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Helen Grace #11
Kom eens gauw - Doe het licht niet uit. Hij komt wanneer je slaapt.: Helen Grace 11
Deel 11 in de populaire Helen Grace-serie
Laat op de avond komt een jonge vader thuis. Zijn dochtertje ligt rustig in haar bedje te slapen, maar die aanblik is een schrijnend contrast met de ravage die hij aantreft in zijn slaapkamer, waar zijn vrouw dood in bed ligt. Op brute wijze is ze om het leven gebracht. Een paar dagen later komt een moeder thuis van een late dienst en treft haar tienerzoon aan in de woonkamer. Vermoord. Beide moorden lijken met hetzelfde wapen te zijn gepleegd, maar wat is het verband?
Terwijl inspecteur Helen Grace zich op de zaak stort, bevindt haar leven zich op een keerpunt. Haar recentste aartsvijand loopt nog vrij rond en dit maakt dat ze geen stap kan zetten zonder drie keer achterom te kijken. Als zich een grote tragedie voordoet, is Helen nergens meer zeker van, zelfs niet van haar baan. Haar trouwe partner Charlie zal tijdelijk in haar voetsporen moeten treden, maar is ze daar wel klaar voor?
In de pers
'M.J. Arlidge boekt een enorm succes met zijn serie over de vasthoudende en getormenteerde inspecteur Helen Grace.' Algemeen Dagblad
'Een van de populairste thrillerauteurs.' De Telegraaf
'Ouderwets spannend.' De Telegraaf
'Ingenieuze thriller.' AD
'Vol cliffhangers waar je wat mee kan.' NRC Handelsblad
Laat op de avond komt een jonge vader thuis. Zijn dochtertje ligt rustig in haar bedje te slapen, maar die aanblik is een schrijnend contrast met de ravage die hij aantreft in zijn slaapkamer, waar zijn vrouw dood in bed ligt. Op brute wijze is ze om het leven gebracht. Een paar dagen later komt een moeder thuis van een late dienst en treft haar tienerzoon aan in de woonkamer. Vermoord. Beide moorden lijken met hetzelfde wapen te zijn gepleegd, maar wat is het verband?
Terwijl inspecteur Helen Grace zich op de zaak stort, bevindt haar leven zich op een keerpunt. Haar recentste aartsvijand loopt nog vrij rond en dit maakt dat ze geen stap kan zetten zonder drie keer achterom te kijken. Als zich een grote tragedie voordoet, is Helen nergens meer zeker van, zelfs niet van haar baan. Haar trouwe partner Charlie zal tijdelijk in haar voetsporen moeten treden, maar is ze daar wel klaar voor?
In de pers
'M.J. Arlidge boekt een enorm succes met zijn serie over de vasthoudende en getormenteerde inspecteur Helen Grace.' Algemeen Dagblad
'Een van de populairste thrillerauteurs.' De Telegraaf
'Ouderwets spannend.' De Telegraaf
'Ingenieuze thriller.' AD
'Vol cliffhangers waar je wat mee kan.' NRC Handelsblad
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First published June 9, 2022
445 people are currently reading
5580 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,278 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 682 reviews
May 19, 2022
Panic spreads across the city of Southampton, as a vicious killer targets those home alone. D I Helen Grace heads up the investigation, but she already has huge problems of her own - she’s being hunted by a former adversary, a psychopath who will stop at nothing to exact revenge.
Arlidge has written a terrific little thriller here. Its pace is non-stop and unrelenting. It grabs your attention from the start and you find yourself reading “just another chapter” until, before you know it, it’s all over. And will it all be over for D I Helen Grace? Well she’ll be lucky to survive this one!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Arlidge has written a terrific little thriller here. Its pace is non-stop and unrelenting. It grabs your attention from the start and you find yourself reading “just another chapter” until, before you know it, it’s all over. And will it all be over for D I Helen Grace? Well she’ll be lucky to survive this one!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
December 22, 2025
It's been years since I read my first (and only) book in this series and Cat And Mouse wasted no time reminding me why I added numerous editions to my shelves upon its completion.
There are several action packed plots all taking place throughout. Each has thrills, suspense and graphic bloodshed in equal measure. There are numerous characters interspersed throughout and all are spectacularly well-developed and dynamic.
Arlidge kept me swiping those pages with fervor as Helen Grace relentlessly toiled to catch a serial killer. The brutal murderer seems to be choosing victims without any obvious rhyme or reason.
In addition, Helen has to contend with her insecure male boss who has it in for her. And, if that isn't enough, she also has a (longtime) ruthless nemesis who can think of nothing other than implementing her demise. Ouch.
Despite the amazing storyline, what really impressed me is the numerous strong female characters we get to encounter. They are all wicked smart, fierce and empowering.
Highly recommend.
There are several action packed plots all taking place throughout. Each has thrills, suspense and graphic bloodshed in equal measure. There are numerous characters interspersed throughout and all are spectacularly well-developed and dynamic.
Arlidge kept me swiping those pages with fervor as Helen Grace relentlessly toiled to catch a serial killer. The brutal murderer seems to be choosing victims without any obvious rhyme or reason.
In addition, Helen has to contend with her insecure male boss who has it in for her. And, if that isn't enough, she also has a (longtime) ruthless nemesis who can think of nothing other than implementing her demise. Ouch.
Despite the amazing storyline, what really impressed me is the numerous strong female characters we get to encounter. They are all wicked smart, fierce and empowering.
Highly recommend.
June 14, 2022
Book 11 and Helen is still getting herself into trouble. I enjoyed it but I feel these books are not quite as dark as they were earlier I’m the series.
January 28, 2024
Oricât încerc nu pot scapa de senzația de scenariu de film. Deși situația e foarte sângeroasă și chiar sadică, criminalul are multe momente de slăbiciune și se lasă ușor descoperit. Crizele existențiale ale personajelor principale nu sunt chiar convingătoare, chiar și Emilia a devenit umană. Totuși de fiecare dată există curiozitatea de a vedea ce a mai pățit Helen Grace.
January 9, 2023
Another chilling story in this great series by M.J. Arldige is sure to keep the reader flipping pages well into the night. A crazed killer whose acts do not appear to have any sense of explanation, a beleaguered murder squad headed by Detective Inspector Helen Grace, and families who demand answers for this losses; all these parts of a great piece of writing. Arlidge weaves the story to keep the reader on their toes and adds intensity to the narrative momentum. While the series has certainly grown over the last few years, Arlidge has not yet run out of ideas to keep the reader enthralled.
A brutal murder by an axe-wielding killer sendsDetective Inspector Helen Grace to lead the investigation. While her team is on point, they are going through some readjustments, forcing Grace to juggle things a little more than she might like. Still, there are clues to uncover and truths to reveal before things get even more out of hand.
After a young man is struck in his home, Grace and her team rush to piece things together while another family grieves. One solid lead takes Grace to a shipping port, only to be left on a wild-goose chase. There’s something about these seemingly independent killing that does not sit right with Grace and she is bound to discover it, even if it puts her in the path of danger.
When a clue falls into place, DI Grace and her team cannot believe where it leads and how it will connect to some of their own personal struggles. Could this be the motive they have been searching for, with everything pointing to a form of revenge. DI Helen Grace will stop at nothing until she gets answers. and brings a killer to justice. M.J. Arlidge does a fabulous job in his later thriller.
My discovery of M.J. Arlidge was both fortuitous and exciting over the last number of years. His Helen Grace novels have taken me on a whirlwind tour of crime in the UK, as well as inside the lives of those who try to keep the criminal element at bay. With strong storylines and well-developed characters, the stories gain a life of their own on the page and keep things moving throughout. I can only wonder what series fans have to look forward to in the months to come, as more Helen Grace is surely on the agenda.
Arlidge has a wonderful narrative style that pulls the reader into the core of the story from the opening sentences. The crimes described are gruesome, but handled in a respectful way, allowing the reader to dig a little deeper to understand what they are taking in. Strong characters who have their own backstories pepper the pages of the book, offering some updates in their lives and mannerisms. Arlidge uses short chapters to tease the reader throughout, as the plot thickens and veers off onto some differing perspectives. I found myself quite surprised as the story progressed into something gritty and suspenseful, without losing any of its momentum. I can only hope there will be more before long, as the wait proves troubling for those who are fully invested.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge, as you continue to dazzle in your series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A brutal murder by an axe-wielding killer sendsDetective Inspector Helen Grace to lead the investigation. While her team is on point, they are going through some readjustments, forcing Grace to juggle things a little more than she might like. Still, there are clues to uncover and truths to reveal before things get even more out of hand.
After a young man is struck in his home, Grace and her team rush to piece things together while another family grieves. One solid lead takes Grace to a shipping port, only to be left on a wild-goose chase. There’s something about these seemingly independent killing that does not sit right with Grace and she is bound to discover it, even if it puts her in the path of danger.
When a clue falls into place, DI Grace and her team cannot believe where it leads and how it will connect to some of their own personal struggles. Could this be the motive they have been searching for, with everything pointing to a form of revenge. DI Helen Grace will stop at nothing until she gets answers. and brings a killer to justice. M.J. Arlidge does a fabulous job in his later thriller.
My discovery of M.J. Arlidge was both fortuitous and exciting over the last number of years. His Helen Grace novels have taken me on a whirlwind tour of crime in the UK, as well as inside the lives of those who try to keep the criminal element at bay. With strong storylines and well-developed characters, the stories gain a life of their own on the page and keep things moving throughout. I can only wonder what series fans have to look forward to in the months to come, as more Helen Grace is surely on the agenda.
Arlidge has a wonderful narrative style that pulls the reader into the core of the story from the opening sentences. The crimes described are gruesome, but handled in a respectful way, allowing the reader to dig a little deeper to understand what they are taking in. Strong characters who have their own backstories pepper the pages of the book, offering some updates in their lives and mannerisms. Arlidge uses short chapters to tease the reader throughout, as the plot thickens and veers off onto some differing perspectives. I found myself quite surprised as the story progressed into something gritty and suspenseful, without losing any of its momentum. I can only hope there will be more before long, as the wait proves troubling for those who are fully invested.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge, as you continue to dazzle in your series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 23, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Before you start reading this, lock the doors and turn your phone off. You will not want to put this down. It starts at 100mph and doesn’t slow down.
Cat and mouse is book 11 in the Helen Grace series, Normally I would say that these books can be read as part of the series or standalone but in this case, it would be beneficial to have at least read book 10. This is a great title, as Helen has more lives than a cat and some of her escapades, read like a superhero. But this is not to detract from this superb addition to the series, which thankfully has recovered from the drop in standard around book 8. Although this is the second book where the team arrest the wrong person and some of the plot is predictable. But saying that, there were several red herrings, which I swallowed, hook line and sinker!
The author continues to lead us on a fascinating journey, expanding on the historical character’s storyline, but also introducing new ones. The novel is generally written from the third person perspective but has also added a chapter or two from the killer’s perspective. This is very cleverly done and adds an interesting and chilling aspect to the story.
Yet another superb instalment in the series, can’t wait for book 12.
Before you start reading this, lock the doors and turn your phone off. You will not want to put this down. It starts at 100mph and doesn’t slow down.
Cat and mouse is book 11 in the Helen Grace series, Normally I would say that these books can be read as part of the series or standalone but in this case, it would be beneficial to have at least read book 10. This is a great title, as Helen has more lives than a cat and some of her escapades, read like a superhero. But this is not to detract from this superb addition to the series, which thankfully has recovered from the drop in standard around book 8. Although this is the second book where the team arrest the wrong person and some of the plot is predictable. But saying that, there were several red herrings, which I swallowed, hook line and sinker!
The author continues to lead us on a fascinating journey, expanding on the historical character’s storyline, but also introducing new ones. The novel is generally written from the third person perspective but has also added a chapter or two from the killer’s perspective. This is very cleverly done and adds an interesting and chilling aspect to the story.
Yet another superb instalment in the series, can’t wait for book 12.
June 9, 2025
Kom eens gauw is het 11e boek in de Helen Grace serie. Het team Zware Misdrijven zit weer achter een seriemoordenaar aan. Maar steeds is er iets waardoor de hoofdverdachte het toch niet gedaan kan hebben. Daarnaast vreest Helen voor haar leven. Iemand zit achter haar aan om haar te vermoorden.
De opbouw gebeurt vooral in de eerste helft, de actie en achtervolging in de tweede helft. Op wat details na was dit boek echt weer geweldig! Ik hou van Helen Grace.
De opbouw gebeurt vooral in de eerste helft, de actie en achtervolging in de tweede helft. Op wat details na was dit boek echt weer geweldig! Ik hou van Helen Grace.
July 29, 2022
Setting: Southampton, UK.
In this 11th book in the D.I. Helen Grace series, Helen is really up against it!
Her boss, Detective Superintendent Alan Peters, wants her gone; her nemesis, journalist Emilia Garanita, is still on her case; she is paranoid about being stalked by an assassin acting on the instructions of the murdering psychologist from the previous book, Alex Blythe; her former lover and corrupt cop, Joseph Hudson, is trying to get her to drop the charges against him - on top of all this, MIT's latest case involves a vicious attacker, targeting people alone in their homes. With no apparent links between the victims and with continued pressure on her from all sides, Helen and her team struggle to solve the case....
This is yet another brilliant chapter in this series - the short chapters, fast-paced action, great characters and back stories all combine to make this a real rollercoaster of a read, which I read in little over a day - 9.5/10.
In this 11th book in the D.I. Helen Grace series, Helen is really up against it!
Her boss, Detective Superintendent Alan Peters, wants her gone; her nemesis, journalist Emilia Garanita, is still on her case; she is paranoid about being stalked by an assassin acting on the instructions of the murdering psychologist from the previous book, Alex Blythe; her former lover and corrupt cop, Joseph Hudson, is trying to get her to drop the charges against him - on top of all this, MIT's latest case involves a vicious attacker, targeting people alone in their homes. With no apparent links between the victims and with continued pressure on her from all sides, Helen and her team struggle to solve the case....
This is yet another brilliant chapter in this series - the short chapters, fast-paced action, great characters and back stories all combine to make this a real rollercoaster of a read, which I read in little over a day - 9.5/10.
June 11, 2022
This is the eleventh book in the Helen Grace series by author MJ Arlidge. Hard to believe this is the eleventh book as the series still feels so fresh.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is back and leading an investigation hunting a killer who stalks his victims and attacks them at night in their homes. At the same time she still faces the threat from a former adversary who is seeking revenge.
As the investigation progresses she begins to suspect there is a truly shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes.
This book is typical of other books in this series in that it is a fast paced page turner with lots of thrills and twists. Great characters, well written and an intriguing plot make this an entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is back and leading an investigation hunting a killer who stalks his victims and attacks them at night in their homes. At the same time she still faces the threat from a former adversary who is seeking revenge.
As the investigation progresses she begins to suspect there is a truly shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes.
This book is typical of other books in this series in that it is a fast paced page turner with lots of thrills and twists. Great characters, well written and an intriguing plot make this an entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Before you start reading this, lock the doors and turn your phone off. You will not want to put this down. It starts at 100mph and doesn’t slow down.
Cat and mouse is book 11 in the Helen Grace series, Normally I would say that these books can be read as part of the series or standalone but in this case, it would be beneficial to have at least read book 10. This is a great title, as Helen has more lives than a cat and some of her escapades, read like a superhero. But this is not to detract from this superb addition to the series, which thankfully has recovered from the drop in standard around book 8. Although this is the second book where the team arrest the wrong person and some of the plot is predictable. But saying that, there were several red herrings, which I swallowed, hook line and sinker!
The author continues to lead us on a fascinating journey, expanding on the historical character’s storyline, but also introducing new ones. The novel is generally written from the third person perspective but has also added a chapter or two from the killer’s perspective. This is very cleverly done and adds an interesting and chilling aspect to the story.
Yet another superb instalment in the series, can’t wait for book 12.
Before you start reading this, lock the doors and turn your phone off. You will not want to put this down. It starts at 100mph and doesn’t slow down.
Cat and mouse is book 11 in the Helen Grace series, Normally I would say that these books can be read as part of the series or standalone but in this case, it would be beneficial to have at least read book 10. This is a great title, as Helen has more lives than a cat and some of her escapades, read like a superhero. But this is not to detract from this superb addition to the series, which thankfully has recovered from the drop in standard around book 8. Although this is the second book where the team arrest the wrong person and some of the plot is predictable. But saying that, there were several red herrings, which I swallowed, hook line and sinker!
The author continues to lead us on a fascinating journey, expanding on the historical character’s storyline, but also introducing new ones. The novel is generally written from the third person perspective but has also added a chapter or two from the killer’s perspective. This is very cleverly done and adds an interesting and chilling aspect to the story.
Yet another superb instalment in the series, can’t wait for book 12.
April 19, 2025
Já tinha saudades de ler os livros deste autor e ficar completamente viciada
Masssss parem de fazer a minha Helen sofrer
Já são 11 livros e esta mulher só sofre
Masssss parem de fazer a minha Helen sofrer
Já são 11 livros e esta mulher só sofre
January 27, 2024
Doamne ce carte, le scoate omul asta pe banda rulanta. Superba, ce trebuie, nu am cuvinte. Excepțională serie.
June 25, 2022
Deel 11 in de Helen Grace-serie en nog steeds kijk ik jaarlijks uit naar het nieuwe boek van MJ Arldige. Het is weer een dikke klepper van 528 blz. geworden.
Een nieuwe moordenaar teistert Southampton. Slechts 4 maanden nadat de vorige grote zaak werd afgesloten. Alhoewel niet echt helemaal afgesloten want Alex Blythe is nog op vrije voeten en heeft gezworen Helen Grace iets aan te doen. Daardoor kijkt Helen elke dag over haar schouder en dit begint op haar te wegen. Ze heeft veel ballen op te houden en op haar baas hoeft ze niet te rekenen en haar beste vriendin Brooks heeft ook haar eigen katjes te geselen.
De spanning die in het eerste deel wordt opgebouwd blijft het gehele verhaal hoog want naast de gruwelijke moorden, is er ook nog een persoonlijke vijand van Helen Grace in het spel. Op beide vlakken is er een race tegen de tijd bezig. De stijl van Arlidge is herkenbaar, korte hoofdstukken met afwisselende perspectieven die de lezer aanmoedigen om steeds weer nog een extra hoofdstukje te lezen. De plotwendingen vliegen je ook weer om de oren.
De beeldende schrijfstijl zorgt ervoor dat je het hele verhaal helemaal voor je kan zien. Als een Netflix-serie als het ware. De nevenkarakters worden ook uitgediept door sommige hoofdstukken vanuit hun perspectief te vertellen. Het is ook fijn om de collega’s van Helen Grace intussen beter te kennen. Daar waar het in het begin van de reeks soms moeilijk volgen was over wie het ging, kennen we ze nu al beter.
Ik vond het alweer een topper! Helaas moeten we nu weer een jaartje wachten op een volgend boek van MJ Arlidge.
Een nieuwe moordenaar teistert Southampton. Slechts 4 maanden nadat de vorige grote zaak werd afgesloten. Alhoewel niet echt helemaal afgesloten want Alex Blythe is nog op vrije voeten en heeft gezworen Helen Grace iets aan te doen. Daardoor kijkt Helen elke dag over haar schouder en dit begint op haar te wegen. Ze heeft veel ballen op te houden en op haar baas hoeft ze niet te rekenen en haar beste vriendin Brooks heeft ook haar eigen katjes te geselen.
De spanning die in het eerste deel wordt opgebouwd blijft het gehele verhaal hoog want naast de gruwelijke moorden, is er ook nog een persoonlijke vijand van Helen Grace in het spel. Op beide vlakken is er een race tegen de tijd bezig. De stijl van Arlidge is herkenbaar, korte hoofdstukken met afwisselende perspectieven die de lezer aanmoedigen om steeds weer nog een extra hoofdstukje te lezen. De plotwendingen vliegen je ook weer om de oren.
De beeldende schrijfstijl zorgt ervoor dat je het hele verhaal helemaal voor je kan zien. Als een Netflix-serie als het ware. De nevenkarakters worden ook uitgediept door sommige hoofdstukken vanuit hun perspectief te vertellen. Het is ook fijn om de collega’s van Helen Grace intussen beter te kennen. Daar waar het in het begin van de reeks soms moeilijk volgen was over wie het ging, kennen we ze nu al beter.
Ik vond het alweer een topper! Helaas moeten we nu weer een jaartje wachten op een volgend boek van MJ Arlidge.
December 8, 2023
Saga Helen Grace a ajuns la episodul cu numărul 11 și eroina poate concura cu succes la titlul de cel mai popular locuitor din Southampton. Datorită caracterului său destul de dificil, nu este cea mai agreabilă persoană din oraș, însă, cu siguranță, este o adevărată profesionistă când vine vorba despre activitatea sa din cadrul poliției. Din păcate pentru locuitorii din Southampton, Helen nu este decât o eroină ficțională, așa că trebuie să se descurce cu ceea ce au; din fericire pentru ei, realitatea nu poate să concureze cu imaginația autorului de față, ce le pregătește o altă serie de surprize îngrozitoare.
Lăsând gluma deoparte, De-a șoarecele și pisica este un policier destul de bun, cu o intrigă articulată și un suspans la cote relativ ridicate (fără ca totuși să te lase mut de uimire). Datorită prezenței maleficului Alex Blythe, este recomandabil ca în prealabil să fie citit Adevăr sau provocare, romanul precedent din serie (cu mențiunea că, din punctul meu de vedere, acesta pare acum mult mai prăfuit, mai naiv și mai lipsit de vlagă în comparație cu ceea ce știam despre el din romanul anterior, dar acest lucru este de înțeles, dat fiind faptul că el a devenit un proscris). Singurul element mai puțin convingător din roman este relația proastă pe care o are Helen cu șeful său (dar când oare a avut Helen o relație normală cu superiorii ei ierarhici?), deoarece acesta este un detaliu (major, de altfel) extrem de repetitiv. Aproape că putem spune de fiecare dată că am mai citit o nouă carte în care eroina se confruntă cu șefii ei, ceea ce tinde să devină plictisitor.
Acțiunea din De-a șoarecele și pisica se desfășoară la patru luni distanță de seria de crime violente ce au fost săvârșite de clienții doctorului Alex Blythe, ca urmare a faptului că au fost șantajați. Ca să cităm din clasicii cinematografiei, doctorul le-a făcut acestora o ofertă ce nu putea fi refuzată. Iar consecința absenței refuzului a fost aceea că Blythe a devenit un adevărat "arhitect al măcelului" din Southampton.
Din păcate, după ce a organizat un "cerc sinistru al morții", Blythe a reușit să dispară, nu înainte însă de a o amenința pe cea care i-a distrus jocul (Helen, bineînțeles) că o va ucide. Nu el în mod direct, căci doctorul nu-și mânjește propriile mâini, ci tot prin intermediari.
Între timp, liniștea orașului este tulburată de o crimă îngrozitoare, o tânără femeie, mama unui bebeluș, fiind ucisă în mod extrem de brutal. La scurt timp, mai urmează o crimă. Helen este amenințată din toate părțile: de umbrele lui Blythe, de propriul șef, de ziariștii și opinia publică din oraș, de rudele celor uciși. Colac peste pupăză, fostul ei iubit și coleg, Joseph Hudson, are și el o rugăminte pentru Helen (sau, altfel spus, o ofertă ce poate fi refuzată). Într-un cuvânt, numai Helen Grace poate să găsească o cale de ieșire din această situație ce pare a fi fără ieșire. Lectură plăcută!
Lăsând gluma deoparte, De-a șoarecele și pisica este un policier destul de bun, cu o intrigă articulată și un suspans la cote relativ ridicate (fără ca totuși să te lase mut de uimire). Datorită prezenței maleficului Alex Blythe, este recomandabil ca în prealabil să fie citit Adevăr sau provocare, romanul precedent din serie (cu mențiunea că, din punctul meu de vedere, acesta pare acum mult mai prăfuit, mai naiv și mai lipsit de vlagă în comparație cu ceea ce știam despre el din romanul anterior, dar acest lucru este de înțeles, dat fiind faptul că el a devenit un proscris). Singurul element mai puțin convingător din roman este relația proastă pe care o are Helen cu șeful său (dar când oare a avut Helen o relație normală cu superiorii ei ierarhici?), deoarece acesta este un detaliu (major, de altfel) extrem de repetitiv. Aproape că putem spune de fiecare dată că am mai citit o nouă carte în care eroina se confruntă cu șefii ei, ceea ce tinde să devină plictisitor.
Acțiunea din De-a șoarecele și pisica se desfășoară la patru luni distanță de seria de crime violente ce au fost săvârșite de clienții doctorului Alex Blythe, ca urmare a faptului că au fost șantajați. Ca să cităm din clasicii cinematografiei, doctorul le-a făcut acestora o ofertă ce nu putea fi refuzată. Iar consecința absenței refuzului a fost aceea că Blythe a devenit un adevărat "arhitect al măcelului" din Southampton.
Din păcate, după ce a organizat un "cerc sinistru al morții", Blythe a reușit să dispară, nu înainte însă de a o amenința pe cea care i-a distrus jocul (Helen, bineînțeles) că o va ucide. Nu el în mod direct, căci doctorul nu-și mânjește propriile mâini, ci tot prin intermediari.
Între timp, liniștea orașului este tulburată de o crimă îngrozitoare, o tânără femeie, mama unui bebeluș, fiind ucisă în mod extrem de brutal. La scurt timp, mai urmează o crimă. Helen este amenințată din toate părțile: de umbrele lui Blythe, de propriul șef, de ziariștii și opinia publică din oraș, de rudele celor uciși. Colac peste pupăză, fostul ei iubit și coleg, Joseph Hudson, are și el o rugăminte pentru Helen (sau, altfel spus, o ofertă ce poate fi refuzată). Într-un cuvânt, numai Helen Grace poate să găsească o cale de ieșire din această situație ce pare a fi fără ieșire. Lectură plăcută!
June 26, 2022
Laat op de avond komt een jonge vader thuis. Zijn dochtertje ligt rustig in haar bedje te slapen. Alles lijkt oké, totdat hij de ravage in de slaapkamer aantreft. Het levenlove lichaam van zijn vrouw ligt op bed. Op brute wijze is ze om het leven gebracht...
Een paar dagen later komt een moeder thuis van een late dienst en treft haar tienerzoon aan in de woonkamer. Vermoord. Beide moorden lijken met hetzelfde wapen te zijn gepleegd, maar wat is het verband?
Terwijl inspecteur Helen Grace zich op de zaak stort, bevindt haar leven zich op een keerpunt. Haar meest recente aartsvijand loopt nog vrij rond en maakt dat ze geen stap kan zetten zonder drie keer achterom te kijken. Als zich een grote tragedie voordoet, is Helen nergens meer zeker van en al helemaal niet van haar baan. Haar trouwe partner Charlie zal tijdelijk in haar voetsporen moeten treden, maar is ze daar wel klaar voor?
'Kom eens gauw' is inmiddels al het elfde deel in de Helen Grace serie. Ook dit verhaal begint meteen goed en de eerste moord wordt dan al vrij snel gepleegd. Meteen vraag je je af wat het motief van deze dader is. Niet veel later valt er een tweede slachtoffer: een tiener. Wat hebben deze twee personen met elkaar gemeen?
Zoals gewoonlijk is dit deel ook weer heerlijk vlot geschreven. Het boek telt maar liefst 522 pagina's, maar het leest als een trein. De korte hoofdstukken maken het ook enorm prettig! Het plot vond ik goed in elkaar steken, maar of ik dit het beste deel van de serie vind? Nee, dat niet. Het is zeker geen onaardig verhaal en de echte M.J. Arlidge fans zullen dit ook zeker weer waarderen, waaronder ikzelf dus ook!
Ik heb genoten van dit verhaal en ik hoop dat er een twaalfde deel komt!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Een paar dagen later komt een moeder thuis van een late dienst en treft haar tienerzoon aan in de woonkamer. Vermoord. Beide moorden lijken met hetzelfde wapen te zijn gepleegd, maar wat is het verband?
Terwijl inspecteur Helen Grace zich op de zaak stort, bevindt haar leven zich op een keerpunt. Haar meest recente aartsvijand loopt nog vrij rond en maakt dat ze geen stap kan zetten zonder drie keer achterom te kijken. Als zich een grote tragedie voordoet, is Helen nergens meer zeker van en al helemaal niet van haar baan. Haar trouwe partner Charlie zal tijdelijk in haar voetsporen moeten treden, maar is ze daar wel klaar voor?
'Kom eens gauw' is inmiddels al het elfde deel in de Helen Grace serie. Ook dit verhaal begint meteen goed en de eerste moord wordt dan al vrij snel gepleegd. Meteen vraag je je af wat het motief van deze dader is. Niet veel later valt er een tweede slachtoffer: een tiener. Wat hebben deze twee personen met elkaar gemeen?
Zoals gewoonlijk is dit deel ook weer heerlijk vlot geschreven. Het boek telt maar liefst 522 pagina's, maar het leest als een trein. De korte hoofdstukken maken het ook enorm prettig! Het plot vond ik goed in elkaar steken, maar of ik dit het beste deel van de serie vind? Nee, dat niet. Het is zeker geen onaardig verhaal en de echte M.J. Arlidge fans zullen dit ook zeker weer waarderen, waaronder ikzelf dus ook!
Ik heb genoten van dit verhaal en ik hoop dat er een twaalfde deel komt!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
November 6, 2023
Um pouco longo, mas gosto sempre de ler Arlidge. Mantém-me sempre interessada e este não foi excepção.
May 26, 2022
I’m certainly in the minority with this one, in fact I’m wondering if I read a different book to other reviewers. There are so many things about this book that I didn’t like. The first is that it was almost impossible to follow because it is so disjointed. In one sentence we’re reading about a woman in bed and a hand being clamped down over her lips, and in the next sentence ‘a piercing shriek rent the air, then rubber bit tarmac and the bike sprang forwards …’. What? It is like that all the way through and makes it very difficult to follow. Another thing that drove me mad was the number of times ‘Helen’ appeared when it could (should) have been replaced with ‘she’. I thought the writing felt very amateurish throughout, and some of it was ridiculous. For example, DI Helen Grace and DS Charlie Brooks (best friends) were at the scene of a crime discussing a murder that had occurred – “There was a brief, contemplative silence, before Charlie asked the most pressing, most difficult question. ‘What do you think this is all about? Do you think it is aggravated burglary?’” Excuse me, what’s difficult and pressing about that question? I could go on and on about the silly language (Once more, however, fate was against her, the man’s broken body hideous to behold …), the ridiculous plot … and don’t even get me going about the fight on top of the cargo vessel and the resulting near drowning!!!! I think I’ve said enough, except I won’t be looking for the next in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers and sorry I have nothing good to say about this book.
October 31, 2023
Au trecut patru luni de la acțiunea din “Adevăr sau provocare”, iar Helen Grace este tot neliniștită, întrucât autorul faptelor din volumul precedent nu a fost prins, promițându-i inspectoarei - detectiv că se va răzbuna. Până va fi prins, Helen este captivă într-un coșmar fără sfârșit… Și nu doar atât, orașul Southampton este zguduit de o nouă crimă oribilă, care alarmează locuitorii.
Un nou caz întortocheat, multe piste și puține răspunsuri, bețe-n roate, ca de obicei, puse de o jurnalistă mânată de o răzbunare înfocată, toate acestea și nu numai, au fost baza unei nebunii desfășurate de-a lungul unei săptămâni, în capitole scurte, alerte, care m-au ținut ca pe ace și cu sufletul la gură, mai ales că eram încordată să aflu ce se va întâmpla și cu Helen, ținând cont de cum s-a încheiat volumul anterior.
Nu mă mai poate surprinde nimic când vine vorba de cazurile crimelor și mă oripilez de fiecare dată, inspirația autorului mă cucerește tot mai mult cu fiecare volum parcurs, însă ziceți-mi voi mie ce fac eu până la anul, când apare un nou volum din serie… Nu cred că o pot recomanda suficient, v-am disperat cu apariția volumelor pe feed și chiar sper să îi acordați șansă ☺️.
Un nou caz întortocheat, multe piste și puține răspunsuri, bețe-n roate, ca de obicei, puse de o jurnalistă mânată de o răzbunare înfocată, toate acestea și nu numai, au fost baza unei nebunii desfășurate de-a lungul unei săptămâni, în capitole scurte, alerte, care m-au ținut ca pe ace și cu sufletul la gură, mai ales că eram încordată să aflu ce se va întâmpla și cu Helen, ținând cont de cum s-a încheiat volumul anterior.
Nu mă mai poate surprinde nimic când vine vorba de cazurile crimelor și mă oripilez de fiecare dată, inspirația autorului mă cucerește tot mai mult cu fiecare volum parcurs, însă ziceți-mi voi mie ce fac eu până la anul, când apare un nou volum din serie… Nu cred că o pot recomanda suficient, v-am disperat cu apariția volumelor pe feed și chiar sper să îi acordați șansă ☺️.
June 2, 2022
Another brilliant crime thriller from MJ Arlidge.
It’s great as always to catch up with Helen Grace and the team.
Helen is struggling at the beginning of the book as she knows someone is following her and trying to kill her. She knows it’s down to orders from Alex Blythe as he wants revenge.
There’s also a man breaking into people’s homes and killing them brutally with an axe so the pressure is on Helen to catch him.
There’s lots going on in this book and it’s a really gripping crime thriller.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s great as always to catch up with Helen Grace and the team.
Helen is struggling at the beginning of the book as she knows someone is following her and trying to kill her. She knows it’s down to orders from Alex Blythe as he wants revenge.
There’s also a man breaking into people’s homes and killing them brutally with an axe so the pressure is on Helen to catch him.
There’s lots going on in this book and it’s a really gripping crime thriller.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 12, 2022
DI Helen Grace - the formidable, wonder woman of Southampton PD is back!
I love MJ Arlidge’s series following DI Grace and her team and so when this book became available on NetGalley as an advance copy, I lept at the chance to read it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this edition to the DI Helen Grace series. However let it be said this book is not half as good as the first books from the series. The last two books have been a bit formulaic and predictable with the wrong ‘guy’ being caught mischief to the embarrassment of the force and other wrong doers being pulled in for crimes that are similar but not the right one. This was all a little annoying because they were obviously the wrong criminals. Added to that Helen and her team were very single minded in their investigation and interrogation of key evidence and survivors. Add to this Charlie’s totally irrational home life issues. It’s a shame really because the story is really very good and the twists are well concealed, the book would’ve still been brilliant without those mishaps.
Similar to the previous novel we have a very different Helen Grace to the one we first started out with. I feel her character could now do with some further development. Stripped of need to feel physical pain and the man who she sought out to ‘help’ her. Also, now that her sister and nephew are both out of the picture - I’m not sure who Helen is anymore. Interestingly Helen ponders this very question during ‘Cat and Mouse’, stripped of her badge, put on leave and unable to talk to Charlie… what are we now left with? Well, for a start she’s a one woman army who is not only super intelligent she is also completely formidable. She’s more comfortable on two wheels than four and lives alone with (apart from Charlie) no friends, hobbies or social life. Personally I’d love to know more about this new Helen and see her embrace life a bit more.
Overall and in despite to my previous comments this is a fantastic read! It’s fast paced, edgy, thrilling and hard to put down. For those of a weaker disposition this book is not for you! Arlidge does not hold back when it comes to broken bones and bloody matter. I almost had a heart attack in the beginning whilst reading the scene involving Bailey! That was very closely played and utterly heart stopping to read.
For those who haven’t read any DI Helen Grace, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you do. But I wouldn’t recommend this particular book for your first venture as a LOT of water has gone under the bridge and you’ll feel a bit lost picking up the story at this juncture.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love MJ Arlidge’s series following DI Grace and her team and so when this book became available on NetGalley as an advance copy, I lept at the chance to read it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this edition to the DI Helen Grace series. However let it be said this book is not half as good as the first books from the series. The last two books have been a bit formulaic and predictable with the wrong ‘guy’ being caught mischief to the embarrassment of the force and other wrong doers being pulled in for crimes that are similar but not the right one. This was all a little annoying because they were obviously the wrong criminals. Added to that Helen and her team were very single minded in their investigation and interrogation of key evidence and survivors. Add to this Charlie’s totally irrational home life issues. It’s a shame really because the story is really very good and the twists are well concealed, the book would’ve still been brilliant without those mishaps.
Similar to the previous novel we have a very different Helen Grace to the one we first started out with. I feel her character could now do with some further development. Stripped of need to feel physical pain and the man who she sought out to ‘help’ her. Also, now that her sister and nephew are both out of the picture - I’m not sure who Helen is anymore. Interestingly Helen ponders this very question during ‘Cat and Mouse’, stripped of her badge, put on leave and unable to talk to Charlie… what are we now left with? Well, for a start she’s a one woman army who is not only super intelligent she is also completely formidable. She’s more comfortable on two wheels than four and lives alone with (apart from Charlie) no friends, hobbies or social life. Personally I’d love to know more about this new Helen and see her embrace life a bit more.
Overall and in despite to my previous comments this is a fantastic read! It’s fast paced, edgy, thrilling and hard to put down. For those of a weaker disposition this book is not for you! Arlidge does not hold back when it comes to broken bones and bloody matter. I almost had a heart attack in the beginning whilst reading the scene involving Bailey! That was very closely played and utterly heart stopping to read.
For those who haven’t read any DI Helen Grace, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you do. But I wouldn’t recommend this particular book for your first venture as a LOT of water has gone under the bridge and you’ll feel a bit lost picking up the story at this juncture.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2022
Dit is het 11 deel in de Helen Grace serie en wat heb ik genoten van dit boek.
4 maanden nadat de vorige zaak werd afgesloten alhoewel de moordenaar gezworen heeft zich te wreken op Helen krijgt zij en haar team alweer een nieuwe zaak voorgeschoteld. Nadat een jonge vader thuiskomt en nog eens gaat kijken bij zijn 6 maanden oude baby lijkt alles normaal te zijn tot hij in zijn slaapkamer binnenkomt en zijn vrouw vermoord terug vindt. Wanneer het team denkt vooruitgang te boeken wordt een nieuwe moord gepleegd en wordt het terug een race tegen de klok voor Helen en haar team. Ook was ik heel erg benieuwd naar het motief van de dader in dit verhaal. Ik had echt wel medelijden met Helen in dit verhaal met wat ze allemaal terug te verduren kreeg. Ook in dit verhaal krijgen we weer te maken met de irritante journaliste Amelia maar in dit verhaal krijgen we toch enige verandering te zien in haar karakterstijl en op persoonlijk vlak.
4 maanden nadat de vorige zaak werd afgesloten alhoewel de moordenaar gezworen heeft zich te wreken op Helen krijgt zij en haar team alweer een nieuwe zaak voorgeschoteld. Nadat een jonge vader thuiskomt en nog eens gaat kijken bij zijn 6 maanden oude baby lijkt alles normaal te zijn tot hij in zijn slaapkamer binnenkomt en zijn vrouw vermoord terug vindt. Wanneer het team denkt vooruitgang te boeken wordt een nieuwe moord gepleegd en wordt het terug een race tegen de klok voor Helen en haar team. Ook was ik heel erg benieuwd naar het motief van de dader in dit verhaal. Ik had echt wel medelijden met Helen in dit verhaal met wat ze allemaal terug te verduren kreeg. Ook in dit verhaal krijgen we weer te maken met de irritante journaliste Amelia maar in dit verhaal krijgen we toch enige verandering te zien in haar karakterstijl en op persoonlijk vlak.
October 6, 2023
"Cat And Mouse" is book eleven in the Helen Grace series by author M.J Aldridge.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is leading an investigation, hunting a killer who stalks his victims and attacks them in the dead of night. Killing without pity or remorse, stealing the victim's personal belongings at the same time.
As the investigation progresses Helen begins to suspect there is a shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes.
I loved this book, the red herrings and twists along the way kept me constantly guessing and changing my mind as to who the perpetrator was.
A chilling read that gave me goosebumps as I read this home alone jumping at every noise I heard!!'
Get yourself comfortable and switch off your phone as you will not want to either put this book down or be disturbed.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is leading an investigation, hunting a killer who stalks his victims and attacks them in the dead of night. Killing without pity or remorse, stealing the victim's personal belongings at the same time.
As the investigation progresses Helen begins to suspect there is a shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes.
I loved this book, the red herrings and twists along the way kept me constantly guessing and changing my mind as to who the perpetrator was.
A chilling read that gave me goosebumps as I read this home alone jumping at every noise I heard!!'
Get yourself comfortable and switch off your phone as you will not want to either put this book down or be disturbed.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2022
In het begin vond ik de inhoud van nogal "veel", en had ik een soort Grace-moeheid. Maar weer werd het boeiend en ontzettend spannend. Dus: weer aanrader!
May 7, 2023
Μπα. Κουράζει και είναι απλώς μια περίπλοκη πλοκή. Μέχρι εκεί.
August 15, 2025
A melhor inspetora de Southampton está de regresso e ai de quem tentar derrubar a Helen Grace!
As coisas pelas quais esta mulher passa não têm comparação possível, o comum dos mortais já teria desistido da vida à imenso tempo...mas não a Helen, ela continua a lutar sempre com uma garra louca e é absolutamente espectacular vê-la a vingar na vida.
A ação deste livro ocorre 4 meses depois do fim do livro anterior e tem a duração exata de 7 dias - é um livro muito bem planeado, tudo no seu tempo e espaço e nota-se na progressão do caso retratado.
Ao mesmo tempo que temos um novo caso, temos também o desfecho de toda a loucura que ficou por resolver do livro anterior e foi incrível ver como a Helen luta por si e pela justiça.
Mais uma vez o autor prova que a Helen aguenta tudo e luta até ao fim. Adorei; adorei especialmente pela cumplicidade que a Helen e a Charlie continuam a ter após tanta coisa que lhes aconteceu na vida...
As coisas pelas quais esta mulher passa não têm comparação possível, o comum dos mortais já teria desistido da vida à imenso tempo...mas não a Helen, ela continua a lutar sempre com uma garra louca e é absolutamente espectacular vê-la a vingar na vida.
A ação deste livro ocorre 4 meses depois do fim do livro anterior e tem a duração exata de 7 dias - é um livro muito bem planeado, tudo no seu tempo e espaço e nota-se na progressão do caso retratado.
Ao mesmo tempo que temos um novo caso, temos também o desfecho de toda a loucura que ficou por resolver do livro anterior e foi incrível ver como a Helen luta por si e pela justiça.
Mais uma vez o autor prova que a Helen aguenta tudo e luta até ao fim. Adorei; adorei especialmente pela cumplicidade que a Helen e a Charlie continuam a ter após tanta coisa que lhes aconteceu na vida...
June 6, 2022
I am thrilled to be about to open the blogtour for MJ Arlidge’s latest DI Helen Grace book Cat & Mouse and I can’t believe it’s #11 in the series – wow what an achievement!
If you haven’t met Helen yet, you are in for a gruesome treat and whilst most of the books can be read as standalones I would always recommend starting at the beginning of this brilliant series with Eeny Meeny (and to be extra helpful, I’ve listed the books in order at the bottom of this post!)
So, back to book 11 which follows on almost immediately from book 10 – Truth or Dare and once again the MIT team are facing yet another shockingly brutal murder. With Helen quietly battling her own demons and a potential killer hot on her heels, the team are trying to solve this crime and deal with internal politics at the same time.
DS Charlie Brooks who is Helen’s confidante, best-friend and loyal team member finds herself struggling when her home life starts to affect her at work and her loyalty is tested when their boss, Peters, is determined to remove Helen from running the MIT Team.
Helen’s nemesis, Emilia Garanita, a journalist without a conscience appears to finally grow one and we find out more about her background and personal life.
Short, gripping chapters, lots of gory murders, fast-paced action, mounting tension throughout makes Cat and Mouse another enjoyable book in this series.
If you haven’t met Helen yet, you are in for a gruesome treat and whilst most of the books can be read as standalones I would always recommend starting at the beginning of this brilliant series with Eeny Meeny (and to be extra helpful, I’ve listed the books in order at the bottom of this post!)
So, back to book 11 which follows on almost immediately from book 10 – Truth or Dare and once again the MIT team are facing yet another shockingly brutal murder. With Helen quietly battling her own demons and a potential killer hot on her heels, the team are trying to solve this crime and deal with internal politics at the same time.
DS Charlie Brooks who is Helen’s confidante, best-friend and loyal team member finds herself struggling when her home life starts to affect her at work and her loyalty is tested when their boss, Peters, is determined to remove Helen from running the MIT Team.
Helen’s nemesis, Emilia Garanita, a journalist without a conscience appears to finally grow one and we find out more about her background and personal life.
Short, gripping chapters, lots of gory murders, fast-paced action, mounting tension throughout makes Cat and Mouse another enjoyable book in this series.
Read
July 23, 2023Após ter sido agradavelmente surpreendida com "Verdade ou consequência", decidi avançar logo em seguida para o mais recente volume da série.
Apesar de se serem resolvidos alguns aspectos que estavam por resolver, admito "O gato e o rato" ficou um pouco aquém das expectativas.
O enredo principal não me cativou tanto quanto o do livro anterior e, infelizmente, algumas linhas/assuntos paralelos chegaram a me entediar. Let it go.
Não deixou de ser uma leitura cheia de acção, mas pesarosamente não me encheu as medidas.
Junho 2023
Apesar de se serem resolvidos alguns aspectos que estavam por resolver, admito "O gato e o rato" ficou um pouco aquém das expectativas.
O enredo principal não me cativou tanto quanto o do livro anterior e, infelizmente, algumas linhas/assuntos paralelos chegaram a me entediar. Let it go.
Não deixou de ser uma leitura cheia de acção, mas pesarosamente não me encheu as medidas.
Junho 2023
December 18, 2022
Leest als een slechte actiefilm. Je weet wel, zo’n film die je nog niet eerder hebt gezien, maar zo voorspelbaar is dat je continue het gevoel hebt alsof je hem al wél eens hebt gekeken. Inclusief onrealistische stunts en ‘jahoor’ momentjes. Dat is dit boek! Dankzij de simpele schrijfstijl en korte hoofdstukken ‘leest het lekker weg’ en ben je er zo doorheen. Spannend word het nooit. Misschien wel leuk voor de beginnende (thriller)lezer omdat je niet veel verbeeldingskracht nodig hebt om alles voor je te zien. Al met al best een vermakelijk boek, maar niet iets wat ik zou aanraden.
August 21, 2022
MINDBLOWING, from the first page until the last, I had other suspects but i was always wrong until they found the real murderer and I was like "What? or no way?!" The Helen Grace stories are truly good and the books read fast. I really love the way MJ Arlidge write his books
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