!
An engaging twisted crime thriller that will wake your inner detective! Recommended!
🎵 Music running through my mind! As a redhead that part of the story really stuck with me so the song I have paired with this book is...
Well brunettes are fine man
And blondes are fun
But when it comes to getting the dirty job done
I'll take a red headed woman
A red headed woman
It takes a red headed woman
To get a dirty job done.
Bruce Springsteen 1993
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QvXpEb_...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my electronic copy of this book and to my wallet for my audiobook copy ***
This was a gripping dark and twisted police procedural... The third book in the DI Gina Hart series and just as engaging as the previous two... even though I have read the previous books I do believe this can absolutely be read as a standalone.... but I’m going to bet that after you read this one you will want to go back and read the previous two!
A young girl’s body falls out of the back of a van, she is rushed to the hospital and her last words are, “help her!” A couple days later and a couple miles away a young girl’s body is found in a shallow grave... what these girls had in common their age, their emaciated bodies, and their hair color, red... Gina who just had an argument with her own daughter, is more determined than ever to solve this horrendous case....
I really liked how Gina and Company worked this case... I also liked how we got multiple perspectives including that of another young girl and potential next victim as well as a mother whose daughter was missing... I think the additional perspectives really added a layer of authenticity and terror to the story.... The mystery was full of the perfect amount of twists and turns and red herrings.... my one little niggle with the series is we don’t necessarily get to know Gina quite as much as I would like... we get a little glimpse, but I really would love to get to know this character better!
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Narration:
Tamsin Kennard made this British crime thriller even more British, that’s a good thing! I read the previous two books in the series so listening to the audio was a new experience and it definitely enriched the story for me...Tamsin has a beautiful English accent, much better than the one that runs through my head, she also added a little more of a feminine hand to Gina, and I really like that! She also did a really good job with the male voices, always a bonus! A audiobook narrator that adds another dimension to the story cannot be beat, if you are an audiobook person I’d pick this one up!
An engaging twisted crime thriller that will wake your inner detective! Recommended!
🎵 Music running through my mind! As a redhead that part of the story really stuck with me so the song I have paired with this book is...
Well brunettes are fine man
And blondes are fun
But when it comes to getting the dirty job done
I'll take a red headed woman
A red headed woman
It takes a red headed woman
To get a dirty job done.
Bruce Springsteen 1993
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QvXpEb_...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my electronic copy of this book and to my wallet for my audiobook copy ***
February 11, 2019
A young lady falls out the back of a moving van. When reached she utters the phrase “Help her”. Days later another young woman is found in a shallow grave. What do these two cases have in common? The victims both have red hair.
This British police procedural opens with an action packed scene and proceeds to follow the investigative process of Detective Gina Harte and her team as they try to solve this puzzling mystery. Told from different perspectives, this story is able to give I insight into the minds of several key characters.
This complex and intense murder mystery, set in the English countryside, is fast paced and full of punch. Characters are well-developed and dialogue and story are easy to follow. The story pullled me in and I was actually looking forward to seeing how the story would end.
This is the third book of a series ,but can be read as a standalone, although it does delve into the personal relationship of the protagonist (which I could do without) which is more than likely tied to the first two books.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book for an honest opinion.
This British police procedural opens with an action packed scene and proceeds to follow the investigative process of Detective Gina Harte and her team as they try to solve this puzzling mystery. Told from different perspectives, this story is able to give I insight into the minds of several key characters.
This complex and intense murder mystery, set in the English countryside, is fast paced and full of punch. Characters are well-developed and dialogue and story are easy to follow. The story pullled me in and I was actually looking forward to seeing how the story would end.
This is the third book of a series ,but can be read as a standalone, although it does delve into the personal relationship of the protagonist (which I could do without) which is more than likely tied to the first two books.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book for an honest opinion.
December 18, 2018
I received a free e-copy of Her Pretty Bones by Carla Kovach from NetGalley for my honest review.
Wow, Wow, Wow, what a thrill of a read. Although this is book three of this series, which I wasn't aware of when I requested it, I had no difficulties reading this and understanding what was going on. I am so thrilled I had the opportunity to read a book by Carla Kovach as I am now going to go back and read this entire series. Fabulous author, outstanding characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing till the bitter end. Outstanding!!!!!
A girl falls out of the back of a van, a car has to quickly stop, as to not run her over. The driver, who is helping her now is waiting for the police to come.
Gina Harte, is the SIO on the case. The girl is in a medically induced coma and no one knows who she is. The girls fingerprints are burned off and they have no way to identify her. Who is this girl and what has happened to her.
Then another young girl is found and she looks a lot like the first girl that was found. What is going on? Is this the act of a serial killer? Are other girls lives in jeopardy? This book has so many twists and turns and as soon as you think you have it figured out something new comes into play. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good and trilling detective series.
Wow, Wow, Wow, what a thrill of a read. Although this is book three of this series, which I wasn't aware of when I requested it, I had no difficulties reading this and understanding what was going on. I am so thrilled I had the opportunity to read a book by Carla Kovach as I am now going to go back and read this entire series. Fabulous author, outstanding characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing till the bitter end. Outstanding!!!!!
A girl falls out of the back of a van, a car has to quickly stop, as to not run her over. The driver, who is helping her now is waiting for the police to come.
Gina Harte, is the SIO on the case. The girl is in a medically induced coma and no one knows who she is. The girls fingerprints are burned off and they have no way to identify her. Who is this girl and what has happened to her.
Then another young girl is found and she looks a lot like the first girl that was found. What is going on? Is this the act of a serial killer? Are other girls lives in jeopardy? This book has so many twists and turns and as soon as you think you have it figured out something new comes into play. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good and trilling detective series.
February 25, 2019
HER PRETTY BONES is the third crime thriller novel in the Detective Gina Harte Series, by author Carla Kovach. Having enjoyed the first two books in the series, I move on to book 3. The story is set in Worcestershire England.
The 3 books in the series include:
The Next Girl (Book 1)
Her Final Hour (Book 2)
Her Pretty Bones (Book 3)
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Then days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
The town suspects there is a serial killer on the loose. Detective Gina Harte must catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
This crime thriller is told from multiple viewpoints, through Gina's investigation, but also those involved with the crime. A dark twisty mystery with strong female detectives.
Many thanks to Bookouture via Net Galley for my digital copy.
The 3 books in the series include:
The Next Girl (Book 1)
Her Final Hour (Book 2)
Her Pretty Bones (Book 3)
Even though this novel worked well as a stand-alone, I would recommend other readers to read the previous books as they will be given background information on the characters in this book. A solid police procedural with engaging characters.
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Then days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
The town suspects there is a serial killer on the loose. Detective Gina Harte must catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
This crime thriller is told from multiple viewpoints, through Gina's investigation, but also those involved with the crime. A dark twisty mystery with strong female detectives.
Many thanks to Bookouture via Net Galley for my digital copy.
March 12, 2023
A good police procedural story that has a different flavor than many of the detective books that I am used to reading.
The prologue immediately captures your interest and the first chapter starts out with a bang. A young emaciated, bruised and bleeding girl falls out or is pushed out of a van and the driver never stops. The lead detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to identify the girl and work the case. A body is found nearby where the girl fell out of the van also with no identification and the police feel the two crimes may be related to each other and have a huge puzzle on their hands with no leads. This is only the beginning of so many problems and headaches for Detective Harte.
The first part of the book I found very exciting and then it started to slow down. I liked most of the characters although Gina's personal feelings popped up while she was at work and I didn't think she was a strong lead detective since she got distracted very easily and I didn't feel that she gave her team the credit that they really deserved while working just as hard as she was and they were not complaining.
I didn't know this was book three in the series and maybe the other two books would have helped me to understand Gina's personality better. Several references are made to a previous attack on the detective several months earlier and I wanted to know more about her and her team.
I want to thank Bookouture and Netgally for the opportunity to read this book!
The prologue immediately captures your interest and the first chapter starts out with a bang. A young emaciated, bruised and bleeding girl falls out or is pushed out of a van and the driver never stops. The lead detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to identify the girl and work the case. A body is found nearby where the girl fell out of the van also with no identification and the police feel the two crimes may be related to each other and have a huge puzzle on their hands with no leads. This is only the beginning of so many problems and headaches for Detective Harte.
The first part of the book I found very exciting and then it started to slow down. I liked most of the characters although Gina's personal feelings popped up while she was at work and I didn't think she was a strong lead detective since she got distracted very easily and I didn't feel that she gave her team the credit that they really deserved while working just as hard as she was and they were not complaining.
I didn't know this was book three in the series and maybe the other two books would have helped me to understand Gina's personality better. Several references are made to a previous attack on the detective several months earlier and I wanted to know more about her and her team.
I want to thank Bookouture and Netgally for the opportunity to read this book!
March 21, 2022
Sometimes I mixed up the different persons in the story. An enjoyable read.
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2022...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2022...
January 10, 2019
A young girl falls from a moving van in the middle of the road. She is badly wounded and emaciated. She is rushed to the hospital, but never recovers, her identity unknown.
The only thing she says with her last breath is “help her”!
Who is this girl? Is she a runaway? Was she kidnapped? Is there another girl in the same dire situation hoping to be rescued?
When some days later another body is found buried in a shallow grave, detective Harte is sure what they are dealing with is more than a case of isolated kidnapping.
Her Pretty Bones, the third in Gina Harte series which can be read as a stand-alone, is a well written, darkly engaging crime/thriller, with well-developed characters.
Thanks to Carla Kovach, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
The only thing she says with her last breath is “help her”!
Who is this girl? Is she a runaway? Was she kidnapped? Is there another girl in the same dire situation hoping to be rescued?
When some days later another body is found buried in a shallow grave, detective Harte is sure what they are dealing with is more than a case of isolated kidnapping.
Her Pretty Bones, the third in Gina Harte series which can be read as a stand-alone, is a well written, darkly engaging crime/thriller, with well-developed characters.
Thanks to Carla Kovach, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
January 23, 2019
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Early one morning a young girl falls from a moving van on a country lane and is nearly hit by the car travelling behind. The driver stops and phones for an ambulance and the police. The girl is in a bad way. She is dirty, malnourished, and has injection marks on her body.
Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to find out what happened to the girl but it doesn’t look good for her and the doctors don’t hold out much chance of her s. Then a body of a young girl in a similar state is discovered in a shallow grave just a few miles away from the first scene.
Gina suspects that there might be other young girls in a similar state locally and is determined to find them before another one turns up dead.
This is the third book in the Detective Gina Harte series and the first book that I have read from the series. I didn’t feel like I was at a disadvantage by not reading the first two as this one was a completely different case and whilst there is some information about Gina’s personal life it wasn’t enough to make me feel lost.
The story begins with the prologue set in 1963 and with two little sisters falling out, then the book jumps forward to the present day. We follow Gina and her team as they try to discover what happened to the young girl who fell from the van. As another girls body is found the case opens up into more of a hunt for a killer and a place where he/she might be storing young girls.
We also meet a mother who is desperately searching for her daughter who ran away a few months ago and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Plus we also read about a young girl working at a farm shop who is feeling uneasy as she seems to be getting unwanted attention from a man – Could this be our culprit and intended next victim?
The plot is told in the third person and we get to read about numerous different characters who all play a part in solving the mystery, some bigger than others.
The book has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I enjoyed watching the detectives unravel the mystery and spent plenty of time guessing who the culprit might turn out to be.
The book had me gripped to the pages. I read it in one day not wanting to put it down for a second. This is a book that will keep you wondering what on earth is going on and how does the prologue fit in with the rest of the story – You’ll have to give it a read to find out.
Early one morning a young girl falls from a moving van on a country lane and is nearly hit by the car travelling behind. The driver stops and phones for an ambulance and the police. The girl is in a bad way. She is dirty, malnourished, and has injection marks on her body.
Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to find out what happened to the girl but it doesn’t look good for her and the doctors don’t hold out much chance of her s. Then a body of a young girl in a similar state is discovered in a shallow grave just a few miles away from the first scene.
Gina suspects that there might be other young girls in a similar state locally and is determined to find them before another one turns up dead.
This is the third book in the Detective Gina Harte series and the first book that I have read from the series. I didn’t feel like I was at a disadvantage by not reading the first two as this one was a completely different case and whilst there is some information about Gina’s personal life it wasn’t enough to make me feel lost.
The story begins with the prologue set in 1963 and with two little sisters falling out, then the book jumps forward to the present day. We follow Gina and her team as they try to discover what happened to the young girl who fell from the van. As another girls body is found the case opens up into more of a hunt for a killer and a place where he/she might be storing young girls.
We also meet a mother who is desperately searching for her daughter who ran away a few months ago and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Plus we also read about a young girl working at a farm shop who is feeling uneasy as she seems to be getting unwanted attention from a man – Could this be our culprit and intended next victim?
The plot is told in the third person and we get to read about numerous different characters who all play a part in solving the mystery, some bigger than others.
The book has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I enjoyed watching the detectives unravel the mystery and spent plenty of time guessing who the culprit might turn out to be.
The book had me gripped to the pages. I read it in one day not wanting to put it down for a second. This is a book that will keep you wondering what on earth is going on and how does the prologue fit in with the rest of the story – You’ll have to give it a read to find out.
March 12, 2019
Oh this was goooood. It was also pretty sad at the end. A young girl falls out of the back of a transit van. She is emaciated and has a nasty abdominal wound. At the scene she manages to say "help her" to her rescuers as she is rushed to the ambulance to be rushed to hospital, only to die of her injuries soon after. Who is she? And who is she wanting to help? What was she doing in the van? Not long after, the body of another teenage girl is found in a shallow grave. She is of a similar age to the first girl, similarly emaciated and also has red hair. Hmm...
There's a theme going on here. DI Gina Harte is convinced though that this is not a case about a simple kidnapping. How right she is. When all is revealed it is very sad and such a waste. It could all have been avoided. A very poignant and yet dramatic story. I'm really keen to see where Kovach takes this series next.
There's a theme going on here. DI Gina Harte is convinced though that this is not a case about a simple kidnapping. How right she is. When all is revealed it is very sad and such a waste. It could all have been avoided. A very poignant and yet dramatic story. I'm really keen to see where Kovach takes this series next.
December 15, 2018
Such a big fan of this series and writer. Could not wait to read this installment and it did not disappoint! Detective Gina Harte is a great character and I always look forward to more.
This is a tough book to review without giving anything away. A young girl falls out of the back of a transit van early one morning. This begins the case - why was she is in the van, where has she been and why is she in such bad shape. She is taken to hospital and in a coma. Not long after, the remains of another young girl are found on a building site and it is too much of a coincidence for Gina. Can she discover what is happening before more girls turn up dead.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and in no way biased.
This is a tough book to review without giving anything away. A young girl falls out of the back of a transit van early one morning. This begins the case - why was she is in the van, where has she been and why is she in such bad shape. She is taken to hospital and in a coma. Not long after, the remains of another young girl are found on a building site and it is too much of a coincidence for Gina. Can she discover what is happening before more girls turn up dead.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and in no way biased.
