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Jessie Flynn #2
Scared to Death
‘It comes as no surprise that Medina has created a character of density and intricacy in Flynn’ DAILY MAIL
The second book in an exciting new crime series featuring psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn – a brilliantly complex character who struggles with a dark past. Perfect for fans of Nicci French and Val McDermid.
A baby is abandoned in the middle of the night at Royal Surrey County Hospital. D.I. Bobby ‘Marilyn’ Simmons suspects the father is planning to take his own life following the violent suicide of his eldest son a year earlier. The race is on to find him.
Captain Ben Callan is investigating a suspicious death. Just sixteen years old, Stephen Foster has been stabbed in the neck with a screwdriver. Someone tried to save his life – but who? And why haven’t they come forward?
When psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn is called in to consult on both cases, she sees connections between the deaths of Danny and Stephen. And when she starts counselling a third traumatized young man, Jessie fears he faces the same fate…
Hardcover
First published May 4, 2017
11 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Kate Medina
10 books87 followersWhile studying for a degree in Psychology, Kate Medina joined the Territorial Army where she spent five years, first as an officer trainee and then as a Troop Commander in the Royal Engineers.
She has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and now writes full time. Her debut novel, White Crocodile (published under the name K.T. Medina), a thriller set in the minefields of Cambodia, received widespread critical acclaim.
She has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and now writes full time. Her debut novel, White Crocodile (published under the name K.T. Medina), a thriller set in the minefields of Cambodia, received widespread critical acclaim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 19, 2017
This is the second in the military psychologist, Dr Jessie Flynn, series. I recently read the first and loved it. Jessie has been on a military tour of Syria and Iraq for several months and has just arrived home. A grumpy and tired DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmons investigates after a baby has been abandoned at a hospital's A and E department. The father, Malcolm, is known to have suffered severe depression and grief after his son, Danny, committed suicide. Danny was in the army and Malcolm has been vociferous in his belief that Danny was murdered but no-one believes him. It is assumed that Malcolm is intending to kill himself. DI Simmons calls in Jessie to help.
Captain Ben Callan, a member of the Military Police, is struggling to handle the epileptic fits, a consequence of the bullet in his head and the additional trauma of being shot in the back recently. He is called to the scene of the death of 16 year old Stephen Foster that appears to be murder. His superior has ordered Jessie to assist him in his investigations but Callan is resistant to the idea. There is a strong connection between him and Jessie but he feels morose and thinks he is too damaged for her. 16 year old Ryan Jones has been referred to Jessie by a senior officer as suffering from mental health issues. Malcolm's disappearance, Danny's death, the suspicious death of Stephen Foster and the trauma of Ryan Jones all slowly emerge to be connected. As the factors behind the suicides become apparent, Jessie finds herself in an impossible situation and in mortal danger.
We delve much more into Jessie's past and how she came to be a patient at Hartmoor Psychiatric Hospital. Whilst Jessie is making inroads into addressing her OCD issues, resulting from the suicide of her 7 year old brother, Jamie, the issues surrounding young men committing suicide unsurprisingly brings her close to mental breaking point. Her honesty about herself and her history to a patient is courageous and allows her to more closely connect with him. She discovers more about Jamie's suicide from her estranged father. This is a novel about fathers and sons, how they fail them, and how their efforts at atonement are too little and come too late to prevent tragic outcomes. A wonderful read that is compelling and well researched. Highly recommended. Thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
Captain Ben Callan, a member of the Military Police, is struggling to handle the epileptic fits, a consequence of the bullet in his head and the additional trauma of being shot in the back recently. He is called to the scene of the death of 16 year old Stephen Foster that appears to be murder. His superior has ordered Jessie to assist him in his investigations but Callan is resistant to the idea. There is a strong connection between him and Jessie but he feels morose and thinks he is too damaged for her. 16 year old Ryan Jones has been referred to Jessie by a senior officer as suffering from mental health issues. Malcolm's disappearance, Danny's death, the suspicious death of Stephen Foster and the trauma of Ryan Jones all slowly emerge to be connected. As the factors behind the suicides become apparent, Jessie finds herself in an impossible situation and in mortal danger.
We delve much more into Jessie's past and how she came to be a patient at Hartmoor Psychiatric Hospital. Whilst Jessie is making inroads into addressing her OCD issues, resulting from the suicide of her 7 year old brother, Jamie, the issues surrounding young men committing suicide unsurprisingly brings her close to mental breaking point. Her honesty about herself and her history to a patient is courageous and allows her to more closely connect with him. She discovers more about Jamie's suicide from her estranged father. This is a novel about fathers and sons, how they fail them, and how their efforts at atonement are too little and come too late to prevent tragic outcomes. A wonderful read that is compelling and well researched. Highly recommended. Thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
March 18, 2018
Seemed a little slow and a plodding 3 star review in the offing.
However it is a complex plot that is wonderfully brought together with skill and ingenuity.
The story begins with Jessie returning to action after an overseas posting. Thereafter, three separate cases fill her first day. An abandon baby that DI Bobby Simmonds, ‘Marilyn’ requests Jessie’s psychological input. This re-unites her with part of the threesome that made the first novel so memorable. She then has an appointment with a young recruit whose commanding officer has concerns over. Then her path crosses Ben Callan’s once more as she is seconded to give her professional opinion on a horrible murder of another young army recruit.
The three strands weave around Jessie although she is not in every chapter it allows great advancement to the story around characters that are clear and from different perspectives to develop the plot.
There is tension between Jessie and Callan; a romance that was strangled before birth, guilt between Marilyn and Callan as one’s actions previously caused the other to be seriously wounded.
Finally Jessie feels conflicted in her involvement with Marilyn in a civil case. However, she feels drawn to those left minding the young child.
Added to the mix are the secrets Callan hides regarding his fitness for work. Jessie’s resentment of her Father, who tries to set up a meeting due to her own involvement in a family suicide.
With a wonderful set of supporting characters. Gold one of Callan’s team, a little too big for his boots and seemingly trying to undermine his boss. The love of her neighbour, who cares for her more than any father. And the attractive motherly doctor who knows Callan’s weakness but has a urge to protect him and wishes she were 30 years younger at times of distracted thoughts.
So a stunning four star novel that cements Kate Medina’s growing reputation and prepares one for her most recent offering Two Little Girls.
Think Deepcut Barracks and you realise that the army protects its own, is steeped in mystery and is a excellent backdrop to this series so far.
Parental abandonment and child abuse also touch the reader and the fire damage of book one shows deeper scars here as Jessie’s character and own demons are laid bare. A compulsive read in every sense and a wonderful novel to embrace.
However it is a complex plot that is wonderfully brought together with skill and ingenuity.
The story begins with Jessie returning to action after an overseas posting. Thereafter, three separate cases fill her first day. An abandon baby that DI Bobby Simmonds, ‘Marilyn’ requests Jessie’s psychological input. This re-unites her with part of the threesome that made the first novel so memorable. She then has an appointment with a young recruit whose commanding officer has concerns over. Then her path crosses Ben Callan’s once more as she is seconded to give her professional opinion on a horrible murder of another young army recruit.
The three strands weave around Jessie although she is not in every chapter it allows great advancement to the story around characters that are clear and from different perspectives to develop the plot.
There is tension between Jessie and Callan; a romance that was strangled before birth, guilt between Marilyn and Callan as one’s actions previously caused the other to be seriously wounded.
Finally Jessie feels conflicted in her involvement with Marilyn in a civil case. However, she feels drawn to those left minding the young child.
Added to the mix are the secrets Callan hides regarding his fitness for work. Jessie’s resentment of her Father, who tries to set up a meeting due to her own involvement in a family suicide.
With a wonderful set of supporting characters. Gold one of Callan’s team, a little too big for his boots and seemingly trying to undermine his boss. The love of her neighbour, who cares for her more than any father. And the attractive motherly doctor who knows Callan’s weakness but has a urge to protect him and wishes she were 30 years younger at times of distracted thoughts.
So a stunning four star novel that cements Kate Medina’s growing reputation and prepares one for her most recent offering Two Little Girls.
Think Deepcut Barracks and you realise that the army protects its own, is steeped in mystery and is a excellent backdrop to this series so far.
Parental abandonment and child abuse also touch the reader and the fire damage of book one shows deeper scars here as Jessie’s character and own demons are laid bare. A compulsive read in every sense and a wonderful novel to embrace.
May 1, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Author Kate Medina’s second entry in the Jessie Flynn crime series, “Scared to Death,” is an entertaining thriller that is sure to delight her fans while leaving others satisfied, but not enthralled. Here’s an overview, without spoilers:
The story moves at a brisk pace, aided by the quick chapters and by continual shifting between the three main characters, Jessie, Captain Callan, and Detective Inspector Bobby Simmons. Ms. Medina artfully weaves multiple mysteries for readers, dropping clues as well as red herrings. Toward the end the pace picks up and races towards the climax, although the ending felt a bit clipped, as if the author was running out of pages and had to end everything quickly. The final chapter for one of the minor characters was a bit unbelievable and thus disappointing.
Readers of Ms. Medina’s first Flynn book, “Fire Damage,” will remember Jessie as an intelligent psychologist dealing with her own personal psychological disorder. The oft-used gimmick of using a physical or emotional problem as a substitute for a character trait is frustrating to see in so many novels, and Ms. Medina has enough talent to forgo using such a technique. However, Jessie is now in her second novel, so there is nothing to do at this juncture but sigh and move on. But…
Captain Callan has his physical issues, compounded by neurological damage that, if exposed, could cost him his career. This leads to additional focus on another character dealing with physical problems rather than moving toward deeper character development. It could be argued by readers that the characters are revealing their personalities through their physical and mental issues. That could be true, though I would prefer to see the cast struggling with their personal foibles rather than constant mentions about uncontrollable things that cannot be defeated.
“Scared to Death” can be read as a standalone, and the author provides enough backstory to understand how Jesse, Callan, and Simmons all met and their subsequent relation to each other. In fact, sometimes it felt like there were too many references, and folks who read this book first may know too much about “Fire Damage” to want to go back and read the first book. For those who wish to know, the book is moderately seasoned with vulgarities including f-bombs, as well as an occasional oath every few chapters.
Overall, “Scared to Death” is a fine entry in this series and I recommend it to lovers of crime mysteries. Four stars.
Author Kate Medina’s second entry in the Jessie Flynn crime series, “Scared to Death,” is an entertaining thriller that is sure to delight her fans while leaving others satisfied, but not enthralled. Here’s an overview, without spoilers:
The story moves at a brisk pace, aided by the quick chapters and by continual shifting between the three main characters, Jessie, Captain Callan, and Detective Inspector Bobby Simmons. Ms. Medina artfully weaves multiple mysteries for readers, dropping clues as well as red herrings. Toward the end the pace picks up and races towards the climax, although the ending felt a bit clipped, as if the author was running out of pages and had to end everything quickly. The final chapter for one of the minor characters was a bit unbelievable and thus disappointing.
Readers of Ms. Medina’s first Flynn book, “Fire Damage,” will remember Jessie as an intelligent psychologist dealing with her own personal psychological disorder. The oft-used gimmick of using a physical or emotional problem as a substitute for a character trait is frustrating to see in so many novels, and Ms. Medina has enough talent to forgo using such a technique. However, Jessie is now in her second novel, so there is nothing to do at this juncture but sigh and move on. But…
Captain Callan has his physical issues, compounded by neurological damage that, if exposed, could cost him his career. This leads to additional focus on another character dealing with physical problems rather than moving toward deeper character development. It could be argued by readers that the characters are revealing their personalities through their physical and mental issues. That could be true, though I would prefer to see the cast struggling with their personal foibles rather than constant mentions about uncontrollable things that cannot be defeated.
“Scared to Death” can be read as a standalone, and the author provides enough backstory to understand how Jesse, Callan, and Simmons all met and their subsequent relation to each other. In fact, sometimes it felt like there were too many references, and folks who read this book first may know too much about “Fire Damage” to want to go back and read the first book. For those who wish to know, the book is moderately seasoned with vulgarities including f-bombs, as well as an occasional oath every few chapters.
Overall, “Scared to Death” is a fine entry in this series and I recommend it to lovers of crime mysteries. Four stars.
May 5, 2017
Great second book in the series Two young men, Danny Lawson, Stephen Foster are dead and a third Ryan Jones is seeking help and counselling from psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn. Are there connections? and can Jessie discover and uncover the closed mind of young soldier Ryan, a deeply troubled and disturbed individual....."He started to fidget, fingers picking at a thread that had come loose from the stitching of his navy blue beret. His nails had been bitten to the quick, the cuticles raw."
This is the second book in the Jessie Flynn crime series and just as enjoyable as the first. It is not so much the story that is at the heart of Kate Medina's writing (although a well structured thriller is always vital) but rather the characters that adorn those pages with all their weaknesses, self doubts, and insecurities, and at this the author excels. Jessie is the central figure a fine and dedicated psychologist and yet possibly one of the most flawed, sensitive and self doubting individuals I have ever encountered. She has borne courageously a troubled childhood with her father departing the marital home, making her feel responsible for her younger, and sick, brother Jamie...."My father dumped me when I was twelve, dumped Jamie when he was only five, sick, dying. He dumped all of us for that...Bi**h" This has tragic consequences when Jamie commits suicide and is discovered by Jessie on her return home, something she will never recover from feeling responsible for his death as she was not present when it happened. She suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder indicated by her extreme sense of order...."She put the kettle back on its stand, straightened the handle flush with the wall"......"the bread and butter lined side by side on the top shelf, an identical space between each item."
Captain Ben Callan is employed as an officer in the Special Investigation Branch. He previously served courageously in Afghanistan and as a young soldier...."he had already taken two bullets whilst on duty. The first a gift from the Taliban eighteen months ago in Afghanistan, still lodged in his brain; the fallout permanent seizures, manageable at the moment with drugs..." Captain Callan has not disclosed his tenuous and fragile health prognosis to his employers for to do so, in his opinion, would surely mean his instant dismissal. As a result of this injury the unfortunate Callan now suffers seizures and blackouts manifesting in the form of epileptic fits. There would appear to be an attraction between Ben and Jessie possibly two wounded souls seeking comfort in the arms of the other. This is something that the reader really hopes will happen, will they or wont they is an occurring theme throughout the story. DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons contributes a little light relief if only for the fact that his nickname..." which he had acquired on his first day with Surrey and Sussex Major Crimes thanks to an uncanny resemblance to the ageing American rocker Marilyn Manson.
So with some great leading players and an enjoyable story that results in the exposure of a well hidden killer this the second book in the series draws to a dramatic close. The author has created a wonderful heroine and there must certainly be many more secrets to discover in the further adventures of Jessie and Ben in book 3 of the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for supplying me with a gratis copy for an honest review and that is what I have written.
This is the second book in the Jessie Flynn crime series and just as enjoyable as the first. It is not so much the story that is at the heart of Kate Medina's writing (although a well structured thriller is always vital) but rather the characters that adorn those pages with all their weaknesses, self doubts, and insecurities, and at this the author excels. Jessie is the central figure a fine and dedicated psychologist and yet possibly one of the most flawed, sensitive and self doubting individuals I have ever encountered. She has borne courageously a troubled childhood with her father departing the marital home, making her feel responsible for her younger, and sick, brother Jamie...."My father dumped me when I was twelve, dumped Jamie when he was only five, sick, dying. He dumped all of us for that...Bi**h" This has tragic consequences when Jamie commits suicide and is discovered by Jessie on her return home, something she will never recover from feeling responsible for his death as she was not present when it happened. She suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder indicated by her extreme sense of order...."She put the kettle back on its stand, straightened the handle flush with the wall"......"the bread and butter lined side by side on the top shelf, an identical space between each item."
Captain Ben Callan is employed as an officer in the Special Investigation Branch. He previously served courageously in Afghanistan and as a young soldier...."he had already taken two bullets whilst on duty. The first a gift from the Taliban eighteen months ago in Afghanistan, still lodged in his brain; the fallout permanent seizures, manageable at the moment with drugs..." Captain Callan has not disclosed his tenuous and fragile health prognosis to his employers for to do so, in his opinion, would surely mean his instant dismissal. As a result of this injury the unfortunate Callan now suffers seizures and blackouts manifesting in the form of epileptic fits. There would appear to be an attraction between Ben and Jessie possibly two wounded souls seeking comfort in the arms of the other. This is something that the reader really hopes will happen, will they or wont they is an occurring theme throughout the story. DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons contributes a little light relief if only for the fact that his nickname..." which he had acquired on his first day with Surrey and Sussex Major Crimes thanks to an uncanny resemblance to the ageing American rocker Marilyn Manson.
So with some great leading players and an enjoyable story that results in the exposure of a well hidden killer this the second book in the series draws to a dramatic close. The author has created a wonderful heroine and there must certainly be many more secrets to discover in the further adventures of Jessie and Ben in book 3 of the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for supplying me with a gratis copy for an honest review and that is what I have written.
May 5, 2017
Two young men, Danny Lawson, Stephen Foster are dead and a third Ryan Jones is seeking help and counselling from psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn. Are there connections? and can Jessie discover and uncover the closed mind of young soldier Ryan, a deeply troubled and disturbed individual....."He started to fidget, fingers picking at a thread that had come loose from the stitching of his navy blue beret. His nails had been bitten to the quick, the cuticles raw."
This is the second book in the Jessie Flynn crime series and just as enjoyable as the first. It is not so much the story that is at the heart of Kate Medina's writing (although a well structured thriller is always vital) but rather the characters that adorn those pages with all their weaknesses, self doubts, and insecurities, and at this the author excels. Jessie is the central figure a fine and dedicated psychologist and yet possibly one of the most flawed, sensitive and self doubting individuals I have ever encountered. She has borne courageously a troubled childhood with her father departing the marital home, making her feel responsible for her younger, and sick, brother Jamie...."My father dumped me when I was twelve, dumped Jamie when he was only five, sick, dying. He dumped all of us for that...Bi**h" This has tragic consequences when Jamie commits suicide and is discovered by Jessie on her return home, something she will never recover from feeling responsible for his death as she was not present when it happened. She suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder indicated by her extreme sense of order...."She put the kettle back on its stand, straightened the handle flush with the wall"......"the bread and butter lined side by side on the top shelf, an identical space between each item."
Captain Ben Callan is employed as an officer in the Special Investigation Branch. He previously served courageously in Afghanistan and as a young soldier...."he had already taken two bullets whilst on duty. The first a gift from the Taliban eighteen months ago in Afghanistan, still lodged in his brain; the fallout permanent seizures, manageable at the moment with drugs..." Captain Callan has not disclosed his tenuous and fragile health prognosis to his employers for to do so, in his opinion, would surely mean his instant dismissal. As a result of this injury the unfortunate Callan now suffers seizures and blackouts manifesting in the form of epileptic fits. There would appear to be an attraction between Ben and Jessie possibly two wounded souls seeking comfort in the arms of the other. This is something that the reader really hopes will happen, will they or wont they is an occurring theme throughout the story. DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons contributes a little light relief if only for the fact that his nickname..." which he had acquired on his first day with Surrey and Sussex Major Crimes thanks to an uncanny resemblance to the ageing American rocker Marilyn Manson.
So with some great leading players and an enjoyable story that results in the exposure of a well hidden killer this the second book in the series draws to a dramatic close. The author has created a wonderful heroine and there must certainly be many more secrets to discover in the further adventures of Jessie and Ben in book 3 of the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for supplying me with a gratis copy for an honest review and that is what I have written.
This is the second book in the Jessie Flynn crime series and just as enjoyable as the first. It is not so much the story that is at the heart of Kate Medina's writing (although a well structured thriller is always vital) but rather the characters that adorn those pages with all their weaknesses, self doubts, and insecurities, and at this the author excels. Jessie is the central figure a fine and dedicated psychologist and yet possibly one of the most flawed, sensitive and self doubting individuals I have ever encountered. She has borne courageously a troubled childhood with her father departing the marital home, making her feel responsible for her younger, and sick, brother Jamie...."My father dumped me when I was twelve, dumped Jamie when he was only five, sick, dying. He dumped all of us for that...Bi**h" This has tragic consequences when Jamie commits suicide and is discovered by Jessie on her return home, something she will never recover from feeling responsible for his death as she was not present when it happened. She suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder indicated by her extreme sense of order...."She put the kettle back on its stand, straightened the handle flush with the wall"......"the bread and butter lined side by side on the top shelf, an identical space between each item."
Captain Ben Callan is employed as an officer in the Special Investigation Branch. He previously served courageously in Afghanistan and as a young soldier...."he had already taken two bullets whilst on duty. The first a gift from the Taliban eighteen months ago in Afghanistan, still lodged in his brain; the fallout permanent seizures, manageable at the moment with drugs..." Captain Callan has not disclosed his tenuous and fragile health prognosis to his employers for to do so, in his opinion, would surely mean his instant dismissal. As a result of this injury the unfortunate Callan now suffers seizures and blackouts manifesting in the form of epileptic fits. There would appear to be an attraction between Ben and Jessie possibly two wounded souls seeking comfort in the arms of the other. This is something that the reader really hopes will happen, will they or wont they is an occurring theme throughout the story. DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons contributes a little light relief if only for the fact that his nickname..." which he had acquired on his first day with Surrey and Sussex Major Crimes thanks to an uncanny resemblance to the ageing American rocker Marilyn Manson.
So with some great leading players and an enjoyable story that results in the exposure of a well hidden killer this the second book in the series draws to a dramatic close. The author has created a wonderful heroine and there must certainly be many more secrets to discover in the further adventures of Jessie and Ben in book 3 of the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for supplying me with a gratis copy for an honest review and that is what I have written.
August 2, 2018
just couldn't get into this.... read up until chapter 12 then gave up.
May 29, 2017
I loved Kate Medina's first Jessie Flynn book so I was delighted to see another one come along. Could it live up to the previous one? I would say that this one is even better. This book works well as a stand alone story although it is nice to flesh out Jessie's story and find out more about her.
A baby is abandoned outside a busy A & E department. A father refuses to believe his son killed himself. An army recruit is found dead having committed suicide in a particularly unusual way, another is found dead from a screwdriver through his throat.
Jessie finds herself being consulted on these events whilst trying to stop another young soldier from taking his life. Working with Callen, the damaged military policeman and 'Marilyn' the civilian detective they attempt to find the connection and stop further damage being done to young people,
I read this in a day ,It was a gripping story with great characters. I hope there will be more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this great book.
A baby is abandoned outside a busy A & E department. A father refuses to believe his son killed himself. An army recruit is found dead having committed suicide in a particularly unusual way, another is found dead from a screwdriver through his throat.
Jessie finds herself being consulted on these events whilst trying to stop another young soldier from taking his life. Working with Callen, the damaged military policeman and 'Marilyn' the civilian detective they attempt to find the connection and stop further damage being done to young people,
I read this in a day ,It was a gripping story with great characters. I hope there will be more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this great book.
February 26, 2019
Dr Jessie Flynn is back to work faced with a young army recruit who is experiencing difficulties. Captain Callan is working the case of another young recruit who has been murdered and Marilyn is investigating the disappearance of a man who left his baby at the hospital. Are these cases linked? This was such a gripping read and I devoured it. The characters are established from afire Damage and I can’t wait to read the next one. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2017
A baby is abandoned in the middle of the night at Royal Surrey County Hospital. DI Bobby ‘Marilyn’ Simmons suspects the father is planning to take his own life following the violent suicide of his eldest son Danny a year earlier. The race is on to find him.
Captain Ben Callan is investigating a suspicious death. Just sixteen years old, Stephen Foster has been stabbed in the neck and abandoned in the woods. Someone tried to save his life – but who? And why haven’t they come forward?
When psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn is called in to consult on both cases, she sees connections between the deaths of Danny and Stephen. And when she starts counselling a third traumatized young man, Jessie fears he faces the same fate…
My Review
The second in the series of Dr. Jessie Flynn and Kate Medina surely hasn't disappointed in writing another cracking thriller.
The first three chapters sets up Scared to Death, continuing at a fast pace, with red herrings and plenty of moments to make you gasp.
Jessie is a military psychologist returning from a three month tour taking on the case of a young army recruit Ryan Jones who has some deep seated psychological issues. DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmons has a need for Jessie's help, a baby has been abandoned at the local A&E department and his father is missing. Callan is avoiding Jessie unwilling to ask for help with the death of a sixteen year old army cadet. Three cases are they related, and if so how.
Kate has elaborated more on the character of Jessie allowing you to better understand Jessie's emotional turbulence and habitual OCD, revealing more of the type of person Jessie is.
Sacred to Death could easily be read as a standalone, but I definitely think reading the first in the series Fire Damage would enhance your reading of Scared to Death.
With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Kate Medina for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Captain Ben Callan is investigating a suspicious death. Just sixteen years old, Stephen Foster has been stabbed in the neck and abandoned in the woods. Someone tried to save his life – but who? And why haven’t they come forward?
When psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn is called in to consult on both cases, she sees connections between the deaths of Danny and Stephen. And when she starts counselling a third traumatized young man, Jessie fears he faces the same fate…
My Review
The second in the series of Dr. Jessie Flynn and Kate Medina surely hasn't disappointed in writing another cracking thriller.
The first three chapters sets up Scared to Death, continuing at a fast pace, with red herrings and plenty of moments to make you gasp.
Jessie is a military psychologist returning from a three month tour taking on the case of a young army recruit Ryan Jones who has some deep seated psychological issues. DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmons has a need for Jessie's help, a baby has been abandoned at the local A&E department and his father is missing. Callan is avoiding Jessie unwilling to ask for help with the death of a sixteen year old army cadet. Three cases are they related, and if so how.
Kate has elaborated more on the character of Jessie allowing you to better understand Jessie's emotional turbulence and habitual OCD, revealing more of the type of person Jessie is.
Sacred to Death could easily be read as a standalone, but I definitely think reading the first in the series Fire Damage would enhance your reading of Scared to Death.
With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Kate Medina for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
I would like to thank HarperCollins via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. I give this book 5 stars.
I read the first book Fire Damage by Kate and loved it, so of course I had to read this one.
This book follows Ben Callan as he tries to resolve the case of a baby who is abandoned in the doors of A and E, Callan tries his very best to solve it on his own and fight the urge to ask Jessie Flynn for help but it is clear that he needs her.
I won't say more about the book as I don't want to spoil it for those who :) ave not yet read it.
But...... OH MY GOD Kate I was not expecting that outcome. Thank you so much for giving me a great read. I really enjoyed the series, you really know how to keep people interested and glued to the book right through until the end. I look forward to reading your future books.
I read the first book Fire Damage by Kate and loved it, so of course I had to read this one.
This book follows Ben Callan as he tries to resolve the case of a baby who is abandoned in the doors of A and E, Callan tries his very best to solve it on his own and fight the urge to ask Jessie Flynn for help but it is clear that he needs her.
I won't say more about the book as I don't want to spoil it for those who :) ave not yet read it.
But...... OH MY GOD Kate I was not expecting that outcome. Thank you so much for giving me a great read. I really enjoyed the series, you really know how to keep people interested and glued to the book right through until the end. I look forward to reading your future books.
August 31, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ IT WAS GOOD BUT NOT GREAT -- This book was enjoyable, but I didn't LOVE it. I may have had some small issues with things like the plot or characterisation, or it may have just been a bit slow occasionally which led to my attention wandering. I'll also probably not remember this book distinctly in a few months time. Still, I would recommend this book to people who like other similar works.
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My ranking criteria (✅= Yes, ❌= No, ➖= Kind of/a little bit):
*Bonus points if I can't put the book down, it makes me feel strong emotion, or genuinely surprises me in some way.
*Penalty points for editing errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.), for children who act too mature or too young for their age (this is a bugbear of mine), or if there is something in the book that just really pisses me off for any reason.
1. I was sucked into the story from the beginning ✅
2. The story had a proper beginning, middle, and end ✅
3. The writing evoked a feeling of suspense ✅
4. I was engaged the whole way through/didn't get bored ✅
5. The characters were interesting ➖
6. There was some form of character development ➖
7. The book wasn't predictable in terms of relying on tired tropes, clichés, themes, stereotypes, etc. ➖
8. I cared about the outcome of the story ✅
9. I didn't work out the ending/the ending surprised me ➖
10. The ending was satisfying ✅
🌟 Bonus points: None.
☠️ Penalty points: -1 (There were numerous things in this book that annoyed the crap out of me. See below for more info).
🏅 OVERALL RANKING: 7/10 (3.5/5 stars)
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Thoughts, Conclusion, and Recommendation:
Scared to Death is book 2 in the Jessie Flynn series by Kate Medina. In this book, Jessie is asked to talk to a 16-year-old boy army recruit about some nonspecific issues that he's been having, and then is requested to help Captain Ben Callan from the military police, with an investigation into another 16-year-old boy found stabbed in the neck and dead in the woods. Meanwhile DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmonds is investigating the case of a baby abandoned outside a hospital.
My first thought upon reading the blurb on the back of the book was "you've got to be kidding me! Are we supposed to believe that three seemingly unrelated cases (each assigned to one of our main characters) are actually related AGAIN?!" I was willing to suspend my disbelief in Fire Damage (book 1 in the series) in regards to that, but having the exact same thing happen in Scared to Death just pushed me past the edge of believability. I really hope that the author doesn't try this on again in the third book.
Another issue that I had was Jessie referring to her "slutty power dressing" and "hooker heels" numerous times. I despise slut shaming in books, and having the female protagonist do it to herself is wholly unnecessary. A woman can wear tight clothes, or short skirts, or high heels, without it having anything to do with her sexuality. And it certainly doesn't make her a slut to wear any one of those things, or even all of them at once. I just wish that authors would stop doing this. Jessie can hate wearing high heels without making it into a "hooker heels" issue. Sigh.
Issue number 3 and 4 are kind of combined. It really infuriated me when Jessie's neighbour Ahmose (portrayed as a kindly, thoughtful, sweet old man, and father figure to Jessie) lets her biological father into her house to wait for her when she's still at work. Ahmose knew that she didn't want to see her father or have anything to do with him, and yet, he just overruled her and decided he knew best; at best putting her into an incredibly uncomfortable position, and at worst, possibly putting her in danger. I mean, Jessie hasn't told Ahmose (as far as we know anyway), her whole history, and he had absolutely no business interfering like that. IT'S NOT ALWAYS BEST TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENTS, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S TOXIC TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!! Gah!!! More people need to realise that and stop butting in. Following on from this, Jessie is talking to her father, and says: "I lost my father, then I lost my brother, and then that bitch threw Pandy away - the last thing I had of Jamie's - and then I lost a year of my life, locked up in that shithole, because of her," (her being Diane, Jessie's father's new wife). Jessie saying this was so bloody hypocritical when remembering that SHE BURNED ALL OF JAMIE'S BELONGINGS EXCEPT FOR PANDY. SMH 🤦🏼♀️ You did that Jessie! At least you bloody got to keep Pandy, your poor mum (WHO LOST HER SON) got absolutely nothing!!! Aaaarrggghhh!! 😡 It makes me so mad!! And this woman is supposed to be a psychologist?!
Ahem, sorry for the rant. Aside from the abovementioned issues, Scared to Death was an enjoyable, suspenseful book. And despite my issues, it was better than book 1 (Fire Damage), and I will be reading book 3 in the series. I would recommend this series to people who like mysteries/psychological thrillers. Kate Medina is not a bad writer by any means, and if her books continue to improve, she'll be moving from "pretty good" to "really good" in no time. 3.5 stars (rounded down to 3 for the purposes of Goodreads).
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My ranking criteria (✅= Yes, ❌= No, ➖= Kind of/a little bit):
*Bonus points if I can't put the book down, it makes me feel strong emotion, or genuinely surprises me in some way.
*Penalty points for editing errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.), for children who act too mature or too young for their age (this is a bugbear of mine), or if there is something in the book that just really pisses me off for any reason.
1. I was sucked into the story from the beginning ✅
2. The story had a proper beginning, middle, and end ✅
3. The writing evoked a feeling of suspense ✅
4. I was engaged the whole way through/didn't get bored ✅
5. The characters were interesting ➖
6. There was some form of character development ➖
7. The book wasn't predictable in terms of relying on tired tropes, clichés, themes, stereotypes, etc. ➖
8. I cared about the outcome of the story ✅
9. I didn't work out the ending/the ending surprised me ➖
10. The ending was satisfying ✅
🌟 Bonus points: None.
☠️ Penalty points: -1 (There were numerous things in this book that annoyed the crap out of me. See below for more info).
🏅 OVERALL RANKING: 7/10 (3.5/5 stars)
----------
Thoughts, Conclusion, and Recommendation:
Scared to Death is book 2 in the Jessie Flynn series by Kate Medina. In this book, Jessie is asked to talk to a 16-year-old boy army recruit about some nonspecific issues that he's been having, and then is requested to help Captain Ben Callan from the military police, with an investigation into another 16-year-old boy found stabbed in the neck and dead in the woods. Meanwhile DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmonds is investigating the case of a baby abandoned outside a hospital.
My first thought upon reading the blurb on the back of the book was "you've got to be kidding me! Are we supposed to believe that three seemingly unrelated cases (each assigned to one of our main characters) are actually related AGAIN?!" I was willing to suspend my disbelief in Fire Damage (book 1 in the series) in regards to that, but having the exact same thing happen in Scared to Death just pushed me past the edge of believability. I really hope that the author doesn't try this on again in the third book.
Another issue that I had was Jessie referring to her "slutty power dressing" and "hooker heels" numerous times. I despise slut shaming in books, and having the female protagonist do it to herself is wholly unnecessary. A woman can wear tight clothes, or short skirts, or high heels, without it having anything to do with her sexuality. And it certainly doesn't make her a slut to wear any one of those things, or even all of them at once. I just wish that authors would stop doing this. Jessie can hate wearing high heels without making it into a "hooker heels" issue. Sigh.
Issue number 3 and 4 are kind of combined. It really infuriated me when Jessie's neighbour Ahmose (portrayed as a kindly, thoughtful, sweet old man, and father figure to Jessie) lets her biological father into her house to wait for her when she's still at work. Ahmose knew that she didn't want to see her father or have anything to do with him, and yet, he just overruled her and decided he knew best; at best putting her into an incredibly uncomfortable position, and at worst, possibly putting her in danger. I mean, Jessie hasn't told Ahmose (as far as we know anyway), her whole history, and he had absolutely no business interfering like that. IT'S NOT ALWAYS BEST TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENTS, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S TOXIC TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!! Gah!!! More people need to realise that and stop butting in. Following on from this, Jessie is talking to her father, and says: "I lost my father, then I lost my brother, and then that bitch threw Pandy away - the last thing I had of Jamie's - and then I lost a year of my life, locked up in that shithole, because of her," (her being Diane, Jessie's father's new wife). Jessie saying this was so bloody hypocritical when remembering that SHE BURNED ALL OF JAMIE'S BELONGINGS EXCEPT FOR PANDY. SMH 🤦🏼♀️ You did that Jessie! At least you bloody got to keep Pandy, your poor mum (WHO LOST HER SON) got absolutely nothing!!! Aaaarrggghhh!! 😡 It makes me so mad!! And this woman is supposed to be a psychologist?!
Ahem, sorry for the rant. Aside from the abovementioned issues, Scared to Death was an enjoyable, suspenseful book. And despite my issues, it was better than book 1 (Fire Damage), and I will be reading book 3 in the series. I would recommend this series to people who like mysteries/psychological thrillers. Kate Medina is not a bad writer by any means, and if her books continue to improve, she'll be moving from "pretty good" to "really good" in no time. 3.5 stars (rounded down to 3 for the purposes of Goodreads).
May 6, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy of Scared to Death, the second novel to feature military psychologist, Jessie Flynn.
After 3 months work on a navy destroyer in the Gulf it's straight back to regular work for Jessie and an appointment with 16 year old Ryan Jones referred for unspecified mental health problems but before that she is asked to help DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons interview Mrs Lawson whose son is missing and baby grandson has been left in the local A&E. Not normally one for the military, but Malcolm Lawson's son committed suicide the previous year after a few months in the army and Malcolm spent a lot of energy trying to get his death investigated. In the meantime Captain Ben Callan of the Military Police is investigating the murder of a 16 year old squaddie.
I enjoyed Scared to Death as Ms Medina has a very readable writing style. I was drawn in and just wanted to keep reading, wondering how all the diverse strands would come together. I was a bit disappointed when the perpetrator was revealed as I was expecting a bit more than I got but the journey to that point is absorbing.
I like the main protagonists, Jessie, Ben and Marilyn, who are all pleasant, smart, dedicated individuals but their troubles are becoming excessive. I understand that most authors feel that they have to give their protagonists an edge of some kind or another, but all 3? Jessie has OCD due to her brother's suicide as a child and gains more problems in this novel. Ben has epilepsy which he hasn't disclosed to the army and Marilyn seems stuck in his early 20s with a lifestyle not befitting either his age or his job. I feel these issues detract from their character.
Scared to Death is not the perfect novel but, minor quibbles aside, it is a good, absorbing read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
After 3 months work on a navy destroyer in the Gulf it's straight back to regular work for Jessie and an appointment with 16 year old Ryan Jones referred for unspecified mental health problems but before that she is asked to help DI Bobby "Marilyn" Simmons interview Mrs Lawson whose son is missing and baby grandson has been left in the local A&E. Not normally one for the military, but Malcolm Lawson's son committed suicide the previous year after a few months in the army and Malcolm spent a lot of energy trying to get his death investigated. In the meantime Captain Ben Callan of the Military Police is investigating the murder of a 16 year old squaddie.
I enjoyed Scared to Death as Ms Medina has a very readable writing style. I was drawn in and just wanted to keep reading, wondering how all the diverse strands would come together. I was a bit disappointed when the perpetrator was revealed as I was expecting a bit more than I got but the journey to that point is absorbing.
I like the main protagonists, Jessie, Ben and Marilyn, who are all pleasant, smart, dedicated individuals but their troubles are becoming excessive. I understand that most authors feel that they have to give their protagonists an edge of some kind or another, but all 3? Jessie has OCD due to her brother's suicide as a child and gains more problems in this novel. Ben has epilepsy which he hasn't disclosed to the army and Marilyn seems stuck in his early 20s with a lifestyle not befitting either his age or his job. I feel these issues detract from their character.
Scared to Death is not the perfect novel but, minor quibbles aside, it is a good, absorbing read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 12, 2019
Scared to Death , is a psychological thriller where everyone is asking “Was there a crime?” The primary protagonist Dr. Jessie Flynnis a bright psychologist, with significant problems of her own, divides her time working at the Defence Psychology Service and consulting with the local police agency. Scared to Death is the second novel in the excellent Jessie Flynn series written by Kate Medina.
The story begins with a reflection back eleven years where a murder takes place, then it moves to a recent suicide, and then to an baby being deserted in a local hospital. The story then coalesces into a two investigations one by the local police and the other by the Royal Military Police with Jessie Flynn consulting on both cases independently. She can’t help but think the cases are linked to a patient she is currently treating.
The character development is excellent. Everyone is messed up. Jessie has a history that plagues her, Captain Ben Calllan has a bullet in his brain and DI Bobby Simmons has poor health habits and looks like Marilyn Manson. All three are fascinating characters and well worth getting to know.
The beginning of the novel is confusing because there are so many parallel stories that do not appear to be linked. This all straightens out but it requires patience and a good memory. I don’t hold this against the book. It kept me reading. When revealed the real story is a bit horrific but very interesting and extremely well written.
I highly recommend this novel and give it a 5 on 5 because although convoluted, the story is diverse and the characters are interesting. This is part of a series re: Jessie Flynn, and I am anxious to read more.
The story begins with a reflection back eleven years where a murder takes place, then it moves to a recent suicide, and then to an baby being deserted in a local hospital. The story then coalesces into a two investigations one by the local police and the other by the Royal Military Police with Jessie Flynn consulting on both cases independently. She can’t help but think the cases are linked to a patient she is currently treating.
The character development is excellent. Everyone is messed up. Jessie has a history that plagues her, Captain Ben Calllan has a bullet in his brain and DI Bobby Simmons has poor health habits and looks like Marilyn Manson. All three are fascinating characters and well worth getting to know.
The beginning of the novel is confusing because there are so many parallel stories that do not appear to be linked. This all straightens out but it requires patience and a good memory. I don’t hold this against the book. It kept me reading. When revealed the real story is a bit horrific but very interesting and extremely well written.
I highly recommend this novel and give it a 5 on 5 because although convoluted, the story is diverse and the characters are interesting. This is part of a series re: Jessie Flynn, and I am anxious to read more.
August 17, 2020
Dr Jessie Flynn is back in the second book in Kate Medina’s new series, Scared to Death. The discovery of a baby left abandoned in a pram at a hospital prompts the investigating team to get in touch with Jessie. It is believed that the baby has links to a military family. It would have to been someone in a desperate situation to leave the baby behind and with no contact details. Who could do such a thing? But as an investigation begins into the suspicious circumstances, Jessie is called away again when the body of sixteen-year-old boy has been found. But the strange events don’t end here and soon Jessie finds herself pulled into a deeper mystery which has devastating consequences for those involved.
I was a huge fan of Kate Medina’s first book in this series, Fire Damage, which I read a few years ago now, and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to catch up. Jessie is such an intriguing character who is really likeable. Her past is a chilling one and in this novel, we begin to learn more details about Jessie. Kate Medina also explores Jessie’s relationship with her father who she is estranged from. He has been trying to get back in contact with her, but Jessie is less than keen to grant him his wish. You can also see that her father isn’t willing to give up easily.
Jessie is a psychologist for the military and she is currently having sessions with one young man who they believe to be at risk of committing suicide. Jessie is determined to get to the root cause of the man’s problems, but she has no idea how they are connected to the other investigations she is involved in.
I really like Jessie’s friendship with her neighbour, Ahmose, who is one of the most likeable characters out of the series. Although he is only a minor character, he always manages to make me smile and I think he would be a great friend and neighbour for anyone to have.
The parts I find really interesting about this series is Jessie’s work. Kate Medina is a psychologist and you can see from her writing that this is an area that she knows a lot about. But the added depth to Jessie’s character is what makes this part of the novel far more intriguing. Jessie was once in a psychiatric hospital and you can see that she has deeper understanding of what her patients are going through.
Short and pacy chapters keep the pace flying forward. Scared to Death is an excellent addition to this series and I can’t wait to catch up on book three.
I was a huge fan of Kate Medina’s first book in this series, Fire Damage, which I read a few years ago now, and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to catch up. Jessie is such an intriguing character who is really likeable. Her past is a chilling one and in this novel, we begin to learn more details about Jessie. Kate Medina also explores Jessie’s relationship with her father who she is estranged from. He has been trying to get back in contact with her, but Jessie is less than keen to grant him his wish. You can also see that her father isn’t willing to give up easily.
Jessie is a psychologist for the military and she is currently having sessions with one young man who they believe to be at risk of committing suicide. Jessie is determined to get to the root cause of the man’s problems, but she has no idea how they are connected to the other investigations she is involved in.
I really like Jessie’s friendship with her neighbour, Ahmose, who is one of the most likeable characters out of the series. Although he is only a minor character, he always manages to make me smile and I think he would be a great friend and neighbour for anyone to have.
The parts I find really interesting about this series is Jessie’s work. Kate Medina is a psychologist and you can see from her writing that this is an area that she knows a lot about. But the added depth to Jessie’s character is what makes this part of the novel far more intriguing. Jessie was once in a psychiatric hospital and you can see that she has deeper understanding of what her patients are going through.
Short and pacy chapters keep the pace flying forward. Scared to Death is an excellent addition to this series and I can’t wait to catch up on book three.
May 30, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free preview copy in return for an honest review.
This is the second instalment in the Dr Jessica Flynn series, but it sits well as a stand-alone novel.
Baby Harry is abandoned outside a busy Accident and Emergency Department. The hunt is on to find his father who may be suicidal after his other son’s recent suicide on an army base.
Meanwhile a 16 year old is found dead on an army base. Someone tried to save his life but whom?
Dr Jessica Flynn is called in as a consultant psychologist and when young soldier from the same army base is referred to her for counselling she fears he too may be suicidal. Are the cases connected and if so how?
Note: Amended to 4 stars as I really did enjoy this.
The novel moves on a quick pace, with the quick chapters and changes of scene. Then it hurtles at speed to the climax that comes from nowhere. Although when you reflect you realise that you, like Jessica and her colleague Ben Callan, have simply followed the red herrings set down by the author.
It’s an intriguing mystery that will keep you wondering until the end, and I am looking forward to reading the next in instalment in the Dr Jessica Flynn series.
This is the second instalment in the Dr Jessica Flynn series, but it sits well as a stand-alone novel.
Baby Harry is abandoned outside a busy Accident and Emergency Department. The hunt is on to find his father who may be suicidal after his other son’s recent suicide on an army base.
Meanwhile a 16 year old is found dead on an army base. Someone tried to save his life but whom?
Dr Jessica Flynn is called in as a consultant psychologist and when young soldier from the same army base is referred to her for counselling she fears he too may be suicidal. Are the cases connected and if so how?
Note: Amended to 4 stars as I really did enjoy this.
The novel moves on a quick pace, with the quick chapters and changes of scene. Then it hurtles at speed to the climax that comes from nowhere. Although when you reflect you realise that you, like Jessica and her colleague Ben Callan, have simply followed the red herrings set down by the author.
It’s an intriguing mystery that will keep you wondering until the end, and I am looking forward to reading the next in instalment in the Dr Jessica Flynn series.
June 23, 2017
This is the 2nd book that Jessie Flynn gets to work with Captain Ben Callan and she doesn't know how to respond towards him at all. As a psychologist she is a pretty poor reader of people at times.
This book starts as Jessie returns home from having worked on a war ship for several months, to distance herself from Captain Callan as much as anything else. She is quickly back in the saddle after a baby is abandoned in a local hospital and the police think the father is going to take his own life and ask Jessie to help them find him before it's too late.
Meanwhile Ben Callan is dealing with a suicide on the local army base. Soon Jessie is working with a very young soldier on the same base who the regimental Religious Officer felt needed some extra emotional support.
Before long it becomes clear to all involved that the two cases are linked and the deaths just keep on coming.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I felt that Jessie was more comfortable with her role and as more of her history was shared it became much clearer why she acts the she does at times. The tension between Jessie and Captain Callan must surely be obvious to those around them?
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This book starts as Jessie returns home from having worked on a war ship for several months, to distance herself from Captain Callan as much as anything else. She is quickly back in the saddle after a baby is abandoned in a local hospital and the police think the father is going to take his own life and ask Jessie to help them find him before it's too late.
Meanwhile Ben Callan is dealing with a suicide on the local army base. Soon Jessie is working with a very young soldier on the same base who the regimental Religious Officer felt needed some extra emotional support.
Before long it becomes clear to all involved that the two cases are linked and the deaths just keep on coming.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I felt that Jessie was more comfortable with her role and as more of her history was shared it became much clearer why she acts the she does at times. The tension between Jessie and Captain Callan must surely be obvious to those around them?
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 2, 2017
An abandoned baby; 16-year-old cadets and a psychologist - a recipe for murder.
Dr Jessie Flynn is a psychologist called in when a baby is abandoned in the local hospital. D I Bobby Simmonds suspects the father is going to take his own life.
Meanwhile Captain Ben Callen is investigating the suspicious death of a cadet. Jessie is having to deal with these cases as well as her counselling sessions and her own personal tragedy and mental instability.
This is the second Jessie Flynn book but this book reads as a stand-alone.
A good story in the genre of the tv detective series. I read it in a couple of days as it was so easy to keep turning those pages. The characters are excellent and the love interest gets to you and you want one of them to make the first move.
My only problem is Jessie’s OCD which she seems to turn off and on when it suited the story. Surely her boss would have had to have something to say about it?
An enjoyable story and I am looking forward to reading some more by Ms Medina.
Helen.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Dr Jessie Flynn is a psychologist called in when a baby is abandoned in the local hospital. D I Bobby Simmonds suspects the father is going to take his own life.
Meanwhile Captain Ben Callen is investigating the suspicious death of a cadet. Jessie is having to deal with these cases as well as her counselling sessions and her own personal tragedy and mental instability.
This is the second Jessie Flynn book but this book reads as a stand-alone.
A good story in the genre of the tv detective series. I read it in a couple of days as it was so easy to keep turning those pages. The characters are excellent and the love interest gets to you and you want one of them to make the first move.
My only problem is Jessie’s OCD which she seems to turn off and on when it suited the story. Surely her boss would have had to have something to say about it?
An enjoyable story and I am looking forward to reading some more by Ms Medina.
Helen.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 5, 2017
A gripping thriller filled with twists, turns, suspects aplenty, and red herrings...and, to my shame,
I didn't guess whodunit despite the clues!
The characters from the first in the series, Jessie, "Marilyn", and Callan, return and find themselves bound together as their cases collide.
It was good to have more of their backstories, in particular Jessie's, as they go a long way to explaining what is far from "normal" behaviour, and why the characters act and react as they do.
After a slowish start the pace of the plot picks up and races to an unexpected (for me) ending.
At times the story makes for uncomfortable reading as it deals with suicide and sexual abuse. However, this is handled sensitively and without gratuitous scenes.
Under the main threads of the plot we also have the relationship between Jessie and Callan. It is nowhere near as relaxed as it was in book 1 and this does have an impact on the investigations.
This a very well written novel and I'm looking forward to book 3.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.
I didn't guess whodunit despite the clues!
The characters from the first in the series, Jessie, "Marilyn", and Callan, return and find themselves bound together as their cases collide.
It was good to have more of their backstories, in particular Jessie's, as they go a long way to explaining what is far from "normal" behaviour, and why the characters act and react as they do.
After a slowish start the pace of the plot picks up and races to an unexpected (for me) ending.
At times the story makes for uncomfortable reading as it deals with suicide and sexual abuse. However, this is handled sensitively and without gratuitous scenes.
Under the main threads of the plot we also have the relationship between Jessie and Callan. It is nowhere near as relaxed as it was in book 1 and this does have an impact on the investigations.
This a very well written novel and I'm looking forward to book 3.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.
May 22, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the Jessie Flynn series - I read the 1st one and although I like it there were times when I didnt feel connected to the story or the characters. I am so glad I gave Medina another chance as this book takes the foundations of characters in book 1 and really develops them and adds 'flesh' to them.... I also found teh story more interesting.
The format follows the same as book 1 - psychologist Jessie Flynn, Captain and military police Callan, and Detective Inspector Bobby Simmons all have 3 seperate cases to look into... but all end up drawn into the same heartbreaking, shocking crime.
The storyline has hints of real life events and is presented the reader in a detailed but not graphic way - definitely kept me guessing till the end with several red herrings on the way.
The main characters all likeable in their own way - although it can be quite draining on the reader when all 3 main characters have so mnay problems and issues!
Im looking forward to book 3!
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in return for an honest review :-)
The format follows the same as book 1 - psychologist Jessie Flynn, Captain and military police Callan, and Detective Inspector Bobby Simmons all have 3 seperate cases to look into... but all end up drawn into the same heartbreaking, shocking crime.
The storyline has hints of real life events and is presented the reader in a detailed but not graphic way - definitely kept me guessing till the end with several red herrings on the way.
The main characters all likeable in their own way - although it can be quite draining on the reader when all 3 main characters have so mnay problems and issues!
Im looking forward to book 3!
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in return for an honest review :-)
January 27, 2019
I'm reading these Jessie Flynn books in reverse order, having started with 'Two Little Girls' - which makes reading this one a slightly different experience from what it would have been if I hadn't known, for example, what Jessie's injury and its effect on her future was going to be ... But these are stand-alone stories as far as the investigation(s) are concerned, and this one involves the questionable suicides, twelve months apart, of two young soldiers at Blackdown Barracks - the second of which coincides with the mysterious disappearance of the first casualty's father. Army clinical psychologist Jessie Flynn, her colleague Capt Ben Callan of the Royal Military Police, and Surrey & Sussex Police Forces' Major Crimes DI Bobby 'Marilyn' Simmons investigate … like 'Two Little Girls' this is a real page turner with red herrings a-plenty, and a rather twisted fairy tale thrown into the mix. I loved it! Now to tackle 'Fire Damage', the first in the series, which is still on order from my local library ...
September 15, 2020
The second in the Jessie Flynn series and wow, they just get better and better!
Creepy, horrific and twisted, Kate Medina has nailed this book! The characters continue on from the first book in the series (but I’d say you could read them on their own not in the series, but more backstory if you read them in order), with the addition of some new and they all captivated me. The author has a way to make me so fixed and interested in the characters' lives I want to know more.
Due to work reasons this book took a long time to finish and that annoys me as its honestly something you could read in 24 hours! The loose ends are again neatly tied up, but also leaving questions for the next book in the series - with a relationship starting right in the final pages that you want to immediately know more about!
I’m buying the third book in the series immediately!
Creepy, horrific and twisted, Kate Medina has nailed this book! The characters continue on from the first book in the series (but I’d say you could read them on their own not in the series, but more backstory if you read them in order), with the addition of some new and they all captivated me. The author has a way to make me so fixed and interested in the characters' lives I want to know more.
Due to work reasons this book took a long time to finish and that annoys me as its honestly something you could read in 24 hours! The loose ends are again neatly tied up, but also leaving questions for the next book in the series - with a relationship starting right in the final pages that you want to immediately know more about!
I’m buying the third book in the series immediately!
September 15, 2017
This is the second book in the Dr Jessica Flynn series but could easily be read standalone.
Baby Harry is abandoned outside a busy Accident and Emergency Department. The hunt is on to find his father who may be suicidal after his other son’s recent suicide on an army base some months earlier.
Meanwhile a 16 year old is found dead on an army base. Someone tried to save his life but they haven’t come forward .
Dr Jessica Flynn is called in as a consultant psychologist and when young soldier from the same army base is referred to her for counselling she fears he too may be suicidal.
The novel moves at a quick pace, with lots of scene changes. There are lots of red herrings and but a fast paced exciting read
Baby Harry is abandoned outside a busy Accident and Emergency Department. The hunt is on to find his father who may be suicidal after his other son’s recent suicide on an army base some months earlier.
Meanwhile a 16 year old is found dead on an army base. Someone tried to save his life but they haven’t come forward .
Dr Jessica Flynn is called in as a consultant psychologist and when young soldier from the same army base is referred to her for counselling she fears he too may be suicidal.
The novel moves at a quick pace, with lots of scene changes. There are lots of red herrings and but a fast paced exciting read
October 30, 2023
I thought this book was pretty decent. It definitely had that shock factor that I didn't see coming. This is an important factor to me as normally I see twists coming from a mile away.
Even though people say this can be read as a stand-alone, I disagree. There were so many things that had to be kept straight that I couldn't keep up. Also, too many people to "meet" for the first time to remember their roles in the book. I didn't even realize it was three separate people on 3 cases until I read reviews.
The author did a good job of tying up all loose ends and providing a back story to the plot. It just took too lon to get started. And filling the story with so many side stories that were unnecessary. I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter.
Even though people say this can be read as a stand-alone, I disagree. There were so many things that had to be kept straight that I couldn't keep up. Also, too many people to "meet" for the first time to remember their roles in the book. I didn't even realize it was three separate people on 3 cases until I read reviews.
The author did a good job of tying up all loose ends and providing a back story to the plot. It just took too lon to get started. And filling the story with so many side stories that were unnecessary. I think the book could have been 100 pages shorter.
July 15, 2021
This is the second book I've read by Kate Medina and I've enjoyed this as much as the first "Fire Damage". Dr Jessie Flynn is a psychologist working for the defence services and again finds herself working with Ben Callan, a military police investigator. An army barracks has in the end 3 suicides of 16 yr old recruits to deal with, and they aren't suicides. Flynn and Callan find themselves working together again and it gathers pace and builds up tension nicely as it goes along. I didn't see the ending coming, but I did see the blossoming relationship between them moving along like Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy! And I like!
August 11, 2019
The second of the series and I bought it having really enjoyed the first and looked forward to revisiting the characters of Jessie and her colleagues. Again, I was soon immersed in the tale and found the concept intriguing- psychology and the army and the after effects of trauma on human behaviour. I did however think a lot was repetitive and the plot was a bit formulaic but given the role that the main character has of delving into the minds of military personnel, then I suppose it's to be expected...I enjoyed it overall and have ordered the next in the series.
February 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
The second in the Jessie Flynn novels and although I had read them slightly out of order I still really enjoy them. I know the premise is repetitive in a similar everyone is connected style to the first (Fire Damage) but I actually really like that. Saying that, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first. There wasn’t as much character development in this novel I felt. The pace was great though, I hate a slow starter. Overall another great novel from Kate Medina who I am slowly running out of books from 😟
The second in the Jessie Flynn novels and although I had read them slightly out of order I still really enjoy them. I know the premise is repetitive in a similar everyone is connected style to the first (Fire Damage) but I actually really like that. Saying that, I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first. There wasn’t as much character development in this novel I felt. The pace was great though, I hate a slow starter. Overall another great novel from Kate Medina who I am slowly running out of books from 😟
July 25, 2017
I'm always a little trepidatious about reading books where I haven't read the 1st one, but the joy in started at the 2nd one is that you don't have to wait to read anymore of this fantastic new character. Kate Medina has crafted a great new Heroine whose books I'll add to my ever growing must purchase in hard back list. Jessie Flynn is here to stay and is a must read for any fan of well plotted thrillers.
May 8, 2017
This is the second in the Jessie Flynn Series .I read the first book and loved it so was excited to read this book .I wasn't disappointed ,this is a gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns and surprises .We learn more about Jessie and her past which I enjoyed .I didn't guess the ending to my shame !! A wonderful compelling story .I hope there are more books to follow about Jessie.
August 31, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley. Although it was the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first I really enjoyed it. The characters were engaging, even though they came with their baggage. I think this made them more likeable. I highly recommend this book and I will be reading the first one (and subsequent ones, hopefully) as soon as possible. Thanks NetGalley.
June 8, 2018
This is the second book in the Jessie Flynn series and it is turning into one of those series that you just have to keep reading. In this second book you find out more about the main characters, the psychologist, the army investigator and the policeman. The story is extremely good and also very sad. Looking forward to reading book 3, Two Little Girls next.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
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