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DI Grace Archer #2

by David Fennell, Κυριάκος Γιαλένιος (Translator)

Δύο άντρες βρίσκονται νεκροί στο Μπάτερσι Παρκ. Το σώμα του ενός κείτεται στο έδαφος σε σχήμα σταυρού –τα μάτια του έχουν αφαιρεθεί και έχουν τοποθετηθεί στις ανοιχτές παλάμες του.
Η επιθεωρήτρια Γκρέις Άρτσερ και ο αρχιφύλακας Χάρι Κουίν ηγούνται της έρευνας. Όταν, ωστόσο, εντοπίζονται και άλλα πτώματα, σε παρόμοια κατάσταση, οι δυο τους καλούνται σ’ έναν αγώνα δρόμου κόντρα στο χρόνο, προκειμένου ν’ ανακαλύψουν το σαδιστή δολοφόνο.
Το κυνήγι τούς οδηγεί στο Λέιντιγουελ Πλέιταουερ, στο νοτιοανατολικό Λονδίνο, την έδρα ενός θρησκευτικού κοινοβίου, με επικεφαλής τον αινιγματικό Άαρον Κρόνιν. Η Άρτσερ και ο Κουίν υποπτεύονται την ανάμειξη του Κρόνιν, αλλά το άλλοθί του είναι αδιάσειστο και η αλήθεια, φαινομενικά, καλά κρυμμένη.
Αν η Άρτσερ θέλει να βρει το δολοφόνο, πρέπει πρώτα να έρθει αντιμέτωπη με φανατισμένους θρησκόληπτους, με τον υπόκοσμο του Λονδίνου, και στη συνέχεια με τους δικούς της δαίμονες…

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery

344 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2025

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

David Fennell's second novel sees DI Grace Archer & DS Harry Quinn on the trail of a serial killer who removes the eyes of his victims. Perhaps reading this while getting over conjunctivitus was not such a good idea after all ?!
What starts out as quite a decent thriller soon turns into a fairly uninteresting read. The author's characterisations have improved since his previous novel, but otherwise it's a lacklustre affair. I stuck with it right to the end hoping that it would improve. It did a little, but not enough to encourage me to continue with the next book in the series.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for giving me the chance to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved The Art of Death and have been eagerly awaiting the follow up. It does not disappoint.
Once again this is a very well written book that pulls you in from the first page and holds you till the end, with multiple threads throughout the story that twist together to round up the story. Once again it has some pretty stomach-churning gruesome scenes, and lots of action. Definitely not for the faint-hearted with strong themes that might prove difficult for some readers, including child abuse, violence and drugs.

I really like Grace, her DS Harry Quinn and the team she works with, they are all very believable characters and are portrayed realistically The author has done a great job characterising DI Grace Archer and DS Harry Quinn. Not surprisingly, she is still struggling with her horrific past, it is so well written that this adds genuine tension to the current events rather than becoming a crime novel cliche. She lives with her Grandfather, who is creating more and challenges as his dementia develops. DS Harry Quinn is a great character, and it is good to see the way they interact with wit and occasional affection

Again, I highly recommend this book. You can read as a standalone, although i strongly suggest you read the first one. - cannot wait for DI Grace Archer's next outing, which is set up nicely at the end.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 4 out of 5]

See No Evil is the second book in the Detective Grace Archer series, and what a thrilling series its shaping up to be! If you’re asking yourself why you should invest in another series when the market is saturated with crime thrillers, here’s your answer….it’s a series that’s well-written, with the most deliciously dark plots, and pretty gruesome crime scenes which is always a plus for us die hard crime thriller lovers!


Two mutilated bodies are discovered in Battersea Park. It’s Grace and her teams job to investigate the crimes and bring the killer to justice. Everything seems to point to a newly established cult and its charismatic leader, Aaron Cronin. One of the strengths of this series are Grace and her sidekick Harry Quinn, they compliment each other perfectly. Grace has a horrific backstory, and threads from her past collide with the present. I like how the author incorporates Grace’s own story alongside the investigation as the two blend together perfectly and ensure there’s never a dull moment.


David Fennel draws you in from the off with a shocking opening scene, and he continues to keep you in his clutches all the way to the thrilling conclusion. The crimes scenes are vividly described giving the reader the sense that they are part of the ongoing investigation, the who? And why? are wrapped up in misdirection and red herrings creating a read that’s exciting and unpredictable. See No Evil is a fast paced, tension fuelled read that made for an exciting, binge worthy read.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

See No Evil is a second book in DI Archer and DS Quinn series and it doesn't disappoint.
Another great story that's brilliantly written, gripping from start to finish, full of tension and drama.
We also get to know Archer and her team better. It brings another dimension to the story getting to know our characters better.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I can't wait to read more.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC.

I think this book is an excellent follow on from The Art of Death. Grace and her team investigate two murders at Battersea Park. I really like Grace, her DS Harry Quinn and the team she works with, they are all very believable characters and are portrayed realistically. When more bodies are found, the investigation leads the team to Aaron Cronin and the religious commune he runs. This is a very well written book that pulled me in from the first page. It is quite fast paced and the police investigation takes many twists and turns which I loved. There are links to a historic case and a case very personal to Grace and I enjoyed the small glimpses into her home and personal life and her past. I loved all the separate story threads which all came together beautifully towards the end. This book had everything I liked - great writing, a good plot and I was invested in the story and all its characters from start to finish, and overall I found this to be a real pager turner of a read where I wanted to know what would happen next. The ending sets up the next book very nicely, and I look forward to reading that.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the DI Grace Harper Series but my first read. This is a seriously twisted and dark thriller. As long as you can cope with gruesome you should love it. Grace is a great character, not accepted by all her colleagues, she is building a good relationship with her DS and finding someone she can trust. So well written this book had me on the edge of my seat!

Briefly, two men are found dead in Battersea Park in an apparent homophobic attack. One of the men has been badly disfigured. Grace and her colleague DS Harry Quinn handle the investigation but as more bodies turn up it is clear there is a very disturbed killer on the loose. Add Graces’s nemesis Frankie ‘Snow White’, who has just been released from prison for murdering her father, and Aaron Cronin, who leads a shocking and dangerous cult, into the mix and you have a thrilling story.

The investigation continues at a great pace, brilliantly plotted with all the threads woven together seamlessly. Plenty of twists and turns and historic revelations culminating in a shocking climax. Loved the book which ended with a couple of cliffhangers, one of which I am still trying to get my head around. Hopefully this will be cleared up in the next book. It would have been 5⭐️ but the ending left me wanting so 4.5⭐️ rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series so far. Police procedurals are a favorite and See No Evil fit the bill for me. It's not really a thriller but more of a mystery you are solving alongside Archer, Quinn and Klara. Love the characters and their interactions.

This was such a quick read for me and I ended up finishing in two days. Love when I find a story that grips my attention. Highly recommend this one, as well as the first installment, The Art of Death, for fans of crime fiction, serial killers and police procedurals.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wondered how the author would follow up the spectacular murder spectacle that was the first book, and in a way, this book wasn't quite as impressive.
Don't get me wrong! It was still wonderfully creative in terms of extremely evil murders, but it didn't quite have the same kind of smashing impact.

Archer & Quinn stepped up on the other hand. This duo is steaming ahead and just winning me over, every moment they get.
I sort of, low-key, ship these two. I know it would probably make things weird and spoil everything, but I don't know... They have sparkling chemistry.

This series is made for binge-listening.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously twisted and oh so good. What a wonderful series! The plots and all subplots are equally gripping, interesting and exciting.

Archer and Quinn have been through so much that their alliance really works in this series. If you are looking for troubled individuals like Emily Baxter from the Ragdoll series or even Morck from Department Q you will not see it here. This is a police procedural where there is no loose cannons as main characters. David Fennell writes a very intense police procedural. I was reading chapter after chapter with total disregard of the time. The book engages you and surprises you. The ending is unexpected to say the least.

The next in the series is The Silent Man that will be released in August. I can’t wait!

[Kestrel Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[UKDana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bodies of two men are discovered in a park. One of the men has been mutilated, including having his eyes cut out. DI Grace Archer and her colleagues are tasked with investigating. As other bodies with similar mutilations appear the team wonder if they have a serial killer and are the murders linked to a local cult.

A week ago I read The Art Of Death which is the first novel by David Fennell and enjoyed it so much I moved See No Evil straight to the top of my TBR pile. I was so pleased to see the return of DI Grace Archer, along with her partner DS Harry Quinn, grandfather Jake, analyst Klara and even her boss DCI Clare Pierce.

The novel is set three months after the events in The Art Of Death and Grace is just returning to work after recuperating. She still has to deal with hostility from some of her colleagues but it is pleasing to see that her relationship with her immediate boss is on a better footing.

This time around we have a more controlled story, however the murders are no less gruesome. Links to a possible religious cult dial up the creepiness a notch, particularly when we are introduced to the leader of the cult. Aaron Cronin appears to have slavish devotion from the other members of the cult and no empathy at all.

We get more information on Grace's background as the story progresses and it is good to see Klara and Quinn having a greater voice in this novel. Grace is also winning round some of her colleagues, however she is warned that someone within the Met is watching her and this raises doubts about who she can trust.

To make things more difficult for Grace she discovers that the drug lord who ordered her fathers murder, Frankie "Snow" White, is to be released from prison and has a vendetta against Grace. This certainly increases the menace (as if a possible serial killer isn't enough) and offers so much potential for future books in the series. The thought of a detective and a crime lord dancing around each other, hating one another but tolerating each other because of the mutual benefits is appealing.

I did manage to figure out who was responsible about halfway through but thanks to a few red herrings from David Fennell I had no idea as to why so the big reveal was still as much of a surprise and certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment. Roll on the next book in the series.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK

[Rebecca Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Fennell is very quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.

See No Evil is the second book in the DI Grace Archer series. I rated the first book, The Art Of Death five stars so I was excited to get back to the series. This book can be read as a standalone enough of a recap about the last book is covered by the first few chapters but The Art Of Death is so good that I still recommend reading it.

Two men are murdered by our unknown killer. This killer is carving their eyes out, placing them in the victims hands so they are looking back at themselves and carving a cross into them. DI Grace Archer and her partner DS Harry Quinn are tasked to find out who is causing the murders and why.

At the same time, the drug dealer who killed Grace's dad is being released from prison.

What I love about David Fennell's books is the writing style, just enough twists and turns and the story keeps you hooked. I love the chase of finding the killers but also the aspects of Grace's personal life too. Thriller readers will love Fennell's books and I honestly think they are close to flawless.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

See No Evil picks up about 3 months after the events of The Art of Death. Archer and Quinn are dealing with the fallout of that gruesome case, while being pushed headfirst into a new case. I felt like See No Evil was a strong sequel. I really enjoy all the characters that Fennell has created for this story. Archer and Quinn are great leads and their partnership is well executed. I do feel though that Fennell spent a little too much time setting up the over arching story that is unfolding in the background. There wasn't a lot of time focused on the actual mystery. So that is why the one star is dropped. Still very interested in this series and these characters and I enjoy how much Fennell shines a light on LGBTQ+ rep. Also, how Fennel tackles real life issues that are affecting us currently. Looking forward to reading The Silent Man and hoping there is more focus on the actual mystery, like in The Art of Death.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read.
Grace Archer is still reeling from the last case but soon has her hands full when a body is found with the eyes gouged out and the face disfigured.
Investigations start off well but soon they are left with no suspects and more people killed in the same way.
Grace is persuaded to speak to a therapist and whilst she’s not keen at first, she soon realises it will help her.
There is a bit of a slow patch in the middle of the book but the ending makes up for it.
A gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I like my killers dark, my heroes flawed & there to be trouble brewing throughout.

I love police procedural books & this one ticks all the boxes for me. In DI Archer there's a strong lead with an interesting past, her team are loyal but have issues of their own to deal with. There is tension amongst the unit they all work in & not everyone likes them. Grace's grandad is a wonderful supporting character & really brings a human element to the stories.

The action itself is brilliantly written, killings with a grisly twist & an undercurrent of what's to come in later books, as well as nods to the last book, throughout. Although See No Evil is a complete story the ending has left me wanting the next book as soon as possible please, there is drama coming & I'm totally here for it.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio version of this book 📚- I was really looking forward to listening to this book but just found it so ‘bitty’ the plot jumped about and at the beginning of the book there were two horrible murders which seem to be forgotten about as the lead detective was too busy dealing with her own personal problem of dealing with a criminal that had killed her father and he was being realised 🤔

The narrator was good and did lots of different accents for the characters but she had a really annoying habit of leaving a pause of about 4 secs between some sentences and paragraphs

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Natalie Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Peter Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very poorly edited and, in my opinion, too much going on for one novel. Otherwise, a good read when I got past the bad editing and repetition, and had it been better edited, would certainly have given it four stars minimum. I will give the next book in the series a go and hoping the editing may have improved

[Vicsta Dolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant follow up from book one and for me this book had a slight edge over the first. DCI Grace Archer is a great character and I love the relationship she has with her grandad. This books finished in a real cliff hanger so roll in book 3.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second instalment in the tales of DI Grace Archer and DS Harry Quinn.

I really enjoyed the first book and was excited to read this one, and it definitely did not disappoint. It continues on from the first book in terms of the characters now dealing with the emotional and personal repercussions of catching their murderer in the first book.

Grace's own personal background continues to be explored, which I found interesting.

This book has dramatic and gruesome murders which will always appeal to me! The main characters continue to be developed and bring their own personalities to the case, adding a level of realism to the story and helping me to invest in them.

I'm looking forward to reading the third book!

[Gemma McGee]

See No Evil is another interesting crime mystery with some gruesome crimes.

PLOT: Mutilated bodies are discovered in Battersea Park, while investigation these murders they are pulled into the world of a cult. At the same time Archer past continue to haunt her.


CHARACTERS: I like DI Grace Archer, I like the fact we see her struggles. That she isn’t perfect but she is doing the best she can. I enjoy the work dynamo between DI Archer and DS Harry Quinn it seems very realistic. They are loyal to each other without having that romantic undertone.

WRITING STYLE: I enjoy reading crime books when they have a darker in tone and crime. This is where Fennell shines, he is very good at giving a gruesome crime without going into the horror.

THEME: Crime, Mystery, thriller, Trauma

Overall a enjoyable British Crime Mystery.

My Rating for See No Evil is 4.3 out of 5.

[Πάνος Τουρλής · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ένας άντρας κείτεται στο έδαφος ξαπλωμένος σε σχήμα σταυρού με τα βγαλμένα μάτια του στα χέρια του. Μια νοικοκυρά πέφτει θύμα τροχαίου και εγκατάλειψης κι η Αστυνομία αναρωτιέται πώς βρέθηκε στον δρόμο ημίγυμνη και ναρκωμένη. Όλα αυτά οδηγούν την επιθεωρήτρια Γκρέις Άρτσερ και τον αρχιφύλακα Χάρι Κουίν στην έδρα ενός θρησκευτικού κοινόβιου, με επικεφαλής τον αινιγματικό Άαρον Κρόνιν. Μέλος αυτού του «ποιμνίου» είναι ο Ίθαν Γουάιτ, εγγονός του μαφιόζου που σκότωσε τον πατέρα της Άρτσερ. Πώς συνδέονται όλα αυτά με τις δολοφονίες;

Το δεύτερο μυθιστόρημα της σειράς με ηρωίδα την Γκρέις Άρτσερ βυθίζεται στα άδυτα μιας σέκτας και ξεδιπλώνει ταυτόχρονα με την κυρίως υπόθεση μια σειρά δολοφονιών όμορφων αγοριών αρκετά χρόνια πιο πριν. Η υπόθεση περιπλέκεται από κεφάλαιο σε κεφάλαιο, οι έρευνες και οι ανακρίσεις δεν οδηγούν πουθενά και η Γκρέις Άρτσερ προσπαθεί να βγάλει άκρη συναντώντας διαρκώς εμπόδια. Η αλήθεια είναι πως κάποια στιγμή κουράστηκα με τον αργό σχετικά ρυθμό των εξελίξεων και με μια σωρεία ονομάτων που άρχισαν να εμφανίζονται, μπλέκοντας τις υποθέσεις του χτες και του σήμερα, ανταμείφθηκα όμως από τον τρόπο που τελικά συνδέθηκαν όλα και που ήρθε η αλήθεια στο φως. Αρκετές περιγραφές δρόμων, περιοχών, τοπίων και σπιτιών θα μπορούσαν να λείπουν, όπως και κάποιες σκηνές που δεν προσφέρουν κάτι στην πλοκή παρά μόνο ελάχιστα ψήγματα. Η κεντρική ιδέα πάντως, αυτή του πάθους που κυριεύει κάποιον ενώ τον γεμίζει ταυτόχρονα ενοχές για ό,τι κάνει και η επιλογή της εκδίκησης με βία αντί για τη νομική δικαιοσύνη για ό,τι έχει συμβεί στο παρελθόν είναι ενδιαφέροντα ηθικά μηνύματα που με έβαλαν σε σκέψεις για την ανθρώπινη ιδιοσυγκρασία.

Η προσωπική ιστορία της επιθεωρήτριας Γκρέις Άρτσερ από την άλλη με γέμισε ένταση, αγωνία και πολλές σκέψεις για τα όρια της ψυχικής αντοχής της. Έχει τραυματιστεί ψυχικά από τη δολοφονία του πατέρα της και από τις δύσκολες στιγμές που πέρασε στην εφηβεία της, όταν είχε πέσει θύμα απαγωγής. Η περιπέτειά της με τον @νώνυμο στο πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς «Ο Καλλιτέχνης του Θανάτου» την ξαναρίχνει στο σημείο μηδέν και οι εφιάλτες από εκείνη την εμπειρία επιστρέφουν. Αποκούμπι της είναι ο παππούς της, που έχει πάθει δύο ελαφρά εγκεφαλικά επεισόδια το καλοκαίρι και η μνήμη του λειτουργεί πλέον μόνο κατά 70% ενώ ταυτόχρονα τον ταλανίζει πρώιμη άνοια κι έτσι η Άρτσερ μένει μαζί του για να τον φροντίζει. Το ωράριό της δυστυχώς παραμένει απαγορευτικό και ψάχνει τρόπο να καταφέρει να τον προσέχει σωστά. Ο θάνατος του επιθεωρητή Σαμ Άρτσερ έχει στοιχίσει και στους δύο, έχουν προσαρμοστεί αλλά ο πόνος παραμένει αβάσταχτος. Γιατί όμως αρχίζει ο Τζέικ Άρτσερ να γίνεται εριστικός και κρυψίνους; Τι δε θέλει να μάθει η εγγονή του;

Στο αστυνομικό τμήμα της Τσάριγκ Κρος τα πράγματα εξακολουθούν να είναι δύσκολα για την Άρτσερ, που έχει αναλάβει το πόστο του πρώην ντετέκτιβ Άντι Ρις, του ανθρώπου που εκείνη είχε συλλάβει και στείλει στη φυλακή λίγο καιρό πριν, με αποτέλεσμα να έχει προβλήματα από την πρώτη μέρα. Έχει ήδη αντιμετωπίσει δυσαρέσκεια από τους νέους συναδέλφους και έχει ήδη δοκιμαστεί η αποφασιστικότητά της, αφού όλοι θα κάνουν τα πάντα για να αποτύχει και πλέον, στο δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς, ο επιθεωρητής Ρόντνι Χικς, κολλητός του Άντι Ρις, παραμένει εχθρικός απέναντι στην Άρτσερ γι’ αυτό που έκανε στον φίλο του ενώ μια σειρά ρατσιστικών περιστατικών αναγκάζουν την Άρτσερ να ξεκινήσει πειθαρχική έρευνα βάσει της στάσης του σε κάποια περιστατικά του βιβλίου. Δυστυχώς, ο Χικς είναι απλώς η άκρη ενός παγόβουνου που μοιάζει να κερδίζει έδαφος σε κάτι που μοιάζει σαν μια αδελφότητα κυρίως λευκών ετεροφυλόφιλων αντρών αστυνομικών.

Ο αρχιφύλακας Χάρι Κουίν στέκεται στο πλευρό της και μετά την περιπέτεια του πρώτου βιβλίου γίνεται πολύτιμος συνεργάτης της. Η απώλεια του παιδιού του είναι κάτι που τον κατατρύχει ακόμη και αποτελεί έναν συνεκτικό δεσμό στη φιλία του με την Άρτσερ, με την οποία μοιράζεται τα πάντα. Η παρουσία της Εμ-Τζέι από τη Διεύθυνση Εγκληματολογικών Ερευνών στη ζωή του τον βάζει σε νέες συναισθηματικές περιπέτειες με τη σχέση τους να έχει σκαμπανεβάσματα. Οι συνάδελφοι της Άρτσερ που γνωρίσαμε στο πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς πρωταγωνιστούν ξανά, με επικεφαλής την αρχιεπιθεωρήτρια Κλερ Πίερς, μια σκληρή φιλόδοξη γυναίκα που είχε σχέση με τον Ρις και τώρα έχει χάσει τη γη κάτω από τα πόδια της. Είναι μια γυναίκα που ερωτεύτηκε τον λάθος άντρα και τώρα την κρίνουν και την καταδικάζουν γι’ αυτό, οπότε η Άρτσερ, αν και σε συνεχή κόντρα μαζί της, το θεωρεί άδικο όλο αυτό. Η αρχιφύλακας Τζόλι Τόουζερ, η οποία θα φύγει σύντομα με άδεια μητρότητας, ο αστυφύλακας Ος Πάικ, βοηθός αναλυτή στην ομάδα της Άρτσερ, ικανός και πρόθυμος να εξελιχθεί στη δουλειά του αλλά έχει ακόμη δρόμο μπροστά του, η αστυφύλακας Μάριαν Φίλιπς και ο ανακριτής Μαρκ Μπίτι, ακόμη και η γκουρού της τεχνολογίας Κλάρα Κλαρκ, πρώην αναλύτρια της NCA και τώρα μέλος της Μητροπολιτικής Αστυνομίας, χάρη στον κομβικό ρόλο της στην υπόθεση του πρώτου βιβλίου, είναι εδώ και βοηθούν στην υπόθεση όπως μπορούν. Τέλος, η Άρτσερ ξεκινάει μια σωστή σειρά συνεδριών για να επουλώσει τα τραύματά της, αυτήν τη φορά με την ψυχίατρο Άμπιγκεϊλ Χάτσισον, η οποία καταφέρνει να κερδίσει την εμπιστοσύνη της: «Η ευημερία σου είναι η προτεραιότητά μου». Έτσι γνωρίζουμε καλύτερα την Άρτσερ, την προσωπικότητά της, τα χρόνια με την οικογένειά της πριν αυτή τιναχτεί στον αέρα, την αιτία της κλειστοφοβίας της, τους εφιάλτες της κ. π. ά.

Στην υπόθεση των φόνων εμπλέκεται ο Ίθαν Γουάιτ, εγγονός του βαρόνου ναρκωτικών Φράνκι «Σνόου» Γουάιτ, που είχε διατάξει τη δολοφονία του πατέρα της Άρτσερ, και που τώρα αποφυλακίζεται, με αποτέλεσμα να ανοίγει ένας μεγάλος πόλεμος, με τον Φράνκι να στήνει τα δικά του πιόνια στη ζωή της Άρτσερ και να διψάει για εκδίκηση. Η αλήθεια πίσω απ’ όσα είχαν συμβεί με την τότε απαγωγή της επιθεωρήτριας θα έρθουν στο φως με τη βοήθεια της δημοσιογράφου Μάλορι Τζόουνς που έχει podcast αληθινών εγκλημάτων. Η κοπέλα ανακαλύπτει κάποια στοιχεία για τον Μπέρναρντ Μορίς που είχε απαγάγει την Άρτσερ αλλά η επιθεωρήτρια αρνείται να την ακούσει. Να όμως που ο παππούς Άρτσερ, ήδη πιεσμένος ψυχολογικά με την παρουσία του Γουάιτ ξανά στη ζωή τους, κάνει απονενοημένα διαβήματα που επιταχύνουν τις εξελίξεις και τελικά αποκαλύπτεται κάτι που με άφησε με το στόμα ανοιχτό να περιμένω το τρίτο βιβλίο με την κατά μέτωπο επίθεση που θα ξεδιπλωθεί ανάμεσα στο καλό και στο κακό.

