What do you think?
Rate this book
Harry Briscombe #1
Cry From The Grave
Six years ago, a dreadful tragedy overturned Hannah Walker's life. Now her fragile existence is threatened by a macabre discovery. The truth will come out - but is it one that Hannah can bear to confront?
Three people are drawn together by a crime, three lives are torn apart by the chilling consequences. Secrets cannot stay buried for ever...
Three people are drawn together by a crime, three lives are torn apart by the chilling consequences. Secrets cannot stay buried for ever...
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
1548 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Mahony
15 books51 followersI've written as a hobby for almost as long as I can remember and now that I have books published, I'm living the dream! If you'd like an introduction to my writing, do visit my website at www.carolynmahony.com where you can download a FREE copy of my Prequel Novella, Behind Closed doors, introducing my Detective in the series, Harry Briscombe.
The first full length novel, Cry From The Grave, is a story that was bubbling away inside of me forever, and follows the story of Hannah, who's baby went missing six years previously.
When I'm not writing, marketing or researching, I'm catching up on my sleep but even my dreams are infiltrated by (sometimes totally nonsensical) plots and scenes.
The second full length novel in the series is called The Jagged Line and the third one about to be published any day now, is called No Escape. Each book follows the same detective but is a standalone story in its own right and can therefore be read out of sequence.
Shadow Watcher is a slight drift away from the psychological crime thriller and is a standalone romantic suspense novel. I tried to bring it back into line with the others but it just wasn't co-operating, and in the end I decided to go along for the ride and enjoy it. I hope you do too! Who says crime and romance don't mix?
To contact me or find out about my books, visit my website or contact me on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!
Website: www.carolynmahony.com
Twitter: @carolynmahony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.maho...
The first full length novel, Cry From The Grave, is a story that was bubbling away inside of me forever, and follows the story of Hannah, who's baby went missing six years previously.
When I'm not writing, marketing or researching, I'm catching up on my sleep but even my dreams are infiltrated by (sometimes totally nonsensical) plots and scenes.
The second full length novel in the series is called The Jagged Line and the third one about to be published any day now, is called No Escape. Each book follows the same detective but is a standalone story in its own right and can therefore be read out of sequence.
Shadow Watcher is a slight drift away from the psychological crime thriller and is a standalone romantic suspense novel. I tried to bring it back into line with the others but it just wasn't co-operating, and in the end I decided to go along for the ride and enjoy it. I hope you do too! Who says crime and romance don't mix?
To contact me or find out about my books, visit my website or contact me on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!
Website: www.carolynmahony.com
Twitter: @carolynmahony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.maho...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
March 9, 2024
Natasha and Adam found a baby scull when Adam was digging in their garden. Natasha has mental issues and this event is shattering her health.
Murray and Briscombe are detectives on the case and their first version is that the remains are of Hannah's daughter who went missing six years ago while she was only a few weeks old. This made Hannah very nervous as she had hoped that the child was still alive and had a new family.
The book is very emotional and characters have a history of their own that unfolds in process. The end is a bit predictable. The story unfolds slowly and there is not so much in it about the detectives themselves as the name of the series is suggesting.
My feeling was that the book is perceived more like a soap opera than a thriller. If you like such type of reading and you want to have a few tears in some places, you are welcome to read it. I expected something else and from my point of view, I cannot give it more than 3 stars (with approximation).
Murray and Briscombe are detectives on the case and their first version is that the remains are of Hannah's daughter who went missing six years ago while she was only a few weeks old. This made Hannah very nervous as she had hoped that the child was still alive and had a new family.
The book is very emotional and characters have a history of their own that unfolds in process. The end is a bit predictable. The story unfolds slowly and there is not so much in it about the detectives themselves as the name of the series is suggesting.
My feeling was that the book is perceived more like a soap opera than a thriller. If you like such type of reading and you want to have a few tears in some places, you are welcome to read it. I expected something else and from my point of view, I cannot give it more than 3 stars (with approximation).
November 16, 2019
This is a 4.5 star read.
A gripping crime mystery with an emphasis on dysfunctional relationships rather than a police procedural from the viewpoint of the MC of the Detectives. It's an interesting approach to take for a murder mystery series and the author draws you in with the psychology of the crime and the very real, fully fleshed characters of the two couples embroiled in the saga. I was completely riveted and once I started reading I couldn't stop until the shocking, heartbreaking, yet ultimately joyous finale.
A gripping crime mystery with an emphasis on dysfunctional relationships rather than a police procedural from the viewpoint of the MC of the Detectives. It's an interesting approach to take for a murder mystery series and the author draws you in with the psychology of the crime and the very real, fully fleshed characters of the two couples embroiled in the saga. I was completely riveted and once I started reading I couldn't stop until the shocking, heartbreaking, yet ultimately joyous finale.
December 30, 2017
Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare. Especially when the child has been taken as the not knowing must be pure torture. Poor Hannah is just existing. She has never given up hope that her daughter is out there alive. Ben her ex is a horrible piece of work and I wanted to give him a good slap many a time through out the story. The only good thing to come out of their daughter going missing is the end of their relationship.
Adam you can tell from the off is a wonderful father. Sadly his marriage doesn't appear to be a happy one. Natasha is definitely someone who is very troubled. Adam does his best to try and help her but Natasha will not let him, locking him out and leaving him feeling helpless.
I have to admit being a crime fiction fan that I worked out very early on some of where the story was going and what the outcome was going to be. This wasn't an issue though as there was still the odd surprise in store and I was still more than hooked by the story line and the characters. Even though it is the first book to feature Harry Briscombe, the police are very much in the background which I personally think worked better with these particular story line. I certainly look forward to more in the series as I definitely want to get to know him better as what I did get to see of him, I liked.
Cry From The Grave is without a doubt a gripping read and a great start to a new crime series. Definitely looking forward to more.
Adam you can tell from the off is a wonderful father. Sadly his marriage doesn't appear to be a happy one. Natasha is definitely someone who is very troubled. Adam does his best to try and help her but Natasha will not let him, locking him out and leaving him feeling helpless.
I have to admit being a crime fiction fan that I worked out very early on some of where the story was going and what the outcome was going to be. This wasn't an issue though as there was still the odd surprise in store and I was still more than hooked by the story line and the characters. Even though it is the first book to feature Harry Briscombe, the police are very much in the background which I personally think worked better with these particular story line. I certainly look forward to more in the series as I definitely want to get to know him better as what I did get to see of him, I liked.
Cry From The Grave is without a doubt a gripping read and a great start to a new crime series. Definitely looking forward to more.
June 28, 2017
An easy read with nice plot twists.
January 9, 2014
A great crime mystery, avoiding the usual police procedural approach, instead switching viewpoints between a Natasha and Adam, a married couple who discover something in their garden, and Hannah, a victim struggling to get over a horrendous crime 6 years previously, as well as the police. As the mystery starts to unravel, the author takes the story in some very unexpected directions. What felt as if it would turn out to be a straightforward novel, turned out to have many layers, twists and turns. A great page turner, fantastically well drawn out characters, especially Natasha who was simply brilliant! What a great debut!
December 7, 2017
This story follows a young mother whose child was abducted and the 6 years of unknown that followed. You question all those close to her and at one point, her herself. It was fast paced and in places chilling. The rather abrupt and in my opinion forced relationship between the main characters felt a bit like overkill and stole a little of the fast paced brilliance that the book was steering toward and instead made it a little predictable but overall was an enjoyable easy read
December 12, 2017
Cry from the Grave- Carolyn Mahony 4*
Six years ago Hannah lived with her violent boyfriend and their baby. One day he forced her to put the baby out in the garden and she was never seen again. Today Adam is digging a site for a barbeque area and unearths some bones. His wife Natasha is of rather a nervous disposition and they are not getting on so well after he found that she was having an affair. Is the skeleton that of Hannah’s baby Sophie and if so how did she end up in a garden several miles from home? What is behind Natasha’s rather odd character and what is she hiding? A brilliantly written book that although I could see what was coming still kept me turning the pages. A highly enjoyable read.
Six years ago Hannah lived with her violent boyfriend and their baby. One day he forced her to put the baby out in the garden and she was never seen again. Today Adam is digging a site for a barbeque area and unearths some bones. His wife Natasha is of rather a nervous disposition and they are not getting on so well after he found that she was having an affair. Is the skeleton that of Hannah’s baby Sophie and if so how did she end up in a garden several miles from home? What is behind Natasha’s rather odd character and what is she hiding? A brilliantly written book that although I could see what was coming still kept me turning the pages. A highly enjoyable read.
March 24, 2019
Review to follow
September 24, 2017
I first came across "Cry From The Grave" by Carolyn Mahony on Facebook, it popped up on my news feed and I knew it would be a book I loved! The author very kindly let me know that I could get a copy by signing up for her newsletter....
The story revolves around two families, both facing hardships and traumatic lives. The characters are well formed, some were a pleasure to get to know - others were pure nastiness!
I really liked this book and have since bought her new one "Shadow Watcher" which is a slightly different genre - romantic suspense. I'm really looking forward to reading it very soon. A fabulous find, highly recommended to psychological thriller enthusiasts.
The story revolves around two families, both facing hardships and traumatic lives. The characters are well formed, some were a pleasure to get to know - others were pure nastiness!
I really liked this book and have since bought her new one "Shadow Watcher" which is a slightly different genre - romantic suspense. I'm really looking forward to reading it very soon. A fabulous find, highly recommended to psychological thriller enthusiasts.
December 13, 2017
Enjoyed this- found myself a new author! Liked her story and how she captivates from the start
May 13, 2023
Quite disappointing as the story was very predictable & I had guessed the twist very early on & some things weren’t explained.
November 20, 2021
Hannah Walker (19) and Ben Short are the parents of 3 week old Sophie, who has been taken.
Six years later a skeleton is discovered in the home of Adam and Natasha Campbell. But is the case as straightforward and it first seems.
Chief Inspector Murray and DS Briscombe investigate.
A well-written and entertaining mystery. With its varied and likeable characters. A good start to the series.
Six years later a skeleton is discovered in the home of Adam and Natasha Campbell. But is the case as straightforward and it first seems.
Chief Inspector Murray and DS Briscombe investigate.
A well-written and entertaining mystery. With its varied and likeable characters. A good start to the series.
May 7, 2023
easy reading
i don’t know if it because i’ve read so many books, but this story had some nice plot twists and I enjoyed it. easy reading even though the story is a hard one (i think mothers will agree) losing your child and all.
i don’t know if it because i’ve read so many books, but this story had some nice plot twists and I enjoyed it. easy reading even though the story is a hard one (i think mothers will agree) losing your child and all.
November 17, 2017
Great story
What a thoroughly enjoyable read. Had to finish it the same day I started it - even though I had sussed it out long before the end
What a thoroughly enjoyable read. Had to finish it the same day I started it - even though I had sussed it out long before the end
November 17, 2017
Pretty good story. Well written. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I predicted the main plot twist about halfway through the story. Really enjoyed the characters.
January 19, 2018
A really good read with a twist
November 16, 2017
Twist and turns!!!!
Interesting story that keeps you guessing, but you are wrong....it turns out very different than you expect. Read and Enjoy.
Interesting story that keeps you guessing, but you are wrong....it turns out very different than you expect. Read and Enjoy.
November 24, 2017
I love it when I find myself enraptured by a book that I cannot put down. The story was spellbinding and I read it in one day. The twists and turns in the storyline weren't expected. Kudos to any outstanding storyteller. Patricia
November 25, 2017
Great story
Good story. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out I was given enough to know there was more to this mystery. I love a book that keeps me guessing .
Good story. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out I was given enough to know there was more to this mystery. I love a book that keeps me guessing .
November 16, 2017
An excellent story
Wow this had some twists and turns,the plot wasn't easy to pick, and the characters Hannah,Ben, Adam, Natasha were inter-twined as well.
Wow this had some twists and turns,the plot wasn't easy to pick, and the characters Hannah,Ben, Adam, Natasha were inter-twined as well.
November 24, 2017
Surprises at every turn
Definitely a thriller. Gripping and interesting throughout. Well worth a read, keeps you on your toes throughout. Even may shed a few tears!
Definitely a thriller. Gripping and interesting throughout. Well worth a read, keeps you on your toes throughout. Even may shed a few tears!
November 24, 2017
Great read
Loved this one. Looking forward to the next one. Moved at a good pace and kept me wanting to get to the next page. Wish the author would continue the story!
Loved this one. Looking forward to the next one. Moved at a good pace and kept me wanting to get to the next page. Wish the author would continue the story!
April 1, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
November 15, 2017
Wonderfully Touching
I couldn't believe how much this book touched me. It grabbed me from the first and didn't let me put it down until I finished it.
I couldn't believe how much this book touched me. It grabbed me from the first and didn't let me put it down until I finished it.
August 27, 2017
I love mysteries, but this was a little different for me as I tend to mainly read murder mysteries. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the story as it had a little of everything. The characters were easy to like or hate, and they weren’t complex. Part of that is the writer’s style of taking us into each of their heads and showing us their thoughts and feelings, but I think it had more to do with their familiarity. Each one represented a different personality most of us know or have known, so it’s easy to relate. To me, that only adds to them and the author’s ability to keep parts of the story a mystery for so long while dropping occasional hints.
I can see how the story can seem predictable in some ways, but the author’s ability to keep it moving and focus on the characters made it enticing and enjoyable for me. The fast pace and engaging style helps the reader to be pulled in and become lost, which is never a bad thing. Add in the relatable characters and this is a definite must read for any mystery fan.
I can see how the story can seem predictable in some ways, but the author’s ability to keep it moving and focus on the characters made it enticing and enjoyable for me. The fast pace and engaging style helps the reader to be pulled in and become lost, which is never a bad thing. Add in the relatable characters and this is a definite must read for any mystery fan.
October 2, 2023
Twisty thriller alert! Who is the child in the grave? Who is the mother and more importantly, who is the father? Well created characters and a solid plot. Loved it right to the end!
December 22, 2017
I cried. I rarely cry reading books. I guessed the ending in regards to the investigation early on but the journey there was intense and one definitely worth taking.
October 21, 2017
I absolutely loved this book & could not put it down! I just wanted to keep reading,to find out if Sophie really was still alive as her Mum Hannah believed. A book that keeps you guessing & twists that you really don’t see coming. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
November 5, 2014
I've packed this in 30% in. Way too many annoying and careless mistakes and no characters I could really enjoy reading about any longer if I'm brutally honest.
The cover drew me in straightaway and the story sounded an interesting one. However, the women featured as far as I got-Hannah and Natasha-were both most odd characters and I thought Natasha especially was a mentalist I just despised and I really wasn't interested or could bring myself to care about either of them.
I'd maybe have stuck with it if it wasn't full of mistakes as well but that did it for me. Basic stuff, too, which should've been picked up by any proofreading exercise.
Firstly there was no need of she twice in this one sentence-"that she finally she gave vent"....too was used instead of to, she kept writing data base as opposed to database, speechmarks were dropped but THE biggest irritation for me was the lack of commas. Sentences like "You didn't see her Adam" or "He hadn't changed much she thought grimly" are rendered almost senseless because they weren't included.You have to keep re-reading the same sentence twice in order to figure out what it is supposed to be. Not good, and all for the sake of some basic punctuation.
The cover drew me in straightaway and the story sounded an interesting one. However, the women featured as far as I got-Hannah and Natasha-were both most odd characters and I thought Natasha especially was a mentalist I just despised and I really wasn't interested or could bring myself to care about either of them.
I'd maybe have stuck with it if it wasn't full of mistakes as well but that did it for me. Basic stuff, too, which should've been picked up by any proofreading exercise.
Firstly there was no need of she twice in this one sentence-"that she finally she gave vent"....too was used instead of to, she kept writing data base as opposed to database, speechmarks were dropped but THE biggest irritation for me was the lack of commas. Sentences like "You didn't see her Adam" or "He hadn't changed much she thought grimly" are rendered almost senseless because they weren't included.You have to keep re-reading the same sentence twice in order to figure out what it is supposed to be. Not good, and all for the sake of some basic punctuation.
May 17, 2014
Fantastic read! Carolyn Mahony does a brilliant job at keeping you engaged throughout the entire story. My mind was racing the entire time, trying to figure out who done it!
It was heartbreaking, yet there was so much hope to be felt. I loved that there was some saucy stuff thrown in. I say this because this is not my usual genre that I read. It had a nice contemporary romance feel to it on top of the crime/mystery. That being said, if like me, you normally reach towards romance novels but want to spread out to other genres; this books is a great step in that direction!
This was Carolyn's debut novel and I am very much looking forward to her next book!
It was heartbreaking, yet there was so much hope to be felt. I loved that there was some saucy stuff thrown in. I say this because this is not my usual genre that I read. It had a nice contemporary romance feel to it on top of the crime/mystery. That being said, if like me, you normally reach towards romance novels but want to spread out to other genres; this books is a great step in that direction!
This was Carolyn's debut novel and I am very much looking forward to her next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews