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Cassie Raven #1
Body Language
There’s more to Cassie Raven than just her goth piercings, tattoos, a wild, dyed-black hairstyle. She worked hard to escape life on the streets and become a senior mortuary technician. Now she spends her days helping the deceased, inspecting bodies to determine the cause of death. Occasionally, they even speak, sharing fleeting hints about their final moments. Cassie’s gift for listening to the dead can be a blessing, but sometimes, it’s a curse . . .
Years ago, Geraldine Edwards mentored Cassie and saved her life. So Cassie is shocked to now find the woman on the slab, her death presumed an accident. Cassie can’t believe it, but is that simply her grief talking? Or is something more sinister at play?
To get answers, Cassie begins digging through her former teacher’s past. Her investigation soon leads to her butting heads with the police—and if she’s not careful, it could lead to something far deadlier . . .
Years ago, Geraldine Edwards mentored Cassie and saved her life. So Cassie is shocked to now find the woman on the slab, her death presumed an accident. Cassie can’t believe it, but is that simply her grief talking? Or is something more sinister at play?
To get answers, Cassie begins digging through her former teacher’s past. Her investigation soon leads to her butting heads with the police—and if she’s not careful, it could lead to something far deadlier . . .
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
514 people are currently reading
9734 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Turner
7 books210 followersA.K.A. Anya Lipska
A K Turner likes to create memorable characters, throw them into unusual settings, and add a hefty dose of murder and a twisty-turny plot. Her latest book, Body Language, introduces a new kind of forensic heroine - a crime-solving Goth-girl mortuary technician who talks to the dead, a character first launched in two crime shorts aired on BBC Radio 4. A K's previous series, written under the pen name Anya Lipska, starred a London-based Polish fixer who's happy to crack heads to solve crimes - which saw her being selected for Val McDermid's prestigious New Blood Panel at Harrogate Crime Festival in 2012.
A K (aka Ali) lives in East London where she is writing more mortuary-set mysteries. Her day job is producing TV documentaries on true crime and science topics. And just for light relief she is training to be a City of London guide...
Read more about A K's books over at www.anyalipska.com where you can sign up to her newsletter for news and giveaways.
A K Turner likes to create memorable characters, throw them into unusual settings, and add a hefty dose of murder and a twisty-turny plot. Her latest book, Body Language, introduces a new kind of forensic heroine - a crime-solving Goth-girl mortuary technician who talks to the dead, a character first launched in two crime shorts aired on BBC Radio 4. A K's previous series, written under the pen name Anya Lipska, starred a London-based Polish fixer who's happy to crack heads to solve crimes - which saw her being selected for Val McDermid's prestigious New Blood Panel at Harrogate Crime Festival in 2012.
A K (aka Ali) lives in East London where she is writing more mortuary-set mysteries. Her day job is producing TV documentaries on true crime and science topics. And just for light relief she is training to be a City of London guide...
Read more about A K's books over at www.anyalipska.com where you can sign up to her newsletter for news and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 822 reviews
October 27, 2020
AK Turner writes an engaging crime mystery set in London and featuring an intriguing and edgy Camden mortuary technician, 25 year old Cassie Raven, a goth with her dyed hair, lip ring, eyebrow bolt, and wariness of the police. Conscientious Cassie takes her care of the dead seriously, even staying with dead children through the night, gifted with the ability to talk to the dead. She lost her parents very young in a car crash, brought up by her beloved bright and courageous Polish grandmother who has never been forthcoming about her father, although she had never hid her dislike of him. Cassie developed early in childhood an affinity with dead animals, she is currently doing a online beginner's course in taxidermy, and spent time living in squats in her past. She is the textbook loner, reluctant to let people too close her, which has resulted in all her relationships, with men and women, being of short duration.
A new pathologist has started, Dr Archie Cuff, a man who makes the common mistake of underestimating Cassie's abilities, she has often proved to be of invaluable help to pathologists, due to her education and experience. Totally loving her work and at home with the dead, Cassie is shocked when her surrogate mother, mentor and science teacher, 51 year old Mrs Geraldine Edwards's body turns up at the mortuary. Mrs E. was responsible for rescuing Cassie from a bleak future of drugs and the streets, believing in her and building her self esteem, bringing her back into education and responsible for her working in her current profession. Cassie cannot believe Mrs E. has died so young, leaving behind a son, Owen, that she cannot help trying to find out what happened to her. In the meantime, there are strange goings on at the mortuary when the body of an elderly man is taken at night. This brings in the police, a uptight, judgemental DS Phyllida Flyte, who initially views Cassie as a prime suspect, but the two eventually tentatively begin to become closer.
AK Turner's new series is well plotted and well written, an absorbing piece of crime fiction with a terrific and unusual protagonist in Cassie, driven to do all that she can to ensure justice for Mrs E., a teacher who had been instrumental in turning her life around. Cassie contrasts sharply as a character with Flyte, a police officer with a traumatic history of grief and loss she has yet to come terms with. Turner develops their relationship with skill, I presume laying the groundwork for what I assume will turn out to be first of a series featuring the two of them. This is a compulsive and entertaining read, that I think will particularly appeal to those who love forensic science playing a leading role in their crime fiction. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
A new pathologist has started, Dr Archie Cuff, a man who makes the common mistake of underestimating Cassie's abilities, she has often proved to be of invaluable help to pathologists, due to her education and experience. Totally loving her work and at home with the dead, Cassie is shocked when her surrogate mother, mentor and science teacher, 51 year old Mrs Geraldine Edwards's body turns up at the mortuary. Mrs E. was responsible for rescuing Cassie from a bleak future of drugs and the streets, believing in her and building her self esteem, bringing her back into education and responsible for her working in her current profession. Cassie cannot believe Mrs E. has died so young, leaving behind a son, Owen, that she cannot help trying to find out what happened to her. In the meantime, there are strange goings on at the mortuary when the body of an elderly man is taken at night. This brings in the police, a uptight, judgemental DS Phyllida Flyte, who initially views Cassie as a prime suspect, but the two eventually tentatively begin to become closer.
AK Turner's new series is well plotted and well written, an absorbing piece of crime fiction with a terrific and unusual protagonist in Cassie, driven to do all that she can to ensure justice for Mrs E., a teacher who had been instrumental in turning her life around. Cassie contrasts sharply as a character with Flyte, a police officer with a traumatic history of grief and loss she has yet to come terms with. Turner develops their relationship with skill, I presume laying the groundwork for what I assume will turn out to be first of a series featuring the two of them. This is a compulsive and entertaining read, that I think will particularly appeal to those who love forensic science playing a leading role in their crime fiction. Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
July 24, 2024
Cassie Raven ist Assistentin in der Rechtsmedizin. Sie liebt ihren Job und ist davon überzeugt, dass die Toten manchmal zu ihr sprechen. Als sie dann ihre Mentorin, der sie sehr viel zu verdanken hat, auf ihrem Leichentisch hat, ist sie geschockt! Für Cassie steht fest, dass jemand ihre Mentorin ermordet hat, doch sie kann es nicht beweisen.
**
Dieser Forensik-Thriller war für mich ganz anders als erwartet, aber er hat mich trotzdem total abgeholt. Ich mochte die Geschichte, die speziellen Charaktere, das Rätselhafte an dem Fall, die Zusammenarbeit von Cassie und der ermittelnden Kommissarin. Eigentlich mochte ich alles an diesem Buch.
Ich freue mich darüber, dass es der erste Band einer Reihe ist und ich somit weiterlesen kann!
**
Dieser Forensik-Thriller war für mich ganz anders als erwartet, aber er hat mich trotzdem total abgeholt. Ich mochte die Geschichte, die speziellen Charaktere, das Rätselhafte an dem Fall, die Zusammenarbeit von Cassie und der ermittelnden Kommissarin. Eigentlich mochte ich alles an diesem Buch.
Ich freue mich darüber, dass es der erste Band einer Reihe ist und ich somit weiterlesen kann!
April 22, 2024
Настільки звичайне (читай: нудне) читання, що оку не було за що зачепитися. Балів, мабуть, мала додавати ця недоздатність головної героїні чути/бачити мертвих, але для мене це історію балів тільки позбавляло.
п.с. «A.K. Turner a.k.a. Anya Lipska is a British writer married to a Pole who arrived in the UK during the Soviet era», - о, якщо це правдива інформація, то це пояснює, чому бабуся у тексті прописана саме такою.
п.с. «A.K. Turner a.k.a. Anya Lipska is a British writer married to a Pole who arrived in the UK during the Soviet era», - о, якщо це правдива інформація, то це пояснює, чому бабуся у тексті прописана саме такою.
May 2, 2022
A.K. Turner totally failed...
Failed on the marketing of this book because the story itself was incredible!!!
I'm anxious to read the sequel - that was published this year - and see more of Cassie (our main protagonist) and maybe a possible love relationship with the cop Flyte (another main protagonist) and of course - another mystery thriller case of murder.
Failed on the marketing of this book because the story itself was incredible!!!
I'm anxious to read the sequel - that was published this year - and see more of Cassie (our main protagonist) and maybe a possible love relationship with the cop Flyte (another main protagonist) and of course - another mystery thriller case of murder.
November 10, 2020
Laboured mortuary set crime caper that drags with two underdeveloped mystery elements.
Having enjoyed A.K Turner’s Kiszka and Kershaw novels written under her pen name of Anya Lipska I was keen to read Body Language, despite the kooky premise of a mortuary technician with a sixth sense communing with the dead. Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Raven is an archetypical rebel with tattoos, piercings, a shaved undercut and a serious mistrust of the police but she is also very conscientious and not to underestimated. Having worked as a mortuary technician for five years and acquired enough qualifications at evening classes to train to become a coroner she prides herself on treating the dead with respect and taking the utmost care of her clients. Brought up by his Polish grandmother after her parents died in a car crash in her early years, Cassie has long had a strange relationship with death and has difficulty forming lasting romantic relationships, being reluctant to let people in.
Cassie’s personal involvement in her job goes to new lengths when she unzips a body bag to be confronted by the face of the woman who taught her science and was pivotal in taking her from squats and casual drug usage to her current career. Discovering that Geraldine Edwards (“Mrs E”) was only fifty-one and in the best of health, Cassie gets a intuitive feeling that there is something a little fishy about the way she died. Deciding to do a bit of her own investigating and ensure Mrs E gets the justice she deserves Cassie is surprised to learn about her recent engagement and the arrival of her alcoholic adult son pushing for a quick cremation adds to her concerns. Meanwhile the theft of a body overnight from the mortuary sees the officious DS Phyllida Flyte arrive to investigate. A recent transfer from leafy Winchester for personal reasons and none too keen on her grubby new beat, DS Flyte quickly takes a dislike to Cassie’s alternative appearance and surly demeanour and makes her number one suspect for the body theft. As the gradual frostiness between cop and mortuary technician thaws, each coming to realise that they might both be able to help each other, Cassie decides to shed some light on the missing body in return for DS Flyte doing a little bit of digging about the circumstances of Mrs E’s death.
Although there are two mystery elements at play I didn’t find either particularly compelling not helped by the fact that so much is overexplained, slowing the narrative down and dragging the story out. Whether Cassie experiences the apparitions and words of the recently deceased or whether she projects them onto the customers she is taking care of is not made entirely clear but either way I found it a far too tenuous starting point for a realistic mystery, particularly one that uptight DS Phyllida Flyte’s goes to entirely unrealistic lengths to investigate. Narrated in the third person the story switches between focusing on Cassie and DS Flyte, allowing the reader to be privy to both of their separate efforts. Overall I just think the book tried too hard to be edgy and descended into a stupidly far-fetched caper with policing along the lines of a cosy mystery. The main characters had me cringing and Cassie’s supposedly druggy past and DS Phyllida Flyte’s awkward persona were harped on about to the point that it became tiresome.
Despite being set in a mortuary the story isn’t dark or gritty at all and both mystery elements become a little farcical and I doubt I will be following any future outings. I was, however, very impressed with the obvious amount of research undertaken and the author did a superb job of broadening my knowledge of the post-mortem procedure and illustrating the differences between a routine and a forensic post-mortem.
Having enjoyed A.K Turner’s Kiszka and Kershaw novels written under her pen name of Anya Lipska I was keen to read Body Language, despite the kooky premise of a mortuary technician with a sixth sense communing with the dead. Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Raven is an archetypical rebel with tattoos, piercings, a shaved undercut and a serious mistrust of the police but she is also very conscientious and not to underestimated. Having worked as a mortuary technician for five years and acquired enough qualifications at evening classes to train to become a coroner she prides herself on treating the dead with respect and taking the utmost care of her clients. Brought up by his Polish grandmother after her parents died in a car crash in her early years, Cassie has long had a strange relationship with death and has difficulty forming lasting romantic relationships, being reluctant to let people in.
Cassie’s personal involvement in her job goes to new lengths when she unzips a body bag to be confronted by the face of the woman who taught her science and was pivotal in taking her from squats and casual drug usage to her current career. Discovering that Geraldine Edwards (“Mrs E”) was only fifty-one and in the best of health, Cassie gets a intuitive feeling that there is something a little fishy about the way she died. Deciding to do a bit of her own investigating and ensure Mrs E gets the justice she deserves Cassie is surprised to learn about her recent engagement and the arrival of her alcoholic adult son pushing for a quick cremation adds to her concerns. Meanwhile the theft of a body overnight from the mortuary sees the officious DS Phyllida Flyte arrive to investigate. A recent transfer from leafy Winchester for personal reasons and none too keen on her grubby new beat, DS Flyte quickly takes a dislike to Cassie’s alternative appearance and surly demeanour and makes her number one suspect for the body theft. As the gradual frostiness between cop and mortuary technician thaws, each coming to realise that they might both be able to help each other, Cassie decides to shed some light on the missing body in return for DS Flyte doing a little bit of digging about the circumstances of Mrs E’s death.
Although there are two mystery elements at play I didn’t find either particularly compelling not helped by the fact that so much is overexplained, slowing the narrative down and dragging the story out. Whether Cassie experiences the apparitions and words of the recently deceased or whether she projects them onto the customers she is taking care of is not made entirely clear but either way I found it a far too tenuous starting point for a realistic mystery, particularly one that uptight DS Phyllida Flyte’s goes to entirely unrealistic lengths to investigate. Narrated in the third person the story switches between focusing on Cassie and DS Flyte, allowing the reader to be privy to both of their separate efforts. Overall I just think the book tried too hard to be edgy and descended into a stupidly far-fetched caper with policing along the lines of a cosy mystery. The main characters had me cringing and Cassie’s supposedly druggy past and DS Phyllida Flyte’s awkward persona were harped on about to the point that it became tiresome.
Despite being set in a mortuary the story isn’t dark or gritty at all and both mystery elements become a little farcical and I doubt I will be following any future outings. I was, however, very impressed with the obvious amount of research undertaken and the author did a superb job of broadening my knowledge of the post-mortem procedure and illustrating the differences between a routine and a forensic post-mortem.
November 24, 2020
Body Language is the first instalment in a new supernatural thriller series, set in Camden, London and featuring 25-year-old mortuary technician Cassie Raven, a goth-girl living with her Polish grandma, whose parents were killed in a car accident before she could remember them. She a loner, an introvert who is cynical and doesn't trust people easily unless they've earned it. The job suits her; the dead sometimes ‘speak’ to her and she has visions of their lives before they died. These fleeting ‘communications’ are a source of intrigue and comfort to Cassie but don’t spill over into her life outside work. Cassie’s world is rocked when her old science teacher, 51-year-old Geraldine Edwards, is brought into the morgue – Cassie owes her a great deal as she saved her from a life of drugs and homelessness by tempting her back into education – and is perturbed by the inconclusive autopsy. Meanwhile, the body of elderly Harold Hardwick vanishes from the morgue and fingers are pointed at Cassie – it was her passcode that was used to gain entry. When the missing body is found in a bag in the canal five days later DS Phyllida Flyte is called in to investigate and when Cassie herself is attacked she begins to wonder whether these things may be connected and sets off to investigate…
This is a compulsive, engrossing and twisty read, and although I'm not usually a fan of thrillers with a supernatural element to them, it worked brilliantly in this case. It's well written and carefully plotted, and protagonist, Cassie, is a breath of fresh air; she has an intriguing backstory, she's flawed and human and a tad weird which all makes her very relatable. She's also a quirky and refreshingly original character and the type we rarely see in crime fiction. Unique, compelling and spirited, Cassie Raven is a captivating character and Alison Turner weaves a clever story that keeps you guessing the whole way with great twists and turns. It's a compelling read from first page to last and the way it is written it just flows beautifully and you quickly become immersed in Cassie’s world. It's well-paced, gripping and entertaining, although I wasn't sure about DS Flyte, who came across as a judgemental battle-axe who appears emotionally cold and initially this makes her quite abrasive. She’s certainly interesting, though, and the two get off on the wrong foot at the beginning but mellow as it progresses. There's also a lot of information about forensics and mortuary etiquette, which I found fascinating. This riveting and thoroughly enjoyable page-turner comes highly recommended.
This is a compulsive, engrossing and twisty read, and although I'm not usually a fan of thrillers with a supernatural element to them, it worked brilliantly in this case. It's well written and carefully plotted, and protagonist, Cassie, is a breath of fresh air; she has an intriguing backstory, she's flawed and human and a tad weird which all makes her very relatable. She's also a quirky and refreshingly original character and the type we rarely see in crime fiction. Unique, compelling and spirited, Cassie Raven is a captivating character and Alison Turner weaves a clever story that keeps you guessing the whole way with great twists and turns. It's a compelling read from first page to last and the way it is written it just flows beautifully and you quickly become immersed in Cassie’s world. It's well-paced, gripping and entertaining, although I wasn't sure about DS Flyte, who came across as a judgemental battle-axe who appears emotionally cold and initially this makes her quite abrasive. She’s certainly interesting, though, and the two get off on the wrong foot at the beginning but mellow as it progresses. There's also a lot of information about forensics and mortuary etiquette, which I found fascinating. This riveting and thoroughly enjoyable page-turner comes highly recommended.
December 24, 2024
А ось це було дуже, дуже добре!
🎩 Молода Касандра Рейвен працює санітаркою у морзі. Їй подобається ця робота, хоча звісно вона регулярно отримує шоковані погляди від нових знайомих. Кессі регулярно знайомиться із людьми, адже чомусь не може ніяк вибудувати довготривалі відносини. Ані з чоловіками, ані з жінками.
🎩 Кессі розуміє смерть. Ні, це не збочення, хоча багато хто з нею не погодиться. А ще вона вміє "чути мертвих". І знову ні, це не магічний реалізм чи зомбіленд. Просто в Кессі надзвичайно розвинута уважність та прокачена інтуїція. Тому коли на її столі опиняється дуже дорога для неї людина, а в голові у Касандри раптом лунає голос покійниці "мій час ще не настав", молода жінка починає власне розслідування, впевнена, що її дорогу викладачку вбили і не щось інше.
🫀 Анатомічно-криміналістські подробиці, відсутність всевидющого автора, чітка відповідність нормам детективно��о жанру, простий, але захопливий виклад.
🫀 Чому не варто навішувати на людей ярлики, а надто виходячи з їхнього зовнішнього вигляду. Чому інколи брехня буває не злочином, а радше неоковирним способом прикрити свої слабкості чи те, що ти сам вважаєш слабкістю. Чому довіряти власним почуттям треба більше. А також що буває, якщо ти надто упереджений до інших.
❤️ Мені дуже сподобалося! Так, це не детектив рівня "Ім'я Рози" Еко, але це гарна історія, яка особисто мені принесла кілька годин задоволення. І я впевнена, що багатьом також принесе.
#Дафа_радить і прям наполягає!
🎩 Молода Касандра Рейвен працює санітаркою у морзі. Їй подобається ця робота, хоча звісно вона регулярно отримує шоковані погляди від нових знайомих. Кессі регулярно знайомиться із людьми, адже чомусь не може ніяк вибудувати довготривалі відносини. Ані з чоловіками, ані з жінками.
🎩 Кессі розуміє смерть. Ні, це не збочення, хоча багато хто з нею не погодиться. А ще вона вміє "чути мертвих". І знову ні, це не магічний реалізм чи зомбіленд. Просто в Кессі надзвичайно розвинута уважність та прокачена інтуїція. Тому коли на її столі опиняється дуже дорога для неї людина, а в голові у Касандри раптом лунає голос покійниці "мій час ще не настав", молода жінка починає власне розслідування, впевнена, що її дорогу викладачку вбили і не щось інше.
🫀 Анатомічно-криміналістські подробиці, відсутність всевидющого автора, чітка відповідність нормам детективно��о жанру, простий, але захопливий виклад.
🫀 Чому не варто навішувати на людей ярлики, а надто виходячи з їхнього зовнішнього вигляду. Чому інколи брехня буває не злочином, а радше неоковирним способом прикрити свої слабкості чи те, що ти сам вважаєш слабкістю. Чому довіряти власним почуттям треба більше. А також що буває, якщо ти надто упереджений до інших.
❤️ Мені дуже сподобалося! Так, це не детектив рівня "Ім'я Рози" Еко, але це гарна історія, яка особисто мені принесла кілька годин задоволення. І я впевнена, що багатьом також принесе.
#Дафа_радить і прям наполягає!
January 18, 2021
I really loved this. I loved how the author made the characters real, human. I loved that A,K, Turner showed so carefully you cannot go by the looks of a person so see what they are truly made of. I loved that Cassie, despite everything else, was a main character that was totally honest...
November 25, 2020
Camden Mortuary assistant Cassie Raven has pretty much seen it all. But this is the first time she's come face to face with someone she knows on the slab. Someone she cared about, her friend and mentor Mrs E. Deeply intuitive and convinced she can pick up the last thoughts of the dead, Cassie senses that there must be more to the ruling of accidental death. Is grief making her see things that aren't there, or is intuition right and theres something more sinister to her friends death than the ME thinks?
Cassie Raven has a difficult past and I liked the fact that she could listen to the dead and she has the ability to analyse key details. The first half of the book is quite graphic. Cassie is strong willed, compassionate, feisty and unique. I also liked DS Phyllida Flyte even though she's a bit of a cold fish. This is a very well written book and I was hooked straight away.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #BonnierBooksUK and the author #AKTurner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie Raven has a difficult past and I liked the fact that she could listen to the dead and she has the ability to analyse key details. The first half of the book is quite graphic. Cassie is strong willed, compassionate, feisty and unique. I also liked DS Phyllida Flyte even though she's a bit of a cold fish. This is a very well written book and I was hooked straight away.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #BonnierBooksUK and the author #AKTurner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
Having already read the second and third books in this series, at long last I’ve been able to read the novel which introduces us to the wonderful Cassie Raven; Goth-girl mortuary technician. Later on we meet the second main protagonist in the series, Detective Sergeant Phyllida Flyte. Unsurprisingly, the straight-laced Phyllida and Cassie don’t exactly hit it off on their first encounter although, as the novel progresses, a grudging respect does evolve between them. Also, we first meet the new pathologist, posh-boy Archie Cuff. But it doesn’t take long for Cassie to bring him down a couple of pegs.
We soon learn of the special empathy Cassie has for those she’s about to prepare for post-mortem and these are people who are total strangers. That empathy goes into hyperdrive when she realises the next body to prepare is of a woman who she knew well and was very fond of. Although the pathologist detects no signs of foul play and rules the death accidental, Cassie soon has strong suspicions her old friend could have been murdered. Through a series of bargains, she eventually manages to enlist Phyllida’s help.
What follows is a brilliantly plotted, fast paced thriller with plenty of unexpected twists and revelations and some evocative descriptions of the Camden/Hampstead area of London and Grand Union Canal. In Cassie and Phyllida we have a couple of unique and highly memorable protagonists with well fleshed out back stories. A debut novel that ticks all the right boxes for me.
We soon learn of the special empathy Cassie has for those she’s about to prepare for post-mortem and these are people who are total strangers. That empathy goes into hyperdrive when she realises the next body to prepare is of a woman who she knew well and was very fond of. Although the pathologist detects no signs of foul play and rules the death accidental, Cassie soon has strong suspicions her old friend could have been murdered. Through a series of bargains, she eventually manages to enlist Phyllida’s help.
What follows is a brilliantly plotted, fast paced thriller with plenty of unexpected twists and revelations and some evocative descriptions of the Camden/Hampstead area of London and Grand Union Canal. In Cassie and Phyllida we have a couple of unique and highly memorable protagonists with well fleshed out back stories. A debut novel that ticks all the right boxes for me.
March 2, 2021
I couldn't recommend this book more! It's a thriller mixed with mystery that has so many twists! I didn't see them coming, but every time one happened I was excited for the next!
Cassie and Flyte are both such independent, strong females, and the friendship that blossoms really helps develop the story.
There is so much that happens, starting from the tragic falling asleep and drowning of Mrs E, Cassie's former teacher and ending with murder, love and jealousy.
Absolutely amazing and an interesting, intriguing book too!
Cassie and Flyte are both such independent, strong females, and the friendship that blossoms really helps develop the story.
There is so much that happens, starting from the tragic falling asleep and drowning of Mrs E, Cassie's former teacher and ending with murder, love and jealousy.
Absolutely amazing and an interesting, intriguing book too!
July 11, 2023
What a great surprise! This book has everything I want in a mystery and so much more. Original, great characters with surprises in every chapter and so well written.
I tend to like mysteries where the main character’s personality is complex and unique, with rich and developed fictional lives that keep you engaged in the story. The author outdid herself creating Cassie. It is definitely a series that I will look forward to read again, already have the next installment and book three will come out soon. Some reviews say that the ending felt rushed, I will have to disagree. In my case the ending felt like a crescendo, all fingers pointing at different directions until the unexpected happened.
Nothing more to say, this semi-obscure writer is so much better than some of the formulaic mysteries best sellers out there.
I tend to like mysteries where the main character’s personality is complex and unique, with rich and developed fictional lives that keep you engaged in the story. The author outdid herself creating Cassie. It is definitely a series that I will look forward to read again, already have the next installment and book three will come out soon. Some reviews say that the ending felt rushed, I will have to disagree. In my case the ending felt like a crescendo, all fingers pointing at different directions until the unexpected happened.
Nothing more to say, this semi-obscure writer is so much better than some of the formulaic mysteries best sellers out there.
September 27, 2025
What a unique thriller “Body Language” was. I devoured the book in days. Cassie Raven is doing another night shift as a mortuary assistant. But this time, something unusual happens. She comes across a dead person that she knows and loves. And she’s certain this person didn’t die by accident.
I loved how Cassie believes that people share their last thoughts with her when she works on them. It gave the book a bit of mystique, morbidity and intrigue, and I think this part was good for Cassie’s character. It also prompts a good discussion if this book is used as a book club read. Is this a wicked superpower, or just a trait that comes from spending a lot of time with dead people. Almost like a professional deformation. Either way, I found it quite amusing and unique.
As the story progresses and a body goes missing from the morgue, we are introduced to DC Phylidda Flyte, who recently moved to Camden and is in charge of the investigation. Having both characters interact created a fast paced dynamic in the book. And added some suspense, as they don’t really get along and have their fundamental differences. The ending was interesting and caught me by surprise, but I wouldn’t say it was memorable. As a whole, “Body Language” did not disappoint and I’m fairly certain I’ll be continuing with the book series.
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September 26, 2020
On my blog
Rep: bi mc and li
CWs: descriptions of autopsies, murder, drug abuse and drug overdoses, mentions of domestic abuse
Galley provided by publisher
Body Language is a solid first book of a series, introducing a new detective/sidekick duo (or maybe I should say mortuary technician/detective-who-is-the-sidekick duo). It’s just also a book that never really hooked me.
The plot follows Cassie Raven, said mortuary technician, and the detective who she, more often than not, clashes with. There are two mysteries at play in the book, to be honest. One, following the disappearance of a corpse from the mortuary, and a second, where Cassie suspects foul play in what seems otherwise to be a routine case.
My first thought was that the writing wasn’t for me, so really, it was an inauspicious start. But the writing never quite reached the levels of mehness that some books I’ve read have, so that didn’t, ultimately (and thankfully!), factor into my feelings about the book overly much.
Instead, I think what let me down about it was the mystery. I mentioned there were two simultaneous mysteries, but, in all honesty, neither of them truly compelled me to keep reading. I mean, yes, I was curious what the denouement would be, and who would be exposed as having done it, and that twist did surprise me. But. But.
I was never really compelled. I was never burning with curiosity to find out what had happened. And finding out who did it, and that it was explained as (spoilers!!) that character being “psycho” felt somewhat of a copout.
But then again. Maybe I’ve been watching too many murder mystery shows.
Rep: bi mc and li
CWs: descriptions of autopsies, murder, drug abuse and drug overdoses, mentions of domestic abuse
Galley provided by publisher
Body Language is a solid first book of a series, introducing a new detective/sidekick duo (or maybe I should say mortuary technician/detective-who-is-the-sidekick duo). It’s just also a book that never really hooked me.
The plot follows Cassie Raven, said mortuary technician, and the detective who she, more often than not, clashes with. There are two mysteries at play in the book, to be honest. One, following the disappearance of a corpse from the mortuary, and a second, where Cassie suspects foul play in what seems otherwise to be a routine case.
My first thought was that the writing wasn’t for me, so really, it was an inauspicious start. But the writing never quite reached the levels of mehness that some books I’ve read have, so that didn’t, ultimately (and thankfully!), factor into my feelings about the book overly much.
Instead, I think what let me down about it was the mystery. I mentioned there were two simultaneous mysteries, but, in all honesty, neither of them truly compelled me to keep reading. I mean, yes, I was curious what the denouement would be, and who would be exposed as having done it, and that twist did surprise me. But. But.
I was never really compelled. I was never burning with curiosity to find out what had happened. And finding out who did it, and that it was explained as (spoilers!!) that character being “psycho” felt somewhat of a copout.
But then again. Maybe I’ve been watching too many murder mystery shows.
April 1, 2024
3,5⭐️
Дуже слабка детективна лінія, не динамічно, що дивно для жанру. Якось не було цікаво читати далі, бо інтриги ніякої не було
Розслідування базувалось на випадковостях і підказках мертвих (як ми розуміємо навіть по анотації)
У фіналі вже запхали всю інтригу і якісь дивні сюжетні повороти, як я розумію, щоб спонукати читати серію книг далі.
Сподобалось - гарно розкриті головні персонажі, багато цікавих фактів із роботи поліції та паталогоанатомів.
Дуже слабка детективна лінія, не динамічно, що дивно для жанру. Якось не було цікаво читати далі, бо інтриги ніякої не було
Розслідування базувалось на випадковостях і підказках мертвих (як ми розуміємо навіть по анотації)
У фіналі вже запхали всю інтригу і якісь дивні сюжетні повороти, як я розумію, щоб спонукати читати серію книг далі.
Сподобалось - гарно розкриті головні персонажі, багато цікавих фактів із роботи поліції та паталогоанатомів.
April 5, 2021
This was an interesting read which did keep me turning pages until the end but I felt a sense of disconnect throughout although not sure why.....
I felt that maybe I expected more from such an intriguing blurb and comments on here!
I wouldn’t necessarily run to the shop to read another book by this author but I definitely wouldn’t by pass it either!
I felt that maybe I expected more from such an intriguing blurb and comments on here!
I wouldn’t necessarily run to the shop to read another book by this author but I definitely wouldn’t by pass it either!
September 25, 2022
Wow wow wow, omg ich hab dieses Buch echt geliebt! Es war zwar eher weniger ein blutiger Thriller und gäbe es wie bei Krimis das Genre „Cosy Thriller“, würde ich es diesem Genre zuordnen, aber es war trotzdem sehr spannend! Die Story war total intelligent aufgebaut und die Auflösung sehr verblüffend und plausibel. Die Protagonistin Cassie Raven hat sich aber mal ganz flott in mein Herz geschlichen und die am Anfang doch eher steif wirkende DS Flyte hat sich zum Ende hin immer sympathischer entwickelt. Cassie Raven arbeitet in der Pathologie und fällt mit ihrem Goth Look total auf, was ich absolut toll fand und dem Charakter sowas individuelles gegeben hat. Wir haben es hier mit einem Mystery Thriller zutun, in dem es scheint, Cassie Raven könnte mit den Toten sprechen. Neben einer Hauptstory mit dem Fokus auf einen bestimmten Fall, deckt Cassie mit ihrer besonderen Auffassungsgabe, die mich schwer an Sherlock Holmes erinnert, nebenbei immer wieder kleine Fälle ihrer „Schützlinge“ auf. Ach, ich könnte ewig über dieses Buch schwärmen, aber ich höre jetzt auf & freue mich auf den 2. Teil! 😍✨
January 15, 2026
Написано чітко і просто (в хорошому сенсі). Чудова книжка, якщо хочеться трошки відпочити, бо вона не має надміру епітетів та метафор, швидко читається
December 7, 2020
I was sent this to review as an ARC as the book I won could not be processed.
I throughly enjoyed this book! I struggled to read this last month or so picked this book up and read it in 24 hours! Late night page turning for this one! This book was addictive for me and I was so absorbed I found myself losing time just wanting to know how it ends. Just couldn’t put it down!
Cassie is a great protagonist. I like her character her individual ways her relationship with her nan end her back story and how to she came to work with dead people. I found myself seeing her as a young emelia fox in Silent Witness solving the murders left and finding the clues for the police.
The author has done research and I found myself learning new things about bodies, cadavers and pathology in general I enjoyed the Latin too. I feel like this could become a series and this is just the open door to a new London based crime series on the block.
I throughly enjoyed this book! I struggled to read this last month or so picked this book up and read it in 24 hours! Late night page turning for this one! This book was addictive for me and I was so absorbed I found myself losing time just wanting to know how it ends. Just couldn’t put it down!
Cassie is a great protagonist. I like her character her individual ways her relationship with her nan end her back story and how to she came to work with dead people. I found myself seeing her as a young emelia fox in Silent Witness solving the murders left and finding the clues for the police.
The author has done research and I found myself learning new things about bodies, cadavers and pathology in general I enjoyed the Latin too. I feel like this could become a series and this is just the open door to a new London based crime series on the block.
December 11, 2020
Body Language was a great read, with two main characters who were utterly engaging in different ways, a mystery element that was cleverly plotted and intriguing and a darkly evocative backdrop in the mortuary.
It is a little bit different to the norm with Cassie’s outlook on life and death – and of course the possibility that the dead speak to her- she is flawed and realistic with an oddly ironic moral code that comes across well and puts you on her side.
The story spins itself out in a truly addictive style which makes this an easy book to devour in one sitting, with a refreshing edge to it that means you’ll finish it and find yourself wanting more
Loved it. Recommended.
March 13, 2024
+1 цикл, який я збиратиму) Класні персонажі, хороша історія!
April 20, 2024
непогана книжка, я очікувала чогось більш надприродного, по факту мерці «говорили» тут зовсім мало, але читати було цікаво, легенька така детективна історія.
August 11, 2024
Het begin was vermakelijk maar het werd toch te langdradig. Er gebeurde te weinig en ik verloor mijn interesse in de afloop.
November 22, 2023
Cassie Raven weet dat mensen haar baan maar raar vinden – waarom zou iemand lijken opensnijden? Maar zij weten niet wat Cassie wél weet, namelijk dat de doden gewillig prijsgeven wat er met hen is gebeurd.
Ze heeft al vele lichamen op haar snijtafel gehad, maar ze hoefde nog nooit het mes te zetten in iemand die ze kende. Iemand die heel veel voor haar betekende. De patholoog zegt dat haar dood een ongeval was. Maar het lichaam vertelt Cassie een ander verhaal…
Dit concept vond ik erg leuk bedacht en ik begon dan ook heel enthousiast aan dit verhaal.
In 'Lichaamstaal' maak je kennis met Cassie. Ze werkt met de doden en veel mensen vinden haar maar raar. In het begin lees je over een aantal lichamen die ze op autopsietafel heeft liggen en regelmatig hoort Cassie zelfs de doden spreken. Best spooky toch? Deze stukken vond ik dan ook erg goed.
Dan lees je over de dag dat Cassie een oude bekende moet opensnijden. De conclusie is dat diegene door een ongeval om het leven is gekomen, maar Cassie 'hoort' wat anders van deze dode persoon. Ze probeert dan ook van alles om achter de waarheid te komen.
Je leest dit verhaal vanuit twee personages, waarvan er eentje dus Cassie is, de andere is Flyte. Ze is werkzaam bij de politie en dit tweetal komt met elkaar in contact. Ik vond Flyte niet altijd een even fijn personage, maar mijn mening verandere wat naarmate het verhaal vorderde.
Uiteindelijk kom je erachter hoe de bekende van Cassie is overleden. Ik vond het verhaal goed beginnen, maar het uiteindelijke plot viel me toch een beetje tegen. Ook had ik gehoopt dat het heel 'spooky en spannend' zou worden. Dat is het ook wel met momenten, maar de mate hiervan valt toch wat tegen.
'Lichaamstaal' was een leuk concept om eens gelezen te hebben, maar misschien had ik er zelf iets te hoge verwachtingen van. Het was dus een 'oké' verhaal en ik heb er toch voor een groot deel van kunnen genieten.
Ik wil @amboanthos heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Ze heeft al vele lichamen op haar snijtafel gehad, maar ze hoefde nog nooit het mes te zetten in iemand die ze kende. Iemand die heel veel voor haar betekende. De patholoog zegt dat haar dood een ongeval was. Maar het lichaam vertelt Cassie een ander verhaal…
Dit concept vond ik erg leuk bedacht en ik begon dan ook heel enthousiast aan dit verhaal.
In 'Lichaamstaal' maak je kennis met Cassie. Ze werkt met de doden en veel mensen vinden haar maar raar. In het begin lees je over een aantal lichamen die ze op autopsietafel heeft liggen en regelmatig hoort Cassie zelfs de doden spreken. Best spooky toch? Deze stukken vond ik dan ook erg goed.
Dan lees je over de dag dat Cassie een oude bekende moet opensnijden. De conclusie is dat diegene door een ongeval om het leven is gekomen, maar Cassie 'hoort' wat anders van deze dode persoon. Ze probeert dan ook van alles om achter de waarheid te komen.
Je leest dit verhaal vanuit twee personages, waarvan er eentje dus Cassie is, de andere is Flyte. Ze is werkzaam bij de politie en dit tweetal komt met elkaar in contact. Ik vond Flyte niet altijd een even fijn personage, maar mijn mening verandere wat naarmate het verhaal vorderde.
Uiteindelijk kom je erachter hoe de bekende van Cassie is overleden. Ik vond het verhaal goed beginnen, maar het uiteindelijke plot viel me toch een beetje tegen. Ook had ik gehoopt dat het heel 'spooky en spannend' zou worden. Dat is het ook wel met momenten, maar de mate hiervan valt toch wat tegen.
'Lichaamstaal' was een leuk concept om eens gelezen te hebben, maar misschien had ik er zelf iets te hoge verwachtingen van. Het was dus een 'oké' verhaal en ik heb er toch voor een groot deel van kunnen genieten.
Ik wil @amboanthos heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
December 13, 2023
Lichaamstaal ~ A.K. Turner
Ambo Anthos,⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dit zijn echt de series waar ik bij van wordt! Op een of andere manier geniet ik geweldig van thrillers waar een patholoog anatoom (of in dit geval de assistent) in zit. Het personage Cassie Raven is ook echt geweldig gekozen, geen doorsnee vrouw, maar een met een rugzakje. En de manier waarop zij met de overledenen communiceert, geweldig! Ze deed mij ergens een beetje denken aan "Abigail Sciuto" in de misdaadserie NCIS. Het boek wordt op geen enkel moment saai, en ergens halverwege werd ik zelfs zo gegrepen door het verhaal dat ik het in 1 ruk doorlas tot het einde. Heerlijk!!! Ik ben blij dat het pas het eerste deel is, en ik hoop oprecht dat er nog vele delen zullen volgen. ❤️
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
Ambo Anthos,⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dit zijn echt de series waar ik bij van wordt! Op een of andere manier geniet ik geweldig van thrillers waar een patholoog anatoom (of in dit geval de assistent) in zit. Het personage Cassie Raven is ook echt geweldig gekozen, geen doorsnee vrouw, maar een met een rugzakje. En de manier waarop zij met de overledenen communiceert, geweldig! Ze deed mij ergens een beetje denken aan "Abigail Sciuto" in de misdaadserie NCIS. Het boek wordt op geen enkel moment saai, en ergens halverwege werd ik zelfs zo gegrepen door het verhaal dat ik het in 1 ruk doorlas tot het einde. Heerlijk!!! Ik ben blij dat het pas het eerste deel is, en ik hoop oprecht dat er nog vele delen zullen volgen. ❤️
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
August 21, 2025
Partnerinnen
Cassie Raven arbeitet als Sektionsassistentin in London. Sie ist ein Ass in ihrem Beruf und manchmal meint sie, die Toten sprächen zu ihr. Allerdings meint man das nicht unbedingt, wenn man sie in ihrer Gothic Aufmachung sieht. Sie hat eine professionelle Distanz zu ihren Kunden entwickelt und ist trotzdem zugewandt. Jedoch als eines Tages ihre Lieblingslehrerin vor ihr liegt, kann sie es kaum fassen. So ein dummer Unfall, wie kann das sein. Cassie hat das Gefühl, dass ihre Mrs. Edwards ihr noch etwas sagen will. Sie beginnt, obwohl sie dazu.nicht befugt, Nachforschungen anzustellen. Dabei trifft sie mit der Polizistin Phylida Fliyte zusammen.
Cassie Raven und Philida Flyte sind in diesem ersten Band der Reihe ein eher ungleiches Paar. DS Flyte eher unterkühlt lässt sich normalerweise nicht in die Karten schauen. Cassie Raven mit ihrem ungewöhnlichen Aussehen und ihrer ungewöhnlichen Denkweise hatte schon mal Kontakt zur Polizei und sie möchte den keinesfalls wiederholen. Und so fällt es Cassie zu Beginn schwer DS Flyte überhaupt dazuzubringen, den Todesfall ihrer Lehrerin zu untersuchen. Erst als Cassie akribische Untersuchungen zu einem unerwarteten Ergebnis führen, beginnt zwischen den beiden unterschiedlichen Frauen eine gewisse Zusammenarbeit.
Dieses Hörbuch wird sehr schön vorgetragen von Sandra Voss, die Szenen und Personen etwas besonders gibt. Da hört man gerne weiter.
Flyte und Raven sind ein Team, das erstmal kein Team ist. Doch beide sind starke und eigene Persönlichkeiten, die einem schnell sympathisch werden. Auch der Fall um die verstorbene Lehrerin gestaltet sich überraschend und ungewöhnlich. Dabei bietet Cassie einiges ihres Wissens über die Forensik auf und auch ihr tolles Gespür spielt eine tragende Rolle. DS Flyte dagegen erscheint zunächst etwas widerwillig und manchmal auch sehr in sich gekehrt. Und doch fesselt es mitzuerleben, wie sich die beiden Frauen annähern und dabei die verschiedenen Untersuchungen nicht aus den Augen verlieren. Die Story ist tatsächlich so einprägsam, das eine kleine den Umständen geschuldete Hörpause nichts ausmacht, weil die Neugier erhalten bleibt.
Cassie Raven arbeitet als Sektionsassistentin in London. Sie ist ein Ass in ihrem Beruf und manchmal meint sie, die Toten sprächen zu ihr. Allerdings meint man das nicht unbedingt, wenn man sie in ihrer Gothic Aufmachung sieht. Sie hat eine professionelle Distanz zu ihren Kunden entwickelt und ist trotzdem zugewandt. Jedoch als eines Tages ihre Lieblingslehrerin vor ihr liegt, kann sie es kaum fassen. So ein dummer Unfall, wie kann das sein. Cassie hat das Gefühl, dass ihre Mrs. Edwards ihr noch etwas sagen will. Sie beginnt, obwohl sie dazu.nicht befugt, Nachforschungen anzustellen. Dabei trifft sie mit der Polizistin Phylida Fliyte zusammen.
Cassie Raven und Philida Flyte sind in diesem ersten Band der Reihe ein eher ungleiches Paar. DS Flyte eher unterkühlt lässt sich normalerweise nicht in die Karten schauen. Cassie Raven mit ihrem ungewöhnlichen Aussehen und ihrer ungewöhnlichen Denkweise hatte schon mal Kontakt zur Polizei und sie möchte den keinesfalls wiederholen. Und so fällt es Cassie zu Beginn schwer DS Flyte überhaupt dazuzubringen, den Todesfall ihrer Lehrerin zu untersuchen. Erst als Cassie akribische Untersuchungen zu einem unerwarteten Ergebnis führen, beginnt zwischen den beiden unterschiedlichen Frauen eine gewisse Zusammenarbeit.
Dieses Hörbuch wird sehr schön vorgetragen von Sandra Voss, die Szenen und Personen etwas besonders gibt. Da hört man gerne weiter.
Flyte und Raven sind ein Team, das erstmal kein Team ist. Doch beide sind starke und eigene Persönlichkeiten, die einem schnell sympathisch werden. Auch der Fall um die verstorbene Lehrerin gestaltet sich überraschend und ungewöhnlich. Dabei bietet Cassie einiges ihres Wissens über die Forensik auf und auch ihr tolles Gespür spielt eine tragende Rolle. DS Flyte dagegen erscheint zunächst etwas widerwillig und manchmal auch sehr in sich gekehrt. Und doch fesselt es mitzuerleben, wie sich die beiden Frauen annähern und dabei die verschiedenen Untersuchungen nicht aus den Augen verlieren. Die Story ist tatsächlich so einprägsam, das eine kleine den Umständen geschuldete Hörpause nichts ausmacht, weil die Neugier erhalten bleibt.
November 25, 2020
A.K. Turner is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this book.
Cassie is a mortuary technician and when she is faced with someone she knows in a body bag, her heart stops.
The Police have said it was an accidental drowning in the bath but Cassie is not convinced.
Cassie hears messages from the dead so when Mrs E asks her to help her, she knows her death was not an accident, but murder.
Detective Flyte meets Cassie after another person is taken to the mortuary and Cassie asks for her help in finding Mrs E’s killer.
They make a great team as each of them find out new pieces of information that leads them to the killer.
This is a great crime thriller that well and truly had me hooked throughout the book.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Cassie is a mortuary technician and when she is faced with someone she knows in a body bag, her heart stops.
The Police have said it was an accidental drowning in the bath but Cassie is not convinced.
Cassie hears messages from the dead so when Mrs E asks her to help her, she knows her death was not an accident, but murder.
Detective Flyte meets Cassie after another person is taken to the mortuary and Cassie asks for her help in finding Mrs E’s killer.
They make a great team as each of them find out new pieces of information that leads them to the killer.
This is a great crime thriller that well and truly had me hooked throughout the book.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 10, 2020
You may know A.K.Turner better as the author who writes under the pen name of Anya Lipska with her ‘Kiszka and Kershaw’ thriller series.
“Body Language” is her first crime novel under her real name and features Camden mortuary assistant Cassie Raven.
When a body comes into Cassie’s mortuary that she recognises as her old friend and former teacher Mrs E, she is convinced that the ruling of death as an accident doesn’t feel right. Does she trust her instinct and investigate the death herself? With her deep rooted distrust of the police, she is determined to serve justice for her old mentor on her own but is she putting herself in danger? Will DS Phyllida Flyte who suspects Cassie as being involved in another incident at the morgue, start to come around to her way of thinking?
Although this story does require some suspension of disbelief - with Cassie being able to hear thoughts from the dead - this was quite an enjoyable read. I didn’t like Cassie at first, she came across as a rather unusual character with quite a unique personality but I do have to admit, she did grow on me as the story developed. DS Flyte on the other hand was an extremely strange and unique police detective which I’m not convinced was actually realistic in today’s policing.
The plot was certainly entertaining enough, though there were a few ‘eye rolling’ and ‘raised eyebrow’ moments which I’m not sure were needed in the narrative. I find it hard to believe that ‘fishcakes’ as an exclamation used by a Detective Sergeant, would be a viable and authentic use of language but I assume the author was trying to create a character, who was not the norm and had her own distinctive ways.
The pace picked up towards the end and ventured into a decent crime thriller and although “Body Language” was a tad far fetched it was entertaining enough in its own right.
An abundance of graphic mortuary descriptions and anatomical detail just proves the extensive research carried out by the author. If you’re squeamish or recently bereaved this may not be for you but I found the process of post mortems and the delicate handling of dead bodies, an overall informative read.
3 stars
“Body Language” is her first crime novel under her real name and features Camden mortuary assistant Cassie Raven.
When a body comes into Cassie’s mortuary that she recognises as her old friend and former teacher Mrs E, she is convinced that the ruling of death as an accident doesn’t feel right. Does she trust her instinct and investigate the death herself? With her deep rooted distrust of the police, she is determined to serve justice for her old mentor on her own but is she putting herself in danger? Will DS Phyllida Flyte who suspects Cassie as being involved in another incident at the morgue, start to come around to her way of thinking?
Although this story does require some suspension of disbelief - with Cassie being able to hear thoughts from the dead - this was quite an enjoyable read. I didn’t like Cassie at first, she came across as a rather unusual character with quite a unique personality but I do have to admit, she did grow on me as the story developed. DS Flyte on the other hand was an extremely strange and unique police detective which I’m not convinced was actually realistic in today’s policing.
The plot was certainly entertaining enough, though there were a few ‘eye rolling’ and ‘raised eyebrow’ moments which I’m not sure were needed in the narrative. I find it hard to believe that ‘fishcakes’ as an exclamation used by a Detective Sergeant, would be a viable and authentic use of language but I assume the author was trying to create a character, who was not the norm and had her own distinctive ways.
The pace picked up towards the end and ventured into a decent crime thriller and although “Body Language” was a tad far fetched it was entertaining enough in its own right.
An abundance of graphic mortuary descriptions and anatomical detail just proves the extensive research carried out by the author. If you’re squeamish or recently bereaved this may not be for you but I found the process of post mortems and the delicate handling of dead bodies, an overall informative read.
3 stars
November 24, 2020
Body language introduces one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Losing both her parents in a car crash, at a young age Cassie Raven goes to live with her polish grandmother and starts an obsession with dead things. Then as a teen she starts to rebel and moves out to live in squats and take drugs, her turn around comes from a chance meeting, while selling the Big Issue, with science teacher Mrs Edwards. Signing up to her course at the adult education centre she gets her A levels and now works as a technician in a mortuary.
She cares for the dead as if they are still living and shows them a great deal of tenderness, often getting fleeting moments of an almost supernatural response from them. Until the day Mrs Edwards is on her table from an apparent drowning, being found dead in the bath at only fifty one. Then a body goes missing from the morgue, the police get involved and Cassie who distrusts the police immensely is the number one suspect.
Narrated by Cassie and then also DS Flyte this is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters that held me in complete rapture. With a unique protagonist, Carrie not only spoke to the dead she spoke to me. I too was obsessed by death, horror and the macabre from a young age and I find it more strange that people shy away from it. We are all going to get there eventually after all.
So if you fancy a crime thriller with a difference and a complicated unusual main character, this will pull you in with the back story and keep you there with the deftly crafted plot.
She cares for the dead as if they are still living and shows them a great deal of tenderness, often getting fleeting moments of an almost supernatural response from them. Until the day Mrs Edwards is on her table from an apparent drowning, being found dead in the bath at only fifty one. Then a body goes missing from the morgue, the police get involved and Cassie who distrusts the police immensely is the number one suspect.
Narrated by Cassie and then also DS Flyte this is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters that held me in complete rapture. With a unique protagonist, Carrie not only spoke to the dead she spoke to me. I too was obsessed by death, horror and the macabre from a young age and I find it more strange that people shy away from it. We are all going to get there eventually after all.
So if you fancy a crime thriller with a difference and a complicated unusual main character, this will pull you in with the back story and keep you there with the deftly crafted plot.
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