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Detective Patrick Lennon #2
The Blissfully Dead
She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was…
When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band.
As Lennon struggles with both his home life and his rivals on the force, the pressure to catch the killer before he strikes again reaches fever pitch. And when Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career.
Exploring the darkest depths of the entertainment industry and the terrifying dangers of social media, The Blissfully Dead is a new masterclass in tension from the #1 bestselling authors of From the Cradle.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
830 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
March 25, 2017
THE BLISSFULLY DEAD by crime writers Louise Voss and Mark Edwards, is the second book in the series about DI Patrick Lennon. The first being From the Cradle, which I really enjoyed. This novel explores the darker world of the entertainment business and the danger of social media.
DI Patrick Lennon returns from Book 1, From The Cradle, with all of his personal baggage. His wife is out of a mental hospital, after trying to kill their young daughter.
In this novel, a group of girl fans are obsessed with an English boy band, “On Target”. Soon some of these fan girls start showing up dead. Why were they being targeted?
She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was…
“When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band.”
DI. Lennon must deal with both his personal life and his work as well as work rivals, to catch the killer and save more lives.
This novel is full of twists and turns with multiple red herrings thrown in for good measure.
There's lot of action which I've come to expect from these authors. A few red herrings are tossed in for deliberate confusion. The ending was explosive and secrets are revealed.
This realistic novel displays the alarming online dangers teenagers can face in the world of social media.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC.
DI Patrick Lennon returns from Book 1, From The Cradle, with all of his personal baggage. His wife is out of a mental hospital, after trying to kill their young daughter.
In this novel, a group of girl fans are obsessed with an English boy band, “On Target”. Soon some of these fan girls start showing up dead. Why were they being targeted?
She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was…
“When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band.”
DI. Lennon must deal with both his personal life and his work as well as work rivals, to catch the killer and save more lives.
This novel is full of twists and turns with multiple red herrings thrown in for good measure.
There's lot of action which I've come to expect from these authors. A few red herrings are tossed in for deliberate confusion. The ending was explosive and secrets are revealed.
This realistic novel displays the alarming online dangers teenagers can face in the world of social media.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC.
August 18, 2023
This fast-paced, well-plotted thriller was a brilliant police procedural.
"The Blissfully Dead" is the second book in the Detective Patrick Lennon series.
The book could be easily read as a standalone read, although beginning with "From the Cradle", the first book in the series, is highly recommended.
When the body of a teenage girl is found brutally murdered and tortured in a London hotel, readers get their first glimpse into the darkest depths of the "boy band" entertainment industry and the perils of social media.
The authors' compelling characterizations were spot on and levels of intrigue were high.
I listened to the 12-hour audiobook read by Simon Mattacks who did a superb job with the narration.
I would have enjoyed the book more, however, had it been shorter.
Fortunately, there was no repetitive text.
Instead, the book had too many extraneous details that slowed down the pace.
Had the book been 10 hours instead of 12 hours, it would have earned all of my 5 stars.
I especially enjoyed Louise Voss' Author's Note at the end of the book.
In her Author's Note, Louise Voss discussed the impetus of the book and how two authors coauthor and remotely collaborate on a book from different locations.
"The Blissfully Dead" is the second book in the Detective Patrick Lennon series.
The book could be easily read as a standalone read, although beginning with "From the Cradle", the first book in the series, is highly recommended.
When the body of a teenage girl is found brutally murdered and tortured in a London hotel, readers get their first glimpse into the darkest depths of the "boy band" entertainment industry and the perils of social media.
The authors' compelling characterizations were spot on and levels of intrigue were high.
I listened to the 12-hour audiobook read by Simon Mattacks who did a superb job with the narration.
I would have enjoyed the book more, however, had it been shorter.
Fortunately, there was no repetitive text.
Instead, the book had too many extraneous details that slowed down the pace.
Had the book been 10 hours instead of 12 hours, it would have earned all of my 5 stars.
I especially enjoyed Louise Voss' Author's Note at the end of the book.
In her Author's Note, Louise Voss discussed the impetus of the book and how two authors coauthor and remotely collaborate on a book from different locations.
August 17, 2018
Another winner from the pen of Louise Voss and Mark Edwards, this was a sensationally enjoyable read! I really took to the unique plot angle in this novel where superfans of the world's largest boy band are being found tortured and murdered. We see the return of DI Patrick Lennon on the case trying to crack what on earth is going on in the world of modern pop music, fan forums and why this indeed invites in a serial killer. Who can it be? First one body turns up, then another...
Boy band phenomena is nothing new to the world, hysterical fans all claiming undying love for their favourite and having their minds, hearts and lifestyle taken over by imaginary relationships with the ones they can't get enough of. It goes back to the days of The Beatles and Beatlemania to our modern day phenomenon of One Direction. The plot is based around the latest boy band (fictional of course) and how a series of gruesome and cruel murders are connected to them.
The plot had me guessing, to be honest I thought I had the killer worked out quite early and was WRONG and like all of the books from Mark Edwards and Louise Voss there is always a twist I don't see coming, which is why I like them so much. I thought the research and realism that went into describing the cliques behind the computers in the fan forums on line and the obsessive nature of their love of their boys in the band was really exceptionally done. It was a really interesting read.
As DI Lennon investigates the crimes things get more and more intense, and baffling as to the motive and the killer's identity. Mingled in with this great crime plot is the lives of teenagers, young women literally dying for their fanaticism, it didn't seem that far-fetched at times. I really enjoyed all of the young teen characters in this book and get they were written really well.
I could not put the book down, highly enjoyable and interesting and I was glad that the twists were there that I had expected from this talented duo. A 5 star review from me for The Blissfully Dead, highly recommended!
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
You can follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for sharing a copy of the book with me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Boy band phenomena is nothing new to the world, hysterical fans all claiming undying love for their favourite and having their minds, hearts and lifestyle taken over by imaginary relationships with the ones they can't get enough of. It goes back to the days of The Beatles and Beatlemania to our modern day phenomenon of One Direction. The plot is based around the latest boy band (fictional of course) and how a series of gruesome and cruel murders are connected to them.
The plot had me guessing, to be honest I thought I had the killer worked out quite early and was WRONG and like all of the books from Mark Edwards and Louise Voss there is always a twist I don't see coming, which is why I like them so much. I thought the research and realism that went into describing the cliques behind the computers in the fan forums on line and the obsessive nature of their love of their boys in the band was really exceptionally done. It was a really interesting read.
As DI Lennon investigates the crimes things get more and more intense, and baffling as to the motive and the killer's identity. Mingled in with this great crime plot is the lives of teenagers, young women literally dying for their fanaticism, it didn't seem that far-fetched at times. I really enjoyed all of the young teen characters in this book and get they were written really well.
I could not put the book down, highly enjoyable and interesting and I was glad that the twists were there that I had expected from this talented duo. A 5 star review from me for The Blissfully Dead, highly recommended!
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
You can follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for sharing a copy of the book with me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 20, 2020
Man, i am so sorry that there aren't more books in this series!! I had been in a mini slump.. 3 or 4 books that just couldn't hold my attention (even 2 dnf in a row!)- i was starting to think it was me... Then bam! I couldn't put this down! I really enjoy several of the characters in these (2) books, they're so genuine & feel completely real... & then this particular crime was so addictive! So interesting & i couldn't figure it out! Even if police/DI books aren't usually your thing, these characters are so good (DI Patrick Lennon particularly) it doesn't feel like the usual formulaic procedural- i bet you'd still enjoy it! Only 2 books in & I'm literally in mourning.. Damn i wonder why they didn't continue with this 1?! Still 2 of my favorite authors, & even better together! (I feel like I've been saying this alot lately but you should read the first 1 first- they're both so worth it!)
December 20, 2015
Having just finished the excellent Psychological thriller 'The Magpies' by Mark Edwards I felt drawn to reading more of his books so I decided to read 'The Blissfully Dead' which he co-writes with Louise Voss. I found this book an excellent read and introduction to a new series for me but not quite as good as 'The Magpies'.
This is the 2nd book in the DI Lennon series but works as a stand alone. In this novel teenage girls are being tortured and murdered and they all seem to be linked to Boy band On Target. There are lots of opportunities for sub plots and characters that can play more prominent roles in future novels.
.
The book builds tension and will have you guessing throughout with red herrings and twists and turns. Good strong characters that I am sure will get stronger as the series continues. I will be reading more of this series and of Mark Edwards in particular.
This is the 2nd book in the DI Lennon series but works as a stand alone. In this novel teenage girls are being tortured and murdered and they all seem to be linked to Boy band On Target. There are lots of opportunities for sub plots and characters that can play more prominent roles in future novels.
.
The book builds tension and will have you guessing throughout with red herrings and twists and turns. Good strong characters that I am sure will get stronger as the series continues. I will be reading more of this series and of Mark Edwards in particular.
March 3, 2018
This is the secound book in this series.
A gripping read that delves inside the world of the entertainment business and social media, the darkr side that will keep your attention no matter what.
This reminded me a little back in my teen day with The Beatles pop group where girls would faint and all sorts of idol worship would explode wherever they went, in this case its “On Target”. The difference in this case is that some female fans are found dead, what is happening and why?
It comes to light that someone is targeting the fans of this group, but no one knows who or why.
No one sees anything.
BANG at the end, wow what a humdinger of a conclusion.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing via Net Galley for my copy
A gripping read that delves inside the world of the entertainment business and social media, the darkr side that will keep your attention no matter what.
This reminded me a little back in my teen day with The Beatles pop group where girls would faint and all sorts of idol worship would explode wherever they went, in this case its “On Target”. The difference in this case is that some female fans are found dead, what is happening and why?
It comes to light that someone is targeting the fans of this group, but no one knows who or why.
No one sees anything.
BANG at the end, wow what a humdinger of a conclusion.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing via Net Galley for my copy
August 25, 2015
DI Patrick Lennon is back after his last case (From The Cradle). His personal issues are still pulling at him .. his wife has returned home after being in a mental facility for 2 years after trying to kill their infant daughter. He is still at odds with DC Winkler, who feels that Patrick is the 'favored son' and continues to go around him in order to make himself seem better.
A teenage girl is found dead in a hotel room, body full of shallow knife cuts and strangled. There is a hint of perfume in the air.
When a second girl is found in the same condition, fingers are pointing at a member of a boy band. Shawn has been known to rough up girls now and then and these two girls were die-hard fans of the group.
And then two more girls go missing.
Patrick and his team try desperately to find the connection between all the girls and locate them before they can be murdered.
There's lot of action which I've come to expect from these authors. A few red herrings are tossed in for deliberate confusion. The ending was explosive and secrets are revealed.
That being said, I wasn't totally happy with one psrt of the book. As in the first book (From The Cradle) , DC Winkler goes off on his own and thinks he has the killer .. only to have DI Lennon find the real killer, leaving Winkler more objectionable than he was to begin with. The authors follow the same recipe and once again, Winkler follows his own misguided gut feelings. I would have liked Winkler do something totally different making him intriguing, rather than a bit boring.
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer for providing the opportunity to review in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
4 stars
A teenage girl is found dead in a hotel room, body full of shallow knife cuts and strangled. There is a hint of perfume in the air.
When a second girl is found in the same condition, fingers are pointing at a member of a boy band. Shawn has been known to rough up girls now and then and these two girls were die-hard fans of the group.
And then two more girls go missing.
Patrick and his team try desperately to find the connection between all the girls and locate them before they can be murdered.
There's lot of action which I've come to expect from these authors. A few red herrings are tossed in for deliberate confusion. The ending was explosive and secrets are revealed.
That being said, I wasn't totally happy with one psrt of the book. As in the first book (From The Cradle) , DC Winkler goes off on his own and thinks he has the killer .. only to have DI Lennon find the real killer, leaving Winkler more objectionable than he was to begin with. The authors follow the same recipe and once again, Winkler follows his own misguided gut feelings. I would have liked Winkler do something totally different making him intriguing, rather than a bit boring.
Many thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer for providing the opportunity to review in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
4 stars
September 6, 2015
The Blissfully Dead is a truly terrific read. Not that I was expecting anything less from the dynamic duo of crime writing Edwards and Voss but still..truly terrific.
So two things – firstly the concepts explored in this, the second novel to feature DI Lennon, are timely and relevant and have the trademark creepy vibe that comes over in all the books. A famous band, their fans and someone who really doesnt appear to LIKE said fans. Social media comes into play, themes of obsession and online drama (we all have online drama) and this story of our modern times has an amazing level of authenticity about it.
Secondly DI Lennon himself is probably one of the more original detectives flitting about in the wonderful world of crime fiction right now (and I do love my crime fiction) In The Blissfully Dead he is facing down some demons of his own, but they are most certainly HIS and not an amalgamation of every other detective you’ve read about ever. This I like. It just makes things so much more interesting and creates in Lennon a truly fascinating character that you feel you ACTUALLY need to get to know. On that note lets hope for more books in this particular series. Yes I am glaring at the two people responsible…
The mystery element is also brilliantly done. Twists and turns all the way whilst never losing focus on the point of it all. A disturbing look at the darker side of the entertainment industry and an even more disturbing wake up call about the dangers teenagers can face in the sometimes seemingly passive world of social media. The depth of perception in the writing makes it incredibly relateable as to the issues raised and the two authors pull off that not always easy feat of balancing observation and social commentary with high levels of entertainment.
The thing about the Edwards/Voss partnership is that all their novels are so eminently readable whilst still having that depth of emotional resonance that keeps you going back for more and never being sure what you might get – apart, of course, from a stonking good read.
I’m a fan.
So two things – firstly the concepts explored in this, the second novel to feature DI Lennon, are timely and relevant and have the trademark creepy vibe that comes over in all the books. A famous band, their fans and someone who really doesnt appear to LIKE said fans. Social media comes into play, themes of obsession and online drama (we all have online drama) and this story of our modern times has an amazing level of authenticity about it.
Secondly DI Lennon himself is probably one of the more original detectives flitting about in the wonderful world of crime fiction right now (and I do love my crime fiction) In The Blissfully Dead he is facing down some demons of his own, but they are most certainly HIS and not an amalgamation of every other detective you’ve read about ever. This I like. It just makes things so much more interesting and creates in Lennon a truly fascinating character that you feel you ACTUALLY need to get to know. On that note lets hope for more books in this particular series. Yes I am glaring at the two people responsible…
The mystery element is also brilliantly done. Twists and turns all the way whilst never losing focus on the point of it all. A disturbing look at the darker side of the entertainment industry and an even more disturbing wake up call about the dangers teenagers can face in the sometimes seemingly passive world of social media. The depth of perception in the writing makes it incredibly relateable as to the issues raised and the two authors pull off that not always easy feat of balancing observation and social commentary with high levels of entertainment.
The thing about the Edwards/Voss partnership is that all their novels are so eminently readable whilst still having that depth of emotional resonance that keeps you going back for more and never being sure what you might get – apart, of course, from a stonking good read.
I’m a fan.
October 6, 2015
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Louise Voss, Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
With much experience reading both Voss and Edwards, I feel that I can offer a well-rounded review of this, their latest piece of work, the new DI Patrick Lennon mystery. After being lured to a hotel room, a young girl is found murdered, with cuts all over her body, reeking of a signature perfume. After DI Patrick Lennon and the rest of the MIT9 team begin to investigate, strong connections are made to an online forum related to the latest boy band, OnTarget. The forum is rife with young girls who will stop at nothing to be deemed super-fans, as they concoct strings of commentaries and find themselves wishing they could be the love interest to one or all. After another girl is lured and murdered, Lennon begins to poke around the OnTarget connection and has a member of the team scour the forums. The investigation uncovers some less than favourable news about one of the band members and the murders seem closely related to a case Lennon's nemesis, and fellow MIT9 team member is working. When two more girls go missing, Lennon must put all his efforts into finding them before this sadistic killer can enact revenge for some unknown sleight. All this as Lennon juggles a family life he thought was all but lost and fights to remain professional in the workplace, surrounded by admirers. Voss and Edwards have tapped into a raging aspect of the social media world, 21st century groupies, and mastered it into this thrilling story that will keep the reader guessing until the final chapters.
Although a trademark perfected by both Voss and Edwards in their more recently novels, the use of social media in this story becomes central, if not quintessential. Some may struggle with it, as its focus is strongly geared to the tween/teen mentality, which can prove irritating in lingo and shallowness, while others may find themselves transported into the minds of young people today. I find that the irritant of the theme shows how ensconced Voss and Edwards are with it, which only goes to show how masterful the approach has become. Lennon's character develops somewhat in this novel, though he is stunted in comparison with his debut, while the MIT9 team is fleshed out a little more, both in the workplace and privately. The degree of teen-centric writing and story development cannot be ignored, though both Voss and Edwards utilise it to prove a point and contrast it with the strong views of the adult community running the investigation and promoting OnTarget. I am eager to see if we will see another Lennon novel and how well received this one ends up being, especially for those who have much experience with the authors' writing. Masterfully crafted and suspense-filled to the final pages.
Kudos, Madam Voss and Mr. Edwards for this wonderful novel, which makes me so happy to have discovered you earlier this year.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
With much experience reading both Voss and Edwards, I feel that I can offer a well-rounded review of this, their latest piece of work, the new DI Patrick Lennon mystery. After being lured to a hotel room, a young girl is found murdered, with cuts all over her body, reeking of a signature perfume. After DI Patrick Lennon and the rest of the MIT9 team begin to investigate, strong connections are made to an online forum related to the latest boy band, OnTarget. The forum is rife with young girls who will stop at nothing to be deemed super-fans, as they concoct strings of commentaries and find themselves wishing they could be the love interest to one or all. After another girl is lured and murdered, Lennon begins to poke around the OnTarget connection and has a member of the team scour the forums. The investigation uncovers some less than favourable news about one of the band members and the murders seem closely related to a case Lennon's nemesis, and fellow MIT9 team member is working. When two more girls go missing, Lennon must put all his efforts into finding them before this sadistic killer can enact revenge for some unknown sleight. All this as Lennon juggles a family life he thought was all but lost and fights to remain professional in the workplace, surrounded by admirers. Voss and Edwards have tapped into a raging aspect of the social media world, 21st century groupies, and mastered it into this thrilling story that will keep the reader guessing until the final chapters.
Although a trademark perfected by both Voss and Edwards in their more recently novels, the use of social media in this story becomes central, if not quintessential. Some may struggle with it, as its focus is strongly geared to the tween/teen mentality, which can prove irritating in lingo and shallowness, while others may find themselves transported into the minds of young people today. I find that the irritant of the theme shows how ensconced Voss and Edwards are with it, which only goes to show how masterful the approach has become. Lennon's character develops somewhat in this novel, though he is stunted in comparison with his debut, while the MIT9 team is fleshed out a little more, both in the workplace and privately. The degree of teen-centric writing and story development cannot be ignored, though both Voss and Edwards utilise it to prove a point and contrast it with the strong views of the adult community running the investigation and promoting OnTarget. I am eager to see if we will see another Lennon novel and how well received this one ends up being, especially for those who have much experience with the authors' writing. Masterfully crafted and suspense-filled to the final pages.
Kudos, Madam Voss and Mr. Edwards for this wonderful novel, which makes me so happy to have discovered you earlier this year.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 22, 2015
DI Lennon is back!!!
After reading From the Cradle which I loved I could not wait to see what was next for DI Lennon and his team.
You could easily read The Blissfully Dead as a stand alone but I think readers would appreciate Patrick Lennons back ground and family life better if they read From the Cradle first.
What makes Lennon such a great character is that he has got a lot to deal with in his personal life yet his work never seems to suffer. He has a good relationship with the majority of the people he works with and is well thought of by most of them.
The storyline of teenage girls turning up dead and the internet, as a parent, was quite harrowing to read. I have a daughter of similar age to the girls in the book and it really does make you realise as a parent about how much do we actually know what goes on with our children and the internet. There are so many predators out there it really does make you pause for thought.
With murder and the terrifying reality of the dark side of social media, The Blissfuly Dead is a gripping and chilling read which had me reeling in shock and horror in parts and also had a couple of surprises in store.
This is turning out to be a cracker of a crime series and I hope we're not waiting to long until we catch up with DI Lennon.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After reading From the Cradle which I loved I could not wait to see what was next for DI Lennon and his team.
You could easily read The Blissfully Dead as a stand alone but I think readers would appreciate Patrick Lennons back ground and family life better if they read From the Cradle first.
What makes Lennon such a great character is that he has got a lot to deal with in his personal life yet his work never seems to suffer. He has a good relationship with the majority of the people he works with and is well thought of by most of them.
The storyline of teenage girls turning up dead and the internet, as a parent, was quite harrowing to read. I have a daughter of similar age to the girls in the book and it really does make you realise as a parent about how much do we actually know what goes on with our children and the internet. There are so many predators out there it really does make you pause for thought.
With murder and the terrifying reality of the dark side of social media, The Blissfuly Dead is a gripping and chilling read which had me reeling in shock and horror in parts and also had a couple of surprises in store.
This is turning out to be a cracker of a crime series and I hope we're not waiting to long until we catch up with DI Lennon.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The dynamic duo, partners in crime, Louise Voss & Mark Edwards return following the thrilling From the Cradle, with their second DI Patrick Lennon Thriller, THE BLISSFULLY DEAD —dead girls, fans, obsessions, pop icons, social media madness, and suspense.
DI Patrick, mid-thirties is back, with all the problems we discovered in his personal and business life in book one. (adds lots of spice) His wife, Gill, returns after her two year stint following her mental illness breakdown, when attempting to kill their young daughter Bonnie.
In The Blissfully Dead, a group of girls, all huge fans of an English boy band, OnTarget. The girls start turning up dead, the first in a London hotel room and the second in a deserted photo studio. The only thing they seem to have in common is their fascination and obsession of the band.
A woman was beaten to death at home. A youth knifed in the street. A young girl murdered in a hotel room. Patrick liked indie and rock music, even though he does not watch much TV, and being he does not read the tabloids or entertainment magazines, he did not know much about OnTarget. Who is targeting the fans, and why?
When the body is examined it appears there are small cuts similar to another case from three months earlier, and perfume? It was Winkler’s case. (lot of history here).
Lennon’s wife has been out of the mental hospital for six months. He may never forget Gill’s purple fingermarks on their baby’s neck, her tiny limp body within seconds of eternal lifelessness. How can he go back to sharing his bed, his heart, and his life with someone he wasn’t sure he even loves her any more. Bonnie was now a normal two-and-a-half-year old. Years ago his wife had been in the grip of a devastating bout of postnatal psychosis. Got to love the guy!
His colleague DS Carmella Masiello of three years, can read him, and the traumatic events of their last case had served only to strengthen their bond. Patrick and his young daughter are cooped up in his parent’s house, while Gill has the entire house. At least he knows Bonnie is safe with him. His mom and dad had been great to help out with the childcare. DI Winkler, still continues to be a perennial thorn in his side at work. Of course there is the attraction to Suzanne.
Two girls, both fifteen, living close to one another. White, middle-class, both massive fans of OnTarget. Attended the vigil for Rose. Had the killer been there too? The cuts, the perfume, the fact that their clothes had been taken.
The girls were active on Twitter, and social media so it appeared more visible and amplified than in years past— when teenage girls (in my day in the sixties of Elvis, and the Beatles)--American Bandstand--wrote in their diaries, of their secret obsessions of idols, celebrities, and crushes, without thousands of eyeballs, as in social media today. (except nosy little sisters, who like to blackmail you).
After the third teen slaying . . . the pressure is on. When Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career.
Mystery, suspense, intrigue – action, twists, turns, and juicy secrets. Very timely, trendy, and well-developed. From online social media drama, internet bullying, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, to the darker world of entertainment business, and the disturbing consequences.
Am always amazed at the successful collaboration, (six published novels) the process, and how two authors form a partnership, and facilitate such a project. Readers will be excited to discover not only the inspiration behind the book, and as an added bonus, —tidbits of how the two started co-authoring, their strategy, and how it flows, living hundreds of miles apart in separate households, while not killing one another.
I am loving DI Lennon! Can’t wait for round three.
JDCMustReadBooks
The dynamic duo, partners in crime, Louise Voss & Mark Edwards return following the thrilling From the Cradle, with their second DI Patrick Lennon Thriller, THE BLISSFULLY DEAD —dead girls, fans, obsessions, pop icons, social media madness, and suspense.
DI Patrick, mid-thirties is back, with all the problems we discovered in his personal and business life in book one. (adds lots of spice) His wife, Gill, returns after her two year stint following her mental illness breakdown, when attempting to kill their young daughter Bonnie.
In The Blissfully Dead, a group of girls, all huge fans of an English boy band, OnTarget. The girls start turning up dead, the first in a London hotel room and the second in a deserted photo studio. The only thing they seem to have in common is their fascination and obsession of the band.
A woman was beaten to death at home. A youth knifed in the street. A young girl murdered in a hotel room. Patrick liked indie and rock music, even though he does not watch much TV, and being he does not read the tabloids or entertainment magazines, he did not know much about OnTarget. Who is targeting the fans, and why?
When the body is examined it appears there are small cuts similar to another case from three months earlier, and perfume? It was Winkler’s case. (lot of history here).
Lennon’s wife has been out of the mental hospital for six months. He may never forget Gill’s purple fingermarks on their baby’s neck, her tiny limp body within seconds of eternal lifelessness. How can he go back to sharing his bed, his heart, and his life with someone he wasn’t sure he even loves her any more. Bonnie was now a normal two-and-a-half-year old. Years ago his wife had been in the grip of a devastating bout of postnatal psychosis. Got to love the guy!
His colleague DS Carmella Masiello of three years, can read him, and the traumatic events of their last case had served only to strengthen their bond. Patrick and his young daughter are cooped up in his parent’s house, while Gill has the entire house. At least he knows Bonnie is safe with him. His mom and dad had been great to help out with the childcare. DI Winkler, still continues to be a perennial thorn in his side at work. Of course there is the attraction to Suzanne.
Two girls, both fifteen, living close to one another. White, middle-class, both massive fans of OnTarget. Attended the vigil for Rose. Had the killer been there too? The cuts, the perfume, the fact that their clothes had been taken.
The girls were active on Twitter, and social media so it appeared more visible and amplified than in years past— when teenage girls (in my day in the sixties of Elvis, and the Beatles)--American Bandstand--wrote in their diaries, of their secret obsessions of idols, celebrities, and crushes, without thousands of eyeballs, as in social media today. (except nosy little sisters, who like to blackmail you).
After the third teen slaying . . . the pressure is on. When Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career.
Mystery, suspense, intrigue – action, twists, turns, and juicy secrets. Very timely, trendy, and well-developed. From online social media drama, internet bullying, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, to the darker world of entertainment business, and the disturbing consequences.
Am always amazed at the successful collaboration, (six published novels) the process, and how two authors form a partnership, and facilitate such a project. Readers will be excited to discover not only the inspiration behind the book, and as an added bonus, —tidbits of how the two started co-authoring, their strategy, and how it flows, living hundreds of miles apart in separate households, while not killing one another.
I am loving DI Lennon! Can’t wait for round three.
JDCMustReadBooks
August 16, 2015
I received a copy of this from the publishers, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
I have been an avid follower of Mark Edwards since his earliest work and have always particularly enjoyed his collaborations with Louise Voss, so I was excited to get an early copy of their latest book.
DI Lennon, a character we have met in a previous novel, is attempting to uncover the link between a series of murders of teenagers and their devotion to a popular boyband. We have the usual possible suspects thrown into the mix and I had several moments where I was absolutely certain I knew who the murderer was. Of course, I was totally wrong. DI Patrick Lennon himself is a fantastic addition to this book, as he was in From the Cradle, with his own tragic backstory. Unlike other novels, this detective doesn't have a alcohol/gambling/sex addiction, but he is not without his demons. His personal struggle with his feelings regarding his marriage (not to mention his massive crush on his superior!) make him more human to the reader rather than just another role in a story.
This story captivated me and no doubt, all readers will be able to relate in some way to the teenager we are introduced to throughout the story. We've all met an obsessive fan at some point in our lives, or even BEEN that obsessed individual.
This is another sure-fire hit for this talented pair. I loved it!
I have been an avid follower of Mark Edwards since his earliest work and have always particularly enjoyed his collaborations with Louise Voss, so I was excited to get an early copy of their latest book.
DI Lennon, a character we have met in a previous novel, is attempting to uncover the link between a series of murders of teenagers and their devotion to a popular boyband. We have the usual possible suspects thrown into the mix and I had several moments where I was absolutely certain I knew who the murderer was. Of course, I was totally wrong. DI Patrick Lennon himself is a fantastic addition to this book, as he was in From the Cradle, with his own tragic backstory. Unlike other novels, this detective doesn't have a alcohol/gambling/sex addiction, but he is not without his demons. His personal struggle with his feelings regarding his marriage (not to mention his massive crush on his superior!) make him more human to the reader rather than just another role in a story.
This story captivated me and no doubt, all readers will be able to relate in some way to the teenager we are introduced to throughout the story. We've all met an obsessive fan at some point in our lives, or even BEEN that obsessed individual.
This is another sure-fire hit for this talented pair. I loved it!
December 14, 2025
I was unsure if I should give 4 or just 3. something for a while and finally decide that it deserves 4.
The Blissfully Dead's crime was set in the center of the Fandom world. Teens and not so teen individuals gathering both in real life and virtual life bonded together with their love for their idols.
I have a teen and this book portraits a very realistic situation. What annoyed me was small stuffs like college rivalry (that plot is ok but the stupid way to try catching the bad guy with unsubstantial evidence is too silly). But Patrick's personal life, as much as it is fucked up, is so complicated, very human and on the brink at every step. It's like watching him walking on a tight rope and it's a part I want to continue to read Patrick Lennon series.
The Blissfully Dead's crime was set in the center of the Fandom world. Teens and not so teen individuals gathering both in real life and virtual life bonded together with their love for their idols.
I have a teen and this book portraits a very realistic situation. What annoyed me was small stuffs like college rivalry (that plot is ok but the stupid way to try catching the bad guy with unsubstantial evidence is too silly). But Patrick's personal life, as much as it is fucked up, is so complicated, very human and on the brink at every step. It's like watching him walking on a tight rope and it's a part I want to continue to read Patrick Lennon series.
May 6, 2022
Sooooo ..... after being locked out of my Kindle app I've decided to have a bit of a clean up in my various "Books Read" lists. I'm onto my Couldn't-Get-Into-It-May-Try-Again pile now, which is where I will, in the future, slot books that I couldn't get through first read for whatever reason. I'll then go back to the list after a good length of time and either DNF it or put it into a new list.
As of 7th May 2022 I've decided this isn't a book for me, so I'm moving it to a new list of It's-Not-You-It's-Me pile. I've also changed my rating to 2.5 🌟 instead of 3, which I think will be my standard rating for all books that come under that list.
Original Review:
This is my 2nd go at this story and for the life of me I just can't get into the book, so it's a DNF at 61% for me.
As of 7th May 2022 I've decided this isn't a book for me, so I'm moving it to a new list of It's-Not-You-It's-Me pile. I've also changed my rating to 2.5 🌟 instead of 3, which I think will be my standard rating for all books that come under that list.
Original Review:
This is my 2nd go at this story and for the life of me I just can't get into the book, so it's a DNF at 61% for me.
September 14, 2015
The Blissfully Dead sends DI Patrick Lennon and the team into the world of boy band fanatics...forget your Take That or 1D fans, the On Target fans are as fanatical as they come! So much so, someone is torturing and killing them one at a time. Lennon and the team need to find the killer and stop them before any more fans are killed.
As with From The Cradle, the books predecessor, you're kept guessing as to the "who and why". My theories kept changing as I went along and the investigation developed but I didn't guess the killer's identity.
I love the writings of Mark Edwards and Louise Voss both as a collaboration and individually. This book has not disappointed. The writing is seamless, you'd never guess it was written by two people over email. The imagery they can conjure made me feel I was there in the thick of the investigation.
A big thank you to THE Book Club on Facebook, Mark Edwards and Louise Voss for giving me an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
As with From The Cradle, the books predecessor, you're kept guessing as to the "who and why". My theories kept changing as I went along and the investigation developed but I didn't guess the killer's identity.
I love the writings of Mark Edwards and Louise Voss both as a collaboration and individually. This book has not disappointed. The writing is seamless, you'd never guess it was written by two people over email. The imagery they can conjure made me feel I was there in the thick of the investigation.
A big thank you to THE Book Club on Facebook, Mark Edwards and Louise Voss for giving me an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
November 1, 2024
4 stars audio and story.
Can't wait for book 3!!!
Can't wait for book 3!!!
January 16, 2025
I love Mark Edwards books and am reading them all! This book is a two part series where he partnered with another author. It’s really good and adequately describes the naivety of young teenage girls and their quest to meet their idol band! Tragically girls end up murdered, and the common thread is a forum all about the band. While I really enjoyed this book, I still like the unique plots and writing of Mark’s solo books. But don’t let that stop you from reading this series!
September 12, 2015
First of all, I'd like to thank the authors for selecting me for a review copy of their amazing work.
So, the second book featuring DI Pat Lennon. After reading From The Cradle, I was expecting nothing short of amazing and I wasn't disappointed. I don't feel there's any need for me to detail the plot as it's in both the book description and in detail in other reviews. This book is catagorised as a Thriller and, for me, it was just that. I was hooked from the very first victim to the very last page. There were enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing. Although I did think for most of the book that we knew who the killer was, right at the end there's that evil twist that this writing duo seem to pull out of the hat in every book that leaves you thinking "I wasn't expecting that!"
If I had one little niggle, it's that (and this is just my OCD kicking in - it doesn't detract from the story), the Boy Band sensation that the novel is centred around, OnTarget, is continually referred to in the book as "OnT" and I did find that to be rather annoying - if you're going to say OnT, you might as well just say OnTarget.
Louise Voss and Mark Edwards go from strength to strength, each offering better than the last - is there no end to their talent? I certainly hope not and I wait with eagerness for their next offering.
So, the second book featuring DI Pat Lennon. After reading From The Cradle, I was expecting nothing short of amazing and I wasn't disappointed. I don't feel there's any need for me to detail the plot as it's in both the book description and in detail in other reviews. This book is catagorised as a Thriller and, for me, it was just that. I was hooked from the very first victim to the very last page. There were enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing. Although I did think for most of the book that we knew who the killer was, right at the end there's that evil twist that this writing duo seem to pull out of the hat in every book that leaves you thinking "I wasn't expecting that!"
If I had one little niggle, it's that (and this is just my OCD kicking in - it doesn't detract from the story), the Boy Band sensation that the novel is centred around, OnTarget, is continually referred to in the book as "OnT" and I did find that to be rather annoying - if you're going to say OnT, you might as well just say OnTarget.
Louise Voss and Mark Edwards go from strength to strength, each offering better than the last - is there no end to their talent? I certainly hope not and I wait with eagerness for their next offering.
October 23, 2015
This was the 2nd in the DI Lennon series but it really could stand on its own. The reader learns a lot more about Lennon's personal struggles while trying to solve a series of murders as well as contending with another officer that tries to discredit him at every opportunity.
I really like this team of writers. The development of the characters and story are really strong. My favorite part is that there are many suspects and the murderer is a surprise at the end.
Teenage girls are being brutally tortured and murdered. There is no forensic evidence to lead the police to the murderer. The only thing the girls have in common is a band and the band's forums on the internet.
Voss and Edwards lead the reader along as the plot thickens with several very viable suspects. Is it a band member? PR representative? or someone completely different? They have created the main character, DI Lennon, with flaws and problems but very caring and appealing. Then there is DI Winkler who is very egotistical, not very attractive as a person and is easy to dislike.
Judging by the first two books, this series is going to be a huge success.
I received this ebook free from the publisher for review purposes. If you want to learn more about these authors check out http://vossandedwards.com/
I really like this team of writers. The development of the characters and story are really strong. My favorite part is that there are many suspects and the murderer is a surprise at the end.
Teenage girls are being brutally tortured and murdered. There is no forensic evidence to lead the police to the murderer. The only thing the girls have in common is a band and the band's forums on the internet.
Voss and Edwards lead the reader along as the plot thickens with several very viable suspects. Is it a band member? PR representative? or someone completely different? They have created the main character, DI Lennon, with flaws and problems but very caring and appealing. Then there is DI Winkler who is very egotistical, not very attractive as a person and is easy to dislike.
Judging by the first two books, this series is going to be a huge success.
I received this ebook free from the publisher for review purposes. If you want to learn more about these authors check out http://vossandedwards.com/
October 10, 2015
What an amazing sequel, I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, and can't wait for the next instalment. It kept me up into the small hours as I couldn't put it down.
The characters are believable and the authors do a fantastic job of was
really pulling you into the story.
Thanks to publishers Amazon publishing, Netgalley and the authors for this opportunity to read this amazing book!
November 1, 2015
This is the second book in the series about DI Lennon. The first being From the Cradle ,which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was hooked from the very first victim to the very last page.
I was hooked from the very first victim to the very last page.
October 7, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars -- "In this secular society, celebs were the new gods."... "Fandom and social media can collide to create what can only be described as hysteria."
DI Patrick Lennon and his partner, DS Carmella Masielllo, were first introduced to readers in FROM THE CRADLE. Returned now, together again, they tackle a case that could be taken from today's headlines. When the pair is called to a murder scene, they find that the victim is a teenaged girl -- tortured and strangled in a hotel room. When a second girl is found similarly killed, the detectives find a connection -- both were massive fans of a popular boy band, OnTarget, and spent most of their lives on social media and forums discussing the members and their obsession. The investigation takes Lennon and Masiello into a storm of rivalry and new heights of fandom -- and what others will do to protect and nurture ANY connection to their much-loved band.
This novel is a commentary on social media and its effects on impressionable teenagers, as well as a sad reflection of how easily an insecure girl can be affected by what goes on online. Just how far will someone go to protect a reputation or to seek revenge for any slight -- real or imagined? Not only do Lennon and Massiello and their colleagues work on the case, they are also dealing with other personal issues and complications introduced in the first book. It's a solid police procedural with characters who are developing and changing through their interactions with each other and with the discoveries made in the case. I would say that it is important to read the first book featuring this team before this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced thriller and look forward to more novels written by this author team. Told in multiple points of view, the scenes shift seamlessly as the reader follows the detectives toward the satisfactory conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-bookk ARC to review.
DI Patrick Lennon and his partner, DS Carmella Masielllo, were first introduced to readers in FROM THE CRADLE. Returned now, together again, they tackle a case that could be taken from today's headlines. When the pair is called to a murder scene, they find that the victim is a teenaged girl -- tortured and strangled in a hotel room. When a second girl is found similarly killed, the detectives find a connection -- both were massive fans of a popular boy band, OnTarget, and spent most of their lives on social media and forums discussing the members and their obsession. The investigation takes Lennon and Masiello into a storm of rivalry and new heights of fandom -- and what others will do to protect and nurture ANY connection to their much-loved band.
This novel is a commentary on social media and its effects on impressionable teenagers, as well as a sad reflection of how easily an insecure girl can be affected by what goes on online. Just how far will someone go to protect a reputation or to seek revenge for any slight -- real or imagined? Not only do Lennon and Massiello and their colleagues work on the case, they are also dealing with other personal issues and complications introduced in the first book. It's a solid police procedural with characters who are developing and changing through their interactions with each other and with the discoveries made in the case. I would say that it is important to read the first book featuring this team before this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced thriller and look forward to more novels written by this author team. Told in multiple points of view, the scenes shift seamlessly as the reader follows the detectives toward the satisfactory conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-bookk ARC to review.
January 8, 2016
The Blissfully Dead Louise Voss and Mark Edwards
#2 in the DI Patrick Lennon Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Description
She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was… When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band. As Lennon struggles with both his home life and his rivals on the force, the pressure to catch the killer before he strikes again reaches fever pitch. And when Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career. Exploring the darkest depths of the entertainment industry and the terrifying dangers of social media, The Blissfully Dead is a new masterclass in tension from the #1 bestselling authors of From the Cradle .
My View
I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series. I like the group of characters that have been pulled together for this series, although like is not the right word for Patrick Lennon's nemesis. There are interesting dynamics, and it is good to see that Patrick is not perfect as a the lead detective, in fact there was a big shock in the middle of this book. The plot and writing had me hooked from the very first page and I didn't want to put it down! Very modern themes lie as the backdrop to this book and I didn't work out who the killer was. I'm really pleased to see in the letter from the authors that they have lot more adventures ahead for Patrick. I for one cannot wait. A new favourite series that more people need to read. Go ahead, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
#2 in the DI Patrick Lennon Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Description
She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was… When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band. As Lennon struggles with both his home life and his rivals on the force, the pressure to catch the killer before he strikes again reaches fever pitch. And when Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career. Exploring the darkest depths of the entertainment industry and the terrifying dangers of social media, The Blissfully Dead is a new masterclass in tension from the #1 bestselling authors of From the Cradle .
My View
I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series. I like the group of characters that have been pulled together for this series, although like is not the right word for Patrick Lennon's nemesis. There are interesting dynamics, and it is good to see that Patrick is not perfect as a the lead detective, in fact there was a big shock in the middle of this book. The plot and writing had me hooked from the very first page and I didn't want to put it down! Very modern themes lie as the backdrop to this book and I didn't work out who the killer was. I'm really pleased to see in the letter from the authors that they have lot more adventures ahead for Patrick. I for one cannot wait. A new favourite series that more people need to read. Go ahead, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
September 21, 2015
Blissfully Brilliant.
This is a compelling, gritty read. I immediately associated with the police characters having had a lengthy police career. I know I've worked with some of these people (though they used different names lol). While I'm on the subject of police I'd like to point one niggle out. A lot of writers who haven't had a police background refer to senior or higher ranked officers as "superiors". If higher ranked officers are superiors, that makes constables and lower ranked officers "inferior". This is obviously not the case and as a rookie (probationary) constable this fact was highlighted at an early point, and repeated throughout my service. Anyhow, moving on, I found the plot believable and brilliantly complicated and twisted. I kept trying to work out who-done-it right up to the point it was revealed. This made for an exciting and gripping read. I love the explanation of your writing style at the end (for those who haven't finished the book yet, don't skip to the letter until you have finished the book). The characters are very well written and portrayed, the descriptions of situations and locations are excellent and the plot is pure magic. This is the first book I've read from this author duo, but it will not be the last. I'm hooked, addicted, gripped, and I am now a new fan of Louise Voss and Mark Edwards work. Well done, a fabulous story, an excellent plot, brilliant characters, exquisite descriptions without gratuitous gore or salacious sexual scenes...... enjoying a bit of alliteration here.
This is a compelling, gritty read. I immediately associated with the police characters having had a lengthy police career. I know I've worked with some of these people (though they used different names lol). While I'm on the subject of police I'd like to point one niggle out. A lot of writers who haven't had a police background refer to senior or higher ranked officers as "superiors". If higher ranked officers are superiors, that makes constables and lower ranked officers "inferior". This is obviously not the case and as a rookie (probationary) constable this fact was highlighted at an early point, and repeated throughout my service. Anyhow, moving on, I found the plot believable and brilliantly complicated and twisted. I kept trying to work out who-done-it right up to the point it was revealed. This made for an exciting and gripping read. I love the explanation of your writing style at the end (for those who haven't finished the book yet, don't skip to the letter until you have finished the book). The characters are very well written and portrayed, the descriptions of situations and locations are excellent and the plot is pure magic. This is the first book I've read from this author duo, but it will not be the last. I'm hooked, addicted, gripped, and I am now a new fan of Louise Voss and Mark Edwards work. Well done, a fabulous story, an excellent plot, brilliant characters, exquisite descriptions without gratuitous gore or salacious sexual scenes...... enjoying a bit of alliteration here.
September 21, 2015
The Blissfully Dead tells the story of a killer who is targeting obsessive teenage fans of a popular band. It seems like an intriguing storyline, but I think that I must be in the minority - I didn't really enjoy it and I think I'm just not really the right kind of person to enjoy the plot.
As you can imagine, a lot of the themes involve teenagers and their antics (fan forums, Snapchat, fanfiction etc.) which just doesn't really interest me too much. I was slightly puzzled as to who the book is aimed at because I'm only in my twenties and I found most of the teenage interactions really irritating, and I felt that the book tried too hard to be up to date. The dialogue was especially annoying with slang that I dislike, like "bae".
Overall, the book is fairly well thought out with a alright, if slightly predictable plot, but it just wasn't for me. I found it quite hard to finish and the plot wasn't twisty and turny enough for my liking, with the big reveal being a little underwhelming. I think it would benefit from another proof-reading; there are a couple of instances where there are inconsistencies within the same paragraph, for example where we are learning about the forum posts of one member - the figure quoted changes from one sentence to the next! The main characters are interesting if a little underdeveloped but I found DI Winkler to be utterly unbelievable and a bit like a caricature of a bad guy.
I received a copy of The Blissfully Dead from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As you can imagine, a lot of the themes involve teenagers and their antics (fan forums, Snapchat, fanfiction etc.) which just doesn't really interest me too much. I was slightly puzzled as to who the book is aimed at because I'm only in my twenties and I found most of the teenage interactions really irritating, and I felt that the book tried too hard to be up to date. The dialogue was especially annoying with slang that I dislike, like "bae".
Overall, the book is fairly well thought out with a alright, if slightly predictable plot, but it just wasn't for me. I found it quite hard to finish and the plot wasn't twisty and turny enough for my liking, with the big reveal being a little underwhelming. I think it would benefit from another proof-reading; there are a couple of instances where there are inconsistencies within the same paragraph, for example where we are learning about the forum posts of one member - the figure quoted changes from one sentence to the next! The main characters are interesting if a little underdeveloped but I found DI Winkler to be utterly unbelievable and a bit like a caricature of a bad guy.
I received a copy of The Blissfully Dead from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2015
I was never a teenager who became obsessed with a band, pop star or actor but have heard about those who do in the media. From what I picked up from that source over the years The Blissfully Dead is chillingly accurate.
Teenage girls who worship a boy band are being tortured and murdered. Lennon and his team at desperate to find the killer before more die. They have to find a connection between thousands of forum and social media posts to try and find a link. And then the killing gets much closer.
I like the group of detectives who feature in this series with the exception of one, Winkler. He is just as obnoxious and infuriating as he was in From the Cradle. The only difference was that I could laugh at him as well as snarl. There wasn't as much focus on Lennon's private life which I was slightly disappointed in. I hope that we find out more in future books, as well as more about Carmella and Suzanne.
The band and all the people associated with them were believable, some of the fans not so but I did enjoy reading about their antics. I really enjoyed the parts that's involved Kai, he was very entertaining.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series, I have read both books in the last couple of weeks and enjoyed them very much.
With thanks to Marks Edwards and Louise Voss for the copy received via netgalley.
Teenage girls who worship a boy band are being tortured and murdered. Lennon and his team at desperate to find the killer before more die. They have to find a connection between thousands of forum and social media posts to try and find a link. And then the killing gets much closer.
I like the group of detectives who feature in this series with the exception of one, Winkler. He is just as obnoxious and infuriating as he was in From the Cradle. The only difference was that I could laugh at him as well as snarl. There wasn't as much focus on Lennon's private life which I was slightly disappointed in. I hope that we find out more in future books, as well as more about Carmella and Suzanne.
The band and all the people associated with them were believable, some of the fans not so but I did enjoy reading about their antics. I really enjoyed the parts that's involved Kai, he was very entertaining.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series, I have read both books in the last couple of weeks and enjoyed them very much.
With thanks to Marks Edwards and Louise Voss for the copy received via netgalley.
October 20, 2015
One of the best - not to mention most topical - thrillers I've read in a long while. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this novel.
The second in a series but don't let that put you off. Though with few references to past events I felt this was all that was needed to bring me up to speed meaning this worked perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Wonderfully suspenseful and with its insight into the potential dangers of technology (social media and internet forums in particular), the allure of boy bands and the naivety of impressionable girls with aliases such as 'MissTargetHeart', 'F-U-Cancer' and 'YOLOSWAG' who are willing to do almost anything to meet their heroes this is a truly chilling and cautionary tale.
With twists and turns aplenty and with several characters who may or may not be the killer The Blissfully Dead kept me guessing right up until the end.
But it isn't all about 'the crime'.
There are some exceptional characters, the secondary just as well written as the primary. As with all good detectives DI Patrick Lennon has 'issues', his family life is complicated, some of his work relationships only slightly less so. His wife's story (allusions to which are given throughout the course of the book) both fascinating and quite unlike any other I've read in such novels.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
The second in a series but don't let that put you off. Though with few references to past events I felt this was all that was needed to bring me up to speed meaning this worked perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Wonderfully suspenseful and with its insight into the potential dangers of technology (social media and internet forums in particular), the allure of boy bands and the naivety of impressionable girls with aliases such as 'MissTargetHeart', 'F-U-Cancer' and 'YOLOSWAG' who are willing to do almost anything to meet their heroes this is a truly chilling and cautionary tale.
With twists and turns aplenty and with several characters who may or may not be the killer The Blissfully Dead kept me guessing right up until the end.
But it isn't all about 'the crime'.
There are some exceptional characters, the secondary just as well written as the primary. As with all good detectives DI Patrick Lennon has 'issues', his family life is complicated, some of his work relationships only slightly less so. His wife's story (allusions to which are given throughout the course of the book) both fascinating and quite unlike any other I've read in such novels.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
September 3, 2015
"The Blissfully Dead" is the second in the D.I. Lennon series, an English police procedural by Mark Edwards and Louis Voss. This book deals with a group of girls who are all huge fans of an English boy band, OnTarget. Girls start turning up dead, the first in a hotel room and the second in a deserted photo studio. The only thing they seem to have in common is their rabid fanaticism about OnTarget and the band's members.
Lennon is a very interesting character to me, with his tragic backstory and history as a goth and big Cure fan. He's not so far out of his youth that he cannot understand these young girls, but old enough that some of their technology is a mystery to him. He has his own demons, and has made his own mistakes, and while he doesn't have the alcohol or drug problems that so many fictional detectives have, he is certainly conflicted and troubled.
This book was so suspenseful and interesting that I hated to put it down. I look forward to more of D.I. Lennon and his co-workers.
I was provided this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lennon is a very interesting character to me, with his tragic backstory and history as a goth and big Cure fan. He's not so far out of his youth that he cannot understand these young girls, but old enough that some of their technology is a mystery to him. He has his own demons, and has made his own mistakes, and while he doesn't have the alcohol or drug problems that so many fictional detectives have, he is certainly conflicted and troubled.
This book was so suspenseful and interesting that I hated to put it down. I look forward to more of D.I. Lennon and his co-workers.
I was provided this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2015
I don't know what it is about the combination of Mark Edwards and Louise Voss, but the pair always manage without fail to give me the fear, and this is no exception. They seem to take everyday occurrences and twist them into something terrifying - and this is what is so frightening about The Blissfully Dead - it could so easily happen in real life.
Girls are being murdered - and when you read how they are being lured into a situation that they can never escape from, you realise quite how terrifying it is. Well written and fast paced, I was hooked from the first page, in which we meet the first victim. I raced through the pages, desperate to find out who the killer was, as every time I believed I knew who was the culprit, another curve ball was thrown and I was back to having no idea again.
Another corker of a read, one that I guarantee once you start it, you won't be able to put it down.
Girls are being murdered - and when you read how they are being lured into a situation that they can never escape from, you realise quite how terrifying it is. Well written and fast paced, I was hooked from the first page, in which we meet the first victim. I raced through the pages, desperate to find out who the killer was, as every time I believed I knew who was the culprit, another curve ball was thrown and I was back to having no idea again.
Another corker of a read, one that I guarantee once you start it, you won't be able to put it down.
October 3, 2015
I was fortunate enough to read the first Patrick Lennon book, From the Cradle, recently after a recommendation from Steve Sutherland.
After finishing that book I was glad to see that The Blissfully Dead was due to be released a few days later - so I ordered it on Amazon and had it delivered to my Kindle on release day.
What a book - the characters which Mark Edwards and Louise Voss have created go from strength to strength (with maybe one exception who will hopefully get what's coming to him).
There are plenty of plot twists and turns that keeps you guessing all the way through and make sure you keep turning the pages.
I'm really looking forward to Lennon pt3 to see what new cases are thrown their way and how the relationship between Pat and Gill turns out.
Thanks Mark and Louise for great characters and an awesome read.
After finishing that book I was glad to see that The Blissfully Dead was due to be released a few days later - so I ordered it on Amazon and had it delivered to my Kindle on release day.
What a book - the characters which Mark Edwards and Louise Voss have created go from strength to strength (with maybe one exception who will hopefully get what's coming to him).
There are plenty of plot twists and turns that keeps you guessing all the way through and make sure you keep turning the pages.
I'm really looking forward to Lennon pt3 to see what new cases are thrown their way and how the relationship between Pat and Gill turns out.
Thanks Mark and Louise for great characters and an awesome read.
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