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Inspector Anjelica Henley #2

by Nadine Matheson, Marta Czub (Translator)

W tym mrożącym krew w żyłach kryminale, dotykającym kwestii rasizmu, podziałów społecznych i korupcji, komisarz Anjelica Henley mierzy się z serią rytualnych morderstw.
Henley i jej partner Ramouter prowadzą sprawę zabójstwa popularnego pastora zamordowanego w jego własnym kościele. Na miejscu zbrodni znajdują ukryte pomieszczenie, a w nim drugą ofiarę – mężczyzna jest na granicy śmierci, jego ciało nosi ślady mrocznych obrzędów religijnych. Podejrzani zmieniają się jak w kalejdoskopie, dziennikarze patrzą Henley na ręce, a ona sama zmaga się z niechęcią do zamordowanego pastora. Po odkryciu kolejnego ciała pościg musi nabrać tempa. Czy policja zdoła złapać mordercę i zatrzymać wydłużającą się listę ofiar?
Autorka czerpie ze swojego doświadczenia adwokatki specjalizującej się w prawie karnym. Serwuje czytelnikom realistyczne, pełne zwrotów akcji śledztwo prowadzone przez wyjątkowo zgrany policyjny duet.

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

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2022

About the author

Nadine Matheson lives in London. She began her working life at the BBC and now practices as a criminal defence lawyer. In 2016, she won the City University Crime Writing Competition and has a MA in Creative Writing.

Her crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was published by HQ in 2021. The Jigsaw Man has been sold in 15 territories to date and will be translated into 15 languages.

Praise For The Jigsaw Man

"Matheson has a keen instinct for keeping the pages turning." New York Times

"This modern and multilayered take on the high-octane thriller keeps the pages turning" Oprah Daily

‘The Jigsaw Man ranks amongst the very best debut thrillers – we’re talking top-ten territory here – I’ve read this past decade… It evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world I’ve never even glimpsed, much less entered – neither in literature nor in life… Matheson’s voice is exciting, urgent… and, now more than ever, vital’ A.J. Finn


*Shortlisted for the 2022 Diverse Book Award*
*Shortlisted for the Dead Good Reads Award- 'Cold as Ice Award for most Chilling Read
*A Crime Reads Most Anticipated Book of 2021*
*The Best Crime Novels To Read in 2022 - The Evening Standard


Nadine Matheson is also the host of 'The Conversation Podcast with Nadine Matheson'. Her third novel in the Detective Inspector Henley series, The Kill List, will be released in May 2024.

Nadine Matheson is represented by Oli Munson of A.M. Heath Literary Agents.

www.nadinematheson.com

Reviews

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is how you write an engaging police procedural! I'll admit that I was nervous glancing at the 500+ page count before diving in, but I enjoyed The Jigsaw Man enough to give the sequel a try, and by the end of the book I felt like I wasn't ready for it to be over. If that doesn't scream 5 stars, then I don't know what does.

The book picks up in the weeks following the conclusion of Jigsaw Man, and Anj and her team are feeling the remnants of trauma caused by Olivier, while also needing to dive headfirst into a new case that is both gruesome and disturbing. I'm not one to get squeamish while reading these types of books, but I definitely felt like the author did a fine job of including just the right amount of gore to hook the reader into feeling both sorrow for the victims and anger toward the monsters responsible. Also? I didn't guess a single one of the twists, not one.

While this can be read as a standalone, I think it was more meaningful knowing the characters ahead of time to feel connected to their personal life plot threads. I'm still thinking about this book days after finishing and know it will be in my top ten reads for 2022!

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.

[Lindsay L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Can’t get enough of this amazing cast of characters!

DI Anjelica Henley and her parter Ramouter are on a new serial killer case. A well known pastor found murdered in his church. Bodies begin piling up as tortured and mutilated victims are discovered. Are the cases connected to the church?

The crimes themselves are gory, dark, unique and disturbingly engrossing. I was immediately invested in these cases, my curiosity piqued from start to the very end. The fantastic part of this series is the characters personal lives are equally intriguing. Though I read Book 1 over a year ago, I was able to jump right back in to their backstories without missing a beat. The writing is smooth, chapters are short and the tension is palpable.

There are several heavy topics presented in thought provoking ways — racism, sexism, mental health stigma. I enjoyed the way the author brought these important topics forward giving the reader much to consider.

Overall, an excellent addition to this series that I highly recommend!

Warning: rape, sexual assault.

Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical copy!

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars

Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley #2 of the Serial Crime Unit, London Met.

Uliana Piontek discovers Pastor Caleb Annan, a Pentecostal Christian, dead at his church in Deptford. It’s a brutal and frenzied killing which feels personal and a further utterly horrifying discovery shocks Anjelica and her team to the core.

First of all, in this case I think more would be gained from this book if the first in the series has been read as Angelica carries issues from it that are included here.

This is a dark, dark chilling read and gripping from the start. There are so many strange things that make no sense, some off notes that floor the team. This includes some characters attitudes which do not chime with the disturbing events. As the novel progresses it becomes more gruesome with some parts that make you shudder, so if you like your crime thrillers with an edge then look no further. There are many shocking plot twists that send shivers reverberating up and down the spine.

The team are excellent, the author has created some sharply drawn and believable characters who are likeable and who you become invested in. Henley is terrific, she’s gutsy, intelligent, hard-working and her bond with her team is great and which shines through the great banter which feels authentic. She is flawed, has her issues, she is still in a hard place but is clawing her way back. The tension between herself and DSU Stephen Pellacia is palpable and conversely the growing trust and bond with DC Ramouter is excellent. There is a good balance between the investigation and the personal which allows you to understand what makes these characters tick.

The novel deals with some pertinent issues such as racism with Angelica and Ramouter experiencing it firsthand. There is political pressure in the form of MP Laura Halifax and I can see where Henley is coming from in her opinions with that one! The more controversial side of certain religious beliefs is an important strand as is mental illness. All are dealt with well in this complex plot which has a dramatic and very satisfying end.

Overall, this is a very well written and fast paced crime thriller which is compelling reading.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you read The Jigsaw Man? I read it just before I picked up The Binding Room because this is a continuation of Inspector Anjelica Henley’s story, and oh is it ever good!

Be warned, just as with The Jigsaw Man, The Binding Room goes dark. In fact, the murders Anjelica are investigating are ritualistic. She begins by investigating two crimes, and then another body is found.

I love a good thriller, and this is not just any good thriller. I think Nadine Matheson’s experience as a criminal attorney adds credence to her stories. They feel REAL. I’m not sure they aren’t real?! 😂 Also, important topics are addressed alongside all the action. Justice and race are just two of those issues addressed head-on.

In the end, I’m in awe of Nadine Matheson’s supreme ability to weave an intricate story and the chilling way in which she shared it. Unputdownable with lots of triggers (it’s dark, after all), vivid, true-to-life characters. I can’t wait for the next installment, which I’m sure will be equally compelling and original!

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to Thank Netgalley and HQ for a copy of this book and to the author Nadine Matheson.

This is the second book in the series,my rating is 3.5 star rating rounded it up to four. I did enjoy this read, for me it was lacking the intensity and gruesome and gory details.The first book The jigsaw man was fantastic read, and the characters come alive In this book.DI Anjelica Henley and Salim Ramouter and the team investigate a murder of a pastor in a church,And she discovers another victim in another room who is barely alive.The pastor stabbed multiple times.and the other victim tortured.will they find the killer? It's best to read the first book to get to know the characters looking forward to the next instalment..highly recommend.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addicting story filled with seriously gruesome crimes and some twisted people. But engrossing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I have pretty thick skin. I have been through a lot of stuff and usually, it takes a lot to make me flinch. Let me just say, this author made me flinch…. multiple times! Wow

I also have to say when I closed this book, I told my hubby that this author has some twisted thoughts in her head! LOL-But oh, what a storyteller she is!

The Binding Room deals with deep dark levels of extremists in a Christian church. If you can get past the prologue you may have a chance to experience it.

This book truly is an experience you will not forget. It is an addicting story filled with seriously gruesome crimes and some twisted people. It is completely engrossing and warped. The character development is amazing. The plot and craftsmanship of the writing are superb.

The fact that I did not read book one was of minimal consequence. Mostly we miss personal issues and another gruesome crime, but in terms of the overall plot, this was easy to follow.

If you are a crime junky with a taste for the extreme, this is a must-read for you. The whole book is a trigger warning!

Why 4 stars from me? Because I am a wimp and could not handle some of the extreme descriptions of the crimes. I would classify this in the horror genre, personally.

* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-binding-...

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up and it is just as addictive and compelling as book one in the series, being back with the Serial Crimes Unit, DI Anjelica Henley and DC Salim Ramouter and the rest of the team, they are called out to attend a murder at a church, the pastor has been viciously stabbed, who would do such a thing?

But Henley also discovers what she thinks is a body but turns out to be a second victim who is tied to a bed and has been badly tortured, he is barely alive is this some sort of religious ritual, Henley is shocked and determined to find the answers.

The team start hunting for clues and answers, was the murdered pastor involved, is that the reason for his murder, or some other reason he is a married man with two children, Henley is having accusations made about her actions in the search for answers by the murder victims wife and then another body is found in a terrible state but very similar to the torture victim, more questions are being asked and Henley and the team are under pressure.

Is the church linked with the torture victims can they find a link and the answers they need especially with more bodies being discovered, with everything that is going on at work Henley and Ramouter are having problems in their personal lives as well but they continue to search for the truth and uncover the killer or killers.

This is a story that is gruesome at times and not for everyone I think, but it was compelling reading for me I really love Henley and her strength with everything she needs to handle in her capacity as DI and the comrade she has with the team, getting to know the team plays a big part of the story, this is one that I do highly recommend to anyone who loves a gritty crime thriller. Nadine Matheson is an author I do recommend, I am looking forward to book three.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series by Nadine Matheson. I had not read the previous book but it worked well as a stand alone anyway.

Inspector Anjelica Henley is visiting a church but not to pray but to investigate the death of local pastor. The pastor was stabbed 48 times and Henley is quick to investigate the crime scene. She discovers a hidden door that conceals a room set up for torture, bound to the bed in the middle of the room is the body of a man. Shortly afterwards another body is discovered, again tortured and it becomes obvious that someone is torturing innocent people and leaving them for dead.

There is no obvious connection to the victims other than the ‘Modus Operandi’ but they have been targeted and Henley must solve this case quickly to avoid further deaths.

This book is well written with good characters that I am sure will grow on me the more I read this series.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ for supplying a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars). This was the second book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley thriller series, and there’s no doubt that the author, Nadine Matheson can write! While I did enjoy the first book, The Jigsaw Man, a bit more than this one- I will still continue to be first in line to read the next books that come out in this series.

The Binding Room started off intense and had some graphic scenes, but then it became more of a crime thriller/police procedural. The book kept my interest the whole way through, and I am obsessed with the character of Anjelica Henley at this point. However, this book seemed to drag on a bit. I’m guessing that at over 500 pages the author is getting us set up and prepared for the next book- which the last chapter makes me believe one is definitely coming! There’s also a lot of characters to keep up with- there’s so many I couldn’t keep up with all the co-worker’s, suspects, family members, etc… that I just ended up going along with whatever name was on the page 🤷🏻‍♀️

The Binding Room is definitely not as gory as The Jigsaw Man, and I did have this book figured out about halfway through (I even surprised myself with that one). As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not big on reading books that are made into series, but I really enjoy this series! I highly recommend reading the Anjelica Henley series and I’m hoping that Netflix or somebody picks these books up, because I think it would be excellent to watch!

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Binding Room is a fantastic follow-up to The Jigsaw Man! It’s dark, twisted, and just what you need if you’re into thrilling mysteries. Inspector Anjelica Henley is back, and she's as sharp and badass as ever. I’m totally not ready to say goodbye to her just yet! The character development is spot-on, and that twist? Oh, it got me good!

This one isn't quite as gory as The Jigsaw Man, but it's still pretty graphic. At over 500 pages, it can feel a bit long, and with so many characters, it can be tough to keep track of everyone. Despite this, I was hooked the whole way through and I didn’t figure out the killer (sadly, no bragging rights here).

For those who love thrillers and police procedurals, this is a must-read, but definitely start with The Jigsaw Man before jumping into this one.

🚨🚨 TW: Murder, torture, mental illness, confinement, sexual assault, racism

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading The Jigsaw Man I was looking forward to reading more about these characters. In The Binding Room, we learn a lot more about them, their struggles and their pasts. It is another dark and gruesome police procedural, from Nadine Matheson and certainly kept me intrigued.

This is a long book, at over 500 hundred pages. Long books don’t bother me in the slightest but I know that some people don’t like them. It was perhaps a little long, and I did work out one of the endings quite early in. That is not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it wasn’t as shocking as The Jigsaw Man for me.

The team are called to a church, where a pastor has been murdered. Whilst looking around the scene, they discover a man, bound and tortured, in a hidden room. Are the 2 things linked? Who is this man? Who would kill a pastor? at here are a lot of questions in this case, and they only get more as they start the investigation.

This books has a lot of dark and disturbing scenes, and it will not be for everyone. There are some themes that will not be comfortable for a lot of people as well. I don’t want to say too much so as not to spoilt it, but be warned.

Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

De stille kamer van Nadine Matheson is het tweede deel in de reeks rond Anjelica Henley, na De puzzelman. Dat boek kon me zo bekoren dat ik ook meteen het vervolg erachteraan wou lezen en ik had geluk want De stille kamer was net toegevoegd aan Kobo Plus. Soms mag het ook wel eens meezitten in het leven. De stille kamer bouwt mooi voort op zijn voorganger en heeft dezelfde kenmerken. De spanning is al vanaf het begin voelbaar aanwezig en mede doordat Matheson gebruik maakt van korte hoofdstukken, leest het boek bijzonder vlot. Anjelica Henley moet nog bekomen van de zaak die haar te beurt viel in De puzzelman, als ze opnieuw met een zeer gruwelijk tafereel wordt geconfronteerd in een kerk. Niet alleen is de pastoor daar om het leven gebracht, in een achterkamer wordt een zwaar toegetakeld persoon aangetroffen. Hij zweeft op het randje tussen leven en dood en het is dus de vraag wat de pastoor daarmee van doen had. Henley staat dus alweer voor enkele pittige uitdagingen. De stille kamer is een steengoed boek en een echte aanrader voor de ware thrillerliefhebbers. Ikzelf kon er maar geen genoeg van krijgen en beloon het dus met de volle 5 sterren! Hopelijk komt er snel een derde deel in deze voortreffelijke reeks!
https://wordpress.com/page/elinevandm...

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector Anjelica Henley #2

When Detective Anjelica Henley is called to investigate the murder of a popular preacher in his own church, she discovers a second victim, tortured and tied to a bed in an upstairs room. He is alive, but barely, and his body shows signs of a dark religious ritual. With a revolving list of suspects and the media spotlight firmly on her, Henley is left with more questions than answers as she attempts to unravel both crimes. But when another body appears, the case takes on a new urgency, The next victim might be Henley herself.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. but I was instantly gripped by this descriptively written book with great attention to detail. Some of the murders are quite graphic, so not an advisable read for the faint hearted. Henley and her team are back investigating this new murder case, and Henley is battling her own personal issues. It shows us how disturbing and cruel a fragile mind can be. With lots of great twists, I was kept guessing all the way to the end. I can't wait to read what the third book has in store for us.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #NadineMatheson for my ARC of #TheBindingRoon in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really solid book in this series! Preordered the third book and looking forward to its release!

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector Henley is back again! This story picks up where The Jigsaw Man left off. Henley and her partner Ramouter are still dealing with personal trauma from the previous case but there’s a new gruesome crime that needs to be solved.

Pastor Caleb Annan was found stabbed 48 times in his church and upstairs (barely hanging on) was another victim who had been tortured. The twists and turns were great but I thought some parts of this book dragged. We also got more of the Inspectors’ personal lives but I’m over the push/pull between Henley and her husband 😭

On to the next one!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

The Binding Room is another gripping instalment in Nadine Matheson's dark and enthralling series featuring London Serial Crimes Unit D.I. Anjelica Henley.

D.I. Henley and D.C. Salim Ramouter are called out to a modern church building in Deptford, where cleaner Uliana Piontek has discovered the body of Pastor Caleb Annan, stabbed multiple times before the altar. The scene is disturbing enough as it is, but then Henley discovers a hidden room in which a naked man is restrained to a bed, viciously mutilated and barely clinging to life.

Henley and Ramouter's enquiries quickly turn up shady aspects to Pastor Annan's past, which when combined with the conspicuous trappings of wealth surrounding both the late Pastor and his glamorous wife, indicate that the Church of Annan the Prophet may be little more than a cynical money-making venture. While the second victim from the church remains in a medically-induced coma, investigations tie members of Annan's congregations to a dark exorcism ring, targeting the mentally ill and denouncing modern psychiatric treatment. When the decomposing body of a troubled local woman is discovered in her flat, all the signs point to another exorcism verging on torture. And there's evidence that the woman had recently given birth - but where is her baby?

Meanwhile, both Henley and Ramouter continue to deal with significant challenges in their personal and family lives. Henley is coming to the realisation that her marriage to Rob is over, whilst senior colleague DSI Stephen Pellacia, her former lover, continues to make her life difficult at work. Ramouter's wife's early onset dementia is worsening and he wrestles with the reality of working in London while she and his son remain in her sister's care in Bradford.

Like its series predecessor, The Jigsaw Man, The Binding Room is not a book for the faint-hearted or overly squeamish. The descriptions of crime scenes are graphic and the implied violence brutal. However, Nadine Matheson's character development and plotting are brilliant. At 503 pages, The Binding Room is substantially longer than the average 300-350 pages for a crime-thriller, but fully justifies its extra bulk and never dragged with superfluous detail or unnecessary padding.

This is a fabulous gritty series, which I can't wait to read more of in the future.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE BINDING ROOM (An Inspector Anjelica Henley Thriller Book #2) by Nadine Matheson is an intense and gritty British police procedural thriller. This is the second instalment in this series and can be read as a thriller standalone, but there are major character relationships that are better understood if you read The Jigsaw Man, Book #1 first.

Detective Anjelica Henley and her team are back and still dealing with the trauma of their last case as they are pulled into another difficult investigation. Henley is called to a scene of a brutal stabbing of a popular preacher in his own church and as they search the church discover another apparently tortured body barely alive, tied to a bed in a hidden room.

Henley and her team work both cases even as politics, secrets and lies make the team feel like they are getting nowhere fast. More bodies are discovered with the same terrible injuries and the female victim shows signs of having given birth. Both investigations have crossover suspects, but the clues lead to different motives. Henley must move quickly to stop more tortured murder victims.

I am happy to announce there was no sophomore slump with this addition to the series. Henley is still having problems emotionally from their last case and the loss of her mother. Her marriage is still in flux, and I still do not know how that will turn out in future books. Her entire team has become more fully fleshed and I care for them all with all their quirks and differences. This book does have several very dark and graphically disturbing scenes, but it is about sadistic torture murders and Ms. Matheson’s first book was the same, so I was expecting it. The investigative plot was well paced with several twists throughout that keeps you reading with a major twist right before the end.

I highly recommend this thriller and I am looking forward to many more in this series!

[Kori Potenzone · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nadine Matheson releases a Sophomore novel, you do not walk, you run to buy the book!

After reading The JigSaw Man, I knew that I was locked in and I would forever be a fan of Nadine Matheson. When I saw The Binding Room, pop up on Netgalley, I knew that I did not even need to read the synopsis to know that I wanted it.

The Binding Room is part of the Inspector Anjelica Henley series (Book #2). This book can be read as a standalone, however, I would not recommend it. The JigSaw Man laid so much foundation, I promise you, you do not want to miss out on it anyway. The binding room is an intense thriller with a side of police procedural. Typically I avoid police procedurals but recently I have enjoyed them especially if they are well written.

The Binding Room, clearly became one of my favorite books of the year. The writing style is addicting and done with precision. The twist was executed perfectly and my attention was never lost from start to finish.

I can not wait to see what book 3 holds as book 2 definitely outdid itself! Congratulation to Nadine Matheson on her Sophomore novel, you knocked this one out of the park!

[Silvie Klokgieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspecteur Anjelica Henley onderzoekt samen met haar team de moord op een populaire pastor in zijn kerk. Bij toeval ontdekt ze een tweede slachtoffer, vastgebonden aan een bed in een donkere kamer. Het slachtoffer is nog nauwelijks in leven en zijn lichaam vertoont tekenen van een zware marteling.

Terwijl de media Anjelica vanwege haar reputatie in een eerdere zaak nauwlettend in de gaten houden, moet ze deze ingewikkelde zaak zien op te lossen. Als er weer een vastgebonden lichaam opduikt, is het Anjelica duidelijk dat er een seriemoordenaar actief is. Wanneer het aantal doden snel oploopt, moeten Anjelica en haar team alles op alles zetten om meer slachtoffers te voorkomen.

'De stille kamer' is het tweede met Anjelica Henley in de hoofdrol, maar kan ook prima als losstaand deel gelezen worden. Er worden namelijk wat dingen besproken die in het eerste deel zijn gebeurd.

Dit verhaal begint al vrij snel met de moord in de kerk. Een korte tijd daarna wordt het lichaam van een tweede slachtoffer gevonden, maar deze blijkt nog in leven te zijn. Anjelica en haar collega's verdiepen zich in het leven van de pastor en komen tot een schokkende ontdekking. Je leest ook weer wat meer over de privélevens van Anjelica en haar collega Ramouter.

Ondertussen vallen er nog meer slachtoffers en de details van deze moorden zijn behoorlijk gruwelijk. De grote vraag is wie er achter deze daden zit en het lijkt erop dat meerdere personen verdacht zijn. Dus dit was dan wel weer goed opgebouwd.

De zoektocht naar de dader vond ik interessant en ook de omschrijvingen van de verschillende moorden waren boeiend. Ik was ook benieuwd naar de motieven, maar toch vond ik het soms een klein beetje langdradig en zwakte de spanning hier en daar weer wat af. Jammer! Mijn favoriet blijft dan toch wel het voorgaande deel, 'De Puzzelman'.

Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading her first book The Jigsaw Man a terrifying five star read,I could not wait to start reading The Binding Room. WOW WHAT A READ!!!! Gritty, graphic and full of blood soaked crimes. A story that had me gripped, sat on the edge of my seat and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. So many heart in your mouth moments. An original plot and great storytelling. Her first book The Jigsaw Man blew me away but the Binding Room is on another level. I can't wait to read what this author has in store for Henley and her team. Highly highly recommended and definitely not for the squeamish. Loved it!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. Nadine Matheson does not disappoint in this book filled with twists and turns. The killers appear innocent and the innocent appear guilty. The action in the final chapters had my heart pounding as I actually felt myself injected into the story.

If you like The Jigsaw Man, you will definitely want to read this one.

[Amos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best nor the worst, but I'm kinda glad it's over.

3 So So Stars

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

The Binding Room had all the strong and compelling elements I loved in the first book as well as an original new plot. I feel like I’m this book I learned even more about Anjelica but it’s still only the first of many layers to come in the future. It kept me on my toes again as well, I didn’t see anything coming ahead of time and it was so gritty and dark, I was so into it!

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great crime thriller.
We join DI Anjelica Henley and the team as they are called out when a Pastor is found brutally stabbed to death in his church.
It’s a shocking discovery for the cleaner of the church but when Henley takes a look around she finds a young man tied to a bed, barely alive.
Henley and the team start to look into the Pastor’s life and discover he had a few secrets and has not been living a pure life.
Another dead body is found and it seems there is a baby missing so the pressure is really on the team.
Henley tries not to let her personal problems affect her job but it’s getting harder and harder to push them aside.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson is the second in the Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley series.


Not sure why it took me this long to get to this series, but glad I have.  The first book was good, but this was much better.

I love the characters in these books.  Anjelica is a really good protagonist.  She really cares about the victims, and her team.  In this second book, we are seeing the team become more of a family.  I'm still not sure about Anjelica's marriage, and I'm  not sure she is either.  Personally I'm questioning whether she should stay with Rob, but we will see.

The plot was intriguing.  The exorcism angle was really interesting, and the characters that were involved in that side were captivating. The murder of the pastor also had some interesting characters, none of which I liked, so I struggled to care.  Both plot-lines had one thing in common...I couldn't figure out the identity of the perpetrator.  That was great!

This is the second book in the series to look at mental health issues, and the lengths that loved ones would go to in the guise of "helping" the person was just scary.  As well, this book again looked at racism, and the impact within the police force, and among the citizens of the community.

This author certainly doesn't shy away from the gruesome scenes, but this never bothers me.

Bottom line, I really enjoyed this book, and the problems I had with the first book didn't really come into play in this one, so now I'm really looking forward to book 3!

Anyway, until next time.... 


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/i

[Nakia's Hideaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5!

Still enjoying following Detective Anjelica Henley on her cases and what's going on in her personal life. And in The Binding Room the cases were so fascinating to me.

Nadine Matheson tackled issues dealing with religion and mental health and I was hooked.

Two separate mysteries and both very intriguing.

Unfortunately for me the ending didn't finish as strong as the rest of the book. But I still enjoyed it nonetheless and will be looking forward to book 3.


Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/q_F6jvTg2ZE

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hanover Square Press for my review copy.

While reading this book I just knew I had it all figured out and Nadine Matheson politely humbled me. 😩 Both of my theories were dead wrong. All of the people on my suspect list were innocent. 🥴 I didn’t anticipate any of the twists and they legit had me gasping. The thriller/mystery/suspense genre has been EXTREMELY hit or miss from this year and this book is a MUST read! Definitely making it on my favorite reads list for 2022!

Also I’m still Team P no matter how messy it is!! 🙈

[Patricia Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Absolutely excellent.

As someone who really loved The Jigsaw Man, I was super excited to get my hands on The Binding Room. It did not disappoint, and I loved it as much as The Jigsaw Man—actually, I think I loved it more.

Coming back to Henley and the SCU team felt like coming back to old friends and one of the things that really, really make this book for me, is the SCU team and their ease with each other. You got to know each character a little more, go in a further layer down and it was brilliant. I gained a real affection for all of them.

Henley remains an amazing character, so, so layered and so conflicted and I really felt protective of her in this novel. The tension created by the choices she’s made in her personal life and how it impacts her is fantastic, it sucks you right in.

As for the investigation itself—what a rollercoaster! I can’t say much without giving it away and I refuse to ruin it for anyone about to read it. It was brilliant and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough because I just needed to know who did it!

Really just such a fantastic, fast paced and really satisfying read.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A popular preacher is found dead in his church with dozens of stab wounds. However, he is not the only victim. As Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley and her team are going through the church looking for whatever clues they can find, she stumbles upon a second victim. Shockingly, despite many apparent injuries, he is still alive. It becomes very clear early on that this second victim is part of some strange and dark religious ritual.

The deeper the investigation gets, it is apparent that there are no shortage of suspects. In fact, this preacher, as charismatic as he was, was not a beacon of faith and hope as he pertained to be. It becomes more than clear that his death is something that more than one person would’ve wanted. And, as if the investigation itself is not enough to warrant all of her time, Anjelica has other battles. Pressured by the media to find the killer of the pastor, as well as a moral and personal dilemma she is facing, she is literally burning the candle at both ends.

One thing that makes her job even harder is that racial tensions are ever present in this particular case and that affects whether or not justice will be served. This racism impacts not only Anjelica, but her partner Ramouter as well. Meanwhile, as if solving both of the crimes in front of her are not enough, there is yet a third murder and they discover that there is a missing baby. Anjelica truly is in a race against time to find this baby alive all while she is trying to discover what was really going on in this pastor’s life and in his church.

The Binding Room is the thrilling second book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series, and follows the equally thrilling The Jigsaw Man. That book introduced Anjelica to readers and also put the fabulous author Nadine Matheson on my radar. The way that this book is written it could do well as a standalone, but since it follows the first book, with reference to the killer in that book and how it affected all of the police that were involved, I highly recommend reading these books in order. Another reason that I recommend this is because of the continuity that comes with the relationship Anjelica has with her team and also with the situation in her marriage.

This book is long. In fact, I was able to get this from my library as an audiobook which was 17 hours long. With excellent narration, this exciting story never lost a beat. The drama, intrigue, and intense scenes continue at a rapid pace from beginning to end. I do have to mention that this book has some grisly scenes and may not be for the weak of heart. The author’s experience as a criminal defense attorney lends to her expertise regarding the crimes and the solving of these crimes in this book. I do love that this book makes the characters real to the readers and the conclusion dangled just enough bait to make me more than eager for book three in the series.

Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/pTs6FEamdm8

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another page turner that has kick started my reading mojo.