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DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal #1
Dead Secret
“If you read one detective thriller this year make it “Dead Secret.” I really couldn't put this mystery down. Great pace, well-developed characters with some very dark pasts.” Ann Abrams
“A brilliant new detective writer who will have you reading all night. I loved it.” Chris Child
Who killed Amy Hill?
Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on open ground in the city. New police partners, D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate this brutal crime. The last person to see Amy alive was Simon, the son of a family friend, but before he can be properly questioned he disappears.
Detectives Neal and Merry are led on a trail of shocking family secrets and crimes. Can this duo track down the murderer before anyone else dies? Stopping this tragic cycle of violence will put D.S. Merry’s life at risk in a thrilling and heart-stopping finale.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will be gripped by this exciting new crime fiction writer.
DEAD SECRET is the first in a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ava Merry and D.I. Jim Neal. Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is a fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. Jim Neal is a single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son.
Set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford, this detective mystery will have you gripped from start to shocking conclusion
“A brilliant new detective writer who will have you reading all night. I loved it.” Chris Child
Who killed Amy Hill?
Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on open ground in the city. New police partners, D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate this brutal crime. The last person to see Amy alive was Simon, the son of a family friend, but before he can be properly questioned he disappears.
Detectives Neal and Merry are led on a trail of shocking family secrets and crimes. Can this duo track down the murderer before anyone else dies? Stopping this tragic cycle of violence will put D.S. Merry’s life at risk in a thrilling and heart-stopping finale.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will be gripped by this exciting new crime fiction writer.
DEAD SECRET is the first in a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ava Merry and D.I. Jim Neal. Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is a fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. Jim Neal is a single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son.
Set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford, this detective mystery will have you gripped from start to shocking conclusion
300 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
1406 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Janice Frost
16 books159 followersJanice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. Her love of writing began when she was given a notebook by a primary school teacher and told to write ‘Just Imagine,’ on the cover. She enjoyed writing stories in the notebook so much that she decided she'd like to be an author. Due to life, work and children, It took a little longer than she imagined.
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 13, 2018
Amy Hill a nineteen year old college student with her whole life in front of her,tragically Amy's life is cut short. The victim has been brutally strangled,her lifeless body dumped but who committed this heinous crime. Lot's of twists and turns in this story when family secrets and crimes come to the forefront of this murder case. Will Amy Hills murder ever be solved and will justice prevail for Amy.
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the story. The narration was really good and I didn't solve the case.
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the story. The narration was really good and I didn't solve the case.
August 5, 2017
DEAD SECRET by Janice Frost is the first in a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ava Merry and D.I. Jim Neal. Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is a fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. Jim Neal, the boss is a single dad who is totally devoted to his job as well as caring for his son.
The plot is set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford. The characters are well-developed and the story is evenly paced.
New police partners, D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate a vicious crime… Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on the ground in the city. Simon, the son of a family friend, was the last person to see Amy alive, but has disappeared before he can be questioned. And Amy had two stalkers…
I feel the main purpose of this novel was to introduce the characters and their pasts for continuation of the series. This well-written story itself was interesting and fast moving. A good beginning to a series.
Book 2 in the series-Dark Secret.
The plot is set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford. The characters are well-developed and the story is evenly paced.
New police partners, D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate a vicious crime… Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on the ground in the city. Simon, the son of a family friend, was the last person to see Amy alive, but has disappeared before he can be questioned. And Amy had two stalkers…
I feel the main purpose of this novel was to introduce the characters and their pasts for continuation of the series. This well-written story itself was interesting and fast moving. A good beginning to a series.
Book 2 in the series-Dark Secret.
February 21, 2016
In this book, the reader is introduced to DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry. This new series starts with an investigation into the death of a young girl found in a common.
Neal and Merry haven't been working together long and solving this murder will frustrate the two of them, especially as they each have their own theory.
One thing becomes certain though ... they have plenty of suspects to choose from. It's found that the young lady had not one, but two stalkers. There's also a college professor who likes them young. Her roommate's boyfriend also had a 'thing' for her that wasn't reciprocated.
And what is the connection to another death almost 20 years prior?
I really like starting on the ground floor when I come across a new series. I find it enjoyable to learn the backstory ... who the protagonists are and how they got to be the people they are. This book is no exception. It is very well-written. It moves at a good pace, and picks up speed the more you read.
The characters are quite likable. Neal is the boss, older, single dad with a 10-year old son. He's basically the quiet one, the one who thinks through every move and he values his private life. Merry is the more-impulsive of this partnership. She's more apt to jump into situations without thinking things through. She's young, single, she's pretty, and not afraid to use her looks to bring down a bad guy. She also has a cat .... so she can be responsible when she wants to be.
The only negative is believing that a detective would go off on their own without backup, without first discussing with their partner. Just isn't done.
The story is intricately entwined with the past which comes to a boil when Merry makes a mistake.
Next in the series is DARK SECRET.
Neal and Merry haven't been working together long and solving this murder will frustrate the two of them, especially as they each have their own theory.
One thing becomes certain though ... they have plenty of suspects to choose from. It's found that the young lady had not one, but two stalkers. There's also a college professor who likes them young. Her roommate's boyfriend also had a 'thing' for her that wasn't reciprocated.
And what is the connection to another death almost 20 years prior?
I really like starting on the ground floor when I come across a new series. I find it enjoyable to learn the backstory ... who the protagonists are and how they got to be the people they are. This book is no exception. It is very well-written. It moves at a good pace, and picks up speed the more you read.
The characters are quite likable. Neal is the boss, older, single dad with a 10-year old son. He's basically the quiet one, the one who thinks through every move and he values his private life. Merry is the more-impulsive of this partnership. She's more apt to jump into situations without thinking things through. She's young, single, she's pretty, and not afraid to use her looks to bring down a bad guy. She also has a cat .... so she can be responsible when she wants to be.
The only negative is believing that a detective would go off on their own without backup, without first discussing with their partner. Just isn't done.
The story is intricately entwined with the past which comes to a boil when Merry makes a mistake.
Next in the series is DARK SECRET.
March 30, 2016
3 stars
Okay, let's start with the good.
This book has an interesting and promising premise. A college student is murderer and the investigation falls into the hands of two police officers that are working together for only six months. They are still learning their way around each other and how to work together. D.I. Jim Neal, the Senior detective of the pairing, is interesting, if a bit idealized. He is handsome, brilliant at work and a dedicated single Dad. Oh, and young and successful. Despite that, and the mentions about his experience, he makes a bunch of rookie mistakes that made me feel like banging my head (or his) on the wall. He is likeable, though, and I think his struggles and behavior are the most close to reality.
There are some interesting characters and plot ideas that helped me finish the book. The pace was good and the author managed to not leave loose ends. It was well written and didn't drag, which allowed me to give it 3 stars.
Now, the not so good.
Yeah, there were some good plot points in the book, but it wasn't an exciting or satisfying read. It didn't left me with urge to read more about these partners (maybe if author got Neal a new partner...) The solution to the case didn't left me satisfied. Yeah, it made sense, and yeah, there were some allusions to it in the book, but still.
My main issue was with the second detective, D.S. Ava Merry. She is drop dead gorgeous and attracts attention wherever she goes. She is supposed to be a smart and relatable character, but she got on my nerves. We are presented with bits of her backstory and we're supposed to see a multi-layered character, but to me she ended being one dimensional. I kept waiting to see the other sides of her come into play but it never happened.
This one ended being longer than I originally planned. Oops?
This was not a bad read, despite it all, but it's not memorable either. Other seems to have loved it, so I guess it was just not the book for me.
August 1, 2018
Still catching up with these reviews!
I sometimes say of a book - it could have been so much better. This book though, in other hands it could have been so much worse, yet the author did a good job with it. The plot was good but not unique. The relationship between the two lead detectives could have been tacky, but it wasn't. The whole thing was just well put together and had a cracking pace. Entertaining and very readable.
I sometimes say of a book - it could have been so much better. This book though, in other hands it could have been so much worse, yet the author did a good job with it. The plot was good but not unique. The relationship between the two lead detectives could have been tacky, but it wasn't. The whole thing was just well put together and had a cracking pace. Entertaining and very readable.
June 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel, and loved all the twists and turns. Couldn't have wished for a better plot! I rarely write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but I do highly recommend.
I hope to read more novels by this author.
I received an electronic copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
I hope to read more novels by this author.
I received an electronic copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
June 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book & its wonderful characters. You got great backstory on DI Neale & DS Merry with enough mystery to know there are more revelations to come.
It was an exceptionally fast read with a great flow and a plot that kept you interested to the end. Definitely a character based whodunit as opposed to a police procedural with a lot of technical details.
I'd love to read more novels with the Detectives - they'd make a great series.
It was an exceptionally fast read with a great flow and a plot that kept you interested to the end. Definitely a character based whodunit as opposed to a police procedural with a lot of technical details.
I'd love to read more novels with the Detectives - they'd make a great series.
July 12, 2015
Very good ending.
British authors and their investigations little different, most of the time I avoid reading their mystery/thriller books. But this is really good, figured out half way all the characters involved. Partly it was right but ending is really shocking.
British authors and their investigations little different, most of the time I avoid reading their mystery/thriller books. But this is really good, figured out half way all the characters involved. Partly it was right but ending is really shocking.
May 26, 2021
1.5 stars
I'm really glad I read her latest one first before I picked this one up. If I'd read this one first, I would never have read another of her books.
I'll continue reading the new series, but apart from that, I won't read any other books by her.
I'm really glad I read her latest one first before I picked this one up. If I'd read this one first, I would never have read another of her books.
I'll continue reading the new series, but apart from that, I won't read any other books by her.
October 18, 2017
Location, location, location.
This is the third time that I have read this story and I've enjoyed it as much as the first time the way Janice mixes history with present time to give small clues to keep the reader guessing but without revealing too much before the closing pages.
One thing does annoy me all the clues indicate that Stromford is in reality the city of Lincoln so why not call it Lincoln, sorry but it spoils the story for me.
This is the third time that I have read this story and I've enjoyed it as much as the first time the way Janice mixes history with present time to give small clues to keep the reader guessing but without revealing too much before the closing pages.
One thing does annoy me all the clues indicate that Stromford is in reality the city of Lincoln so why not call it Lincoln, sorry but it spoils the story for me.
August 12, 2018
Not bad
Maybe it's just me, but this wasn't one of my favorite books. The plot was interesting, if a bit convoluted.
It's the main characters that I am still having some issues with. Ava Merry seems keen as a cop, but her "OCD" w\her athletic training didn't track and if I heard Neal's kid's name once more, I was going to scream!
Maybe it's just me, but this wasn't one of my favorite books. The plot was interesting, if a bit convoluted.
It's the main characters that I am still having some issues with. Ava Merry seems keen as a cop, but her "OCD" w\her athletic training didn't track and if I heard Neal's kid's name once more, I was going to scream!
October 8, 2021
At first I had my doubts after the first turn, but after a 20 hour binge of nothing but reading this, I can genuinely say it's one of my favourite books of all time.
The storyline keeps you hooked start to finish, the characters are excellently written, and oh boy do you not see THAT twist coming (I won't say which twist because there's multiple and I don't want to spoil anything)
Seriously, just go and read this book. You won't regret it.
The storyline keeps you hooked start to finish, the characters are excellently written, and oh boy do you not see THAT twist coming (I won't say which twist because there's multiple and I don't want to spoil anything)
Seriously, just go and read this book. You won't regret it.
December 28, 2017
Gripping!
First book I have read by this author. I am now going to download book2. Can't wait to read it .Really enjoyed the first book full of twists and turns . Really good plot and likeable main characters .intrigued to see how the work \relationship develops between Ava and Meal .
First book I have read by this author. I am now going to download book2. Can't wait to read it .Really enjoyed the first book full of twists and turns . Really good plot and likeable main characters .intrigued to see how the work \relationship develops between Ava and Meal .
February 19, 2020
"Good start to a series"
I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting in this one. Well-written police procedural.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting in this one. Well-written police procedural.
November 24, 2020
Enjoyable first book in the series, good story and a good few twists!
August 30, 2018
Not Bad
Have read better thrillers and police procedures but this started ok but towards the end it got a bit boring, and to cap it all no one actually gets arrested for the crime that's been committed, bit of a let down really.
Have read better thrillers and police procedures but this started ok but towards the end it got a bit boring, and to cap it all no one actually gets arrested for the crime that's been committed, bit of a let down really.
August 22, 2018
A well written enjoyable read with good characters and an interesting story. Will definitely read more by this author.
August 14, 2018
Enjoyed this book
December 1, 2024
A very good mystery well written.
April 15, 2019
Not really that good or that much suspense, and a terrible title
If you’re going to write a police thriller don’t you have to try to keep it just a tiny tiny bit plausible? I mean, you don’t just chuck it all out of the window and decide your characters can have jetpacks or psychic powers or that the murderer is an alien. But this book has something happen that is so screamingly implausible that it just wrecks what might otherwise have been a decent story.
If we add to that their horrible blurb-included title … aaargh … I’m coming to realize that this technique, the desperation marketing of trying to cram a sales pitch into the title (“Hamlet - a gripping story of Danish lust and murder”) is a strong Don’t Buy indicator. Thanks, publishers - you’re showing me what to avoid. Decent books do not do this.
If you’re going to write a police thriller don’t you have to try to keep it just a tiny tiny bit plausible? I mean, you don’t just chuck it all out of the window and decide your characters can have jetpacks or psychic powers or that the murderer is an alien. But this book has something happen that is so screamingly implausible that it just wrecks what might otherwise have been a decent story.
If we add to that their horrible blurb-included title … aaargh … I’m coming to realize that this technique, the desperation marketing of trying to cram a sales pitch into the title (“Hamlet - a gripping story of Danish lust and murder”) is a strong Don’t Buy indicator. Thanks, publishers - you’re showing me what to avoid. Decent books do not do this.
June 12, 2015
TAKES PLACE IN ENGLAND, PLENTY OF BACK STORIES GOING ON KEEPS YOU GUESSING JUST WHO KILLED AMY AND WHY? TO ME IT’S MORE POLICE PROCEDURAL WITH MYSTERY/SUSPENCE NOT A THRILLER. THE MAIN CHARACTER’S SEEMED TO GO ABOUT SOLVING THE CASE KINDA DIFFERENTLY THAN I’VE EVER SEEN ESPECIALLY PC MERRY. I REALLY DIDN’T CARE FOR THE WRITING STYLE IT WOULD BUILD UP THEN SWITCH TO ANOTHER COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STORY OF ANOTHER CHARACTER, BACK AND FORTH IN TIME. THE PARENT’S SEEMED WAY OVER-THE-TOP PROTECTIVE OF THEIR CHILDREN WHICH ONLY MAKES PROBLEMS FOR THE CHILDREN AS THEY GROW INTO ADULTS. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SLOW GOING AND JUMPING AROUND I MANAGED TO FIGURE OUT WHY AMY WAS KILLED AROUND 54% OF THE BOOK (big whoop). THIS IS A SERIES BUT EACH IS A STAND ALONE. ;]
May 18, 2020
Disappointed
I found it difficult to see the characters in this story as believable. A smart detective who keeps doing stupid stuff and seems to have no respect for her boss or herself. Her and the boss are supposedly working together on a case but you don't really see him doing much in the story. He's the boss but she seems too be running the show singlehandedly. And what's with the allusion to an attraction between them? It just takes away from the while plotline, since the author hasn't even established any kind of relationship, friendship or otherwise. Overall I found it difficult to follow and difficult to finish reading.
I found it difficult to see the characters in this story as believable. A smart detective who keeps doing stupid stuff and seems to have no respect for her boss or herself. Her and the boss are supposedly working together on a case but you don't really see him doing much in the story. He's the boss but she seems too be running the show singlehandedly. And what's with the allusion to an attraction between them? It just takes away from the while plotline, since the author hasn't even established any kind of relationship, friendship or otherwise. Overall I found it difficult to follow and difficult to finish reading.
March 28, 2024
This was basically fine. I got quite irritated by Ava, and didn’t think she was particularly believable as a character. The story itself was an interesting idea and kept me interested in what was next. Also, why does everyone in this book seem like they want to/actually do sleep with each other?! It baffled me. I felt like there were a lot of stereotypes in this book. I think I’d read another book by this author to see if that would be better, but I just didn’t love this one.
July 15, 2015
Surprisingly good
While there were a lot of characters to keep track of (and I did have a bit of trouble keeping them all straight the plot was interesting and moved at a good pace. DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry make an interesting team. I hope that this book was just the first in a Neal/Merry series.
(Note to publisher - Please drop the subtitle. It sounds too desperate.)
While there were a lot of characters to keep track of (and I did have a bit of trouble keeping them all straight the plot was interesting and moved at a good pace. DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry make an interesting team. I hope that this book was just the first in a Neal/Merry series.
(Note to publisher - Please drop the subtitle. It sounds too desperate.)
January 15, 2018
Impressive first book! While it was fairly easy to figure out the who-done-it, there were enough compelling twists thrown in to keep me fully engaged. What I liked best was getting to know the main characters - single dad DI Neal and his young, eager partner DS Merry. Each has an interesting life outside of the police station, which I hope we'll get more of in b2.
***3.5***
***3.5***
February 9, 2018
A well plotted storyline. I like the two main characters and generally the people involved in this thriller have their own individual characteristics. Kept me guessing right up to the end where there was only one incident that needed a slight stretching of the imagination. I have already ordered the third book in the series.
June 7, 2015
Suspenseful thriller
I I was reading until my eyes hurt . This was a book that was hard to put down . My only complaint is that the author sometimes became too descriptive of surroundings . Other than that I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery
I I was reading until my eyes hurt . This was a book that was hard to put down . My only complaint is that the author sometimes became too descriptive of surroundings . Other than that I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery
June 29, 2015
Terrific characters
Ava and her boss are the kind of pair that you want to follow in their next case. Moves along nicely, bits of humor and lots of room for the two detectives to grow.
Ava and her boss are the kind of pair that you want to follow in their next case. Moves along nicely, bits of humor and lots of room for the two detectives to grow.
December 9, 2016
The first of a series
Keeps your attention
Good character development for the major players.
Many twists to the plot.
Enjoyed it and will read the third book in the series.
Time for sleep now
Keeps your attention
Good character development for the major players.
Many twists to the plot.
Enjoyed it and will read the third book in the series.
Time for sleep now
June 11, 2015
Dead Secret
Kept.my interest with realistic story. That is all I want to say, so will just fill in with whatever. Takes too much time.
Kept.my interest with realistic story. That is all I want to say, so will just fill in with whatever. Takes too much time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews