Deadly Reckoning

Solanki & McQueen #3

by Liz Mistry

Don't miss the third book in the Solanki and McQueen Crime Series, perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid and Marion Todd.
✳✳✳
A DEADLY DISCOVERY

Enjoying a rare day off, DS Jazzy Solanki’s peaceful spring walk is interrupted when a body is discovered along her path. Instinct tells her it’s not a coincidence.

A HIDDEN THREAT

Could Jazzy’s estranged, vengeful stepsister – consumed by grief over their brother’s death – be sending her a deadly message?

A RACE AGAINST TIME

Then a child goes missing. The crimes appear unrelated, but Jazzy’s gut insists there’s a sinister connection, one that points straight at her. With time running out, Jazzy and her team must uncover the truth before the killer finds them.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Born in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Jazzy Solanki is enjoying a rare day out with family members, when a body is discovered in the location where they were all headed. Jazzy feels in her heart that it’s more than possible that her estranged half sister Mhairi is responsible.

Shortly after, a child goes missing, and again Jazzy believes there’s a connection to Mhairi too. You see the thing is that Mhairi is a serial killer and Jazzy just happens to be top of her revenge list, and these recent events could be Mhairi’s way of luring Jazzy in.

With the race on to discover the whereabouts of Mhairi (no easy task as she’s extremely devious and a master of disguise) it makes for a gripping storyline, full of tension and some seriously heart stopping moments, together with an unexpected incident towards the end! All this is alleviated somewhat by the great banter between the Jazz Queens, - Jazzy and Detective Annie McQueen and two younger detectives, DC’s Fenton Heggie and Geordie McBurnie!
No question, this is another winner for Liz Mistry and a great addition to the Tartan Noir genre.

*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Solanki and McQueen Crime series. I was so happy to be gifted the ebook from HQ because Liz is a sublime author, and this series just ticks every box!
I was straight back with Jazzy and Queenie as soon I opened the book. These characters feel like real people to me. They are so well developed, and both hold a special place in my heart.
Deadly Reckoning picks up after the events of book 2, which saw the Jazz Queens sidelined from the investigation into her half-sister. She is having a rare, quiet day with her mum and crumbles the dog, Ivor, and Benjy. They are having a walk in one of her mums favourite places when a body is discovered. She instinctively knows that it's connected to her. The police don't agree, but Jazz knows it's a message for her. The question is, how far is Mhairi prepared to go to get her message across?
Wow! What an emotional journey this book is! I have to say I cried, but I am not saying a word! Read the book! Liz Mistry just gets better and better as she releases more books. I raced through this too fast for my liking!
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, and I wondered how everything fitted together, and then the final reveal came. The penny dropped, and I was marvelling at how Liz Mistry does it.
There are plenty of twists, surprises, and even jaw-dropping moments inside these pages! It's well worth the couple of pounds to buy, believe me! I have read it now and have still pre-ordered! Yes, it's that good! I am now going to wait so patiently for book 4! It has to be here within the next 2 years, right?
In conclusion, I have to say this series and this book are superb. Mystery, tension, intrigue, and sadness at times. It's packed to the rafters, and I love it!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

All roads lead by to Jazzy Solanki. She doesn’t realise it but she is the centre of the universe… well she is in Deadly Reckoning. Everyone wants her attention. Even from the grave as she organises her step-brother’s funeral.

Hearing the different voices over the various chapters kept my brain in overdrive. What would happen next? Who would I hear from next? It gave the story pace with what felt like oodles packed in to the few days, the story is set over.

I love the returning cast Liz Mistry has created for this series. With each book they worm themselves further into my affections. I’ve loved the Jazz Queens from the start of the series. They shouldn’t work as a pair but oh they do!

Deadly Reckoning is a hard hitting pacey read. My thought processes were all over the shot trying to fathom how this would end. This series needs to be adapted!!! The imagery Mistry uses is just brilliant! I’d loved to see the Jazz Queens on my TV!! And what a finale 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the previous books in this series last year and really enjoyed it, this picks up the same story of Jazzy’s serial killer sister being on the run and taunting the team. The action starts almost straight away with a body being discovered and clues left making them think it was her doing. But other departments, mainly the task force set up to catch her don’t agree.

