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The Returned: A gripping Irish crime thriller
‘A dark, haunting tale with an emotional gut punch that stays with you long after the final page. Amanda Cassidy is an unflinching storyteller.’ Lisa Jewell, author of The Family Upstairs A devastating fire. A grieving mother. A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets. And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead. A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind… An electrifying novel from a compelling new voice in Irish crime fiction, perfect for fans of Liz Nugent and Claire Mackintosh. ‘A richly layered, intricate plot, wonderfully nuanced characters, and absolutely stunning writing, The Returned packs an incredible emotional punch. One of the best books I’ve read this year .’ Andrea Mara, author of All Her Fault ‘ A powerfully emotive and carefully layered story about old secrets, motherhood and demons from the past. Amanda’s lyrical and evocative writing underpins a whip cracking plot that simply swept me away!’ Lizzy Barber, author of Out of Her Depth ‘ Vivid, pacy and gripping , with characters who have real heart, Amanda Cassidy is a brilliant new voice in crime fiction.’ Sam Blake, author of The Mystery of Four ‘ An emotionally-charged page-turner that won't let you go . I'm still reeling from that stunning ending. I loved it.’ Glenn Meade, author of The Devil's Disciple ‘When I say my heart was pounding reading this book, I mean it was POUNDING! The Returned is unputdownable and took me on an emotional rollercoaster! Superb, a must read .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This book packs a powerful, emotional punch . The host of characters, especially Ally, really drew me in from the start and kept me gripped until the end. The writing is excellent with realistic characterisation and full of tension .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I did not want this book to end . The storyline, characters and emotion of this novel are seriously unmatched. I recommend this book and this author… You will not be disappointed. Bravo!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I loved the characters and couldn’t put this down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ A very dark police procedural… I really enjoyed this . The author has managed to write a story that many will be able to identify with. And shown that women are stronger than they think they are.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This mystery will mesmerize you! If you like twisty procedurals, Irish mysteries and small towns, or just want a new heroine to root for, The Returned is for you !’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 24, 2023
57 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cassidy
16 books40 followersAmanda Cassidy is a freelance journalist, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter represented by Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency in London.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 16, 2023
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
3.5 rounded up because it's markedly better than her debut
Writing: as Saweetie said: that's my type! | Plot: interesting | Ending: meh
SYNOPSIS
DS Ally Fields is hella pregnant and tryna solve a potential arson that may have ties to a similar event six years ago.
MY OPINION
If you have problems with ready-to-pop pregnant policewomen working then don't bother picking this up. I don't mind it because these diapers ain't gonna pay for themselves, and I'm not using a single hour of my maternity leave unless that baby is hanging halfway out my Pucci. Anyways. Moving on.
Unfortunately I DNFed Amanda Cassidy's debut because it was a lil too Stacey Willingham for me. By that I mean, too many similies and adjectives used to describe mundane people or places. This time around, the prose was much tighter. It was giving me Louisa Scarr and S.E. Lynes. If you enjoy a more traditional syntax, again, pass on this. This is the type of writing that I often see described as 'disjointed' or 'awkward.'
DS Ally Fields is certainly a complex character, and I applaud Cassidy for digging deep here. One of my biggest gripes about DD Warren is that Lisa Gardner never took the time to explain why she wakes up every morning and chooses violence. However, Cassidy does take her sweet ass time building a tragic af backstory for Fields and how her traumatic upbringing manifests in her personal relationships today. I don't want to give any spoilies, but Fields personal life is what the youths call 'a hot mess.' And while Fields is refreshingly self-aware of her behaviour, she, like many others IRL, struggles to take the actions necessary to break the cycle. Tbh Cassidy's skills really shone best when delving into Fields' sad past. She was writing some BANGER lines.
The good news is if you're someone who doesn't really like when police procedurals get caught up in procedure, this book will work for you. There's little procedural elements here other than interviewing suspects. No post-mortems, no watching CCTV, etc. Just waddling about asking 2 or 3 questions and then waddling to the next location. It kinda felt like some 'steps' were skipped and Fields intentionally didn't ask specific questions so the story could be drawn out. IMO the policing aspects were the weakest and the emotional touchy feely stuff was the strongest.
I'm unsure if Cassidy intends to continue this series because things were relatively wrapped up at the end, but I'd def be down for a second book. I didn't care for the resolution of one of the personal storylines, but that's just a me thing because I have a fidget spinner for a heart. If you're looking for something with low-key Louisa Scarr or S.E. Lynes vibes, go on and grab yourself a copy.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, great job with Fields' character, interesting case, some great emotional one-liners, BIG improvement from her debut
Cons: repetitiveness (esp about Clarke's superhuman ability of making small talk), random use of full government names (Clarke vs Casey Clarke), policing elements were a lil questionable (although I did see in her author's note, she did her research)
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
3.5 rounded up because it's markedly better than her debut
Writing: as Saweetie said: that's my type! | Plot: interesting | Ending: meh
SYNOPSIS
DS Ally Fields is hella pregnant and tryna solve a potential arson that may have ties to a similar event six years ago.
MY OPINION
If you have problems with ready-to-pop pregnant policewomen working then don't bother picking this up. I don't mind it because these diapers ain't gonna pay for themselves, and I'm not using a single hour of my maternity leave unless that baby is hanging halfway out my Pucci. Anyways. Moving on.
Unfortunately I DNFed Amanda Cassidy's debut because it was a lil too Stacey Willingham for me. By that I mean, too many similies and adjectives used to describe mundane people or places. This time around, the prose was much tighter. It was giving me Louisa Scarr and S.E. Lynes. If you enjoy a more traditional syntax, again, pass on this. This is the type of writing that I often see described as 'disjointed' or 'awkward.'
DS Ally Fields is certainly a complex character, and I applaud Cassidy for digging deep here. One of my biggest gripes about DD Warren is that Lisa Gardner never took the time to explain why she wakes up every morning and chooses violence. However, Cassidy does take her sweet ass time building a tragic af backstory for Fields and how her traumatic upbringing manifests in her personal relationships today. I don't want to give any spoilies, but Fields personal life is what the youths call 'a hot mess.' And while Fields is refreshingly self-aware of her behaviour, she, like many others IRL, struggles to take the actions necessary to break the cycle. Tbh Cassidy's skills really shone best when delving into Fields' sad past. She was writing some BANGER lines.
The good news is if you're someone who doesn't really like when police procedurals get caught up in procedure, this book will work for you. There's little procedural elements here other than interviewing suspects. No post-mortems, no watching CCTV, etc. Just waddling about asking 2 or 3 questions and then waddling to the next location. It kinda felt like some 'steps' were skipped and Fields intentionally didn't ask specific questions so the story could be drawn out. IMO the policing aspects were the weakest and the emotional touchy feely stuff was the strongest.
I'm unsure if Cassidy intends to continue this series because things were relatively wrapped up at the end, but I'd def be down for a second book. I didn't care for the resolution of one of the personal storylines, but that's just a me thing because I have a fidget spinner for a heart. If you're looking for something with low-key Louisa Scarr or S.E. Lynes vibes, go on and grab yourself a copy.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, great job with Fields' character, interesting case, some great emotional one-liners, BIG improvement from her debut
Cons: repetitiveness (esp about Clarke's superhuman ability of making small talk), random use of full government names (Clarke vs Casey Clarke), policing elements were a lil questionable (although I did see in her author's note, she did her research)
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
August 23, 2023
EXCERPT: In a perfect world I'd admit to Clarke that I'm tired and have a headache, that I'm extremely pregnant, confused and returning to a place of indescribable trauma while simultaneously failing to solve an almost decade old mystery. I feel unloved, unwanted, and confronting the past has only made those feelings worse. I think of the rusted once-blue bicycle thrown next to a shed beside a silky lake.
I have a box of death in my trunk and a life squirming inside me that terrifies me with its need for me to be everything to it. My ribs throb too from where confusing hands hurt me and told me it was love. But I'll never tell him that either.
ABOUT 'THE RETURNED': A devastating fire. A grieving mother. A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets. And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead. A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind…
MY THOUGHTS: How do I even begin to describe what I have just read?
The Returned is a story of domestic abuse, mental ill-health, child abduction, survivor guilt, post-natal depression and so much more. I am not going to even begin to describe the plot because The Returned is a book best gone into cold. It is a dark, haunting tale with complex characters that will stretch your emotions to the limits. It is not an easy read. It was never intended to be. But it is immensely rewarding with an absolutely stunning finish that had me in tears.
And please read the acknowledgements at the end (but not before you read the book!) where Amanda tells of how this book came about.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheReturned #NetGalley
I: @amandacassidywriter @canelo_co
X: @AmandaCassidy @canelo_co
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #domesticdrama #familydrama #friendship #irishfiction #mentalhealth #mystery #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Cassidy is a freelance journalist, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter. When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Canelo for providing a digital ARC of The Returned by Amanda Cassidy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I have a box of death in my trunk and a life squirming inside me that terrifies me with its need for me to be everything to it. My ribs throb too from where confusing hands hurt me and told me it was love. But I'll never tell him that either.
ABOUT 'THE RETURNED': A devastating fire. A grieving mother. A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets. And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead. A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind…
MY THOUGHTS: How do I even begin to describe what I have just read?
The Returned is a story of domestic abuse, mental ill-health, child abduction, survivor guilt, post-natal depression and so much more. I am not going to even begin to describe the plot because The Returned is a book best gone into cold. It is a dark, haunting tale with complex characters that will stretch your emotions to the limits. It is not an easy read. It was never intended to be. But it is immensely rewarding with an absolutely stunning finish that had me in tears.
And please read the acknowledgements at the end (but not before you read the book!) where Amanda tells of how this book came about.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheReturned #NetGalley
I: @amandacassidywriter @canelo_co
X: @AmandaCassidy @canelo_co
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #domesticdrama #familydrama #friendship #irishfiction #mentalhealth #mystery #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Cassidy is a freelance journalist, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter. When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Canelo for providing a digital ARC of The Returned by Amanda Cassidy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
August 29, 2023
Ally Fields is a very pregnant police officer who is called back to her hometown to investigate the death of a man in a potential arson case. She's needed on the case because it's believed a local Gardaí may have been involved with the family. Apparently he had been harassing them for quite some time.
Six years ago during another housefire it appears this same Gardaí officer may have been involved in that as well. Here a baby perished in the flames. However, the mother swears when she went to save her son he was not in his crib. She's sure of it. No one will listen to the mothers claims. She's hysterical and grieving so she isn't considered a reliable witness. She'll bare the scars and disfigurement of that attempted rescue for the rest of her life. As if grief wasn't enough.
Back to the present and that same mother spots her missing son in a market place. She causes a scene and again everyone assumes she's hysterical. There isn't any way that this could be her son.
Ally and her partner Clarke plan to get to the bottom of both cases and to see how these two events are connected by this one Gardaí officer.
Interspersed between the two timelines we also get the background on Ally's tragic upbringing giving us a birds eye view into her mind and thoughts.
This was a really well done mystery. A little slow to start but after a few chapters I found my footing and really became immersed in the story. Ally was a likeable character that has made some unfortunate decisions in her life yet my heart still went out to her. She's experienced trauma that no one should have to bare the burden of. Her partner, the ever lovable Clarke, was the yin to her yang. A perfect partnership, if you will. The ending was not what I was expecting though, in hindsight, I think my inner sleuth failed me here because once I got to that AHA moment I had to ask myself how I didn't see this coming. I hope other readers will miss the breadcrumbs too and enjoy the unraveling of the mystery like I did.
My one and only caveat is I didn't quite buy into what this 38 weeks along pregnant woman was capable of. I've no doubt at how bad ass pregnant women are but at 38 weeks my ankles were so swollen, my back aching that even my waddle was waddling. I was definitely not kicking down doors, running through woods, and diving into churning lake waters. I'd have sunk for sure. If you can ignore that then you'll be rewarded with some fine storytelling. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my complimentary copy.
Six years ago during another housefire it appears this same Gardaí officer may have been involved in that as well. Here a baby perished in the flames. However, the mother swears when she went to save her son he was not in his crib. She's sure of it. No one will listen to the mothers claims. She's hysterical and grieving so she isn't considered a reliable witness. She'll bare the scars and disfigurement of that attempted rescue for the rest of her life. As if grief wasn't enough.
Back to the present and that same mother spots her missing son in a market place. She causes a scene and again everyone assumes she's hysterical. There isn't any way that this could be her son.
Ally and her partner Clarke plan to get to the bottom of both cases and to see how these two events are connected by this one Gardaí officer.
Interspersed between the two timelines we also get the background on Ally's tragic upbringing giving us a birds eye view into her mind and thoughts.
This was a really well done mystery. A little slow to start but after a few chapters I found my footing and really became immersed in the story. Ally was a likeable character that has made some unfortunate decisions in her life yet my heart still went out to her. She's experienced trauma that no one should have to bare the burden of. Her partner, the ever lovable Clarke, was the yin to her yang. A perfect partnership, if you will. The ending was not what I was expecting though, in hindsight, I think my inner sleuth failed me here because once I got to that AHA moment I had to ask myself how I didn't see this coming. I hope other readers will miss the breadcrumbs too and enjoy the unraveling of the mystery like I did.
My one and only caveat is I didn't quite buy into what this 38 weeks along pregnant woman was capable of. I've no doubt at how bad ass pregnant women are but at 38 weeks my ankles were so swollen, my back aching that even my waddle was waddling. I was definitely not kicking down doors, running through woods, and diving into churning lake waters. I'd have sunk for sure. If you can ignore that then you'll be rewarded with some fine storytelling. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my complimentary copy.
April 21, 2025
4-5 stars
A really good, well written mystery thriller with lots of layers. I really like DS Ally Fields, the central protagonist and girl, you deserve better (no spoiler!). She has a very likeable partner in DC Casey Clarke, though it takes Ally a while to see how solid, reliable and empathetic he is. The cases are very interesting, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged- one takes my breath away it’s so unexpected. Some shocking revelations too. The ending is tense, exciting and heartbreaking.
Will definitely read more by this author and I’d love to know what happens to Ally and Casey! Also, love the Co Kerry setting, a place I first visited as a little girl with many happy memories!
A really good, well written mystery thriller with lots of layers. I really like DS Ally Fields, the central protagonist and girl, you deserve better (no spoiler!). She has a very likeable partner in DC Casey Clarke, though it takes Ally a while to see how solid, reliable and empathetic he is. The cases are very interesting, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged- one takes my breath away it’s so unexpected. Some shocking revelations too. The ending is tense, exciting and heartbreaking.
Will definitely read more by this author and I’d love to know what happens to Ally and Casey! Also, love the Co Kerry setting, a place I first visited as a little girl with many happy memories!
November 16, 2024
DS Ally Fields is an extremely pregnant Dublin detective who has been sent to her small hometown village to investigate a fatal fire reminiscent of another fatal fire six years previously.
I'm having a really difficult time formulating a review of this book and I think you're best going into it without any preconceived notions. Just let me say that I was totally immersed in the story every time I picked it up and that I didn't have a clue where we were going. So well written with so many excellent characters and so many mysteries to follow. Descriptions of the cold and rainy weather had me wrapping up in a blanket at certain points. A superb ending which left the door open for the possibility of another book featuring Ally Fields.
Unfortunately the copy of this book that I borrowed from the London Public Library was a smaller-than-usual paperback in the tiniest font ever which made it quite a strain to read but I persevered because I just had to know what the real story was. I'll be checking out other books by this author.
TW: Domestic violence, mental health issues
I'm having a really difficult time formulating a review of this book and I think you're best going into it without any preconceived notions. Just let me say that I was totally immersed in the story every time I picked it up and that I didn't have a clue where we were going. So well written with so many excellent characters and so many mysteries to follow. Descriptions of the cold and rainy weather had me wrapping up in a blanket at certain points. A superb ending which left the door open for the possibility of another book featuring Ally Fields.
Unfortunately the copy of this book that I borrowed from the London Public Library was a smaller-than-usual paperback in the tiniest font ever which made it quite a strain to read but I persevered because I just had to know what the real story was. I'll be checking out other books by this author.
TW: Domestic violence, mental health issues
August 16, 2023
The Returned starts 6 years in the past, where a fire has devastating consequences for Nancy and her family. Both the fire investigators and the police tell Nancy that her youngest son, Liam, must have died in the fire, despite there being no trace of him. But she didn’t believe them then, and she doesn’t believe them now. She believes that Liam was taken, and that he is still out there somewhere. And when, in the present, another fire occurs, killing a husband and father, the same man’s name is floating about - and he’s a police officer. Detective Sergeant Ally Fields is sent to investigate with her fresh faced partner Clark Casey, and the two cases become intertwined. Can Ally and Clark get to the bottom of the causes of both of these fires? And was Nancy right all along?
This is a dark and gritty crime story, with lots of depth. The story is mainly told from Ally’s point of view - she’s 38 weeks pregnant with the child of a married man. Her life isn’t full of roses and now she’s been forced to return to her hometown, where there are demons that she’d rather not have to face. I struggled to warm to Ally initially, but as we were told more about her and her past, I started to thaw and sympathise with the difficulties she had. She was a complex character with a very low self esteem, but it was nice to be on that journey with her as she realised that she was accepting a lot less than she deserved. I enjoyed watching her friendship with Clark develop, and seeing how she was able to open up more as the time went on.
The cases were intriguing and took twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I was eager to keep reading to get to the root of what was happening and why. I did crack the case as it was coming towards its big reveal as the little snippets of information started to slot into place. It was quite a sad outcome for some of the characters, but that is ultimately reflective of real life.
Overall, a very captivating plot with interesting characters, and I would definitely be interested in reading more by the author.
This is a dark and gritty crime story, with lots of depth. The story is mainly told from Ally’s point of view - she’s 38 weeks pregnant with the child of a married man. Her life isn’t full of roses and now she’s been forced to return to her hometown, where there are demons that she’d rather not have to face. I struggled to warm to Ally initially, but as we were told more about her and her past, I started to thaw and sympathise with the difficulties she had. She was a complex character with a very low self esteem, but it was nice to be on that journey with her as she realised that she was accepting a lot less than she deserved. I enjoyed watching her friendship with Clark develop, and seeing how she was able to open up more as the time went on.
The cases were intriguing and took twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I was eager to keep reading to get to the root of what was happening and why. I did crack the case as it was coming towards its big reveal as the little snippets of information started to slot into place. It was quite a sad outcome for some of the characters, but that is ultimately reflective of real life.
Overall, a very captivating plot with interesting characters, and I would definitely be interested in reading more by the author.
August 23, 2023
4.5 stars.
I enjoyed Amanda's debut novel. Breaking, so was very excited to read this. There's no doubt Amanda has a talent for writing engrossing, compelling stories, and this novel only cemented that for me.
The Returned is a layered novel, with three main stories weaved into the narrative. Ally Fields is a detective Garda who is sent back to her small hometown of Currolough (in Ireland) to investigate a case of arson and a potential murder. Six years earlier, in an event summarised in the novel's opening pages, another housefire is believed to have claimed the life of a small baby, though his mother Nancy - who was disfigured in the incident - maintains that her baby was not in his cot when she attempted to rescue him on that fateful night. A local Currolough Garda has been linked to both incidences, and as Ally digs deeper into the cases, she is not only confronted with the secrets of her hometown, but also the pain of her own past.
I really liked how Ally's story was woven into this crime thriller. In the late stages of pregnancy and in her early 40s, she is an abusive relationship with a married man, and has a lifetime of experience of keeping people at arm's length. Her exploration of her own trauma and grief was really well handled, and it added a layer of depth to the plot that you don't always encounter with thrillers. I thought the characters were very well developed, and despite the multiple storylines, The Returned was really well plotted and avoided confusing or alienating the reader.
I can't resist a "going home again" trope, so this element only added to my enjoyment of the novel. And I can't finish this review without mentioning Clarke, Ally's Garda sidekick, who accompanies her to Currolough and helps her to open herself up again. His character and their friendship were so well evoked, that I can only assume he was written from the heart.
A gripping and immersive read - really well written and full of humanity. I'll be reading Amanda Cassidy's work as long as she's writing.
I enjoyed Amanda's debut novel. Breaking, so was very excited to read this. There's no doubt Amanda has a talent for writing engrossing, compelling stories, and this novel only cemented that for me.
The Returned is a layered novel, with three main stories weaved into the narrative. Ally Fields is a detective Garda who is sent back to her small hometown of Currolough (in Ireland) to investigate a case of arson and a potential murder. Six years earlier, in an event summarised in the novel's opening pages, another housefire is believed to have claimed the life of a small baby, though his mother Nancy - who was disfigured in the incident - maintains that her baby was not in his cot when she attempted to rescue him on that fateful night. A local Currolough Garda has been linked to both incidences, and as Ally digs deeper into the cases, she is not only confronted with the secrets of her hometown, but also the pain of her own past.
I really liked how Ally's story was woven into this crime thriller. In the late stages of pregnancy and in her early 40s, she is an abusive relationship with a married man, and has a lifetime of experience of keeping people at arm's length. Her exploration of her own trauma and grief was really well handled, and it added a layer of depth to the plot that you don't always encounter with thrillers. I thought the characters were very well developed, and despite the multiple storylines, The Returned was really well plotted and avoided confusing or alienating the reader.
I can't resist a "going home again" trope, so this element only added to my enjoyment of the novel. And I can't finish this review without mentioning Clarke, Ally's Garda sidekick, who accompanies her to Currolough and helps her to open herself up again. His character and their friendship were so well evoked, that I can only assume he was written from the heart.
A gripping and immersive read - really well written and full of humanity. I'll be reading Amanda Cassidy's work as long as she's writing.
August 26, 2023
This story kept me on the edge of my seat, it is a dark, haunting complex story with even more complex characters that are taking us through their not-easy life problems where mental health is in question, abuse, and child abduction...pretty disturbing gripping, and very well written story with lots of emotions involved in it.
August 18, 2023
The Returned is Irish author Amanda Cassidy’s follow up novel to her debut Breaking, and it’s an accomplished crime novel that weaves three stories together in a tapestry that explores domestic abuse, post-natal depression and mental illness, subtly and sensitively.
Ally Fields is a detective Garda assigned to investigate a case of suspected arson in her hometown of Currolough, where the finger of suspicion points to a local police officer who may also have had some involvement in another fire six years previously.
In that earlier incident, a baby is believed to have perished, though his mother Nancy insists that her baby was not in his cot when she risked her own life to rescue him from the fire.
Detective Ally has her own ghosts and issues to contend with, not least her late-stage pregnancy and difficult relationship.
It might sound complicated - it took me a while to get to grips with the three strands of the story - but the writing is excellent and the characters well-developed, in particular Ally and her sidekick Clarke whose blossoming friendship I loved.
This was a really immersive piece of crime fiction and I found myself fully invested in Ally and Nancy’s stories as they merged in a thrilling and very well-executed ending. Stylishly and sensitively written, this is more than a pageturner, and it’s my favourite of the few Irish crime books I’ve read so far this year. Recommended. 4/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to the author Amanda Cassidy and publisher @canelo for the advance copy of the book. As always, this is an honest review.*
Ally Fields is a detective Garda assigned to investigate a case of suspected arson in her hometown of Currolough, where the finger of suspicion points to a local police officer who may also have had some involvement in another fire six years previously.
In that earlier incident, a baby is believed to have perished, though his mother Nancy insists that her baby was not in his cot when she risked her own life to rescue him from the fire.
Detective Ally has her own ghosts and issues to contend with, not least her late-stage pregnancy and difficult relationship.
It might sound complicated - it took me a while to get to grips with the three strands of the story - but the writing is excellent and the characters well-developed, in particular Ally and her sidekick Clarke whose blossoming friendship I loved.
This was a really immersive piece of crime fiction and I found myself fully invested in Ally and Nancy’s stories as they merged in a thrilling and very well-executed ending. Stylishly and sensitively written, this is more than a pageturner, and it’s my favourite of the few Irish crime books I’ve read so far this year. Recommended. 4/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to the author Amanda Cassidy and publisher @canelo for the advance copy of the book. As always, this is an honest review.*
July 11, 2023
I read this as an ARC through netgalley
DS Ally Fields is heavily pregnant but determined to work, so she is sent to investigate a potential arson case that is seemingly tied in with another fire from years ago and connected to a member of the Gardai.
Unfortunately, this case took place in the area where she grew up and where her and her family experienced their own personal tragedy.
Can Ally focus on the here and now to find the truth, or will her past and current personal circumstances affect her ability to solve the case!
I didn't love this and really struggled to get through it, yet I couldn't put my finger on why to start with!
Ally is a really strong character, and the writing is great! The story is interesting and weaves the past and present together, revealing twists and turns along the way. As a formula, it should have been great!
I realised that my struggle with it was how very much the book focused on Ally, which took away from the actual crime and the solving of it.
We learnt a lot about her, her past, her current relationships, her thoughts and feelings, her family, her traumas, and so on. To a point, this was great! It created a strong and relatable character. However, for me, she became the main focus of the story, and everything else faded into the background.
A good, but not great, read for me.
xx
DS Ally Fields is heavily pregnant but determined to work, so she is sent to investigate a potential arson case that is seemingly tied in with another fire from years ago and connected to a member of the Gardai.
Unfortunately, this case took place in the area where she grew up and where her and her family experienced their own personal tragedy.
Can Ally focus on the here and now to find the truth, or will her past and current personal circumstances affect her ability to solve the case!
I didn't love this and really struggled to get through it, yet I couldn't put my finger on why to start with!
Ally is a really strong character, and the writing is great! The story is interesting and weaves the past and present together, revealing twists and turns along the way. As a formula, it should have been great!
I realised that my struggle with it was how very much the book focused on Ally, which took away from the actual crime and the solving of it.
We learnt a lot about her, her past, her current relationships, her thoughts and feelings, her family, her traumas, and so on. To a point, this was great! It created a strong and relatable character. However, for me, she became the main focus of the story, and everything else faded into the background.
A good, but not great, read for me.
xx
July 26, 2023
First, thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the absolute privilege of reading this advance copy of The Returned. I did not want this book to end and when it continued on to bring about a conclusion to everything contained within, I was astounded and thrilled. The storyline, characters and emotion of this novel are seriously unmatched. I recommend this book and this author to the highest level. You will not be disappointed, this I guarantee. Bravo!
August 28, 2023
I must say that the cover photo of this book is quite intriguing and a little bit mysterious too. In her second novel, The Returned' Amanda Cassidy skillfully intertwines three narratives that explore the dark and complex themes of domestic violence, postpartum, depression, and mental health with sensitivity and insight.
This book captivated me so much that I wished it would never end. When it finally reached its conclusion, I was amazed and delighted by how it wrapped up everything in the story. The plot, characters and the emotion of this novel are truly exceptional. The book has been action packed and filled with adventure.
The author with her flawless writing skills has seriously impressed me. I just could not put down the book till I finished reading it. Loved all the twists and turns. They were placed at the perfect places without too much drama. I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who loves a good read. You will definitely not get bored.
This book captivated me so much that I wished it would never end. When it finally reached its conclusion, I was amazed and delighted by how it wrapped up everything in the story. The plot, characters and the emotion of this novel are truly exceptional. The book has been action packed and filled with adventure.
The author with her flawless writing skills has seriously impressed me. I just could not put down the book till I finished reading it. Loved all the twists and turns. They were placed at the perfect places without too much drama. I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who loves a good read. You will definitely not get bored.
September 2, 2023
Having read Amanda's first book, Breaking, and absolutely loving it, I couldn't wait to dive straight into this book - and I was not disappointed.
This was another superbly written, fast paced thriller which had me totally immersed right from the start and so invested in the storyline, I just couldn't put it down.
I actually don't want to say anything about the plot - as once again the storyline twists and turns and keeps you guessing throughout. I was hooked from the first page and raced through it, desperate to find out what on earth was going on.
That, and the fact that I was on the edge of my seat throughout as the tension hits and never lets up.
The characters were perfectly presented and developed well throughout.
I loved that Ally, our detective, was really in no position to be taking on this case due to her situation - but she was completely focussed and determined to get to the bottom of things.
This book deals with some tough topics but these were written with sensitivity. It was definitely emotional though and one that will stay with me for some time.
Another brilliant read and I'm excited for what will come next.
This was another superbly written, fast paced thriller which had me totally immersed right from the start and so invested in the storyline, I just couldn't put it down.
I actually don't want to say anything about the plot - as once again the storyline twists and turns and keeps you guessing throughout. I was hooked from the first page and raced through it, desperate to find out what on earth was going on.
That, and the fact that I was on the edge of my seat throughout as the tension hits and never lets up.
The characters were perfectly presented and developed well throughout.
I loved that Ally, our detective, was really in no position to be taking on this case due to her situation - but she was completely focussed and determined to get to the bottom of things.
This book deals with some tough topics but these were written with sensitivity. It was definitely emotional though and one that will stay with me for some time.
Another brilliant read and I'm excited for what will come next.
March 31, 2025
A devastating fire. A grieving mother. A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets. And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead. A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind…
Some parts of the plot were more telling instead of showing, which would have really benefitted the story and held the intrigue of the reader more, especially with the plot being slow to start with. I felt like some of the plot points were predictable but I didn't mind that as much because it felt like there was only so many ways that the plot could have went. I do also wish that the characters were consistently referred to in the same way as especially Casey would be referred to in multiple ways and it got kind of confusing trying to figure out who was being spoken about/who was speaking at times.
Some characters were not as fleshed out as others and I wanted to know more about them, for example Casey was not as fleshed out as Ally was. It felt like it took a while for the actual plot to start picking up because it focused more on Ally's character and building that up for her progression as a character, however that was also slow and at times, repetitive as I just wanted it to get to the point instead of trying to leave mini cliffhangers each time it was brought up. For Ally as a character, I do feel like you have to suspend some belief because of her being a 38 week pregnant lady and how much she was able to do but if you can look past that, I feel like her progression was worth the wait as I loved how it explored her truing to work through her trauma, whilst trying to get on with her everyday life. I love that Casey got some character progression too but I feel like I still had some unanswered questions about him. I actually ended up really invested in the characters by the end and even at one point, crying because it was so emotional. I really loved Casey and Ally's friendship because it felt like they balanced each other out well and it was beautiful seeing it blossom. I really liked Amanda's writing and would definitely read another book by her!
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️ CWs: alcohol use, fire, injury detail, pregnancy, cheating, cursing, murder, harassment, child death, grief, sexual harassment, physical assault, emotional abuse, derogatory language, abandonment, domestic abuse, blood, suicide, controlling behaviour, toxic relationship, gaslighting, gun use, medical content, attempted murder, murder, kidnapping; mentions mental health illness (anxiety, depression, post-natal depression), child abuse, violence, sex, bullying, death of a parent, infertility, sexual assault, vomit ⚠️
Some parts of the plot were more telling instead of showing, which would have really benefitted the story and held the intrigue of the reader more, especially with the plot being slow to start with. I felt like some of the plot points were predictable but I didn't mind that as much because it felt like there was only so many ways that the plot could have went. I do also wish that the characters were consistently referred to in the same way as especially Casey would be referred to in multiple ways and it got kind of confusing trying to figure out who was being spoken about/who was speaking at times.
Some characters were not as fleshed out as others and I wanted to know more about them, for example Casey was not as fleshed out as Ally was. It felt like it took a while for the actual plot to start picking up because it focused more on Ally's character and building that up for her progression as a character, however that was also slow and at times, repetitive as I just wanted it to get to the point instead of trying to leave mini cliffhangers each time it was brought up. For Ally as a character, I do feel like you have to suspend some belief because of her being a 38 week pregnant lady and how much she was able to do but if you can look past that, I feel like her progression was worth the wait as I loved how it explored her truing to work through her trauma, whilst trying to get on with her everyday life. I love that Casey got some character progression too but I feel like I still had some unanswered questions about him. I actually ended up really invested in the characters by the end and even at one point, crying because it was so emotional. I really loved Casey and Ally's friendship because it felt like they balanced each other out well and it was beautiful seeing it blossom. I really liked Amanda's writing and would definitely read another book by her!
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️ CWs: alcohol use, fire, injury detail, pregnancy, cheating, cursing, murder, harassment, child death, grief, sexual harassment, physical assault, emotional abuse, derogatory language, abandonment, domestic abuse, blood, suicide, controlling behaviour, toxic relationship, gaslighting, gun use, medical content, attempted murder, murder, kidnapping; mentions mental health illness (anxiety, depression, post-natal depression), child abuse, violence, sex, bullying, death of a parent, infertility, sexual assault, vomit ⚠️
March 8, 2024
I loved the twist and turns.... hopefully there is a sequel which will showcase more detective work...
September 28, 2023
Such a good mystery that had me back and forth on what happened. The internal stresses of the MFC had me a little annoyed with her. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to review this.
January 19, 2024
A crime story with a lot more emotional weight than the usual. I found the characters very engaging and a nice twist that does deliver a punch
March 18, 2025
A good story with lots of pyscology stuff re family relationsips, children, work...I may of missed some points as I found it quite "drawn out" thus particularly in the last hundred pages or so i skipped bits. But that could be me. But OK generally.
December 26, 2024
Pointless
September 1, 2023
This thrilling crime fiction story will keep you turning pages until you find out what in the world is going on. And then, you will be shocked several times over before you get there.
This was one of the twistiest books I’ve read yet. I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews, so even alluding to some of the twists would be telling. But trust me, I was angry and mad and wanted to say no, 1 star for you!! But then, she twisted again, and I wasn’t as mad anymore. It was an absolutely wild ride.
The main female character is an absolute mess. I love the tendency now to show messy, sometimes hard-to-love female main characters. Honestly, it kind of makes me love them more because they are real. They feel more like myself and the people I know. They are a hot mess, they know it, and while they might be a little apologetic, they’re also openly challenging the patriarchy. And lovable, nerdy, male main characters for the win. I loved both of these characters so much in the end. Especially Clarke, because I love a nerdy, lovable sidekick more than is reasonable.
The intricate development of relationships is more than half the story here, and Cassidy weaves a gorgeously complicated tale. I did not expect the ending, and I read and watch enough that it’s always exciting when I’m surprised. I would love to see more stories with these characters in them. It felt like this one was resolved, but I also felt like the author left room for a sequel. I’d be okay either way.
While my small towns were in a completely different country, it seems small towns everywhere have a similar setup. And the author did an amazing job of painting the picture of a small town banding together to protect its secrets from outsiders, whatever the costs. She also did a fantastic job of showing character growth both in the main characters and side characters throughout the story.
The author has already published one book that is definitely going on my TBR list and I’ll keep an eye out for more books as well.
Who’s It For?
This book is for anyone who loves a good crime novel with shocking twist after shocking twist. If you enjoy messy characters with messy background stories, you’ll love this book. The plot was so complicated and winding, that I’m pretty sure it’s one of those books that will reveal new things upon a second read, but it was still digestible.
Content Warning: This book has a lot of potential triggers including, but not limited too, sexual assault, child death, suicide, suicidal ideation, kidnapping, fire, domestic abuse, violence, stalking/harassment, adult language, adult situations, and arson.
This was one of the twistiest books I’ve read yet. I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews, so even alluding to some of the twists would be telling. But trust me, I was angry and mad and wanted to say no, 1 star for you!! But then, she twisted again, and I wasn’t as mad anymore. It was an absolutely wild ride.
The main female character is an absolute mess. I love the tendency now to show messy, sometimes hard-to-love female main characters. Honestly, it kind of makes me love them more because they are real. They feel more like myself and the people I know. They are a hot mess, they know it, and while they might be a little apologetic, they’re also openly challenging the patriarchy. And lovable, nerdy, male main characters for the win. I loved both of these characters so much in the end. Especially Clarke, because I love a nerdy, lovable sidekick more than is reasonable.
The intricate development of relationships is more than half the story here, and Cassidy weaves a gorgeously complicated tale. I did not expect the ending, and I read and watch enough that it’s always exciting when I’m surprised. I would love to see more stories with these characters in them. It felt like this one was resolved, but I also felt like the author left room for a sequel. I’d be okay either way.
While my small towns were in a completely different country, it seems small towns everywhere have a similar setup. And the author did an amazing job of painting the picture of a small town banding together to protect its secrets from outsiders, whatever the costs. She also did a fantastic job of showing character growth both in the main characters and side characters throughout the story.
The author has already published one book that is definitely going on my TBR list and I’ll keep an eye out for more books as well.
Who’s It For?
This book is for anyone who loves a good crime novel with shocking twist after shocking twist. If you enjoy messy characters with messy background stories, you’ll love this book. The plot was so complicated and winding, that I’m pretty sure it’s one of those books that will reveal new things upon a second read, but it was still digestible.
Content Warning: This book has a lot of potential triggers including, but not limited too, sexual assault, child death, suicide, suicidal ideation, kidnapping, fire, domestic abuse, violence, stalking/harassment, adult language, adult situations, and arson.
August 29, 2023
‘The Returned’ is a dark and gritty police procedural that takes place in Ireland! I really enjoyed Amanda’s debut ‘Breaking’ but I think this is more real and authentic in its telling. Maybe I just fell for the main characters as I was engrossed and captivated by their backstories.
DI Ally Fields is a detective in the Major Crimes team based in Dublin. She is about to have a baby and should already be off work on her maternity leave but what HR doesn't know won't hurt them. She and her partner Clark are sent back to Ally’s home town of Currolough to investigate an arson and a potential murder. Six years earlier there was another fire in the town where it is thought a baby died. However, Nancy the mother of the child insists that the child was not in the cot when she ran in to find her children. A local Garda has been linked with both cases which is why Ally has been called in. As she searches for information she is confronted with secrets and has to deal with issues from her own past as well.
I love Ally Fields! She is such a layered and complex character. I loved her story, albeit it was very sad. Her story was woven through the main narrative very skillfully and I was heartsore for her at times. No wonder she is hesitant to form bonds with people. I really liked how Amanda showed a lot of empathy when showing how her relationship with her boss came about and the issues with it. It's a difficult topic and Amanda really did it justice. The burgeoning friendship between Ally and her partner Clarke was a beautiful thing and I already have a book crush on Clarke! I really hope that this is going to turn into a series as I love these character!
I flew through this book and found it to be very compelling. Did I guess the ending to the main story, yes but it was very well done! However, when it came to Ally’s childhood I was shocked by the final reveals! This is a very layered book and I loved seeing them being peeled away so the reader could see the final truths. This was a great read, extremely well-written and I hope that there is more to come!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
DI Ally Fields is a detective in the Major Crimes team based in Dublin. She is about to have a baby and should already be off work on her maternity leave but what HR doesn't know won't hurt them. She and her partner Clark are sent back to Ally’s home town of Currolough to investigate an arson and a potential murder. Six years earlier there was another fire in the town where it is thought a baby died. However, Nancy the mother of the child insists that the child was not in the cot when she ran in to find her children. A local Garda has been linked with both cases which is why Ally has been called in. As she searches for information she is confronted with secrets and has to deal with issues from her own past as well.
I love Ally Fields! She is such a layered and complex character. I loved her story, albeit it was very sad. Her story was woven through the main narrative very skillfully and I was heartsore for her at times. No wonder she is hesitant to form bonds with people. I really liked how Amanda showed a lot of empathy when showing how her relationship with her boss came about and the issues with it. It's a difficult topic and Amanda really did it justice. The burgeoning friendship between Ally and her partner Clarke was a beautiful thing and I already have a book crush on Clarke! I really hope that this is going to turn into a series as I love these character!
I flew through this book and found it to be very compelling. Did I guess the ending to the main story, yes but it was very well done! However, when it came to Ally’s childhood I was shocked by the final reveals! This is a very layered book and I loved seeing them being peeled away so the reader could see the final truths. This was a great read, extremely well-written and I hope that there is more to come!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
September 1, 2023
Nancy can't find her older son in a house fire. She reached her younger son with the last of her strength. Did she save her youngest child? What a tragic and very dramatic scene. I would never want to be in her shoes. A very strong and exciting start to the book. What happened to the boys Liam and Joey?
The other heroine is Ally Fields. This character is a detective sergeant and is currently pregnant with her first child. She is forty-two years old. She is assigned a mysterious fire case. In her office, they suspect arson, and an officer from the local police station is involved in the whole thing. Will Ally discover the truth before it's too late? Is it worth risking her and her baby's life in her current state?
We are moving in two times. We go back 6 years and come back. In addition to an interesting investigation, I also encountered a perfectly conducted moral thread. I've met abusive men who abuse their women.
When I got to know Ally's story, I was very worried about her. In her youth, she experienced a huge tragedy from which she has not yet recovered. I was terrified of her private life. I was hoping this girl would get over it.
To sum up, I liked the whole story hidden in the pages of "The Returned". I couldn't stop reading. An interesting thriller. It was worth getting this book. If, like me, you love thrillers in which you will find plenty of twists and turns, go ahead and reach for this title. Don't hesitate a minute. Do you like surprise endings? If you answered yes to my question, then "The Returned" is for you.
Big applause to the author Amanda Cassidy for such a good book. I am eagerly waiting for her next work. I recommend this author and her latest book.
The other heroine is Ally Fields. This character is a detective sergeant and is currently pregnant with her first child. She is forty-two years old. She is assigned a mysterious fire case. In her office, they suspect arson, and an officer from the local police station is involved in the whole thing. Will Ally discover the truth before it's too late? Is it worth risking her and her baby's life in her current state?
We are moving in two times. We go back 6 years and come back. In addition to an interesting investigation, I also encountered a perfectly conducted moral thread. I've met abusive men who abuse their women.
When I got to know Ally's story, I was very worried about her. In her youth, she experienced a huge tragedy from which she has not yet recovered. I was terrified of her private life. I was hoping this girl would get over it.
To sum up, I liked the whole story hidden in the pages of "The Returned". I couldn't stop reading. An interesting thriller. It was worth getting this book. If, like me, you love thrillers in which you will find plenty of twists and turns, go ahead and reach for this title. Don't hesitate a minute. Do you like surprise endings? If you answered yes to my question, then "The Returned" is for you.
Big applause to the author Amanda Cassidy for such a good book. I am eagerly waiting for her next work. I recommend this author and her latest book.
June 30, 2023
A devastating fire.
A grieving mother.
A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets.
And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead.
Nothing is as it seems in the deceptively picturesque setting of Amanda Cassidy's second novel. And it takes a detective who's had to return to the hometown she left behind a long time ago, to somehow put all the pieces together.
I was really impressed with Amanda Cassidy's debut novel Breaking, some nuances of which still linger with me months after reading the book (and reading a number of other books in between!) So I was keen to take a look at what she had come up with next.
Cassidy already demonstrated her ability to deliver multiple twists very effectively with her first book, and she does an equally good job of maintaining the element of surprise in her second offering.
Nancy is haunted by the events of one fateful night, and how things might have turned out very differently, if she had only acted a little sooner - instead, a devastating fire extracted a terrible price. But hindsight is 20/20 and regrets are not worth the breath we spend expressing them. The real question is what to do about the strange events unfolding now...
Cassidy's writing has a depth that is impressive, and she brings characters vividly to life in the reader's mind. Unlike many books in this genre, she gifts the reader wonderful writing as well as a gripping plot. This is a talent any discerning reader will want to keep an eye on!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
A grieving mother.
A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets.
And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead.
Nothing is as it seems in the deceptively picturesque setting of Amanda Cassidy's second novel. And it takes a detective who's had to return to the hometown she left behind a long time ago, to somehow put all the pieces together.
I was really impressed with Amanda Cassidy's debut novel Breaking, some nuances of which still linger with me months after reading the book (and reading a number of other books in between!) So I was keen to take a look at what she had come up with next.
Cassidy already demonstrated her ability to deliver multiple twists very effectively with her first book, and she does an equally good job of maintaining the element of surprise in her second offering.
Nancy is haunted by the events of one fateful night, and how things might have turned out very differently, if she had only acted a little sooner - instead, a devastating fire extracted a terrible price. But hindsight is 20/20 and regrets are not worth the breath we spend expressing them. The real question is what to do about the strange events unfolding now...
Cassidy's writing has a depth that is impressive, and she brings characters vividly to life in the reader's mind. Unlike many books in this genre, she gifts the reader wonderful writing as well as a gripping plot. This is a talent any discerning reader will want to keep an eye on!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 18, 2023
When a blurb mentions "Irish crime", I know I will NEED that book ! So I jumped head first in Cassidy's book without knowing much about the story or the author. It turns out it was a lucky jump, as the writing was good, the pace really well defined and the story gripping.
But what really bothered me was that the lead detective - Ally Fields is pregnant from a first class manipulative jerk who also happens to be her happily married boss. And if you think this gloomy, it gets even worse, but that would get me in spoiler territory and I always try to avoid that. Let's just say that things get very bleak and it was hard for me to feel any sympathy towards a female lead who makes such poor life choices. I really wanted to shake her to get real and starting making the right decisions.
Luckily, to counter all this darkness, there is the endearing character of her sidekick Clarke, who is a rookie and of course a bit naive, but also a ray of sunshine in this quite tragic tale of lives wasted.
What I really appreciated was that the writing didn't go into details in the police procedures. We got just enough information and mainly from witness interviews to get to the point. I find this such a fresh breath after countless of procedurals whose main goal seem to show off the correct protocols in all instances.
All in all, I'm on the fence. Yes, it was good, and I would certainly read the sequel but with the hopes that Ally would get her life together and would resurrect as a stronger woman.
But what really bothered me was that the lead detective - Ally Fields is pregnant from a first class manipulative jerk who also happens to be her happily married boss. And if you think this gloomy, it gets even worse, but that would get me in spoiler territory and I always try to avoid that. Let's just say that things get very bleak and it was hard for me to feel any sympathy towards a female lead who makes such poor life choices. I really wanted to shake her to get real and starting making the right decisions.
Luckily, to counter all this darkness, there is the endearing character of her sidekick Clarke, who is a rookie and of course a bit naive, but also a ray of sunshine in this quite tragic tale of lives wasted.
What I really appreciated was that the writing didn't go into details in the police procedures. We got just enough information and mainly from witness interviews to get to the point. I find this such a fresh breath after countless of procedurals whose main goal seem to show off the correct protocols in all instances.
All in all, I'm on the fence. Yes, it was good, and I would certainly read the sequel but with the hopes that Ally would get her life together and would resurrect as a stronger woman.
May 27, 2025
Synopsis:
Ally Fields is a Dublin-based detective that is trying to escape the demons from both her past and present - when one day she is called to investigate a house fire in Kerry. There she is tasked with unravelling a case of a child that supposedly perished in it, near to where Ally grew up. Heavily pregnant, she isn't sure if she is ready for the task, but if it means escaping the father of her child - incidentally her married supervisor - she's up for it.
To me, Irish crime novels are just as good as Norwegian ones. This book didn't disappoint in the following aspects: family trauma that is swept under the rug, abuse against women that is swept under the rug, the casual sexism of Irish society in general, the undertone of self-loathing that comes with the Irish Catholic upbringing and the general dark, lonely theme of the Irish countryside.
Without giving too much away, I also appreciated the dynamic between "dysfunctional" Ally Fields and her accepting and loyal subordinate Casey Clarke. If "The Returned" were to be turned into a made-for-TV movie or mini-series, the duo would be sure to impress viewers.
The reason why the book didn't score higher with me is simply because there weren't many thrilling scenes, not much of a plot twist or a peak. I was interested enough in the narrative to keep reading and found the two protagonists quite likable overall. I recommend reading the book if you're looking for a slightly above average Irish book and would be curious to read more of the author's works.
Ally Fields is a Dublin-based detective that is trying to escape the demons from both her past and present - when one day she is called to investigate a house fire in Kerry. There she is tasked with unravelling a case of a child that supposedly perished in it, near to where Ally grew up. Heavily pregnant, she isn't sure if she is ready for the task, but if it means escaping the father of her child - incidentally her married supervisor - she's up for it.
To me, Irish crime novels are just as good as Norwegian ones. This book didn't disappoint in the following aspects: family trauma that is swept under the rug, abuse against women that is swept under the rug, the casual sexism of Irish society in general, the undertone of self-loathing that comes with the Irish Catholic upbringing and the general dark, lonely theme of the Irish countryside.
Without giving too much away, I also appreciated the dynamic between "dysfunctional" Ally Fields and her accepting and loyal subordinate Casey Clarke. If "The Returned" were to be turned into a made-for-TV movie or mini-series, the duo would be sure to impress viewers.
The reason why the book didn't score higher with me is simply because there weren't many thrilling scenes, not much of a plot twist or a peak. I was interested enough in the narrative to keep reading and found the two protagonists quite likable overall. I recommend reading the book if you're looking for a slightly above average Irish book and would be curious to read more of the author's works.
July 4, 2023
Ally is heavily pregnant with her bosses baby when he sends her to investigate a fire in her hometown. She does not want to go back there, to face her past, to face the heartbreak of her childhood.
Ally feels that she is not worthy of receiving love, and accepts the abuse that is dished out to her.
There was a fire a few years before that claimed the life of a baby. A member of the Garda is the link between the fires, being first on the scene. But the mother of the baby insists that he did not die, that he had been taken before the fire started.
Ally is determined to solve both the cases before her baby makes an appearance.
A very dark police procedural, bringing up much hurt from the past for the detectives investigating the case.
There are twists and turns, and heartbreaking memories.
I really enjoyed this, and liked the fact that Ally finally realised that she is worthy of love and affection. I wish more women would realise they do not need a man in their lives to be happy, and they don't have to take the abuse.
The author has managed to write a story that many will be able to identify with. And shown that women are stronger than they think they are.
The two main characters would be well suited to each other, in my opinion, and I wouldn't mind seeing a relationship develop, even if they don't work cases together.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ally feels that she is not worthy of receiving love, and accepts the abuse that is dished out to her.
There was a fire a few years before that claimed the life of a baby. A member of the Garda is the link between the fires, being first on the scene. But the mother of the baby insists that he did not die, that he had been taken before the fire started.
Ally is determined to solve both the cases before her baby makes an appearance.
A very dark police procedural, bringing up much hurt from the past for the detectives investigating the case.
There are twists and turns, and heartbreaking memories.
I really enjoyed this, and liked the fact that Ally finally realised that she is worthy of love and affection. I wish more women would realise they do not need a man in their lives to be happy, and they don't have to take the abuse.
The author has managed to write a story that many will be able to identify with. And shown that women are stronger than they think they are.
The two main characters would be well suited to each other, in my opinion, and I wouldn't mind seeing a relationship develop, even if they don't work cases together.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2023
It took me a little while to understand this and completely immerse myself in the narrative. Once I did, I realised how much I enjoyed accompanying DS Ally Fields on the inquiry. The main character in this story had a tonne to cope with, including carrying a tragic past, being nine months pregnant, and dating a terrible excuse for a man while attempting to solve an arson investigation that morphed into a missing kid case. As a mother, I empathised with the women but simultaneously yelled at them for their decisions because the passion and misery were so awful to read. Given how carefully this author crafted her plot and its layers, I'm surprised that this is only her second book. When I say that reading this book made my heart race, I mean RACED! I was ecstatic to be permitted to write an arc for The Returned, Amanda Cassidy's second book. Her debut book, Breaking, was a huge favourite of mine. The Returned is a page-turner with a powerful emotional impact.
With realistic and understandable characters, this work is cleverly and thoroughly written. I adored DS Fields and her inexperienced Clarke. The way the people and plot from the past and present were mixed flowed beautifully, and it truly put me through the wringer.
5/5
#TheReturned @canelo-_co #crime #mysteryandthriller #watchthisauthor
With realistic and understandable characters, this work is cleverly and thoroughly written. I adored DS Fields and her inexperienced Clarke. The way the people and plot from the past and present were mixed flowed beautifully, and it truly put me through the wringer.
5/5
#TheReturned @canelo-_co #crime #mysteryandthriller #watchthisauthor
September 20, 2023
The Returned is a harrowing and complex story, looking at the devastating impact of family secrets, betrayal, gender power and control issues. These topics are developed over three separate storylines - two devastating fires which after some investigation seem to be linked, and the family history of the main protagonist, Detective Sergeant Ally Fields.
Ally is such a strong character in this story but she needs to be. Not only is she in charge of a possible arson case, but she is also heavily pregnant and dealing with an extremely complicated and controlling relationship. Haunted by her mother’s issues with depression and the death of her brother when she was younger, she doesn’t feel like she is deserving of a normal loving relationship and is willing to take careless risks in order to make up for her mistakes.
This is an incredibly powerful story which was at times hard to read because of the elements surrounding children and in particular child loss, but it is really worth sticking with because the plotting was brilliant towards the end as all of the pieces started to come together before the big reveal.
Ally is such a strong character in this story but she needs to be. Not only is she in charge of a possible arson case, but she is also heavily pregnant and dealing with an extremely complicated and controlling relationship. Haunted by her mother’s issues with depression and the death of her brother when she was younger, she doesn’t feel like she is deserving of a normal loving relationship and is willing to take careless risks in order to make up for her mistakes.
This is an incredibly powerful story which was at times hard to read because of the elements surrounding children and in particular child loss, but it is really worth sticking with because the plotting was brilliant towards the end as all of the pieces started to come together before the big reveal.
October 8, 2023
The Returned by Amanda Cassidy is a stunningly worked and surprisingly complex Irish thriller inspired by an incident in the author’s own past. Ally Fields is the detective assigned to investigate a serious case of arson in her childhood hometown, a place where a thin veil of death hangs over its people and over Ally herself. The case is evermore complicated by the fact that a senior ranking local Garda is the main suspect and that he also was unusually involved in another, similar arson case six years prior.
In investigating the current day fire, Ally learns that a baby, assumed to have perished in the inferno that rocked the town years earlier, may still be alive and living under everyone’s noses. Thus the two cases become irrevocably intertwined with Ally and her sidekick Clarke at the centre.
The three story arcs here are each fully explored and comfortably knitted together, with Ally’s own history and her unexpected pregnancy adding a layer of complexity and humanity to her character that can often be absent from other similarly written detective novels. I don’t think the ending left much room for an Ally Fields series but I would absolutely welcome a follow-up novel.
In investigating the current day fire, Ally learns that a baby, assumed to have perished in the inferno that rocked the town years earlier, may still be alive and living under everyone’s noses. Thus the two cases become irrevocably intertwined with Ally and her sidekick Clarke at the centre.
The three story arcs here are each fully explored and comfortably knitted together, with Ally’s own history and her unexpected pregnancy adding a layer of complexity and humanity to her character that can often be absent from other similarly written detective novels. I don’t think the ending left much room for an Ally Fields series but I would absolutely welcome a follow-up novel.
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