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Close to the Edge
Two detectives under fire. One missing student. No answers. Chaos breaks out as DS Gabe Martin leaves Southampton Crown Court. Gunshots ring out. She and DI Juliet Stern are hit. The culprit disappears without a trace.
Despite her injuries, Gabe is determined to work. She's assigned to the search for missing art student Henry Garside. As she delves into his case, it becomes clear nothing about the investigation is as it seems.
Is Henry’s disappearance an isolated incident? Was the shooting a simple act of retribution – or is there some far bigger and more sinister at play? When Juliet asks for her help in the search for their shooter, Gabe feels powerless to refuse, even if it means meddling where she shouldn't. Increasingly caught between her loyalty to Juliet and her job, Gabe becomes dangerously close to crossing a line...
A gripping immersive crime thriller from an exciting new talent. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Susie Steiner.
Despite her injuries, Gabe is determined to work. She's assigned to the search for missing art student Henry Garside. As she delves into his case, it becomes clear nothing about the investigation is as it seems.
Is Henry’s disappearance an isolated incident? Was the shooting a simple act of retribution – or is there some far bigger and more sinister at play? When Juliet asks for her help in the search for their shooter, Gabe feels powerless to refuse, even if it means meddling where she shouldn't. Increasingly caught between her loyalty to Juliet and her job, Gabe becomes dangerously close to crossing a line...
A gripping immersive crime thriller from an exciting new talent. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Susie Steiner.
- GenresCrime
382 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2024
55 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 7, 2024
Hmmm…a little too over the top .
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I went from reading Book One straight onto Two, and it felt short of my expectations.
The writing was repetitive and a little flowery. The female protagonists made really weak “woman-excepted” decisions and moves. The type of decisions that fuel stereotypes. The plot starts off well enough (where the last one finished), but there’s so much repetition there’s no need to read the first one. Unfortunately there were too many holes and too many “mob-type” angles that didn’t work for me.
All I. All I think I’m done with this series.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I went from reading Book One straight onto Two, and it felt short of my expectations.
The writing was repetitive and a little flowery. The female protagonists made really weak “woman-excepted” decisions and moves. The type of decisions that fuel stereotypes. The plot starts off well enough (where the last one finished), but there’s so much repetition there’s no need to read the first one. Unfortunately there were too many holes and too many “mob-type” angles that didn’t work for me.
All I. All I think I’m done with this series.
September 1, 2024
4.25*
Picking up immediately after THAT ending for Shot In The Dark, we are immediately dropped into the investigation into Juliet and Gabe’s shooting whilst also looking into case of a missing art student.
It’s sharply written, fast paced and very much a modern take on the police procedural that builds well from Shot In The Dark. I love the mixed media inclusion and the ending again has got me very intrigued. Juliet was at her worst during this book and I can't help but wonder about what she's got planned for Keith (so deserved!)
Definitely read book 1 before diving in so you get to know our very human and very fallible and flawed detectives, especially as so much of this book is tied up with the events and people from that story.
Roll on Book 3!
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing an eArc of "Close to the Edge" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Picking up immediately after THAT ending for Shot In The Dark, we are immediately dropped into the investigation into Juliet and Gabe’s shooting whilst also looking into case of a missing art student.
It’s sharply written, fast paced and very much a modern take on the police procedural that builds well from Shot In The Dark. I love the mixed media inclusion and the ending again has got me very intrigued. Juliet was at her worst during this book and I can't help but wonder about what she's got planned for Keith (so deserved!)
Definitely read book 1 before diving in so you get to know our very human and very fallible and flawed detectives, especially as so much of this book is tied up with the events and people from that story.
Roll on Book 3!
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing an eArc of "Close to the Edge" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
September 11, 2024
4.25⭐
This is my first introduction to author Anna Britton and detectives Martin and Stern, and I'll be honest, I did struggle a little.
As this story picks up where the last one left off. So, it was a challenge to get into the rhythm of the writing, story, and characters. Especially as you're thrust right into the thick of things, and clearly a lot of what happens in this book comes from events in Shot in the Dark.
But that didn't stop me enjoying this sharply written, modern police procedural and I appreciated how fallible, real, and in some cases not always likable these characters are.
Not to mention how tense and twisty this story is, and despite my ignorance of the events leading up to the shooting, I was deeply invested in discovering who was responsible and the outcome of this story.
I would happily recommend Close to the Edge to others.
My thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy of Close to the Edge. ☺️ All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is my first introduction to author Anna Britton and detectives Martin and Stern, and I'll be honest, I did struggle a little.
As this story picks up where the last one left off. So, it was a challenge to get into the rhythm of the writing, story, and characters. Especially as you're thrust right into the thick of things, and clearly a lot of what happens in this book comes from events in Shot in the Dark.
But that didn't stop me enjoying this sharply written, modern police procedural and I appreciated how fallible, real, and in some cases not always likable these characters are.
Not to mention how tense and twisty this story is, and despite my ignorance of the events leading up to the shooting, I was deeply invested in discovering who was responsible and the outcome of this story.
I would happily recommend Close to the Edge to others.
My thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy of Close to the Edge. ☺️ All thoughts expressed are my own.
August 22, 2024
4.5 *
Did I stay up until way past midnight to finish reading Close to the Edge? Yes. Regrets? None.
Close to the Edge hit every mark I had hoped for it to achieve! Compared with the first installment in the book-series, it is very evident Britton is more comfortable with her writing; pacing, character development, plot, evidence presented in different forms of transcripts and screenshots of messages. All of these form a very unique (or; Britton-esque) manner of storytelling.
I also want to commend Anna on creating a book-series that would almost require to read the books in order to fully immerse into the character developments and personalities.
Well done, Anna! I cannot wait for book three.
Did I stay up until way past midnight to finish reading Close to the Edge? Yes. Regrets? None.
Close to the Edge hit every mark I had hoped for it to achieve! Compared with the first installment in the book-series, it is very evident Britton is more comfortable with her writing; pacing, character development, plot, evidence presented in different forms of transcripts and screenshots of messages. All of these form a very unique (or; Britton-esque) manner of storytelling.
I also want to commend Anna on creating a book-series that would almost require to read the books in order to fully immerse into the character developments and personalities.
Well done, Anna! I cannot wait for book three.
December 27, 2024
Wow. I read Anna Britton's debut novel, Shot in the Dark, last year, and it impressed me so much that I jumped at the chance to read her new book, Close to the Edge, which follows right on the heels of its predecessor. I have to say, it did not disappoint.
One of the things I'd liked best about Shot in the Dark was that it features two female detectives, both impressive at what they do. I am delighted that Britton is continuing this series, giving us more detective stories featuring these two powerhouse women. This time we get much more from Detective Gabriella (Gabe) Martin, recovering from a shot to the shoulder in the previous book. We see Gabe wrestling with her own PTSD as well as desperately trying to solve the crime (actually three crimes, but she's not one to brag). While Detective Juliet Stern is more of a background character, we still get some essential glimpses into her life and I hope a future book helps sort out more of what she's living with.
I also love that the narrative is peppered with bits of important case-relared material, like police memos or witness statements. Text messages. I love feeling like I'm immersed in the story, solving it alongside the detectives. This time it was also such an effective way of showing us elements of Juliet's life.
And of course the mystery itself was quite compelling. I will admit to harboring suspicions about the shooter's identity, but there were also enough twists and turns in this mystery that it never felt predictable. And more than once the action scenes had my own heart pounding, worried for one or more of the detectives involved.
This was a great followup to Shot in the Dark, and I genuinely look forward to reading a third Stern and Martin mystery in the future!
One of the things I'd liked best about Shot in the Dark was that it features two female detectives, both impressive at what they do. I am delighted that Britton is continuing this series, giving us more detective stories featuring these two powerhouse women. This time we get much more from Detective Gabriella (Gabe) Martin, recovering from a shot to the shoulder in the previous book. We see Gabe wrestling with her own PTSD as well as desperately trying to solve the crime (actually three crimes, but she's not one to brag). While Detective Juliet Stern is more of a background character, we still get some essential glimpses into her life and I hope a future book helps sort out more of what she's living with.
I also love that the narrative is peppered with bits of important case-relared material, like police memos or witness statements. Text messages. I love feeling like I'm immersed in the story, solving it alongside the detectives. This time it was also such an effective way of showing us elements of Juliet's life.
And of course the mystery itself was quite compelling. I will admit to harboring suspicions about the shooter's identity, but there were also enough twists and turns in this mystery that it never felt predictable. And more than once the action scenes had my own heart pounding, worried for one or more of the detectives involved.
This was a great followup to Shot in the Dark, and I genuinely look forward to reading a third Stern and Martin mystery in the future!
February 13, 2025
I’d read 3/4 of this book before I’d even realised it!
I really can’t wait for book 3 though as I felt we did not get enough time with Juliet and her story. But I guess and am hoping that the slower development of her characters storyline and the strange twist and turns going on there are vital to the next stages.
It’s strange how despite Juliet’s personality as this off-putting blunt detective alienates most everyone around her; because we see her through Gabe’s eyes, I find myself completely rooting for her. Not only due to the hints to her home life circumstances and therefore somehow she feels like an underdog even though she has a powerful occupation where one cannot have achieved what she has without a strength of conviction. Which makes her circumstances that much more intriguing, for her to have allowed herself to get stuck in her situation.
The subtlety there from the author is impressive to accomplish that, where both those aspects of Juliet’s personality are very much apparent through Gabe’s perception.
I find the contrast extremely interesting between how we only get glimpses of Juliet’s story in this book and are unsure of where her story is going, and comparing that to Gabe’s struggles and how she copes with and overcomes them.
I really can’t wait for book 3 though as I felt we did not get enough time with Juliet and her story. But I guess and am hoping that the slower development of her characters storyline and the strange twist and turns going on there are vital to the next stages.
It’s strange how despite Juliet’s personality as this off-putting blunt detective alienates most everyone around her; because we see her through Gabe’s eyes, I find myself completely rooting for her. Not only due to the hints to her home life circumstances and therefore somehow she feels like an underdog even though she has a powerful occupation where one cannot have achieved what she has without a strength of conviction. Which makes her circumstances that much more intriguing, for her to have allowed herself to get stuck in her situation.
The subtlety there from the author is impressive to accomplish that, where both those aspects of Juliet’s personality are very much apparent through Gabe’s perception.
I find the contrast extremely interesting between how we only get glimpses of Juliet’s story in this book and are unsure of where her story is going, and comparing that to Gabe’s struggles and how she copes with and overcomes them.
August 19, 2024
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.
This second instalment of Stern and Martin picks up directly where the last one finished and Anna Britton once again demonstrates her ability to plot a multi layered story. The author brings her unique style of storytelling to give us a riveting read full of suspense with intriguing characters none more so than the two leading ladies. A strange ending but I expect that will take us very nicely into book 3……
June 27, 2025
A great follow-up to Shot in the Dark! Character-driven, very readable pace, and with some good twists. A perfect little crime story to read on my holiday :)
February 1, 2025
An easy read that kept pace…bit predictable in parts but a good page turner.
October 6, 2024
Chaos breaks out as DS Gabe Martin leaves Southampton Crown Court. Gunshots ring out and she and DI Juliet Stern are hit, the culprit disappearing without a trace. Despite her injuries, Gabe is determined to return to work and, assigned to desk duties, she heads the search for missing art student Henry Garside. As she delves into his case, it becomes clear nothing about the investigation is as it seems. Is Henry’s disappearance an isolated incident? Was the shooting a simple act of retribution – or is there some far bigger and more sinister at play? When Juliet asks for her help in the search for their shooter, Gabe feels powerless to refuse, even if it means meddling where she shouldn't. Increasingly caught between her loyalty to Juliet and her job, Gabe becomes dangerously close to crossing a line...
I was a huge fan of Anna’s first book in this series, ‘Shot In The Dark’ and after a MAJOR cliffhanger ending left me wanting to desperately know what happened next, the wait was finally over! I am pleased to say it was definitely worth it!
Delving straight back into the action, picking up where we left the last book, I thoroughly the writing style and the interlinking additions of police interviews, press/media cuttings, texts etc - this technique is growing in popularity in many titles and I’m all for its inclusion as feel it strengthens the reader involvement.
The strong focus on Gabe’s character in this title is very clever, it was great to learn more from her side of thinking, the relationship with Juliet slightly taking a back seat but with elements allowing both characters to develop throughout. There is definitely more building as to what is happening behind the scenes with Juliet, with the relationship foundations between the two main characters clearly being established in this title.
There were moments when my heart was literally in my mouth (especially the part with Artie🥺) and the tension doesn’t break the whole way through. I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series, it will work so much better in sequence as there is a lot of information to divulge between the two. There are some obvious unknown elements building up to the next book too - yes Anna, you’ve done it again, leaving us with another cliffhanger to keep us guessing till next time!
And now begins the patient wait for Book 3!
I was a huge fan of Anna’s first book in this series, ‘Shot In The Dark’ and after a MAJOR cliffhanger ending left me wanting to desperately know what happened next, the wait was finally over! I am pleased to say it was definitely worth it!
Delving straight back into the action, picking up where we left the last book, I thoroughly the writing style and the interlinking additions of police interviews, press/media cuttings, texts etc - this technique is growing in popularity in many titles and I’m all for its inclusion as feel it strengthens the reader involvement.
The strong focus on Gabe’s character in this title is very clever, it was great to learn more from her side of thinking, the relationship with Juliet slightly taking a back seat but with elements allowing both characters to develop throughout. There is definitely more building as to what is happening behind the scenes with Juliet, with the relationship foundations between the two main characters clearly being established in this title.
There were moments when my heart was literally in my mouth (especially the part with Artie🥺) and the tension doesn’t break the whole way through. I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series, it will work so much better in sequence as there is a lot of information to divulge between the two. There are some obvious unknown elements building up to the next book too - yes Anna, you’ve done it again, leaving us with another cliffhanger to keep us guessing till next time!
And now begins the patient wait for Book 3!
August 26, 2024
4*, but only because Gabe finally pulls her head out of the sand, 2/3 of the way gone. But how on earth has Juliet passed psych evals and not been sent for DEI training or plain 'just manners and basic human decency and courtesy' training? The woman has ISSUES, and I don't just mean Keith.
Despite my not having read book 1 - I hadn't realised it's a series - I didn't get lost in this book. The start, with the 2 female detectives having been injured in a shooting, felt reasonable but the book required a LOT of suspension of disbelief. Its events are happening in 2024 UK and there's no way any employer would or could afford to risk an employee who's clearly not physically and mentally fit for work being on her premises, let alone before a psych eval. So that was the first huge suspension of disbelief. The next was Juliet's abrasiveness that screamed red waving flags at some form of neurodiversity or mental health condition. I'm not sure I can place a noun to her, but her personality was about -75 and counting. She came across as closed-off, arrogant, unhealthy, sociopathic, likely majorly on the spectrum and yet no one has suggested that she gets professional help or sees an in-house counsellor? She's not just not a team player, but a downright nasty and unpleasant person. I think if she'd been more present in the book, I'd have likely been put off. Why her colleagues haven't complained about her requires another huge suspension of disbelief.
Gabe broke rules but I understood what drove her and why. I think maybe there has to be a degree of selfishness and 'me, myself and I' if you're a cop at her level or above, but thankfully she began to see the personal and professional errors of her ways and pulled her head out of the sand and made changes. She was, at a couple of points, coming across as Juliet's unthinking minion. To risk what she did and not be down for a disciplinary, was, thankfully, her wake-up call. She's lucky her guy is the guy he seems to be, but ugh, considering sacrificing her dog to close a case, made me dislike her immensely at that point. I mean, Brit and animal lover here - how could she?
The 'reveal' about her sexuality felt incredibly non-seguing and tbh, I wondered why the author felt it necessary to go there. It hadn't really raised its head to any degree and the aftermath was a damp squib. It came across as trying to make the book appeal to a more diverse readership and the LGBTQIA++ community but felt inorganic. and irrelevant, and showed Alice - possibly the most likeable and can-be-counted-on character - as slightly close-minded, which she wasn't. That scene was irrelevant and tbh, needs editing out. It was huge tokenism at its best. I also didn't like that this focus was on an ethnic minority character, either.
The bad guys seemed portrayed as bad guys you'd like to be your mates. Ish. Maybe not close ones but ones who'd splash the cash, know the best places to go and make sure everyone had a good time. Were they believable? Nope. Charismatic? Maybe the T-guy (name's too complicated to recall) but not the others. And for both Juliet and Gabe to even briefly consider his offers - despite their very understandable personal reasons for doing so - made them human and fallible at a time that they'd gotten what they'd been pursuing for so long, and come across as corruptible and unprofessional. And oh, yes, unprofessionalism crops up quite a lot in this book. Thank goodness for Paul and Alice.
It's intriguing enough, though, and the Keith red flags were glaring enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.
ARC courtesy of Canelo and NetGalley for my reading pleasure.
Despite my not having read book 1 - I hadn't realised it's a series - I didn't get lost in this book. The start, with the 2 female detectives having been injured in a shooting, felt reasonable but the book required a LOT of suspension of disbelief. Its events are happening in 2024 UK and there's no way any employer would or could afford to risk an employee who's clearly not physically and mentally fit for work being on her premises, let alone before a psych eval. So that was the first huge suspension of disbelief. The next was Juliet's abrasiveness that screamed red waving flags at some form of neurodiversity or mental health condition. I'm not sure I can place a noun to her, but her personality was about -75 and counting. She came across as closed-off, arrogant, unhealthy, sociopathic, likely majorly on the spectrum and yet no one has suggested that she gets professional help or sees an in-house counsellor? She's not just not a team player, but a downright nasty and unpleasant person. I think if she'd been more present in the book, I'd have likely been put off. Why her colleagues haven't complained about her requires another huge suspension of disbelief.
Gabe broke rules but I understood what drove her and why. I think maybe there has to be a degree of selfishness and 'me, myself and I' if you're a cop at her level or above, but thankfully she began to see the personal and professional errors of her ways and pulled her head out of the sand and made changes. She was, at a couple of points, coming across as Juliet's unthinking minion. To risk what she did and not be down for a disciplinary, was, thankfully, her wake-up call. She's lucky her guy is the guy he seems to be, but ugh, considering sacrificing her dog to close a case, made me dislike her immensely at that point. I mean, Brit and animal lover here - how could she?
The 'reveal' about her sexuality felt incredibly non-seguing and tbh, I wondered why the author felt it necessary to go there. It hadn't really raised its head to any degree and the aftermath was a damp squib. It came across as trying to make the book appeal to a more diverse readership and the LGBTQIA++ community but felt inorganic. and irrelevant, and showed Alice - possibly the most likeable and can-be-counted-on character - as slightly close-minded, which she wasn't. That scene was irrelevant and tbh, needs editing out. It was huge tokenism at its best. I also didn't like that this focus was on an ethnic minority character, either.
The bad guys seemed portrayed as bad guys you'd like to be your mates. Ish. Maybe not close ones but ones who'd splash the cash, know the best places to go and make sure everyone had a good time. Were they believable? Nope. Charismatic? Maybe the T-guy (name's too complicated to recall) but not the others. And for both Juliet and Gabe to even briefly consider his offers - despite their very understandable personal reasons for doing so - made them human and fallible at a time that they'd gotten what they'd been pursuing for so long, and come across as corruptible and unprofessional. And oh, yes, unprofessionalism crops up quite a lot in this book. Thank goodness for Paul and Alice.
It's intriguing enough, though, and the Keith red flags were glaring enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.
ARC courtesy of Canelo and NetGalley for my reading pleasure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
My thoughts about Anna Britton’s Close To The Edge, is an exciting thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows DS Gabe Martin as she tackles a high-stakes investigation while dealing with her own challenges. The strong bond between Gabe and DI Juliet Stern adds depth to the plot. With its fast-paced action and engaging characters, Anna Britton delivers a must-read that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Anna Britton’s Close To The Edge kicks off with a dramatic opening at the Southampton Crown Court, where DS Gabe Martin and DI Juliet Stern find themselves in the crosshairs of an unknown assailant. This initial burst of action sets the tone for a story that maintains a high level of suspense throughout. Anna Britton’s writing excels in creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and urgency. The scenes are vividly described, immersing readers in the gritty realities of police work and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. The author’s ability to capture the chaos and intensity of the shootout, as well as the meticulous nature of the investigations, showcases a keen understanding of the thriller genre. Anne Britton’s Close To The Edge story begins with Chaos breaks out as DS Gabe Martin leaves Southampton Crown Court. Gunshots ring out. She and DI Juliet Stern are hit. The culprit disappears without a trace. Despite her injuries, Gabe is determined to work. She’s assigned to the search for missing art student Henry Garside. As she delves into his case, it becomes clear nothing about the investigation is as it seems. Is Henry’s disappearance an isolated incident? Was the shooting a simple act of retribution – or is there some far bigger and more sinister at play? When Juliet asks for her help in the search for their shooter, Gabe feels powerless to refuse, even if it means meddling where she shouldn’t. Increasingly caught between her loyalty to Juliet and her job, Gabe becomes dangerously close to crossing a line. Close To The Edge remains a gripping and thought-provoking read. Anna Britton has crafted a thriller that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. The interplay of two high-stakes investigations, combined with well-drawn characters and a palpable sense of danger, makes this novel a standout in the genre. In conclusion, “Close To The Edge” is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. It offers a captivating blend of action, mystery, and psychological depth, all wrapped up in a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Britton’s ability to weave together multiple plot lines with finesse and maintain suspense from start to finish is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. This book will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I would like to say a big thank you to writer Anna Britton, and Thanhmai and Kate Shepherd from Canelo Publishers, for kindly sending me a gifted copy of this brilliant book for me to read and review. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 24, 2024
Close To The Edge by Anna Britton is the sequel to the highly praised debut novel, Shot In The Dark and takes off immediately after the events at the end of the first book. I hate spoilers in reviews but it is going to be impossible to describe the events in Close To The Edge without reference to the events at the end of Shot In The Dark. If you haven't read the first book I'd suggest you stop reading this review now and go and read the book now.
I was shocked by the shooting that happened at the end of the first book and I'm sure I echoed many readers when I thought "You can't leave us hanging like that". We join DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin in the aftermath of the shooting. Both have survived and are in hospital, Stern is the more seriously injured of the two.
The reason for the shooting is the backbone of the story. Is it retribution for the case they've just closed or are they getting too close to the organised criminal gang they are investigating? Added to the mix is the disappearance of a university student.
Gabe refuses to take time to recuperate, you can feel her frustration at being sidelined. She is desperate to uncover who is responsible for the shooting but also feels guilty that the investigation is pulling staff and resources from the missing persons case. Gabe can't shake the feeling that everything is connected.
While Gabe tries her hardest to insert herself into the investigation we hear little from Stern. Juliet has issues closer to home to deal with. The behaviour of Stern's husband raised quite a number of red flags for me. We know that Juliet is self-contained, doesn't suffer fools gladly and is determined to keep her private life private. Much of this is simply her personality but we now see that there may be something darker lurking in her home life.
The sense of menace and danger pervades the story, I really did fear for the safety of some of the characters. You get a real sense of what it must be like for the police knowing that by simply doing their job they could be putting the well-being of family and friends in jeopardy.
Refusing to be intimidated leads Gabe to a tense showdown and we discover how the different threads are connected. The author does manage to give the reader some happier moments towards the end of the story but then, just as she did at the end of the first book, throws in a closing page that has you desperate to know more.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
I was shocked by the shooting that happened at the end of the first book and I'm sure I echoed many readers when I thought "You can't leave us hanging like that". We join DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin in the aftermath of the shooting. Both have survived and are in hospital, Stern is the more seriously injured of the two.
The reason for the shooting is the backbone of the story. Is it retribution for the case they've just closed or are they getting too close to the organised criminal gang they are investigating? Added to the mix is the disappearance of a university student.
Gabe refuses to take time to recuperate, you can feel her frustration at being sidelined. She is desperate to uncover who is responsible for the shooting but also feels guilty that the investigation is pulling staff and resources from the missing persons case. Gabe can't shake the feeling that everything is connected.
While Gabe tries her hardest to insert herself into the investigation we hear little from Stern. Juliet has issues closer to home to deal with. The behaviour of Stern's husband raised quite a number of red flags for me. We know that Juliet is self-contained, doesn't suffer fools gladly and is determined to keep her private life private. Much of this is simply her personality but we now see that there may be something darker lurking in her home life.
The sense of menace and danger pervades the story, I really did fear for the safety of some of the characters. You get a real sense of what it must be like for the police knowing that by simply doing their job they could be putting the well-being of family and friends in jeopardy.
Refusing to be intimidated leads Gabe to a tense showdown and we discover how the different threads are connected. The author does manage to give the reader some happier moments towards the end of the story but then, just as she did at the end of the first book, throws in a closing page that has you desperate to know more.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
August 18, 2024
Book 2 in the Detectives Stern and Martin series and DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin are both shot as they leave Southampton Crown Court. Obviously they are unable to take part in the investigation into the shooting, however, that isn’t going to stop them! I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first as there are ongoing storylines. Written largely from Gabe’s POV with various media - case notes, interview transcripts, text messages etc. which I liked and thought added an extra dimension to the story.
Briefly, Gabe’s injury is less serious than Juliet and she turns up at the police station after her release from hospital. It’s made quite clear that she must not be involved in the investigation. She is putting in charge of a missing person case, that of art student Henry Garside. Before the shooting Juliet and Gabe were investigating a crime family and this adds them to the suspect list, alongside members of the Dunlow family and a former colleague of Juliet - just for starters.
Juliet isn’t around so much in this book with Gabe taking centre stage as Juliet is dealing with personal problems. Gabe has got a gem of a man in Ollie, I might have a bit of a crush. The two main characters are well fleshed and so very different and I find it incredible how loyal Gabe is to Juliet when she treats her, at times, with such distain. I really need to know why Juliet is the way she is. What hasn’t been revealed yet? A good plot with great twists and turns had me fooled until the reveal. I really enjoyed this and with a few loose ends there is definitely another book in the offing. Great.
Briefly, Gabe’s injury is less serious than Juliet and she turns up at the police station after her release from hospital. It’s made quite clear that she must not be involved in the investigation. She is putting in charge of a missing person case, that of art student Henry Garside. Before the shooting Juliet and Gabe were investigating a crime family and this adds them to the suspect list, alongside members of the Dunlow family and a former colleague of Juliet - just for starters.
Juliet isn’t around so much in this book with Gabe taking centre stage as Juliet is dealing with personal problems. Gabe has got a gem of a man in Ollie, I might have a bit of a crush. The two main characters are well fleshed and so very different and I find it incredible how loyal Gabe is to Juliet when she treats her, at times, with such distain. I really need to know why Juliet is the way she is. What hasn’t been revealed yet? A good plot with great twists and turns had me fooled until the reveal. I really enjoyed this and with a few loose ends there is definitely another book in the offing. Great.
September 30, 2024
If you’re looking for a new detective series to get into, might I recommend this one?! After thoroughly enjoying Shot in the Dark, I was even more hooked on this second instalment with Gabe and Juliet!
There’s so much going on in this novel with a few different storylines that Anna weaves brilliantly together, and lots of familiar faces from the first book. Gabe is definitely the focus of this story, which I enjoyed as I find her much easier to warm to than Juliet - and I love the side story with her partner and pup! I felt we got to know a lot of the smaller characters better in this book, so we can now really build up a picture of the team we’ll hopefully keep following.
For those who can’t stomach the grizzly stuff, we don’t go too deep into the crimes themselves and it’s far more of an exploration about police procedures, Gabe’s childhood trauma, Juliet’s unstable marriage and some morally grey areas where their conduct is concerned. I liked the whodunnit aspect as I really had no idea who shot them and there was quite the long list of possibilities! Having listened to this one on audio, and read the previous physically, I think my preference would be for the physical read as whilst the narrator’s voice was lovely, the interview details,times etc didn’t translate as well to audio and sounded a bit stiff. But otherwise, another brilliant and addictive read from Anna!
There’s so much going on in this novel with a few different storylines that Anna weaves brilliantly together, and lots of familiar faces from the first book. Gabe is definitely the focus of this story, which I enjoyed as I find her much easier to warm to than Juliet - and I love the side story with her partner and pup! I felt we got to know a lot of the smaller characters better in this book, so we can now really build up a picture of the team we’ll hopefully keep following.
For those who can’t stomach the grizzly stuff, we don’t go too deep into the crimes themselves and it’s far more of an exploration about police procedures, Gabe’s childhood trauma, Juliet’s unstable marriage and some morally grey areas where their conduct is concerned. I liked the whodunnit aspect as I really had no idea who shot them and there was quite the long list of possibilities! Having listened to this one on audio, and read the previous physically, I think my preference would be for the physical read as whilst the narrator’s voice was lovely, the interview details,times etc didn’t translate as well to audio and sounded a bit stiff. But otherwise, another brilliant and addictive read from Anna!
August 16, 2024
I don’t usually read police procedurals, but Anna Britton’s last book was good and set up a great cliffhanger so had to read this one. Like the last book, this one also had a few parallel plots, some multimedia/ modern epistolary bits (a la Janice Hallett), and the action moved at pace. Those are all good things. This book also ended with, if not a cliffhanger, then definitely a good foreshadowing of things to come. The reader had to have read and remembered the last book, which was both a strength (in terms of continuity) and a drawback. The author needed to add some more flashbacks/ expository sequences to help the readers along. I was not super-enamored with the character-building either. To be fair, the characters were not cardboard cutouts like in most police procedurals, but we needed to hear more from Juliet herself.
Despite my criticisms, I am an almost-reluctant reader and I find the books to be quite good (4/5 stars). People who are more into police procedurals would likely find this series very much worth their while. I myself plan to read the next book, if only to know the answer to a long-run mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for letting me read an ARC of this book.
Despite my criticisms, I am an almost-reluctant reader and I find the books to be quite good (4/5 stars). People who are more into police procedurals would likely find this series very much worth their while. I myself plan to read the next book, if only to know the answer to a long-run mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for letting me read an ARC of this book.
November 24, 2024
If I hadn’t read the debut novel, A Shot in the Dark, by Anna Britton, I wouldn’t have had a clue about some elements of the second book in the series, Close to the Edge, which I finished reading this morning.
As with the first book, I enjoyed the point of view, the partnership of DS Gabe Martin and DI Juliet Stern, and their colleagues, and I loved the character of Ollie, Gabe’s boyfriend. But I still have a bad feeling about Keith, Juliet’s husband. I also enjoyed working out who the killer was, and the emails, texts, interview manuscripts etc., dotted about as clues in the main body of the book.
However, the style of writing and the repeated use of the Americanism ‘gotten’ (at least 21) by British characters – I have never heard anyone in the south of England use that word – was really annoying. If it had been just one character occasionally using it, I would have overlooked it, but it’s nearly all the characters. Furthermore, everybody kept leaning into things and each other so much they should have been horizontal; the author used ‘leant’ instead of ‘leaned’ and once even spelled it ‘lent’. There was also overuse of the word ‘blush’.
Better editing would have resulted in a better book and more stars.
As with the first book, I enjoyed the point of view, the partnership of DS Gabe Martin and DI Juliet Stern, and their colleagues, and I loved the character of Ollie, Gabe’s boyfriend. But I still have a bad feeling about Keith, Juliet’s husband. I also enjoyed working out who the killer was, and the emails, texts, interview manuscripts etc., dotted about as clues in the main body of the book.
However, the style of writing and the repeated use of the Americanism ‘gotten’ (at least 21) by British characters – I have never heard anyone in the south of England use that word – was really annoying. If it had been just one character occasionally using it, I would have overlooked it, but it’s nearly all the characters. Furthermore, everybody kept leaning into things and each other so much they should have been horizontal; the author used ‘leant’ instead of ‘leaned’ and once even spelled it ‘lent’. There was also overuse of the word ‘blush’.
Better editing would have resulted in a better book and more stars.
September 25, 2024
I loved Shot in the Dark, Anna Britton’s debut novel and the first in the Detectives Martin and Stern series, so I was slightly worried the second couldn’t possibly live up to my expectations. Fear not! Expectations reached and exceeded.
Close to the Edge picked up right where the first book’s cliffhanger left off and from the first paragraph grabbed my attention and ran, or rather sprinted, with it. I love police procedural novels and having two realistically flawed female lead characters really is turning this series into one of my absolute favourites. The format of focusing on DS Gabe Martin with this second book, interspersed with emails, text messages, forensic reports and phone recordings, makes for an intriguing and fast paced story. There’s a lot going on and plenty of characters to keep you on your toes - I kept flitting between who I thought could be guilty! It really is a ‘page turning’, ‘can’t put down’ sort of a book; I did lose sleep as I kept reading ‘just one more chapter’!
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the third book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for this ARC.
Close to the Edge picked up right where the first book’s cliffhanger left off and from the first paragraph grabbed my attention and ran, or rather sprinted, with it. I love police procedural novels and having two realistically flawed female lead characters really is turning this series into one of my absolute favourites. The format of focusing on DS Gabe Martin with this second book, interspersed with emails, text messages, forensic reports and phone recordings, makes for an intriguing and fast paced story. There’s a lot going on and plenty of characters to keep you on your toes - I kept flitting between who I thought could be guilty! It really is a ‘page turning’, ‘can’t put down’ sort of a book; I did lose sleep as I kept reading ‘just one more chapter’!
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for the third book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for this ARC.
August 19, 2024
The second in this very good series, set in Southampton, starts with DS Gabe Martin and DI Juliet Stern recovering from gunshots. Gabe is less severely injured and determined to get back to work - intent on assisting to find the shooter, despite clear instructions to stay away. Instead she is given a missing persons case as an art student has disappeared.
As the novel progresses, Gabe is convinced the two cases are both connected to a trio of brothers who they have been trying to tie to human trafficking. The pace slows a little in the middle sections as the team have plenty of theories but no evidence. Meanwhile Juliet is absent, dealing with marital problems and refusing to become involved.
Close To The Edge keeps the reader's interest throughout, with some good character development as members of the detective team interact. The omission is the unliked Juliet, who stand aloof - there are secrets here still to be discovered. Overall, it's a good read and sets up the next episode in the series nicely.
As the novel progresses, Gabe is convinced the two cases are both connected to a trio of brothers who they have been trying to tie to human trafficking. The pace slows a little in the middle sections as the team have plenty of theories but no evidence. Meanwhile Juliet is absent, dealing with marital problems and refusing to become involved.
Close To The Edge keeps the reader's interest throughout, with some good character development as members of the detective team interact. The omission is the unliked Juliet, who stand aloof - there are secrets here still to be discovered. Overall, it's a good read and sets up the next episode in the series nicely.
January 15, 2025
Solid follow-up in this series.
I really enjoyed 'Shot in the Dark', which ended with a cliffhanger, so I was keen to see what happened to the two female detectives who had been shot.
The story weaves multiple narratives, bringing back familiar faces from the first book (and as such, I'd say it probably needs to be read to enjoy this one). Gabe and Juliet are the central characters in the series, but this novel focuses on Gabe, a relatable and appealing protagonist. I still have strong issues with Juliet, and the author seems to push the boundaries with her. Gabe's unresolved childhood trauma and Juliet's tumultuous marriage offer emotional depth. However, some tokenistic inclusions marred my overall enjoyment.
As for the plot, the long list of suspects and red herrings kept me guessing until the final reveal (but aspects did require some suspension of belief).
A series I will keep reading.
I really enjoyed 'Shot in the Dark', which ended with a cliffhanger, so I was keen to see what happened to the two female detectives who had been shot.
The story weaves multiple narratives, bringing back familiar faces from the first book (and as such, I'd say it probably needs to be read to enjoy this one). Gabe and Juliet are the central characters in the series, but this novel focuses on Gabe, a relatable and appealing protagonist. I still have strong issues with Juliet, and the author seems to push the boundaries with her. Gabe's unresolved childhood trauma and Juliet's tumultuous marriage offer emotional depth. However, some tokenistic inclusions marred my overall enjoyment.
As for the plot, the long list of suspects and red herrings kept me guessing until the final reveal (but aspects did require some suspension of belief).
A series I will keep reading.
August 17, 2024
DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin are shot at the courthouse. The shooter vanishes, and even CCTV doesn't shed a light on their identity.
A student goes missing, and Gabe is assigned to the case, but is investigating her shooting as well - behind the scenes.
I probably should have read the first book in this series, as I was completely lost with the massive cast of characters.
I didn't like the way the book was written - it confused me somewhat.
Reports, sms messages, and interview transcripts and from Gabe's POV. I just did not like this format.
I also did not like Juliet's attitude and character.
However, saying that, the plot was good.
I do feel that poor Henry's case largely ignored.
I give this a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 star.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Crime for the opportunity to read this book.
A student goes missing, and Gabe is assigned to the case, but is investigating her shooting as well - behind the scenes.
I probably should have read the first book in this series, as I was completely lost with the massive cast of characters.
I didn't like the way the book was written - it confused me somewhat.
Reports, sms messages, and interview transcripts and from Gabe's POV. I just did not like this format.
I also did not like Juliet's attitude and character.
However, saying that, the plot was good.
I do feel that poor Henry's case largely ignored.
I give this a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 star.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Crime for the opportunity to read this book.
September 29, 2024
The second in this series, it is perhaps advisable to read the books in order, though if you do read this as a stand alone, it would work too. Why, these detectives take some getting to know, the main two, Gabe and Juliet both have their own problems. Juliet is not as visable in this book and Gabe is involved with other collegues. There is a lot going on here, various investigations that may be linked or not. The book is told mostly from the point of view of Gabe, but also through transcripts,messaging and emails, so you do get to put pieces of the puzzle together yourself, which I always enjoy. There is enough action and the strands of the investigation gradually start to come together with some issues resolved and others not. Definately looking forward to the next episode .
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
April 29, 2025
I want to give this 2 stars but I just can't. I wanted to like it but it was not gripping, there were too many stories going on at once, first there as the shooting involving juliet and Gabe then it was the university student gone missing and the gang that they had been following. they were all over the place and they didn't even get solved. The only thing I enjoyed was how it was layed out with the phone calls and the police interviews but besides that I did not enjoy this book.
It was just all over the place with all the stories going unfinished at the end. Also the ending not making any sense and not relating to any of the stories at all.
It was just all over the place with all the stories going unfinished at the end. Also the ending not making any sense and not relating to any of the stories at all.
August 14, 2024
I've been waiting for this book with baited breath since the first one and I was not disappointed. I love Anna's writing, and this book is packed full of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I love the character of Gabe, you really feel like you're on a journey with her, especially in this one. And hearts for Ollie - the perfect cinnamon roll! As with book 1, Anna has left us some stuff to mull over until the next one! Thanks so much Canelo for the ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
September 1, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand the delivery or the crime by viewing department emails, texts, and case file details was spot on and made this read very unique. On the other hand, some of the other details were unnecessary and out of the realm of what I enjoy reading. I figured out who it was fairly quickly and wondered why the detectives just took the persons word and didn’t further investigate.
Four stars for presentation but would still tank it three stars overall.
Four stars for presentation but would still tank it three stars overall.
August 11, 2024
This was a bit of an exciting, well written read which gripped me right from the start! I was totally hooked on the brilliant plotting, two police officers shot and wounded, the various plot lines throughout and the action which continued right until the end. The characterisation is believable and I liked the dynamics within the team. A couple of questions unanswered at the end but this left me eagerly looking forward to a follow up! An excellent mix of thriller and police procedural which I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 9, 2025
I liked the way the story was told, Interview recording, Text message changes mixed with narrative from the single point of view.
I did not find the characters likeable or engaging. A Detective Sergeant so scarred by her past she can barely function at times, and a DI that everybody hates and keeps secrets?
Hence, the lost star.
I did not find the characters likeable or engaging. A Detective Sergeant so scarred by her past she can barely function at times, and a DI that everybody hates and keeps secrets?
Hence, the lost star.
February 21, 2025
Unexpectedly loved!! Took a while to get used to a new writing style (never read this author before) but once I was into it I was reallllly into it. I didn’t read the first book before this though but will now go back and read (despite now knowing the ending to that one)
September 29, 2024
I am not a crime reader but I bloody love Anna Britton's novels. They are so easy to read. You feel part of the action because her style of writing is so immersive!
Can't wait for book 3!!
Can't wait for book 3!!
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