Gentle Ruin - Book Two in the DCI Greyson Spencer series.
“To survive our demons, we must first learn their names.” Eight months ago, seven-year-old Daisy Radcliffe vanished without a trace. No witnesses. No evidence. No answers. Until now.
When DCI Greyson Spencer and DC Lyra Fellows reopen the investigation, they expect to find overlooked details, buried leads, something that might finally bring Daisy home.
What they uncover instead is something far darker - a truth someone has worked hard to keep hidden.
As the danger closes in, the line between professional and personal begins to fracture. Greyson is fighting to stay in control. Lyra is done holding back. And the tension between them threatens to unravel everything they’ve worked to protect.
With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, the team is forced to confront a truth more terrifying than they ever imagined.
And someone is watching.
Some monsters don’t hide in the shadows - they build them.
And if Greyson and Lyra are going to bring Daisy home, they’ll have to step into the dark…
*I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book*
Kate has done it again - Sinister Innocence was brilliant, this is a MASTERPIECE. This made me laugh and had me crying, and I was messaging Kate SCARED of what was going to happen because I am so so so invested in these characters. This book dug deeper into the background of the sexy, grumpy DCI Spencer and it was so interesting to see the characters history, and to understand his grumpiness (even if it’s not alwaaaaaays appropriate 👀). The ending had me crying and I absolutely adored this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gentle Ruin by Kate Hopcraft was an addictive sequel that kept me hooked from beginning to end just like the first book. The story felt darker and more emotional, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing throughout.
I especially loved seeing more of Greyson and Lyra’s dynamic, which added depth to the story without taking focus away from the investigation.
Get this girl trad published. This was flipping amazing. Book 1 Sinister Innocence was incredible, but this OMG, this was something else
A thriller book that had me crying till the very end.
A slow burn subplot through both books and the tension, a true grumpy sunshine workplace romance that I didn't know I needed in my thriller reads.
A case mentioned in book 1 gets reopened in book 2. The team dive back into the disappearance of Daisy from 8 months ago after it was temporarily closed due to lack of evidence a few months ago. Greyson believes he has what it takes for his team to finally crack the case of this missing 7 year old. Little do they know this case is going to be a whole lot bigger than they ever could pf imagined.
I flew through this in 24 hours I couldn't put it down I have fallen in love with all of these characters roll on book 3 in December this has now turned into a massive highly anticipated read for 2026.
This series needs more hype. It deserves more hype, and it needs to be on bookshelves. Let's make it happen
If you thought Sinister Innocence left me desperate for answers… Gentle Ruin absolutely DESTROYED me.
After finishing the first book, I needed to know what happened to Daisy. I needed answers. I needed to know where this story was going.
And WOW… Kate Hopcraft DELIVERED.
We’re back at West Mercia Police Station with DCI Greyson Spencer, DC Lyra Fellows and the team as they reopen the inactive case surrounding the disappearance of seven-year-old Daisy Radcliffe.
Daisy vanished without a trace.
No witnesses. No evidence. No answers.
…until now.
This book had EVERYTHING. Intrigue. Suspense. Twists. Turns. Tension. Heartbreaking revelations. Shocking discoveries. And those moments where you’re just sitting there staring at the page thinking…
WHAT. DID. I. JUST. READ?!
I absolutely ATE THIS BOOK UP. I was hooked, obsessed and desperate to uncover the truth. Every revelation pulled me deeper, and just when I thought I had things figured out… NOPE. Another twist.
If you love dark, gripping crime fiction that keeps you guessing until the very end, you NEED this series in your life.
But PLEASE — read Sinister Innocence first! Trust me, you do NOT want to miss the build-up.
Kate Hopcraft has seriously knocked this one out of the park.
Oh my goodness ❤️ Gentle ruin second instalment of the DCI Spencer novels and wow this did not disappoint. I absolutely devoured this book, it was written so beautifully, the theme of the book had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions. I love the way there was a child’s point of view written, there were moments I actually felt as if I was there in the book. These characters I have just fallen in love with 😍 the dynamic between Lyra and Greyson is just delicious, it’s modern yearning which I’m all for. Kate’s writing is completely up there with other thriller writers like Claire Douglas, Lisa Jewell, Harlan coben. She is fantastic and I can’t wait for the next instalment, watch this space because Kate Hopcraft is going to be around a long time she is incredible. BUY THESE BOOKS 📚
I had the privilege of recieving an ARC from the author. This book was a RIDE. Kate put us through the wringer with this one but it was so worth it in the end. This book had me literally screaming and crying and staying up way too late to finish because I had to know what happened. This series is truly so incredible. You fall in love with the characters, the friendships and the slowest of burns tension. The cases hook you in and make you demand answers. I will never shut up about this series because it is THAT GOOD. Please do yourself a favor and read this series immediately. Kate- no pressure- but like, I need book 3 yesterday. <3
After finishing Sinister Innoncence I couldn't wait to jump straight into Gentle Ruin. It did not disappointed and had me totally gripped from the first page.
This book had everything, full of tension, twists and slow burn relationships. Gentle Ruin had me on the edge of my seat and has completely ruined me (in the best way!).
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I need more as I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet! They all truly capture your heart ❤
This will be a 6 star series and a favourite for 2026. Finished it in less than a day! What an amazingly unreal series this has been. This one was a hard one, especially as a mom, the emotion and heartfelt story Kate created is something that will stick with me forever. I haven’t felt this invested in a long time!! I will recommend it from this day forward!!!
This book had me from the first page to the last. I felt every emotion, I felt like I was there in the investigating room with the characters. It had me gripped
DCI Greyson and DC Lyra open up an case that involves a missing child. The deeper they delve the more they realise it is connected to other missing children from neighbouring counties, but time is ticking to find them.
This was full of twists and emotions.
I loved the relationship between Greyson and Lyra, and didn't feel like it overshadowed the premise of the story at all.
I really hope there is a 3rd book on the cards for Greyson and Lyra.
This is a thriller, not your typical psychological thriller - but a crime / detective / police procedural thriller. And I ATE this up.
I was fortunate enough to be sent the ARC by Kate, who i’m so grateful to. You could say I had a lazy day, but I spent 5hrs in bed absolutely devouring this story and i’m not sorry about it.
Not only is this book tense, GRIPPING and an absolute page turner, I did not expect to feel emotional, particularly during the last 25%. You know when you catch your breath and you just know you’re about to just release tears. That happened to me… multiple times in such a short space of time.
The pacing in this book is exactly what I love to see in a thriller too. Not only do we have short dual POV chapters, told through the lens of Greyson & Lyra but we also have a small handful of chapters told through another POV. A POV that brought more darkness and tension to the story.
Amongst the faster and tension filled moments, we also get some slower scenes that give Gentle Ruin that perfect balance.
Let’s also talk about something else I loved in this story, the character development. We got much more insight into Greyson and his past, and how this has shaped him into being the person he is today. It was so lovely as a reader to see his character layered and evolve throughout this particular story, especially within his relationships with other characters.
And talking of relationships.. I loved watching his relationship grow more with Lyra, especially during the last 25%.
BUT… I cannot, I CANNOT leave this review without giving a special mention to one of the supporting characters - Billy.
I fell in love with that old man and his ways and he was ultimately one of the reasons why I cried. I know he was inspired by the authors Grandad but whilst reading this book especially during the later scenes, it made me realise how much I would love to have someone like him in my life. He just felt so real to me.
Now let’s talk about the reveals because what’s a thriller without a good reveal? I went into this book having no trust with certain characters because of how Sinister Innocence made me feel but the reveals in this were done brilliantly. They didn’t come out of knowhere and it was done right.
Overall the characters, the plot, the tension, the stakes AND the emotion all felt very real to me and that is why I’m giving this 5 stars.
And I WILL be reading this again.
Thank you Kate, you have officially become an ‘Auto-buy’ Author for me.
I have been dying to get back to Lyra and Greyson since reading Sinister Innocence back in February, and Gentle Ruin did not disappoint! Let me preface this by warning you: do not start this book without tissues nearby. It really takes you through the emotional wringer and back. There is absolutely nothing gentle about Gentle Ruin. In fact, I was already crying during the prologue.
In this instalment, we finally get answers about Daisy. A quick trigger warning: the case is dark, involving children, kidnapping, and murder. It really pulls at the heartstrings, especially if you are a parent. While we don't get the criminal’s point of view this time, we get something that feels much worse — Daisy's. Every time it came to her chapters, my heart broke a little more.
Kate Hopcraft once again draws you in from the very first page with her prose. This book grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the final chapter. The twists and turns had me gasping aloud at my Kindle, though I actually managed to guess a few of them this time! Hopcraft walks the line between shocking and unbelievable perfectly. You can understand the criminals' motives, which was a massive part of what made Sinister Innocence so compelling. However, the last 20% of the book? Completely soul-destroying. It reached a point where my heart was so shattered, I didn't know if I could even keep reading. I felt like I couldn't breathe, yet I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out how it would all conclude.
The tension between Lyra and Greyson was absolutely delightful. I loved watching them dance around each other, trying to remain professional even though every member of the team sees right through them. From Billy telling Greyson to stop wasting time, to Luke calling Lyra out for being so obvious, every brushed hand, lingering look, and protective stance had me squealing. To top it all off, Lyra's ex, Joe, joins the team for this case. Jealous Greyson was everything I wanted and more! Their romance adds such a delicious layer to an already fantastic plot.
I also loved that Billy gets a bigger role in this book. He is a brilliant character who really steps up into a leading position. From his pearls of wisdom to his sharp one-liners (and the closure he finally receives) my heart was so full for him by the end.
I cannot stress enough what an emotional rollercoaster this book is. It will have you sobbing at multiple points and questioning whether you can go on. But take it from me: keep reading! It is entirely worth it.
6 stars. Emotionally devastated. Well done, Kate.
I was given the opportunity to Beta read Gentle Ruin for Kate and what an experience it was.
TLDR: I cried…a lot.
Gentle Ruin is a gripping, emotional, and brilliantly paced follow-up to Sinister Innocence that had me completely hooked. Hence, a lot of crying
One of the strongest parts of this book is the pacing. There are moments of real urgency where the tension is almost impossible to look away from, and the structure of those scenes makes them even more effective. The shorter lines, quick dialogue, and constant sense of time running out made certain chapters feel breathless in the best way. I found myself needing to keep reading just to see how everything would unfold.
At the same time, the slower moments felt necessary rather than dragging. The investigation, the emotional unpacking, and the quieter scenes all added to the tension because they created that feeling of wanting answers faster than the characters were able to get them. It worked really well.
The character development was also a major highlight. I loved getting more insight into Greyson, his past, and the reasons behind the walls he has built around himself. His emotional arc felt layered and believable, and I really enjoyed seeing him evolve throughout the book. His relationships with the people around him, especially the ones built on quiet loyalty, care, and understanding, were some of my favourite parts of the book.
Lyra was still such an important presence, and I loved the way her connection with Greyson continued to develop. The balance between the main characters and supporting felt strong, with side characters adding so much warmth, humour, and emotional weight. Luke was one of my favourites. His humour brought some much-needed lightness, but when the humour dropped you knew you were in for a whirlwind of emotions. Did I mention I cried…a lot?
What I really appreciated was how emotional this book became without feeling forced. The stakes felt high, the relationships felt real, and the tension carried through from beginning to end.
Thank you Kate for giving me the early opportunity to fall head first into your world. I’ll forgive you for causing me mild dehydration from crying so much.
I genuinely think this was even stronger than Sinister Innocence, and I cannot wait to have a finished copy on my shelf.
I was so excited to be back with Greyson, Lyra and of course Billy 🥰
And honestly? This book had my attention immediately!
Children missing. A chilling prologue. High stakes from the very beginning… and chapter one completely locked me in. It genuinely didn’t feel like two minutes since I left this team.
Told mainly through Lyra and Greyson’s POV in first person, with the occasional chapters from the victim’s perspective woven in, this really adds to the tension and overall experience of the story. You feel constantly pulled into the investigation, the danger, and the emotion behind it all.
The tension between Lyra and Greyson is still simmering beneath the surface 👀 Both trying to remain professional while very clearly thinking thoughts 😂 The banter is still there, the chemistry is still there, and Billy takes on an even bigger role in this one — which I absolutely loved.
This case completely gripped me. My mind was constantly working overtime trying to connect the dots before the detectives did. Some twists I suspected, others completely blindsided me.
And then the second half of this book happened… 🤯
Twist after twist after twist. Every time I thought I had my footing again, another bombshell dropped. Chapter 34 in particular?! WHAT?! I genuinely had to stop and stare at the page for a minute.
By around 80%, the tension had ramped up so much it was genuinely giving me anxiety 👀 I didn’t even want to keep reading because I was convinced something terrible was about to happen.
And that final stretch? Wow!
I spent the last 20% reading with my hand over my mouth, holding my breath, with tears streaming down my face. One moment I was emotional, the next I was laughing through tears at the banter. Kate really hit every emotional nerve with this one.
This book had everything I love in a book – twists, tension, emotion, brilliant character dynamics, and moments that genuinely shocked me. I enjoyed book one, but Gentle Ruin absolutely blew it out of the park for me.
A fantastic read and an easy five stars ⭐️
I’m so grateful to have been part of the street team and to experience the excitement surrounding this release 🖤
And finally… what a beautiful dedication to your Grampy in the acknowledgements. I love that Billy carries pieces of him. It makes his character feel even more special 🥰
Wow! what a rollercoaster of a read that I wouldn’t describe as gentle like the title! I absolutely loved Kate’s first book Sinister Innocence and thought nothing would surpass it but Gentle Ruin the sequel has proved me wrong ! Missing children, organised crime, fake identities and so much more… The storyline, the fast pace, the brilliant characters and their relationships and individual personalities shine through so strongly and the banter and sarcasm that flows between them all is so entertaining and heartwarming, i’ve laughed out loud and did an ugly cry on the plane on route to my holidays . Of course not forgetting the slow burn attraction between the two main characters Lyra and Greyson. All three factors make this book the ultimate crime thriller. The story details and twists are so cleverly written and had me in a chokehold the whole time. Im emotionally invested and exhausted, the nerves are no longer nerving anymore.. these people felt real to me and im missing them already so im now off to pre order this amazing book for myself, friends and family and look forward to reading it all over again. Kate Hopcraft you are up there with the best crime writers don’t ever doubt your ability, your work is incredible.. now please start book 3 (no pressure 🤣)
Favourite quotes amongst lots .. “Bring that little girl home, Greyson”, “yes Ma’am”. And from Lyra - “somehow, between them, I remembered how to breathe. Because I wasnt holding myself together alone”
Massive thanks to the Author Kate Hopcraft who gave me the pleasure of reading this as an ARC e-copy I am truly grateful to be a part of this amazing series ! Gentle Ruin 🌼 publishing date 31st May 2026
Well.. book 2? You have ruined me for all other crime series!
Where do I even start with this?
After having read the first book “Sinister Innocence” by Kate Hopcraft last year after release, I knew I had to jump on the opportunity to arc read for book two, and I can confirm it did not disappoint.
From the very beginning, we the readers get a snapshot of what our favourite detectives are about to get themselves into, and I am so glad that the story just seems to be a direct carry on from book 1! There was no waiting around while we followed DCI Greyson Spencer and his not so "rookie" partner, DC Lyra Fellows into the next big case. I am at a loss of words.
For those of you that read book 1, I only have one word for you….
Daisy.
What started as reopening of a missing child’s case quickly untangles into something far more disturbing and substantially darker and larger than anything we could have ever thought of, raising the urgency, the stakes AND my heart rate with every passing chapter.
The characters were beautifully crafted in book 1 - in book 2 we get to see them develop and really get to understand them more: relatable, layered, and easy to root for. But they are also broken, grief stricken and trying to navigate a world that has it out for them.
The mentor/rookie dynamic works beautifully, the police work feels well researched, and the way Hopcraft explores and approaches these darker topics has been brilliant.
Gentle Ruin was such an incredible read, I cried, I laughed and I panicked, and I'm genuinely so excited to return to these characters in the next books.
“I read somewhere that grief is love with nowhere to go” - Lyra
After reading the first book in this series I was desperate to get book 2 started. I wanted back in the office and solving a case asap! And wow! What a case that was!
Within the story, you get to know Greyson’s past a little more, which is heartbreaking. But you understand why is he the way he is through the series. 💔 His connection with Lyra evolves, again, not taking away from the main story, it’s subtle but it’s there and it is good!!
We get to hear more about Billy. Gosh I loved Billy! He felt like a grandad type guy. He is so much more than a foodie. He’s Loveable, gentle, caring and Im so glad we got to read more about him. I loved him for the get go. ♥️
Again, another fantastically written story, with care on the sensitive issues. It was fast paced, it made me gasp I don’t know how many times, the twists just kept coming. I cried (That scene really hurt Kate! But all is forgiven. Just please don’t do that again 😆) I laughed and I smiled HARD. I had no idea who the culprit was at all, it could have been anyone, so it was a real treat and ‘omg’ moment when they are discovered and the story told all! 😨
If you love the true crime shows and stories, then, like book 1, you will absolutely love this one!
✨ This story delves into a different style of a case and maybe sensitive to others, so please be sure to read the triggers before you read. ✨
Thank you Kate for giving me the chance to an ARC. You smashed it! 10/10! 💫
Absolutely ashamed that it has taken me this long to post my ARC review because I read this a few months ago and Gentle Ruin has lingered in my mind since the very second I turned the final page.
If you saw my review of Sinister Innocence, you know I completely fell in love with these characters in the first book, yet somehow Kate Hopcraft made me care about them even more in this sequel. I felt every triumph, every heartbreak and every impossible decision on a personal level.
The story’s pacing is phenomenal—fast, addictive and impossible to put down. It’s a storyline that is genuinely made for the big screen. I said it before but this series needs a tv rights immediately. It's cinematic in every sense, with such vivid scenes, high stakes and moments that played out so clearly in my mind I felt like I was part of the story.
Now… the writing. 😮💨 Absolutely impeccable. Wholly immersive, highly evocative and emotionally intelligent. Kate Hopcraft tackles some incredibly dark and complex themes, but does so with such care and compassion that it never feels overwhelming or heavy. Utterly powerful.
This sequel doesn't just live up to the first book—it surpasses it. Dark, emotional, gripping and beautifully written from beginning to end. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to have been part of the ARC team for this one.
Gentle Ruin is book 2 in Kate’s DCI Greyson Spencer series: a gritty British crime thriller. Detailed, fast-paced, dark and twisty; an exciting read not to be missed!
The story focuses on a new case—one we were introduced to briefly in Sinister Innocence—and we get to find out all the details at the same time the detectives do, asking the questions: what happened to Daisy, and is this whole case bigger than we first thought?
The book focuses on the dark and disturbing case as the main storyline, with that familiar undertone of romance we saw (and loved) in book 1. We also get more from the lovable side characters in this book, and their brilliant dynamic. At times feeling like you are part of the team too.
Kate handles sensitive topics extremely well, every scene is written with careful purpose (the main purpose may be to make you cry, but maybe that’s me), and it’s clear she’s done her research to make the investigation as realistic as possible. She also does a fantastic job of breaking up the dark, heavy aspects with some lighthearted banter—some lines made me actually laugh out loud!
I loved getting more of an insight into the characters and felt truly connected to them.
Thank you to Kate for allowing me to read this fantastic story before release!
After reading the first book in the series, Sinister Innocence, I knew I had to dive straight into the next one. As part of the street team, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC directly from the author, and after waiting so long since finishing the first book, I was beyond excited to return to this world.
Thankfully, it did not disappoint!
The FMC and MMC were especially captivating in this instalment—flawed yet deeply human, courageous, and impossible not to root for. Their character development and emotional journeys kept me completely invested from beginning to end. And Chapter 43? Absolutely destroyed me. 🥲
The supporting cast was just as engaging, adding even more depth to an already compelling story. Kate has a real talent for creating characters that feel authentic and memorable.
The plot was packed with twists and turns, striking the perfect balance between tension, emotion, and intrigue. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another surprise would have me turning the pages faster. Kate kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am already desperate for the next book. I cannot get enough of this world or these characters, and I need answers! Bring on the next instalment!
I was honoured to be asked to beta read Gentle Ruin, and let me tell you...this book did in fact ruin me. I cried for around 100 pages.
We spend more time with characters introduced in book one, learning more about them and becoming just as endeared to them as the main characters. The pacing of the book is brilliant from the get go - no messing around, no fillers. DCI Spencer and DC Fellows are up against a very challenging case in this book, but despite the complexities, the author navigates walking us through the investigation well enough that the pacing never drops or falters, without the details of the case itself becoming confusing.
There is some very sensitive subject matter in this book which is handled with care, and not overly dramatised to the point of it becoming difficult to read.
The slow burn romance between the MCs is also a wonderful addition to this crime thriller. It does not overshadow the plot at any point.
And then ending....oh the ending....brace yourselves because it's a rollercoaster.
An incredible follow up to Sinister Innocence. I hope amazing things happen for Kate Hopcraft, who deserves so much recognition for this book.
Gentle Ruin?? More like tear your heart out and stomp on it ruin! This would easily be a 10star read for me, Kate writes incredibly, her stories are beautiful and hard hitting, the tension between Lyra and Greyson is at its peak in this one. If you havent read book 1- Sinister Innocence, then you are seriously missing out on an incredible read. Book 2 is just as wonderful, so many twists and gripping turns. I love how it is written without forgetting the previous book, and still including the loveable characters Billy and Luke, with a new character or two in the mix as well. If two people deserved to be together it is Lyra and Greyson, but with will they, won't they all the way through it was hard not to just scream at them that you only live once- go for it!!! A very sensitive topic is covered in this book, and it is done completely with respect, making it more real and believable. Again, I highly loved this book and was so honoured to ARC read it. Another one for my to buy a physical copy of!!
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Gentle Ruin by Kate Hopcraft and wow… this book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
From the very first chapter I was hooked. The pacing was perfect. It was fast, gripping, and impossible to put down. Every chapter left me needing “just one more”.
What really made this story unforgettable though was the emotion. The characters, like Greyson, Lyra and Billy, felt so raw and real, and by the end I was genuinely bawling my eyes out. It takes a special kind of writing to make you feel that deeply, and Kate absolutely delivered.
Heartbreaking, intense, beautifully written and completely consuming.
Gentle Ruin is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish the final page. I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a very long time. And already desperate for book 3!
I can honestly say I would recommend this book to every reader I know and it will be in my top 3 books I’ve read.
I was so lucky to have received this book as an ARC from the author. This is the second book in the DCI Greyson Spencer series and I am ecstatic that it isn’t the last. This author has quickly become one of my favourite authors ever and her writing is fantastic. The character building is fabulous but definitely makes me care so much that I cried on multiple occasions in this story.
The characters are wonderful and you can tell that the author genuinely cares for them in her writing. It is immersive and one of those books that you cannot put down and stay up later for more than one more chapter! I cannot praise this book enough and would highly recommend it to anyone that will listen, if you love the mystery/thriller genre then you cannot miss out on this. It is an emotional rollercoaster and I love the multiple POV aspect.
What a book and series, in one world exceptional!
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Finally finished sobbing, let's write a coherent review.
"Because hope, I was beginning to learn, wasn't the absence of darkness. It was the hand you chose to hold through it"
Firstly, Kate has done an immense job at writing a book that explores such dark and harrowing themes, in an incredibly sensitive way. Gentle Ruin is book number 2 in the DCI Greyson Spencer series, and follows on from the missing child case we are briefly introduced to in Sinister Innocence.
Whilst I am HERE for Greyson Spencer👀(IYKYK), Lyra has a piece of my heart; and seeing her confidence and passion shine in this book really solidified my feelings towards her. Lets not even discuss the progression with Greyson and Lyras relationship.. just know, its there.
There is something so comforting, yet chilling about Kates writing. For someone who never highlights book, I find myself highlighting a lot in this series so far. I think I made my way through every emotion possible in the few hours it took me to read this. I was completely captivated the whole way through, and reading the latter part of the book, sleep deprived at 3am may not have been a good idea (but at least I got to sob in peace).
If you have read Sinister Innocence, and are ready to delve into the history of Greyson, or if you want a bit more of sweet Billy in your life, then you need to pick up Gentle Ruin ASAP.
This is the second book in the DI Greyson series and what can I say but WOW. The first book Sinister Innocence really drew you into the world of the characters and the twist was 😳. Gentle Ruin was just amazing, bought you straight back where the first left off. By the end I was in pieces crying because I felt I knew the characters so well and just wished I was in the force working with them. I kept thinking how it would make such a great TV drama. Love Greyson and Lyras relationship and Billy well he’s funny, caring and loves a good sandwich. 5* read. If you pick up two books to read this year Sinister Innocence and Gentle Ruin should be at the top of the list.
When I was offered an ARC of this book I bit Kate’s hand off; I was desperate to find out what happened following book one and it did not disappoint. I love it when the second in a series is better than the first and this one certainly was. It’s super fast paced and thrilling, made me ball my eyes out with emotion good and bad, and still holds Kate’s warm humorous tone throughout. You will not regret reading this book! Grab the tissues and don’t start too late or you’ll be tired in the morning cos it’s pretty in-put-down-able. You have been warned ;)
How this book managed to surpass my love for the first, I'll never know. This book exploded, from the fast pace of the thriller to the FLIRTING AND BANTER between the main characters, everything was done to absolute perfection. The characters' growth was done so well, learning the backstory for thesd characters made me fall so much more in love with them.
I did shed a few tears at the ending (if ykyk) and I would've rioted if it didnt end up going the way it did but I am glad i was wrong and i am gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for book 3
This series might be my favourite police novels ever. I was a little worried that the story of the case mentioned in book 1 that had shaped so much of Lyra's work and life wouldnt live up to what I had in my head but it absolutely exceeded my expectations. The ending was also exactly what I needed and had me sobbing. Wonderful stuff, beautifully written characters. Cant wait for book 3!
Loved this book. Another win from Kate. Loved the story. Loved getting to know the characters more and the character development - especially in regards to Greyson. Loved the tension. Loved the emotional turmoil it put me through. Overall, just loved it.