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DI Ellen Kelly #2
The Waiting Game
DI Ellen Kelly is struggling through some difficult changes in her life. Her boss has left, replaced by a more unpredictable DCI. Her career seems to be stalling – again. And her feelings for Jim O’Dwyer feel like they’re spiralling out of her normally tight control.
Distraction can be very dangerous.
Someone is out there, stalking the weak, bringing misery and fear, and it’s Ellen’s job to stop it. Could it be that this time, for the first time, Ellen is the one trapped in the web?
Distraction can be very dangerous.
Someone is out there, stalking the weak, bringing misery and fear, and it’s Ellen’s job to stop it. Could it be that this time, for the first time, Ellen is the one trapped in the web?
512 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2014
5 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Bugler
30 books108 followersI'm the author of the Ellen Kelly and Dee Doran crime novels. My first stand alone novel, The Lucky Eight, is published in July 2021.
I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland. After studying Psychology at University College Galway, I left Ireland and worked in Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and London before finally settling in Eastbourne, where I now live with my husband, Sean, and our two children.
I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland. After studying Psychology at University College Galway, I left Ireland and worked in Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and London before finally settling in Eastbourne, where I now live with my husband, Sean, and our two children.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 12, 2014
The Waiting Game is a twisty and exciting police procedural that is also a very satisfying psychological thriller. I read Sheila Bugler’s first book in the series, Hunting Shadows, and enjoyed it enormously and the second outing for DI Ellen Kelly certainly doesn’t disappoint.
A stalker is on Kelly’s patch and seems to be targeting two very different women. The prime suspect is vulnerable estate agent, Chloe’s, abusive former boyfriend, but he has no apparent connection with the other woman, glamorous artist Monica. So why would he be using the same sinister tactics on her too? Encouraged by her boss and self-appointed protector, Nathan, Chloe complains about the police to the papers and the case becomes much more difficult for Kelly and her team. And when a horrific death occurs things really begin to unravel.
Ellen Kelly is a widow but, unlike so many detectives in crime novels, she’s no loner and Bugler has created a most believable and appealing portrait of a working mother, daughter and sister. Indeed one of the great pleasures here is seeing Kelly’s own story develop as she takes her first tentative steps towards a new relationship, after the death of her husband, and to come to terms with the traumatic events shown in the first book. And it’s not long before her personal and professional lives collide to threaten everything she holds dear.
Although it’s not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, I suspect many first time readers will want to try Hunting Shadows after reading this. They are in for a real treat. As a confirmed fan all I can say is, roll on book number three.
October 20, 2014
In this chilling psychological thriller, someone is stalking the weak, bringing fear and trepidation to a group of seemingly unrelated characters. The plot moves along reasonably well and there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you guessing until at least mid way through the book, when I did then guess the perpetrator. I rather liked the short and snappy chapters, and the author did a reasonable job in bringing the characters to life, although I would have liked a little more oomph in DI Kelly’s character as she comes across as rather one dimensional. Ellen Kelly seems to be set adrift in a world in which she has only a short grasp on what's happening around her. Caught up in a relationship which seems to be out of control and with a shadowy past which at time threatens to overwhelm her, she seems an unlikely leader of a criminal investigation team.
As this is the second book in the series, and not having read the first book, I may well have missed some vital information which would have made the book work better for me. I’m not saying that it’s uninteresting, and if you like crime novels in the style of Nicci French and Sophie Hannah, then I am sure this will work for you, it’s just that I expected a little more and at times felt underwhelmed, as if I had read all this before.
As this is the second book in the series, and not having read the first book, I may well have missed some vital information which would have made the book work better for me. I’m not saying that it’s uninteresting, and if you like crime novels in the style of Nicci French and Sophie Hannah, then I am sure this will work for you, it’s just that I expected a little more and at times felt underwhelmed, as if I had read all this before.
April 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Interesting characters, a mystery that kept me guessing and a setting that I know I'll want to return to. If you like police procedural mysteries, then you should stick this one on your tbr. The genre is over crowded but this has something a little different to offer.
Interesting characters, a mystery that kept me guessing and a setting that I know I'll want to return to. If you like police procedural mysteries, then you should stick this one on your tbr. The genre is over crowded but this has something a little different to offer.
January 15, 2019
I bought this after listening to the author speak at Hastings LitFest. Money well spent on a thoroughly engaging psychological thriller. There are so twists and turns, which make it very difficult to put down. I now need to read Hunting Shadows, the first DI Ellen Kelly book.
November 18, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Sheila Bugler's work, not least because her contemporary crime novels are set in my old stomping ground of South London.
Yet the reason I enjoy her work is not to do with familiarity of location. It's all about her writing.
She weaves several plotlines together, creating likeable characters and makes the reader care what happens to all of them. She lures you into judgement, before surprising you with a turnaround. I 'knew' who'd done it at least three times till I found out I was wrong.
It's pacy, layered and very human - Ellen Kelly has history and it shows. Few writers manage to make the main character's personal life as absorbing as the criminal case she's pursuing. This is a punchy, dynamic book which will hook you from the start.
This is a terrific successor to Hunting Shadows and I'm now saving All Things Nice for the holidays in front of the fire with the curtains closed.
Yet the reason I enjoy her work is not to do with familiarity of location. It's all about her writing.
She weaves several plotlines together, creating likeable characters and makes the reader care what happens to all of them. She lures you into judgement, before surprising you with a turnaround. I 'knew' who'd done it at least three times till I found out I was wrong.
It's pacy, layered and very human - Ellen Kelly has history and it shows. Few writers manage to make the main character's personal life as absorbing as the criminal case she's pursuing. This is a punchy, dynamic book which will hook you from the start.
This is a terrific successor to Hunting Shadows and I'm now saving All Things Nice for the holidays in front of the fire with the curtains closed.
August 18, 2023
In this suffocating psychological thriller, a vulnerable Chloe is aware of being followed, of things in her house being moved, left, or taken. DI Ellen Kelly doesn’t know whether to believe her until Chloe is assaulted and another woman reports similar events. Even then there is little to go on. But Ellen starts to take things very seriously when she and her family are targeted and they are all placed in danger. I should give this more stars because the tension, the plot, and the desperately unhappy characters were well-written. But it was so creepy, so unbearably relentless, and the villain was so manipulative I couldn’t wait to be done with it. UK voice actor Zara Ramm expertly channels the vindictive craziness, I’m just not sure I have the strength to go another round!
July 15, 2019
I’ve decided I don’t enjoy psychological thrillers, I enjoy police procedurals. I skimmed to end but didn’t like the book very much. I’m so tired of the children of female detectives suffering traumatic life events because of their mother’s job. It’s sickening. There is hardly any police work in these novels. Just not for me
July 26, 2020
I love Sheila Bugler's books. Traveling around London, Kent and Sussex this fast paced psychological thriller had me guessing, as always, up to the last few chapters. Sharp, gritty and fast paced right from the start. Loved it!
March 15, 2021
The thing about Sheila Bugler is she does it every time - Wicked tension. Couldn't put the damn thing down
June 15, 2022
Great storyline. So many twists and turns. You didn't know the killer till right at the end
July 12, 2022
not my type☠️☠️
May 12, 2024
A pretty good, easy read. No real twists and almost cat and mouse like. You knew who did it but got to catch them. Felt ending rushed and not tied up at all completely. A bit disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2014
The Waiting Game by Sheila Bugler
This was a waiting game for the reader in every sense. Oh how we had to wait to see ‘who dunnit’!! And we were served such a liberal diet of red herrings it was like being in a fast food fishmonger. And whilst this book would not win awards for being the best written crime novel it does have a plot that keeps you reading and wanting to know who did do it. Flaws a plenty the characters lack depth for the most part, they were hard to engage with and not very likeable. It was very much as if they were there to further the plot and no more. I found Ellen fairly one-dimensional and I was surprised to learn that there are more Ellen Kelly stories. I may seek them out to see if I have been over hasty in my comments on the reading of just this one novel. The story zips along at a sparkling pace which I always enjoy but at the end as all started to become clear after the very exciting climax I felt the loose ends were not so much tied up as just laid over one another in a loose bow. I still have questions a plenty and clearly the final page indicates that DI Kelly will be back in both a personal and profession capacity.
It may seem that I have been unreasonably negative about this book. I did enjoy reading it as a page turner and I admire the plot construction. It was tight and seductive for the amateur sleuths who like to try and second guess the writer’s intent. I am one of those I heartily confess but I couldn’t properly second guess this and that always chalks up some brownie points and some respect from me.
Crime writing is such a competitive market these days that in order to survive it and stay in the running I think you’ve got to be very good indeed. It’s way too early to write Ms. Bugler (is it BUGler as in bug or BUGLER as in bugle?) off but if I were writing a report card I might say,’ shows promise but could do better’. And I really hope the do better wins…
This was a waiting game for the reader in every sense. Oh how we had to wait to see ‘who dunnit’!! And we were served such a liberal diet of red herrings it was like being in a fast food fishmonger. And whilst this book would not win awards for being the best written crime novel it does have a plot that keeps you reading and wanting to know who did do it. Flaws a plenty the characters lack depth for the most part, they were hard to engage with and not very likeable. It was very much as if they were there to further the plot and no more. I found Ellen fairly one-dimensional and I was surprised to learn that there are more Ellen Kelly stories. I may seek them out to see if I have been over hasty in my comments on the reading of just this one novel. The story zips along at a sparkling pace which I always enjoy but at the end as all started to become clear after the very exciting climax I felt the loose ends were not so much tied up as just laid over one another in a loose bow. I still have questions a plenty and clearly the final page indicates that DI Kelly will be back in both a personal and profession capacity.
It may seem that I have been unreasonably negative about this book. I did enjoy reading it as a page turner and I admire the plot construction. It was tight and seductive for the amateur sleuths who like to try and second guess the writer’s intent. I am one of those I heartily confess but I couldn’t properly second guess this and that always chalks up some brownie points and some respect from me.
Crime writing is such a competitive market these days that in order to survive it and stay in the running I think you’ve got to be very good indeed. It’s way too early to write Ms. Bugler (is it BUGler as in bug or BUGLER as in bugle?) off but if I were writing a report card I might say,’ shows promise but could do better’. And I really hope the do better wins…
August 10, 2015
Someone is stalking Chloe; breaking into her house when she's asleep and making sure she's knows they have been there. The book follows the police investigating and their personal relationships, Chloe and her colleagues, Chloe's ex and another woman reporting the same thing. The reader is left having only a few ideas about who might have done it and why.
The book is easy to read with short chapters that help keep the pages turning. It is one of a series of books but I haven't read those leading up to this one before reviewing it. I feel that if I had read the previous books I might have more of a connection to the central character; DI Ellen Kelly. Unfortunately I'm left feeling a bit indifferent about all of the characters. None of them were particularly likeable and didn't leave much of a lasting impression.
One part that was a bit strange for me was the shortening of the name Geraldine to Ger. I can't work out how it would be pronounced.
I was sent the book because I was a fan of Sophie Hannah and Karin Slaughter. I don't think this quite measures up. The end of the book was fast paced but perhaps too much unnecessary information was dropped in to link it to the previous book that made it feel drawn out. This is always a problem with trying to pick up books halfway through a series.
I would recommend the book to anyone who has read and enjoyed crime books that are easy to read and fast paced. I would struggle to recommend it as a psychological thriller.
For more of my reviews visit https://mrsredsreviews.wordpress.com
The book is easy to read with short chapters that help keep the pages turning. It is one of a series of books but I haven't read those leading up to this one before reviewing it. I feel that if I had read the previous books I might have more of a connection to the central character; DI Ellen Kelly. Unfortunately I'm left feeling a bit indifferent about all of the characters. None of them were particularly likeable and didn't leave much of a lasting impression.
One part that was a bit strange for me was the shortening of the name Geraldine to Ger. I can't work out how it would be pronounced.
I was sent the book because I was a fan of Sophie Hannah and Karin Slaughter. I don't think this quite measures up. The end of the book was fast paced but perhaps too much unnecessary information was dropped in to link it to the previous book that made it feel drawn out. This is always a problem with trying to pick up books halfway through a series.
I would recommend the book to anyone who has read and enjoyed crime books that are easy to read and fast paced. I would struggle to recommend it as a psychological thriller.
For more of my reviews visit https://mrsredsreviews.wordpress.com
October 2, 2014
The Waiting Game by Sheila Bugler
DI Ellen Kelly is struggling through some difficult changes in her life. Her boss has left, replaced by a more unpredictable DCI. Her career seems to be stalling - again. And her feelings for Jim O'Dwyer feel like they're spiralling out of her normally tight control. Distraction can be very dangerous. Someone is out there, stalking the weak, bringing misery and fear, and it's Ellen's job to stop it
I was sent this book to review from real readers and I always keen to discover new authors and with psychological thrillers being my favourtite kind of read, I could not wait to get stuck in to this book.
The book is one in a series of DI Kelly books, I had not read the previous book, maybe if I had I would of learnt a bit more about the central character and where she began. The book is easy to read with short chapters that help keep the pages turning. I read this book really quickly as I found it very fast paced and with lots of twists and turns, I wanted to get to the end to find out who dunnit (although I did guess before the end).
The plot was easy to follow and did not have too many characters that it left me confused like some thrillers.
I would recommend the book to anyone who has read and enjoyed crime books and thrillers. I would probably seek out additional books by this author especially ones in this series so I can find out where the central character came from and how she develops.
DI Ellen Kelly is struggling through some difficult changes in her life. Her boss has left, replaced by a more unpredictable DCI. Her career seems to be stalling - again. And her feelings for Jim O'Dwyer feel like they're spiralling out of her normally tight control. Distraction can be very dangerous. Someone is out there, stalking the weak, bringing misery and fear, and it's Ellen's job to stop it
I was sent this book to review from real readers and I always keen to discover new authors and with psychological thrillers being my favourtite kind of read, I could not wait to get stuck in to this book.
The book is one in a series of DI Kelly books, I had not read the previous book, maybe if I had I would of learnt a bit more about the central character and where she began. The book is easy to read with short chapters that help keep the pages turning. I read this book really quickly as I found it very fast paced and with lots of twists and turns, I wanted to get to the end to find out who dunnit (although I did guess before the end).
The plot was easy to follow and did not have too many characters that it left me confused like some thrillers.
I would recommend the book to anyone who has read and enjoyed crime books and thrillers. I would probably seek out additional books by this author especially ones in this series so I can find out where the central character came from and how she develops.
Read
January 14, 2015The second novel from this fabulous crime author and the writing goes from strength to strength. Here we re-join DI Ellen Kelly, recovering from the trauma she faced in book one of the series, but ready to restart her personal life and take a risk with old flame, Jim O’Dwyer – and more than ready to face the challenges of her professional career with renewed vigour.
But it seems someone is determined to stop her on all fronts.
When the investigation into the brutal murder of an estate agent moves from a routine enquiry and starts to interfere in her private life, Ellen’s maternal instincts take over. Someone is stalking her, taking photographs of her while asleep, vandalising her parents’ home. How and why can it be connected to her work? And when Jim O’Dwyer finds himself prime suspect for the murder, Ellen’s world begins to fall to pieces. Who can she trust? And how can she ensure the safety of her children?
The climatic scenes of the book are page-turners and the ending …. Well, is it really an ending or just beginning? That is for the reader to decide, but it certainly leaves you in high anticipation of the next book in the series!
I adore the gritty, noir style of this author and the way she effortlessly navigates her characters through the intricate twists and turns of the narrative. Five stars and highly recommended.
But it seems someone is determined to stop her on all fronts.
When the investigation into the brutal murder of an estate agent moves from a routine enquiry and starts to interfere in her private life, Ellen’s maternal instincts take over. Someone is stalking her, taking photographs of her while asleep, vandalising her parents’ home. How and why can it be connected to her work? And when Jim O’Dwyer finds himself prime suspect for the murder, Ellen’s world begins to fall to pieces. Who can she trust? And how can she ensure the safety of her children?
The climatic scenes of the book are page-turners and the ending …. Well, is it really an ending or just beginning? That is for the reader to decide, but it certainly leaves you in high anticipation of the next book in the series!
I adore the gritty, noir style of this author and the way she effortlessly navigates her characters through the intricate twists and turns of the narrative. Five stars and highly recommended.
February 18, 2015
This book captured you from the start and took you along a ride of many twists and turns.
The story centres around Detective Inspector Ellen Kelly and an investigation into a young woman who believes she has a stalker. We are given an insight into the emotional and home life of Ellen and then we have the story of Chloe woven into it.
Chloe has escaped from an abusive relationship that has left its mark on her and she is now the victim of a stalker that is terrorising her daily life. We enter the story at the point when she has turned to the Police for help.
The story evolves into a psychological thriller that leads you down many paths that keep you guessing how the story will end right up to the last chapter.
The book was very well written and kept the reader involved and a true page-turner.
I will be looking for more books by this author in my local library.
The story centres around Detective Inspector Ellen Kelly and an investigation into a young woman who believes she has a stalker. We are given an insight into the emotional and home life of Ellen and then we have the story of Chloe woven into it.
Chloe has escaped from an abusive relationship that has left its mark on her and she is now the victim of a stalker that is terrorising her daily life. We enter the story at the point when she has turned to the Police for help.
The story evolves into a psychological thriller that leads you down many paths that keep you guessing how the story will end right up to the last chapter.
The book was very well written and kept the reader involved and a true page-turner.
I will be looking for more books by this author in my local library.
September 25, 2014
This is an author to look out for up there with Nicci French and another author I have just come across Lisa Cutts. This is Sheila Buglers 2nd crime novel. This was voted number One crime novel of 2013 by Crimesquad
The reader will not be disappointed by her new novel -a really good psychological thriller with some clever twists, I could not put this book down.
The main character is DI Ellen Kelly she has problems of her own but she has to deal with a horrible murder of a woman by someone who is into torture. This deals with real life issues.
This is well written with a really good storyline. – I cannot wait for her third novel.
The reader will not be disappointed by her new novel -a really good psychological thriller with some clever twists, I could not put this book down.
The main character is DI Ellen Kelly she has problems of her own but she has to deal with a horrible murder of a woman by someone who is into torture. This deals with real life issues.
This is well written with a really good storyline. – I cannot wait for her third novel.
September 22, 2014
Sheila Bugler writes a brilliant novel about Ellen Kelly. a struggling DI who investigates a murder of a female by someone with a liking for mental torture and misery. Add in the problems of a split family and an unknown mother and you have a real page turner with great characters and true to life problems.
August 6, 2015
Another thrilling novel featuring DI Ellen Kelly, a mysterious stalker and some strange happenings. I read this a little while ago but have been very bad at reviewing lately. That's definitely not this book's fault! This is one that will keep you reading beyond bedtime and have you puzzling to work out the culprit. Excellent.
October 21, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - fast paced, easy reading and not so many characters that you get lost/confused. Keeps you guessing right till the end. Short snappy chapters which make you want to keep reading the next one and the next one.
July 27, 2015
Took me a very long time to finish this book, but no reflection on the story, the writing or the pace. The second Ellen Kelly book is gripping from start to finish, with twist and turns that kept me thinking throughout. Excellent
January 16, 2015
This book was a tense thriller with plenty of twists. A fast paced and well written book that you will not be disappointed with. It's the first book I've read by the author and I can highly recommend her.
June 9, 2015
An excellent read set around the area I live in. kept me guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews