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Eve Wren #2

The Bait: Eve Wren, Book 2

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He’s been getting away with murder. Can one woman stop him?

When a young woman falls to her death from a central London bridge, the police rule it suicide—until a witness comes forward with shocking footage of the moment she was pushed. The attacker is identified as Bradley Aspen, the son of an attaché to the US Embassy in London—giving him diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

CPS lawyer Eve Wren knows the victim’s family and is determined to bring Aspen to justice. And when further victims come to light, she realises he’s no ordinary he’s a serial killer. Suddenly Eve is in a terrifying race against time to find a loophole in Aspen’s immunity.

Will she have to put her own life on the line to stop him from taking another woman’s? And who can she trust to protect her if she does?

Full of twists, the gripping second book in the thrilling Eve Wren series is perfect for fans of Steve Cavanagh and Jane Casey.

Audible Audio

Published August 15, 2025

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Robyn Delvey

2 books30 followers

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5 stars
268 (44%)
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13 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Ceecee .
2,740 reviews2,305 followers
July 6, 2025
The start of this is quite breathtaking.

A young woman tragically falls to her death from a London Bridge into the murky, fast flowing waters of the Thames. Initially, it’s ruled a suicide although her family have grave doubts that she was suicidal. Then a driver produces dash cam footage that shockingly reveals that she was pushed. As if that’s not bad enough the perpetrator is identified as Bradley Aspen, the son of Valerie Aspen who works at the US Embassy in London. Yes, you’ve got it, that means that by association Bradley has immunity from prosecution. CPS lawyer Eve Wren, her colleagues and some City of London police officers determine they will do all they can to bring Bradley to justice. Their enquiries reveal the situation is way way worse than they ever anticipate as it seems that Bradley is the worst of all murderers as he’s a serial killer. It becomes a race against time.

I think the premise of this is excellent as diplomatic immunity can be a very thorny issue as seen in a 2019 case in the UK which led to a lengthy and tricky legal and diplomatic dispute. It also examines the culpability of social media videos and presenters in true crime cases where they can be deemed to be inciting or inflaming situations. Both of these are topical and relevant and the author does them well.

The storyline builds in intensity and Eve finds herself in some very scary situations with her fears being palpable. There are some good cliffhanger chapter endings with plenty of twists to keep me invested in the storyline. I like too that there are three points of view, that Eve, Valerie and the TikTok presenter, Gemma. This adds an extra dimension to the plot.

However, I think at times the author has a tendency to over explain things which I confess to finding somewhat irritating! That said, it’s a good thriller with plenty of tense and exciting scenes that warrants a four star rating.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
172 reviews
September 24, 2025
Some good parts that kept me on my toes. The ending was a bit meh and seemed very abrupt
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,712 reviews37 followers
August 4, 2025
This is an intriguing story with flawed characters and moral questions at play. It isn’t that much of a mystery, though red herrings were thrown at us regularly. Even the title action, of Eve being bait for a serial killer, doesn’t happen until the last third of the book (or later), yet we knew from the title it was coming. Nevertheless, it was engaging as we went deep into the lives and psychology of several of the characters much like in Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series.

On the down side, So many complex characters were introduced early on that it took a little while to figure out the key players. Plus Eve was particularly incurious when presented with an urgent request from a distraught man. I didn’t find her response to him believable (but si didn’t read the first book in this series, so if that involved a stalker situation, perhaps I would cut Eve some slack here).

The narration is good and had me listening compulsively. A solid 4 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #TheBait for review purposes. Publication date: 15 August 2025.

Profile Image for Sandra Leivesley.
956 reviews17 followers
August 27, 2025
I loved the first book in this series and I'm pleased to say this second book is just as good! The book is fast paced and gripped me right from the beginning when Eve is about to be pushed from a London bridge. I enjoyed the storyline because although parts of it were a little contrived, there are occasional stories in the news about people committing serious crimes and hiding behind diplomatic immunity. The book is also cautionary tale about the perils of posting on social media!


