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Alice Quentin #5
Dunkle minder
Nervepirrende krimiserie om psykologen Alice Quentin, der hjælper Londons politi med at sætte en række brutale seriemordere bag tremmer.
Clare Riordan og hendes søn, Mikey, bliver bortført fra parken Clapham Common i London en tidlig morgen. Få timer efter finder man drengen, der vandrer alene og desorienteret rundt. Og så dukker en plasticpose op. Den er fuld af Clares blod …
Psykolog Alice Quentin slås med kærligheden og er usikker på, om hun overhovedet er i stand til at være i et forhold. Det bliver ikke lettere, da hendes kæreste, politimanden Don Burns, bliver koblet på efterforskningen, og de to skal samarbejde. Mikeys fortrængte minder er nøglen, der kan lede dem på sporet af, hvad der skete med hans mor. Men hurtigt indser Alice, at Clare Riordan hverken er det første eller det sidste offer.
En morders syge tankegang er ikke fremmed for Alice Quentin. Men denne gang skal hun forsøge at få adgang til et traumatiseret barns inderste, mens Londons indbyggere frygter morderens næste træk. De betaler en høj pris for hans hævntørst, og prisen skal betales med blod …
Clare Riordan og hendes søn, Mikey, bliver bortført fra parken Clapham Common i London en tidlig morgen. Få timer efter finder man drengen, der vandrer alene og desorienteret rundt. Og så dukker en plasticpose op. Den er fuld af Clares blod …
Psykolog Alice Quentin slås med kærligheden og er usikker på, om hun overhovedet er i stand til at være i et forhold. Det bliver ikke lettere, da hendes kæreste, politimanden Don Burns, bliver koblet på efterforskningen, og de to skal samarbejde. Mikeys fortrængte minder er nøglen, der kan lede dem på sporet af, hvad der skete med hans mor. Men hurtigt indser Alice, at Clare Riordan hverken er det første eller det sidste offer.
En morders syge tankegang er ikke fremmed for Alice Quentin. Men denne gang skal hun forsøge at få adgang til et traumatiseret barns inderste, mens Londons indbyggere frygter morderens næste træk. De betaler en høj pris for hans hævntørst, og prisen skal betales med blod …
389 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2024
85 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
36 books353 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 27, 2016
Over the course of five novels Kate Rhodes has grown into a top-flight crime writer. I don’t read a great deal of contemporary crime, but there is something about the way she writes, the way she portrays her characters, that has me eager to read each new book as soon as it arrives in the world.
This book opens with a perfectly executed scene.
It is early morning and a woman – a doctor and a single mother – is jogging on Clapham Common with her young son in tow. It’s something that she does everyday, but this day is different. Because she is being watched, by a couple who have a particular interest in her.
Later that day her son, Mikey, is found, wandering alone. He is distressed and disorientated, and he will not say a word.
And in the evening a labelled pack of Dr Clare Riordan’s blood is found on a doorstep in central London ….
The writing was wonderful. I knew that this was crime novel, but it could have turned this story into anything it might have wanted to become. And it quickly became clear than the story would be both distinctive and meaningful. Any concerns I had that there might be echoes of a certain real-life case were swept right away.
Dr Alice Quentin is a Forensic Psychologist, and as the story opens she is beginning a new job as deputy director of Forensic Psychology Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department. It isn’t the right time for her to take on a demanding new case, she shouldn’t be working on the same investigation as DCI Don Burns now that their relationship was ‘official’ but it was clear from the start that this was an exceptional situation, and that Alice was the best person to work with the child who had to be protected and handled with the greatest care.
She grasped the situation quickly, but she wasn’t entirely happy. Her relationship was common knowledge, and, though she knew that Don had done the right thing when he put it on record, she wished that he had asked her first.
Her work with Mikey showed Alice as a capable and compassionate professional so very well. And the child’s trauma, and his difficult progress as he struggled to cope with his situation, were sensitively and realistically captured. Every detail was right, and I was drawn in and made to care.
I understood Alice’s deep concern for Mikey, and her determination to do everything in her power to help him and to help the investigation that she hoped – maybe against hope – would restore his beloved mother to him.
Kate Rhodes was very clever to set this case against this stage in Alice’s personal life. Because seeing things together illuminated her character wonderfully well. She put a little too much emotional energy into her career, because, while she loved the idea of a more fulfilling life away from work, she had a deep-set fear of being hurt, being unable to cope ….
There is another crime, links are found with other incidents, and everything leads to a very real scandal.
In the late seventies and early eighties tainted blood products were imported into the United Kingdom and their use infected around five thousand with hepatitis C and around twelve hundred with HIV.
To date no government, health or pharmaceutical entity in the UK has admitted liability for the scandal and no compensation has been paid to those infected or affected.
I knew nothing about this history and I can only applaud Kate Rhodes – whose family was affected – for drawing attention to what happened and for incorporating it into this novel so effectively; showing the long-ranging consequences and the differing reactions of those whose lives were touched and damaged.
The plot is very well constructed; my suspicions went this way and that, and I really didn’t know quite how this story would play out until the very end. Every character was fully realised; a real living, breathing human being with a life and a history. Every story within the bigger story rang true.
And life went on for everyone in Alice’s world. Don’s first meeting with Alice’s mother was particularly well done; showing aspects of their characters that I hadn’t seen before.
This is part of a series, and I would recommend starting with the first book and reading them all, but this book could stand alone, and you could read it first and then go back.
I could quite happily read them all again.
They work as crime novels, they work as human dramas; and five times now I have picked up a book and read avidly, wanting to know how the story would play out and caring about the people involved and wanting to know what would happen in their lives.
I will be very surprised if I read a better crime novel this year.
And I do hope that there will be a sixth book.
This book opens with a perfectly executed scene.
It is early morning and a woman – a doctor and a single mother – is jogging on Clapham Common with her young son in tow. It’s something that she does everyday, but this day is different. Because she is being watched, by a couple who have a particular interest in her.
Later that day her son, Mikey, is found, wandering alone. He is distressed and disorientated, and he will not say a word.
And in the evening a labelled pack of Dr Clare Riordan’s blood is found on a doorstep in central London ….
The writing was wonderful. I knew that this was crime novel, but it could have turned this story into anything it might have wanted to become. And it quickly became clear than the story would be both distinctive and meaningful. Any concerns I had that there might be echoes of a certain real-life case were swept right away.
