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Sean Denton #2
Bones in the Nest
The second book in the Sean Denton series. A young woman is trying to rebuild her life after prison, but someone is out there who won't let her forget what she's done. Racial tension is bubbling up on the Chasebridge Estate and Sean is drawn back into a web of family and neighbours he'd rather avoid. When a body is found in the stairwell of a block of flats, Sean is right at the heart of the case.
351 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2015
7 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cadbury
5 books41 followersHelen Cadbury writes fiction, poetry and plays. She worked as an actor before becoming a teacher. She now divides her time between writing, teaching in a women’s prison and delivering training in youth arts. She has an MA in Writing from Sheffield Hallam University. Helen grew up in Birmingham and Oldham. After living in London for many years, she came north and settled in York, where she lives with her family. Helen Cadbury passed away in July 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 21, 2019
Bones In The Nest by Helen Cadbury is a must buy must read.
The Bones In The Nest is my first book that I have read by Helen Cadbury. Helen's first book To Catch A Rabbit, was winner of the inaugural Northern Crime Competition. I can promise readers that Helen Cadbury is a name not to forget as I am certain that we will seeing a lot more of Helen Cadbury's stunning crime books in the future.
I was hooked into this story as a young girl Chloe was has been released from prison is trying to make a new life for herself, only to find that someone is out to get her and destroy her life.
The added bonus to this story is the stunning, gritty, contemporary police procedural set in Doncaster, perfect for fans of ITV's acclaimed Line of Duty.
I hope that we will see a lot more of PC Sean Denton. I highly recommend Bones In The Nest as Helen Cadbury is an interesting and impressive author.
October 17, 2015
Following our introduction to Doncaster's youngest PCSO Sean Denton in Helen Cadbury's debut novel To Catch A Rabbit we rejoin Sean as a fully fledged PC two years down the line. After proving his acumen for a step up to the position of fully fledged PC with his nous and determination in To Catch A Rabbit, Sean Denton has battled his dyslexia issues and taken the plunge. Getting used to the daily grind of the night shift with his patrol partner Gavin Wentworth he knows the territory well with his former home turf in the form of the Chasebridge estate featuring as a focal point for much of the tension in the local community. Upon witnessing what appears to be a drug deal between some local youths, Sean finds himself apprehending a clean suspect and on the receiving end of an official complaint. From then on the pace never relents with the news of the notorious Chasebridge Killer's release fuelling local passions and the launch of the 'Clean up Chasebridge' campaign leaving the ever fractious estate at melting point.
Anger is simmering on the fringes of the estate and never far from the surface waiting and when a young Muslim man is found brutally murdered and mutilated in one of the tower blocks it would appear that this is simply the result of anger in the community rearing its ugly head. With a former home in one of the estates tower blocks, where his father alcoholic Jack Denton still resides, Sean is perfectly placed as a unique observer of these events. He understands the community, is a local boy made good and most importantly he is trusted by those who he grew up alongside. What is certainly less evident is that the release of the Chasebridge Killer can have any bearing on these events but what else can explain the fuelling of aggression amongst the surrounding community? Placing Sean at the centre of the action, Bones In The Nest sees Denton with his career and family life hanging in the balance. Walking a tightrope, Sean must trust his instincts to keep out of trouble and protect those that matter to him. What is also clear is that PC Sean Denton cares for the community he grew up alongside and this adds an extra frisson to the whole storyline.
Switching between Doncaster and York alternately, Cadbury narrates the tale of the vulnerable Chloe Toms with splendid sensitivity. As a recently released prisoner to a women's bail hostel following ten years inside, Chloe is an emotive figure. She is not prepared for the transition to life on the outside and unwittingly she's finds herself in the middle of a new life she was unprepared for. In Bones In The Nest we are introduced to an array of characters, all wonderfully realistic and as with To Catch A Rabbit, Cadbury ensures her readers care not only about the protagonist in the form of the personable Sean but the more peripheral characters, not just those who featured in the first novel. I invested in the characters and the outcomes mattered. In an ever pensive state, I raced through what has become an increasingly rare find in an age of mass crime fiction; namely a novel that stokes your emotions wholeheartedly.
As is so often the case, crime fiction can be viewed as a window on society, allowing authors to reflect the concerns of society at large and Cadbury does not shy away from portraying many of the emotions running riot in the age of austerity. With mass immigration and social tensions rising, present day Europe is fertile ground for the hostilities and conflicts arising between class and race as is more and more evident in our overcrowded towns and cities. The author tackles this head on with a setting of working class Doncaster and much of the action located around a melting pot council estate. Many of the recent highlights amongst my crime fiction reading have tackled these issues and Cadbury can stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the very best of the genre! If you are fan of Eva Dolan and her Zigic & Ferreira series depicting the Hate Crimes Unit in Peterborough or Kati Hiekkapaleto with Anna Fekete in The Defenceless, then this book will be one for you!
