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Ngaire Blakes #2
The Second Stage of Grief
A false accusation. A brutal murder. Can Ngaire find a killer before he finds her?
Ngaire Blakes is trying to put her life back together. The ex-cop resigned from the police after a vicious assault left her battling PTSD. Dragged into a murder investigation, she’s shocked to discover that all the evidence points to her.
When the body count climbs, Ngaire flees to the cold comfort of her estranged father’s hometown. In danger and not knowing who to trust, she severs contact with her closest allies and must learn to rely on herself if she’s going to catch the killer before it’s too late.
The Second Stage of Grief is the second book in a series of mystery novels set in the dark shadows of New Zealand. If you enjoy gritty mysteries, strong women who rise to the challenge, and thrilling psychological suspense, then you’ll love Katherine Hayton’s latest installment in the Ngaire Blakes trilogy.
Buy The Second Stage of Grief to crack the case today.
Ngaire Blakes is trying to put her life back together. The ex-cop resigned from the police after a vicious assault left her battling PTSD. Dragged into a murder investigation, she’s shocked to discover that all the evidence points to her.
When the body count climbs, Ngaire flees to the cold comfort of her estranged father’s hometown. In danger and not knowing who to trust, she severs contact with her closest allies and must learn to rely on herself if she’s going to catch the killer before it’s too late.
The Second Stage of Grief is the second book in a series of mystery novels set in the dark shadows of New Zealand. If you enjoy gritty mysteries, strong women who rise to the challenge, and thrilling psychological suspense, then you’ll love Katherine Hayton’s latest installment in the Ngaire Blakes trilogy.
Buy The Second Stage of Grief to crack the case today.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2016
105 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hayton
64 books497 followersI'm a middle-aged woman who works in insurance, doesn't have children or pets, can't drive, has lived in Christchurch my entire life, and currently reside a two-minute walk from where I was born.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 3, 2017
The Second Stage of Grief (Ngaire Blakes #2) by Katherine Hayton is a book I wasn't sure how I would feel about when I first started it. I was pleasantly surprised. It had some dark moods but the plot, characters, and twists made this a very interesting and enjoyable read. Good mystery after all. This is a Kindle scout book.
December 26, 2016
The Second Stage of Grief is book 2 of Katherine Hayton’s Ngaire (pronounced Ny-Ree) Blakes series. Ngaire is a troubled soul, having recently left law enforcement because of both physical traumatic injury and PTSD. In this installment, Ngaire becomes the target of an elaborate frame-up scheme. Challenged with proving her innocence and finding the baddie who has killed a police counselor and police psychologist, Ngaire dives into unknown waters. Along the way she, by necessity, reunites with her long-estranged father and tries to survive the unfriendly welcome she gets from his small town community.
This is my third book by Ms. Hayton and the best so far. I was quickly pulled into Ngaire’s journey, and except for a couple of slower sections remained totally engaged. We learn more about Ngaire in this book, which drew me closer to her. She has plenty of foibles, and as she struggles to solve the mystery and to get her life in some sort of order, there are frequent reflections of her PTSD. There is still more of Ngaire to unravel and I look forward to finding out more about her in future novels.
The setting is New Zealand. Though Ms. Hayton does give us some flavor of the country, I would have liked a bit more description/discussion of this locale as the tale played out. I think that would enhance the story even more.
The plot is a good one. The reader is led astray only to have ideas shattered by several well-placed twists. And there’s a pretty thrilling encounter towards the end. We are left hanging, however, on one side arc, and I am hoping this will be a topic addressed in the next Ngaire book. It looks like Ngaire will be returning to the force at that point, and I very much look forward to that. Of note, the title, a good one, does not refer to Ngaire, so don’t get the wrong idea about what this book is all about.
All in all, The Second Stage of Grief a very entertaining read. There is certainly more than enough here to compel me to continue with the series. Recommended for all thriller/crime fiction fans.
This is my third book by Ms. Hayton and the best so far. I was quickly pulled into Ngaire’s journey, and except for a couple of slower sections remained totally engaged. We learn more about Ngaire in this book, which drew me closer to her. She has plenty of foibles, and as she struggles to solve the mystery and to get her life in some sort of order, there are frequent reflections of her PTSD. There is still more of Ngaire to unravel and I look forward to finding out more about her in future novels.
The setting is New Zealand. Though Ms. Hayton does give us some flavor of the country, I would have liked a bit more description/discussion of this locale as the tale played out. I think that would enhance the story even more.
The plot is a good one. The reader is led astray only to have ideas shattered by several well-placed twists. And there’s a pretty thrilling encounter towards the end. We are left hanging, however, on one side arc, and I am hoping this will be a topic addressed in the next Ngaire book. It looks like Ngaire will be returning to the force at that point, and I very much look forward to that. Of note, the title, a good one, does not refer to Ngaire, so don’t get the wrong idea about what this book is all about.
All in all, The Second Stage of Grief a very entertaining read. There is certainly more than enough here to compel me to continue with the series. Recommended for all thriller/crime fiction fans.
October 9, 2018
This is an embarrassingly overdue mention of the second novel in a series which is going from strength to strength. Apologies to the author, the delay is all my fault.
If you're not aware of the Ngaire Blakes series from New Zealand author Katherine Hayton then this is one that needs to go on the to be read pile. Starting out with THE THREE DEATHS OF MAGDALENE LYNTON, then this novel, THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF onto the third, which was longlisted in this year's Ngaio Marsh Awards, THE ONLY SECRET LEFT TO KEEP, this is a police procedural which is improving in leaps and bounds with every outing.
Centred around Ngaire Blakes, a Police Detective who in this novel has resigned from the force after a brutal assault has left her suffering from PTSD, Blake is a terrific character. Flawed and complex without being tediously complicated, Blakes is strong enough to take on the world on her own in THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF, after isolating herself from friends and colleagues, and running to her estranged father's remote hometown to hide. Only hiding never works, and somehow Blakes finds herself in the position of having to find a killer before a frame up gets her.
The procedural elements of these books work pretty well, and the plots are nicely twisty and tricky, but at the heart of it all is a great character study. Blakes is one of those characters that you can't help but like, even though you'd probably want to shake sense into her if it was real life. She's troubled, she's flawed, she's suffering and she's extremely real and absolutely believable. Setting or sense of place is slightly less important, and in THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF if nothing else, Blakes fleeing to her father's place gives the author an opportunity to give the reader a sense of the remoteness and rural nature of the areas that she's moving through.
There was potential in the first book that's been continued in this second outing. There are obvious hints here that Blakes police career is far from over though, and the third book deservedly won a place on the 2018 Ngaio Marsh Awards longlist. More on that next up.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
If you're not aware of the Ngaire Blakes series from New Zealand author Katherine Hayton then this is one that needs to go on the to be read pile. Starting out with THE THREE DEATHS OF MAGDALENE LYNTON, then this novel, THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF onto the third, which was longlisted in this year's Ngaio Marsh Awards, THE ONLY SECRET LEFT TO KEEP, this is a police procedural which is improving in leaps and bounds with every outing.
Centred around Ngaire Blakes, a Police Detective who in this novel has resigned from the force after a brutal assault has left her suffering from PTSD, Blake is a terrific character. Flawed and complex without being tediously complicated, Blakes is strong enough to take on the world on her own in THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF, after isolating herself from friends and colleagues, and running to her estranged father's remote hometown to hide. Only hiding never works, and somehow Blakes finds herself in the position of having to find a killer before a frame up gets her.
The procedural elements of these books work pretty well, and the plots are nicely twisty and tricky, but at the heart of it all is a great character study. Blakes is one of those characters that you can't help but like, even though you'd probably want to shake sense into her if it was real life. She's troubled, she's flawed, she's suffering and she's extremely real and absolutely believable. Setting or sense of place is slightly less important, and in THE SECOND STAGE OF GRIEF if nothing else, Blakes fleeing to her father's place gives the author an opportunity to give the reader a sense of the remoteness and rural nature of the areas that she's moving through.
There was potential in the first book that's been continued in this second outing. There are obvious hints here that Blakes police career is far from over though, and the third book deservedly won a place on the 2018 Ngaio Marsh Awards longlist. More on that next up.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
May 25, 2017
This is another fabulous Thriller by Katherine Hayton. Ngaire Blakes is a great character, and you can’t help but like her. I like that the Author kept me guessing, and I know I’m enjoying a book when I can’t get through it quick enough. Probably the other thing I enjoyed, is that we get to see the very human side of Ngaire as a character, and that she is a little bit damaged. However she certainly has great detective skills. Ngaire Blakes is quite surprised to be woken up by the police knocking on her door, and even more surprised when they want to take her down to the station for questioning. It was all a bit surreal to her being an ex-detective herself, and now she was being accused of a crime she didn’t commit. If someone is trying to set her up for a crime she didn’t commit, then things could get pretty dangerous for her. She’s quite horrified to say the least when she learns that the file with all of her secrets that she had disclosed to her psychologist, was now missing. The only option Ngaire believes is the safest one, is to get on a plane and get out of town. She needs to do everything she can to find out who’s targeting her. Luckily for Ngaire she runs into her father, and ultimately he may help her out more than she realises. This is certainly a book worth reading, along with the first book in the series ‘The Three Deaths of Magdalene Lynton’ which is also an amazing book.
October 6, 2016
This was a great mystery to read. It kept me guessing, and I did not figure it out until the reveal. The story unfolds from multiple points of view, starting with a glance into our killer's thoughts. The majority is spent with our main character, but we get a good sense of the bigger picture, especially as things start to escalate. The only thing I found myself thinking "well, that wouldn't happen like that" was at the end after all the good stuff had happened and been revealed, and it was minor. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because even though the plot unfolded beautifully, I don't feel close to Ngaire, the main character, and I spent the most time in her head. I can think of several moments where it would have great to expand into a more emotional bond with her, but it never really happened. I don't feel like I know her all that well, and I think I should at this point. But I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
April 3, 2017
Katherine Hayton's 'The Second Stage of Grief' is a great gripping murder mystery with characters who are interesting. A woman wakes up, not knowing the exact date. A sequel to Ngaire Blakes' 'The Three Deaths Of Magdalene Lynton', the protagonist, who is in the police and on leave, is taken to the police station as a possible suspect. So why is she a suspect and is she innocent or guilty? The Second Stage Grief also raises the theme of struggling with PTSD.
There are some references to the earlier book, but this is a standalone novel. Great plot and realistic lovely narration, but there are some spelling errors and tenses are mixed up in some places.
There are some references to the earlier book, but this is a standalone novel. Great plot and realistic lovely narration, but there are some spelling errors and tenses are mixed up in some places.
October 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author and since I enjoyed it decided to leave a review extolling the story. This is a fast paced mystery-thriller set in New Zealand with an eclectic band of characters. Ngaire Blake is a former police officer recuperating from a traumatic experience while working for the attorney's office. People in her life start dying and someone is going out of their way to frame her. She flees to her father's tribal land for safety. When everything points to her guilt, she finds out who her friends are. Her former colleagues investigate a case with no clear suspects or motives but Ngaire, herself, discovers the perpetrator. This book was a good read full of suspense that kept the pages turning and a good cast characters that I hope to see more of in the future.
October 24, 2016
The author gave me a copy of this novel, which does not in any way influence my review.
‘The Second Stage of Grief’ is a fast-paced, page-turning, police procedural. I was gripped from the first paragraph and found it hard to put down. The leading character Ngaire Blakes is a former detective constable, working in a law office. She’s struggling with PTSD and trying to get her life back on track when she’s pulled in by former colleagues as a murder suspect. Someone is trying to frame her and she must revisit her past to survive.
