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DI Eleanor Raven #2
The Vault
VAULT: A large room or chamber used for storage of valuables, especially an underground one…
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details – the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical. Where do you go when the place you feel safest is also the place where you are most at risk?
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details – the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical. Where do you go when the place you feel safest is also the place where you are most at risk?
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
124 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
About the author
Karen Long
3 books85 followersKaren Long was born and raised in the English Midlands, read English Literature and Drama at Bangor University and later on studied Neurobiology with the Open University. She began her working life as a secondary school teacher but took up full time writing ten years ago. The Eleanor Raven trilogy is now being republished by @Bookouture. The first book is the series 'Cry For Mercy' is available as a pre-order. Release date 16th November 2020.
She is an enthusiastic traveller dedicating considerable time to pursuing her lifelong obsession with the natural world. There is nothing too slimy, too scaly, too dangerous or toxic for her not to want to observe and photograph it badly. Her particular love is for the crow family and she has looked after and rehabilitated numerous rooks, magpies, carrion crows, jackdaws and raven.
She lives in Los Angeles.
She is an enthusiastic traveller dedicating considerable time to pursuing her lifelong obsession with the natural world. There is nothing too slimy, too scaly, too dangerous or toxic for her not to want to observe and photograph it badly. Her particular love is for the crow family and she has looked after and rehabilitated numerous rooks, magpies, carrion crows, jackdaws and raven.
She lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 23, 2016
I loved this book! I'm keen to read the first in this series. Karen Long is a crime author to watch for sure. I'd read anything she writes.
I'm a huge crime fan. Love a big bad serial killer. Love kill methods that are gruesome and unusual. I adore a Detective who is flawed but I love. I thrive in tension and suspense. I get excited at twists and reveals and love a great tension filled ending.
The Vault totally delivered!
VAULT: A large room or chamber used for storage of valuables, especially an underground one…
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details –the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical. Where do you go when the place you feel safest is also the place where you are most at risk?
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
I'm a fan of female Detectives, especially flawed and damaged ones. DI Eleanor Raven really fits this profile. I loved her as a character. Her tenacity is infectious.
From the discovery of the first body, the handiwork of the killer is gradually revealed to be something very different. I was hooked, reading page after page in complete book immersion.
I knew the hunt for this killer was going to be really interesting. If like me you love books with all I've mentioned above you will like this. It's got so many great elements.
Why is the killer killing like he/she does? What's the psychology behind the methods? Is he/she in DI Raven's sight or not? My brain was keen to read along trying to work it out too along with her.
All round tense and thrilling reading. A plot with a difference, a hunt for a killer with serious issues. It's got everything you need in a book you can't put down!
This one is a 5 star paw print read from Booklover Catlady. Very enjoyable, loved the book and recommend to others. Top crime fiction! I'll be reading the previous book about DI Raven and the next!
See more of my reviews at:
https://www.facebook.com/ BookloverCatlady
Follow me on Twitter, I talk back!:
http://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review, many thanks!
I'm a huge crime fan. Love a big bad serial killer. Love kill methods that are gruesome and unusual. I adore a Detective who is flawed but I love. I thrive in tension and suspense. I get excited at twists and reveals and love a great tension filled ending.
The Vault totally delivered!
VAULT: A large room or chamber used for storage of valuables, especially an underground one…
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details –the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical. Where do you go when the place you feel safest is also the place where you are most at risk?
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
I'm a fan of female Detectives, especially flawed and damaged ones. DI Eleanor Raven really fits this profile. I loved her as a character. Her tenacity is infectious.
From the discovery of the first body, the handiwork of the killer is gradually revealed to be something very different. I was hooked, reading page after page in complete book immersion.
I knew the hunt for this killer was going to be really interesting. If like me you love books with all I've mentioned above you will like this. It's got so many great elements.
Why is the killer killing like he/she does? What's the psychology behind the methods? Is he/she in DI Raven's sight or not? My brain was keen to read along trying to work it out too along with her.
All round tense and thrilling reading. A plot with a difference, a hunt for a killer with serious issues. It's got everything you need in a book you can't put down!
This one is a 5 star paw print read from Booklover Catlady. Very enjoyable, loved the book and recommend to others. Top crime fiction! I'll be reading the previous book about DI Raven and the next!
See more of my reviews at:
https://www.facebook.com/ BookloverCatlady
Follow me on Twitter, I talk back!:
http://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review, many thanks!
June 29, 2021
D.I. Eleanor Raven is back following a horrific attack by a serial killer (SAFE WORD). She is reunited with her new partner, Detective Laurence Whitefoot, as well as her old partner, Mo.
When skeletal remains are found on a land fill site, Raven and her team are called. What they find, at first, looks and almost feels like a doll, but tests prove the remains are, indeed, human ... and the victim has been embalmed.
More women are found in the same condition and not until a young child is abducted does Raven begin to make the connections.
The character of Eleanor Raven is multi-layered. She's a true victim advocate in that she will do whatever necessary to see that the victims find justice. She had secrets in SAFE WORD that led to her capture by a deviant. It's only thanks to her new partner that she is rescued. In this book, more of her secrets see the light of day and explanations of why those secrets are so important to Raven.
Detective Whitefoot is another extremely interesting character. New to the team in SAFE WORD, he only wants to fit in with the team. In this book, he has asked for a transfer to another unit. Since he discovered one of Raven's secrets, they are both uncomfortable working together. But what I really want to know is his back story. He is .. or was... a physician before becoming a law enforcement officer. Now that's a real change of careers.. and I'd love to know why.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When skeletal remains are found on a land fill site, Raven and her team are called. What they find, at first, looks and almost feels like a doll, but tests prove the remains are, indeed, human ... and the victim has been embalmed.
More women are found in the same condition and not until a young child is abducted does Raven begin to make the connections.
The character of Eleanor Raven is multi-layered. She's a true victim advocate in that she will do whatever necessary to see that the victims find justice. She had secrets in SAFE WORD that led to her capture by a deviant. It's only thanks to her new partner that she is rescued. In this book, more of her secrets see the light of day and explanations of why those secrets are so important to Raven.
Detective Whitefoot is another extremely interesting character. New to the team in SAFE WORD, he only wants to fit in with the team. In this book, he has asked for a transfer to another unit. Since he discovered one of Raven's secrets, they are both uncomfortable working together. But what I really want to know is his back story. He is .. or was... a physician before becoming a law enforcement officer. Now that's a real change of careers.. and I'd love to know why.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 15, 2021
3.5 stars
Perfect Little Dolls by Karen Long is the second in the Detective Eleanor Raven series. Note that when it was originally published in 2014, it was titled "The Vault".
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Eleanor Raven works for the Homicide Department of the Toronto Police Department. Her boss, Chief Inspector Marty Samuelson has been her boss since she graduated over 10 years ago, and tries to support her. Her long-time partner Mo has recently had a heart attack, but is now back part-time. The rest of her team consists of Wadesky, Timms, and her new partner Detective Laurence Whitefoot.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Eleanor is still recovering from the kidnapping and torture that occurred 6 months ago. Physically, her leg still throbs, and she has problems swallowing. Her mind, however, is in worse shape. As well, she cannot handle the fact that her new partner knows about her secret sex life. She is back at work, but no one is sure that she should be.
When the plasticized body of a young woman is found in the dump, the case promises to be bizarre. As the body is finally identified as Giselle Baker, they track down both the bar where she worked, and her room-mate. Other than finding out she supposedly had a rich boyfriend that no one had met, they do find a strange wooden carving of a snake, and the room-mate tells them that someone had broken in and stole some baby skulls that Giselle had owned as well.
When another woman goes missing, and then a small boy, Eleanor is sure they are tied together. No one else is convinced.
My Opinions:
I'm still confused as to this British author setting her series in Toronto Canada. It would be okay if the detective (who uses British slang and words), would be identified as a British detective, but apparently she's Canadian. Her old partner lost 4 stone.....we use pounds when talking about a persons weight in Canada.... The research done by the author is rather lacking. If the stories weren't so good I'd throw in the towel. I'm hoping her third novel will correct some of these issues.
Characters are really important in a series, as in any book. I didn't really like Eleanor in this one, and although I did not really consider her flawed in the first book, her demeanor in this one definitely had me re-thinking that. I still think she is a very capable and strong-willed detective, whose heart is in the right place. I love her boss. However, I did not like the discord between Whitefoot and the team. I was on Whitefoot's side most of the time.
The plot was a little different, and quite dark, but it was good, as was the pace.
I am looking forward to the next one!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Perfect Little Dolls by Karen Long is the second in the Detective Eleanor Raven series. Note that when it was originally published in 2014, it was titled "The Vault".
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Eleanor Raven works for the Homicide Department of the Toronto Police Department. Her boss, Chief Inspector Marty Samuelson has been her boss since she graduated over 10 years ago, and tries to support her. Her long-time partner Mo has recently had a heart attack, but is now back part-time. The rest of her team consists of Wadesky, Timms, and her new partner Detective Laurence Whitefoot.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Eleanor is still recovering from the kidnapping and torture that occurred 6 months ago. Physically, her leg still throbs, and she has problems swallowing. Her mind, however, is in worse shape. As well, she cannot handle the fact that her new partner knows about her secret sex life. She is back at work, but no one is sure that she should be.
When the plasticized body of a young woman is found in the dump, the case promises to be bizarre. As the body is finally identified as Giselle Baker, they track down both the bar where she worked, and her room-mate. Other than finding out she supposedly had a rich boyfriend that no one had met, they do find a strange wooden carving of a snake, and the room-mate tells them that someone had broken in and stole some baby skulls that Giselle had owned as well.
When another woman goes missing, and then a small boy, Eleanor is sure they are tied together. No one else is convinced.
My Opinions:
I'm still confused as to this British author setting her series in Toronto Canada. It would be okay if the detective (who uses British slang and words), would be identified as a British detective, but apparently she's Canadian. Her old partner lost 4 stone.....we use pounds when talking about a persons weight in Canada.... The research done by the author is rather lacking. If the stories weren't so good I'd throw in the towel. I'm hoping her third novel will correct some of these issues.
Characters are really important in a series, as in any book. I didn't really like Eleanor in this one, and although I did not really consider her flawed in the first book, her demeanor in this one definitely had me re-thinking that. I still think she is a very capable and strong-willed detective, whose heart is in the right place. I love her boss. However, I did not like the discord between Whitefoot and the team. I was on Whitefoot's side most of the time.
The plot was a little different, and quite dark, but it was good, as was the pace.
I am looking forward to the next one!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 15, 2016
At first I thought I had read this book as there was something eerily familiar in the plot. But I checked, and I have never read anything from this author previously. So it is just incredibly similar to a book I read last year.....
I have not read the first book in the series, The Safe Word, and probably won't.
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details – the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical.
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
This book just didn't flow for me. It was interesting, but not gripping. I think that if I had not so recently read another with a very similar plot, I may have enjoyed this one more, but then again....
Thank to NetGalley and publishers Lawsome Books for a digital ARC of The Vault in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I have not read the first book in the series, The Safe Word, and probably won't.
In the unrelenting heat of the Toronto summer, a fire at a land-fill site uncovers the remains of a local prostitute. But the post-mortem reveals disturbing details – the body has been preserved and is not who or what it seems.
DI Eleanor Raven is back on duty six months after barely surviving being kidnapped and tortured by a depraved serial killer. Work is her sanctuary but she’s carrying deep scars – mental as well as physical.
As Eleanor battles her own demons, it looks as though a killer in the city is making a gruesome human collection. And Eleanor’s fight to save the last victim of the Collector becomes a battle to save herself.
This book just didn't flow for me. It was interesting, but not gripping. I think that if I had not so recently read another with a very similar plot, I may have enjoyed this one more, but then again....
Thank to NetGalley and publishers Lawsome Books for a digital ARC of The Vault in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 29, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Karen Long for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3 stars.
Ohh this was a hard one and one that I am struggling to review because I am in two minds about it.
Before I begin, I haven't read the first in this series and while it's not necessary, I think it would probably have let me know that the main character, Eleanor, isn't my type of person. I normally really like these kinds of detective stories so that's how I know it was the character and not the main storyline.
In the first quarter of the story, is a scene that really knocked me sideways. I hadn't expected it and it really disconnected me from DI Eleanor Raven and from there onwards, she left a bitter taste in my mouth and I found myself disliking the story because my respect for her was gone.
But I tried to put that aside and focus on the story. Pretending that scene wasn't there and I then found it to be otherwise well written, intense at times, and quite interesting. So I have two frames of mind for this. But in saying that, I know my opinion on what I read is based on my personal issues and others wouldn't be bothered by it which is why I tried to read it from another perspective.
I can see that this book is clearly enjoyed by others so for that reason, I would suggest you give it a go but as this is my opinion and my view of the story, I had to add how it affected me.
While I wouldn't continue with this series, I would give this author another go.
3 stars.
Ohh this was a hard one and one that I am struggling to review because I am in two minds about it.
Before I begin, I haven't read the first in this series and while it's not necessary, I think it would probably have let me know that the main character, Eleanor, isn't my type of person. I normally really like these kinds of detective stories so that's how I know it was the character and not the main storyline.
In the first quarter of the story, is a scene that really knocked me sideways. I hadn't expected it and it really disconnected me from DI Eleanor Raven and from there onwards, she left a bitter taste in my mouth and I found myself disliking the story because my respect for her was gone.
But I tried to put that aside and focus on the story. Pretending that scene wasn't there and I then found it to be otherwise well written, intense at times, and quite interesting. So I have two frames of mind for this. But in saying that, I know my opinion on what I read is based on my personal issues and others wouldn't be bothered by it which is why I tried to read it from another perspective.
I can see that this book is clearly enjoyed by others so for that reason, I would suggest you give it a go but as this is my opinion and my view of the story, I had to add how it affected me.
While I wouldn't continue with this series, I would give this author another go.
July 28, 2015
I received this book off Net Galley / Lawsome books in exchange for a honest review. I had never heard of this author previously but I was intrigued by the write up for this novel and decided to read it. This is the second book in the series but it did not spoil my enjoyment not having read the first one. The main character is DI Eleanor Raven who like a lot of serialised detectives is much troubled and flawed but this gives the author plenty of scope to build on as the series develops further. This gritty novel is a very good read and I will look to read more of Karen Long's books in the future.
January 26, 2021
Perfect little dolls is a crime thriller, when a preserved dead body is found at a tip DI Eleanor Raven is called to the scene on her first day back to active duty. Eleanor is still recovering from her near death experience from her last case, she clearly still has issues. But Eleanor can see things others can't, when two more dead bodies and a young boy goes missing she suspects there's a link, however everyone else doubts her.
I haven't read the first book in this series and after finishing this book and even knowing the outcome of the first one I will be adding it to my TBR list. I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. The narrative is in third person but yet I felt quite a personal connection to Eleanor and Toby. What I loved so much about this book is we know who they are looking for straight away as we get his story parallel to the investigation. I really felt the tension raising throughout the book. Would they make it in time or not.
DI Eleanor Raven is a fantastic pragmatist she is not perfect by any means and has clear psychological issues. I found that made her character more endearing to me than if she was just this perfect detective. I loved the inclusion of her therapy sessions throughout the story. It really helped build a narrative surrounding her.
The "bad guy" is an interesting choice. I felt quite a pull towards him as a troubled man who just wants love. But he also clearly was a sociopath. It's great honestly!
I would totally recommend the perfect dolls, it reads well as a stand alone but I would definitely suggest reading the first book in the series if you are a lover of crime thrillers therefore when you read this one you won't read loads of spoilers. However saying that I haven't read the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of Katerina Diamond, Micheal Connelly or Belinda Bauer you will love this! Happy to rate 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
I haven't read the first book in this series and after finishing this book and even knowing the outcome of the first one I will be adding it to my TBR list. I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. The narrative is in third person but yet I felt quite a personal connection to Eleanor and Toby. What I loved so much about this book is we know who they are looking for straight away as we get his story parallel to the investigation. I really felt the tension raising throughout the book. Would they make it in time or not.
DI Eleanor Raven is a fantastic pragmatist she is not perfect by any means and has clear psychological issues. I found that made her character more endearing to me than if she was just this perfect detective. I loved the inclusion of her therapy sessions throughout the story. It really helped build a narrative surrounding her.
The "bad guy" is an interesting choice. I felt quite a pull towards him as a troubled man who just wants love. But he also clearly was a sociopath. It's great honestly!
I would totally recommend the perfect dolls, it reads well as a stand alone but I would definitely suggest reading the first book in the series if you are a lover of crime thrillers therefore when you read this one you won't read loads of spoilers. However saying that I haven't read the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of Katerina Diamond, Micheal Connelly or Belinda Bauer you will love this! Happy to rate 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
July 26, 2015
ARC for review.
Decided to give DI Eleanor Raven one more go.....
I suppose that Long decided to spend book one introducing us to DI Raven and her partner Laurence Whitefoot without giving us much of a mystery. The storyline is a bit better here, however Whitefoot is nearly totally absent, which is odd.
The Vault brings us an even MORE damaged DI Raven and we spend nearly as much time with her treatment as with the central crimes. To be honest but there's much more actual plot this time (though it seems a bit time-worn) but adding that to the incredibly complex DI Raven, her tense relationship with her partners (and, in fact, everyone with whom she comes into contact) and memorable secondary characters (Long has a great talent with these) make for an above average police procedural.
Another two minor notes, which which those familiar with Toronto may disagree. The books are set in the city, but I get absolutely no sense of it at all - it's as if they take place in featureless, anonymous large city. And the criminal profiler is named "Delaware"? Homage to Kellerman or incredibly coincidental?
Decided to give DI Eleanor Raven one more go.....
I suppose that Long decided to spend book one introducing us to DI Raven and her partner Laurence Whitefoot without giving us much of a mystery. The storyline is a bit better here, however Whitefoot is nearly totally absent, which is odd.
The Vault brings us an even MORE damaged DI Raven and we spend nearly as much time with her treatment as with the central crimes. To be honest but there's much more actual plot this time (though it seems a bit time-worn) but adding that to the incredibly complex DI Raven, her tense relationship with her partners (and, in fact, everyone with whom she comes into contact) and memorable secondary characters (Long has a great talent with these) make for an above average police procedural.
Another two minor notes, which which those familiar with Toronto may disagree. The books are set in the city, but I get absolutely no sense of it at all - it's as if they take place in featureless, anonymous large city. And the criminal profiler is named "Delaware"? Homage to Kellerman or incredibly coincidental?
January 8, 2021
Creepy.
Eleanor returns to work after leave to recover from kidnapping and torture at the hands of a killer. Whitefoot, her partner, requested a transfer - he found her, unable to cope with his guilt.
A man found a well preserved corpse in the landfill and brought her to his home on the outskirts. Eleanor and Whitefoot are assigned the case.
Toby has worked for ROM, a Toronto museum, for decades. Over the past few years, he has been slipping newly acquired pieces to his home. He also preserves women of a certain type afternoon killing them.
Told from Toby and Eleanor's perspectives, this plot is a slow build. I was very interested in the characters, held my attention but felt too long. Details were slow.
Eleanor returns to work after leave to recover from kidnapping and torture at the hands of a killer. Whitefoot, her partner, requested a transfer - he found her, unable to cope with his guilt.
A man found a well preserved corpse in the landfill and brought her to his home on the outskirts. Eleanor and Whitefoot are assigned the case.
Toby has worked for ROM, a Toronto museum, for decades. Over the past few years, he has been slipping newly acquired pieces to his home. He also preserves women of a certain type afternoon killing them.
Told from Toby and Eleanor's perspectives, this plot is a slow build. I was very interested in the characters, held my attention but felt too long. Details were slow.
October 28, 2015
I feel like I got to know Eleanor a little better in this second book in the series. I hope in the next book she can grow and overcome some of her issues; I feel that if she let Laurence in they would be quite the formidable team against criminals. I would also like to delve more into Laurence's back story...why did he stop practicing medicine?
The mystery in this book wasn't quite as intense as in The Safe Word, but it still kept my interest.
I have enjoyed both books enough to keep me continuing with the series, if she writes another.
The mystery in this book wasn't quite as intense as in The Safe Word, but it still kept my interest.
I have enjoyed both books enough to keep me continuing with the series, if she writes another.
January 5, 2021
This was an enjoyable and disturbing thriller, not for the faint of heart. Note that this is the 2nd in a series but I personally couldn't find any reference to it being part of a series and had not read the first one. Though it can be read as a standalone, I spent the first part of the book confused about who was who and not really understanding the main character's background or the dynamics between the characters, so I'd recommend going in order.
The book centers on Eleanor, who is a police detective also dealing with her own demons. When a preserved body is found in a landfill, she and her team scramble to figure out what is happening and who would have the skill and the means to do this to a body. Additional bodies and missing persons pile up and Eleanor determines that these are all connected and that they need to move quickly before more deaths occur.
I really wasn't into the first half of the book- I couldn't keep the characters straight and I didn't feel like I understood why Eleanor did some of the things she did. I also felt like much of their investigation involved hunches and jumping to conclusions rather than following the evidence.
Then, more than halfway through the book, it all came together me. I still thought that there was a fine line between educated guessing and true police work, but the investigation got more interesting, and the look in to the villain's motivations was dark and gruesome, which enhanced my thrill factor.
Overall, I rate this book 3 stars based primarily on the 2nd half. I am not sure I will read the next book in the series, as I fear it will be hard to get into as well, but I did think that the overall storyline was unique and thrilling, so it's a possibility. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book centers on Eleanor, who is a police detective also dealing with her own demons. When a preserved body is found in a landfill, she and her team scramble to figure out what is happening and who would have the skill and the means to do this to a body. Additional bodies and missing persons pile up and Eleanor determines that these are all connected and that they need to move quickly before more deaths occur.
I really wasn't into the first half of the book- I couldn't keep the characters straight and I didn't feel like I understood why Eleanor did some of the things she did. I also felt like much of their investigation involved hunches and jumping to conclusions rather than following the evidence.
Then, more than halfway through the book, it all came together me. I still thought that there was a fine line between educated guessing and true police work, but the investigation got more interesting, and the look in to the villain's motivations was dark and gruesome, which enhanced my thrill factor.
Overall, I rate this book 3 stars based primarily on the 2nd half. I am not sure I will read the next book in the series, as I fear it will be hard to get into as well, but I did think that the overall storyline was unique and thrilling, so it's a possibility. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
Perfect Little Dolls by Karen long is the second book in the DI Eleanor Raven series. Perfect Little Dolls was previously published as The Vault. Unfortunately this was my first time reading a book by Long but it will not be the last.
The discovery of a young womens charred body nestled in a trash heap sets in motion the discovery of one of the most bizzare psychopaths you will ever meet. Shockingly her body has been preserved and dressed to appear nothing more than a discarded "love doll".
The discoveries do not stop with body #1. More and more "dolls" are quickly found. Who has been collecting these human dolls and why? Can DI Eleanor Raven crack the case before a new doll gets added to the collection?
Perfect Little Dolls is a fast paced thriller that both shocked and appalled me in the best ways. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I am eager to read more of DI Eleanor Raven and do plan to go back and start at book one. While this book can be read alone I highly urge that you start at the beginning.
Thank you Bookouture for having me as part of this blog tour.I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The discovery of a young womens charred body nestled in a trash heap sets in motion the discovery of one of the most bizzare psychopaths you will ever meet. Shockingly her body has been preserved and dressed to appear nothing more than a discarded "love doll".
The discoveries do not stop with body #1. More and more "dolls" are quickly found. Who has been collecting these human dolls and why? Can DI Eleanor Raven crack the case before a new doll gets added to the collection?
Perfect Little Dolls is a fast paced thriller that both shocked and appalled me in the best ways. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I am eager to read more of DI Eleanor Raven and do plan to go back and start at book one. While this book can be read alone I highly urge that you start at the beginning.
Thank you Bookouture for having me as part of this blog tour.I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2021
Pretty Little Dolls gripped me from the very beginning. A dark, compelling, fast paced thriller with so many unexpected twists that you can't turn the pages fast enough.
The story was so well written, with great characters that kept me invested in the story from beginning to the end
The story was so well written, with great characters that kept me invested in the story from beginning to the end
January 29, 2021
This second in the crime thriller series featuring DI Eleanor Raven and her colleagues at the Toronto Police Homicide Division is every bit as action-packed and suspenseful as the first. In this outing, the team is confronted by unusual burnt remains at a local landfill. When questioned, the somewhat handicapped worker and entry grade sanitation officer who lived on site claimed that he thought the body was actually a mannequin.
Eleanor is returning to active duty 6 months after being horrifically injured in a previous case and still undergoing psychiatric evaluation in order to determine her fitness for her job. As she and her partner, Detective Laurence Whitefoot, begin the investigation, they find that the victim was a transsexual who frequented a local bar when she disappeared over 2 years ago. When links are connected to another murdered woman and then a kidnapped boy, Eleanor and the team discover that this killer may actually be trying to preserve his victims with some sort of sick embalming methods. Can the team piece together this extraordinary story in time to stop this disturbed psychopath? NO SPOILERS.
It was great to read this one immediately after the first and I enjoyed it immensely. A very quick read and fast-paced narrative will keep you glued to the pages and you'll want to finish in a single session. I like Eleanor, even though she's as messed up as every other female detective in this genre lately, because she's tormented in a different way. Typical of the trope, she often goes off on her own and has trouble with relationships which ends up putting herself in peril. I hope that future books will see her settling down a bit and that she will find continuing therapy beneficial. I'd like to see more development in the partnership between Eleanor and Lightfoot, and hope to learn more about the other characters as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Eleanor is returning to active duty 6 months after being horrifically injured in a previous case and still undergoing psychiatric evaluation in order to determine her fitness for her job. As she and her partner, Detective Laurence Whitefoot, begin the investigation, they find that the victim was a transsexual who frequented a local bar when she disappeared over 2 years ago. When links are connected to another murdered woman and then a kidnapped boy, Eleanor and the team discover that this killer may actually be trying to preserve his victims with some sort of sick embalming methods. Can the team piece together this extraordinary story in time to stop this disturbed psychopath? NO SPOILERS.
It was great to read this one immediately after the first and I enjoyed it immensely. A very quick read and fast-paced narrative will keep you glued to the pages and you'll want to finish in a single session. I like Eleanor, even though she's as messed up as every other female detective in this genre lately, because she's tormented in a different way. Typical of the trope, she often goes off on her own and has trouble with relationships which ends up putting herself in peril. I hope that future books will see her settling down a bit and that she will find continuing therapy beneficial. I'd like to see more development in the partnership between Eleanor and Lightfoot, and hope to learn more about the other characters as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
January 3, 2021
4.5 stars
Just like the first book, this one goes on the darker, sinister side of thrillers. So many twists and unexpected turns, so many dark moments that kept me invested in the story from the beginning to the last page.
I remember watching a CSI episode with a psychopath killer that lived in the past and transformed his victims into dolls , from the makeup to the clothes and even the 70s outfit and air altogether. Just like in that tv play, this story keeps the fast pace throughout the book and will leave some readers shocked at some moments.
Gripping, compelling and a must read novel for the dark thrillers lovers.
Just like the first book, this one goes on the darker, sinister side of thrillers. So many twists and unexpected turns, so many dark moments that kept me invested in the story from the beginning to the last page.
I remember watching a CSI episode with a psychopath killer that lived in the past and transformed his victims into dolls , from the makeup to the clothes and even the 70s outfit and air altogether. Just like in that tv play, this story keeps the fast pace throughout the book and will leave some readers shocked at some moments.
Gripping, compelling and a must read novel for the dark thrillers lovers.
February 9, 2015
I love discovering new crime series especially when they feature strong female detectives so I was really pleased to be invited to take part in Karen Long's blog tour for her latest book The Vault. A big thank you to Lou at Crime Book Club for inviting me to be part of this tour.
In The Vault we join DI Eleanor Raven a few months after her very narrow escape from death in the first book in the series The Safe Word. Eleanor has spent the last 6 months recuperating after her run in with a mad man and this book starts with her returning to work & landing a particularly disturbing homicide case on her first day back. Whilst disturbing the case initially looks to be a fairly straight forward murder with a woman's body being found at the local landfill site after a fire. That is until more bodies are uncovered on the site and the most worrying thing is that all of the bodies looked to have been preserved in some way. It would appear that once again a serial killer is on the loose in Toronto and it is up to DI Raven & her team to catch them. This time it looks very much as though the killer is murdering women in order to add them to his collection hence he earns the name The Collector.
I fell in love with Eleanor Raven in the first book, she's somewhat cold, strong willed with a darkness about her and it was really great watching her character develop in this book. There is a real intensity about her and she finds it very hard to trust and let people in - we much more vulnerability about her in this book as she battles with the emotional & physical scars from the attack that nearly killed her in book 1. She is still struggling to find common ground and make things work with her new partner Detective Whitefoot, the tension between the two of them is fantastic not helped by the fact that Eleanor wrongly accused Whitefoot of something at the end of The Safe Word. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens between these two characters. Is she able to let him in enough to be friends or is it actually going to go even further? Karen Long has written DI Raven so well and I can't think of any characters quite like her, she clearly has issues and is emotionally flawed yet is still a fantastic detective.
The other great thing about this series is the cast of wonderful secondary characters. Detective Whitefoot obviously has a past that we don't fully know about yet & it will be interesting to see what made him change his career path from being a Dr so drastically. Then we have Eleanor's old partner who is back at work but on restricted duties due to his ill health, he is the one person that calls Eleanor, Ellie which proves that she does let people in eventually. Her boss is a great character, a typical chief but DI Raven seems to know just how to wrap him round her finger. She also has a really good relationship with the other officers on her team and it is clear that she is very well respected by them.
As much as I enjoyed The Safe Word this book is so much better. Long has really developed both the main & secondary characters & this book has a much tighter plot that moves it along at a quicker pace. I love the darkness that Karen Long brings to these books, they really add a little something different to other crime fiction novels and the Toronto location is a great setting. The Vault can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but to truly appreciate the characters and Long's writing I recommend starting at the beginning with The Safe Word.
I highly recommend both The Vault & the DI Raven series to all crime fiction lovers who don't mind a bit of darkness in what they read. The Vault is pretty hard hitting & at times had me squirming so not an easy read by any means but a totally addictive one. Karen Long writes a really gritty story and tackles some real seedy issues head on. This series has so much potential and I'll now be eagerly awaiting the third instalment. What are you waiting for, go buy!
Amazon UK / Goodreads
In The Vault we join DI Eleanor Raven a few months after her very narrow escape from death in the first book in the series The Safe Word. Eleanor has spent the last 6 months recuperating after her run in with a mad man and this book starts with her returning to work & landing a particularly disturbing homicide case on her first day back. Whilst disturbing the case initially looks to be a fairly straight forward murder with a woman's body being found at the local landfill site after a fire. That is until more bodies are uncovered on the site and the most worrying thing is that all of the bodies looked to have been preserved in some way. It would appear that once again a serial killer is on the loose in Toronto and it is up to DI Raven & her team to catch them. This time it looks very much as though the killer is murdering women in order to add them to his collection hence he earns the name The Collector.
I fell in love with Eleanor Raven in the first book, she's somewhat cold, strong willed with a darkness about her and it was really great watching her character develop in this book. There is a real intensity about her and she finds it very hard to trust and let people in - we much more vulnerability about her in this book as she battles with the emotional & physical scars from the attack that nearly killed her in book 1. She is still struggling to find common ground and make things work with her new partner Detective Whitefoot, the tension between the two of them is fantastic not helped by the fact that Eleanor wrongly accused Whitefoot of something at the end of The Safe Word. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens between these two characters. Is she able to let him in enough to be friends or is it actually going to go even further? Karen Long has written DI Raven so well and I can't think of any characters quite like her, she clearly has issues and is emotionally flawed yet is still a fantastic detective.
The other great thing about this series is the cast of wonderful secondary characters. Detective Whitefoot obviously has a past that we don't fully know about yet & it will be interesting to see what made him change his career path from being a Dr so drastically. Then we have Eleanor's old partner who is back at work but on restricted duties due to his ill health, he is the one person that calls Eleanor, Ellie which proves that she does let people in eventually. Her boss is a great character, a typical chief but DI Raven seems to know just how to wrap him round her finger. She also has a really good relationship with the other officers on her team and it is clear that she is very well respected by them.
As much as I enjoyed The Safe Word this book is so much better. Long has really developed both the main & secondary characters & this book has a much tighter plot that moves it along at a quicker pace. I love the darkness that Karen Long brings to these books, they really add a little something different to other crime fiction novels and the Toronto location is a great setting. The Vault can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but to truly appreciate the characters and Long's writing I recommend starting at the beginning with The Safe Word.
I highly recommend both The Vault & the DI Raven series to all crime fiction lovers who don't mind a bit of darkness in what they read. The Vault is pretty hard hitting & at times had me squirming so not an easy read by any means but a totally addictive one. Karen Long writes a really gritty story and tackles some real seedy issues head on. This series has so much potential and I'll now be eagerly awaiting the third instalment. What are you waiting for, go buy!
Amazon UK / Goodreads
February 5, 2015
Read the full review and more like this at: Polkadot's Book Blog
"You were killed in that warehouse Detective Inspector Raven. Lee Hughes murdered you."
I was so excited for this book because The Safe Word, the first book in the Eleanor Raven series, was one of the first books that started my intrigue and fascination for the crime thriller genre. It had me hooked so I was really interested to see how long it would take for me to get pulled in for this one. The answer being... the very first page. So it was clear to see that it didn't take long for me to delve back into the logically and organised mind of DI Eleanor Raven but this time there was a hint of trepidation that was missing from the last story and it shows that what had happened then had deeply affected her.
From the get go I was really excited and interested to see how Raven and Laurence would be communicating, as the way things were left between them in the ending of The Safe Word didn't really spell out happily ever after, I wanted to see if their partnership had developed at all. While it was clear in the beginning that things weren't great between them it did develop as the story went on. Making it clear that for things to go smoothly there had to be a lot of growth from the characters, which was seen by the progress Eleanor was making. It was really nice to see because it made what happen to her much more realistic and I loved how you could see the strength she was trying to put out was just a farce. It made her much more relatable which wasn't always seen in the first book.
Overall The Vault has all the complex and brilliant qualities that was seen in The Safe Word, yet the characters had developed and grown so much more and there was a lot more mystery and intrigue that I found it really hard not to get drawn into. There were times when I did get, once again, annoyed by DI Raven's ability to put herself in constant danger and not open up about her troubles but then that I guess that is just her character. All in all, The Vault is full of a dark but original case with diverse characters that finds a way to burrow into your mind and leave you completely surprised but gripped by the outcome. Leaving me desperate to carry on with the series and find out just what will happen next for DI Eleanor Raven.
"You were killed in that warehouse Detective Inspector Raven. Lee Hughes murdered you."
I was so excited for this book because The Safe Word, the first book in the Eleanor Raven series, was one of the first books that started my intrigue and fascination for the crime thriller genre. It had me hooked so I was really interested to see how long it would take for me to get pulled in for this one. The answer being... the very first page. So it was clear to see that it didn't take long for me to delve back into the logically and organised mind of DI Eleanor Raven but this time there was a hint of trepidation that was missing from the last story and it shows that what had happened then had deeply affected her.
From the get go I was really excited and interested to see how Raven and Laurence would be communicating, as the way things were left between them in the ending of The Safe Word didn't really spell out happily ever after, I wanted to see if their partnership had developed at all. While it was clear in the beginning that things weren't great between them it did develop as the story went on. Making it clear that for things to go smoothly there had to be a lot of growth from the characters, which was seen by the progress Eleanor was making. It was really nice to see because it made what happen to her much more realistic and I loved how you could see the strength she was trying to put out was just a farce. It made her much more relatable which wasn't always seen in the first book.
Overall The Vault has all the complex and brilliant qualities that was seen in The Safe Word, yet the characters had developed and grown so much more and there was a lot more mystery and intrigue that I found it really hard not to get drawn into. There were times when I did get, once again, annoyed by DI Raven's ability to put herself in constant danger and not open up about her troubles but then that I guess that is just her character. All in all, The Vault is full of a dark but original case with diverse characters that finds a way to burrow into your mind and leave you completely surprised but gripped by the outcome. Leaving me desperate to carry on with the series and find out just what will happen next for DI Eleanor Raven.
January 18, 2021
Eleanor back on duty after six months’ enforced leave, Eleanor is determined to prove herself fit for service.
Her first case back involves investigating a fire which has uncovered the charred remains of a young woman. The post-mortem it reveals some disturbing details—the girl was dead long before the fire, her body had been lovingly preserved before being dressed up, her hair perfectly arranged, and a lime-green scarf knotted around her neck.
Following a tenuous link to an old missing-persons case, Eleanor discovers the poor woman’s identity. Before Eleanor can uncover any more details, another woman goes missing, and then, a little boy. It seems that someone is collecting a family for themselves.
Desperate to prove herself, she pushes herself to the limit to find the killer. But her fight may become a battle to save herself.
The premise was actually what attracted to this book. The plot was well written. The entire research of how to preserve a body and all the technicality involved was excellent and there were some parts in the end which were exciting.
But I wasn’t hooked to the story as much as I wanted to be and there were times when my attention swayed. So, overall, this was just an okay read for me.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Her first case back involves investigating a fire which has uncovered the charred remains of a young woman. The post-mortem it reveals some disturbing details—the girl was dead long before the fire, her body had been lovingly preserved before being dressed up, her hair perfectly arranged, and a lime-green scarf knotted around her neck.
Following a tenuous link to an old missing-persons case, Eleanor discovers the poor woman’s identity. Before Eleanor can uncover any more details, another woman goes missing, and then, a little boy. It seems that someone is collecting a family for themselves.
Desperate to prove herself, she pushes herself to the limit to find the killer. But her fight may become a battle to save herself.
The premise was actually what attracted to this book. The plot was well written. The entire research of how to preserve a body and all the technicality involved was excellent and there were some parts in the end which were exciting.
But I wasn’t hooked to the story as much as I wanted to be and there were times when my attention swayed. So, overall, this was just an okay read for me.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
July 9, 2015
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Lawsome Books!
A great second book in this new series, The Vault fixes all the issues that I found with the first volume (The Safe Word). The plot is tighter, the red herrings more credible and the rhythm steadier. Six months after almost dying at the hands of a psycho, Eleanor Raven is back at her job chasing a new bad guy: a scary, creepy collector of dead bodies preserved as part of his "family." Eleanor is also facing her own damaged psyche, and trying to mend her fledging relationship with her new partner. All the rest of the characters are just as likable as in their first outing and Monster the German Shepherd is back to his old tricks. I loved the humor and the dialogs. In short, I will be following this series and can't wait for the next one.
A great second book in this new series, The Vault fixes all the issues that I found with the first volume (The Safe Word). The plot is tighter, the red herrings more credible and the rhythm steadier. Six months after almost dying at the hands of a psycho, Eleanor Raven is back at her job chasing a new bad guy: a scary, creepy collector of dead bodies preserved as part of his "family." Eleanor is also facing her own damaged psyche, and trying to mend her fledging relationship with her new partner. All the rest of the characters are just as likable as in their first outing and Monster the German Shepherd is back to his old tricks. I loved the humor and the dialogs. In short, I will be following this series and can't wait for the next one.
February 4, 2021
TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with sexual topics including necrophilia
An embalmed body is found on a Canadian landfill site, sparking an intense investigation for Detective Eleanor Raven. She is recovering from the emotional and physical damage from her last case and needs to focus on the present as other potential victims go missing...
There is a lot of fallout from the previous book which I have not read. Perfect Little Dolls works well as a stand alone book but I think I would have enjoyed seeing Eleanor's character journey. I'll be honest and say that Eleanor is not immediately likeable due to her confrontational personality, however I had definitely warmed to her by halfway through the book.
Eleanor has complex relationships with her colleagues. Guilt and bruised egos fester away and isolate the characters from each other. Eleanor feels like her personal life is under scrutiny by her work partner after revelations in the last book led to the endangerment of her life but she continues to follow her physical needs.
We know from quite early on who is responsible for the discarded body. I was a little disappointed by the ending as I wanted more explanation of the killer's motives. Having followed him throughout the book, I felt invested in his story so it felt abrupt and left unanswered questions. Indeed, I almost cared about him as I felt there must be some emotional basis for his actions.
Perfect Little Dolls is a fascinating book due to the uniqueness of the lead detective and the perspective of the killer. However, it is not always an easy read due to the intensity of the topic and grisly details of body preservation.
An embalmed body is found on a Canadian landfill site, sparking an intense investigation for Detective Eleanor Raven. She is recovering from the emotional and physical damage from her last case and needs to focus on the present as other potential victims go missing...
There is a lot of fallout from the previous book which I have not read. Perfect Little Dolls works well as a stand alone book but I think I would have enjoyed seeing Eleanor's character journey. I'll be honest and say that Eleanor is not immediately likeable due to her confrontational personality, however I had definitely warmed to her by halfway through the book.
Eleanor has complex relationships with her colleagues. Guilt and bruised egos fester away and isolate the characters from each other. Eleanor feels like her personal life is under scrutiny by her work partner after revelations in the last book led to the endangerment of her life but she continues to follow her physical needs.
We know from quite early on who is responsible for the discarded body. I was a little disappointed by the ending as I wanted more explanation of the killer's motives. Having followed him throughout the book, I felt invested in his story so it felt abrupt and left unanswered questions. Indeed, I almost cared about him as I felt there must be some emotional basis for his actions.
Perfect Little Dolls is a fascinating book due to the uniqueness of the lead detective and the perspective of the killer. However, it is not always an easy read due to the intensity of the topic and grisly details of body preservation.
January 3, 2021
I fell in love with the first book in this series and couldn't wait for the next book to see what the author gave us next. I have found a real likeness towards all the characters in this series. Raven is the kind of strong female lead you want, who has no qualms about following the gut instinct that most women would follow. Especially to the extent that the men on her team just dont understand it. But this is what makes her such a great character, also her flaws. Because we know as readers that no one is ever perfect. The case that the team are handed this time round is a very unnerving one that I found tough to stomach at time if im honest. But for me, this make a great police book. The cases you never think of are always the most intriguing. I am very much looking forward to reading the next installment and to see how the team copes with whats thrown at them next
January 13, 2021
First off I want to say huge thank you to the publisher Bookouture, the author Karen Long , and to NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it. Second thing is this is the first time I read anything by this author and it wasn't until I was already half way though it that I realized that I had the first book on my Netgalley TBR to read and review but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story as well as getting lost in it, but after reading this one I now can't wait to read the first one, and yes I know I'll be reading them backwards but that's me , I some times do read a series out of order.
January 20, 2021
I read the original version of this book published back in 2014 and loved it. I wondered just how much I would remember from that as I've read well over a thousand books since then, so only the best are likely to stick in my mind. I needn't have worried. It is an enthralling read which I still thoroughly enjoyed even though I remembered quite a lot from that earlier reading. Much of what I said back then still applies so, as I really don't like giving spoilers away, I'm going to update my original review and tweak very little as it sums up my feelings about this superb read very well.
From the very start, Karen Long's writing style engages the reader, taking them in as a witness to the events being revealed in her carefully crafted text. Somehow she makes you feel like you’re watching everything unfurling before you, hearing every unexpected nuance, seeing every clue and empathising with the characters. As snippets are uncovered, the author keeps the reader totally immersed and on the edge of their seat, eager to discover just what happens next and hoping the perpetrator will be brought to justice before there are any further victims.
The characters in the story are complex, especially D I Eleanor Raven who is the troubled ‘star’ of the novel and series. She was almost killed in the previous novel in this series and is battling to overcome the physical and emotional trauma those events have caused. I was also intrigued by her partner, Detective Laurence Whitefoot, both as an individual and in his relationship with Eleanor. Why did he leave his career as a doctor to join the police? As the highly convoluted plot progresses, secrets and details are tantalisingly revealed – and more victims are discovered. The story is told from the points of view of the investigators and the perpetrator but it is edge of your seat suspense filled reading throughout, a book I was reluctant to put down until I'd finished it.
This is an excellent crime thriller, full of mystery, suspense and action. It is quite a dark novel and, at times, is so gritty and frank it can make difficult reading but it is appropriate to the story and not there only for effect. I’m so pleased to find another great female detective and another superb author – I’ll be looking out for future stories in this series and other books by this talented author.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
From the very start, Karen Long's writing style engages the reader, taking them in as a witness to the events being revealed in her carefully crafted text. Somehow she makes you feel like you’re watching everything unfurling before you, hearing every unexpected nuance, seeing every clue and empathising with the characters. As snippets are uncovered, the author keeps the reader totally immersed and on the edge of their seat, eager to discover just what happens next and hoping the perpetrator will be brought to justice before there are any further victims.
The characters in the story are complex, especially D I Eleanor Raven who is the troubled ‘star’ of the novel and series. She was almost killed in the previous novel in this series and is battling to overcome the physical and emotional trauma those events have caused. I was also intrigued by her partner, Detective Laurence Whitefoot, both as an individual and in his relationship with Eleanor. Why did he leave his career as a doctor to join the police? As the highly convoluted plot progresses, secrets and details are tantalisingly revealed – and more victims are discovered. The story is told from the points of view of the investigators and the perpetrator but it is edge of your seat suspense filled reading throughout, a book I was reluctant to put down until I'd finished it.
This is an excellent crime thriller, full of mystery, suspense and action. It is quite a dark novel and, at times, is so gritty and frank it can make difficult reading but it is appropriate to the story and not there only for effect. I’m so pleased to find another great female detective and another superb author – I’ll be looking out for future stories in this series and other books by this talented author.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
February 26, 2015
Karen Long’s story The Vault begins where her previous story The Safe Word left off with detective Eleanor Raven. Eleanor has just returned from her previous case where she kidnapped and tortured by the serial killer, but still carries over many scars both mentally and physically. After six months of recuperation, her new case begins with what seems to be another murder on a local prostitute, begins to become a much larger picture on what is going on. There is a serial killer at work that is killing women and adding them to his collection of victim’s hence his name “The Collector”. As DI Eleanor and her partner Detective Whitefoot has came long way with her. As the story proceeds their relationship seems to increasingly grow in strength, forming a tight bond between the two characters. By the end of the novel the serial killer is caught as the two detectives are once again at peace with themselves, however more danger lies ahead for the two detectives as their jobs are not done yet.
People who might be interested in this book would be those are extremely into mystery and thrillers because this book creates so much suspense for its readers with every passing second. The plot itself contains many great aspects for those who want just a good overall story to look back and reflect on. This book is mostly for people who want a mysterious view on something, due to the crime and forensic searches in this book the suspense just seems to increase. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a good thrill-ride when they like to read.
My overall satisfaction with this book is stupendous, the thrilling sensation this book gives off is absolutely phenomenal. I personally can only read thriller books because I can get so easily bored and impatient. This is definitely one of the better books I have read for the longest amount of time. It seemed as if I never wanted to stop reading, no one could pry the book away from my hands. Karen Long did such a job at creating emotion and a feel for the characters, which allowed a type and reflection especially with her partner; this allowed me to relate to the relations with my friends. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars every time I read it.
People who might be interested in this book would be those are extremely into mystery and thrillers because this book creates so much suspense for its readers with every passing second. The plot itself contains many great aspects for those who want just a good overall story to look back and reflect on. This book is mostly for people who want a mysterious view on something, due to the crime and forensic searches in this book the suspense just seems to increase. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a good thrill-ride when they like to read.
My overall satisfaction with this book is stupendous, the thrilling sensation this book gives off is absolutely phenomenal. I personally can only read thriller books because I can get so easily bored and impatient. This is definitely one of the better books I have read for the longest amount of time. It seemed as if I never wanted to stop reading, no one could pry the book away from my hands. Karen Long did such a job at creating emotion and a feel for the characters, which allowed a type and reflection especially with her partner; this allowed me to relate to the relations with my friends. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars every time I read it.
December 27, 2020
I loved the first in this series, ‘Cry for Mercy’ so when I saw this book was available on NetGalley I had to request it.
It was just as good as the first and along the same lines, with a sadistic serial killer, it entrapped me into another complex storyline that I couldn’t stop thinking about and stayed up late to finish it last night.
The head detective Ellie Reeves is a really well formed character. She has a ‘rule unto her own’ characteristics and a sixth sense when it comes to her cases.
I’m also loving the dynamics with her new partner and can see their professional relationship will blossom in fortune books.
A fantastic book that will keep me wondering how book three in the series will top it! If you live Chris Carter books you’ll love this series!
It was just as good as the first and along the same lines, with a sadistic serial killer, it entrapped me into another complex storyline that I couldn’t stop thinking about and stayed up late to finish it last night.
The head detective Ellie Reeves is a really well formed character. She has a ‘rule unto her own’ characteristics and a sixth sense when it comes to her cases.
I’m also loving the dynamics with her new partner and can see their professional relationship will blossom in fortune books.
A fantastic book that will keep me wondering how book three in the series will top it! If you live Chris Carter books you’ll love this series!
February 19, 2015
Detective Eleanor Raven's second debut is just as great as the first. I finished this book in about a day. Couldn't put it down. You follow detective Raven on her road to recovery after barely escaping death in the first book. Everyone from book one is back again in book two. I once again loved the character development and interactions between everyone. When it comes to the crime, this book is a bit different than book one. Book one left you guessing till the end who the killer was. In book two, you know who the murder is. Even though you know this, it takes nothing away from the story or suspense. The book still has plenty of mystery. What I love most about the Eleanor Raven series is that you not only get to see the side of the detectives but you also get to peer into the head of the psychopath and see what really drives them or makes them tick. It's nice to hear it as if its coming from their point of view or mind rather than a quick motive explanation from a detective at the end of the novel. You ride along through the story in both perspectives. I can't wait for book three to come out. I'm hooked and will continue my journey with Eleanor Raven.
January 16, 2015
Once again, Long manages to capture the essence of the psychopath in her must-read second novel in the Eleanor Raven series. Raven's unconventional, out-of-the-box approach to solving difficult cases proves Long's ability as a writer of psychological thrillers to create a heroine like no other. She has cleverly managed to thread into this novel the tension and suspense from her first novel and has ensured that elements of both novels will find their way into novels to come. There are many complex characters in this series and Long has a way of drawing you into the action of their lives. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Eleanor Raven series.
March 8, 2015
Although I did not read the first book in this series I had no problem at all getting into The Vault. I thought the lead character, Detective Eleanor Raven was well written and the story was original and creepy. The book grabbed my attention from the first page and I found myself finishing it in only a few sittings. The details relating to forensics and embalming were interesting and added to the grim nature of the story. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.
Thank you to the Goodreads Giveaway for providing me with a free copy of this book!
Thank you to the Goodreads Giveaway for providing me with a free copy of this book!
December 10, 2014
Detective Eleanor Raven is back after recovering from her ordeal in prequel The Safe Word (Book 1 in the Eleanor Raven detective series.Also a gripping read, but you can enjoy The Vault without reading The Safe Word beforehand, don't worry!) Probably my favourite female lead of 2014, Eleanor Raven is complex which makes for a brilliant plot that keeps the reader guessing. Totally original crime - a cracking read for dark winter evenings ...
February 7, 2015
Although I missed Eleanor Raven’s debut in The Safe Word I will be rectifying this oversight in the very near future. I want to read more from this author and, specifically, I want to read another Eleanor Raven book.
The Vault was sufficiently entertaining, memorable and creepy that I have to award it a review score of 5/5 – I didn’t want it to end.
Extract from a longer review which can be found at www.grabthisbook.net
The Vault was sufficiently entertaining, memorable and creepy that I have to award it a review score of 5/5 – I didn’t want it to end.
Extract from a longer review which can be found at www.grabthisbook.net
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