Dr Alice Quentin is a Forensic Psychologist, and as the story opens she is beginning a new job as deputy director of Forensic Psychology Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department. It isn’t the right time for her to take on a demanding new case, she shouldn’t be working on the same investigation as DCI Don Burns now that their relationship was ‘official’ but it was clear from the start that this was an exceptional situation, and that Alice was the best person to work with the child who had to be protected and handled with the greatest care.
She grasped the situation quickly, but she wasn’t entirely happy. Her relationship was common knowledge, and, though she knew that Don had done the right thing when he put it on record, she wished that he had asked her first.
Her work with Mikey showed Alice as a capable and compassionate professional so very well. And the child’s trauma, and his difficult progress as he struggled to cope with his situation, were sensitively and realistically captured. Every detail was right, and I was drawn in and made to care.
I understood Alice’s deep concern for Mikey, and her determination to do everything in her power to help him and to help the investigation that she hoped – maybe against hope – would restore his beloved mother to him.
Kate Rhodes was very clever to set this case against this stage in Alice’s personal life. Because seeing things together illuminated her character wonderfully well. She put a little too much emotional energy into her career, because, while she loved the idea of a more fulfilling life away from work, she had a deep-set fear of being hurt, being unable to cope ….
There is another crime, links are found with other incidents, and everything leads to a very real scandal.
In the late seventies and early eighties tainted blood products were imported into the United Kingdom and their use infected around five thousand with hepatitis C and around twelve hundred with HIV.
To date no government, health or pharmaceutical entity in the UK has admitted liability for the scandal and no compensation has been paid to those infected or affected.
I knew nothing about this history and I can only applaud Kate Rhodes – whose family was affected – for drawing attention to what happened and for incorporating it into this novel so effectively; showing the long-ranging consequences and the differing reactions of those whose lives were touched and damaged.
The plot is very well constructed; my suspicions went this way and that, and I really didn’t know quite how this story would play out until the very end. Every character was fully realised; a real living, breathing human being with a life and a history. Every story within the bigger story rang true.
And life went on for everyone in Alice’s world. Don’s first meeting with Alice’s mother was particularly well done; showing aspects of their characters that I hadn’t seen before.
This is part of a series, and I would recommend starting with the first book and reading them all, but this book could stand alone, and you could read it first and then go back.
I could quite happily read them all again.
They work as crime novels, they work as human dramas; and five times now I have picked up a book and read avidly, wanting to know how the story would play out and caring about the people involved and wanting to know what would happen in their lives.
I will be very surprised if I read a better crime novel this year.
And I do hope that there will be a sixth book.
January 7, 2019
Why I loved reading this book is that the story was so fresh and utterly different with characters and a plot that you really have deep feelings for. In her most cutting crime novel yet, Kate explores through fiction the impact of this real life crime, and the lenghts that revenge, suffering and desperation can take you to. Twisty, psychological and utterly gripping, this time, murder all comes down to blood.
Clare Riordan and her son Mikey are kidnapped while out jogging in Clapham Common. Mikey was able to escape. But why Clare Riordan had been taken was mystery to the police investigation.
Alice Quinton is back and helping Mikey Riordan. Through Mikey's ordeal after seeing his mother kidnapped he never spoke a word to anyone. The boy was displaying classic signs of elective muteness.
The police are trying to connect pieces of information from Clare Riordan's work colleagues at the tainted Blood Panel in the Royal Free Hospital. Although Clare and her sister hate each other she is questioned too. There are fresh claims that Clare had a boyfriend, who the police want to track down to question him.
More victims are taken and each time the killer always leave a sample of a new victims blood. Will Mikey's mother be found alive or dead?
A terrific new heroine on the block. I read The Winter Foundlings which made me follow Kate Rhodes new novels.
June 22, 2020
Darum geht's:
Die Ärztin Clare Riordan joggt mit ihrem zehnjährigen Sohn durch den Park, als sie entführt wird. Ihr Sohn Mikey kann entkommen, doch er ist so traumatisiert, dass er nicht sprechen kann. Alice Quentin wird gebeten, der Polizei dabei zu helfen, das Vertrauen des Jungen zu gewinnen und Informationen über die Entführer seiner Mutter aus ihm herauszulocken. Dass Alice und der leitende Ermittler Don Burns seit kurzem ein Paar sind, macht die belastende Situation für Alice nicht leichter. Dann taucht ein Beutel mit Clare Riordans Blut auf und es wird klar, dass höchste Eile geboten ist.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Die Ärztin Clare Riordan joggt mit ihrem zehnjährigen Sohn durch den Park, als sie entführt wird. Ihr Sohn Mikey kann entkommen, doch er ist so traumatisiert, dass er nicht sprechen kann. Alice Quentin wird gebeten, der Polizei dabei zu helfen, das Vertrauen des Jungen zu gewinnen und Informationen über die Entführer seiner Mutter aus ihm herauszulocken. Dass Alice und der leitende Ermittler Don Burns seit kurzem ein Paar sind, macht die belastende Situation für Alice nicht leichter. Dann taucht ein Beutel mit Clare Riordans Blut auf und es wird klar, dass höchste Eile geboten ist.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
March 11, 2022
Blood Symmetry is book five in the Alice Quentin series by Kate Rhodes. Psychologist Alice Quentin became part of the case of the disappearance of Clare Riordan, and Clare's traumatised child found wandering and disorientated after Clare's disappearance. However, the patient will cause problems for Psychologist Alice Quentin due to her boyfriend DCI Don Burns, appointed as the senior investigator officer for the case. The readers will continue to follow the twists and turn in Psychologist Alice Quentin's investigation to find out what happens.
I have read other books by Kate Rhodes. However, I have not read any books in the Alice Quentin series. Blood Symmetry is an enjoyable book to read, and I engage with the plot and the characters from the first page. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Blood Symmetry is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like how Kate Rhodes describes Blood Symmetry settings that allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood Symmetry will learn about The Factor 8 - Contaminated Blood Scandal and the consequences for Haemophiliacs in England. Also, the readers of Blood Symmetry will learn about the role of Forensic Psychologists in law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
I have read other books by Kate Rhodes. However, I have not read any books in the Alice Quentin series. Blood Symmetry is an enjoyable book to read, and I engage with the plot and the characters from the first page. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Blood Symmetry is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like how Kate Rhodes describes Blood Symmetry settings that allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood Symmetry will learn about The Factor 8 - Contaminated Blood Scandal and the consequences for Haemophiliacs in England. Also, the readers of Blood Symmetry will learn about the role of Forensic Psychologists in law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
December 1, 2017
An excellent story, fast paced and full of action. The characters were all well drawn and believable. Charlotte Stevens narrates well. As London is my home town I loved all the dashing around places that I know. I will definitely be buying more from this author. I highly recommend this audio book
October 28, 2017
Meh. How many times does the serial killer have to carry out the exact same crime before anyone puts two and two together? Dumb amateurs can be forgiven, but I hate stupid cops.
July 13, 2016
This is the second novel in the Alice Quentin series that I've read. I liked the first one I read and this one is even better.
Alice is a forensic psychologist. She is brought in to work with a young traumatized boy. He and his mother had been abducted but he managed to escape. The police know the boy has information but he is mute. Alice is to help him remember and verbalize his experience.
His mother is a blood specialist. A pint of her blood is found deposited at a blood research location in London. Someone is systematically withdrawing her blood and leaving it at locations important in the history of blood treatment. Alice figures out there had been other blood specialists who had recently been murdered or died mysteriously. She must first understand the connection between the victims and then find the culprits before more lives are lost.
I love it when I learn something in reading a novel. In this case it was about the tainted blood scandal in the UK in the late 1970s. In a note at the end of the novel, the author gives us the facts of the event. The government had bought tainted blood from abroad and many hemophiliacs got sick with hepatitis and AIDS. I was surprised to find that Rhodes has a personal interest in writing this novel in that her husband was given hepatitis C in the early 1980s. While she acknowledges that she took a few small liberties with the historical facts to fit her story, the novel clearly portrays that troubled time in Britain's medical history.
In with this historical element is much information about blood and its use. I learned about the first blood transfer between greyhounds in 1665 and the first human blood transfer in the nineteenth century. I also learned a bit about how a child might become mute from a traumatic experience and how a psychologist associated with the police might work with that child.
This novel has all of those aspects I like in fiction. The characters are well developed, the mystery is intense, the plot is based in historical fact, and I learned quite a bit on a new subject.
I recommend this novel to readers who appreciate a well crafted suspense novel, don't mind some gruesome scenes, and enjoy learning. You won't be disappointed.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Alice is a forensic psychologist. She is brought in to work with a young traumatized boy. He and his mother had been abducted but he managed to escape. The police know the boy has information but he is mute. Alice is to help him remember and verbalize his experience.
His mother is a blood specialist. A pint of her blood is found deposited at a blood research location in London. Someone is systematically withdrawing her blood and leaving it at locations important in the history of blood treatment. Alice figures out there had been other blood specialists who had recently been murdered or died mysteriously. She must first understand the connection between the victims and then find the culprits before more lives are lost.
I love it when I learn something in reading a novel. In this case it was about the tainted blood scandal in the UK in the late 1970s. In a note at the end of the novel, the author gives us the facts of the event. The government had bought tainted blood from abroad and many hemophiliacs got sick with hepatitis and AIDS. I was surprised to find that Rhodes has a personal interest in writing this novel in that her husband was given hepatitis C in the early 1980s. While she acknowledges that she took a few small liberties with the historical facts to fit her story, the novel clearly portrays that troubled time in Britain's medical history.
In with this historical element is much information about blood and its use. I learned about the first blood transfer between greyhounds in 1665 and the first human blood transfer in the nineteenth century. I also learned a bit about how a child might become mute from a traumatic experience and how a psychologist associated with the police might work with that child.
This novel has all of those aspects I like in fiction. The characters are well developed, the mystery is intense, the plot is based in historical fact, and I learned quite a bit on a new subject.
I recommend this novel to readers who appreciate a well crafted suspense novel, don't mind some gruesome scenes, and enjoy learning. You won't be disappointed.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
July 16, 2016
With an horrific start Kate Rhodes gives the reader a splendid tale of fiction littered with a factual theme.
From the first page I loved Alice Quentin and I quickly became emotionally involved with Mikey.
The intensity of this fabulous tale builds with it's momentum and my deduction of what happens, like most of Alice and Burns fascinating case of blood, revenge and ultimately murder, was purely guesswork.Kate Rhodes does not make it easy for you.
Not so much a twisty novel, Blood Symmetry is a pacy read, that is brilliantly researched, I was utterly gripped and while this book is a work of fiction I could understand the thoughts and feelings of the villains of the story. Not all killers and vengeful characters do so just to satisfy a deep and dangerous lust for blood, and Kate manages to get inside the mind of her 'terminators' and makes them and their cause human.
I loved this novel. It is one that is enjoyable to read and is also very convincing.
I am going to read her other Quentin tales in order to get the back story of Alice, and I can't wait for future reads to see where this complex and engaging lady ends up.
From the first page I loved Alice Quentin and I quickly became emotionally involved with Mikey.
The intensity of this fabulous tale builds with it's momentum and my deduction of what happens, like most of Alice and Burns fascinating case of blood, revenge and ultimately murder, was purely guesswork.Kate Rhodes does not make it easy for you.
Not so much a twisty novel, Blood Symmetry is a pacy read, that is brilliantly researched, I was utterly gripped and while this book is a work of fiction I could understand the thoughts and feelings of the villains of the story. Not all killers and vengeful characters do so just to satisfy a deep and dangerous lust for blood, and Kate manages to get inside the mind of her 'terminators' and makes them and their cause human.
I loved this novel. It is one that is enjoyable to read and is also very convincing.
I am going to read her other Quentin tales in order to get the back story of Alice, and I can't wait for future reads to see where this complex and engaging lady ends up.
January 3, 2017
3.5 stars. A reasonably good book. Alice's claustrophobia is not much in evidence but her inability to commit to a relationship is. An author faces a dilemma in writing a mystery: to0 few potential suspects and the astute among us can guess the perpetrator or too many and risk confusion. For me it was confusion here. This book is based on a real situation although the plot is entirely ficticious.
September 26, 2019
Still bloody awful I see she did her research but omg what a mess and yes again absolutely bloody insane. All of it a mess the mystery is way too simple and dear god the main characters get worse and worse. Well the latest book is up and I hope the last one please god
July 13, 2016
Great
I gave it 5 stars because it deserved it!!! I love Alice and Burns!!! The book is so good I did not want it to end!!!
I gave it 5 stars because it deserved it!!! I love Alice and Burns!!! The book is so good I did not want it to end!!!
December 5, 2021
I enjoy a good mystery and this series doesn't disappoint. It has enjoyable characters and good pacing.
January 16, 2022
The fifth in the Alice Quentin series is another outstanding thriller which excellent characterization, breakneck pacing and unpredictable plot twists.
March 9, 2025
This is the fifth book of a six book series featuring Alice Quentin, a forensic psychologist based in London. This is the third book in this series which I have read. I have also read five other books by the author.
Most of the story is told from Alice's first person perspective though this is interspersed with short chapters told in the third person showing the actions of the killers. It's a compelling read which starts with the abduction of a woman and her young son. The boy manages to escape but is too traumatised to speak so Alice is assigned to see if she can get through to him. When a container of the abducted woman's blood is found Alice begins to wonder if the abduction is part of a series of crimes. Some gruesome details but the killers' motive is based on a scandal which really did happen.
I now have to read the other books in this series.
Most of the story is told from Alice's first person perspective though this is interspersed with short chapters told in the third person showing the actions of the killers. It's a compelling read which starts with the abduction of a woman and her young son. The boy manages to escape but is too traumatised to speak so Alice is assigned to see if she can get through to him. When a container of the abducted woman's blood is found Alice begins to wonder if the abduction is part of a series of crimes. Some gruesome details but the killers' motive is based on a scandal which really did happen.
I now have to read the other books in this series.
October 24, 2023
many parts made me go like “why are the police so incompetent?” there were so many instances where the police could have set up a trap but no, they left their red and blue flashing lights which alerts the killer. also first part was a little dry (hence -1 star)
second half of the book was so suspenseful. the author makes it seem like the culprit could be so many people- i kept wanting to read on to find out more. there is something about the way she portrays the characters and how the whole thing unfolded.
the book was very well researched as well - contained cool historical facts that surprised me.
really good read overall. i think i spent 5 days on the first half of the book and 2 on the second half lol
second half of the book was so suspenseful. the author makes it seem like the culprit could be so many people- i kept wanting to read on to find out more. there is something about the way she portrays the characters and how the whole thing unfolded.
the book was very well researched as well - contained cool historical facts that surprised me.
really good read overall. i think i spent 5 days on the first half of the book and 2 on the second half lol
March 20, 2025
Excellent London Police Procedural
Highly recommend this series. It's usually obvious who the perpetrator is but less so in this series. Definitely need to read from Book 1 in chronological order. Only small complaint is that the author got the name of one of the characters wrong. Tania's daughter was called Sinead in the last book and is Siobhan in this one.
Highly recommend this series. It's usually obvious who the perpetrator is but less so in this series. Definitely need to read from Book 1 in chronological order. Only small complaint is that the author got the name of one of the characters wrong. Tania's daughter was called Sinead in the last book and is Siobhan in this one.
March 4, 2023
After reading this, I'm very surprised the book has so few ratings and that I hadn't heard of the author before! Absolutely brilliant! Apart from the first chapter, I read this in a day!
June 22, 2025
An excellent book , I thought I was reading book one in the series but still found it easy to follow .
Very suspenseful plot line with red herrings galore .
I liked the characters too .
Very suspenseful plot line with red herrings galore .
I liked the characters too .
July 14, 2017
Five books in and I still can’t get enough of the Alice Quentin series! Each book is brilliantly crafted and all-consuming, and Kate Rhodes never lets the reader down, always delivering a layered, fascinating and chilling story. Blood Symmetry is no exception.
I’ve mentioned before how much I like Alice, and that still remains. She’s definitely a woman you’d want on your side. In this book, I grew to like her even more and though she doesn’t overshadow the case, her character shines through. Clare Riordan and her son Mikey are out for a jog on Clapham Common when Clare is abducted. Mikey escapes, but he is traumatised. Mute and barely readable, Alice is there to try and uncover his memories, but it isn’t an easy task.
Mikey’s character appeared to me as very realistic and I found it really interesting seeing the stages of his trauma, and was eager for him to develop and recover a bit as when we meet him, he is hardly uttering a word, or at least not any that make sense. I cared for Mikey’s character early on even when I couldn’t understand him, and found getting to know his character through his actions, Alice’s perceptions and the little things he shared utterly engaging, and other than my fictional love for Alice Quentin, Mikey had me emotionally attached to this novel, something which I rarely feel in this genre.
One of the reasons why I love Kate’s books is because she makes them wholly human and accessible – exploring family, relationships and historical connections whilst still providing a tense and gripping crime to sink your teeth into. Blood Symmetry had all that, with pace and atmosphere delivered boundlessly, and I spent one very late night/early morning devouring her words whole. Because that’s another thing I love about Kate’s books – they are impossible to put down.
As Alice and her boyfriend DCI Burns (love him) attempt to uncover the truth, the appearance of blood packs all around London lead them to realise that Clare isn’t the only victim of the crime. And that is some understatement. Though there aren’t too many twists and turns in Blood Symmetry, it still had a huge mystery at its heart and I was kept guessing throughout. With every few Alice chapters divided by quick, pacy chapters from the perspective of the killer, I loved how unnerved and unsettled reading their thought process made me feel, as this engrossed me even more.
There is also a very honest and factual theme to this book – based on the real-life tainted blood scandal. This is not something I’d heard much of before reading Blood Symmetry but learning the author’s personal connection to the scandal at the end of the book made me feel the story even more. Kate’s writing made me feel the need to research the tainted blood scandal and I did, and this made Blood Symmetry shock and emotionally affect me even more.
The worst part about this book was that it came to an end. I feel the same way after every Alice book. Blood Symmetry was a startling read, incredibly intense and captivating, topped off by its very satisfying end. Kate manages to move me, destroy my emotions and just about fix me back up, ready for the next one through the course of her books and it never gets old. I cannot wait to see where she takes things next.
I’ve mentioned before how much I like Alice, and that still remains. She’s definitely a woman you’d want on your side. In this book, I grew to like her even more and though she doesn’t overshadow the case, her character shines through. Clare Riordan and her son Mikey are out for a jog on Clapham Common when Clare is abducted. Mikey escapes, but he is traumatised. Mute and barely readable, Alice is there to try and uncover his memories, but it isn’t an easy task.
Mikey’s character appeared to me as very realistic and I found it really interesting seeing the stages of his trauma, and was eager for him to develop and recover a bit as when we meet him, he is hardly uttering a word, or at least not any that make sense. I cared for Mikey’s character early on even when I couldn’t understand him, and found getting to know his character through his actions, Alice’s perceptions and the little things he shared utterly engaging, and other than my fictional love for Alice Quentin, Mikey had me emotionally attached to this novel, something which I rarely feel in this genre.
One of the reasons why I love Kate’s books is because she makes them wholly human and accessible – exploring family, relationships and historical connections whilst still providing a tense and gripping crime to sink your teeth into. Blood Symmetry had all that, with pace and atmosphere delivered boundlessly, and I spent one very late night/early morning devouring her words whole. Because that’s another thing I love about Kate’s books – they are impossible to put down.
As Alice and her boyfriend DCI Burns (love him) attempt to uncover the truth, the appearance of blood packs all around London lead them to realise that Clare isn’t the only victim of the crime. And that is some understatement. Though there aren’t too many twists and turns in Blood Symmetry, it still had a huge mystery at its heart and I was kept guessing throughout. With every few Alice chapters divided by quick, pacy chapters from the perspective of the killer, I loved how unnerved and unsettled reading their thought process made me feel, as this engrossed me even more.
There is also a very honest and factual theme to this book – based on the real-life tainted blood scandal. This is not something I’d heard much of before reading Blood Symmetry but learning the author’s personal connection to the scandal at the end of the book made me feel the story even more. Kate’s writing made me feel the need to research the tainted blood scandal and I did, and this made Blood Symmetry shock and emotionally affect me even more.
The worst part about this book was that it came to an end. I feel the same way after every Alice book. Blood Symmetry was a startling read, incredibly intense and captivating, topped off by its very satisfying end. Kate manages to move me, destroy my emotions and just about fix me back up, ready for the next one through the course of her books and it never gets old. I cannot wait to see where she takes things next.
July 15, 2016
3.5-star read
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Alice Quentin is a forensic psychologist with the Forensic Psychology Unit (FPU) of the Metropolitan Police Department. Her very first day as the second-in-charge, she's assigned a case involving a mother, Dr. Clare Riordan, that has been abducted and her son, Mikey, apparently escaped. Alice has to contend with her new responsibilities as the Deputy Director at the FPU, her burgeoning relationship with DCI Don Burns, and her relationship with the traumatized child in Blood Symmetry by Kate Rhodes.
Alice Quentin's professional life is moving forward with her recent appointment as the Deputy Director at the FPU. Her romantic life is in a holding pattern. Don Burns is separated from his wife but not yet divorced. Alice isn't quite sure if she believes his commitment to her nor is she ready to fully commit to him. She feels backed into the proverbial corner, as their romantic relationship has been revealed to all and sundry and now they must work closely on this abduction case. Just when Alice thinks she has a grasp on this case, she realizes that the abducted mother might be just one in a series of abductions/murders and they all have ties to the Tainted Blood Scandal. (Tainted blood products were imported into the United Kingdom and provided to hemophiliacs causing a host of acquired medical issues including hepatitis C and HIV.) Once Alice realizes the full scope of Dr. Riordan's abduction, everyone she meets becomes a suspect. The abduction is featured prominently in the news and soon both Mikey and Alice become targets. Can Alice and Don find Clare Riordan before it's too late?
Blood SymmetryAlice Quentin series by Kate Rhodes. Although this is the first book in this series that I've read, I didn't really feel as if I missed out on anything (of course, I'll be reading the previous books in the series because I'm hooked). I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Symmetry and found it to be a fast-paced and engaging read. Ms. Rhodes has provided a mystery that kept me guessing until the bitter end, a bit of romance, some family drama, political drama, and more. I especially enjoyed the incorporation of a historic medical issue into the storyline as well as the idea of recipients of tainted blood products seeking revenge. I found the characters to be realistic and the action to be wholly plausible. If you enjoy crime fiction or mystery-thrillers, then you'll definitely want to add this series to your TBR list. As previously mentioned, I'll be reading the first four books then rereading Blood Symmetry while I eagerly await the next installment in this series.
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Alice Quentin is a forensic psychologist with the Forensic Psychology Unit (FPU) of the Metropolitan Police Department. Her very first day as the second-in-charge, she's assigned a case involving a mother, Dr. Clare Riordan, that has been abducted and her son, Mikey, apparently escaped. Alice has to contend with her new responsibilities as the Deputy Director at the FPU, her burgeoning relationship with DCI Don Burns, and her relationship with the traumatized child in Blood Symmetry by Kate Rhodes.
Alice Quentin's professional life is moving forward with her recent appointment as the Deputy Director at the FPU. Her romantic life is in a holding pattern. Don Burns is separated from his wife but not yet divorced. Alice isn't quite sure if she believes his commitment to her nor is she ready to fully commit to him. She feels backed into the proverbial corner, as their romantic relationship has been revealed to all and sundry and now they must work closely on this abduction case. Just when Alice thinks she has a grasp on this case, she realizes that the abducted mother might be just one in a series of abductions/murders and they all have ties to the Tainted Blood Scandal. (Tainted blood products were imported into the United Kingdom and provided to hemophiliacs causing a host of acquired medical issues including hepatitis C and HIV.) Once Alice realizes the full scope of Dr. Riordan's abduction, everyone she meets becomes a suspect. The abduction is featured prominently in the news and soon both Mikey and Alice become targets. Can Alice and Don find Clare Riordan before it's too late?
Blood SymmetryAlice Quentin series by Kate Rhodes. Although this is the first book in this series that I've read, I didn't really feel as if I missed out on anything (of course, I'll be reading the previous books in the series because I'm hooked). I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Symmetry and found it to be a fast-paced and engaging read. Ms. Rhodes has provided a mystery that kept me guessing until the bitter end, a bit of romance, some family drama, political drama, and more. I especially enjoyed the incorporation of a historic medical issue into the storyline as well as the idea of recipients of tainted blood products seeking revenge. I found the characters to be realistic and the action to be wholly plausible. If you enjoy crime fiction or mystery-thrillers, then you'll definitely want to add this series to your TBR list. As previously mentioned, I'll be reading the first four books then rereading Blood Symmetry while I eagerly await the next installment in this series.
July 19, 2016
This is the fifth instalment in the Alice Quentin series – having not read any of the others I was intrigued and very excited by this new heroine. Alice Quentin is a Forensic Psychologist who is called in to help Mikey, a traumatised child who was kidnapped along with his mother Clare Riordan but managed to escape. As Clare’s captors continually taunt the police with blood packs left in a number of locations across London Alice and her boyfriend DCI Don Burns quickly realise that Clare is not the first to fall victim, nor will she be the last.
If I could sum up this book in one word I would say breath-taking!
I spent an amazing weekend with Alice Quentin and her world feeling very much involved with all of the characters lives. I especially loved the main character of Alice Quentin from the very beginning! I found myself caring about Mikey, Burns as well as understanding the strong motivation of the killers which made the characters jump right of the page and into my imagination.
The novel was told from two points of view – Alice and the killers whose identities were kept secret until the very end (I won’t ruin it but it kept me guessing.) I thought this was great as it provided an insight into the antagonist as well as ratcheting up that much loved tension.
I could tell while I was reading this novel that the author knew a lot about the tainted blood scandal as well as all of the many locations which featured in the novel through her vivid descriptions, and Alice’s own insights into her world which really made this a very realistic story and enjoyable read.
I adored reading this book and was so absorbed into the story I didn’t want it to end – I actually read this in two days straight (a very good record for me).
This was an absolute fabulous novel packed full of pace, suspense, blood, murder and revenge but still managed to contain a compelling cast of characters which I found myself empathising with. A definite must-read for crime fans!
Full review here: https://chillerskillersandthrillers.w...
If I could sum up this book in one word I would say breath-taking!
I spent an amazing weekend with Alice Quentin and her world feeling very much involved with all of the characters lives. I especially loved the main character of Alice Quentin from the very beginning! I found myself caring about Mikey, Burns as well as understanding the strong motivation of the killers which made the characters jump right of the page and into my imagination.
The novel was told from two points of view – Alice and the killers whose identities were kept secret until the very end (I won’t ruin it but it kept me guessing.) I thought this was great as it provided an insight into the antagonist as well as ratcheting up that much loved tension.
I could tell while I was reading this novel that the author knew a lot about the tainted blood scandal as well as all of the many locations which featured in the novel through her vivid descriptions, and Alice’s own insights into her world which really made this a very realistic story and enjoyable read.
I adored reading this book and was so absorbed into the story I didn’t want it to end – I actually read this in two days straight (a very good record for me).
This was an absolute fabulous novel packed full of pace, suspense, blood, murder and revenge but still managed to contain a compelling cast of characters which I found myself empathising with. A definite must-read for crime fans!
Full review here: https://chillerskillersandthrillers.w...
September 11, 2016
This is book 5 in the Alice Quentin series and I am so proud to say that again, I have been mentioned in the acknowledgements by the author. A lot of you may know I am a huge fan of Kate Rhodes’ books and I get very excited when a new one is due out!
As with last year, I was sent a copy of the book by the author just before I went on holiday, so it was my first read and I managed to get nearly half way through just on the plane!!
Clare Riordan and her son Mikey are abducted whilst out jogging on Clapham Common, but Mikey manages to escape and gets to a safe place. It is then Alice Quentin’s job to try and calm the boy down enough to get some vital information out of him so that the police can try and save his mother, before it’s too late.
Clare worked for NHS in Haematology field and as more people in the same line of work go missing, it is up to Alice to put the pieces together to try and find out the connection in time…….
What I loved about this (and the author’s other books), is that they are mainly set in South East London and as I come from round those parts, it makes it even more real for me as I know the street names well! Even where Mikey was picked up from when he managed to escape from his abductors was in Walworth and that’s where I was born!
This is such a clever, twisting story and a more personal one for the author (when you read the end), but nevertheless, it was still a fantastic story line and combines all the characters nicely. I am in such awe of how authors produce such intricate story lines that tie up in the end and this book is no exception. A wonderful piece of writing, as always, by Kate Rhodes and as usual, I can’t wait for the next one!
A real page turner if ever there was one! Thank you once again for writing such a beautiful piece of fiction that I will pass on to whoever will listen to me!!
As with last year, I was sent a copy of the book by the author just before I went on holiday, so it was my first read and I managed to get nearly half way through just on the plane!!
Clare Riordan and her son Mikey are abducted whilst out jogging on Clapham Common, but Mikey manages to escape and gets to a safe place. It is then Alice Quentin’s job to try and calm the boy down enough to get some vital information out of him so that the police can try and save his mother, before it’s too late.
Clare worked for NHS in Haematology field and as more people in the same line of work go missing, it is up to Alice to put the pieces together to try and find out the connection in time…….
What I loved about this (and the author’s other books), is that they are mainly set in South East London and as I come from round those parts, it makes it even more real for me as I know the street names well! Even where Mikey was picked up from when he managed to escape from his abductors was in Walworth and that’s where I was born!
This is such a clever, twisting story and a more personal one for the author (when you read the end), but nevertheless, it was still a fantastic story line and combines all the characters nicely. I am in such awe of how authors produce such intricate story lines that tie up in the end and this book is no exception. A wonderful piece of writing, as always, by Kate Rhodes and as usual, I can’t wait for the next one!
A real page turner if ever there was one! Thank you once again for writing such a beautiful piece of fiction that I will pass on to whoever will listen to me!!
April 5, 2018
Schon wieder hab ich es geschafft, eine Reihe mittendrin zu beginnen. Mir war nicht klar das dieses Buch zu einer Reihe gehört, aber es hat beim lesen kein bisschen gestört, ich denke mal die vorherigen Teile waren alle in sich abgeschlossen.
Am Anfang geht es schon ziemlich heftig zur Sache, indem Clare und ihr kleiner Sohn entführt werden. Daraufhin übernimmt Alice die Befragungen des kleinen Jungen, Mikey, der den Tätern entkommen konnte.Diese Passagen habe ich geliebt und es war toll zu erleben, wie Alice ganz schnell eine Beziehung zu dem Jungen aufgebaut hat.
Als immer mehr Menschen sterben oder verschwinden, wird schnell klar das hier etwas ganz großes eine Rolle spielen muss und eine umfangreiche Ermittlungsarbeit beginnt. Für mich manchmal etwas zu langgezogen, trotzdem hab ich voller Spannung weitergelesen, denn ich konnte mir absolut keinen Reim darauf machen, wer hier die Schuldigen sein könnten. Die Protaginisten fand ich allesamt authentisch und interessant, natürlich habe ich fast jedem den Täter gesucht, denn falsche Spuren wurden hier mehr als genug gelegt und je weiter ich in die Geschichte reingekommen bin, umso rasanter und interessanter wurde diese, denn der Blutskandal zog immer größere Kreise. Hauptperson für mich in diesem Buch war Alice und ich war einfach nur begeistert von ihr, darum werde ich die vorhergehenden Bücher auf jeden Fall auch noch lesen.
Das Ende war dann nochmal richtig gut, schockierend und ganz viele Ereignisse haben sich überschlagen, denn hier war absolut nichts so wie es schien. Einige unerwartete Dinge sind wie eine Lawine auf einen zugerollt und das war dann nochmal absoluter Genuss, nachdem ich mich mittendrin ja doch manchmal etwas schwergetan habe. Ein toller Kriminalroman mit einer Top Protagonistin und richtig guter Spannung! Von mir gibts eine Empfehlung!
Am Anfang geht es schon ziemlich heftig zur Sache, indem Clare und ihr kleiner Sohn entführt werden. Daraufhin übernimmt Alice die Befragungen des kleinen Jungen, Mikey, der den Tätern entkommen konnte.Diese Passagen habe ich geliebt und es war toll zu erleben, wie Alice ganz schnell eine Beziehung zu dem Jungen aufgebaut hat.
Als immer mehr Menschen sterben oder verschwinden, wird schnell klar das hier etwas ganz großes eine Rolle spielen muss und eine umfangreiche Ermittlungsarbeit beginnt. Für mich manchmal etwas zu langgezogen, trotzdem hab ich voller Spannung weitergelesen, denn ich konnte mir absolut keinen Reim darauf machen, wer hier die Schuldigen sein könnten. Die Protaginisten fand ich allesamt authentisch und interessant, natürlich habe ich fast jedem den Täter gesucht, denn falsche Spuren wurden hier mehr als genug gelegt und je weiter ich in die Geschichte reingekommen bin, umso rasanter und interessanter wurde diese, denn der Blutskandal zog immer größere Kreise. Hauptperson für mich in diesem Buch war Alice und ich war einfach nur begeistert von ihr, darum werde ich die vorhergehenden Bücher auf jeden Fall auch noch lesen.
Das Ende war dann nochmal richtig gut, schockierend und ganz viele Ereignisse haben sich überschlagen, denn hier war absolut nichts so wie es schien. Einige unerwartete Dinge sind wie eine Lawine auf einen zugerollt und das war dann nochmal absoluter Genuss, nachdem ich mich mittendrin ja doch manchmal etwas schwergetan habe. Ein toller Kriminalroman mit einer Top Protagonistin und richtig guter Spannung! Von mir gibts eine Empfehlung!
August 5, 2016
4.5 Stars
A Very intense book! I really like medical mysteries and medical dramas so this one fit perfectly with my tastes. There was a lot going on and a lot of characters, but it didn't feel overloaded. It kept it interesting and there was a lot of emphasis on the main characters so you didn't feel lost.
Great character development. I liked Alice. I understood her, I got her. Her character was believable to me. I thought that the fact that she is holding back on a relationship is whats right for her and I respected her for that. I also liked Detective Don Burns, Alice's "love interest" of sorts. But I really loved Mikey! He was the child who witnessed his mom being abducted. Even though he became a selective mute, I really felt his character. He didn't need to talk for me to fall in love with him.
The plot idea behind this story was very interesting. It is based on fact - the tainted blood scandal of the 1970's. I love reading books that even though they are fiction - they could be true in a way. Kate's descriptions of everything (the torture etc.) while not for the faint of heart at times - I loved it! It made it more real, like I was watching a movie.
I had no idea Kate Rhodes had written so many books! This is my first one. I am also going to be reviewing "The Girl in the River" soon. Kate knows how to write edge-of-your seat stories and I am looking forward to reading more!
Thank you Partners in Crime for sending me this book for my honest review!
See my full review including an excerpt and giveaway - https://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.c...
A Very intense book! I really like medical mysteries and medical dramas so this one fit perfectly with my tastes. There was a lot going on and a lot of characters, but it didn't feel overloaded. It kept it interesting and there was a lot of emphasis on the main characters so you didn't feel lost.
Great character development. I liked Alice. I understood her, I got her. Her character was believable to me. I thought that the fact that she is holding back on a relationship is whats right for her and I respected her for that. I also liked Detective Don Burns, Alice's "love interest" of sorts. But I really loved Mikey! He was the child who witnessed his mom being abducted. Even though he became a selective mute, I really felt his character. He didn't need to talk for me to fall in love with him.
The plot idea behind this story was very interesting. It is based on fact - the tainted blood scandal of the 1970's. I love reading books that even though they are fiction - they could be true in a way. Kate's descriptions of everything (the torture etc.) while not for the faint of heart at times - I loved it! It made it more real, like I was watching a movie.
I had no idea Kate Rhodes had written so many books! This is my first one. I am also going to be reviewing "The Girl in the River" soon. Kate knows how to write edge-of-your seat stories and I am looking forward to reading more!
Thank you Partners in Crime for sending me this book for my honest review!
See my full review including an excerpt and giveaway - https://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.c...
August 3, 2016
Although this is the fifth in the series, it is very easily read as a standalone novel. Most references to things in the past are fairly well explained, and I never felt lost or confused at all.
This story is based on fact, using real life experiences of people who received tainted blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s (I personally had a friend who died for that very reason). I can almost understand someone wanting to take matters into their own hands and exact revenge/justice on those they held responsible.
If you are someone who gets squeamish reading about blood, then you might want to skip this book. There is a LOT of blood/bleeding involved throughout. Other than that, however, the story is very well written and keeps you in the grips of emotion.
I found Alice to be a very likable character, and particularly enjoyed her interactions with Mikey Riordan. When she finally reaches a breakthrough moment with him, it leads to some excitement in the storyline, but the situation is still far from resolved. The entire book holds surprisng twists, and often has you wandering off in exactly the wrong direction in terms of solving things. I found it a wonderful read, and hope to read more of this series in the future.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
This story is based on fact, using real life experiences of people who received tainted blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s (I personally had a friend who died for that very reason). I can almost understand someone wanting to take matters into their own hands and exact revenge/justice on those they held responsible.
If you are someone who gets squeamish reading about blood, then you might want to skip this book. There is a LOT of blood/bleeding involved throughout. Other than that, however, the story is very well written and keeps you in the grips of emotion.
I found Alice to be a very likable character, and particularly enjoyed her interactions with Mikey Riordan. When she finally reaches a breakthrough moment with him, it leads to some excitement in the storyline, but the situation is still far from resolved. The entire book holds surprisng twists, and often has you wandering off in exactly the wrong direction in terms of solving things. I found it a wonderful read, and hope to read more of this series in the future.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
November 2, 2016
lare Riordan and her son Mikey are abducted from Clapham Common early one morning. Hours later, the boy is found wandering disorientated. Soon after, a pack of Clare's blood is left on a doorstep in the heart of the City of London.
Alice Quentin is brought in to help the traumatised child uncover his memories - which might lead them to his mother's captors. But she swiftly realises Clare is not the first victim... nor will she be the last.
The killers are driven by a desire for revenge... and in the end, it will all come down to blood.
Having read the whole series following psychologist Alice Quentin,I love her character and Burns plus the supporting cast of police, family and friends. The main focus of this book is the long-thought-out revenge served cold, based on the 'tainted blood scandal' in the 1980s when thousands of people were transfused with infected blood before proper screening for HIV and hepatitis C came into force. There's a very honest and factual theme to this book – with the author's own personal connection to this scandal which makes the story more shocking and emotional..
I was sorry when I came to the end and hope we catch up with Alice and Burns soon.
Alice Quentin is brought in to help the traumatised child uncover his memories - which might lead them to his mother's captors. But she swiftly realises Clare is not the first victim... nor will she be the last.
The killers are driven by a desire for revenge... and in the end, it will all come down to blood.
Having read the whole series following psychologist Alice Quentin,I love her character and Burns plus the supporting cast of police, family and friends. The main focus of this book is the long-thought-out revenge served cold, based on the 'tainted blood scandal' in the 1980s when thousands of people were transfused with infected blood before proper screening for HIV and hepatitis C came into force. There's a very honest and factual theme to this book – with the author's own personal connection to this scandal which makes the story more shocking and emotional..
I was sorry when I came to the end and hope we catch up with Alice and Burns soon.
October 16, 2022
Clare Riordan, a senior consultant in blood diseases, is abducted whilst running on Clapham Common with her eleven year old son Mikey. Mikey manages to escape from the kidnappers, and is being held in a safe house. Alice Quentin, forensic psychologist, is asked to attempt to gain Mikey's trust in order to find out more about the people who took his mother. But Mikey is so traumatised he's unable to speak, and in the meantime the situation surrounding his mother's disappearance becomes more critical. After bags of Clare's blood are left in various places with connections to blood medicine, and as other medical staff are abducted and murdered, it becomes clear that the events are linked to the tainted blood scandal of the 1970s, when blood products contaminated with HIV and hepatitis were imported from the USA and used to treat British patients suffering from blood disorders. The people carrying out these horrific crimes are obviously seeking revenge, but can the police track them down before they take any more victims ?
October 30, 2016
Kate Rhodes' Alice Quentin series gets better and better. And reading Blood Symmetry felt like coming back to an old friend, comforting and familiar, as I've read most of this series - the only one I haven't read is the very first book, simply because I discovered this series at a later date.
Blood Symmetry is intriguing and fascinating. It's based on fact - the author's own family experiences - and this certainly shows in the compassionate writing, as well as the well-researched background to the plot. As I've written in reviews about this series in the past, I love the familiar London setting too.
The plot is dark and chilled me to the bone. What seemed initially to be a one-off kidnapping turned out to be one of a series of abductions and killings, all linked by blood and revenge. As a health journalist, I love medical thrillers, and this certainly was a brilliant page turner. I couldn't put it down!
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blood Symmetry is intriguing and fascinating. It's based on fact - the author's own family experiences - and this certainly shows in the compassionate writing, as well as the well-researched background to the plot. As I've written in reviews about this series in the past, I love the familiar London setting too.
The plot is dark and chilled me to the bone. What seemed initially to be a one-off kidnapping turned out to be one of a series of abductions and killings, all linked by blood and revenge. As a health journalist, I love medical thrillers, and this certainly was a brilliant page turner. I couldn't put it down!
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2020
Mostly putting a grumble behind the spoiler cut. I'm not including the characters' names, but if you're reading the book whilst reading this, it could potentially make you realize something sooner in the story. So, best not to click 'view spoiler'.
June 20, 2020
Meiner Meinung nach das beste Buch der Reihe.
Eine spannende Story mit einem traurigen Bezug zu einem echten Skandal. Man merkt, dass auch Kate Rhodes davon betroffen war.
Postiv fand ich auch weniger Will und Lola, die Nebencharaktere waren für mich immer die Schwäche der Serie. Dafür gab es mehr Alice im Einsatz.
Und zusätzlich positiv: das Buch enthielt für mich auch das wichtigste Kriterium an einem klassischen Krimi. Viele Verdächtige und man kann mitraten. Na klar ist es dann auch manchmal übertrieben, wieviele sich verdächtig machen. Aber da gehört dazu.
Gerne mehr davon!
Eine spannende Story mit einem traurigen Bezug zu einem echten Skandal. Man merkt, dass auch Kate Rhodes davon betroffen war.
Postiv fand ich auch weniger Will und Lola, die Nebencharaktere waren für mich immer die Schwäche der Serie. Dafür gab es mehr Alice im Einsatz.
Und zusätzlich positiv: das Buch enthielt für mich auch das wichtigste Kriterium an einem klassischen Krimi. Viele Verdächtige und man kann mitraten. Na klar ist es dann auch manchmal übertrieben, wieviele sich verdächtig machen. Aber da gehört dazu.
Gerne mehr davon!
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