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Detective April Fisher #2
Taken From Her Home
Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown ‘You’re not alone in this room.'
When she wakes up, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. It’s the only way out of this room.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
When she wakes up, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. It’s the only way out of this room.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
460 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 27, 2024
Gruesome, diabolical & intriguing!
TW.: cruelty to humans, gory, bullying, mention of suicide.
I’ve been following this author’s progress since his first publication in 2019 and I’m so glad to see his improvement throughout his works.
This is the second book in a new series, and I thought it was far better than the first, especially the writing and narrative.
The concept is great (and diabolical), and the development of the storyline is well paced, well structured and very intriguing.
A real page turner.
But there are gruesome and gory details that may not please everyone. I wasn’t shocked by those details. What I found disturbing was the level of cruelty. Regardless, the story did grab my attention and I needed to see the outcome.
I was curious to find out why leave a clue behind, for the police to find.
The investigation team did not impress me that much, but they were likeable.
I thought that the boy’s back story was excellent (and heartbreaking), although too short.
The conclusion had a surprising twist.
I’m looking forward to reading his next instalment.
TW.: cruelty to humans, gory, bullying, mention of suicide.
I’ve been following this author’s progress since his first publication in 2019 and I’m so glad to see his improvement throughout his works.
This is the second book in a new series, and I thought it was far better than the first, especially the writing and narrative.
The concept is great (and diabolical), and the development of the storyline is well paced, well structured and very intriguing.
A real page turner.
But there are gruesome and gory details that may not please everyone. I wasn’t shocked by those details. What I found disturbing was the level of cruelty. Regardless, the story did grab my attention and I needed to see the outcome.
I was curious to find out why leave a clue behind, for the police to find.
The investigation team did not impress me that much, but they were likeable.
I thought that the boy’s back story was excellent (and heartbreaking), although too short.
The conclusion had a surprising twist.
I’m looking forward to reading his next instalment.
January 7, 2024
I have followed this writer since Book 1,self published,through to this new release,Book 2 of his Detective April Fisher thriller series
I have always enjoyed his books, this one though was outstanding….outstanding not only in it’s story and writing but in it’s shudder factor, scary, dark and menacing….it was like being in a SAW movie written and directed by Chris Carter….it was that good!
A really ‘makes you think’ thriller where we got to know Detective Fisher and her colleagues more but the focus never went far from the story, and the story told itself very well, good believable characters and also a plot that was full on right from the beginning
It’s gruesome in parts, a cosy mystery this is not, and a tale you wont forget
Such a good ending but will let you discover that…..
It really is great to follow an authors progress and see their writing grow with them
Brilliant and poignant read
I have always enjoyed his books, this one though was outstanding….outstanding not only in it’s story and writing but in it’s shudder factor, scary, dark and menacing….it was like being in a SAW movie written and directed by Chris Carter….it was that good!
A really ‘makes you think’ thriller where we got to know Detective Fisher and her colleagues more but the focus never went far from the story, and the story told itself very well, good believable characters and also a plot that was full on right from the beginning
It’s gruesome in parts, a cosy mystery this is not, and a tale you wont forget
Such a good ending but will let you discover that…..
It really is great to follow an authors progress and see their writing grow with them
Brilliant and poignant read
April 12, 2024
This was wild! I hope there will be another book in this series.
January 21, 2024
Wow!!!!
If you want a book that is gory and has the shock factor, then look no further.
I thought the first book in the series was good but this was excellent!!
4.5 stars
If you want a book that is gory and has the shock factor, then look no further.
I thought the first book in the series was good but this was excellent!!
4.5 stars
December 30, 2024
Really enjoyed the second book in this series but must warn you it was a little dark and grizzly in parts - think SAW but in writing haha
February 24, 2024
Another fun read is Taken From Her Home by C.J. Grayson. It came out on the 23rd of January. I received a copy from Joffe Books via Netgalley.
Mary’s in the shower after a day’s work when the lights go out. She gets a text that reads ‘You’re not alone in this room.' She later wakes up naked, confused and she has cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. The key is the only way out of this room.
Meanwhile, detective April Fisher has to race against time to catch a killer in this sick game of cat and mouse.
This book started out right with the horrific situation of Mary. You are immediately dropped in the middle of quite a graphic scene - a bit Saw like flashed through my mind. So, the tone was set. I liked the premise of the book and the way the story evolved and was executed. The characters could have been a bit more in depth for me - I didn't really get to know them. At points, the story dropped a bit compared to the start, but it came back to a great high. Some parts were a bit predictable and the title is a bit misleading. However, it's a great thriller and I'll definitely be checking out future books by this author - I didn't even know this was book two in a series...
4/5 ⭐
Mary’s in the shower after a day’s work when the lights go out. She gets a text that reads ‘You’re not alone in this room.' She later wakes up naked, confused and she has cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. The key is the only way out of this room.
Meanwhile, detective April Fisher has to race against time to catch a killer in this sick game of cat and mouse.
This book started out right with the horrific situation of Mary. You are immediately dropped in the middle of quite a graphic scene - a bit Saw like flashed through my mind. So, the tone was set. I liked the premise of the book and the way the story evolved and was executed. The characters could have been a bit more in depth for me - I didn't really get to know them. At points, the story dropped a bit compared to the start, but it came back to a great high. Some parts were a bit predictable and the title is a bit misleading. However, it's a great thriller and I'll definitely be checking out future books by this author - I didn't even know this was book two in a series...
4/5 ⭐
January 18, 2024
This book had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. The sinister scenes had me shuddering! I will compare it to how I feel reading Karin Slaughter books (one of my favorite authors). The subject matter is so out there yet probable. I had one eye closed at all times (ok not really) but the gruesome scenes had me cringing left and right.
This book is very well written and engaged me from the very start. The alternating chapters between DS Fisher and the killer/victims escalated the suspense factor. I wanted to find out what was going on and who was behind it all. The slow unraveling expertly revealed the picture with shocking twist after twist.
I am off to find the first book in this series. This is definitely an author that I want to read more of!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and C.J. Grayson for the opportunity to read this DRC.
This book is very well written and engaged me from the very start. The alternating chapters between DS Fisher and the killer/victims escalated the suspense factor. I wanted to find out what was going on and who was behind it all. The slow unraveling expertly revealed the picture with shocking twist after twist.
I am off to find the first book in this series. This is definitely an author that I want to read more of!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and C.J. Grayson for the opportunity to read this DRC.
January 6, 2024
Omg this was mind blowing! I started reading when I couldnt sleep at 2am and boy was that a bad idea! I was so freaked out, this book gets under your skin fron the start and is just so perfectly written that it had every hair on your body standing up. I loved the split narrative between the main character and the killer. They had such unique vibes to them (vibes probably isn't the most eloquent of words but you know, the atmosphere, the feeling of the diff sections) it was amazingly written! It was a bit like saw/ hostel in parts and I love films like that so this was sperfect for me. Some amazing twists and such a good ending! I flew through it with a raging headache but I just had to know who was behind it all!
March 11, 2024
This was largely fun.
It's gruesome and very reminiscent of Saw, but with less hope (lol as if Saw had much hope).
The reason behind everything was super clear very early in the book, but I was interested enough to keep reading - I really wanted to know how it ended.
I hated the epilogue on a visceral level. I've actually never hated an epilogue so much in all my years of reading. It was that irritating. I also hated the bajillion page glossary at the end to translate British English for the poor, uninformed Americans. We know what a biscuit is, friend.
However, aside from the bits at the end (which I HATED), the book itself was a good and entertaining read.
It's gruesome and very reminiscent of Saw, but with less hope (lol as if Saw had much hope).
The reason behind everything was super clear very early in the book, but I was interested enough to keep reading - I really wanted to know how it ended.
I hated the epilogue on a visceral level. I've actually never hated an epilogue so much in all my years of reading. It was that irritating. I also hated the bajillion page glossary at the end to translate British English for the poor, uninformed Americans. We know what a biscuit is, friend.
However, aside from the bits at the end (which I HATED), the book itself was a good and entertaining read.
February 12, 2026
Here is my review for Taken From Her Home by CJ Grayson
I absolutely loved reading this second offering of DS April Fisher’s gripping crime novel which was full of twists and turns. Mary Steadman took a shower before bed. There was a person dressed all in black in her room, he turned the lights off and when she gropes her way from the bathroom, he’s watching her every move. Her phone shows she has received a text, ‘You’re not alone in this room!’ This terrifies Mary and she goes rigid on the spot. He covers her mouth with a cloth covered in something and he catches her as she sinks to the ground. This book just gets better the more you read of it but be prepared for some blood and body parts! I love crime scenes and reading how they happen so this story is right up my street. We learn more about DS April Fisher and her partner DS Matthew Phillips as they work together nearly all the time. I’m really impressed by April and think she is a great female main character as she goes out to get the criminal plus works hard to solve the case, especially this one. I really like the plot in this one and it’s certainly been thought about. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is too. There is a lot of great detail in this story. I felt like I was in a film with it playing in colour in my mind as I was reading it! The story is a ‘now’ and ‘then’ story which are stories I enjoy reading.
Blurb :
Discover the most gripping thriller of 2024.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown number:
‘You’re not alone in this room.’
When she wakes, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door is sewn into her flesh. It’s the only way out of this room.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
This brand-new, electrifying crime thriller packed with twist after shocking twist is perfect for fans of Charlie Gallagher, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, D.S. Butler and Chris Carter.
Readers are OBSESSED with C.J. Grayson’s stay-up-all-night crime thriller Taken From Her Home:
I absolutely loved reading this second offering of DS April Fisher’s gripping crime novel which was full of twists and turns. Mary Steadman took a shower before bed. There was a person dressed all in black in her room, he turned the lights off and when she gropes her way from the bathroom, he’s watching her every move. Her phone shows she has received a text, ‘You’re not alone in this room!’ This terrifies Mary and she goes rigid on the spot. He covers her mouth with a cloth covered in something and he catches her as she sinks to the ground. This book just gets better the more you read of it but be prepared for some blood and body parts! I love crime scenes and reading how they happen so this story is right up my street. We learn more about DS April Fisher and her partner DS Matthew Phillips as they work together nearly all the time. I’m really impressed by April and think she is a great female main character as she goes out to get the criminal plus works hard to solve the case, especially this one. I really like the plot in this one and it’s certainly been thought about. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is too. There is a lot of great detail in this story. I felt like I was in a film with it playing in colour in my mind as I was reading it! The story is a ‘now’ and ‘then’ story which are stories I enjoy reading.
Blurb :
Discover the most gripping thriller of 2024.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.
Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown number:
‘You’re not alone in this room.’
When she wakes, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door is sewn into her flesh. It’s the only way out of this room.
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
This brand-new, electrifying crime thriller packed with twist after shocking twist is perfect for fans of Charlie Gallagher, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, D.S. Butler and Chris Carter.
Readers are OBSESSED with C.J. Grayson’s stay-up-all-night crime thriller Taken From Her Home:
January 23, 2024
WoW!!!!.................And BREATH!!!!!!
Taken From Her Home by C.J. Grayson was.......Well, I am lost for words!
Taken from her home is the second book in the excellent Detective April Fisher thriller series and this series just been excellent from the very first book. However, this book was outstanding and had me pulling faces whilst I sat in the dentist waiting room, Hubby looking at me strangely. But, I could not put it down! and just smiled at him! People around thought I was mad!!! but made them smile.
If you Loved all the Movies called Saw! This is a book for you.........However, if you hate small creepy crawlies, this will make your skin crawl!
Oh the excitement of this book...........never ends!
I want more!
"Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown ‘You’re not alone in this room."
OOOOOOHHHHHHH.......Run! but where to?!
’But, when Mary wakes up, with her head is pounding, there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
Where the hell is she?
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg............This is the only way out of this room.
But, where does this door lead to if she gets the key out!!!
SCREAM Mary Scream!! No one outside can hear you Mary!!!!!
Will she survive this ordeal?
Would You if you was Mary? 🥺
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
But, will she do it in time before the killer strikes again!
WoW......this book was superb and his books just get better and better..........To me this book is up with some of the best horror author's out there - So well done Chris!
Highly recommend Taken From Her Home!!! 5 Golden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Looking forward to read more of your books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and C.J. Grayson for my an advanced reader copy.
Taken From Her Home by C.J. Grayson was.......Well, I am lost for words!
Taken from her home is the second book in the excellent Detective April Fisher thriller series and this series just been excellent from the very first book. However, this book was outstanding and had me pulling faces whilst I sat in the dentist waiting room, Hubby looking at me strangely. But, I could not put it down! and just smiled at him! People around thought I was mad!!! but made them smile.
If you Loved all the Movies called Saw! This is a book for you.........However, if you hate small creepy crawlies, this will make your skin crawl!
Oh the excitement of this book...........never ends!
I want more!
"Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown ‘You’re not alone in this room."
OOOOOOHHHHHHH.......Run! but where to?!
’But, when Mary wakes up, with her head is pounding, there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked.
Where the hell is she?
There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg............This is the only way out of this room.
But, where does this door lead to if she gets the key out!!!
SCREAM Mary Scream!! No one outside can hear you Mary!!!!!
Will she survive this ordeal?
Would You if you was Mary? 🥺
Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
But, will she do it in time before the killer strikes again!
WoW......this book was superb and his books just get better and better..........To me this book is up with some of the best horror author's out there - So well done Chris!
Highly recommend Taken From Her Home!!! 5 Golden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Looking forward to read more of your books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and C.J. Grayson for my an advanced reader copy.
January 11, 2024
Having read the first book in this series I was super excited to get an early readers copy of taken from her home. I will say this book certainly isn’t for the faint hearted, I have a strong stomach and at times where I was pushed to my limits, but I absolutely loved it.
With regards to this being book 2 in the detective April Fisher series I’d say you could easily read this as a stand alone.
Mary is in the shower when she gets a message saying you are not alone. Mary is taken from her home and taken away whilst she is brutally tortured.
When a head is left in the local library detective April Fisher is called to the scene and is tasked with finding out who is behind this hideous crime and why.
Soon more victims are taken and are discovered in similar circumstances, it becomes clear they have a serial killer on their hands. April Fisher and her team begin their hunt for the killer before more lives can be lost.
As the investigation goes on Mason becomes a suspect and I was convinced it was him as he was bullied at school and seeking revenge, for a very long time I was convinced it was him, however a big twist later on proved me wrong and I was back to square one again.
This fast paced twisty thriller will have you hooked from the start its action packed with plenty going on. I was surprised by the final twist at the end and did not see that coming at all. It’s was a brilliant read from start to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
With regards to this being book 2 in the detective April Fisher series I’d say you could easily read this as a stand alone.
Mary is in the shower when she gets a message saying you are not alone. Mary is taken from her home and taken away whilst she is brutally tortured.
When a head is left in the local library detective April Fisher is called to the scene and is tasked with finding out who is behind this hideous crime and why.
Soon more victims are taken and are discovered in similar circumstances, it becomes clear they have a serial killer on their hands. April Fisher and her team begin their hunt for the killer before more lives can be lost.
As the investigation goes on Mason becomes a suspect and I was convinced it was him as he was bullied at school and seeking revenge, for a very long time I was convinced it was him, however a big twist later on proved me wrong and I was back to square one again.
This fast paced twisty thriller will have you hooked from the start its action packed with plenty going on. I was surprised by the final twist at the end and did not see that coming at all. It’s was a brilliant read from start to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
January 12, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Taken from Her Home, the second novel to feature DS April Fisher of Manchester Police.
Mary is kidnapped from her home and she wakes up naked in an unfurnished locked room. She learns that to escape the room she must dig out a key buried deep in her thigh. When parts of her body are found April and the team realise that they are hunting a calculated killer.
I enjoyed Taken from Her Home, which is full of action and imagination. It should be noted that it doesn’t shy away from graphic violence and has a touch of horror about it in the ways people are killed.
The novel is told from various points of view and timelines. April covers the investigative side while the novel also covers the various victims and their experience and flashes back twenty seven years to incidents in a teenager’s school experience. It’s a lot to take in and the constant switching didn’t help my concentration.
The plot, or at least the part I’m interested in, follows April’s investigation as she and the team make incremental advances towards identifying the killer. There are some howlers that no amount of plot necessity can disguise, like not investigating their prime suspect and there are parts that are repetitive. The victims’ experiences are crueller than I want to read about and the broad brush of events from 27 years ago are fairly standard, if a bit incredible at the conclusion. Still, the solution is very satisfying, if a bit unhinged.
Taken from Her Home is not for me.
Mary is kidnapped from her home and she wakes up naked in an unfurnished locked room. She learns that to escape the room she must dig out a key buried deep in her thigh. When parts of her body are found April and the team realise that they are hunting a calculated killer.
I enjoyed Taken from Her Home, which is full of action and imagination. It should be noted that it doesn’t shy away from graphic violence and has a touch of horror about it in the ways people are killed.
The novel is told from various points of view and timelines. April covers the investigative side while the novel also covers the various victims and their experience and flashes back twenty seven years to incidents in a teenager’s school experience. It’s a lot to take in and the constant switching didn’t help my concentration.
The plot, or at least the part I’m interested in, follows April’s investigation as she and the team make incremental advances towards identifying the killer. There are some howlers that no amount of plot necessity can disguise, like not investigating their prime suspect and there are parts that are repetitive. The victims’ experiences are crueller than I want to read about and the broad brush of events from 27 years ago are fairly standard, if a bit incredible at the conclusion. Still, the solution is very satisfying, if a bit unhinged.
Taken from Her Home is not for me.
January 27, 2024
Wealthy businesswoman Mary Steadman arrives back at her home late one night and receives a couple of strange phone calls, not knowing the caller is watching and waiting outside. As the lights go out, she receives a chilling text and is rendered unconscious. Waking, she finds herself in a panelled open roofed room in a warehouse with a locked door, a photograph and only one horrific means of escape – to cut out the key sewn into her leg. She has an appreciative and enthusiastic audience too, but more horrors lie in wait for her. Meanwhile DS April Fisher, DS Matthew Phillips and DI Thomas James from Greater Manchester CID already have another missing woman to search for and it’s not long until a grisly scene awaits them at Chorlton public library. It’s clear they are looking for a clever killer and the reader sees him glorying in his work and planning his next victim. How many more before the detectives can stop him?
This is book two in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. There are some gruesome scenes that will make your skin crawl in this dark and totally absorbing police procedural featuring a strong lead character and a revengeful predator. The twisty (or should that be twisted?) plot is perfectly executed as the story is told in two timelines, the present-day murders and a sad past time that reveals the killer’s motivation. Altogether an intense and gripping story and I am looking forward to more in the series.
This is book two in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. There are some gruesome scenes that will make your skin crawl in this dark and totally absorbing police procedural featuring a strong lead character and a revengeful predator. The twisty (or should that be twisted?) plot is perfectly executed as the story is told in two timelines, the present-day murders and a sad past time that reveals the killer’s motivation. Altogether an intense and gripping story and I am looking forward to more in the series.
March 10, 2024
"Taken From Her Home," by C.J. Grayson grabs the reader and pulls you into this fast paced thriller! I was instantly drawn into the story and wasn't able to put the book down. I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative and captivated by the characters. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as I was swept up in the tale, until all too soon, I reached the end...wow! Gripping, tense, and dramatic, this story kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat throughout. For me, this book epitomizes the definition of an unputdownable, page-turner!
The author possesses a remarkable ability to ensnare the reader's attention and plunge them into a riveting story. The narrative wastes no time in accelerating, maintaining its swift pace from start to finish. The character descriptions are so vivid and lifelike; you feel you can see them right in front of you. Reading 'Taken From Her Home' felt like embarking on a thrilling and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, complete with twists and turns. Some aspects of the story were undeniably brutal, leaving me on edge as I eagerly awaited each new development. I admire how the author seamlessly integrates the reader into the story, making them feel like an integral part of the action. I was extremely surprised with the outcome as the story comes to the end.
I highly recommend this thrilling and unpredictable roller coaster ride, complete with twists and turns! I'm looking forward to the next book!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Mr. Grayson for the Advanced Reader Copy!
The author possesses a remarkable ability to ensnare the reader's attention and plunge them into a riveting story. The narrative wastes no time in accelerating, maintaining its swift pace from start to finish. The character descriptions are so vivid and lifelike; you feel you can see them right in front of you. Reading 'Taken From Her Home' felt like embarking on a thrilling and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, complete with twists and turns. Some aspects of the story were undeniably brutal, leaving me on edge as I eagerly awaited each new development. I admire how the author seamlessly integrates the reader into the story, making them feel like an integral part of the action. I was extremely surprised with the outcome as the story comes to the end.
I highly recommend this thrilling and unpredictable roller coaster ride, complete with twists and turns! I'm looking forward to the next book!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Mr. Grayson for the Advanced Reader Copy!
February 2, 2024
Perfect for fans of ‘Eeny Meany’ by MJ Arlidge!
I’ve not read a book by this author before, but when I saw it advertised on NetGalley the synopsis caught my attention as it sounded like an interesting read.
For the most parts, I really did enjoy this book. I thought the delivery of plot was well structured, exciting and a bit scary at times.
I thought the characters could have done with a bit more of development. I struggled a little bit too get much of a backstory from Amy Fisher. And I found the continual flip-flop between use of her first name and surname was at first, very very confusing and quite hard to follow.
This is a very gruesome and yet thrilling read. The reason I didn’t score it higher twofold. Firstly, I felt that the police procedure within the book wasn’t quite accurate and I felt that it lacked impetus and the foresight to do basic investigation. Such as locating and interviewing your primary suspect. Secondly, the ending for me was very short and a bit predictable and I would’ve liked a bigger twist or a bit more of OMG about it. It fell a bit flat compared with the beginning of the book which was set up really neatly and had that element of fear and pace about it. With the ending, it came across that we already knew what was going to happen before it happened so we were just reading to a fixed point in the timeline.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve not read a book by this author before, but when I saw it advertised on NetGalley the synopsis caught my attention as it sounded like an interesting read.
For the most parts, I really did enjoy this book. I thought the delivery of plot was well structured, exciting and a bit scary at times.
I thought the characters could have done with a bit more of development. I struggled a little bit too get much of a backstory from Amy Fisher. And I found the continual flip-flop between use of her first name and surname was at first, very very confusing and quite hard to follow.
This is a very gruesome and yet thrilling read. The reason I didn’t score it higher twofold. Firstly, I felt that the police procedure within the book wasn’t quite accurate and I felt that it lacked impetus and the foresight to do basic investigation. Such as locating and interviewing your primary suspect. Secondly, the ending for me was very short and a bit predictable and I would’ve liked a bigger twist or a bit more of OMG about it. It fell a bit flat compared with the beginning of the book which was set up really neatly and had that element of fear and pace about it. With the ending, it came across that we already knew what was going to happen before it happened so we were just reading to a fixed point in the timeline.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2024
Thank you Joffe books and NetGalley. This book was an advanced reader copy. If you like thriller, gore, and mystery; this book is for you
You jump in head first from chapter 1. Mary is kidnapped from her home and wakes up naked in an empty room. She must do some drastic things to survive. Soon, several others are taken and it is determined it is a serial killer.
The things the taken people have to do to themselves in order to survive, and then eventually die, is very graphic. Not one for those who are sensitive to those types of things. This book had a well thought out plot, good characters, good storyline, and great twists. Especially the last one you don’t see coming.
I enjoyed that it was told from various perspectives, so you could really understand why this was happening.
One thing I didn’t enjoy was the over-repeating of the characters' names in a dialogue. It happened a few times throughout the book.
The other thing I don’t really feel belongs is the title. In my mind, it didn’t match the storyline.
Overall: I recommend. It’s not a book for the faint of heart.
You jump in head first from chapter 1. Mary is kidnapped from her home and wakes up naked in an empty room. She must do some drastic things to survive. Soon, several others are taken and it is determined it is a serial killer.
The things the taken people have to do to themselves in order to survive, and then eventually die, is very graphic. Not one for those who are sensitive to those types of things. This book had a well thought out plot, good characters, good storyline, and great twists. Especially the last one you don’t see coming.
I enjoyed that it was told from various perspectives, so you could really understand why this was happening.
One thing I didn’t enjoy was the over-repeating of the characters' names in a dialogue. It happened a few times throughout the book.
The other thing I don’t really feel belongs is the title. In my mind, it didn’t match the storyline.
Overall: I recommend. It’s not a book for the faint of heart.
January 24, 2024
Taken from her home by CJ Grayson.
Ds April Fisher thrillers book 2.
Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown ‘You’re not alone in this room.’ When she wakes up, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked. There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. It’s the only way out of this room. Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some dark characters and gory scenes. I loved the team dci Baker di Thomas James Di Tunsten and Fisher Phillips Baan Cairn Jackson. I loved Boone the medical examiner but didn't like Sterling who was the crime scene manager. I didn't like the masked men. They were evil in my eyes. Even the one on the speaker. I was surprised near the end who it was. I thought it was someone else. It ended nicely. Fisher and her team were great together and worked great as a team. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
Ds April Fisher thrillers book 2.
Mary’s in the shower after a long day’s work when the lights go out. Her phone screen flashes in the dark. The text is from an unknown ‘You’re not alone in this room.’ When she wakes up, her head is pounding and there’s a churning in the pit of her stomach. She’s lying naked on the cold hard floor of a room she’s never seen before. The door is locked. There’s a deep cut across her thigh. The key to the door has been sewn into her leg. It’s the only way out of this room. Detective April Fisher must race against time to catch a killer in a sick game of cat and mouse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some dark characters and gory scenes. I loved the team dci Baker di Thomas James Di Tunsten and Fisher Phillips Baan Cairn Jackson. I loved Boone the medical examiner but didn't like Sterling who was the crime scene manager. I didn't like the masked men. They were evil in my eyes. Even the one on the speaker. I was surprised near the end who it was. I thought it was someone else. It ended nicely. Fisher and her team were great together and worked great as a team. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
January 11, 2024
This is a very, VERY good read. I love crime, police procedurals and this book is exactly what I like. It has good writing, a very well thought out and executed plot line and at times is a very tense read with a lot of suspense where I knew something was going to happen although i didn't know what. The main character DS Fisher is really growing on me, I like the rapport and friendships she has with her work colleagues. Here she investigates a murder unlike anything she's dealt with before, and the case escalates quickly and becomes a race against time to find the murderer. This read definitely has the gore factor if you're comfortable with that, it may not suit all though. There are parts that are quite poignant to read, a little sad if anything although central to the plot. I did feel at times it was a little overly descriptive and could have been slightly shorter without taking anything away from the story. If you love good police procedurals, murders with lots of gore where nothing is held back then I think you'll like this and I'd recommend it.
4 stars
4 stars
February 10, 2026
Fabulous!
This is Book 2 of The Detective April Fisher Thrillers and I enjoyed this book immensely as I am familiar with our leading lady!
The story follows Fisher as she investigates a string of missing people and weird murder crime scenes...
All theatrical and strange...
I love Fisher even more and not just because she shares my name! She is incredibly intelligent and bright, looking outside the box so to speak.
While her personal life is a bit messy, her professional life is on fire - she has a knack of sussing and seeing things others don't.
This story is even darker than the last and Fisher is chasing someone who is playing a very sick game with victims...
I really enjoyed this story - it really kept me hooked and the little breadcrumbs left by the criminal for you to out together was brilliant!
I can't wait for Book 3 and to see what happens to Fisher next.
Love police procedurals/thrillers then this one is for you!
This is Book 2 of The Detective April Fisher Thrillers and I enjoyed this book immensely as I am familiar with our leading lady!
The story follows Fisher as she investigates a string of missing people and weird murder crime scenes...
All theatrical and strange...
I love Fisher even more and not just because she shares my name! She is incredibly intelligent and bright, looking outside the box so to speak.
While her personal life is a bit messy, her professional life is on fire - she has a knack of sussing and seeing things others don't.
This story is even darker than the last and Fisher is chasing someone who is playing a very sick game with victims...
I really enjoyed this story - it really kept me hooked and the little breadcrumbs left by the criminal for you to out together was brilliant!
I can't wait for Book 3 and to see what happens to Fisher next.
Love police procedurals/thrillers then this one is for you!
January 14, 2024
This was fantastic. I recently read the first in the series and that was really good but I thought this took things to another level. It's told in two timelines, one in the current day with the abduction and torture of several people, the subsequent gruesome discoveries and the ensuing police investigation. The second relates to events many years ago giving the background to some horrific acts leading to the motivation behind the current murders.
It starts brilliantly and ensured I was hooked immediately. I enjoyed the back and forth between the current day and the past. It never got too complicated and I never lost interest. There were several twists to leave me gobsmacked.
On a different note, I am really intrigued with April's creepy neighbour and I look forward to seeing what is happening there in future books.
It starts brilliantly and ensured I was hooked immediately. I enjoyed the back and forth between the current day and the past. It never got too complicated and I never lost interest. There were several twists to leave me gobsmacked.
On a different note, I am really intrigued with April's creepy neighbour and I look forward to seeing what is happening there in future books.
January 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe books and CJ Grayson for an advance copy version of this book that I absolutely recommend to those looking for their next thriller to read.
This book grabbed me from the beginning with intensity! It was fast-faced right away and kept that pacing throughout. This book is the second in a series of Detective April Fisher. Though I didn’t need to read the first to enjoy this one, I’ll definitely be going back to check it out, along with others from this author. The book goes back and forth between the crimes unfolding and the detectives solving the mystery. The revenge crimes gave me shivers and were definitely not for the faint of heart. The story is so complex that it could have easily been another 100 pages to dive into the characters deeper, but there was enough detail that I had pictures of scenes playing in my head while reading.
This book grabbed me from the beginning with intensity! It was fast-faced right away and kept that pacing throughout. This book is the second in a series of Detective April Fisher. Though I didn’t need to read the first to enjoy this one, I’ll definitely be going back to check it out, along with others from this author. The book goes back and forth between the crimes unfolding and the detectives solving the mystery. The revenge crimes gave me shivers and were definitely not for the faint of heart. The story is so complex that it could have easily been another 100 pages to dive into the characters deeper, but there was enough detail that I had pictures of scenes playing in my head while reading.
January 27, 2024
First time for this author
Detective April Fisher is dedicated to her work as is her sidekick. Unfortunately, he has a young family and things are a bit fraught at home.
Heads turn up in Manchester libraries, with a photo stuffed in them.
Filesystem find out who is in the photo. From then on it is a case of finding the culprits.
This isn't really a whodunit, as once the identity of the person in the photo is found, it is obvious it is someone connected with this person. The race is on, can they discover why these people have been targeted and can they stop the killer(s) from upping the total.
Well written and gives a good solid look into a more true sight of the workings of the police department. No gungho characters taking all the credit. But the looksee of hard work and dedication.
Detective April Fisher is dedicated to her work as is her sidekick. Unfortunately, he has a young family and things are a bit fraught at home.
Heads turn up in Manchester libraries, with a photo stuffed in them.
Filesystem find out who is in the photo. From then on it is a case of finding the culprits.
This isn't really a whodunit, as once the identity of the person in the photo is found, it is obvious it is someone connected with this person. The race is on, can they discover why these people have been targeted and can they stop the killer(s) from upping the total.
Well written and gives a good solid look into a more true sight of the workings of the police department. No gungho characters taking all the credit. But the looksee of hard work and dedication.
February 25, 2024
If you're a bully, think again!
If you haven't read one of CJ Grayson's books yet, do so!
He currently has two series out, one set in Darlington with Detectives Byrd and Tanzy, and this series set in Manchester with DS April Fisher.
Taken From Her Home is a fast paced, descriptive, multiple murder story, delivered without any unnecessary narrative to fluff it out. The murders and crime scenes are horrific making me wonder what goes on inside other author's brains to write such horrors. 😊 Thank goodness it's fiction (I hope!)
I had great empathy for the young boy being bullied and all I can say is, bullies beware. It's a sad fact that bullying and trolling exists and I applaud bullying being used as a theme in the book highlighting how many lives can be destroyed by it.
If you haven't read one of CJ Grayson's books yet, do so!
He currently has two series out, one set in Darlington with Detectives Byrd and Tanzy, and this series set in Manchester with DS April Fisher.
Taken From Her Home is a fast paced, descriptive, multiple murder story, delivered without any unnecessary narrative to fluff it out. The murders and crime scenes are horrific making me wonder what goes on inside other author's brains to write such horrors. 😊 Thank goodness it's fiction (I hope!)
I had great empathy for the young boy being bullied and all I can say is, bullies beware. It's a sad fact that bullying and trolling exists and I applaud bullying being used as a theme in the book highlighting how many lives can be destroyed by it.
February 8, 2026
Starts with an abduction that initially makes you wonder if it was money motivated or linked to the husband. However, it rapidly opens up to a whole other situation for Fisher and her colleagues to make sense of.
The bodies start to pile up and it becomes clear there's going to be more. There's a Saw feel to it and the chapters taking us back to the past show motive. You can understand why things are happening the way they are but it's brutal and excessive; ultimately showing there's something deeply wrong with the person or person's committing the crimes.
Interesting concept and great to be back with Fisher as we get to know her a little better. Her career is her priority and she seems to be missing out on life. Hopefully she balances things out and has something positive next time we encounter her.
The bodies start to pile up and it becomes clear there's going to be more. There's a Saw feel to it and the chapters taking us back to the past show motive. You can understand why things are happening the way they are but it's brutal and excessive; ultimately showing there's something deeply wrong with the person or person's committing the crimes.
Interesting concept and great to be back with Fisher as we get to know her a little better. Her career is her priority and she seems to be missing out on life. Hopefully she balances things out and has something positive next time we encounter her.
February 10, 2026
👀 Fear, stitched tight 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You think you’re safe because you’re home—until home turns on you.”
Taken From Her Home doesn’t ease you in gently. It cuts the lights, presses send, and leaves you holding your breath in the dark. C. J. Grayson writes terror with a steady, unflinching hand—it's claustrophobic, intimate, and relentlessly paced.
Mary’s ordeal is visceral without being gratuitous, and the stakes tighten with every page as Detective April Fisher races against a clock that never stops ticking. This is a cat-and-mouse thriller that understands the power of restraint, then twists the knife anyway.
Verdict: Brutal, smart, and razor-sharp, this is a propulsive nightmare of a book that grips hard and doesn’t let go. Perfect for readers who like their suspense dark, daring, and unforgettable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You think you’re safe because you’re home—until home turns on you.”
Taken From Her Home doesn’t ease you in gently. It cuts the lights, presses send, and leaves you holding your breath in the dark. C. J. Grayson writes terror with a steady, unflinching hand—it's claustrophobic, intimate, and relentlessly paced.
Mary’s ordeal is visceral without being gratuitous, and the stakes tighten with every page as Detective April Fisher races against a clock that never stops ticking. This is a cat-and-mouse thriller that understands the power of restraint, then twists the knife anyway.
Verdict: Brutal, smart, and razor-sharp, this is a propulsive nightmare of a book that grips hard and doesn’t let go. Perfect for readers who like their suspense dark, daring, and unforgettable.
February 27, 2024
I was not really keen on this book at first. The book has a lot of very graphic violence and the writing is quite clumsy . By this I mean that the conversations do not flow well and there is a lot of unnecessary description, which I think is probabily intended to offer an insight into the characters, but which just did not gel for me. Saying that, as the book progressed, I became more immersed in the plot and I found the writing less irritating. There is a lot of action and I warmed to the detectives more. There are definately twists in the story which add interest, some of which I expected, others not.
Now that I have finished, I have revised my opinion, 4 stars Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Now that I have finished, I have revised my opinion, 4 stars Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 10, 2026
My Thoughts: C.J. Grayson is fast becoming one of my favourite thriller authors, o have read quite a few of his books now and every time he keeps me guessing.
Taken from her home definitely felt like things had been stepped up a bit, it was fast paced and the action never let up, it was very dark and twisted it even had me cringing at times and I’ve read a lot of dark books!
I love April as a character, she is strong willed, knows what she wants and is always willing to go the extra mile to get it, but also isn’t afraid to lean on her colleagues for support when needed.
This case is a sensitive one, it deals with a lot of tough topics, but with heads turning up in local libraries she’s needs to find the connection fast.
I think I enjoyed the goriness a little too much, I was so caught up in the story that I definitely sided with the “bad guy” for a lot of this one, as a disabled person the chapters set in the best almost took me back to my school days.
I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Taken from her home definitely felt like things had been stepped up a bit, it was fast paced and the action never let up, it was very dark and twisted it even had me cringing at times and I’ve read a lot of dark books!
I love April as a character, she is strong willed, knows what she wants and is always willing to go the extra mile to get it, but also isn’t afraid to lean on her colleagues for support when needed.
This case is a sensitive one, it deals with a lot of tough topics, but with heads turning up in local libraries she’s needs to find the connection fast.
I think I enjoyed the goriness a little too much, I was so caught up in the story that I definitely sided with the “bad guy” for a lot of this one, as a disabled person the chapters set in the best almost took me back to my school days.
I can’t wait to read more in this series!
March 10, 2026
I can highly recommend Taken From Her Family (Kindle Edition) a gripping and exciting crime thriller by C.J. Grayson.
Tracy Marley and her children are picking up her husband, a janitor who is working late at the gym and is in need of a lift due to his car being repaired. Whilst driving she receives a text asking her to tap in the code at the main door and let themselves in.
Unbeknown to Tracy, all hell is about to break loose, when she encounters three masked men who are robbing money as she is on her way to her husband's office.
Sadly there is a tragedy when she has been killed and one of the robbers takes her ten year old daughter away with him.
There is more than meets the eye as DI April Fisher investigates in this chilling cat and mouse scenario.
Tracy Marley and her children are picking up her husband, a janitor who is working late at the gym and is in need of a lift due to his car being repaired. Whilst driving she receives a text asking her to tap in the code at the main door and let themselves in.
Unbeknown to Tracy, all hell is about to break loose, when she encounters three masked men who are robbing money as she is on her way to her husband's office.
Sadly there is a tragedy when she has been killed and one of the robbers takes her ten year old daughter away with him.
There is more than meets the eye as DI April Fisher investigates in this chilling cat and mouse scenario.
January 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book - not for the faint hearted, it had a few similarities to the Saw movies. A bit scary in places but a great wee thriller.
It had a lot of great elements - a revenge plot, twists, likeable characters (and some not so much). The book's pace speeding up as the chapters went on. The ending was nicely wrapped up with one final twist, just when I thought I had it all worked out.
I haven't read any other in the series but this was great as a standalone. Overall a great read and I can't wait to read more of Detective Fisher's adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books.
It had a lot of great elements - a revenge plot, twists, likeable characters (and some not so much). The book's pace speeding up as the chapters went on. The ending was nicely wrapped up with one final twist, just when I thought I had it all worked out.
I haven't read any other in the series but this was great as a standalone. Overall a great read and I can't wait to read more of Detective Fisher's adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books.
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