In giving her readers PC Sean Denton, Helen Cadbury clearly has an eye on the future. Unlike so many of the washed up and embittered detectives counting down the years until retirement, Sean has longevity on his side and readers are given the opportunity to witness his career progression first hand. With an ending which leaves Sean Denton and Doncaster Central with a myriad of issues to explore, both personal and career orientated, Cadbury has left the field open for her remarkably compelling character to be developed and I fully expect PC Sean Denton to feature in many more outings. Not least of these issues will be how Sean is viewed by his team, both those of his rank and those at a superior level. Undoubtedly with his enthusiasm and drive he is set to ruffle a few feathers amongst those at Doncaster Central yet!
Without a doubt Bones In The Nest will remain one of my favourite police procedural reads of 2015 and certainly one which has the most resonance. Developing the character of Sean and allowing the reader more of an insight into his nature, alongside tackling some key social issues has marked Helen Cadbury out as a name to watch amongst crime fiction fans. In so many ways this was more of an assured novel than her first, never afraid to present characters with life or death decisions. Continuing with the concise, often terse prose which worked to such effect in To Catch A Rabbit, and ensures the momentum of the story is kept up, Cadbury has produced an utter joy with a headlong and page turning thrill ride to the climax. The many twists and turns en route to the conclusion kept me on tenterhooks throughout and this made for a hugely satisfying read!
It is with thanks to the Facebook festival of www.BritCrime.com and Helen's participation in this that I have come across her novels. If you enjoy reading M.J. Arlidge or Sarah Hilary, then Helen Cadbury and her Sean Denton series is a must read! This is Northern crime at its very best!
Anger is simmering on the fringes of the estate and never far from the surface waiting and when a young Muslim man is found brutally murdered and mutilated in one of the tower blocks it would appear that this is simply the result of anger in the community rearing its ugly head. With a former home in one of the estates tower blocks, where his father alcoholic Jack Denton still resides, Sean is perfectly placed as a unique observer of these events. He understands the community, is a local boy made good and most importantly he is trusted by those who he grew up alongside. What is certainly less evident is that the release of the Chasebridge Killer can have any bearing on these events but what else can explain the fuelling of aggression amongst the surrounding community? Placing Sean at the centre of the action, Bones In The Nest sees Denton with his career and family life hanging in the balance. Walking a tightrope, Sean must trust his instincts to keep out of trouble and protect those that matter to him. What is also clear is that PC Sean Denton cares for the community he grew up alongside and this adds an extra frisson to the whole storyline.
Switching between Doncaster and York alternately, Cadbury narrates the tale of the vulnerable Chloe Toms with splendid sensitivity. As a recently released prisoner to a women's bail hostel following ten years inside, Chloe is an emotive figure. She is not prepared for the transition to life on the outside and unwittingly she's finds herself in the middle of a new life she was unprepared for. In Bones In The Nest we are introduced to an array of characters, all wonderfully realistic and as with To Catch A Rabbit, Cadbury ensures her readers care not only about the protagonist in the form of the personable Sean but the more peripheral characters, not just those who featured in the first novel. I invested in the characters and the outcomes mattered. In an ever pensive state, I raced through what has become an increasingly rare find in an age of mass crime fiction; namely a novel that stokes your emotions wholeheartedly.
As is so often the case, crime fiction can be viewed as a window on society, allowing authors to reflect the concerns of society at large and Cadbury does not shy away from portraying many of the emotions running riot in the age of austerity. With mass immigration and social tensions rising, present day Europe is fertile ground for the hostilities and conflicts arising between class and race as is more and more evident in our overcrowded towns and cities. The author tackles this head on with a setting of working class Doncaster and much of the action located around a melting pot council estate. Many of the recent highlights amongst my crime fiction reading have tackled these issues and Cadbury can stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the very best of the genre! If you are fan of Eva Dolan and her Zigic & Ferreira series depicting the Hate Crimes Unit in Peterborough or Kati Hiekkapaleto with Anna Fekete in The Defenceless, then this book will be one for you!
In giving her readers PC Sean Denton, Helen Cadbury clearly has an eye on the future. Unlike so many of the washed up and embittered detectives counting down the years until retirement, Sean has longevity on his side and readers are given the opportunity to witness his career progression first hand. With an ending which leaves Sean Denton and Doncaster Central with a myriad of issues to explore, both personal and career orientated, Cadbury has left the field open for her remarkably compelling character to be developed and I fully expect PC Sean Denton to feature in many more outings. Not least of these issues will be how Sean is viewed by his team, both those of his rank and those at a superior level. Undoubtedly with his enthusiasm and drive he is set to ruffle a few feathers amongst those at Doncaster Central yet!
Without a doubt Bones In The Nest will remain one of my favourite police procedural reads of 2015 and certainly one which has the most resonance. Developing the character of Sean and allowing the reader more of an insight into his nature, alongside tackling some key social issues has marked Helen Cadbury out as a name to watch amongst crime fiction fans. In so many ways this was more of an assured novel than her first, never afraid to present characters with life or death decisions. Continuing with the concise, often terse prose which worked to such effect in To Catch A Rabbit, and ensures the momentum of the story is kept up, Cadbury has produced an utter joy with a headlong and page turning thrill ride to the climax. The many twists and turns en route to the conclusion kept me on tenterhooks throughout and this made for a hugely satisfying read!
It is with thanks to the Facebook festival of www.BritCrime.com and Helen's participation in this that I have come across her novels. If you enjoy reading M.J. Arlidge or Sarah Hilary, then Helen Cadbury and her Sean Denton series is a must read! This is Northern crime at its very best!
February 19, 2017
Time taken to read - 3 days on and off
Pages - 351
Publisher - Allison and Busby
Blurb from Goodreads
The second book in the Sean Denton series. A young woman is trying to rebuild her life after prison, but someone is out there who won't let her forget what she's done. Racial tension is bubbling up on the Chasebridge Estate and Sean is drawn back into a web of family and neighbours he'd rather avoid. When a body is found in the stairwell of a block of flats, Sean is right at the heart of the case.
My Review
First off I would like to say if you haven't read the first book in the series you could get away with reading this one itself but I would recommend grabbing the first as it is good to get to know your character(s).
The location goes between York and Doncaster and gives the reader an insight into the locations which in part I could actually see the places I was reading which is always nice, I have been to York once as a child.
It took me a wee bit to get my teeth into this one, not because it starts off slow but we flip between Sean Denton who is now a police officer and a young lady who has not long been released from prison and trying to keep to her parole conditions and re adapt to society after murder. Sean is trying to do his job on his home turf which presents personal and professional dilemmas. A young man is murdered, Sean finds himself in a unique position to aid the investigation however he is limited in his choices due to being "off duty" and in an estate where people will use and abuse anyone who can give them an advantage.
Chloe, our newly released prisoner finds herself also being challenged, trying to reintegrate to society, maintain the conditions of her bail and establish relationships Cadbury highlights the emotive and trying journey Chloe endures. Both characters have arduous paths ahead of them and in stark contrast to their situations they both have similarities. Between the murder, Denton's personal and professional struggles and Chloe's story the story keeps the reader on their toes. Expect the unexpected, estate life, violence, professional and personal struggle, alcoholism and abuse makes for uncomfortable reading at parts but echoes the realism of every day life that some readers will identify with more than others. 4/5 for me this time, I look forward to the next installment of Denton's journey from a rookie cop hopefully to a seasoned officer!
Pages - 351
Publisher - Allison and Busby
Blurb from Goodreads
The second book in the Sean Denton series. A young woman is trying to rebuild her life after prison, but someone is out there who won't let her forget what she's done. Racial tension is bubbling up on the Chasebridge Estate and Sean is drawn back into a web of family and neighbours he'd rather avoid. When a body is found in the stairwell of a block of flats, Sean is right at the heart of the case.
My Review
First off I would like to say if you haven't read the first book in the series you could get away with reading this one itself but I would recommend grabbing the first as it is good to get to know your character(s).
The location goes between York and Doncaster and gives the reader an insight into the locations which in part I could actually see the places I was reading which is always nice, I have been to York once as a child.
It took me a wee bit to get my teeth into this one, not because it starts off slow but we flip between Sean Denton who is now a police officer and a young lady who has not long been released from prison and trying to keep to her parole conditions and re adapt to society after murder. Sean is trying to do his job on his home turf which presents personal and professional dilemmas. A young man is murdered, Sean finds himself in a unique position to aid the investigation however he is limited in his choices due to being "off duty" and in an estate where people will use and abuse anyone who can give them an advantage.
Chloe, our newly released prisoner finds herself also being challenged, trying to reintegrate to society, maintain the conditions of her bail and establish relationships Cadbury highlights the emotive and trying journey Chloe endures. Both characters have arduous paths ahead of them and in stark contrast to their situations they both have similarities. Between the murder, Denton's personal and professional struggles and Chloe's story the story keeps the reader on their toes. Expect the unexpected, estate life, violence, professional and personal struggle, alcoholism and abuse makes for uncomfortable reading at parts but echoes the realism of every day life that some readers will identify with more than others. 4/5 for me this time, I look forward to the next installment of Denton's journey from a rookie cop hopefully to a seasoned officer!
July 24, 2015
The 2nd in the series and hopefully not the last. I've been patiently waiting for the next instalment of Sean Denton after reading To Catch a Rabbit often wondering whether he would have moved up in the world of policing and I was not disappointed. A great storyline ending in what hopefully means a third, I must be patient once again!
August 9, 2015
I received an ARC of Bones In The Nest in exchange for an open and honest review.
This is the second book in the Sean Denton Series. In this book, Sean has joined the police force & has qualified as a police constable. (In 'To Catch A Rabbit' Sean Denton was a PCSO- Police Community Support Officer). PC Denton becomes involved in two incidents. The first incident is the release of the Chasebridge Killer and the second incident is the murder & mutilation of a young Asian boy, who is found in the stairwell of a block of flats. It becomes clear that there are links between the two incidents but can both incidents be resolved and at what cost?
Again this book was set in and around Doncaster & York, which I found rather refreshing as I am from the North East but have family in Doncaster. It was nice to see some familiar place names and to read a book that wasn't primarily set in London or the North West.
I warmed to the character of PC Sean Denton from the start as he is kind, caring, he likes a challenge, he is civil to those who dislike him & vice versa, he respects authority, he is stubborn, he is determined, he isn't scared very easily and he is like a dog with a bone when he is involved in the investigation of a case.
'Bones In The Nest' is really well written and well structured. It captured my attention from the beginning and didn't let me go until the end. The chapters end in such a way that you are left wanting more which is pretty much the same effect as watching an episode of a soap opera. The author clearly has knowledge and experience of the topics, which are tackled within the book. The book is also well researched with realistic depictions of certain areas, the characters who live there and the tensions that are bubbling away under the surface.
As previously stated this is the second book in the Sean Denton series. I thought that the first book 'To Catch A Rabbit' was very good but 'Bones In The Nest' is even better and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
This is the second book in the Sean Denton Series. In this book, Sean has joined the police force & has qualified as a police constable. (In 'To Catch A Rabbit' Sean Denton was a PCSO- Police Community Support Officer). PC Denton becomes involved in two incidents. The first incident is the release of the Chasebridge Killer and the second incident is the murder & mutilation of a young Asian boy, who is found in the stairwell of a block of flats. It becomes clear that there are links between the two incidents but can both incidents be resolved and at what cost?
Again this book was set in and around Doncaster & York, which I found rather refreshing as I am from the North East but have family in Doncaster. It was nice to see some familiar place names and to read a book that wasn't primarily set in London or the North West.
I warmed to the character of PC Sean Denton from the start as he is kind, caring, he likes a challenge, he is civil to those who dislike him & vice versa, he respects authority, he is stubborn, he is determined, he isn't scared very easily and he is like a dog with a bone when he is involved in the investigation of a case.
'Bones In The Nest' is really well written and well structured. It captured my attention from the beginning and didn't let me go until the end. The chapters end in such a way that you are left wanting more which is pretty much the same effect as watching an episode of a soap opera. The author clearly has knowledge and experience of the topics, which are tackled within the book. The book is also well researched with realistic depictions of certain areas, the characters who live there and the tensions that are bubbling away under the surface.
As previously stated this is the second book in the Sean Denton series. I thought that the first book 'To Catch A Rabbit' was very good but 'Bones In The Nest' is even better and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
January 31, 2016
Bones In The Nest is Ms Cadbury's follow up to the excellent To Catch A Rabbit which both feature the very likeable Sean Denton. Sean is now a PC, pounding the beat in his Panda and learning the ropes in Doncaster. When a young Asian man is murdered on the Chaseburgh estate he is seconded to CID for his local knowledge and trustability. Ms Cadbury intersperses the tale of the investigation with chapters on Chloe Toms, recently released after 10 years in prison for manslaughter and trying to come to terms with life on the outside. How these disparate elements come together is an engrossing read.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bones In The Nest. Sean Denton's naivety and the way he stumbles towards the truth, due to an innate lack of confidence rather than stupidity, is a refreshing change to the usual world weariness and cynicism we see in fictional detectives (I don't doubt the realism of it). It is also pleasant to see his friends proud of and genuinely pleased for him as he moves upwards in his career. The novel is not, however, a complete love fest. The comparison between Sean's upward trajectory and the Chaseburgh Estate is stark. There the residents struggle with unemployment, racism, drugs and crime and all the other blights of modern day inner city living and Ms Cadbury paints a convincing picture.
I also liked the portrait of DCI Nasir Khan, an Asian man trying to steer his way through the institutional racism of the police service and I would like to see more of him in future novels.
I can't praise this novel enough. It has an interesting plot, realistic characters and a good feel for current social conditions. Strongly recommended for anyone who likes a good police procedural.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bones In The Nest. Sean Denton's naivety and the way he stumbles towards the truth, due to an innate lack of confidence rather than stupidity, is a refreshing change to the usual world weariness and cynicism we see in fictional detectives (I don't doubt the realism of it). It is also pleasant to see his friends proud of and genuinely pleased for him as he moves upwards in his career. The novel is not, however, a complete love fest. The comparison between Sean's upward trajectory and the Chaseburgh Estate is stark. There the residents struggle with unemployment, racism, drugs and crime and all the other blights of modern day inner city living and Ms Cadbury paints a convincing picture.
I also liked the portrait of DCI Nasir Khan, an Asian man trying to steer his way through the institutional racism of the police service and I would like to see more of him in future novels.
I can't praise this novel enough. It has an interesting plot, realistic characters and a good feel for current social conditions. Strongly recommended for anyone who likes a good police procedural.
August 9, 2015
It is so refreshing to have a young, naïve lead character, bursting with potential, than the typical embittered, jaded, maverick older cop. You just want to whisper in Sean Denton's ear "You don't know how good you are.... yet". Sean becomes the hub of two separate crime investigations which focus on connections to people and crimes that happened in the tower blocks where he grew up. I normally prefer audio books, which I can read faster, so don't need to care so much whether the story keeps my attention over the long term, but I read this in paperback and was delighted with the twists, turns and new evidence (credibly) coming to light along the way. I only wish I'd had more free time to read it! I loved the book and want more.... urgently :-)
July 23, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A very gripping read! Very well written, with enough detail in the writing to set the scene, yet still managing to keep the fast pace which a crime thriller fan craves. The characters in the story were diverse and well developed, and the right amount to keep track of. The plot was believable and I enjoyed the many twists throughout! This is the second book in a series but I read it as a standalone and it made perfect sense. However now I would like to read the first one to get a deeper understanding of Sean Denton. Highly recommended for fans of this genre as it was hard to put down. I look forward to reading others from this author!
A very gripping read! Very well written, with enough detail in the writing to set the scene, yet still managing to keep the fast pace which a crime thriller fan craves. The characters in the story were diverse and well developed, and the right amount to keep track of. The plot was believable and I enjoyed the many twists throughout! This is the second book in a series but I read it as a standalone and it made perfect sense. However now I would like to read the first one to get a deeper understanding of Sean Denton. Highly recommended for fans of this genre as it was hard to put down. I look forward to reading others from this author!
July 28, 2016
Wonderful wonderful book. I really enjoyed this. Sean Denton is now a PC and gets involved with a case even more exciting than the first book. I could not put it down. As someone with dyslexia it is great to have a hero with the same issue. I could totally results to his issues as he struggles with processing and making sense of what he sees but then is able to make great connections as only a dyslexic person can. Sensitively and subtly done. Great to see some old friends and new characters too. The story took a while to get going but was intriguing and relatable. Can not wait until Helen Cadbury writes the next one!
January 18, 2016
Two years after the first novel, Sean Denton is now a fully fledged police officer working out of Doncaster's central station. This time his investigation takes him into the drug wars of the town and has him involved with far right extremists. As a second narrative, we see how a young woman called Chloe is dealing with being out of prison and coping with getting her life back together in York. Soon we see how the storyline connects until we get to a surprising conclusion. This was really good and it still tickles me to have a series of crime novels set in my home town. More please.
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July 16, 2016Booktrail the locations in the novel Bones in the Nest
February 5, 2019
This is the second of the Sean Denton books I have read. I read the first, To Catch A Rabbit, which won a couple of awards, last year and enjoyed it and, in my opinion, this one is even better.
Sean Denton has now graduated from Police Community Support Officer to full police constable now, which gives him, and consequently the reader, a more central role in the investigation this time around. This investigation also centres around racial tensions, whether a person deserves a second chance after committing a horrendous crime, and a possible honour killing, so the topics are very current and relevant, even though this book is now a couple of years old. The author has also continued the aspects I really enjoyed from the first book, namely Sean’s family, work and romantic relationships, and the inclusion of these give him a real humanity which allows the reader to get close to him and become invested in his journey.
It is novel and interesting to have a very rooky investigator at the centre of a book of this nature, and there are certain aspects of his junior position that provide interesting plot points in the story, as he has to assert himself and find his place when manipulated by the hierarchy. He is a very warm, honest and likeable character that you can’t help but want to succeed. He also has certain disadvantages and divided loyalties to overcome – there is a lot going on in the book.
Although not a Doncaster native, the author did live in York and obviously knows and likes the Yorkshire folk and has a great grasp of the region. Although the main setting of the book, the Chasebridge estate, is fictional, there are a lot of allusions to real life areas of Doncaster and the town is depicted fairly and accurately but warmly and kindly in the book. I felt well disposed towards the author and her depiction of my birthplace having read it, despite it being rife with crime!
This book was a great read, pacy and entertaining with an enjoyable, gripping plot and interesting characters. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series and think it is a great shame that we have lost an author who was clearly talented.
Sean Denton has now graduated from Police Community Support Officer to full police constable now, which gives him, and consequently the reader, a more central role in the investigation this time around. This investigation also centres around racial tensions, whether a person deserves a second chance after committing a horrendous crime, and a possible honour killing, so the topics are very current and relevant, even though this book is now a couple of years old. The author has also continued the aspects I really enjoyed from the first book, namely Sean’s family, work and romantic relationships, and the inclusion of these give him a real humanity which allows the reader to get close to him and become invested in his journey.
It is novel and interesting to have a very rooky investigator at the centre of a book of this nature, and there are certain aspects of his junior position that provide interesting plot points in the story, as he has to assert himself and find his place when manipulated by the hierarchy. He is a very warm, honest and likeable character that you can’t help but want to succeed. He also has certain disadvantages and divided loyalties to overcome – there is a lot going on in the book.
Although not a Doncaster native, the author did live in York and obviously knows and likes the Yorkshire folk and has a great grasp of the region. Although the main setting of the book, the Chasebridge estate, is fictional, there are a lot of allusions to real life areas of Doncaster and the town is depicted fairly and accurately but warmly and kindly in the book. I felt well disposed towards the author and her depiction of my birthplace having read it, despite it being rife with crime!
This book was a great read, pacy and entertaining with an enjoyable, gripping plot and interesting characters. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series and think it is a great shame that we have lost an author who was clearly talented.
April 1, 2022
4.5 stars.
This book exceeding my expectations dramatically.
My favourite part is, of course, the characters. I've said this before for other books but I will say it again: this book's characters felt real.
They were interesting, well-developed and actually seemed like real people.
Furthermore, the plot was captivating and, despite starting slowly, was made interesting by the fact that the story itself drew my attention in and kept it indefinitely at all times.
I like how the theme of poverty runs throughout the book, through the means of the character's lives and the areas in which they live.
The description of these aforementioned areas is detailed and therefore quite easy to visualise, giving the book a 'real' feel. Of course, most of the places exist in real life too.
Some parts I feel were not perfectly resolved or explained in the ending but it was still very fitting and probably the best that it could be for this specific book.
I would definitely like to read more Sean Denton novels.
This book exceeding my expectations dramatically.
My favourite part is, of course, the characters. I've said this before for other books but I will say it again: this book's characters felt real.
They were interesting, well-developed and actually seemed like real people.
Furthermore, the plot was captivating and, despite starting slowly, was made interesting by the fact that the story itself drew my attention in and kept it indefinitely at all times.
I like how the theme of poverty runs throughout the book, through the means of the character's lives and the areas in which they live.
The description of these aforementioned areas is detailed and therefore quite easy to visualise, giving the book a 'real' feel. Of course, most of the places exist in real life too.
Some parts I feel were not perfectly resolved or explained in the ending but it was still very fitting and probably the best that it could be for this specific book.
I would definitely like to read more Sean Denton novels.
March 19, 2017
5 stars from me
YES! I am so glad I went on to read book two after reading To Catch A Rabbit by Helen Cadbury and only awarding it 3 stars.
Bones In The Nest is a much more accomplished read. Sean Denton is a far more rounded and developed character and now that he is a PC he is much more convincing in his actions.
In fact there are so many clear, distinct and engaging characters in this book that it is hard to just pick out a few key favourites. Sean is obvious one, Khan too was a great character and I found myself drawn to the troubled Chloe. Just as strong but most unlikable were Sean's dad and Terry - for me, the jury is STILL out on Lizzie!
The storyline was strong and good to follow, I wanted to know the answers and I wanted to keep reading to see how things panned out. At several points Sean seems to be getting himself into deep water and is then cleverly removed from it. The social aspects of the book are relevant and help to keep it fresh and edgy.
This has all the markings of being a brilliant new detective series and I will be watching with interest to see how it develops; I can't wait for book three!
Synopsis: The second book in the Sean Denton series. A young woman is trying to rebuild her life after prison, but someone is out there who won't let her forget what she's done. Racial tension is bubbling up on the Chasebridge Estate and Sean is drawn back into a web of family and neighbours he'd rather avoid. When a body is found in the stairwell of a block of flats, Sean is right at the heart of the case.
YES! I am so glad I went on to read book two after reading To Catch A Rabbit by Helen Cadbury and only awarding it 3 stars.
Bones In The Nest is a much more accomplished read. Sean Denton is a far more rounded and developed character and now that he is a PC he is much more convincing in his actions.
In fact there are so many clear, distinct and engaging characters in this book that it is hard to just pick out a few key favourites. Sean is obvious one, Khan too was a great character and I found myself drawn to the troubled Chloe. Just as strong but most unlikable were Sean's dad and Terry - for me, the jury is STILL out on Lizzie!
The storyline was strong and good to follow, I wanted to know the answers and I wanted to keep reading to see how things panned out. At several points Sean seems to be getting himself into deep water and is then cleverly removed from it. The social aspects of the book are relevant and help to keep it fresh and edgy.
This has all the markings of being a brilliant new detective series and I will be watching with interest to see how it develops; I can't wait for book three!
Synopsis: The second book in the Sean Denton series. A young woman is trying to rebuild her life after prison, but someone is out there who won't let her forget what she's done. Racial tension is bubbling up on the Chasebridge Estate and Sean is drawn back into a web of family and neighbours he'd rather avoid. When a body is found in the stairwell of a block of flats, Sean is right at the heart of the case.
January 12, 2018
This is Helen's second book containing the character Sean Denton. I read the first which I really enjoyed and thought that this one was even better. The main character Sean has progressed in his career from a PCSO to a police constable however he ends up helping the detectives on this case. What I love about her books is that she uses realistic modern crimes in her stories. You also can't help feeling for all her characters either. I'm sad to see that this will probably be the last book of the series to be published as unfortunately Helen passed away in 2017. I feel that there would have been more great stories involving Sean and his advancing career.
December 13, 2019
I thought this book dragged and was a bit boring. Also it was hard to pick up and read through as it did not hold my interest.
The book centers around Chloe, the Chasebridge Killer who has just been released from prison and a body found dead in a stairwell. A Constable named Sean Denton is assigned to the case of the murdered young man. The case becomes tangled involving Chloe and the dead man. Not only does Denton have to solve the murder but he must deal with his own problems and his father.
The book centers around Chloe, the Chasebridge Killer who has just been released from prison and a body found dead in a stairwell. A Constable named Sean Denton is assigned to the case of the murdered young man. The case becomes tangled involving Chloe and the dead man. Not only does Denton have to solve the murder but he must deal with his own problems and his father.
October 19, 2017
The Chasebridge Killer is out; racial tension is rising and the mutilated body of a young Muslim man is found in the stairwell of a tower block in Doncaster. As he gets drawn into the case, Sean Denton’s family life and his police job become dangerously entwined. Meanwhile a young woman is trying to piece her life back together, but someone is out there; someone who will never let her forget what she’s done.
Just not as engaging or as fast paced as the first book,however still a good read.
Just not as engaging or as fast paced as the first book,however still a good read.
March 4, 2023
3.5 stars.
Enjoyable police procedural/thriller. The main character felt a bit 'cardboard' at times, I actually found the lesser character of Chloe to be more intriguing.
I haven't decided how I feel about a crime story being set in a fictionalised version of my hometown, but I probably need to move sooner rather than later!
Enjoyable police procedural/thriller. The main character felt a bit 'cardboard' at times, I actually found the lesser character of Chloe to be more intriguing.
I haven't decided how I feel about a crime story being set in a fictionalised version of my hometown, but I probably need to move sooner rather than later!
July 27, 2017
I really liked the complexity and compassion of this crime novel, with the two compelling POVs - slightly idealistic Sean Denton and the hapless Chloe, recently released from prison and trying to make her way in the world. Well written, entertaining, but above all subtle character development.
October 18, 2024
I like Sean Denton, he's a good guy, and we need more good guys in our police procedeurals! It's an interesting mix of personal life and a murder conundrum. It's a book with a good pace and a good couple of plots. Chloe is even more intriguing than Sean, and that's a good thing, I think.
May 24, 2017
Good read. Sean Denton is still pretty naive but he's very likable because he cares about people and his work. Super story. Guess or hope there will be more of Chloe.
November 9, 2017
Great read, must get the next one as soon as possible.
December 30, 2017
Another enjoyable read
January 20, 2019
I love these books. I hope there is more.
June 1, 2020
Great! Straight on to the third and final book now! Helen Cadbury was a talented author that died too young.
October 3, 2022
I do enjoy these gritty Northern thrillers. I've read the first two now and I'm looking forward to reading the third in the series.
February 9, 2018
A very pleasing follow up to her series opener, To Catch A Rabbit.
I read To Catch A Rabbit just about this time last year, and, strangely, I didn't post a review.
So I think my comments apply to both books.
A great many positives - a very likeable main protagonist in Sean Denton, whose character develops throughout the two books. Plenty of richness in the fairly large cast of supporting characters. When it comes to supporting characters I don't want to know everything about them; in general, I prefer it when they are as seen through the mp rather than an omniscient narrator. So Helen Cadbury satisfies me in this aspect: and yet the characters are believable and seem whole, even though our information is limited.
Strong narrative prose. Somewhat sparing but yet offers up vivid descriptions of places, which doesn't take two pages to explain where the police canteen is relative to the incident room (a phrase I picked up from someone else's review of some other book).
A good dramatic arc that resolves satisfactorily. No bolt from the blue - looking back, everything adds up and makes sense, although we have happily followed red herrings and missed the significance of one or two characters.
Overall, a very good book indeed, and I'm not entirely sure why I don't feel it's a five star - it's pretty close but perhaps just doesn't have a wow factor or something that makes it very different from other good offerings in this genre.
I read To Catch A Rabbit just about this time last year, and, strangely, I didn't post a review.
So I think my comments apply to both books.
A great many positives - a very likeable main protagonist in Sean Denton, whose character develops throughout the two books. Plenty of richness in the fairly large cast of supporting characters. When it comes to supporting characters I don't want to know everything about them; in general, I prefer it when they are as seen through the mp rather than an omniscient narrator. So Helen Cadbury satisfies me in this aspect: and yet the characters are believable and seem whole, even though our information is limited.
Strong narrative prose. Somewhat sparing but yet offers up vivid descriptions of places, which doesn't take two pages to explain where the police canteen is relative to the incident room (a phrase I picked up from someone else's review of some other book).
A good dramatic arc that resolves satisfactorily. No bolt from the blue - looking back, everything adds up and makes sense, although we have happily followed red herrings and missed the significance of one or two characters.
Overall, a very good book indeed, and I'm not entirely sure why I don't feel it's a five star - it's pretty close but perhaps just doesn't have a wow factor or something that makes it very different from other good offerings in this genre.
February 21, 2017
I loved the first in this series (it was one of my top 2015 reads) and this one actually exceeded my already high expectations. I got the audible companion to this kindle read and the narrator was also excellent.
I just love Sean Denton ... he's down to earth, thoroughly believable and has you rooting for him at every turn. The plot is so well crafted and is almost a snapshot of the current day with racial tension and neo-nazi's playing a predominant role in the story line which weaves together wonderfully with the release of a young woman who has served time for a horrific crime which took place on the estate where much of the story is set. The result is a well paced and totally riveting yarn which meant that I couldn't leave it alone whilst also wishing it didn't have to end.
The characters in this story are well drawn and complex, particularly Chloe and DCI Nasir Khan, (I hope to see more of them in future books).
This is a brilliant, brilliant series from a brilliant writer - I want more, and quickly please Helen Cadbury. 5 big juicy unreserved stars!!
I just love Sean Denton ... he's down to earth, thoroughly believable and has you rooting for him at every turn. The plot is so well crafted and is almost a snapshot of the current day with racial tension and neo-nazi's playing a predominant role in the story line which weaves together wonderfully with the release of a young woman who has served time for a horrific crime which took place on the estate where much of the story is set. The result is a well paced and totally riveting yarn which meant that I couldn't leave it alone whilst also wishing it didn't have to end.
The characters in this story are well drawn and complex, particularly Chloe and DCI Nasir Khan, (I hope to see more of them in future books).
This is a brilliant, brilliant series from a brilliant writer - I want more, and quickly please Helen Cadbury. 5 big juicy unreserved stars!!
July 23, 2015
Shamazing!!! ...... Another 6 star book.
I won a copy of this book from the author through an online competition. As it is the second in the Sean Denton Series I bought the first 'To Catch A Rabbit' and read that before I started this. I loved the first so much I was excited but a little apprehensive that this wouldn't live up to it. The books can be read as stand alone stories, however I feel I got so much out of reading them in order I would recommend other readers do the same.
This story begins a couple of years after 'To Catch A Rabbit'. Sean Denton, formally a PCSO (police community support officer) has now joined the regulars (full time serving police officer). As well as his career developing the author has developed his character. The way the story unfolds and weaves itself through the characters and events is spellbinding. No spoilers, but you get to certain points in the story and begin to work out what's going to happen next and then another twist gives you further clues or throws up a dead end. You are kept on your toes from start to finish. This is a fast paced, gripping, captivating book, which will have you holding your breath at times and turning those pages as fast as your eager little digits can go. Sean Denton is so believable. He is vulnerable and naive at times. At other times he is fearless (or maybe crazy). I enjoyed how, as a reader, you can feel the cogs turning, sometimes frustratingly slowly, as he works out how all the pieces fit together.
I loved this book and am now totally in the grip of a Sean Denton hangover, desperately hoping there's more to come ....... very soon. I think I'll badger the author, Helen Cadbury, to get busy writing number 3.
I won a copy of this book from the author through an online competition. As it is the second in the Sean Denton Series I bought the first 'To Catch A Rabbit' and read that before I started this. I loved the first so much I was excited but a little apprehensive that this wouldn't live up to it. The books can be read as stand alone stories, however I feel I got so much out of reading them in order I would recommend other readers do the same.
This story begins a couple of years after 'To Catch A Rabbit'. Sean Denton, formally a PCSO (police community support officer) has now joined the regulars (full time serving police officer). As well as his career developing the author has developed his character. The way the story unfolds and weaves itself through the characters and events is spellbinding. No spoilers, but you get to certain points in the story and begin to work out what's going to happen next and then another twist gives you further clues or throws up a dead end. You are kept on your toes from start to finish. This is a fast paced, gripping, captivating book, which will have you holding your breath at times and turning those pages as fast as your eager little digits can go. Sean Denton is so believable. He is vulnerable and naive at times. At other times he is fearless (or maybe crazy). I enjoyed how, as a reader, you can feel the cogs turning, sometimes frustratingly slowly, as he works out how all the pieces fit together.
I loved this book and am now totally in the grip of a Sean Denton hangover, desperately hoping there's more to come ....... very soon. I think I'll badger the author, Helen Cadbury, to get busy writing number 3.
July 23, 2015
Thank you to the publisher who sent me an ARC of 'Bones In The Nest' in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Helen Cadbury novel, but it definitely won't be my last. A thrilling and fast paced crime story with a very believable and likeable main character in Sean Denton. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a few surprises along the way. The story moves along quickly and once started is very hard to put down.
This is the second book in the Sean Denton series, but can be read quite easily as a standalone novel. However, reading 'Bones In The Nest' has definitely made me want to learn more, so I shall be purchasing my copy of 'To Catch A Rabbit' (the first in the series) as soon as possible.
I hope Helen Cadbury has more Sean Denton books in the pipeline, as I will be first in the queue to buy them if she does!
A thrilling 4 stars.
This was my first Helen Cadbury novel, but it definitely won't be my last. A thrilling and fast paced crime story with a very believable and likeable main character in Sean Denton. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a few surprises along the way. The story moves along quickly and once started is very hard to put down.
This is the second book in the Sean Denton series, but can be read quite easily as a standalone novel. However, reading 'Bones In The Nest' has definitely made me want to learn more, so I shall be purchasing my copy of 'To Catch A Rabbit' (the first in the series) as soon as possible.
I hope Helen Cadbury has more Sean Denton books in the pipeline, as I will be first in the queue to buy them if she does!
A thrilling 4 stars.
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