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FIVE THINGS I SEE a gripping crime thriller full of twists
"A textbook case of how to make a police procedural pulse with energy." - Kirkus Reviews
A city-wide conspiracy. A serial killer on the loose. A detective battling her own demons. Everything comes together in Five Things I See, the first installment in a new police procedural series by Wendy Church.
Five crime scenes connected by a visible pattern.
Three suspects who all tell a different story.
One determined detective with a taste for justice.
Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down—until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself?Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret—a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life . . .
For fans of MICHAEL CONNELLY, LISA REGAN, RUTH WARE, and VAL McDERMID, and the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable—Five Things I See is a fast-paced and twisty thriller with a complex female detective lead.
A city-wide conspiracy. A serial killer on the loose. A detective battling her own demons. Everything comes together in Five Things I See, the first installment in a new police procedural series by Wendy Church.
Five crime scenes connected by a visible pattern.
Three suspects who all tell a different story.
One determined detective with a taste for justice.
Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down—until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself?Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret—a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life . . .
For fans of MICHAEL CONNELLY, LISA REGAN, RUTH WARE, and VAL McDERMID, and the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable—Five Things I See is a fast-paced and twisty thriller with a complex female detective lead.
- GenresProcedural
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Wendy Church
9 books32 followersWendy’s novels are informed by extensive international travel and many careers. She’s been a bartender, tennis pro, management consultant, nonprofit CEO, PhD researcher, and dive bar cleaner. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when not writing spends her time as personal valet to several furry housemates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2026
A gripping and satisfyingly complex crime thriller
Five Things I See completely won me over. The early chapters felt slower than I would have liked because of the amount of background information being introduced, but once I got past that initial hurdle, I was drawn into a complex mystery with two investigations, plenty of unanswered questions and lots of threads to follow.
I particularly enjoyed the italicised snippets of conversation at the beginning of each chapter. They became a mystery of their own, and I loved watching for clues and forming my own suspicions as the story unfolded.
The investigation kept me intrigued, with enough to think about without making the answers obvious, and I was really happy with the way the various threads came together. A very satisfying start to a new series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To read my full review, check out my blog: MoMoBookDiary
Five Things I See completely won me over. The early chapters felt slower than I would have liked because of the amount of background information being introduced, but once I got past that initial hurdle, I was drawn into a complex mystery with two investigations, plenty of unanswered questions and lots of threads to follow.
I particularly enjoyed the italicised snippets of conversation at the beginning of each chapter. They became a mystery of their own, and I loved watching for clues and forming my own suspicions as the story unfolded.
The investigation kept me intrigued, with enough to think about without making the answers obvious, and I was really happy with the way the various threads came together. A very satisfying start to a new series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To read my full review, check out my blog: MoMoBookDiary
July 30, 2026
A fantastic start to a new police procedural series sees us meet Detective Grace Hartwell and her team as they are faced with a serial killer targeting attractive blonde women.
Grace relies on her intuition and it never lets her down, until now. Because DNA doesn't lie and Grace finds herself back to square one, with her colleagues doubting her every move. Grace is a fascinating protagonist; she has plenty of demons in her closet and I can't wait to see how her character develops over the coming books. Her connection with the mysterious Eddie is brilliant, such a clever aspect to the plot, for now and future books.
The narrative is compelling and gritty with a twisty plot that had me gripped as the suspense built and the truth eventually unfolded.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Wendy Church and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
Grace relies on her intuition and it never lets her down, until now. Because DNA doesn't lie and Grace finds herself back to square one, with her colleagues doubting her every move. Grace is a fascinating protagonist; she has plenty of demons in her closet and I can't wait to see how her character develops over the coming books. Her connection with the mysterious Eddie is brilliant, such a clever aspect to the plot, for now and future books.
The narrative is compelling and gritty with a twisty plot that had me gripped as the suspense built and the truth eventually unfolded.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Wendy Church and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
August 3, 2026
Homicide detective Grace Hartwell explodes onto the scene in this bold police procedural series starter from the talented Wendy Church. When a string of deaths in Jacksonville, Florida begin to hint at a serial murderer, it’s up to Grace to join the dots—but she’s hiding a mystery of her own, and the thrills in store for readers as the truth about the crimes and Grace’s backstory come to light are stunning. I was hooked on this exceptional thriller from the word go.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
﹒⌗﹒advanced reader copy received through netgalley in exchange of an honest review ⸝⸝
i think i had forgotten just how much i enjoy a good procedural mystery.
for the past couple of years, i've found myself gravitating more towards traditional whodunnits and cozy mysteries, the kind where everyone is trapped in a manor house or a picturesque little village and the detective spends half the book interrogating increasingly suspicious neighbors over cups of tea. i love those stories, but five things i see reminded me why police procedurals have always been so satisfying.
there's something incredibly engaging about watching competent people do their jobs. not in a flashy, action-movie sort of way, but in the quieter sense of seeing an investigation slowly come together through interviews, evidence, instincts, paperwork, and a thousand small details that don't seem important until suddenly they are.
this book scratched that itch remarkably well.
the mystery itself isn't trying to reinvent the genre, and i don't think it needs to. instead, it focuses on building a solid investigation that unfolds at a steady pace, giving the reader enough information to stay invested without feeling either hopelessly lost or several steps ahead of the detectives.
one decision that i particularly appreciated was having grace investigate two different cases throughout the novel as it's a surprisingly effective way of keeping the story moving.
a lot of mysteries, especially longer ones, eventually reach a point where they start manufacturing distractions simply to justify their page count. suddenly every side character becomes suspicious, every conversation contains some misleading clue, and every chapter introduces another red herring whose only real purpose is delaying the inevitable reveal.
don't get me wrong, i like a good red herring, they're an essential part of the genre, but there's a difference between misleading the reader and simply wasting their time.
by splitting grace's attention between two investigations, the novel creates natural variety without relying too heavily on artificial twists. instead of constantly introducing fake leads into one case, it allows both investigations to develop alongside one another, which kept the pacing feeling fresh throughout.
grace herself also grew on me considerably. i wouldn't say i connected with her immediately - in fact, during the first portion of the book i was still trying to figure out exactly how i felt about her - but that's one of the things i appreciated most in hindsight: she doesn't arrive fully formed.
as the story progresses, we gradually learn more about her past, her personal history, and the experiences that shaped the investigator she has become. little by little, her decisions begin making more sense, and i found myself becoming increasingly invested in seeing where both her career and her personal journey might lead in future installments.
it's always a good sign when a first book in a series leaves me wanting to spend more time with its protagonist rather than feeling like i've already seen everything she has to offer.
the supporting cast is a bit more uneven. there's certainly nothing wrong with any of them, but aside from one notable exception, they don't leave a particularly lasting impression.
eddie snow was, by far, the standout supporting character for me.
i'm intentionally keeping this vague because discussing him in any meaningful detail would immediately drift into spoiler territory, but what i can say is that he ended up being one of the most interesting people in the novel. there were moments where it occasionally felt as though he existed primarily to voice certain ideas or observations rather than functioning entirely as his own person, but in this particular case i actually thought that choice fit who he was as a character. it never pulled me out of the story, and by the end i found him considerably more memorable than almost everyone else surrounding grace.
the remaining cast mostly falls into the category of "perfectly functional."
there's jerry, grace's older partner, who brings a nice dynamic to the investigation, the sort of experienced detective pairing that procedural fans will immediately recognize.
there's elliot, who, quite frankly, made me want to repeatedly introduce his forehead to the nearest available wall.
beyond them, we have the expected collection of supervisors, witnesses, suspects, fellow investigators, and people connected to the various cases. again, they're all perfectly serviceable and they do exactly what they need to do for the story, i just wouldn't necessarily describe many of them as particularly distinctive.
that being said, this is also the first installment in what is clearly intended to become a series, and procedurals often improve dramatically once readers become familiar with the recurring cast. i'm already seeing plenty of room for these relationships to deepen over the next books, especially if the series continues to spend time developing the people around grace instead of treating them as interchangeable coworkers.
the writing itself also deserves some praise.
it's clean, straightforward, and never gets in the way of the investigation. this isn't one of those mysteries that tries to impress you with elaborate prose at the expense of momentum. instead, it understands exactly what kind of story it's telling and lets the investigation remain the focus. before i knew it, i was flying through chapters because i kept wanting to know what piece of information would surface next.
overall, five things i see is a well-constructed mystery that reminded me why i enjoy this corner of the crime genre so much.
it isn't relying on shocking twists every other chapter or trying to convince readers that it's reinventing detective fiction. instead, it tells a compelling investigation, introduces a protagonist i'm interested in following, lays solid groundwork for future books, and keeps the pages turning from beginning to end. that's more than enough for me to be excited about seeing where grace's career—and this series—goes next.
one final note, though: i would strongly recommend checking the content warnings before picking this one up. plays a significant role in parts of the story, and while i think it's handled appropriately within the context of the novel, it's unquestionably difficult material. if that's a topic you're particularly sensitive to, i'd recommend looking into the trigger warnings beforehand to make sure this is the right read for you.
i think i had forgotten just how much i enjoy a good procedural mystery.
for the past couple of years, i've found myself gravitating more towards traditional whodunnits and cozy mysteries, the kind where everyone is trapped in a manor house or a picturesque little village and the detective spends half the book interrogating increasingly suspicious neighbors over cups of tea. i love those stories, but five things i see reminded me why police procedurals have always been so satisfying.
there's something incredibly engaging about watching competent people do their jobs. not in a flashy, action-movie sort of way, but in the quieter sense of seeing an investigation slowly come together through interviews, evidence, instincts, paperwork, and a thousand small details that don't seem important until suddenly they are.
this book scratched that itch remarkably well.
the mystery itself isn't trying to reinvent the genre, and i don't think it needs to. instead, it focuses on building a solid investigation that unfolds at a steady pace, giving the reader enough information to stay invested without feeling either hopelessly lost or several steps ahead of the detectives.
one decision that i particularly appreciated was having grace investigate two different cases throughout the novel as it's a surprisingly effective way of keeping the story moving.
a lot of mysteries, especially longer ones, eventually reach a point where they start manufacturing distractions simply to justify their page count. suddenly every side character becomes suspicious, every conversation contains some misleading clue, and every chapter introduces another red herring whose only real purpose is delaying the inevitable reveal.
don't get me wrong, i like a good red herring, they're an essential part of the genre, but there's a difference between misleading the reader and simply wasting their time.
by splitting grace's attention between two investigations, the novel creates natural variety without relying too heavily on artificial twists. instead of constantly introducing fake leads into one case, it allows both investigations to develop alongside one another, which kept the pacing feeling fresh throughout.
grace herself also grew on me considerably. i wouldn't say i connected with her immediately - in fact, during the first portion of the book i was still trying to figure out exactly how i felt about her - but that's one of the things i appreciated most in hindsight: she doesn't arrive fully formed.
as the story progresses, we gradually learn more about her past, her personal history, and the experiences that shaped the investigator she has become. little by little, her decisions begin making more sense, and i found myself becoming increasingly invested in seeing where both her career and her personal journey might lead in future installments.
it's always a good sign when a first book in a series leaves me wanting to spend more time with its protagonist rather than feeling like i've already seen everything she has to offer.
the supporting cast is a bit more uneven. there's certainly nothing wrong with any of them, but aside from one notable exception, they don't leave a particularly lasting impression.
eddie snow was, by far, the standout supporting character for me.
i'm intentionally keeping this vague because discussing him in any meaningful detail would immediately drift into spoiler territory, but what i can say is that he ended up being one of the most interesting people in the novel. there were moments where it occasionally felt as though he existed primarily to voice certain ideas or observations rather than functioning entirely as his own person, but in this particular case i actually thought that choice fit who he was as a character. it never pulled me out of the story, and by the end i found him considerably more memorable than almost everyone else surrounding grace.
the remaining cast mostly falls into the category of "perfectly functional."
there's jerry, grace's older partner, who brings a nice dynamic to the investigation, the sort of experienced detective pairing that procedural fans will immediately recognize.
there's elliot, who, quite frankly, made me want to repeatedly introduce his forehead to the nearest available wall.
beyond them, we have the expected collection of supervisors, witnesses, suspects, fellow investigators, and people connected to the various cases. again, they're all perfectly serviceable and they do exactly what they need to do for the story, i just wouldn't necessarily describe many of them as particularly distinctive.
that being said, this is also the first installment in what is clearly intended to become a series, and procedurals often improve dramatically once readers become familiar with the recurring cast. i'm already seeing plenty of room for these relationships to deepen over the next books, especially if the series continues to spend time developing the people around grace instead of treating them as interchangeable coworkers.
the writing itself also deserves some praise.
it's clean, straightforward, and never gets in the way of the investigation. this isn't one of those mysteries that tries to impress you with elaborate prose at the expense of momentum. instead, it understands exactly what kind of story it's telling and lets the investigation remain the focus. before i knew it, i was flying through chapters because i kept wanting to know what piece of information would surface next.
overall, five things i see is a well-constructed mystery that reminded me why i enjoy this corner of the crime genre so much.
it isn't relying on shocking twists every other chapter or trying to convince readers that it's reinventing detective fiction. instead, it tells a compelling investigation, introduces a protagonist i'm interested in following, lays solid groundwork for future books, and keeps the pages turning from beginning to end. that's more than enough for me to be excited about seeing where grace's career—and this series—goes next.
one final note, though: i would strongly recommend checking the content warnings before picking this one up. plays a significant role in parts of the story, and while i think it's handled appropriately within the context of the novel, it's unquestionably difficult material. if that's a topic you're particularly sensitive to, i'd recommend looking into the trigger warnings beforehand to make sure this is the right read for you.
August 6, 2026
Meet Detective Grace Hartwell, a homicide specialist in the police department of Jacksonville, Florida. Detective Hartwell is a loner, shuns social contact, and her life seems to rotate around the care of her cat, and her fierce fitness regime on the beachfront just below her house. She has two cases on the burner, both seemingly intractable. The more grisly is the murder of college lecturer Daniel Stewart and his wife Jessica. Jessica has not been sexually assaulted, but what is left of her face indicates the work of s deranged killer. The killer also abducted their young son, Shawn but, after an anonymous tip-off, he is found in the boot of an abandoned car, badly dehydrated, but otherwise unharmed.
Stewart was a serial philanderer, but who could he have upset enough to open up his femoral artery and stomp his wife to death? The death of Howie Scofield, a construction site inspector, was initially dismissed as suicide after his body was found next to a drained bottle of bourbon. It was assumed he had fallen from an unprotected balcony of the building he was expecting. But why was he there at the dead of night, and why has his house been ruthlessly turned over by burglars, and what were they searching for?
One of the Stewarts' near neighbours is a man called Eddie Snow. Apparently a humble bartender, he has a security system of the intensity only used by federal cops and drug dealers. When Hartwell is warned off by her boss and told that under no account must Eddie Snow be investigated further, she smells a rather large rodent, both deceased and decomposing. When more female murder victims are found, with each bearing the grisly marks of what was inflicted on Jessica Stewart, the pressure intensifies on the Jacksonville cops.
If that weren't enough, Grace becomes convinced that Howie Scofield was killed because he had uncovered a massive fraud being inflicted on the city finances by Glade, the construction firm involved. And Glade's boss? Jackson Masters, a popular and powerful councilman who just happens to be one of Grace's personal friends.
Each chapter begins with an italicized section of conversation. These conversations appear to be between a patient and and a therapist, but their relevance is not revealed until later in the novel. One rather obvious giveaway in this excellent novel is that, just over 70% in, according to my Kindle, Grace has her man. He has means, method and motive. Having a solution that far from the end of the book sends up a pretty obvious red flag that she has made a mistake. Or has she?
The solution to the mismatched DNA that crashes and burns Grace's case is imaginative but plausible. The pyschotherapy conversations are eventually explained, but in a totally unexpected way. Wendy Church throws in a few well-loved tropes, such as the lazy. lack-lustre misogynist fellow officer, and the tight lipped senior cop 'just following orders'.
Wendy Church's novels are informed by extensive international travel and many careers. She’s been a bartender, tennis pro, management consultant, nonprofit CEO, PhD researcher, and dive bar cleaner. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when not writing spends her time as personal valet to several furry housemates.
Like all the best female detectives, Grace Hartwell rides into The Valley of Death in the last few pages, and we fear the worst. In one way, and not a bad one, this novel is archetypal American CriFi, in that it is slick, tightly plotted, scattered with knowing product placement and cultural references. Fans of more leisurely British police procedurals may not find as much joy here as I did, but I shall now be on the lookout for Grace Hartwell's next case.
Stewart was a serial philanderer, but who could he have upset enough to open up his femoral artery and stomp his wife to death? The death of Howie Scofield, a construction site inspector, was initially dismissed as suicide after his body was found next to a drained bottle of bourbon. It was assumed he had fallen from an unprotected balcony of the building he was expecting. But why was he there at the dead of night, and why has his house been ruthlessly turned over by burglars, and what were they searching for?
One of the Stewarts' near neighbours is a man called Eddie Snow. Apparently a humble bartender, he has a security system of the intensity only used by federal cops and drug dealers. When Hartwell is warned off by her boss and told that under no account must Eddie Snow be investigated further, she smells a rather large rodent, both deceased and decomposing. When more female murder victims are found, with each bearing the grisly marks of what was inflicted on Jessica Stewart, the pressure intensifies on the Jacksonville cops.
If that weren't enough, Grace becomes convinced that Howie Scofield was killed because he had uncovered a massive fraud being inflicted on the city finances by Glade, the construction firm involved. And Glade's boss? Jackson Masters, a popular and powerful councilman who just happens to be one of Grace's personal friends.
Each chapter begins with an italicized section of conversation. These conversations appear to be between a patient and and a therapist, but their relevance is not revealed until later in the novel. One rather obvious giveaway in this excellent novel is that, just over 70% in, according to my Kindle, Grace has her man. He has means, method and motive. Having a solution that far from the end of the book sends up a pretty obvious red flag that she has made a mistake. Or has she?
The solution to the mismatched DNA that crashes and burns Grace's case is imaginative but plausible. The pyschotherapy conversations are eventually explained, but in a totally unexpected way. Wendy Church throws in a few well-loved tropes, such as the lazy. lack-lustre misogynist fellow officer, and the tight lipped senior cop 'just following orders'.
Wendy Church's novels are informed by extensive international travel and many careers. She’s been a bartender, tennis pro, management consultant, nonprofit CEO, PhD researcher, and dive bar cleaner. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when not writing spends her time as personal valet to several furry housemates.
Like all the best female detectives, Grace Hartwell rides into The Valley of Death in the last few pages, and we fear the worst. In one way, and not a bad one, this novel is archetypal American CriFi, in that it is slick, tightly plotted, scattered with knowing product placement and cultural references. Fans of more leisurely British police procedurals may not find as much joy here as I did, but I shall now be on the lookout for Grace Hartwell's next case.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An Intriguing Mystery That Rewards Patience (4 stars)
This is the first novel by Wendy Church that I have read, although I understand she is a highly respected writer. I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed, as I didn't find it the easiest book to read. That said, the plot itself was intriguing and certainly held my attention. I became invested in the story and was keen to discover the identity of the killers. The decision to have Grace Hartwell investigating two seemingly unrelated cases was an interesting twist and gave the novel a different feel from many other police procedurals I have read.
I did, however, find the opening paragraphs of each chapter rather confusing at first. By the end of the novel I understood their purpose, and appreciated how they gradually became part of the larger puzzle, but initially they disrupted the flow of the story for me.
Grace Hartwell is an unusual protagonist. At the beginning I struggled to warm to her or feel much empathy, although she did become more understandable as the story progressed. She is clearly driven and determined to catch the killer, with an impressive record for solving cases and an ability to get inside the mind of a criminal. However, her absolute conviction that she was right about the identity of the serial killer often came across as overbearing, and she had a habit of alienating the people around her.
The murders themselves were gruesome and unsettling, but I felt the victims remained largely in the background. The emphasis was very much on the investigative process rather than on developing their stories.
For me, the most compelling aspect of the novel was Grace's relationship with Eddie Snow, the neighbour of the first victims. From the outset she was convinced that he was the perpetrator and refused to let go of her suspicions. As the story unfolded, we learned far more about both Eddie and Grace, and I found their developing relationship more engaging than the crime-solving itself. Grace's own history is gradually revealed, adding welcome depth to her character and helping to explain some of her behaviour.
One aspect of the novel that I particularly enjoyed was the significance of the title. At first, Five Things I See seemed rather unusual and I wasn't sure of its relevance. As the story unfolded, however, its meaning gradually became clear, and I appreciated the way Wendy Church revealed its significance little by little. It was a thoughtful touch that added another layer to the mystery and rewarded the reader's patience.
The conclusion was satisfying and tied up the outstanding questions well. Although Five Things I See wasn't one of my favourite reads, it has left me curious enough about Grace Hartwell to consider picking up the next book in the series to see how her career—and perhaps her character—develops.
This is the first novel by Wendy Church that I have read, although I understand she is a highly respected writer. I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed, as I didn't find it the easiest book to read. That said, the plot itself was intriguing and certainly held my attention. I became invested in the story and was keen to discover the identity of the killers. The decision to have Grace Hartwell investigating two seemingly unrelated cases was an interesting twist and gave the novel a different feel from many other police procedurals I have read.
I did, however, find the opening paragraphs of each chapter rather confusing at first. By the end of the novel I understood their purpose, and appreciated how they gradually became part of the larger puzzle, but initially they disrupted the flow of the story for me.
Grace Hartwell is an unusual protagonist. At the beginning I struggled to warm to her or feel much empathy, although she did become more understandable as the story progressed. She is clearly driven and determined to catch the killer, with an impressive record for solving cases and an ability to get inside the mind of a criminal. However, her absolute conviction that she was right about the identity of the serial killer often came across as overbearing, and she had a habit of alienating the people around her.
The murders themselves were gruesome and unsettling, but I felt the victims remained largely in the background. The emphasis was very much on the investigative process rather than on developing their stories.
For me, the most compelling aspect of the novel was Grace's relationship with Eddie Snow, the neighbour of the first victims. From the outset she was convinced that he was the perpetrator and refused to let go of her suspicions. As the story unfolded, we learned far more about both Eddie and Grace, and I found their developing relationship more engaging than the crime-solving itself. Grace's own history is gradually revealed, adding welcome depth to her character and helping to explain some of her behaviour.
One aspect of the novel that I particularly enjoyed was the significance of the title. At first, Five Things I See seemed rather unusual and I wasn't sure of its relevance. As the story unfolded, however, its meaning gradually became clear, and I appreciated the way Wendy Church revealed its significance little by little. It was a thoughtful touch that added another layer to the mystery and rewarded the reader's patience.
The conclusion was satisfying and tied up the outstanding questions well. Although Five Things I See wasn't one of my favourite reads, it has left me curious enough about Grace Hartwell to consider picking up the next book in the series to see how her career—and perhaps her character—develops.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Five Things I See
Author: Wendy Church
Release Date: Aug 4th, 2026
Overall Rating: 3.5
Mystery Rating: 2
Thrill Factor: 1.5
ARC Disclaimer: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the advance reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own,
Synopsis:
Five crime scenes connected by a visible pattern. A serial killer terrorizes the citizens of Jacksonville, and the entire police force is focused on cracking the case but will they be able to stop the murderer before more bodies are found? Three suspects who all tell a different story. Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself? One determined detective with a taste for justice. Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life.
Personal Thoughts:
Plot: Honestly for me this mystery was a bit predictable. I didn’t feel like there were enough viable suspects to keep me genuinely guessing and I found myself figuring things out fairly early on. I also noticed quite a bit of repetition throughout the story for example certain points would be explained and then almost immediately they were reiterated. Tightening up those sections would help the pacing and keep the tension higher.
Characters: Grace was an okay protagonist but I felt she could have been developed a little further to make her more memorable. Eddie on the other hand completely stole the show for me. I loved how supportive dependable and grounded he was throughout the investigation and his relationship with Grace was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I'm excited to see how their partnership develops in future installments.
Writing style: The writing is straightforward and very accessible making this a quick and easy read. While I enjoyed the overall flow I do think the story would have had a stronger emotional impact if it had been told primarily in first person. Since there are only two POV shifts the third-person narration sometimes created a bit of distance from Grace's emotions when I wanted to feel more immersed in her perspective especially with the DID aspect of the story.
Despite some predictability and repetition I still really enjoyed reading Five Things I See. It's an easy mystery to get through and the ending left me interested enough to continue with the Detective Grace Hartwell series. I'm looking forward to seeing both the mysteries and the characters grow as the series progresses.
Author: Wendy Church
Release Date: Aug 4th, 2026
Overall Rating: 3.5
Mystery Rating: 2
Thrill Factor: 1.5
ARC Disclaimer: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the advance reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own,
Synopsis:
Five crime scenes connected by a visible pattern. A serial killer terrorizes the citizens of Jacksonville, and the entire police force is focused on cracking the case but will they be able to stop the murderer before more bodies are found? Three suspects who all tell a different story. Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself? One determined detective with a taste for justice. Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life.
Personal Thoughts:
Plot: Honestly for me this mystery was a bit predictable. I didn’t feel like there were enough viable suspects to keep me genuinely guessing and I found myself figuring things out fairly early on. I also noticed quite a bit of repetition throughout the story for example certain points would be explained and then almost immediately they were reiterated. Tightening up those sections would help the pacing and keep the tension higher.
Characters: Grace was an okay protagonist but I felt she could have been developed a little further to make her more memorable. Eddie on the other hand completely stole the show for me. I loved how supportive dependable and grounded he was throughout the investigation and his relationship with Grace was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I'm excited to see how their partnership develops in future installments.
Writing style: The writing is straightforward and very accessible making this a quick and easy read. While I enjoyed the overall flow I do think the story would have had a stronger emotional impact if it had been told primarily in first person. Since there are only two POV shifts the third-person narration sometimes created a bit of distance from Grace's emotions when I wanted to feel more immersed in her perspective especially with the DID aspect of the story.
Despite some predictability and repetition I still really enjoyed reading Five Things I See. It's an easy mystery to get through and the ending left me interested enough to continue with the Detective Grace Hartwell series. I'm looking forward to seeing both the mysteries and the characters grow as the series progresses.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
I don't normally post a book's description (scroll down for review) but since there isn't one on Goodreads, here's what Amazon says:
A city-wide conspiracy. A serial killer on the loose. A detective battling her own demons. Everything comes together in Five Things I See, the first installment in a brand-new thrilling police procedural series by Wendy Church.
A serial killer terrorizes the citizens of Jacksonville, and the entire police force is focused on cracking the case—but will they be able to stop the murderer before more bodies are found?
Three suspects who all tell a different story.
Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down—until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself?
One determined detective with a taste for justice.
Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret—a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life.
**************************************************
And now to my review:
This was fairly predictable throughout and too repetitive. Considering it's about a serial killer, I was expecting more red herrings and more suspense. It was kind of bland. It's the first in a new series but I don't think I'll be continuing it. Was it bad? Definitely not. It's a solid 3 stars, but I didn't particularly like the FMC, Grace, although I did feel sympathy for her, and I figured out her story way ahead of the reveal. I really liked the side character of Eddie and his subsequent friendship with Grace. His background was another plot point that was easily guessed early on, and surprising that Grace didn't catch on sooner. I was appalled that the character of the therapist revealed confidential patient information to someone she didn't even know. It is a really quick read, though, if that's what you're looking for, and I think if you're someone who doesn't easily figure things out in a mystery, you might enjoy it more than I did.
I don't normally post a book's description (scroll down for review) but since there isn't one on Goodreads, here's what Amazon says:
A city-wide conspiracy. A serial killer on the loose. A detective battling her own demons. Everything comes together in Five Things I See, the first installment in a brand-new thrilling police procedural series by Wendy Church.
A serial killer terrorizes the citizens of Jacksonville, and the entire police force is focused on cracking the case—but will they be able to stop the murderer before more bodies are found?
Three suspects who all tell a different story.
Homicide detective Grace Hartwell’s knack for reading people has never let her down—until now. Is the killer playing a clever game or is she losing touch with herself?
One determined detective with a taste for justice.
Grace's life is dedicated to her work. But she has a dark secret—a secret that could jeopardize not only her job but her life.
**************************************************
And now to my review:
This was fairly predictable throughout and too repetitive. Considering it's about a serial killer, I was expecting more red herrings and more suspense. It was kind of bland. It's the first in a new series but I don't think I'll be continuing it. Was it bad? Definitely not. It's a solid 3 stars, but I didn't particularly like the FMC, Grace, although I did feel sympathy for her, and I figured out her story way ahead of the reveal. I really liked the side character of Eddie and his subsequent friendship with Grace. His background was another plot point that was easily guessed early on, and surprising that Grace didn't catch on sooner. I was appalled that the character of the therapist revealed confidential patient information to someone she didn't even know. It is a really quick read, though, if that's what you're looking for, and I think if you're someone who doesn't easily figure things out in a mystery, you might enjoy it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well this had some really interesting twists and turns in it. I really liked this one. Or lead female character Grace Hartwell is a tough cookie, there is good reason for that and the book will gradually reveal that to you.
Fully committed to her job with what is often hyper-focus she is really good at it. I liked her attention to detail, thinking outside the box and willingness to follow a hunch. Not always one to follow orders either. She had a rebellious streak in her.
Grace also has one hell of a secret.
The book kicks off with a murder of a husband and wife with a sexual crime element to it that becomes really significant to the plot as more dead women turn up with the same MO. Five scenes with a similar pattern. Our Homicide Detective Grace starts to follow a gut feeling and where that takes her and the book I really liked a lot. A nice addition and something a bit different.
There is a lot of great procedural detail in this novel that I felt was really well researched. Very realistic and plenty to hold your interest and keep the cogs turning.
There is a back story that is presenting itself but by bit at the start of each chapter. Cleverly done as it slowly peels back to the curtain until we have our clarity and “ah-ha!” moment. I really liked the way the Author weaved this into the book and into the plot and made it a strong you needed to follow. I love me an imperfect flawed but tough main character!
Where the investigation leads I also found not only fascinating but sadly very realistic. It would be a major spoiler but the reasons behind the kills and the methods put them into a very specific category. Crimes and darker side of humanity that does exist out there today. It’s pretty messed up. I liked the plot twists and turns.
There are some pretty dramatic scenes and some side characters I loved being pulled in. The lead up to the ending had some great pace to it. Overall I just really liked this one and would definitely recommend it to the crime book lover. I’d read this Author again for sure. 4 solid stars!
Huge thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC via NetGalley.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
Fully committed to her job with what is often hyper-focus she is really good at it. I liked her attention to detail, thinking outside the box and willingness to follow a hunch. Not always one to follow orders either. She had a rebellious streak in her.
Grace also has one hell of a secret.
The book kicks off with a murder of a husband and wife with a sexual crime element to it that becomes really significant to the plot as more dead women turn up with the same MO. Five scenes with a similar pattern. Our Homicide Detective Grace starts to follow a gut feeling and where that takes her and the book I really liked a lot. A nice addition and something a bit different.
There is a lot of great procedural detail in this novel that I felt was really well researched. Very realistic and plenty to hold your interest and keep the cogs turning.
There is a back story that is presenting itself but by bit at the start of each chapter. Cleverly done as it slowly peels back to the curtain until we have our clarity and “ah-ha!” moment. I really liked the way the Author weaved this into the book and into the plot and made it a strong you needed to follow. I love me an imperfect flawed but tough main character!
Where the investigation leads I also found not only fascinating but sadly very realistic. It would be a major spoiler but the reasons behind the kills and the methods put them into a very specific category. Crimes and darker side of humanity that does exist out there today. It’s pretty messed up. I liked the plot twists and turns.
There are some pretty dramatic scenes and some side characters I loved being pulled in. The lead up to the ending had some great pace to it. Overall I just really liked this one and would definitely recommend it to the crime book lover. I’d read this Author again for sure. 4 solid stars!
Huge thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC via NetGalley.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
August 12, 2026
Book Review: ‘Five Things I See’ by Wendy Church
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
‘Five Things I See’ drops you straight into the middle of a crime drama, and from the first page it's clear Wendy Church knows exactly how to build tension. This is a slow-burn investigation in the best sense - the kind of pacing that makes you feel every bit of the characters' patience, frustration, and obsession as the case unfolds.
I'll admit, for the first quarter of the book I wondered whether the pace was working against the story. It isn't. That deliberate setup pays off completely once the plot accelerates, and by the halfway point this becomes an absolute page-turner.
What really sets this novel apart is the characterization. Church has a gift for writing people so vivid and distinct that you form real opinions about them - including outright dislike for some. That's a hard thing for an author to pull off well, and it's done masterfully here.
Underneath the mystery, there's a genuinely sharp exploration of power dynamics between men and women, giving the book more to chew on than just the crime itself.
A particularly clever structural touch: each chapter opens with a small piece of a second, underlying reveal, quietly building toward its own payoff alongside the main investigation. It's an elegant device that rewards attentive readers without ever feeling gimmicky.
And then there's the ending! The climax and its revelations hit hard - genuinely earned after the slow build - and the final pages left me with actual chills.
‘Five Things I See’ is a smart, atmospheric crime novel with real emotional and thematic depth beneath its mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who doesn't mind a patient build for a payoff that's genuinely worth it.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
‘Five Things I See’ drops you straight into the middle of a crime drama, and from the first page it's clear Wendy Church knows exactly how to build tension. This is a slow-burn investigation in the best sense - the kind of pacing that makes you feel every bit of the characters' patience, frustration, and obsession as the case unfolds.
I'll admit, for the first quarter of the book I wondered whether the pace was working against the story. It isn't. That deliberate setup pays off completely once the plot accelerates, and by the halfway point this becomes an absolute page-turner.
What really sets this novel apart is the characterization. Church has a gift for writing people so vivid and distinct that you form real opinions about them - including outright dislike for some. That's a hard thing for an author to pull off well, and it's done masterfully here.
Underneath the mystery, there's a genuinely sharp exploration of power dynamics between men and women, giving the book more to chew on than just the crime itself.
A particularly clever structural touch: each chapter opens with a small piece of a second, underlying reveal, quietly building toward its own payoff alongside the main investigation. It's an elegant device that rewards attentive readers without ever feeling gimmicky.
And then there's the ending! The climax and its revelations hit hard - genuinely earned after the slow build - and the final pages left me with actual chills.
‘Five Things I See’ is a smart, atmospheric crime novel with real emotional and thematic depth beneath its mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who doesn't mind a patient build for a payoff that's genuinely worth it.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Things I See launches a new series with real force. It’s gritty without being gratuitous, twisty without feeling over‑engineered, and anchored by a protagonist who’s as complex as the case she’s trying to solve. Grace Hartwell is the kind of detective who immediately stands out—sharp, intuitive, and quietly haunted in ways that make her both fascinating and deeply human.
The setup is chilling: five crime scenes, each connected by a visible pattern, and a serial killer stalking Jacksonville with increasing boldness. The investigation moves at a brisk pace, and I loved how the narrative balances procedural detail with psychological tension. The three suspects, each with their own version of events, create a knot of contradictions that kept me guessing right alongside Grace.
What really elevates the story is the way Grace’s personal demons bleed into the case. Her talent for reading people falters at the worst possible moment, and watching her navigate that uncertainty adds a compelling emotional layer. The stakes feel high—not just professionally, but personally—and that makes the final stretch especially gripping.
Fans of Michael Connelly, Lisa Regan, Ruth Ware, and Val McDermid will find plenty to love here. It’s fast‑paced, atmospheric, and driven by a heroine who refuses to back down, even when the truth threatens to unravel her.
A strong, twisty start to a series I’ll definitely be following.
With thanks to Wendy Church, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is chilling: five crime scenes, each connected by a visible pattern, and a serial killer stalking Jacksonville with increasing boldness. The investigation moves at a brisk pace, and I loved how the narrative balances procedural detail with psychological tension. The three suspects, each with their own version of events, create a knot of contradictions that kept me guessing right alongside Grace.
What really elevates the story is the way Grace’s personal demons bleed into the case. Her talent for reading people falters at the worst possible moment, and watching her navigate that uncertainty adds a compelling emotional layer. The stakes feel high—not just professionally, but personally—and that makes the final stretch especially gripping.
Fans of Michael Connelly, Lisa Regan, Ruth Ware, and Val McDermid will find plenty to love here. It’s fast‑paced, atmospheric, and driven by a heroine who refuses to back down, even when the truth threatens to unravel her.
A strong, twisty start to a series I’ll definitely be following.
With thanks to Wendy Church, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Despite being somewhat predictable, I enjoyed this book enough to think I might read the others in the series. It’s the first book in the series of Detective Grace Hartwell investigations, and as the protagonist she was, I found, very engaging.
There is a serial killer on the loose and it’s a race against time and sceptical bosses, to try and stop any more terrible murders. There is also another strand to the book in which a prospective mayor, and a building company is investigated for the death of a man who was found dead on site. Was it an accident or was he pushed and are there any connections between the two cases? Who is this Eddie Snow character? A prime suspect but apparently untouchable as Grace is forbidden to investigate him or have anything to do with him. This of course makes her rebel as she is determined, whatever the cost, to bring the murderer to justice, even at the risk of her own safety.
The author writes in an easy flowing style in the third person, that carries the reader along through the twists and turns of the investigation to a thrilling conclusion. Despite some predictability, I found I was very much on edge for Grace. I will seek out the next book in the future as I think the character of Grace will be further developed as will her relationship with another character in the story, which will be very interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for kindle in exchange for my honest opinion.
There is a serial killer on the loose and it’s a race against time and sceptical bosses, to try and stop any more terrible murders. There is also another strand to the book in which a prospective mayor, and a building company is investigated for the death of a man who was found dead on site. Was it an accident or was he pushed and are there any connections between the two cases? Who is this Eddie Snow character? A prime suspect but apparently untouchable as Grace is forbidden to investigate him or have anything to do with him. This of course makes her rebel as she is determined, whatever the cost, to bring the murderer to justice, even at the risk of her own safety.
The author writes in an easy flowing style in the third person, that carries the reader along through the twists and turns of the investigation to a thrilling conclusion. Despite some predictability, I found I was very much on edge for Grace. I will seek out the next book in the future as I think the character of Grace will be further developed as will her relationship with another character in the story, which will be very interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for kindle in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting plot, sound procedures & good characters. The story introduces a good detective in Grace Hartwell and holds the suspense till the end.
Detective Grace Hartwell is called to investigate a brutal double murder in quiet Oak Haven. The couple are Daniel Stewart, a professor, and his wife Jessica. Their boy Shawn is not at home. More murders of young women follow. There is also another case Grace is investigating of a man Howard Scofield, an auditor, who died after a fall from a construction site. Foul play cannot be ruled out, especially since Scofield was checking on some financial irregularities though none was formally reported.
Grace is a great character and hopefully this can turn into a good series. The procedures are realistic, painstaking and as a result progress of the investigation is slow. Both the cases Grace handles are interesting, and the resolution is good - tying up all aspects of the plot. Some of the assumptions Grace makes about the suspects is a little abrupt and out of line with her character otherwise. There are aspects of Grace’s past and personality which are covered towards the end. These are abrupt and overtly dramatic, with poor context.
A good crime thriller which I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Joffe Books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Detective Grace Hartwell is called to investigate a brutal double murder in quiet Oak Haven. The couple are Daniel Stewart, a professor, and his wife Jessica. Their boy Shawn is not at home. More murders of young women follow. There is also another case Grace is investigating of a man Howard Scofield, an auditor, who died after a fall from a construction site. Foul play cannot be ruled out, especially since Scofield was checking on some financial irregularities though none was formally reported.
Grace is a great character and hopefully this can turn into a good series. The procedures are realistic, painstaking and as a result progress of the investigation is slow. Both the cases Grace handles are interesting, and the resolution is good - tying up all aspects of the plot. Some of the assumptions Grace makes about the suspects is a little abrupt and out of line with her character otherwise. There are aspects of Grace’s past and personality which are covered towards the end. These are abrupt and overtly dramatic, with poor context.
A good crime thriller which I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Joffe Books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wendy Church delivers a confident and engaging debut with Five Things I See, launching a police procedural that shows real promise. Detective Grace Hartwell’s introduction is compelling, especially as she’s drawn into a string of crime scenes marked by a disturbing pattern and suspects whose stories never align. The tension builds steadily, with clues dropped in careful, unsettling fragments. While a few turns feel slightly predictable, the overall experience remains absorbing, and Church’s pacing keeps the mystery moving with a strong sense of momentum.
As the case deepens, Grace’s personal struggles add an extra charge to the investigation. Her once reliable instinct for reading people falters just as the killer’s game becomes more dangerous, blurring the line between manipulation and self-doubt. The secrets she carries threaten to undermine everything she’s fighting for, giving the story an emotional edge that elevates the suspense. For a debut, this is a solid and enjoyable start, and I’m confident Grace’s character will only grow sharper and more layered if the series continues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
As the case deepens, Grace’s personal struggles add an extra charge to the investigation. Her once reliable instinct for reading people falters just as the killer’s game becomes more dangerous, blurring the line between manipulation and self-doubt. The secrets she carries threaten to undermine everything she’s fighting for, giving the story an emotional edge that elevates the suspense. For a debut, this is a solid and enjoyable start, and I’m confident Grace’s character will only grow sharper and more layered if the series continues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a gritty, twisty and fascinating book. The start of a new police procedural/crime fiction series and it ticked lots of boxes for me.
We meet Homicide Detective Grace Hartwell, the kind of detective who jumps off the page. She is sharp, intuitive, tenacious and is keeping more deep secrets than the antagonists she is battling against. She is flawed and haunted, which immediately makes her an interesting character. At times I wasn't sure I liked her, but I was rooting for her throughout.
The story is chilling: five crime scenes, each connected by a visible pattern. The pacing of this book I fast, as the investigation moves at a brisk pace. There was a lot of focus on the police procedures and the characters within the police team. There was less focus on the crime victims, which was an interesting twist. There was a lot of contradictions and red herring which kept me on my toes.
I loved the start of each chapter, a little insight into the storyline, that unusual and gripping. And I loved the setting in Florida. The descriptions of the places was really well written and really helped me visualise the locations.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to carrying on this series.
Thank you to Severn House for the Arc.
We meet Homicide Detective Grace Hartwell, the kind of detective who jumps off the page. She is sharp, intuitive, tenacious and is keeping more deep secrets than the antagonists she is battling against. She is flawed and haunted, which immediately makes her an interesting character. At times I wasn't sure I liked her, but I was rooting for her throughout.
The story is chilling: five crime scenes, each connected by a visible pattern. The pacing of this book I fast, as the investigation moves at a brisk pace. There was a lot of focus on the police procedures and the characters within the police team. There was less focus on the crime victims, which was an interesting twist. There was a lot of contradictions and red herring which kept me on my toes.
I loved the start of each chapter, a little insight into the storyline, that unusual and gripping. And I loved the setting in Florida. The descriptions of the places was really well written and really helped me visualise the locations.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to carrying on this series.
Thank you to Severn House for the Arc.
August 7, 2026
I am always drawn to police procedurals (Michael Connelly, Tana French, Val McDermid, etc.) This first book in Wendy Church's new Detective Grace Hartwell series gives me all I want in a procedural and more -- as indicated by the title itself. The characters in this novel are psychologically complex and profoundly compelling. Church's treatment of this complexity is thoughtful, well-researched, and believable. As a reader who works in the field of psychology, I was gratified to find the individual characters of Grace and Eddie navigating their complicated pasts, as well as their dynamic with each other, with adaptive strategies that make so much sense. This alone makes me so eager to read the next book in the series and the next.
And...there's more. I knew nothing about Jacksonville, FL, where the book takes place. Church's rendering of the place is vivid and sensory (I saw, smelled, tasted, felt, heard far more than five things in the process of reading). I love a novel in which place unfolds as more than a backdrop but as a character itself. I moved through the streets, trees, rivers, warehouses, police station, of Jacksonville -- I place where I have never been before. This speaks volumes about the quality of Church's writing, which is sophisticated and evocative.
And...there's more. I knew nothing about Jacksonville, FL, where the book takes place. Church's rendering of the place is vivid and sensory (I saw, smelled, tasted, felt, heard far more than five things in the process of reading). I love a novel in which place unfolds as more than a backdrop but as a character itself. I moved through the streets, trees, rivers, warehouses, police station, of Jacksonville -- I place where I have never been before. This speaks volumes about the quality of Church's writing, which is sophisticated and evocative.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Things I See was an excellent start to what I know is going to be a fantastic new series. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into the investigation and found myself racing through the pages to uncover the truth.
Detective Grace Hartwell is a compelling protagonist—intelligent, determined, and carrying just enough personal baggage to make her feel authentic without overshadowing the mystery. I really enjoyed getting to know her and can't wait to see how her character develops in future books.
The case itself was gripping, with multiple investigations, plenty of twists, and enough suspense to keep me turning the pages late into the night. I especially enjoyed how the different storylines gradually came together, making for a satisfying and action-packed conclusion.
Wendy Church has created a fast-paced police procedural with strong characters, an engaging mystery, and a writing style that makes it incredibly easy to become immersed in the story. I'm already looking forward to Detective Grace Hartwell's next case.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Detective Grace Hartwell is a compelling protagonist—intelligent, determined, and carrying just enough personal baggage to make her feel authentic without overshadowing the mystery. I really enjoyed getting to know her and can't wait to see how her character develops in future books.
The case itself was gripping, with multiple investigations, plenty of twists, and enough suspense to keep me turning the pages late into the night. I especially enjoyed how the different storylines gradually came together, making for a satisfying and action-packed conclusion.
Wendy Church has created a fast-paced police procedural with strong characters, an engaging mystery, and a writing style that makes it incredibly easy to become immersed in the story. I'm already looking forward to Detective Grace Hartwell's next case.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2026
Five Things I See was a great read and one that pulled me into the investigation quickly. I loved getting to see DI Grace Hartwell in action, especially as the pressure builds around a case involving five crime scenes, a clear pattern and a serial killer who always seems to be one step ahead.
Grace was easily one of the highlights for me. She’s determined, intuitive and clearly very good at reading people, but she’s also battling her own demons behind the scenes. I liked that we got to see both sides of her character, particularly as she begins questioning whether she can trust her own instincts.
The investigation itself kept me engaged, with three suspects, conflicting stories and plenty to unravel. I enjoyed following Grace as she tried to piece everything together while the stakes continued to rise and more secrets came into play.
A gripping police thriller with an interesting lead detective and a case that kept me guessing. I’d happily pick up another DI Grace Hartwell book after this one!
Grace was easily one of the highlights for me. She’s determined, intuitive and clearly very good at reading people, but she’s also battling her own demons behind the scenes. I liked that we got to see both sides of her character, particularly as she begins questioning whether she can trust her own instincts.
The investigation itself kept me engaged, with three suspects, conflicting stories and plenty to unravel. I enjoyed following Grace as she tried to piece everything together while the stakes continued to rise and more secrets came into play.
A gripping police thriller with an interesting lead detective and a case that kept me guessing. I’d happily pick up another DI Grace Hartwell book after this one!
August 12, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This police procedural thriller is the first in the Detective Grace Hartwell series, and our detective is hunting a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. On first impressions, I had the feeling that Grace knew exactly what she was doing, and she wasn't someone to mess around with. She seemed independent and self-reliant, and I liked that. I also felt that she seemed quite a complex character, and that there may be something in her backstory which I didn't fully understand.
I was intrigued by the snippets at the beginning of each chapter, and wondered how they may contribute to the rest of the story. It seemed like there was a lot going on, with lots of twists that kept me guessing and turning the pages, and I never stopped wondering what might happen next. If you're looking for a nail-biting read, give this a try.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This police procedural thriller is the first in the Detective Grace Hartwell series, and our detective is hunting a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. On first impressions, I had the feeling that Grace knew exactly what she was doing, and she wasn't someone to mess around with. She seemed independent and self-reliant, and I liked that. I also felt that she seemed quite a complex character, and that there may be something in her backstory which I didn't fully understand.
I was intrigued by the snippets at the beginning of each chapter, and wondered how they may contribute to the rest of the story. It seemed like there was a lot going on, with lots of twists that kept me guessing and turning the pages, and I never stopped wondering what might happen next. If you're looking for a nail-biting read, give this a try.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
August 4, 2026
I rate this 5 stars. A great start to anew crime series, I’m looking forward to more.
Detective Grace Harwell, recently moved to homicide and is keen to maintain her near perfect record for case closure. She gas her own demons that are gradually revealed in the back story. This first case is the brutal murder of a husband and wife in their own home. It appears that the husband had been tied to a chair and forced to watch his mife being violated and murdered before being stabbed and left to bleed out. Is this just a sadistic sicko on the loose or someone seeking revenge? As if this is not enough the couples young son is missing! A frantic search for the child and a clever detective work is needed to crack the case. This investigation is running while a back story of political posturing and power seeking shenanigans is rumbling on threatening to derail Grace and her team!
An excellent start to anew series and a new writer for me. Wendy Church is definitely on my reading list
Detective Grace Harwell, recently moved to homicide and is keen to maintain her near perfect record for case closure. She gas her own demons that are gradually revealed in the back story. This first case is the brutal murder of a husband and wife in their own home. It appears that the husband had been tied to a chair and forced to watch his mife being violated and murdered before being stabbed and left to bleed out. Is this just a sadistic sicko on the loose or someone seeking revenge? As if this is not enough the couples young son is missing! A frantic search for the child and a clever detective work is needed to crack the case. This investigation is running while a back story of political posturing and power seeking shenanigans is rumbling on threatening to derail Grace and her team!
An excellent start to anew series and a new writer for me. Wendy Church is definitely on my reading list
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Five Things I See kicks off the Detective Grace Hartwell series with a gripping double mystery and a heroine you won't forget.
Set in Jacksonville, the plot balances two intricate crimes, delivering a layered narrative that stays sharp and compelling without becoming overly complex.
Grace is a brilliant protagonist: gritty, intuitive, and fiercely determined, with zero tolerance for anyone wasting her time. Her reliance on gut instinct doesn't always endear her to colleagues, and her personal demons add real depth to her character. Packed with relatable figures and a fast paced storyline, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm already eager for book two, especially to see more of Eddie Snow and dive deeper into Grace's backstory.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Set in Jacksonville, the plot balances two intricate crimes, delivering a layered narrative that stays sharp and compelling without becoming overly complex.
Grace is a brilliant protagonist: gritty, intuitive, and fiercely determined, with zero tolerance for anyone wasting her time. Her reliance on gut instinct doesn't always endear her to colleagues, and her personal demons add real depth to her character. Packed with relatable figures and a fast paced storyline, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm already eager for book two, especially to see more of Eddie Snow and dive deeper into Grace's backstory.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Things I See begins a new series featuring Jacksonville, Florida, Detective Grace Hartwell. Three main narratives are interwoven: the search for a serial killer, the murder of an auditor linked to a city construction project and Grace's own backstory. The writing is good, although the pace is rather pedestrian.
This isn't a bad novel, but there is little suspense. The solutions to all of the plotlines are rather telegraphed meaning there are no real twists. And while Grace is a fairly well developed character, although with blanks presumably left to be filled in future novels, the supporting cast feels very one dimensional and stereotypical.
This isn't a bad novel, but there is little suspense. The solutions to all of the plotlines are rather telegraphed meaning there are no real twists. And while Grace is a fairly well developed character, although with blanks presumably left to be filled in future novels, the supporting cast feels very one dimensional and stereotypical.
Review of advance copy
A gripping intensity to a crime thriller! Our protagonist Grace is introduced to the reader and as the story progresses we get to know and understand her little by little. Grace is a strong woman who is dedicated and has a way of being intuitive. The crimes that she is trying to solve are gruesome and somehow the author has captured the essence. While it did take me a while to become invested in the book and some parts are predictable. There are enough surprising twists to keep you interested. I felt it is a solid start and the end wrapped up nicely. I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the series turns out to be.
August 4, 2026
This is a brilliant start to a new series. Grace is investigating the killer of a couple which escalates to further murders, all of blonde women.
She is a fascinating character with some secrets of her own and I liked how the chapters had some insight into some events of the past. We don't find out exactly what until close to the end and what a reveal that was. There's plenty of twists and just when you think things are close to being worked out, events take a different turn. The story is quite fast-paced all the way through.
Grace's interactions with Eddie Snow is intriguing and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
She is a fascinating character with some secrets of her own and I liked how the chapters had some insight into some events of the past. We don't find out exactly what until close to the end and what a reveal that was. There's plenty of twists and just when you think things are close to being worked out, events take a different turn. The story is quite fast-paced all the way through.
Grace's interactions with Eddie Snow is intriguing and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jacksonville Homicide detective, Grace Hartwell is investigating two cases.
She is doggedly determined to find a serial killer who has so far killed five victims, and almost loses her job in her hunt.
It took me a good fifty percent of the book to 'get into' it. Once I was past that, it was an absolutely incredible read. It is dark, tense and well written.
This is the first in a new series by Wendy Church, and I hope to be able to read more of the series.
Like I say, I wasn't gripped at the beginning of the book, but crime book lovers will enjoy this.
4/5 stars
She is doggedly determined to find a serial killer who has so far killed five victims, and almost loses her job in her hunt.
It took me a good fifty percent of the book to 'get into' it. Once I was past that, it was an absolutely incredible read. It is dark, tense and well written.
This is the first in a new series by Wendy Church, and I hope to be able to read more of the series.
Like I say, I wasn't gripped at the beginning of the book, but crime book lovers will enjoy this.
4/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a story! It kept me hooked from the very first page until the very end. Little by little you get to know Grace better and I found her to be a fascinating main character. She is a strong woman with great intuition which made her even more compelling to read about. This was the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I'm already looking forward to the sequel!I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Joffe Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
August 5, 2026
A Little Different
A couple are found murdered in their home and their young son is missing. Detective Grace Hartwell is soon on the scene and starts to interview the neighbours. When she knocks at one house, something doesn't feel right to her but when she gets back to police headquarters she is immediately told not to bother that particular person again, but on one will explain any further. Of course Grace does not follow orders and she and the neighbour team up to try and solve the murder. This book was a little different but interesting just the same.
A couple are found murdered in their home and their young son is missing. Detective Grace Hartwell is soon on the scene and starts to interview the neighbours. When she knocks at one house, something doesn't feel right to her but when she gets back to police headquarters she is immediately told not to bother that particular person again, but on one will explain any further. Of course Grace does not follow orders and she and the neighbour team up to try and solve the murder. This book was a little different but interesting just the same.
August 11, 2026
corruption and murder
Grace is a detective for the Jacksonville Police Department and she has handed a case. Her husband and wife were brutally killed and she has no clue about who did it how she’s working on the case. More women are killed especially blonde women and grace is baffled because there are no suspects. I found the plot is very good and the character is very interesting. Just when you think they have the right suspect another problem comes up. I recommend this book for all prime readers.
Grace is a detective for the Jacksonville Police Department and she has handed a case. Her husband and wife were brutally killed and she has no clue about who did it how she’s working on the case. More women are killed especially blonde women and grace is baffled because there are no suspects. I found the plot is very good and the character is very interesting. Just when you think they have the right suspect another problem comes up. I recommend this book for all prime readers.
August 11, 2026
The first book in a new crime thriller series and I will be eagerly looking out for book 2.
A twisty tale and clever plot, I enjoyed getting to know Grace and her team plus at the start of chapter was a little snippet of conversation which had me hooked.
Lots of mystery around characters and the suspense built with each chapter. Lots going on but easy to follow and a gripping storyline following various crimes and suspects galore.
An excellent read
A twisty tale and clever plot, I enjoyed getting to know Grace and her team plus at the start of chapter was a little snippet of conversation which had me hooked.
Lots of mystery around characters and the suspense built with each chapter. Lots going on but easy to follow and a gripping storyline following various crimes and suspects galore.
An excellent read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in Florida, conspiracies and theories, suspects and serial killers with a troubled female detective, Grace, who could have been developed a bit more. It took me a while to get into the book, at one point I almost gave up but I persevered until the end. There were a few twists which held my interest and I liked the ending but overall I would have liked a bit more suspense.
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