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Calladine & Bayliss #8
Dead Bad
Detectives Calladine and Bayliss face a vicious serial killer in a mystery with a shocking ending.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of 20-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
Detective Ruth Bayliss must work out whether a serial killer has returned, or if a new killer is just taunting the police.
Her partner DI Tom Calladine faces the fight of his life to clear his name of corruption accusations. And then things go from bad to worse for Calladine....
With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
In an ending with a huge twist, the detectives must unpick decades’ old lies before anyone else dies.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell or Mark Billingham, you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of 20-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
Detective Ruth Bayliss must work out whether a serial killer has returned, or if a new killer is just taunting the police.
Her partner DI Tom Calladine faces the fight of his life to clear his name of corruption accusations. And then things go from bad to worse for Calladine....
With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
In an ending with a huge twist, the detectives must unpick decades’ old lies before anyone else dies.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell or Mark Billingham, you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 27, 2018
EXCERPT: A young woman, her blank eyes staring into nothing. Her throat had been cut. For a few seconds Robbins was transfixed. He'd never even seen a dead body before. And this wasn't just a dead body, this was a murder victim he was looking at, had to be. The sight was horrific. She was nailed to something and things had been done to her.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Detectives Calladine and Bayliss face a vicious serial killer in a mystery with a shocking ending.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of twenty-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
Detective Ruth Bayliss must work out whether a serial killer has returned, or if a new killer is just taunting the police.
Her partner DI Tom Calladine faces the fight of his life to clear his name of corruption accusations. And then things go from bad to worse for Calladine . . .
With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
In an ending with a huge twist, the detectives must unpick decades’ old lies before anyone else dies.
MY THOUGHTS: I like this series. It has grown on me as I have read my way through the majority of the previous seven books. But this one just seems to be lacking something that the others had. It felt flat to me, although there was plenty going on, until the final few chapters when it finally got its teeth into me and I was rapidly flipping pages, determined to discover the outcome before I had to leave for work.
It is possible to read Dead Bad as a standalone, but I wouldn't really recommend it. There is too much background information, especially regarding relationships between the characters, that the first time reader would be ignorant of. But then, perhaps it might be a more intriguing read if you were fresh to them.
It was great to see Greco back, albeit briefly, although he didn’t come to the fore in Dead Bad as much as he has previously. I missed his little foibles. They were somewhat glossed over. He is a character who deserves to be made more of.
While I liked Dead Bad, I didn't love it. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dead Bad by Helen Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Detectives Calladine and Bayliss face a vicious serial killer in a mystery with a shocking ending.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of twenty-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
Detective Ruth Bayliss must work out whether a serial killer has returned, or if a new killer is just taunting the police.
Her partner DI Tom Calladine faces the fight of his life to clear his name of corruption accusations. And then things go from bad to worse for Calladine . . .
With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
In an ending with a huge twist, the detectives must unpick decades’ old lies before anyone else dies.
MY THOUGHTS: I like this series. It has grown on me as I have read my way through the majority of the previous seven books. But this one just seems to be lacking something that the others had. It felt flat to me, although there was plenty going on, until the final few chapters when it finally got its teeth into me and I was rapidly flipping pages, determined to discover the outcome before I had to leave for work.
It is possible to read Dead Bad as a standalone, but I wouldn't really recommend it. There is too much background information, especially regarding relationships between the characters, that the first time reader would be ignorant of. But then, perhaps it might be a more intriguing read if you were fresh to them.
It was great to see Greco back, albeit briefly, although he didn’t come to the fore in Dead Bad as much as he has previously. I missed his little foibles. They were somewhat glossed over. He is a character who deserves to be made more of.
While I liked Dead Bad, I didn't love it. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dead Bad by Helen Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 25, 2018
DEAD BAD by author Helen H. Durrant is book eight of a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ruth Bayliss and D.I. Tom Calladine. Having read all the previous books in this series and really enjoyed them and the characters, it was like old home week, and touching base with some of my old friends. I looked forward to starting the next crime thriller in the series. This book will have you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion. I have to say that for me this is the best book she has written to date!
The novel takes place in the fictional town of Leesdon, Greater Manchester on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city…the breeding ground for crime on the Hobfield housing estate.
Detective inspector Tom Calladine is a workaholic, totally devoted to his job. But his personal life has not been so rewarding, being married and divorced before he was twenty-one.
Detective Sergeant Ruth Bayliss and Detective Inspector Tom Calladine, both work well together, and are well respected by their team. They now face a brutal serial killer in a mystery with a shocking ending.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of twenty-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
But has a serial killer returned, or just a copycat provoking the police.
So much going on in this novel. DI Tom Calladine gets kidnapped and accused of corruption, and fights to clear his name. I liked how the author brought in DI Greco (character from another book in the series) to investigate Calladine. With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
Looking for a brilliant best-selling crime mystery with great detectives? Look no further. Highly recommend this exciting new crime fiction writer.
Many thanks to Joffe Books via Netgalley for my copy.
The novel takes place in the fictional town of Leesdon, Greater Manchester on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city…the breeding ground for crime on the Hobfield housing estate.
Detective inspector Tom Calladine is a workaholic, totally devoted to his job. But his personal life has not been so rewarding, being married and divorced before he was twenty-one.
Detective Sergeant Ruth Bayliss and Detective Inspector Tom Calladine, both work well together, and are well respected by their team. They now face a brutal serial killer in a mystery with a shocking ending.
A woman’s body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed toy by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of twenty-year-old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison.
But has a serial killer returned, or just a copycat provoking the police.
So much going on in this novel. DI Tom Calladine gets kidnapped and accused of corruption, and fights to clear his name. I liked how the author brought in DI Greco (character from another book in the series) to investigate Calladine. With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
Looking for a brilliant best-selling crime mystery with great detectives? Look no further. Highly recommend this exciting new crime fiction writer.
Many thanks to Joffe Books via Netgalley for my copy.
May 9, 2018
A woman's body is found in a disused church, a homemade stuffed too by her side. The victim had been dumped there months ago. The crime has the hallmarks of a twenty year old case whose alleged perpetrator is in prison. Detective Ruth Bayliss must work our whether a serial killer has returned, or whether it's a new killer taunting the police. Her partner DI Tom Calladine faces a fight to clear his name of a corruption accusation.
DI Tom Calladine gets abducted but his superior thinks he has done a runner as he was due to give evidence and there is an awful lot of money in his bank account. He manages to escape and Bayliss and the team try to help him clear his name. Ruth is also investigating the body that's been found at a disused church. There is also a lot of amphetamines in the area that are leading to a high number of overdoses. There is lots going on in the eighth book in this series. I like the characters in these books and how they have each other's backs. This book can be read as a standalone, but as always with a good series, I do recommend you read these books in order.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Helen H. Durrant for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Tom Calladine gets abducted but his superior thinks he has done a runner as he was due to give evidence and there is an awful lot of money in his bank account. He manages to escape and Bayliss and the team try to help him clear his name. Ruth is also investigating the body that's been found at a disused church. There is also a lot of amphetamines in the area that are leading to a high number of overdoses. There is lots going on in the eighth book in this series. I like the characters in these books and how they have each other's backs. This book can be read as a standalone, but as always with a good series, I do recommend you read these books in order.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Helen H. Durrant for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2018
Dead Bad is a well-written, gripping and enjoyable crime/mystery, with a lovely and refreshing cover adding to it’s charm.
A woman’s mutilated body is found in an abandoned church. The details of the crime are reminiscent of another one committed 20 years ago, the perpetrator of which, was put in prison, who then died years later.
Are the two murders connected? Is the second one a copycat? Things get more complicated when another woman’s body is found. But this time the victim died fighting, leaving the murderer’s forensic evidence behind.
It is up to DI Tom Calladine and his team to dig deep, clear the obstacles and find the perpetrator before he strikes again.
This was my first book by Helen H. Durrant and I intend to read more from this talented author.
Thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book.
A woman’s mutilated body is found in an abandoned church. The details of the crime are reminiscent of another one committed 20 years ago, the perpetrator of which, was put in prison, who then died years later.
Are the two murders connected? Is the second one a copycat? Things get more complicated when another woman’s body is found. But this time the victim died fighting, leaving the murderer’s forensic evidence behind.
It is up to DI Tom Calladine and his team to dig deep, clear the obstacles and find the perpetrator before he strikes again.
This was my first book by Helen H. Durrant and I intend to read more from this talented author.
Thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book.
May 5, 2018
4.5 Stars
Detectives Calladine and Bayliss are investigating a body found in an abandoned church. She's been there for months. Not so unusual for these guys ... except it's identical to another case that is 20 years old. The man charged and convicted of that crime died in prison. So is this a copycat .. or maybe a partner? Why the length of time between crimes?
Meanwhile, someone abducts Calladine and his superior suspects that he has done a runner. He was scheduled to testify and there's been an awful lot of money found in his bank account. Do they seriously think he's corrupt ...after all these years of service?
When Calladine manages to escape, Bayliss and the entire team jump in to clear Calladine of all corruption charges. With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
The detectives have their hands full but it's only when the cases start coinciding that things really turn interesting ... and deadly.
Another excellent addition to an excellent series! Well written and action packed, it can be read easily as a stand alone. But I highly recommend starting at the beginning. These are great characters who share not only their professional lives with the reader, but also the personal issues they also must work through. I was delighted to see a cameo appearance by Stephen Greco (another of this author's series character) who was brought in to investigate Calladine.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All for the advanced digital copy and the opportunity to participate in the blog tour. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detectives Calladine and Bayliss are investigating a body found in an abandoned church. She's been there for months. Not so unusual for these guys ... except it's identical to another case that is 20 years old. The man charged and convicted of that crime died in prison. So is this a copycat .. or maybe a partner? Why the length of time between crimes?
Meanwhile, someone abducts Calladine and his superior suspects that he has done a runner. He was scheduled to testify and there's been an awful lot of money found in his bank account. Do they seriously think he's corrupt ...after all these years of service?
When Calladine manages to escape, Bayliss and the entire team jump in to clear Calladine of all corruption charges. With the team under massive pressure and drugs flooding the streets, another gruesomely presented body is found.
The detectives have their hands full but it's only when the cases start coinciding that things really turn interesting ... and deadly.
Another excellent addition to an excellent series! Well written and action packed, it can be read easily as a stand alone. But I highly recommend starting at the beginning. These are great characters who share not only their professional lives with the reader, but also the personal issues they also must work through. I was delighted to see a cameo appearance by Stephen Greco (another of this author's series character) who was brought in to investigate Calladine.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All for the advanced digital copy and the opportunity to participate in the blog tour. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 12, 2018
I love this series. As with the others I read it really quickly and easily. It's fairly short and so it only took me half a day. However it's also one of those that you just don't want to put down and need to see it to the end before you can do things like sleep.
There's quite a lot going on. DI Calladine gets kidnapped and accused of corruption, someone is repeating crimes from 20 years ago and there's a new deadly drug hitting the housing estate. It's definitely a book packed with action.
I liked how they tied this book in with the other series regarding DI Greco. It's such a fast based book and there's no padding. The action kicks on from the beginning and doesn't let up until the end.
This is one of my favourite series and the latest book doesn't disappoint.
Free arc from netgalley
There's quite a lot going on. DI Calladine gets kidnapped and accused of corruption, someone is repeating crimes from 20 years ago and there's a new deadly drug hitting the housing estate. It's definitely a book packed with action.
I liked how they tied this book in with the other series regarding DI Greco. It's such a fast based book and there's no padding. The action kicks on from the beginning and doesn't let up until the end.
This is one of my favourite series and the latest book doesn't disappoint.
Free arc from netgalley
February 4, 2019
This was a great story. A woman is found dead in a disused church. She is badly mutilated and has a stuffed toy with her. If that isn't bad enough, the killing is identical to one that occurred 20 years ago, only the perpetrator was caught and jailed and has since died in jail. Is this new death a copycat, or worse? Did they convict the wrong person? Ruth Bayliss must manage this investigation as Tom Calladine has disappeared and is accused of corruption. He was actually kidnapped and managed to escape but someone wanted him out of the way for a reason.
Then there is another, identical, murder. At the same time new, and dangerously potent, drugs are flooding the area causing many overdoses. Calladine is frantically trying to clear his name but DCI Greco is brought in from a neighbouring force to investigate Calladine's potential corruption.
Police manage to nab a few dealers and one name keeps cropping up but how does that link to the murders? A shocking ending rounds this excellent story out nicely.
Then there is another, identical, murder. At the same time new, and dangerously potent, drugs are flooding the area causing many overdoses. Calladine is frantically trying to clear his name but DCI Greco is brought in from a neighbouring force to investigate Calladine's potential corruption.
Police manage to nab a few dealers and one name keeps cropping up but how does that link to the murders? A shocking ending rounds this excellent story out nicely.
July 10, 2020
This is the 8th book in the Calladine and Bayliss series by author Helen Durrant.
Another testing case for DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss. These books are quick reads not only as they are 250 pages but because you won't be able to put them down. This one is a real page turner with one hell of a climax.
A serial killer is on the loose in a case that will push DI Tom Carradine to the limits. A woman's body is found dumped in a disused church with a stuffed toy by her side. The victim's body was dumped there months ago and the crime is similar to a 20 year old crime whose alleged perpetrator is in prison. Is this the work of the old killer or is a new copycat killer.
Additionally DI Tom Carradine faces a fight to clear his name following corruption accusations. As if things couldn't be bad enough, the pressure increases when another body is found brutally murdered.
Not quite sure how Helen Durrant manages to cover so much in 250 pages.
Great characters, good plot and lots of action.
Another testing case for DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss. These books are quick reads not only as they are 250 pages but because you won't be able to put them down. This one is a real page turner with one hell of a climax.
A serial killer is on the loose in a case that will push DI Tom Carradine to the limits. A woman's body is found dumped in a disused church with a stuffed toy by her side. The victim's body was dumped there months ago and the crime is similar to a 20 year old crime whose alleged perpetrator is in prison. Is this the work of the old killer or is a new copycat killer.
Additionally DI Tom Carradine faces a fight to clear his name following corruption accusations. As if things couldn't be bad enough, the pressure increases when another body is found brutally murdered.
Not quite sure how Helen Durrant manages to cover so much in 250 pages.
Great characters, good plot and lots of action.
September 26, 2024
Stunning ..... simply stunning!
Rating only.
Rating only.
May 11, 2018
Helen is one of my favourite authors and I love all 3 of her series' so was very excited to read this new addition to the Calladine & Bayliss series. What can I say? FANTASTIC I was gripped from the very first page, fast paced, plenty going on and adrenaline pumping suspense. What more could I ask it ticked every single box.
The story starts with the abduction of a child that reveals the corpse of a murdered woman this victim has been tortured in a horrific way and affects the team badly. Close on the heels of this Calladine goes missing and the discovery of a dangerous batch of drugs that are flooding the area Ruth and the remainder of the team are chasing their tails trying to keep up with everything.
We learn more about Ruth in this book as she struggles with a difficult decision that could affect everyone. The rest of the team's character's continue to grow and develop into well rounded, realistic but complex characters.
There are many twists and turns as the team juggle the two cases and several mind blowing shockers ensure that the reader keeps turning the pages all the way to the jaw dropping conclusion.
Brilliant read well worth the 5 stars.
The story starts with the abduction of a child that reveals the corpse of a murdered woman this victim has been tortured in a horrific way and affects the team badly. Close on the heels of this Calladine goes missing and the discovery of a dangerous batch of drugs that are flooding the area Ruth and the remainder of the team are chasing their tails trying to keep up with everything.
We learn more about Ruth in this book as she struggles with a difficult decision that could affect everyone. The rest of the team's character's continue to grow and develop into well rounded, realistic but complex characters.
There are many twists and turns as the team juggle the two cases and several mind blowing shockers ensure that the reader keeps turning the pages all the way to the jaw dropping conclusion.
Brilliant read well worth the 5 stars.
August 4, 2020
Another old case plays an important role in the eight book of the Calladine & Bayliss series, which is something that has been used a couple of times now in the series. I hope this will not be in every book now, or you would start wondering whether the detectives might not have been doing such a good job in the first place.
Expect everything you have come to expect of the series. For me, I really got annoyed by Calladine - he is supposed to be the hero of the series, but I find him a jerk and he is getting worse with every book. Condescending to his colleagues also.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Find this and other reviews on https://www.urlphantomhive.com
Expect everything you have come to expect of the series. For me, I really got annoyed by Calladine - he is supposed to be the hero of the series, but I find him a jerk and he is getting worse with every book. Condescending to his colleagues also.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Find this and other reviews on https://www.urlphantomhive.com
May 5, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Dead Bad, the eighth novel to feature DI Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss, set in the fictional town of Leesdon, Greater Manchester.
Tom is sent home with shingles, leaving Ruth to investigate a dead body found in a disused church. The unidentified female victim has been dead for a while and obviously tortured before having her throat cut. It reminds team member Alice of a twenty year old case she has been reading about, but with that case solved is it a copycat? In the meantime there is an epidemic of drugs sweeping the area and Tom has to fight to clear his name.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Bad which is a fast moving procedural with some surprising twists and turns. There is never a dull moment with something happening in every chapter. I like the way the team start from nothing and work relentlessly towards a very unexpected conclusion. It is meticulously plotted and flows well as every interview adds a little to the bigger picture. There are even some tense moments when Tom has to fight corruption charges that only the brass believe could be true, and that is only the first shock in a novel full of them.
Tom and Ruth are now like old friends so Tom's predicament is upsetting as is Ruth's. Her partner wants her to give up her job and move south with him, she doesn't want to so it's strife all the way. I really enjoyed Ms Durrant's ingenious solution to this impasse. Their close friendship brings a warmth to the novel the subject matter doesn't allow.
Dead Bad is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Tom is sent home with shingles, leaving Ruth to investigate a dead body found in a disused church. The unidentified female victim has been dead for a while and obviously tortured before having her throat cut. It reminds team member Alice of a twenty year old case she has been reading about, but with that case solved is it a copycat? In the meantime there is an epidemic of drugs sweeping the area and Tom has to fight to clear his name.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Bad which is a fast moving procedural with some surprising twists and turns. There is never a dull moment with something happening in every chapter. I like the way the team start from nothing and work relentlessly towards a very unexpected conclusion. It is meticulously plotted and flows well as every interview adds a little to the bigger picture. There are even some tense moments when Tom has to fight corruption charges that only the brass believe could be true, and that is only the first shock in a novel full of them.
Tom and Ruth are now like old friends so Tom's predicament is upsetting as is Ruth's. Her partner wants her to give up her job and move south with him, she doesn't want to so it's strife all the way. I really enjoyed Ms Durrant's ingenious solution to this impasse. Their close friendship brings a warmth to the novel the subject matter doesn't allow.
Dead Bad is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 20, 2018
A great story
Helen Durrant is a grand author. I've read all her books up until now. I enjoyed it immensely. More books please Helen.
Helen Durrant is a grand author. I've read all her books up until now. I enjoyed it immensely. More books please Helen.
May 25, 2018
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I love this author's books and have read everything she has written and given them all five stars - so this book had a lot to live up too... and now I've finished I have to say that for me this is the best book she has written to date!!
It has a brilliant story, it has the characters that I love and the writing style was superb as always. I loved the pace and it had me gripped from the first page to the last - so, so good - so as you can probably guess, yes it is 5 stars from me - I loved it!!
I love this author's books and have read everything she has written and given them all five stars - so this book had a lot to live up too... and now I've finished I have to say that for me this is the best book she has written to date!!
It has a brilliant story, it has the characters that I love and the writing style was superb as always. I loved the pace and it had me gripped from the first page to the last - so, so good - so as you can probably guess, yes it is 5 stars from me - I loved it!!
May 14, 2018
Oh my where do I start with this book? I don’t mean that in a bad way but in a good way. There were several story strands to this book that were equally as good as each other and it would be wrong to just pick out one. In case you hadn’t guessed I absolutely flipping, totally and utterly loved reading this book but more about that in a bit.
I really do love the detective pairing of Calladine and Bayliss. In a way they are like brother and sister. Each is in tune with what the other one is thinking, each one worries about the other one if he/ she hasn’t heard from the other one in a while, each would never believe badly of the other one and each has the other one’s back. Both detectives are well respected by their team and the team works really well as a result. I must admit that I feared for Calladine’s safety at the beginning of the book. I won’t put too much detail down as I don’t want to give too many spoilers away but needless to say that Calladine faces a life or death struggle. I had taken to his character that much that if I could have jumped into the pages to ride to Calladine’s rescue myself then I would have done, whilst slapping some of those responsible silly with a wet flip flop. Calladine would be the first to admit that he isn’t perfect and what you see with him is very much what you get. I get the impression that Bayliss is feeling torn in this book. Her partner has had a very good job offer in another place down south and she sort of wants to go with him because it would be a fresh start but at the same time I don’t think that she can face the idea of moving away, leaving Calladine and the rest of the team behind. It was interesting to see the kind of internal battle that she was having. Bayliss would also like to go for promotion at some point. Bayliss takes on the case of a young woman, whose body was found in horrific circumstances in a church. There are very few clues and it seems that no matter which way they turn they hit a brick wall. Bayliss is determined though and she resolves to do her best for the dead woman and ensure that her murderer or murderers are brought to justice. Will Calladine survive to the end of the book and beyond? Who wants to hurt him so badly and why? Will Bayliss say goodbye to Calladine and move down south or will the pull of her boss and the team be too great to deny? Will Bayliss & Calladine be able to solve the horrific murder of the young woman in the church? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
Whenever you pick up a book written by Helen H. Durrant, you are guaranteed one hell of a rollercoaster read and this book was no exception. Blimey oh riley I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up and began to read. The book certainly hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. The story started in such a way that will remain fresh in my mind for a long time to come and will set it apart from other books. I binge read this book in two sittings and believe me when I say that the time and the page numbers flew by in a blur but because I was enjoying the story so much and I had taken to the characters so well, I didn’t realise how quickly I was finishing the book until I had cleared over 40 %. ‘I felt torn over ‘Dead Bad’ in that is was such a good book that I wanted to read it non-stop but at the same time it was such a good book that I just wanted to pace myself and stretch the story out for a bit longer. I became totally immersed in the story and in the characters and I found myself getting carried away. By that I meant that I began to shout rude words at the book, argue with certain characters or I wanted to hand out my own brand of justice. I know, I know it’s just fiction but I find that a sign of a good book is that you feel part of the story and part of the investigation. I literally felt as though I was part of the investigating team. ‘Dead Bad’ took me through a wide range of emotions from hope to despair, happiness to sadness and well you get the picture. There were also some moments where I almost had to read through my fingers or I was afraid to turn the page as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next to characters, who seemed so real to me that they were almost my friends- all except the nasty pasties who were trying to hurt Calladine that is.
‘Dead Bad’ is the eighth book in the series featuring Detectives Calladine and Bayliss. It works perfectly well as a standalone but because I am a bit OCD I would advise that you read the series in order and from the beginning.
In conclusion, and if you haven’t already guessed, I absolutely, totally and utterly one hundred percent loved everything about this book. I would strongly recommend this author and her books to anybody and everybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this author. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I really do love the detective pairing of Calladine and Bayliss. In a way they are like brother and sister. Each is in tune with what the other one is thinking, each one worries about the other one if he/ she hasn’t heard from the other one in a while, each would never believe badly of the other one and each has the other one’s back. Both detectives are well respected by their team and the team works really well as a result. I must admit that I feared for Calladine’s safety at the beginning of the book. I won’t put too much detail down as I don’t want to give too many spoilers away but needless to say that Calladine faces a life or death struggle. I had taken to his character that much that if I could have jumped into the pages to ride to Calladine’s rescue myself then I would have done, whilst slapping some of those responsible silly with a wet flip flop. Calladine would be the first to admit that he isn’t perfect and what you see with him is very much what you get. I get the impression that Bayliss is feeling torn in this book. Her partner has had a very good job offer in another place down south and she sort of wants to go with him because it would be a fresh start but at the same time I don’t think that she can face the idea of moving away, leaving Calladine and the rest of the team behind. It was interesting to see the kind of internal battle that she was having. Bayliss would also like to go for promotion at some point. Bayliss takes on the case of a young woman, whose body was found in horrific circumstances in a church. There are very few clues and it seems that no matter which way they turn they hit a brick wall. Bayliss is determined though and she resolves to do her best for the dead woman and ensure that her murderer or murderers are brought to justice. Will Calladine survive to the end of the book and beyond? Who wants to hurt him so badly and why? Will Bayliss say goodbye to Calladine and move down south or will the pull of her boss and the team be too great to deny? Will Bayliss & Calladine be able to solve the horrific murder of the young woman in the church? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
Whenever you pick up a book written by Helen H. Durrant, you are guaranteed one hell of a rollercoaster read and this book was no exception. Blimey oh riley I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up and began to read. The book certainly hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. The story started in such a way that will remain fresh in my mind for a long time to come and will set it apart from other books. I binge read this book in two sittings and believe me when I say that the time and the page numbers flew by in a blur but because I was enjoying the story so much and I had taken to the characters so well, I didn’t realise how quickly I was finishing the book until I had cleared over 40 %. ‘I felt torn over ‘Dead Bad’ in that is was such a good book that I wanted to read it non-stop but at the same time it was such a good book that I just wanted to pace myself and stretch the story out for a bit longer. I became totally immersed in the story and in the characters and I found myself getting carried away. By that I meant that I began to shout rude words at the book, argue with certain characters or I wanted to hand out my own brand of justice. I know, I know it’s just fiction but I find that a sign of a good book is that you feel part of the story and part of the investigation. I literally felt as though I was part of the investigating team. ‘Dead Bad’ took me through a wide range of emotions from hope to despair, happiness to sadness and well you get the picture. There were also some moments where I almost had to read through my fingers or I was afraid to turn the page as I genuinely feared what was going to happen next to characters, who seemed so real to me that they were almost my friends- all except the nasty pasties who were trying to hurt Calladine that is.
‘Dead Bad’ is the eighth book in the series featuring Detectives Calladine and Bayliss. It works perfectly well as a standalone but because I am a bit OCD I would advise that you read the series in order and from the beginning.
In conclusion, and if you haven’t already guessed, I absolutely, totally and utterly one hundred percent loved everything about this book. I would strongly recommend this author and her books to anybody and everybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this author. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 4, 2019
Another in the Calladine & Bayliss police procedural series - these are not great books but an easy read and move along with some pace
October 2, 2023
I really enjoy this series. This one had a great plot and was very tense. Brilliant characters.
May 13, 2018
(rounded up from 4.5)
The story opens with a hostage situation followed by the discovery of a dead woman in an abandoned church. The similarities to an old case from DI Tom Calladine’s past are unmistakeable but Tom is nowhere to be found and a large amount of money is found in his bank account. It’s up to DS Ruth Bayliss and the team to prove Calladine’s innocence and find a murderer on the loose.
This is the eighth in the series but can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend to have at least read a couple of the previous books just to get a better sense of the characters.
This was such an absorbing, fast paced read. With the kidnapping of Calladine and the brutal killer on the loose storylines, I just could not stop turning those pages!
This is the second Calladine and Bayliss novel I’ve read and what I appreciated in this one is we got a little bit more about the history/family of the characters than in the previous novel, Dead Jealous. There also a nice little bonus for fans of Helen’s other novels, as there is a guest appearance from DI Greco, the straight laced detective from her ‘Dark’ series of novels.
My only issue was that I got so enthralled by Calladine’s kidnap, I sort of forgot for a couple of chapters that there’d been a murder but that was just a minor point.
Overall a page turner that left me anxiously waiting for the next in the series.
The story opens with a hostage situation followed by the discovery of a dead woman in an abandoned church. The similarities to an old case from DI Tom Calladine’s past are unmistakeable but Tom is nowhere to be found and a large amount of money is found in his bank account. It’s up to DS Ruth Bayliss and the team to prove Calladine’s innocence and find a murderer on the loose.
This is the eighth in the series but can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend to have at least read a couple of the previous books just to get a better sense of the characters.
This was such an absorbing, fast paced read. With the kidnapping of Calladine and the brutal killer on the loose storylines, I just could not stop turning those pages!
This is the second Calladine and Bayliss novel I’ve read and what I appreciated in this one is we got a little bit more about the history/family of the characters than in the previous novel, Dead Jealous. There also a nice little bonus for fans of Helen’s other novels, as there is a guest appearance from DI Greco, the straight laced detective from her ‘Dark’ series of novels.
My only issue was that I got so enthralled by Calladine’s kidnap, I sort of forgot for a couple of chapters that there’d been a murder but that was just a minor point.
Overall a page turner that left me anxiously waiting for the next in the series.
February 10, 2022
*Shocking Case*
This instalment was so addictive, I was busy but I could have easily read it in one sitting. Calladine was getting ready to testify in a long awaited big case. He was being sent home because he was under the weather. Outside his house he is taken then all of a sudden, DS Bayliss is having to step in as lead on a gruesome case. Then in a turn of events Tom escapes and the team are back together
This case has all the hallmarks of a copycat cold case. The events lead the Team to someone unlikely, the suspect tries not to get his hands dirty. But what if the suspect is involved with someone in the team and there is yet another twist to come…..
This instalment was so addictive, I was busy but I could have easily read it in one sitting. Calladine was getting ready to testify in a long awaited big case. He was being sent home because he was under the weather. Outside his house he is taken then all of a sudden, DS Bayliss is having to step in as lead on a gruesome case. Then in a turn of events Tom escapes and the team are back together
This case has all the hallmarks of a copycat cold case. The events lead the Team to someone unlikely, the suspect tries not to get his hands dirty. But what if the suspect is involved with someone in the team and there is yet another twist to come…..
September 3, 2025
A quick read with new 'adventures' of Calladine, Bayliss and their colleagues. Ok, three stars because I liked the fact there was so much going on in this story but it is a bit of a reluctant three stars because the ending was, at least for me, quite unsatisfactory and not at all what I'm used to from this author. Lots of things going on that felt a little like the author just wanted to get rid of some characters, and the end fell flat.
Well, on to the next one!
Well, on to the next one!
May 19, 2024
Really enjoyable, but why did the Scottish characters and pub have such stereotypical names??!!! It was cool seeing Ullapool in a story, it’s just up the road from where I live!!! I found the ending a little far fetched, but I still enjoyed it. I’m really enjoying seeing how these stories and characters grow and develop.
August 21, 2024
Not a complex plot, and ok writing, with characters I’m used to. A quick easy read. Won’t leave much of an impression on me in a week or so.
September 26, 2024
Oh my, this series just keeps getting better! Usual series rules apply, obviously for completeness it is better to start from book one and read in order, but the main story is self contained so, at a push, you can read this on its own, although you will be missing out on character development and backstory.
In this, the latest Calladine and Bayliss, Calladine is not well and has been sent home. On his way though, he is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is called to an abandoned church where a body has been found. One of them starts to think that the scene is familiar and, on further investigation, it proves to be identical to another murder committed many years ago. Only one problem with this, the suspect for that murder confessed and was convicted. Could they have got it wrong or do they have a copycat on their hands? Back with Calladine and, if the kidnapping isn't enough, it appears that someone is out to get him, discredit him. A tip off to the powers that be lead to an old "friend" returning to investigate him. With the usual drugs and guns causing mayhem on the streets can Bayliss help Calladine and the two of them, along with their team, get to the bottom of things once and for all?
Well, as per all of the rest of this series, I pretty much read this straight through from start to finish in only a day. As with the rest of the series, it is your bulk standard Police Procedural but, as I have said before, it is pretty much a perfect example of the genre, containing all the elements you would expect. One of the things I really love about this author is that she doesn't include any superfluous padding. Neither does she patronise the reader by trying to dupe them into making wild judgements nor does she throw anything in from left field. All the plotting is cleverly worked out to give enough confusion to keep thing interesting but not too much to be silly. This really is a breath of fresh air these days, I can tell you. Yes we get the red herrings, they are a given, we also have a bit of a suspect list, but again this isn't over the top.
It's action packed, it flows well and is balanced. For those of us who have been with our duo from the start, it's also a bit emotional as both our leads are going through a bit of a tough time in this book. Not that their personal lives overshadow the case being investigated. They are more complementary and speak enough to character development so inclusion is warranted.
All in all, a solid addition to an already great series. Bring on the next one!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In this, the latest Calladine and Bayliss, Calladine is not well and has been sent home. On his way though, he is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is called to an abandoned church where a body has been found. One of them starts to think that the scene is familiar and, on further investigation, it proves to be identical to another murder committed many years ago. Only one problem with this, the suspect for that murder confessed and was convicted. Could they have got it wrong or do they have a copycat on their hands? Back with Calladine and, if the kidnapping isn't enough, it appears that someone is out to get him, discredit him. A tip off to the powers that be lead to an old "friend" returning to investigate him. With the usual drugs and guns causing mayhem on the streets can Bayliss help Calladine and the two of them, along with their team, get to the bottom of things once and for all?
Well, as per all of the rest of this series, I pretty much read this straight through from start to finish in only a day. As with the rest of the series, it is your bulk standard Police Procedural but, as I have said before, it is pretty much a perfect example of the genre, containing all the elements you would expect. One of the things I really love about this author is that she doesn't include any superfluous padding. Neither does she patronise the reader by trying to dupe them into making wild judgements nor does she throw anything in from left field. All the plotting is cleverly worked out to give enough confusion to keep thing interesting but not too much to be silly. This really is a breath of fresh air these days, I can tell you. Yes we get the red herrings, they are a given, we also have a bit of a suspect list, but again this isn't over the top.
It's action packed, it flows well and is balanced. For those of us who have been with our duo from the start, it's also a bit emotional as both our leads are going through a bit of a tough time in this book. Not that their personal lives overshadow the case being investigated. They are more complementary and speak enough to character development so inclusion is warranted.
All in all, a solid addition to an already great series. Bring on the next one!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 13, 2018
4 stars
DI Tom Callandine has shingles. He is sent home by his boss for fear of giving it to the others in the squad room. As he arrives home, he is attacked and knocked unconscious. DS Ruth Bayliss catches the latest murder in his absence.
A woman has been found in an abandoned church, nailed to some planks. She has been there for about three months. Next to her body is a stuffed toy that is homemade. This case has similarities to a twenty-year old killing – but the man is in prison. But the killer is supposed to be in custody. Do they have the wrong man locked up, or is this a copycat? Another woman is killed in the same manner, and the tension in our story ratchets up.
Meanwhile, DI Callandine has some problems of his own. He is being wrongly accused of corruption. He is fighting to clear his name and it is distracting him from the investigation.
The truth turns out to be stranger than fiction – so to speak. In a brilliant twist, the reader learns the identity of the killer.
I liked this novel, as I have liked all of Helen Durrant’s books. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Durrant has created likeable characters, and has a knack for putting the twist in her stories.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this enjoyable book to read and review.
Merged review:
4 stars
DI Tom Callandine has shingles. He is sent home by his boss for fear of giving it to the others in the squad room. As he arrives home, he is attacked and knocked unconscious. DS Ruth Bayliss catches the latest murder in his absence.
A woman has been found in an abandoned church, nailed to some planks. She has been there for about three months. Next to her body is a stuffed toy that is homemade. This case has similarities to a twenty-year old killing – but the man is in prison. But the killer is supposed to be in custody. Do they have the wrong man locked up, or is this a copycat? Another woman is killed in the same manner, and the tension in our story ratchets up.
Meanwhile, DI Callandine has some problems of his own. He is being wrongly accused of corruption. He is fighting to clear his name and it is distracting him from the investigation.
The truth turns out to be stranger than fiction – so to speak. In a brilliant twist, the reader learns the identity of the killer.
I liked this novel, as I have liked all of Helen Durrant’s books. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Durrant has created likeable characters, and has a knack for putting the twist in her stories.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this enjoyable book to read and review.
DI Tom Callandine has shingles. He is sent home by his boss for fear of giving it to the others in the squad room. As he arrives home, he is attacked and knocked unconscious. DS Ruth Bayliss catches the latest murder in his absence.
A woman has been found in an abandoned church, nailed to some planks. She has been there for about three months. Next to her body is a stuffed toy that is homemade. This case has similarities to a twenty-year old killing – but the man is in prison. But the killer is supposed to be in custody. Do they have the wrong man locked up, or is this a copycat? Another woman is killed in the same manner, and the tension in our story ratchets up.
Meanwhile, DI Callandine has some problems of his own. He is being wrongly accused of corruption. He is fighting to clear his name and it is distracting him from the investigation.
The truth turns out to be stranger than fiction – so to speak. In a brilliant twist, the reader learns the identity of the killer.
I liked this novel, as I have liked all of Helen Durrant’s books. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Durrant has created likeable characters, and has a knack for putting the twist in her stories.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this enjoyable book to read and review.
Merged review:
4 stars
DI Tom Callandine has shingles. He is sent home by his boss for fear of giving it to the others in the squad room. As he arrives home, he is attacked and knocked unconscious. DS Ruth Bayliss catches the latest murder in his absence.
A woman has been found in an abandoned church, nailed to some planks. She has been there for about three months. Next to her body is a stuffed toy that is homemade. This case has similarities to a twenty-year old killing – but the man is in prison. But the killer is supposed to be in custody. Do they have the wrong man locked up, or is this a copycat? Another woman is killed in the same manner, and the tension in our story ratchets up.
Meanwhile, DI Callandine has some problems of his own. He is being wrongly accused of corruption. He is fighting to clear his name and it is distracting him from the investigation.
The truth turns out to be stranger than fiction – so to speak. In a brilliant twist, the reader learns the identity of the killer.
I liked this novel, as I have liked all of Helen Durrant’s books. It is well written and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Durrant has created likeable characters, and has a knack for putting the twist in her stories.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this enjoyable book to read and review.
May 12, 2018
Although this is the third in the Calladine and Bayliss series, it is perfectly possible to read it as a standalone. I would add here that you would follow and enjoy the story, but you would miss all the building up of the characters and, particularly in this novel, pre-knowledge adds so much to the reader's enjoyment of the storyl.
There are several strands to this novel - There has been a murder with the body of a woman, nailed to planks of wood, found in an old church; Calladine is abducted on his way home from work and drugs are saturating the area from a new, unknown, source. Add in the fact that Calladine is suspected of taking bribes and both Bayliss and Calladine are at difficult moments in their personal relationships and the whole novel vibrates with tensions from beginning to end.
All of these strands are interwoven with consummate skill, making page-turning an absolute must and forcing the reader to give up on sleeping or eating until the conclusion is reached. But I am left wanting more! I'm sure there will be other murders for the team to solve but, personally, I want to find out if Bayliss and Calladine catch a lucky break in their personal lives! It's a must read book and I would recommend it to all police procedural lovers.
There are several strands to this novel - There has been a murder with the body of a woman, nailed to planks of wood, found in an old church; Calladine is abducted on his way home from work and drugs are saturating the area from a new, unknown, source. Add in the fact that Calladine is suspected of taking bribes and both Bayliss and Calladine are at difficult moments in their personal relationships and the whole novel vibrates with tensions from beginning to end.
All of these strands are interwoven with consummate skill, making page-turning an absolute must and forcing the reader to give up on sleeping or eating until the conclusion is reached. But I am left wanting more! I'm sure there will be other murders for the team to solve but, personally, I want to find out if Bayliss and Calladine catch a lucky break in their personal lives! It's a must read book and I would recommend it to all police procedural lovers.
May 20, 2018
This is book number eight in the series featuring Calladine and Bayliss. It can be read as a standalone but makes more interesting reading when you have read the other books and know the characters history.
Calladine has shingles so is sent home on sick leave but on his way home he is kidnapped. He is then accused of corruption when a large sum of money is found in his bank account. Bayliss and the rest of the team are sent to an abandoned church where a body has been found. On investigating it is found to be identical to a killing many years previous, but the suspect who confessed to the murder is still in prison, so have they now got a copycat killer on their hands as well as an influx of drug overdoses!
This is a book you wont be able to put down, with so many different twists and turns that, like me, you won’t be able to wait for book number nine.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Calladine has shingles so is sent home on sick leave but on his way home he is kidnapped. He is then accused of corruption when a large sum of money is found in his bank account. Bayliss and the rest of the team are sent to an abandoned church where a body has been found. On investigating it is found to be identical to a killing many years previous, but the suspect who confessed to the murder is still in prison, so have they now got a copycat killer on their hands as well as an influx of drug overdoses!
This is a book you wont be able to put down, with so many different twists and turns that, like me, you won’t be able to wait for book number nine.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 11, 2018
As always, I was delighted to receive an ARC of this novel from Joffe books as I love reading Helen’s novels, especially the Calladine and Bayliss series. As usual this one started out with a murder that needed solving but when DI Tom Calladine is sent home with shingles the case is left for DS Ruth Bayliss and the team to solve. Things start to get complicated as usual and this case appears to have many similarities with another case from many years previously which has long been closed. As the case continues there are many twists and turns with the police trying to find the evidence that will eventually point to the murderer. I have to say that I did guess who the murderer was not far from the ending but nevertheless I still enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Although it the 8th novel in the series it can still be read as a stand-alone.
May 9, 2018
Helen’s books get better and better. I love the characters, the setting and everything about them.
This is no exception, it is a really good story with plenty of twists and turns. However I did guess who it was early on. Can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
This is no exception, it is a really good story with plenty of twists and turns. However I did guess who it was early on. Can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
May 8, 2018
Another excellent book in this series. A gripping and exciting thriller that was unputdownable, I loved the style of writing and the fast pace of the storyline. Thanks to Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
May 11, 2018
Another great book in this brilliant series. I love the banter and loyalty within the team and the subtle reminders of events in previous books. A very worthy 5*
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