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Adam Stanley #4
Prima Facie: A Psychological Thriller Novel
A Compelling Psychological Thriller Novel.
In this fast-moving suspense novel, Detective Adam Stanley searches for Miles Muldoon, a hardworking, career-minded businessman, and Pinevale’s latest serial killer.
Evidence puts Muldoon at each scene giving the police a prima facie case against him.
But as the body count rises, and their suspect begins taunting them, this seemingly simple case develops into something far more personal when Muldoon turns his attention to Adam and his family.
All Netta's books are British and use spelling from the British Oxford Dictionary. They are available for free with Kindle Unlimited
This is the fourth of a series of 4, and although they can all be read as standalone books, the author recommends you read them in sequence to get the greatest enjoyment.
In this fast-moving suspense novel, Detective Adam Stanley searches for Miles Muldoon, a hardworking, career-minded businessman, and Pinevale’s latest serial killer.
Evidence puts Muldoon at each scene giving the police a prima facie case against him.
But as the body count rises, and their suspect begins taunting them, this seemingly simple case develops into something far more personal when Muldoon turns his attention to Adam and his family.
All Netta's books are British and use spelling from the British Oxford Dictionary. They are available for free with Kindle Unlimited
This is the fourth of a series of 4, and although they can all be read as standalone books, the author recommends you read them in sequence to get the greatest enjoyment.
- GenresFiction
366 pages, Hardcover
Published November 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 26, 2017
What a fantastic read book four in the Adam Stanley series is. Loving Netta's ability to take the reader on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions during the course of her novels.
Unbelievably great storyline, the background story concerning Adam and his new family is an added bonus to the compelling main investigation plotline.
Adam and his team are called in to investigate an initial murder, they know who the perpetrator is from the beginning, but are unable to find him. He continues to kill people he has a connection to and still Adam and his team are unable to find the culprit.
This book will have you crying in some parts and hiding behind your fingers in others. Best book in the series, but only just, to me they're all stunning, well thought out reads, that should not be missed.
Unbelievably great storyline, the background story concerning Adam and his new family is an added bonus to the compelling main investigation plotline.
Adam and his team are called in to investigate an initial murder, they know who the perpetrator is from the beginning, but are unable to find him. He continues to kill people he has a connection to and still Adam and his team are unable to find the culprit.
This book will have you crying in some parts and hiding behind your fingers in others. Best book in the series, but only just, to me they're all stunning, well thought out reads, that should not be missed.
July 20, 2016
I’ve read all of the books in the Adam Stanley series and enjoyed every one of them.
There is a lot of background surrounding Amanda’s character which the author does a good job of mentioning it in the book, so for any readers that are new to the series, they shouldn’t have a problem keeping up but obviously I recommend reading them all as they are good books.
Out of all the books in the series this one has to the most edge of your seat read. There are murders, quite a lot in fact and very brutal ones at that. Not only is it very much a race against time to try and stop the killer, Adam also has the worry of having the murderer seemingly targeting him and his family. For Adam this case is very personal with it affecting him. I think this gave the whole story a more thrilling feel to it and not only did it have me on the edge of my seat, I nearly fell off it!
It was good to catch up with Adam and Amanda again as they are such a lovely couple and they haven’t had it very easy. They have a lot going on in their personal lives as well as Adams job in the police force. There felt like a bit more of procedural work going on which I really enjoyed and Adam came across like being a bit like Columbo in how he eventually works everything out.
I had worked out a certain aspect of the story quite early on in the story but when it came to revealing who the actual murderer was it still very much came as a shock.
Another great read in a really good crime series that had my heart literally racing towards the end.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot of background surrounding Amanda’s character which the author does a good job of mentioning it in the book, so for any readers that are new to the series, they shouldn’t have a problem keeping up but obviously I recommend reading them all as they are good books.
Out of all the books in the series this one has to the most edge of your seat read. There are murders, quite a lot in fact and very brutal ones at that. Not only is it very much a race against time to try and stop the killer, Adam also has the worry of having the murderer seemingly targeting him and his family. For Adam this case is very personal with it affecting him. I think this gave the whole story a more thrilling feel to it and not only did it have me on the edge of my seat, I nearly fell off it!
It was good to catch up with Adam and Amanda again as they are such a lovely couple and they haven’t had it very easy. They have a lot going on in their personal lives as well as Adams job in the police force. There felt like a bit more of procedural work going on which I really enjoyed and Adam came across like being a bit like Columbo in how he eventually works everything out.
I had worked out a certain aspect of the story quite early on in the story but when it came to revealing who the actual murderer was it still very much came as a shock.
Another great read in a really good crime series that had my heart literally racing towards the end.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
The 4th one in the Adam Stanley series,this is the best one yet!! This author loves to shock her readers,whilst keeping them on the edge of their seat gasping for more. I didn't want this book to ever end so I'm fervently hoping we'll be hearing more from DI Adam Stanley & his team. This is definitely a book that you can't put down.
April 30, 2017
Before you read any further into my review, I want to point out that if you’re squeamish or easily disgusted, this might not be a book for you! My experience of Netta Newbound tells me her books are thought-provoking with a shock factor. And this one is no different....well I did warn you!
Adam Stanley and his team are back and this time they’re dealing with one sick individual. Seriously sick…..this nutter of a criminal who leaves messages in poo, yes that's right human poo. It may or may not surprise to you that by the wonders of science you can tell whose poo a specimen is and it actually contains DNA! Science is fascinating! Obviously this revelation makes Adam's job so much easier in theory...it's just a matter of finding the perpetrator who seems to have vanished into thin air leaving behind their wallet and phone, the two things I personally NEVER leave the house without!
I've found Netta's writing very addictive to read; I want to know what's going to happen next, who is next to be targeted!
I would highly recommend reading the previous three books before starting on this one. The first Beyond Shadows is a must as it sets the scene for parts of Adam's personal story.
A big thanks to Netta Newbound and Crimebookjunkie Book Blog for giving me this ebook to read and review! I'll be reading books 2 and 3 very soon (sorry to all those purists who read everything in order - I can hear the tuts of disgust from here)!
Adam Stanley and his team are back and this time they’re dealing with one sick individual. Seriously sick…..this nutter of a criminal who leaves messages in poo, yes that's right human poo. It may or may not surprise to you that by the wonders of science you can tell whose poo a specimen is and it actually contains DNA! Science is fascinating! Obviously this revelation makes Adam's job so much easier in theory...it's just a matter of finding the perpetrator who seems to have vanished into thin air leaving behind their wallet and phone, the two things I personally NEVER leave the house without!
I've found Netta's writing very addictive to read; I want to know what's going to happen next, who is next to be targeted!
I would highly recommend reading the previous three books before starting on this one. The first Beyond Shadows is a must as it sets the scene for parts of Adam's personal story.
A big thanks to Netta Newbound and Crimebookjunkie Book Blog for giving me this ebook to read and review! I'll be reading books 2 and 3 very soon (sorry to all those purists who read everything in order - I can hear the tuts of disgust from here)!
September 29, 2018
One of the best books I've ever read!
I loved this series. The characters in this book and the plot we're fascinating. I couldn't believe the other twist at the end, and it made the story even more exciting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery!
I loved this series. The characters in this book and the plot we're fascinating. I couldn't believe the other twist at the end, and it made the story even more exciting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery!
October 4, 2019
Came across Netta Newbound’s books just a few weeks ago and read number one in the Adam Stanley series, after two weeks I’d read all the series finishing with “Prima Facie”.all I can say is “excellent”.Great writing and good characters and plots to keep you guessing. Read and enjoy.
October 14, 2017
I know this got really good reviews but I didn't think it was as good as the other books in the series. I think the title gave elements of the plot away, why would you do that?
Rick Muldoon, a well liked and career minded young man has gone on a killing spree, brutally murdering his ex-girlfriends and anyone else who gets in the way. I kept thinking (because of that title) there's got to be more to it. And of course there was.
Meanwhile Amanda, Adam Stanley's heavily pregnant wife has all the secrets of her tragic past laid bare and the couple and the children must deal with this trauma as well.
It seemed, to me, to be pretty short, sharp and predictable. Luckily, by the time you get to book 4 you are already invested in the characters so I will continue reading.
Rick Muldoon, a well liked and career minded young man has gone on a killing spree, brutally murdering his ex-girlfriends and anyone else who gets in the way. I kept thinking (because of that title) there's got to be more to it. And of course there was.
Meanwhile Amanda, Adam Stanley's heavily pregnant wife has all the secrets of her tragic past laid bare and the couple and the children must deal with this trauma as well.
It seemed, to me, to be pretty short, sharp and predictable. Luckily, by the time you get to book 4 you are already invested in the characters so I will continue reading.
December 23, 2019
Brilliant, yet again!!!
So many layers to this story, some of which broke my heart.
I never guessed the direction this story would go; it completely took me by surprise! So clever and well written to keep it so well hidden!
I held my breath while crying all the way through a certain scene!!!! Talk about breathtaking!!! Loved this whole series; just brilliant yet again!!
So many layers to this story, some of which broke my heart.
I never guessed the direction this story would go; it completely took me by surprise! So clever and well written to keep it so well hidden!
I held my breath while crying all the way through a certain scene!!!! Talk about breathtaking!!! Loved this whole series; just brilliant yet again!!
March 1, 2017
Fantastic read
Absolutely love it, great characters mostly had it figured out before it let the readers know who did it! If you really pay attention to the clues it will hit you like a ton of bricks.
Absolutely love it, great characters mostly had it figured out before it let the readers know who did it! If you really pay attention to the clues it will hit you like a ton of bricks.
September 12, 2017
Good story, some bad copy editing
Enjoyed this tale about Adam Stanley and team. It was a comfortable read with some interesting twists. Unfortunately some bad editing detracted from the story. Without them, I'd probably have added another star.
Enjoyed this tale about Adam Stanley and team. It was a comfortable read with some interesting twists. Unfortunately some bad editing detracted from the story. Without them, I'd probably have added another star.
May 1, 2018
So glad I discovered Netta
I have read The Adam. Stanley thrillers in succession I couldn't stop after the first one.
I was drawn into the story and found them hard to put down. I will certainly be reading more of Nettas books
I have read The Adam. Stanley thrillers in succession I couldn't stop after the first one.
I was drawn into the story and found them hard to put down. I will certainly be reading more of Nettas books
January 22, 2020
Brilliant just brilliant
I have enjoyed the Adam Stanley four books so much. great believable characters,excellent storylines.I honesty could not put them down.I have only recently found netta newbound but I now will be reading every book she has written.great author .
I have enjoyed the Adam Stanley four books so much. great believable characters,excellent storylines.I honesty could not put them down.I have only recently found netta newbound but I now will be reading every book she has written.great author .
June 15, 2017
Loved it. Such a good read. Got a real feel for the characters. The twist is brilliant.
March 2, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out more about the other characters too I also loved the ending of the book
I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out more about the other characters too I also loved the ending of the book
April 16, 2018
Great read
Loved this series got to find more to read now wth nett a keep the books coming awesome work 😊
Loved this series got to find more to read now wth nett a keep the books coming awesome work 😊
July 16, 2018
Page turner
I gave this book a 5 star . The characters all came to life and kept me interested from beginning to end. Very well written.
I gave this book a 5 star . The characters all came to life and kept me interested from beginning to end. Very well written.
September 25, 2018
I enjoyed the surprising twist of the 4th Adam Stanley series. However, series 1 and 2 were my all time favourite.
December 26, 2019
Fanatic book great ending
This forth and last book was fantastic I read it in to day great book .great ending I wish there we're more
This forth and last book was fantastic I read it in to day great book .great ending I wish there we're more
February 11, 2020
Great read!
A few twists kept m turning the page. I’d like to read the rest of the series. I Really liked it!
A few twists kept m turning the page. I’d like to read the rest of the series. I Really liked it!
September 1, 2022
Goodness had me thinking 💭 the whole entire time it was one person but it was totally somebody else. Great story but I wish a little more details were put on the killer…. Like why?
March 15, 2017
You know from the beginning that Detective Stanley and his team are on the look out for a man called Miles Muldoon who has been murdering woman he has had relationships with, they know it's him as at every crime scene he leaves some of his DNA but despite all the evidence against him they are no closer to finding him. They suddenly get a break through when for some unknown reason the detective and his family become his target. What they find shocks them all and there is a great twist at the end of the story. A fantastic read that I highly recommend
March 20, 2017
Great story
4th book in the series and just as excellent as the first three. Netta. Please keep writing more books for this series. I really got to know and love all the characters. and I want to read more about them. Please....
4th book in the series and just as excellent as the first three. Netta. Please keep writing more books for this series. I really got to know and love all the characters. and I want to read more about them. Please....
July 17, 2016
This is the fourth book in the Adam Stanley series and I will start by saying that you can absolutely read this as a stand-alone thriller as there is plenty of background given here into Adams past life. But you will probably want to seek them out anyway after reading Prima Facie as you will be fascinated by what has gone before! This one does touch on the distressing cases that have gone previous to this but it is all in relation to Adam and his family unit, so is quite integral to the plot.
There a serial killer on the loose who seems to be targeting his ex girlfriends but Adam and Frances are on the case. Theirs was a great police partnership and worked really well, as a team they bounce ideas off each other but I also found it a rather affectionate relationship as there’s a mutual trust and support there. Adams relationship with Amanda was also well written and I just loved their little family unit, with the quips from the children making it a realistic domestic scene. These are definitely characters that you will want to meet again!
The opening few pages are told from the point of view of the murderer and this continues throughout as we get flashes of what is driving them towards their bloodthirsty attacks and their motives. I did work out quite a lot of what was going on but for me the “whodunit and why” was definitely only part of the enjoyment of this police procedural. I hadn’t actually heard the term Prima Facie before either so was interested enough to research that further before I started the book.
What I love about these books is that they grab you right from the start with their interesting and unusual plotlines. Netta takes normal family situations and twists them around to create moral dilemmas. And in Prima Facie, she isn’t afraid to make us feel slightly queasy either by using bodily functions throughout as an unexpected way of obtaining evidence!
I actually think this whole series is seriously underrated and wish more people knew about it! I came to it after reading and loving An Impossible Dilemma which really grabbed me with its shocking and rather graphic scenes that were impossible to tear myself away from! Nothing is ever gratuitous though in her books, everything is absolutely essential to the plot. So I definitely recommend you try this series if you want a hard hitting and compelling page turner.
There a serial killer on the loose who seems to be targeting his ex girlfriends but Adam and Frances are on the case. Theirs was a great police partnership and worked really well, as a team they bounce ideas off each other but I also found it a rather affectionate relationship as there’s a mutual trust and support there. Adams relationship with Amanda was also well written and I just loved their little family unit, with the quips from the children making it a realistic domestic scene. These are definitely characters that you will want to meet again!
The opening few pages are told from the point of view of the murderer and this continues throughout as we get flashes of what is driving them towards their bloodthirsty attacks and their motives. I did work out quite a lot of what was going on but for me the “whodunit and why” was definitely only part of the enjoyment of this police procedural. I hadn’t actually heard the term Prima Facie before either so was interested enough to research that further before I started the book.
What I love about these books is that they grab you right from the start with their interesting and unusual plotlines. Netta takes normal family situations and twists them around to create moral dilemmas. And in Prima Facie, she isn’t afraid to make us feel slightly queasy either by using bodily functions throughout as an unexpected way of obtaining evidence!
I actually think this whole series is seriously underrated and wish more people knew about it! I came to it after reading and loving An Impossible Dilemma which really grabbed me with its shocking and rather graphic scenes that were impossible to tear myself away from! Nothing is ever gratuitous though in her books, everything is absolutely essential to the plot. So I definitely recommend you try this series if you want a hard hitting and compelling page turner.
February 21, 2017
The 4th one in the Adam Stanley series,this is the best one yet!! This author loves to shock her readers,whilst keeping them on the edge of their seat gasping for more. I didn't want this book to ever end so I'm fervently hoping we'll be hearing more from DI Adam Stanley & his team. This is definitely a book that you can't put down.
July 13, 2016
There is a violent serial killer on the loose and all the evidence points to one man. As time goes on and the body count gets higher, the killer begins to play his game with the police. Things get personal when he targets DCI Adams and his family.
I don't usually read a book that is part way through a series but the way in which Newbound writes is so that you don't need to know masses of information to understand the book. Her characters are interesting and believable and they are all incredibly important to the ever-changing storyline.
The book is fast-paced and easy to read. It grips you completely from the start. I read the book throughout one day as I couldn't put it down, there were certain parts that were incredibly tense and it made me want to continue reading until the end.
Honestly, there was nothing I didn't like about this book, I would definitely recommend it and I have already purchased the other books in the series!
I don't usually read a book that is part way through a series but the way in which Newbound writes is so that you don't need to know masses of information to understand the book. Her characters are interesting and believable and they are all incredibly important to the ever-changing storyline.
The book is fast-paced and easy to read. It grips you completely from the start. I read the book throughout one day as I couldn't put it down, there were certain parts that were incredibly tense and it made me want to continue reading until the end.
Honestly, there was nothing I didn't like about this book, I would definitely recommend it and I have already purchased the other books in the series!
July 22, 2016
I would like to thank Shell at CBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
I have read the previous books in the Adam Stanley series and loved them. This one joins that list.
One thing I must say about this book is it's not for the faint-hearted!
You are immediately swept into the action and it doesn't end until the end.
I found the characters well-drawn and believable, especially Adam and Amanda. As for Sandra, I'd love to have her as my mother-in-law.
If you enjoy thrillers that take you on a roller-coaster ride this is definitely a book for you.
I have read the previous books in the Adam Stanley series and loved them. This one joins that list.
One thing I must say about this book is it's not for the faint-hearted!
You are immediately swept into the action and it doesn't end until the end.
I found the characters well-drawn and believable, especially Adam and Amanda. As for Sandra, I'd love to have her as my mother-in-law.
If you enjoy thrillers that take you on a roller-coaster ride this is definitely a book for you.
July 13, 2016
This was a terrific book. Was given an ARC for an honest review. I hadn't read any of Newbounds previous books so was a little concerned that this was Book 4 in the series and that I might be a little lost. I wasn't. It was an excellent thriller that kept me hooked. The characters were well written, and the dialogue was on the ball. I was also kept surprised which is difficult, because I quite often guess the outcome of books before you get to the crucial reveal. Definitely worth checking out as a stand-alone novel and, presumably, as part of the series.
July 8, 2016
Read this book in a couple of days. Although I haven't read any of the others in the Detective Stanley series I found there was enough background information about the characters included in this book that it didn't make a difference. The story is fast paced and although I had an inkling that immediate suspicions weren't necessarily correct I was still kept guessing until the truth was revealed. I would recommend this book and will look out for the others in the series.
July 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this. I hadn't previously read other 3 but that didn't matter as it explained so you not thinking or wondering what going on. it steady paced right to meet end then speeds up. I throughly enjoyed it and will read other 3 and advice to anyone to read and enjoy. many thanks to Bette Newbold for wonderful book
July 10, 2016
Well length time took me to read it says it all. Absolutely amazing compelling read you think you know the killer and then you doubt yourself as you are thrown of the scent you.have to keep reading for hints and the more the body count goes up the more intriguing it becomes we'll done netta for a fab storyline
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews