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Calladine & Bayliss #3
Dead List
An unlikely serial killer with a bucket list of victims . . .
DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss battle a murderer who is working their way through a list of victims. Each murder is meticulously planned and unique, and a tarot card is left at the scene of the crime.
When two children disappear in the local area, the stakes are raised and the team are baffled by the link between the crimes. Calladine and Bayliss race against time to prevent any more carnage.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Ian Rankin or Rachel Abbott, you’ll love this bestselling crime fiction writer.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEAD LIST:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another brilliant addition to a very addictive series.’ Addicted to Books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic story!’ Granniean
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I couldn’t put it down . . . well worth five stars.’ Maggie L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you like a good detective series this has everything you need. Excellent and highly recommended. Brilliant author.’ Kindle customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Helen H. Durrant does it again . . . another great read from this author.’ Bookworm
MEET THE DETECTIVES
Tom Calladine is a single, fifty-one-year-old detective inspector who is devoted to his job. His personal life, however, is not so successful. Having been married and divorced before the age of twenty-one has set a pattern that he finds difficult to escape.
Ruth Bayliss is in her mid-thirties, plain-speaking and loyal. She wishes she had more time for the gym and a love life. She uses her demanding workload as an excuse not to try too hard with the men she meets.
THE SETTING
The series is set in the fictional village of Leesdon on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city. There is little work and a lot of crime. The bane of Calladine’s life is the Hobfield housing estate, breeding ground to all that is wrong with the area that he calls home.
DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss battle a murderer who is working their way through a list of victims. Each murder is meticulously planned and unique, and a tarot card is left at the scene of the crime.
When two children disappear in the local area, the stakes are raised and the team are baffled by the link between the crimes. Calladine and Bayliss race against time to prevent any more carnage.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Ian Rankin or Rachel Abbott, you’ll love this bestselling crime fiction writer.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEAD LIST:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another brilliant addition to a very addictive series.’ Addicted to Books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic story!’ Granniean
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I couldn’t put it down . . . well worth five stars.’ Maggie L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you like a good detective series this has everything you need. Excellent and highly recommended. Brilliant author.’ Kindle customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Helen H. Durrant does it again . . . another great read from this author.’ Bookworm
MEET THE DETECTIVES
Tom Calladine is a single, fifty-one-year-old detective inspector who is devoted to his job. His personal life, however, is not so successful. Having been married and divorced before the age of twenty-one has set a pattern that he finds difficult to escape.
Ruth Bayliss is in her mid-thirties, plain-speaking and loyal. She wishes she had more time for the gym and a love life. She uses her demanding workload as an excuse not to try too hard with the men she meets.
THE SETTING
The series is set in the fictional village of Leesdon on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city. There is little work and a lot of crime. The bane of Calladine’s life is the Hobfield housing estate, breeding ground to all that is wrong with the area that he calls home.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 23, 2017
This is the third book I have read by author Helen Durrant, and while it is not my favorite, it comes a close second.
I have to admit that the main character, Tom Calladine, annoys the hell out of me. He may be a good detective but the majority of the time he behaves like a sulky, self-centred, ill-mannered school boy.
I was pleased to find Greco, whom I encountered in Dark Murder, making an appearance in Dead List. Calladine thinks Greco is a major 'pain in the arse', but if it came to a vote for the title, Calladine would get my vote every time.
Durrant blends a riveting police procedural with her characters private lives with finesse and ease. Although we know the identity of the murderer early on, in no way does this detract from the plot. The murderer's motivation is unusual, as is the manner of the murders; both reasons why the police struggle to solve this case. In addition to the murders, young girls are going missing.
I am looking forward to reading more from Durrant- she is growing as an author.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dead List by Helen Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I have to admit that the main character, Tom Calladine, annoys the hell out of me. He may be a good detective but the majority of the time he behaves like a sulky, self-centred, ill-mannered school boy.
I was pleased to find Greco, whom I encountered in Dark Murder, making an appearance in Dead List. Calladine thinks Greco is a major 'pain in the arse', but if it came to a vote for the title, Calladine would get my vote every time.
Durrant blends a riveting police procedural with her characters private lives with finesse and ease. Although we know the identity of the murderer early on, in no way does this detract from the plot. The murderer's motivation is unusual, as is the manner of the murders; both reasons why the police struggle to solve this case. In addition to the murders, young girls are going missing.
I am looking forward to reading more from Durrant- she is growing as an author.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dead List by Helen Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 25, 2015
“DEAD LIST” is the third book in a series, and in my opinion, the best. with the return of D.I. Calladine and D.S. Ruth Bayliss in the hunt for a serial killer who appears to be picking people at random without any motive
The only clue that the murders are connected is a single tarot card left on each of the bodies.
