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CSI Reilly Steel #3
Hidden
When a young girl is discovered dead on an isolated Irish country road, it seems at first glance to be a simple hit and run. Then the cops see the tattoo on her back - a pair of beautifully wrought angel wings that lend the victim a sense of ethereal innocence. Forensic investigator Reilly Steel is soon on the scene and her highly tuned sixth sense tells her there is more to this case than a straightforward murder.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
2108 people are currently reading
1344 people want to read
About the author
Casey Hill
31 books292 followersCasey Hill is the pseudonym of USA Today bestselling husband and wife writing team, Kevin and Melissa Hill. They live in Ireland.
CSI Reilly Steel series:
#1 SERIAL (aka TABOO)
#2 INFERNO
#3 HIDDEN
#4 THE WATCHED
#5 CRIME SCENE
#6 TRACE
#7 AFTERMATH
#8 ENDGAME
#9 FALLOUT (coming 2021)
Subscribe to the mailing list. Enter the following link into your browser to be notified of new Casey Hill releases: http://eepurl.com/FFE2D
www.facebook.com/caseyhillbooks
www.twitter.com/caseyhillbooks
CSI Reilly Steel series:
#1 SERIAL (aka TABOO)
#2 INFERNO
#3 HIDDEN
#4 THE WATCHED
#5 CRIME SCENE
#6 TRACE
#7 AFTERMATH
#8 ENDGAME
#9 FALLOUT (coming 2021)
Subscribe to the mailing list. Enter the following link into your browser to be notified of new Casey Hill releases: http://eepurl.com/FFE2D
www.facebook.com/caseyhillbooks
www.twitter.com/caseyhillbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
December 17, 2017
The third book in the series and it was good but I didn't get into it as well as I did the first two. Some chapters opened in unusual ways and I had to turn back pages to work our where we were and what was going on. Another reviewer has described the book as muddling. I think I agree.
Anyway Reilly Steel was back doing what she does best, which is finding obscure clues and using them in the laboratory to discover who did what. The problem with this story is that the major plot line fizzled out but a minor one suddenly became prominent right at the end. I actually read the end twice to make sure I had got it right and now know that I have to read the next book.
Of course I will do exactly that and trust my confusion will not be repeated:)
Anyway Reilly Steel was back doing what she does best, which is finding obscure clues and using them in the laboratory to discover who did what. The problem with this story is that the major plot line fizzled out but a minor one suddenly became prominent right at the end. I actually read the end twice to make sure I had got it right and now know that I have to read the next book.
Of course I will do exactly that and trust my confusion will not be repeated:)
October 19, 2015
I liked the story line but I think I missed something. Maybe I should have read the first two books of the series first but I read this first because it was offered free on Book Bub. The ending left me with questions. Who owned the house with the wigs in the attic?? What did that all have to do with the story? Was this part of another storyline in the prior series? That and quite a few errors in the Kindle version lowered my rating. The ending was a bit muddled and unsatisfying too. What became of the kids? I'm not inclined to read more of the series if they are all going to leave me wondering.
July 18, 2018
I really, really want to give this book 5 stars. I enjoy Casey Hill. I have all the Reilly Steel books on my must read list. However, I can only rate this book a 3. A small part of this is that the next book does not appear to continue on where Hidden left off. While many others do, I do not mind the cliffhanger. But, if you end with a cliffhanger you must answered it in the next book. Maybe it is resolved, just not the main plot of The Watched, I'll see soon. I also did not mind that the central story line ends without a complete resolution. This was a situation that could not be resolved, there is no one correct answer. Personal point of view would likely leave many readers unhappy no matter how it was resolved. Leaving me to consider what should be done legally and morally was closure enough for me.
Why the 3 stars? The abysmal editing. The continuity errors should have jumped out in the first proof reading. The primary problem being the autopsy report saying it was done in 1993, but the rest of the plot saying the events happened in 2003. Nine years before the present day case (2012) is said repeatedly. Then, there is that one spot where it says the body was found in 2002. The fact a professional publishing house let this happened is unbelievable. It disturbed the flow of the plot for me like a pesky itch. I went back three times to the autopsy report because it had to be me misreading the date. Nope. I would also expect Simon & Schuster to have someone to catch the little words that somehow were left out here and there. Settling on one spelling of Tir Na Nog would also be nice.
Why the 3 stars? The abysmal editing. The continuity errors should have jumped out in the first proof reading. The primary problem being the autopsy report saying it was done in 1993, but the rest of the plot saying the events happened in 2003. Nine years before the present day case (2012) is said repeatedly. Then, there is that one spot where it says the body was found in 2002. The fact a professional publishing house let this happened is unbelievable. It disturbed the flow of the plot for me like a pesky itch. I went back three times to the autopsy report because it had to be me misreading the date. Nope. I would also expect Simon & Schuster to have someone to catch the little words that somehow were left out here and there. Settling on one spelling of Tir Na Nog would also be nice.
August 31, 2020
Thoroughly bored by this book. The characters were uninteresting, and the plot was slow. There seemed to be a lot of loose ends and contrivances, too, like...
Given that I only skimmed the book, maybe the answers were there and I missed them. {shrug} I don’t care enough to find out.
P.S. I was so annoyed with this book, which has “Reilly Steel” as the main character, that I refuse to read Agent Zero because it has “Kent Steele.” I know it’s ridiculous, but so is naming your secret CIA agent “Kent Steele.” {sarcasm}Gee! Let me guess! This guy is super awesome, like Clark Kent / Man of Steel, right??{/sarcasm}
Given that I only skimmed the book, maybe the answers were there and I missed them. {shrug} I don’t care enough to find out.
P.S. I was so annoyed with this book, which has “Reilly Steel” as the main character, that I refuse to read Agent Zero because it has “Kent Steele.” I know it’s ridiculous, but so is naming your secret CIA agent “Kent Steele.” {sarcasm}Gee! Let me guess! This guy is super awesome, like Clark Kent / Man of Steel, right??{/sarcasm}
February 25, 2021
Really enjoyed it right up until the last few chapters. I thought the twist was clever and had an inkling it was coming but hadn't guessed the full thing. I liked the characters, and the way the author told the story from different perspectives.
However, the ending lacked clarity, I felt like the author didn't really know how to completely solve the crime so left the reader hanging regarding the fates of the children. It felt like a slip, not a purposeful 'leave you guessing'. Like the author didn't really know how to get herself out of the muddle she'd created. Lots of other questions are left at the end of the book, regarding other minor crimes the reader included in the novel, but there seems to be no purpose? By the wording of the last page, it seems only one will be covered in the next book, which is frustrating. I'm all for leaving a cliff hanger to encourage the reader to pick up the next book, but these weren't cliff hangers, just odd bits of the story line that weren't explained properly. Disappointing, will not be reading another book by this author for fear of further unexplained random scenarios.
Also, one of the victims names changes half way through the book, I don't know if it's a typo, or a mistaken identity, but it's never explained as a mistaken identity or even touched upon at all...
However, the ending lacked clarity, I felt like the author didn't really know how to completely solve the crime so left the reader hanging regarding the fates of the children. It felt like a slip, not a purposeful 'leave you guessing'. Like the author didn't really know how to get herself out of the muddle she'd created. Lots of other questions are left at the end of the book, regarding other minor crimes the reader included in the novel, but there seems to be no purpose? By the wording of the last page, it seems only one will be covered in the next book, which is frustrating. I'm all for leaving a cliff hanger to encourage the reader to pick up the next book, but these weren't cliff hangers, just odd bits of the story line that weren't explained properly. Disappointing, will not be reading another book by this author for fear of further unexplained random scenarios.
Also, one of the victims names changes half way through the book, I don't know if it's a typo, or a mistaken identity, but it's never explained as a mistaken identity or even touched upon at all...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
Confusing, poorly-written, and burgeoning with flat characters who are totally indistinguishable from one another. No dramatic tension whatsoever, and a case that was just... silly.
Reading doesn’t usually make me tired, but every time I picked up this book, I would start dozing off after a few pages.
Perhaps the most illuminating sentence in the book is in its final pages when Reilly is reflecting on the case from its investigation to its conclusion. And she thinks, “why did it all feel so pointless?” This was the only moment in the whole book in which I connected with a character. Pointless indeed.
Reading doesn’t usually make me tired, but every time I picked up this book, I would start dozing off after a few pages.
Perhaps the most illuminating sentence in the book is in its final pages when Reilly is reflecting on the case from its investigation to its conclusion. And she thinks, “why did it all feel so pointless?” This was the only moment in the whole book in which I connected with a character. Pointless indeed.
May 12, 2019
I loved this book, the characters & setting!! Kept you in suspense right until the very end!!
June 23, 2014
This is the third book in this series and each is better than the last!
The science and the physiology as well as the straight forward police work in finding the answers keep you riveted to the story. Each book brings new insights into the characters that you have already grown to love!
I can't wait to read the next book!
The science and the physiology as well as the straight forward police work in finding the answers keep you riveted to the story. Each book brings new insights into the characters that you have already grown to love!
I can't wait to read the next book!
July 20, 2013
Excellent read. Really enjoyed it
August 15, 2018
Another great read..
December 14, 2020
4 Stars
Hidden (CSI Reilly Steel. #3) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this series.
Full review to come...
Hidden (CSI Reilly Steel. #3) by Casey Hill...
I am really enjoying this series.
Full review to come...
June 27, 2019
I have read the two previous books ,taboo and torn and with them I had a much better read! I felt excited and really intrigued on how the story was going to progress. With this I felt like it was back and forth all the time and there were so many characters to keep up with , and I swear at the end they changed Jennifer's name to Ellie ? And then for some reason it talks about this random dudes house that has no relevance whatsoever to the next book I've heard. Also the bloody typos.. I love the series but this one was a bit of a struggle to get through
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
Hidden by Casey Hill is the 3rd book in the CSI Reilly Steel mystery series but the first I have read from this series. Forensic investigator Reilly Steel investigates the death of a young girl with tattooed angel wings in a hit and run on an isolated country road. An interesting mystery, although I feel I have missed a lot of background not having read the previous books ane book itself seemed incomplete and a bit muddling at times. I liked the characters and I loved the descriptions and setting. I feel I would have enjoyed the book more if I had started at the beginning of the series.
December 26, 2013
The idea was really good, it was interesting to learn some bits of Irish folklore, but the story itself was rather slow and the writing style kind of simple. The book could do with some editing, too - lots of grammatical mistakes, missing words, the same things repeated within the same paragraph... and what is it with the American spelling???
The first half of the book was rather promising, but the ending was lame, in my opinion.
The first half of the book was rather promising, but the ending was lame, in my opinion.
September 16, 2014
Wow!! -----mind blown! What a great story! Of course I did the ass backwards move to read #3 first... But how they left off this book I can imagine how great #4 will be!!
Spoiler! How intense for the entire story they were hunting for a guy who (kinda) sorta wasn't even the issue! Couldn't put it down for the last couple chapters! Good one!
Spoiler! How intense for the entire story they were hunting for a guy who (kinda) sorta wasn't even the issue! Couldn't put it down for the last couple chapters! Good one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
Off-hand swearing doesn't make up for bad writing. "Her sharp sense of smell filtered out individual odors from a cacophony of stench. " Really?
Off-hand swearing doesn't compensate for poor writing: "Her sharp sense of smell filtered out individual odors from a cacophony of stench." Really? Get a better editor.
Off-hand swearing doesn't compensate for poor writing: "Her sharp sense of smell filtered out individual odors from a cacophony of stench." Really? Get a better editor.
March 5, 2017
Like Luanne I finished the book with too many unanswered questions. While I enjoyed the story and characters, and the detective work, I feel cheated by the ending. The next book in the series is based in Florida, so clearly not a sequel.
July 30, 2018
Would have given 4 stars, but the story was left unresolved.
September 22, 2020
Read without any having read any others in the series. Good storyline gets you immersed. Detectives and Whodunnits wouldn't be top of my go-to list and as my experience in recent times of these types of stories, this too trails off in the end .. well the main characters involvement in the story ends and so then does any follow-up to have you feel you reached a proper and satisfying conclusion. Instead the story seems to wander off into a new event, which like true to real work life, never get to truly enjoy a satisfying result as immediately dragged off into all the other work demands that are waiting for you. I felt the book was more interested in getting you immersed in it's next story line. Based on that, not sure I'd read any more of this series if only each time left thinking I now have to read the next one. May be good but they're not that gripping.
(PS - the copy I read had annoying typos such as errors in dates etc, especially within the first few chapters)
(PPS - I also read 2 character names that left me uncomfortable, there really is a photographer with the same name, and also the tattooist in Bray, there really is an artist from that town with that same name. As intro says, all coincidences, but when you can make up any old name you feel like, how then come to exact very name as a real person .. from the exact same place .. How many Rasher's do you know?? Seriously?? It's not like Paddy or Mick or Sean .. )
(PS - the copy I read had annoying typos such as errors in dates etc, especially within the first few chapters)
(PPS - I also read 2 character names that left me uncomfortable, there really is a photographer with the same name, and also the tattooist in Bray, there really is an artist from that town with that same name. As intro says, all coincidences, but when you can make up any old name you feel like, how then come to exact very name as a real person .. from the exact same place .. How many Rasher's do you know?? Seriously?? It's not like Paddy or Mick or Sean .. )
May 15, 2020
I've read several of the CSI Reilly Steel books and I was looking forward to reading another in the series, sadly I feel that number 3 is not the strongest of the stories. This time around, Reilly and Co., are faced with the task of solving the tragic hit and run of a young woman on a rural road. Of course, things are not as straightforward as initially suggested and the team soon find themselves investigating a series of cold cases where all of the missing have several physical features in common. The case proves a trying one for Reilly as her personal relationship with colleague Chris makes working together difficult and Lucy faces some demons from her past. However, I found some discrepancies in the timeline of the story and regarding the spelling of names which becomes irritating after a while.
The best part of the story is actually the final few pages where there is an intersting twist for book number 5 in the series. Yes, sadly we need to wait for the fifth book before we return to that particular storyline.
The best part of the story is actually the final few pages where there is an intersting twist for book number 5 in the series. Yes, sadly we need to wait for the fifth book before we return to that particular storyline.
March 12, 2025
Reilly Steel is a forensic investigator. Shes called onto a case that seems to have more to it. A young girl is found in a road which indicates a hit and run. However the girl has a lsrge tattoo on her back, a pair of wings.
This is the third book in a series to feature Reilly Steel. I do prefer to read books in order. This for me helps me to get to know the characters. As a series progresses so do the characters and I always feel a little lost if I join them part way through.
It didn't make too much difference because I didn't read books one and two. A lot was mentioned connected to previous books but I still had that missing out feeling. This is something with me and not the books fault.
The story was ok and held my interest for most of it. It did seem to plod along and I wouldn't call the book a page turner. When all was sort of revealed I was flicking the final pages to finish the book. It does end where another book can begin.
For me the book was ok overall, likeable characters but not too exciting as I would want to rush out for the next one in the series.
This is the third book in a series to feature Reilly Steel. I do prefer to read books in order. This for me helps me to get to know the characters. As a series progresses so do the characters and I always feel a little lost if I join them part way through.
It didn't make too much difference because I didn't read books one and two. A lot was mentioned connected to previous books but I still had that missing out feeling. This is something with me and not the books fault.
The story was ok and held my interest for most of it. It did seem to plod along and I wouldn't call the book a page turner. When all was sort of revealed I was flicking the final pages to finish the book. It does end where another book can begin.
For me the book was ok overall, likeable characters but not too exciting as I would want to rush out for the next one in the series.
October 11, 2020
Paradise lost
Another page turner.
The characters story lines continues in their personal relationships. We find out more about things that make them react as they do. This runs in the back ground of the crimes committed and the forensic side of a crime supporting the police procedures.
The crimes investigated are interesting really make you think as you read further into the book. What is really best for the children?
Over twists and turns were thrown in along the way that added to tension and complicated things.
Forensic members driven by their own past to work endlessly and become emotionally entangled to find out what happened in the past.
I has wish the ending had been carried a bit further along with the discovery on the personal side this could of added even more to their relationships.
I understand why it stopped were it did but felt let down wanted a bit more at such a crucial time.
Another page turner.
The characters story lines continues in their personal relationships. We find out more about things that make them react as they do. This runs in the back ground of the crimes committed and the forensic side of a crime supporting the police procedures.
The crimes investigated are interesting really make you think as you read further into the book. What is really best for the children?
Over twists and turns were thrown in along the way that added to tension and complicated things.
Forensic members driven by their own past to work endlessly and become emotionally entangled to find out what happened in the past.
I has wish the ending had been carried a bit further along with the discovery on the personal side this could of added even more to their relationships.
I understand why it stopped were it did but felt let down wanted a bit more at such a crucial time.
May 30, 2020
Skip this one
I have raved about the first two books of this series. I love the plot, the characters, and the twists and turns. Unfortunately, this book's climax had some serious problems for me. Anyone who's read, watched, or lived through a thriller will see the huge inconsistencies during what was supposed to be the most exciting incident of the book. I believe it makes the characters look ignorant, amateouous, and makes me question how they are competent for even the smallest bit of police work. If you are able to forget everything you've ever known about hostage negotiations, then you might be able to enjoy the ending of this book. Having said that, I'm looking forward to reading the nextin n the series for O'Brian, Chris and Reilly's redemption in doing some solid police work. Also, Chris and Reilly need a solid kick in the butt to work on their romance!
I have raved about the first two books of this series. I love the plot, the characters, and the twists and turns. Unfortunately, this book's climax had some serious problems for me. Anyone who's read, watched, or lived through a thriller will see the huge inconsistencies during what was supposed to be the most exciting incident of the book. I believe it makes the characters look ignorant, amateouous, and makes me question how they are competent for even the smallest bit of police work. If you are able to forget everything you've ever known about hostage negotiations, then you might be able to enjoy the ending of this book. Having said that, I'm looking forward to reading the nextin n the series for O'Brian, Chris and Reilly's redemption in doing some solid police work. Also, Chris and Reilly need a solid kick in the butt to work on their romance!
July 18, 2020
Another Hit Read!
With the Pandemic , lockdown and so on you would think it the ideal time to get stuck into a good book but, not in my case!
I'd already started reading this book and was already looking forward to getting on with it however, family dictated otherwise and it seemed like no one wanted me to sit reading when I could be entertaining them!
Making a teddy t-shirt for the hospital workers, printing photo's for my Great Grandson to give to his teachers at end of term and sorting out paperwork for my husband, then at the easing of lockdown, visits from other family members ... left me no time to continue reading!
Now, as things are settling I was determined to finish this exciting book, and it was well worth it!
I recommend Crime & Mystery fans to read this fabulous series.
I've just got Book 4 so I'll be back!
With the Pandemic , lockdown and so on you would think it the ideal time to get stuck into a good book but, not in my case!
I'd already started reading this book and was already looking forward to getting on with it however, family dictated otherwise and it seemed like no one wanted me to sit reading when I could be entertaining them!
Making a teddy t-shirt for the hospital workers, printing photo's for my Great Grandson to give to his teachers at end of term and sorting out paperwork for my husband, then at the easing of lockdown, visits from other family members ... left me no time to continue reading!
Now, as things are settling I was determined to finish this exciting book, and it was well worth it!
I recommend Crime & Mystery fans to read this fabulous series.
I've just got Book 4 so I'll be back!
September 5, 2018
Good, but not great. Reilly Steele is an interesting character, sort of a Dr Kay Scarpetta light. Her policeman possible love interest is getting on my nerves and an issue between them is lasting too long. Hoping to see something change in the best book!
It’s interesting getting a glimpse into life in Ireland and the Irish law enforcement system. The high tech csi gadgets sound like they could be real!
I lost track of what exactly was happening near the end. not sure if there’s a twist or I missed something.
I read the first three books as a set. I would like to read the next one, but hope to find it as a single. I’m not totally convinced I’d read another three books in the series.
It’s interesting getting a glimpse into life in Ireland and the Irish law enforcement system. The high tech csi gadgets sound like they could be real!
I lost track of what exactly was happening near the end. not sure if there’s a twist or I missed something.
I read the first three books as a set. I would like to read the next one, but hope to find it as a single. I’m not totally convinced I’d read another three books in the series.
May 18, 2020
Reilly Steel is the real deal. In this book, Reilly and her team are faced with a young woman who is the victim of a hit and run. The only detail to help identify her is an elaborate wing tattoo on her back. While researching missing children, another unidentified body from a decade before was found with the same type tattoo. Is it a cult? As Reilly works to uncover the girl's identity and where she came from, the tension only mounts higher. The scenes with Chris and Conner make you like Chris even more. Another ending you don't see coming. I think possibly a hint to a future serial killer at the end? Can't wait to start the next one!
May 25, 2020
Forensic Science All The Way!
Read this novel to understand the importance of forensic science plays in solving otherwise unsolved mystery.
A 17 year old young lady is found dead on a country road. It looks a straightforward hit & run case. However for Forensic expert, Ms. Steel, it is more than what it looks. She & her team along with the Detectives start on a journey to find what why the dead lady was in midst of a country road and what lead to her death. Believe me, with junk particles found in the scene, use of forensic science techniques leads them to certain path that is shocking, yet true.
Excellent novel.
Read this novel to understand the importance of forensic science plays in solving otherwise unsolved mystery.
A 17 year old young lady is found dead on a country road. It looks a straightforward hit & run case. However for Forensic expert, Ms. Steel, it is more than what it looks. She & her team along with the Detectives start on a journey to find what why the dead lady was in midst of a country road and what lead to her death. Believe me, with junk particles found in the scene, use of forensic science techniques leads them to certain path that is shocking, yet true.
Excellent novel.
May 25, 2020
A great read. I loved the characters and the intriguing story... until I got to the end. I feel that a good story should have a clear resolution. I wanted to know the complete outcome, and some things were left to the imagination. And then a new mystery started and was left up in the air. Is that to get me to buy the next book? Fine for an episode of a tv show, but not a book. That is just irritating. Also, the book could use a good proofreader. Lots of little errors...
words omitted or repeated, typos, etc. That said, I would still recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.
words omitted or repeated, typos, etc. That said, I would still recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.
December 12, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author and series.
I don't normally go for books that are part way through a series but this book interested me too much.
I did feel like that I was missing out on stuff while reading this. There are several mentions to previous dramas but it is not elaborated, just mentioned.
This is an interesting story and I was keen to learn more. I wouldn't say I was hooked though.
I have to say I loved the ending, it does make me want to read the next instalment.
I don't normally go for books that are part way through a series but this book interested me too much.
I did feel like that I was missing out on stuff while reading this. There are several mentions to previous dramas but it is not elaborated, just mentioned.
This is an interesting story and I was keen to learn more. I wouldn't say I was hooked though.
I have to say I loved the ending, it does make me want to read the next instalment.
May 12, 2020
Myth, Murder and Mayhem
Reilly Steel, the American forensics specialist in Dublin, is back in the 3rd installment of this series. A girl killed by a hit and run leads Steel and her fellow lab workers in the trail of a cult-like situation. Helping her is the steady detective Kennedy and Chris. The clues lead down a road that only Reilly can understand and decipher.
This is listed as a stand-alone story but does end on a cliffhanger.
Reilly Steel, the American forensics specialist in Dublin, is back in the 3rd installment of this series. A girl killed by a hit and run leads Steel and her fellow lab workers in the trail of a cult-like situation. Helping her is the steady detective Kennedy and Chris. The clues lead down a road that only Reilly can understand and decipher.
This is listed as a stand-alone story but does end on a cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews