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Fear No Evil
WANT THE PERFECT HALLOWEEN READ?
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
29 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Johnson
31 books916 followersDebbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 10, 2014
This book was very ho-hum for me. With an exciting synopsis I was so looking forward to reading it but found it did not deliver up what I was promised. The writing style with the inclusion of humour alongside the theme of a haunted building and ghostly happenings just lost me as a reader, I felt like I was reading two different books at times.
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
I found a lot of this book quite boring to be totally honest. It could have been a whole lot more atmospheric than it was, the humour element for me got annoying after a while. It's a weird mash-up of genres that personally I did not enjoy very much.
The book takes ages to really go anywhere with the plot, there is a lot of investigation going on from Jayne in the beginning of the book, and the meeting with the ex-priest-come-hot-guy-she-wants-into-his-pants-insta-lust character and his role then takes up a lot of the book also. I was a bit tired of every woman drooling and dribbling over this bloke.
I know others have loved this one, it just did nothing for me and I was wanting it all to be over. I skim read some chapters until I read the end few which were quite good, it needed more of that element earlier in the book in my opinion. There are 4 and 5 star reviews of this one so feel free to ignore my perspective. I have read nearly 400 books so far in 2014 for review, this one I will forget easily.
Don't expect a ghost story that will keep you awake at night, think of it as light hearted and humourous investigative supernatural fiction. Whatever that is? Exactly. Confusing.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, many thanks.
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
I found a lot of this book quite boring to be totally honest. It could have been a whole lot more atmospheric than it was, the humour element for me got annoying after a while. It's a weird mash-up of genres that personally I did not enjoy very much.
The book takes ages to really go anywhere with the plot, there is a lot of investigation going on from Jayne in the beginning of the book, and the meeting with the ex-priest-come-hot-guy-she-wants-into-his-pants-insta-lust character and his role then takes up a lot of the book also. I was a bit tired of every woman drooling and dribbling over this bloke.
I know others have loved this one, it just did nothing for me and I was wanting it all to be over. I skim read some chapters until I read the end few which were quite good, it needed more of that element earlier in the book in my opinion. There are 4 and 5 star reviews of this one so feel free to ignore my perspective. I have read nearly 400 books so far in 2014 for review, this one I will forget easily.
Don't expect a ghost story that will keep you awake at night, think of it as light hearted and humourous investigative supernatural fiction. Whatever that is? Exactly. Confusing.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, many thanks.
November 19, 2014
A fantasy novel, a chick lit novel and a crime novel. I can't think of many authors to have released three books in those genres, yet Debbie Johnson is one who has. I loved her fantasy novel, liked her chick lit novel and only liked Fear No Evil, her crime effort. But, I liked it a lot. I just didn't love it like I expected I would. All the hallmarks of what makes a crime novel good, and what I usually look for are there, I just have a few small niggles that I couldn't get past that prevented me from enjoying the book as much as I might have if they weren't there. In a nutshell, the best thing about the book is its cover.
I am a firm believer in the paranormal. I grew up collecting and reading Tom Slemen's Haunted Liverpool books. There's no doubt that otherwordly things exist in Liverpool, but ghosts killing people? I don't know about that. And nor does our main character, PI Jayne McCartney when she is hired by two parents who believe their daughter was stalked by a ghost, and then pushed from her bedroom window by the ghost. Given this book was released around Halloween, it's not a particularly frightening read, you won't be sleeping with the light on or hiding under the covers, everything makes sense as the book progresses so the skeptics looking at this and thinking 'Really?', definitely give it a go.
I did really like Jayne as a character, despite the stupid name. I might have got over it if her investigation didn't lead her to an ex-priest by the name of Dan Lennon who she practically jumps the bones of. Some might think it's funny having the surnames of two Beatles for character names, I have to say I wasn't a huge fan. On the whole though I liked Jayne, she was a strong, independent woman and if there's one thing Debbie knows how to write, it's a fantastic female character. She's sassy, fierce and takes no messing from anybody which is what you want from your main character. She's also quite sarcastic and quite funny at times, humour in crime fiction definitely works best when it's inside the head of the character, getting to see how they think and how their minds work. She's definitely a Scouser is our Jayne.
Now, I'm all for comedy in crime fiction, it's needed for those lighter moments in what can be at times a fairly dark read. Stuart MacBride does it almost as well as the crime. I just felt that with Fear No Evil the comedy was at times a bit silly and unnecessary. Like when someone's telling a joke and they don't know when to stop. It's funny at first then it just grates. I suppose what it boils down to is crime fiction set in Liverpool doesn't come along often, so when it does I want to see the city becoming as much of a character as the actual characters in the book. I don't want readers to take away with them the thought that the city isn't good enough to be taken seriously as a setting for crime fiction. McCartney and Lennon, the unnecessary humour. As a crime novel it could have worked, Debbie knows Liverpool well and has brought the city to life here most of the time. It isn't all the glitz and the glamour of Scousewives and the like, the seedy and gritty picture portrayed of Liverpool here is both realistic and believable. I could see myself walking the streets, and became a part of the book which in places was very atmospheric.
Overall then do I recommend this book? Of course. Opinion is subjective and I did enjoy the book for the most part apart from the few little niggles mentioned above. The book ended in a way that would lead very nicely into a sequel. I know Debbie is a busy author but I would like to see another crime fiction book from her. I'd just hope that it might iron out the problems I've mentioned here and take on a more serious tone. Crime fiction in Liverpool doesn't come along very often, so when it does I probably have higher expectations than most. Think Luca Veste. I'd definitely check out another crime book from Debbie though, or in fact anything she writes. If you do pick up this book come back and let me know how you found it!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
I am a firm believer in the paranormal. I grew up collecting and reading Tom Slemen's Haunted Liverpool books. There's no doubt that otherwordly things exist in Liverpool, but ghosts killing people? I don't know about that. And nor does our main character, PI Jayne McCartney when she is hired by two parents who believe their daughter was stalked by a ghost, and then pushed from her bedroom window by the ghost. Given this book was released around Halloween, it's not a particularly frightening read, you won't be sleeping with the light on or hiding under the covers, everything makes sense as the book progresses so the skeptics looking at this and thinking 'Really?', definitely give it a go.
I did really like Jayne as a character, despite the stupid name. I might have got over it if her investigation didn't lead her to an ex-priest by the name of Dan Lennon who she practically jumps the bones of. Some might think it's funny having the surnames of two Beatles for character names, I have to say I wasn't a huge fan. On the whole though I liked Jayne, she was a strong, independent woman and if there's one thing Debbie knows how to write, it's a fantastic female character. She's sassy, fierce and takes no messing from anybody which is what you want from your main character. She's also quite sarcastic and quite funny at times, humour in crime fiction definitely works best when it's inside the head of the character, getting to see how they think and how their minds work. She's definitely a Scouser is our Jayne.
Now, I'm all for comedy in crime fiction, it's needed for those lighter moments in what can be at times a fairly dark read. Stuart MacBride does it almost as well as the crime. I just felt that with Fear No Evil the comedy was at times a bit silly and unnecessary. Like when someone's telling a joke and they don't know when to stop. It's funny at first then it just grates. I suppose what it boils down to is crime fiction set in Liverpool doesn't come along often, so when it does I want to see the city becoming as much of a character as the actual characters in the book. I don't want readers to take away with them the thought that the city isn't good enough to be taken seriously as a setting for crime fiction. McCartney and Lennon, the unnecessary humour. As a crime novel it could have worked, Debbie knows Liverpool well and has brought the city to life here most of the time. It isn't all the glitz and the glamour of Scousewives and the like, the seedy and gritty picture portrayed of Liverpool here is both realistic and believable. I could see myself walking the streets, and became a part of the book which in places was very atmospheric.
Overall then do I recommend this book? Of course. Opinion is subjective and I did enjoy the book for the most part apart from the few little niggles mentioned above. The book ended in a way that would lead very nicely into a sequel. I know Debbie is a busy author but I would like to see another crime fiction book from her. I'd just hope that it might iron out the problems I've mentioned here and take on a more serious tone. Crime fiction in Liverpool doesn't come along very often, so when it does I probably have higher expectations than most. Think Luca Veste. I'd definitely check out another crime book from Debbie though, or in fact anything she writes. If you do pick up this book come back and let me know how you found it!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
November 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley. Thank you HarperCollins, Maze.
I expected a creepy mystery, but I was not expecting to laugh out loud so hard. Fear No Evil is like spending the afternoon with your funniest, wittiest girlfriend. The characters, even the ones in the background, are so well drawn, that I could hear them speaking in my head (I watch a lot of BBC America). It was a little unbelievable that all these amazingly hot guys are in love with Jayne, but I liked the resolution of the mysteries. None of it was what I expected, but it all made sense. I am looking forward to future books about Jayne McCartney, even if she is not related to Sir Paul.
I expected a creepy mystery, but I was not expecting to laugh out loud so hard. Fear No Evil is like spending the afternoon with your funniest, wittiest girlfriend. The characters, even the ones in the background, are so well drawn, that I could hear them speaking in my head (I watch a lot of BBC America). It was a little unbelievable that all these amazingly hot guys are in love with Jayne, but I liked the resolution of the mysteries. None of it was what I expected, but it all made sense. I am looking forward to future books about Jayne McCartney, even if she is not related to Sir Paul.
December 18, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
I really wanted to love this story. The blurb got my interest - although the cover looked a little "British Crime Novel", that was a bit of an odd choice. However, I ignored that and concentrated on the story itself...
...and it was so slow to get going. I have to say that it really did test my patience in the early parts. Especially the insta-lust for the priest - I mean, come on! Is that the best we can come up with (aside from having two characters have the same surnames at two of the Beatles...and they are from Liverpool...)?
By about the halfway mark, the style and plot of the story had sorted itself out and actually became quite an intriguing novel. Not only is it a British crime novel with a nod to paranormal fiction, it also takes us for a little journey around Liverpool's darker history. And that was really a bonus for me. Quite enjoyed those aspects a lot.
It is a shame this took so long to get going. I really think I would have enjoyed it much more if the opening part of the book had really taken off the way the latter parts did.
Paul
ARH
The dead don't like to be ignored…
Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's only female private eye, is soon to get a crash course in this and other ghost-related facts.
Until now she’s kept her snooping firmly to the dodgy, sometimes dangerous – but definitely human – Liverpool underworld. But that all changes when an elderly couple approach her with a terrifying story…
Their daughter, a 19-year-old student, died falling from her halls’ window. But she didn't jump, they insist – she was pushed. By a ghost.
Who or what is walking the halls of Hart House? And will this case end up haunting Jayne forever…?
I really wanted to love this story. The blurb got my interest - although the cover looked a little "British Crime Novel", that was a bit of an odd choice. However, I ignored that and concentrated on the story itself...
...and it was so slow to get going. I have to say that it really did test my patience in the early parts. Especially the insta-lust for the priest - I mean, come on! Is that the best we can come up with (aside from having two characters have the same surnames at two of the Beatles...and they are from Liverpool...)?
By about the halfway mark, the style and plot of the story had sorted itself out and actually became quite an intriguing novel. Not only is it a British crime novel with a nod to paranormal fiction, it also takes us for a little journey around Liverpool's darker history. And that was really a bonus for me. Quite enjoyed those aspects a lot.
It is a shame this took so long to get going. I really think I would have enjoyed it much more if the opening part of the book had really taken off the way the latter parts did.
Paul
ARH
October 31, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was humorous without being silly and the story kept up a good pace throughout. Jayne McCartney, Liverpool's finest female private investigator is a very likeable character. Pairing her up with ex-priest, Dan Lennon is an inspired piece of writing. An engrossing tale, which kept me interested the entire time. The characters are so engaging that you desperately want to know what happens to them. The ending of the book leaves the reader wanting more and will make sure that I buy the next in the series.
October 8, 2018
Brilliant change of direction.
If you like Debbie Johnson's writing but would welcome it with less sugar than the Comfort Cafe stories then I would recommend this book. To be able to swap genres in the way she has but still create a really good read with plausible characters is to be commended. I lost a day reading this as I couldn't put it down, but then again, it was raining.
If you like Debbie Johnson's writing but would welcome it with less sugar than the Comfort Cafe stories then I would recommend this book. To be able to swap genres in the way she has but still create a really good read with plausible characters is to be commended. I lost a day reading this as I couldn't put it down, but then again, it was raining.
April 13, 2022
I Read it Anyway
I usually walk away from tales of the supernatural. Something made me stick with reading Fear No Evil. So glad I did. I loved the setting. Warm, boozy, blousy Liverpool. I loved honest, earthy, cynically comic Jayne and slightly tortured, sensual “Father” Dan. Good plot lines, twists and excellent writing. Great stuff Debbie. Keep ‘em coming.
I usually walk away from tales of the supernatural. Something made me stick with reading Fear No Evil. So glad I did. I loved the setting. Warm, boozy, blousy Liverpool. I loved honest, earthy, cynically comic Jayne and slightly tortured, sensual “Father” Dan. Good plot lines, twists and excellent writing. Great stuff Debbie. Keep ‘em coming.
December 14, 2022
I disliked this book!
The plot is ridiculous, and it was difficult to believe in any of the characters. By the time I reached the end I really didn’t care what happened.
My fear is that the author will build a series around the main character. Please spare us from that fate!!
The plot is ridiculous, and it was difficult to believe in any of the characters. By the time I reached the end I really didn’t care what happened.
My fear is that the author will build a series around the main character. Please spare us from that fate!!
October 9, 2019
Loved it
Bang up to date, gripping suspense humour feisty females hot men and demonic possession all set in a great story.
Bang up to date, gripping suspense humour feisty females hot men and demonic possession all set in a great story.
May 1, 2022
This is such a fun read! Scary and hilarious with a smidgen of romance thrown in for good measure.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
June 27, 2020
I loved the Comfort Food Cafe but couldn't take to this one. Started out interestingly but I didn't like the direction it took. Interesting characters but I got fed up with the preoccupation of sex. Just not the book I was hoping for.
December 11, 2014
Liverpool is an interesting city which has been a borough since early in the 13th century. As is well known it is a port city with all the rough and tumble that is expected of a port city, but rougher and many more tumbles and rumbles than even the toughest could imagine!
One reason for its reputation as being really tough is that its trade foundation was in the slave trade. Nowadays not something to be proud of but at the time a valuable cargo that made a lot of local fortunes.
Now working on the docks was for ‘hard’ men who drank a lot, swore a lot, and got into lots of fights. Unfortunately, the reputation seems to have carried on in many people’s behaviour despite the lack of shipping nowadays. This can attributed to two things really - the collapse of the shipping trade has left Liverpool very depressed with little industry and work and thus a great many unemployed with little to do; and also the large population of Irish immigrants who were drawn there by either the Civil War forced de-population of Northern Ireland and replacement with Protestants, or the Irish famines which led many to emigrate to America. However, some of the intended emigrants stayed put rather than take ship from Liverpool. The Irish immigrants are well known here in Kilburn and Cricklewood where they also came, as being hard drinkers and hard fighters so they will have had similar traits we must assume in Liverpool. If you think I am wrong then please let me know.
This book is set in Liverpool with the impact of the slave trade being demonstrated by the fine buildings that were put up at that time - and the not so fine, but ugly by modern standards that all demonstrated wealth and privilege for the architects and owners. Unfortunately, according to this book, some of the ‘interesting’ ideas that were around at the time of the Slave Trade included a fascination with devil worship and other similar ideas - see the HellFire Caves in High Wycombe for a variant on this - or an excuse to drink a lot and hold orgies. Here the rather nasty ideas included child sacrifice and the subsequent ghosts and ghoulies.
The protagonist here is a feisty female ex-police now private investigator with a potty mouth and a good line in sarcasm and a very good knowledge of the Liverpool underworld. Now she is the type of heroine that I really like. Self-sufficient and ready to take on the world. We need more of her and I really enjoyed this book. One good thing was that the author knows the city well having lived and worked there and has a very sense of writing in a concise and attention grabbing way - no doubt her newspaper background helps here. I found it difficult to put down.
One reason for its reputation as being really tough is that its trade foundation was in the slave trade. Nowadays not something to be proud of but at the time a valuable cargo that made a lot of local fortunes.
Now working on the docks was for ‘hard’ men who drank a lot, swore a lot, and got into lots of fights. Unfortunately, the reputation seems to have carried on in many people’s behaviour despite the lack of shipping nowadays. This can attributed to two things really - the collapse of the shipping trade has left Liverpool very depressed with little industry and work and thus a great many unemployed with little to do; and also the large population of Irish immigrants who were drawn there by either the Civil War forced de-population of Northern Ireland and replacement with Protestants, or the Irish famines which led many to emigrate to America. However, some of the intended emigrants stayed put rather than take ship from Liverpool. The Irish immigrants are well known here in Kilburn and Cricklewood where they also came, as being hard drinkers and hard fighters so they will have had similar traits we must assume in Liverpool. If you think I am wrong then please let me know.
This book is set in Liverpool with the impact of the slave trade being demonstrated by the fine buildings that were put up at that time - and the not so fine, but ugly by modern standards that all demonstrated wealth and privilege for the architects and owners. Unfortunately, according to this book, some of the ‘interesting’ ideas that were around at the time of the Slave Trade included a fascination with devil worship and other similar ideas - see the HellFire Caves in High Wycombe for a variant on this - or an excuse to drink a lot and hold orgies. Here the rather nasty ideas included child sacrifice and the subsequent ghosts and ghoulies.
The protagonist here is a feisty female ex-police now private investigator with a potty mouth and a good line in sarcasm and a very good knowledge of the Liverpool underworld. Now she is the type of heroine that I really like. Self-sufficient and ready to take on the world. We need more of her and I really enjoyed this book. One good thing was that the author knows the city well having lived and worked there and has a very sense of writing in a concise and attention grabbing way - no doubt her newspaper background helps here. I found it difficult to put down.
February 24, 2017
Fear no Evil
Quite spooky but then some humor to lighten it especially if you are reading it late at night & on your own.
Quite spooky but then some humor to lighten it especially if you are reading it late at night & on your own.
December 9, 2014
Fear No Evil – Spooky Thriller
Fear No Evil by Debbie Johnson is the latest addition to the Scouse Noir genre bringing together the great scouse names of Lennon and McCartney fortunately we do not have to suffer them singing. This is a mixture of murder and ghouls and a quick lesson in Scouse history. Well written and a tour round the posh bits of Liverpool (I didn’t know there were any) as well as the rough and tumble of living in the city.
Jayne McCartney is a former police detective now a private investigator working out a small office in Liverpool not far from her docklands home, when she is asked to investigate what the police and coroner have deemed a suicide. Joy Middlemass had fallen out of a window at the Student Halls called Hart House and when she read Joy’s diary she found that she was being taunted by ghosts. Like any normal person she is quite sceptical to the idea of ghost and ghouls let alone the type that would commit murder.
She needs help from someone who has experience with dealing with the other side and she finds former Catholic Priest Dan Lennon who specialises in investigating the paranormal. They team up and while they investigate the paranormal demons and ghosts they stumble across and investigate a previous murder of a student in Hart Hall that was made to look like the ghost had sent her to her death.
As the book races across Liverpool trying to find the answers and Jayne’s best friend since school Tish ends up being murdered while investigating a story for her newspaper that crosses the Lennon & McCartney investigation. Jayne besides trying to get to the bottom of her investigation finds that Tish was investigating the Deerborne clan – Liverpool old money.
As Jayne and Dan head towards facing down the paranormal world of Hart Hall they find the answers to Tish’s murder and to that of Geneva Connelly. The Middlemass’ finally get their answers to their questions about Joy’s death and able to let her rest in peace.
This is a fun and interesting thriller that dances through the paranormal which also shines a light in to some of Liverpool’s darker history. The Lennon and McCartney partnership works well and they do not punish us with their singing, and this looks like their first of many outings. We get an interesting addition to the scouse noir genre and this is an interesting and fun addition.
Fear No Evil by Debbie Johnson is the latest addition to the Scouse Noir genre bringing together the great scouse names of Lennon and McCartney fortunately we do not have to suffer them singing. This is a mixture of murder and ghouls and a quick lesson in Scouse history. Well written and a tour round the posh bits of Liverpool (I didn’t know there were any) as well as the rough and tumble of living in the city.
Jayne McCartney is a former police detective now a private investigator working out a small office in Liverpool not far from her docklands home, when she is asked to investigate what the police and coroner have deemed a suicide. Joy Middlemass had fallen out of a window at the Student Halls called Hart House and when she read Joy’s diary she found that she was being taunted by ghosts. Like any normal person she is quite sceptical to the idea of ghost and ghouls let alone the type that would commit murder.
She needs help from someone who has experience with dealing with the other side and she finds former Catholic Priest Dan Lennon who specialises in investigating the paranormal. They team up and while they investigate the paranormal demons and ghosts they stumble across and investigate a previous murder of a student in Hart Hall that was made to look like the ghost had sent her to her death.
As the book races across Liverpool trying to find the answers and Jayne’s best friend since school Tish ends up being murdered while investigating a story for her newspaper that crosses the Lennon & McCartney investigation. Jayne besides trying to get to the bottom of her investigation finds that Tish was investigating the Deerborne clan – Liverpool old money.
As Jayne and Dan head towards facing down the paranormal world of Hart Hall they find the answers to Tish’s murder and to that of Geneva Connelly. The Middlemass’ finally get their answers to their questions about Joy’s death and able to let her rest in peace.
This is a fun and interesting thriller that dances through the paranormal which also shines a light in to some of Liverpool’s darker history. The Lennon and McCartney partnership works well and they do not punish us with their singing, and this looks like their first of many outings. We get an interesting addition to the scouse noir genre and this is an interesting and fun addition.
July 21, 2021
This was not my usual choice of read but I thought I would try something different. I am glad I did as I enjoyed reading it. It was easy to get into and not so easy to put down. Once I started it I finished it within 24 hours, an easy read. It wasn’t the usual thriller/suspense type story as it featured the paranormal but did so in a non-cheesy way. The story was believable (more so if you believe in that kind of thing) and easy to follow, not an easy thing to do with the subject matter I would have thought.
Jayne was easy to relate to and her character was really brought to life, it felt like I was a detective and part of her team. She was down to earth and really likeable. I enjoyed getting to know the other characters too and felt included in the story. Sympathy was felt for the family that first approaches Jayne and then with the second one that becomes involved in the story. It is written so well that you forget some people don’t believe in the paranormal. It evoked mixed feelings of fear, upset and sympathy not to mention frustration at Jayne and the potential for romantic encounters.
It wasn’t quite what I was expecting from the story overall and I didn’t see the twist at the end or the ending itself. I just wasn’t able to guess it and kind of wish the ending had been a bit different, although that is perhaps the romantic in me. While I enjoyed the read as something different I wasn’t actually scared to turn the light out and go to sleep at night. I think there could have perhaps been a little more atmosphere to it. None the less I enjoyed reading it for a change.
Jayne was easy to relate to and her character was really brought to life, it felt like I was a detective and part of her team. She was down to earth and really likeable. I enjoyed getting to know the other characters too and felt included in the story. Sympathy was felt for the family that first approaches Jayne and then with the second one that becomes involved in the story. It is written so well that you forget some people don’t believe in the paranormal. It evoked mixed feelings of fear, upset and sympathy not to mention frustration at Jayne and the potential for romantic encounters.
It wasn’t quite what I was expecting from the story overall and I didn’t see the twist at the end or the ending itself. I just wasn’t able to guess it and kind of wish the ending had been a bit different, although that is perhaps the romantic in me. While I enjoyed the read as something different I wasn’t actually scared to turn the light out and go to sleep at night. I think there could have perhaps been a little more atmosphere to it. None the less I enjoyed reading it for a change.
December 23, 2014
Normally I'm pretty clear with my ratings but with this book I hesitated between four and five stars. Ended up with four as I don't think I'll want to read this again.
Enjoyed the book enormously, though. I'd classify it as a "chick-lit mystery". Certainly not a thriller, even though there are crime elements. There is humour, female friendship, and family relationships, and a strong cast of minor characters, and there is romance, although the romance stays on the side lines and does not get in the way of the mystery plot.
I'm pretty much of a realist, but the tongue-in-cheek tone of the book makes all the over the top aspects fine. And I really loved the witty asides about British institutions - social, political, TV personalities etc. I feel sorry for the non-British readers who might not get the full benefit of some of the funny bits.
It is quite unusual, and a testament to the skill of the author, to have a book with so many characters and yet feel each of them as a unique individual.
I downloaded the book as a freebie on Kindle. Makes me reluctant to pay for books if you can pick up something his good for nothing!
The only thing about the book that could have been better is the title - with a dozen other books with the same title already published, I would have thought the author or publisher could have come up with something more unique.
Would I read a sequel - absolutely!
Enjoyed the book enormously, though. I'd classify it as a "chick-lit mystery". Certainly not a thriller, even though there are crime elements. There is humour, female friendship, and family relationships, and a strong cast of minor characters, and there is romance, although the romance stays on the side lines and does not get in the way of the mystery plot.
I'm pretty much of a realist, but the tongue-in-cheek tone of the book makes all the over the top aspects fine. And I really loved the witty asides about British institutions - social, political, TV personalities etc. I feel sorry for the non-British readers who might not get the full benefit of some of the funny bits.
It is quite unusual, and a testament to the skill of the author, to have a book with so many characters and yet feel each of them as a unique individual.
I downloaded the book as a freebie on Kindle. Makes me reluctant to pay for books if you can pick up something his good for nothing!
The only thing about the book that could have been better is the title - with a dozen other books with the same title already published, I would have thought the author or publisher could have come up with something more unique.
Would I read a sequel - absolutely!
February 18, 2015
The beginning of this book got my hooked instantly. Fear No Evil is totally and utterly different to the latest book of Johnson's that I had read, Cold Feet at Christmas. The only similarities are the delicious men and the excellent writing.
For fans of the supernatural thriller, this will be the ideal book but it is unique in that it is also laced with humour and oozes sexual tension throughout (although Jayne's lusting after every man in sight can get a bit tiring). In all honesty, there were times when I found Jayne to be irritating but I could deal with that as part of the overall picture.
I found the storyline to be unique and I had no idea which direction it was going to go in. Johnson keeps you on your toes right up until the very end. I personally would have liked to have seen a bit more of Jayne and the hunky ex-priest, and a little bit more of a conclusion in that department, but the reader has been given enough to use their imagination...
There were a couple of typos buried within and one inconsistency where a BMW was then referred to as an Audi and then back to a BMW which left me a little confused. However, Debbie Johnson is a very talented author who can turn out the best chick lit as well as an enjoyable page-turner.
Thank you to the author, Debbie Johnson, and her publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
For fans of the supernatural thriller, this will be the ideal book but it is unique in that it is also laced with humour and oozes sexual tension throughout (although Jayne's lusting after every man in sight can get a bit tiring). In all honesty, there were times when I found Jayne to be irritating but I could deal with that as part of the overall picture.
I found the storyline to be unique and I had no idea which direction it was going to go in. Johnson keeps you on your toes right up until the very end. I personally would have liked to have seen a bit more of Jayne and the hunky ex-priest, and a little bit more of a conclusion in that department, but the reader has been given enough to use their imagination...
There were a couple of typos buried within and one inconsistency where a BMW was then referred to as an Audi and then back to a BMW which left me a little confused. However, Debbie Johnson is a very talented author who can turn out the best chick lit as well as an enjoyable page-turner.
Thank you to the author, Debbie Johnson, and her publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2014
I read a lot of crime fiction and know what I like and I absolutely loved Fear No Evil. Right from the off I knew this book was for me. I was completely drawn into this cleverly told tale and had I the luxury of a few hours uninterrupted reading time would have devoured it in one greedy sitting. The story set in Liverpool races along at a fair old pace, is extremely funny and very intelligently written. It has some wonderful characters with the main protagonists Lennon and McCartney. Yes that's sassy, smart mouthed PI Jayne McCartney and former priest Dan Lennon. McCartney is hired to investigate the death of student Joy Middlemass whose parents believe she was killed by a ghost. Jayne isn't really a believer in the "woo woo stuff" as she calls it but is drawn into the ghostly goings on around Hart House where Joy died and well you really should just read the rest of it for yourselves. I hope to see a lot more of this Lennon and McCartney double act in fact I wish they were real as I'd invite them for a night out down the pub. Debbie Johnson won the Harry
Bowling prize for this book and I can see why.
Bowling prize for this book and I can see why.
November 22, 2014
I quite enjoyed this novel.
Jayne McCartney is ex police, now a P.I. in Liverpool. An older couple come to her for help as their 19 yr old daughter has recently died and suicide was ruled as the cause but they are convinced that she was pushed out of the window in the student accommodation...by a ghost no less. Jane teams with hunky ex priest Dan Lennon (yes they remark on that joke) to try and determine what happened. Along the way they are helped by Jane's best friend, reporter Tish and Dan's demon, finder helpers, Justin and Betty. There have been other strange incidents at 'hall' as well and it's a race against time to see if they are connected or not.
This book wasn't as scary as I thought it would be but I really enjoyed the humour in the story and the attraction between the two main characters. I felt the plot line was good and kept me interested with the little twists and turns it took. I certainly didn't anticipate the events that happened near the end.
This was a very easy book to read and I'd be happy to pick up the next instalment of Jayne's and Dan's adventures...if there was one.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read and review
Jayne McCartney is ex police, now a P.I. in Liverpool. An older couple come to her for help as their 19 yr old daughter has recently died and suicide was ruled as the cause but they are convinced that she was pushed out of the window in the student accommodation...by a ghost no less. Jane teams with hunky ex priest Dan Lennon (yes they remark on that joke) to try and determine what happened. Along the way they are helped by Jane's best friend, reporter Tish and Dan's demon, finder helpers, Justin and Betty. There have been other strange incidents at 'hall' as well and it's a race against time to see if they are connected or not.
This book wasn't as scary as I thought it would be but I really enjoyed the humour in the story and the attraction between the two main characters. I felt the plot line was good and kept me interested with the little twists and turns it took. I certainly didn't anticipate the events that happened near the end.
This was a very easy book to read and I'd be happy to pick up the next instalment of Jayne's and Dan's adventures...if there was one.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read and review
November 7, 2014
Fear No Evil
Jayne McCartney (no relation, even though they are both from Liverpool) is a P.I. When a couple comes to her with the request that she investigate their daughter's death, Jayne is reluctant, but agrees. Although their daughter's death has been ruled a suicide, the parents believe their daughter was murdered by a ghost that had been stalking her.
Jayne feels her charge is prove the police investigation was thorough, and hopefully, to relieve the minds of the girl's parents. She doesn't believe in ghosts.
But what Jayne encounters is much more than she expected. Maybe ghosts and demons are real and deadly.
There is a handsome ex-Priest, a dead Scouse princess (new word for me; Scouse is the Liverpool accent and can be employed as adjective or noun), a vicious crime boss, some additions to Team Anti-demon, and a few murders along the way.
Crime and paranormal mix in this entertaining read. I will be interested in seeing how this series develops.
NetGalley/Harper Collins
Crime/Paranormal. Oct., 2014. Print length: 400 pages.
Jayne McCartney (no relation, even though they are both from Liverpool) is a P.I. When a couple comes to her with the request that she investigate their daughter's death, Jayne is reluctant, but agrees. Although their daughter's death has been ruled a suicide, the parents believe their daughter was murdered by a ghost that had been stalking her.
Jayne feels her charge is prove the police investigation was thorough, and hopefully, to relieve the minds of the girl's parents. She doesn't believe in ghosts.
But what Jayne encounters is much more than she expected. Maybe ghosts and demons are real and deadly.
There is a handsome ex-Priest, a dead Scouse princess (new word for me; Scouse is the Liverpool accent and can be employed as adjective or noun), a vicious crime boss, some additions to Team Anti-demon, and a few murders along the way.
Crime and paranormal mix in this entertaining read. I will be interested in seeing how this series develops.
NetGalley/Harper Collins
Crime/Paranormal. Oct., 2014. Print length: 400 pages.
November 2, 2014
If you love paranormal fiction and crime fiction, what's better than a book that does both? And Fear No Evil pulls it off perfectly.
I downloaded it one teatime and, somehow, had finished it by breakfast the next day.
It has the page-turning thrills of a mystery plus the scares of demons and ghosts - all topped off with a sassy heroine with a pithy way with one-liners.
It made me laugh, cry and pull the bed covers just that little bit further over my head in the frightening bits!
And, if that's not enough, Fear No Evil is set in Liverpool with protagonists called Lennon and McCartney! That'd be PI Jayne McCartney and her (hunky) former priest partner Dan Lennon. Genius!
If you enjoy Paul Cornell and Ben Aaronovitch, Debbie Johnson is the name to watch out for.
This book won the Harry Bowling Prize for Debbie...and it's easy to see why. I can't wait to meet up with Lennon and McCartney again!
I downloaded it one teatime and, somehow, had finished it by breakfast the next day.
It has the page-turning thrills of a mystery plus the scares of demons and ghosts - all topped off with a sassy heroine with a pithy way with one-liners.
It made me laugh, cry and pull the bed covers just that little bit further over my head in the frightening bits!
And, if that's not enough, Fear No Evil is set in Liverpool with protagonists called Lennon and McCartney! That'd be PI Jayne McCartney and her (hunky) former priest partner Dan Lennon. Genius!
If you enjoy Paul Cornell and Ben Aaronovitch, Debbie Johnson is the name to watch out for.
This book won the Harry Bowling Prize for Debbie...and it's easy to see why. I can't wait to meet up with Lennon and McCartney again!
November 11, 2014
Fear No Evil
a book that mixes paranormal and crime fiction together and does it really well. It was also quite an easy read, so didn’t take long to get into, and wanted to carry on reading just to see what happened.
It also has its fair share of humour and one liners.
The story is set in Liverpool with Private investigator called Jayne McCartney (Not related to Sir Paul)
Jayne takes on a case of a young girl who has apparently committed suicide jumping from a flat window. She enlists the help of a rather sexy and hunky former priest Dan Lennon. And together they work at trying to figure out if it was suicide or something more sinister.
I was a little slow with realising the names. Lennon and McCartney. But chuckled once it clicked. Lol.
Fear No Evil is a really good enjoyable read.
a book that mixes paranormal and crime fiction together and does it really well. It was also quite an easy read, so didn’t take long to get into, and wanted to carry on reading just to see what happened.
It also has its fair share of humour and one liners.
The story is set in Liverpool with Private investigator called Jayne McCartney (Not related to Sir Paul)
Jayne takes on a case of a young girl who has apparently committed suicide jumping from a flat window. She enlists the help of a rather sexy and hunky former priest Dan Lennon. And together they work at trying to figure out if it was suicide or something more sinister.
I was a little slow with realising the names. Lennon and McCartney. But chuckled once it clicked. Lol.
Fear No Evil is a really good enjoyable read.
May 6, 2015
I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I DNF'ed this at 13%. I was actually really looking forward to reading this but I have to face facts - it's awful. A hot pastor? She's flirting with a priest. The plot is intriguing but not much has happened and I've found every minute of it boring.
The writing style is boring, the characters are quirky - but in the wrong way and the plot is going nowhere! I feel quite bad for not liking it since I loved, and I really mean loved, Cold Feet at Christmas by her.. But this is not anything like it.
I DNF'ed this at 13%. I was actually really looking forward to reading this but I have to face facts - it's awful. A hot pastor? She's flirting with a priest. The plot is intriguing but not much has happened and I've found every minute of it boring.
The writing style is boring, the characters are quirky - but in the wrong way and the plot is going nowhere! I feel quite bad for not liking it since I loved, and I really mean loved, Cold Feet at Christmas by her.. But this is not anything like it.
August 10, 2015
I received an early copy of this book, I was expecting a ghost story when I started reading, but it turned out to be a lot more than that. The story is unique with an excellent twisty turny plot, spooky but also funny. I really enjoyed this book and have recommend to friends who were pleased to find that it's currently a free Kindle download on Amazon.
May 27, 2015
Not the easiest of books to get into . . . . almost gave up at the half way point. The book is set in my birthplace, the City of Liverpool and its surrounding area.
I will search out other books by this author, but so far, I am not sure that I will be continuing to read books by her. I found myself constantly losing interest in the plot.
I will search out other books by this author, but so far, I am not sure that I will be continuing to read books by her. I found myself constantly losing interest in the plot.
November 5, 2014
a slightly spooky but also funny supernatural thriller set in Liverpool - smart dialogue and excellent plot
November 11, 2014
The funniest horror I've ever read!!
Unputdownable!
Unputdownable!
November 15, 2014
I loved this! Jayne is a brilliant character, and there wasn't a character that I didn't like. Creepy and funny in turn with a nice twist and a bit of mystery thrown in. I really enjoyed it!
August 14, 2015
really enjoyed this. came very close to tears, got very involved with the characters.
Read
May 1, 2019Great exciting story. Many fists and turns to fear (hahaha!)
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