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PC Lucy Halliday
Memorial Park
Every family’s worst nightmare…
Three-year-old Rosie Logan is missing. Her mother, Maria, turned away for just one moment and now her life is changed forever. It falls to PC Lucy Halliday and her police dogs, Moss and Iggy, to find the girl, under the direction of Lucy’s boss and friend, DCI Jack Ellis.
The case brings up old trauma for Jack. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven and was never found. This is Jack’s chance to make things right. He won’t fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
But the investigation doesn’t go smoothly. The Logan family have been keeping secrets. And every time Lucy and Jack think they’re making progress, they’re hampered by yet another one. Can they find the truth, and Rosie, before it’s too late?
The next thrilling instalment in the new British crime fiction series featuring dog handler PC Lucy Halliday. Perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Robert Bryndza and Cara Hunter.
Three-year-old Rosie Logan is missing. Her mother, Maria, turned away for just one moment and now her life is changed forever. It falls to PC Lucy Halliday and her police dogs, Moss and Iggy, to find the girl, under the direction of Lucy’s boss and friend, DCI Jack Ellis.
The case brings up old trauma for Jack. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven and was never found. This is Jack’s chance to make things right. He won’t fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
But the investigation doesn’t go smoothly. The Logan family have been keeping secrets. And every time Lucy and Jack think they’re making progress, they’re hampered by yet another one. Can they find the truth, and Rosie, before it’s too late?
The next thrilling instalment in the new British crime fiction series featuring dog handler PC Lucy Halliday. Perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Robert Bryndza and Cara Hunter.
368 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2025
32 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Scarr
13 books208 followersLouisa Scarr studied psychology at the University of Southampton and has lived in and around the city ever since. She is a full time writer, and when she's not at her desk, she can be found pounding the streets in running shoes or swimming in muddy lakes.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 7, 2025
4 Stars
One Liner: Dark and gripping
It took just one second for a three-year-old Rosie Logan to vanish when her mother, Maria, turned the other side.
PC Lucy Halliday (with police dogs Moss and Iggy) and DCI Jack Ellis are on the case. Jack is determined to save Rose as this reminds him of his childhood best friend who disappeared one day without a trace.
However, the Logan family is unwilling to share its secrets, hampering the investigation at every point. Can Lucy and Jack little Rose before it’s too late?
The story comes in Maria, Lucy, and Jack’s third-person POVs in the present tense.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series that has a standalone mystery but it will be much better if you read the previous book (if I say this, then you know you can’t ignore it).
The story is dark like the first book and has more than one case in parallel. Despite the fear and heavy atmosphere, the content is not graphic. It seems like the author took great care to mention only what is necessary for the plot. I appreciate this since the plotline is around a missing child.
The mystery is layered with many reveals and twists. These happen periodically to keep the reader hooked and the plot moving. It makes the narration steady if not fast-paced. Also, there’s enough internal dialogue to continue with character development for Lucy and Jack.
Given that the FMC is a dog handler, the police dogs play a vital role in the book. Moss and Iggy take turns doing their jobs and are such adorable cuties. Iggy takes the spotlight this time though Moss is not far behind.
So far, I like the development between the main characters. They are friends now but still annoy each other often. I am curious to see how things will change as the series continues but no complaints for now.
Most questions are answered well. The themes are as dark as the plot but handled with care. Revealing them could be spoilers but know that there might be a few triggers.
There’s a short author’s note about the places mentioned in the book. I understand what she means when she says it is easier to make up new places than to use real ones. That’s how I prefer to write too.
To summarize, Memorial Park is a fairly intense read but doesn’t get overwhelming. It tackles important themes and makes the reader think. The writing style is really good. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Canelo Crime, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MemorialPark
One Liner: Dark and gripping
It took just one second for a three-year-old Rosie Logan to vanish when her mother, Maria, turned the other side.
PC Lucy Halliday (with police dogs Moss and Iggy) and DCI Jack Ellis are on the case. Jack is determined to save Rose as this reminds him of his childhood best friend who disappeared one day without a trace.
However, the Logan family is unwilling to share its secrets, hampering the investigation at every point. Can Lucy and Jack little Rose before it’s too late?
The story comes in Maria, Lucy, and Jack’s third-person POVs in the present tense.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series that has a standalone mystery but it will be much better if you read the previous book (if I say this, then you know you can’t ignore it).
The story is dark like the first book and has more than one case in parallel. Despite the fear and heavy atmosphere, the content is not graphic. It seems like the author took great care to mention only what is necessary for the plot. I appreciate this since the plotline is around a missing child.
The mystery is layered with many reveals and twists. These happen periodically to keep the reader hooked and the plot moving. It makes the narration steady if not fast-paced. Also, there’s enough internal dialogue to continue with character development for Lucy and Jack.
Given that the FMC is a dog handler, the police dogs play a vital role in the book. Moss and Iggy take turns doing their jobs and are such adorable cuties. Iggy takes the spotlight this time though Moss is not far behind.
So far, I like the development between the main characters. They are friends now but still annoy each other often. I am curious to see how things will change as the series continues but no complaints for now.
Most questions are answered well. The themes are as dark as the plot but handled with care. Revealing them could be spoilers but know that there might be a few triggers.
There’s a short author’s note about the places mentioned in the book. I understand what she means when she says it is easier to make up new places than to use real ones. That’s how I prefer to write too.
To summarize, Memorial Park is a fairly intense read but doesn’t get overwhelming. It tackles important themes and makes the reader think. The writing style is really good. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Canelo Crime, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MemorialPark
October 24, 2025
A three-year-old girl is missing.
Is she dead or alive?
PC Lucy Halliday and her police dogs, Moss and Iggy, are assigned to the case.
Despite an ultra-compelling premise and a strong start, the book quickly faltered.
WHY?
Repetitive dialogue, excessive melodrama, and too much focus on a cold case subplot.
The shift to the cold case subplot severely diluted the tension of Lucy Halliday's current investigation.
The middle section dragged significantly with a resolution that felt rushed, failing to justify the long, tedious buildup.
This 11-hour audiobook easily could have been an 8-hour book.
Also, I was disappointed that more attention was not given to Lucy Halliday's police dogs.
As a result, I will be remembering this "Memorial"book for all the wrong reasons.
😭☹️😭☹️
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton.
Even though Kristin Atherton's performance was outstanding, she could not save this book.
This book is a standalone read.
February 20, 2025
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to have more of Lucy and the dogs. What could be better than a police procedural book with dogs!! for me that is just heaven 😊
This time Lucy and the boys, Moss and Iggy, are called to Memorial Park where 3 year old Rosie has gone missing. Her mother is beside herself but there is no sign of the little girl. The investigation is not an easy one, especially with the family being less than honest with them.
This is a much darker book than the first one, dealing with some very heavy topics. It is also very emotional for these characters. It had me reading late into the night and I was getting teary as well. The case was not at all straight forward and had plenty of twists. The ending was not at all predictable which is always a win for me.
I do love Lucy and her dogs. Anyone who loves dogs is always going to be my friend. It is interesting seeing a different side of policing and how they train these animals.
Absolutely loved it. Published on February 6th, 2025. Thanks so much to Canelo on NetGalley for my early copy to read.
This time Lucy and the boys, Moss and Iggy, are called to Memorial Park where 3 year old Rosie has gone missing. Her mother is beside herself but there is no sign of the little girl. The investigation is not an easy one, especially with the family being less than honest with them.
This is a much darker book than the first one, dealing with some very heavy topics. It is also very emotional for these characters. It had me reading late into the night and I was getting teary as well. The case was not at all straight forward and had plenty of twists. The ending was not at all predictable which is always a win for me.
I do love Lucy and her dogs. Anyone who loves dogs is always going to be my friend. It is interesting seeing a different side of policing and how they train these animals.
Absolutely loved it. Published on February 6th, 2025. Thanks so much to Canelo on NetGalley for my early copy to read.
October 13, 2025
4.0 / 5.0
Great book from start to finish, I found this series has equal balance between the emotional personal turmoil both Jack and Lucy face as well as the main plot. This book definitely has answered a few of the unanswered questions from the first book of the series which I highly recommend reading before this book. I found the character development of both Jack and Lucy to come off very natural and not forced, where the consequences of the actions make sense for their characters and their personal friendship. (Again this does build on the first book with spoilers!). I found this book was even more emotional, and I cant wait for the 3rd. Not to add the cute little dogs, big shout out to Iggy and Moss!
The book is centered around DCI Jack Ellis who is in charge of finding a missing 3 year old Rosie Logan who is missing, after her mother turned away for a brief moment to find her child missing. PC Lucy Halliday is responsible for locating the girl with the help of her police dogs under Jack's instructions. The case is similar to a personal case in Jack, where his best friend Theo disappeared and was never found again. Jack has a chance to make things right, and undo the wrongs. He wont fail Rosie like he failed Theo. But as Jack and his team begin investigating, its clear that the family is not being honest and keeping secrets, and as Jack and Lucy are making progress there's another hurdle they face. Can they find Rosie before its too late, can Jack find closure to the case of Theo's disappearance.
This book is emotional its raw, it captures the pain both Lucy and Jack faces when they start to look into Theo's case. Its heart wrenching at times too, i found the writing captured this well it wasn't exaggerated it felt realistic and very human. Great writing from Scarr from start to finish, cant wait for the next book! Definitely worth investing in this series!!
Great book from start to finish, I found this series has equal balance between the emotional personal turmoil both Jack and Lucy face as well as the main plot. This book definitely has answered a few of the unanswered questions from the first book of the series which I highly recommend reading before this book. I found the character development of both Jack and Lucy to come off very natural and not forced, where the consequences of the actions make sense for their characters and their personal friendship. (Again this does build on the first book with spoilers!). I found this book was even more emotional, and I cant wait for the 3rd. Not to add the cute little dogs, big shout out to Iggy and Moss!
The book is centered around DCI Jack Ellis who is in charge of finding a missing 3 year old Rosie Logan who is missing, after her mother turned away for a brief moment to find her child missing. PC Lucy Halliday is responsible for locating the girl with the help of her police dogs under Jack's instructions. The case is similar to a personal case in Jack, where his best friend Theo disappeared and was never found again. Jack has a chance to make things right, and undo the wrongs. He wont fail Rosie like he failed Theo. But as Jack and his team begin investigating, its clear that the family is not being honest and keeping secrets, and as Jack and Lucy are making progress there's another hurdle they face. Can they find Rosie before its too late, can Jack find closure to the case of Theo's disappearance.
This book is emotional its raw, it captures the pain both Lucy and Jack faces when they start to look into Theo's case. Its heart wrenching at times too, i found the writing captured this well it wasn't exaggerated it felt realistic and very human. Great writing from Scarr from start to finish, cant wait for the next book! Definitely worth investing in this series!!
April 4, 2025
Certainly sold on this series by the end of book 2, which as if I wasn't after book 1... police doggo procedural, yes please! Looking forward to picking up the next from Louisa Scarr - always written well.
July 11, 2025
★★★★ 4.5 stars
I didn't know this was part of a series when I requested this book but it didn't matter anyway as it can easily be read as a standalone. There's several references to past cases and the like but whether they took place in the first book or are just the backstory for this one I don't know. Either way, it makes an enjoyable foray into crime fiction...even when I'd shelved the idea of any more police procedurals. This one was different. It has dogs.
PC Lucy Halliday is called to Memorial Park on the morning of Valentine's Day. Three year old Rosie Logan has gone missing and her mother Maria is frantic with worry having taken her eyes off her little girl for just a few minutes when a phone call dragged her attention away. A passerby noticed Maria's distress and calls 999 whilst Maria frantically searches and calls out for Rosie.
The police soon arrive, Lucy and her dogs Iggy and Moss in attendance, to help search the surrounding area for the little girl. But very few clues are found. The investigation leads them to the family - mother Maria, father Tony and brother Eddie - but the deeper they dig, more questions are thrown up. And it appears the family are hiding more secrets than they are telling.
DCI Jack Ellis takes over investigations when it's clear that the on site SIO hasn't got a clue. But then the waters muddy when a cold case rears its head involving Jack and questions are soon raised. What happened to 11 year old Theo in the summer of 1994? And what has Rosie's disappearance got to do with Theo's?
This book maybe 390 pages long but it certainly didn't feel like it. The chapters are short and snappy, keeping the pace moving along nicely. I love the central characters - Lucy, Jack, Pete, Amrit, Fran - but don't much care for the family of the missing girl. The style is easy and the pace is steady throughout without bogging us down with too much procedural. I think I am going to like Louisa Scarr. I shall definitely have to try the first book "Gallows Wood" which I note is recommended.
Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining read with crime and dogs! As a dog lover, I'm all for a procedural series featuring police dogs - why there aren't more, I don't know! And I can't wait to read more.
I would like to thank #LouisaScarr, #Netgalley and #CaneloCrime for an ARC of #MemorialPark in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I didn't know this was part of a series when I requested this book but it didn't matter anyway as it can easily be read as a standalone. There's several references to past cases and the like but whether they took place in the first book or are just the backstory for this one I don't know. Either way, it makes an enjoyable foray into crime fiction...even when I'd shelved the idea of any more police procedurals. This one was different. It has dogs.
PC Lucy Halliday is called to Memorial Park on the morning of Valentine's Day. Three year old Rosie Logan has gone missing and her mother Maria is frantic with worry having taken her eyes off her little girl for just a few minutes when a phone call dragged her attention away. A passerby noticed Maria's distress and calls 999 whilst Maria frantically searches and calls out for Rosie.
The police soon arrive, Lucy and her dogs Iggy and Moss in attendance, to help search the surrounding area for the little girl. But very few clues are found. The investigation leads them to the family - mother Maria, father Tony and brother Eddie - but the deeper they dig, more questions are thrown up. And it appears the family are hiding more secrets than they are telling.
DCI Jack Ellis takes over investigations when it's clear that the on site SIO hasn't got a clue. But then the waters muddy when a cold case rears its head involving Jack and questions are soon raised. What happened to 11 year old Theo in the summer of 1994? And what has Rosie's disappearance got to do with Theo's?
This book maybe 390 pages long but it certainly didn't feel like it. The chapters are short and snappy, keeping the pace moving along nicely. I love the central characters - Lucy, Jack, Pete, Amrit, Fran - but don't much care for the family of the missing girl. The style is easy and the pace is steady throughout without bogging us down with too much procedural. I think I am going to like Louisa Scarr. I shall definitely have to try the first book "Gallows Wood" which I note is recommended.
Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining read with crime and dogs! As a dog lover, I'm all for a procedural series featuring police dogs - why there aren't more, I don't know! And I can't wait to read more.
I would like to thank #LouisaScarr, #Netgalley and #CaneloCrime for an ARC of #MemorialPark in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 8, 2025
I love this series and already cannot wait for book 3! What's not to love? British procedural (check); strong, smart female protagonist (check); a smidge of romance (check); DOGS AND MORE DOGS (check and check). Louisa Scarr is THE BEST.
* thanks to Canelo Crime for the NetGalley review copy. Memorial Park is out now!
* thanks to Canelo Crime for the NetGalley review copy. Memorial Park is out now!
December 21, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Louisa Scarr can do no wrong, I am super into this series!!!
This is the second book in the series, and while you can read it as a standalone you do miss a little of the backstory to DCI Jack Ellis and the previous case.
I think for me this one wasn’t quite as strong as book one, but I still really liked it. I think that Lucy and Jack needed to work together more… and the whole Logan family need a punch in the throat (except for Rosie of course).
Louisa’s writing is as always captivating I love it… and I have no complaints there… I don’t really have any complaints at all if I am honest just that it wasn’t quite as good as book one but I still ate it up with no leftovers… so there you go.
I really like Lucy as a character, she can accept when she makes a mistake and she also knows when she wants something. I think she has grown from book one as well which is great. Her friendship with Jack is awesome, and seemingly not going to be a romance which I am actually ok with (who knows with Lousia though she is tricky). I think that the love interests in this one are actually really good.
The Theo storyline was interesting and I was really keen to know what happened, it was all tied up nicely… but still had some twists enough to keep me guessing.
Overall, if you liked book one I do recommend continuing… it was worth it. I love LS writing and her storytelling is awesome.. I am super keen for another Butler and West though please!!!
Thank you to Canelo Crime, NetGalley and Louisa Scarr for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series, and while you can read it as a standalone you do miss a little of the backstory to DCI Jack Ellis and the previous case.
I think for me this one wasn’t quite as strong as book one, but I still really liked it. I think that Lucy and Jack needed to work together more… and the whole Logan family need a punch in the throat (except for Rosie of course).
Louisa’s writing is as always captivating I love it… and I have no complaints there… I don’t really have any complaints at all if I am honest just that it wasn’t quite as good as book one but I still ate it up with no leftovers… so there you go.
I really like Lucy as a character, she can accept when she makes a mistake and she also knows when she wants something. I think she has grown from book one as well which is great. Her friendship with Jack is awesome, and seemingly not going to be a romance which I am actually ok with (who knows with Lousia though she is tricky). I think that the love interests in this one are actually really good.
The Theo storyline was interesting and I was really keen to know what happened, it was all tied up nicely… but still had some twists enough to keep me guessing.
Overall, if you liked book one I do recommend continuing… it was worth it. I love LS writing and her storytelling is awesome.. I am super keen for another Butler and West though please!!!
Thank you to Canelo Crime, NetGalley and Louisa Scarr for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ You know I love my crime novels and @louisascarrwriter is one of the best in the biz, especially because her new British procedural series includes my other favorite thing: dogs (and a guarantee that they’ll be unharmed!!)!
I’m obsessed with these books! MEMORIAL PARK is the second installment in the PC Lucy Halliday series and it was even better than the first. I think book one (GALLOWS WOOD) understandably had to spend some of its focus on setting the stage with the characters and their backgrounds while teaching me about working dogs. While I absolutely loved it, that breakneck crime novel pacing was slowed down a tad, but not to worry - the plot is extra twisty and addictive in book two!
I will caution that this story is hard to stomach at times and I imagine it would be even harder if you’re a parent. I think because it’s so well written and you’re so invested in the characters the dark parts pack an extra punch. Swipe for full synopsis but a young girl goes missing and while Halliday and her team are looking for her, details emerge about a cold case very close to her friend DCI Jack Ellis’ heart.
If you’re a fan of Cara Hunter or Karin Slaughter you need to be reading Scarr’s books! I say this as the self-proclaimed number one fan of all three of these women so please take me seriously.
Scarr is the only author that has been able to create characters that are up there with my love of the cast of Will Trent. Plus, her gritty crime cases and moody British settings are a bit reminiscent of Hunter’s books while still feeling really unique and fresh!
MEMORIAL PARK is my favorite in this series but I still strongly recommend starting with GALLOWS WOOD. It’s fab and you’ll easily fall in love with Lucy and Moss.
🏆It’s hard to compete with books about dogs, but I think Scarr’s Butler & West series is still my fave by a smidge. Start with LAST PLACE YOU LOOK and thank me later.
I’m obsessed with these books! MEMORIAL PARK is the second installment in the PC Lucy Halliday series and it was even better than the first. I think book one (GALLOWS WOOD) understandably had to spend some of its focus on setting the stage with the characters and their backgrounds while teaching me about working dogs. While I absolutely loved it, that breakneck crime novel pacing was slowed down a tad, but not to worry - the plot is extra twisty and addictive in book two!
I will caution that this story is hard to stomach at times and I imagine it would be even harder if you’re a parent. I think because it’s so well written and you’re so invested in the characters the dark parts pack an extra punch. Swipe for full synopsis but a young girl goes missing and while Halliday and her team are looking for her, details emerge about a cold case very close to her friend DCI Jack Ellis’ heart.
If you’re a fan of Cara Hunter or Karin Slaughter you need to be reading Scarr’s books! I say this as the self-proclaimed number one fan of all three of these women so please take me seriously.
Scarr is the only author that has been able to create characters that are up there with my love of the cast of Will Trent. Plus, her gritty crime cases and moody British settings are a bit reminiscent of Hunter’s books while still feeling really unique and fresh!
MEMORIAL PARK is my favorite in this series but I still strongly recommend starting with GALLOWS WOOD. It’s fab and you’ll easily fall in love with Lucy and Moss.
🏆It’s hard to compete with books about dogs, but I think Scarr’s Butler & West series is still my fave by a smidge. Start with LAST PLACE YOU LOOK and thank me later.
October 5, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series and have just been given book three by Netgalley for a review, so I’m very happy!
PC Lucy Halliday is a dog handler and has just been given her second dog, Iggy, a German Shepherd. Though her main job is taking the dogs out to track missing people and bodies, she likes to help and get involved in the other crimes being investigated. This is where the stories come into their own as these crimes are really well written and very hard to work out. Many twists and turns that stop me from working out who is responsible.
Since I started reading the authors other series, Butler and West, I have loved her writing. I would definitely recommend her books.
PC Lucy Halliday is a dog handler and has just been given her second dog, Iggy, a German Shepherd. Though her main job is taking the dogs out to track missing people and bodies, she likes to help and get involved in the other crimes being investigated. This is where the stories come into their own as these crimes are really well written and very hard to work out. Many twists and turns that stop me from working out who is responsible.
Since I started reading the authors other series, Butler and West, I have loved her writing. I would definitely recommend her books.
December 15, 2024
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Louisa Scarr is an author that never puts a foot wrong- not a word or chapter is wasted. I easily slipped back into the world of Lucy Halliday and Co as the characters and settings became instantly familiar. Dealing with the grim subject of a missing child this is a perfectly paced and plotted storyline which is interwoven with a missing boy from Jack’s past. Dark and disturbing in places as we learn what happened to Theo all those years ago, as the story picks up this thread from book one. Wonderfully written with some serious research done by the author to give this series so much authenticity. Some very good twists along the way keeps the suspense going right to the end and even then we are left with a little cliffhanger. The dogs are such a joy in this book! Iggy is definitely top dog in this one, but going by the authors note at the end Moss will be taking the lead (no apologies for the pun!)in the next one. Absolutely loved this and it’s a massive 5⭐️ from me
December 28, 2024
Book #2 in a series featuring PC Lucy Halliday (and her police dogs) & DCI Jack Ellis. While a second book, this one could be read as standalone but I'd highly recommend starting from the beginning and getting to know these characters, plus it's just a fantastic and well written series. I picked this up after much to my delight finding out that Louisa Scarr and Sam Holland are the same person and that she writes under both names. I'd read the Sam Holland series and loved the gritty, grusome and well-written police procedural series. This series is just as well written and easy-to-read with rich and interesting characters, dual POV and some intriguing mysteries. The first book focused more on Lucy and her backstory whereas this one focuses on Jack and follows two mysteries, one a cold case from Jack's past. I hope the author continues this series as I'd love to see what comes next for these characters. Perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Angela Marsons and Joy Ellis.
December 31, 2024
I randomly picked up Louisa Scarr’s Gallows Wood on holidays in September which started the PC Lucy Halliday series and I really enjoyed it. Recently I’ve noticed that an ARC was available for the second book in the series - Memorial park and I was happy to receive it the day after!
Now, my bad, I did not look into the blurb (I generally like to go into such books blinds to spoil as little as possible). It’s a story about not one, but 2 individual cases of missing children. For some reason the missing child trope is my least favourite in crime books so I did struggle a little. However the writing remains very good, the characters are quickly becoming some of my favourite + police dogs!
I also don’t tend to get very emotional over the bodies found in police procedurals but this book did make me tear up. It was very raw in some parts and I was really surprised how it impacted me.
Overall I definitely recommend this series! It’s very fast paced, high stakes and I will definitely continue and pick up the next book when it comes out. I’ve rated this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and it comes out on the 6th of February.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now, my bad, I did not look into the blurb (I generally like to go into such books blinds to spoil as little as possible). It’s a story about not one, but 2 individual cases of missing children. For some reason the missing child trope is my least favourite in crime books so I did struggle a little. However the writing remains very good, the characters are quickly becoming some of my favourite + police dogs!
I also don’t tend to get very emotional over the bodies found in police procedurals but this book did make me tear up. It was very raw in some parts and I was really surprised how it impacted me.
Overall I definitely recommend this series! It’s very fast paced, high stakes and I will definitely continue and pick up the next book when it comes out. I’ve rated this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and it comes out on the 6th of February.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2025
4.5 stars
Having connected really well with Lucy in the first book, I found it very intriguing to get to know Jack better. There sure was a story to tell there, to say the least! Woah!
This mystery had so many twists and turns, but I felt like I was half a step ahead of Lucy and Jack towards the second half of the story. Not in a bad way, though, more because of many years of experience solving fictional mysteries.
I really, really like this series and would throw myself at more books if they were out.
Apparently book 3 is coming out in October, so... At least that's something to look forward to in a not too distant future. Can't wait to see what will happen to Lucy and Jack next!
Having connected really well with Lucy in the first book, I found it very intriguing to get to know Jack better. There sure was a story to tell there, to say the least! Woah!
This mystery had so many twists and turns, but I felt like I was half a step ahead of Lucy and Jack towards the second half of the story. Not in a bad way, though, more because of many years of experience solving fictional mysteries.
I really, really like this series and would throw myself at more books if they were out.
Apparently book 3 is coming out in October, so... At least that's something to look forward to in a not too distant future. Can't wait to see what will happen to Lucy and Jack next!
January 20, 2025
I read this book in sitting.which involved reading into the early hours of morning. It was so worth it. The second in series PC Lucy Halliday, a former Detective and now a dog handler with Hampshire police. A child goes missing from a park while she's there with her mother. This story was so troubling, with some questionable characters. So many secrets and revelations made this a gripping read. DCI Jack Ellis is a great character . I hadn't read the first book in this series but it's now my next read.
March 3, 2025
I loved this book
My complete review is on my blog
https://digitalcreativepages.com/memo...
My complete review is on my blog
https://digitalcreativepages.com/memo...
February 5, 2025
I make no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of this author, having devoured her brilliant Butler and West series (which I also wholeheartedly recommend) as well as the series opener to this book - Gallows Wood, which I also recommend you read prior to digging into this one.
We start with a missing child - three year old Rosie Logan disappeared whilst her mother, Maria, was distracted, only for a moment. As is the protocol in these cases, police dogs are called in to search the area, and that means DCI Jack Ellis calls on PC Lucy Halliday and her wonderful dogs Moss and Iggy. But, sadly, there is no sign of Rosie. This case is a bit too close to home for Jack as it brings back memories of his own unresolved trauma around the disappearance of his childhood best mate Theo, still unresolved after all this time.
If that wasn't enough, it soon transpires that the Logan family has many many secrets that they fail to disclose and which would have helped at the start, in the golden hour, but at every turn the police find out more and more to take them off at a tangent, the case really stutters...
There are so many books of this genre around at the moment, the good old police procedural, but, and please correct me if I am wrong, I can't recall another which focuses on the dog handling unit. Which, to me anyway, gives this series a bit of an edge. Something different to get to grips with, the whole search dog or cadaver dog decisions etc etc...
The story and characters are all just perfect and all fit together well. As with all series books there is a balance to be struck between the main episode storyline and that is done well here too. We have the whole Jack and his friend sub-story to be has as well as the personal stuff around Lucy, none of which distracts away from the missing child.
This was all delivered in a no nonsense, no waffle way which meant that it all got on with itself very well indeed. And then, the ending when it eventually came, was perfect and left me completely satisfied.
All in all, a cracking follow-up to what was a great series opener... roll on book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with a missing child - three year old Rosie Logan disappeared whilst her mother, Maria, was distracted, only for a moment. As is the protocol in these cases, police dogs are called in to search the area, and that means DCI Jack Ellis calls on PC Lucy Halliday and her wonderful dogs Moss and Iggy. But, sadly, there is no sign of Rosie. This case is a bit too close to home for Jack as it brings back memories of his own unresolved trauma around the disappearance of his childhood best mate Theo, still unresolved after all this time.
If that wasn't enough, it soon transpires that the Logan family has many many secrets that they fail to disclose and which would have helped at the start, in the golden hour, but at every turn the police find out more and more to take them off at a tangent, the case really stutters...
There are so many books of this genre around at the moment, the good old police procedural, but, and please correct me if I am wrong, I can't recall another which focuses on the dog handling unit. Which, to me anyway, gives this series a bit of an edge. Something different to get to grips with, the whole search dog or cadaver dog decisions etc etc...
The story and characters are all just perfect and all fit together well. As with all series books there is a balance to be struck between the main episode storyline and that is done well here too. We have the whole Jack and his friend sub-story to be has as well as the personal stuff around Lucy, none of which distracts away from the missing child.
This was all delivered in a no nonsense, no waffle way which meant that it all got on with itself very well indeed. And then, the ending when it eventually came, was perfect and left me completely satisfied.
All in all, a cracking follow-up to what was a great series opener... roll on book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 6, 2025
I’m not sure why I chose this book to read. I don’t usually go for books about missing children, largely because there are so many, but this one just appealed to me. I liked the idea of a dog handler as part of the investigative team and seeing a crime through those eyes. I’d not read the first in the series, but that in no way impacted on my pleasure in reading this one.
I found this to be a pacy and involving read. Well-rounded characters, a good plot and lots of misdirection helped to make this a one-sit read. I enjoyed getting the back history of both Lucy and her friend and boss, Jack Ellis. Its not that often you see senior policeman face their own vulnerabilities and though DCI Jack Ellis is an exceptional policeman who does not suffer fools gladly, his emotional response to the disappearance of his childhood friend was both plausible and touching.
There’s a good mix of the professional and the personal in both Jack’s and Lucy’s lives, which makes the characters easy to empathise with. The dog handling elements are also fascinating as I read about the difference between searching for a live person and using a different, cadaver dog, in cases when proof of life is not anticipated.
Memorial Park deals with some dark subject matter, as it intertwines a present-day case of a missing child, Rosie Logan, and old (and cold) case – that of DCI Jack Ellis’ childhood friend, Theo, who disappeared one night after the two had been out playing.
The story is well-plotted and has plenty of threads to follow, though choosing which is the right one that will lead to the answer is not as easy as it appears. The action is constant, the tension palpable and emotions run high throughout. I enjoyed Louisa Scarr’s writing style which flows well and can absolutely convey darkness when the plot requires it.
Verdict: I enjoyed this for its engaging characters, interesting plot-line and for the work I had to put in trying to work out what had happened to both children. Memorial Park is a fast-paced, enjoyable and entertaining read. I’ll go back and read the first book before signing up for the rest of the series!
I found this to be a pacy and involving read. Well-rounded characters, a good plot and lots of misdirection helped to make this a one-sit read. I enjoyed getting the back history of both Lucy and her friend and boss, Jack Ellis. Its not that often you see senior policeman face their own vulnerabilities and though DCI Jack Ellis is an exceptional policeman who does not suffer fools gladly, his emotional response to the disappearance of his childhood friend was both plausible and touching.
There’s a good mix of the professional and the personal in both Jack’s and Lucy’s lives, which makes the characters easy to empathise with. The dog handling elements are also fascinating as I read about the difference between searching for a live person and using a different, cadaver dog, in cases when proof of life is not anticipated.
Memorial Park deals with some dark subject matter, as it intertwines a present-day case of a missing child, Rosie Logan, and old (and cold) case – that of DCI Jack Ellis’ childhood friend, Theo, who disappeared one night after the two had been out playing.
The story is well-plotted and has plenty of threads to follow, though choosing which is the right one that will lead to the answer is not as easy as it appears. The action is constant, the tension palpable and emotions run high throughout. I enjoyed Louisa Scarr’s writing style which flows well and can absolutely convey darkness when the plot requires it.
Verdict: I enjoyed this for its engaging characters, interesting plot-line and for the work I had to put in trying to work out what had happened to both children. Memorial Park is a fast-paced, enjoyable and entertaining read. I’ll go back and read the first book before signing up for the rest of the series!
January 18, 2025
Memorial Park” is a mystery about not one but two missing persons, 3 year old Rosie Logan in the present day and 11 year old Theo thirty years earlier. There is no real connection, only that Jack, the DI in charge of the case was Theo’s best friend, the last to see him and initially a suspect in his disappearance.
Lucy, the police dog handler uses her animals to try and locate Rosie but to no avail at first. As time passes Jack fears that it is history repeating itself and is desperate to find the child.
When the dogs find something related to Theo’s disappearance , Jack is not sure if he wants to know the truth, guessing that there will not be a happy ending. Lucy uses her detective skills to investigate and Jack is angry at first, telling her to leave it be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this procedural mystery and although it is book 2 in a series, a fact of which I was not aware, it was easy to pick up the story. It did leave me thinking I would be keen to read the first book and certainly I look forward to any further additions to the series.
I found the characters interesting, Lucy and Jack both have tragic pasts which they are trying to overcome- Lucy escaping the memory of a dead spouse who treated her badly. Jack feels guilt about the loss of Theo, even 30 years later. These two characters definitely have a friendship and look out for each other although it is made clear that this is not a romantic relationship.
I liked reading about Lucy’s life with her dogs and how they have helped her overcome her difficulties. Of course the mysteries of the missing children were central to the book and this certainly ratcheted up the tension.
I definitely recommend “ Memorial Park” to crime thriller fans who enjoy an engrossing and compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Lucy, the police dog handler uses her animals to try and locate Rosie but to no avail at first. As time passes Jack fears that it is history repeating itself and is desperate to find the child.
When the dogs find something related to Theo’s disappearance , Jack is not sure if he wants to know the truth, guessing that there will not be a happy ending. Lucy uses her detective skills to investigate and Jack is angry at first, telling her to leave it be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this procedural mystery and although it is book 2 in a series, a fact of which I was not aware, it was easy to pick up the story. It did leave me thinking I would be keen to read the first book and certainly I look forward to any further additions to the series.
I found the characters interesting, Lucy and Jack both have tragic pasts which they are trying to overcome- Lucy escaping the memory of a dead spouse who treated her badly. Jack feels guilt about the loss of Theo, even 30 years later. These two characters definitely have a friendship and look out for each other although it is made clear that this is not a romantic relationship.
I liked reading about Lucy’s life with her dogs and how they have helped her overcome her difficulties. Of course the mysteries of the missing children were central to the book and this certainly ratcheted up the tension.
I definitely recommend “ Memorial Park” to crime thriller fans who enjoy an engrossing and compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
July 14, 2025
What an absolute banger of a book! @louisascarr you’ve smashed it out the park again (no pun intended)… Memorial Park is everything I hoped for and more. I loved the first PC Lucy Halliday novel, and this was no exception; tense, emotional, full of bite, and with just enough callback to Gallows Wood to make returning readers feel right at home. There were tenuous links back to the first book, but this one stands tall on its own feet, and every now and then, a hook would catch you off guard and reel you in 🎣
The plot centres around the disappearance of three-year-old Rosie Logan from a local park. Lucy and her incredible search-and-cadaver dogs, Moss and Iggy, are straight on the case, working under DCI Jack Ellis who’s still carrying the ghost of a friend who went missing when they were kids. The family isn’t giving up the full truth, time is ticking, and Jack’s own past starts creeping back in. It’s personal and it’s messy.
The pace? Relentless. The misdirection? Top-tier. Honestly, I couldn’t tell whodunnit until the very end and when the reveal landed, it landed. Scarr does such a good job of making you think you’ve got it figured out, only to yank the rug out from under you. Add to that the emotional weight, the chemistry (non-romantic, but intense) between Lucy and Jack, and the dogs stealing the show every time they’re on the page, this book had me gripped from start to finish.
If you’re into your crime fiction with guts, grief, and just the right amount of how, this one’s for you. Already counting down to the next Halliday book!
🧡🫶🏻📚
The plot centres around the disappearance of three-year-old Rosie Logan from a local park. Lucy and her incredible search-and-cadaver dogs, Moss and Iggy, are straight on the case, working under DCI Jack Ellis who’s still carrying the ghost of a friend who went missing when they were kids. The family isn’t giving up the full truth, time is ticking, and Jack’s own past starts creeping back in. It’s personal and it’s messy.
The pace? Relentless. The misdirection? Top-tier. Honestly, I couldn’t tell whodunnit until the very end and when the reveal landed, it landed. Scarr does such a good job of making you think you’ve got it figured out, only to yank the rug out from under you. Add to that the emotional weight, the chemistry (non-romantic, but intense) between Lucy and Jack, and the dogs stealing the show every time they’re on the page, this book had me gripped from start to finish.
If you’re into your crime fiction with guts, grief, and just the right amount of how, this one’s for you. Already counting down to the next Halliday book!
🧡🫶🏻📚
December 15, 2024
Dog Handler, PC Lucy Halliday is back with her dogs and the rest of the team to investigate the disappearance of three year old Rosie Logan. The investigation soon starts to spiral as they learn there are a lot of hidden secrets and links to the past. Will they discover the truth?
This was a must read for me since previously reading the first in this series, Gallows Wood. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to put everything else down and delve straight in. Immediately I was drawn into the plot and the lives of the character’s, it felt like visiting old friends. The characters continue to be strongly written and have great connections with one another, they are some of my favourite across all police procedurals. I love the dogs too! I can’t wait to join them in their next investigation. Hopefully soon!
The storyline has a tight plot and flows well. I found there was lots of suspense and I raced through the pages, saying just one more chapter. There were some excellent twists and cliffhangers, that had me enthralled. The storyline does get disturbing at times, covering serious topics. I would suggest everyone who loves a dark, fast paced and complex police procedural to read this series straight away! This author has quickly become one of my most highly rated. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was a must read for me since previously reading the first in this series, Gallows Wood. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to put everything else down and delve straight in. Immediately I was drawn into the plot and the lives of the character’s, it felt like visiting old friends. The characters continue to be strongly written and have great connections with one another, they are some of my favourite across all police procedurals. I love the dogs too! I can’t wait to join them in their next investigation. Hopefully soon!
The storyline has a tight plot and flows well. I found there was lots of suspense and I raced through the pages, saying just one more chapter. There were some excellent twists and cliffhangers, that had me enthralled. The storyline does get disturbing at times, covering serious topics. I would suggest everyone who loves a dark, fast paced and complex police procedural to read this series straight away! This author has quickly become one of my most highly rated. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
Memorial Park by Louisa Scarr is the 2nd book in the PC Lucy Halliday series. The main character PC Lucy Halliday was a former Detective and recently changed her career and became a dog handler with Hampshire police.
When 3 year old girl called Rosie goes missing from a park while she's there with her mother. Rosie's mother is beside herself. She goes searching for her and there is no sign of her little girl. DCI Jack Ellis. is called to the scene and PC Lucy Halliday with Moss and Iggy her four legged companions, are there to help find Rosie.
This investigation is not an easy one, especially for DCI Jack Ellis as this case brings up old trauma for him. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven and was never found. This is Jack’s only chance to make things right. He won’t fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
So many questions and the Logan family are keeping secrets from everyone who is trying to find Rosie. Every time Lucy and Jack think they’re making progress, they’re hampered by yet another one.
Why are they not telling them everything?
Can they find the truth, and Rosie, before it’s too late?
I highly recommend this book especially as you can read it as a standalone book, but I do recommend you read the first book. It will not disappoint.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my ARC.,
When 3 year old girl called Rosie goes missing from a park while she's there with her mother. Rosie's mother is beside herself. She goes searching for her and there is no sign of her little girl. DCI Jack Ellis. is called to the scene and PC Lucy Halliday with Moss and Iggy her four legged companions, are there to help find Rosie.
This investigation is not an easy one, especially for DCI Jack Ellis as this case brings up old trauma for him. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven and was never found. This is Jack’s only chance to make things right. He won’t fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
So many questions and the Logan family are keeping secrets from everyone who is trying to find Rosie. Every time Lucy and Jack think they’re making progress, they’re hampered by yet another one.
Why are they not telling them everything?
Can they find the truth, and Rosie, before it’s too late?
I highly recommend this book especially as you can read it as a standalone book, but I do recommend you read the first book. It will not disappoint.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my ARC.,
February 7, 2025
Memorial Park by Louisa Scarr is a gripping and emotionally charged crime novel that pulls you in with the harrowing search for a missing three-year-old girl, Rosie Logan. Something you wish never to happen to your own kids. I had no idea this was book 2 in the PC Lucy Halliday series but luckily you can read it separately. I received a copy from Canelo via Netgalley and it came out yesterday!
The story skillfully weaves together the present-day investigation with the unresolved trauma from DCI Jack Ellis's past, as he is haunted by the disappearance of his childhood friend, Theo. The case becomes personal for Jack, offering a powerful emotional undercurrent that drives his determination to solve the case and prevent another tragedy.
Scarr excels in creating a tense atmosphere, with unexpected twists and family secrets that hinder progress at every turn. The dynamic between dog handler Halliday, her loyal canine partners Moss and Iggy, and her superior, Jack, adds depth to the investigation. The writing is done superbly which, at specific times in the book with specific descriptions, gives you the shivers. The horrible scenes sometimes make it a tough read.
All in all, a great thriller with so many twists that you keep guessing till nearly the end. I can't wait to read more about these characters.
5/5 ⭐️
The story skillfully weaves together the present-day investigation with the unresolved trauma from DCI Jack Ellis's past, as he is haunted by the disappearance of his childhood friend, Theo. The case becomes personal for Jack, offering a powerful emotional undercurrent that drives his determination to solve the case and prevent another tragedy.
Scarr excels in creating a tense atmosphere, with unexpected twists and family secrets that hinder progress at every turn. The dynamic between dog handler Halliday, her loyal canine partners Moss and Iggy, and her superior, Jack, adds depth to the investigation. The writing is done superbly which, at specific times in the book with specific descriptions, gives you the shivers. The horrible scenes sometimes make it a tough read.
All in all, a great thriller with so many twists that you keep guessing till nearly the end. I can't wait to read more about these characters.
5/5 ⭐️
December 19, 2024
Memorial Park is the second book in PC Halliday series. It tells a gripping story of a missing child and brings back Lucy and Jack into readers lives. This book contains multiple mysteries with lots of turns and surprises along the way. Furthermore it brings readers into the world of dog handlers and their police dogs.
The start of Memorial Park is little slower with lots of information that someone who read the first book already has. This allows a new reader to not be lost but I found myself wishing to get to the main story and find out what will happen next. Once I got past the first couple chapters I found myself struggling to put the book down.
Louisa Scarr creates such a smooth read it's a pleasure to jump into her story, she brings in factual information about the police system that makes it that much more interesting.
Her characters are consistent although I did find myself frustrated few times with how easily one of the main characters is seeing holes in people stories where everyone around her seems to be missing them. Nonetheless I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery in their life and is not overly disturbed by mention of child pornography or sexual abuse.
The start of Memorial Park is little slower with lots of information that someone who read the first book already has. This allows a new reader to not be lost but I found myself wishing to get to the main story and find out what will happen next. Once I got past the first couple chapters I found myself struggling to put the book down.
Louisa Scarr creates such a smooth read it's a pleasure to jump into her story, she brings in factual information about the police system that makes it that much more interesting.
Her characters are consistent although I did find myself frustrated few times with how easily one of the main characters is seeing holes in people stories where everyone around her seems to be missing them. Nonetheless I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery in their life and is not overly disturbed by mention of child pornography or sexual abuse.
July 26, 2025
PC Lucy Halliday #2
Three year old Lucy Halliday is missing. Her mother, Maria, turned away for just one moment and now her life has changed forever. It falls to PC Lucy Halliday and her police dogs, Moss and Iggy, to find the girl, under the direction of Lucy's boss and friend DCI Jack Ellis. The case brings up old trauma for Jack. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven, and was never found. This is Jack's chance to make things right. He won't fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
When your three-year-old daughter is missing, why would you keep secrets hidden that just might help in solving this case? That's jut what the Logan family does during their daughter's disappearance.
I loved the author's writing style in this story about a missing child that's told from multiple points of view. I like Jack and Lucy, they work well together, even though they have a few spats. There were some really good twists in this gripping, dark, and mysterious read. All the loose ends were tied up. I now have another favourite character along with Moss, Lucy's new dog Iggy. This book could be read as a standalone but I think that you will miss out on a lot of backstory if you don't read Gallows Gate first.
#FiftFromAFriend
Three year old Lucy Halliday is missing. Her mother, Maria, turned away for just one moment and now her life has changed forever. It falls to PC Lucy Halliday and her police dogs, Moss and Iggy, to find the girl, under the direction of Lucy's boss and friend DCI Jack Ellis. The case brings up old trauma for Jack. His childhood best friend, Theo, went missing when he was eleven, and was never found. This is Jack's chance to make things right. He won't fail Rosie like he failed Theo.
When your three-year-old daughter is missing, why would you keep secrets hidden that just might help in solving this case? That's jut what the Logan family does during their daughter's disappearance.
I loved the author's writing style in this story about a missing child that's told from multiple points of view. I like Jack and Lucy, they work well together, even though they have a few spats. There were some really good twists in this gripping, dark, and mysterious read. All the loose ends were tied up. I now have another favourite character along with Moss, Lucy's new dog Iggy. This book could be read as a standalone but I think that you will miss out on a lot of backstory if you don't read Gallows Gate first.
#FiftFromAFriend
December 8, 2025
This is the second book in this series and it’s even better than the first.
This time, police dog handler PC Lucy Halliday is called in after a young girl goes missing. Although friend and colleague DCI Jack Ellis isn’t originally part of the investigation, he can’t stop himself from getting involved. And who can blame him? The case drags up his memories of Theo, his missing childhood friend whose disappearance has haunted him for years.
While the central mystery is gripping and tightly written, the real emotional punch comes from Jack and Lucy’s investigation as they try to piece together what truly happened to Theo. The pacing is sharp, the tension builds beautifully, and the character development is hands-down one of the series’ biggest strengths.
I found this book excellent — compelling from the very first chapter and so well written that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
This series is quickly becoming a favourite of mine, and I’ve already downloaded book three to dive into later today. If you enjoy gritty police procedurals, this is one you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
This time, police dog handler PC Lucy Halliday is called in after a young girl goes missing. Although friend and colleague DCI Jack Ellis isn’t originally part of the investigation, he can’t stop himself from getting involved. And who can blame him? The case drags up his memories of Theo, his missing childhood friend whose disappearance has haunted him for years.
While the central mystery is gripping and tightly written, the real emotional punch comes from Jack and Lucy’s investigation as they try to piece together what truly happened to Theo. The pacing is sharp, the tension builds beautifully, and the character development is hands-down one of the series’ biggest strengths.
I found this book excellent — compelling from the very first chapter and so well written that I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
This series is quickly becoming a favourite of mine, and I’ve already downloaded book three to dive into later today. If you enjoy gritty police procedurals, this is one you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
December 16, 2024
When Maria Logan is distracted by a phone call while at the park, her three-year-old daughter Rosie goes missing, sparking a major police hunt. Newly promoted DCI Jack Ellis and dog handler PC Lucy Halliday are determined to find her.
The action is well-paced, and I was gripped with the various case and plot developments. The various secrets of the Logan family were certainly not what I guessed (one character did give me the ick though for the pressure they put on another character). Set nine months after the first book Lucy, has started to heal, with a new romance with fellow dog handler Pete. Loners Lucy and Jack, who is still triggered by the loss of his best friend Theo when they were 11, have also formed a supportive friendship. Both see in the other a doggedness to find justice for victims. I appreciate that Jack has a chance to reconcile his past. However, I really hope we're spared the same drama that Scarr’s Butler and West experienced in book four, which seems to be foreshadowed at the end of this book (please see it isn’t so!).
I’m hooked for more. These books are addicted and I’m highly invested. MORE PLEASE!
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC.
The action is well-paced, and I was gripped with the various case and plot developments. The various secrets of the Logan family were certainly not what I guessed (one character did give me the ick though for the pressure they put on another character). Set nine months after the first book Lucy, has started to heal, with a new romance with fellow dog handler Pete. Loners Lucy and Jack, who is still triggered by the loss of his best friend Theo when they were 11, have also formed a supportive friendship. Both see in the other a doggedness to find justice for victims. I appreciate that Jack has a chance to reconcile his past. However, I really hope we're spared the same drama that Scarr’s Butler and West experienced in book four, which seems to be foreshadowed at the end of this book (please see it isn’t so!).
I’m hooked for more. These books are addicted and I’m highly invested. MORE PLEASE!
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 20, 2024
Memorial Park is another great read that really hit the mark with me. Lucy and her police dog are called in to search for a young missing girl. Are the family being honest with the police though? The authors writing is very good and the story flows well. I think the pacing is perfect and Lucy and DI Ellis find themselves in a race against time to find the young girl. There are lots of different story threads here that really held my attention and interest and made this a very moreish read full of intrigue and suspense. I like the growing friendship between Lucy and Jack and the glimpses the author gives into their personal lives is a lovely touch. They are both likeable, relateable characters each with a back history and the author portrays them realistically.
I think this series is shaping up to be a very good one, and it is a refreshing change to have a police dog handler as a main character. Overall a very good read which I'd recommend although you need to read Gallows Wood first. Really looking forward to the next book.
I think this series is shaping up to be a very good one, and it is a refreshing change to have a police dog handler as a main character. Overall a very good read which I'd recommend although you need to read Gallows Wood first. Really looking forward to the next book.
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