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Maddie Ives #8
The Girl Under the Floor
Saturday morning. A rare day off for Detective Maddie Ives. She’s about to have a relaxing shower with her boyfriend Vince when she gets the call: There’s been another one . . .
Ron and Sandy Blackman’s brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They’ve been stabbed multiple times; Ron’s hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open.
This is the second house of horrors that Maddie and her team have been called out to in a matter of days.
Four days earlier, single mother Maria was also stabbed to death in her own home — with the same murder weapon.
Maddie’s partner Vince was first on the scene. He finds Maria’s traumatised daughter trapped under the floorboards.
Jade saw everything — but can remember nothing.
Maddie is convinced these aren’t robberies gone wrong. These two families were specifically targeted, tortured for information. But what secrets was the killer so desperate to find out?
The key to the mystery lies with eleven-year-old Jade. Maddie and her team are in a race against time to find out the truth before Jade’s memories come back . . . and the killer returns to silence her forever.
Ron and Sandy Blackman’s brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They’ve been stabbed multiple times; Ron’s hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open.
This is the second house of horrors that Maddie and her team have been called out to in a matter of days.
Four days earlier, single mother Maria was also stabbed to death in her own home — with the same murder weapon.
Maddie’s partner Vince was first on the scene. He finds Maria’s traumatised daughter trapped under the floorboards.
Jade saw everything — but can remember nothing.
Maddie is convinced these aren’t robberies gone wrong. These two families were specifically targeted, tortured for information. But what secrets was the killer so desperate to find out?
The key to the mystery lies with eleven-year-old Jade. Maddie and her team are in a race against time to find out the truth before Jade’s memories come back . . . and the killer returns to silence her forever.
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First published January 26, 2023
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About the author
Charlie Gallagher
34 books593 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 11, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Maddie Ives #8
Saturday morning. A rare day off for Detective Maddie Ives. She's just about to have a relaxing shower with her boyfriend Vince when she gets the call: there's been another one. Ron and Sandy Blackman's brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They've been stabbed multiple times; Ron's hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open. This is the second house of horrors that Maddie and her team have been called out to in a matter of days.
It took me a little longer to get into this story than any of the other of the authors books that I've read. There's quite a lot going on in the book. The story is descriptively written with some complex but well-developed characters. Maddie needs to work out the connection between the two cases before she can solve them. This story is filled with twist and turns. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #TheGirlUnderTheFloor in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie Ives #8
Saturday morning. A rare day off for Detective Maddie Ives. She's just about to have a relaxing shower with her boyfriend Vince when she gets the call: there's been another one. Ron and Sandy Blackman's brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They've been stabbed multiple times; Ron's hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open. This is the second house of horrors that Maddie and her team have been called out to in a matter of days.
It took me a little longer to get into this story than any of the other of the authors books that I've read. There's quite a lot going on in the book. The story is descriptively written with some complex but well-developed characters. Maddie needs to work out the connection between the two cases before she can solve them. This story is filled with twist and turns. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #TheGirlUnderTheFloor in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2023
Once again, I picked up a book without realizing it was part of a series, but this reads some as a standalone. The story follows Maddie and her partner Vince, both cops who are trying to solve a string of brutal murders. One child is left alive and can help them break the case apart, though I felt that she isn’t really featured all that prominently in the overall story.
There is a lot going on here and the book felt really long to me- it was 420 pages so it is long, but I kept thinking about all of that dialogue and details that just didn’t need to be there. The book slowed at times and I think the pacing would’ve been much faster if it had been edited down further.
I liked all the characters and felt like they were people with whom I could empathize, though I didn’t think some of the stuff they got away with doing as police officers was realistic. There were some good twists and it took time to figure out what was really going on.
All in all, the book was ok for me but felt a bit slow and convoluted. It’s deep into the police procedural aspect if that is what you are looking for. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot going on here and the book felt really long to me- it was 420 pages so it is long, but I kept thinking about all of that dialogue and details that just didn’t need to be there. The book slowed at times and I think the pacing would’ve been much faster if it had been edited down further.
I liked all the characters and felt like they were people with whom I could empathize, though I didn’t think some of the stuff they got away with doing as police officers was realistic. There were some good twists and it took time to figure out what was really going on.
