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Detective Inspector Munro is a burly Scottish policeman who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Detective Sergeant West is an intelligent young woman, new to the force, with a lot to prove.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2016
2725 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
Pete Brassett
33 books183 followersPete Brassett is the author of the best-selling series of detective novels based in and around his native Scotland featuring James Munro and Charlie West.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
April 5, 2024
A Bit Confusing!
Although the story is not always moving in a straight line, and is at times difficult to read, the book is still very good.
The book starts with someone narrating. You don’t know for a while who it is. That is until the end of the story, but you have your guesses before the narrator is revealed.
There is a lot going on in this story. DI Munro and Sergeant West are investigating the location of a missing man. They find him. Dead! This sets off a murder investigation.
The book takes a tailspin on the plot and puts the reader on the path toward a new mystery. Now they must locate the murderer. And suddenly, things become tricky.
Who is the murderer? Is it a he? Is it a she? Old or young? Dark or fair? The story becomes a bit confusing, but it’s solvable. Unfortunately, it is not a smooth ending.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
Although the story is not always moving in a straight line, and is at times difficult to read, the book is still very good.
The book starts with someone narrating. You don’t know for a while who it is. That is until the end of the story, but you have your guesses before the narrator is revealed.
There is a lot going on in this story. DI Munro and Sergeant West are investigating the location of a missing man. They find him. Dead! This sets off a murder investigation.
The book takes a tailspin on the plot and puts the reader on the path toward a new mystery. Now they must locate the murderer. And suddenly, things become tricky.
Who is the murderer? Is it a he? Is it a she? Old or young? Dark or fair? The story becomes a bit confusing, but it’s solvable. Unfortunately, it is not a smooth ending.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
March 3, 2017
SHE is a serial killer. She likes to slice and dice and then disperse the body parts in separate packages. Who is SHE?
DI Munro is a Scottish policeman who is brilliant in solving cases. DS West is an intelligent woman, new to the force and she really wants to not only learn, but to prove that she's where she should be.
They are called to investigate a missing person, a man named Harry. They are a bit stumped until a body is found.... in pieces. Then another body is found in the same condition.
A woman was noticed at the scene of the murder, but finding her will not be easy.
This crime fiction has a few surprises, but it's the ending that is something I did not see coming.
The characters were okay. The story premise was okay. There were areas when it seemed drawn out too much and I found myself skipping a page here and there. I did not notice a lot of suspense, although there were plenty of suspects to look at.
DI Munro is a Scottish policeman who is brilliant in solving cases. DS West is an intelligent woman, new to the force and she really wants to not only learn, but to prove that she's where she should be.
They are called to investigate a missing person, a man named Harry. They are a bit stumped until a body is found.... in pieces. Then another body is found in the same condition.
A woman was noticed at the scene of the murder, but finding her will not be easy.
This crime fiction has a few surprises, but it's the ending that is something I did not see coming.
The characters were okay. The story premise was okay. There were areas when it seemed drawn out too much and I found myself skipping a page here and there. I did not notice a lot of suspense, although there were plenty of suspects to look at.
February 26, 2018
strange read since I liked the later books in the series -- had I read this "serial killer" episode first I would not have read and enjoyed the following books in the series
Did learn a couple things about DI Munro with this first joint investigation with DS West....he describes his wife's death. It's clear he has a job to do to clean up and smarten up DS West. She is portrayed in this intro as a careless, stupid drunk.
Read books 2 through 6 before you tackle this one.
Did learn a couple things about DI Munro with this first joint investigation with DS West....he describes his wife's death. It's clear he has a job to do to clean up and smarten up DS West. She is portrayed in this intro as a careless, stupid drunk.
Read books 2 through 6 before you tackle this one.
January 2, 2017
The Value of Punctuation
Although I enjoyed the characters and found the storyline engaging, I almost could not finish this book because I was so distracted by the misuse of commas. This author has not been well served by his editors. Writing an engaging story is the hard part. Editing is easy. A person just has to know and apply the rules. Mr. Brassett, hire an editor whose skillsenhance your work!
Although I enjoyed the characters and found the storyline engaging, I almost could not finish this book because I was so distracted by the misuse of commas. This author has not been well served by his editors. Writing an engaging story is the hard part. Editing is easy. A person just has to know and apply the rules. Mr. Brassett, hire an editor whose skillsenhance your work!
February 9, 2020
Strong, humorous characters and writing. The intricate plot with multiple mistaken identities made this mystery a bit hard for me to follow, and the odd use of commas was distracting (is it a Scottish thing to put serial commas EVERYWHERE, even just before the noun?), but a solid first novel. I read this because I read "Rancour," the 8th book in the series, and will definitely read more from Mr. Brassett.
March 16, 2021
Had to work hard with "suspension of disbelief"
I'm a fan of Rankin, MacBride, McDermid, Atkinson, Brookmyre and was looking forward to getting acquainted with a new Scottish character. I'm really not sure it was worth the effort. I've got the second book in my kindle library, but I'm asking myself if I can be bothered starting it. The characters, without exception, are two dimensional caricatures. I'm in the same age group as Munro and if he spoke to me the way he spoke to his new female DS I would have him in the disciplinary process before you could say "equal rights legislation". This book was written in 2016 and I'm pretty sure the Police had stopped using anachronisms like WPC by that time, but they are alive and well in She. The thing that really got me upset was the technical difficulties with the mode of killing and body disposal. I don't think anyone has explained to Paul that blood clots and, if you exsanguinate someone the resulting puddle of blood clots and you can't flush it down the kitchen sink. You need a lot of heparin to achieve that. I could go on, but I'll just become boring. A bit like the book.
Sorry
I'm a fan of Rankin, MacBride, McDermid, Atkinson, Brookmyre and was looking forward to getting acquainted with a new Scottish character. I'm really not sure it was worth the effort. I've got the second book in my kindle library, but I'm asking myself if I can be bothered starting it. The characters, without exception, are two dimensional caricatures. I'm in the same age group as Munro and if he spoke to me the way he spoke to his new female DS I would have him in the disciplinary process before you could say "equal rights legislation". This book was written in 2016 and I'm pretty sure the Police had stopped using anachronisms like WPC by that time, but they are alive and well in She. The thing that really got me upset was the technical difficulties with the mode of killing and body disposal. I don't think anyone has explained to Paul that blood clots and, if you exsanguinate someone the resulting puddle of blood clots and you can't flush it down the kitchen sink. You need a lot of heparin to achieve that. I could go on, but I'll just become boring. A bit like the book.
Sorry
July 28, 2018
James Munro a sexist mysoginist detective, I love the character. A great unusual story. Will be reading more of this author.
December 15, 2020
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; DECEMBER 14, 2020
Narrator: David McCallion
For me, this suffered from 'first book' syndrome where I find the author tries too hard to come up with a complex, intricate plot so he overdoes it.
While my interest was held to the end and I did want to find out what, exactly, was the deal with that woman, I did find myself a little lost in that I didn't know who was narrating the 1st Person POV. I thought I must have missed the part where the narrator identified himself but couldn't be bothered to go back and find out. I thought his identity was bound to come up somewhere but it never did - at least, I didn't notice - until towards the end.
The story was told in alternate POVs -Detectives Munro and West in 3rd Person and the man with the woman killer in 1st Person. While we know from the start the perp is a woman, we do not find out her identity till the end.
It was hard to take to DS West. Not only was she a lush, she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer and I couldn't help wondering what Munro did to be saddled with her. I'm not looking forward to seeing her again in the next installment and can only hope that she redeems herself soon seeing as she's a permanent fixture in the series.
Narrator: David McCallion
For me, this suffered from 'first book' syndrome where I find the author tries too hard to come up with a complex, intricate plot so he overdoes it.
While my interest was held to the end and I did want to find out what, exactly, was the deal with that woman, I did find myself a little lost in that I didn't know who was narrating the 1st Person POV. I thought I must have missed the part where the narrator identified himself but couldn't be bothered to go back and find out. I thought his identity was bound to come up somewhere but it never did - at least, I didn't notice - until towards the end.
The story was told in alternate POVs -Detectives Munro and West in 3rd Person and the man with the woman killer in 1st Person. While we know from the start the perp is a woman, we do not find out her identity till the end.
It was hard to take to DS West. Not only was she a lush, she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer and I couldn't help wondering what Munro did to be saddled with her. I'm not looking forward to seeing her again in the next installment and can only hope that she redeems herself soon seeing as she's a permanent fixture in the series.
March 4, 2018
If this first novel is anything to go by, I might have found a new favourite author. This recommendation comes from my wife who liked the author's style and has gone through the lot.
It is one of those books that draws you in from the first chapter even though it seems quite innocuous and a story of a friendship from the past. You arent even sure who is telling the story and recounting the meeting with a strange girl. The second chapter introduces us to the policeman of the story Detective Inspector Munro and his new D.S. Charlie.
And so the chapters alternate through the book as both stories develop. This can be annoying but here , it works.
I liked the way the characters were drawn with just enough humour, and the way the story was told, especially in view of the subject matter, without excessively described sex or violence.
There are a couple of nice twists at the end which nicely round off the tale. I wonder if one can believe that the secret from D.I. Munro's past is now over and done with.
Looking forward to the next.
It is one of those books that draws you in from the first chapter even though it seems quite innocuous and a story of a friendship from the past. You arent even sure who is telling the story and recounting the meeting with a strange girl. The second chapter introduces us to the policeman of the story Detective Inspector Munro and his new D.S. Charlie.
And so the chapters alternate through the book as both stories develop. This can be annoying but here , it works.
I liked the way the characters were drawn with just enough humour, and the way the story was told, especially in view of the subject matter, without excessively described sex or violence.
There are a couple of nice twists at the end which nicely round off the tale. I wonder if one can believe that the secret from D.I. Munro's past is now over and done with.
Looking forward to the next.
August 13, 2022
First of a series of UK noir mysteries, police procedural. Actually a good, not overly long read. Humor mixed in via the Scotsman DI, an older experienced detective and widower that is partnered with a young, attractive, but relatively inexperienced and a bit naive lady DS. Their banter helps lighten a series of brutal murders. This was an entertaining read -- which is my goal. I do not critique or review well.
I am starting on book 2. If you are into the genre, you will enjoy this. It has the feel of M.W. Craven's series with Washington Poe and partner Tilly. If you have not read any UK mysteries, this is an excellent intro.
Good supporting cast of police characters and more than normal twists, turns, and the unexpected. I read this based on an excellent review here by one who does it well :-)
I am starting on book 2. If you are into the genre, you will enjoy this. It has the feel of M.W. Craven's series with Washington Poe and partner Tilly. If you have not read any UK mysteries, this is an excellent intro.
Good supporting cast of police characters and more than normal twists, turns, and the unexpected. I read this based on an excellent review here by one who does it well :-)
December 15, 2019
The story has a unique plot to it, loved how it jumped between past and present in certain parts and that ending, wow what a surprise... however I had a bit of doubts about the female detective, thought her character a bit weak but totally loved detective Monroe, he was such a good critical thinkers and knew how to observe and analyse which will do Charlie alot of good if she learns from him... can't wait to read more of this series.
September 13, 2018
2.5 stars.
Read
June 8, 2017Amazing!
This kept me guessing who done it throughout the entire book! She by Pete Brassett is a must read. It is very fast paced, and a page turner! I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I can tell you it takes place in England. I highly recommend this book to any body who loves murder and other heinous crimes. There is very little grammar misspellings. I don't normally do series, but now I have to find out what becomes of Charlie!
This kept me guessing who done it throughout the entire book! She by Pete Brassett is a must read. It is very fast paced, and a page turner! I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I can tell you it takes place in England. I highly recommend this book to any body who loves murder and other heinous crimes. There is very little grammar misspellings. I don't normally do series, but now I have to find out what becomes of Charlie!
August 16, 2018
So I gave this a 3 -- probably a high 3 but not quite a 4. There were some quirks of punctuation that sat funny with me. It is written in British English, and the spellings and usage didn't bother me. But there was definitely some comma usage that I found to be non-standard in either sort of English.
The plot is reasonably complex. The story is told from the point of view of the detectives investigating, alternating with a 'person of interest' who's being interviewed. It's well put together -- his story doesn't reveal anything before the detectives have discovered it, and vice versa, but both parts of the narrative complement each other nicely.
I picked this up for 99 cents and I'll likely continue with the series for at least one more book . . . see if the characters stay interesting and see whether the comma quirkiness stays or goes.
The plot is reasonably complex. The story is told from the point of view of the detectives investigating, alternating with a 'person of interest' who's being interviewed. It's well put together -- his story doesn't reveal anything before the detectives have discovered it, and vice versa, but both parts of the narrative complement each other nicely.
I picked this up for 99 cents and I'll likely continue with the series for at least one more book . . . see if the characters stay interesting and see whether the comma quirkiness stays or goes.
October 25, 2020
I accidentally read the first two books of this series in reverse order, and I'm glad I did. While both books are quick, entertaining reads, I liked "Avarice" better. Both books have great, witty, realistic dialogue, and both have good plots, pacing, and interesting characters, and of course, both have the wonderful Scottish dialect. I liked "Avarice" better for the simple reason the "She" was more graphically violent, and the alternating chapters that were narrated by the villain got a bit long-winded. Still, an excellent series that I will continue reading.
May 21, 2018
Oh dear. As must be patently obvious from my rating I thought this was sooo dull. I couldn’t stand the main character of Monroe who was a know it all. Was there nothing that man didn’t have knowledge of??? I think my fists would have been clenched if I’d had the misfortune to have to work with him 🤣. The story went of on tangents at times and the dialogue was beyond trite. I fully appreciate that I’m out of synch with other readers- as per!!! Not for me and I gave up about half way through.
August 21, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this one. I didn't find DS West to be very smart, and I honestly don't see what she added to the investigation, or the story. The descriptions of the multiple females were too hard to follow, and I couldn't keep straight who was being described or referred to throughout the book. Overall, the story was promising and could have been good, but it fell way too short.
January 15, 2021
Another good, early Brassart. Good story, well told, hard hitting noir dialog, great treatment with authentic British Isles dialects. I have to say, though, he needs to work on his treatment of Italian/English dialect. I'm going to on reading his books.
August 11, 2018
SHE is the first in the DI Munro and DS West series and takes place in London as opposed to the following books as I understand them to be set in Scotland. I came across SHE quite some time ago and only now decided to give it a go.
From the get go, SHE begins in the first person by an unknown narrator, possibly male judging by his perspective, as he recounts his meeting with a somewhat strange young woman, before moving on to his thoughts on "Who is SHE?" and "Did I know what SHE had done?" and so forth. It is very cleverly told with every second chapter devoted to the unknown narrator and every alternate chapter recounting the procedural side of the investigation into what was first reported as a "missing person". Upon searching the missing man's residence, with some clever detecting a body is found and the case soon becomes a murder investigation.
It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary killer and the race is on as Munro and West must act fast to trace a woman seen observed at the scene of the crime. Yet uncovering her just who she is, as well as finding her, proves to be no easy task.
There was an element of DEXTER to this serial killer tale, what with all the slicing and dicing and dispersing the various body parts into separate packages. The difference here being that SHE is the serial killer. But just who is SHE? The investigation brings up several young women attached to the case somehow but just how are they involved? And what part do they play? Are any of them the one we know only as SHE?
DI Munro is a Scottish policeman who was on the verge of retirement when his wife was tragically killed. So in an attempt to escape the ghosts that haunted him, he upped sticks and moved south to London. In his somewhat witty banter with DS West - Charlie as he decided to call her - it was revealed that she chose this new post as "no one else wanted to work with Taggart". It seems his reputation preceeded him, as well as his somewhat gruff nature which no one else wanted to be on the receiving end. However, Munro and West work really well together, and as it was revealed at the end that Munro decided it was time for him to return home to hia native Scotland I had wondered where that would leave West. But it appears she is called upon and heads north herself to continue the partnership.
I loved Munro and warmed to him from the beginning. I love his witty nature and the somewhat humourous conversations shared with West, who oftentimes took him far too literally. I can't wait to get to know him more and follow his future exploits. I wasn't overly keen on West, as she seemed far too quick to jump into bed with the nearest male with a pulse! Every morning she awakes to a new sleeping body in her bed, and her partiality to gin or anything remotely alcoholic doesn't do anything to endear her to me. I look forward to seeing Munro knocking her into shape and do something to earn her rank of Detective Sergeant.