January 17, 2019
Her Pretty Bones, the third book in the DI Gina Harte series, was ultimately a disappointing read, and despite it having everything you could want in a thriller: secrets, lies, duplicity and deceit, it failed to maintain my attention due to a number of different reasons. It was rather slow-moving and the plot had little to no forward momentum to propel the story forward, so it felt as though we were at a standstill in terms of making much progress. There was also an issue with the amount of times the point of view changed. It switched so many times that you couldn't get to know the characters behind each perspective deeply enough.
In the previous books, which I read and very much enjoyed, I felt like Gina had a lot of potential and the series could possibly have become one of my favourites, but now I'm not so sure. Gina is beginning to get on my nerves, and her constant rumination over the past means that she barely progresses as a character from her introduction to now. This lack of development coupled with her obsession with past happenings certainly doesn't endear her to me or make her a compelling character. However, the author depicts topical issues of homelessness and drug addiction in a real manner which is something I appreciated a lot as many gloss over such problems.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
In the previous books, which I read and very much enjoyed, I felt like Gina had a lot of potential and the series could possibly have become one of my favourites, but now I'm not so sure. Gina is beginning to get on my nerves, and her constant rumination over the past means that she barely progresses as a character from her introduction to now. This lack of development coupled with her obsession with past happenings certainly doesn't endear her to me or make her a compelling character. However, the author depicts topical issues of homelessness and drug addiction in a real manner which is something I appreciated a lot as many gloss over such problems.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
April 25, 2024
Two teenaged girls are dead, both showing indications of long term abuse and drug addiction. Forensics indicate that the two are connected. Detective Gina Harte and her team investigate a complicated case in this third book of the popular series. It seems that there may be yet another girl that needs help -- can they find her in time?
Although this book held my interest, the shifting points of view were a bit jarring and some of the narrative just wasn't all that compelling as the reader waits for the plot to become cohesive and to see how it all ties together. This is basic police procedural mystery with a very complicated reveal that was a bit disappointing. I just can't seem to relate to the main character, Gina Harte, and am tired of her personal issues not being resolved and her thinking the same things over and over. The other members of the team are not well-developed and none stand out as memorable. The most interesting aspect of the book to me was actually the fact that one of the characters suffered from Huntington's Disease.
I'm sure I will continue with the series as I seem to be addicted to crime thrillers featuring women detectives. This was my first read of 2019!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Although this book held my interest, the shifting points of view were a bit jarring and some of the narrative just wasn't all that compelling as the reader waits for the plot to become cohesive and to see how it all ties together. This is basic police procedural mystery with a very complicated reveal that was a bit disappointing. I just can't seem to relate to the main character, Gina Harte, and am tired of her personal issues not being resolved and her thinking the same things over and over. The other members of the team are not well-developed and none stand out as memorable. The most interesting aspect of the book to me was actually the fact that one of the characters suffered from Huntington's Disease.
I'm sure I will continue with the series as I seem to be addicted to crime thrillers featuring women detectives. This was my first read of 2019!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
December 27, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Her Pretty Bones, the third novel to feature DI Gina Harte, set in the Midlands.
When a young girl falls out the back of a van an investigation gets under way to find out who she is and what happened to her. A short while later the bones of another young girl are found buried in a shallow grave and Gina wonders if the two cases are linked.
I enjoyed Her Pretty Bones but not as much as its predecessors as it failed to hold my complete attention. I loved the premise of a damaged young woman being found when a van door opens but the rest of the novel doesn’t maintain that momentum. It is constantly switching points of view (at least four) so it’s hard to identify with any of the characters or get involved in their story. I found it easy to dip in and out of the novel and it has no siren call to lure me back at the expense of other activities. On the plus side the reason behind the crimes is unusual and not your everyday motive although I had difficulty in thinking it plausible.
Initially I really took to Gina Harte as a character but she hasn’t developed over the series. She’s still battling it out with her “princess” daughter, Hannah, and stressing over the murder of her abusive husband all those years ago. It’s getting tedious.
Her Pretty Bones is a solid but not outstanding read.
When a young girl falls out the back of a van an investigation gets under way to find out who she is and what happened to her. A short while later the bones of another young girl are found buried in a shallow grave and Gina wonders if the two cases are linked.
I enjoyed Her Pretty Bones but not as much as its predecessors as it failed to hold my complete attention. I loved the premise of a damaged young woman being found when a van door opens but the rest of the novel doesn’t maintain that momentum. It is constantly switching points of view (at least four) so it’s hard to identify with any of the characters or get involved in their story. I found it easy to dip in and out of the novel and it has no siren call to lure me back at the expense of other activities. On the plus side the reason behind the crimes is unusual and not your everyday motive although I had difficulty in thinking it plausible.
Initially I really took to Gina Harte as a character but she hasn’t developed over the series. She’s still battling it out with her “princess” daughter, Hannah, and stressing over the murder of her abusive husband all those years ago. It’s getting tedious.
Her Pretty Bones is a solid but not outstanding read.
April 23, 2023
Ik besloot Kovach nog een kans te geven, maar deze auteur is het niet voor mij. Het verhaal is op sommige punten rommelig en sommige verhaallijnen kwamen wel erg abrupt samen. Daarnaast wordt er veeeel beschreven en is er veel herhaling. De snelheid gaat uit het verhaal hierdoor en ik miste spanning.
March 30, 2019
Her Pretty Bones by Carla is the third in the Detective Gina Harte series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Gina Harte is a good boss, and she has earned the respect of her team, which consists of: DS Jacob Driscoll, DC Harry O’Connor and DC Paula Wyre, with a lot of assistance from Police Constable Smith. She is a stubborn lady, and a determined detective. Gina has a daughter and grand-daughter, who she is trying to get closer to. She has recently broken up with her boss DCI Chris Briggs, with whom she was having a secret affair. Gina is not ready for a relationship anyway. It is not common knowledge that her husband was abusive, and no one knows that she helped him fall to his death many years ago.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A girl is found barely alive after being thrown or jumping out of the back of a van. She is mal-nourished, her body covered in needle marks, a gash across her abdomen, and her fingerprints burned off. Her last words before slipping into unconsciousness were “help her”. The team’s hopes of identifying her are slim, and finding out who she was talking about, slimmer. But Gina is determined.
A few days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave. Similarities between the girls are hard to ignore, including their ages, their thinness, and their red hair.
On a personal level, Gina is still healing from the attempt on her life in her last case. It has brought up the feelings of guilt that have long been buried over the death of her husband. Her emotions run in every direction. Even though Gina insisted that their affair end, she is surprised to feel jealousy when her boss seems to be flirting with Annie. Another fight with Hannah is not helping the mother-daughter bond that Gina is hoping for. She will have to put everything aside if she wants to solve this case.
My Opinions:
One of the themes in this book centered around how teenagers can so easily be taken advantage of, how and why some run away, and how easily they are duped into doing drugs and other things for food or money. How trusting they are. The book also showed the effects their absence has on their families, some more than others. This was just sad.
The other subject entwined, although sometimes subtly, in the story is love. The love of a husband who will do absolutely anything to find a caregiver for his wife, the love of a caregiver for her patient, and the love of two mothers, one biological, and one a foster mother for their daughters. This subject alternated between devastatingly sad and overwhelmingly heartbreaking.
While the author handled both topics with grace, it was sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees. There were so many stories and individuals, that confusion occasionally surfaced. I usually like multiple points of view, but there seemed to be too many, and although they all came together at the end, you really had to pay attention to this complex plot. As well, it sort of slowed down mid-point, and took a while to pick back up, although it definitely did. I loved the ending.
Bottom line, I am looking forward to the next book!
April 8, 2023
De dader heeft het voorzien op meisjes met rood haar 👩🏼🦰
Er valt een meisje uit een busje, er wordt een meisje gevonden in een ondiep graf én er is een meisje vermist. Alle drie hebben ze rood haar, wat is de andere connectie?
Zo'n mooi meisje is een politiethriller waarbij je steeds meer puzzelstukjes te weten komt. Aan het einde is er ook een race tegen de klok. Dit deel geen meer over de zaak dan alleen over Gina en dat vond ik fijn. Misschien dat ik toch nog verder ga lezen in deze serie.. 🤔
Er valt een meisje uit een busje, er wordt een meisje gevonden in een ondiep graf én er is een meisje vermist. Alle drie hebben ze rood haar, wat is de andere connectie?
Zo'n mooi meisje is een politiethriller waarbij je steeds meer puzzelstukjes te weten komt. Aan het einde is er ook een race tegen de klok. Dit deel geen meer over de zaak dan alleen over Gina en dat vond ik fijn. Misschien dat ik toch nog verder ga lezen in deze serie.. 🤔
January 19, 2019
Wow, what a fab read. The third gripping instalment in the Gina Harts series, one not to be missed. I love this character and the secrets she's keeping from family and friends. That's what makes the series so addictive and compelling to read.
The prologue alone will keep you turning the pages, this is set in the past and is obviously a vital part of the plot but it's the first chapter where the book really took off for me, when a man driving down a country lane sees a girl lying in the road, did he hit her? He doesn't think so. It turns out she fell out the back of a van. The girl is emaciated and her organs are failing.
What unfolds next is a twisty turny plot that sometimes made me gasp. Not going to say more because I don't believe in writing spoilers in my reviews. Highly recommended as are the other two books in this series.
The prologue alone will keep you turning the pages, this is set in the past and is obviously a vital part of the plot but it's the first chapter where the book really took off for me, when a man driving down a country lane sees a girl lying in the road, did he hit her? He doesn't think so. It turns out she fell out the back of a van. The girl is emaciated and her organs are failing.
What unfolds next is a twisty turny plot that sometimes made me gasp. Not going to say more because I don't believe in writing spoilers in my reviews. Highly recommended as are the other two books in this series.
January 17, 2019
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Carla Kovach for a copy of Her Pretty Bones.
The is the third instalment of the Gina Harte series and like the others in the series, this is another excellent instalment. The quality of her writing is always consistent. I have loved them all.
Toby is driving along Laurel Lane, listening to the Ace of Spades in his car, when a door of a van opens ups in front of his car and a girl falls out of the van. Toby breaks, thinks she has killed her. He calls for an Ambulance and she is rushed to hospital. The girl is really ill, very thin and she has a wound in her side and her fingertips are burnt off. Gina Harte is the Senior investigation officer on the case. Who is this girl and why is she in the state she is in? Then, another girl is found on a development site, dead, buried in a shallow grave. Are these two deaths related?
This is another gripping instalment of this series, told in several points of view that come to an inclusion in the end. The story also continues about Gina still healing from what happened after her last case. She is still fragile, but with her determination she still wants to find the perpetrators of this case. This story has great characters, great story line, which can be gritty in parts but I loved it. I will wait in anticipation for the next one.
The is the third instalment of the Gina Harte series and like the others in the series, this is another excellent instalment. The quality of her writing is always consistent. I have loved them all.
Toby is driving along Laurel Lane, listening to the Ace of Spades in his car, when a door of a van opens ups in front of his car and a girl falls out of the van. Toby breaks, thinks she has killed her. He calls for an Ambulance and she is rushed to hospital. The girl is really ill, very thin and she has a wound in her side and her fingertips are burnt off. Gina Harte is the Senior investigation officer on the case. Who is this girl and why is she in the state she is in? Then, another girl is found on a development site, dead, buried in a shallow grave. Are these two deaths related?
This is another gripping instalment of this series, told in several points of view that come to an inclusion in the end. The story also continues about Gina still healing from what happened after her last case. She is still fragile, but with her determination she still wants to find the perpetrators of this case. This story has great characters, great story line, which can be gritty in parts but I loved it. I will wait in anticipation for the next one.
January 17, 2019
This is the third book in this instalment and in the beginning I was a bit worried will I be able to get all the dots, strings and characters from the previous 2 but everything was ok. It works well as a standalone too.
It is a book that has twists and turns that kept me guessing what will happen next and simply kept me as a "hostage" until I finished it.
In short (without giving away some spoilers and ruining another readers experience) the plot is great and the characters are solid built and as I saw in the blurb...unputdownable (spoiler alert....I had to stay awake to finish it!) .
I am going to read the previous books and looking forward of reading next books by Carla Kovach.
It is a book that has twists and turns that kept me guessing what will happen next and simply kept me as a "hostage" until I finished it.
In short (without giving away some spoilers and ruining another readers experience) the plot is great and the characters are solid built and as I saw in the blurb...unputdownable (spoiler alert....I had to stay awake to finish it!) .
I am going to read the previous books and looking forward of reading next books by Carla Kovach.
January 13, 2019
Her Pretty Bones is the third book in the DI Gina Harte series, set in the Midlands, but each one is a separate mystery with enough backstory to read as stand-alone, and neither do they spoil the earlier books so they could be read out of order. They cover some fairly dark topics, in this case the abduction of homeless drug addicts, but without excessive violence or sadism.
A teenage girl falls from the back of a Transit van on a country road, and is taken to hospital, where she dies of extreme emaciation, with no clues as to her identity. Days later, the decomposed body of another girl is found in a shallow grave. Both had vivid red hair, evidence of drugs in their systems, and neither had been reported missing. DI Harte, battling her own demons, is convinced the cases are linked. When another teenager is reported missing by her frantic mother, Gina is desperate to find her, before it's too late.
I have enjoyed all three of this series, although the second remains my favourite. They are well written and plotted, and while I did work out fairly early what was going on, I didn't guess the identity of the antagonists or how it all connected. Gina is a good detective hamstrung by poor coping skills, difficult personal relationships, and an appalling diet. I would have liked for her team members to be better fleshed out, as some characters are just names on a page, and hope that Gina manages to get over her guilt over past secrets before it gets too repetitive. Nonetheless I am happy to recommend this series to fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza & Val McDermid.
A special mention goes to the cover art, which is gorgeous, but also relevant, and really stands out in a genre where so many look the same, bravo.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Her Pretty Bones is published on January 17th 2019.
A teenage girl falls from the back of a Transit van on a country road, and is taken to hospital, where she dies of extreme emaciation, with no clues as to her identity. Days later, the decomposed body of another girl is found in a shallow grave. Both had vivid red hair, evidence of drugs in their systems, and neither had been reported missing. DI Harte, battling her own demons, is convinced the cases are linked. When another teenager is reported missing by her frantic mother, Gina is desperate to find her, before it's too late.
I have enjoyed all three of this series, although the second remains my favourite. They are well written and plotted, and while I did work out fairly early what was going on, I didn't guess the identity of the antagonists or how it all connected. Gina is a good detective hamstrung by poor coping skills, difficult personal relationships, and an appalling diet. I would have liked for her team members to be better fleshed out, as some characters are just names on a page, and hope that Gina manages to get over her guilt over past secrets before it gets too repetitive. Nonetheless I am happy to recommend this series to fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza & Val McDermid.
A special mention goes to the cover art, which is gorgeous, but also relevant, and really stands out in a genre where so many look the same, bravo.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Her Pretty Bones is published on January 17th 2019.
January 17, 2019
The book starts with a prologue that has you hooked straight away and I can assure you that this only is the start of a very winding road to the revelation of the plot. But you will be rewarded at the end because it’s pretty heavy.
Needless to say that you are on the edge of your seat the whole time trying to figure out who is responsible for all that cruelness. At the same time you heart goes out to the girls and it’s very hard to understand how people can treat other people this way.
I certainly do not approve of the actions of the culprits. They often say the criminals have a sob story about their bad youth and try to use this as an excuse for their behaviour. But on the other hand, I do believe the seed in planted in their youth and their actions often are a reaction to what they have been through. Adults, without a doubt, have a big influence on childrens’ minds with often devastating results …
I really like the structure of the story and the way we get to know DI Harte and her team better and better.
The writing style is very good and the mixture of emotions and suspense is perfect.
Do I still have to mention that I loved the book? I think it was already quite clear I did. 4 stars.
Thank you, Carla Kovach, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Needless to say that you are on the edge of your seat the whole time trying to figure out who is responsible for all that cruelness. At the same time you heart goes out to the girls and it’s very hard to understand how people can treat other people this way.
I certainly do not approve of the actions of the culprits. They often say the criminals have a sob story about their bad youth and try to use this as an excuse for their behaviour. But on the other hand, I do believe the seed in planted in their youth and their actions often are a reaction to what they have been through. Adults, without a doubt, have a big influence on childrens’ minds with often devastating results …
I really like the structure of the story and the way we get to know DI Harte and her team better and better.
The writing style is very good and the mixture of emotions and suspense is perfect.
Do I still have to mention that I loved the book? I think it was already quite clear I did. 4 stars.
Thank you, Carla Kovach, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
March 10, 2021
Book 3 of the DI Gina Harte series.
A girl jumps out the back of a moving van. She's skinny and on deaths door. She says save her to the stranger who goes to help her. Ofcourse Gina and her team are on the case trying to figure out where this girl came from and who else needs saving. A body is discovered of a girl in a shallow grave, who clearly had been in a bad way before she died. She has similarities to van girl and Gina is more convinced there's more to the story.
I really enjoyed the way in which this is set out. We have the investigation which is a mess there are so many suspects, yet no motives. I honestly was expecting a side person to jump out and be the guilty party ha!
I found this one was a little more of a slow starter but once it got going it was all go.
There were a few "twists" which you had to not be reading to not expect but still I like it to be confirmed. There was one I didn't see coming at all, completely left field. I had guessed the motive this time for the crimes which was unexpected as its the first time I've out started Kovach, but I still enjoyed seeing it play out.
I loved the side stories with the girl Miley and the woman who was searching for her daughter Charlotte. It was well written esp Miley and the things she went through whilst waiting on her medicine. It was quite upsetting actually but I think it was well written.
As always Gina is a hot mess and she seems a bit obsessed with her part she played with her ex husband's death. I find it funny how Gina is a dectective and she still seems to find her a personal link with her investigations even when they don't exist.
I don't often root for a love story with a good crime series but I do hope that Harte and Briggs get their stuff together and get together!!
Would I recommend this book?
Ofcourse I would. By this stage I think it's obvious I'm in love with this entire series!! This book is quite complicated and there are so many different people and often it gets confusing. Once you figure out what the MO is it makes it easier to deduce our suspects. I rate this book 4 stars 🌟
Also love Mrs O and her baked goods she is by far my favourite side characters and we are yet to actually meet her! She seems to keep the station fed!!
A girl jumps out the back of a moving van. She's skinny and on deaths door. She says save her to the stranger who goes to help her. Ofcourse Gina and her team are on the case trying to figure out where this girl came from and who else needs saving. A body is discovered of a girl in a shallow grave, who clearly had been in a bad way before she died. She has similarities to van girl and Gina is more convinced there's more to the story.
I really enjoyed the way in which this is set out. We have the investigation which is a mess there are so many suspects, yet no motives. I honestly was expecting a side person to jump out and be the guilty party ha!
I found this one was a little more of a slow starter but once it got going it was all go.
There were a few "twists" which you had to not be reading to not expect but still I like it to be confirmed. There was one I didn't see coming at all, completely left field. I had guessed the motive this time for the crimes which was unexpected as its the first time I've out started Kovach, but I still enjoyed seeing it play out.
I loved the side stories with the girl Miley and the woman who was searching for her daughter Charlotte. It was well written esp Miley and the things she went through whilst waiting on her medicine. It was quite upsetting actually but I think it was well written.
As always Gina is a hot mess and she seems a bit obsessed with her part she played with her ex husband's death. I find it funny how Gina is a dectective and she still seems to find her a personal link with her investigations even when they don't exist.
I don't often root for a love story with a good crime series but I do hope that Harte and Briggs get their stuff together and get together!!
Would I recommend this book?
Ofcourse I would. By this stage I think it's obvious I'm in love with this entire series!! This book is quite complicated and there are so many different people and often it gets confusing. Once you figure out what the MO is it makes it easier to deduce our suspects. I rate this book 4 stars 🌟
Also love Mrs O and her baked goods she is by far my favourite side characters and we are yet to actually meet her! She seems to keep the station fed!!
January 17, 2019
This is the third book in the series, I read the second one last year and I was a bit hazy on the storyline this time but when you delve back in I was reminded quite promptly of the characters and what happened. I hold my hands up I have brought the first book but I still need to read it. (Don’t shoot me!)
So DI Harte is thrown back into a new case after the events of the last book. Only just finishing her therapy, is this really the best thing to do? Her relationship with her daughter is still fraught and tempers flare. But nothing matters whilst trying to save the red hair girls!
As you all know I am a book cover hoe and this one drew me in straight away! It was only after I realised it was a Carla Kovach book and the next book of Gina I got really excited!
I try not to rehash the plot when I write my reviews but try and convey in my limited vocabulary my thoughts about the book. Plus it is hard not to divulge too much without giving anything away. This time despite spending most of my life wanted to be a redhead like the boy I’m glad I’m not!! Moving on!
You have Gina, trying to put a stop to the killings before anymore happen. A girl called Mikey caring for an older lady waiting for her next fix. Then, Christina, her daughter has gone missing months before, and she is trying to find her and answers. All woven together in this intense read. Sometimes I found myself a bit confused about who was doing what and when but once I told myself to get a grip the reading was thrilling. It adds to all the twists and turns and to the exciting conclusion. The characters are well developed and you feel like part of the team.
I do love reading a book where you are on edge and fear time will run out and this one is no different. Will Gina and team be able to solve the crimes before it happens again?!
April 6, 2023
Book three of the Detective Gina Harte brings us another case to sink our teeth into. This time, it's a disturbing doozy that kicks off with a prologue set way back in 1963.
It's an ordinary day when a battered, bruised and bleeding malnourished teenage girl falls from the back of a moving van. Gina and her team are brought in for identification, subsequently landing the case. They're still in the middle of enquiries when another unidentified teen is discovered- this time in a nearby shallow grave.
With so many similarities between the two, it's feared that a serial killer is on the loose and a third girl is in danger. Still, it's an impossible puzzle to solve, given that too many people are involved and there's no credible leads to follow. Gina's lack of focus due to unrelated stress doesn't help matters either.
This was another great read that highlights the awful issue of homelessness and the desperation of a mother trying to locate her missing child. As always, Kovach's use of clever intertwining plotlines provided a certain depth and understanding of the mystery, which kept me on my toes.
I'm rather enjoying this unique and fresh take on the police procedural genre. Gina continues to be admired and respected as a single mother and grandmother who's turned her dismal past into a successful career. Hannah, however remains a pest who won't give her mum a break. I'm not a fan of her toxic behaviour at all. Triple UGH.
TW: Elder abuse, hallucinations, heavy drug abuse/use, homelessness, kidnapping, slavery
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
It's an ordinary day when a battered, bruised and bleeding malnourished teenage girl falls from the back of a moving van. Gina and her team are brought in for identification, subsequently landing the case. They're still in the middle of enquiries when another unidentified teen is discovered- this time in a nearby shallow grave.
With so many similarities between the two, it's feared that a serial killer is on the loose and a third girl is in danger. Still, it's an impossible puzzle to solve, given that too many people are involved and there's no credible leads to follow. Gina's lack of focus due to unrelated stress doesn't help matters either.
This was another great read that highlights the awful issue of homelessness and the desperation of a mother trying to locate her missing child. As always, Kovach's use of clever intertwining plotlines provided a certain depth and understanding of the mystery, which kept me on my toes.
I'm rather enjoying this unique and fresh take on the police procedural genre. Gina continues to be admired and respected as a single mother and grandmother who's turned her dismal past into a successful career. Hannah, however remains a pest who won't give her mum a break. I'm not a fan of her toxic behaviour at all. Triple UGH.
TW: Elder abuse, hallucinations, heavy drug abuse/use, homelessness, kidnapping, slavery
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
June 17, 2024
Uwielbiam Ginę i nawet nie wiedziałam, że tak bardzo tęskniłam za jej postacią i przygodami! CO prawda ten tom podobał mi się mniej, niż poprzednie, ale nie wiem, czy nie było to spowodowane tym, że cały czas próbowałam sobie przypomnieć te szczegóły z poprzednich tomów i początkowo kilka rzeczy było dla mnie niejasnych. Bo sama sprawa była wciągająca i cholernie żałowałam, że zaczęłam tą książką wieczorem, bo nie mogłam zasnąć i poniedziałek zaczęłam trybem zombie :).
October 15, 2025
4,5 ☆
Dit was zeker een geslaagd verjaardagscadeau hehe
Dit was zeker een geslaagd verjaardagscadeau hehe
January 6, 2025
Derde deel van de serie met Gina Harte. Dit deel is beklijvend. Een meisje valt uit een bestelbus en kon ternauwernood gered worden. Ze was er ernstig aan toe.
Dit is het begin van opnieuw een deel vol spanning. Het blijft niet bij het ene meisje.
Gina en haar team moeten opnieuw alles ontrafelen want ze hebben weinig tot niets van gegevens die hen op weg kunnen helpen.
Ik ben in de ban van deze serie
Dit is het begin van opnieuw een deel vol spanning. Het blijft niet bij het ene meisje.
Gina en haar team moeten opnieuw alles ontrafelen want ze hebben weinig tot niets van gegevens die hen op weg kunnen helpen.
Ik ben in de ban van deze serie
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