On top of the murders, there are two young girls missing.
In this novel the identity of the serial killer is revealed right from the start, which for some readers will not be appreciated, but it allows the author to write in the killer’s POV.
Calladine is also dealing with some huge personal problems at the same time. A new detective, Stephen Greco, has also come onto the scene, stirring a competition with Calladine.
The book is a quick read and has some surprises that come along the way to add to the suspense of the story.I enjoyed this book very much.
The only clue that the murders are connected is a single tarot card left on each of the bodies.
On top of the murders, there are two young girls missing.
In this novel the identity of the serial killer is revealed right from the start, which for some readers will not be appreciated, but it allows the author to write in the killer’s POV.
Calladine is also dealing with some huge personal problems at the same time. A new detective, Stephen Greco, has also come onto the scene, stirring a competition with Calladine.
The book is a quick read and has some surprises that come along the way to add to the suspense of the story.I enjoyed this book very much.
July 29, 2022
Another great book in this series,this is the third book.DI Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss on a case of a murderer who after revenge leaving a calling card at the scene, and two children disappeared,will they find them alive?highly recommend this series looking forward to the next book.
June 27, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Calladine and Bayliss series by author Helen Durrant. After enjoying another book by this author I decided to catch up on this series which I have previously read.
D.I. Tom Calladine and D.S. Ruth Bayliss investigate a serial killer who appears to be working their way through a bucket list of victims. Following each murder a tarot card is left at the scene of the crime.
In addition to the murders two children disappear in the local area and the detectives face a race against the clock to avoid further deaths.
I find these books enjoyable quick reads, full of twists and turns and lots of interesting personal issues going on in the back stories. The more you read these books the more you enjoy the characters and understand the back stories. I fully intend to read the rest of this series in the near future.
D.I. Tom Calladine and D.S. Ruth Bayliss investigate a serial killer who appears to be working their way through a bucket list of victims. Following each murder a tarot card is left at the scene of the crime.
In addition to the murders two children disappear in the local area and the detectives face a race against the clock to avoid further deaths.
I find these books enjoyable quick reads, full of twists and turns and lots of interesting personal issues going on in the back stories. The more you read these books the more you enjoy the characters and understand the back stories. I fully intend to read the rest of this series in the near future.
January 3, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to four. A crime/drama novel which is the third in the series.
The protagonist, Tom Calladine, is one of those characters I love to hate. He can be so annoying when he carries on like a self-centred teenager, but he grows on me, and I keep reading. Greco reappears in this book, which made for some great scenes as Calladine thinks Greco is a 'pain in the arse'. The other characters, I found to be equally enjoyable.
The identity of the murderer is revealed early on, and in this book, discovering ‘the why’ is intriguing and engaging. Calladine's personal relationships were a focus, and the tarot-reading/mystical female interest linked well to the murderers signature.
All in all a reliable series.
The protagonist, Tom Calladine, is one of those characters I love to hate. He can be so annoying when he carries on like a self-centred teenager, but he grows on me, and I keep reading. Greco reappears in this book, which made for some great scenes as Calladine thinks Greco is a 'pain in the arse'. The other characters, I found to be equally enjoyable.
The identity of the murderer is revealed early on, and in this book, discovering ‘the why’ is intriguing and engaging. Calladine's personal relationships were a focus, and the tarot-reading/mystical female interest linked well to the murderers signature.
All in all a reliable series.
August 18, 2017
After reading book one of the series I decided to moved onto book three as I had this as a NetGalley read. Many thanks to those for my copy.
Here murders seem to be happening randomly. There appears to be no connection between victims other than a tarot card being left at the scene of the crime. It also appears that two young girls have gone missing. Workload is heavy for Calladine and Bayliss and personal issues being thrown into the mix is only adding to stress levels. A new boss is not helping matters either for Calladine who becomes even more surly and difficult than considered usual.
Again, Dead List is a quick read. We know fairly early on who the murderer is and the reasoning why. I just found that again I'm not really connecting with the characters and Calladine is definitely not working for me. I find him irascible and annoying. As a series of police procedurals, I'm just not connecting with them and know that I'm probably going to leave it here.
They're not wholly bad books, I can see from other GR friends that they've enjoyed them. So I'm putting this down to own personal gut feeling and an awareness of my humongous reading pile!
An average three star read from me.
Here murders seem to be happening randomly. There appears to be no connection between victims other than a tarot card being left at the scene of the crime. It also appears that two young girls have gone missing. Workload is heavy for Calladine and Bayliss and personal issues being thrown into the mix is only adding to stress levels. A new boss is not helping matters either for Calladine who becomes even more surly and difficult than considered usual.
Again, Dead List is a quick read. We know fairly early on who the murderer is and the reasoning why. I just found that again I'm not really connecting with the characters and Calladine is definitely not working for me. I find him irascible and annoying. As a series of police procedurals, I'm just not connecting with them and know that I'm probably going to leave it here.
They're not wholly bad books, I can see from other GR friends that they've enjoyed them. So I'm putting this down to own personal gut feeling and an awareness of my humongous reading pile!
An average three star read from me.
January 5, 2016
Third in the series, Dead List has DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss investigating murders that have tarot cards left with the victims. Um, that's all I'll say about that.
Calladine's personal life is in turmoil of a different sort in this book, and he's very reticent to do anything about it. He's a smart, intuitive cop, but now there are more problems at work. A new Acting DCI, a new DI that he's butting heads with, and oh, boy, does Bayliss have news for him!
I'm really enjoying this series of books! I love the dialogue and the characters! Calladine and his team feel like old friends now. There is a fourth book due next month. Durrant has made her characters grow in each book, so I expect that I'll find out some resolution to at least some of Calladine's problems in the future. I'm looking forward to it!
Durrant also has a new book out now based on the new DI, Stephen Greco, who was introduced in this book. That's Stephen, not Steve. Hmm. I'll be reading that soon because I want to know what makes him tick.
Calladine's personal life is in turmoil of a different sort in this book, and he's very reticent to do anything about it. He's a smart, intuitive cop, but now there are more problems at work. A new Acting DCI, a new DI that he's butting heads with, and oh, boy, does Bayliss have news for him!
I'm really enjoying this series of books! I love the dialogue and the characters! Calladine and his team feel like old friends now. There is a fourth book due next month. Durrant has made her characters grow in each book, so I expect that I'll find out some resolution to at least some of Calladine's problems in the future. I'm looking forward to it!
Durrant also has a new book out now based on the new DI, Stephen Greco, who was introduced in this book. That's Stephen, not Steve. Hmm. I'll be reading that soon because I want to know what makes him tick.
November 4, 2017
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Oh! The joy of discovering a new author...
This is such a good book, and I can't believe I had't read anything by Helen H. Durrant until now.
It has all the ingredients for my favorite type of read: English police procedure, a DI with a messy personal life, hard working sergeants and constables and some very bloody crimes in it.
My only problem is that though you can read this book independently from the previous 2 that form the series (Calladine & Bayliss), there are some references to events that pass in the other books that keep you wondering about them.
So, all I have to do now is run to the bookstore and grab the first 2 books, as I certainly want to read more from this author.
Oh! The joy of discovering a new author...
This is such a good book, and I can't believe I had't read anything by Helen H. Durrant until now.
It has all the ingredients for my favorite type of read: English police procedure, a DI with a messy personal life, hard working sergeants and constables and some very bloody crimes in it.
My only problem is that though you can read this book independently from the previous 2 that form the series (Calladine & Bayliss), there are some references to events that pass in the other books that keep you wondering about them.
So, all I have to do now is run to the bookstore and grab the first 2 books, as I certainly want to read more from this author.
September 28, 2015
This book is just as good as the first two and I really enjoyed the fast paced read. This is the 3rd book about Calladine & Bayliss working together to catch a serial killer that seems to have no particular type and the methods of death are all different and the only clue tying them all together is a tarot card left at each murder. These characters are relatable and that makes this a good read. As you relate to their day to day lives you are drawn into this story until you cannot put the book down. I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
September 9, 2015
Another fantastic book in the series, An unlikely serial killer to ease DI Calladine's return to work after his heroic actions in the previous book. A great read that was easily devoured in one sitting, hoping to hear more about the newcomer Stephen Greco, book four??
November 17, 2015
An excellent third book in the series. Intriguing storyline that is well thought out. Really enjoyed. A killer you should dislike but can't and a police inspector with a colourful personal life
May 17, 2020
I keep hoping the characters would grow on me, but they haven’t and I don’t care about their personal idiocies
Calladine is so unlikeable and such a caricature of a cop and a person it is awful.
Calladine is so unlikeable and such a caricature of a cop and a person it is awful.
October 31, 2015
BLUF: Good for those who enjoy a focus on the relationships in their murder mysteries. (Can be read as a standalone.)
**I was provided a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review**
Dead List follows two stories: the one of the killer and the one of the detectives. The killer, near death, murders out of a need for retribution. She starts as a sincere killer, leaving a calling card at the murder scenes in order to avoid implicating an innocent person, but soon realizes the thrill of killing and a never-ending list of people who deserve death. The detectives, on the other hand, find themselves at odds with changes on the force, new developments in their relationships, and, of course, figuring out who is murdering seemingly random individuals. On top of the murders, there are two young girls missing. Will the detectives be able to save the girls and find the murderer before it’s too late?
I’m not a big fan of knowing who the killer is upfront as it takes away any thriller aspect the book may have otherwise have, but it’s easy to forgive this novel for it given the motives of the killer and her logic surrounding the kills. Not to mention, the killer is very likeable. (How many times have you said that when reading a murder mystery?)
As for starting the series in the middle, there is always the fear that reader will miss key aspects from the previous books – especially when it comes to the characters and their relationships. In Dead List, this wasn’t the case. The character’s personalities are well written and their interactions are fluid. I felt like I entered into a new group of friends. They are intriguing, quirky, and digging themselves into holes - just like in real life. I love it.
The downfall of this book is that it emphasizes the characters and their relationships over the murder or the missing girl cases. Given that we know the murderer upfront, this wasn’t a problem for me, but I hope that this series moves forward with increasing focus on the murderer(s) over the individual characters.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the first two books in the series. It was a good, light read.
Side note: The author includes a glossary at the end of the book for those of us who are unfamiliar with British slang. I gave up looking up British slang in other books and am SO thankful for the consideration.
**I was provided a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review**
Dead List follows two stories: the one of the killer and the one of the detectives. The killer, near death, murders out of a need for retribution. She starts as a sincere killer, leaving a calling card at the murder scenes in order to avoid implicating an innocent person, but soon realizes the thrill of killing and a never-ending list of people who deserve death. The detectives, on the other hand, find themselves at odds with changes on the force, new developments in their relationships, and, of course, figuring out who is murdering seemingly random individuals. On top of the murders, there are two young girls missing. Will the detectives be able to save the girls and find the murderer before it’s too late?
I’m not a big fan of knowing who the killer is upfront as it takes away any thriller aspect the book may have otherwise have, but it’s easy to forgive this novel for it given the motives of the killer and her logic surrounding the kills. Not to mention, the killer is very likeable. (How many times have you said that when reading a murder mystery?)
As for starting the series in the middle, there is always the fear that reader will miss key aspects from the previous books – especially when it comes to the characters and their relationships. In Dead List, this wasn’t the case. The character’s personalities are well written and their interactions are fluid. I felt like I entered into a new group of friends. They are intriguing, quirky, and digging themselves into holes - just like in real life. I love it.
The downfall of this book is that it emphasizes the characters and their relationships over the murder or the missing girl cases. Given that we know the murderer upfront, this wasn’t a problem for me, but I hope that this series moves forward with increasing focus on the murderer(s) over the individual characters.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the first two books in the series. It was a good, light read.
Side note: The author includes a glossary at the end of the book for those of us who are unfamiliar with British slang. I gave up looking up British slang in other books and am SO thankful for the consideration.
October 5, 2015
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Dead List is the third book in a series i haven't read the other two. Partners DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss have a new serial killer to track down. The only thing that connects the murders is a tarot card which is left at each crime scene. With no other connecting clues how will they be able to piece the few leads they have together in order to stop the horrific murders. Calladine is also dealing with some huge personal problems at the same time. He would rather ignore them but it could make things worse since it seems they could have a possible connection to the case. Can they solve the clues before the killer strikes again? A very suspenseful read.
July 25, 2020
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Dead List is the third major case for Calladine & Bayliss. Another string of dreadful murders, all linked through tarot cards. I cannot help but wonder when I read this, why does the murderer make it so easy to connect the murders? If one wanted to stay uncaught, would it not be way smarter not to throw the cards around.
There is a lot of the personal lives of the two main detectives as well, which would not have bothered me so much if Calladine would not be so annoying. Still, as a police procedural, I find these quite nice.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Dead List is the third major case for Calladine & Bayliss. Another string of dreadful murders, all linked through tarot cards. I cannot help but wonder when I read this, why does the murderer make it so easy to connect the murders? If one wanted to stay uncaught, would it not be way smarter not to throw the cards around.
There is a lot of the personal lives of the two main detectives as well, which would not have bothered me so much if Calladine would not be so annoying. Still, as a police procedural, I find these quite nice.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 14, 2015
This is the third book I have read by this author and once again follows the partnership of Calladine and Bayliss in their search for a serial killer. I really enjoyed the story but not sure I liked knowing the identity of the killer from the off, I think it adds to the story when you have to try and guess who it is. I would recommend this book and would like to read more involving Calladine and Bayliss.
October 3, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
The more I read from this author the more I like. She has an lovely style of writing which flows easily and makes a great face paced gripping thriller. This is the third book in a series pairing calladine and Bayliss in the hunt for a serial killer who seems to be picking people at random without any motive, using different methods of despatch. The only clue that the murders are connected is a single tarot card left on each of the bodies.
Along with having to deal with the horrific murders, both Calladine and Bayliss have to deal with problems not only in their personal lives but also work colleagues that aren't exactly helpful in their persuit of the murderer.
Helen Durrant keeps getting better and better. She has great imagination coming up with ways and means of carrying out murders. In this book she has wrapped up the story nicely.
Thank you to Helen Durrant for writing such fabulous novels and I await for the next one.
An author I would definitely recommend to friends.
The more I read from this author the more I like. She has an lovely style of writing which flows easily and makes a great face paced gripping thriller. This is the third book in a series pairing calladine and Bayliss in the hunt for a serial killer who seems to be picking people at random without any motive, using different methods of despatch. The only clue that the murders are connected is a single tarot card left on each of the bodies.
Along with having to deal with the horrific murders, both Calladine and Bayliss have to deal with problems not only in their personal lives but also work colleagues that aren't exactly helpful in their persuit of the murderer.
Helen Durrant keeps getting better and better. She has great imagination coming up with ways and means of carrying out murders. In this book she has wrapped up the story nicely.
Thank you to Helen Durrant for writing such fabulous novels and I await for the next one.
An author I would definitely recommend to friends.
April 1, 2016
Another fine police story in the fictional world bordering on Manchester. What marks it out is a twist on the idea that a killer goes through a list to choose their victims. It is also a weakness of the plot as the reader is asked to accept that the murderer is endowed with superhero powers.
What I do like is the advancement of characterisation throughout this series. DI Tom Calladine has been on a journey and in this book his midlife crisis and sense of identity add to the depth of the story.
If not taken too seriously an enjoyable read and entertaining throughout.
What I do like is the advancement of characterisation throughout this series. DI Tom Calladine has been on a journey and in this book his midlife crisis and sense of identity add to the depth of the story.
If not taken too seriously an enjoyable read and entertaining throughout.
July 2, 2025
Book three and the best so far fro me....
January 7, 2025
Another three stars for the continuing story of Calladine and Bayliss. This time we meet our killer in an early stage; it's not what and who you might think!
In this third book of the series we read a lot about Calladine's love life and his past. A little too much sometimes to my liking. I'm not surprised he's not happily living together or married because he is very stubborn and has no hobbies or interests whatsoever except his job. This time he's completely baffled when having to research some Tarot cards what were left with the victims. I'm beginning to think poor Tom is missing out a lot by being so narrow minded.
In this third book of the series we read a lot about Calladine's love life and his past. A little too much sometimes to my liking. I'm not surprised he's not happily living together or married because he is very stubborn and has no hobbies or interests whatsoever except his job. This time he's completely baffled when having to research some Tarot cards what were left with the victims. I'm beginning to think poor Tom is missing out a lot by being so narrow minded.
September 15, 2015
I have followed this series from the beginning and the writing and overall delivery is improving with each book. As with all series books, it can be read standalone (the main story is self-contained) but to get the most from it, it really is best to read from the start. The back-stories of the characters contained in this series are a little front and centre so reading as a series, in order, would be more important in this case.
The author has done something a little bit different in this book. Right from the start we know who and (mostly) why so all we are really reading about is the police and their methods of detection / solving the crime. It is set a few months since the previous book and Calladine is recovering from the events therein and initially reluctant to get back. Once back, he falls back into the swing of things nicely and there is the usually childish banter and disrespect between him and Bayliss that is consistent throughout the series. There is a new DI on the block and much of the book is about the power struggle between Calladine and him which I am sure we will see more of in subsequent books.
With Calladine's personal life so front and centre in this book, at times the crime part of the story seemed a little incidental and intrusive and the book came across a little unbalanced. I don't mind learning about personal lives of characters (indeed I believe it is important to do so) and am not averse to running back-stories within series books but not when these take over the story completely, as I feel they have in this book. That said, it was an easy book to read, writing was tight and characters sharp and it mostly kept my attention throughout, ticking most of the boxes I need from a read. I will probably continue with this series but if it continues to veer too much further away from the police procedural crime fiction genre which it is advertised as, I will probably lay it to rest thereafter.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author has done something a little bit different in this book. Right from the start we know who and (mostly) why so all we are really reading about is the police and their methods of detection / solving the crime. It is set a few months since the previous book and Calladine is recovering from the events therein and initially reluctant to get back. Once back, he falls back into the swing of things nicely and there is the usually childish banter and disrespect between him and Bayliss that is consistent throughout the series. There is a new DI on the block and much of the book is about the power struggle between Calladine and him which I am sure we will see more of in subsequent books.
With Calladine's personal life so front and centre in this book, at times the crime part of the story seemed a little incidental and intrusive and the book came across a little unbalanced. I don't mind learning about personal lives of characters (indeed I believe it is important to do so) and am not averse to running back-stories within series books but not when these take over the story completely, as I feel they have in this book. That said, it was an easy book to read, writing was tight and characters sharp and it mostly kept my attention throughout, ticking most of the boxes I need from a read. I will probably continue with this series but if it continues to veer too much further away from the police procedural crime fiction genre which it is advertised as, I will probably lay it to rest thereafter.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
I would like to thank Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
I love British mysteries and this one didn't let me down. I started on book three of this great mystery series and I fell right in step with what was going on.
I fell in love with the strong personalities of the two main characters, DCI Callidine and DS Bayliss who play off each other perfectly. DCI Callidine is the perfect, 'let's get this case solved type" of inspector that rubs the acting DI the wrong way and a few others. Sgt. Bayliss is the perfect sidekick for the inspector, she is hard working and isn't afraid to question him in regards to his professional life or personal life either. She's very devoted to him and is not going to let him forget it.
They are working a bizarre series of homicides that are all very different but have a common denominator. The victims all come from extremely different backgrounds which makes this case so puzzling to the team.
The village next to them is having a few odd incidents of its own. The young DCI who is in charge of those cases has already ruffled the Leesdon CID team's feathers over territorial disputes. The rumor mill is that this overly ambitious, pompous DCI may be promoted and moved over to Leesdon to take over as the new DI!
What I liked about this series is that it was full of twists and turns, I was never bored. Another plus is that I picked up on book three and wasn't lost in trying to catch up on the characters. It made me want to go back and read the first two of this series. I saw that book four " Dead Murder" will be released near the end of the year. I'm looking forward to this one as well. I highly recommend this series if you like a fast moving, very suspenseful series.
I love British mysteries and this one didn't let me down. I started on book three of this great mystery series and I fell right in step with what was going on.
I fell in love with the strong personalities of the two main characters, DCI Callidine and DS Bayliss who play off each other perfectly. DCI Callidine is the perfect, 'let's get this case solved type" of inspector that rubs the acting DI the wrong way and a few others. Sgt. Bayliss is the perfect sidekick for the inspector, she is hard working and isn't afraid to question him in regards to his professional life or personal life either. She's very devoted to him and is not going to let him forget it.
They are working a bizarre series of homicides that are all very different but have a common denominator. The victims all come from extremely different backgrounds which makes this case so puzzling to the team.
The village next to them is having a few odd incidents of its own. The young DCI who is in charge of those cases has already ruffled the Leesdon CID team's feathers over territorial disputes. The rumor mill is that this overly ambitious, pompous DCI may be promoted and moved over to Leesdon to take over as the new DI!
What I liked about this series is that it was full of twists and turns, I was never bored. Another plus is that I picked up on book three and wasn't lost in trying to catch up on the characters. It made me want to go back and read the first two of this series. I saw that book four " Dead Murder" will be released near the end of the year. I'm looking forward to this one as well. I highly recommend this series if you like a fast moving, very suspenseful series.
February 22, 2016
I've rated this five stars but feel the need to clarify this on this occasion, though it's not something I'd jump up and down about and scream from the rooftops about neither can I fault it in any way as a good book so I wouldn't be able to justify giving it less than 5 stars.
Firstly I have to confess it was read by mistake...I'm meant to be doing a review of Dead Silent (book 2 in the same series of books) and happen to already have books 1 and 3 in my kindle library and uploaded the wrong book to my kindle (oops) I was a quarter of the way into this book when I noticed my error and so engrossed in the case that I wanted to continue reading anyway. I might have been better reading book 1 by error as now when I read the others in the series the background stories of the characters will be all out of order but never the less each book as far as the police cases are concerned are stand alone reads. (So I was informed by the author)
So Dead List.....it starts solidly straight into a killing of brutality levels I wasn't expecting from the leading up scenario but that certainly kept me reading more and more pages (ok chapters after all I finished less than 36hrs after starting it) intrigued as to where the story was going and how the police would connect the killings if it hadn't been for the tarot cards left at each crime scenes by the bizzare yet methodical murderer.
It was a solid police procedural story though not as exciting as some thrillers out there still enjoyable and since I enjoy the casework as much as the thriller elements of other books this still worked for me.
Now off to start Dead Silent like I should have been reading in the first place
Firstly I have to confess it was read by mistake...I'm meant to be doing a review of Dead Silent (book 2 in the same series of books) and happen to already have books 1 and 3 in my kindle library and uploaded the wrong book to my kindle (oops) I was a quarter of the way into this book when I noticed my error and so engrossed in the case that I wanted to continue reading anyway. I might have been better reading book 1 by error as now when I read the others in the series the background stories of the characters will be all out of order but never the less each book as far as the police cases are concerned are stand alone reads. (So I was informed by the author)
So Dead List.....it starts solidly straight into a killing of brutality levels I wasn't expecting from the leading up scenario but that certainly kept me reading more and more pages (ok chapters after all I finished less than 36hrs after starting it) intrigued as to where the story was going and how the police would connect the killings if it hadn't been for the tarot cards left at each crime scenes by the bizzare yet methodical murderer.
It was a solid police procedural story though not as exciting as some thrillers out there still enjoyable and since I enjoy the casework as much as the thriller elements of other books this still worked for me.
Now off to start Dead Silent like I should have been reading in the first place
August 23, 2019
Book 3
I do like the format of the books in this series so far. With the Prologue providing you with a taster and the story switching between the police investigation and the mind of the killer.
The characters continue to develop and the events in their personal lives makes them more interesting and realistic. I won't say too much about the characters and events as I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
This book sees the introduction of Greco (he has a series of his own so I wont say much about him at this stage). When the cases overlap between the different forces Greco and Calladine clash each wanting control of the case/s and Ruth is tasked with trying to persuade Calladine to be less precious which makes for an interesting side story.
The story itself is intriguing and really makes you think outside the box with a very unlikely killer on the loose working through a bucket list. There is no MO each murder is different and the clues are sparse as the team appear to be fishing in the dark looking for something, anything that could turn into a lead.
Lots of twists and turns and a massive helping of stress for Calladine as he struggles to crack the case before Greco .
Another brilliant addition to a very addictive series.
I do like the format of the books in this series so far. With the Prologue providing you with a taster and the story switching between the police investigation and the mind of the killer.
The characters continue to develop and the events in their personal lives makes them more interesting and realistic. I won't say too much about the characters and events as I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
This book sees the introduction of Greco (he has a series of his own so I wont say much about him at this stage). When the cases overlap between the different forces Greco and Calladine clash each wanting control of the case/s and Ruth is tasked with trying to persuade Calladine to be less precious which makes for an interesting side story.
The story itself is intriguing and really makes you think outside the box with a very unlikely killer on the loose working through a bucket list. There is no MO each murder is different and the clues are sparse as the team appear to be fishing in the dark looking for something, anything that could turn into a lead.
Lots of twists and turns and a massive helping of stress for Calladine as he struggles to crack the case before Greco .
Another brilliant addition to a very addictive series.
August 19, 2017
Book 3 in what has so far been a brilliant series of books. I really have enjoyed these, and read all 3 pretty close together. I started this one as soon as I finished book 2 as I couldn't wait to start it.
Again, brilliantly written and thoroughly enjoyable. A great story line that keeps you wanting to carry on reading.
I've seen a few reviews that say it doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the other books, but for me, I like the background and the history of the characters that you really only get the feel of if you have read the previous books, and read the in order.
Calladine has returned to work after being off sick, and is right back into the thick of things, Missing children and Murders. He and his partner set out to find out what, why and they know the when.
A brilliant read that kept me wanting more, I think so far this has been the best one of the three for me, Each book just seems to get better and better. It did seem like quite a quick read, and I really am looking forward to the next one.
Again, brilliantly written and thoroughly enjoyable. A great story line that keeps you wanting to carry on reading.
I've seen a few reviews that say it doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the other books, but for me, I like the background and the history of the characters that you really only get the feel of if you have read the previous books, and read the in order.
Calladine has returned to work after being off sick, and is right back into the thick of things, Missing children and Murders. He and his partner set out to find out what, why and they know the when.
A brilliant read that kept me wanting more, I think so far this has been the best one of the three for me, Each book just seems to get better and better. It did seem like quite a quick read, and I really am looking forward to the next one.
January 7, 2017
Great read..
This is my favorite book so far in this series. I love Amaris, and Tom Calladine’s sudden feelings for her. But then, anything was better than Lydia.
And, believe it or not, I really liked the killer. Not crazy about the killings but the killer was sweet and you really could understand.
I liked the story that came out about Tom’s parentage. That was somewhat of a shocker! I also liked how Tom had his partner Ruth read the letter his mother left him before she died. Ruth and Tom are more like siblings than partners, since she’s always fussing at him because he just keeps screwing up his love life. And it was nice to hear that Ruth and Jack are pregnant.
This was a very good book and I do hope the rest of the Calladine and Bayliss series are going to be on audible soon.
There was no sex in this story, as usual. And the F-bomb was used 2 times.
As to the narrator: Just awesome. Jonathan Keeble does great voices and reads with such feeling. He makes listening so enjoyable.
This is my favorite book so far in this series. I love Amaris, and Tom Calladine’s sudden feelings for her. But then, anything was better than Lydia.
And, believe it or not, I really liked the killer. Not crazy about the killings but the killer was sweet and you really could understand.
I liked the story that came out about Tom’s parentage. That was somewhat of a shocker! I also liked how Tom had his partner Ruth read the letter his mother left him before she died. Ruth and Tom are more like siblings than partners, since she’s always fussing at him because he just keeps screwing up his love life. And it was nice to hear that Ruth and Jack are pregnant.
This was a very good book and I do hope the rest of the Calladine and Bayliss series are going to be on audible soon.
There was no sex in this story, as usual. And the F-bomb was used 2 times.
As to the narrator: Just awesome. Jonathan Keeble does great voices and reads with such feeling. He makes listening so enjoyable.
September 14, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this in return for an honest and open review.
I have read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series, I was delighted to be accepted to read "Dead List". Although it is book 3 it can be read as a stand alone.
After being off sick, DI Tom Calladine returns to work ans has to deal with a murderer who meticulously plans their crimes.
Tension is also developing between Tom and a new DI, Stephen Greco.
The characters are all believable and most of them are likeable.
In this book we also learn more about Tom's private life.
Although we know who has committed the crime, it is interesting to learn why they were committed.
I highly recommend this book and hope there is not too long a wait until book 4.
I have read and enjoyed the previous two books in this series, I was delighted to be accepted to read "Dead List". Although it is book 3 it can be read as a stand alone.
After being off sick, DI Tom Calladine returns to work ans has to deal with a murderer who meticulously plans their crimes.
Tension is also developing between Tom and a new DI, Stephen Greco.
The characters are all believable and most of them are likeable.
In this book we also learn more about Tom's private life.
Although we know who has committed the crime, it is interesting to learn why they were committed.
I highly recommend this book and hope there is not too long a wait until book 4.
April 4, 2017
Dead List is the second book I’ve read by Helen Durrant. I’m happy to report that I enjoyed it as much as Dark Houses. I was sure I wouldn’t be disappointed, as the author has a confident style I enjoy. The author’s characters are credible. I could picture them and their surroundings as I read, making the storyline easy to follow. I had a certain degree of sympathy for the killer, but if I say why, it would give too much of the plot away; I dislike spoilers. The interesting subplots have been skilfully woven into the main story, giving it depth. I enjoyed the petulant squabbling between Calladine and Greco. Dead List is more of a whydunnit rather than a whodunnit, which is no bad thing. I have several more of Helen Durrant’s books lurking on my Kindle and look forward to reading them all in due course.
January 12, 2022
*An Unlikely Suspect*
This is a quick read but it packs a punch. There is a serial killer at large. The murderer is operating on plain sight and is someone who walks around unnoticed and unsuspecting. Each Murder is done in a significant way and has a purpose. The killer leaves a tarot card at each scene what does it mean?. Now DI Tom Callandine and DS Bayliss must put the pieces together.
The case is not straightforward and Tom is working with friction and obstacles from another source who may end up as his new DCI.
Tom’s personal life is still a disaster and Bayliss has some personal news to disclose.
This is a quick read but it packs a punch. There is a serial killer at large. The murderer is operating on plain sight and is someone who walks around unnoticed and unsuspecting. Each Murder is done in a significant way and has a purpose. The killer leaves a tarot card at each scene what does it mean?. Now DI Tom Callandine and DS Bayliss must put the pieces together.
The case is not straightforward and Tom is working with friction and obstacles from another source who may end up as his new DCI.
Tom’s personal life is still a disaster and Bayliss has some personal news to disclose.
December 9, 2015
I love this series so much! I love the relationship between Tom calladine and Ruth batlyss.
This is the 3rd book of the series and it just gets better and better.
Mix of 2 cases. 2 missing children and a killer on the loose. Not you average killer. Old fragile Harriet goes out for revenge to the people that was involved in her sons death and her sisters.
Along the way she finds out the missing children are connect to her brother-in-law who she takes revenge up on too.
Brilliant book. One of my fav series.
Time to read the next one
This is the 3rd book of the series and it just gets better and better.
Mix of 2 cases. 2 missing children and a killer on the loose. Not you average killer. Old fragile Harriet goes out for revenge to the people that was involved in her sons death and her sisters.
Along the way she finds out the missing children are connect to her brother-in-law who she takes revenge up on too.
Brilliant book. One of my fav series.
Time to read the next one
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