The Lion's Den

Detective Anna James #2

by Emmy Ellis

A battered body is discovered in a field at Hawthorn Farm. The victim is Maureen Frost, a well-known elderly villager, and her death shocks the tight-knit community to its core.

As a fellow resident of the pretty village of Upton-cum-Studley, Detective Inspector Anna James knows Maureen. She also knows Maureen and her husband Albert have been locked in a long-standing feud with Toby Potter.

Toby has been in love with Maureen for over fifty years. They were going to get married — until Maureen spotted Albert and began seeing him behind Toby’s back.

But Albert’s far from the perfect husband. He’s controlling and abusive and has a sinister past of his own . . .

To understand the present, Anna must look to the past. All while going undercover to expose a mole within the police force tied to the powerful Northern Kings gang. At the same time Anna’s trying to suppress her growing feelings for handsome but roguish gang member Joshua ‘Parole’ Cribbins.

Anna’s about to walk into the lion’s den. Will she make it out alive . . . ?

Please note this book contains themes of baby loss that some readers may find upsetting.

Genres: Suspense

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Author of these series:
•  DI Tracy Collier
•  DI Carol Wren
•  DI Bethany Smith
•  DI Helena Stratton
•  The Cardigan Estate
•  DI Morgan Yeoman
•  Detective Anna James

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 1 out of 5]

A different tack for a mystery—we learn who the murderer is in the first chapter. We also learn how many unlikable denizens are in this English village, and some graphic details of domestic violence, and earlier deaths with apparently very different causes than previously reported. We don’t learn much about the officers investigating the murder, except that one is an allegedly former gang member--would the police really hire someone who has pledged lifelong allegiance to a gang? I didn’t really care about any of the characters, and this novel had a cliffhanger ending, which I dislike. British police procedurals are one of my favorite genres, so I was very disappointed. TW: domestic violence/infanticides and multiple suicides. I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[desiree(finally back) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book featuring Detective Anna James, and even though I'm not a fan of early 'whodunnit' reveals, the series is starting to grow on me.

It kicks off with the mutterings of two separate murderers, and the prologue is a bit unsettling once you figure out what's happening.
And if we’re really being honest here, I really didn't feel too bad for Maureen getting 💀 (oops, anyway).
This really sets the tone for the investigation and the different perspectives.

The story moves quickly and is an easy read, so you don't have to overthink it. Everything ties up nicely, but there's still a cliffhanger. There are a lot of subplots and a lot of revisiting past events.
The detective work was simpler this time, but it still had that addictive quality from the first book.

We see Anna and Parole starting something new, one mole becoming clearer, and still have questions about the second.
I've grown attached to several characters and can't wait to see where the next book takes us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brian Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5- .. I enjoyed book 2 of the series, unusually for me I have started book 3 right after it.. I normally like to mix things up!! Nice quick read and hope book 3 continues in the same way.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2nd in the series is good. I really like Anna and Lenny, they work well together and are good friends as well.
There are quite a few nasty people in the village who have committed some awful murders. Anna and Lenny have a tough task in front of them.
Trigger warning: the murder of newborn babies that are difficult to read about, as well as domestic violence.
The cases occurred many years ago, as well as in the present.
It's a tense read with quite a bit of violence, but the 2 detectives are so likeable that I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping crime novel that weaves together a complex web of secrets, lies, and deceit. With its small-town setting, a mysterious murder, and a detective with a troubled past, this book promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. As Anna James delves into the dark underbelly of the community, you'll be drawn into a world of abuse, control, and obsession, where nothing is as it seems.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the DI Anna James series and another great read, well written and full of the unexpected.
Although we know who killed Maureen right from the start, the police investigation throws up several hints to suggest that previously explained deaths were actually not as they seemed.
Again, like the first book in the series we are left with a hint of what is to come next.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with the mutterings of two separate murderers and more. This sets the tone of the investigation and the character perspectives. It seems that the story is not driven by the story of DI Anna James but by the very unpleasant suspects and other intriguing characters. It's a very interesting story but crammed with my personal triggers, so it would be better for someone without that sort of baggage.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected e-proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.

[Fran_reads1007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all let me just say wow.
Knowing who the killer is at the start of the book is something I never thought I would say I enjoyed knowing.
But the way Emmy Ellis writes this is absolute genius. Knowing the killer there going into great detail about what’s happening around them whilst they’re trying to figure out the killer is amazing.
Small town in the country I can relate to how gossip falls through a little village.
Will definitely be reading the rest of her books ❤️

[Krys · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and the second I have read by this author, although to be honest, it will probably be my last.

Again, this is due to the fact that we are told who the killer is (and more or less why they do what they do) in the first chapter and then spend the rest of the book watching Anna chase her tail with these people (all of whom are horrible with no redeeming qualities whatsoever). I also found it funny who within moments of meeting him, Anna somehow seemed to know who was behind it, spending the book just trying to prove it. Sure, the culprit was nervous, but it was like she didn't actually entertain any other ideas.

And while I appreciated the author throwing in the old deaths as well, as with Maureen's death, it was all pretty obvious who were behind those ones as well. Which makes me wonder just how incompetent the officers who handled those particular cases were if Anna and her crew were so easily able to put the pieces together.

The final nail in this one's coffin though was the way it ended on a cliff-hanger. While I understand it is done as a way to try an entice the reader to keep going, it had the opposite effect on me, especially since it makes the book's blurb misleading as the book ends before Anna actually walks into the metaphorical lion's den.

Despite my personal feelings on this story, I'm sure there will be others who enjoy it more, especially if they don't mind knowing who the killer is in advance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

4* Book 2 in the series doesn't have quite the same excitement of book 1, but it's still a decent read.

Still waters in small villages run deep. People aren't who they seem, keeping secrets for themselves and others, looking out for their own backs, scheming and dropping others in it when it suits, and lying when it suits.

Whodathunk that oldies could get up to so much? And that one could be so deceptive and so controlled, or that another could be so evil and yet think it's his right and duty as a man and husband to lay down the law? But, did I have sympathy for the victim? Nope. She brought it on herself - the prologue hints at the horrors, but let's you know that she also enjoys what's meted out...

The prologue us horrible. Turned my stomach because of what very quickly became clear was happening. How could a woman...?! Abuse or not, there was collusion on her part, and whilst a kind of justice may have been done where she was concerned, her husband escaped the legal justice he deserved, though not a different kind of justice.

The detecting was less fraught and somewhat easier in this book, amd it didn't have the addictive quality of book 1. But, we get to see Anna and Parole start something, we get to see one mole starting to become transparent, and we still wonder about the second.

It's a decent enough read, but the subject matter didn't make me love it.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A battered body is found in a field at Hawthorn Farm. The victim is Maureen Frost, a well-known elderly villager, and her death shocks the tight-knit community to its core. As a fellow resident of the village of Upton-cum-Studley, Detective Inspector Anna James knew Maureen. She also knows that Maureen and her husband Albert have been locked in a long-standing feud with Toby Potter. Toby has been in love with Maureen for over fifty years. They were going to get married - until Maureen spotted Albert and began seeing him behind Toby's back. But Albert's far from the perfect husband. He's controlling and abusive and has a sinister past of his own.

I recently read The Pig Pen by the author, so when I saw she had a new book coming out, I had to request a copy. I'm still not keen on finding out early whodunnit, as I like to try and work it out along the way. There are a few sub-stories. I quite like Detective Inspector Anna James, she is thorough in all she does. This is a quick and easy read. All the loose ends were tied up, but we were left with a cliffhanger. I did like this book slightly more than I did The Pig Pen.

Published 13th August 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Joffe Books and the author #EmmyElliks for my ARC of #TheLionsDen in exchange for an honest review.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Joffe Books for this free eARC

Completely different to the first and not a thriller

After being wowed by Emmy Ellis’s first book in this series, The Pig Pen, I leapt at the chance to read this, book 2. The opening line, ‘Burying a body in the dark was harder than she thought, even though she’d done it several times, […]’ promised another rip roaring gripping thriller. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

From the beginning we know the identity of the killer. And as the story unfolds, it seems half the town are either killers or keeping secrets for the killers. Honestly, it all got a bit much and boring quite quickly. For me, this read only just scrapes 3 stars as it did have some good one-liners, but I shan’t be reading any more of her this author’s books. Such a shame as she knocked it out of the Park with The Pig Pen.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.


5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first book, we know who the killer is right from the start. Normally I don't like this but it seems to work well here.

The story goes back and forth with timelines from years ago giving background as to the motivation behind the current events and this is a horrible village with a lot of horrible people living there and a lot of secrets to hide. I'm struggling to find many locals with any redeeming qualities. There is also the ongoing second storyline of the gang activities and some police involvement , and further developments here which has things escalating dramatically. The ending leaves me wondering what Anna has left herself in for.

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

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women still to this day are being abused by their life partners to whom they have given their hearts and souls. These women are physically, verbally, emotionally, and sexually abuse their intimate partners by exerting power and control over them. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures, races, religions, and classes, as well as in same-sex relationships. We find that domestic violence is perpetrated by men and women, 95 percent of reported domestic violence cases are men abusing women and 5 percent of reported domestic violence cases are women abusing men.

This book touches on this subject matter and had many tiwsts and turns with most people turning a blind eye to the abuse that was happening right next-door from them. Get involved. Be that abused person's voice.

[Louise Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

When an elderly lady is murdered detective Anna James and her team are on the case. The lady wasn’t pleasant and she and her husband were disagreeable and rude. With many suspects and links to the past the team need to work quickly.

I enjoyed this. Like the first in the series it was good knowing whodunnit right from the start, but being able to observe the procedures and clues used by the team to solve it. There were a lot of stories within this story and lots of things from the part revisited. I liked how all the loose ends were tied up. I am intrigued to see how the next instalment goes after that cliffhanger ending.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Addictive reading

An excellent follow up to the author's first book, The Pig Pen. Another case for DI Anna James, the plot gives a new meaning to the expression, Grey Power.

The opening sentence of, Burying a body in the dark was harder than she thought, even though she's done it several times, is an indication of what's to come.

Didn’t want the book to end and look forward to book three.

Definitely recommend.

eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Gill Appleyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second in this series about Anna James, an introverted detective, attracted to a local bad boy but fully committed to the pursuit of justice.
Similar to the first, we know who did it early on but this story is less about the who and more about the why’s. I really like this concept and the way that the multiple threads, some going way back all link in to the one story.
I’m looking forward to more in this series.
Thank you to Joffe’s ARC for the book and this review is given voluntarily.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in Detective Anna James series.
It has a very well written gripping storyline and plot, with good strong characters.
Although you know the killer from the start, it doesn't spoil the book in any way.
In fact, you are led into a twist and turn of a story, with surprising revelations and twists you don't expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would recommend it to those who love a good thriller.
My thanks to Joffe books. This is my unbiased and honest review.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lion's Den is the 2nd book in the Detective Anna James series, by Emmy Ellis. This was a new author for me and I did enjoy the book, although it was written in a little different manner than I am accustomed too. Normally your wait until the end of book to find out the murderer. Having said that the book had plenty of interesting back story that leads up to the murder. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Joffe Books, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read

When a woman's body is found in DI Anna James home village, Anna is shocked to find out she knew the lady. They have a suspect straight away, but can they find the proof needed? It seems there is a lot going on with what feels like half the village involved. Anna is also still suspicious that one of her team is also part of a gang, and she is still searching for proof, she may have to put herself in danger and go beyond all her beliefs to find the truth. This is a really good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual premise for a book as we know the killer at the outset. This is my first read of this series and I really enjoyed it. We visit a seemingly close knit community with secrets that start to unravel following the death of Maureen. We get an insight into the dynamics of the investigating team and I was rooting for Anna. This isn't a book for the faint hearted but it kept me intrigued to reach the finale and I'll definitely be reading the next one.

Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC

[Sally Winsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping read from the pen of Emmy Ellis. The second DI Anna James sees the detective and her team trying to solve the murder of an elderly woman in a lay-by just outside of the village where Anna lives. Whilst (like the first book) the reader already knows the guilty party, we follow all the twists and turns of the police investigation. Will it culminate in a successful arrest? I quite enjoyed this book and look forward to the next instalment.

[Linda Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Anna James just come off a harrowing murder case where love and murder went hand in hand.

Now, she is faced with a murder of an elderly woman. Was it a random act? Revenge from a scorn lover decades ago? Or something more nefarious? As she works through the clues she struggles with her feelings towards a local gangster as well as her confusion over a team member’s betrayal.

To truly enjoy this book, book one in the series should be read first.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very good read

An exciting story with non-stop action. The murderer was revealed at the beginning, I wondered where the thrill and anticipation was going to come from. I didn't need to worry because there were several other revelations to be revealed. The characters sprang of the page with a vibrancy that made them all too real. Anna was her usual driven self as she struggled to make sense of the evidence. I will be reading the next book in the series.

[Sall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read that takes in both the length of time it can take to investigate things such as gangs, corrupt police etc and the thrill of a quick solving case, although this is turning out to be a very dangerous area to live in given the number of murders that occur. Anna's relationship with Parole is going to become rather interesting and I'm looking forward to how this along with Peters inovolvement in the Kings evovles over the course of future books.

[Mags Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story which could be closer to reality than many of us could imagine. Trying to put yourself in DC Anna’s position of solving a case with so many twists which occur every day in real life was more than intriguing. It was tough turning off the light and putting my iPad down even though it was after midnight. Good that I’m retired and don’t need to beat the clock tomorrow morning. VR, Mags

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series by the author featuring Detective Anna James and I definitely preferred the first one, The Pig Pen. I just failed to get engrossed with the characters and although the plotting was good, it all got just a bit boring and unbelievable towards the end. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Bonita Soley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense, graphic, complex - secrets and betrayals everywhere, some trailing for years and not letting go. Solid police mystery with developed characters that you will feel - and some ongoing subplots that will have you gripping your seat. Second installment, but can stand alone. Waiting for number three!!!! (You will know why!)

[Bob Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, a bit drawn out seemed to me that the story was based on a predetermined outcome, and then the story was wove about that outcome. Characters were all a bit obvious and easily identified as "good guys and bad guys/girls." A woman gets battered to death in a lay bye so the hunt for her killer focuses on her ex, her husband, and enemies she has made in her village. Turns out she had plenty of enemies and not many friends. Just wasn't my thing.8

[Melvyn Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lions Den. Old enemies, unrequited love,loss of control, deep seated loyalties. How many murders can a village suffer before it explodes. Great storyline, believable characters and a twist in the tail. A great read.