Το «Δεν είδες τίποτα» είναι μια πολυεπίπεδη ιστορία γεμάτη σασπένς και εντάσεις που εκτυλίσσεται κυρίως σε μια θρησκευτική σέκτα, μπλέκει το παρόν με το παρελθόν και ταυτόχρονα απογειώνει τις προσωπικές εξελίξεις στη ζωή της κεντρικής ηρωίδας, επιθεωρήτριας Γκρέις Άρτσερ. Κρυφά χαρτιά, καλοσχεδιασμένες, αν και κατά τόπους αργές, εξελίξεις και διαχρονικά ηθικά μηνύματα αποτελούν ένα καλογραμμένο μίγμα που κρατάει το ενδιαφέρον αμείωτο.

Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%b4...

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Fennell introduced Detective Inspector Grace Archer in last year's impressive The Art of Death; I loved the book and have been intrigued ever since as to how he would follow the memorably creepy @nonymous. After staying up until the wee small hours to finish See No Evil because I couldn't bear to stop reading, I am convinced that he is onto a real winner here and this is a series that will undoubtedly go from strength to strength.
The body count is high in See No Evil and the deaths are gruesome; there's something about the removal of eyes that is especially disturbing and the killer's barbaric actions are truly the stuff of nightmares. However, as gory as the murders are – and those looking for a dark, twisted book will certainly not be disappointed – this isn't a gratuitously graphic novel and the involving, complex plot proves to be a thoughtful, multi-layered read that really made me consider my responses to some of what comes to light later in the story.
The Art of Death revealed a little about Grace's troubled past but we learn more about her in See No Evil, including how she responds to events now and those that shaped who she became. Her relationship with her grandfather, whose dementia is worsening, brings her further worries – especially when he begins to cultivate unwise associations following news that horrifies them both. It's clear that the storyline involving his condition will unfold with the greatest sensitivity; while this is a work of fiction, David Fennell's understanding of dementia ensures these scenes are touched with authentic poignancy and he empathetically recognises the warmth, humour and love that persists. Knowing everything that Grace has to cope with means it's not surprising that she has long suffered from terrible nightmares and it's a cruel irony that her demons become less invasive only when she has the distraction of a harrowing case that is likely to haunt her in the future too. Grace's vulnerability is also her strength but she has her doubters and those who wish her harm and it's intriguing to see how she responds to the many challenges she faces here, and what it will mean for her as the series progresses.
Meanwhile, DS Harry Quinn also opens up about his past and there's a particularly emotional scene that plays out beautifully, revealing more about both characters in a way that feels totally natural. In a book that explores the very darkest recesses of humanity, it's the little moments like this which, though achingly sad, also promise so much for the partnership that is developing between the pair.
The characterisation is excellent throughout; it's obvious that David Fennell takes care not to have his victims become merely faceless props and so we learn something about most of them before they die. It's also incontrovertibly true that the tension becomes more unbearable when characters are given some sort of backstory and the suspense level often reaches boiling point. As with The Art of Death, London becomes almost a character in its own right and the sense of place from start to finish is flawless but perhaps the best is kept for Ladywell Playtower, a building in the southeast of the city that now houses a strange religious commune. The ritualistic nature of the killings is paralleled by some of the more extreme practices of Aaron Cronin and his devout followers. The book almost heads into horror territory in a memorably chilling scene and David Fennell's convincingly cinematic writing style is particularly vivid here.
A book in an ongoing crime thriller series such as this needs to bring the case in question to a satisfying conclusion and yet still leave readers wanting more and See No Evil does both exceptionally well. There are stunning revelations, a breathlessly tense hunt for the killer, involving a number of alarmingly credible suspects, and an ominously unsettling sense of threat that seemed to reach a climax here before cleverly leaving me desperate to know what happens next. This is an exceptional thriller and I hope will be a deserved success; it's undoubtedly one of my books of the year and I can't wait to read the next instalment in a series that should be essential reading for anybody who loves intelligent, addictive crime fiction

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well ... if you like your crime fiction dark and your murders grisly, then you definitely need to be checking out David Fennell. It's safe to say that he doesn't hold back when it comes to executing the most deliciously devious murders. Literary only of course. I hope ... See No Evil is another humdinger of a crime story, seeing DI Grace Archer faded with another vicious killer, one who seems to want to send a very clear message, if only they are able to work out what it is and who it is for.

I really enjoyed the author's first novel, The Art Of Death, but this one, for me, just takes things up a notch. He is clearly settling into his stride and getting to know his characters really well. Whilst he established Grace and her partner in crime fighting Harry Quinn, well in book one, I do feel as though I have a much better understanding of them noth now, in part because we explore a touch more of their backstory in this book, especially Grace who has extra reason to be watching her back as the investigation progresses. With worries at home as her grandfather sinks further into his dementia, and pressures are work too with colleagues who resent her presence and her history with the team, she has it coming at her from every angle. Add in a face from the past and a certain amount of personal anxiety linked to her experience on her last major case, it's a wonder she is still so focused. And yet David Fennell has created the perfect balance, allowing us to see Grace's vulnerable side when appropriate, but also allowing her to turn it to a strength when required. It is not something mentioned once and glossed over, it is constant, and I was mindful of it as I read, but it informed rather than inhibited her character in a way which made her ultimately very likeable and relatable. Very human.

The case itself of complex and full of unexpected turns. So many varied and untrustworthy characters who caused me to switch up my certainty over who was, or wasn't, guilty on many occasions throughout the book. It kept me on my toes, kept me guessing and second guessing myself and kept the mystery bubbling along whilst the story, suspects and bodycount built up around it. It was clear that certain characters had a much larger part to play in the whole mystery than it first seemed, but just how was unclear until precisely the right moment. The pacing was perfect, ratcheting up when the tension peaked, and being just fast enough to keep me engaged when the team were engaged in the more mundane elements of the investigation. Not that this is a book which lends itself in any way to the mundane. The ritualistic nature of the murders, the strange sect like community in which some of the victims had been embroiled and the overwhelming sense of threat facing Grace make this anything but routine.

I do love the way in which the author led us very carefully to the climax of this story. I was blindsided by the eventual reveal of the killer, although not entirely surprised by some of the final links that were revealed. The clues were set out for us to follow, it's all down to how much attention you are paying. And then the ending - sets us up nicely for the next book and undoubtedly a whole heap of trouble for Grace.

Fast paced, deliciously dark storytelling, with brilliant and very three dimensional characters you can't help becoming invested in. Seeing the growing camaraderie between Grace, Quinn and new resident analyst, Klara, rand that ultimate sense of threat that ekes out of the conclusion to the novel, really makes me look forward to seeing what dark paths Mr Fennell leads us down next time. Definitely recommended.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed the first book in this series: The Art of Death, back in February last year. I loved every page of it and have been waiting (not so) patiently for this follow up.

The author sets the scene for the whole plot in the very first chapter. Once again, the reader is thrust into the heart of central London where something unimaginable is happening. Once we've learnt what has happened we then join lead character DI Grace Archer as she recovers from a recurring nightmare.

It is not only her dreams that will affect Archer over the next few weeks though. She heads up the investigation into some particularly gruesome killings, where the victim's eyes are gouged out and placed upon their open palms. Almost sacrificial in tone, but why?

Once again, Archer is joined by her trusty sidekick DS Harry Quinn, and what a formidable pair they are. Both of them have their own personal demons, and both of them have their enemies, both within the force and out in the criminal world too. Their past experiences have shaped them and continue to do so throughout the case.

Fennell alluded to Archer's history in his previous book and this is described in more detail in See No Evil. She's suffered trauma over the years, not least, the murder of her policeman father, and when she and her Granddad discover that the person they believe was behind the murder is due to be released, neither of them realise just how much that will affect them.

As the bodies mount up, Archer and Quinn are led to a building known as Ladywell Playtower in the south of the city. A strange, old building, inhabited by even stranger people. It appears to be some sort of a commune, or cult and is led by the enigmatic and cold Aaron.

Once again, I have loved travelling some of the streets of London that I'm familiar with; The Strand, Villiers Street, St Martin's Court. I enjoy being able to picture the locations in my head as I read.

This author does not hold back at all. The reader is faced with some horrific crimes that will shock, and there are details of the past lives of many of the characters that are chilling and quite draining at times. However, the plot line moves at a furious pace, it seems that the murderer is always one step ahead of the investigation, despite the massive efforts put in. Eventually though, the truth is revealed and it's another shocker for sure.

I love this series. I love the characters, the intricate plotting and the clever use of location. I am desperate to read more, especially after THAT ending. Do I really have to wait another year?

Highly recommended from me.

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.I. Grace Archer is a great character; a police inspector with a terrible past to overcome – a past that still disturbs her sleep on a regular basis. She’s still making enemies within the force – for all the right reasons – but that isn’t doing her reputation any favours. D.S. Harry Quinn, solid as a rock is by her side, but he too sometimes feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.

Grace has tenacity and courage, but Fennell also shows us her caring, compassionate side. She is the detective who, in the midst of a personal and professional maelstrom, still takes the time to pick up the phone to someone who got dealt a wrong turn and it is Grace who understands the importance of letting that person know what action has been taken to redress the imbalance. She is caring and compassionate; worries about her closest relative and she is a driven and relentless workaholic.

David Fennell’s books are distinctly on the dark side of crime fiction and this police procedural deals with another set of inventive and sadistic deaths at the hands of a clearly depraved killer. See No Evil is full of the kind of characters who set your teeth on edge; you know the ones – so creepy that you can hear their fingernails scratching down the blackboard just to make you wince.

David Fennell offers up lots of dodgy characters, including a couple that I just loved. He is quite a cinematic writer and it’s easy to visualise all his characters and the settings which made it feel like I was watching a film as I was reading. His plotting is tight and the use of the present tense gives the book an immediate, fast paced feel that really propels it forward.

The storyline involves all kinds of nasties from religious cults to Grace’s own past and as we get to know Grace better, and care more about her, so we need her to triumph over the evil that she battles on a number of fronts. Fennell complements her character with a team of people around her who we are also coming to better understand; not all of them, however, are Archer fans.

Verdict: See No Evil is gruesome and both tense and intense in all the right places. The fiendishly clever, multi-layered plotting has very quickly meant that this addictive series has earned its place in the list of crime series I can’t live without.

[Juliet Bookliterati · Rating 5 out of 5]

See No Evil is the second book in David Fennell’s DCI Grace Archer series. This book picks up after the @nonymous case from the first book. DCI Archer is just returning to work when there is a brutal murder in a park that sees the victim laid out, a cross carved into his face and his eyeballs in his hands. With very little forensic evidence, DCI Archer and her partner DS Harry Quinn find themselves trying to put a case together, but with further murders in the same MO, they soon realise they have another serial killer on the loose.

When I read the first book in this series, The Art of Death, I was drawn in by the troubled charater of DI Archer, and her caustic partner DS Quinn. Archer has to deal with problems at work as she got her job after invstigating the previous DI for corruption. There are those at the station that still resent her for the and want to see her fail, or eve better be dismissed. DS Quinn is not one of those, they make a stange pair, being total opposites, but they work well together. I loved watching their realtionship grow through See No Evil, the trust and confidence leading to both being able to open up to each other about troubles from their past, bringing a new dimension to their relationship and the plot.

In See No Evil David Fennell has created a troubled and horrific serial killer; cutting out the vitims eyes and placing them on their hands is gruesome. The intrict plot line, combined with the sub plot of a young woman being killed by a car and found with drugs in her system, kept my attention throughout. To say it was twisty is an understatement, with the plot going off in different tangents, and a suspected killer with an alibi, I honestly had no idea where this book was going. Into this we are also witness to DI Archer having to deal with issues from her past.

Do I recommend See No Evil? Yes, I definitely do. This is brilliantly plotted and well crafted leaving me wanting more from David Fennell, and Archer and Quinn. I loved learning more about DI Archer and DS Quinn, and seeing their relationship develop, and I felt invested in their stories. Intelligent and deliciously dark this is a riviting and compelling read, and one I highly recommend.

[Jacob Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy fast paced, gripping police procedurals, then you need to read David Fennel’s Detective Grace Archer series. I loved the first book so I couldn’t wait to start reading the second book in the series, See No Evil. Grace Archer is such a fascinating character with a dark and mysterious past. This time around she and her team are on the hunt for another sadistic killer, following the discovery of two mutilated bodies of two men in Battersea Park. Do they have another serial killer on their hands?

The pace in David Fennell’s books is spot on and I’ve raced through both of his books. He knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and as Grace’s investigation into the brutal killings moves forward, I had to know who was behind them. Throughout the book I was constantly questioning the motives behind the killings, and I could never quite work out the real truth behind the motives. This was what made it such a tense and intriguing read and it kept me turning the pages. I really wanted to know why the victim’s had been killed, and if they’d done anything in their past, which meant that someone wanted to do this to them.

David Fennell explores some intriguing themes in this book, including religious cults, which adds to the depth and mystery of the case Grace is investigating. The sense of danger is there as Grace attempts to find out more behind one particular cult, which has links to a series of murders that took place several years earlier. David Fennell raises the stakes as the book progresses and we can see just how much danger Grace is putting herself in, especially with more revelations about her past are brought to light, which is very intriguing.

You know right from the very first pages that you are in for a nail biting read, and David Fennell does not disappoint. I thought the reveals which came towards the end were clever and they were very satisfactory. The final chapter in this book ends on such a chilling note. It has made me desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series as soon as possible.

See No Evil is an addictive and a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you love a good police procedural series then you need to give David Fennell’s books a go. I highly recommend them.

[Kate: The Quick and the Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fennell's first book, 'The Art of Death', was one of my top crime books of last year so I was eagerly awaiting this sequel and a chance to follow the story of DI Grace Archer of London's Metropolitan Police. Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for my copy for review - as always, opinions are entirely my own.

This book opens with some gruesome murders - we have missing eyes and disfigured faces as a particularly grim modus operandi this time. DI Grace Archer and her partner, DS Harry Quinn, find themselves racing against time to uncover the killer as the body count rises...and rises...and rises. Investigations begin to centre on a religious commune, but at the same time start to skirt too close to Archer's own dark past.

All the promises made by 'The Art of Death' are delivered on here - some graphic murders, brilliantly twisty plotting and some genuine surprises along the way. However, as with the first novel, the real strength is in the characterisation of DI Grace Archer and DS Harry Quinn. Archer is struggling with her horrific past, although this adds genuine peril to her present rather than becoming a crime novel cliche. Her relationship with her grandfather (with whom she lives) is gorgeous and relatable, but with challenges given his dementia. DS Harry Quinn is also a lovely character and the warm relationship between the two detectives is packed with wit and affection - something that is a welcome diversion from the darkness of the book's themes at times.

This isn't a book for the faint-hearted and there are some themes that might prove difficult for some readers, not least child abuse, violence and drugs. Grace Archer's past as a kidnap victim (already explained in the first book) also makes for some tough reading.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this book - I raced through it and didn't foresee the final denouement at all, the mark of an excellent crime novel when the solution makes sense (as it does here). I genuinely cannot wait for DI Grace Archer's next outing.