One slight niggle - I live in Bridlington and it is a fantastic little town and I feel that the author was unfair in her description of it as somewhere to flee as soon as possible!
Profile Image for Ken the incredible.
60 reviews
September 20, 2025
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first, partly because of the narrative style and interspersed explanations which I find rather tedious. The characters have shallow, if any, personalities and what they do have tends to be teenage girl behaviour rather than the professional conduct expected from the roles assigned. The text contains a lot of cliches and slang phrases which contributes to the impression that the characters still have a lot of growing up to do!
As with the previous book, the story contains some very interesting propositions, not least the principle of diplomatic immunity. However the book also handles the role of social media with many of the characters. Delvey also permits the key characters to exceed professional, lawful and ethical boundaries, in a similar excess to her first book, requiring collusion at several levels in the public service hierarchy, and therefore being somewhat improbable! A major part of this is to facilitate the main theme of setting up Eve as bait, despite such activity being incompatible with production of admissible evidence. A substantial part of the "thrill" element relates to this and the outcomes.
It is a very readable book and although I'm giving it just 3 stars based on my personal preferences, it's a pleasant yarn.
Profile Image for Sandy.
89 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2025
The Bait by Robyn Delvey is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from the very beginning. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how effortlessly it pulled me in. The story was engaging and well-paced, with several chapters ending in cliffhangers that made it hard to put down.

What’s great about The Bait is that you don’t need to have read the first book, The Seven, to enjoy it. I went into this one without any background from the previous novel, and I had no trouble following the plot or connecting with the characters. It works well as a standalone and still delivers a rich, suspenseful experience.

Overall, The Bait is a well-crafted read that blends suspense and mystery in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Whether you're new to Robyn Delvey’s work or returning for more, this book is definitely worth picking up. I'm new to the crime fiction/mystery genre but I'm starting to understand the appeal.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC*
Profile Image for TheLisaD.
1,110 reviews21 followers
August 19, 2025
Robyn Delvey’s The Bait plunges readers into the relentless and chilling pursuit of a serial killer, delivering a thriller that is as dark as it is gripping. From the very beginning, the tension is palpable, and each new obstacle in the investigation not only raises the stakes but also deepens the sense of dread.

What makes this novel stand out is the way Delvey layers suspense. The narrative doesn’t rely solely on the cat-and-mouse chase, but instead takes readers through a gauntlet of twisted revelations, unexpected setbacks, and the kind of psychological darkness that lingers long after the chapter ends. Each time it feels like progress is being made, another complication arises, forcing the characters—and the reader—to question everything they think they know.

The atmosphere is thick with unease, and the pacing keeps the story driving forward at a relentless speed. Yet, Delvey also takes time to build character depth, ensuring the investigation feels personal as well as procedural. The victims, the hunters, and even the killer all carry an unnerving complexity that adds weight to the narrative.

By the time the story reaches its climax, the mounting obstacles give way to a finale that is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the twisted threads of the investigation in a way that feels earned. The Bait is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that fans of crime fiction and serial killer hunts will find both disturbing and impossible to put down.
226 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2025
4* Good introduction to book 2 in this series, and I wasn't lost despite not reading book 1.

This police/law procedural set in the UK is satisfying in that a supposedly untouchable diplomat gets her just desserts. I think it resonated with me because of the Harry Dunn/Anne Sacoolas case, where it felt like justice wasn't done.

It was well-written, with a strong female lead; with danger amd creepiness that actually felt real; with research that came across as believable and with conclusions that were plausible; with people that deserved what they got, and ultimately the US losing face. Sadly, though, it showcased how people can lie and live with the consequences of their actions, without any moral dilemma.

The reason it's not a 5* read for me is that the Bradley character lacked a touch of believability, and past events should've been put together a bit quicker when a pattern emerged. Surely there's international collaboration between police forces when need arises? That aside, it was an entertaining read, but not having read book 1, and with the hint of the ex-fiancé making an appearance in book 3, I'm hoping the lead doesn't get bogged down in romantic stuff, as it doesn't feel needed.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Kristen Him.
257 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2025
This novel opens with a young woman falling to her death from a London bridge. Heartbreaking and heart-pounding for the reader!

At first the police rule it suicide, but later footage is discovered that shows her being pushed by someone who looks a lot like an American diplomat's son.

The story unfolds from multiple POV's: the diplomat, a London lawyer (Eve Wren), and a young female tik tok-er, who is interested in the true crime aspect of the story.

I found the story to be exciting; more of a governmental thriller than a psychological thriller.

My challenge with the story is everything takes a turn when a character that is barely mentioned takes action...creating a domino affect of events that put every main character into peril. Why have this major action be taken by a character that we never meet, never hear from, barely know anything about?

Besides that oddity, I enjoyed this novel! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Julie Kelley.
168 reviews23 followers
August 12, 2025
London. A woman falls over a bridge and into a river, dying. The police find there is no foul play, this was suicide. But there are no signs pointing to suicide. Except that there is no evidence otherwise.

Until…. A witness comes forward with dash cam footage that shows the woman the moment she was pushed over the bridge, and by whom. Bradley Aspen. He is the son of a government official affiliated with the US Embassy in London, and he and his family enjoy diplomatic immunity.

Crown Prosecution lawyer Eve Wren’s supervisor has connections to the victim’s family and asks Eve to keep watch on the case. Before she knows it, Eve is into the investigation deep and trying to find a way around Aspen’s diplomatic immunity. In the meantime, Aspen’s mother, the government official, is coming to terms with the fact that, based on past knowledge, her son may in fact be a monster.

I have not even heard of this author in the past, but moving forward, she is a must read. This book was so incredibly twisty and tense. I loved the multiple points of view, because it gave such an interesting perspective of the feelings, pain, and thought processes as the investigation progresses.

The narration on the audio version was superb.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Listener Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristi.
202 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2025
The Bait by Robyn Delvey is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the start. Although it's the second installment in the Eve Wren series, it works perfectly well as a standalone read. Told in three parts and through multiple points of view—including a diplomat, a London lawyer, and a TikTok influencer—the story unfolds with escalating tension.

The plot centers around a young woman who tragically falls from a bridge in London. Initially ruled a suicide, the case takes a dark turn when a video surfaces showing a man pushing her. The prime suspect? The son of an American diplomat, protected by diplomatic immunity. What follows is a tense and layered investigation as the authorities work to unravel the truth and seek justice.

Moira Quirk’s narration is excellent—she truly brings the characters and suspense to life, making the audiobook especially compelling.

Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Audio for letting me read this ARC.
Profile Image for Bookstarreviews_.
340 reviews18 followers
December 13, 2025
4⭐️

An engaging crime legal thriller! 🔥

Eve is back in this easy to read sequel that transports you not too far after the events of The Seven. I loved the prologue and couldn’t wait to unveil the situation that put Eve in the quite literal, dangling position she was in!

Delvey has an excellent method of enticing you in to the plot quickly with numerous POVs, fluctuating chapter lengths and a bunch of dislikable characters. I enjoyed reading this book.

This read had the occasional twist and was thrilling at particular moments, but I definitely found the first Eve Wren book more thrilling. I liked being back with Eve and liked the premise of the new case. This is definitely one of those everything is in front of you reads.

The ending seemed to unravel pretty quickly as everything came together. I wasn’t overly surprised as I was expecting this and thought it was done well.

This was October’s (yes you read that right) buddy read with @mynextreads. Apologies again for falling so behind. I enjoyed our chats as always! 💙

⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
583 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2025
I loved diving back into this series, and after The Seven The Bait,didn't disappoint.
The thing that stands out is how well written the law and crime procedures are written,plenty of detail but explained in a way that's easy to understand and never bogs the story down.
The story is told from 3 POVs,Eve,Valerie, and Gemma, which adds a lot of depth and keeps you turning the pages.
Eve is a character I've grown to love,she's not a know it all heroine who can solve everything. She struggles to make mistakes and second guesses herself, which makes her easy to root for.
Even though we learn who the culprit is fairly early,the strength of this book is in watching how others deal with the fallout and decisions they're forced to make.
A strong follow-up to The Seven, looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
RECOMMENDED
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the Arc.
Profile Image for Gail.
139 reviews
August 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to access an ARC of The Bait.

I didn’t notice until I came to read it that this is the second in a series featuring Eve Wren. There were some references to the first book in this one, but nothing to prevent reading it as a stand alone. It turns out I have book one on my Kindle, so off to read that now!

This is my first read from Robyn, and I absolutely loved it! Read the whole thing in just over 24 hours, and it raced past! The writing was crisp and clear, and easy to follow. Eve is a great character, a strong woman but has her weaknesses, and I loved hearing about the CPS inner workings, I find jobs like that fascinating.

Definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
Profile Image for Tom Burkholder.
379 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2025
In the book The Bait, author Robyn Delvey writes about CPS lawyer Eve Wren and her pursuit of justice when the criminal is hidden by diplomatic immunity. A young girl dies from an apparent suicide - jumping off London bridge. But there are questions surrounding the reasons why. And when video footage comes to light that shows her being pushed over the rail, things begin to get tense. But how do they catch the murderer with irrefutable evidence? Someone has to become bait. This was a good story but made Americans out to be very bad people, always manipulating the system. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
59 reviews
August 17, 2025
This is my first book by Robyn Delvey. The story line is engaging, and the narrator was fantastic. The Bait is # 2 in the series and it reads like a stand alone I think. I had no problem following all the characters. The one thing I was not too clear about if Eve had been stalked before. It surprised me that she took forever to look at the files sent to her.

I am guessing diplomatic immunity is strange but there were pieces of the puzzle that seemed far fetched like the involvement of the US president. It was a enjoyable, face paced read if you are a fan of crime fiction/mystery/thriller which I am. I will be reading more of this author.

3.5 star rating. for Eve and a 4 for the writing and the pace of the story.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC. The views are my own
Profile Image for L Marlowe.
29 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2025
🎧 Audiobook review: The Narrator did a good job.

This is book 2 in the Eve Wren Series, it took a little bit to get caught up since I had not read book 1 but it wasn't too difficult.

This book begins with a young woman falling to her death from a London bridge.

At first her death is ruled a suicide, but is later proved that she was pushed. The person that pushed her looks a lot like the American diplomat's son.

The story is told from multiple POV.

The one oddity I noticed was that an ex of the FMC was mentioned only once but not again. I'm wondering if this character was from the previous book. 🤷🏻‍♀️

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC in return for my review of this book.
Profile Image for Teresa.
54 reviews
September 18, 2025
The two Eve Wren books are enjoyable. I won a Kindle copy of this book, but I wanted to read the books in order. I liked "The Seven" which was the first book in the series. I also enjoyed this book and storyline, as well. This book was well-written and interesting. I like how all the storylines converge and we get a resolution on most of them. Of course, the setup for the next book in the series seems to be in place already.

There were a few things I didn't like or understand though. The (fictional?) U.S. President was depicted as a horrible character. I also felt like Eve could have prevented some of the issues in the book by just looking at the folder/envelope a little earlier.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for a Kindle copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nonagesimus Reads [Em].
198 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2025

This is my first time reading this author. I thought this book was pretty good. It wasn’t my favorite but it kept me reading. I did struggle at first but got more into it the further it went along. Eve is an interesting character, and it was cool to learn about her job and see everything she did. I just think some of the pieces didn’t connect right in the story, and that’s why I didn’t rate it higher. Like everything was wrapped up but it didn’t make sense to me. Perhaps this type of thriller isn’t meant for me, but the writing was good! I’m unsure if I would read more of this series, but it wasn’t a bad book at all.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
Profile Image for Casie.
49 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
Thank you to Robyn Delvey for the opportunity to ARC read this book.

First, the writing is excellent. Robyn Delvey’s overall style is both easy to read yet intelligent and stimulating.
Second, the story itself is interesting and the characters are humanized in a way that is real & understandable. I was sucked in from the first page all the way to the last.
Although the ending was foreseeable and the killer was the known suspect throughout, the book was still enjoyable and kept you engaged despite the predictability. The obvious resolution to the story was the only reason I knocked this down to 4 but otherwise it is a 5 star read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,463 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2025
Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for the ALC.

This was my first book by this author, so I have not read the pervious book in this seiries. But I think the author did a good job of recapping any necessary details. This book started out with a young woman falling to her death from the London bridge. The suspense and thrills continue throughout the book. This story is told from multiple POV's. It is an exciting governmental thriller.
I found the ending confusing and less satisfying, as a character that is only slightly mentioned became an important person in the wrap up.

3.5 stars,
Profile Image for Renko Dekker.
351 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2025
This is book 2 in the Eve Wren series called The Bait. I've received a copy from Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley, and it is out today!

The opening of this book was brilliant and immediately grabbed my attention. Eve Wren nearly falls off a bridge, and the tension never really leaves. The alledged perpetrator, Bradley Aspen, hides behind diplomatic immunity, and Eve’s pursuit of justice hits so many dead ends that it's quite frustrating.

Some plot twists felt a little too convenient, but overall, it was gripping and fast-paced. I flew through it and will definitely read the next in the series.

4/5⭐️
Profile Image for Peter  Crane.
8 reviews
October 16, 2025
OK, it's 3.5* not just 3.

An interesting premise, but let down by being too complicated, too many characters a very lethargic middle and a sprint to the finish line.

An evening pre-sleep page turner. Tick.
An engaging tale that keep you wanting the next chapter? Nah.
A satisfying "I predicted that" resolution. Yes-ish...

The desire to jump around from past to present has run its course. Delvey needs to concentrate on developing a story in the present and stick to it. You get dizzy flipping from then to now and it really doesn't make it more interesting.

I managed the first instalment and decided to give this one a go. I certainly wont' be looking for Eve Wren again.


Profile Image for Hannelore Cheney.
1,550 reviews30 followers
July 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
What a great read, I read it in 2 days because I just couldn't put it down. I loved it!
The plot features a killer who pushes women to their death into the Thames River. The man suspected of the drownings has Diplomatic Immunity because he's the son of an American diplomat based in London. The protagonist, Eve Wren, is determined to bring him to justice, even though it puts her own.life in danger.
This is the 2nd in the Eve Wren series and I can't wait for no. 3!
Profile Image for Lacepaperlife .
794 reviews20 followers
August 1, 2025
Twisty, smart, and totally addictive — the audiobook of The Bait had me locked in from the very beginning. The narration brought out every layer of manipulation and tension, making the story feel even more high-stakes. I loved the power plays and psychological games, even if a few moments felt a bit over the top. The morally grey characters were easy to root for and be suspicious of at the same time. It kept me guessing and fully invested right to the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars — Rated R for language, mature themes, and sharp-edged drama.
Profile Image for Rae Beam.
75 reviews
August 10, 2025
This was unexpected. I wasn’t sure which way this was going to go. I also wasn’t sure who was guilty and who was not. I couldn’t figure out what to believe about anyone. I really enjoyed that I was questioning until the end.

I will be honest parts of the ending were somewhat unsatisfying for me. Though that may just be that some pieces were left to you kind of decide what you think happened.

All in all. I would recommend this one.

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Tate.
570 reviews18 followers
September 8, 2025
This book was so disappointing compared to the first one. Eve's storyline takes forever to get going and for large chunks of the book she feels surplus. Towards the end it feels like chapters are missing, like the author had a word count and bits got chopped. There's also little character resolution at the end. Considering we've spent as long with some of these characters as we have work Eve, would it have hurt to give their storylines a bit more of a conclusion? Overall disappointed since I really enjoyed the first one. I doubt I'll continue with the series.
Profile Image for Georgia Braine.
33 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
3.5⭐️

Actually quite enjoyed this book. I liked the concept of the three different main characters and their backgrounds. They created likeable characters and some not so likeable ones.

I enjoyed “The Seven” also but this works well as a standalone. This book worked well as a cleverly structured legal thriller that pits moral conviction against diplomatic immunity.

I enjoy Robyn Delvey’s writing and the emotional tension layered with twists and psychological weight.

I’d definitely read a third if she were to release one.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,377 reviews67 followers
July 6, 2025
The Bait by Robyn Delvey, published by Amazon UK Publishing, is the second book in the Eve Wren Series.
The previous book is The Seven.
I read the blurb and was intrigued.
Eve Wren is a lawyer with CPS and her next case involves the family member of the US Embassy - aka immunity is granted.
A fast paced, complex, complicated story with characters easily to connect with.
I enjoyed reading this second book, 4 beautiful stars.
3 reviews
August 17, 2025
The Bait by Robyn Delvey was a big disappointment. There were some exciting moments but if the main character acted in a sensible way, and, indeed the way anybody would, there would be a great deal missing from the plot. Too many unsatisfactory and/or unpleasant young men too. The activities of the police seemed unlikely to me as well. The first book under this author’s name was excellent. What a ppity this was not a patch in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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