Jazzy and her team, including the really unlikeable Queenie (I wasn’t a fan of hers in the last book and found her just as annoying in this one), have the murder to look into but everything keeps sending them her sisters way.

I was hoping the storyline would get tied up, it felt like it had run its course and really liked how the story progressed. I enjoyed this one and found it fast paced and well written, easy to follow with a sprinkle of humour just when it was needed. I’m keeping my eyes open for the next one to see how this pans out.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst enjoying a quiet walk with her mum on her day off, DS Jazzy Solanki happens upon a police incident where a body has been discovered in one of the kilns with a note addressed to her. Jazzy is certain this is no coincidence and that her half sister Mhairi is back to get revenge for herself and her twin Simon who has recently died. Mhairi has never forgiven Jazzy for leaving them when they were younger and she also blames her for Simon's death too, but the team that are dealing with finding Mhairi, Operation Birchtree, don't believe her theory, even when another body turns up, but then a child goes missing and this time they can't ignore the warning signs and must find Mhairi before it's too late!

Deadly Reckoning is the third in the Solanki and McQueen series and Jazzy is back with her Jazz Queens to solve more crimes. This latest book picks up where it left off in book two where the police are still hunting for serial killer, Mhairi who, it seems, is back and is after Solanki's blood. This latest instalment is told from multiple perspectives, including the killer herself who is an extremely smart cookie, always staying one step ahead in various guises. As previous this book has some hugely intriguing characters with personalities to match, and the heat is soon on to catch the killer in their midst. This is another fast paced read from Mistry, who really brings her characters to life as they erupt from the pages of this story, I love the relationship Jazzy has with the rest of her team, especially the growing bond between her and Queenie, who will always have her back, in any situation. As with the others in this series, this can be read as a standalone but, to get the context of the characters and their backgrounds, they are best read in order.

I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone’s back for the third story in what is proving to be a smashing series – D team comprising DS Jasmine Solanki (Jazzy) and DCs Annie McQueen (Queenie), Fenton Heggie and Geordie McBurnie (drag queen Misty Thistle) aka the Jazz Queens, together with Jazzy’s aunt Lillie and uncle Jiten who adopted her, DI Elliot Balloch with whom she has a long history and of course those wonderful people in Stùrrach, including Ivor, Benjy and the incredibly talented Uncle Pedro. No one is coping well with the aftermath of the previous cases and unfortunately for everyone Jazzy cares about, her serial killer half-sister Mhairi is also back, Operation Birchtree having so far been unsuccessful in capturing her. A corpse is discovered in her parent’s hometown when Jazzy is making one of her regular visits there and although the evidence points to someone Jazzy let down in the past, there is a little niggling doubt that it’s not just happenstance. Then another body turns up and it’s starting to look like Mhairi has her eye on Jazzy again. When a teenager vanishes, it cannot be another coincidence. One thing is clear – this needs to be ended for once and for all.
I loved this third book just as much as the first two which I would suggest reading beforehand to get to know the history and all the main characters. The lovely caring humour and dynamic between the D team is fantastic (Queenie is a pure star) and a real pleasure to read about, and Doc Johnston also shows his true worth. The story is inclusive in a completely natural way and uses very authentic words and phrases which I don’t think anyone reading would have any trouble in understanding. Overall, it’s a tense, dark, gritty and fast-moving story, full of twists and surprises which will keep the reader hooked right the way through to the shocking end. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for more!

[Martin Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jazz Queens just get better and better.

"Deadly Reckoning" opens a short while after the events of "The Revenge Pact". Everyone is still reeling from the events of that book - Jazzy is at an all time low, in the aftermath of her personal losses, while Queenie is trying to be supportive despite her own troubles. The Jazz Queens as a whole are side-lined on any further investigations into Jazzy's sister - a new team has been handed that responsibility, leaving the Queens to carry out the menial work. However when Jazzy is in Portobello with Ivor and Benjy and they uncover a murder, events are set in motion which will cause further grief for the team.

When a second body is discovered, similar in nature to the first, Jazzy and Queenie push to have their colleagues investigate links to Mairi. When this fails, it falls to them to take up the case. As they move forward, their higher-ups recognise the implications and that the team might be in danger.

As the story unfolds, the Jazz Queens come up against enemies, new and old and old friendships are renewed. Fans of the series will enjoy their forays into and across the Lothians, Threads begun in the previous book are nicely developed, and we learn more about Jazzy's childhood. Benjy's mental health continues to worsen and we get deep insights into the horrors of depression. That said, there is still the humour that fans enjoy in the books. And the ending will have everyone gasping in disbelief.

Liz Mistry has scored another win, with this latest story about people linked by family, friendship and loss.

Heartily recommended.

[Karen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
Deadly Reckoning Liz Mistry


5 stars

The standard keeps getting better!

This is the third book in this series and they just keep getting better.
DS Jazzy Solanki is still recovering form the events of the last book where her half-brother Simon has committed suicide and she has been asked to arrange his funeral much to her disgust but Jazzy is still suffering from the awfulness of her childhood with her twin half-siblings and feels obliged to undertake Simon's dying wishes.

However her half-sister Mhair iis still at large and is out for revenge. Three seperate murders occur and Jazzy together with the indomitable 'Queenie' are convinced that they are all linked to Mhairi. Their job is hampered by Operation Birchtree which has been set up to find Mhairi but instead of using Jazzy and Queenie to help they just seem to try and undermine them and pour scorn on their endeavours.

The author has created a character in DS Jazzy Solanki that you feel really drawn to and are desperately hoping that she can gain some respite from all the torment of her early years. The story is told from different viewpoints which gives you an insight into their characters and the things that drive them. I absolutely loved this book and literally could not put it down. There is something about this author's writing style that I find so easy to read and I cannot wait for the next in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. It is brilliant.

Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime novel. It is the third book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as there is a storyline running throughout the three books.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters including the police team D headed up by the two leading ladies.
Once more the team sets out to solve fresh murders that have links to the past. The crime busting quartet are all different, with different skill sets but they all work well together.
Past crimes are having an effect on present day as the team once more are on the hunt for a murderous character.
Nature versus nurture rules its head as a theme. We cannot choose our family. Are some genes just pure evil?
Families are complicated affairs as we see, as we follow the families of some of the officers. Even upstanding members of the community can have troubled offspring.
A young teen is tormented by a past crime that he witnessed, as he ‘hears’ a familiar nursery rhyme in his head, the reader is also transported back to the crime. Every line of the rhyme has sinister connotations.
Liz Mistry has constructed a marvellous plotline, grabbing the reader’s attention from the start. We see the action from alternating points of view.
Dead Reckoning is a comprehensive read that will have you glued and guessing.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[ReadandRated · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars from me

It was so good to be back with the reluctantly named 'Jazz Queens' and the book opens with DS Jazzy Solanki relaxing on a day off with her family which rapidly descends into chaos as a body just happens to be found in the nearby brick kilns. I enjoyed seeing Jazzy switch straight into police mode as she took over the crime scene seeing that the two police officers who found the body were out of their depth.

Although the Jazz Queens have been taken off of the investigation into her serial killer sister, Mhairi, Jazzy has a gut feeling that her sister is involved.

After another serious crime - involving a missing child - Jazzy is convinced that Mhairi is baiting her to get her attention... and it's working.

It soon becomes clear that there is a massive risk to Jazzy and everyone close to her, including the team: Queen, Haggis, Geordie and Elliott. But things take a dark turn when they underestimate how far reaching Mhairi's vendetta against Jazzy will go.

While it is evident that Mhairi is pure evil, this book shows a bit of Mhairi's POV and the pain that she is in. It was good to have more of an understanding of the reasons driving the intensity of the hatred and the connection between the siblings. Liz Mistry is good at showing the 'human' and flawed side of people, no matter what their professional role.

My thanks to the author, Netgalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solanki and McQueen Crime Series Book 3

A DEADLY DISCOVERY

Enjoying a rare day off, DS Jazzy Solanki's peaceful spring walk is interrupted when a body is discovered along her path. Instinct tells her it's not a coincidence.

A HIDDEN THREAT

Could Jazzy's estranged, vengeful stepsister - consumed by grief over their brother's death - be sending her a deadly message?

A RACE AGAINST TIME

Then a child goes missing. The crimes appear unrelated, but Jazzy's gut insists there's a sinister connection, one that points straight at her. /with time running out, Jazzy and her team must uncover the truth before the killer finds them.

DS Jazzy Solanki is still recovering from the events that tool place in the last book. Her brother had committed suicide. Her sister, Mhair, is still out there, somewhere, plotting her revenge. We have three separate murders, and Jazzy and Queenie are convinced they are all linked to Martin.

This gripping read held my attention throughout. The murders have links to the past. The story starts off slowly, the tension rises, and the story is multi-layered. I was kept guessing.

Published 3rd July 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQStories and the author #Lizistry for my ARC of DeadlyReckoning in exchange for an honest review.#

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Solanki and McQueen series aka The Jazz Queens and follows on from the previous book. It could be read as a stand-alone but definitely recommend reading from the start for context. Jazzy’s serial killer step-sister Mhairi is still missing having escaped from custody. Written from multiple perspectives, including the killer, this is a dark and compelling read.

Briefly, Simon, Mhairi’s equally evil twin brother, has committed suicide in prison. He has requested Jazzy arrange his funeral and she and her team expect Mhairi will be there! Out walking with her family Jazzy comes across a body in a kiln with a note addressed to her, Mhairi is back. As the body count continues to mount, Mhairi continues to run rings around the Scottish police and Jazzy finds she and her team are the only ones who believe the mayhem is caused by Mhairi.

This series is full of brilliant characters, it’s one of this author’s strengths, her characterisations are so powerful. We are given the name of the killer quite early in the book so this is a more a story about searching for them before another body is found. Great twists and turns this is a gritty read with an explosive ending. Can Jazzy close the case or will Mhairi have the last laugh. Can’t wait for book 4. Brilliant

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Reckoning by Liz Mistry is book 3 in the Solanki and McQueen series. I was so looking forward to reading this, as I love this series. But then I love all the author’s books. Jazzy is sure the nightmare with her sister, Mhairi, is starting again. Mhairi is pure evil. Jazzy is planning her brother, Simon’s, funeral and it is hoped this might lure Mhairi back. She may already be back though as a body Jazzy is familiar with, is found in the old Bottle Kilns in Portobello. Mhairi stays in the shadows and is great at disguises as she controls the investigation. I love Liz’s descriptive writing. Her description of Queenie – ‘one small, rotund, feisty, foul-mouthed woman in her mid-forties’ – had Queenie standing right in front of me, as clear as day. Her writing is superb and very powerful. It draws me right in to the story. Queenie, together with Jazzy, DCs Fenton Heggie and Geordie McBurnie are known as the Jazz Queens. Together they form a tight-knit group and watch out for each other. The partnership of Queenie and Jazzy is just perfect and the four of them together provide so much entertainment. Such a fabulous read and series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Reckoning is a great addition to the authors Solanki and McQueen series and a read that really hit the mark with me. Here Jazzy and the team investigate a murder with links to one of Solankis historical cases and fear The Bitch is back for revenge. The story begins well and I was pulled in quickly. It is told over a short period of time and the author has ensured there is plenty of action, suspense and thrills to keep me entertained. I think the authors writing is very good, the story flows well and the pacing is perfect. The plot is multi layered with so many story threads that had me guessing what would come next. The tension leading to the ending is expertly done and had me enthralled. If you like good, solid police procedurals I'd recomend this book and series although if you're new to Liz Mistry as an author you really need to read the series in order to get to know the characters and their histories from the beginning.

4 stars

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to think that most books featuring serial killers are winter reads—best enjoyed under clouded skies, low temperatures, and fog (fog always helps). But every now and then, a story comes along that breaks the mold.
This is one of those books.
It transcends seasons and kept me hooked from the very first page. It felt like a protective bubble—shielding me from the heat wave outside and immersing me completely in the story’s atmosphere and climate. I could feel the places, breathe the air, and walk the streets alongside the characters.
This is a great series that blends gritty atmospheres, sharp humor, and compelling characters. The writing is tight, the pacing relentless, and the emotional depth surprising. It’s an unputdownable novel that I thoroughly enjoyed—it kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Well done! I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to HQ and Rachel's Random Resources for the digital copy All opinions are my own.

[Maggie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Reckoning is another rollercoaster of crime thriller in this series. The Jazz Queens have their work cut out for them desperate to stop evil serial killer and Jazzy’s step sister Mhairi’s trail of deadly destruction.
Sidelined from the investigation due to Jazzy being so personally involved it’s is obvious the senior police in charge are in above their heads not listening to any advice from Jazzy but think they are so much better than her and her team. Although frustrating the team continue to investigate with Annie being her irascible self and adding much to the humour and a real asset they make good inroads into discovering what Mhairi is planning.
As the tension and the body count ramps up and twists I didn’t see coming this is a terrific read with a heart in your mouth finale
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A day off from work isn't a day off from danger
Why is that old man familiar, isn't he a stranger?
A body found during her family walk, coincidence or not?
Is this her serial killer stepsister vengeance or what?

Arranging the funeral for her stepbrother, too,
There's so much that Jazzy is having to get through.
The impact he had on the lives of them now
As his sister is out to revenge him somehow.

A story filled with grudges, drama and danger
With disguises hiding someone who isn't a stranger.
A page turner, edge of your seat read that's a chiller
A brilliantly orchestrated crime thriller.

Such an intriguing, suspense-filled read,
Keeping you hoping Jazzy will succeed
In bringing her stepsister to justice now
Or stop her forever somehow.

For my copy of this riveting read I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jazzy Solanki is still getting over the death of her brother and the escape of her sister who caused such mayhem in the past. That shouldn't have spoilt a rare day off and a walk with her family. The discovery of a body, however definitely did. Especially as it seemed to point to her murderous sister Mhairi. As the body count grows Jazzy and the other Jazz Queens work to catch her before anyone else dies.

I have been a fan of this series from the start. I love the mismatched characters and the occasional flashes of laugh out loud humour. However, I did find that the continuing saga of Jazzy's dysfunctional family was wearing a bit thin. I'dd really like to see the Jazz Queens tackle a case where no-one is personally involved. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read & review thos book.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the Solanki and McQueen series sees Jazzy's serial killer sister return from her period of exile. After hiding on SKye, Mhairi heads back to West Lothian, but what does she have in store? And can Jazzy, Queenie and the rest of the team stop her before she can bring her plans to fruition?

Deadly Reckoning starts slowly. The use of multiple points of view gives in depth understanding of the characters as the pieces are put into place for the conclusion of the three book story arc. But it it worth waiting for the ending as the drama builds. And the finale has moments of tension, drama and tragedy.

While the story of Mhairi is concluded in this novel, we have to hope there is more to come from the Jazz Queens.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in The Solanki and McQueen crime series and in my opinion the best in the series thus far, and that is no mean feat! DS Jazzy Solanki's serial killer sister, Mhairi, is back on the scene and increasing her death count. From Portobello in the east to Glasgow in the west and West Lothian in the middle there's nowhere safe from Mhairi. Jazzy and her team are desperate to catch her but are continually being usurped by her superiors, a matter which Solanki and her partner Annie McQueen are not shy at showing their disgust at.
The pace of this book is breathtaking and most certainly a page turner. The "jazzqueen" team of detectives are a great team who get results despite the efforts of senior management.
An absolute must read!

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jazz Queens team is back again in the third Solanki and McQueen book. The finding of a first body leads Jazzy to think that it might be connected to her serial killer half sister, Mhairi, but has problems convincing her seniors to follow this line of investigation. So her team set to work trying to link this murder with later ones and also with the disappearance of a teenage girl. It’s a gripping, well written read that is fast paced with lots of twists and turns and includes the usual humour from Queenie. I like the way each chapter is written from one of the main characters point of view as it gives a greater insight into why certain events are happening. This series just gets better and better.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

While on a day off, Jazzy is out with her family when they come across local police who have found a body. It doesn’t take long for Jazzy to believe that her half-sister is back, and will be gunning for Jazzy.

And that is all I’m going to say about the plot, you need to read this book yourself.

This is an author whose books I never want to miss out on. Her characters come to life and there is something special about The Jazz Queens.

The story is dark and gritty, with the addition of subplots, this makes for an intriguing read.

Thanks to the added humorous antics of McQueen, the story manages to not be all doom and gloom.

I do hope that there will be more stories to come from this fabulous team.

My thanks to HQ and the author for a copy of Deadly Reckoning.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book could be read as a standalone, I would strongly suggest that you read the other two first as they give you a greater insight not only into the characters but also their personal lives which are integral to the story. I love how the author introduced me to places that I didn't even know existed especially as I live quite close by - in this case the pottery kilns in Portobello where the first body is found. The story can be dark at times however there is always Queenie who lightens many situations with her "patter" and is certainly someone you would want to fight your corner as she does for Jazzy and the rest of the team. I was unsure how the book would end and it definitely wasn't what I thought !!!
Overall 4.5*

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of her brother and the disappearance of her half-sister Jazzy Solanki is enjoying time with her adopted family until a body is found with clues pointing to her. Solanki and the Jazz Queens are thrown into a new investigation which seems to revolve around Mhairi's need for revenge. A young girl goes missing and this doesn't seem linked, until it is and the scene is set for a final denouement.
Mistry's Solanki and McQueen books are developing into a cracking series. They blend the best parts of Scottish Noir in that there is a violent and bloody crime but there is also the darkest of dark humour which really entertains. Here again the family background of Solanki is the focus and, whilst it is not the most convincing set-up, the action is from the start.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the humour of the Jazz Queens. With the first book, I wasn't sure I liked the new team, but it has definitely grown as me and this book cemented that. Jazzy is being taunted again by her half sister Mhairi who always seems to be one step ahead of the police teams searching for her. There are lots of insights in to how Jazzy is feeling and the impact it has on her and her relationships as Mhairi's crimes become more chilling. Jazzy has to deal with doubts of her trustworthiness by other professionals, and faces a fight to prove the crimes are connected to her. The ending is very emotional, wish I could say more without spoilers!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series of books, the third in the series featuring Solanki and Mc Queen. From Queenie to Elliot, with all their flaws and quirks, they feel utterly believable. Jazzy is a complex character, consumed by guilt and her past but I just love her! I love the character descriptions from the author, they are brought vividly to life and the humour throughout, especially from Queenie. The pacing and the story flow really well in the multi-layered plot, due to the skillful writing from the author who is one of my favourites in the crime fiction genre. I highly recommend reading the first two in the series for background information. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Jazz Queens - DS Jazzy Solanki, DC's Annie (Queenie) McQueen, Fenton Heggie, and Geordie McBurnie. I love the chemistry between them all! Jazzy is out for a family day with her Mum, guide dog, Crumble and her two young friends, Ivor and Benjy, when she spots something odd. Jazzy goes away to investigate, which leads to dangerous game with her sister, Mhairi. Is it revenge? Then a young girl disappears, which Jazzy and her team to wonder how they are connected. It was full of twists and turns, grippy, gritty, highly charged and unputdownable. And that ending, I was not prepared for that!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's another powerful story in a compelling series featuring Solanki and McQueen. The prologue sets the scene for the darkness to come, and what follows is disturbing and menacing as Jazzy's personal and professional lives collide. The characterisation is believable, and the chilling ethos of dark vengeance resonates. I like suspense and unexpected twists. Despite the gritty crimes, it takes the reader on an emotional journey where the evil is lightened by sharp humour and deepening relationships. The balance of characters adds authenticity and interest. It's an immersive read that keeps you engaged.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number three in this brilliant series and I would strongly suggest you start with books one and two as the backstory is crucial here. The focus is on DS Jazzy Solansky. who has been the victim of a grudge by her siblings, twins Simon and Mhairi, who just happened to be serial killers! This is like a supercharged game of cat and mouse as Jazzy and her team endeavour to catch up with Mhairi and stop her killing anyone else. If there is a possible way to make this even more personal for Jazzy, Mhairi will find it, and she does.

Fast paced and gripping, this is a great police procedural series.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Liz Mistry and HQ for an ARC of this book.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, though the focus is more on Jazzy's complicated family rather than police procedure. It is told from different points of view, mainly Jazzy, but also others. Her sister Mhairi, seems to be on a killing spree and most of the victims are related to Jazzy in one way or another. The plot is fairly complicated and it helps if you have read previous books in this series. The book deals with relationships well and feelings are well described, I like the banter between the team, not so sure about the more senior officers, though we see them through theeyes of Jazzy and her team.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC