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D.I. Crow #3
A Fatal Pact
He finds young girls who are too good for this world. And helps them leave.When the remains of a woman and child are found in a suburban back garden, forensic analysis reveals they were buried there some twenty years ago.DCI Crow is tasked with solving what seems to be a cold case, but when the body of a recently murdered teenage girl is discovered in the same house, it starts to get a whole lot warmer.The previous owner of the house and his young daughter have disappeared without trace, leaving evidence that leads the team from Bristol to the Welsh Valleys, uncovering a trail of girls who have gone missing over the past forty years.Crow realises he has stumbled on the life’s work of a prolific serial killer, a cold-blooded murderer who must kill to appease his inner demons.Can Crow and the team stop him before another young girl becomes the next victim? Or will they themselves fall prey to a man whose lust for killing knows no bounds?A Fatal Pact – the third in the stunning crime series featuring DI Al Crow.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 26, 2024
The narrative of this novel is intricately woven, not so much due to the complexity of events, but rather the challenge of keeping track of the diverse cast of characters and their roles in the overarching story. While initially demanding, the effort proves worthwhile as the complete tapestry, revealed in all its brilliance (or perhaps horror), unfolds with clever precision. I found myself engrossed in Crow's journey, seamlessly transitioning from one discovery to the next. The narrative is a rollercoaster of captivating moments, be they grisly revelations or Crow's wry take on unfolding events and his interactions with others. This book offers a bit of everything, ensuring there is never a dull moment.
Once I delved into the story, I couldn't bring myself to put the book down until the very last page. The writing is exceptionally well-crafted, presenting the complex situation with clarity as details of the crime emerge in a logical order. Despite the intricacies, the plot remains accessible, allowing readers to follow along effortlessly.
The central character, DCI Al Crow, serves as both the narrator and the focal point of the narrative. Through his perspective, it becomes clear that Crow is a commendable figure, adding depth to the story. The positive and respectful relationships depicted among the police force and within DCI Crow's family provide a refreshing departure from the norm in crime fiction. This element, to a great extent, balances the inherent horror of the complex, multi-generational crime at the story's core.
For those yet to explore the Detective Crow series, I wholeheartedly recommend all three installments, with a slight inclination towards starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the character's evolution. Even after reading the trilogy, DCI Crow remains somewhat enigmatic, known primarily for the esteem he holds among those who know him best.
"A Fatal Pact" proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, brimming with twists and turns. The first-person narrative from Al Crow's perspective adds a unique voice to the storytelling, elevating the novel and making it a delightful and engaging experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once I delved into the story, I couldn't bring myself to put the book down until the very last page. The writing is exceptionally well-crafted, presenting the complex situation with clarity as details of the crime emerge in a logical order. Despite the intricacies, the plot remains accessible, allowing readers to follow along effortlessly.
The central character, DCI Al Crow, serves as both the narrator and the focal point of the narrative. Through his perspective, it becomes clear that Crow is a commendable figure, adding depth to the story. The positive and respectful relationships depicted among the police force and within DCI Crow's family provide a refreshing departure from the norm in crime fiction. This element, to a great extent, balances the inherent horror of the complex, multi-generational crime at the story's core.
For those yet to explore the Detective Crow series, I wholeheartedly recommend all three installments, with a slight inclination towards starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the character's evolution. Even after reading the trilogy, DCI Crow remains somewhat enigmatic, known primarily for the esteem he holds among those who know him best.
"A Fatal Pact" proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, brimming with twists and turns. The first-person narrative from Al Crow's perspective adds a unique voice to the storytelling, elevating the novel and making it a delightful and engaging experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
A Fatal Pact by H.J. Reed. (DI Crow #3). Inkubator Books, 2024.
The story begins with two bodies buried under a garden shed. One is a young woman with such advanced dental decay there are unlikely to be any dental records to help identify her, the other a very young child.
Once I started reading this book, I did not put it down until I finished it. It is exceptionally well written. Although the situation is complex, details of the crime emerge in a logical order so I found it easy to follow.
It does not take long to realize that DCI Al Crow, the story’s narrator and main character, is a good guy.
Supporting characters include his sidekick, tech expert son-in-law Larson, his Detective Superintendent, his daughter, grandson, ex-wife and ex mother-in-law, long-time friend George, his team of detectives and his dog.
The positive and respectful relationships among the police involved and within DCI Crowe’s family are notably different from relationships in most crime fiction I’ve read. To a great degree, this offsets the horror of this complex and multi-generational crime.
If you’ve not already read the first two in the Detective Crow series, I warmly recommend all three and lean slightly toward recommending you start with the first and read them in order. Even after reading the three of them, I don’t know a great deal more about DCI Crow, other than that he is held in high esteem by those who know him best.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Fatal Pact for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #AFatalPact #NetGalley
The story begins with two bodies buried under a garden shed. One is a young woman with such advanced dental decay there are unlikely to be any dental records to help identify her, the other a very young child.
Once I started reading this book, I did not put it down until I finished it. It is exceptionally well written. Although the situation is complex, details of the crime emerge in a logical order so I found it easy to follow.
It does not take long to realize that DCI Al Crow, the story’s narrator and main character, is a good guy.
Supporting characters include his sidekick, tech expert son-in-law Larson, his Detective Superintendent, his daughter, grandson, ex-wife and ex mother-in-law, long-time friend George, his team of detectives and his dog.
The positive and respectful relationships among the police involved and within DCI Crowe’s family are notably different from relationships in most crime fiction I’ve read. To a great degree, this offsets the horror of this complex and multi-generational crime.
If you’ve not already read the first two in the Detective Crow series, I warmly recommend all three and lean slightly toward recommending you start with the first and read them in order. Even after reading the three of them, I don’t know a great deal more about DCI Crow, other than that he is held in high esteem by those who know him best.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Fatal Pact for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #AFatalPact #NetGalley
January 5, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of A Fatal Pact, the third novel to feature DCI Crow of Avon and Somerset Police.
The remains of a woman and child are found buried in a Bristol garden. DCI Crow is asked to investigate and what seems to be a twenty year old cold case becomes more recent when the body of a teenager is also found and the longtime owner of the house has disappeared with his eight year old daughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Pact, which is a fun read with plenty of twists and turns. It is told in the first person from Al Crow’s point of view and that is what elevates the novel as he has a unique voice. He is often gruff, especially with his son in law, IT consultant John Larson, but he is also funny, being fairly aware of his own faults and commenting on them. It works very well.
The plot is quite complicated, not so much in terms of what happens and why, but more in trying to keep track of who’s who and where they fit in the overall narrative. I didn’t find it easy, but it’s worth it as the whole picture once revealed in its full glory (or should that be horror?) is clever. I was glued to the pages as Crow moves from one discovery to the next. There is never a dull moment, whether it is more gruesome discoveries or Crow’s amusing take on events and his interactions with others. The novel has a bit of everything.
A Fatal Pact is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The remains of a woman and child are found buried in a Bristol garden. DCI Crow is asked to investigate and what seems to be a twenty year old cold case becomes more recent when the body of a teenager is also found and the longtime owner of the house has disappeared with his eight year old daughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Fatal Pact, which is a fun read with plenty of twists and turns. It is told in the first person from Al Crow’s point of view and that is what elevates the novel as he has a unique voice. He is often gruff, especially with his son in law, IT consultant John Larson, but he is also funny, being fairly aware of his own faults and commenting on them. It works very well.
The plot is quite complicated, not so much in terms of what happens and why, but more in trying to keep track of who’s who and where they fit in the overall narrative. I didn’t find it easy, but it’s worth it as the whole picture once revealed in its full glory (or should that be horror?) is clever. I was glued to the pages as Crow moves from one discovery to the next. There is never a dull moment, whether it is more gruesome discoveries or Crow’s amusing take on events and his interactions with others. The novel has a bit of everything.
A Fatal Pact is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 27, 2023
What a great story this was, well worth the 5 stars given. I have never read this author H J Reed before and this is her 3rd DCI Crow novel so I will try to read the other two, fortunately, this can be read as a standalone.
It starts with two bodies that were found underneath a shed, it turns out it was a woman and a child, but they weren't new bones quite old.
Can Crow sort this out as it is a cold case or is it? Lots of weaving in and out of what might have happened what did happen and if there are still any more bodies out there?
Turns out they are looking for a serial killer, who has been under the radar for years and has been getting away with it.
The story also takes us to Wales so there is interaction with the Welsh Police which is very well done.
I would like to thank Inkubator Books for an advance copy but this review is entirely mine.
Very good and well-put-together novel.
It starts with two bodies that were found underneath a shed, it turns out it was a woman and a child, but they weren't new bones quite old.
Can Crow sort this out as it is a cold case or is it? Lots of weaving in and out of what might have happened what did happen and if there are still any more bodies out there?
Turns out they are looking for a serial killer, who has been under the radar for years and has been getting away with it.
The story also takes us to Wales so there is interaction with the Welsh Police which is very well done.
I would like to thank Inkubator Books for an advance copy but this review is entirely mine.
Very good and well-put-together novel.
January 15, 2024
When DI Al Crow is called out to investigate the discovery of two bodies buried under a garden shed, he little realises where the investigations may lead. The bones turn out to be quite old. The first thought is that it is a cold case, however when more bodies of young women turn up it is clear that this is not an old isolated case & there is a clever serial killer on the loose who has been working under the radar for a long time.
This is the third in the series featuring Al Crow, a detective that struggles to overcome the after effects of a bullet to the brain & the repercussions it had for him & his family. It can be read as a stand alone, but as soon as I read it I had to track down & read the earlier two. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I now have another police procedural series to love!
This is the third in the series featuring Al Crow, a detective that struggles to overcome the after effects of a bullet to the brain & the repercussions it had for him & his family. It can be read as a stand alone, but as soon as I read it I had to track down & read the earlier two. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I now have another police procedural series to love!
January 15, 2024
DI Crow is called to the scene where bones have been discovered under a shed. It appears they are more than two decades old. As they investigate this case, more murders are connected. There is evil in their midst.
DI Crow is no holds barred with his attitude and sharp tongue for those around him, but he is a darn good investigator. He was an interesting character who really did not care what anyone thinks of him.
This was a twisty and intriguing mystery for those who love a good police procedural. There were a few slow spots, but overall it was interesting and well written.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Booksprout for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
DI Crow is no holds barred with his attitude and sharp tongue for those around him, but he is a darn good investigator. He was an interesting character who really did not care what anyone thinks of him.
This was a twisty and intriguing mystery for those who love a good police procedural. There were a few slow spots, but overall it was interesting and well written.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Booksprout for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2024
This is the first DCI Crow book that I've read and I loved it. It's a real page turner with a complex, intricately woven plot, lots of strong characters and a few twists and turns. I particularly enjoyed the central character, DCI Crow (the book is narrated from his point of view), who is warm, down to earth intelligent and easy to spend time with. He is obviously well liked by his team and is usually a step ahead. This book worked well as a stand alone, you don't have to have read the first two DI Crow mysteries, but they're on my list to read now. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one!
December 25, 2023
A Fatal Pact by H.J. Reed is Book 3 of DI Crow Series. DCI Crow is tasked with solving what seems to be a cold case, but when the body of a recently murdered teenage girl is discovered in the same house, it starts to get a whole lot warmer.
The story was sometimes hard to follow, but it did have some good action, intriguing mystery elements, and a good plot.
I may recommend this book. I may also go back and read the other books in the series and will look for future books in this series.
#AFatalPact #NetGalley
The story was sometimes hard to follow, but it did have some good action, intriguing mystery elements, and a good plot.
I may recommend this book. I may also go back and read the other books in the series and will look for future books in this series.
#AFatalPact #NetGalley
January 13, 2024
A young mother and child are found buried in a garden under an old shed that was erected twenty years ago. Detective Crow and his team are assigned to this cold case and believes the murders are linked to a man who Crow put away in prison for committing the same method of killing. While investigating the twenty year old murders, Crow and his team discover other young women who have been murdered, and all have ties to the woman and child buried under the shed. Suddenly he believes he is hunting a serial killer on the loose. Great book that keeps you guessing to the very end.
January 19, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, I love mystery and thriller books. This one didn't disappoint! It was slow to start of but then it picked up well. It gets you to not want to put the book down because you need to know what happened. The characters could of been a bit better in depth. But overall very well written. Sometimes too much details but the book kept my attention and good story line. Overall I would recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2024
Book 3, it might help to read the previous book for background on the characters. DI Crow investigates two cases in this is a police procedural thriller, working with the Welsh police department. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. A personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. The story is visually descriptive, focusing on what Crow sees and thinks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author brings mystery, intrigue, action and kept me turning the pages with the serial killer on the lose. The story is brought to life with detailed and descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. Highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 15, 2024
I liked this police procedural featuring DI Crow.
It didn't feel too far away from the cosy mysteries that I often enjoy, as there was nothing too gory or unpleasant. The characters were likeable and relatable, and I would read about them again. The story moved at a comfortable pace, and it wasn't too long or drawn out.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It didn't feel too far away from the cosy mysteries that I often enjoy, as there was nothing too gory or unpleasant. The characters were likeable and relatable, and I would read about them again. The story moved at a comfortable pace, and it wasn't too long or drawn out.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2024
Intriguingly Awesome Book! It starts w/ the discovery of two bodies buried under an old shed that have been there for awhile. There's just something about DI Crow's investigations that captures my attention immediately and I find it hard to put the book down once I start. It seems like for every answer that he finds raises more questions and it keeps you hanging on the edge waiting for whom the killer will be.
January 18, 2024
He seeks out little girls who he deems "to good for this world" and then helps them leave the world. DCI Crow is given the cold case when remains turn up of a woman and child are found in someone's backyard and it seems they were buried over twenty years ago. Now a body of a recently murdered teenage girl turns up at the same house things heat up quickly. Can DCO Crow solve this case before more people wind up dead or more bodies are found?
January 18, 2024
Crow is tasked with what everyone thinks is a cold case, but the discovery of a recently murdered teenager girl. Then more bodies iare being discovered and Crow realized he has stumbled onto a serial killer's life's work. Can Crow and his team stop him before he kills them. Really really good book. Now I have to go buy the rest of the series . Definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
This was a fantastic, hair raising thriller that left me with chills as we follow DCI Crow follow the steps of a cold blooded serial killer. It’s full of mystery, full of suspense and full of intrigue as the team do what they do best and hunt this killer down. What starts as a cold case soon becomes something hotter and the chase begins before he kills again!
March 14, 2024
This book did not disappoint ! Will give you the chills ! Oh my goodness the reasoning and depth of this investigation was immense. You’ll want to keep reading to find out everything. There are twists that you won’t see coming. This is a great team and they work well with other teams.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2024
The book grabbed my attention from the start and sped through the master plot. So glad to gain access early!
March 30, 2024
Great thriller thank you Netgalley!
June 9, 2024
A page turner
January 13, 2024
This was fantastic. I have read the previous books and loved them and this was even better. You could read it as a standalone but it's even better when you know the characters already.
Al and the team are brought in with the discovery of two bodies under a shed but rather being a recent event, it seems that the bodies are there some time. This doesn't deter them and I loved how the team delve into events of the past with also links to some current activities. I was totally hooked from the start. As things progress, the team are brought to Wales so we have some cross border police cooperation here, bringing some new characters into play. I'm not sure which I enjoy more, the characters which feel so real and normal, or the plot of the story and how things unfold. Either way, I found it hard to put down and eagerly await the next in the series.
Al and the team are brought in with the discovery of two bodies under a shed but rather being a recent event, it seems that the bodies are there some time. This doesn't deter them and I loved how the team delve into events of the past with also links to some current activities. I was totally hooked from the start. As things progress, the team are brought to Wales so we have some cross border police cooperation here, bringing some new characters into play. I'm not sure which I enjoy more, the characters which feel so real and normal, or the plot of the story and how things unfold. Either way, I found it hard to put down and eagerly await the next in the series.
January 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this book it flowed along so easily, with dead bodies popping up regularly and a good strong storyline.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews