For All the Dead Girls

Lou Alcott #2

by Sherryl Clark

Tough and gutsy PI Lou Alcott returns with a terrifyingly gritty new case that takes her deep into the dark web. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Bublitz and Jane Caro.


While juggling a missing person case with unexpected ties close to home and saving an innocent woman and her child from a dangerous domestic situation, Lou ends up in the line of fire of a mysterious dark-web hate group, known only as SYB.

As Melbourne simmers through a relentless heatwave, the murders of more women are connected to SYB and Lou becomes the number one target of their vicious campaign of incited violence. #GetLou #killthebitch

Lou lurches between a fire-bombed safe house, car chases and stalkers, as her private investigation firm races against time to uncover the core of the group and work out just how far their tentacles stretch...

Dark, gritty and utterly compelling, FOR ALL THE DEAD GIRLS is Sherryl Clark at her riveting, nail-biting best and delivers a chilling warning that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Genres: Thriller, Crime

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Some of my first short stories were crime fiction, and although in the last 20 years I have focused a lot more on writing children's and YA books, I've kept going with my crime writing. The first two novels are now stowed somewhere in the back of my filing cabinet!
But "Trust Me, I'm Dead", first draft written in 2009, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger and then published by Verve Books in the UK. What a journey with that novel. I love the character, a grumpy woman (secretly modelled on a young Judi Dench), and couldn't let go of the story. Nine drafts later ...
There are two more Judi novels ("Dead and Gone" and "Mad, Bad and Dead") - but my brand new character is PI Lou Alcott, with "Woman, Missing" published in 2024 by HQ/Harlequin.
More about my crime writing and books at www.sherrylclarkcrimewriter.com

I have been writing poems and stories for over twenty-five years, and have two collections of poetry published. Perseverance really does count, I think, for all kinds of writing.

In 1996 I wrote my first children’s book, "The Too-Tight Tutu", which was published in 1997 by Penguin Australia. I have since written over 60 children's and YA books, which are published around the world.
My verse novel "Farm Kid" won the 2005 NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Children’s Books. "Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!)" was a 2008 CBCA Honour Book. My YA novel "Dying to Tell Me", published in the USA by KaneMiller, has also been published in Australia by me.

My author website for children's books is at www.sherrylclark.com. I also work as a freelance editor, manuscript development editor and mentor - information on these at www.sherrylclarkwritingcoach.com.

Reviews

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
For All the Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark is a powerful, confronting and fast paced story that demands to be heard and a sobering reminder of evil reality.

This is one of those rare books that leaves you sitting in silence after the last page, it’s unflinching, raw and dark and will stay in my thoughts for a long time. All The Dead Girls confronts the reality of domestic violence and related technology with remarkable clarity. I found it impossible to put down with the suspense, danger and continual edge of your seat moments.

Private Investigator Lou Alcott is such a remarkable character, she is constantly in dangerous situations through her work which includes extracting vulnerable clients from harm. Lou’s complicated family make for a highly intriguing subplot and I loved reading about the recognisable streets of Melbourne, Australia which added to the enjoyment.

I think this a book for everyone and will leave the reader possibly more aware of the insipid, ’underground warfare on women’ movement.

I definitely want to read more from this Australian author and especially more of Lou’s character. Highly recommend, an absolute must read.

Publication Date 30 June 2026
Publisher HQ Fiction Australia

Thank you to HQ Insiders and HQ Books Australia for the opportunity to read this jaw dropping book by author Sherryl Clark, this is my first book by this author.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty. Powerful. Confronting.

I loved the return of Private Investigator Lou Alcott in this terrifyingly plausible story.

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was hooked doesn’t feel like enough, this book had me completely engrossed from the get go

Private Investigator Lou Alcott is now one of my favourite lead characters. She is gutsy, brave, smart, caring and fearless.

When called by her boss Paul, to help rescue and young mum Jasmine and her son Charlie from a domestic violence situation, Lou is hoping is a quick job but when Jasmine’s partner finds them, Lou stops at nothing to keep Jasmine and Charlie safe

Packed with so much nail biting suspense and action. Lou is put through the wringer but keeps her head up and never quits. The story is balanced between Lou’s complex family history and the horrible reality of domestic violence and dark web forums

I really enjoyed the Melbourne back drop, visualising exactly where Lou and Paul were racing to

My first book by the author and while this was a sequel I was able to follow along easily. I do plan for read the first book ‘Woman, missing’

Thank you so much HQ for my gifted copy for July’s #thrillerBOTM

[Juanita Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to HQInsiders for the opportunity to read this book by a new author to me. When I first started reading For All The Dead Girls I felt like I was missing out on some prior knowledge about the characters and wondered if there was a previous book. This turned out to be the case so I will be looking out for Woman Missing which is apparently the first book in this series. Even though the subject matter is tough and challenging it’s a thoroughly gripping book that I enjoyed from start to finish. The domestic violence themes are tough to read however I would highly recommend reading this book by Sherryl Clark.

[Caroline Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel full of important messages and very topical in relation to misogyny and violence against women. Also a great fiction read, action packed, interesting plot and a strong, determined, intelligent and interesting female lead.
There is family complications, work procedural issues, work colleagues, the crimes, it’s all there.
Any Melbourne lovers will enjoy the familiar geography and weather references.
There’s plenty here for crime fiction lovers to enjoy.
Thanks HQ for the ARC
😊

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by Sherrly Clark that I have read, though not having read the first in the series didn't really take away from the storyline.

Lou Alcott is a private investigator who isn't scared off easily. She is involved in a client extraction that escalates into a #GetLou campaign.

I found this book fast paced and well flowing. It kept me intrigued and I stayed up late to finish it.

I think fans of Candice Fox will enjoy this book and anyone who likes a strong lead female character.

I will be looking for the first book in the series and hope Sherryl continues the series in the future.




#HQINSIDERS

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: PI Procedural, Gripping Crime, Fierce Female Lead

full review ⬇️

After loving the first book in this series Woman, Missing, I jumped straight into For All The Dead Girls and I'm so glad I did. Five stars all round!

Private investigator Lou is back and continues to be a standout character. She's tough, persistent and exactly the kind of fierce female lead I love following through a crime series.

Like the first book, there are multiple subplots running alongside the main case but Sherryl Clark handles them brilliantly. They add depth to the story and characters without ever distracting from the central mystery.

This book tackles some incredibly important and confronting themes, including violence against women and the influence of men's online hate groups and dark web communities. These elements are handled thoughtfully and add real weight to the story without feeling sensationalised.

One of my favourite things about this series is the setting. There is something really enjoyable about recognising familiar locations woven throughout and helped to add an extra layer of authenticity to an already compelling investigation.

If you're planning to pick up this series, I'd strongly recommend reading the books back to back. They work as standalones but I found reading in order gave the best introduction to Lou and allowed me to fully appreciate her character development and relationships.

If you enjoy gritty crime fiction, strong female investigators, layered mysteries and dark heavy themes this series is well worth your time.

A big thank you to HQ Fiction for sharing this latest installment with me.

[Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although For All the Dead Girls is the second book in the Lou Alcott series, I hadn't yet managed to get my hands on Woman, Missing. Thankfully, Sheryl Clark provides enough context that I never felt like I was missing crucial pieces of the story, while still leaving me eager to go back and read where Lou's journey began.

This is not an easy read. It's confronting, disturbing, and at times genuinely terrifying. The violence, misogyny, and hatred directed towards women throughout the novel are deeply unsettling, serving as a stark reminder that these attitudes remain far too prevalent in society. More than once I found myself frustrated and furious at the toxic mindset driving the story's antagonists.

Yet despite the darkness, I couldn't look away.

Clark had me completely captivated from beginning to end, delivering a gripping, relentless thriller packed with nail-biting tension. The vivid imagery is particularly impressive. The high-speed car chase scenes were so immersive I felt every lurch, skid, and bump alongside the characters, my heart racing as if I were in the passenger seat myself.

What makes this story shine, however, is Lou Alcott. She's determined, resilient, and refuses to back down, even when the odds are stacked against her. Watching her fight for herself and others left me feeling empowered and reminded of the importance of continuing to take up space unapologetically.

Dark, intense, and impossible to put down, For All the Dead Girls held me in a chokehold from the first page to the last. It is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers frustrated by the persistence of misogyny and the toxic influence of the manosphere, while also celebrating the strength of those who refuse to be silenced.

I'll definitely be seeking out more of Sheryl Clark's work in the future.

Thank you to HQ and HarperCollins Australia for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ellen (the_plentiful_library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

PI Lou Alcott is back and this time she’s tasked with helping a woman escape a domestic violence situation, but in helping it sets of a chain of events that threaten the safety of both the lady and Lou.

Just like Woman, Missing; the first book in the series, this story is a slow simmer as the tension builds, the plot unfolds and you become invested in the characters. Then there’s an explosive ending that will have you holding on for dear life.

I love Lou’s tough exterior, soft inner, dry personality. I also love that Sherryl Clark has focused on very relevant issues that society deals with everyday.

It’s always exciting when you recognise locations in a book and can picture them perfectly. I grew up in Geelong and loved the references to the drive between Geelong and Melbourne and all the places in between.

You can read this one as a standalone however I do recommend starting at the start for the character development.

I can’t wait to see what Lou does next!

[Amelie Ya Deau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me while reading this: Alexa, play White Blank Page by Mumford and Sons
If you want a staggering dose of feminine rage, read this book. I haven’t read something this upsetting but also compelling in a while. Worth the read but look up trigger warnings if you think that would be helpful. Very good book definitely worth the read

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable follow-on from Book 1. Lou Alcott is well and truly tested when she becomes the focus of a hate group, that she thinks is connected to a series of murders at the same time as she is dealing with a serious domestic violence case. Pacy, exciting, read.

[aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Australia has one of the most active communities of women-hating groups after the US. There are thousands of them. They post stuff like this all the time”.

Thank you to HQ Insiders for my copy of FOR ALL THE DEAD GIRLS by Sherryl Clark.

This is the second Lou Alcott book. She’s an ex police officer with the Victorian Police, now working as a Private Investigator. Shes got a twisted family tree - a father high up in the police whom she’s estranged from and a maternal grandfather who’s a crook. The book sees Lou caught up in two cases; the first is a missing person and the second is a removal of a woman and child from her abusive husband. Regarding the latter case, we see the impact of the Manosphere, in using the Dark Web, chat rooms and how agencies scramble to combat these kinds of crimes (and if they arguably do so).

It took me a few chapters to settle into the rhythm of the book, as I haven’t read the first instalment. Lou’s a prickly character but you can see why, given her background. The pace of the book picks up reaching fever pitch in the last third.

Recommended reading - please be mindful of content warnings and practice self care. There are themes of domestic violence, child abuse, gang activity, online abuse, stalking and harassment, and on page violence and sexual assault.

[KC (Lit in Byron) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book moves at an almost obscene pace.

The second instalment in the Lou Alcott series drops you straight back into the chaos, and honestly, poor Lou barely gets a moment to breathe. She’s a private investigator with a knack for finding trouble, and sometimes it feels like her personal life is every bit as complicated as the cases she’s trying to solve. That balance between investigation and family drama is one of the things I enjoy most about this series. The criminal threads running through her personal life sit just beneath the surface, quietly shaping everything around her.

The pacing here is relentless. Every time I thought I had a handle on where the story was heading, something else happened. By the final chapters, I was nearly as exhausted as Lou. In the best possible way.

Without giving anything away, the novel explores the darker corners of our online world. It’s one of those stories that becomes increasingly unsettling because it doesn’t feel far-fetched. The central themes hit hard precisely because they’re rooted in reality. This isn’t some distant fictional threat. It’s happening every day, often in ways most of us don’t fully see. Long after I finished reading, I found myself thinking about the implications of what I’d just read.

What I appreciated most was that beneath the fast-paced plot and constant tension, there are questions about vulnerability, power, and the way technology can amplify both the best and worst parts of human behaviour.

There are significant trigger warnings for domestic violence, so I’d encourage readers to check those before picking this one up.

This was a gifted physical ARC from HQ, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide an honest review. I went in completely blind and came out genuinely rattled. Sometimes that’s exactly what a good crime novel should do

[Lyn Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, from the start of chapter 3 I was hooked into this story like no other. This is my first Lou Alcott read by Sherryl Clark but this didn't detract at all from reading this book as a standalone novel. Lou Alcott is a complicated character, with a complicated past, a complicated family and a complicated job as a private investigator. Dad is high up in the police force and grandad is, well as far away from the police force and quite a prominent character in the Melbourne crime scene. Lou is living with grandad due to some unforeseen circumstances and, along with his body guards and complicated lifestyle, he is home and the parent to Lou that she never had. Lou is tasked in her PI role with finding a missing person, but is sidetracked by another job, from her boss at the last minute and this job has danger and trouble written all over it from start to finish. Lou finds herself learning more about domestic violence than she cared to learn and she thought she knew it all, but these days technology helps all of us, including domestic abusers and hate groups. The sinister side of this not only touches the work that Lou does and the clients she helps, but one where she ultimately becomes a dangerous target.

This book is gripping from start to finish, not only because of the fictional storylines, but eye opening as to how much of this could be true. Not only are you enlightened by this book, but the tale of fiction draws you into the story of family of Lou Alcott and wanting to know more of where her next adventure awaits. The characters in this story are complicated but show a kind side to where family is not only connected by blood, but forged in faith, friendship, trust and deep connection. Lou and the connection with her grandad is beautiful and truly loving and I loved how Clark draws you into the complexities of these two characters which leave you wanting to know how they are getting on long after the story ends.

This story is a hard hitting gripping tale of domestic violence and how vulnerable people can be in the blink of an eye, and all the hard working people putting their lives at risk to save those in need. Whilst hard to read, this story brings light to some of this topic that should never be whispered about or hidden but brought out into the light until it no longer exists.

Thank you to HQ Insiders for the advance reading copy of this book. I feel truly privileged to have been given the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest and unbiased review.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the Dead Girls is the second in the Lou Alcott private detective series set in Melbourne, Australia. If you have not read the first, you can do this as a standalone. I went and found the first novel, and I am glad I did. For it gave me a better sense of Lou, how she operates, who she works and hangs with.
In the second story, it starts a couple of weeks after the exploits of the first novel. Lou Alcott is back on the job, looking for a missing man who needs to know he is about to inherit a small fortune and assisting a woman escape an abusive partner. Both jobs are meant to be simple, find the man tell him the good news and collect the woman take her to a safe house and move on to the next task. However, nothing ever goes easy for Lou. The man she is seeking is an unknown relative and drags up family secrets that Lou wants to understand and resolve. Collecting the woman and child reveals the lengths a man will go to exert control and exposes the nasty online underbelly of misogyny, coercion, and cruelty enabling and encouraging the behaviours. Lou is quickly swept into a maelstrom of violence as protecting the women results in bashings, murders and threats to her life. It is a full-on ride, edge of your seat ride, that grips you from the onset as you journey with Lou as her silent partner in the investigation. The topics maybe dark but Clark handles them deftly.
Lou is a wonderfully flawed character, she is strong willed (sometimes to her detriment), fiercely loyal, and like so many of us, every day she drags herself out of bed to face another day. That is what is so appealing about Lou she does not have all the answers. Lou is juggling friendships; possible romantic interests and a complicated family. Her mother has died, her relationship with her father is strained and her grandfather wants her to take over the family business. A business built on dubious foundations and Lou is not sure her grandfather’s wishes are her path.
Clark throws the reader straight into the action and you are barely able to take a breath. The twists and turns come at a furious pace. It is apparent Clark has Lou lined up for a series of books and I am looking forward to discovering the next predicament Lou Alcott gets into.
I was provided an ARC by HQ Insiders and the views are mine.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

💬 “You know how many women are killed by their partners every year?”

“Too bloody many. It’s grown to be one every four days.”

This is book 2 in the Lou Alcott series and gee this went down an even darker path.

I’ll start by saying, if you do decide to pick this up, please check the triggers warnings, as Sherryl does not hold back in descriptions and honest writing surrounding domestic violence, rape and abuse, which makes for a confronting, emotional and at times an uneasy read, but one, but it’s a story that is necessary and important to tell, amongst the darkness though, it is a story of survival, strength, justice and awareness.

Lou’s current PI case is to help save an innocent woman and child from a dangerous domestic situation and she soon finds herself with a target on her back from an online hate group known the SYB – this story delves into the world of the dark web, women hating men, trolling and deepfakes.

The conversations and actions by this group of men was vile, unnerving, leaving me totally unsettled, with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I also had a constant sense of paranoia and fear of what was to come.

Once again, I just love the character of Lou – she has guts, she’s a fighter and in the name of protecting women from disgusting and dangerous men, she does not back down and doesn’t hesitate to provide safety, even if it means putting herself in danger too.

I can’t forget the character of Gang and the part he played in this story, he was a ghost per say in the dark web chat rooms, trying to find information and I appreciated his character and the look into how a job like this can affect someone mentally – we are not wired to see such darkness in the world and it can have huge impacts by being exposed to such things.

Both this book and Woman, Missing are the first books I’ve read by Sherryl and she is now on my radar and on my must-read list – so thank-you @Sherryl and @HQ Insiders for an advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest review and happy release day for tomorrow.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last, this one had me turning the pages as PI Lou Alcott gets caught up in a dark web group with confronting ideas on how woman should be treated, it is an issue that sadly in this day and age is still happening and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the story.

PI Lou Alcott is the daughter of assistant police commissioner and was a police officer herself once she and her father have a strained relationship and at the moment she is living with her grandfather, she works for PMI and enjoys her job her boss has her on a missing persons case at the moment which appears to be closely related to her family when he asks her to rescue a mother and her son from an abusive relationship this will start Lou on a journey through some very dark and hard issues and times.

The weather is heating up as is the case with the deaths of more woman linked to what PMI have discovered is a group of men on the dark web known as SYB but when Lou becomes their next target and the violence heats up will they get the members of SYB before Lou and any other woman are killed?

This is a great and well written story, sadly about things that are happening that shouldn’t be and it is confronting at times but I did very much enjoy it, although it can be read as a standalone I do wish I had read book one first and will be chasing that one up to read and I look forward to more Lou Alcott stories I think she is a great character her strength is amazing after all she has been through and her workmates Gang and Paul not to mention her grandfather Hamish are fabulous and add so much to the story, I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good thriller that will keep you turning the pages.

My thanks to HQ Fiction for my ARC to read and review.

[Ivona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some thrillers entertain. Others stay with you long after you've turned the final page. For All the Dead Girls is one of those books.

Sherryl Clark delivers a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller that feels both chilling and incredibly relevant. From the first chapter, I was completely invested in the investigation and couldn't stop turning the pages.

Private Investigator Lou Alcott is a fantastic lead. She's determined, sharp, and willing to risk everything to uncover the truth. I also loved her dynamic with her boss, Paul Marshall. Their partnership adds depth to the investigation and makes every breakthrough feel earned. Tech whiz Gang is another standout character, using his skills to uncover the digital trail behind the crimes. In contrast, Lou's crime boss, Grandad, Hamish Campbell, brings an unexpected edge to the story. Their relationships give the novel heart without diminishing the suspense.

The mystery is layered, the pacing is relentless, and the tension never lets up. Between the missing women, the online extremist group, and the growing danger surrounding Lou herself, I was constantly wondering who could be trusted and what would happen next.

What really sets this book apart is how relevant it feels. Sherryl Clark tackles themes of online radicalisation, misogyny, and violence against women with sensitivity and realism. It makes the story even more unsettling because it feels believable rather than sensationalised.

This is more than just a crime thriller. It's a smart, thought-provoking, and addictive read with memorable characters, sharp writing, and a mystery that kept me hooked until the very end.

If you enjoy gritty crime fiction with compelling investigators, high-stakes suspense, and twists that genuinely surprise you, For All the Dead Girls deserves a place on your reading list.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly fast paced, brilliantly written book. But it is raw and brutal and shockingly violent and what makes it even worse (better?) is the reality of it.

I’ll be honest, normally a book with a fast pace like this would have me reading it in one sitting but I had to take breaks while reading All The Dead Girls. Sherryl Clark has nailed how far misogyny, hate and violence can reach with our current technology and the dark-web and I found myself full of nausea again and again. And then I cried. Because yes, this is a work of fiction but it is drawn from what is taking place around us whether we are aware of it or not.

All The Dead Girls sees the return of PI Louisa Alcott as she balances a missing persons case and aiding a woman and her child in fleeing from her abusive husband. New to the realm of ‘extraction’ Lou finds herself the target of a dark-web hate group known only as SYB.

There is so much going on in this book -
Lou’s complicated history with her father and his unexpected job offer,
The missing persons case that becomes personal,
A snarly, insistent journalist who seems bent on destroying Lou’s reputation,
The police persistently probing Lou about her knowledge of her grandfather’s shady dealings and involvement in a murder,
And of course the ramifications of rescuing a helpless woman and her child.

All The Dead Girls is a gritty, powerful, violent read that grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you glued to the page. Be warned though, that it contains many elements that could be triggering. It also has a lot of references to the proceeding book that can be confusing.

Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*Thank you to HQ Insiders for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted as part of the HQInsiders program. Not long into reading this book I realised that this was book 2 in a series. I have read series books as standalone books from other authors without issue, but I found that for this novel - For All The Dead Girls – the links to the previous story were there, but not enough at one time for me. It was a case of 3 words here, a sentence there, that didn’t culminate into enough information to help me understand the back story whilst reading this story.
This novel is all about subjects that are so relevant today – domestic violence, violence against women, the rise of men’s online hate groups, safe havens, the dark web, and retaliation with a realism that makes you feel this novels journey in your heart and soul.
Lou (Louisa) the female lead, is a strong woman with a history to prove it. Previously a police office and now working for a Private Investigator, Lou is sent on assignment that has personal ties that cover a part of her family history that she knows nothing about. During this case, Lou is asked by her boss to travel to collect a mother and son and remove them from a violent and controlling home life. The book covers both sets of stories well, with a couple of other sub plots thrown in for extra reading.
I won’t go any more into the story other than to say if you have no idea on how terrifying the world can be for those women who are fleeing domestic violence, then this book is a must read, providing information on the topic in a page turning read. Whilst fiction, it could easily be a current news headline story.
A great read, love that is was set in Melbourne.

[Tamara Warburton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to HQ Insiders and HQ Books Australia for the opportunity to read this book!

For All the Dead Girls is a gripping and confronting crime novel that is not afraid to explore some of the darker sides of both humanity and the online world. In her novel, Clark tackles themes such as violence against women, domestic violence and the influence of online hate groups and dark web communities, creating a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page has been turned. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in as there are some themes that may be triggering for some to read.

One of my favourite parts of the novel was the character of Lou Alcott. As a private investigator, she is fierce, determined and relentless in her pursuit of the truth. I really enjoyed following her investigation and she made for such a compelling protagonist.

I also loved that the story was set locally. Recognising familiar places made the world feel even more immersive and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience for me.

I didn't realise this was part of a series before I started reading, but that only made me more excited to go back and read the first book now that I have finished reading For All The Dead Girls. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future instalments in this series because I'd love to spend more time with Lou and this world.

If you're looking for a crime thriller that's gripping, unsettling and does not shy away from some of the more difficult but important topics, For All the Dead Girls is well worth picking up.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful crime novel which explores important themes. I enjoyed it immensely; it’s both an exciting narrative and a story which leaves you with a lot to think about. It feels very current, and frighteningly realistic.

It’s the second novel featuring private investigator Lou Alcott. I enjoyed the first, too, and this one builds on the first with similar themes but even greater punch.

The depiction of online hate aimed at women was horrifically real. If you’ve spent any time at all online lately, you’ve heard about it, even if you haven’t seen it. Sadly, Clark does not exaggerate this problem, although Lou certainly gets caught up in an extreme element of it.

Clark does an excellent job of depicting the psychological impact of this hate and violence. It made the novel very difficult to read in parts; but it also makes it unforgettable. These are not new themes, but Clark writes about them with uncommon impact.

This is also a solid thriller, with a fast moving plot, plenty of action, and realistic investigative details. All the characters are strong, although it’s Lou that stands out. This novel shows us more of her personality and background, deepening the characterisation. Most readers will be highly engaged with her.

This is an excellent novel, well worth reading. It’ll give you an exciting and tense reading experience, and then leave you with real life issues to think about. Highly recommended.
You may also be interested in my review of the first Lou Alcott novel:
http://otherdreamsotherlives.home.blo...

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this book. I was hooked from page 1 and finished it in two days (to the detriment of other things I should have been doing 😁).
For the Dead Girls is the second book in a series about Louisa (Lou) Alcott, who is a PI. She used to be a cop with Victoria police but left after a disagreement. Lou is a strong woman and I loved her character, especially her unwillingness to always do what she should be doing and sometimes her mouth goes into gear before her brain. But everything she does is for good and she wears her heart on her sleeve.
Lou also has a complicated family situation. Her father is the Assistant Police Commissioner and they have a fractured relationship, communicating only when necessary. She is very close to her grandfather who was a gangster in his past, although he has gone straight now - but he still has plenty of contacts.
All of these things intertwine with Lou trying to do her job, which involves putting herself at risk to help others and save lives.
I hadn’t read the first book but it really didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. There were references to previous events in the first book, but they didn’t inhibit the following of the story.
Sherryl Clark, the author, worked in a women’s refuge in the 1980s. Her passion for this is evident in her writing and in the story. The writing is gripping and you feel like you’re there with the characters, riding the roller coaster of events they encounter.
It should be noted that there needs to be a trigger warning for women who have experienced or been affected by domestic violence.

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realised For All The Dead Girls was the second in Sherryl Clark's Lou Alcott series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone, with just enough hints at backstory to make me want to go back and start from the beginning. Lou is a former police officer turned PI, working at Paul Marshall Investigations alongside her mentor Paul and a tech genius, Gang. Lou's likeable and not much of a toe-the-blue-line type, which presumably explains why she's no longer on the force.

Lou's juggling a missing persons case with some unexpected personal dimensions when Paul asks her to help a woman and child escaping domestic violence. As a result she becomes embroiled in attacks on safe houses. PMI's investigation soon uncovers an online group inciting men to target victims of domestic violence and anyone who supports them. Gang's deep dives into the dark web make for uncomfortable (but important) reading, and Lou herself becomes a target when a dodgy journalist connects her to the latest cases.

What gives the book real texture is Lou's relationship with her grandfather, a Melbourne crime boss she's living with while her own place is being repaired, and the ethical grey area that creates for both Lou and the reader.

Trigger warning: the book deals with domestic violence and a vicious online hate campaign targeting women. Clark handles the weighty subject matter deftly and the ending leaves things nicely open so I look forward to what comes next.

Read the full review on my website: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For All the Dead Girls is such a topical novel for this time. Sherryl Clark is a new author to me and again shows what great female crime writers we have in this country!
Lou is an ex-policewoman and now works for a private investigator and is given the task of rescuing a mother and child from her abusive husband and relocating her to a safe house. This sounds like a relatively uncomplicated task but the husband tracks them and puts all parties at risk. This leads to discovering a dark internet group which seem to thrive on seeing women treated like objects that they can do whatever they like with and all of a sudden Lou is caught up and is made a target by this group of men.
Meanwhile she is staying at her Grandfather's home and has to locate his long lost brother because of an inheritance from a relative in Scotland. As she has to travel to the country for this she is in fear of being followed, and then questions long lost secrets in her family.
Lou was one tough cookie and I loved the fact that it is set in Melbourne and Victoria as the locations were known to me as I read. This was fast paced and I stayed up way too late to finish the last quarter of this book. I will definitely be seeking out the author's first novel which also features Lou, but not having read that did not take anything away from this great book.
Thank you so much to HQ insiders for providing me with a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Rosemarie Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gritty, compelling book that dealers not only with the darker side of humanity but also those whose lives are put in danger as they open their homes and hearts to help women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Lou Alcott is a former police officer, the daughter of the Assistant Police Commissioner and staying with her grandfather who is a crime boss facing criminal charges himself. Working as a private investigator for PMI solving missing persons cases, she had just returned back to work when she is sent on a mission to pick up a woman and child both victims of domestic violence. These pickups are fraught with danger both for those leaving and the one collecting them to take them to a safe house. But in the age of technology, hidden tracking devices and apps, social media and the dark web are safe houses always truly safe? When there are groups of men who are in contact in a number or ways that feed each other in their hatred of women and when a woman’s life is worth nothing, it is no wonder so many vulnerable women and children are killed by those they loved or some other depraved men. Written in the first person, Lou, this is a fast paced book that is hard to put down. It is not a pleasant read, but one that gives women a voice, that domestic violence against women and children is never ok and help is available. Thank you to #harlequininsiders for the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jarrod P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell me how I picked this up, blinked and was three quarters through 😅😅

What a ride.

Granted this is the second Lou Alcott book and I haven’t read the first, it didn’t seem to matter when reading this one. There’s some references to the first book and it did make me curious to read it (whenever I get through my TBR).

But seriously what a ride.

The pacing here was superb, keeping you in the story as Lou goes through a missing persons case while also working to save a domestic violence victim. While the domestic victim appears to be a side plot, it very quickly becomes the main part of the story to the point where I wondered why bother with the missing person? Potentially to pave the way to the third book? And I assume based on how this ended that there will be a third.

As much as I enjoyed the edge of your seat thriller aspects of this, the blurb has key mention of threats against Lou by this SYB group (yay manosphere 😤) this doesn’t actually eventuate until late in the book. Is that a bad thing? Not really, because once that kicks off you better hold onto your pants folks as it gets wilder fast.

This is definitely a racy thriller with strong and intriguing characters, the right level of violence to keep the story moving without being action heavy, and a pretty good story arc.

Thanks to HQInsiders and HarperCollins to read this ARC. For All The Dead Girls is out June 30!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was awarded an advanced copy of ‘For All The Dead Girls’ (and missed the deadline) but I did not realise this was a sequel to ‘Woman, Missing’. So, to gain an understanding of who the character, Lou Alcott, her storyline and background of who she became and why. I’ve now read these books, and thoroughly enjoyed both.

When I began reading ‘For All The Dead Girls’, two words exploded on the page which stopped me dead in my tracks and turning the page was the name, Gisèle Picolt, a wonderful, brave and beautiful woman. I don’t think any more words can be said, but there probably are and it took me quite a few moments to turn the page to start. Sherryl Clark’s books are about a woman striving for justice even to the detriment of the characters self-being, self-worth and inner strength, but showing the grit, guts, determination and empathy for justice in a world where women struggle every single day and those challenges are many and varied – some you will never see.

I would love to see a Book 3 but I can also see that the ending sometimes is to be left to the imagination. These books are powerful and if, as Sherryl Clark states, “…asking you not to bury your heads in the sand…”, this is very much true and I am sure, like many others (myself included), there are much worse things going on in this world that we are not aware of but the depravity of human beings can be quite astonishing.

[Pousali Ghosh (thispandareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read trigger warnings. Very important.

Horrifying, confronting, thrilling and with a big dose of the real face of the world covered with misogyny and violence - this book will haunt you for ages. I’m so ashamed that I’m so oblivious to things happening in the real world. And I guess good for me because the horror after knowing them, I probably won’t ever be able to trust a man. The violence, the chats, SYB they are true. And what is being done about it? Oh let the man be a man. Oh not always a men. Oh women murder men too. Like.. at this stage this is not even a conversation I want to have if someone comes at me with these statements, delete from my life instantly.

The author did an excellent job portraying such complex topics with so much grace. It’s very hard to write these so kudos to her. I enjoyed the pace and the suspense in the storyline. I wanted more of the granddad he is a star. And I’m definitely going to read the first book now I need to know more about Lou’s background. I would recommend reading the books in order.

Lou now works as a PI and is suddenly asked to save a woman and her child from a DV situation. That one save puts a target on her back more dangerous than she could have ever fathomed. But instead of running away she chooses to fight!

I can’t wait to see where her story goes next! I felt the ending a little abrupt but I think she has more in store that’s coming.

Thank you HarleQuin Aus for a copy of this book!

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series featuring Lou Alcott, a private investigator and former police detective.

Lou is resilient, uncompromising, and perfectly suited to the darker corners of investigative work. The story opens with Lou wrestling with a pivotal decision about her future, while her caseload continues to demand her attention.

She finds herself caught between a missing-person case that hits far too close to home and a high-stakes rescue operation to get a mother and son safely away from an abusive partner. As if that isn’t enough, a series of increasingly hostile actions begin targeting Lou directly.

Clark does a magnificent job of using the environment to amplify the tension. The scorching Melbourne summer, smoke-filled skies and the threat of bushfires create an oppressive backdrop that mirrors the escalating danger of the plot. It really adds another layer of unease to an already tense story.

I haven’t read the first book in the series, and this was probably my biggest issue. There are frequent and quite detailed references to the events of the previous book, which I found distracting at times. I’ve read plenty of series out of order where it hasn’t mattered, but here I felt the references to the first book were repeated more than necessary. That said, I never felt completely lost in the story.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. Lou is a fantastic MC, the tension builds well, and I always love a book set in my city - Melbourne