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DI Tessa Burns #3
Her Lonely Soul
‘I’ve come to report a murder,’ the little girl declares, lips trembling, her head only just high enough to see over the police counter. ‘Please, you have to help me.’
When tearful young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Called in to investigate, Detective Tessa Burns has never seen anything like this. Meeting Ellie and her desperate parents, it’s clear Ellie’s home is filled with love. She swears she has never met the Tessa’s case seems to stall before it’s even begun. But when Tessa gets a frantic call from the young girl only days later to say she’s had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Was Tessa’s usually flawless instinct about Ellie’s home life wrong? Has Ellie overheard something she shouldn’t? With only hours to go until Ellie’s terrible prediction comes true, Tessa is shocked to get a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past. Leave the case alone, or she – and Ellie – are next.
Tessa refuses to stop her investigation – it’s the only way to save Ellie. But then a deadly attack leaves Tessa’s team fighting for their lives, and Ellie taken… Tessa would risk everything to unmask the most twisted killer she’s ever encountered. But first she must rescue Ellie, before it’s too late for them all…
A totally unputdownable Irish police procedural with jaw-dropping twists. Perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, Lisa Regan and Angela Marsons.
What readers are saying about S.A.
‘LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!… Addictive. I was completely absorbed from page one until the fantastic explosive ending. It is ram packed with suspense… Everything you want in an unputdownable page turner.’ bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘All I can say is WELL HOLY what a rollercoaster of a read. I haven’t left it down since I started it 2 days ago. Great pace with no let up and such an original storyline with so much going on… As for the twists and turns – just buckle up.’ @corinnecowman, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘READ THIS!!… Once you start, you will not want to put this book down.’ My Novel Addiction, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh man, what a rollercoaster of a ride… jaw-dropping and edge-of-the-seat… Instantly hooked… I literally couldn’t put it down… Fantastic!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I can't recommend this book enough!!!! Packed with tension and suspense… Had me sat on the edge of my seat!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Outstanding
When tearful young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Called in to investigate, Detective Tessa Burns has never seen anything like this. Meeting Ellie and her desperate parents, it’s clear Ellie’s home is filled with love. She swears she has never met the Tessa’s case seems to stall before it’s even begun. But when Tessa gets a frantic call from the young girl only days later to say she’s had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Was Tessa’s usually flawless instinct about Ellie’s home life wrong? Has Ellie overheard something she shouldn’t? With only hours to go until Ellie’s terrible prediction comes true, Tessa is shocked to get a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past. Leave the case alone, or she – and Ellie – are next.
Tessa refuses to stop her investigation – it’s the only way to save Ellie. But then a deadly attack leaves Tessa’s team fighting for their lives, and Ellie taken… Tessa would risk everything to unmask the most twisted killer she’s ever encountered. But first she must rescue Ellie, before it’s too late for them all…
A totally unputdownable Irish police procedural with jaw-dropping twists. Perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, Lisa Regan and Angela Marsons.
What readers are saying about S.A.
‘LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!… Addictive. I was completely absorbed from page one until the fantastic explosive ending. It is ram packed with suspense… Everything you want in an unputdownable page turner.’ bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘All I can say is WELL HOLY what a rollercoaster of a read. I haven’t left it down since I started it 2 days ago. Great pace with no let up and such an original storyline with so much going on… As for the twists and turns – just buckle up.’ @corinnecowman, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘READ THIS!!… Once you start, you will not want to put this book down.’ My Novel Addiction, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh man, what a rollercoaster of a ride… jaw-dropping and edge-of-the-seat… Instantly hooked… I literally couldn’t put it down… Fantastic!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I can't recommend this book enough!!!! Packed with tension and suspense… Had me sat on the edge of my seat!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Outstanding
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2024
160 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 12, 2024
In a Nutshell: The third book in the Tessa Burns series. Works as a standalone but preferably, read in series order. Decent premise, over the top developments, too smooth an ending. Not my favourite of the series, though it has its great moments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I had enjoyed the first Tessa Burns book, but the second book had been a slightly mixed bag, with Tessa becoming annoyingly cocky and rash. The only reason I continued with the series was that the epilogue of the second book revealed a promising titbit – that a child claims she's psychic and foresaw a murder. The premise is handled well in this third novel, but certain factors stop it from being a memorable read.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The pre-prologue chapter is stunning! This author sure knows how to get my attention at the start.
😍 There’s only a brief intro of the key trio of Tessa, Danny, and Maggie. This is perfect for a continued series, though newcomers to this series will miss out on knowing the characters intimately.
😍 Pavlov is as amazing as he was in the first two books. Not a surprise. Dogs are awesome!
😍 The pacing is quick-paced at the start, then goes a bit more relaxed, but never slow and never dragged. The tempo is perfect for the plot.
😍 The Irish setting is put to good use in the content, whether through location or people or crime.
😍 Author Shane Dunphy (who writes narrative nonfiction under his full name and crime novels using his initials) has worked as a child protection worker for 15+ years. This background ensures that he writes his best when it comes to the realities and legalities of Ireland’s foster care system and of the children within. His knowledge of the system is impeccable.
😍 The author’s note is exceptional – don’t skip it.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 There is too much foreshadowing at the end of the initial chapters. Thankfully, this reduces a bit later, but I am still not a big fan of this plot device.
😐 It was nice to see all the key characters return in this series. Danny and Maggie are still excellent, as are Commissioner Wilson and Pavlov. However, Tessa hogs much of the limelight this time around. I would have loved to see more of Danny and Maggie, especially in the second half.
😐 Tessa is better than she was in the second book, but she still seems to make impractical judgement calls, which is not expected from such an experienced officer. Her character development doesn’t seem to be in continuity with the earlier books.
😐 Of all the children in the series so far, Ellie’s track is the most atypical, and not just because of the supposedly psychic abilities. The trope used to explain her “predictions” isn’t my favourite, though it is seen so often in fiction. I’d rather read about an ordinary child caught in extraordinary circumstances. The novelty and relatability of the earlier two books is missing.
😐 The Faceless men are back with greater vehemence this time around, but there is still so much more to learn about them. (The author’s note reveals a little, but I wanted the story to be more about these strange and dangerous assassins.)
😐 There are multiple action scenes, which might thrill most action-thriller lovers. However, the violence is greater this time, as is the child abuse.
😐 The book was a solid 3.75 star until about the 70% mark. Once the reveals and the infodumps started, the logic started becoming questionable, and the result was patchy.
Bookish Nays:
😒 The blurb doesn’t match the actual plot in multiple ways! As I pick my reading choices mainly by the blurb, this is very disappointing as the blurb version sounded far more exciting.
😒 I had complained about Tessa getting a romantic track in book two. In this book, I’ll complain about the handling of the romantic track. It nullifies everything established in the second book.
😒 Yet again, there are too many conveniences and coincidences, and worst of all, infodumps by criminals. The plot also contains quite a few logical loopholes, including some made by Tessa herself. (I still can’t understand how she missed such a big clue in Chapter 39.)
😒 The title makes the book sound like a soppy romance. (Thankfully, it is not!)
😒 Sharmin and Nasrin are both female names among Muslims, not male ones. Though these were tertiary characters in the story, it is still annoying to see minority details portrayed inaccurately.
All in all, as long as you are ready to suspend your disbelief, you might enjoy this book as it offers plenty of high-octane action and an interesting investigation. A consistent feature across the three books has been that the plotline is great but the finish is too smooth.
This is the third book of the series, and while it does work as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend beginning with this book, as the personalities of Tessa’s team members and the work they do are established in the first book.
I wonder if the series is coming to an end here. There is no preview of the next story through any epilogue, and the final chapter seems to pulling the curtain down. But if there is a fourth book, I might still continue with the series, just in case there are more faceless men to come. I guess I’ll take a call once I see the blurb (and will hope that it is more accurate the next time around.)
Recommended to police procedural fans, as long as you are willing to keep those thinking caps aside and just go with the flow. It’s not a bad book, but I certainly expected more.
3 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture for providing the DRC of “Her Lonely Soul” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Other books in the Tessa Burns series:
Book 1: Little Witness
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 2: Only the Children
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Cork, Ireland. A young girl named Ellie has just walked into the local police station with her parents, claiming that she has psychic abilities and has foreseen a murder. As expected, she is politely turned away. But when her prediction comes true two days later, the gardai call the family back for questioning. Tessa and her team are despatched by Commissioner Wilson to help with Ellie’s investigation. But before they have a proper handle on things, an aggressive local officer and some bad guys come into the picture and Tessa’s team is left scrambling.
The story comes to us in the third person perspective of the core trio (Tessa, Danny and Maggie) and of some secondary characters, including Ellie.
I had enjoyed the first Tessa Burns book, but the second book had been a slightly mixed bag, with Tessa becoming annoyingly cocky and rash. The only reason I continued with the series was that the epilogue of the second book revealed a promising titbit – that a child claims she's psychic and foresaw a murder. The premise is handled well in this third novel, but certain factors stop it from being a memorable read.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The pre-prologue chapter is stunning! This author sure knows how to get my attention at the start.
😍 There’s only a brief intro of the key trio of Tessa, Danny, and Maggie. This is perfect for a continued series, though newcomers to this series will miss out on knowing the characters intimately.
😍 Pavlov is as amazing as he was in the first two books. Not a surprise. Dogs are awesome!
😍 The pacing is quick-paced at the start, then goes a bit more relaxed, but never slow and never dragged. The tempo is perfect for the plot.
😍 The Irish setting is put to good use in the content, whether through location or people or crime.
😍 Author Shane Dunphy (who writes narrative nonfiction under his full name and crime novels using his initials) has worked as a child protection worker for 15+ years. This background ensures that he writes his best when it comes to the realities and legalities of Ireland’s foster care system and of the children within. His knowledge of the system is impeccable.
😍 The author’s note is exceptional – don’t skip it.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 There is too much foreshadowing at the end of the initial chapters. Thankfully, this reduces a bit later, but I am still not a big fan of this plot device.
😐 It was nice to see all the key characters return in this series. Danny and Maggie are still excellent, as are Commissioner Wilson and Pavlov. However, Tessa hogs much of the limelight this time around. I would have loved to see more of Danny and Maggie, especially in the second half.
😐 Tessa is better than she was in the second book, but she still seems to make impractical judgement calls, which is not expected from such an experienced officer. Her character development doesn’t seem to be in continuity with the earlier books.
😐 Of all the children in the series so far, Ellie’s track is the most atypical, and not just because of the supposedly psychic abilities. The trope used to explain her “predictions” isn’t my favourite, though it is seen so often in fiction. I’d rather read about an ordinary child caught in extraordinary circumstances. The novelty and relatability of the earlier two books is missing.
😐 The Faceless men are back with greater vehemence this time around, but there is still so much more to learn about them. (The author’s note reveals a little, but I wanted the story to be more about these strange and dangerous assassins.)
😐 There are multiple action scenes, which might thrill most action-thriller lovers. However, the violence is greater this time, as is the child abuse.
😐 The book was a solid 3.75 star until about the 70% mark. Once the reveals and the infodumps started, the logic started becoming questionable, and the result was patchy.
Bookish Nays:
😒 The blurb doesn’t match the actual plot in multiple ways! As I pick my reading choices mainly by the blurb, this is very disappointing as the blurb version sounded far more exciting.
😒 I had complained about Tessa getting a romantic track in book two. In this book, I’ll complain about the handling of the romantic track. It nullifies everything established in the second book.
😒 Yet again, there are too many conveniences and coincidences, and worst of all, infodumps by criminals. The plot also contains quite a few logical loopholes, including some made by Tessa herself. (I still can’t understand how she missed such a big clue in Chapter 39.)
😒 The title makes the book sound like a soppy romance. (Thankfully, it is not!)
😒 Sharmin and Nasrin are both female names among Muslims, not male ones. Though these were tertiary characters in the story, it is still annoying to see minority details portrayed inaccurately.
All in all, as long as you are ready to suspend your disbelief, you might enjoy this book as it offers plenty of high-octane action and an interesting investigation. A consistent feature across the three books has been that the plotline is great but the finish is too smooth.
This is the third book of the series, and while it does work as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend beginning with this book, as the personalities of Tessa’s team members and the work they do are established in the first book.
I wonder if the series is coming to an end here. There is no preview of the next story through any epilogue, and the final chapter seems to pulling the curtain down. But if there is a fourth book, I might still continue with the series, just in case there are more faceless men to come. I guess I’ll take a call once I see the blurb (and will hope that it is more accurate the next time around.)
Recommended to police procedural fans, as long as you are willing to keep those thinking caps aside and just go with the flow. It’s not a bad book, but I certainly expected more.
3 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture for providing the DRC of “Her Lonely Soul” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Other books in the Tessa Burns series:
Book 1: Little Witness
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 2: Only the Children
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
August 20, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
could the girl really be psychic.....
the young girl had come into the police station with her parents to report a murder...one that hadnt happened yet, the officer at the front desk took her details and wrote up a report from the girls visit and then thought nothing of it till a few days later
by then a murder had occurred....
when tessa and her unit arrived at the police station in hopes that they could take over this girls case and investigate they were met with a lot of resistance and in one of units case an attempted murder on one of them....
it became obviously very quickly that the girl was being kept away from the all...and with the lack of help coming from the police station tessa and her team have a lot of work to do hindered by the lack of help coming their way...
who could they trust...only themselves not realising that their every step was being watched and that they were all being followed....
a tense thriler that capitvated me right from the first page....couldnt put this book down at all..
could the girl really be psychic.....
the young girl had come into the police station with her parents to report a murder...one that hadnt happened yet, the officer at the front desk took her details and wrote up a report from the girls visit and then thought nothing of it till a few days later
by then a murder had occurred....
when tessa and her unit arrived at the police station in hopes that they could take over this girls case and investigate they were met with a lot of resistance and in one of units case an attempted murder on one of them....
it became obviously very quickly that the girl was being kept away from the all...and with the lack of help coming from the police station tessa and her team have a lot of work to do hindered by the lack of help coming their way...
who could they trust...only themselves not realising that their every step was being watched and that they were all being followed....
a tense thriler that capitvated me right from the first page....couldnt put this book down at all..
August 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this third installment of the Tessa Burns series. Dare I say, it’s my favorite installment to date (I’m hoping there’s more!). This is such an exciting, thought provoking, and complex story and I was here for every word of it. The plot slowly builds with such intensity (but in a good way) and then it reaches the peak and there is so much action.
Ellie was such a believable character. I was absolutely horrified at the way that the Sargent handled the situation with her. She’s just a little girl and a good one at that! I really enjoyed Tessa, Danny, and Maggie once again. I enjoy these three together. I have such a soft spot in my heart for kids, that they work that they do in these series is what makes me want to read them (and of course, the author’s talent at storytelling!). There were quite a few twists that I didn’t see coming – which is the way that I like reading these types of books!
There could be some triggering themes in here: kidnapping, organized crime, gang violence, and foster system failures.
If those do not trigger you, then start this series (if you haven’t already), and read this book!
Ellie was such a believable character. I was absolutely horrified at the way that the Sargent handled the situation with her. She’s just a little girl and a good one at that! I really enjoyed Tessa, Danny, and Maggie once again. I enjoy these three together. I have such a soft spot in my heart for kids, that they work that they do in these series is what makes me want to read them (and of course, the author’s talent at storytelling!). There were quite a few twists that I didn’t see coming – which is the way that I like reading these types of books!
There could be some triggering themes in here: kidnapping, organized crime, gang violence, and foster system failures.
If those do not trigger you, then start this series (if you haven’t already), and read this book!
July 5, 2024
Finished reading: July 5th 2024
"Something wasn't right. And she was going to find out what it was."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
July 18, 2024
Man, oh man this was good! It was book 3 and just as good as the others. I could not put it down and I loved how the author wrote it. It was fast paced with twist and turns and all the excitement I love with a mystery thriller. If you haven’t read anything by this author you need to! The main characters (the team) are brilliantly done and the dog. I hugged this when I finished and can’t wait to read the next one. This can be read as a stand-alone if you want but I think you should start at the beginning.
Thank you Bookouture via NetGalley.
Thank you Bookouture via NetGalley.
January 9, 2026
There was a LOT going on in this book, and I did struggle to keep up at times. I had to take a few more breaks than I did with the other books just to make sure I’d taken in what was going on. Everything really aided in the making of this book though! I really enjoyed the premise of it, and really wanted to make sure I was fully engaged and understanding it all.
I was a little disappointed at the relationship aspect. The second book featured a nice relationship forming for DI Burns, however it was barely mentioned in this book, only for Tessa to end it at the end of the book.
In my opinion, there should have either never been a relationship at all, or it should have continued in the background more in this book. It felt like it was added in there to hit really add nothing, which was a little disappointing.
Thankfully, because it wasn’t a heavy feature it didn’t affect the writing or storyline. Just one of those things that niggled at me, and turned what would have been a 5* book, into a 4* book for me.
I was a little disappointed at the relationship aspect. The second book featured a nice relationship forming for DI Burns, however it was barely mentioned in this book, only for Tessa to end it at the end of the book.
In my opinion, there should have either never been a relationship at all, or it should have continued in the background more in this book. It felt like it was added in there to hit really add nothing, which was a little disappointing.
Thankfully, because it wasn’t a heavy feature it didn’t affect the writing or storyline. Just one of those things that niggled at me, and turned what would have been a 5* book, into a 4* book for me.
September 8, 2024
Excellent read
Another amazing book by Shane.
Tessa’s character is blunt and as fierce as they come, she is a strong figure in this series and the books are tinged with a little darkness to them. Great read, impatiently waiting for another SA Dunphy book now…..
Another amazing book by Shane.
Tessa’s character is blunt and as fierce as they come, she is a strong figure in this series and the books are tinged with a little darkness to them. Great read, impatiently waiting for another SA Dunphy book now…..
June 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Her Lonely Soul" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the third book in the Detective Tessa Burns series. As the previous books were, this one is filled tense scenes, shocking revelations, action that puts out favourite characters in danger once again.
We first meet Ellie O'Farrell as she "sees" a man in an office at a hotel and "feels" him get killed. Ellie has had these dreams before where something horrible happens after she dreams it. We learn that hotelier Domenic Wilde is killed exactly as Ellie described. When her parents Philip and Cynthia take her to Cork City police station instead of believing her Sergeant O'Mahoney sends her to a juvenile detention centre where she will be watched 24/7 because he thinks she's a criminal. He gains a Full Care Order under the Child Care Act and only an emergency case review could get her released.
DI Tessa Burns, Danny Murphy, Maggie Doolan and her black & white terrier mix Pavlov head to Cork as part of their child protection team. They don't even make it as far as Cork when Maggie and Pav are attacked by a faceless man. We learned that Tessa's parents were killed by a man with no face and both previous books they encountered these faceless men belonging to the Guild of the Unattested.
The team soon learns that there are links between Dominic Wilde having his throat cut and 2 previous cases that Ellie predicted. Dave Merrill supposedly drowned while out fishing and Miles McGuinness was a victim of a hit and run when he went to pick up his take-away.
Philip O'Farrell's company HuTec might be involved in what has been happening. His lawyer Conor Stokes has a very shady past. He along with Wilde, Merrill and McGuinness served on the board of the company in fund raising.
A number of the police at the Cork station appear to be corrupt. They attack Danny and Maggie - they are promptly arrested and Pav is threatened to be euthanized. While all this is happening Ellie is released to go home but doesn't arrive. She is taken to a tattoo parlour where she is tattooed and injected with something.
This book will keep you turning the pages because of all the exciting situations that the team gets involved. Once the reason for everything is pieced together Tessa and her team set about to bring justice to the victims and help Ellie and her family.
There are several threads left loose - hopefully meaning that there will be future stories with the team. Tessa and Coastguard Captain Jim Sheils is something that is left up in the air. And there is still the murder of Tessa's parents to solve.
As with all of Mr. Dunphy's books, he has woven in real situations that he has first hand experience with, he writes of places that he himself has been to. He has created characters that the reader has come to care about - especially Pav!
This is the third book in the Detective Tessa Burns series. As the previous books were, this one is filled tense scenes, shocking revelations, action that puts out favourite characters in danger once again.
We first meet Ellie O'Farrell as she "sees" a man in an office at a hotel and "feels" him get killed. Ellie has had these dreams before where something horrible happens after she dreams it. We learn that hotelier Domenic Wilde is killed exactly as Ellie described. When her parents Philip and Cynthia take her to Cork City police station instead of believing her Sergeant O'Mahoney sends her to a juvenile detention centre where she will be watched 24/7 because he thinks she's a criminal. He gains a Full Care Order under the Child Care Act and only an emergency case review could get her released.
DI Tessa Burns, Danny Murphy, Maggie Doolan and her black & white terrier mix Pavlov head to Cork as part of their child protection team. They don't even make it as far as Cork when Maggie and Pav are attacked by a faceless man. We learned that Tessa's parents were killed by a man with no face and both previous books they encountered these faceless men belonging to the Guild of the Unattested.
The team soon learns that there are links between Dominic Wilde having his throat cut and 2 previous cases that Ellie predicted. Dave Merrill supposedly drowned while out fishing and Miles McGuinness was a victim of a hit and run when he went to pick up his take-away.
Philip O'Farrell's company HuTec might be involved in what has been happening. His lawyer Conor Stokes has a very shady past. He along with Wilde, Merrill and McGuinness served on the board of the company in fund raising.
A number of the police at the Cork station appear to be corrupt. They attack Danny and Maggie - they are promptly arrested and Pav is threatened to be euthanized. While all this is happening Ellie is released to go home but doesn't arrive. She is taken to a tattoo parlour where she is tattooed and injected with something.
This book will keep you turning the pages because of all the exciting situations that the team gets involved. Once the reason for everything is pieced together Tessa and her team set about to bring justice to the victims and help Ellie and her family.
There are several threads left loose - hopefully meaning that there will be future stories with the team. Tessa and Coastguard Captain Jim Sheils is something that is left up in the air. And there is still the murder of Tessa's parents to solve.
As with all of Mr. Dunphy's books, he has woven in real situations that he has first hand experience with, he writes of places that he himself has been to. He has created characters that the reader has come to care about - especially Pav!
May 18, 2024
For the third time, we travel to Ireland to meet up with DI Tessa Burns and her team.
I guess when you see them, you could say they are an odd bunch, but they are a very close-knit team and they know how to handle themselves.
Tessa has learned how to come up for herself from a very young age and her career in the army has shaped her even more. Danny is built like a brick shithouse and don't underestimate Maggie because she is in a wheelchair. Let's not forget Pavlov, the little terrier, but a force to be reckoned with as well.
They focus on cases where children are involved who have to be protected and when they are sent to Cork, they have a peculiar case they have to deal with. But there is not only that. They seem not to be very welcome there, but that is the least of their worries. They will dig until they have found out every thing there is to found, even if they have to put themselves on the line.
Although I enjoyed the two previous books, this one is my favorite in the series. Ellie stole my heart from the from the start. She surely is one special girl. 5 stars
Thank you
I guess when you see them, you could say they are an odd bunch, but they are a very close-knit team and they know how to handle themselves.
Tessa has learned how to come up for herself from a very young age and her career in the army has shaped her even more. Danny is built like a brick shithouse and don't underestimate Maggie because she is in a wheelchair. Let's not forget Pavlov, the little terrier, but a force to be reckoned with as well.
They focus on cases where children are involved who have to be protected and when they are sent to Cork, they have a peculiar case they have to deal with. But there is not only that. They seem not to be very welcome there, but that is the least of their worries. They will dig until they have found out every thing there is to found, even if they have to put themselves on the line.
Although I enjoyed the two previous books, this one is my favorite in the series. Ellie stole my heart from the from the start. She surely is one special girl. 5 stars
Thank you
August 13, 2024
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Mixed feelings
A twelve-year-old Ellie O’Farrell walks into the police station to report a crime that is yet to occur. The police don’t take it seriously until the murder happens, and suddenly Ellie has become a suspect along with her parents.
Detective Tessa and her team are sent to Cork to take care of Ellie and solve the case but they face a block at every turn. Time is running out, and Ellie’s life is at risk. Even the team is at risk with someone from the past trying to hunt them down.
What will happen?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Tessa, Danny, Maggie, Ellie, and The Watcher.
My Thoughts:
I’ve wanted to try this series after a friend was impressed by the first book. I decided to grab book three since one and two were released together. This worked as a standalone though I’m not sure how much of character development I missed by not yet reading the previous books.
The premise is intriguing, and the concept of Ellie’s abilities has been handled well. The trope used for the reveal is too common but that’s okay.
Pavlov is a fab dog. Caring when necessary, alert at all times, and ferocious when he should be. Perfect! (I thought Pavlov was short for Pavlova at first)
The book starts slowly with different POVs but picks up pace after the first quarter. Then it goes steadily until the end.
I like Danny and Maggie (yay for the rep) a lot more than Tessa. There lies my biggest issue. The MC is smart and capable but I cannot help but wonder about certain decisions. Also, given her background, I’m surprised she didn’t connect the dots or at least get suspicious about the tattoo. It should have made her act (which would have changed the plot, so maybe she needed to be a little messy for the book to follow its plotline).
As with most police procedurals we have corruption in the department but I am impressed by Commissioner Dawson. She is the kind of superior one could report to.
There’s quite a bit of violence in this one. Not an issue as I can handle it. What surprised me was the misplaced sense of right and wrong in some decisions (Tessa again). Does she like to contradict herself? No idea! It will appeal to social media warriors of justice though!
I’m not sure about the plot progress either. Some of it is a bit too convenient. Not really a fan of criminals sharing the details so easily. Makes one wonder how they even got to that position with such stupidity. Sigh!
The author’s note is wonderful. I enjoyed it a lot more than some parts of the book.
To summarize, Her Lonely Soul has good thrills and is decently paced. The reading experience will depend on how much you like the main character (Tessa). I wasn’t a fan, so the result was average.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HerLonelySoul
One Liner: Mixed feelings
A twelve-year-old Ellie O’Farrell walks into the police station to report a crime that is yet to occur. The police don’t take it seriously until the murder happens, and suddenly Ellie has become a suspect along with her parents.
Detective Tessa and her team are sent to Cork to take care of Ellie and solve the case but they face a block at every turn. Time is running out, and Ellie’s life is at risk. Even the team is at risk with someone from the past trying to hunt them down.
What will happen?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Tessa, Danny, Maggie, Ellie, and The Watcher.
My Thoughts:
I’ve wanted to try this series after a friend was impressed by the first book. I decided to grab book three since one and two were released together. This worked as a standalone though I’m not sure how much of character development I missed by not yet reading the previous books.
The premise is intriguing, and the concept of Ellie’s abilities has been handled well. The trope used for the reveal is too common but that’s okay.
Pavlov is a fab dog. Caring when necessary, alert at all times, and ferocious when he should be. Perfect! (I thought Pavlov was short for Pavlova at first)
The book starts slowly with different POVs but picks up pace after the first quarter. Then it goes steadily until the end.
I like Danny and Maggie (yay for the rep) a lot more than Tessa. There lies my biggest issue. The MC is smart and capable but I cannot help but wonder about certain decisions. Also, given her background, I’m surprised she didn’t connect the dots or at least get suspicious about the tattoo. It should have made her act (which would have changed the plot, so maybe she needed to be a little messy for the book to follow its plotline).
As with most police procedurals we have corruption in the department but I am impressed by Commissioner Dawson. She is the kind of superior one could report to.
There’s quite a bit of violence in this one. Not an issue as I can handle it. What surprised me was the misplaced sense of right and wrong in some decisions (Tessa again). Does she like to contradict herself? No idea! It will appeal to social media warriors of justice though!
I’m not sure about the plot progress either. Some of it is a bit too convenient. Not really a fan of criminals sharing the details so easily. Makes one wonder how they even got to that position with such stupidity. Sigh!
The author’s note is wonderful. I enjoyed it a lot more than some parts of the book.
To summarize, Her Lonely Soul has good thrills and is decently paced. The reading experience will depend on how much you like the main character (Tessa). I wasn’t a fan, so the result was average.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HerLonelySoul
August 15, 2024
Gripping, thrilling, tense, suspenseful, and full of twists, Her Lonely Soul kept me fully engaged and turning the pages at warp speed! I was so happy to see that S.A. Dunphy had another book in the riveting DI Tessa Burns series coming out! Woohoo! That means, Pavlov, the scene stealing, sweet yet feisty dog is back as well!
In Her Lonely Soul, Ellie O’Farrell, a young girl walked in a rural Irish police station to report a murder which has not happened yet. But later that night, a man is found dead in the way she described. How did she know?
Detective Tessa Burns along with DS Danny Murphy and Maggie Doolan are called to investigate. Readers of the first two books in this series will be familiar with Tessa and Maggie. Maggie is wheelchair bound but do not discount her or her abilities. She, along with her dog, Pavlov, has proven to be helpful, tough, and key players helping to solve cases. They are not the only ones who are back - the faceless men are back and as menacing as ever!
When Ellie has another dream about a murder, the team kicks into high gear to try and prevent a murder and get to the bottom of what is happening!
I enjoyed the mystery in this book. Along with the team, I did my best super sleuthing to try and figure out what was happening. As questions swirled through my mind, my fingers were turning the pages wanting more, more, more! I always love tension in books and was not disappointed while reading, Her Lonely Soul. In addition to tension, this book had suspense, mounting danger, action, dread, scary situations, and twists and turns to keep the action moving at a quick pace.
S.A. Dunphy always delivers! I can't wait to read what he writes next.
While this book would work as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the first two books in this series to get the backstories of the main characters.
Well written, well thought out, exciting, riveting and thrilling!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
In Her Lonely Soul, Ellie O’Farrell, a young girl walked in a rural Irish police station to report a murder which has not happened yet. But later that night, a man is found dead in the way she described. How did she know?
Detective Tessa Burns along with DS Danny Murphy and Maggie Doolan are called to investigate. Readers of the first two books in this series will be familiar with Tessa and Maggie. Maggie is wheelchair bound but do not discount her or her abilities. She, along with her dog, Pavlov, has proven to be helpful, tough, and key players helping to solve cases. They are not the only ones who are back - the faceless men are back and as menacing as ever!
When Ellie has another dream about a murder, the team kicks into high gear to try and prevent a murder and get to the bottom of what is happening!
I enjoyed the mystery in this book. Along with the team, I did my best super sleuthing to try and figure out what was happening. As questions swirled through my mind, my fingers were turning the pages wanting more, more, more! I always love tension in books and was not disappointed while reading, Her Lonely Soul. In addition to tension, this book had suspense, mounting danger, action, dread, scary situations, and twists and turns to keep the action moving at a quick pace.
S.A. Dunphy always delivers! I can't wait to read what he writes next.
While this book would work as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the first two books in this series to get the backstories of the main characters.
Well written, well thought out, exciting, riveting and thrilling!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 20, 2024
Her Lonely Soul by S.A. Dunphy
Detective Tessa Burns #3
Another thought-provoking twisted tale with the “Burns Team” working as advocates for a potentially in peril Irish twelve-year-old girl ~ Riveting read ~ Couldn’t put it down~
What I liked:
* The seamless transition from the first to second book
* Tessa Burns: parents murdered when she was young, spent years in the child-care system, ex-military, strong, lethal, dedicated, excellent instincts, mature, good friend, intriguing, good people skills & team player – when she chooses to be, perhaps not ready to “settle down”
* Danny Murphy: lost his parents when young, raised in foster system, usually a gentle giant , quiet but also deadly, physically fit, caring, protective, would like to know more about him
* Maggie Doolan: family liaison officer, psychology and sociology degrees, qualified therapist, has cerebral palsy, friends with Tessa since childhood, promoted recently, intriguing
* Pavlov: Maggie’s partner, support dog, a small black-and-white terrier-mix, bright, calming presence, protective, empathetic, there for all of the team and those they are helping
* Dawn Wilson: Commissioner and Burns Team boss, there for her team, strong
* Ellie O’Farrell: genius, mathematical savant, loves her parents, endangered and at risk, resilient, survivor, would like to see her again in the future if the series continues
* Jim Shiels: Coastguard captain, widow, interested in Tessa, wonder if he will appear again in the future
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The police procedural aspects and how the case unfolded
* That though I had to suspend belief in the abilities of the team at times I was still able to enjoy the story and root for them to succeed – I was invested in the outcome
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The evil, vicious, amoral, self-centered, gain-driven gang leaders
* That at times I had to venture into fantasy when reading about the almost super powers of some team members when thinking about the “faceless-unattested”
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Detective Tessa Burns #3
Another thought-provoking twisted tale with the “Burns Team” working as advocates for a potentially in peril Irish twelve-year-old girl ~ Riveting read ~ Couldn’t put it down~
What I liked:
* The seamless transition from the first to second book
* Tessa Burns: parents murdered when she was young, spent years in the child-care system, ex-military, strong, lethal, dedicated, excellent instincts, mature, good friend, intriguing, good people skills & team player – when she chooses to be, perhaps not ready to “settle down”
* Danny Murphy: lost his parents when young, raised in foster system, usually a gentle giant , quiet but also deadly, physically fit, caring, protective, would like to know more about him
* Maggie Doolan: family liaison officer, psychology and sociology degrees, qualified therapist, has cerebral palsy, friends with Tessa since childhood, promoted recently, intriguing
* Pavlov: Maggie’s partner, support dog, a small black-and-white terrier-mix, bright, calming presence, protective, empathetic, there for all of the team and those they are helping
* Dawn Wilson: Commissioner and Burns Team boss, there for her team, strong
* Ellie O’Farrell: genius, mathematical savant, loves her parents, endangered and at risk, resilient, survivor, would like to see her again in the future if the series continues
* Jim Shiels: Coastguard captain, widow, interested in Tessa, wonder if he will appear again in the future
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The police procedural aspects and how the case unfolded
* That though I had to suspend belief in the abilities of the team at times I was still able to enjoy the story and root for them to succeed – I was invested in the outcome
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The evil, vicious, amoral, self-centered, gain-driven gang leaders
* That at times I had to venture into fantasy when reading about the almost super powers of some team members when thinking about the “faceless-unattested”
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
July 24, 2024
This is the latest in SA Dunphy's Irish based series, featuring ex-military Detective Tessa Burns who heads a unit geared solely towards the protection of children, aided by the huge and bulky DS Danny Murphy, and the now newly promoted DI Maggie Doolan, and whilst she might be confined to a wheelchair, it would be a mistake to underestimate her abilities to defend herself and to fight, particularly with the help of her feisty dog, Pavlov. This is a light, entertaining, and fast paced read, but to enjoy it you are going to need to suspend your sense of disbelief, and jump on this thrill ride of a mystery. 12 year old Ellie O'Farrell is a super bright young girl, who walks into a police station with her parents, distressed, claiming she can forsee murder victims and the precise manner of their deaths.
It seems unlikely that Ellie is psychic, so where is she getting her disturbing information from? This throws suspicion on Ellie's parents, but they appear to have a loving relationship with their daughter, but who else could it be? Tessa and her team make their way to Cork, a journey in which a scary attack is made on Maggie. Sergeant William O'Mahoney is far from happy to see the team turn up in his police station and jurisdiction, and unwilling to accept any advice. To their consternation, he has Ellie taken into the care system and all the challenges and troubles that it will bring her. Ellie is going to have to dig deep to find the inner resources and resilence that she will need here and beyond the care system to survive the grave dangers that come her way.
Tessa and her team have a case that will push them to their very limits as they are warned off in no uncertain terms, followed, and are having to go rogue in trying to protect Ellie at all cost. There is plenty of suspense and tension, twists and turns, deadly threats, whilst Tessa and Danny have to resort to the use of heavy arms. Fans of the author and series are likely to enjoy this, but I would suggest new readers start at the beginning to really understand Tessa, her traumatic background, and the nature of the unit she manages. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
It seems unlikely that Ellie is psychic, so where is she getting her disturbing information from? This throws suspicion on Ellie's parents, but they appear to have a loving relationship with their daughter, but who else could it be? Tessa and her team make their way to Cork, a journey in which a scary attack is made on Maggie. Sergeant William O'Mahoney is far from happy to see the team turn up in his police station and jurisdiction, and unwilling to accept any advice. To their consternation, he has Ellie taken into the care system and all the challenges and troubles that it will bring her. Ellie is going to have to dig deep to find the inner resources and resilence that she will need here and beyond the care system to survive the grave dangers that come her way.
Tessa and her team have a case that will push them to their very limits as they are warned off in no uncertain terms, followed, and are having to go rogue in trying to protect Ellie at all cost. There is plenty of suspense and tension, twists and turns, deadly threats, whilst Tessa and Danny have to resort to the use of heavy arms. Fans of the author and series are likely to enjoy this, but I would suggest new readers start at the beginning to really understand Tessa, her traumatic background, and the nature of the unit she manages. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 19, 2024
S.A. Dunphy returns following Only the Children and Little Witness with his third installment in his popular Detective Tessa Burns Irish crime series, HER LONELY SOUL.
In this gripping narrative, Tess and her team encounter an intelligent young girl with the unique ability to see murders before they occur. This sets the stage for a twisty mystery, suspense, cop procedural action-packed crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the final conclusion.
About...
Set in Cork, Ireland, we pick up from the last book with Detective Tessa Burns and her unstoppable team, Danny, Maggie, and the dynamic dog, Pavlov!
Ellie O'Farrell, a young, highly intelligent girl, walks into the local police station with her parents, stating she has psychic abilities and has foreseen a murder. As expected, she is not taken seriously.
However, the next night, a beloved local grandfather is found dead, with lethal knife wounds showing a struggle precisely as she'd described.
How did she know what was going to occur?
She is called back in and Tessa and her team are called to head the investigation.
When Tessa gets a frantic call from Ellie only days later to say she's had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Then Tessa is shocked when she receives a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past to leave the case alone, or she and Ellie will be next.
Tessa will risk everything to unmask the cunning, ruthless, twisted killer and save Ellie, the team, and herself before it is too late.
My thoughts...
HER LONELY SOUL is not just a crime thriller—it's a fascinating rollercoaster of a read! The storyline, the series, the characters, and the richly atmospheric setting of Cork, Ireland, are all stunning. But what truly adds depth to the narrative is the author's background and expertise, making you feel more connected to the story from the first page to the last.
Each book in the series is a unique and fascinating case that explores highly emotional topics. In this case, a young girl is caught up in something dangerous and unaware of the situation's depth.
Atmospheric, compelling, and action-packed, with topics of crypto-mining, organized criminals, and the faceless man, the author keeps you turning the pages to figure out the mystery mixed with some humor. I always enjoy the author's notes, takeaways, and attention to detail.
Expertly plotted, Tessa, Danny, Maggie, and Pav are perfect partners in crime who go to the mat for the kids who need protection.
I highly recommend the author and the series. He brilliantly combines his literary work, child protection nonfiction books, and crime fiction novels for a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
Recs...
HER LONELY SOUL is for fans of the author and those who enjoy smartly written Irish crime thrillers that feature child protection with a stellar cast of characters.
Blog Tour Host...
Check out my blog on August 19 for my Blog Tour Stop with the author and Bookouture Books on Tour!
Thanks to Bookouture for a gifted digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Aug 2024 Must-Read Books
Aug Newsletter
Blog Tour Host
In this gripping narrative, Tess and her team encounter an intelligent young girl with the unique ability to see murders before they occur. This sets the stage for a twisty mystery, suspense, cop procedural action-packed crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the final conclusion.
About...
Set in Cork, Ireland, we pick up from the last book with Detective Tessa Burns and her unstoppable team, Danny, Maggie, and the dynamic dog, Pavlov!
Ellie O'Farrell, a young, highly intelligent girl, walks into the local police station with her parents, stating she has psychic abilities and has foreseen a murder. As expected, she is not taken seriously.
However, the next night, a beloved local grandfather is found dead, with lethal knife wounds showing a struggle precisely as she'd described.
How did she know what was going to occur?
She is called back in and Tessa and her team are called to head the investigation.
When Tessa gets a frantic call from Ellie only days later to say she's had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Then Tessa is shocked when she receives a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past to leave the case alone, or she and Ellie will be next.
Tessa will risk everything to unmask the cunning, ruthless, twisted killer and save Ellie, the team, and herself before it is too late.
My thoughts...
HER LONELY SOUL is not just a crime thriller—it's a fascinating rollercoaster of a read! The storyline, the series, the characters, and the richly atmospheric setting of Cork, Ireland, are all stunning. But what truly adds depth to the narrative is the author's background and expertise, making you feel more connected to the story from the first page to the last.
Each book in the series is a unique and fascinating case that explores highly emotional topics. In this case, a young girl is caught up in something dangerous and unaware of the situation's depth.
Atmospheric, compelling, and action-packed, with topics of crypto-mining, organized criminals, and the faceless man, the author keeps you turning the pages to figure out the mystery mixed with some humor. I always enjoy the author's notes, takeaways, and attention to detail.
Expertly plotted, Tessa, Danny, Maggie, and Pav are perfect partners in crime who go to the mat for the kids who need protection.
I highly recommend the author and the series. He brilliantly combines his literary work, child protection nonfiction books, and crime fiction novels for a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
Recs...
HER LONELY SOUL is for fans of the author and those who enjoy smartly written Irish crime thrillers that feature child protection with a stellar cast of characters.
Blog Tour Host...
Check out my blog on August 19 for my Blog Tour Stop with the author and Bookouture Books on Tour!
Thanks to Bookouture for a gifted digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Aug 2024 Must-Read Books
Aug Newsletter
Blog Tour Host
August 19, 2024
Tessa, Danny, Maggie, and Pavlov are all back for the third installment of the DI Tessa Burns series. I was so excited to get my hands on this book. As usual, this group of detectives is assigned to help out a child in danger. This time, their charge is Ellie O'Farrell, a. young girl who has premonitions about people who will die. The third time this happens, her parents take her to the local police as this most recent crime has yet to be committed. The cops do not believe the girl's physic abilities and separate her from her parents by sending her to a home for troubled teens. Days later, the discover a body under the exact same circumstances Ellie mentioned to the Garda.
What unravels nexts are layers of betrayal, lies, suspense, and twists that kept me so submerged in the plot, When Ellie is forced to lie about how she knew about the deaths, she is relieved to be released from the home to be back with her parents. This doesn't quite go to plan as she is kidnapped multiple times, first from someone she should have trusted. And to be honest, who can Ellie really trust? Her parents? The cops? Tessa becomes personally involved in this case, and due to corruption within the local Garda station, she and her team are removed from the case. They will not stop them from saving the girl and bringing the criminals to justice, and hurdle after hurdle keeps popping up.
As with the other two books, I loved the setting. S.A. Dunphy really does a great job with the backdrop. I also loved getting to know more about the main characters. Each of them has been through trauma, while each different, bonds them together and makes them unstoppable as a team. I was hopeful there would be more of a loving, personal side to Tessa shown with her man friend, but I can see she has more to work on internally before that can happen. I LOVED there was more insight into the Faceless Man. There is more interaction with him and more to the story on how it links to Tessa's childhood. There were also some times I wanted to smack the villain and moments where I gasped! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and has quickly become one of my favorite series to read. I truly hope there is a book 4 (and more!).
Thank you S.A. Dunphy, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC!
What unravels nexts are layers of betrayal, lies, suspense, and twists that kept me so submerged in the plot, When Ellie is forced to lie about how she knew about the deaths, she is relieved to be released from the home to be back with her parents. This doesn't quite go to plan as she is kidnapped multiple times, first from someone she should have trusted. And to be honest, who can Ellie really trust? Her parents? The cops? Tessa becomes personally involved in this case, and due to corruption within the local Garda station, she and her team are removed from the case. They will not stop them from saving the girl and bringing the criminals to justice, and hurdle after hurdle keeps popping up.
As with the other two books, I loved the setting. S.A. Dunphy really does a great job with the backdrop. I also loved getting to know more about the main characters. Each of them has been through trauma, while each different, bonds them together and makes them unstoppable as a team. I was hopeful there would be more of a loving, personal side to Tessa shown with her man friend, but I can see she has more to work on internally before that can happen. I LOVED there was more insight into the Faceless Man. There is more interaction with him and more to the story on how it links to Tessa's childhood. There were also some times I wanted to smack the villain and moments where I gasped! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and has quickly become one of my favorite series to read. I truly hope there is a book 4 (and more!).
Thank you S.A. Dunphy, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 25, 2024
A big thank you to #Netgalley and @bookouture for the eARC.
Her Lonely Soul is the third in the DI Tessa Burns series. A police procedural set in Ireland that uniquely focuses on child protection cases.
This can be enjoyed as a standalone but reading the other two first will give you more depth to the characters, the dynamics of Tessa's team and the ongoing mystery of the Faceless killers.
In this third outing Tessa & her team are sent to the city of Cork. Young Ellie O'Farrell went to the police station with her parents to report a murder that she dreamt will happen. Her report isn't taken seriously and then the murder happens in just the way she detailed.
Does Ellie have psychic abilities or has she overheard something she shouldn't have?
Tessa is sent to investigate but soon comes across more trouble than she bargained for and Ellie's life is in danger.
Accompanying Tessa are Detectives Danny and Maggie and Pavlov the dog.
Danny is tall and tough but sensitive. Something of a gentle giant. Maggie is a crack researcher and computer expert but despite a disability and stuck in a wheelchair still knows how to handle herself when things get physical and I love this about her. She really is so far away from a cliché character and together with Pavlov is great with kids and a formidable opponent.
And Pavlov is probably the most valuable team member and is just the cutest and littlest police dog.
I worry about the effectiveness of the team when Pav has to save lives on numerous occasions!
This case is the most dangerous yet for the team with crime gangs, police corruption and Faceless killers to contend with.
It's a fast paced plot with plenty of twists and turns. Every time Tessa has the upper hand things escalate quickly and Ellie and the detectives are never out of danger for long.
We know the main team so less time is spent on character growth and more on the crime plot this time.
But there is more Pav! 🐕
Her Lonely Soul is the third in the DI Tessa Burns series. A police procedural set in Ireland that uniquely focuses on child protection cases.
This can be enjoyed as a standalone but reading the other two first will give you more depth to the characters, the dynamics of Tessa's team and the ongoing mystery of the Faceless killers.
In this third outing Tessa & her team are sent to the city of Cork. Young Ellie O'Farrell went to the police station with her parents to report a murder that she dreamt will happen. Her report isn't taken seriously and then the murder happens in just the way she detailed.
Does Ellie have psychic abilities or has she overheard something she shouldn't have?
Tessa is sent to investigate but soon comes across more trouble than she bargained for and Ellie's life is in danger.
Accompanying Tessa are Detectives Danny and Maggie and Pavlov the dog.
Danny is tall and tough but sensitive. Something of a gentle giant. Maggie is a crack researcher and computer expert but despite a disability and stuck in a wheelchair still knows how to handle herself when things get physical and I love this about her. She really is so far away from a cliché character and together with Pavlov is great with kids and a formidable opponent.
And Pavlov is probably the most valuable team member and is just the cutest and littlest police dog.
I worry about the effectiveness of the team when Pav has to save lives on numerous occasions!
This case is the most dangerous yet for the team with crime gangs, police corruption and Faceless killers to contend with.
It's a fast paced plot with plenty of twists and turns. Every time Tessa has the upper hand things escalate quickly and Ellie and the detectives are never out of danger for long.
We know the main team so less time is spent on character growth and more on the crime plot this time.
But there is more Pav! 🐕
August 27, 2024
Detective Tessa Burns book 3.
This book had the team totally flummoxed as was I. Full of twists to keep you guessing I was hooked from page one. Loved it.
‘I’ve come to report a murder,’ the little girl declares, lips trembling, her head only just high enough to see over the police counter. ‘Please, you have to help me.’
When tearful young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Called in to investigate, Detective Tessa Burns has never seen anything like this. Meeting Ellie and her desperate parents, it’s clear Ellie’s home is filled with love. She swears she has never met the victim: Tessa’s case seems to stall before it’s even begun. But when Tessa gets a frantic call from the young girl only days later to say she’s had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Was Tessa’s usually flawless instinct about Ellie’s home life wrong? Has Ellie overheard something she shouldn’t? With only hours to go until Ellie’s terrible prediction comes true, Tessa is shocked to get a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past. Leave the case alone, or she – and Ellie – are next.
Tessa refuses to stop her investigation – it’s the only way to save Ellie. But then a deadly attack leaves Tessa’s team fighting for their lives, and Ellie taken… Tessa would risk everything to unmask the most twisted killer she’s ever encountered. But first she must rescue Ellie, before it’s too late for them all?
This book had the team totally flummoxed as was I. Full of twists to keep you guessing I was hooked from page one. Loved it.
‘I’ve come to report a murder,’ the little girl declares, lips trembling, her head only just high enough to see over the police counter. ‘Please, you have to help me.’
When tearful young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Called in to investigate, Detective Tessa Burns has never seen anything like this. Meeting Ellie and her desperate parents, it’s clear Ellie’s home is filled with love. She swears she has never met the victim: Tessa’s case seems to stall before it’s even begun. But when Tessa gets a frantic call from the young girl only days later to say she’s had a terrifying second dream, the race is on to prevent another murder.
Was Tessa’s usually flawless instinct about Ellie’s home life wrong? Has Ellie overheard something she shouldn’t? With only hours to go until Ellie’s terrible prediction comes true, Tessa is shocked to get a deadly warning from someone in her own dark past. Leave the case alone, or she – and Ellie – are next.
Tessa refuses to stop her investigation – it’s the only way to save Ellie. But then a deadly attack leaves Tessa’s team fighting for their lives, and Ellie taken… Tessa would risk everything to unmask the most twisted killer she’s ever encountered. But first she must rescue Ellie, before it’s too late for them all?
August 12, 2024
S.A. Dunphy has done it again with his third novel in the Detective Tessa Burns series. He has penned another exciting, complex mystery story with great characters. This time the action takes place in and around Cork, Ireland and involves a young girl (12) who has nightmares that predict murders. After she reports this to the local police (Gardai), with her parents, Tessa Burns is called in with her special team, which concentrates on crimes involving children. In addition to Tessa, there’s Danny Murphy, a giant of a man; Maggie Doolan, a family liaison officer who is mostly wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy (but do NOT underestimate her!), and her amazing dog Pavlov, who provides comfort to the children and is also fierce when need be.
As with the other two books in this series, there are some rather dark themes, including kidnapping, organized crime, gang violence, failures of the foster care system, and more. Ellie is a great character, showing not only her intelligence but her resilience under very difficult circumstances.
While this is the third book (and I highly recommend the first two, Little Witness and Only The Children), it is not absolutely necessary to read them to enjoy this one. The first book will provide more background on Tessa, Danny and Maggie, however.
I was a bit disappointed in how the author handled the budding love interest for Tessa that we saw in book two. I’m also still not sure who the title refers to: is Tessa the lonely soul or is it Ellie? Some of the plot was a bit over the top/unbelievable, but I will still gladly read the next book in this series, if there is one.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
As with the other two books in this series, there are some rather dark themes, including kidnapping, organized crime, gang violence, failures of the foster care system, and more. Ellie is a great character, showing not only her intelligence but her resilience under very difficult circumstances.
While this is the third book (and I highly recommend the first two, Little Witness and Only The Children), it is not absolutely necessary to read them to enjoy this one. The first book will provide more background on Tessa, Danny and Maggie, however.
I was a bit disappointed in how the author handled the budding love interest for Tessa that we saw in book two. I’m also still not sure who the title refers to: is Tessa the lonely soul or is it Ellie? Some of the plot was a bit over the top/unbelievable, but I will still gladly read the next book in this series, if there is one.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2024
Tessa and the Burns Unit are back! This time they're off to Galway to deal with small town drama, police corruption and possible ESP in a child!
Poor Ellie. When we first meet her she is terrified of the "dreams" she has. Dreams which appear to be foretelling of murders to come. Tessa and Co don't give mush thought to them as dreams but how else could a young girl have access to that information, and before they happened?
Bring on one hard-nosed, incorruptible Sgt who thinks the best way to get through to her is to lock her in the local secure child unit! Then add in the weirdly hippie/tech guru dad and his job at a local tech company and a rash of teenagers and other youngsters who seem to have a complex relationship with some local shadowy uberbaddie!
Tessa, Danny, Maggie and Pavlov are back at their best mystery solving selves. However, as in most things their professional achievements can leave them lacking in other areas. I really hoped that Tessa and her coastie would have worked things through, 'cos every hard charging cop needs someone to go home to at night! Even if its just a goldfish but we're left with their relationship on a buy of a "shoogly peg".
The faceless mercenaries are back and still causing trouble for our intrepid trio. I really was stumped as to who the overarching badguy was, I did manage to guess bits of the plot but I also sadly thought one of the goodies may actually have been a baddie! LOL The red herrings and twists and turns kept me guessing which I really enjoyed.
As the story unfolds more layers of duplicity are revealed and some are quite shocking, especially about who does the revealing!
Poor Ellie. When we first meet her she is terrified of the "dreams" she has. Dreams which appear to be foretelling of murders to come. Tessa and Co don't give mush thought to them as dreams but how else could a young girl have access to that information, and before they happened?
Bring on one hard-nosed, incorruptible Sgt who thinks the best way to get through to her is to lock her in the local secure child unit! Then add in the weirdly hippie/tech guru dad and his job at a local tech company and a rash of teenagers and other youngsters who seem to have a complex relationship with some local shadowy uberbaddie!
Tessa, Danny, Maggie and Pavlov are back at their best mystery solving selves. However, as in most things their professional achievements can leave them lacking in other areas. I really hoped that Tessa and her coastie would have worked things through, 'cos every hard charging cop needs someone to go home to at night! Even if its just a goldfish but we're left with their relationship on a buy of a "shoogly peg".
The faceless mercenaries are back and still causing trouble for our intrepid trio. I really was stumped as to who the overarching badguy was, I did manage to guess bits of the plot but I also sadly thought one of the goodies may actually have been a baddie! LOL The red herrings and twists and turns kept me guessing which I really enjoyed.
As the story unfolds more layers of duplicity are revealed and some are quite shocking, especially about who does the revealing!
August 10, 2024
Book 3 of the Detective Tessa Burns series. It reads well as a stand-alone but if you like to follow the lives of the main characters, and you should, I would suggest reading the series from the start. They are all equally good reads. Tessa and her team of Danny and Maggie, and of course Pavlov, are responsible for investigating cases involving children.
Briefly, the team have been sent to Cork City to speak to 12 year old Ellie O’Farrell. She had gone with her parents into the Garda Station to report a murder which was going to happen. Not believing her the family were sent on their way and then the murder happened exactly as Ellie had described and the police take her from her parents and place her in a detention centre. Then Ellie phones Tessa to tell her she has ‘seen’ another murder! With the local police uncooperative, a solicitor with criminal gang connections, bitcoin fraud and the “faceless” men still chasing them the team are in danger but so is Ellie.
A good fast paced police procedural thriller and I’m really loving this team, particularly Maggie, she is one strong woman. The plot is tight and tense with some good twists and turns. There are some dark moments and some parts where you need to take things with a pinch of salt but all in all a very entertaining read.
Briefly, the team have been sent to Cork City to speak to 12 year old Ellie O’Farrell. She had gone with her parents into the Garda Station to report a murder which was going to happen. Not believing her the family were sent on their way and then the murder happened exactly as Ellie had described and the police take her from her parents and place her in a detention centre. Then Ellie phones Tessa to tell her she has ‘seen’ another murder! With the local police uncooperative, a solicitor with criminal gang connections, bitcoin fraud and the “faceless” men still chasing them the team are in danger but so is Ellie.
A good fast paced police procedural thriller and I’m really loving this team, particularly Maggie, she is one strong woman. The plot is tight and tense with some good twists and turns. There are some dark moments and some parts where you need to take things with a pinch of salt but all in all a very entertaining read.
August 18, 2024
4.5⭐
The Burns Unit return for another absorbing, fast-paced mystery.
That sees Tessa and her small team including cerebral palsy sufferer Maggie and trusty dog Pavlov try to uncover how a young girl Ellie O'Farrell has knowledge of a series of crimes including murder before they happen.
But even before Tessa, Danny and Maggie can start asking questions Maggie is attacked, and a hostile local sergeant has Ellie deemed a danger and locked away in a children's detention centre.
And to make matters worse Tessa is threatened by a featureless man and told to accept an explanation that will allow Ellie to be freed and the case to be shelved.
But Tessa and her team know that something isn't right and are determined to protect Ellie and get answers by any means necessary. Especially as the threat has come from a man with connections to the people responsible for killing Tessa's parents.
Yet, none of them are prepared for just how dangerous this threat really is and how far certain locals will go to stop them.
And with plenty of twists, turns and danger. This was genuinely a story that I found hard to put down and one I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Her Lonely Soul. ☺️
The Burns Unit return for another absorbing, fast-paced mystery.
That sees Tessa and her small team including cerebral palsy sufferer Maggie and trusty dog Pavlov try to uncover how a young girl Ellie O'Farrell has knowledge of a series of crimes including murder before they happen.
But even before Tessa, Danny and Maggie can start asking questions Maggie is attacked, and a hostile local sergeant has Ellie deemed a danger and locked away in a children's detention centre.
And to make matters worse Tessa is threatened by a featureless man and told to accept an explanation that will allow Ellie to be freed and the case to be shelved.
But Tessa and her team know that something isn't right and are determined to protect Ellie and get answers by any means necessary. Especially as the threat has come from a man with connections to the people responsible for killing Tessa's parents.
Yet, none of them are prepared for just how dangerous this threat really is and how far certain locals will go to stop them.
And with plenty of twists, turns and danger. This was genuinely a story that I found hard to put down and one I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Her Lonely Soul. ☺️
August 21, 2024
📖 Book Review
Her Lonely Soul (Detective Tessa Burns 3)
By S.A. Dunphy
Bookouture, 19th August 2024
The Burns Unit - Tessa, Danny, Maggie, and dog Pavlov - are called to Cork to assist in the unusual case of Ellie O'Farrell. Ellie claims to have seen murders in her dreams before they occurred.
Sinking into this third outing for Tessa and the team was akin to slipping on a comfy pair of slippers. The team may be small, but they are mighty. Tessa is ex-military and as tenacious as they come, Maggie may be in a wheelchair, but her gadgetry use is second to none, and Danny's a gentle man mountain, but when the stakes are high he's a lethal force. And Pavlov, Maggie's assistance/therapy dog is as smart as they come and can lock his jaws around the softest parts of anyone who threatens his team.
This case is dynamic, shocking, fraught with tension and exceedingly fast-paced. Dunphy's writing is enthralling from the first paragraph. I was powerless as the story grabbed me in a chokehold and dragged me along for the ultimate rollercoaster ride. Emotive at every turn, this is a shining example of the best in police procedural writing of today.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and S.A. Dunphy for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.
Her Lonely Soul (Detective Tessa Burns 3)
By S.A. Dunphy
Bookouture, 19th August 2024
The Burns Unit - Tessa, Danny, Maggie, and dog Pavlov - are called to Cork to assist in the unusual case of Ellie O'Farrell. Ellie claims to have seen murders in her dreams before they occurred.
Sinking into this third outing for Tessa and the team was akin to slipping on a comfy pair of slippers. The team may be small, but they are mighty. Tessa is ex-military and as tenacious as they come, Maggie may be in a wheelchair, but her gadgetry use is second to none, and Danny's a gentle man mountain, but when the stakes are high he's a lethal force. And Pavlov, Maggie's assistance/therapy dog is as smart as they come and can lock his jaws around the softest parts of anyone who threatens his team.
This case is dynamic, shocking, fraught with tension and exceedingly fast-paced. Dunphy's writing is enthralling from the first paragraph. I was powerless as the story grabbed me in a chokehold and dragged me along for the ultimate rollercoaster ride. Emotive at every turn, this is a shining example of the best in police procedural writing of today.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and S.A. Dunphy for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.
September 9, 2024
A child's dreams foretell a murder to come
The police don't believe her until it is done.
Then it is suspected it could be something she heard
Could she be psychic - or is that absurd?
A gifted mathematician but not yet a teen,
Could this be based on something she's seen?
The team are called in, but the local force aren't on side
Maybe some of them could have something to hide?
What happens to young Ellie is the stuff of nightmares
Detective Tessa Burns tries to show that she cares.
But with threats coming from the present and Tessa's past
Can they solve this case or will it be their last?
What a riveting read all the way though
With so many twists and surprises, what can they do?
Keeping the team safe seems a job on its own
And trusting any other officers seems to have flown.
A twisted killer, they seek to reveal
But behind his strange face, just what does he conceal?
A fascinating police procedural and so much more
Another Irish case that I hope you'll also adore.
I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing throughout
Wondering why all was happening, what it was all about!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
The police don't believe her until it is done.
Then it is suspected it could be something she heard
Could she be psychic - or is that absurd?
A gifted mathematician but not yet a teen,
Could this be based on something she's seen?
The team are called in, but the local force aren't on side
Maybe some of them could have something to hide?
What happens to young Ellie is the stuff of nightmares
Detective Tessa Burns tries to show that she cares.
But with threats coming from the present and Tessa's past
Can they solve this case or will it be their last?
What a riveting read all the way though
With so many twists and surprises, what can they do?
Keeping the team safe seems a job on its own
And trusting any other officers seems to have flown.
A twisted killer, they seek to reveal
But behind his strange face, just what does he conceal?
A fascinating police procedural and so much more
Another Irish case that I hope you'll also adore.
I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing throughout
Wondering why all was happening, what it was all about!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
June 7, 2024
Her Lonely Soul (Detective Tessa Burns Book 3) is a crime novel by S.A. Dunphy that is really good. I loved the storyline as it was different from other books I've read and it was interesting. The story had lots of action and intrigue. There were some sad moments and some shocking moments. The story had a satisfying ending and I am looking forward to more in this series.
Her Lonely Soul brings Tessa and her team to Cork after young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night, a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Ellie was my hero in this book. She showed strength and resolve and rose above what happened to her. Her parents were something else!
This was quite a rollercoaster of a story packed with tension, red herrings, and well-developed characters.
I would recommend this book.
#HerLonelySoul #NetGalley @Bookouture
Her Lonely Soul brings Tessa and her team to Cork after young Ellie O’Farrell walks into a rural Irish police station to report she’s dreamed a murder that hasn’t happened yet, she is gently, but firmly, sent on her way. But the very next night, a beloved local grandfather is found dead, lethal knife wounds showing a struggle exactly as she’d described. How did innocent Ellie know what was going to happen?
Ellie was my hero in this book. She showed strength and resolve and rose above what happened to her. Her parents were something else!
This was quite a rollercoaster of a story packed with tension, red herrings, and well-developed characters.
I would recommend this book.
#HerLonelySoul #NetGalley @Bookouture
August 18, 2024
S. A. Dunphy is one of my favourite Irish noir writer as he always delivers novels I read in one sitting as I cannot stop turning pages and going on reading till I discover the who/why/what and I’m surprised by the final twist.
This is the third book in Tessa Burns series and it didn’t disapppoint: there’s something that could be paranormal or not, there’s a young girl who needs help, and a lot of surprising twists. It’s a story full of suspence and you’re on the edge all the time till the you read the end (maybe even after you read the last sentence).
I loved this technothriller, loved the characters, and was happy to catch up with Tessa, David, Maggie, and Pavlov (I love Pavlov).
I would be even more happy if someone promises me that there will be a new novel soon as I want more and don’t want to wait for a long time.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone as there’s a lot of backstory but I would recommend to read the series in order as all the installments are very enjoyable.
Have fun, read this book and travel to Cork: I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
This is the third book in Tessa Burns series and it didn’t disapppoint: there’s something that could be paranormal or not, there’s a young girl who needs help, and a lot of surprising twists. It’s a story full of suspence and you’re on the edge all the time till the you read the end (maybe even after you read the last sentence).
I loved this technothriller, loved the characters, and was happy to catch up with Tessa, David, Maggie, and Pavlov (I love Pavlov).
I would be even more happy if someone promises me that there will be a new novel soon as I want more and don’t want to wait for a long time.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone as there’s a lot of backstory but I would recommend to read the series in order as all the installments are very enjoyable.
Have fun, read this book and travel to Cork: I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
August 12, 2024
Great suspense: protecting young Ellie👍
Her Lonely Soul was a good, suspenseful read with lots of action and an odd dilemma in the form of a young girl named Ellie O'Farrell who believes she has, through her dreams, predicted murders occurring around Cork, Ireland. And the local police neither believe her nor trust her worried parents.
Tessa Burns and her unit colleagues have a wild time trying to protect young Ellie and figure out if the murders she dreams about are connected. I really got excited about the unpredictability and the constant action. The subplot about local Garda officers who seem set on curbing Tessa's team was a great element that added to the suspense. I liked that Ellie was involved in quite a bit of the action and her POV was occasionally included.
I've read three books in the series and found each plot sufficiently unique yet united by Tessa and her small, compassionate team of officers who can't be stopped in their determination to safeguard the children in their cases. It's a series I plan to continue to follow.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Her Lonely Soul was a good, suspenseful read with lots of action and an odd dilemma in the form of a young girl named Ellie O'Farrell who believes she has, through her dreams, predicted murders occurring around Cork, Ireland. And the local police neither believe her nor trust her worried parents.
Tessa Burns and her unit colleagues have a wild time trying to protect young Ellie and figure out if the murders she dreams about are connected. I really got excited about the unpredictability and the constant action. The subplot about local Garda officers who seem set on curbing Tessa's team was a great element that added to the suspense. I liked that Ellie was involved in quite a bit of the action and her POV was occasionally included.
I've read three books in the series and found each plot sufficiently unique yet united by Tessa and her small, compassionate team of officers who can't be stopped in their determination to safeguard the children in their cases. It's a series I plan to continue to follow.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 19, 2024
When twelve year old Ellie O’Farrell comes into a Cork police station with her parents wanting to report her dream of a murder that hasn't happened yet, the desk sergeant is inclined to dismiss it as an overactive imagination, especially as he has already dismissed the family as, "the hippy type!" When things happen as Ellie predicted the commissioner sends in 'The Burns Unit' Led by Tessa Burns, along with DS Danny Murphy & wheelchair bound DI Maggie Doolan (not forgetting Pavlov, Maggie's amazing wee dog) this small group, works on cases connected with children. Before they even get to Cork it seems that someone doesn't want them there & the reception from the local police bears this out. However this is a group that doesn't give up!
I have been hooked on this series from the start. The characters of the team are so compelling & the stories are always engaging (OK suspension of belief is necessary but that's why they call it fiction!!) I can't wait to catch up with the team again. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book. I loved it!
I have been hooked on this series from the start. The characters of the team are so compelling & the stories are always engaging (OK suspension of belief is necessary but that's why they call it fiction!!) I can't wait to catch up with the team again. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book. I loved it!
July 22, 2024
Ellie O’ Farrell comes into the station in Cork with her parents to report a crime. That a man with some importance is dead. When she is asked how she has come to get the information she doesn’t know as the death hasn’t happened yet. She thinks that she may be Psychic.
The Parents are sent home but the Burns team Tessa, Danny and Margaret and Pavlov the dog are sent to investigate. Mean while Ellie is sent to a secure unit for her safety.
S. A Dunphy Has done it again with ‘Her Lonely soul’. The third book in the Detective Tessa Burns series. I have read several books from this author and his books are full of intrigue, action packed and unputdownable thrillers that never disappoint. This story is original and different to others in the genre, and I like the camaraderie in the team, they all look out for each other, I enjoyed this so much I virtually read it in one sitting. Can’t wait for book four. 5 stars from me
The Parents are sent home but the Burns team Tessa, Danny and Margaret and Pavlov the dog are sent to investigate. Mean while Ellie is sent to a secure unit for her safety.
S. A Dunphy Has done it again with ‘Her Lonely soul’. The third book in the Detective Tessa Burns series. I have read several books from this author and his books are full of intrigue, action packed and unputdownable thrillers that never disappoint. This story is original and different to others in the genre, and I like the camaraderie in the team, they all look out for each other, I enjoyed this so much I virtually read it in one sitting. Can’t wait for book four. 5 stars from me
August 14, 2024
Her Lonely Soul is about Tessa, Danny, Maggie and my favourite little dog Pav as they take on the case of a young girl called Ellie who has reported a murder but the catch is that the murder hasn't happened yet. So how does Ellie know about it? The plot went in so many different directions which kept me on my toes and I felt like I had run a marathon. It's skillfully written enticing the reader to keep reading too get to the outcome! I loved the relationship that seemed to form between Tessa and Ellie and I believe it's because Ellie is a lot like Tessa in the sense that they are both smart, caring, honest and will fight for what they believe is right. My favourite little guy Pav stole the show for me once again and yes I am so happy that a dog was included in this series! This book was incredible with how much it had going on but it all centres around the same case. Brilliant!!
August 19, 2024
This is book 3 in the Detective Tessa Burns series. The O'Farrells bring in their 12 year old daughter, Ellie, to tell the police that Ellie has foreseen a death. Sergeant Willie O'Mahoney doesn't believe them and he sets about interrogating them. Detective Inspector Tessa Burns, along with Detective Sergeant Danny Murphy and Detective Maggie Doolan and her service dog, Pavlov ( the team is known as the Burns Unit) are brought in to investigate the mysterious deaths happening near Cork City. Tessa and the team come up against a group of criminals, who are intent in disrupting their investigation. In the end, all the sub plots are brought together with a dramatic conclusion. It is fast paced, engrossing and a roller-coaster of a read! There were a few nail biting moments of tension. I highly recommend this book.
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