I was soon rooting for Ngaire who is an engaging and resourceful character. She has an interesting background as a life-long outsider, being part Maori, part white. The police team are also likeable, all the characters are well-drawn and believable. I greatly enjoyed the New Zealand setting with its atmospheric contrasts of city life in Christchurch and the tiny rural town among the hills of North Island. The plot is exciting – grittier than I usually read but compulsive- and skilfully builds in tension to a strong climax.
‘The Second Stage of Grief’ is a fast-paced, page-turning, police procedural. I was gripped from the first paragraph and found it hard to put down. The leading character Ngaire Blakes is a former detective constable, working in a law office. She’s struggling with PTSD and trying to get her life back on track when she’s pulled in by former colleagues as a murder suspect. Someone is trying to frame her and she must revisit her past to survive.
I was soon rooting for Ngaire who is an engaging and resourceful character. She has an interesting background as a life-long outsider, being part Maori, part white. The police team are also likeable, all the characters are well-drawn and believable. I greatly enjoyed the New Zealand setting with its atmospheric contrasts of city life in Christchurch and the tiny rural town among the hills of North Island. The plot is exciting – grittier than I usually read but compulsive- and skilfully builds in tension to a strong climax.
November 30, 2016
Ngaire Blakes is in trouble again. Somehow, she managed to leave the force (even if it's just temporary) and is working in a law office. After two books, I still don't know what makes this character act as she does, but I like her quite a lot.
In the meantime, terrible crimes are being committed and they seem to be linked to her. What is more, she's a suspect. Someone is trying to frame her. Instead of seeking help from her former colleagues, she leaves town and goes into hiding in a remote village where her estranged father lives. This complicates the whole investigation as she has completely vanished.
I like the series and the characters, but lately I seem to be reading about women that continually make the wrong decisions. There's not an ounce of common sense in them and Ngaire Blakes is not the exception.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the meantime, terrible crimes are being committed and they seem to be linked to her. What is more, she's a suspect. Someone is trying to frame her. Instead of seeking help from her former colleagues, she leaves town and goes into hiding in a remote village where her estranged father lives. This complicates the whole investigation as she has completely vanished.
I like the series and the characters, but lately I seem to be reading about women that continually make the wrong decisions. There's not an ounce of common sense in them and Ngaire Blakes is not the exception.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2024
Ngaire Blakes is a great protagonist, albeit the fact that nobody knows how to pronounce her name. This thriller is excellent, and keeps readers on the edge. After reading the first in the trilogy, I wanted to read more from Katherine Hayton. A Second Stage of Grief is well-written and has plenty of twists and turns, as well as surprises. Hayton’s writing style is very good, however it is a bit wordy so this excellent novel does take some time to read. It’s worth it, though, and is a good read.
March 12, 2017
This is the second in a series of books based around Ngaire (read Nyree - I mispronounced it until well into the book when the author explains it) Blakes. I have not read the first book. I enjoyed this, the way in which the author writes knowledgeably about police procedure, the violent deaths at the hands of the perpetrator (no spoilers here) and the way in which Ngaire becomes unwittingly involved and even ends up on the hit list herself. I thought the passages relating to the mind of a twisted individual (again, no spoilers here though nothing is obvious in this book) were well done and I especially like the unexpected little twist in the story, which remains unresolved but leaves the reader with food for thought and a case of the shivers! An original setting for a murder myster/thriller and I enjoyed how the setting moves along with Ngaire as she seeks out safety and a place to think. Being set in New Zealand, and with strong Maori references, a lot was unfamiliar to me and some of the vocabulary set me off in search of an online dictionary but it was an education! An interesting, involving story.
March 12, 2017
Good mystery and a lot of suspense. Received a free e-book as a Kindle Scout when my nomination for this book was selected for publication. The second stage of grief: blame and anger is what we find out. Two brutal killings and a man maimed for life by a mad man and his reason is crazy. He is the real reason, but his sick mind can't comprehend. I liked Ngaire's dad, teaching her how to use a rifle. How do you become part of the police force and don't know how to use a weapon. I also liked her dad, when he told her off and another scene when he held her and let her do the ugly cry as she lost it, but she did seek him out for refuge. We learn about Ngaire and how she doesn't fit in, too white for her dad's family and too dark for her mother's, never learning the native language of her dad's people. I liked her character too.
October 23, 2016
This book began in a way that did not completely make sense to me, but quickly caught my interest and was compelling enough to make me want to read it every chance I got. The main character is in a grisly, life-threatening situation and she escapes her unhappy life to hide with her father in a remote location until the murderer who is after her arrives. The confrontation between them is powerful and her growth as a person by the end of the book very pleasing to read. I would recommend this book to any reader who loves mysteries and enjoys finding a new author who has the ability to keep you interested!
October 11, 2016
A fantastic follow-up to the Three Deaths of Magdalene Lynton. I enjoyed this book even more than the first.
October 16, 2016
The Second Stage of Grief by Katherine Hayton is a great murder mystery. I was intrigued. The story had me hooked from the beginning to end. The characters were just as interesting. A woman wakes up, not knowing the exact date. Next thing she knew, the police are forcing her to come with them down to the police station. They told her if she doesn't come with them, then they'll arrest her and take her how she is. Fear and confusion could easily be felt. I was hoping the best for this main character. It soon looked even worse for her, when they started questioning her in way that sends readers wondering about her guilt. Was she innocent or quilty?
Katherine Hayton's novel is an exciting adventure. One that grabs hold of readers and sends them straight into the mystery at hand. The writing left me in suspense. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next to the main character. The character's predicament was believable. Many of us can relate to her situation. A murder of a woman and the character's plate numbers duplicated on a similar make and model of a car is just one that readers can't pass up...I loved it. The Second Stage Grief also brings up a lot of themes like struggling with PTSD. The realistic qualities of the tale were amazing. I enjoyed reading this thriller murder mystery. Overall, I recommend it to all.
Katherine Hayton's novel is an exciting adventure. One that grabs hold of readers and sends them straight into the mystery at hand. The writing left me in suspense. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next to the main character. The character's predicament was believable. Many of us can relate to her situation. A murder of a woman and the character's plate numbers duplicated on a similar make and model of a car is just one that readers can't pass up...I loved it. The Second Stage Grief also brings up a lot of themes like struggling with PTSD. The realistic qualities of the tale were amazing. I enjoyed reading this thriller murder mystery. Overall, I recommend it to all.
December 16, 2016
As usual, Ms Hayton doesn't disappoint. I just could not put this down - the way in which Ms Hayton writes reminds me of Agatha Christie. One does not know who the killer is until the end of the book. Ngaire Blake is always at the right place at the wrong time, with long suffering colleague Debbie either on a rescue mission or trying to deny she knows Blake because Blake scratches further and deeper than most people, including her colleagues, want to know. If this is your first mystery - get a bag of chips or peanuts, find a comfy place, and settle in. There are many twists, bumps and turns you are about to take, you need to be sort of anchored. Remember too, no one is exactly who they seem. Enjoy!
I was given this book by the author, not for review. I think she felt sorry for me. Ms Hayton is my favourite mystery writer. Plots are very good, Blake is a frustrating character because on one hand I want to yell "stop please!" and on the other hand I just want her to keep going and dig up the truth. I loved it.
I was given this book by the author, not for review. I think she felt sorry for me. Ms Hayton is my favourite mystery writer. Plots are very good, Blake is a frustrating character because on one hand I want to yell "stop please!" and on the other hand I just want her to keep going and dig up the truth. I loved it.
October 13, 2016
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher in exchange for my honest opinion or review of the book.
A violent, psychotic killer appears to be targeting a former police officer by leaving a trail of mutilated bodies that lead right to her. But why is he after her? And can she catch him before it's too late?
The Second Stage of Grief follows Ngaire Blakes as she is hunted by a killer with seemingly no motive. Hayton slips twist after twist throughout the novel, ensuring that the reader will continue flipping pages in an attempt to discover what's going to happen. The crime scene descriptions are graphic, but not to the point of overkill and the characters are well-developed and believable. If you're a fan of thrillers or detective novels, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book.
A violent, psychotic killer appears to be targeting a former police officer by leaving a trail of mutilated bodies that lead right to her. But why is he after her? And can she catch him before it's too late?
The Second Stage of Grief follows Ngaire Blakes as she is hunted by a killer with seemingly no motive. Hayton slips twist after twist throughout the novel, ensuring that the reader will continue flipping pages in an attempt to discover what's going to happen. The crime scene descriptions are graphic, but not to the point of overkill and the characters are well-developed and believable. If you're a fan of thrillers or detective novels, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book.
October 15, 2016
This was a very scary, suspenseful crime story. It showed what could happen when the wrong person believes they were treated wrong....it leads to murder, and awful fear when you are chased by a crazed killer. Ngaire used to be a police officer and quit when she was traumatically injured. When a woman is discovered horrifically murdered, the police wonder if she did it, because the victim was her counselor. Then another person connected is killed. When Ngaire finds the new murder victim, all she can do is run, because she knows everyone will believe it's her that killed him. It's a heart-pounding story, with lots of detail to all that's going on. As you are reading the book, it feels like the murderer is right behind you, about to grab hold of you. It's an intense story. Definitely recommended.
October 15, 2016
I enjoyed The Second Stage of Grief by Katherine Hayton. It is the second book in her Ngarie Blakes series. I have not read the first book in the series and was able to read this one with no problem. That being said I would definitely like to read the first one and look forward to future installments. Ngaire is a strong female lead that isn't afraid to take things into her own hands when needed. I loved that she was able to figure things out before everyone else. I don't know what I would have done in her place but I would like to think I would have been half as brave as she was. There were enough twist and turns in the story to keep you intrigued and reading more. I would definitely recommend The Second Stage of Grief to anyone who enjoys thrillers because it was one thrilling ride.
October 15, 2016
Ngaire Blakes is an ex-cop trying to get her life together after battling PTSD. When she’s dragged into a murder investigation that points back to her, she prepares to stop the killer.
This was the first time I read this author. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre so it was a good change of pace. The book is set in New Zealand and the author was very good in the familiarity of the surrounding and customs, so that was a bit different for me, but not in a bad way. Being a strong, independent woman, I really enjoy books where the lead female is the same. I really enjoyed reading as everything unraveled. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This was the first time I read this author. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre so it was a good change of pace. The book is set in New Zealand and the author was very good in the familiarity of the surrounding and customs, so that was a bit different for me, but not in a bad way. Being a strong, independent woman, I really enjoy books where the lead female is the same. I really enjoyed reading as everything unraveled. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
October 23, 2016
Excellent Story Set in New Zealand
This is the second book in the Ngaire Blakes crime series, which I got free by nominating it in the Kindle Scout program.
I haven't yet read the first book The Three Deaths Of Magdalene Lynton. Despite starting with the second book, I didn't feel lost. It read well as a standalone novel, but it was so good I'm going to snag the first book and read it.
Ngaire is Maori, which I learned about when I previously read a New Zealand author's book. The story is set in Christchurch, New Zealand. I've never been there, but feel as if I vicariously visited.
The excellent story moves along at an exciting pace.
At the end of the book, be sure and click to get your free book Pruno Express.
This is the second book in the Ngaire Blakes crime series, which I got free by nominating it in the Kindle Scout program.
I haven't yet read the first book The Three Deaths Of Magdalene Lynton. Despite starting with the second book, I didn't feel lost. It read well as a standalone novel, but it was so good I'm going to snag the first book and read it.
Ngaire is Maori, which I learned about when I previously read a New Zealand author's book. The story is set in Christchurch, New Zealand. I've never been there, but feel as if I vicariously visited.
The excellent story moves along at an exciting pace.
At the end of the book, be sure and click to get your free book Pruno Express.
December 13, 2016
I love the Ngaire Blakes series. In this second book in the series, we learn more about Ngaire's background, her parents and how she grew up. We also get to visit a different part of New Zealand, Te Kauwhata, where her father lives. Ngaire is trying to find out who is framing her for murder from this remote town with barely any technology, and not letting anyone from Christchurch know where she is. Will she succeed in hiding while the police force sort through suspects? As in previous books, right when you think things are all tied up in a nice package, we are thrown a curve. Looks like some of the bad guys might follow into the next installment....
January 6, 2017
This was a very good mystery! Hadn't read any of this series before and it was difficult with some of the names etc. since I'm from USA and don't know much about New Zealand. The locale made it interesting though and I enjoyed the main character, Ngaire. Will have to go back and read the first in this series to understand where she's coming from. I definitely recommend reading this series in order. All in all though a very good read and am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Hayton.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 5, 2016
This is my first experience with this author and i must say i was not disappointed. I liked the story and how it was written. "I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher in exchange for my honest opinion or review of the book
August 13, 2018
Good good book
Thank you so much
Thank you so much
February 20, 2017
Good reading.
In some places the storyline did seem to slow right down but at the end it all makes perfect sense. So all in all a good paced story with good characters.
In some places the storyline did seem to slow right down but at the end it all makes perfect sense. So all in all a good paced story with good characters.
April 15, 2019
Desperate Denial
This book is for anyone looking for a thriller with broken family ties and new friends to the rescue. Repairing those ties look like a possibility with work.
This book is for anyone looking for a thriller with broken family ties and new friends to the rescue. Repairing those ties look like a possibility with work.
July 4, 2019
Awesome
Absolutely enthralling...Kept me entranced through out the plot. I really liked the development of characters in this part. Good story.
Absolutely enthralling...Kept me entranced through out the plot. I really liked the development of characters in this part. Good story.
April 9, 2017
The Second Stage of Grief is a murder mystery that will appeal to all fans of the genre. Although this book is the second in the Ngaire Blakes Mystery series it does stand alone very well. I had not read either the blurb or previous books by Katherine Hayton but it did not take me long to be intrigued by the plot and to wonder why Ngaire was in the living nightmare she found herself. However, it did take me a couple of chapters to realise events were taking place in New Zealand and to learn how to pronounce Ngaire (Nyree), the main protagonist’s Maori name. This was a refreshing change from the usual diet of UK or US thrillers and I found the cultural differences touched upon interesting.
It is very well written with pace and an edge to each chapter that encourages the reader to turn each page find out more. In other words The Second Stage of Grief has everything one expects in a fast-moving thriller with horrendous grisly crimes at its centre! There are a couple of twists here and there, which got inside the heads of other characters, and the relationship between Ngaire and her parents, particularly her dad, was very believable. The main let-down for me was the extra, rather prolonged finale after the actual denouement about the crimes had been described. It felt a bit anti-climactic and I thought that that final section could have come about a little earlier – somehow - maybe in juxtaposition to the denouement?
It did not spoil my overall enjoyment of my first novel from Katherine Hayton and I strongly recommend it to fans of the genre. This book has strong characters, believable dialogue, an intriguing plot from the very beginning and is “different”. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is very well written with pace and an edge to each chapter that encourages the reader to turn each page find out more. In other words The Second Stage of Grief has everything one expects in a fast-moving thriller with horrendous grisly crimes at its centre! There are a couple of twists here and there, which got inside the heads of other characters, and the relationship between Ngaire and her parents, particularly her dad, was very believable. The main let-down for me was the extra, rather prolonged finale after the actual denouement about the crimes had been described. It felt a bit anti-climactic and I thought that that final section could have come about a little earlier – somehow - maybe in juxtaposition to the denouement?
It did not spoil my overall enjoyment of my first novel from Katherine Hayton and I strongly recommend it to fans of the genre. This book has strong characters, believable dialogue, an intriguing plot from the very beginning and is “different”. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2017
This was an enjoyable read. It wasn't as fast-paced as many thrillers, until closer to the end. Even that felt a little short; it would have been more intensive to have it drawn out more. It was a bit graphic with the descriptions of the murders. What I enjoyed the most was the setting and the people in the bar up north.
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