All in all, the book was ok for me but felt a bit slow and convoluted. It’s deep into the police procedural aspect if that is what you are looking for. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2023
Another five star read from one of my favourite authors. An edgy, heart stopping and action packed crime thriller which I devoured in one sitting. I found it impossible to put this down I HAD TO KNOW THE TRUTH!!!!! I finally turned the last page at 2.am. Yes this book is that good. The title says it all but this only the beginning. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
December 31, 2022
i started reading this book a week ago and i also stopped reading it a week ago, hoping id come back to it. but i cant bring myself to finish it at all. dnf @ 65%. incredibly boring, incredibly confusing, incredibly slow paced. fun fact this is my very first dnf ever !
January 29, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Charlie's writing, and The Girl Under The Floor is absolutely no exception.
There is no slow build up in action and story, page one, bam. You're thrown straight in. There is a side story with Vince's sister which alongside dead bodies and blood dripping is a story that totally tugged at my heart strings, and led me to shedding a tear or two.
There is a lot going on here, a lot of characters, a few linked cases and the reason for my drop of a star, as it felt too bogged down at times, slowing the flow, which is a real shame, as this had the potential to be a stunning blow you away read.
I love Maddie, and Vince, but for me Eileen is the star. What a character she is, her slippers, and twinkly eyes. Love her.
I Charlie is a man who knows his procedure and it shows, without ever being excessive and he has a really lovely descriptive style that places you in the action.
A brilliant book and I cannot wait for the next outing for Maddie and Vince.
There is no slow build up in action and story, page one, bam. You're thrown straight in. There is a side story with Vince's sister which alongside dead bodies and blood dripping is a story that totally tugged at my heart strings, and led me to shedding a tear or two.
There is a lot going on here, a lot of characters, a few linked cases and the reason for my drop of a star, as it felt too bogged down at times, slowing the flow, which is a real shame, as this had the potential to be a stunning blow you away read.
I love Maddie, and Vince, but for me Eileen is the star. What a character she is, her slippers, and twinkly eyes. Love her.
I Charlie is a man who knows his procedure and it shows, without ever being excessive and he has a really lovely descriptive style that places you in the action.
A brilliant book and I cannot wait for the next outing for Maddie and Vince.
January 26, 2023
Absolutely brilliant, fast paced, edgy drama based on an original, solid and interesting story.
Murders are taking place, two in a row and the method is odd. At one house a mother is found dead, stabbed multiple times, but her young daughter is alive under the floorboards albeit severely traumatised. It is like the victims knew what was coming, but how or why could they?
There is the right level of gore and violence for me, not too gratuitous but incredibly sinister and scary. The plot is ingenious and well developed and the characters are very real and likeable, apart from the bad guys obviously and we also feel an empathy for their situations. I didn’t guess the various twists and was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. Wholeheartedly recommend and going to look up more titles by the author.
Murders are taking place, two in a row and the method is odd. At one house a mother is found dead, stabbed multiple times, but her young daughter is alive under the floorboards albeit severely traumatised. It is like the victims knew what was coming, but how or why could they?
There is the right level of gore and violence for me, not too gratuitous but incredibly sinister and scary. The plot is ingenious and well developed and the characters are very real and likeable, apart from the bad guys obviously and we also feel an empathy for their situations. I didn’t guess the various twists and was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. Wholeheartedly recommend and going to look up more titles by the author.
January 8, 2023
This is the eighth book in the series and I think you should read the previous books to get a better understanding of the characters and the background to the team.
It starts with a bang, with a young girl under the floor witnessing the brutal murder of her parents. Unfortunately she is too traumatised to remember exactly what happened so Maddie and Harry are hamstrung in their initial investigative efforts. I won't rehash the blurb but this is quite an emotional read in terms of the events going on with Vince and the relationships throughout with Jade, the young witness, and also in terms of the motive behind the killings. I felt drawn into all that emotion and that is what kept me reading.
I also enjoyed the further fleshing out of the character of Eileen, a character that I'm really enjoying.
I thoroughly enjoyed her scenes with Vince and her involvement towards the end of the story.
Although I like the series and the story had me hooked, it was a long read both in terms of number of pages and also the story. It felt a bit too drawn out and could have been a bit shorter. I would have added another star otherwise. I'm still looking forward to the next book though in this very enjoyable series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
It starts with a bang, with a young girl under the floor witnessing the brutal murder of her parents. Unfortunately she is too traumatised to remember exactly what happened so Maddie and Harry are hamstrung in their initial investigative efforts. I won't rehash the blurb but this is quite an emotional read in terms of the events going on with Vince and the relationships throughout with Jade, the young witness, and also in terms of the motive behind the killings. I felt drawn into all that emotion and that is what kept me reading.
I also enjoyed the further fleshing out of the character of Eileen, a character that I'm really enjoying.
I thoroughly enjoyed her scenes with Vince and her involvement towards the end of the story.
Although I like the series and the story had me hooked, it was a long read both in terms of number of pages and also the story. It felt a bit too drawn out and could have been a bit shorter. I would have added another star otherwise. I'm still looking forward to the next book though in this very enjoyable series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
January 14, 2023
Detective Maddie Ives this is book eight in this slap bang series that I just love.
Saturdays are rest days but Maddie get a call in once again partner Vince Arnold knows work comes first for this detective and its not pretty. " There's been another one" as she heads out to the village of Lower Halston a second house of horror. And I'm not giving away the story.
Oh My this has to be my best in the series but I always say that, Loved the characters, Loved the story, Love this authors work, right to that end. Did my emotions hit me and run wild big time? did I fill up? Pick this up and read its a must all the way through once again I loved it.
Saturdays are rest days but Maddie get a call in once again partner Vince Arnold knows work comes first for this detective and its not pretty. " There's been another one" as she heads out to the village of Lower Halston a second house of horror. And I'm not giving away the story.
Oh My this has to be my best in the series but I always say that, Loved the characters, Loved the story, Love this authors work, right to that end. Did my emotions hit me and run wild big time? did I fill up? Pick this up and read its a must all the way through once again I loved it.
December 23, 2022
THE GIRL UNDER THE FLOOR by Charlie Gallagher.
Detective Maddie Ives book 8.
Saturday morning. A rare day off for Detective Maddie Ives. She’s about to have a relaxing shower with her boyfriend Vince when she gets the call: There’s been another one… Ron and Sandy Blackman’s brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They’ve been stabbed multiple times; Ron’s hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open.
Brilliant read. Love this author. Love the cover. 5*.
Detective Maddie Ives book 8.
Saturday morning. A rare day off for Detective Maddie Ives. She’s about to have a relaxing shower with her boyfriend Vince when she gets the call: There’s been another one… Ron and Sandy Blackman’s brutalised bodies are found in the hallway of their isolated rural home. They’ve been stabbed multiple times; Ron’s hands are tied tightly behind his back; Sandy has several fingernails ripped out. The safe has been forced open.
Brilliant read. Love this author. Love the cover. 5*.
January 26, 2023
The MUST read of the year
I know it is only January but this book has it all.
I read it straight through; often with tears flowing.
This is definitely the beast book in the series; and all the others have been great.
Charlie Gallagher ' s writing has moved on in leaps and bounds. His description of Vince's sister in her final days had me sitting at her bedside. It was so true to life, or death.
I hope Maddie Ives goes on forever. Charlie has created a genius to out Rebus Ian Rankin and as a die hard fan of the Edinburgh detective I do not say that lightly.
I know it is only January but this book has it all.
I read it straight through; often with tears flowing.
This is definitely the beast book in the series; and all the others have been great.
Charlie Gallagher ' s writing has moved on in leaps and bounds. His description of Vince's sister in her final days had me sitting at her bedside. It was so true to life, or death.
I hope Maddie Ives goes on forever. Charlie has created a genius to out Rebus Ian Rankin and as a die hard fan of the Edinburgh detective I do not say that lightly.
January 19, 2023
What a brilliant read. Thank you netgallery for allowing the girl under the floor. It was very well written. I enjoyed how everything was tied into the cases they were trying to solve
January 21, 2023
A procedural story that requires extensive thought in determining the actions of those behind the scenes.
What would propell anyone to commit such a heinous act much like having two families just days apart? Could these similarities end there or is there a whole 'Pandora's box' literally waiting under the wing -or the floor - no pun intended.
The fact there's a young child involved named Jade who is an eyewitness to murder but can't recall details makes this a more heinous crime.
Who would kill Maria (Jade's mom) and why on Earth are the Blackman's the 2nd in line to be brutally murdered?
The attention to detail per each crime nearly knocked me to my knees. It was so descriptive and hair-raisingly alarming. For example, the woman involved fought for her life so much so she had lost fingernails in the process. Her child was covered in her mother's own blood.
Added to the pressure was the fact that these families might have been targeted.
Blood money? Drug money? What MO (modus operandi) could we have incurred?
Could the reasoning lie somewhere in the 'fine print' with the Blackman's (Ron/Sandy) and will there be a 3rd similar crime?
As the writing goes forward we uncover so many secrets, lies, hidden agendas that we're left wondering if these crimes will ever be solved and those who went missing be found?
If they're found will they be alive or dead? Will the truth be exposed?
Could there be more than just, 'meets the eye' happening here?
Will there be a LAST ONE!!!
My word, so much action here that you'll want to take a few gulps in between.
Thank you to Charlie Gallagher, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
What would propell anyone to commit such a heinous act much like having two families just days apart? Could these similarities end there or is there a whole 'Pandora's box' literally waiting under the wing -or the floor - no pun intended.
The fact there's a young child involved named Jade who is an eyewitness to murder but can't recall details makes this a more heinous crime.
Who would kill Maria (Jade's mom) and why on Earth are the Blackman's the 2nd in line to be brutally murdered?
The attention to detail per each crime nearly knocked me to my knees. It was so descriptive and hair-raisingly alarming. For example, the woman involved fought for her life so much so she had lost fingernails in the process. Her child was covered in her mother's own blood.
Added to the pressure was the fact that these families might have been targeted.
Blood money? Drug money? What MO (modus operandi) could we have incurred?
Could the reasoning lie somewhere in the 'fine print' with the Blackman's (Ron/Sandy) and will there be a 3rd similar crime?
As the writing goes forward we uncover so many secrets, lies, hidden agendas that we're left wondering if these crimes will ever be solved and those who went missing be found?
If they're found will they be alive or dead? Will the truth be exposed?
Could there be more than just, 'meets the eye' happening here?
Will there be a LAST ONE!!!
My word, so much action here that you'll want to take a few gulps in between.
Thank you to Charlie Gallagher, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
December 30, 2022
4.5-4.75⭐️
#8 Maddie Ives
Again I’ve read the series out of order. It’s predominantly a UK police procedural, but the characters are so well fleshed the reader is invested in them and their lives. It reads well as a standalone.
My attention was grabbed immediately at the start. What a beginning! It also has a full on ending.
I like both Vinnie and Maddie, there’s good character depth to them. It’s got good emotional depth as Vinnie’s sister is ill. I do like a book that explores emotions, and coping with the harsh things life throws at us. The emotional intensity ramps up. It tugged on my emotions, at one point there were tears 🥲 I love Eileen, I think the civilian IT support analyst is my favourite, although the team gel together so well.
There are 2 similar cases the first Vinnie attended to find a young girl under the floor, with her mother dead. Within a few days Maddie is called to a similar scene this time a husband and wife are both dead.
We hear from several points of view, as it progresses it becomes evident how they are connected.
I’m becoming a fan of Maddie Ives, and highly recommend this one.
#8 Maddie Ives
Again I’ve read the series out of order. It’s predominantly a UK police procedural, but the characters are so well fleshed the reader is invested in them and their lives. It reads well as a standalone.
My attention was grabbed immediately at the start. What a beginning! It also has a full on ending.
I like both Vinnie and Maddie, there’s good character depth to them. It’s got good emotional depth as Vinnie’s sister is ill. I do like a book that explores emotions, and coping with the harsh things life throws at us. The emotional intensity ramps up. It tugged on my emotions, at one point there were tears 🥲 I love Eileen, I think the civilian IT support analyst is my favourite, although the team gel together so well.
There are 2 similar cases the first Vinnie attended to find a young girl under the floor, with her mother dead. Within a few days Maddie is called to a similar scene this time a husband and wife are both dead.
We hear from several points of view, as it progresses it becomes evident how they are connected.
I’m becoming a fan of Maddie Ives, and highly recommend this one.
January 2, 2023
Charlie delivers yet another tense and enthralling read!
Wow what a read! This book took me far too long to finish as a small thing called Christmas got in the way. But the moments I could snatch to read just a little bit more were totally worth it.
Heavy on police procedural (which I love) Charlie’s brilliant at delivering complex and compelling stories that are as engaging as they are fast paced. His main characters are well considered and totally believable. I can’t help developing such a strong fondness for the quirky and sometimes bothersome Eileen. I love how she is nothing like how she outwardly portrays herself and takes a decade to get to the point lol
In this particular book we see a softer/human side to Vince, we see him battle his own demons and deal with an awful lot of emotions and stress. There are a few tear jerking scenes. If anything I was surprised that Maddie was there for him when he needed her most. It seemed strange that nobody contacted her either to notify her that Vince had walked out and might need her by his side.
The twists in this tale come thick and fast but even once revealed are so messy that I wouldn’t even know where to begin if this review was to give away spoilers (sorry no spoilers!)
This is my second Vince and Maggie novel and I’m loving them. I would like to read the books prior to this but equally I have found that both books I’ve read so far can be read as standalone novels. There’s just enough backstory as to help you connect with the characters but none of that awful repetitive blurb some authors use to fill pages.
Absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to see where they go from this!
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wow what a read! This book took me far too long to finish as a small thing called Christmas got in the way. But the moments I could snatch to read just a little bit more were totally worth it.
Heavy on police procedural (which I love) Charlie’s brilliant at delivering complex and compelling stories that are as engaging as they are fast paced. His main characters are well considered and totally believable. I can’t help developing such a strong fondness for the quirky and sometimes bothersome Eileen. I love how she is nothing like how she outwardly portrays herself and takes a decade to get to the point lol
In this particular book we see a softer/human side to Vince, we see him battle his own demons and deal with an awful lot of emotions and stress. There are a few tear jerking scenes. If anything I was surprised that Maddie was there for him when he needed her most. It seemed strange that nobody contacted her either to notify her that Vince had walked out and might need her by his side.
The twists in this tale come thick and fast but even once revealed are so messy that I wouldn’t even know where to begin if this review was to give away spoilers (sorry no spoilers!)
This is my second Vince and Maggie novel and I’m loving them. I would like to read the books prior to this but equally I have found that both books I’ve read so far can be read as standalone novels. There’s just enough backstory as to help you connect with the characters but none of that awful repetitive blurb some authors use to fill pages.
Absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to see where they go from this!
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2022
Another fantastic installment in the Maddie Ives series sees Charlie Gallagher produce yet another book that you won't want to put down once you've turned the first page.
The story moves along at a brisk pace as Maddie, Harry and Vince work to try and uncover the links between the two crimes that kick off the action before things take an interesting turn mid-way through when issues in the personal life of one of the main characters take all of the pieces of the jigsaw and throw them up in the air.
It was interesting to see the impact that those personal issues had on the way that the story developed - and gave further insight into the character involved - and opens up a story arc that I don't doubt will be explored more down the line.
Even after the mid-tale twist makes solving the case more challenging, the action draws to a conclusion with a bang as you would expect if you've read previous tales in the collection - which I feel would be beneficial to people wanting to read this story (even though it works as a standalone).
The story moves along at a brisk pace as Maddie, Harry and Vince work to try and uncover the links between the two crimes that kick off the action before things take an interesting turn mid-way through when issues in the personal life of one of the main characters take all of the pieces of the jigsaw and throw them up in the air.
It was interesting to see the impact that those personal issues had on the way that the story developed - and gave further insight into the character involved - and opens up a story arc that I don't doubt will be explored more down the line.
Even after the mid-tale twist makes solving the case more challenging, the action draws to a conclusion with a bang as you would expect if you've read previous tales in the collection - which I feel would be beneficial to people wanting to read this story (even though it works as a standalone).
January 14, 2023
I very much enjoy all of this author's books but Maddie Ives series is my favourite. I find the authors style of writing gets you hooked straight in and you feel like you know, and trust, Maddie and the team.
This story centres on the brutal murders of seemingly unconnected people and Maddie and the team must try find out why they were killed.
Another major storyline for me is seeing the different side to Vince and him coping with devastating events with his family. And what can I say about Eileen other than I loved her inclusion into the team in the previous book - and I love her even more now, especially after it was revealed why she loves her slippers.
A fantastic book from a 5* series. I really hope there will be more to come.
This story centres on the brutal murders of seemingly unconnected people and Maddie and the team must try find out why they were killed.
Another major storyline for me is seeing the different side to Vince and him coping with devastating events with his family. And what can I say about Eileen other than I loved her inclusion into the team in the previous book - and I love her even more now, especially after it was revealed why she loves her slippers.
A fantastic book from a 5* series. I really hope there will be more to come.
December 26, 2022
Gallagher again gives us a well plotted police thriller with descriptive locations and complex rounded characters who often misunderstand and obstruct each other. They are human and likeable. The emotional journey of Vince Arnold and ADI Maddie Ives in this book is a powerful one and the whole book touches on the power of parental and sibling grief and pain. The fear of the victims and machinations of the drug money underworld are graphically portrayed. The title explains without any spoiler alert needed that a child has survived a traumatic attack in a hiding place under their home floorboards. Her experience and finding a way of expressing this is cleverly done.
The ending is full of tension and breathtaking page turning. I always know I am enjoying a book when I highlight sentences and phrases with a cryptic note such as ‘nice!’ This latest Gallagher novel is no exception, from a cast of several here is one:
‘The screaming was her; she only realised when she stopped for air and silence rushed in with its own roar.’
Great read! Highly recommended and massive thanks to Joffe Books for allowing me an Advance Reader Copy for an honest review. 5 stars. Thank you!
The ending is full of tension and breathtaking page turning. I always know I am enjoying a book when I highlight sentences and phrases with a cryptic note such as ‘nice!’ This latest Gallagher novel is no exception, from a cast of several here is one:
‘The screaming was her; she only realised when she stopped for air and silence rushed in with its own roar.’
Great read! Highly recommended and massive thanks to Joffe Books for allowing me an Advance Reader Copy for an honest review. 5 stars. Thank you!
January 18, 2023
Advanced Reader Copy Review
What a cracking read - ignore some of the officer actions that would surely have led to serious consequence in the real world - and this is a true gem.
Nasty villains, fabulous twists, enjoyable yet flawed heroes...even though it's part of a series (which I'm sure l be catching up with in time) the book has a clear beginning, middle and end...there are a host of bad guys dispatched in various ways, interesting spins on how money can be laundered, human interest away from the main thread but clearly part of the character development.
It all contributed to an excellent story, told well.
Thoroughly recommend this one
What a cracking read - ignore some of the officer actions that would surely have led to serious consequence in the real world - and this is a true gem.
Nasty villains, fabulous twists, enjoyable yet flawed heroes...even though it's part of a series (which I'm sure l be catching up with in time) the book has a clear beginning, middle and end...there are a host of bad guys dispatched in various ways, interesting spins on how money can be laundered, human interest away from the main thread but clearly part of the character development.
It all contributed to an excellent story, told well.
Thoroughly recommend this one
January 1, 2023
This is another totally brilliant read in the Maddie Ives series. it's edgy, fast moving and completely engrossing to the last page. The plotting is clever, showing how people get drawn into the world of drug dealing and crime, and I found the characterisation was believable. The author is one of my favourites, he never disappoints and I even cried at the last page in this one! Fans will thoroughly enjoy the read. Thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC.
January 16, 2023
4.25/5 stars! I love, love, loved this story. The title pulled me in from the very beginning and it only got better from there. There was a complexity about the premise that I really appreciated and having a child who has just witnessed and experienced a major trauma be the link to everything was clever and emotionally inviting. It took a bit for the story to catch up with the magnitude of its premise, but once it did it was truly enjoyable to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 19, 2023
THE GIRL UNDER THE FLOOR grabs you with a desperate, unnerving call. Subsequently a chilling, horrific situation develops into a baffling mystery. An intricately woven, innovative plot with mind-boggling twists. A spell-binding rollercoaster ride of intrigue, overwhelming trepidation, action and emotion. Breath-holding suspense skyrockets leading into a heart-stopping race against time and a dynamite, explosive conclusion.
DO NOT MISS THE GIRL UNDER THE FLOOR!!
DO NOT MISS THE GIRL UNDER THE FLOOR!!
January 22, 2023
The story or rather stories are all interesting and the book is full of lots of great characters. There are a lot of sub plots and some unrelated on the whole to the main plot but I found this over complicated things. I love a complex tale usually but I found myself struggling with this one sometimes.
Nevertheless it’s a good book and worth a read.
www.netgalley.co.uk/book/277352/revie...
Nevertheless it’s a good book and worth a read.
www.netgalley.co.uk/book/277352/revie...
February 11, 2023
A police procedural thriller with lots of twists. There are two murder cases being investigated simultaneously and they have to find how they are connected in order to solve them. The book was a little longer than I thought it should have been. There were alot of details that could've been shortened, I thought, to make the book seem a little more fast paced. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Gallagher, and Joffe Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Gallagher, and Joffe Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2023
Too real.
Policing has never been easy and the ones with traumatized children are the hardest. Then there's the personal home life and the other problems that can't be controlled. The publisher's blurb covers the basics of the story well. The writing invades the reader's mind and brings out all the bogey men. An excellent read, but I found it necessary to read it in increments for the sake of what passes for sanity in my case.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Policing has never been easy and the ones with traumatized children are the hardest. Then there's the personal home life and the other problems that can't be controlled. The publisher's blurb covers the basics of the story well. The writing invades the reader's mind and brings out all the bogey men. An excellent read, but I found it necessary to read it in increments for the sake of what passes for sanity in my case.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 23, 2023
I’m a third of the way through now and I’m going to have to quit.
I have zero interest in any of the characters, some of them I actively dislike, I don’t like the pace, the phrasing, the story, anything.
I don’t like giving up on books, but goodness, my time is worth more than this drivel.
I have zero interest in any of the characters, some of them I actively dislike, I don’t like the pace, the phrasing, the story, anything.
I don’t like giving up on books, but goodness, my time is worth more than this drivel.
January 10, 2026
DNF the book but I tried very hard to.
Everything in this book seems thrown together, and very confusing.
There was no separation between scenes and characters.
I found it very slow paced.
No offense to the Author it just wasn’t for me.
Everything in this book seems thrown together, and very confusing.
There was no separation between scenes and characters.
I found it very slow paced.
No offense to the Author it just wasn’t for me.
January 10, 2023
Different from the other Maddie books, didn't for the expected trajectory, but I absolutely loved it.
January 25, 2023
Another sensational book in the Maddie Ives series. This is book 8. It can be read as a standalone, and then you will find yourself wanting to read the rest in the series.
This is a gripping, on the edge of your seat, nail biting read, in which acting Inspector Maddie Ives, Inspector Harry Blaker, and PC Vince Arnold find themselves desperately trying to find who has brutally murdered the occupants of two households and the reason why. This leads to a very twist and turn investigation, with surprising revelations. The only witness is a young girl who is traumatised. Will she be able to help?
There are also ongoing personal issues with one of the characters. How will it affect them and the case and how it's dealt with in an unexpected way.
It's good to see Eileen having more of an active part and showing more of her character.
Another fantastic written storyline and plot with great characters and descriptive. Even when it becomes evident who you still don't expect that twist .
I keep saying each time this is the best, yet each time along comes another, and yes, this one's my favourite
Just keep them coming, Charlie Gallagher .
My thanks to Joffe books for the copy. This is my honest, unbiased review.
This is a gripping, on the edge of your seat, nail biting read, in which acting Inspector Maddie Ives, Inspector Harry Blaker, and PC Vince Arnold find themselves desperately trying to find who has brutally murdered the occupants of two households and the reason why. This leads to a very twist and turn investigation, with surprising revelations. The only witness is a young girl who is traumatised. Will she be able to help?
There are also ongoing personal issues with one of the characters. How will it affect them and the case and how it's dealt with in an unexpected way.
It's good to see Eileen having more of an active part and showing more of her character.
Another fantastic written storyline and plot with great characters and descriptive. Even when it becomes evident who you still don't expect that twist .
I keep saying each time this is the best, yet each time along comes another, and yes, this one's my favourite
Just keep them coming, Charlie Gallagher .
My thanks to Joffe books for the copy. This is my honest, unbiased review.
January 16, 2023
Called in on her day off Maddie Ives investigates a series of murders that at first seem unconnected. Plenty of plot twists to keep you reading. An excellent story in the series.
I received this book from Joffe books and Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from Joffe books and Netgalley for a review.
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January 17, 2023Please find my review for The Girl Under the Floor by Charlie Gallagher here
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