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Silent Betrayal: A DI Karen Heath Yorkshire Crime Thriller
When the system fails, justice has no rules.
When Family Court Judge Elaine Winters is found murdered in her York townhouse, DCI Karen Heath expects a straightforward murder investigation. But Judge Winters was investigating something much darker. Children from previous court rulings have vanished without a trace.
What starts as isolated parental abductions quickly unravels into something far more sinister. A respected solicitor. A questionable children's charity. Offshore payments coinciding with each disappearance. Karen discovers a sophisticated network that preys on vulnerable families, and someone powerful is protecting it.
When official channels fail and bureaucracy shields the guilty, Karen faces an impossible choice. How far will she go to save innocent children when the very system meant to protect them has been corrupted from within?
Her decision breaks all the rules, crossing lines she never imagined.
Some secrets are worth killing for. And Karen Heath is about to discover just how dangerous the truth can be.
Justice has no rules when the system fails the innocent.
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Lynda La Plante—a gripping police procedural that How far would you go when the system meant to protect children becomes the very thing that betrays them?
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What people are saying about Jay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Karen has moved to a new area and now has a love life!! This makes the new book even more interesting. Written brilliantly with a story that keeps you gripped from start to finish. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is the proverbial page turner written in a new style, a complete success. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full of twist and turns and some great plot lines. A must read for all. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐What a corker for the start to a new series. I can’t wait for the next one to see where it takes Karen. Amazon Review, THE LIES THEY TOLD.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly one of the best written police procedural novels that I have had the pleasure of reading. Amazon Review, HER LAST BREATH.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jay's best novels yet! As I read this book, I could see the actions playing out as if I were at the cinema. Excellent un-put-downable novel. Amazon review, SEE NO EVIL
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was gripping and once started, had to be read all the way through, virtually in a single sitting. Amazon review, NEVER FORGOTTEN.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. Amazon review, TWISTED JUSTICE.
When Family Court Judge Elaine Winters is found murdered in her York townhouse, DCI Karen Heath expects a straightforward murder investigation. But Judge Winters was investigating something much darker. Children from previous court rulings have vanished without a trace.
What starts as isolated parental abductions quickly unravels into something far more sinister. A respected solicitor. A questionable children's charity. Offshore payments coinciding with each disappearance. Karen discovers a sophisticated network that preys on vulnerable families, and someone powerful is protecting it.
When official channels fail and bureaucracy shields the guilty, Karen faces an impossible choice. How far will she go to save innocent children when the very system meant to protect them has been corrupted from within?
Her decision breaks all the rules, crossing lines she never imagined.
Some secrets are worth killing for. And Karen Heath is about to discover just how dangerous the truth can be.
Justice has no rules when the system fails the innocent.
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Lynda La Plante—a gripping police procedural that How far would you go when the system meant to protect children becomes the very thing that betrays them?
-------------
What people are saying about Jay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Karen has moved to a new area and now has a love life!! This makes the new book even more interesting. Written brilliantly with a story that keeps you gripped from start to finish. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is the proverbial page turner written in a new style, a complete success. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full of twist and turns and some great plot lines. A must read for all. Amazon review, LEFT TO FALL.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐What a corker for the start to a new series. I can’t wait for the next one to see where it takes Karen. Amazon Review, THE LIES THEY TOLD.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly one of the best written police procedural novels that I have had the pleasure of reading. Amazon Review, HER LAST BREATH.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jay's best novels yet! As I read this book, I could see the actions playing out as if I were at the cinema. Excellent un-put-downable novel. Amazon review, SEE NO EVIL
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was gripping and once started, had to be read all the way through, virtually in a single sitting. Amazon review, NEVER FORGOTTEN.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. Amazon review, TWISTED JUSTICE.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2025
About the author
Jay Nadal
69 books82 followersCrime Never Pays… Well yes and no depending on what side of the fence you’re on!
I’ve always had a strong passion for whodunnits, crime series, and books. The more I immersed myself in it, the stronger the fascination grew.
In my spare time, you’ll find me in the gym, reading, binge watching Netflix or taking walks in the forest.
Oh, and I’m an avid people watcher, I just love to watch people, their mannerisms, and their way of expressing their thoughts… weird I know, but I could spend hours doing that. It's funny, because watching people often gives me insights and inspiration for describing human interaction in my books.
Fun fact: My favourite, bestest place ever on earth? Any of the Florida theme parks and the mad coasters out there. Add the food, shopping and weather, and you've got the best place on earth... especially when I see the joy on the faces of my family when we're out there :)
Weird fact: Spending an afternoon in a mortuary to bring my books to life. Oops! poor choice of words there :)
I hope you enjoy the stories I craft for you.
I’ve always had a strong passion for whodunnits, crime series, and books. The more I immersed myself in it, the stronger the fascination grew.
In my spare time, you’ll find me in the gym, reading, binge watching Netflix or taking walks in the forest.
Oh, and I’m an avid people watcher, I just love to watch people, their mannerisms, and their way of expressing their thoughts… weird I know, but I could spend hours doing that. It's funny, because watching people often gives me insights and inspiration for describing human interaction in my books.
Fun fact: My favourite, bestest place ever on earth? Any of the Florida theme parks and the mad coasters out there. Add the food, shopping and weather, and you've got the best place on earth... especially when I see the joy on the faces of my family when we're out there :)
Weird fact: Spending an afternoon in a mortuary to bring my books to life. Oops! poor choice of words there :)
I hope you enjoy the stories I craft for you.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 28, 2025
This does sound like a cliché, but Jay's books really do keep getting better and better!
Once Karen and her team have discovered that the murder of judge Winters is not simply a revenge killing from someone she has put away in the past, but is instead linked to an international child smuggling operation, things get complicated. There appear to be links to very highly placed and influential people, but how far can they go without putting themselves, their families and many more people in mortal danger?
A real, edge of the seat thriller, beautifully put together, highly recommended!
Once Karen and her team have discovered that the murder of judge Winters is not simply a revenge killing from someone she has put away in the past, but is instead linked to an international child smuggling operation, things get complicated. There appear to be links to very highly placed and influential people, but how far can they go without putting themselves, their families and many more people in mortal danger?
A real, edge of the seat thriller, beautifully put together, highly recommended!
December 22, 2025
Superb follow on as the the murder of a family court judge opens up a massive can of worms. But worst of all, this leads back to The Covenant!
Karen and the team are being drawn into a complex investigation which is being hampered by someone very high up in Government.
Jay Nadal has not failed to deliver yet another fabulous read. Now we have to wait for number 17 in the series to see where this ends up.
Karen and the team are being drawn into a complex investigation which is being hampered by someone very high up in Government.
Jay Nadal has not failed to deliver yet another fabulous read. Now we have to wait for number 17 in the series to see where this ends up.
October 27, 2025
Every time I read a Jay Nadal book I write this is the best one yet but he proves me wrong each time. DI Karen Heath and her very loyal team have come up against the most evil perpertraitors yet protected by the highest powers in the land but this has got Karens, Jade and Eds back up and they don't care who's feathers they ruffle.So buy this book and you will be hooked on the DI Karen Heath books
October 28, 2025
Excellent
Very difficult to put down. Each follow up novel becomes more and more intriguing! Really looking forward to reading Book 17.
Very difficult to put down. Each follow up novel becomes more and more intriguing! Really looking forward to reading Book 17.
November 18, 2025
What a cliff hanger
What can I say. Yet another fantastic and intense journey with Karen Heath. Can't wait for book 17! Thank you Jay!
What can I say. Yet another fantastic and intense journey with Karen Heath. Can't wait for book 17! Thank you Jay!
January 4, 2026
Silent betrayal
Brilliant book by a brilliant author.
I have read all 16 books of DCI Karen Heath. I can't wait for book 17.
Brilliant book by a brilliant author.
I have read all 16 books of DCI Karen Heath. I can't wait for book 17.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews