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Jessica Daniel #6
Thicker Than Water
When Cameron and Eleanor Sexton arrive home to find their teenage babysitter missing, their immediate concern is for their young daughter. Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is dispatched to find out what's going on, but with all apparently well, she thinks she's been sent on a fool's errand.
Soon, the teenager's body is discovered in an apparently random house on the other side of Manchester. The puzzle deepens when a journalist points out that someone placed an obituary for him just days before his disappearance.
A string of clues point to a club whose owner has an unhealthy interest in Jessica, but then something happens which makes her question the very core of her beliefs.
She is left to turn to the one person she knows she can rely on . . . but is that trust misplaced?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2013
302 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
70 books1,070 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 3, 2019
I read this in a day. I really am loving this compulsive compelling series.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
This author is so underrated.
Jessica Daniels has been great within these investigations. I’ve seen her grow, I’ve seen her mature and now I’m seeing her personality shine through.
She has everyone’s back in her team and her team hers. They’ve grown together, there’s deep respect .
This case is a hard nut to open and solve.
Along the way I felt like I was part of her team. I’ve been reading this series since book 1.
May I suggest you start from the beginning, you will get so much more out of it.
It’s intense and brilliantly done.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
This author is so underrated.
Jessica Daniels has been great within these investigations. I’ve seen her grow, I’ve seen her mature and now I’m seeing her personality shine through.
She has everyone’s back in her team and her team hers. They’ve grown together, there’s deep respect .
This case is a hard nut to open and solve.
Along the way I felt like I was part of her team. I’ve been reading this series since book 1.
May I suggest you start from the beginning, you will get so much more out of it.
It’s intense and brilliantly done.
April 19, 2017
The sixth in the Jessica Daniel series and I continue to be impressed. Wilkinson does a great job of weaving a good story. Even the minor characters are painted in a way that you can picture them immediately.
The plot begins when a teenage boy goes missing while babysitting a little girl who is left unharmed. When it's discovered that his obituary was printed two days before this happened, Jessica knows things aren't going to end well.
This series is as much about the team and their interaction as it is about the current mystery. I appreciate that we not only get to see Jessica’s personal life, but also that of her friends and team. Things are not as we would have expected based on how book #5 ended.
Jessica continues as one of my favorite detectives. Prickly, with a mean sarcastic side. Yet she also has her compassionate side which you see more and more of as the books go on. But it's her wit that gets me. I often find myself chuckling at her comments and thoughts.
And OMG on that ending. It's a damn good thing I already have book seven to dive into because six ends with a total cliffhanger.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot begins when a teenage boy goes missing while babysitting a little girl who is left unharmed. When it's discovered that his obituary was printed two days before this happened, Jessica knows things aren't going to end well.
This series is as much about the team and their interaction as it is about the current mystery. I appreciate that we not only get to see Jessica’s personal life, but also that of her friends and team. Things are not as we would have expected based on how book #5 ended.
Jessica continues as one of my favorite detectives. Prickly, with a mean sarcastic side. Yet she also has her compassionate side which you see more and more of as the books go on. But it's her wit that gets me. I often find myself chuckling at her comments and thoughts.
And OMG on that ending. It's a damn good thing I already have book seven to dive into because six ends with a total cliffhanger.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
A couple returns home to find there has been a break in, and their babysitter, teenaged Oliver, is missing. As several people turn up dead, Detective Jessica Daniels must work to figure out how the cases are linked and who is behind the killings. I really enjoyed this mystery in the series and frankly had no idea who the culprit was until the end. I also liked the developments in Jessica’s personal life. Interested to see what happens in book seven after the slight cliffhanger ending! 5/5 stars.
March 22, 2017
AKA -- THE MISSING DEAD
A married couple go out for 'date night', leaving their young daughter in the care of a friend's teenage son. When they return home, the first thing they see is that the front door is open. The baby sitter is gone ... their daughter is safely tucked into bed. At first they are angry that Oliver would leave his charge alone. But when they called his parents, he had not returned home ...and he left his phone behind. What happened to Oliver?
Then a couple of strange things happen. A journalist finds an obituary that had been placed for the victim just a few days before he disappeared. And then a few days later, Oliver's body is found in the bathtub of a woman he didn't know.
And when she is killed in the exact same way as the teenager, Detective Daniel sees sleepless nights ahead.
She and her team need to find the connection before the next body falls.
This is another habit-forming series that just gets better and better. Jessica Daniel is a solid character and it's been a roller coaster ride following her from the very first book. She's tough, she's honest, but some of her hard edges are softening just a bit. Her team is A+ .. they always have her back, and she has theirs.
There is a nice blend of professional angst and personal problems that easily keeps the reader's attention. There are plenty of credible suspects to investigate. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is palpable.
This is a terrific series! I highly recommend starting with Book 1 and reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of The Missing Dead. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own .
A married couple go out for 'date night', leaving their young daughter in the care of a friend's teenage son. When they return home, the first thing they see is that the front door is open. The baby sitter is gone ... their daughter is safely tucked into bed. At first they are angry that Oliver would leave his charge alone. But when they called his parents, he had not returned home ...and he left his phone behind. What happened to Oliver?
Then a couple of strange things happen. A journalist finds an obituary that had been placed for the victim just a few days before he disappeared. And then a few days later, Oliver's body is found in the bathtub of a woman he didn't know.
And when she is killed in the exact same way as the teenager, Detective Daniel sees sleepless nights ahead.
She and her team need to find the connection before the next body falls.
This is another habit-forming series that just gets better and better. Jessica Daniel is a solid character and it's been a roller coaster ride following her from the very first book. She's tough, she's honest, but some of her hard edges are softening just a bit. Her team is A+ .. they always have her back, and she has theirs.
There is a nice blend of professional angst and personal problems that easily keeps the reader's attention. There are plenty of credible suspects to investigate. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is palpable.
This is a terrific series! I highly recommend starting with Book 1 and reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of The Missing Dead. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own .
March 29, 2017
Since there is a very small chance the author may glimpse this review: Kerry Wilkinson, there's a little book reviewer in America who's quite upset with you right now. How could you end a book that way? My poor heart. That simply wasn't fair, sir.
This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite series. If you haven't read any Jessica Daniel books, I highly recommend them: but start from the beginning! It's worth it. She has grown so much in the six books I've read, and in already looking forward to the next. They're filled with complex and likeable characters and great cases.
Talk about a nightmare: a couple rushes home after their babysitter doesn't answer the phone when they call to check on their sleeping daughter. The door is left open. There's a cell phone on the floor. The sitter is gone. ...But their little girl is still safely stuck in bed. Relief floods through them, but where is Oliver?
Though Oliver is still missing, a contact informs Jessica that an obituary ran in the paper a few days before he disappeared. Seems like someone may want to tease the police or his poor family after planning his murder. Before long, his body is found dumped... but not in any of the usual places. He's in a woman's bathtub. She's never met Oliver before, so why was he dumped there?
DS Daniel and her team scramble to figure out connections after there's another murder in the same fashion as the first. I have to admit that I didn't see most of the twists coming. Great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite series. If you haven't read any Jessica Daniel books, I highly recommend them: but start from the beginning! It's worth it. She has grown so much in the six books I've read, and in already looking forward to the next. They're filled with complex and likeable characters and great cases.
Talk about a nightmare: a couple rushes home after their babysitter doesn't answer the phone when they call to check on their sleeping daughter. The door is left open. There's a cell phone on the floor. The sitter is gone. ...But their little girl is still safely stuck in bed. Relief floods through them, but where is Oliver?
Though Oliver is still missing, a contact informs Jessica that an obituary ran in the paper a few days before he disappeared. Seems like someone may want to tease the police or his poor family after planning his murder. Before long, his body is found dumped... but not in any of the usual places. He's in a woman's bathtub. She's never met Oliver before, so why was he dumped there?
DS Daniel and her team scramble to figure out connections after there's another murder in the same fashion as the first. I have to admit that I didn't see most of the twists coming. Great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
March 28, 2017
I dip in and out of the Jessica Daniel series - glad I headed back in for this one, it is excellent. I must catch up with my gaps! Full review to follow.
September 20, 2018
Carrying on with book 7 straightaway due to that ending. Really enjoyed this, but there were a few things about the case being investigated that didn't make an awful lot of sense. Absolutely love the characters and their interactions though.
April 10, 2017
**Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for sending me a ARC in return for an honest review.
Sadly this one is going into my DNF pile. I don't even know how this book has got a 5 star to 4 star rating. For an adult novel, the writing style is below mediocre. It read like a YA novel albeit a bad one.
The characters are so flat, I couldn't differentiate one from the next. Plus, the reveals are so boring. There's so heart thumping drama. I was expecting a thriller and this book doesn't even qualify as one. I don't even get the plot devices for story progression. Plus where are all the details? I want descriptions of the crime scene, the forensic process and so on. I want intricate and complex characters with damaged backstories. This was just blah. I couldn't even force myself to read the next page. I guess this one is for those who like simple whodunnit mysteries. I prefer the grimsly, gruesome, raw and highly emotive crime thrillers. This was way too safe for me. That's why this book was not at all enjoyable.
I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you are a hardcore crime thriller fan like me. I'd best stick to those that actually have some depth of story. I guess Kerry Wilkinson's books are a pass for me.
Sadly this one is going into my DNF pile. I don't even know how this book has got a 5 star to 4 star rating. For an adult novel, the writing style is below mediocre. It read like a YA novel albeit a bad one.
The characters are so flat, I couldn't differentiate one from the next. Plus, the reveals are so boring. There's so heart thumping drama. I was expecting a thriller and this book doesn't even qualify as one. I don't even get the plot devices for story progression. Plus where are all the details? I want descriptions of the crime scene, the forensic process and so on. I want intricate and complex characters with damaged backstories. This was just blah. I couldn't even force myself to read the next page. I guess this one is for those who like simple whodunnit mysteries. I prefer the grimsly, gruesome, raw and highly emotive crime thrillers. This was way too safe for me. That's why this book was not at all enjoyable.
I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you are a hardcore crime thriller fan like me. I'd best stick to those that actually have some depth of story. I guess Kerry Wilkinson's books are a pass for me.
April 6, 2017
When Cameron and Eleanor Sexton return home, they find the babysitter missing and daughter asleep in her bed. Two more murders occur and DS Jessica Daniels is looking for the link that ties them all together. At work she pushes the line as she puts herself in danger to catch the bad guy but her personal issues showed a more vulnerable side to Jessica. The plot moved along at a good rate throwing in twists and turns that kept the suspense flowing. Jessica's team, work well together and support each other in personal lives as well. The Missing Dead can be read as a stand alone
but I suggest you read the series as there is continual growth of the characters and is well worth the reads.
but I suggest you read the series as there is continual growth of the characters and is well worth the reads.
Read
November 20, 2017A married couple hires a teenage boy to babysit while they go out for date night. When they return, the sitter is missing -- but their little daughter is still asleep in her crib. The parents of the boy don't know where he could be. Then, his body is found across town in an apartment. There is a connection between the families, but it takes Jessica and her team awhile to figure it all out. Add a thread tying in the owner of a strip club and you have a parcel of an interesting investigation.
Set in Manchester, this 6th in the Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is every bit as compelling as the previous books. I do love the series and all of the characters. The writing is fabulous and the plot moves forward at a pace designed to keep the reader's attention until the satisfying conclusion (except for that bit of an unfair cliffhanger, Mr. Wilkinson!). I like the relationships between Jessica and her team as well as the setting and the police procedural details. I'll keep reading this series as long as he writes it -- so on immediately to #7.
By the way, this book has another title now -- THE MISSING DEAD.
Set in Manchester, this 6th in the Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is every bit as compelling as the previous books. I do love the series and all of the characters. The writing is fabulous and the plot moves forward at a pace designed to keep the reader's attention until the satisfying conclusion (except for that bit of an unfair cliffhanger, Mr. Wilkinson!). I like the relationships between Jessica and her team as well as the setting and the police procedural details. I'll keep reading this series as long as he writes it -- so on immediately to #7.
By the way, this book has another title now -- THE MISSING DEAD.
November 14, 2018
2 stars because Jessica was a total bitch about the love confession! Actually, i'm done with this series I can't stand Jessica anymore!
February 6, 2020
The Missing Dead is my favorite of the Jessica Daniel books to date. I liked that it had a complex storyline, and also thought that the recurring characters were at their best. I liked the developments that happened to their relationships, as well as their interactions.
May 28, 2015
This is the sixth book in the Jessica Daniels series.
Oliver, a teenage boy goes missing from a house he's supposed to be babysitting at but when the baby's parent's return home, nothing else is amiss and their daughter is still safely asleep in her cot.
DS Jessica Daniels is called in and although she's suspicious of the disappearance as Oliver's mobile was found at the house, she has nothing else to go on. But when a journalist friend informs her that someone placed an obituary for the missing teen two days before his disappearance her suspicions are raised even higher.When Oliver's body is then found in a seemingly random house across the other side of town the investigation takes a whole new turn.
This is another great read from Kerry Wilkinson and I really enjoyed the development of Jessica's character which is just as much a part of the story as the crime investigation. I would recommend you read this book but I think that even though it could be read as a standalone it would be much more enjoyable if you've read the previous five novels.
March 23, 2017
Tense, thrilling, unputdownable. Jessica just gets better and better. A superb, mind bending plot of twists that had me guessing and desperately turning the pages. Another brilliant story from the incredible Kerry Wilkinson.I love this author and this series and cannot wait for the next.
April 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Netgalley I have been fortunate to read and review all of the books in this excellent series. Unfortunately, I was not as engrossed in this story as I have been with all of the other books. I felt this book started off very slow and while I liked that this book concentrated alot on Jessica's personal life and relationships, the actual murder plot was lacking and I admit to skimming here and there which is not something that I have done with any of the other books. I did like this book, just not as much as the others. I am still looking forward to the next book in this series!
May 8, 2017
Read all my reviews at: https://brainsfartsandbooks.wordpress...
Talk about a twisty turny topsy turvy story. Kerry Wilkinson is at it again in this Jessica Daniel suspenseful thriller. Jessica gets called out to a house where a teenage boy named Oliver who was babysitting has vanished from. With her spidey skills, Jessica, in her own special let-me-bug-you-until-you-give-me-what-I-want kind of way digs deeper and deeper into the pasts of the many characters in this book. What I didn’t expect, was for Kerry to throw in a little medical terminology. As a personal trainer who loves studying the human body (yes, I really should have gone to med school), anything in the way of biological science really sparks my interest. I love when a fictional read tosses info about a disease or something I didn’t know existed into it. I also like how Jessica’s personal story is told throughout the book. The reader wants to know more about her and Kerry does a great job of it. Overall, the plot of this book was really well done. The who, the why, the how, all very cut and dry and with that little “ding” of a lightbulb as everything gets drawn together. Some people wrote about how the ending was a bit mean because it leads you to the next part of Jessica’s story without giving you what you really want to know. It’s one of those stay tuned for the next episode of kind of ending. The good news is that Book 7 is out and you will be glued to the pages of that one as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kerry Wilkinson, and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Talk about a twisty turny topsy turvy story. Kerry Wilkinson is at it again in this Jessica Daniel suspenseful thriller. Jessica gets called out to a house where a teenage boy named Oliver who was babysitting has vanished from. With her spidey skills, Jessica, in her own special let-me-bug-you-until-you-give-me-what-I-want kind of way digs deeper and deeper into the pasts of the many characters in this book. What I didn’t expect, was for Kerry to throw in a little medical terminology. As a personal trainer who loves studying the human body (yes, I really should have gone to med school), anything in the way of biological science really sparks my interest. I love when a fictional read tosses info about a disease or something I didn’t know existed into it. I also like how Jessica’s personal story is told throughout the book. The reader wants to know more about her and Kerry does a great job of it. Overall, the plot of this book was really well done. The who, the why, the how, all very cut and dry and with that little “ding” of a lightbulb as everything gets drawn together. Some people wrote about how the ending was a bit mean because it leads you to the next part of Jessica’s story without giving you what you really want to know. It’s one of those stay tuned for the next episode of kind of ending. The good news is that Book 7 is out and you will be glued to the pages of that one as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kerry Wilkinson, and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2014
Clear five stars to this one - amazing stuff from my new favorite author. Absolutely brilliant characterisation and plot - totally compulsive: this is crime writing at its best. Looking forward to the next one - I'm starting Vigilante shortly and can't wait.
April 10, 2017
I wasn't too keen on the original novel in the series, Locked In, so it took me a few years to retry the series and now I'm hooked as every book is better than the one before. Thicker Than Water is amazing as I had absolutely no idea where it was heading until the denouement and there are very few books I can say that about. It starts with Eleanor and Cameron returning from dinner to find their teenage babysitter, Oliver, missing and their toddler fast asleep. Days later his body is found in a stranger's bath. The question is why, especially when a week later the stranger, Kayleigh, is herself murdered in a similar way.
This is definitely a one sitting read as there is so much going on, not only in the investigation but in Jessica's personal life where she suspects Adam is having an affair. I really warmed to Jess for the first time in this novel as she seems to have lost much of her stroppiness and is a bit uncertain at times, which makes a pleasant change. She is ably supported by her usual cast who are as well drawn as required for a plot based novel.
I strongly recommend Thicker Than Water as an absorbing read.
This is definitely a one sitting read as there is so much going on, not only in the investigation but in Jessica's personal life where she suspects Adam is having an affair. I really warmed to Jess for the first time in this novel as she seems to have lost much of her stroppiness and is a bit uncertain at times, which makes a pleasant change. She is ably supported by her usual cast who are as well drawn as required for a plot based novel.
I strongly recommend Thicker Than Water as an absorbing read.
March 1, 2024
Thanks to Bookouture, Kerry Wilkinson, and NetGalley for the ARC; this is my unbiased review.
Ten Birthdays by Kerry Wilkinson
Bookouture, 21st April 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
It’s Poppy Kinsey’s birthday.
She should be blowing out candles and opening presents – but hers falls on the type of heart-wrenching, agonising anniversary she would far rather forget.
The worst day of them all. The day her mother died.
But this year is special because the person she misses most in the world has left her a set of letters, one for each of her next ten birthdays.
As Poppy opens them year by year, she discovers that no matter how tough life gets, her mum will always be by her side, guiding her along the way.
Review:
I like that this contemporary fiction title is a departure from the crime and psychological thrillers that Kerry Wilkinson is typically known for, as it shows his aptitude in another genre. Ten Birthdays is a stirring coming-of-age saga that will have wide appeal to the young adult market as well as enticing adult readers.
Beginning on Poppy's sixteenth birthday and with each fresh chapter checking in with her a year later, the character's growth shines. We see how her relationships with friends, including Freya and Mark, change over the ten years, and what effect growing up and the content of her mother's letters has on Poppy's life.
Ten Birthdays is a poignant, thought-provoking, yet easy to read novel that showcases the diversity of the author's writing.
#TenBirthdays #KerryWilkinson #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #Bookstagram #YoungAdultBook #AmReading #ContemporaryFiction
Ten Birthdays by Kerry Wilkinson
Bookouture, 21st April 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
It’s Poppy Kinsey’s birthday.
She should be blowing out candles and opening presents – but hers falls on the type of heart-wrenching, agonising anniversary she would far rather forget.
The worst day of them all. The day her mother died.
But this year is special because the person she misses most in the world has left her a set of letters, one for each of her next ten birthdays.
As Poppy opens them year by year, she discovers that no matter how tough life gets, her mum will always be by her side, guiding her along the way.
Review:
I like that this contemporary fiction title is a departure from the crime and psychological thrillers that Kerry Wilkinson is typically known for, as it shows his aptitude in another genre. Ten Birthdays is a stirring coming-of-age saga that will have wide appeal to the young adult market as well as enticing adult readers.
Beginning on Poppy's sixteenth birthday and with each fresh chapter checking in with her a year later, the character's growth shines. We see how her relationships with friends, including Freya and Mark, change over the ten years, and what effect growing up and the content of her mother's letters has on Poppy's life.
Ten Birthdays is a poignant, thought-provoking, yet easy to read novel that showcases the diversity of the author's writing.
#TenBirthdays #KerryWilkinson #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #Bookstagram #YoungAdultBook #AmReading #ContemporaryFiction
March 16, 2021
I am biased when it comes to this author and series. Always a 5 star read for me
November 25, 2025
Great read and pacing. Been a while since I read a crime/detective novel so was refreshing to say the least. Call me critical, but I just found the main character to be so bland. I couldn't find myself to be attached to her in any way as I usual do in a novel of this kind. But overall great read and I love books that I wouldn't have guessed the suspect!
October 7, 2017
AN EDGE OF YOUR SEAT READ!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cameron and Eleanor Sexton are Lara's parents.
Oliver Gordon is a 17 year old who is babysitting Lara.
Jessica Daniel is a Detective Sergeant who works at Longsight Police Station.
Isobel (Izzy) Diamond is a Detective Constable on Jessica's team.
David Rowland is a Detective Constable on Jessica's team.
Adam Compton is Jessica's husband.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cameron and Eleanor are getting ready to go out on their monthly "date night". Oliver arrives; he's babysitting their daughter, Lara. While they are having dinner, Eleanor decides to call and check on Oliver. There's no answer on the house phone. No answer on Oliver's cell. They rush home only to find the front door opened. They carefully enter the house, afraid of what they may find. Cameron finds Oliver's cell phone on the floor. Eleanor goes upstairs to Lara's bedroom. They find Lara sleeping, but no sign of Oliver.
DCI Jack Cole sends Jessica and Izzy to the Sexton home to investigate Oliver's disappearance. Then they go to Oliver's home and talk with his parents.
Kayleigh Pritchard returned home to find her house broken into. She checks to see if anything is missing. She goes upstairs and everything is the way she left it. But when she goes in the bathroom, she finds a body in the tub. It's Oliver!
Kayleigh and Eleanor know each other; they worked together at a casino that Nicholas Long owned 20 years ago.
Jessica senses that Adam is keeping a secret from her. He's been acting different and she's afraid to ask him what's going on. He's working late so she decides to follow him.
What is Adam's secret? What connects Kayleigh and Eleanor with Nicholas? Who killed Oliver? You'll have to read it to find out!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kerry has written a well thought-out story. There are other plots within the main story. The back stories are important because they give you a glimpse of their personalities. Jessica is sure of herself at work but when it comes to personal relationships, she's afraid to open up. Kerry writes a story with lots of twists and turns and keeps the reader interested and wanting to read more.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say about the ending? Pieces start to come together. Jessica finds out what Adam is hiding. She has a secret of her own to share with him.
Jessica, Dave and Jack find out who the killer is. I don't want to spoil the rest; just get the book! You won't be disappointed, I promise!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book 6 in the DS Jessica Daniel series. Kerry has created characters you care about; as you read each book, you see how they develop and grow. I absolutely love the characters! This is why I love Series Books; the characters become good friends!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cameron and Eleanor Sexton are Lara's parents.
Oliver Gordon is a 17 year old who is babysitting Lara.
Jessica Daniel is a Detective Sergeant who works at Longsight Police Station.
Isobel (Izzy) Diamond is a Detective Constable on Jessica's team.
David Rowland is a Detective Constable on Jessica's team.
Adam Compton is Jessica's husband.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cameron and Eleanor are getting ready to go out on their monthly "date night". Oliver arrives; he's babysitting their daughter, Lara. While they are having dinner, Eleanor decides to call and check on Oliver. There's no answer on the house phone. No answer on Oliver's cell. They rush home only to find the front door opened. They carefully enter the house, afraid of what they may find. Cameron finds Oliver's cell phone on the floor. Eleanor goes upstairs to Lara's bedroom. They find Lara sleeping, but no sign of Oliver.
DCI Jack Cole sends Jessica and Izzy to the Sexton home to investigate Oliver's disappearance. Then they go to Oliver's home and talk with his parents.
Kayleigh Pritchard returned home to find her house broken into. She checks to see if anything is missing. She goes upstairs and everything is the way she left it. But when she goes in the bathroom, she finds a body in the tub. It's Oliver!
Kayleigh and Eleanor know each other; they worked together at a casino that Nicholas Long owned 20 years ago.
Jessica senses that Adam is keeping a secret from her. He's been acting different and she's afraid to ask him what's going on. He's working late so she decides to follow him.
What is Adam's secret? What connects Kayleigh and Eleanor with Nicholas? Who killed Oliver? You'll have to read it to find out!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kerry has written a well thought-out story. There are other plots within the main story. The back stories are important because they give you a glimpse of their personalities. Jessica is sure of herself at work but when it comes to personal relationships, she's afraid to open up. Kerry writes a story with lots of twists and turns and keeps the reader interested and wanting to read more.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say about the ending? Pieces start to come together. Jessica finds out what Adam is hiding. She has a secret of her own to share with him.
Jessica, Dave and Jack find out who the killer is. I don't want to spoil the rest; just get the book! You won't be disappointed, I promise!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book 6 in the DS Jessica Daniel series. Kerry has created characters you care about; as you read each book, you see how they develop and grow. I absolutely love the characters! This is why I love Series Books; the characters become good friends!
October 4, 2021
Якийсь трохи дивний детектив. Від початку і до кінця постійно щось було не так. Але по порядку.
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Коли Кемерон і Елеонор Секстони приїздять додому і бачать відкриті навстіж двері, то очікують найгіршого - смерті чи викрадення їхньої маленької дитини. Але дівчинка є, а нянька (чи то нянь правильніше?), син добрих друзів, пропав. Що сталося? Юнак просто втік від обов'язків чи сталося щось страшне? Сержант Джесіка Деніел має знайти відповідь на це питання. А потім з'являться ще дивніші та страшніші запитання.
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Це міг бути цікавий та інтригуючий детектив з піднятими складними та важлмвими питаннями. Потенціал був. Та і початок був багатообіцяючий. Та якось вже після першої третини книги автор сам злив афігенний детектив, перетворивши його на третьосортне чтиво.
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Головна героїня, сержант Джесіка Деніел, не бісить, це однозначно плюс. Але на цьому вони закінчуються. Надлишкова кількість деталей з особистого життя затьмарювала основний сюжеті, та і місцями його було більше ніж треба.
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Сам злочин "закопали" ще на початках. Докази і свідчення зразу були не певні. Тут і не скажеш, що письменник "автор бестселерів" і це не перший його роман. Натягнута 3, бо мова була легка і зрозуміла.
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Коли Кемерон і Елеонор Секстони приїздять додому і бачать відкриті навстіж двері, то очікують найгіршого - смерті чи викрадення їхньої маленької дитини. Але дівчинка є, а нянька (чи то нянь правильніше?), син добрих друзів, пропав. Що сталося? Юнак просто втік від обов'язків чи сталося щось страшне? Сержант Джесіка Деніел має знайти відповідь на це питання. А потім з'являться ще дивніші та страшніші запитання.
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Це міг бути цікавий та інтригуючий детектив з піднятими складними та важлмвими питаннями. Потенціал був. Та і початок був багатообіцяючий. Та якось вже після першої третини книги автор сам злив афігенний детектив, перетворивши його на третьосортне чтиво.
⠀
Головна героїня, сержант Джесіка Деніел, не бісить, це однозначно плюс. Але на цьому вони закінчуються. Надлишкова кількість деталей з особистого життя затьмарювала основний сюжеті, та і місцями його було більше ніж треба.
⠀
Сам злочин "закопали" ще на початках. Докази і свідчення зразу були не певні. Тут і не скажеш, що письменник "автор бестселерів" і це не перший його роман. Натягнута 3, бо мова була легка і зрозуміла.
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November 17, 2017
This is book 6 in the Jessica Daniel series. As with all series, it can be read as a standalone book, although it would obviously make more sense to read the other books in the series first.
Cameron and Eleanor Sexton return home to find their babysitter, Oliver is missing and their baby daughter sound asleep in her bed. Jessica is put on the case of the missing teenager, but finds there’s no reason for Oliver to have disappeared. She gets a phone call from her journalist friend, Garry, who has heard about the missing boy. He informs Jessica that an anonymous caller placed an obituary in the paper under the missing boy’s name. Things get even more sinister when Oliver’s body turns up in the bathroom of an old friend of Eleanor’s. It’s Jessica’s job to find out if there is a link and if there is, what is it?
This is a great series of books, although I have to admit this is probably my least favourite of the series so far. I felt the story began well, but for it slowed up and I initially found myself getting a bit bored with it. The other books I’ve read in the series have all started with a bang and carried on throughout the book, but the bang seemed missing in this one. It then picked up again half way through the book and we were then back on track with our usual standard of story!!
There was more of Jessica’s personal life in this book than what I think there has been in all of the others. Whilst I always liked Jessica for a ‘no nonsense’ attitude I felt that at times this slipped and she became someone I couldn’t see her being. I would have imagined suspicions of Adam having an affair would have sent Jessica in with all guns blazing not retreating into her shell and ignoring the issue. Perhaps this shows how vulnerable Jessica really is and the Jessica we know and love is all just a front. Personally I prefer the gutsy Jessica, but I have a feeling in following books we are going to see a lot more of the other Jessica!
Without giving too much of the story away, this case leads Jessica into ‘club land’ where she meets some not very nice characters. The actual police story itself is great, with a very clever twist working out what was going on, who the murderer was and how it all fitted together. On a personal side, Jessica’s story is left hanging with a cliff-hanger, so I can’t wait to get onto Book 7 to find out what happens to her!
Even though the other books have been better, this is still up there as part of a great series of police procedural crime books. Now, onto book 7……
Cameron and Eleanor Sexton return home to find their babysitter, Oliver is missing and their baby daughter sound asleep in her bed. Jessica is put on the case of the missing teenager, but finds there’s no reason for Oliver to have disappeared. She gets a phone call from her journalist friend, Garry, who has heard about the missing boy. He informs Jessica that an anonymous caller placed an obituary in the paper under the missing boy’s name. Things get even more sinister when Oliver’s body turns up in the bathroom of an old friend of Eleanor’s. It’s Jessica’s job to find out if there is a link and if there is, what is it?
This is a great series of books, although I have to admit this is probably my least favourite of the series so far. I felt the story began well, but for it slowed up and I initially found myself getting a bit bored with it. The other books I’ve read in the series have all started with a bang and carried on throughout the book, but the bang seemed missing in this one. It then picked up again half way through the book and we were then back on track with our usual standard of story!!
There was more of Jessica’s personal life in this book than what I think there has been in all of the others. Whilst I always liked Jessica for a ‘no nonsense’ attitude I felt that at times this slipped and she became someone I couldn’t see her being. I would have imagined suspicions of Adam having an affair would have sent Jessica in with all guns blazing not retreating into her shell and ignoring the issue. Perhaps this shows how vulnerable Jessica really is and the Jessica we know and love is all just a front. Personally I prefer the gutsy Jessica, but I have a feeling in following books we are going to see a lot more of the other Jessica!
Without giving too much of the story away, this case leads Jessica into ‘club land’ where she meets some not very nice characters. The actual police story itself is great, with a very clever twist working out what was going on, who the murderer was and how it all fitted together. On a personal side, Jessica’s story is left hanging with a cliff-hanger, so I can’t wait to get onto Book 7 to find out what happens to her!
Even though the other books have been better, this is still up there as part of a great series of police procedural crime books. Now, onto book 7……
November 29, 2013
Thicker Than Water (DS Jessica Daniel #6)
Another good book by Kerry Wilkinson. i've enjoyed each and every one of them, and as usual look forward to reading the next one, which is due out in the new year. ( I hope)
Another good book by Kerry Wilkinson. i've enjoyed each and every one of them, and as usual look forward to reading the next one, which is due out in the new year. ( I hope)
May 22, 2024
Great series - this story just wasn't my fav of the 6 audiobooks I've listened to from it so far.
May 25, 2017
"The Missing Dead" by Kerry Wilkinson is the sixth installment of his Jessica Daniel series. This book has already been released so if you're interested you can find it now in bookstores and online as an e-book. I was lucky enough to get the first book in the series, "Locked In" for 99¢ so I could get to know the main character well before delving into book six.
This is a twisted, complicated mystery that starts with a missing teen. Oliver was babysitting but when the parents of his charge come home they find their little girl fast asleep but no Oliver. Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is called in to find out where the teen has gone. By the time they find Oliver murdered, another murder has happened with very similar characteristics. Det. Daniel must winnow out the connection between the two murders and figure out who the culprit is. It will take her into the underworld of strip clubs and thugs.
I really wanted to like this series. Unfortunately, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed. This book was only a three for me. It's not like the mystery isn't good, I just didn't connect enough to the character of Jessica. I found this surprising. Jessica Daniel is a no nonsense spitfire of a character who throws it back as much as she takes it when dealing with colleagues. She pushes hard for answers and runs herself even harder than she does the constables who work under her. I should have liked her. I really don't know why I didn't. Since it was a good, solid mystery with no flaws to speak of and the writing was good and the main protagonist was complicated and relatable I have to put it down to just not the right fit for me. It happens. I guess what I'm saying is that although I am putting this review up, you may want to look at other people's reviews to balance my blasé attitude toward this otherwise good read. So many other reviewers love this series. In fact, that's why I was excited to try it. Maybe I"m just having an off week. I hope you as the reader give this series a try, even though it wasn't for me, I still would recommended it to friends and family.
This is a twisted, complicated mystery that starts with a missing teen. Oliver was babysitting but when the parents of his charge come home they find their little girl fast asleep but no Oliver. Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is called in to find out where the teen has gone. By the time they find Oliver murdered, another murder has happened with very similar characteristics. Det. Daniel must winnow out the connection between the two murders and figure out who the culprit is. It will take her into the underworld of strip clubs and thugs.
I really wanted to like this series. Unfortunately, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed. This book was only a three for me. It's not like the mystery isn't good, I just didn't connect enough to the character of Jessica. I found this surprising. Jessica Daniel is a no nonsense spitfire of a character who throws it back as much as she takes it when dealing with colleagues. She pushes hard for answers and runs herself even harder than she does the constables who work under her. I should have liked her. I really don't know why I didn't. Since it was a good, solid mystery with no flaws to speak of and the writing was good and the main protagonist was complicated and relatable I have to put it down to just not the right fit for me. It happens. I guess what I'm saying is that although I am putting this review up, you may want to look at other people's reviews to balance my blasé attitude toward this otherwise good read. So many other reviewers love this series. In fact, that's why I was excited to try it. Maybe I"m just having an off week. I hope you as the reader give this series a try, even though it wasn't for me, I still would recommended it to friends and family.
July 29, 2017
Cameron and Eleanor Sexton go out on a date night and leave their daughter with a friend's teenage son, Oliver.. After they call to check on their child and no one answers the phone, they arrive home to find the front door open and Oliver gone. As it turns out, Oliver didn't leave; he was taken. An obituary written days before Oliver's disappearance appears in a newspaper. Oliver's body is later found in the bathtub of a woman who didn't know him. Jessica Daniel investigates, and another woman's body turns up. Her murder is identical to Oliver's Jessica realizes there is a serial killer at large.
This was a good book except for the cliffhanger meant to make the reader purchase the next book to find out what happens. I have deducted one star from my rating due to this practice. I do not appreciate being forced to purchase a sequel to find out the end of the story, only to most likely find another cliffhanger at the end of that book to force the purchase of the next one. Authors should have enough faith in their talent to trust that their writing is good enough that readers will WANT to read their next book. If they doubt that their talent is enough to encourage readers to buy the next book, then that makes me doubt their talent, too.
This was a good book except for the cliffhanger meant to make the reader purchase the next book to find out what happens. I have deducted one star from my rating due to this practice. I do not appreciate being forced to purchase a sequel to find out the end of the story, only to most likely find another cliffhanger at the end of that book to force the purchase of the next one. Authors should have enough faith in their talent to trust that their writing is good enough that readers will WANT to read their next book. If they doubt that their talent is enough to encourage readers to buy the next book, then that makes me doubt their talent, too.
March 10, 2022
The Missing dead by Kerry Wilkinson.
Jessica Daniel Series Book 6.
Think you can trust those closest to you? Think again. When a couple arrive home to find their teenage babysitter, Oliver, has disappeared, they are angry their young daughter has been left alone. Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is sent to investigate and it quickly becomes clear that something truly sinister has happened.
Oliver didn’t leave. He was taken.
In a sickening twist, a journalist discovers that an obituary was placed for the victim just days before he went missing. And it’s only a matter of time before the body is discovered. As Jessica and her team work to solve the crime, a woman is killed. Her brutal murder is identical to the dead teenager’s. Jessica knows there must be a link but someone isn’t telling the truth. Can she work out who . . . before someone else dies?
A very good read. Love this series. 4*.
Jessica Daniel Series Book 6.
Think you can trust those closest to you? Think again. When a couple arrive home to find their teenage babysitter, Oliver, has disappeared, they are angry their young daughter has been left alone. Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is sent to investigate and it quickly becomes clear that something truly sinister has happened.
Oliver didn’t leave. He was taken.
In a sickening twist, a journalist discovers that an obituary was placed for the victim just days before he went missing. And it’s only a matter of time before the body is discovered. As Jessica and her team work to solve the crime, a woman is killed. Her brutal murder is identical to the dead teenager’s. Jessica knows there must be a link but someone isn’t telling the truth. Can she work out who . . . before someone else dies?
A very good read. Love this series. 4*.
June 30, 2019
JD number 6. Another Un-putdownable, addictive book. Thoroughly loving this fabulous series. Every book is so different from the last. I'm enjoying getting to no more about Jessica & her personality, she's one tough cookie, who doesn't take any crap from anybody. It's nice to see her soft side now & again, it makes her more human, she's not just a detective she's also a normal human being with feelings. Kerry always ends his books on a cliffhanger & this one ends with Jessica & Adam looking at the results of a pregnancy test, of course we don't know the results. Kerry is a wicked author & I'd highly recommend this fabulous series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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