What do you think?
Rate this book
Detectives Martin & Stern #1
Shot in the Dark
Run. Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence. The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found. DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern , Gabe can’t afford any distractions – especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget. Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying… The first in a new detective series featuring an unforgettable female detective partnership, Shot in the Dark is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Gytha Lodge.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2023
75 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Anna Britton
1 book50 followersHello :) Welcome to my author page!
SHOT IN THE DARK is my debut crime novel and will be published on the 26th October 2023. I'm so looking forward to you meeting Gabe and Juliet, and helping them solve mysteries.
I live on the Isle of Wight, where I enjoy rambling walks with my chronically clumsy labrador and exploring rivers in my kayak. I'm an experienced freelance editor and I love mentoring other writers! When not writing, I'm probably reading or hiding from my towering TBR pile.
You can find me on Twitter (@BrittonBookGeek) and Instagram (@brittonbookgeek) - where I love sharing insights into my writing and pictures of my dog/pastries.
SHOT IN THE DARK is my debut crime novel and will be published on the 26th October 2023. I'm so looking forward to you meeting Gabe and Juliet, and helping them solve mysteries.
I live on the Isle of Wight, where I enjoy rambling walks with my chronically clumsy labrador and exploring rivers in my kayak. I'm an experienced freelance editor and I love mentoring other writers! When not writing, I'm probably reading or hiding from my towering TBR pile.
You can find me on Twitter (@BrittonBookGeek) and Instagram (@brittonbookgeek) - where I love sharing insights into my writing and pictures of my dog/pastries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book (despite the grammatical errors and the occasional missing word)! I loved the way the story flowed and that it included texts messages, email, police documentation, etc.
I’ve always been a fan of mysteries and thrillers but I’ve never read a book that touched on police procedures as much as this one did. I was totally engaged and liked getting into the weeds with the detectives.
What I thought I had figured out mid-book turned itself upside down by the end.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book.
I’ve always been a fan of mysteries and thrillers but I’ve never read a book that touched on police procedures as much as this one did. I was totally engaged and liked getting into the weeds with the detectives.
What I thought I had figured out mid-book turned itself upside down by the end.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book.
August 26, 2023
My thoughts about Anna Britton’s Shot In The Dark. As a police procedural, Anna Britton’s Shot In The Dark is a bilingual blend of sense and suspense. Anna Britton’s Shot In The Dark is at its core, is a cultural investigation. It probes the ongoing tragedy of a place and time, where culpability is a cocktail of social and generational oppression. Anna Britton’s debut also urges the readers to inspect its drama, seek its themes, join the dots and play the jaded detectives who’re trying to solve and not just finish the puzzle of sharp pieces. The writing is delicate and layered. Writer Anna Britton does well to build the ambience of a police procedural thriller, by slowly taking the reader into the dark world of twisted characters. A build-up of events is crucial in a thriller, especially in a Whodunnit story. Writer Anna Britton definitely succeeds in creating that buildup in the first half and the second half of the book, with her solid and intriguing writing. The main crime event takes some time to happen. But when it does, you are eager to know what happened, how it happened, why it happened and mainly who did it. I was thrilled by the series of unfortunate events that led to the crime. Anna Britton’s Shot In The Dark story begins with a Run. Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence. The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found. DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern, Gabe can’t afford any distractions especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget. Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying. Overall Anna Britton’s Shot In The Dark is a whodunnit story that will leave you guessing till the end. The build-up is impressive, the investigative part is mind-bending.
November 1, 2023
2.5* rounded up. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a police procedural featuring Gabe and Juliet, a DS and her DI, although they invited interviewees to use their first names, and seemed entirely oblivious their ranking within the police hierarchy. They investigated the shooting and then mutilation (by dog) of a teenager called Melanie. Juliet was focussed, disregarded the feelings of others and never saw her husband and children. Gabe was supposedly in charge of the case (although she and Juliet worked together in practice) and spent the entire book believing everything she was told and then having to believe something different the next minute, as all the suspects lied to her repeatedly. She then felt really bad about it. Obviously she had a tragic backstory.
There were reproductions of emails and reports and other documents, some of which didn't add much, and a colleague called Paul was dealing with the murder of a child and we heard bits about that although it had absolutely nothing to do with the murder of Melanie.
By the end I didn't really care who had done it - I just wanted Gabe to settle on some one. Disappointing.
This is a police procedural featuring Gabe and Juliet, a DS and her DI, although they invited interviewees to use their first names, and seemed entirely oblivious their ranking within the police hierarchy. They investigated the shooting and then mutilation (by dog) of a teenager called Melanie. Juliet was focussed, disregarded the feelings of others and never saw her husband and children. Gabe was supposedly in charge of the case (although she and Juliet worked together in practice) and spent the entire book believing everything she was told and then having to believe something different the next minute, as all the suspects lied to her repeatedly. She then felt really bad about it. Obviously she had a tragic backstory.
There were reproductions of emails and reports and other documents, some of which didn't add much, and a colleague called Paul was dealing with the murder of a child and we heard bits about that although it had absolutely nothing to do with the murder of Melanie.
By the end I didn't really care who had done it - I just wanted Gabe to settle on some one. Disappointing.
October 29, 2024
Above average.
My first novel by this author and it wasn’t too bad. There were quite a few grammatical errors and even a missing word or two - definitely haven’t read a book that’s had this issue for a while. I did find it a little heavy on police procedures and details but easy enough to skim over.
The plot is interesting but the characters annoying as all get out! It seemed unnecessarily long but nothing a good editor couldn’t fix (along with the errors). The weird interluding thoughts and asides were probably my biggest issue.
Overall, I’d give Book Two a go before deciding yes or no to the series.
My first novel by this author and it wasn’t too bad. There were quite a few grammatical errors and even a missing word or two - definitely haven’t read a book that’s had this issue for a while. I did find it a little heavy on police procedures and details but easy enough to skim over.
The plot is interesting but the characters annoying as all get out! It seemed unnecessarily long but nothing a good editor couldn’t fix (along with the errors). The weird interluding thoughts and asides were probably my biggest issue.
Overall, I’d give Book Two a go before deciding yes or no to the series.
December 7, 2023
2.5 rounded down.
This had all the potential to be a 5 star for me. I loved the mixed media elements within the book of text messages etc and the story was great however overall the book did not work for me.
It took me a week to read (I usually take 2-3 days to read a book). The writing is SO dense, and the text is the smallest I have seen in a book. So despite being 400 pages long, it probably is more like 500+ and it did not need to be.
The last 30% I was skimming as I was bored. I didn't care by the end of it, the same information just kept being repeated. Desperate need of a good editor.
This had all the potential to be a 5 star for me. I loved the mixed media elements within the book of text messages etc and the story was great however overall the book did not work for me.
It took me a week to read (I usually take 2-3 days to read a book). The writing is SO dense, and the text is the smallest I have seen in a book. So despite being 400 pages long, it probably is more like 500+ and it did not need to be.
The last 30% I was skimming as I was bored. I didn't care by the end of it, the same information just kept being repeated. Desperate need of a good editor.
November 1, 2023
This needed about 80 pages trimmed. The recaps every time there was a new clue got old. It would have certainly been entertaining without the second (almost invisible) investigation which would have helped with the length.
October 6, 2023
4.5 stars
"Shot In The Dark" by Anna Britton is a gripping debut novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. As someone who usually avoids book series until all the books are out, I found myself in that familiar predicament with this one, eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The story revolves around two female detectives, DS Gabriella "Gabe" Martin and DI Juliet Stern. The case is a complex one, involving a girl who is shot while running through the moonlit woods, later found on a wealthy family's estate, shot multiple times, and mauled by a dog. The case presents numerous suspects with unclear alibis, and it unfolds against the backdrop of another brutal murder, further stretching the resources of the police department.
One aspect that I want to address is some of the minor details that other readers have raised as concerns. For instance, when the detectives met with Melanie's grandma, they failed to provide her with a card or contact information, which struck me as odd given the circumstances. Additionally, the book mentions that minors can be questioned without parental consent in the UK, which was new to me as an Australian reader and prompted me to look it up (so interesting!). Gabe's sexual orientation is introduced later in the story without prior hints, and it could have been explored more thoroughly rather than being thrown in suddenly. However, I found that these minor issues didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Another point of discussion among readers is the inclusion of the little girl's murder, which may seem unrelated to Gabe's case. However, I believe it was added to contrast the public's reaction and resource allocation between the two cases, providing a thought-provoking social commentary. The stark difference in media attention and public outcry between the murder of a 7-year-old girl and the murder of a 17-year-old orphan from a Nigerian immigrant family highlights the disparities in our society. This inclusion also allowed the author to foreshadow some of the trauma Gabe might have experienced as a child and hinted at what might have happened to her brother, leaving readers curious and engaged.
One unique aspect of the book that I appreciated was the narrative structure, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. This approach added depth and complexity to the story without burdening the characters with excessive exposition. While it might not be everyone's preferred style, I found it refreshing and efficient, helping to keep the pacing engaging.
Overall, "Shot In The Dark" is a fantastic debut novel with well-developed characters, particularly Juliet, who I connected with deeply. The ending left me eager to pick up the next book in the series, and I was captivated by the intriguing hints about Gabe's past and her brother's mysterious fate. The book's cover is also worth mentioning, as it's visually appealing and draws you in.
I want to express my gratitude to the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend "Shot In The Dark" to readers who enjoy crime fiction with a touch of social commentary and a dash of mystery. This is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series.
"Shot In The Dark" by Anna Britton is a gripping debut novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. As someone who usually avoids book series until all the books are out, I found myself in that familiar predicament with this one, eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The story revolves around two female detectives, DS Gabriella "Gabe" Martin and DI Juliet Stern. The case is a complex one, involving a girl who is shot while running through the moonlit woods, later found on a wealthy family's estate, shot multiple times, and mauled by a dog. The case presents numerous suspects with unclear alibis, and it unfolds against the backdrop of another brutal murder, further stretching the resources of the police department.
One aspect that I want to address is some of the minor details that other readers have raised as concerns. For instance, when the detectives met with Melanie's grandma, they failed to provide her with a card or contact information, which struck me as odd given the circumstances. Additionally, the book mentions that minors can be questioned without parental consent in the UK, which was new to me as an Australian reader and prompted me to look it up (so interesting!). Gabe's sexual orientation is introduced later in the story without prior hints, and it could have been explored more thoroughly rather than being thrown in suddenly. However, I found that these minor issues didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Another point of discussion among readers is the inclusion of the little girl's murder, which may seem unrelated to Gabe's case. However, I believe it was added to contrast the public's reaction and resource allocation between the two cases, providing a thought-provoking social commentary. The stark difference in media attention and public outcry between the murder of a 7-year-old girl and the murder of a 17-year-old orphan from a Nigerian immigrant family highlights the disparities in our society. This inclusion also allowed the author to foreshadow some of the trauma Gabe might have experienced as a child and hinted at what might have happened to her brother, leaving readers curious and engaged.
One unique aspect of the book that I appreciated was the narrative structure, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. This approach added depth and complexity to the story without burdening the characters with excessive exposition. While it might not be everyone's preferred style, I found it refreshing and efficient, helping to keep the pacing engaging.
Overall, "Shot In The Dark" is a fantastic debut novel with well-developed characters, particularly Juliet, who I connected with deeply. The ending left me eager to pick up the next book in the series, and I was captivated by the intriguing hints about Gabe's past and her brother's mysterious fate. The book's cover is also worth mentioning, as it's visually appealing and draws you in.
I want to express my gratitude to the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend "Shot In The Dark" to readers who enjoy crime fiction with a touch of social commentary and a dash of mystery. This is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series.
August 13, 2024
This had great potential but needed some serious editing.
There was waaaaay too much repetitive dithering by Gabe about her instincts being wrong or maybe right? but probably wrong? but still, maybe they’re right? and not enough detail about her backstory — I get that this is going to be a series and you can’t give it all away at once, but I keep thinking about Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent or Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffery as better examples of how to incorporate past trauma into a current investigation.
Also procedurally… wouldn’t processing the DNA evidence retrieved from the body of a human murder victim take precedence over processing evidence taken from a dog? There was a very long, drawn out section with them waiting for the lab to get back to them with the identity of the person Mel had slept with just before she was murdered interspersed with lab reports detailing who touched the dead dog (?)
Anyway. I did love the emails and text exchanges and news articles interspersed throughout the story, and I’m intrigued enough by Gabe and Juliet as characters to read the next book (especially after the cliffhanger ending of this one!)
(2.5 rounded up)
There was waaaaay too much repetitive dithering by Gabe about her instincts being wrong or maybe right? but probably wrong? but still, maybe they’re right? and not enough detail about her backstory — I get that this is going to be a series and you can’t give it all away at once, but I keep thinking about Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent or Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffery as better examples of how to incorporate past trauma into a current investigation.
Also procedurally… wouldn’t processing the DNA evidence retrieved from the body of a human murder victim take precedence over processing evidence taken from a dog? There was a very long, drawn out section with them waiting for the lab to get back to them with the identity of the person Mel had slept with just before she was murdered interspersed with lab reports detailing who touched the dead dog (?)
Anyway. I did love the emails and text exchanges and news articles interspersed throughout the story, and I’m intrigued enough by Gabe and Juliet as characters to read the next book (especially after the cliffhanger ending of this one!)
(2.5 rounded up)
October 29, 2023
I loved this book! I whipped through it quickly. I may have encouraged longer naps and a bit more screen time for my kids than usual so I could read the chapter!
I love a police procedural and this one was brilliant. Two female leads felt like a gift. Each had enough backstory woven through to give real depth to their character but didn’t give everything completely away which leaves me wanting the next instalment to find out more.
I loved the interspersed logs, text and emails. They added further interest and had me changing my theory repeatedly; it’s never a great read when you’ve guessed it in chapter one! This definitely wasn’t that.
I can’t wait for the next one. A brilliant debut book!
I love a police procedural and this one was brilliant. Two female leads felt like a gift. Each had enough backstory woven through to give real depth to their character but didn’t give everything completely away which leaves me wanting the next instalment to find out more.
I loved the interspersed logs, text and emails. They added further interest and had me changing my theory repeatedly; it’s never a great read when you’ve guessed it in chapter one! This definitely wasn’t that.
I can’t wait for the next one. A brilliant debut book!
February 2, 2025
I was really impressed.
Lots of suspects (preferable to few in my opinion).
I like the short chapters - It helps balance the slightly slow start of the initial investigation where no real leads appear, with a sense of jumping from one aspect to another as though the author is highlighting the most vital parts of the story.
The dynamic between Gabe and Juliet - I like it - mutual understanding of one another - accepting - reassuring, the banter and camaraderie beneath the surface that comes from acknowledging and understanding one another’s strengths and capabilities and personality traits.
I’m really intrigued by Juliet’s home life situation, as it doesn’t seem as obvious as it may at first appear.
We got an idea that something in Juliet’s past or present may have been related to abuse, with how she responded to Jordan and his apparent family situation… And the Refugee Meeting list made this aspect even more intriguing in that it lures us into hoping that we may find out more…
Gabe’s history also hasn’t been fully explored, so I look forward to that in the next instalment.
The dangling and vagueness of the back stories of these two main characters made me eager to read the second book.
And then the actual cliffhanger ending was a shock! Woah!
Lots of suspects (preferable to few in my opinion).
I like the short chapters - It helps balance the slightly slow start of the initial investigation where no real leads appear, with a sense of jumping from one aspect to another as though the author is highlighting the most vital parts of the story.
The dynamic between Gabe and Juliet - I like it - mutual understanding of one another - accepting - reassuring, the banter and camaraderie beneath the surface that comes from acknowledging and understanding one another’s strengths and capabilities and personality traits.
I’m really intrigued by Juliet’s home life situation, as it doesn’t seem as obvious as it may at first appear.
We got an idea that something in Juliet’s past or present may have been related to abuse, with how she responded to Jordan and his apparent family situation… And the Refugee Meeting list made this aspect even more intriguing in that it lures us into hoping that we may find out more…
Gabe’s history also hasn’t been fully explored, so I look forward to that in the next instalment.
The dangling and vagueness of the back stories of these two main characters made me eager to read the second book.
And then the actual cliffhanger ending was a shock! Woah!
December 4, 2023
I'm very new to reading crime but this hooked me. I thought it had loads of interesting threads, a great pace (I do love the short chapters of crime lol), and kept me guessing.
Gabe was a fascinating lead character. I don't think I fully grasped the specifics of her backstory (I don't think you're meant to), but I appreciated how it informed her treatment of the case and the suspects. It provided an additional human layer which I found quite intriguing, especially in comparison to her partner's colder, more clinical approach.
I also really enjoyed the multimedia formats throughout the novel. There were texts, reports, call logs etc and that gave it a very fresh, varied feel. It also introduced threads that didn't make sense at first but slowly came to. I thought that was a great direction to go in to build tension.
The final resolution was a good, unexpected one and didn't feel cliche or too out of the blue. The right amount of shock and reasoning. I wasn't a huge fan of the very last cliffhanger ending but it set up the sequel very well, which I shall be reading :)
Gabe was a fascinating lead character. I don't think I fully grasped the specifics of her backstory (I don't think you're meant to), but I appreciated how it informed her treatment of the case and the suspects. It provided an additional human layer which I found quite intriguing, especially in comparison to her partner's colder, more clinical approach.
I also really enjoyed the multimedia formats throughout the novel. There were texts, reports, call logs etc and that gave it a very fresh, varied feel. It also introduced threads that didn't make sense at first but slowly came to. I thought that was a great direction to go in to build tension.
The final resolution was a good, unexpected one and didn't feel cliche or too out of the blue. The right amount of shock and reasoning. I wasn't a huge fan of the very last cliffhanger ending but it set up the sequel very well, which I shall be reading :)
October 9, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my approval to read and review this book.
This is the first book in a new female Detective Team - DS Gabe Martin and DCI Juliet Stern. They have been working together for approx. 8 months when the story begins. They are tasked with investigating the death of a young girl in the woods of a family estate owned by the Dulworth Family - Dad, Timothy, and Sons - Terence and Leonard. The groundskeeper. Karl Biss calls in the death to the police. The story is told using various forms - emails, texts, phone calls and in different characters. I felt the team dynamic between Gabe and Juliet was well thought out. Overall, the plot is full of twists and turns that it will lead the reader off in other directions. I felt the ending was surprising as I hadn't thought it would be that character. Of course, no spoilers from me, lol! I hope there will be a second book. I will be recommending this to other readers.
This is the first book in a new female Detective Team - DS Gabe Martin and DCI Juliet Stern. They have been working together for approx. 8 months when the story begins. They are tasked with investigating the death of a young girl in the woods of a family estate owned by the Dulworth Family - Dad, Timothy, and Sons - Terence and Leonard. The groundskeeper. Karl Biss calls in the death to the police. The story is told using various forms - emails, texts, phone calls and in different characters. I felt the team dynamic between Gabe and Juliet was well thought out. Overall, the plot is full of twists and turns that it will lead the reader off in other directions. I felt the ending was surprising as I hadn't thought it would be that character. Of course, no spoilers from me, lol! I hope there will be a second book. I will be recommending this to other readers.
October 26, 2023
4.5* rounded up to 5. Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing a DRC of "Shot In The Dark" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
In this compulsive and intriguing police procedural thriller debut, we are following the investigation into the murder of Melanie Pirt. We have five suspects, no solid alibis, and yet there is still a dead teenager who needs justice after being murdered on a large country estate.
I am not usually a big reader of traditional UK set police procedural thrillers. Too often, the same well-worn and cliché tropes are used, and we don't get anything new to offer a different perspective. That is not the case this time, thankfully.
With DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin, we have two interesting and complicated leads who are learning about each other as their working relationship develops at the same time as we are learning about them. These are not clichéd gruff old school coppers but women with personalities, flaws, and areas of excellence that complement each other. I feel that we got a much better feeling of Gabe in this book, and im hoping that for book 2, we get more about Juliet as she really is fascinating and has so much potential as a character.
The case itself is intriguing and keeps you guessing to the end. It's frustrating and sad, and at different points, you want all of the suspects to be guilty. These generally aren't flat, stereotypical 'villains' but flawed individuals with multiple layered motives and thought processes for the actions they all take. I particularly appreciated the look at trauma and abuse in the home and how that can impact individuals at a generational level to make some of these suspects even more rounded.
One of my favourite things about 2023's police thrillers has been how they've shaken up the format to give us new elements to get our teeth into (see also Jo Callaghan's In the Blink of An Eye), and this is no different. The use of mixed media, interspersed between Gabe's narrative chapters, broke the story up, giving us new things to think about, potential clues to the mystery, and also helped develop the characters further. For those used to the traditional narrative structure of these types of books, it may be a little jarring, but I enjoy the works of Janice Hallett, so I loved these elements.
Overall, I loved this debut work and look forward to hopefully more in the future from Stern and Martin, especially giving us more insight into Juliet's character and letting their partnership continue to grow and develop.
Highly recommend, especially if, like me, you want fresh and more nuanced and interesting police thrillers with more interesting characters outside of the traditional tropes.
In this compulsive and intriguing police procedural thriller debut, we are following the investigation into the murder of Melanie Pirt. We have five suspects, no solid alibis, and yet there is still a dead teenager who needs justice after being murdered on a large country estate.
I am not usually a big reader of traditional UK set police procedural thrillers. Too often, the same well-worn and cliché tropes are used, and we don't get anything new to offer a different perspective. That is not the case this time, thankfully.
With DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin, we have two interesting and complicated leads who are learning about each other as their working relationship develops at the same time as we are learning about them. These are not clichéd gruff old school coppers but women with personalities, flaws, and areas of excellence that complement each other. I feel that we got a much better feeling of Gabe in this book, and im hoping that for book 2, we get more about Juliet as she really is fascinating and has so much potential as a character.
The case itself is intriguing and keeps you guessing to the end. It's frustrating and sad, and at different points, you want all of the suspects to be guilty. These generally aren't flat, stereotypical 'villains' but flawed individuals with multiple layered motives and thought processes for the actions they all take. I particularly appreciated the look at trauma and abuse in the home and how that can impact individuals at a generational level to make some of these suspects even more rounded.
One of my favourite things about 2023's police thrillers has been how they've shaken up the format to give us new elements to get our teeth into (see also Jo Callaghan's In the Blink of An Eye), and this is no different. The use of mixed media, interspersed between Gabe's narrative chapters, broke the story up, giving us new things to think about, potential clues to the mystery, and also helped develop the characters further. For those used to the traditional narrative structure of these types of books, it may be a little jarring, but I enjoy the works of Janice Hallett, so I loved these elements.
Overall, I loved this debut work and look forward to hopefully more in the future from Stern and Martin, especially giving us more insight into Juliet's character and letting their partnership continue to grow and develop.
Highly recommend, especially if, like me, you want fresh and more nuanced and interesting police thrillers with more interesting characters outside of the traditional tropes.
April 2, 2024
This book started promising and then just fell flat.
I really liked the novice detective and how she made a few errors. Unlike other detective series where they are amazing at everything, I found this refreshing.
I found a lot of this book was completely unnecessary. Some emails and texts messages and even another murder case being mentioned alongside the story didn’t really add much.
Aside from the 2 detectives, I didn’t really care for any other character and wasn’t interested in who the murdered turned out to be.
Bit of a shame as it started off well.
I really liked the novice detective and how she made a few errors. Unlike other detective series where they are amazing at everything, I found this refreshing.
I found a lot of this book was completely unnecessary. Some emails and texts messages and even another murder case being mentioned alongside the story didn’t really add much.
Aside from the 2 detectives, I didn’t really care for any other character and wasn’t interested in who the murdered turned out to be.
Bit of a shame as it started off well.
February 6, 2024
A slow start but compelling by the end. Full of twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next in the series
May 14, 2024
Really enjoyed the mixed media in this book and wow what can I say I was shocked with this book
August 31, 2024
This one was a little bit different, reminded me of Cara Hunters style
I will definitely be looking out for book 2
I will definitely be looking out for book 2
November 1, 2023
If you’re looking for an exciting new detective series with compelling female leads, you definitely need to check this debut out!
It had been so long since I read a great detective novel, and I forgot just how much I enjoy losing myself in them - getting to know the key characters whilst also trying to work out the clever whodunnit makes the time just fly by, and I actually felt quite bereft when I finished and left Gabe and Juliet behind! And that opening chapter just gave me chills 😱 Definitely recommend picking this one up for an addictive and intriguing read 🙌
It had been so long since I read a great detective novel, and I forgot just how much I enjoy losing myself in them - getting to know the key characters whilst also trying to work out the clever whodunnit makes the time just fly by, and I actually felt quite bereft when I finished and left Gabe and Juliet behind! And that opening chapter just gave me chills 😱 Definitely recommend picking this one up for an addictive and intriguing read 🙌
March 30, 2024
I liked the way this book was written with the text messages and emails etc.. Gabe , one of the main characters relayed most of the storyline, and how she investigated the case with her boss Juliet . The storyline was a little slow in places but wow what an ending !
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2024
I enjoyed reading this debut novel by Anna Britton, although I was flagging a bit once they caught their killer.
Gabe and Juliet worked well together, although I'm not convinced Gabe can be relied upon 100%, with regards to theories and who is or isn't guilty, as she seems to change her mind like the wind, which, as a reader, I found quite frustrating.
Get ready for the surprise cliffhanger ending, which hints at a sequel.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
Gabe and Juliet worked well together, although I'm not convinced Gabe can be relied upon 100%, with regards to theories and who is or isn't guilty, as she seems to change her mind like the wind, which, as a reader, I found quite frustrating.
Get ready for the surprise cliffhanger ending, which hints at a sequel.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
Enjoyable police procedural, good pace throughout. The main character was slightly annoying as a detective (?) as she changed her mind far too often and blamed herself for everything. Although, as it's an internal monologue I can see how it could be a realistic insight. I think I'll continue reading the series - there must be another installment? Read with pigeonhole - thanks for the opportunity 🙂
October 18, 2023
Shot in the Dark begins with a nighttime chase through the woods, a teenage girl racing to escape a gunman. She doesn't make it and her body is found the next day. Detectives Martin and Stern are brought onto the case and we follow their attempts to solve it with very little to go on.
This is very much a police procedural, rich on detail and probably more realistic than many in that the case sometimes moves frustratingly slowly. Resource and attention is split with another high profile case with a young child who gathers far more press attention than the teenager whose death they are investigating. Many of those they come across are possible suspects but there isn't enough concrete evidence and it's interesting to see a discussion on how much gut instinct can be useful in police work. The story is split with emails, press reports and text messages which I liked as a way to develop the story of other characters without removing the focus from the detective pair at the heart.
The detectives are a female duo, with DS Gabe Martin leading her first case alongside DI Juliet Stern. Their characters are interesting and there is obviously a lot more to find out about them, as this is advertised as the first in a series. I do think perhaps not quite enough was shown though, as it was a little hard to really feel connected to them with so much held back.
It was a decent thriller and I would certainly read the next to find out more about them, but a little too slow in places and the main characters still feel a bit distant. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
#ShotintheDark #NetGalley
This is very much a police procedural, rich on detail and probably more realistic than many in that the case sometimes moves frustratingly slowly. Resource and attention is split with another high profile case with a young child who gathers far more press attention than the teenager whose death they are investigating. Many of those they come across are possible suspects but there isn't enough concrete evidence and it's interesting to see a discussion on how much gut instinct can be useful in police work. The story is split with emails, press reports and text messages which I liked as a way to develop the story of other characters without removing the focus from the detective pair at the heart.
The detectives are a female duo, with DS Gabe Martin leading her first case alongside DI Juliet Stern. Their characters are interesting and there is obviously a lot more to find out about them, as this is advertised as the first in a series. I do think perhaps not quite enough was shown though, as it was a little hard to really feel connected to them with so much held back.
It was a decent thriller and I would certainly read the next to find out more about them, but a little too slow in places and the main characters still feel a bit distant. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
#ShotintheDark #NetGalley
November 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller! It really got me out of a reading slump. It contains short chapters to help move the story forward, but it also uses excerpts of text messages, media posts, and call transcripts which was really interesting and fun to read! Kind of breaks up the monotony of chapter after chapter.
One of the MOST annoying tropes for me is the incompetent detectives/officers, and I was SO relieved to see that this book did not do that at all. Juliet and Gabe really covered all their bases and went over everything possible in order to solve this case. I absolutely loved our two main characters and thought that they complimented each other nicely with their differing personalities.
Even when the person is confirmed to have committed the crime, I was STILL convinced someone else could have possibly done it. I think that makes for a really good thriller to continue doubting yourself and the information even when it is right in front of your face.
The ending was really really good, but HOLY CLIFFHANGER! I need so much more of Gabe and Juliet.
For a debut crime novel, this was stellar. WELL DONE Anna Britton. Please write so much more of Gabe and Juliet. I will be reading all of their mystery solving adventures!
One of the MOST annoying tropes for me is the incompetent detectives/officers, and I was SO relieved to see that this book did not do that at all. Juliet and Gabe really covered all their bases and went over everything possible in order to solve this case. I absolutely loved our two main characters and thought that they complimented each other nicely with their differing personalities.
Even when the person is confirmed to have committed the crime, I was STILL convinced someone else could have possibly done it. I think that makes for a really good thriller to continue doubting yourself and the information even when it is right in front of your face.
The ending was really really good, but HOLY CLIFFHANGER! I need so much more of Gabe and Juliet.
For a debut crime novel, this was stellar. WELL DONE Anna Britton. Please write so much more of Gabe and Juliet. I will be reading all of their mystery solving adventures!
November 4, 2023
I really enjoyed Shot In The Dark and what an opening book for a series. I’ve never read a crime novel laid out in this format before but it really worked well. Between the main story chapters we are given text messages and report information, basically all the clues the detectives get laid out in front of us.
The story is from the point of of DS Gabe Martin who is working with DI Juliet Stern to solve the case of a girl who is shot in woods on a private estate. Gabe is taking the lead on her first case and throughout the case her strengths work in partnership with Juliet’s making them a great team.
The characters being investigated are all really interesting with their own stories that draw you in and made you want to just keep reading.
Both the lead characters have their own stories but we only see snippets of each but enough to make you want to learn about them both which I’m sure will slowly happen in future books. A great way to have the reader wanting more.
The most gripping moment for me was the end. What a way to finish the book. I was screaming demanding book two now.
The story is from the point of of DS Gabe Martin who is working with DI Juliet Stern to solve the case of a girl who is shot in woods on a private estate. Gabe is taking the lead on her first case and throughout the case her strengths work in partnership with Juliet’s making them a great team.
The characters being investigated are all really interesting with their own stories that draw you in and made you want to just keep reading.
Both the lead characters have their own stories but we only see snippets of each but enough to make you want to learn about them both which I’m sure will slowly happen in future books. A great way to have the reader wanting more.
The most gripping moment for me was the end. What a way to finish the book. I was screaming demanding book two now.
July 2, 2024
This was an easy, mostly enjoyable read. Points off for the protagonist spending pages and pages and pages discussing the ins and outs of her ‘gut feelings’ about certain suspects, especially when they were so clearly wrong time and time again. I listened to the audio of this and would love to know why the main male detective AND forensics guy slipped in and out of a South African accent
January 26, 2024
It was good at the start but got a tad boring.
I feel like at the end I didnt even care who killed Melanie I just wanted Gabe to settle on someone.
I also felt that Pauls case on the little girl was completely irrelevant.
Didn’t expect the ending though.
I feel like at the end I didnt even care who killed Melanie I just wanted Gabe to settle on someone.
I also felt that Pauls case on the little girl was completely irrelevant.
Didn’t expect the ending though.
September 22, 2024
An outstanding debut novel with engaging, real characters and a twisty plot that will keep you guessing. Bring on book 2!
April 28, 2024
A young woman is killed and her body mauled by an animal on the grounds of a country estate. Detectives Stern and Martin lead the investigation but struggle to untangle the web of lies the suspects offer.
Shot In The Dark is the debut novel from Anna Britton. Despite first being published six months ago it still regularly pops up on my Twitter feed, with lots of praise from readers. I'm really not surprised that it has garnered so many fans after reading it myself.
The opening chapter fills you with terror as you follow a young woman running for her life through woodland. Not only is she being stalked by someone with a gun, she is also being hunted by a large dog. This opening chapter has your heart racing and you catch your breath as it ends.
Through a variety of different media, we meet DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin as they lead the investigation into the murder of the young woman, seventeen-year-old Melanie Pirt. The pairing of two female detectives is unusual but comes across as a breath of fresh air, many of the usual tropes are immediately removed from the storyline.
Both detectives are complex characters. DI Stern is detached, analytical and focused on her job. Colleagues consider her cold and unapproachable and there are a variety of rumors about her home life. We get small glimpses into the relationship with her husband and children, along with hints at possible problems, but nothing is made clear. DS Martin is the complete opposite of her boss, she's empathetic and trusting. She admires her boss and knows that many of their colleagues have the wrong impression of her but knows not to betray the trust that she has been given. We are given a little more detail into Martin's background, a disturbing one, but once again things are left a little vague. I love the fact that neither detective is perfect and we still have lots to learn about them.
There are five main suspects. The Dunlow family who live on the country estate where Melanie was murdered, the gamekeeper employed by the family and Melanie's abusive boyfriend. None of the suspects come across well, as the story unfolds you have little sympathy for any of them and at times you are filled with revulsion as their priority is self-preservation. As the web of lies increases you can feel the frustration of the police. As soon as a suspect is confronted with evidence of a lie they change their story, only for us to be left wondering if we are now hearing the truth or simply another lie.
As lie after lie is uncovered, lives are put in danger and the shocking truth is finally revealed. Knowing Anna Britton has already completed writing the second book in the Martin & Stern series, Close To The Edge, and has made a start on a third book I felt we had a satisfying conclusion - and then that ending happened! There's nothing better than when an author completely pulls the rug from under you and leaves you demanding to know more RIGHT NOW! I'm now going to be on edge until the second book in the series is published in September.
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
or on Threads
@debbiehartuk
Shot In The Dark is the debut novel from Anna Britton. Despite first being published six months ago it still regularly pops up on my Twitter feed, with lots of praise from readers. I'm really not surprised that it has garnered so many fans after reading it myself.
The opening chapter fills you with terror as you follow a young woman running for her life through woodland. Not only is she being stalked by someone with a gun, she is also being hunted by a large dog. This opening chapter has your heart racing and you catch your breath as it ends.
Through a variety of different media, we meet DI Juliet Stern and DS Gabe Martin as they lead the investigation into the murder of the young woman, seventeen-year-old Melanie Pirt. The pairing of two female detectives is unusual but comes across as a breath of fresh air, many of the usual tropes are immediately removed from the storyline.
Both detectives are complex characters. DI Stern is detached, analytical and focused on her job. Colleagues consider her cold and unapproachable and there are a variety of rumors about her home life. We get small glimpses into the relationship with her husband and children, along with hints at possible problems, but nothing is made clear. DS Martin is the complete opposite of her boss, she's empathetic and trusting. She admires her boss and knows that many of their colleagues have the wrong impression of her but knows not to betray the trust that she has been given. We are given a little more detail into Martin's background, a disturbing one, but once again things are left a little vague. I love the fact that neither detective is perfect and we still have lots to learn about them.
There are five main suspects. The Dunlow family who live on the country estate where Melanie was murdered, the gamekeeper employed by the family and Melanie's abusive boyfriend. None of the suspects come across well, as the story unfolds you have little sympathy for any of them and at times you are filled with revulsion as their priority is self-preservation. As the web of lies increases you can feel the frustration of the police. As soon as a suspect is confronted with evidence of a lie they change their story, only for us to be left wondering if we are now hearing the truth or simply another lie.
As lie after lie is uncovered, lives are put in danger and the shocking truth is finally revealed. Knowing Anna Britton has already completed writing the second book in the Martin & Stern series, Close To The Edge, and has made a start on a third book I felt we had a satisfying conclusion - and then that ending happened! There's nothing better than when an author completely pulls the rug from under you and leaves you demanding to know more RIGHT NOW! I'm now going to be on edge until the second book in the series is published in September.
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
or on Threads
@debbiehartuk
September 17, 2024
Anna Britton's debut police procedural "A Shot In the Dark" introduces us to female detective duo DS Gabe Martin and and DI Juliet Stern who have been working together for a little shy of a year and who are tasked with solving the gruesome murder of Melanie Birt.
Melanie is is a 17 year old woman, from an immigrant family, who at the start of the book is running away from an unseen terror and a vicious dog. The next day, her body is discovered on the estate belonging to a local monied family, the Dulworths. It soon transpires that she was not only mauled by a dog belonging to the family, but by the time that happened, she had already been shot 3 times. Suspicion falls on Melanie's boyfriend, the groundskeeper, Karl who alerted the police to Melanie's body, and the obnoxious Dulworth family - Dad Timothy and his sons Terence and Leo. They all have their own secrets to keep and there are lots of twists, turns and red herrings while Gabe and Juliet work their way through the evidence in search of a resolution to this most unpleasant case. Down at the station there's another high profile case stealing all the headlines and the resources as a team tries to find the whereabouts of a missing 7 year old girl. The parallels between the two cases, and their assigned importance is a theme that runs through this novel.
Early on we learn that Gabe is relatively new to this role and so lacks the confidence needed, and displayed by her superior, Juliet, to put the screws on when she needs to find information from difficult and confident suspects. However Juliet has problems in her marriage, and perhaps as a result of that, seems to lack the soft skills needed to draw information out of the more vulnerable, and nervous people under suspicion. So they work well together. Juliet also displays very neurodivergent tendancies although she is never confirmed as having such a condition - this may follow in a future book in the series, or maybe we're just supposed to make our own minds up.
There are many references to Gabe's life up until recent years, including some heavy hints about her sexuality, and it's implied that some elements of her past may be affecting her ability to be an effective officer who can follow her gut instincts. Trying to follow those instincts, and being empathetic to the wrong people because she identifies in some way with them. takes her down the wrong path on many occasions, and she flip flops between who she thinks is guilty so often that it became a bit frustrating for me by the time we got to the culprit (who I, and several of those reading along with me at The Pigeonhole book club - had guessed as the baddie much earlier on, despite the apparent misdirection from the author). It was clever misdirection though and I was never quite sure whether or not I'd sussed it out or if the rug was about to be pulled out from under me. I would like to see Gabe follow those instincts, choose a path and stick to it in future novels, and not be so easily swayed by clever people and her own lack of self-confidence.
Back to the story, the suspects and red herrings pile up, and the pace ramps up. Add a few good twists and there are a couple of things Gabe and Juliet did that stretched credibility a bit (suspension of disbelief required!), but I was very invested in the characters and looked forward to reading it each day via The Pigeonhole. I think it's a very promising start to this Detective series, and I look forward to purchasing book #2 very soon!
Melanie is is a 17 year old woman, from an immigrant family, who at the start of the book is running away from an unseen terror and a vicious dog. The next day, her body is discovered on the estate belonging to a local monied family, the Dulworths. It soon transpires that she was not only mauled by a dog belonging to the family, but by the time that happened, she had already been shot 3 times. Suspicion falls on Melanie's boyfriend, the groundskeeper, Karl who alerted the police to Melanie's body, and the obnoxious Dulworth family - Dad Timothy and his sons Terence and Leo. They all have their own secrets to keep and there are lots of twists, turns and red herrings while Gabe and Juliet work their way through the evidence in search of a resolution to this most unpleasant case. Down at the station there's another high profile case stealing all the headlines and the resources as a team tries to find the whereabouts of a missing 7 year old girl. The parallels between the two cases, and their assigned importance is a theme that runs through this novel.
Early on we learn that Gabe is relatively new to this role and so lacks the confidence needed, and displayed by her superior, Juliet, to put the screws on when she needs to find information from difficult and confident suspects. However Juliet has problems in her marriage, and perhaps as a result of that, seems to lack the soft skills needed to draw information out of the more vulnerable, and nervous people under suspicion. So they work well together. Juliet also displays very neurodivergent tendancies although she is never confirmed as having such a condition - this may follow in a future book in the series, or maybe we're just supposed to make our own minds up.
There are many references to Gabe's life up until recent years, including some heavy hints about her sexuality, and it's implied that some elements of her past may be affecting her ability to be an effective officer who can follow her gut instincts. Trying to follow those instincts, and being empathetic to the wrong people because she identifies in some way with them. takes her down the wrong path on many occasions, and she flip flops between who she thinks is guilty so often that it became a bit frustrating for me by the time we got to the culprit (who I, and several of those reading along with me at The Pigeonhole book club - had guessed as the baddie much earlier on, despite the apparent misdirection from the author). It was clever misdirection though and I was never quite sure whether or not I'd sussed it out or if the rug was about to be pulled out from under me. I would like to see Gabe follow those instincts, choose a path and stick to it in future novels, and not be so easily swayed by clever people and her own lack of self-confidence.
Back to the story, the suspects and red herrings pile up, and the pace ramps up. Add a few good twists and there are a couple of things Gabe and Juliet did that stretched credibility a bit (suspension of disbelief required!), but I was very invested in the characters and looked forward to reading it each day via The Pigeonhole. I think it's a very promising start to this Detective series, and I look forward to purchasing book #2 very soon!
January 1, 2024
Ehh.....it was alright. Karl as a character wasn't really fleshed out that well for me (despite so much of the book talking about him), and the fact that he turned out to be an obsessive borderline-sociopathic man felt completely out of left field. Nothing, *nothing*, is shown that foreshadows this so it just feels contradictory. He has a traumatic past, and Gabe focuses a lot on whether this means he could be violent, but just one moment decades ago does not a sociopath make. I think it spent too much time focusing on that one specific event in Karl's life...rather than how it impacted him or his actions. Other characters could have been fleshed out more as well, and many attempts to make them seem complex just come across as inconsistent characterisation (like Jordan, his past may explain *why* he hits Melanie but he doesn't face any consequence for his actions, or Dunlow, is he an arrogant prick, does he love his sons but struggle showing it, why does he randomly trust the police out of nowhere, why does he switch back and forth...what??) It's less character development and more character...be what I need right now for plot reasons. That being said, I found the documents/emails scattered throughout the chapters to be a fun, new way to deliver worldbuilding and context rather than the stale old *character monologues at you for three pages*. It also really helped me immerse myself in this world, giving it credibility. If anything I'd say it was underused, a lot of my previous critiques about characterisation could've been avoided, for example adding therapy reports showing Karl's obsession with fathers, or his hatred of the Dunlows for example. Also maybe the Krystal Barrett thing was a set-up for future installments because it went nowhere and was quite disappointing when I was expecting a clever tie-in.
TL;DR: The plot was nice, intriguing and it was very tense at times, Gabe & Juliet felt very realistic & grounded and their dynamic was fun to read. The documents interspersed within chapters was new and refreshing. Some characters and their motivations didn't feel fleshed out enough which did break my immersion a little bit but I was still on the edge of my seat for the reveal.
TL;DR: The plot was nice, intriguing and it was very tense at times, Gabe & Juliet felt very realistic & grounded and their dynamic was fun to read. The documents interspersed within chapters was new and refreshing. Some characters and their motivations didn't feel fleshed out enough which did break my immersion a little bit but I was still on the edge of my seat for the reveal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews