Lasting Influence

DCI Gawn Girvin #8

by Linda Hagan

A kidnap, a murder, and a very tricky situation for a tough female detective…

Detective Chief Inspector Gawn Girvin is called back from extended leave when a social media influencer couple goes missing on the Northern Ireland coast.

One is the son of the Norwegian ambassador, and Gawn is specially requested to oversee bringing them home. Powerful figures are demanding results.

However, when videos emerge of the woman being tortured, the stakes are raised. Something tells Gawn it is not just money that the kidnappers want.

Meanwhile, a well-known criminal lawyer is executed in Belfast and a fingerprint is uncovered that is linked to events in Gawn’s family’s past.

Gawn will have to quickly tie up the loose threads, and avoid the trap awaiting her.

LASTING INFLUENCE is the eighth murder mystery by Northern Ireland’s bestselling fiction talent Linda Hagan. It can be enjoyed entirely on its own, or alongside the other books. The full list is as

1. THE PERFUME KILLER
2. MURDER SKY HIGH
3. A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
4. KILLING THE VIBE
5. THAT MUCH SHE KNEW
6. MURDER ON THE TABLE
7. NOTHING BUT SMILES
8. LASTING INFLUENCE

All these books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback. If you enjoy crime fiction with jaw-dropping moments and great twists, and authors like Robert McCracken, T G Reid, and Claire McGowan, you’ll love this book!

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2024

About the author

Linda Hagan was born in Belfast. but for many years has lived in the town of Carrickfergus on the shores of Belfast Lough and overlooked by the magnificent Norman castle.
After a career in education and academic research, retirement has enabled her to indulge her passion for crime fiction. A lifelong reader of the genre, she has now turned writer and her first two novels, 'The Perfume Killer' and 'Murder Sky High' were well-received leading to a further six novels in the series .
The central character of all her novels is DCI Gawn Girvin, ex-army and now PSNI officer with the nickname "The Ice Queen". Gawn often battles her own demons from her past as well as the criminals she is investigating and her sense of duty can often lead her into dangerous situations.
When not reading or writing crime, Linda enjoys Formula 1, researching her family history and spending time with her grandchildren.

Reviews

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Lasting Influence: A Few Clicks Away from Murder by Linda Hagan is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark side of social media and the far-reaching consequences of online influence. Hagan crafts a narrative that is timely and chilling, exploring how the digital age can blur the lines between reality and illusion, and how a single click can lead to devastating outcomes.

The story follows Emma, a popular social media influencer whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel when she becomes the target of a sinister plot. As Emma navigates the treacherous waters of online fame, she discovers that her every move is being watched and manipulated by an unseen enemy. The tension builds as Emma races against time to uncover the truth and protect herself from a threat that is closer than she could have ever imagined.

Hagan’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers into a world where the virtual and real collide with deadly consequences. The characters are well-developed, with Emma standing out as a particularly compelling protagonist. Her journey from a confident influencer to a woman fighting for her life is believable and heart-wrenching. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each with their own secrets and motivations that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

One of the standout elements of Lasting Influence is its exploration of the psychological impact of social media. Hagan deftly examines how the quest for online validation can lead to dangerous behavior and how the anonymity of the internet can embolden malicious actions. This theme is woven seamlessly into the plot, making the novel not only a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society.

The pacing of the book is excellent, with each chapter ending on a note of suspense that compels the reader to keep turning the pages. Hagan’s ability to maintain a high level of tension throughout the novel is impressive, and the twists and turns are both surprising and satisfying.

Overall, Lasting Influence: A Few Clicks Away from Murder is a standout thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Linda Hagan has crafted a story that is entertaining and reflective of the darker aspects of our digital lives. This book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and human behavior. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or new to the genre, this novel offers a compelling and chilling experience that will stay with you.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Hagan’s Lasting Influence delivers a gripping, action-packed mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. At the heart of the story is Gawn, a seasoned investigator with a reputation for excellence. Pulled back into the office from what should have been a respite, Gawn is tasked with solving the sudden and chilling disappearance of two young adults on a seemingly carefree road trip adventure.

From the outset, the stakes are high, and Hagan expertly crafts an atmosphere of tension and urgency. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, with each chapter packed with twists that feel both surprising and inevitable. Hagan’s ability to layer suspense while developing her characters is impressive. Gawn, in particular, stands out not just for her skills but for her emotional depth and determination, making her a protagonist readers will root for.

The action scenes are vivid and well-paced, delivering just the right amount of intensity without overshadowing the mystery’s complexity. Hagan also excels at integrating twists that never feel forced, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Each clue and revelation builds upon the last, culminating in a satisfying and well-earned conclusion.

In Lasting Influence, Hagan proves her mastery of the mystery genre, blending action, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. Fans of fast-paced mysteries with a strong lead will find this novel a compelling read. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of tension and emotional depth in their thrillers.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lasting Influence is a good police procedural set in and around Belfast. It's the eighth in a series featuring DCI Gawn Girvin, bit works well as a standalone.

Gawn has been on leave and is asked to return early to take on a high profile abduction case. The involvement of a senior civil servant she is sure has a hidden role makes her suspicious that there is more to the case than first appears. But what are the links to the past? And why was she chosen to lead the investigation?

This is a well paced novel, with clues and revelations building the tension towards the eventual conclusion. Even without having read the previous novels, this was attention grabbing throughout.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This crime thriller tingles with intrigue from beginning to end and is compulsive reading. The Belfast setting helped add a sense of realism to a plot that was both clever and complex.
Linda Hagan is a writer new to me; Inspector Gawn Girvin a character new to me; and social media influencers on par with aliens in my world, but what a thrill to realise there's a whole lot of catching up I can do with this series.
All the police procedural stuff is very authentic and there's plenty of strong characterisation which helped make this novel as much character driven as plot driven and the quality of the writing was absolutely pitch perfect throughout.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good police procedural, set in Northern Ireland. The first I have read by this author and although the book was fine as a stand alone regarding the cases being investigated, I did not really get to know or understand the main detective Gawn Girvan in this book. She has been on extended leave and has now been asked back to headthis case. There is enough action here, the case has links to the past which gradually become apparent. The team were well described and the writing kept my interest throughout . The plot is fairly intricate which I enjoy.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

[The Book Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two social media influencers get kidnapped. A detective is tasked with rescuing them. But is there more to it?

A solid police procedural with a contemporary theme. Currently on pre-order for 22nd July, and on NETGALLEY for ARC reviews.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the Gawn Virgin series and great to see her back. Lots of the usual characters and a storyline that moved at a very fast pace.Looking forward to reading more.

[Alan R. Gault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit book

Another great adventure for Gawn and the crew. Again you think you know who was the main culprit only to find a twist!