The Fall

by D.E. White

Detective Dove Milson and her fiancé Quinn are on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. Trying to get comfortable in the passenger seat, Dove hears her fiancé swear.

Someone is falling from the motorway bridge.

No, not one person. Three people.

They plunge to the tarmac below.

Dove rushes to the horrifying scene on the rain-swept motorway. Why would three people with no apparent connection jump off a bridge?

Dove must find out — before anyone else is pushed over the edge.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2024

About the author

Pseudonym for author Daisy White

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Dove is returning from vacation with her fiancé when they see three people fall from a bridge. She is assigned to the case, which people want to dismiss as suicide, but Dove doesn't see it that way. Still grieving the loss of her sister in a road accident, she finds that the victims in this case are also tied to an auto accident for which no one was ever found responsible. All three victims went to the same yoga retreat--could the staff there be involved? I enjoyed reading this twisty British police procedural. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The length of time taken to read this book is absolutely no reflection of my enjoyment!

Another very solid book in the series, the storyline felt different to previous books but I did still really enjoy it!

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dove Milson Book 5.
I love this author and in particular this series. The writing style means it is quick and easy to read. This is a great story with some wonderful red herrings in there. Told by Dove and mysterious narrator.

The general police team is relatively small and the main cast is not too big, But if I had a criticism, i would have appreciated a cast list of Doves family. Maybe I am getting old, or its a long time since the last book, but i struggled to remember who was who,

Overall another great story. Looking forward to book 6!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy, in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!

The Fall by D.E. White is the fifth in the DC Dove Milson crime series.

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning - May Contain Spoilers from Previous Books)
DC Dove Milson, once a handler of police informants, is now a member of the Major Crimes Team.   Her partner is DS Steve Parker, their boss is DI Jon Blackman, all under the rule of DCI Kevin Franklin.  Her friend, Jess Meadows is a Crime Scene Manager, and one of the few who knows her background.  Dove's fiancé is a paramedic named Quinn.   She has two sisters, Ren (whose husband is now in jail) and Gaia (who owns a strip club). They all grew up on a commune.  Dove has a photographic memory.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
On the way back from a badly needed vacation Dove and Quinn witness three people fall from the overpass bridge onto the highway below. Chaos ensues.

At first glance it looks like the two women and the man had jumped, perhaps a suicide pact?  But as the team delves a little deeper, it starts to look like murder.  They had all attended a nearby retreat, but that appears to be their only connection.

Meanwhile, Dove is trying to deal with the death of Gaia.  Her wedding has been postponed, and her mind is not quite in the game.


My Opinions:
This was really good.  Topics include grief, revenge, retribution, and of course murder.

The story is told from both Dove's perspective in solving the case, and another unknown person, who we assume is the perpetrator.

There were a number of characters, and the plot was quite complex.  There were a number of twists.  I did, however, feel that we were left hanging a little about Gaia (or I missed something).

It was a fast-paced book, and a fast read (especially compared to the last book in this series).

So, overall, I will definitely continue to read this series!



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening pulled me in and I was immediately hooked. I found it so sad and compelling because DI Dove is still traumatised by her sister's death but is then suddenly immersed into this new investigation as she witnessed it travelling back from Cornwall. It's really exciting and puzzling trying to workout the identity of the narrator in itallics. This is one of the most interesting and intelligent books that I have read recently and is full of surprises. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fall by D.E. White is a crime thriller set on the south coast of England.

Detective Dove Milson is on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. She’s tuning the radio when her fiancé swears next to her. She follows his gaze up to the bridge spanning the motorway.

Something is falling from the bridge. Three people plunge onto the tarmac below. Two women and a man.

While the premise of this book sounded so good, I had a difficult time getting into this story or relating to any character.

I may not have the audience for this particular book. I would rate this a 3.5 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

#THEFALL #NetGalley @JoffeBooks

[Sporter9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Detective Dove Milson finds Dove and her fiancé witnessing a shocking event as they return from vacation: three individuals plummet from a bridge. Assigned to the case, Dove faces skepticism from those quick to label it as suicide, but she refuses to accept that conclusion. All three had attended the same yoga retreat, raising suspicions about the involvement of the retreat staff. This twisty British police procedural kept me thoroughly engaged, skillfully blending suspense with a complex investigation.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and author D.E. White for the opportunity to review this ARC (Advance Read Copy).

[April in book world · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but it was drawn out and felt like it took forever to get to the point. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg! I had been in a bit of a reading slumping just couldn't get into anything and then I started this and omg, I could not get through it fast enough! It's a fast paced police procedural with original, complex characters and a plot eith so many twists and turns that all you can do is hold on and go along for tbe ride! Amazing!!

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the fifth story in a series but can be read as a standalone book. There are references throughout that I imagine would be explained in earlier books in the series but this only makes me want to read more!
An intriguing, edge-of-your-seat, complex plot with cult-like vibes and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series…Definitely recommend!

[CJ Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FALL
By D.E White
Detective Dove Milson Book 5

My 5 star review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My favourite book ingredients…

Police Procedural
Crime Thriller
Series
Killer intro
Police team to know and love
A sinister and shadowy retreat

This Series so far……

1. Glass Dolls
2. The Ice Daughters
3. The Abberley Beach Murders
4. Stone Cold Killing

The Plot…..

Detective Dove Milson and her fiancé Quinn are on the drive back from a holiday in Cornwall. On the last leg of the journey they witness a horrific scene.

Someone is falling from the motorway bridge.

No, not one person. Three people.

They plunge to their death on the road below.

But why would three people with no apparent connection jump off a bridge? And then there is a connection. It transpires that a creepy retreat is somehow involved.

The detective…..

DC Dove Milson was a police source handler, who barely escaped with her life after an operation to take down an organised crime gang went wrong. Transferred to the Major Crimes Unit, Dove must prove she still has what it takes.

This electrifying crime thriller set on the south coast of England is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Emmy Ellis, Robert Bryndza, Rachel Lynch, Helen H. Durrant and Angela Marsons.

My review…..

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so, so glad to have been given the opportunity to read the ARC and discover this fantastic shiny new series! Jackpot!

It was so well written that it was easy to read as a stand-alone. BUT I now cannot wait to read the others in the series! More for the TBR avalanche!

The prologue totally blew my mind and I couldn’t wait to read on. I love a book that grips me from the first few sentences and drags me right into the story.

I enjoyed getting to know the police team - especially as they seem to like food! Win Win in my book.

The author really kept up the pressure and pace throughout. There were so many shocking twists that it was such a thrilling read!

Relentless, clever, original and an absolute pleasure to read.

The author……

D. E. White writes crime fiction. After numerous jobs, including being a flight attendant, a 999 call handler for the ambulance service and a healthcare assistant in A&E, she started writing full time in 2017.

Her first adult crime series was published by Joffe Books in 2017, her first psychological thriller by HQ Digital (HarperCollins) in 2019 and she hasn't stopped writing since.

She lives with her family on the Sussex coast but dreams of living somewhere a bit warmer, preferably with palm trees.

Her books …..

BLINDSIDED is out May 2nd 2024 (Blue Pier Books).

She is best known for her Amazon bestselling Detective Dove Milson series (Joffe), but also writes psychological thrillers (Storm and HQ Digital).

D. E. White also writes historical cozy crime as Daisy White.

DETECTIVE RUBY BAKER SERIES:

• BEFORE I LEFT
• BEFORE I FOUND YOU
• BEFORE I TRUST YOU

SUSSEX COAST MURDERS BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET

FOLLOW D. E. WHITE ON:

AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
GOODREADS

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Fall, the fifth novel to feature DC Dove Milson, set somewhere on the south coast of England.

Dove and her fiancé, Quinn, are driving home from Cornwall and see three bodies fall from a bridge over the motorway. Accident, suicide or murder? Nobody is sure, but they’re going to investigate hard.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Fall, which is an absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns. It is mostly told from Dove’s point of view with some intriguing chapters from the unnamed killer and an unnamed witness. I’m not always a fan of multiple points of view, but in this case it works extremely well as they are used sparingly and have just enough content to really pique the reader’s interest.

The premise is amazing with three bodies falling from a bridge grabs the reader’s attention from the start and doesn’t let go through strong storytelling and some really unexpected twists. I couldn’t put it down until I had the full details as I had no inkling about the whole or why until the reveals.

The novel is, from an investigative point of view, slow to start with the team having little to go on and no opinion on what happened. As a result they investigate like mad, uncovering small snippets of relevant information at a time. Gradually the big picture emerges and it’s not at all what I was expecting, due to a certain amount of misdirection from the author. If anything, it’s much more complicated and clever.

I like Dove, who is a dedicated detective with a knack for lateral thinking. She’s the one who makes most of the breakthroughs and links. She’s also mourning her sister, who died in a traffic accident six months prior. Or did she? There’s some ambiguity about that from the killer. Nevertheless, Dove is in mourning and while I could emphasise it brought back some painful memories for me and made me rather uncomfortable.

The Fall is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

"The Fall"
By D.E. White

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5)

The Synopsis:

Detective Dove Milson is on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. She’s tuning the radio when her fiancé swears next to her. She follows his gaze up to the bridge spanning the motorway. 

Something is falling from the bridge. Someone is falling.  No, not one person. Three people plunge to the tarmac below. Two women and a man.

Dove is immediately caught up in the investigation into this horrifying event. But what led three people with no apparent connection to jump together? Was it a suicide pact? An accident? Murder? 

Now Dove must find out what happened — before anyone else is pushed over the edge. 

My Review:

First of all, thank you so much to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my advanced reader's copy of this book! I was so grateful to be gifted the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was absolutely fantastic! From the very first pages, I was sucked right into the story and my interest never waned. The mystery really kept me intrigued and the book was quite fast-paced. It was a fairly quick read and I read voraciously to figure out what was going to happen next.

My biggest complaint was that there were A LOT of characters in the book and it was, at times, difficult to keep track of everyone. That might be why it took me so long to figure out who the villain was going to be -- I kept thinking to myself, "Now wait, who was that again?" It all came together in a very enjoyable way and it wasn't one that was a quick solve for me.

This is the fifth book about Detective Dove Milson, so I'll be going back to read the books leading up to this one! The Fall had a few mentions of events in previous books, but nothing that left me feeling like I couldn't just pick up this book and start here.

Overall, a great read that is well-written and entertaining!!

[Sophie Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fall is book 5 in the detective Dove Milson series, I’ve read all of the books in this series apart from book 4 which I’ve somehow managed to miss out, but I’ve got to say I’ve enjoyed every single one I’ve read.

Without reading book 4, I found it easy to catch up on bits of the in going story I’ve missed and I would say this book could be read as a stand alone thriller, however I’d recommend the whole series.

Dove and her fiancé Quinn are in their way home after a holiday in Cornwall when suddenly 3 bodies are falling from the bridge above. Unable to believe what she is seeing Dove jumps straight into police mode (whilst Quinn a paramedic tends to the 2 people who are still alive but in critical condition). Dove believes it is unlikely 3 people would jump off the bridge to end their own lives at the same time.

As witness statements are collected it becomes clear that there were more than just the 3 victims on the bridge, with suspicious circumstances reported a murder investigation is opened and it’s a race against time to catch those responsible before more lives can be lost.

I really enjoyed reading the fall, at times I found it a little slow but overall a very good book. I loved the ending I think it was a lovely way to round the book off with some happiness for Dove after the devastation and heartbreak she has recently suffered.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Dove Milson #5

Detective Dove Milson is on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. She's tuning the radio when her fiancé swears next to her. She follows his gaze up to the bridge spanning the motorway. Something is falling from the bridge. Someone is falling. No, not one person. Three people plunge to the tarmac below. Two women and a man. Dove is immediately caught up in the investigation into the horrifying event. But what had led three people with no apparent connection to jump together?

Dove and her fiancé, Quinn, witness three people jump from a bridge spanning the motorway. Two women and a man. Dove is assigned to the case. Some think this was a suicide pact, but Dove has other ideas. Dove is also still grieving the death of her sister. The three victims all went to the same yoga retreat - is that the connection?

What a twisted and fast-paced read. The suspense builds with each turn of the page. I tried and failed to guess who the narrator in the italics was. It's quite a complex and enjoyable read.

I would like to thank #Netgalley #JoffeBooks and the author #DEWhite for my ARC of #TheFall in exchange for an honest review.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three seemingly innocent victims jump or are pushed from a bridge onto a motorway. DC Dove Milson and her partner, a paramedic, were on their way back from a much needed holiday in Cornwall when they saw it happening. There is a link between at least two of the victims and the bridges. One is still alive, hanging on, just, but not well enough to be able to tell them anything. There’s a tenuous link to a deceased member of Dove’s family which doesn't do anything to aid her own recovery. What is the connection and was this deliberate, an accident or murder?

A brilliant premise that had me hooked from the beginning. This is one of a series but happily stands alone. Dove is a very likeable character who has her own issues and life which provide a little backstory but nothing to detract from the main plot. A clever balance, which to me, is one of the skills of a seasoned author. It’s aptly done and rather different from the usual crime plots as there are scant details and no-one who jumps out as the perpetrator. An ingenious, thrilling read that kept me captivated right to the end. I very much look forward to the next in the series.

[Ash Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fall is a police procedural focused on finding out whether three people falling off a bridge is suicide, murder or an accident. The pacing is great, the plot moves swiftly and there are many twists and turns to keep you on your toes!

Dove is the protagonist, a detective who has been through many significant events, most recently the death of her sister. I received a copy of this book as an ARC in return for my unbiased review. As such, I didn’t realise it was the fifth book in a series until I began reading. Usually I wouldn’t start a series in the middle, and although I did enjoy this book, I felt like I was missing the history and context to a lot of the character development because I hadn’t read the first four books. Having said that, it was easy enough to follow along with the case in this book and I enjoyed the read.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Dove Milson book five.
With a fiendish twist in Abberley Lymington-on -sea on the M27 motorway driving back from Cornwall with her fiance Quinn, jumpers? and more jumpers under the saddle bridge were falling onto the deadly tarmac.
A load of jumpers then a body sprawled in the road, the aftermath in the dense fog is fear and disbelief a busy road during rush hour, has come to a standstill.
When Dove and Quinn run out to see there are three bodies one dead female and a male and female that are both still alive. So very weird.
Wow this book definitely have a few twists and turns along the story the characters once again all blend in and Dove a very clever detective is always on the ball in her job i love this whole series one of this authors best work.
Above all the out come of the story is excellent plotted so well as you keep reading.
It's a cracker

[Donna Morfett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this certainly opens with a bang. Dove is driving home from a week's holiday with her fiance Quinn, when in this distance she sees 3 people fall from a bridge. As the story progresses you learn whether they really fell, or whether they were pushed. There is a strange Retreat which seems involved somehow, when mysterious cards are found on the dead.
Dove is trying to come to terms with the death of her sister and this is her first case back at work. I liked the team and dynamics and her relationship with her partner. A lot of readers joke about cops never doing normal things but this lot always seem to be eating. A food van in the car park, sounds awesome and dangerous lol.
There was a lot going on as the book progressed and I found it a little difficult to follow who some people were and their involvement.
It was a brilliant read however and one I couldn't put down.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a start! Dove and Quinn are on their way home when they see three people falling from a bridge so I was immediately hooked. Dove is still grieving and the grief is palpable throughout.

There was plenty of twists in this story and I found it easy to read and hard to put down. We are also told some of the story from the POV of someone with a sadistic streak and this added to my enjoyment of the story. The reveal of who it was though was a total surprise. The ending seems to have a sense of finality to it so will wait to see if there will be any more in this series. Either way, it's a good series that I highly recommend.

My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

wait. what...just happened. #thefall by D.E. White starts out promising as Dove and her boyfriend Quinn are returning from a Cornish holiday and literally run into a multiple suicide scene. or is it? the storyline was super confusing to me, and i felt there was too much focus on what had happened in previous books (dove's family appears cursed - kidnappings and murders abound, how much can one family suffer?? seemed to stretch the truth a bit)...like, a TON of focus. the read felt like a slog, and i doubt i'll be checking into the back catalog. ms. white's books get high marks, so it's probably just me.

p.s. thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

[Bree Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this book was a part of a series so I read it without reading any of the previous entries. It turned out to be fine; Although there were things that were definitely callbacks to earlier books, there was nothing vital to the story that I was missing.

This book was well written and kept me intrigued. I like to try to figure out the twists and turns of a psychological thriller as I’m reading, and I did figure out one of the twists in this book, but not another one. The main character was likable, didn’t make stupid decisions (a personal pet peeve of mine) and the story moved along at a great pace. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE FALL by D.E. WHITE Fifth book in the series. A rollercoaster of a ride with many twisty and hairpin curves. Mostly a police procedural with numerous clues and multiple suspects that come slowly to light. Would have been interested in knowing more of the backstories of some of the suspects. A very good addition to the series.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fall by D E White.
Detective Dove Milson Book 5.
Detective Dove Milson and her fiancé Quinn are on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. Trying to get comfortable in the passenger seat, Dove hears her fiancé swear. Someone is falling from the motorway bridge. No, not one person. Three people. They plunge to the tarmac below. Dove rushes to the horrifying scene on the rain-swept motorway. Why would three people with no apparent connection jump off a bridge? Dove must find out — before anyone else is pushed over the edge.
A really good read. Twisty and gripping. I love Dove and how she thinks and she very clever at how she solves things. I am enjoying this series. I do like this author. Lots of surprises and edge of your seat moments. I certainly didn't see that coming. The ending did have a final sort of feel to it. Although I do hope there is more to come. I really don't want this series to end. 5*.

[Michaela Deitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first page is a wild ride that just keeps on going. I am not familiar with the series but will be looking into the other books. With a mind-bending plot that has one going is it suicide or murder I was always guessing and wanting to read more. A wonderful police thriller and one I would recommend to anyone looking for a good suspense novel. I found the characters were very likable and I will enjoy reading more with them in the series.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Detective Dove Milson series, set in the south of England. it started out as a promising read but I struggled to empathise with any of the characters, apart from Quinn. Having said that, the book is certainly full of twists and suspense. The pacing was steady throughout but I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Lindsay Mcgovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever murder mystery that will keep you guessing

Loved this latest instalment of the Dove Milson series...the twists and turns keep you guessing to end. The author explores the subject of grief in this story, which creates an emotional background to a very clever murder mystery. I hope there are further adve tures with Dove and Quinn in future.

[Zeyneb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the title and description of the book caught my attention, I gave it a chance and I loved it! Now I am going to recommend it to my best friend, it is definitely recommended! Thanks Netgalley for this great reading opportunity.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thoughts: I wish I had read the other Detective Dove Milson books first. The author gave enough information and back story to get you through but at times I struggled.

Overall it was a good read, but a bit of a slow start - lots of detail regarding how a murder investigation is processed, while needed, I feel like most of the book took place at the police station. Once the book got going however it was hard to put down.

The author kept several theories going until the end, which was nice because you didn't know who the antagonist was until the last few chapters.

[Jeannie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book free of charge via Joffe Books in return for an honest review.

I really like this series about Dove Milson. Plots are well thought out and keep you guessing until the end. Great read for any fan of police procedurals.