A man lies beaten to a pulp in a deserted car park in Maidstone, Kent.
His own brother put him there.
Josh Winters never saw it coming. He trusted his brother Alex. He always has.
Detective Abigail Morton is embedded in a fractured source-handling unit on the Kent coast. She’s working a dangerous informant operation against the Winters’ criminal gang. Everyone says the brothers are untouchable.
But something is shifting inside the organisation. A crack running through its foundations — and Abigail is close enough to feel it.
Getting close enough to use it is another matter.
But now she has a way in.
Josh and Alex’s mother, Betsy, is willing to turn on her own sons . . .
Charlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher. Abigail Morton thrillers book 2. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I did like Abigail. I liked Betsy. wow what a twister of a read. I really didn't see that coming. My jaw was on the floor. I liked the writing style and the story. I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book.
Here is my review for His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this British crime thriller where Betsy Wheeler was sitting in her local corner shop, Spark Market, where Sanjay and all his family work. She spent a lot of time there with them after her accident when she broke her wrist. One time she was with Sanjay and he went to make a cup of tea upstairs, so Vickash came downstairs to cover the till. A customer came in for a packet of cigarettes and moaned about the price, Betsy could see some of his face but not all of it. He went to leave the shop but before she knew it, he was like a ghoul flying through the air and attacking Vickash. Then two mugs appeared before Sanjay attacked the guy who was still on Vickash. Then another ghoul appeared to start on Sanjay before the ghouls suddenly went as one. Vickash was laying perfectly still, he wasn't breathing - he was dead. Sanjay just had defensive wounds on him. Betsy had been trying to find out when the funeral was but even Sanjay wasn't answering her texts. When she was questioned by the police, she tried to answer but her eldest son, Alex, answered for her and said she saw nothing. She was worried for her sons as they were part of a criminal organisation and were getting deeper all the time. She was worried that they might drag her young grandson, Max, into it as well. Alex and Josh had even started taking over her kitchen for meetings sometimes. Betsy started meeting Detective Abigail Morton and they were building each other's trust so Betsy was more forthcoming about her family and explained her concerns about her grandson. Abigail gave her a scenario to show how she couldn't single Max out and keep him safe from them without reprisals. She hoped Betsy understood. This was a really intriguing story which kept me totally engrossed in the book. It was exciting to read how the police worked in this particular story which I'm fairly certain that the author must have done some indepth research on before writing this brilliant book. The characters are intriguing, very realistic and their actions are described in detail. The descriptive writing is extremely detailed and everything is described in great depth. This appears to be a very realistic story.
Blurb :
A man lies beaten to a pulp in a deserted car park in Maidstone, Kent.
His own brother put him there.
Josh Winters never saw it coming. He trusted his brother Alex. He always has.
Detective Abigail Morton is embedded in a fractured source-handling unit on the Kent coast. She’s working a dangerous informant operation against the Winters’ criminal gang. Everyone says the brothers are untouchable.
But something is shifting inside the organisation. A crack running through its foundations — and Abigail is close enough to feel it.
Getting close enough to use it is another matter.
But now she has a way in.
Josh and Alex’s mother, Betsy, is willing to turn on her own sons . . .
Perfect for fans of Line of Duty, Angela Marsons, J.D. Kirk, Stuart MacBride, Mark Billingham and Val McDermid.
DON’T MISS THE MOST UNPUTDOWNABLE THRILLER YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR!
THE DETECTIVE Detective Constable Abigail Morton has a rare talent, a way with people. She can get them to talk to her, tell her things they shouldn’t — which makes her perfect for the role of source handler, one of the most secretive — and dangerous — areas of police work. But the manipulation required for the role, the dubious morality of exploiting people in return for information, sits uneasily with her. Abigail is not always a team player and is prepared to break a few rules to get results. Her love life is a disaster zone.
THE AUTHOR Charlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for more than ten years, starting as a front-line response officer, then as a member of a specialist tactical team and as a detective investigating serious offences.
The second book in the Detective Abigail Morton series is a razor‑sharp, pulse pounding thriller that doesn’t just build on the first, it blows the doors off the entire world you thought you knew. This installment is darker, more emotionally charged, and far more personal, pulling readers deep into the fractured underbelly of Kent’s criminal networks while revealing new layers of Abigail herself.
The story detonates from the very first chapter. A man lies beaten to a pulp in a deserted car park in Maidstone, Kent left for dead by the one person he trusted most. Josh Winters never saw it coming. His own brother, Alex, put him there. The Winters brothers have long been considered untouchable, the ruthless core of a criminal organisation that has evaded law enforcement for years. Enter Detective Abigail Morton.
Embedded inside a dangerously unstable source‑handling unit on the Kent coast, Abigail is running a high‑risk informant operation aimed squarely at the Winters gang. She’s navigating a minefield of shifting loyalties, internal tensions, and the constant threat of exposure. Everyone around her insists the Winters empire is solid, impenetrable. But Abigail senses something else, a crack forming beneath the surface, a fracture running straight through the organisation’s foundations and she’s close enough to feel the tremor. Getting close enough to use it is another matter entirely.
That’s where the book becomes truly electrifying. When Betsy Winters, the brothers’ own mother steps forward, willing to turn on her sons, Abigail finally has a way in. But trusting Betsy could be the biggest gamble of her career. The emotional stakes skyrocket, and every decision Abigail makes feels like it could be her last.
What makes this sequel exceptional is how deeply it explores Abigail’s character. We see her fierce determination, her sharp instincts, and the fire that drives her to push harder than anyone else. But we also see her compassion, her ability to care, to connect, to protect the vulnerable even when it puts her at risk. This book peels back her armour and shows us the woman beneath: resilient, empathetic, and quietly battling her own ghosts.
The pacing is relentless, the atmosphere thick with tension, and the final act hits with the force of a sledgehammer. Twists land hard, motives blur, and the truth becomes a weapon in its own right.
This is the kind of sequel that doesn’t just continue a series, it intensifies it. If you thought you understood Abigail Morton, this book proves you’ve only scratched the surface. It’s gripping, emotional, and utterly addictive. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book.
His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher is a gripping and intriguing crime thriller that really pulls you in from the start. The story opens with a shocking scene: Alex is driving his brother Josh to what seems like an ordinary meet-up—except Josh has no idea what’s really going on. When they arrive, Alex suddenly attacks him. Josh later wakes up in hospital, confused and disoriented, with his brother at his bedside saying things that make little sense. From there, the story rewinds, gradually revealing how things spiralled into such a brutal betrayal between brothers. As the timeline unfolds, we’re introduced to Detective Constable Abigail Morton and Vince Arnold, who are preparing to handle a new informant. Robert Allison is desperate and willing to trade information for the right price. His intel could be key to bringing down the Winter brothers—Josh and Alex—who are at the centre of a larger criminal operation. The investigation is tense and challenging. With a smaller, tight-knit team following a previous split, the pressure is on to gather enough evidence to take action. Meanwhile, Betsy Wheeler, the mother of the Winter brothers, is dealing with devastating personal news. Determined to protect what remains of her family—especially her grandson—she makes the risky decision to become an informant herself. This raises the stakes even higher: will Betsy’s choice put her in danger, and can the team get the results they need? I found this book really interesting, particularly the insight into how source handlers operate and the complexities of working with informants. The characters are engaging and well-developed, and there’s plenty going on to keep you hooked throughout. I also liked that the police aren’t portrayed as perfect—they sometimes bend the rules, which adds a layer of realism and tension. For me, a good crime thriller needs something extra, and this book definitely delivers. The ending was brilliant and tied everything together in a satisfying way. Overall, this is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that I would highly recommend.
A gripping and immersive return to the world of Abigail Morton, this second instalment in Charlie Gallagher’s series does not disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed Six Hours to Live, which introduced Abigail Morton and the world of source handling, and this follow-up takes us deeper into the criminal underworld of London’s East End. The narrative is particularly strong in its sense of place, vividly capturing the atmosphere of the East End and making it easy to feel immersed in that environment. A key strength of the series is the insight it provides into how Abi recruits, interacts with, and strives to protect her informants. Her determination to safeguard them, often in dangerous circumstances, highlights how deeply she cares about the people she works with. This emerges as one of the central themes across the books and adds a strong emotional core to the story.
As Abi begins to identify and build relationships with her informants, we are drawn into the operations of a large organised crime network run by several families. One of the most compelling threads involves Betsy Winters, an elderly woman who witnesses a stabbing at her local corner shop. This experience drives her to try to prevent her sons from continuing their criminal activities. Through the information Betsy provides, Abi is ultimately able to save a young woman’s life. The plot is ingeniously constructed, though it demands close attention due to its complexity and level of detail. The story builds to an emotional and dramatic climax set on New Year’s Eve, where the fireworks are not the only explosions.
While most of the loose ends are tied up, there remains a slight sense that more could have been explored. That said, this is a strong continuation of the series, and it leaves me expecting even greater things from the next instalment.
Charlie Gallagher delivers another gripping read with *His Own Brother*. A fast-paced, high-intensity crime novel that’s hard to put down.
At the heart of the story is Abigail, a refreshingly different lead. She’s not your typical major crimes detective - a tattooed source handler who isn’t afraid to go rogue when the situation demands it. And crucially, she gets results. It’s that edge to her character that makes her so compelling to follow.
Her dynamic with Vince, “the big guy”, adds a layer of warmth and humour to the story. Their working relationship is clearly full of potential, and while I really enjoyed their interactions, I couldn’t help but wish this had been explored even further - there’s something genuinely engaging there.
Gallagher’s background as a former police officer really shows. The procedural elements feel authentic and grounded, adding a strong layer of realism to an already tense and carefully constructed plot. The pacing is spot on - it unfolds steadily, revealing just enough at each stage to keep you hooked.
Betsy, the mum, was another standout for me. A real force of nature, abrupt, strong, and full of energy. Her matriarchal presence adds depth and personality to the story, making her feel completely real.
The plot itself is excellent. While it becomes a little predictable towards the end, it doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment… this is still a thoroughly satisfying read.
Whether this is the start of a new series or part of an existing one, it works perfectly as a standalone. If you’re a fan of Helen Fields or Angela Marsons, this will absolutely be up your street.
Charlie Gallagher is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors in crime fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A must read page turner from Charlie Gallagher easily read as a stand-alone .
Josh Winters is summond by his big brother Alex and taken on a mystery trip in Alex's Range Rover. Josh is wary not just by his brother’s secrecy but as they enter a downtown carpark he spots the security cameras have been blinded with bin liners. What’s kicking off! He soon finds out when Josh orders him out of the vehicle and he is temporarily blinded by oncoming full beam headlights. Shockingly His own Brother’s fist slams into his face and everything goes black. Three months earlier, Enter Detective Abigail Morton , she is part of an elite team tasked with running informants. Her latest recruit is Betty Winters, the elderly mother of Josh and Alex and Grandmother of Max. Betty is the matriarch in the Winters Eastender organised crime gang. She wants to protect her grandson from the lure of easy money and a life of crime. She is willing to grass- up her own two boys to protect Max and her dynasty. She is dying from an advanced cancer and has nothing to lose but her dynasty. There follows a thrilling cat and mouse chase with plenty of twists and turns. Abigails grim determination to break this gang brings her into conflict all round. From her bosses to the criminal world she has to doggedly and cleverly plug away. This is a great sequel to the series and reveals glimpses of the dark underworld and the measures that the gangs will go to protect their turf
In a super follow up to book 1, Six Hours To Live, DC Abigail Morton is back at the somewhat fractured Divisional Source Unit on the Kent Coast still led by DCI Paul Cotterill. After the shocking events of the first story, most of the original team are gone, leaving only two originals, acting DS Emma Nixon and DC John Reeves, Abigail and a new addition in the form of well-seasoned street copper DC Vince Arnold. As a man leaves no clues and something very dangerous under a bath in a hotel, Abigail has a new source, a petty criminal who says he can give her information on the Winters brothers Josh and Alex, rumoured to be responsible for many criminal activities, and then gains another in the form of elderly Betsy Wheeler who has given up on her two sons but believes there is hope for her grandson. After witnessing the brutal and fatal attack on a shopkeeper right in front of her eyes, she decides now is the time to tell the police what she knows. But is she everything she purports to be and will Abigail’s inexperience lead her to trust the wrong person? The various strands to this story introduced at the start are gradually and expertly woven together by an author who really knows what he’s talking about. With a twisty and thrilling ending, I can thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to more in the series.
Thank you to Charlie Gallagher Joffe books and Zooloosbook tours for this complimentary copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
This is the second book in the Abigail Morton series and it was great to see Abigail back in action! Although police procedural isn't my usual sub genre, I felt a pull to continue this series due to Abigail's likeability and a genuine desire to see how things shaped up.
Abigail is now officially in the police handlers team and some of the tensions from the previous book have carried over. But Abigail continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
The newest informant is Betsy who initially had me feeling sorry for her as on the face of it she is a little, frail old dear. But she immediately flips the script when she starts dropping f-bombs. She had me giggling with her sharp one liners and it was clear she doesn't take nonsense from anyone.
Betsy comes to Abigail about her sons, who are mixed up in some dodgy dealings. She wants to protect her grandson, who seems to be heading down the same path as his dad and uncle.
This was such a suspensful read. What Charlie does well is a multi-timeline/story line that has you wondering how and why they connect and leaves you anticipating the bang when all is revealed.
I think I will definitely continue this series as Abigail is becoming a favourite.
In ‘My Own Brother’ Abigail Morton returns, still a fairly new member of the Source Handling Unit, and from the very first chapter the pace is relentless. She’s far from your typical police detective. With her distrust of colleagues and willingness to bend the rules when necessary, it would be easy to mistake her for being on the wrong side of the law. Yet Abigail’s no BS attitude and sharp instincts make her the perfect person to infiltrate the seemingly untouchable Winters crime family.
Abigail is complex, flawed and fiercely driven, making her feel authentic and refreshingly different from many crime thriller protagonists. I was rooting for her constantly.
Charlie Gallagher’s writing is exceptional. I really enjoyed the focus on police informants, and the SHU. The story is sharp, tense and packed with twists that kept me guessing throughout. The pacing never lets up and this really was a genuine page-turner that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Although this is the second book in the series, I genuinely believe either can be enjoyed as a standalone. If you haven’t read Six Hours to Live, don’t let that put you off. I just couldn’t resist - I always have FOMO!
The Abigail Morton series has plenty of potential for what promises to be an utterly compelling and addictive crime series for years to come.
Absolutely Outstanding! Can the ultimate betrayal save one person from facing a life behind bars? The second Abigail Morton thriller by Charlie Gallagher is on a completely different level. While it works as a standalone, fans of the first book will find this one truly blows your socks off. Abigail's fractured team is as mistrusting as ever, but the unexpected arrival of our old favourite Vince is a total delight. Don't worry about our beloved Maddie. I'm saying no more. The plot takes off when Abigail finds a clever way into a crime family through Betsy, a salt-of-the-earth mother whose family's criminality threatens her grandson's future. What follows is a fascinating exploration of Margate's dark criminal underbelly, featuring genius police work and a deeper look at Abigail as a loyal, empathetic, and brave woman who will stop at nothing to protect her source, whether she's playing by the rules or not. Betsy provides humour that perfectly balances the darker edges. With an unexpected, perfectly executed ending, I'm desperate for book three! My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher. This is the second in the Abigail Morton series and will be published May 28, 2026.
Abigail is an informant handler. For her current case, she's looking to take down the Winters brothers. The brothers seem untouchable until she makes a connection with an unlikely ally....their mother.
This was a superbly written thriller. The fast-paced story was gripping from the very start. The author gives you just enough information to keep you wanting more. You know something exciting was going to happen but you just didn’t know when, where, or how.
The characters were well developed and you not only invest in them but you want to know about them. As the plot twists develop, they happen so quick you barely have the time to process WTF happened and are just as surprised as the perpetrators.
I appreciate that the book is a standalone and that you didn’t need to read the first to enjoy this one. I definitely want to read more of the Abigail Morton series.
I loved the first book of this new series, so I was excited for this one. It reads well as a standalone if you’ve missed the first one.
Another in the Source Handler series with protagonist Abigail Morton and the team. Brothers Joshua and Alex are part of an organised crime gang. It has an interesting and unexpected informant and venue.
The book unusually starts at the end of the story it takes til the end of the book for the opening scene to make sense. It has short snappy chapters often ending with mini cliffhangers to keep you turning the page.
I loved Betsy a great salt of the earth no nonsense character, although we get to see a different side to her too. Her source handler Abigail has a great take on her role with her methods of obtaining trust, I admire her. However she’s a bit of a loose canon within the unit much to her boss’s annoyance. I really liked that the author took this in a new direction keeping the series fresh, I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Title: His Own Brother Author: Charlie Gallagher Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 Publication Date: May 28, 2026
This is the 2nd book in the Abigail Morton series. The 1st book, Six Hours to Live, was AMAZING, so I had high hopes for this one. This book could easily be read as a stand-alone book, as the first book isn't referenced at all.
The book started off with a bang, so I was excited to dive in. Unfortunately, the rest of the book was nothing like the first few chapters. I really, really wanted to like this book, but it just fell short. So much felt repetitive and it just didn't have the intense thrills that I was looking for.
The Mother, Betsy, made a difficult decision to turn on her sons who have committed themselves to lives of crime. That had to have been a difficult decision to make, so I found her character respectable.
With all that being said, just because I felt this book fell short, doesn't mean others wouldn't like it. It just comes down to a personal preference.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
His Own Brother is a high octane thriller that combines police procedural with high stakes criminal organisations to create a punchy read that you won’t want to put down. I have to say I found the attention to detail on how informants and internal sources are treated really well done. The plot is tightly woven, with lots of action, violence and a superb cast of characters that are ultimately believable. Not once did anything seem far fetched, which I have found in some thrillers, and it made this all the more enjoyable. A must read for thriller fans who crave a believable and well developed story with a cast of realistic characters.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book is given.
What a fantastic read. Absolutely brilliant from the first page to the last. I hadn't read book one in this series but dont feel like ive lost anything as a result. This follows an OCG, an old lady, Betsy, who witnesses a murder and sees more than anyone realises but isnt allowed to say. I loved Betsy, a proper Londoner, who just wants the best for her family. This was unlike any other crime thriller ive read before, mostly following the officers who work with, what we would think of as informants. A great angle and fascinating to watch everything be revealed. The twists and turns were so clever and I love how they were revealed. The ending was particularly satisfying. The book starts as the fireworks bring in a new year and works back to that point. I had to remind myself to breathe, as short chapters and tense action made it easy to forget. Absolutely cannot wait for more. Might have to go back and read book 1 while I wait for the next.
2nd in the series but easy to read as a standalone book.
Abigail is a little unconventional in looks and approach but she gets the job done. She's passionate about her role but is also struggling to fit in. It feels uncomfortable at times when you can see her trying but not getting the results she wants. She's a little impatient!!
Betsy is a fun character and I like the dynamics between her and Abigail. Betsy is a tough woman and seems to be trying to do the right thing. It isn't easy for her, for a number of reasons but she's stubborn. She also has a few tricks up her sleeve which makes her all the more likeable.
The police work in this is slow but methodical. There's a lot going on with Abigail working hard to ensure she gets the answers she needs whilst protecting her sources. Not an easy job!
Charlie Gallagher is one of my favourite authors, and I have read all of his books and thoroughly enjoyed them This is the second book in the Abigail Morton Thrillers series. Like the first one, I was captured into a well written gripping page turner, which had me sat on the edge of my seat, as the tension built up, and wondering what will happen next. You get to know the characters more, especially the main character Abigail, but there's more to her to come As I read, it kept me guessing, but I never would have guessed right. There are revelations and twists, and turns and an unexpected twisty finish. I look forward to the next book in the series. Although I bought this book as I would hate to miss one. My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
This book started with an explosive first chapter and the twists kept coming. It was great to be back with Abigail again, now a permanent team member, however the team is still fractured after the events in the last book and are slowly trying to rebuild their reputation as well as their team. Betsy was a brilliant character, she constantly surprised me, I thought she was a sweet elderly lady, vulnerable etc, then she opened her mouth and dropped a few f bombs and as the book went on and we learnt more of her character she continued to surprise me till the last chapter. A book of family ties, and the internal dilemma when your 'kids' end up on the wrong side of the law. I loved the informers police department again, its not a focus in many books but / was so invested in how it all works. Looking forward to (hopefully) another in this series to see what Abigail gets up to next!
What an enjoyable read this was, particularly as it veers away from the usual detective novel. Abigail Morton works for a small unit whose responsibility is to deal with informants - get their information, keep them safe etc. This leads a new dimension to the novel as we get insight into the background of the criminals and their families and how they operate. As a handler Abigail is fearless in her desire to protect those who choose to inform and this novel is an exploration of family dynamics, loyalties and desperation through the lens of organised criminal gangs and how far they might go to protect their own interests. Fast paced, emotional and revealing in equal measure. A very good read.
Although this is the second book in the Abigail Morton series, it is the first I have read and it can easily be read as a stand alone story. This wasn't the usual standard police procedural story. Abi works for the source handling unit and so we are seeing police work from a different and very interesting perspective. I liked the characters and felt invested in the story. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I did find the ending a bit rushed. I like a good twist but I thought there could have been a better build up to the final scene. Nevertheless this was an engrossing book and highly recommended. I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This is the second in the new series featuring Abigail Morton, a source handler always on the lookout for getting information. The robbery and fatality at a local corner shop brings Abby into contact with an elderly woman whose two sons are known to the police. So begins a fascinating relationship between the two women which was quite funny in parts.
This was a gritty read. There's no sugar coating here, and I really felt for Betsy, trying to do the right thing while also torn about protecting her sons and ultimately her grandson who looks like he's going down the same path. It's the characters that make this story and ultimately what people will do to protect their family. I loved it and look forward to whatever situation Abby finds herself in next.
This is the second book in the series and is a welcome deviation from the normal crime novel, as Charlie Gallagher gives us an insight into the world of the informant. Young detective Abigail Morton reprises her role as a source handler.
Although still relatively new to the role Abigail undertakes it with sensitivity and care, understanding the consequences for her source should their dealings become known.
The author is slowly developing his main character and we start to understand what lies behind the facade she displays. This is a truly gripping novel that builds momentum to explode with an unexpected final twist.
Readers of Charlie's Maddie Ives series may recognise a familiar face as Abigail's new colleague.
His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher is my second visit to DC. Abigail Morton, a young PC with a penchant for being outspoken, joined the Divisional Source Handling Unit in the first book of the series, Six Hours To Live.
Yet another page turner from this author, although I could be classed as biased! I have read the majority of everything he has written! He, yet again creates a fabulous sense of setting with his detailed descriptions of the East End criminal world. I could have been there.
The tension, twists and action kept me reading so fast! I was so immersed in this gripping story again. Charlie Gallagher has the skill of storytelling perfected. He cannot write a bad word for me.
Looking forward to the next instalment in th series!!
As usual, this is such a brilliant read by Charlie Gallagher, he never disappoints. The second read to feature Abigail Morton starts and ends with a bang. You are sucked right in from the electrifying first few pages, right until the final chapter. I love the character development of Abigail, she is committed and determined in her high stakes role as a source handler. It's fast paced, gripping and filled with tension making it difficult to put down once you start reading. Another easy 5* read from me from one of the best authors in the crime fiction genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
DC Abigail Morton has a very special job within the police force. she looks after people who are willing to talk to the police giving valuable information but keeping their identity secret. When Betsy Wheeler witnesses a robbery gone wrong in her local shop she approaches Abigail saying she was worried about her sons and their criminal activities and didn't want her grandson to get involved. I really enjoyed this book and felt it was more than 5 stars, especially the surprise ending!
This was a slightly different read for me, with the element of gangs. The start enticed me in, but then it just didn’t keep me hooked. It was fairly fast paced but it wasn’t very thrilling. The police procedure elements felt very true and realistic. I loved Betsy, and felt some emotion towards her. Overall a good read but maybe just not the right genre for me. This is the second in a series but can be easily read as a standalone without missing anything.
The beginning of the book really throws you off at first. You think you know exactly where the story is heading, but of course there’s a twist that keeps things interesting and suspenseful. It’s a good story with well-developed characters and an engaging plot. I personally enjoyed this one a little less than the previous book, but that’s probably just a matter of personal taste. I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Joffe Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I am a fan of this author especially his Maddie Ives series, so when Vince Arnold joined the team I knew I was I for a good read.
The story has many twists which kept the story flowing perfectly. You really are left wondering who can we really trust.
This was a real gripping page turner. I enjoy the character of Abigail, she is likable and unpredictable. For me personally though, the real clincher was the return of Vince.
I really enjoy Charlie Gallagher books, particularly the DI Maddie Ives series.
I haven’t yet read the first book in this series, PC Abigail Morton, but discovered you don’t need to read it before this one.
Unfortunately I found this a little slow to get into and it took a while to keep track of all the different characters. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.