Shatter Creek

Detective Casey Wray #2

by Rod Reynolds

Fresh from the scandal at Hampstead County PD, Detective Sergeant Casey Wray works a complex double-homicide that points to a killer on a murderous rampage and a shattering series of discoveries that could end her career … The shocking sequel to the addictive, twisty, bestselling Black Reed Bay…
Hampstead County Police Department is embroiled in scandal after corruption at the top of the force was exposed. Cleared of involvement and returned to active duty, Detective Sergeant Casey Wray nonetheless finds herself at a crossroads when it becomes clear not everyone believes she's innocent.
Partnered with rookie Billy Drocker, Casey works a shocking daytime double-homicide in downtown Rockport with the two victims seemingly unknown to one another. And when a third victim is gunned down on her doorstep shortly after, it appears an abusive ex-boyfriend holds the key to the killings.
With powerful figures demanding answers, Casey and Billy search for the suspect, fearing he's on a murderous rampage. But when a key witness goes missing, and new evidence just won't fit, the case begins to unravel. With her career in jeopardy, Casey makes a shattering discovery that threatens to expose the true darkness at the heart of the murders… with a killer still on the loose…

Genres: Crime

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

Rod Reynolds was born in London and, after a successful career in advertising, working as a media buyer, he decided to get serious about writing. He recently completed City University's two-year Crime Writing Masters course and THE DARK INSIDE is his first novel. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silly me didn't realise it was the second book in the series, especially when I have book 1 staring at me on my bookshelf!
Luckily, I raced through book 1- it was an amazing read and set up a great basis for the following books in the series.
This was a good thing, because I could just jump straight into book 2 without the long wait everyone else had!
What a fabulous successive book. I was enthralled. The crime scene Detective Casey Wray has to investigate is intriguing and poignant right from the off, and readers will be somewhat unsettled, in the light of recent tragedies in America. It made the story so much more real, but it made for such a gripping read.
I adored this book, and I'm now eagerly waiting the next book in the series. Simply outstanding.

[Mike Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon the Detective Casey Wray crime series on the Large Print shelves of my local Public Library. After reading and enjoying 'Black Reed Bay' (2021), the first book in the series, I was surprised that this series hasn't been more heavily promoted. I think it deserves a wide readership.

I was delighted to find that my Public Library also had a copy of the recently published second book in the series, 'Shatter Creek'(2025), so I dived in,

'Shatter Creek' carried straight on from the events in 'Black Reed Bay'. in which Casey Wray uncovered substantial corruption in her police department; a discovery which has placed her own career under a cloud and has led to the hiring of a new Captain of Detectives from outside the local force.

Like the first book, 'Shatter Creek' had a propulsive plot, full of secrets, betrayals and threats for Casey Wray to unravel and navigate. This time around, Casey is more aware than ever that she doesn't really know what is going on or who, if anyone, she can trust. All she wants is to focus on collecting evidence and working out who shot a prominent, if dodgy, businessman in broad daylight. Instead, she finds herself having to spend as much energy on managing the politics as she does on solving the case.

exactly what it was that I was so pleased with. There's nothing innovative in either form or content in the book. It's a police procedural with well-drawn, strong characters driving the action. The thing is, everything in the book works. I found the prose engaging without ever drawing attention to itself. The pacing kept me wanting to read one more chapter. The ending made me hope I won't have to wait three years for the next book.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police procedural set on LONG ISLAND



Hampstead County Police Department in Rockport is in crisis. Corruption at the highest level has been exposed, and no one knows who can be trusted. Detective Sergeant Casey Wray worked directly to one of the senior officers who was named in the investigations, but was personally cleared of any involvement. Not everyone believes that…

Casey and a new Rookie team up to investigate a double shooting murder in downtown Rockport. The two victims are seemingly unknown to each other. It turns out that one of the victims is an extremely rich and well connected donor to local party officials. But what was he doing in the area in which he was found? Then a third murder of a young lady happens on Casey’s doorstep. Investigations suggest that the perpetrator might be an abusive ex-boyfriend of the murdered woman.

The three cases then become somewhat interwoven. The abusive ex-boyfriend is ruled out, and powerful figures in the local community are demanding answers. Throughout the investigation Casey is hampered by her immediate superior who suspects her of leaking information to the press and deliberately altering reports so as to confuse. Casey is not doing this, but who else in the department may be? She is officially taken off the case, but carries on anyway.

She works out the connection between the three murders and the story then moves to a very dramatic conclusion.

Shatter Creek is a very well worked detective story. There are many twists and many false trails. And it very much seems like an authentic account of a US police investigation in difficult times. This, I guess, is all the more remarkable because the author, Rod Reynolds, is a Brit and lives near London.

Definitely recommended for those who like their detective stories to be both exciting and quite complex.

[Ross Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d been longing forward to reading this book for a long time, as it’s the second in the Casey Wray series by Rod Reynolds and its predecessor, Black Reed Bay, had been a real 5 star thriller for me.
Detective Sergeant Casey Wray finds herself in charge of the HCPD detective squad following a scandal within the Police Department when she finds herself investigating two murders following a seemingly random shooting. She finds herself questioning her own abilities regarding the shooting investigation and to make matters worse she is passed up for the Lieutenant’s job when an ex NYPD officer is recruited for the post. She also finds herself under political pressure from the opposing sides in the election for the new Chief for which one of the victims was a big donor. To further add to her woes there are domestic problems brewing within her own team that she has to deal with. When the shootings are seemingly wrapped up Casey is not entirely satisfied and goes digging further only to have her own loyalties to the Department questioned.
Although not quite as good as Black Reed Bay ( although that was a very high bar to reach again) this is another excellent thriller in which Rod Reynolds manages to create a thoroughly believable storyline. Like its predecessor it’s a Police procedural novel but also explores a lot of different themes within the plot line. He has further developed Casey’s character but although she faces her own self doubts, she doesn’t face the same sexism as the detective department now finds females in the majority, including her new boss. However the hangover from the scandal still lingers over the department and also in respect of Casey who is still viewed with suspicion because of her closeness to the disgraced officers. The plot is twisty and throws up false trails and red herrings aplenty before we reach the conclusion.
I’m unsure if there will be a further Casey Wray novel but if so,it’ll be interesting to see where Casey goes from here. If not I’ll be looking forward to a new Rod Reynolds thriller as I’ve really enjoyed all his writing to date.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Shatter Creek - Rod Reynolds. A brilliant police procedural.

Detective Casey Wray is still tainted by the corruption and scandal which mired Hampstead County PD and which she was part of unravelling in the fantastic Black Reed Bay (the 5* first book in this series). Working the downtown beat with a rookie detective they get called to a shocking double homicide - a man in a suit with no ID or phone and a young woman gunned down in broad daylight. As their investigation runs into dead ends, the body count and complexity mounts - all pointing towards a potential serial killer. Struggling to find a link between the victims and a motive for the shootings, Casey soon finds that her superiors are running out of patience and she starts to wonder who is on her side.

I absolutely loved Black Reed Bay and this follow up has been a long time coming. It was absolutely worth the wait. Casey is a fantastic character who never shies away from the controversial and making the right decision (sometimes consequences be dammed). A significant proportion of the start of the book is focused on the intricacy of trying to find leads for the double shooting on the street. It is a slow burn mesmerising read, with lots of detail but a constant hook about where we are going to end up. As the pace picks up, so does the action and the complexity. This is a knotty, well structured plot which will keeps the entertainment and tension up, while slowly dripping potential clues. It's one of the best police procedurals I've read in a long time and it's hopefully set up for a next in the series ... just please don't make us wait so long.

I listened on audio, narrated by Laurel Lefkow who did a fantastic job.

[Jacob Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been patiently waiting for Rod Reynolds next book to feature Detective Casey Wray, since I read the first book a few years ago and Shatter Creek did not disappoint. The novel opens with a bang, with what appears to be a mass shooting in broad daylight, leaving the police with a massive task to try and find the perpetrator and the motive behind the attack. It is reminiscent with some horrific attacks that have taken place in America. Whilst this is going on, Casey Wray is also facing a massive upheaval at work, following a corruption scandal which Casey was cleared of, so tensions are running high. And on top of this, it appears Casey Wray is being watched.

The tension never lets up in this book and Rod Reynolds brings Casey Wray to life, particularly, in her reactions to what is happening at work, and I thought this was done really well. Tension really turns up a notch surrounding the investigation into the shooting, particularly when it first appears to the police that there might be a link between the victims. It seems they have at this point, got solid ground to pursue. But there are many twists and turns in this case left to come.

Casey Wray’s determination to solve the case really shines through in her character, especially when she is dealing with potential witnesses. She is not afraid to show her strength in certain situations throughout the book, and I really liked this about her and it’s what makes her fascinating as well. But she is also sensitive too, and it does feel like she can reach people in a way that other people on her team might not be able to. But she also does feel tense throughout the novel, particularly when she feels there might be someone watching her and this really keeps the tension ticking up a notch.

The tension really heats up as the investigation shifts gears as does the action. It really is impossible to put the book down as it races towards it’s finale. Shatter Creek definitely was worth the wait, and I have no doubt it’ll be in my top ten reads of the year. I really enjoyed it.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable police procedural with twists, turns and a heart.

Who’s a goodie and who’s a baddie? I was suspecting myself by the end

[Pete Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so nice to read book that you've been waiting for!

A very good follow up to the 1st book in the series, it's just like meeting old friends.

Great pace, and created with multiple layers, which will keep you off the track of the real offender.

This should be made into a TV series by Apple TV!

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I find myself in a bit of a conundrum, and no more so than now. Because I don’t review books that I have read and not really enjoyed, most if not all of my reviews are good ones of at least three stars and above.

So, what should I do when I find an outstanding one? I’m not much of a gusher at the best of times. And there are a lot of very good books out there at the moment. But I want to put in a very special word for Rod Reynolds’ Casey Wray series. These are everything a police procedural should be and more. Rod Reynolds is a marvellous writer. He isn’t flash, or showy, but what he writes is immaculately crafted, beautifully plotted and so well thought through that his characters blaze with authenticity. It is a remarkable talent and all the better for being understated.

What you have in Black Reed Bay and in Shatter Creek are superb American Noir Police procedurals with a great protagonist in Detective Casey Wray; pitch perfect, stylish and beautifully rendered. It isn’t essential to have read Black Reed Bay first, but I’d strongly suggest that you do so, because both books are so well worth it.

I approached Rod Reynolds’ Shatter Creek with high expectations, especially after the gripping narrative of Black Reed Bay. Reynolds does not disappoint; this sequel not only meets but surpasses the bar set by its predecessor, delivering a taut, character-driven police procedural that cements Detective Sergeant Casey Wray’s place among the genre’s most compelling protagonists. I love Casey Wray more than ever after the second book in the series. Black Reed Bay left her betrayed, bereft and under suspicion and in Shatter Creek she finds that some of the mud that was thrown at her is still sticking around.

Casey returns to duty in the wake of a corruption scandal that has left the Hampstead County Police Department reeling. Though officially exonerated, the shadow of suspicion lingers, casting a pall over her interactions with colleagues and especially her superiors. Her new boss, in particular, makes it clear that Casey will have to prove herself all over again if she is to stay with Hampstead P.D. To make matters worse, there’s a falling out between her team members and Casey can’t do anything right in their eyes. Even though this is a small, almost domestic, dispute, the heat she feels from above and the poor reception she’s getting from her team, make her doubt whether she wants to carry on. This internal conflict adds a rich layer to her character, portraying her as a dedicated detective grappling with the dual burdens of external scepticism and personal doubt.

Her partnership with rookie Billy Drocker introduces a fresh dynamic. Drocker’s inexperience contrasts with Casey’s seasoned intuition, creating a mentor-mentee relationship that evolves organically. Their interactions are marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to uncovering the truth, providing a humanising counterpoint to the novel’s darker themes.

The narrative kicks off with a brazen double homicide in downtown Rockport, a case that initially appears straightforward but quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit and danger. The subsequent murder of a third victim on her own doorstep, seemingly linked to an abusive ex-boyfriend, adds urgency and emotional weight to the investigation.

Reynolds cleverly structures the plot to maintain suspense, introducing twists that challenge both the detectives and the reader’s assumptions. The disappearance of a key witness and the emergence of incongruent evidence compel Casey and Billy to question the validity of their leads, propelling the story toward a climax that is both shocking and inevitable.

Reynolds’ prose is taut, crisp and evocative, painting vivid scenes without superfluous detail. His ability to convey atmosphere—be it the oppressive heat of a crime scene or the sterile tension of a police briefing room—immerses the reader fully in the world he has created.

He meticulously calibrates the tension throughout the novel. Early chapters establish a sense of unease that escalates with each new revelation. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for character development and thematic exploration without sacrificing any momentum. The final act delivers a crescendo of suspense that resolves the central mystery while leaving room for future developments.

Verdict: Shatter Creek is a standout entry in contemporary crime fiction, offering a nuanced portrayal of a detective navigating the treacherous waters of departmental politics and personal redemption. Reynolds’ skilful storytelling and complex characterisation make this novel a must-read for fans of both crime generally and police procedurals in particular. As Casey Wray continues to evolve, I’ll be eagerly following her into the next chapter of her career. This is a must read for me.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel begins two months after the end of Black Reed Bay, the first book in the Detective Casey Wray series.

Now partnered with Billy Docker, Casey is called to a shocking daytime double homicide. Was one victim the intended target and the other an innocent bystander? The best possible witness, a young woman with a baby, disappears. When another person is killed, the search narrows to focus on one man who may be on a murderous rampage. But the body count does not stop at three and the case unravels, so Casey’s investigation is led in an entirely different direction.

I highly recommend that people read Black Reed Bay before this sequel. A recap is included but much of what happens in Shatter Creek is a direct result of events in the first book. Reading the first book will help the reader fully see the nature and extent of the corruption Casey uncovered in the Hampstead County Police Department and understand its impact on Casey. Then, when characters from the first book appear (Billy, Jill, Dana, McTeague), it’s satisfying to already know their personalities and understand their relationship with Casey. (And why not treat yourself to two great books, instead of just one?)

Casey has been cleared of any involvement in police corruption, but not everyone thinks she’s innocent. Her new boss doesn’t trust her and makes it clear that she expects her to transfer to another department; she says, “’either you were in it with Carletti but smart enough to cover your tracks, or he kept you around to manipulate and you were too naive to notice.’”

So Casey feels a lot of pressure; she needs to perform and prove herself while superiors demand a quick resolution because of the high profile of one of the victims. Fortunately, she’s as determined as ever and perseveres despite a paucity of clues but an abundance of obstruction and political interference. To complicate matters even further, there are personal issues among members of her team so they sometimes have difficulty staying focused. All this leaves Casey wondering whether she even wants to continue in this job that “had taken up so much of her.” She’s a fictional character, but I wanted Casey to feel less alone, and I’m certain most readers will find themselves likewise wanting to support her. Like one of the characters, I wanted to tell Casey, “’stop letting other people decide your self-worth.’”

The plot can be described as twisty, and there is plenty of suspense. There may be a killer on the loose who has other targets, so identifying and finding him/her is of the utmost importance. And it’s not just others who are in danger: Casey herself receives strange phone calls and is followed. Then, when she’s closest to the truth, her superiors pull her back from the investigation.

Oh, then there’s that cliffhanger ending. Aaaghhh!!! I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book in the series, but I’m feeling as frustrated as Casey is at times when she hits a wall in her investigation.

This is a fast-paced book, a compelling read. I’m hooked! When’s the next book being released??!!

Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,100 of my book reviews.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been on tenterhooks for years waiting for the follow up to Rod Reynold’s excellent Black Reed Bay, which I reviewed back in 2021, and my patience has paid off. Never fear if you have not read the first book (but I would totally recommend that you do) as Reynolds neatly inserts some back story into this one, so can be read as a standalone. Read both though. You know you want to…

Picking up from the events of the previous book, which saw our indomitable police protagonist Detective Sergeant Casey Wray, get sucked into, and now exonerated from a very nasty episode of murder and police corruption, she now becomes embroiled in a labyrinthian, and potentially career ending investigation.

Unfortunately, like blood, sweat, gravy and egg, the stains remain on her professional character from the previous corruption fallout, and missing out on a promotion to Lieutenant does little to assuage her of her own self doubt regarding her career. Having already had to fight her way through a misogynistic working environment and prove herself to be the equal of, or better than, her male counterparts, she now just has to prove her worth as a police officer, and to shake off the miasma of corruption around her- innocent though she is. As much as this impacts on her professionally and personally, she still embodies the credo of protect and serve, a credo which is sorely tested in the course of this new investigation. I really like Casey’s character and the way she navigates her professional relationships with her superiors, which are particularly testing in this book, and with her fellow officers, which shows her sensitivity and loyalty. Reynolds has assembled a solid cast of supporting characters in this one, which with good luck and a fair wind, may lead us neatly into a third book? I’m hoping…

What I’ve always liked about this author’s books in particular, is the way he never resorts to lazy, obvious narrative. I would imagine that the intricate plotting he always incorporates into his books lies at the heart of the writing process, so the reveals when they come do not feel forced or counterintuitive to the arc of the story itself. This book is no different as the narrative is as complex as usual, suffused with red herrings and nifty little plot shifts that wrongfoot the reader. Once again as readers we feel that we are tasked with picking up on the clues that are slowly revealed by the witness statements, and what Casey and her fellow officers uncover along the way. A couple of times I found myself flicking back thinking that a certain name or incident rang a bell, and this serves to make the reader just feel a little bit clever too. I really detest absolutely linear crime fiction, so books like this always appeal to me, and satisfy me more, making the little grey cells work a little bit harder.

Despite the wait, I am pleased to say that Shatter Creek did not disappoint, populated by a broad spread of characters with conflicting motivations and intentions, and an exceedingly well-plotted and cleverly twisty narrative.

Just don’t leave us hanging too long for the next one please…

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reeling from the corruption scandal that has ripped Hampstead County Police Department apart, Detective Sergeant Casey Wray is unsure how to reconcile the fact that her own partner was involved in dark deeds she was completely unaware of. Although she has been cleared of any wrong doing, not everyone is convinced of her innocence - including her new boss.

With her reputation tarnished, Casey and her rookie partner, Billy, are thrown into a tricky investigation when a double homicide takes place on a quiet morning in downtown Rockport. There is nothing to link the two victims, but when a third murder throws up a line of inquiry around an abusive ex-boyfriend, it seems he might be the key to unravelling the mystery - especially given the pressure being piled on from above to solve the case as quickly as possible.

But as Casey begins to out the pieces of the puzzle together, they just do not fit. Something else is going on here, but how can she convince her boss of her suspicions when there is no trust?

Not having read Black Reed Bay, which introduces DS Casey Wray, I was definitely on the back foot at the start of this book, but Reynolds' gives you just enough to get to grips with the lay of the land, and how this affects Casey's actions, motivations, and ability to do her job, so it can be read as a stand-alone.

The action begins right out of the gate with a shocking double murder, and does not let up for an instant throughout the authentically gritty American noir twists and turns - which pleasantly surprised me given that the only Rod Reynolds' book I had read previously was the very British financial caper Blood Red City.

The threads of the corruption backstory run indelibly through the warp and weft of the whole complicated plot, which Reynolds cleverly uses to underlie a combination of seductive police procedural and edge-of-your-seat political-themed thriller. Motivations are entertainingly murky, and Casey's frustrations become your own as she battles whispers about her integrity, the agendas of those who plan to make her the fall guy for their own failings, and uncomfortable relations within her own team. I loved her from pretty-much page one, and thoroughly enjoyed her spirit, and intelligence. She is an intriguing character, determined to get to the truth, and not beyond questioning her own attitudes as knotty themes of patriarchal power and manipulation rear their ugly heads.

Reynolds' writing is first-class, keeping your attention with suspenseful mystery, the tension of well-wrought menace, perfectly timed reveals, and drop dead gorgeous emotional barbs that add the punch of heavyweights like Dennis Lehane. And he makes it look so easy, especially given the way the threads all come together in a gripping climax, leaving just enough rope to hook you into the next book... which I am very much looking forward to. Have no doubt that I will be going back to take in Black Reed Bay very soon too!

[J Fearnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shatter Creek opens up with one of those senseless shootings that seem to be an almost daily occurrence in our news feeds. Two people shot, an unidentified man is killed and a woman, Sheena Rawlins, left barely alive.
Detective Casey Wray is still reeling from the events in the previous and first book of this series. Let me take a moment to urge you to read Black Reed Bay (which was shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger and book of the month in The Times and Literary Review) not only because it will help with the continuity of this ongoing thread but because it’s an absolutely cracking story. Nevertheless, Casey is awaiting the decision on who will become the next Lieutenant of her unit. Will she be promoted? Does she really want it? The signs were better than she expected. Or, is there one more twist to the fallout from what happened in Black Reed Bay?
Casey is sent to the scene and starts to lead the investigation into what happened on the sidewalk outside the Strongbox gym. With two victims and no suspect(s) the only hope is to track down an eyewitness who saw what happened. There’s been little help in that quarter and the only one who might have seen something appears to have fled and disappeared!
Then there is another killing!
As leads are followed and links between evidence suggests a person of interest Adam Ryker as the likely killer, Casey and the team turn to searching for the suspect but when he turns up dead too is everything really resolved? The powers that be are certainly thinking so but Casey has a bad feeling about it all!
There is a deal of tension in this complex and intense story coming of course from the investigation but also from the decision regarding who the new lieutenant is and the ongoing fallout from the corruption allegations. Casey is dealing with all of these issues and also with a problem between two of the team, something she could really do without. Worse still Casey finds that she is being set up!
Casey Wray is a wonderful character whose straight talking and concerns for the victims and their families, especially if they then become targets, can be misunderstood. There are still dark forces at play and they are masters at manipulation and deception. Casey has to be able to work out what is really going on but will that be enough to find the killer and show she is innocent of the accusations and potential charges that are being made?
The second book in the Detective Casey Wray series is a terrific, gripping read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It has an ending that will have you wishing, even more than usual as you read this stupendous story, that the third book will be out immediately, you’ll understand why when you read Shatter Creek, what a book, what a series – I’m absolutely hooked!
I highly recommend Shatter Creek by Rod Reynolds.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rod Reynolds has gone from 1940s US noir to modern London to contemporary US east coast small town in Black Reed Bay, but it wasn't just the setting that changed, the depth and subtlety of the writing was also ramped up. With the second in the series, Shatter Creek, Reynolds has raised the bar once more. (If you haven't read Black Reed Bay, don't worry, all the background you need is included - but you're going to want to read it, trust me!)
Detective Sergeant Casey Wray, with rookie Billy Drocker, is responding to a report of shots fired; racing to the scene they find chaos, and the sense of frustration as they try to figure out victims, witnesses, perpetrator is palpable. But this isn't the shooting we've just seen in the prologue, which is all pain and fear, this is a week earlier. So we're nicely poised on the edge of our seats to see how the two fit together.
Landon Whitlock is killed in this shooting outside a gym, but what was he doing in that part of town? A woman is critically injured, too, and a crucial witness to it all has vanished. Another shooting, of a woman in her own home, offers a powerful lead and a link to the first shooting. But while things appear to add up, there are still questions that puzzle Casey.
Her dogged determination, the drudge work and attention to small detail - in other words, the actuality of police work - lead her to answers, and finally to a massive can of worms that she is compelled to open...
Casey Wray is terrifically relatable - she's doing her best to do good, despite being stymied and tripped by those above and around her. I really hope the next book offers her a break that goes her way; she's earned it. The team around and above her are not always (in some cases, ever) likeable but they feel very real.
There are levels and layers to the characters and their relationships, from the politics-dealing top brass, through the new lieutenant, to Casey and her team. The imbalance of power causes friction, and the interplay of relationships both professional and personal, linked with the wider question of who can you trust, is beautifully woven through the novel.
Shatter Creek is a US-set police procedural with so much more: a plot that is far murkier than it seems; gristly red herrings to thwart as well as steak to savour; superb characters and thought-provoking themes. It's terrific.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the superb DS Casey Wray series, this taut and complex story stretches tight, pulling the reader close into as absorbing a read as upper-echelon crime fiction can get.

Following on the heels of a major police department shakeup (read the first book for details!) Detective Sergeant Casey Wray is back — emotionally drained and on the outs with just about every cop in a leadership role in Hampstead county. United with her team, the not-so-rookie-now Billy Droker, tough-talking Dana Torres and somewhat-volatile Jill Hart, Casey must deal with social strife and politics, internal to her team, and the much more insidious departmental fracas all around her, as well as the round-the-clock pressures of solving a high profile street shooting and resulting homicide.

As Casey struggles to find support within her crumbling unit, her heads-down attempt to lead her team’s search for a killer is complicated by a series of red herrings and possible u-turns, made all the more complex by the demands of the wealthy and aggressive wife of a victim, and the scorched trail of a womanizing abuser who may or may not be the killer.

Rich with authenticity, this is a novel that beautifully captures police proceedings as well as current-day social dynamics, from the very personal vantage point of our heroine, deep in the throws of an emotional crisis encountered through scapegoating, as the wheels of justice turn, — broadly seeking not answers as much as career-serving publicly acceptable closures.

Totally absorbing, this is a tense and mesmerizing read — right up to the ending, which (no spoilers here) can only hint at more of this wonderful series to come.

A great big thank you to publisher Orendabooks for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatter Creek follows in the aftermath of the corruption scandal at Hampstead County PD, and Detective Sergeant Casey Wray once again is at the heart of it all. Having been overlooked by her superiors for promotion, Casey has a new Lieutenant who is distrustful of her to say the least. Even though Casey herself had been proved innocent of any involvement in the previous corruption, her own colleagues are still not entirely sure she could have been blind to everything that occurred. She has a lot to prove!
Shatter Creek starts a bang, literally and metaphorically. Two people are gunned down in broad daylight, and the only real witness it seems, has vanished into thin air. Casey is now paired with rookie detective Billy, who we met in the previous book. They and the whole team have to work together to solve this. They also have a stalker to deal with, who has been targeting women he’s previously been in relationships with. Is this just a red herring?….
Casey has a feeling of Déjà vu throughout this novel, as she has a feeling there is a lot more to the double homocide than meets the eye. Her team don’t know if they can trust her, and her new Lieutenant wants her out. She receives a job offer from an unlikely source, and is torn over whether to accept or not.
A wonderful sequel to Black Reed Bay. I’m sure this isn’t the last we’ll see of Casey Wray. Couldn’t put it down. Fantastic police procedural and written in such as way as to keep you hooked from the first page to the last!

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Shatter Creek’ is the highly anticipated follow-up to ‘Black Reed Bay’ which follows Detective Casey Wray. It picks up not long after the events in the first book and while you think this might be better for Casey this time round it is far from the case! I wish I had done a reread of the first book as my memory was a tad hazy but it has been four years. You can read this as a stand-alone though quite easily.

The author completely enacts a stranglehold on the readers with the opening prologue and ‘officer down’ and then immediately goes backwards in the timeline, which delivers an overarching tension throughout the book! Casey is dealing with the fallout of her boss and numerous other colleagues being dirty and life isn't easy for her. Passed over for promotion, with a new boss who doesn't trust and with a new partner Casey is struggling with whether this is even the world for her now. But the job goes on and when an active shooting comes over the airwaves she jumps into action. As details emerge the killings seem random and with no motive Casey doesn't know where to turn.

I am a sucker for a great police procedural and Rod has done an amazing job with this series! Casey as a main character is dynamic, complex and authentic. The writing is superb and the storylines are spot on. It was a thrilling read and with its prologue hinting at what was to come it made me read on well past my bedtime!

‘Shatter Creek’ was engaging from the first page to the last word and I can't wait for the next in the series!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been quite a while since the first DS Casey Wray book, but here we are at last with book two. Rod Reynolds returns with his volatile, sometimes vulnerable, but always determined to get to the bottom of the case.
DS Casey Wray works for Hampstead County Police Department, a force that is still trying to get over the shame and turmoil caused by the corruption scandal that was recently exposed.

Whilst Casey was cleared of any involvement, she had worked closely with some of the officers that were convicted, and there are staff member who still question her innocence.

Casey and her partner Billy are working a shocking double-homicide. A man and woman, seemingly unrelated were gunned down in broad daylight. It’s not long before a third victim is added to the list and it seems that there’s an ex boyfriend out there with a score to settle.

Not only do Casey and Billy have a complex crime to deal with, they are also aware that there are some very powerful people who want answers quickly. Added to the fact that it has become clear that Casey’s new boss would rather she looked for an alternative position, and they have a lot to deal with.

Shatter Creek is an explosive, tension filled thriller with a plot that is so intricately created that the reader will never be quite sure whose side to be on.

As epic as a Hollywood blockbuster, with characters who deliver so well, this is high octane, glued to the seats reading. Highly recommended.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discover the locations in the novel here


Black Reed Bay was one heck of a thriller so glad this sequel is finally out as I have been waiting with baited breath! Not disappointed either! Back in Rod Reynolds head and it is a fine, if yet violent and dark place to be.

The intricacy and twists in the cases in this book are second to none. Characters are multi-layered and complex. The writing is whip smart so all of that combined just has you reading and totally investing in what comes next.

Casey is one tough ass cop. She lives and works in a male environment and she is a character I really love seeing develop and do good. she has a lot of navigation to do in this novel but Rod, poor thing, give her a break! 😉

I really like Rod’s writing and plotting. He always seems to weave a complex plot that you think it linear at times or straight forward. Nope. Rod’s there to hold the proverbial carpet out from under your feet. I do like the way the police investigation sheds clues and red herrings so they find out things the same time as the reader.

There’s some very good plotting here and it’s a literary game that Rod sets out in this novel. I was a willing participant in this Shatter Game of twists and foreshadowing.

More please Mr Reynolds!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book, I loved the first one in the series and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It was good to be back with Detective Casey Wray and her team.

Casey had been told she was a ‘sure thing’ for the role of Lieutenant so she was very surprised when the Chief introduced her to the new Lieutenant. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the new Lieutenant clearly didn’t like or trust Casey.

Casey and her team were investigating a double shooting in the town and couldn’t work out if either or both of the victims were the intended victim. A witness to the shooting had just disappeared into thin air and the team struggled to track her down.

The new Lieutenant was heavily involved in the
Investigation and wanted Casey to report back on every development but Casey was also being asked to do the same by the Chief of Staffs Assistant Rita - both parties insisted Casey come to them so Casey was being torn in different directions.

A fast paced read and one that I would definitely recommend. I hope there are more books in this series.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Tour Review

The writing was fast paced and kept my interest from the beginning right through to the end. There was always something going on, with lots of twists and turns. I was kept guessing right up until the end.

Whilst this was the second book in the series, I didn't feel that this impacted on the story. Obviously things had happened in the book before that had a knock on effect in this story, but it was integrated well.

The chapters were short and sometimes split with a little pattern to indicate a split. This gave the story a fast pace. There was a lot of information that was added throughout the story, but the clear way that it was written meant that I was able to keep up and enjoy what was happening.

The chapters flowed well together and I struggled to put the book down! It was very easy to just keep on reading.

I enjoyed the little details that were added throughout the story. They were well balanced with the fast paced action and added a wonderful texture. I wasn't expecting the level of detail that there was and was pleasantly surprised by it.

The characters were excellent. They all had things going on and I wasn't sure who to trust. I suspected everyone! What was especially interesting was that the characters suspected each other too. As there was a lot of suspicion and potential answers to the crime, it would have been easy to get everything muddled up, but the way that it was written and presented with little round ups every so often, meant that I was able to keep up. I would quite happily read more about the main characters.

Lastly the settings. Whilst this was mainly a character focused story, there were some lovely little details added to the characters' surroundings which grounded the story well and added an extra something to it. They could have easily taken away from the story, but instead they added a certain realism to it.

Overall an exciting story, full of twists and turns. An easy 5 star read for me.

[Angi Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts
This is a fast paced novel after an apparent drive by shooting becomes more than first thought.
The tension is there from the beginning and you will be pulled into the story. I read the first book in the series, but it definitely stands on its own without needing to read the first book. Though if you love high tension, high stakes stories why wouldn’t you buy both? They are utterly engrossing, beautiful yet realistic in their writing. They make you feel for Casey Wray as she tries to solve the case with her partner and salvage her own reputation. I love her as a character. She is gutsy and determined. Just the type of person you want to get through all the things thrown at her.
From beginning to end this is edge of your seat stuff that doesn’t let up. I’d definitely recommend it for a day of losing yourself in a book with so much in it you’re going to not want to put it down.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book featuring DS Casey Wray of the Hampstead County Police Department. Works really well as a stand alone but recommend reading book 1 for perspective. Still reeling from previous events Casey discovers she is overlooked to replace the corrupt Lieutenant and now has to answer to a tough no frills leader who clearly wants her out.

Briefly, Casey has to put her feelings to one side when there is a fatal street shooting in Rockport. With two victims shot, no apparent connection and a missing witness Casey, her rookie partner and the team are under severe political pressure to come up with a suspect. Then another person is killed and with evidence building Casey a questioning the decisions made by her superior officers.

A good plot and great twists and turns in this excellent police procedural thriller. Casey is a strong and likeable person and I really enjoyed her character. Fast paced and entertaining this is such a good read. Bring on book 3.

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read in the series (the third of Rod’s books), so I’m pretty up to speed on Detective Sergeant Casey Wray and her chums. The first book took down the top people in her department and she was investigated in the process. She still feels that some of her colleagues view her with suspicion because she was close to her boss, bent copper Ray Carletti, who she thought of as a father. How could she not have guessed he was behind it all?

Still a Sergeant, Casey applied for promotion, but Lieutenant Helen Dunmore was brought in over her head from NYPD. Casey isn’t that bothered, but Dunmore is. She still thinks Casey knew what was going on all the time, which means she doesn’t trust her, or is it more that that?

I really detested Dunmore. She’s vile. She’s everyone’s worst nightmare of a boss. What happened to women supporting other women? With three homicides to investigate, the top brass seem more concerned with internal politics than actually solving the murders.

Shatter Creek is one of those unputdownable books and I read it in two days. It’s so well written, the narrative just flows beautifully. There’s no ‘padding’ or unnecessary trivia, the story just keeps moving forward. I’m looking forward to more about Casey in the next book in the series.

Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since we were in the company of Casey Wray and the Hampstead County PD, but if you think that, after solving a string of heinous murders and unmasking corruption in some of the highest positions on the force, Casey would be in a much better place, personally and professionally, you’d be very, very, wrong. She may have been deemed innocent of any involvement in what happened, but it hasn’t made her any more popular around the office. Looked over for promotion, she now has to contend with a new boss who does not trust her, and a double homicide for which there is no clear motive, and no real clue as to which of the victims was the intended target. Was this a domestic turned bad, or something far worse?

Rod Reynolds has done a brilliant job of drawing readers into this new novel, diving straight into the action, a scene packed with jeopardy where the words ‘officer down’ really had me glued to the page, wanting to understand the what, why and wherefore of it all. But for that I had to wait because, after successfully baiting us with this explosive opener, he takes us back a short way in time to the inciting incident – the reason why Casey found herself under fire in the first place.

It’s a style that works well in this particular novel, a kind of count down that allows us to get to grips with the new characters, the potential suspects and motives, and to draw our own conclusions about why they might have been targeted. It also builds and maintains the tension as we know what is coming and when, just not quite how we got there. I found that is helped with the pace of the story too, and I felt compelled to keep reading long after my brain told me I should be asleep, as it had that one more chapter feel about it, each new revelation providing a reason to keep reading onward.

I like Casey as a character although at times I did have to wonder why she didn’t just accept the offer of alternative employment, a lifeline thrown by the least likely of people from her past. In terms of her wider team, given what happened in Black Reed Bay it’s safe to say that there are plenty of new faces to get to know. She has a new partner in Billy, a guy who I quite liked even if there were element of his personality that were a touch questionable. However, when it comes to the other women on her team, Casey comes under quite a bit of pressure, especially from her new Lieutenant, whose very clear agenda is to remove Casey from the team.

This is perhaps the one element which niggled a touch. Just personal preference, but I’d prefer to see women teaming up against the male dominated hierarchy, rather than seeking each other out to it, but there is a sense of authenticity in this approach, and it does fit with the story so other readers might feel differently. That said, this whole case is wrapped up in political wrangling, and it gives it all that edginess and sense of conflict that keeps the tension high, and the focus completely on the page as I was hoping to see some of them face their just deserts.

If I had my time again, I’d have maybe read Black Reed Bay again before tucking into this latest case. It can be read as a standalone, and there is enough of a recap in the book to prompt memories of before without spoiling it for others who are coming to this second book first. I just think it would have helped cement some of the older names and situations in my mind before I picked them back up here. Again, a very personal thing and whilst I’d advocate reading the books in order (and why not read both – that’s what series were designed for and you’d be rightly supporting the author in doing so), it’s not absolutely necessary as this is a standalone case. Sort of. I guess when it comes to a police force plagued by corruption, nothing can ever truly stand alone.

A thrilling, pacey, high stakes investigation that held my attention from start to finish. The author has captured that authentic feel of the American justice system, and backed it up with brilliant characters, both main and supporting, and a cunning killer who really takes some pinning down. Definitely recommended and if you enjoyed BRB, you are going to love this. The series just seems to be getting stronger and I’m intrigued to see what is next for Casey.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like a long time since I read Black Reed Bay, the first in this series, but it has definitely been worth the wait! Rod Reynolds delivers another gripping story with Casey Wray and the Hampstead County Police Department. Casey has been through a lot — most notably unmasking corruption within the HCPD — and had to endure intense scrutiny herself to prove her innocence.

This book starts fresh: from the prologue to the final page, you’ll be hooked. Everyone expected Casey would get a promotion — well, almost everyone. Despite her innocence, there are still those who believe she’s guilty of corruption.

The action kicks off immediately with a shooting. Casey shouts “officer down” as she calls for backup, and at that moment, the reader doesn’t know if Casey herself has been injured. The story then jumps back a week earlier, when Casey receives a mysterious call asking her to meet someone the next morning — someone she doesn’t know, but who claims the meeting will save lives. However, that morning, before the meeting can happen, Casey and her new partner respond to a call of shots fired. At the scene, they find a man dead and a woman critically injured — but no sign of the shooter. Nothing was stolen; in fact, the victim still had $1,000 in his pocket. Was it a random shooting, or something more?

The deeper the investigation goes, the more complex and layered the mystery becomes. A controlling boyfriend, another female victim — it all leaves the team (and the reader) scrambling to put the pieces together.

It’s been so long since I read the first book that I wish I had reread it to refresh my memory, but this story can easily be read as a standalone. There are a few references to Casey’s previous case, but not enough to confuse new readers. Suspects are everywhere, and the tension keeps ramping up, especially as it becomes clear that the new lieutenant wants Casey out. Is it a personal vendetta, or something more sinister?

Casey is a character I really like — she’s honest, resilient, and relatable. I also really warmed to her new partner, Billy, and enjoyed seeing more of Dana and Jill. Although, Billy’s questionable decision does cause some tension within the team.

The ending ramps up the tension even further, leaving the story on a bit of a cliffhanger. I just hope the next book doesn’t take as long to arrive — otherwise, I might have to re-read them all! I really enjoy Rod Reynolds’ writing; he nails the American justice system perfectly and has introduced some new characters I’m eager to see more of.

This is a high-tension, complex, and engrossing mystery full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up until the final pages. Highly recommended!

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Casey Wray is back but she has a new lieutenant who doesn't seem to like her and does everything in her power to keep Casey desk bound but that isn't Casey's way and after a serious shooting where two people are killed she is determined to find out who the shooter is. There is also a missing woman & child that Casey needs to find urgently. This is the second book in the series and because of the way it was left I bet there will be another soon at least I hope there will be I need to know what happens next to Casey and her team.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another most excellent novel from this author, I'm so in love with his writing, have been since The Dark Inside.

This is the second outing for Casey Wray, an intriguing character the first time round, even more so this time. The plotting is excellent, nice and twisty and completely unpredictable just the way I like it.

Very good indeed. A big thumbs up from me.

[Sally Boocock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb sequel to Black Reed Bay. Lots of internal politics as well as a double murder to solve. It was great to be back with Casey again and Billy who adds that sometimes humerous touch. It ended on a bit of a cliff hanger so cant wait to catch up in the next book . I highly recommend this series.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in this series and it didn't disappoint. As detective Casey Wray returns to work determined to move forward after devastating events, all is far from good, a new boss , a very difficult new case, problems with her colleagues and not knowing who she can trust. Intriguing, fast paced, brilliant characters , twisted, emotional but with a though of humour. I love this series.