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DI Grace Archer #4
A Violent Heart
Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, is murdered, her body concealed and left near a stream in North London. Her phone lies nearby, the last number dialled was to a former NCA Investigator, a woman who had saved her from sex Met DI, Grace Archer.
When questioned by North London police, a devastated Archer has no answer to why Elena would call her moments from her death. Archer wants to lead the investigation but its out of her catchment area and she is warned off it by her new boss, the charmless old school copper, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher.
The thirty year old remains of a woman are found in the attic of an abandoned house. Archer takes over the case and discovers the victim died in similar circumstances to Elena Zoric. Archer pushes for an alliance with her North London colleagues but it seems they have other priorities than looking into the murder of "a drugged up prostitute". An incensed Archer goes rogue and searches for proof that both women were murdered by the same man.
When questioned by North London police, a devastated Archer has no answer to why Elena would call her moments from her death. Archer wants to lead the investigation but its out of her catchment area and she is warned off it by her new boss, the charmless old school copper, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher.
The thirty year old remains of a woman are found in the attic of an abandoned house. Archer takes over the case and discovers the victim died in similar circumstances to Elena Zoric. Archer pushes for an alliance with her North London colleagues but it seems they have other priorities than looking into the murder of "a drugged up prostitute". An incensed Archer goes rogue and searches for proof that both women were murdered by the same man.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2024
11 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 29, 2024
Having read and enjoyed the first 3 books, I was delighted to see the fourth was due, and especially so to be allowed an ARC, it can be read as a a standalone, but you would benefit from reading the first 3 books. They are all excellent. Although this one is not quite as macabre and gruesome as first 3 books, which may be a bonus!
Great set of characters, as the murders of sex workers over a 35 year period are investigated. All moves at a good pace The story of the sex workers, their stories and moving back and forth through the years works well.
Lots of twists and a great ending
Great set of characters, as the murders of sex workers over a 35 year period are investigated. All moves at a good pace The story of the sex workers, their stories and moving back and forth through the years works well.
Lots of twists and a great ending
June 26, 2025
A Violent Heart is book 4 in DI Grace Archer series and is an absolutely brilliant addition to the series.
Clever plot, multilayered, multiple characters, David Fennell brings all the strands together to present us with a story that's gripping and captivating from start to finish.
Really smart, brilliantly written, I hope there are more books to come in that series.
Clever plot, multilayered, multiple characters, David Fennell brings all the strands together to present us with a story that's gripping and captivating from start to finish.
Really smart, brilliantly written, I hope there are more books to come in that series.
August 11, 2024
DI Grace Archer is investigating the murder of a sex worker when the skeletal remains of another is found. 2 murders, 35 years apart, but how are they connected? And can she solve the case before anyone else gets hurt?
This is the fourth book following DI Archer, but reads perfectly well as a stand alone. A well paced crime procedural, it has some good twists and an explosive ending.
I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters though and lots of people come and go quite quickly in this book, leaving little time to get to know them (I was expecting Miles Davenport to be more developed as he seemed really interesting).
I enjoyed the flitting between past and present, particularly those of the females that died.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for my advanced copy.
This is the fourth book following DI Archer, but reads perfectly well as a stand alone. A well paced crime procedural, it has some good twists and an explosive ending.
I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters though and lots of people come and go quite quickly in this book, leaving little time to get to know them (I was expecting Miles Davenport to be more developed as he seemed really interesting).
I enjoyed the flitting between past and present, particularly those of the females that died.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for my advanced copy.
August 4, 2024
A Violent Heart is book 4 in the Grace Archer crime series. I hadn't read the previous three prior to this, and now that I've finished book four, for me, it gave enough background throughput that I was comfortable reading it as a stand-alone. That being said, I now need to go and get them and binge read the series.
This police procedural story had me gripped from start to finish. I loved the depth the characters had and the empathetic way in which the victims were written. I liked how David Fennell gave each of them their own little piece of story. I felt a real sense of who they were. It made me feel compassion towards them. Completely the opposite to how the police had treated them and the crimes committed.
This book had me fully immersed in Archers world, a compelling and addictive read. With a clever plot full of suspense, twists, and turns that had me stumped throughout. A must-read for any crime thriller fan.
Thank you Netgalley and Zaffre Books for my advanced copy.
This police procedural story had me gripped from start to finish. I loved the depth the characters had and the empathetic way in which the victims were written. I liked how David Fennell gave each of them their own little piece of story. I felt a real sense of who they were. It made me feel compassion towards them. Completely the opposite to how the police had treated them and the crimes committed.
This book had me fully immersed in Archers world, a compelling and addictive read. With a clever plot full of suspense, twists, and turns that had me stumped throughout. A must-read for any crime thriller fan.
Thank you Netgalley and Zaffre Books for my advanced copy.
March 9, 2025
Well - I wasn't expecting that.
August 18, 2024
A Violent heart is book 4 in the Grace Archer series, and this also doesn’t disappoint.
The story starts with a murder of sex worker Elena Zoric who is personally known by Grace Archer and who she rescued from people and sex trafficking. Elena rang Grace and left a message on her phone just before her death. This spurs her on to find out who the killer is. Then a skeleton remains is found in an abandoned house which has similarities of the death of Elena death. The women they id whose remains it is. Is of a woman that disappeared thirty years previously. This killer has been killing for years. How many more bodies are they going to find?
This is another fast paced read in the series, but I also think it could be read as a standalone. It is putdownable multi layered story full of twists that keep you guessing and guessing. 5 stars from me.
The story starts with a murder of sex worker Elena Zoric who is personally known by Grace Archer and who she rescued from people and sex trafficking. Elena rang Grace and left a message on her phone just before her death. This spurs her on to find out who the killer is. Then a skeleton remains is found in an abandoned house which has similarities of the death of Elena death. The women they id whose remains it is. Is of a woman that disappeared thirty years previously. This killer has been killing for years. How many more bodies are they going to find?
This is another fast paced read in the series, but I also think it could be read as a standalone. It is putdownable multi layered story full of twists that keep you guessing and guessing. 5 stars from me.
August 20, 2024
There are so many Crime detective series on the market that it’s almost impossible to keep up with them all. But there are a few series that come high or hell water I wouldn’t miss. David Fennel’s Grace Archer series is one of them! So much so that I didn’t even read the book description for A Violent Heart. But then I have such faith in this author’s ability to deliver a riveting read. Was my faith misplaced? Hell no! Despite this being the fourth book in the series, David Fennel has only gone and written another worthy nail biting addition to what is an unmissable series.
A Violent Heart is a dark tale fuelled by a sense of malevolence. The plot focuses on the gruesome murders of sex workers spanning thirty years. I liked the fact David Fennel gives his victims a voice, creating characters who are victims, rather than victims lacking character! This allows the reader to learn more about the girl’s background. We learn about the unfortunate and heartbreaking events that led them to take a dangerous and often a violent and abusive path. Sadly, their murders appear to be low down on the police’s list of priorities because of their deeply ingrained prejudice against sex workers.
Grace Archer is a likeable character with an intriguing back story. She’s resilient and persistent, paired with her sharp intuition, which earns her the respect and support of her team. Her partner DS Harry Quinn is a likeable character. This book isn’t as gruesome as the other books in the series, but that’s not a bad thing. I prefer it when an author mixes things up a bit, it keeps us readers on our toes. David Fennell ensures A Violent Heart is packed with tension, misdirection which certainly heightened my enjoyment of this book. Highly recommended
A Violent Heart is a dark tale fuelled by a sense of malevolence. The plot focuses on the gruesome murders of sex workers spanning thirty years. I liked the fact David Fennel gives his victims a voice, creating characters who are victims, rather than victims lacking character! This allows the reader to learn more about the girl’s background. We learn about the unfortunate and heartbreaking events that led them to take a dangerous and often a violent and abusive path. Sadly, their murders appear to be low down on the police’s list of priorities because of their deeply ingrained prejudice against sex workers.
Grace Archer is a likeable character with an intriguing back story. She’s resilient and persistent, paired with her sharp intuition, which earns her the respect and support of her team. Her partner DS Harry Quinn is a likeable character. This book isn’t as gruesome as the other books in the series, but that’s not a bad thing. I prefer it when an author mixes things up a bit, it keeps us readers on our toes. David Fennell ensures A Violent Heart is packed with tension, misdirection which certainly heightened my enjoyment of this book. Highly recommended
October 20, 2025
One of my favorite police procedural series! It is a pity we have to wait so long in order to purchase it in the United States. Usually for my preferred books, Blackwell’s is the right alternative.
Somebody is killing prostitutes in England, they found the remains of a body killed in the 90’s but when a new killing today with the same MO appears an investigation is launched. It was well paced, full of thrilling action, multifaceted characters and intriguing subplots that will continue in the next book of the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Somebody is killing prostitutes in England, they found the remains of a body killed in the 90’s but when a new killing today with the same MO appears an investigation is launched. It was well paced, full of thrilling action, multifaceted characters and intriguing subplots that will continue in the next book of the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
September 10, 2024
David Fennell is yet another new to me author. I have seen social media posts about his books and I am very glad that I have finally had the opportunity to read some of this work. Of course, now that I have, I have some more books that have been added to my TBR wish list.
A Violent Heart grips you from the start, presenting a haunting and gritty narrative that explores the tragic lives of society's most vulnerable. At the core of the story is the murder of Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, whose death appears to be dismissed by some as inconsequential. This cold indifference toward her life and death is sharply contrasted with the fierce determination of DI Grace Archer, a protagonist who brings humanity and empathy to the forefront of the investigation.
The relationship between Archer and Elena—though never fully explored in life—becomes a haunting echo in Archer’s mind after Elena's death. The mystery of why Elena would call Archer in her final moments intensifies the emotional stakes of the case. This personal connection to the victim adds a compelling layer to Archer’s relentless pursuit of justice.
What stands out in A Violent Heart is Fennell's unflinching portrayal of institutional apathy. Chief Inspector Fletcher’s dismissive attitude toward the case, coupled with the North London police’s lack of urgency, paints a picture of how marginalized victims are often treated. This aspect makes Archer’s fight not just against a murderer, but also against a system designed to overlook the most vulnerable, all the more powerful.
The discovery of the thirty-year-old remains further thickens the plot, linking past crimes with the present, and Archer’s rogue investigation is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The pacing is brisk, with Fennell maintaining suspense throughout. As a reader, you’re drawn into the intricate puzzle, piecing together clues while feeling the weight of Archer’s frustration and determination.
However, the story does rely heavily on familiar crime fiction tropes—a determined detective going rogue, a condescending superior officer, and a corrupt system. While these elements add tension, they might feel slightly predictable for seasoned crime readers. That being said, Fennell’s characterization of Archer and his raw portrayal of the victims keep the story engaging and emotionally resonant.
A Violent Heart is a gritty, hard-hitting thriller that doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of life on the fringes of society. It’s a stark reminder of the biases that exist within the justice system, making Archer’s fight for Elena—and other forgotten women—a deeply personal and poignant journey.
David Fennell is yet another new to me author. I have seen social media posts about his books and I am very glad that I have finally had the opportunity to read some of this work. Of course, now that I have, I have some more books that have been added to my TBR wish list.
A Violent Heart grips you from the start, presenting a haunting and gritty narrative that explores the tragic lives of society's most vulnerable. At the core of the story is the murder of Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, whose death appears to be dismissed by some as inconsequential. This cold indifference toward her life and death is sharply contrasted with the fierce determination of DI Grace Archer, a protagonist who brings humanity and empathy to the forefront of the investigation.
The relationship between Archer and Elena—though never fully explored in life—becomes a haunting echo in Archer’s mind after Elena's death. The mystery of why Elena would call Archer in her final moments intensifies the emotional stakes of the case. This personal connection to the victim adds a compelling layer to Archer’s relentless pursuit of justice.
What stands out in A Violent Heart is Fennell's unflinching portrayal of institutional apathy. Chief Inspector Fletcher’s dismissive attitude toward the case, coupled with the North London police’s lack of urgency, paints a picture of how marginalized victims are often treated. This aspect makes Archer’s fight not just against a murderer, but also against a system designed to overlook the most vulnerable, all the more powerful.
The discovery of the thirty-year-old remains further thickens the plot, linking past crimes with the present, and Archer’s rogue investigation is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The pacing is brisk, with Fennell maintaining suspense throughout. As a reader, you’re drawn into the intricate puzzle, piecing together clues while feeling the weight of Archer’s frustration and determination.
However, the story does rely heavily on familiar crime fiction tropes—a determined detective going rogue, a condescending superior officer, and a corrupt system. While these elements add tension, they might feel slightly predictable for seasoned crime readers. That being said, Fennell’s characterization of Archer and his raw portrayal of the victims keep the story engaging and emotionally resonant.
A Violent Heart is a gritty, hard-hitting thriller that doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of life on the fringes of society. It’s a stark reminder of the biases that exist within the justice system, making Archer’s fight for Elena—and other forgotten women—a deeply personal and poignant journey.
https://featzreviews.com/a-violent-he...
A Violent Heart grips you from the start, presenting a haunting and gritty narrative that explores the tragic lives of society's most vulnerable. At the core of the story is the murder of Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, whose death appears to be dismissed by some as inconsequential. This cold indifference toward her life and death is sharply contrasted with the fierce determination of DI Grace Archer, a protagonist who brings humanity and empathy to the forefront of the investigation.
The relationship between Archer and Elena—though never fully explored in life—becomes a haunting echo in Archer’s mind after Elena's death. The mystery of why Elena would call Archer in her final moments intensifies the emotional stakes of the case. This personal connection to the victim adds a compelling layer to Archer’s relentless pursuit of justice.
What stands out in A Violent Heart is Fennell's unflinching portrayal of institutional apathy. Chief Inspector Fletcher’s dismissive attitude toward the case, coupled with the North London police’s lack of urgency, paints a picture of how marginalized victims are often treated. This aspect makes Archer’s fight not just against a murderer, but also against a system designed to overlook the most vulnerable, all the more powerful.
The discovery of the thirty-year-old remains further thickens the plot, linking past crimes with the present, and Archer’s rogue investigation is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The pacing is brisk, with Fennell maintaining suspense throughout. As a reader, you’re drawn into the intricate puzzle, piecing together clues while feeling the weight of Archer’s frustration and determination.
However, the story does rely heavily on familiar crime fiction tropes—a determined detective going rogue, a condescending superior officer, and a corrupt system. While these elements add tension, they might feel slightly predictable for seasoned crime readers. That being said, Fennell’s characterization of Archer and his raw portrayal of the victims keep the story engaging and emotionally resonant.
A Violent Heart is a gritty, hard-hitting thriller that doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of life on the fringes of society. It’s a stark reminder of the biases that exist within the justice system, making Archer’s fight for Elena—and other forgotten women—a deeply personal and poignant journey.
David Fennell is yet another new to me author. I have seen social media posts about his books and I am very glad that I have finally had the opportunity to read some of this work. Of course, now that I have, I have some more books that have been added to my TBR wish list.
A Violent Heart grips you from the start, presenting a haunting and gritty narrative that explores the tragic lives of society's most vulnerable. At the core of the story is the murder of Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, whose death appears to be dismissed by some as inconsequential. This cold indifference toward her life and death is sharply contrasted with the fierce determination of DI Grace Archer, a protagonist who brings humanity and empathy to the forefront of the investigation.
The relationship between Archer and Elena—though never fully explored in life—becomes a haunting echo in Archer’s mind after Elena's death. The mystery of why Elena would call Archer in her final moments intensifies the emotional stakes of the case. This personal connection to the victim adds a compelling layer to Archer’s relentless pursuit of justice.
What stands out in A Violent Heart is Fennell's unflinching portrayal of institutional apathy. Chief Inspector Fletcher’s dismissive attitude toward the case, coupled with the North London police’s lack of urgency, paints a picture of how marginalized victims are often treated. This aspect makes Archer’s fight not just against a murderer, but also against a system designed to overlook the most vulnerable, all the more powerful.
The discovery of the thirty-year-old remains further thickens the plot, linking past crimes with the present, and Archer’s rogue investigation is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The pacing is brisk, with Fennell maintaining suspense throughout. As a reader, you’re drawn into the intricate puzzle, piecing together clues while feeling the weight of Archer’s frustration and determination.
However, the story does rely heavily on familiar crime fiction tropes—a determined detective going rogue, a condescending superior officer, and a corrupt system. While these elements add tension, they might feel slightly predictable for seasoned crime readers. That being said, Fennell’s characterization of Archer and his raw portrayal of the victims keep the story engaging and emotionally resonant.
A Violent Heart is a gritty, hard-hitting thriller that doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of life on the fringes of society. It’s a stark reminder of the biases that exist within the justice system, making Archer’s fight for Elena—and other forgotten women—a deeply personal and poignant journey.
https://featzreviews.com/a-violent-he...
July 31, 2024
My thoughts about David Fennell’s A Violent Heart is a masterful addition to the DI Grace Archer series, delivering an electrifying blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and deep emotional resonance. David Fennell’s Fourth police procedural thriller series, kicks off with the murder of Elena Zoric, a woman who was rescued from sex trafficking and whose final call was to Detective Inspector Grace Archer. David Fennell’s vivid storytelling and intricate plot twists make this book hard to put down, ensuring that fans of crime fiction and new readers alike will be thoroughly engrossed. David Fennell’s portrayal of Grace Archer is both nuanced and powerful. David Fennell’s exploration of themes such as corruption, human trafficking, and the fight for justice is handled with sensitivity and depth. David Fennell’s A Violent Heart story begins with Elena Zoric is murdered, her body concealed beside a stream in North London. Her phone lies nearby, the last number dialled was to the woman who had rescued her from sex trafficking: Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Grace Archer. Archer desperately wants to lead the murder investigation but her new boss, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher, makes it very clear it’s out of her jurisdiction. Then the thirty-year-old remains of a woman are found in the attic of an abandoned house, the victim dying in similar circumstances to Elena Zoric. But Archer’s North London colleagues have bigger priorities than the murder of ‘a drugged-up prostitute.Archer needs answers. Who killed Elena? Why did she call Archer moments from her death? And what rules must she break to stop a killer in his tracks. Overall David Fennell’s A Violent Heart stands out as a superb entry in the DI Grace Archer series, masterfully combining edge-of-your-seat suspense, deeply layered characters, and a meticulously crafted plot.
February 19, 2025
4.5 stars
This book felt like something new and fresh, especially for Grace Archer. The freedom provided by the removal of the over-hanging threat of Frankie White and the tying up of the lose thread that was Grandad really did the set-up a favour.
This instalment was not quite as creatively twisted in terms of murder weirdness, but a really well-crafted thriller nonetheless. I think someone else on here called it "less horrific" (or something similar) which is true in the sense that it has less over-the-top gore, but the subjects touched upon within the book, and the impact of the murders, are still pretty darn dark.
I'd like to call this book more realistic in its tone than the previous three. You don't have to suspend your disbelief and ask yourself how the heck the perpetrator can perform elaborately wild murders and get away with it - plenty of times.
I guess you could call this book "more mainstream" than the previous three - which is both good and bad, if you ask me.
Good because it will probably speak to more people and have potential to reach a wider market and audience, but bad for the wicked weirdos out there (a.k.a. the ones like me) looking for originality in a genre bursting with (main)stream-lined books. 😇
I binged all four available Archer & Quinn books in what felt like no time at all. I'm now really attached to these two now.
I really, really hope there will be more books in the future! 📚✨
This book felt like something new and fresh, especially for Grace Archer. The freedom provided by the removal of the over-hanging threat of Frankie White and the tying up of the lose thread that was Grandad really did the set-up a favour.
This instalment was not quite as creatively twisted in terms of murder weirdness, but a really well-crafted thriller nonetheless. I think someone else on here called it "less horrific" (or something similar) which is true in the sense that it has less over-the-top gore, but the subjects touched upon within the book, and the impact of the murders, are still pretty darn dark.
I'd like to call this book more realistic in its tone than the previous three. You don't have to suspend your disbelief and ask yourself how the heck the perpetrator can perform elaborately wild murders and get away with it - plenty of times.
I guess you could call this book "more mainstream" than the previous three - which is both good and bad, if you ask me.
Good because it will probably speak to more people and have potential to reach a wider market and audience, but bad for the wicked weirdos out there (a.k.a. the ones like me) looking for originality in a genre bursting with (main)stream-lined books. 😇
I binged all four available Archer & Quinn books in what felt like no time at all. I'm now really attached to these two now.
I really, really hope there will be more books in the future! 📚✨
August 19, 2024
This is a great crime series and I loved this latest book.
DI Grace Archer is contacted when a woman’s body is found and when her phone is checked, Grace was the last person she tried to call.
The victim had a troubled past and Grace had helped her a while ago. Through flashback chapters we find out what happened just before she died and it’s clear that Grace regrets missing her call.
Another body is soon found and when it’s discovered that she died the same way, Grace wants to work on both cases.
Her new boss is not keen on this as they are under different areas so Grace has to push to get her own way.
With other victims being linked to the same type of death, it’s clear that the killer needs to be stopped as soon as possible.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK for the opportunity to read this book.
DI Grace Archer is contacted when a woman’s body is found and when her phone is checked, Grace was the last person she tried to call.
The victim had a troubled past and Grace had helped her a while ago. Through flashback chapters we find out what happened just before she died and it’s clear that Grace regrets missing her call.
Another body is soon found and when it’s discovered that she died the same way, Grace wants to work on both cases.
Her new boss is not keen on this as they are under different areas so Grace has to push to get her own way.
With other victims being linked to the same type of death, it’s clear that the killer needs to be stopped as soon as possible.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK for the opportunity to read this book.
November 10, 2024
Decent story, even if I had guessed who it was for a change. Bit of a rushed explanation behind it at all though, after how long it took before they were revealed.
If it was also scoring the quality then it would be 2*, so many text errors, more like an uncorrected proof has been printed. How many people have read this before it went to print with so many mistakes in it?!
If it was also scoring the quality then it would be 2*, so many text errors, more like an uncorrected proof has been printed. How many people have read this before it went to print with so many mistakes in it?!
March 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this book and had looked forward to it after reading the other 3 and managed to consume it within a day. Only issue for me was the editing annoyed me in some places due to sentences having words in the wrong order.
August 4, 2024
If you are a fan of this series, you will know that our protagonist, the brilliant DI Grace Archer, has not had an easy time of it, either through the course of the previous investigations, or even her private life. Much of what has gone before was resolved in the previous book, a closure of various threads as it were, making A Violent Heart, a sort of stand alone investigation. Previous characters, and even investigations, are referenced, but are not central to the plot of the novel, so, in that sense, you don't need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this story. Quite why you wouldn't, I don't know, as they are all fabulous, but I'd be hypocritical to say you shouldn't jump in here, as I start part the way through series all the time. That said, I did come into this book wondering if this would be the case where, at long last, Grace may finally catch a break and have a little bit of good luck for a change. As to whether that does happen or not ... well that's a discussion for a later time, as the case she picks up is far from one that will result in happy endings.
Grace finds herself on the periphery of a murder investigation. I say periphery as she is only called in our of courtesy for having known the victim, The SIO role is handed to a DS from another station, one whose commitment and methods leave a lot to be desired and cause of concern for Grace and her own DS, Harry Quinn. They soon land their own case, with connections to the recent murder - a young woman whose remains have lain undiscovered for several decades. The similarities between the cause of death are undeniable, as much as DS Lee Parry and Grace's new Chief Inspector, Les Fletcher, may wish to deny it. But this is only the start and there are many more macabre facts to be uncovered as a disturbing pciture starts to become clear for both of our favourite detectives and us, as readers.
David Fennell has created a really complex and compelling story here. Whilst the murders are important, and it is inevitable that the details of what has, and does, happen need to be made clear to readers, it is the way in which he highlights the importance of the victims as much as the identity of the murderer, that really hits home. The victims are, by and large, sex workers, and in the time that the majority of the murders take place, their murders are largely dismissed as unimportant, by a community, and a police force, steeped in misogyny. This is all to easily believable, given all the revelations in recent months, and adds a layer of authenticity to a story that is already undeniably tragic. We are shown how easily the people fall victim to a heartless predator, and how easily their deaths are overlooked and forgotten. Cold cases, never resolved and never really given the attention they deserve. A sad indictment of society that we remember the names of murderers far more readily than we do their victims, something Grace is determined will not happen in this case.
I really like Grace as a character, and David Fennell has made her sympathetic and believable in portrayal. There really is a step change in her circumstances in this book, but no difference in her resilience or determination, which is what I like about her. She faces conflict from all angles, and is challenged by incompetence from above and below and the frustration bled from the page, echoed in my own frustrations in relation to the characters. You know the type. The ones where, if the author has done their job, as Mr Fennell has here, make you want to slap your book. It wasn't over done, particularly the disconnect between Grace and her new DI, which can often be the case where authors introduce an antagonistic authority figure, but it was just the right balance to make me want to see all the people getting in Grace's way face their comeuppance, Do they? Well - read the book and you'll know the answer.
The book is paced perfectly, the tension really ramping up as we move towards the end and the final showdown. Just as each thread of the investigation seems to be slowing the detectives down, we are faced with the facts of what happened to each of the victims, a kind of flashback the reinvigorates the investigation, rather than holds it back. And, for once, Grace is helped, sort of, rather than hindered by the involvement of Vlogger, Mallory Jones, someone who she has a checkered history with but develops a new, grudging, respect for as the case progresses. I liked Mallory, as much as I liked Grace, although at times you do just wish the two women would take a few less risks than they do. Then again, where is the fun in that?
With plenty of misdirection, another, unexpected antagonist making an already complex case one that is packed with tension and an overwhelming sense of jeopardy, and a high stakes showdown that will have the adrenalin pumping and had me perched on the edge of my seat, racing through the pages, hoping against hope that there was a chance of a positive outcome, this is a book that ticked all the boxes for me. I had my suspicions about a certain character before the final reveal, but that is all I will say here. The book was packed with emotion and surprising revelations, with a conclusion that was most definitely satisfying. And it's a read that is definitely recommended. What are you waiting for?
Grace finds herself on the periphery of a murder investigation. I say periphery as she is only called in our of courtesy for having known the victim, The SIO role is handed to a DS from another station, one whose commitment and methods leave a lot to be desired and cause of concern for Grace and her own DS, Harry Quinn. They soon land their own case, with connections to the recent murder - a young woman whose remains have lain undiscovered for several decades. The similarities between the cause of death are undeniable, as much as DS Lee Parry and Grace's new Chief Inspector, Les Fletcher, may wish to deny it. But this is only the start and there are many more macabre facts to be uncovered as a disturbing pciture starts to become clear for both of our favourite detectives and us, as readers.
David Fennell has created a really complex and compelling story here. Whilst the murders are important, and it is inevitable that the details of what has, and does, happen need to be made clear to readers, it is the way in which he highlights the importance of the victims as much as the identity of the murderer, that really hits home. The victims are, by and large, sex workers, and in the time that the majority of the murders take place, their murders are largely dismissed as unimportant, by a community, and a police force, steeped in misogyny. This is all to easily believable, given all the revelations in recent months, and adds a layer of authenticity to a story that is already undeniably tragic. We are shown how easily the people fall victim to a heartless predator, and how easily their deaths are overlooked and forgotten. Cold cases, never resolved and never really given the attention they deserve. A sad indictment of society that we remember the names of murderers far more readily than we do their victims, something Grace is determined will not happen in this case.
I really like Grace as a character, and David Fennell has made her sympathetic and believable in portrayal. There really is a step change in her circumstances in this book, but no difference in her resilience or determination, which is what I like about her. She faces conflict from all angles, and is challenged by incompetence from above and below and the frustration bled from the page, echoed in my own frustrations in relation to the characters. You know the type. The ones where, if the author has done their job, as Mr Fennell has here, make you want to slap your book. It wasn't over done, particularly the disconnect between Grace and her new DI, which can often be the case where authors introduce an antagonistic authority figure, but it was just the right balance to make me want to see all the people getting in Grace's way face their comeuppance, Do they? Well - read the book and you'll know the answer.
The book is paced perfectly, the tension really ramping up as we move towards the end and the final showdown. Just as each thread of the investigation seems to be slowing the detectives down, we are faced with the facts of what happened to each of the victims, a kind of flashback the reinvigorates the investigation, rather than holds it back. And, for once, Grace is helped, sort of, rather than hindered by the involvement of Vlogger, Mallory Jones, someone who she has a checkered history with but develops a new, grudging, respect for as the case progresses. I liked Mallory, as much as I liked Grace, although at times you do just wish the two women would take a few less risks than they do. Then again, where is the fun in that?
With plenty of misdirection, another, unexpected antagonist making an already complex case one that is packed with tension and an overwhelming sense of jeopardy, and a high stakes showdown that will have the adrenalin pumping and had me perched on the edge of my seat, racing through the pages, hoping against hope that there was a chance of a positive outcome, this is a book that ticked all the boxes for me. I had my suspicions about a certain character before the final reveal, but that is all I will say here. The book was packed with emotion and surprising revelations, with a conclusion that was most definitely satisfying. And it's a read that is definitely recommended. What are you waiting for?
September 6, 2024
David Fennell introduced us to London copper DI Grace Archer in The Art of Death (2021) Now, she returns in a complex new case which involves cold case crime and the murders of sex workers, decades apart. The investigation becomes very here-and-now when the body of a young Croatian woman called Elena Zoric is found. She died from a puncture wound to her chest, but whatever killed her, it wasn’t a bullet.
The best police procedurals always give us a fly-on-the-wall account of the personalities and tensions that exist inside a police station. Because her previous superior has been sideline and has to care for her husband, struck down with Long Covid, Grace Archer has a new boss, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher, He is described as a “gammon-faced Yorkshireman” with more than a trace of the toxic masculinity common to that breed. Archer’s wing man is Belfast born DS Harry Quinn – reliable and intuitive. Less helpful is DI Lee Parry, nephew of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, but about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. He is lazy, venal and prepared to cut corners for an easy life.
I have often observed that Detective Inspectors in British crime novels are, perhaps, overused. There are very sound reasons for this, however. DIs are perfectly placed to be both at the centre of investigations bureaucratically, while able to be out on the street, at the crime scene, and in the faces of the bad guys. Much more rare is the novel where a humble DC is the locus of activity. I can think of only one series, and that was written by Alison Bruce, and featured Cambridge Detective Constable Gary Goodhew. That being said DI Grace Archer is a welcome guest at a party held in a very crowded room.
We have here something of a whirling dervish of a plot, which spins this way and that and incorporates apparently disconnected events. We have a bizarre (but sadly all-too-credible) social ‘influencer’ called Calvin ‘Dixy’ Dixon whose latest Tik-Tok sensation shows him talking to the dessicated corpse of a woman sitting in a wheelchair in an abandoned house. There is also something that might become a ‘love interest’ angle, when Liam, a builder friend of Harry Quinn, is booked to renovate Archer’s house. He also happens to be extremely handsome, and brings with him freshly baked croissants to share before he starts work each day.
Then there is Mallory Jones, the guiding light in a successful podcast called Mallory Jones Investigates. She alternately helps and hinders Archer’s search for a man whose weapon of choice appears to be some kind of bolt gun. Finally, in far-off Berwick on Tweed, we have the Mercer family. Barry and Isla, and Isla’s brother Simon. Barry and Isla are both ex-coppers, but their teenage daughter Lily has fallen in with a bad crowd, and makes fistfuls of cash by appearing in amateur porn videos with her bestie, Gemma.
Archer is concerned to discover that, back in the day, her new boss Les Fletcher was, as a young PC, involved in the older murder investigations, and her informants tell her that he was rude and unsympathetic, strongly showing his prejudice that as ‘working girls’, getting assaulted by clients just went with the job.
As you might expect, David Fennell seizes the frayed ends of these plot strands and weaves them together to make for a highly satisfying conclusion. There is a savage and sanguinary denouement in, most appropriately, a disused abattoir. Not everyone survives the carnage, but as the emergency vehicles trundle off into the night, we have catharsis. Grace Archer certainly has her own demons to torment her, but she is a courageous and resourceful copper with a fierce determination to pursue the truth.
The best police procedurals always give us a fly-on-the-wall account of the personalities and tensions that exist inside a police station. Because her previous superior has been sideline and has to care for her husband, struck down with Long Covid, Grace Archer has a new boss, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher, He is described as a “gammon-faced Yorkshireman” with more than a trace of the toxic masculinity common to that breed. Archer’s wing man is Belfast born DS Harry Quinn – reliable and intuitive. Less helpful is DI Lee Parry, nephew of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, but about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. He is lazy, venal and prepared to cut corners for an easy life.
I have often observed that Detective Inspectors in British crime novels are, perhaps, overused. There are very sound reasons for this, however. DIs are perfectly placed to be both at the centre of investigations bureaucratically, while able to be out on the street, at the crime scene, and in the faces of the bad guys. Much more rare is the novel where a humble DC is the locus of activity. I can think of only one series, and that was written by Alison Bruce, and featured Cambridge Detective Constable Gary Goodhew. That being said DI Grace Archer is a welcome guest at a party held in a very crowded room.
We have here something of a whirling dervish of a plot, which spins this way and that and incorporates apparently disconnected events. We have a bizarre (but sadly all-too-credible) social ‘influencer’ called Calvin ‘Dixy’ Dixon whose latest Tik-Tok sensation shows him talking to the dessicated corpse of a woman sitting in a wheelchair in an abandoned house. There is also something that might become a ‘love interest’ angle, when Liam, a builder friend of Harry Quinn, is booked to renovate Archer’s house. He also happens to be extremely handsome, and brings with him freshly baked croissants to share before he starts work each day.
Then there is Mallory Jones, the guiding light in a successful podcast called Mallory Jones Investigates. She alternately helps and hinders Archer’s search for a man whose weapon of choice appears to be some kind of bolt gun. Finally, in far-off Berwick on Tweed, we have the Mercer family. Barry and Isla, and Isla’s brother Simon. Barry and Isla are both ex-coppers, but their teenage daughter Lily has fallen in with a bad crowd, and makes fistfuls of cash by appearing in amateur porn videos with her bestie, Gemma.
Archer is concerned to discover that, back in the day, her new boss Les Fletcher was, as a young PC, involved in the older murder investigations, and her informants tell her that he was rude and unsympathetic, strongly showing his prejudice that as ‘working girls’, getting assaulted by clients just went with the job.
As you might expect, David Fennell seizes the frayed ends of these plot strands and weaves them together to make for a highly satisfying conclusion. There is a savage and sanguinary denouement in, most appropriately, a disused abattoir. Not everyone survives the carnage, but as the emergency vehicles trundle off into the night, we have catharsis. Grace Archer certainly has her own demons to torment her, but she is a courageous and resourceful copper with a fierce determination to pursue the truth.
August 18, 2024
After devouring the first three books in this series, I was delighted when this one landed in my TBR pile. Ever since the very first book 'Art of Death' I have been obsessed with the Archer & Quinn series and couldn't wait to get stuck in.
Firstly, if you haven't dipped your toes in this series previously, this can easily be read as a standalone. Whereas the previous books are connected, A Violent Heart is less about the backstory. It felt like a whole new chapter in Grace Archers development. While not as gruesome and macabre as the previous installments, it's just as addictive (some may say preferable)
In the newest addition, DI Grace Archer and DS Harry Quinn are tasked with investigating the discovery of skeletal remains in the attic of an abandoned home. Thought to be of a teenage girl, the injuries show a blow to the skull and a 5mm hole straight through the chest. With no leads on who the victim is and how she ended up in the attic, Archer and Quinn start investigating closer to home... the owners of the property.
Grace is then called to attend another scene. The body of a woman is found concealed near a stream, her phone lies nearby, and the last person she called was Grace. The body is that of Elena Zoric, a woman Grace saved from Sex Trafficking years previously. The strange thing is that Elena has the same injuries as the victim in the attic. How can that be when the previous murder was over 30 years ago?
When Mallory Jones reappears (See No Evil), Grace is extremely hesitant to give her the time of day, but when Harry gets involved and assists Mallory in setting up a meeting, Grace has to backtrack and listen. The intrepid reporter actually has something extremely helpful, the identity of more forgotten victims. All sex workers, all 'forgettable', all shunned by the police .... can they work together to get the justice these victims deserve and finally find the killer that seems to have been around for over 3 decades?
David Fennell is a master at complexity. His intricate plotting has me constantly questioning every last detail, and just when I think I have it all worked out... wham! Another thread of questioning starts up.
Paced perfectly with a real build-up of tension as you get near the finale, I honestly couldn't put it down. I can't wait for book #5. I know already just how heart palpable it will be!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier for the ARC.
Firstly, if you haven't dipped your toes in this series previously, this can easily be read as a standalone. Whereas the previous books are connected, A Violent Heart is less about the backstory. It felt like a whole new chapter in Grace Archers development. While not as gruesome and macabre as the previous installments, it's just as addictive (some may say preferable)
In the newest addition, DI Grace Archer and DS Harry Quinn are tasked with investigating the discovery of skeletal remains in the attic of an abandoned home. Thought to be of a teenage girl, the injuries show a blow to the skull and a 5mm hole straight through the chest. With no leads on who the victim is and how she ended up in the attic, Archer and Quinn start investigating closer to home... the owners of the property.
Grace is then called to attend another scene. The body of a woman is found concealed near a stream, her phone lies nearby, and the last person she called was Grace. The body is that of Elena Zoric, a woman Grace saved from Sex Trafficking years previously. The strange thing is that Elena has the same injuries as the victim in the attic. How can that be when the previous murder was over 30 years ago?
When Mallory Jones reappears (See No Evil), Grace is extremely hesitant to give her the time of day, but when Harry gets involved and assists Mallory in setting up a meeting, Grace has to backtrack and listen. The intrepid reporter actually has something extremely helpful, the identity of more forgotten victims. All sex workers, all 'forgettable', all shunned by the police .... can they work together to get the justice these victims deserve and finally find the killer that seems to have been around for over 3 decades?
David Fennell is a master at complexity. His intricate plotting has me constantly questioning every last detail, and just when I think I have it all worked out... wham! Another thread of questioning starts up.
Paced perfectly with a real build-up of tension as you get near the finale, I honestly couldn't put it down. I can't wait for book #5. I know already just how heart palpable it will be!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier for the ARC.
August 28, 2024
Grace Archer is back in David Fennell’s brilliant series, in the latest novel, A Violent Heart. David Fennell is a writer who really knows how to get the story going with a bang. There is a terrifying opening scene where we see Elena Zoric, a sex worker, desperately trying to make a call to DI Grace, before she is murdered. It is clear to see that this is a very personal case for Grace, as she had saved Elena previously in her life, but Grace isn’t being allowed to investigate by her boss, which to Grace is really frustrating. But as the investigation into Elena’s murder is progressing, Grace is handed her own case, following the discovery of a body in an abandoned building in London that appears to have been there for decades.
I love how David Fennell really ramps up the tension in his book. He touches on some topical issues, particularly with that of TikToker’s doing dangerous stunts just to simply get likes on social media. Grace Archer is tracking one such TikToker, when she discovers the body in the building. It becomes a really complicated case for Grace and the team, and soon they discover a series of unsolved murders of sex workers, who have been killed across decades. These victims haven’t been given the care and level of attention that Grace would expect, and she is determined to change that for them.
The pace in David Fennell’s books is always excellent and it is really good in A Violent Heart. What I love about his writing as well is that I always feel a deep emotional connection to the characters, and I can always see what is driving Grace Archer to succeed.
David Fennell also introduces us to vlogger, Mallory Jones, and, like Grace, she is also determined to get to the bottom of the murders of these women, but, of course, she goes about it in a very different way to Grace. I really liked the scenes featuring her. It certainly does feel like she is willing to do more than the police are, to get to the bottom of things, and this is what puts her in danger. It was really interesting seeing both Grace and Mallory working in parallel to each other. I could feel the tension tightening as Mallory investigates further. What I did like about her, was that she actually cares about the victims, rather than just caring about getting more viewers for her vlog.
I really was kept on the edge of my seat. If you are new to this series, then this book can be read as a standalone, but once you read one, you’ll be hooked, and you’ll want to find out more about Grace Archer. I can’t wait to see where David Fennell takes Grace next. A Violent Heart is another brilliant read by David Fennell; it is highly entertaining and really immersive.
I love how David Fennell really ramps up the tension in his book. He touches on some topical issues, particularly with that of TikToker’s doing dangerous stunts just to simply get likes on social media. Grace Archer is tracking one such TikToker, when she discovers the body in the building. It becomes a really complicated case for Grace and the team, and soon they discover a series of unsolved murders of sex workers, who have been killed across decades. These victims haven’t been given the care and level of attention that Grace would expect, and she is determined to change that for them.
The pace in David Fennell’s books is always excellent and it is really good in A Violent Heart. What I love about his writing as well is that I always feel a deep emotional connection to the characters, and I can always see what is driving Grace Archer to succeed.
David Fennell also introduces us to vlogger, Mallory Jones, and, like Grace, she is also determined to get to the bottom of the murders of these women, but, of course, she goes about it in a very different way to Grace. I really liked the scenes featuring her. It certainly does feel like she is willing to do more than the police are, to get to the bottom of things, and this is what puts her in danger. It was really interesting seeing both Grace and Mallory working in parallel to each other. I could feel the tension tightening as Mallory investigates further. What I did like about her, was that she actually cares about the victims, rather than just caring about getting more viewers for her vlog.
I really was kept on the edge of my seat. If you are new to this series, then this book can be read as a standalone, but once you read one, you’ll be hooked, and you’ll want to find out more about Grace Archer. I can’t wait to see where David Fennell takes Grace next. A Violent Heart is another brilliant read by David Fennell; it is highly entertaining and really immersive.
August 26, 2024
4.5⭐
DI Grace Archer returns in an unflinching crime thriller. That is not only compelling but unafraid to go where very few crime stories go and highlight just how shitty the police can be when it comes to crimes against women, particularly sex workers and those on the fringes of society.
As Grace and DS Harry Quinn are in the midst of investigating a series of murders that span over thirty years. When a decomposing female body is found wrapped in a rug in the attic of a London home.
But just as the investigation gets underway, Grace and Harry are called to another crime scene. Where Grace is heartbroken to find a victim from an old trafficking case and friend Elena Zoroc murdered. And the cause and manner of death are similar to those of the body in the attic. Despite the fact that she was killed at least thirty years ago.
However, Grace and Harry have a new boss, and he has no interest in linking the two cases. So he assigns a DS who is wet behind the ears to handle Elena's case and instructs Grace to concentrate on the body in the attic.
But Grace and Harry are determined to continue their investigation. As the similarities are too significant to ignore and when podcaster Mallory Jones contacts Harry with another possible victim, Grace realizes she is right to follow her instincts and ignore her boss.
Yet the more Grace, her team, and Mallory dig, the more they realize just how letdown these victims were. As every linked disappearance or murder, they uncover just seems to have been ignored and forgotten about. With friends and loved ones dismissed and derided for bothering to care about missing young women who were living rough or working on the street.
But now Grace and Harry are determined to change that and get justice for them and their families. As well as hopefully shaming all those police officers who stood by and did nothing.
And with big twists and turns, including a killer I did not see coming. This was a riveting read. That was perfectly paced and extremely hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Violent Heart. ☺️
DI Grace Archer returns in an unflinching crime thriller. That is not only compelling but unafraid to go where very few crime stories go and highlight just how shitty the police can be when it comes to crimes against women, particularly sex workers and those on the fringes of society.
As Grace and DS Harry Quinn are in the midst of investigating a series of murders that span over thirty years. When a decomposing female body is found wrapped in a rug in the attic of a London home.
But just as the investigation gets underway, Grace and Harry are called to another crime scene. Where Grace is heartbroken to find a victim from an old trafficking case and friend Elena Zoroc murdered. And the cause and manner of death are similar to those of the body in the attic. Despite the fact that she was killed at least thirty years ago.
However, Grace and Harry have a new boss, and he has no interest in linking the two cases. So he assigns a DS who is wet behind the ears to handle Elena's case and instructs Grace to concentrate on the body in the attic.
But Grace and Harry are determined to continue their investigation. As the similarities are too significant to ignore and when podcaster Mallory Jones contacts Harry with another possible victim, Grace realizes she is right to follow her instincts and ignore her boss.
Yet the more Grace, her team, and Mallory dig, the more they realize just how letdown these victims were. As every linked disappearance or murder, they uncover just seems to have been ignored and forgotten about. With friends and loved ones dismissed and derided for bothering to care about missing young women who were living rough or working on the street.
But now Grace and Harry are determined to change that and get justice for them and their families. As well as hopefully shaming all those police officers who stood by and did nothing.
And with big twists and turns, including a killer I did not see coming. This was a riveting read. That was perfectly paced and extremely hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Violent Heart. ☺️
September 4, 2024
Elena Zoric, a survivor of trafficking, has been forced back onto the game by a lack of money and has a bad feeling about the man whose car she has just got into. He turns on her and as she flees her attacker, she calls DI Grace Archer, one of the few people she trusts but Grace misses the call. The next day Elena’s body is discovered by a stream with a head injury and a nasty hole in her chest. Whilst it isn’t their case, Grace and her DS Harry Quinn are determined to take an interest, especially when the post mortem reveals a shocking link to a young woman’s body which has just been discovered in an empty house on their patch. A woman who was killed in 1987. When true crime podcaster (and the thorn in Grace’s side recently) Mallory Jones contacts Grace with details of a third very similar victim from 1991, the big question is whether they have a copycat, a series of coincidences or a killer who has gone undetected for over thirty years? How many more related cases will either set of detectives unearth? And of course, how will they catch him?
There’s lots going on in this very engrossing and brilliantly told police procedural. I really liked Grace and Harry, dedicated and empathetic detectives, and also Mal and Bruce who were obviously spurred onto their current careers by their devastating and unresolved joint loss. Grace’s childhood and back history have clearly made her the strong and determined detective she is today. The team, including Klara, Marian, Joely and Os who all work very well together, also has to suffer a new and rather awful DCI in the form of prehistoric Les Fletcher when DCI Clare Pierce has to take leave to care for her sick husband, and it’s not long before sparks are flying. This is a gripping story from start to finish, gritty and full of action with an exciting ending, and the first book I’ve read in the series. It works perfectly well as a stand-alone but I’m definitely going to catch up on the rest of the series and look forward to more stories. Highly recommended!
There’s lots going on in this very engrossing and brilliantly told police procedural. I really liked Grace and Harry, dedicated and empathetic detectives, and also Mal and Bruce who were obviously spurred onto their current careers by their devastating and unresolved joint loss. Grace’s childhood and back history have clearly made her the strong and determined detective she is today. The team, including Klara, Marian, Joely and Os who all work very well together, also has to suffer a new and rather awful DCI in the form of prehistoric Les Fletcher when DCI Clare Pierce has to take leave to care for her sick husband, and it’s not long before sparks are flying. This is a gripping story from start to finish, gritty and full of action with an exciting ending, and the first book I’ve read in the series. It works perfectly well as a stand-alone but I’m definitely going to catch up on the rest of the series and look forward to more stories. Highly recommended!
September 9, 2024
In my view, David Fennell is one of the best authors of crime fiction around at the moment. I love his lead character; Grace Archer, and her work colleague DS Quinn. They are a superb partnership, a pairing that you can trust, and who never cut corners.
Whilst this is the fourth novel to feature these characters, this is a stand alone story. I'd highly recommend reading the previous books, but it is perfectly fine to begin with this one. The author cleverly, and without bogging the reader down in too much detail, outlines Grace's back story. And what a story it is. She's been through a lot in her life, and that has shaped her into the cracking detective that she is today.
A Violent Heart features the murders of sex workers, and whilst the first case mentioned is recent, it soon becomes clear that these murders have been happening for many years. The murderer has their own trademark way of killing his victims. This is a case that produces many puzzles for Archer and Quinn, not least because of the influence of higher ranking police officers who try their best to ensure that this duo are not involved in most of the investigations.
Whilst the murders are violent and tragic, there is absolutely no gratuitous violence in this story. In fact, what Fennell does so well is to make sure that the victims are all depicted as real humans, with families and lives, with hopes and dreams. For the reader, these are far more than just sex workers, these are people who have found themselves in situations that they couldn't see a way out of.
The long-term misogyny of the police officers who led the historical investigations is exposed and is horrific. The treatment of the victims and their families and friends was horrendous and Archer is determined that this way of working will never be replicated.
Tightly plotted, with many strands expertly woven together, I flew through this book in one day. Finding it difficult to put it aside for any length of time. Fennell's writing is enticing and compelling. He's at the top of the game for me. Highly recommended.
Whilst this is the fourth novel to feature these characters, this is a stand alone story. I'd highly recommend reading the previous books, but it is perfectly fine to begin with this one. The author cleverly, and without bogging the reader down in too much detail, outlines Grace's back story. And what a story it is. She's been through a lot in her life, and that has shaped her into the cracking detective that she is today.
A Violent Heart features the murders of sex workers, and whilst the first case mentioned is recent, it soon becomes clear that these murders have been happening for many years. The murderer has their own trademark way of killing his victims. This is a case that produces many puzzles for Archer and Quinn, not least because of the influence of higher ranking police officers who try their best to ensure that this duo are not involved in most of the investigations.
Whilst the murders are violent and tragic, there is absolutely no gratuitous violence in this story. In fact, what Fennell does so well is to make sure that the victims are all depicted as real humans, with families and lives, with hopes and dreams. For the reader, these are far more than just sex workers, these are people who have found themselves in situations that they couldn't see a way out of.
The long-term misogyny of the police officers who led the historical investigations is exposed and is horrific. The treatment of the victims and their families and friends was horrendous and Archer is determined that this way of working will never be replicated.
Tightly plotted, with many strands expertly woven together, I flew through this book in one day. Finding it difficult to put it aside for any length of time. Fennell's writing is enticing and compelling. He's at the top of the game for me. Highly recommended.
July 31, 2024
The skeletal remains of a young woman are discovered in an empty house shortly after a sex worker is brutally murdered. Both women appear to have been killed in the same way, with a bolt gun. Is there a link between the murders which took place thirty years apart?
A Violent Heart by David Fennell is book 4 in the DI Grace Archer series. The first three books in the series, especially the first one, are terrifying. Book 4 sees a re-set as Grace's nemesis no longer features. A Violent Heart is much more of a police procedural and while the terrifying element doesn't feature, the method of killing used throughout the story is a chilling one.
Grace is still coming to terms with the changes in her life, thankfully she still has the stability of work to help her get through. Unfortunately being forced to work with another team, alongside some changes in management means that Grace has to deal with outdated and misogynistic officers. You can feel her gritting her teeth as office politics rear their head. Initially, it is a case of who you know, rather than what you know and we discover that not everyone is as dedicated to the job as Grace, Harry and the rest of the team.
The murder that kick-starts the investigation is very personal to Grace as the victim is a sex worker who helped the police previously. The discovery of thirty-year-old skeletal remains hints at a link between the murders, and even points quickly to a suspect. A third, and then a fourth, unsolved murder all point towards a serial killer who has been at work for years and never noticed. I could feel the growing anger from Grace, the outrage that the victims weren't considered important because they were addicts or sex workers. She also begins to wonder how many more victims there may be, especially as the ones she knows about are spread across the country.
A new case in Berwick forces Grace to leave London and confront the office politics that have been hampering the investigation. The lives of people close to the investigation are in peril as there is a frantic race to uncover the killer.
I'll admit I do miss the creepy, terrifying and atmospheric tone of the first three books in the series, but I also enjoyed the more mature side of Grace, a woman who is beginning to accept that she has a right to happiness. Grace is still haunted by events in her past, things that make her empathetic towards the victims she seeks justice for. I am sure that when the time is right David Fennell will use Grace's trauma to dial up the macabre, until then I'm more than happy with the direction the series is taking.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
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@Debbie_Hart_UK
A Violent Heart by David Fennell is book 4 in the DI Grace Archer series. The first three books in the series, especially the first one, are terrifying. Book 4 sees a re-set as Grace's nemesis no longer features. A Violent Heart is much more of a police procedural and while the terrifying element doesn't feature, the method of killing used throughout the story is a chilling one.
Grace is still coming to terms with the changes in her life, thankfully she still has the stability of work to help her get through. Unfortunately being forced to work with another team, alongside some changes in management means that Grace has to deal with outdated and misogynistic officers. You can feel her gritting her teeth as office politics rear their head. Initially, it is a case of who you know, rather than what you know and we discover that not everyone is as dedicated to the job as Grace, Harry and the rest of the team.
The murder that kick-starts the investigation is very personal to Grace as the victim is a sex worker who helped the police previously. The discovery of thirty-year-old skeletal remains hints at a link between the murders, and even points quickly to a suspect. A third, and then a fourth, unsolved murder all point towards a serial killer who has been at work for years and never noticed. I could feel the growing anger from Grace, the outrage that the victims weren't considered important because they were addicts or sex workers. She also begins to wonder how many more victims there may be, especially as the ones she knows about are spread across the country.
A new case in Berwick forces Grace to leave London and confront the office politics that have been hampering the investigation. The lives of people close to the investigation are in peril as there is a frantic race to uncover the killer.
I'll admit I do miss the creepy, terrifying and atmospheric tone of the first three books in the series, but I also enjoyed the more mature side of Grace, a woman who is beginning to accept that she has a right to happiness. Grace is still haunted by events in her past, things that make her empathetic towards the victims she seeks justice for. I am sure that when the time is right David Fennell will use Grace's trauma to dial up the macabre, until then I'm more than happy with the direction the series is taking.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
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@Debbie_Hart_UK
September 3, 2024
4/5 stars: Misogyny, systemic apathy, and the battle against societal indifference.
A gutsy police procedural, A Violent Heart by David Fennell, unflinchingly exposes the dark underbelly of policing toward those on the fringes of society in a perfectly paced story that you simply can’t - and won’t - put down.
A Violent Heart is a high-octane thriller that offers more than a compelling police procedural. We are plunged into the dank underbelly of North London, where justice is marred by unconscious bias, violence, and corruption against society's most vulnerable, in this case, sex workers. With a collection of solid, empathetic characters and a plot that tackles uncomfortable realities, it's a must-read for fans of crime fiction who appreciate a story that resonates emotionally and nods to complex societal issues. Fennell's deft handling of challenging characters and morally ambiguous situations makes this book a knockout that will leave the reader eager for the next chapter in the Grace and Quinn story.
It's worth noting that A Violent Heart is the fourth instalment in David Fennell's popular Grace and Quinn series, following The Art of Death, See No Evil and The Silent Man. In his author's note, Fennell describes A Violent Heart as a "reset for our heroes" and considers it a "standalone mystery", making it an excellent entry point for new readers. If you haven't yet read the previous books, as I hadn't done, don't let that deter you from diving into an utterly engrossing story.
Recommended for fans of:
- Steve Cavanagh, Karin Slaughter, and M. W. Craven
- Peter James' Roy Grace series and M. J. Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series
- A fast-paced book you can finish in a day
Thank you to Zaffre Books, NetGallery, and the author, who generously gave me early access to the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A gutsy police procedural, A Violent Heart by David Fennell, unflinchingly exposes the dark underbelly of policing toward those on the fringes of society in a perfectly paced story that you simply can’t - and won’t - put down.
A Violent Heart is a high-octane thriller that offers more than a compelling police procedural. We are plunged into the dank underbelly of North London, where justice is marred by unconscious bias, violence, and corruption against society's most vulnerable, in this case, sex workers. With a collection of solid, empathetic characters and a plot that tackles uncomfortable realities, it's a must-read for fans of crime fiction who appreciate a story that resonates emotionally and nods to complex societal issues. Fennell's deft handling of challenging characters and morally ambiguous situations makes this book a knockout that will leave the reader eager for the next chapter in the Grace and Quinn story.
It's worth noting that A Violent Heart is the fourth instalment in David Fennell's popular Grace and Quinn series, following The Art of Death, See No Evil and The Silent Man. In his author's note, Fennell describes A Violent Heart as a "reset for our heroes" and considers it a "standalone mystery", making it an excellent entry point for new readers. If you haven't yet read the previous books, as I hadn't done, don't let that deter you from diving into an utterly engrossing story.
Recommended for fans of:
- Steve Cavanagh, Karin Slaughter, and M. W. Craven
- Peter James' Roy Grace series and M. J. Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series
- A fast-paced book you can finish in a day
Thank you to Zaffre Books, NetGallery, and the author, who generously gave me early access to the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2024
This is my first read by this author and as far as I can work out, it might also be the third book of a series featuring our DI main character here.
The author has more books, but I can't see how ofle if they're linked?
I read this as a standalone and it did work well - but I do wonder whether there would have been a better character development had I followed the series from the start.
Having said this though, I did really enjoy this and will hopefully catch up on the rest in the future?
This was a complex case for DI Grace Archer which we are deposited into right from the start when the body is found.
Having a close link to the victim, we see issues at first, but this soon progresses and Grace and her team are dragged into cold cases which also may be linked.
I absolutely love books in this genre and this was no exception.
I connected with our main character and liked the working dynamics of the team around them.
With a case which became gradually more widespread, this kept the pace moving forward and had me looking out for clues throughout.
The writing style was exciting and found it easy to immerse myself into, even after I'd put it down, I was still working through things until I could get back and read more.
A great first read and I'll definitely be looking into the other books in the future
The author has more books, but I can't see how ofle if they're linked?
I read this as a standalone and it did work well - but I do wonder whether there would have been a better character development had I followed the series from the start.
Having said this though, I did really enjoy this and will hopefully catch up on the rest in the future?
This was a complex case for DI Grace Archer which we are deposited into right from the start when the body is found.
Having a close link to the victim, we see issues at first, but this soon progresses and Grace and her team are dragged into cold cases which also may be linked.
I absolutely love books in this genre and this was no exception.
I connected with our main character and liked the working dynamics of the team around them.
With a case which became gradually more widespread, this kept the pace moving forward and had me looking out for clues throughout.
The writing style was exciting and found it easy to immerse myself into, even after I'd put it down, I was still working through things until I could get back and read more.
A great first read and I'll definitely be looking into the other books in the future
September 6, 2024
This is the latest Grace Archer story. You don’t need to have read any other books to read this one as they’re all perfectly concise stories on their own. You will not feel that you’re missing backstory or anything that the characters have in their lives to make the story believable or immersive.
I was immersed from the beginning and found the author has a very unique telling of story. He’s very much giving the story of the victims as well as giving snippets of the lives of the police investigating. His honesty was refreshing with the way people judge the victims of crime because of what they do or wear.
Grace Archer and Mallory are great characters and I felt that the Northumberland and Berwick settings are a fantastic setting and almost a character of their own. The open, and sometimes bleak brutal landscape ramps up the pressure massively.
I’m being very careful what I say to avoid any spoilers, but I’d definitely recommend that you read this book. It’s definitely going to be on my books of the year list. It’s dark and brutal, whilst still managing to hook the reader with hope. I urge you to read this book if you read no other crime fiction this year.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I was immersed from the beginning and found the author has a very unique telling of story. He’s very much giving the story of the victims as well as giving snippets of the lives of the police investigating. His honesty was refreshing with the way people judge the victims of crime because of what they do or wear.
Grace Archer and Mallory are great characters and I felt that the Northumberland and Berwick settings are a fantastic setting and almost a character of their own. The open, and sometimes bleak brutal landscape ramps up the pressure massively.
I’m being very careful what I say to avoid any spoilers, but I’d definitely recommend that you read this book. It’s definitely going to be on my books of the year list. It’s dark and brutal, whilst still managing to hook the reader with hope. I urge you to read this book if you read no other crime fiction this year.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
October 11, 2024
A Violent Heart is the 4th book in the DI Grace Archer series, and would be beneficial, not essential to read the books in order. A sex worker, Elena Zoric is found dead and the last call on her mobile is to Archer. Archer is desperate to investigate the murder of Elena as had known her and helped her out in the past. However, she is told it is out of her jurisdiction.
Then a body of a female is discovered wrapped in a carpet in the attic of an abandoned house but has been there for over 30 years. It turns out that both Elena and the body in the attic were killed in the same way and Archer is determined to find out how the two are linked and who is responsible. When another body is discovered, Archer is keen for these victims to have the care and time investigating their deaths as sex workers are often lower down on the police’s priorities.
A real gritty novel that doesn’t shy aware from the realities of sex workers and how they are portrayed in society. Archer is a caring, determined character, backed up by a highly skilled team, always determined to find out the truth. A twisty and fast paced plot, like with all David Fennell books, will keep you reeling, desperate to read one more chapter!
Then a body of a female is discovered wrapped in a carpet in the attic of an abandoned house but has been there for over 30 years. It turns out that both Elena and the body in the attic were killed in the same way and Archer is determined to find out how the two are linked and who is responsible. When another body is discovered, Archer is keen for these victims to have the care and time investigating their deaths as sex workers are often lower down on the police’s priorities.
A real gritty novel that doesn’t shy aware from the realities of sex workers and how they are portrayed in society. Archer is a caring, determined character, backed up by a highly skilled team, always determined to find out the truth. A twisty and fast paced plot, like with all David Fennell books, will keep you reeling, desperate to read one more chapter!
September 15, 2024
The fourth in the series to feature Grace Archer, for me this is the best to date, it should be said that this can easily be read as a standalone
It is a richly plotted story full of heart with a real depth to it, it packs quite a bit in, David Fennell usually bring us a complex darker plot and this is no different, I love the way he creates atmosphere in his books in a way that captures your attention
A standout Police procedural, where David Fennell weaves a strong compelling narrative , with a gritty realism into a standout read
I love the way that Grace and Harry work as a team, they have a relationship built on respect and mutual understanding, this is a police procedural where teamwork plays its role and solving the investigation is paramount, offset against that you have the introduction of Lee Parry a somewhat would be up and coming Detective, this addition helped to add a different dynamic to the story, allowing Grace to show her independance and authority, although you have to feel for her sometimes it seems as though she always has to fight the internal politics within the force
The introduction of a true crime podcaster, and tik tok influencer shows todays changing times, wether they are a help or a hinderance remains to be seen, it was interesting the role that they plated here
The story races along at quite a pace especially towards the end (by this stage your past the point where you can put the book down), the twists and turns at the end come out of left field and completely had me guessing
It is a gritty read with a certain darkness to it, it had me drawn in from the opening pages
The reveal at the end is wonderfully drawn out and constructed in a way to effect the maximum tension, a masterclass in pulling the reader in
David Fennell always has one eye on todays society at large At its heart the book tackles a subject sadly still relevant today, it takes a hard look at a certain section of todays society, it is a read with a real human side, undercut with warmth, the book looks at the victims and shows you their side
David Fennell is in my opinion one of todays finest crimewriters, a book and series which comes highly recommended.
It is a richly plotted story full of heart with a real depth to it, it packs quite a bit in, David Fennell usually bring us a complex darker plot and this is no different, I love the way he creates atmosphere in his books in a way that captures your attention
A standout Police procedural, where David Fennell weaves a strong compelling narrative , with a gritty realism into a standout read
I love the way that Grace and Harry work as a team, they have a relationship built on respect and mutual understanding, this is a police procedural where teamwork plays its role and solving the investigation is paramount, offset against that you have the introduction of Lee Parry a somewhat would be up and coming Detective, this addition helped to add a different dynamic to the story, allowing Grace to show her independance and authority, although you have to feel for her sometimes it seems as though she always has to fight the internal politics within the force
The introduction of a true crime podcaster, and tik tok influencer shows todays changing times, wether they are a help or a hinderance remains to be seen, it was interesting the role that they plated here
The story races along at quite a pace especially towards the end (by this stage your past the point where you can put the book down), the twists and turns at the end come out of left field and completely had me guessing
It is a gritty read with a certain darkness to it, it had me drawn in from the opening pages
The reveal at the end is wonderfully drawn out and constructed in a way to effect the maximum tension, a masterclass in pulling the reader in
David Fennell always has one eye on todays society at large At its heart the book tackles a subject sadly still relevant today, it takes a hard look at a certain section of todays society, it is a read with a real human side, undercut with warmth, the book looks at the victims and shows you their side
David Fennell is in my opinion one of todays finest crimewriters, a book and series which comes highly recommended.
August 8, 2024
This is the 4th book in David Fennell's Grace Archer series and I really enjoyed this read. I've always liked Archers' character and love her pairing with Quinn, they really complement each other and have a good working rapport and friendship. Here they investigate two similar murders that are 30 years apart. I think the authors writing is good and very engaging and I was drawn into the story quickly. The plot line is good, and in my opinion the pacing throughout the story is perfect. I particularly liked how the story moves from past to present times easily and it held my attention and interest right to the last page. If you like police procedurals that grab your attention quickly then this is for you, and I'd recommend this book/series. If you're new to David Fennell as an author, I'd suggest you read the series in order to get to know the characters right from the beginning.
4 stars
4 stars
September 11, 2024
I read this as a standalone and it worked perfectly well as one. But I stayed up way too late finishing this one, I couldn’t put it down. I’m now adding the three previous books in this series to my tbr!
I absolutely loved the main character DI Grace Archer, and her way of tackling the case. The different timelines and the possible links between the cases of the sex workers murders from thirty years ago was interesting.
It seems that these victims weren’t a priority due to the fact they were sex workers. Just how many more bodies will be uncovered and can the murderer be stopped before he takes another life?
I was totally gripped and I needed all the answers before I could sleep. I do love a good crime detective series and I’m just sorry I didn’t discover this series sooner.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for having me on the tour and to the publisher for my gifted copy of the book.
I absolutely loved the main character DI Grace Archer, and her way of tackling the case. The different timelines and the possible links between the cases of the sex workers murders from thirty years ago was interesting.
It seems that these victims weren’t a priority due to the fact they were sex workers. Just how many more bodies will be uncovered and can the murderer be stopped before he takes another life?
I was totally gripped and I needed all the answers before I could sleep. I do love a good crime detective series and I’m just sorry I didn’t discover this series sooner.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for having me on the tour and to the publisher for my gifted copy of the book.
September 2, 2024
I was literally buzzing to read the 4th instalment of the Grace Archer series and although this can be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading the first 3, simply because they are all brilliant and there is a benefit of knowing the history and how the characters have developed.
This story focuses on the murder of sex workers over many years, but only really coming to light now that there are connections now that DI Grace Archer is involved but there is a real presence of historical police procedural failings, misogyny and sexism.
As always, David’s writing style reels you in and with a good twisty pace! I love the partnership between Grace and her partner, Quinn and I love Mallory getting a bigger part in this story!
As always, I was literally holding my breath at the end as it all came together. Another absolute delight satisfying my crime thriller fix!
This story focuses on the murder of sex workers over many years, but only really coming to light now that there are connections now that DI Grace Archer is involved but there is a real presence of historical police procedural failings, misogyny and sexism.
As always, David’s writing style reels you in and with a good twisty pace! I love the partnership between Grace and her partner, Quinn and I love Mallory getting a bigger part in this story!
As always, I was literally holding my breath at the end as it all came together. Another absolute delight satisfying my crime thriller fix!
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