SHE is a unique take on any murder mystery I've ever read with an edgy undertone that kept me turning the pages (or rather tapping them on my Kindle) late into the night. A fairly easy read that I devoured in two sittings. While I figured out who was who and who was SHE about halfway through, the ending throws us a twist that I didn't see coming and left me pondering. Definitely recommend!
From the get go, SHE begins in the first person by an unknown narrator, possibly male judging by his perspective, as he recounts his meeting with a somewhat strange young woman, before moving on to his thoughts on "Who is SHE?" and "Did I know what SHE had done?" and so forth. It is very cleverly told with every second chapter devoted to the unknown narrator and every alternate chapter recounting the procedural side of the investigation into what was first reported as a "missing person". Upon searching the missing man's residence, with some clever detecting a body is found and the case soon becomes a murder investigation.
It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary killer and the race is on as Munro and West must act fast to trace a woman seen observed at the scene of the crime. Yet uncovering her just who she is, as well as finding her, proves to be no easy task.
There was an element of DEXTER to this serial killer tale, what with all the slicing and dicing and dispersing the various body parts into separate packages. The difference here being that SHE is the serial killer. But just who is SHE? The investigation brings up several young women attached to the case somehow but just how are they involved? And what part do they play? Are any of them the one we know only as SHE?
DI Munro is a Scottish policeman who was on the verge of retirement when his wife was tragically killed. So in an attempt to escape the ghosts that haunted him, he upped sticks and moved south to London. In his somewhat witty banter with DS West - Charlie as he decided to call her - it was revealed that she chose this new post as "no one else wanted to work with Taggart". It seems his reputation preceeded him, as well as his somewhat gruff nature which no one else wanted to be on the receiving end. However, Munro and West work really well together, and as it was revealed at the end that Munro decided it was time for him to return home to hia native Scotland I had wondered where that would leave West. But it appears she is called upon and heads north herself to continue the partnership.
I loved Munro and warmed to him from the beginning. I love his witty nature and the somewhat humourous conversations shared with West, who oftentimes took him far too literally. I can't wait to get to know him more and follow his future exploits. I wasn't overly keen on West, as she seemed far too quick to jump into bed with the nearest male with a pulse! Every morning she awakes to a new sleeping body in her bed, and her partiality to gin or anything remotely alcoholic doesn't do anything to endear her to me. I look forward to seeing Munro knocking her into shape and do something to earn her rank of Detective Sergeant.
SHE is a unique take on any murder mystery I've ever read with an edgy undertone that kept me turning the pages (or rather tapping them on my Kindle) late into the night. A fairly easy read that I devoured in two sittings. While I figured out who was who and who was SHE about halfway through, the ending throws us a twist that I didn't see coming and left me pondering. Definitely recommend!
April 27, 2020
SPOILER ALERT!!
An interesting literary device is used in this first of the DI James Munro series. An unknown narrator introduces the story, in an interview with an unknown person, about a woman "She" of the title. This continues in alternate chapters, as the personality and life of the woman and the involvement of the narrator in her life and crimes is explored. As the tale continues various elements and evidence that are discovered are melded into the information from the interview. In the end the narrator, the woman and the interviewer are revealed.
This is a gruesome story of a psychopath and how she involves others in her activities. She basically seduces the narrator into participation with her cruel and depraved spree. Dismembered bodies, their blood drained, turn up, beginning with the search for a missing dependable bartender, Harry Farnsworth-Brown. Harry's varied life is obscure and the identity of his wife and other women in his life is confusing. Then his body is found, sealed in plastic bags in his bathroom. When a second body, parts, is discovered it becomes even more odd, and there appears no connection to Harry. Eventually even "She", Aileen MacAdam/Hannah Lawson, is found dismembered, as the narrator, Marcos Delgado, her lover and partner in crime finds the game, her need for pain, going too far. His disassociation and lack of empathy throughout is appauling and probably more scary than the acts themselves. And the twist that turns back on DI Munro, as Aileen MacAdam is the daughter of a Scottish criminal who Harry first arrests and gets incarcerated, is released and acts revenge on Harry by starting a fire that kills his wife, is a final startling element of the story. Harry in his grief and rage murders MacAdam, and Eileen has targeted Harry as her "special thing", that she never accomplishes. Harry then moves south into England from Scotland, unable to face the memories.
A particular quote of the narrator from the story sums up the tenor and terror of the crimes. "...I'm afraid I can't tell you why she did it...the bottom line is, she simply upgraded from pulling the legs off spiders to dissecting her own species." And the end is muddled with a suggestion of a possible wrong identification, with one of the character owning the same Converse shoes of those a suspect after all. Another one of those tropes that had me hesitating in wonder. While I did not like the start of the story, it was a clever device as it progresses and I would go on to the next of the series.
An interesting literary device is used in this first of the DI James Munro series. An unknown narrator introduces the story, in an interview with an unknown person, about a woman "She" of the title. This continues in alternate chapters, as the personality and life of the woman and the involvement of the narrator in her life and crimes is explored. As the tale continues various elements and evidence that are discovered are melded into the information from the interview. In the end the narrator, the woman and the interviewer are revealed.
This is a gruesome story of a psychopath and how she involves others in her activities. She basically seduces the narrator into participation with her cruel and depraved spree. Dismembered bodies, their blood drained, turn up, beginning with the search for a missing dependable bartender, Harry Farnsworth-Brown. Harry's varied life is obscure and the identity of his wife and other women in his life is confusing. Then his body is found, sealed in plastic bags in his bathroom. When a second body, parts, is discovered it becomes even more odd, and there appears no connection to Harry. Eventually even "She", Aileen MacAdam/Hannah Lawson, is found dismembered, as the narrator, Marcos Delgado, her lover and partner in crime finds the game, her need for pain, going too far. His disassociation and lack of empathy throughout is appauling and probably more scary than the acts themselves. And the twist that turns back on DI Munro, as Aileen MacAdam is the daughter of a Scottish criminal who Harry first arrests and gets incarcerated, is released and acts revenge on Harry by starting a fire that kills his wife, is a final startling element of the story. Harry in his grief and rage murders MacAdam, and Eileen has targeted Harry as her "special thing", that she never accomplishes. Harry then moves south into England from Scotland, unable to face the memories.
A particular quote of the narrator from the story sums up the tenor and terror of the crimes. "...I'm afraid I can't tell you why she did it...the bottom line is, she simply upgraded from pulling the legs off spiders to dissecting her own species." And the end is muddled with a suggestion of a possible wrong identification, with one of the character owning the same Converse shoes of those a suspect after all. Another one of those tropes that had me hesitating in wonder. While I did not like the start of the story, it was a clever device as it progresses and I would go on to the next of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
The first of a new series, and quite a departure from my regular gamut of whodunits.
At first I understood some of the low reviews of this book, our heros are quite different. But then again I read the whole thing in one day, almost one sitting thanks to its under 200 page length.
To say we have a couple of characters here who are 'characters' would be an understatement. The book is written with a wry sense of humor, but the plot is really good, albeit my usual issue with two many names - in this case for the same person.
But hopefully it lays the ground work for the 'old head' taking the new kid, who has a few reckless issues she enjoys, and lots of police screw ups, under his wing and teaching her the ropes.
I did not guess how it was going to work out, and thinking I'm withholding judgement of the rest of the series for the next book or two. Things could go over the top and settle into nice little whodunits.
Time will tell. PS, the first ten of these about came about free from Dear Amazon as I've had them on the watch list for a while as the possible next series to read - I think there are another 10 after that.
At first I understood some of the low reviews of this book, our heros are quite different. But then again I read the whole thing in one day, almost one sitting thanks to its under 200 page length.
To say we have a couple of characters here who are 'characters' would be an understatement. The book is written with a wry sense of humor, but the plot is really good, albeit my usual issue with two many names - in this case for the same person.
But hopefully it lays the ground work for the 'old head' taking the new kid, who has a few reckless issues she enjoys, and lots of police screw ups, under his wing and teaching her the ropes.
I did not guess how it was going to work out, and thinking I'm withholding judgement of the rest of the series for the next book or two. Things could go over the top and settle into nice little whodunits.
Time will tell. PS, the first ten of these about came about free from Dear Amazon as I've had them on the watch list for a while as the possible next series to read - I think there are another 10 after that.
January 25, 2018
The briefly titled She is the first book I have read by Pete Brassett and it's also the first in a crime series (Di Munro and DS West). As an introduction - to ongoing characters and their partnership - it serves the reader well. Detective Inspector Munro is an experienced cop who doesn't suffer fools and enjoys taking those new to his team under his wing, albeit in a particular way. It would be easy to believe the man had been a teacher in a former life as everything becomes a lesson which demonstrates his superior knowledge and ability - often at the expense of those with less time on the force. In this book, the person on the receiving end of most of his lessons in policing is Detective Sergeant West. Coming across from financial crimes, it appears she has a lot to learn and that Munroe is just the fellow to teach her, especially when it seems they have a very gruesome serial killer on the loose - a woman, no less - the "She" of the title.
Written in alternating viewpoints, from someone very familiar with the suspect as well as in the third person when the crimes are being investigating, it makes for engaging reading - most of the time. At other times, I found it a little clichéd: the old, grumpy male cop with young, enthusiastic female partner who not only seemed to make some basic errors of judgement, but relishes the experience and wisdom of her older counterpart. For someone who reached the rank of Sergeant, I found West's naiveté and sometimes stupidity a little hard to swallow and felt there were sexist overtones in her portrayal which rankled. Still, you do end up feeling very fond of DI Munroe as his intentions are not to humiliate but genuinely improve his colleague's performance and as West grows into her role, you invest in her as well.
Enough to ensure I purchased the next book in the series.
Written in alternating viewpoints, from someone very familiar with the suspect as well as in the third person when the crimes are being investigating, it makes for engaging reading - most of the time. At other times, I found it a little clichéd: the old, grumpy male cop with young, enthusiastic female partner who not only seemed to make some basic errors of judgement, but relishes the experience and wisdom of her older counterpart. For someone who reached the rank of Sergeant, I found West's naiveté and sometimes stupidity a little hard to swallow and felt there were sexist overtones in her portrayal which rankled. Still, you do end up feeling very fond of DI Munroe as his intentions are not to humiliate but genuinely improve his colleague's performance and as West grows into her role, you invest in her as well.
Enough to ensure I purchased the next book in the series.
November 16, 2020
This is a somewhat mystifying thriller about a serial killer whose true identity DI Munro and DS West find extremely elusive.
I quite enjoyed it, but it did take me a while to get used to the style in which it was written. There are lots of chapters, some quite long and others really short. You are usually (not always) told where the action is taking place, but the chapters are told by different people and you are not usually told who those people are. Sometimes, they are victims! And that's not to mention that the killer uses several different identities! Sometimes it is pretty clear whose POV it is, others not so much.
Once I got used to the style, I did really want to know whether the killer was caught and who the killer was. I probably will look out for sequels: I know there are quite a few, this being the first of a series.
I quite enjoyed it, but it did take me a while to get used to the style in which it was written. There are lots of chapters, some quite long and others really short. You are usually (not always) told where the action is taking place, but the chapters are told by different people and you are not usually told who those people are. Sometimes, they are victims! And that's not to mention that the killer uses several different identities! Sometimes it is pretty clear whose POV it is, others not so much.
Once I got used to the style, I did really want to know whether the killer was caught and who the killer was. I probably will look out for sequels: I know there are quite a few, this being the first of a series.
January 9, 2023
I've been using Kindle Unlimited for a while now. It was ideal for reading books by J.D.Kirk, Alex Smith and David Gatward. Now that I've read all of their work published so far, I've been searching for something of that same quality. Oliver Davies didn't work for me, and neither does Pete Brassett.
"She" has a plot centred around a mystery woman who gets off by taking the blood from unconscious people and then cutting them up. That's not a spoiler, we know this pretty early on. Alternate chapters try to reveal how enticing she is. DI Munro and DS West are in no way attractive characters - we get too little information to care much about them. I never felt I knew them, or even wanted to.
A book for people who'll read anything. Pretty poor stuff, I'm sorry to say. Three stars is generous.
"She" has a plot centred around a mystery woman who gets off by taking the blood from unconscious people and then cutting them up. That's not a spoiler, we know this pretty early on. Alternate chapters try to reveal how enticing she is. DI Munro and DS West are in no way attractive characters - we get too little information to care much about them. I never felt I knew them, or even wanted to.
A book for people who'll read anything. Pretty poor stuff, I'm sorry to say. Three stars is generous.
February 29, 2020
Meet DS Charlotte West who is new to the force and feels she has a lot to prove to the misogynists in South London. Asking for DI Munro’s help in finding a missing person could be chancy because he doesn’t tolerate fools easily, and he can see that DS West has some issues (drink, tardiness) to be settled. Before long a body is found and they are searching for a serial killer.
I was looking for a book set in Scotland but instead ended up in South London. (For those who are interested the rest of the series takes place in western Scottish town of Ayr). It is a police procedural. But it is relationships, intuition and logical thinking, too. And then the characters just grabbed me and I want to read more.
I was looking for a book set in Scotland but instead ended up in South London. (For those who are interested the rest of the series takes place in western Scottish town of Ayr). It is a police procedural. But it is relationships, intuition and logical thinking, too. And then the characters just grabbed me and I want to read more.
March 3, 2018
Detective Inspector Munro is a burly Scottish policeman who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Detective Sergeant West is an intelligent young woman, new to the force, with a lot to prove.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined.
January 22, 2019
Short, fairly fast paced, a lot of back and forth chapters between the killer and the ones looking for the killer, and a nice bit of a twist at the end. So I liked it. The only problem, sort of, is that it could have definitely (in my opinion, anyway) used a good proofreader to run through it before it was released. Somebody was a little comma happy, and I did spot a few typos, but the commas were more bothersome in their placement and regularity. Still, I'll probably read another by this author.
To give an example of the comma happy mention, its as if that last sentence above would read like this: "Still, I'll probably read another, by this author." There was a lot like that.
To give an example of the comma happy mention, its as if that last sentence above would read like this: "Still, I'll probably read another, by this author." There was a lot like that.
July 23, 2020
Well I have to say, I enjoyed this book, however, I did think the ending was a bit odd! I was more than a bit discombobulated 😕 and not at all sure I had it sorted in my mind. I’m hoping to find a review with some spoilers to clear up one or two queries.
I liked the characters, loved Munro, a dour Scot, and I think Charlie will improve over the series, I think there’s more to her than meets the eye. He was a bit out of place in London and I don’t think his true self shone through.
While this book was macabre I did like the humour running through it, it was dark and noir. It’s hard to write about it without giving the story away.
I liked the characters, loved Munro, a dour Scot, and I think Charlie will improve over the series, I think there’s more to her than meets the eye. He was a bit out of place in London and I don’t think his true self shone through.
While this book was macabre I did like the humour running through it, it was dark and noir. It’s hard to write about it without giving the story away.
Want to read
September 1, 2020Detective Inspector Munro is a burly Scottish policeman who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Detective Sergeant West is an intelligent young woman, new to the force, with a lot to prove.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined. (less)
strange, but ok.
When a missing person case lands on their desks, Munro is sceptical there is much to it. But their investigation soon comes to some strange findings, and before long, a body is found.
With a serial killer on their hands they must act fast to trace a woman placed at the scene of the crime. Yet discovering her true identity, let alone finding her, proves difficult. And as the plot thickens they realise the crime is far graver than either of them could have imagined. (less)
strange, but ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
Detective Sargent Charlotte West, attractive, late 20s, hazel eyes, drew the short straw. She was assigned to work with the brusque Detective Inspector James Monro, who rightfully was entitled to retire but stayed on after the murder of his wife.
He gives the young sergeant a thorough roughing up at every opportunity.
They work together to solve the murder mysteries but he steadily toys with her competency by tossing out facts that she might have overlooked or never considered.
I wanted to give Detective Monro a few sound slaps for his male-centric generational condescension.
This novel wasn’t the best in this category but it was entertaining and I loved the narrator.
He gives the young sergeant a thorough roughing up at every opportunity.
They work together to solve the murder mysteries but he steadily toys with her competency by tossing out facts that she might have overlooked or never considered.
I wanted to give Detective Monro a few sound slaps for his male-centric generational condescension.
This novel wasn’t the best in this category but it was entertaining and I loved the narrator.
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