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Detective Caelan Small #3
Time To Go
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26The stakes have never been higher...Detective Caelan Small is leading a quiet life, lying low and off the force until her old boss calls. A woman is in trouble, threatened with kidnap or worse.
Back in the Met, she goes undercover with a vicious drug dealer, entering a dark underworld of drugs, scammers and thieves.
As Caelan gets drawn in, she starts to uncover a shocking trade in human flesh. But information, the detectives' most priceless asset, is leaking. If Caelan isn't careful, she won't survive.
Searingly intense and utterly gripping, Time to Go is the perfect read for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Line of Duty.
Back in the Met, she goes undercover with a vicious drug dealer, entering a dark underworld of drugs, scammers and thieves.
As Caelan gets drawn in, she starts to uncover a shocking trade in human flesh. But information, the detectives' most priceless asset, is leaking. If Caelan isn't careful, she won't survive.
Searingly intense and utterly gripping, Time to Go is the perfect read for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Line of Duty.
Audible Audio
First published August 29, 2019
40 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Hartley
25 books57 followersLisa Hartley lives with her partner, son, two dogs and several cats.
She graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Studies, then had a variety of jobs but kept writing in her spare time.
She is currently working on the next DS Catherine Bishop novel, as well as a new series with Canelo.
She graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Studies, then had a variety of jobs but kept writing in her spare time.
She is currently working on the next DS Catherine Bishop novel, as well as a new series with Canelo.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 12, 2021
I loved the first book in this series, enjoyed the second book but I just couldn't get on with this at all for one very specific reason.
In all three books, one of the senior police officers is obviously overweight and a bit of a slob but the descriptions of him eating (covered in crumbs, etc) are so tedious that every time his character turned up, I was waiting for the next one.
In the end, it became so irritating and distracting that I just had to stop reading.
In all three books, one of the senior police officers is obviously overweight and a bit of a slob but the descriptions of him eating (covered in crumbs, etc) are so tedious that every time his character turned up, I was waiting for the next one.
In the end, it became so irritating and distracting that I just had to stop reading.
December 25, 2019
This book was received from the publisher in return for an honest review
First up a word of warning, while I’ll do my utmost not to spoil Time To Go it’s impossible to discuss without some spoilers from the previous books. While it’s possible to read Time To Go without having read the two previous novels in the series I would certainly recommend reading them both, or as the minimum picking up Tell No Lies, the second book in the series to get a better understanding of the background to this book. So now you’ve been warned and it’s time to leave if you don’t want earlier books spoiled!
Following on from the events at the end of Tell No Lies Caelan has quit the force for a second time, enjoying the peace that comes from hiding away at Ewan’s cottage in Wales she’s surprised to get home to find her former boss Ian Penrith sitting waiting for her. Caelan is quite convinced she has no wish to rejoin the force but when Penrith shows her the images of three dead girls, victims of a trafficking ring they’re trying to break, and shares that the innocent sister of James Mulligan is in danger she finds herself returning as a consultant to go undercover with James, who has been released from prison to cooperate with the investigation.
Time To Go deals with some subjects than can be difficult to read, drug and human trafficking feature heavily but as I don’t mind my crime on the dark side I found it a really gripping read. I confess the ending really snuck up on me, there was a lot of build up and seeming dead ends and then suddenly I was 90% of the way through the book and the end was upon me. As I’ve now come to expect from Lisa there’s a bit of a cliffhanger relating to Caelan’s personal life right at the end of the book – she gets me with them every time! There had best be a book 4 on the way!
I really like Caelan’s character in general, she’s been through a fair amount just in the books, not taking into account the things that happened previously. She genuinely cares, and while others may play on this to get her to take on operations she’d rather not I still think it’s a positive. I also find it really interesting to get an insight into how working undercover affects her, the loneliness that can accompany it, and the idea that no one really knows you or would miss you if you were gone.
After Ewan spent much of Tell No Lies recovering from his injuries it was great seeing him taking a more prominent role in this book, he was one of my favourites in the first book. I thought it was really interesting to get the contrasting viewpoints between Caelan, the experienced undercover office, and Ewan who is still new to the job. I’m really intrigued to see what’s next for both of these characters going forward.
Final Thoughts
Another great installment in the Caelan Small series from Lisa Hartley. It was great to see Ewan back playing a significant role, and after the ending I’m very much hoping for a book 4!
First up a word of warning, while I’ll do my utmost not to spoil Time To Go it’s impossible to discuss without some spoilers from the previous books. While it’s possible to read Time To Go without having read the two previous novels in the series I would certainly recommend reading them both, or as the minimum picking up Tell No Lies, the second book in the series to get a better understanding of the background to this book. So now you’ve been warned and it’s time to leave if you don’t want earlier books spoiled!
Following on from the events at the end of Tell No Lies Caelan has quit the force for a second time, enjoying the peace that comes from hiding away at Ewan’s cottage in Wales she’s surprised to get home to find her former boss Ian Penrith sitting waiting for her. Caelan is quite convinced she has no wish to rejoin the force but when Penrith shows her the images of three dead girls, victims of a trafficking ring they’re trying to break, and shares that the innocent sister of James Mulligan is in danger she finds herself returning as a consultant to go undercover with James, who has been released from prison to cooperate with the investigation.
Time To Go deals with some subjects than can be difficult to read, drug and human trafficking feature heavily but as I don’t mind my crime on the dark side I found it a really gripping read. I confess the ending really snuck up on me, there was a lot of build up and seeming dead ends and then suddenly I was 90% of the way through the book and the end was upon me. As I’ve now come to expect from Lisa there’s a bit of a cliffhanger relating to Caelan’s personal life right at the end of the book – she gets me with them every time! There had best be a book 4 on the way!
I really like Caelan’s character in general, she’s been through a fair amount just in the books, not taking into account the things that happened previously. She genuinely cares, and while others may play on this to get her to take on operations she’d rather not I still think it’s a positive. I also find it really interesting to get an insight into how working undercover affects her, the loneliness that can accompany it, and the idea that no one really knows you or would miss you if you were gone.
After Ewan spent much of Tell No Lies recovering from his injuries it was great seeing him taking a more prominent role in this book, he was one of my favourites in the first book. I thought it was really interesting to get the contrasting viewpoints between Caelan, the experienced undercover office, and Ewan who is still new to the job. I’m really intrigued to see what’s next for both of these characters going forward.
Final Thoughts
Another great installment in the Caelan Small series from Lisa Hartley. It was great to see Ewan back playing a significant role, and after the ending I’m very much hoping for a book 4!
January 13, 2022
This is the third installment in the Caelan Small series, and the third time I've been disappointed. These books were gifted to me, otherwise I don't think I would have sought out the second two.
Caelan Small is considered to be the best at what she does, which is being an undercover operative. Aside from the ability to change her appearance and body language very well, I have never once seen any indication of what it is that is supposed to make her so desirable as a detective. She's rash, headstrong (but not in a particularly good way), and fairly unobservant for someone in her line of work. She also has a penchant for walking into the front door of police stations, getting into cars with detectives, and meeting with lead investigators outside of prisons in broad daylight - all things that would be pretty ill-advised if you're trying to stay incognito.
The story itself, similar to the previous two, is a series of conversations. Caelan goes from one setting to another interrogating people in a very policewoman-like manner, and in spite of the fact that she is new to the scene and working with people that are supposedly very guarded and mistrustful, manages to convince them to tell her things in relatively short order. All three novels have stuck to this dialogue-heavy-with-a-minor-action-scene-at-the-end type of formula, to the point that they're virtually interchangeable.
The relationship between her and her ex Nicky is originally what drew me in to this series, and has been dangled like a carrot across three entire novels with very little to show for it. The two of them have a few short arguments, and that's it. Nicky's very brief appearances bookend this story in a way that I assume is supposed to keep the reader intrigued, but since there has been extremely minimal interaction between the two of them over the course of this series, I don't know how the reader can be expected to have any emotional investment in this relationship.
Overall these books are an easy read if you're looking for something comfortable, but not something I will be reaching for again.
Caelan Small is considered to be the best at what she does, which is being an undercover operative. Aside from the ability to change her appearance and body language very well, I have never once seen any indication of what it is that is supposed to make her so desirable as a detective. She's rash, headstrong (but not in a particularly good way), and fairly unobservant for someone in her line of work. She also has a penchant for walking into the front door of police stations, getting into cars with detectives, and meeting with lead investigators outside of prisons in broad daylight - all things that would be pretty ill-advised if you're trying to stay incognito.
The story itself, similar to the previous two, is a series of conversations. Caelan goes from one setting to another interrogating people in a very policewoman-like manner, and in spite of the fact that she is new to the scene and working with people that are supposedly very guarded and mistrustful, manages to convince them to tell her things in relatively short order. All three novels have stuck to this dialogue-heavy-with-a-minor-action-scene-at-the-end type of formula, to the point that they're virtually interchangeable.
The relationship between her and her ex Nicky is originally what drew me in to this series, and has been dangled like a carrot across three entire novels with very little to show for it. The two of them have a few short arguments, and that's it. Nicky's very brief appearances bookend this story in a way that I assume is supposed to keep the reader intrigued, but since there has been extremely minimal interaction between the two of them over the course of this series, I don't know how the reader can be expected to have any emotional investment in this relationship.
Overall these books are an easy read if you're looking for something comfortable, but not something I will be reaching for again.
July 5, 2021
This book made me so angry. There should be a law that allows a special unit to shoot dead anyone selling or buying people. These types of criminals are not human and do not deserve a court of law. What despicable things they are. Although I did not like Mulligan in other books, I did develop a bit of respect for him because he tried to save Caelan’s life. I think there were very few likeable persons in this book, and every reasonably good person either ended up dead or being put on sale. Caelan should have shot all of them—the sellers and the buyers. Okay that is my rant: I find Caelan stern and unlikeable. She says she feel sympathy but her actions do not follow through. Evan is getting more experience and likeable and I do like him. I find the book gets boring with the reporting back to Penrith or whoever is in charge. This seems to change from chapter to chapter, and Caelan and Ewan undercover with exceptionally dangerous criminals do not seem to have any backup or people watching their backs. For heavens sake, get your command structure realistically in place. Overall, most of the book is mindlessly turning pages. People show up and then disappear. The last couple of chapters had more action and were interesting, but everyone who was supposed to be injured and in the hospital or missing showed up in the auction room to be sold—even Ewan, Mulligan and the stalker—and everyone else were the sellers. I still say, Caelan should have shot them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2019
This is book three in the Cealan Small series and undercover cop who is investigating a seedy world. Her old boss rings her and asks her to back into the Met to help solve the case. She is lying low for the time being so accepts the challenge.
The underworld of human trade is rife and very much alive. She discovers the lengths that these animals will go to in order to make money. She is teamed up with the vicious dealer, Mulligan, whose sister is missing.
She is an excellent cop who thrives on the dangerous world that she finds herself in. That is until she realises that someone is leaking information that puts her life in danger. All the lies, deceit, scams and thieves prove to be difficult to keep track of.
This is quite a fast paced book and an easy read. I give with
4****.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The underworld of human trade is rife and very much alive. She discovers the lengths that these animals will go to in order to make money. She is teamed up with the vicious dealer, Mulligan, whose sister is missing.
She is an excellent cop who thrives on the dangerous world that she finds herself in. That is until she realises that someone is leaking information that puts her life in danger. All the lies, deceit, scams and thieves prove to be difficult to keep track of.
This is quite a fast paced book and an easy read. I give with
4****.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
February 14, 2024
This is book Three of the Detective Caelan series. I have to admit this is the first book I've read of Lisa Hartley, but I will look out for her other books as I enjoyed this one.
I know there were two stories before this, but it didn't matter this read as a standalone and gave you background from previous books when needed.
It starts with Caelan not working for the Met now and trying to get on with a normal life, but that's not going to happen as there is a missing woman.
She goes undercover to find out where she is and who has her.
As she gets deeper into the underworld, she encounters drug dealers and people traffickers and life becomes dangerous. Can she survive
I found this a really easy read, Caelan is one brave cookie putting herself in danger the way she does amongst the lowlife she has to deal with, the story flowed well, if I had any negative thoughts it would be the ending seemed a bit rushed.
I know there were two stories before this, but it didn't matter this read as a standalone and gave you background from previous books when needed.
It starts with Caelan not working for the Met now and trying to get on with a normal life, but that's not going to happen as there is a missing woman.
She goes undercover to find out where she is and who has her.
As she gets deeper into the underworld, she encounters drug dealers and people traffickers and life becomes dangerous. Can she survive
I found this a really easy read, Caelan is one brave cookie putting herself in danger the way she does amongst the lowlife she has to deal with, the story flowed well, if I had any negative thoughts it would be the ending seemed a bit rushed.
August 20, 2019
This is book 3 to feature undercover detective Caelan Small and it is fast becoming a very good series. Caelan goes under cover with a vicious drug dealer whose sister goes missing, when she uncovers human trafficking. As she is drawn into the search for the missing girl, she discovers that someone is leaking information and her life is in danger. Very good character development, fast paced and plenty tension make this another excellent read from the author. I would recommend this series of books. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
December 29, 2020
Following on immediately from the first two novels, this series is best read in order.
Caelan Small is undercover once more, investigating a series of murders and disappearances in the darker recesses of London. She doesn't know who to trust or what's true, or even if her bosses are telling her everything. Forced to rely on her instincts, Small is in a dangerous situation, trying to survive as well as to seek the truth.
The series is developing nicely, each novel fast and furious, with a cast of dark characters. The pace is fast, the task clear and the story murky as the reader tries to puzzle things out along with the lead character. An excellent read.
Caelan Small is undercover once more, investigating a series of murders and disappearances in the darker recesses of London. She doesn't know who to trust or what's true, or even if her bosses are telling her everything. Forced to rely on her instincts, Small is in a dangerous situation, trying to survive as well as to seek the truth.
The series is developing nicely, each novel fast and furious, with a cast of dark characters. The pace is fast, the task clear and the story murky as the reader tries to puzzle things out along with the lead character. An excellent read.
August 21, 2023
I didn’t like this book as much as the first two, which I also was hesitant about. It’s just all a little too far fetched. Caelan makes progress within an hour of meeting someone? Random people just spill their secrets? She’s constantly referring her training, without actually getting into what it means.
This last book just wasn’t really for me. I prefer the Bishop and Knight series much more. I think Lisa Hartley has grown a lot. But the Caelan Smalls series was a bit of a downhill slide for me….
This last book just wasn’t really for me. I prefer the Bishop and Knight series much more. I think Lisa Hartley has grown a lot. But the Caelan Smalls series was a bit of a downhill slide for me….
August 13, 2019
A great little read. Packed full of action and suspense. I really enjoyed this book short enough to read in a day with a satisfying ending
January 3, 2020
Kept you guessing till the end
April 2, 2020
A very good read, lots of action, lots of exitement.
June 6, 2020
3.5 stars.
tbr-rereads
May 11, 2022need to reread. read in 2020. review coming soon.
March 9, 2023
Very good plot have read all 3 and can't wait to find out if there's another coming soon
February 24, 2025
Brilliant series
June 9, 2021
Another unputdownable read
Love this book can't get enough. Real page turner a must read. Keeps you guessing till the very last minute.
Love this book can't get enough. Real page turner a must read. Keeps you guessing till the very last minute.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews