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Shot in the Dark
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 5, 2024
So good!
Complex characters and plot. There is a lot going on in this read and the time line POV changes can be a bit much but as this series develops I think this will sort itself out.
The protagonists of the series took a while to get into but I’m invested enough to have borrowed Book Two already. A bit dark and a bit left of centre, so I am interested to see where this goes.
Worth the time and effort!
Complex characters and plot. There is a lot going on in this read and the time line POV changes can be a bit much but as this series develops I think this will sort itself out.
The protagonists of the series took a while to get into but I’m invested enough to have borrowed Book Two already. A bit dark and a bit left of centre, so I am interested to see where this goes.
Worth the time and effort!
January 16, 2026
4.5 stars
"Shot In The Dark" by Anna Britton is a gripping debut novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. As someone who usually avoids book series until all the books are out, I found myself in that familiar predicament with this one, eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The story revolves around two female detectives, DS Gabriella "Gabe" Martin and DI Juliet Stern. The case is a complex one, involving a girl who is shot while running through the moonlit woods, later found on a wealthy family's estate, shot multiple times, and mauled by a dog. The case presents numerous suspects with unclear alibis, and it unfolds against the backdrop of another brutal murder, further stretching the resources of the police department.
One aspect that I want to address is some of the minor details that other readers have raised as concerns. For instance, when the detectives met with Melanie's grandma, they failed to provide her with a card or contact information, which struck me as odd given the circumstances. Additionally, the book mentions that minors can be questioned without parental consent in the UK, which was new to me as an Australian reader and prompted me to look it up (so interesting!). Gabe's sexual orientation is introduced later in the story without prior hints, and it could have been explored more thoroughly rather than being thrown in suddenly. However, I found that these minor issues didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Another point of discussion among readers is the inclusion of the little girl's murder, which may seem unrelated to Gabe's case. However, I believe it was added to contrast the public's reaction and resource allocation between the two cases, providing a thought-provoking social commentary. The stark difference in media attention and public outcry between the murder of a 7-year-old girl and the murder of a 17-year-old orphan from a Nigerian immigrant family highlights the disparities in our society. This inclusion also allowed the author to foreshadow some of the trauma Gabe might have experienced as a child and hinted at what might have happened to her brother, leaving readers curious and engaged.
One unique aspect of the book that I appreciated was the narrative structure, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. This approach added depth and complexity to the story without burdening the characters with excessive exposition. While it might not be everyone's preferred style, I found it refreshing and efficient, helping to keep the pacing engaging.
Overall, "Shot In The Dark" is a fantastic debut novel with well-developed characters, particularly Juliet, who I connected with deeply. The ending left me eager to pick up the next book in the series, and I was captivated by the intriguing hints about Gabe's past and her brother's mysterious fate. The book's cover is also worth mentioning, as it's visually appealing and draws you in.
I want to express my gratitude to the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend "Shot In The Dark" to readers who enjoy crime fiction with a touch of social commentary and a dash of mystery. This is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series.
"Shot In The Dark" by Anna Britton is a gripping debut novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. As someone who usually avoids book series until all the books are out, I found myself in that familiar predicament with this one, eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The story revolves around two female detectives, DS Gabriella "Gabe" Martin and DI Juliet Stern. The case is a complex one, involving a girl who is shot while running through the moonlit woods, later found on a wealthy family's estate, shot multiple times, and mauled by a dog. The case presents numerous suspects with unclear alibis, and it unfolds against the backdrop of another brutal murder, further stretching the resources of the police department.
One aspect that I want to address is some of the minor details that other readers have raised as concerns. For instance, when the detectives met with Melanie's grandma, they failed to provide her with a card or contact information, which struck me as odd given the circumstances. Additionally, the book mentions that minors can be questioned without parental consent in the UK, which was new to me as an Australian reader and prompted me to look it up (so interesting!). Gabe's sexual orientation is introduced later in the story without prior hints, and it could have been explored more thoroughly rather than being thrown in suddenly. However, I found that these minor issues didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Another point of discussion among readers is the inclusion of the little girl's murder, which may seem unrelated to Gabe's case. However, I believe it was added to contrast the public's reaction and resource allocation between the two cases, providing a thought-provoking social commentary. The stark difference in media attention and public outcry between the murder of a 7-year-old girl and the murder of a 17-year-old orphan from a Nigerian immigrant family highlights the disparities in our society. This inclusion also allowed the author to foreshadow some of the trauma Gabe might have experienced as a child and hinted at what might have happened to her brother, leaving readers curious and engaged.
One unique aspect of the book that I appreciated was the narrative structure, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. This approach added depth and complexity to the story without burdening the characters with excessive exposition. While it might not be everyone's preferred style, I found it refreshing and efficient, helping to keep the pacing engaging.
Overall, "Shot In The Dark" is a fantastic debut novel with well-developed characters, particularly Juliet, who I connected with deeply. The ending left me eager to pick up the next book in the series, and I was captivated by the intriguing hints about Gabe's past and her brother's mysterious fate. The book's cover is also worth mentioning, as it's visually appealing and draws you in.
I want to express my gratitude to the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend "Shot In The Dark" to readers who enjoy crime fiction with a touch of social commentary and a dash of mystery. This is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series.
September 5, 2024
That was soooo good!!! I read this book on my online book club, the Pigeonhole, one stave a day for nine days. It was always hard to wait for the next day to go on reading! I could have read it in one go! I enjoyed the relationship between the two female characters, the police officers investigating. The conclusion made me pre-order book two straight after the last stave...
Brilliant!
Thank you so much, Anna, for letting us read your thrilling novel on the Pigeonhole!
Brilliant!
Thank you so much, Anna, for letting us read your thrilling novel on the Pigeonhole!
March 20, 2024
The plot was average - somewhat cliche - what really held my interest was the interaction/character development of the 2 female investigators - Gabe & Juliet. I look forward to see where their storyline goes. Good effort Anna!
September 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the main characters are engaging. Despite a couple of predictable twists I wanted to continue reading and I am looking forward for the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews