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DCI Sophie Allen #4
Buried Crimes
Devastating family secrets from the past. Sisters with a murderous rivalry . . . A family move into their dream home in Dorchester: it seems perfect, particularly for their two children, but when Philip and Jill Freeman move a buddleia bush, what they find buried beneath its roots will haunt them forever. DCI Sophie Allen is forced to probe crimes that occurred many years before, crimes that cause emotional upheavals within the local community. In a complex investigation, Sophie Allen unearths family secrets which carry on having devastating effects to this day and risk taking new lives.
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First published July 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 14, 2023
EXCERPT: Midnight.
Leaves, damp bark, stone, dew-covered petals, all reflected the silvery sheen of moonlight. Even the soil in the garden seemed to shimmer with a metallic glow, except for a patch of newly turned earth. Its blackness swallowed any light that fell upon its surface, like a dark star. In the centre stood a newly planted butterfly bush, a figure in miniature, protruding from the shadowy earth. It was less than fifteen inches tall. Its erstwhile home, a plastic pot, was lying to one side of the patch, upturned next to a garden fork spiked into the ground.
The late-night gardener stood back from the freshly turned bed and looked at the results of the past hour's efforts. Droplets of perspiration, shining in the moonlight, ran down a pale face and onto the chin, spattering the dark blue jacket. A cat wandered by and paused nervously for a while, tail twitching, hearing the sound of laboured breathing. The gardener leaned heavily on a spade and looked around. Nothing disturbed the silence of the cool night. The figure stood looking down at the newly planted bush for several minutes before slowly gathering the tools together and walking back towards the house. The terrible task was completed.
ABOUT 'BURIED CRIMES': A family move into their dream home in Dorchester: it seems perfect, particularly for their two children, but when Philip and Jill Freeman decide to move a buddleia bush, what they find buried beneath its roots will haunt them forever.
Why have two children’s skeletons been lovingly wrapped and buried in their garden?
DCI Sophie Allen is forced to probe crimes that occurred many years before, crimes that cause emotional upheavals within the local community. In a complex investigation, Sophie Allen unearths family secrets which carry on having devastating effects to this day and risk taking new lives.
MY THOUGHTS: Buried Crimes, the 4th book in the DCI Sophie Allen series, can easily be read as a stand-alone as it contains a complete case and is not dependent on any developments in earlier books.
This is really a police procedural, relying less on suspense and more on uncovering the who, where, when, why and how of the crime. It relies a lot on research, because of this being such a historical crime. Who lived in the cottage where the bodies were discovered, and when? It is made all that much more difficult because of the cottage having been rented out to many different tenants over a long period of time.
There is a clever blending of the private and professional lives of the characters, and a few surprises in store! One of the suspects seems intent on inserting themselves into Sophie Allen's family life, while another person of interest disappears. Rae, a transgender policewoman takes more of a role in this investigation, but not everyone is happy with her involvement and Sophie has to deal with the discord that interferes with the investigation.
This is a series that improves with each book, though I still find the dialogue quite stilted at times. The mystery of the children's deaths is an excellent one with many twists and turns and a few dead ends.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#BuriedCrimesDCISophieAllen #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: The mystery writer Michael Hambling is a novelist very much one of his background, hailing from Dorset in the United Kingdom. Writing with a definite British set of sensibilities, he manages to convey a different style of writing through his books, which is why so many have taken to his work. Using his British surroundings as the backdrop for most of his works, he creates mysteries that really keep his readers guessing constantly throughout.
Michael Hambling is not a social media user.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Buried Crimes by Michael Hambling for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Leaves, damp bark, stone, dew-covered petals, all reflected the silvery sheen of moonlight. Even the soil in the garden seemed to shimmer with a metallic glow, except for a patch of newly turned earth. Its blackness swallowed any light that fell upon its surface, like a dark star. In the centre stood a newly planted butterfly bush, a figure in miniature, protruding from the shadowy earth. It was less than fifteen inches tall. Its erstwhile home, a plastic pot, was lying to one side of the patch, upturned next to a garden fork spiked into the ground.
The late-night gardener stood back from the freshly turned bed and looked at the results of the past hour's efforts. Droplets of perspiration, shining in the moonlight, ran down a pale face and onto the chin, spattering the dark blue jacket. A cat wandered by and paused nervously for a while, tail twitching, hearing the sound of laboured breathing. The gardener leaned heavily on a spade and looked around. Nothing disturbed the silence of the cool night. The figure stood looking down at the newly planted bush for several minutes before slowly gathering the tools together and walking back towards the house. The terrible task was completed.
ABOUT 'BURIED CRIMES': A family move into their dream home in Dorchester: it seems perfect, particularly for their two children, but when Philip and Jill Freeman decide to move a buddleia bush, what they find buried beneath its roots will haunt them forever.
Why have two children’s skeletons been lovingly wrapped and buried in their garden?
DCI Sophie Allen is forced to probe crimes that occurred many years before, crimes that cause emotional upheavals within the local community. In a complex investigation, Sophie Allen unearths family secrets which carry on having devastating effects to this day and risk taking new lives.
MY THOUGHTS: Buried Crimes, the 4th book in the DCI Sophie Allen series, can easily be read as a stand-alone as it contains a complete case and is not dependent on any developments in earlier books.
This is really a police procedural, relying less on suspense and more on uncovering the who, where, when, why and how of the crime. It relies a lot on research, because of this being such a historical crime. Who lived in the cottage where the bodies were discovered, and when? It is made all that much more difficult because of the cottage having been rented out to many different tenants over a long period of time.
There is a clever blending of the private and professional lives of the characters, and a few surprises in store! One of the suspects seems intent on inserting themselves into Sophie Allen's family life, while another person of interest disappears. Rae, a transgender policewoman takes more of a role in this investigation, but not everyone is happy with her involvement and Sophie has to deal with the discord that interferes with the investigation.
This is a series that improves with each book, though I still find the dialogue quite stilted at times. The mystery of the children's deaths is an excellent one with many twists and turns and a few dead ends.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#BuriedCrimesDCISophieAllen #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: The mystery writer Michael Hambling is a novelist very much one of his background, hailing from Dorset in the United Kingdom. Writing with a definite British set of sensibilities, he manages to convey a different style of writing through his books, which is why so many have taken to his work. Using his British surroundings as the backdrop for most of his works, he creates mysteries that really keep his readers guessing constantly throughout.
Michael Hambling is not a social media user.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Buried Crimes by Michael Hambling for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 8, 2016
DCI Sophie Allen is the expert on violent crimes and murder. There are two small bodies, buried one on top of the other, a girl and a boy. Sophie has to investigate these deaths, which most likely occurred at least 20 years ago.
It takes Sophie, as well as her team, to dig deep into family history. This crime affects the entire village of Dorchester … and who among them are holding back secrets? Who would have wanted these children dead?
This is the 4th in this series, however, it reads very well as a stand-alone.
The characters are growing and changing in each successive book. Sophie is not a spring chicken anymore, and she uses her criminal psychology background to solve the crimes that come her way. Rae is a fairly new team member. Formerly a man who is now a female, she runs into some problems along the way, but Sophie is her champion and Rae is very good at her job. DS Barry Marsh works alongside Sophie and is the perfect foil for her perceived roughness.
All the books in this series have been well-written. The suspense is not overdone, but there’s always that question of who, what, when, where and most importantly, why. The author does a marvelous job of explaining it all leaving the reader very satisfied.
Highly recommended.
My sincere thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
It takes Sophie, as well as her team, to dig deep into family history. This crime affects the entire village of Dorchester … and who among them are holding back secrets? Who would have wanted these children dead?
This is the 4th in this series, however, it reads very well as a stand-alone.
The characters are growing and changing in each successive book. Sophie is not a spring chicken anymore, and she uses her criminal psychology background to solve the crimes that come her way. Rae is a fairly new team member. Formerly a man who is now a female, she runs into some problems along the way, but Sophie is her champion and Rae is very good at her job. DS Barry Marsh works alongside Sophie and is the perfect foil for her perceived roughness.
All the books in this series have been well-written. The suspense is not overdone, but there’s always that question of who, what, when, where and most importantly, why. The author does a marvelous job of explaining it all leaving the reader very satisfied.
Highly recommended.
My sincere thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 13, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
This was a huge disappointment. First of all the title of this book should have been 'Let's see how much we can talk about Sophie Allen's family'. Or 'The life of a transgender person at their job'. If I wanted to read all about a transgender person's ups and downs on the job, that's what I would have gotten. We don't need to be beat over the head with it. As it is, I have zero interest in that subject. Hopefully Rae will transfer to somewhere else in the next book. I'm overjoyed that Sophie has a wonderful, loving well put together family but can we solve this murder please? This next bit had me shaking my head. I'm not using names so I don't spoil it. Okay, a man has been found dead and it's established that he'd recently started dating. The woman has spoken with police and been fingerprinted. Her fingerprints turned up on the headboard, in the dead man's bedroom. Barry Marsh asks Sophie 'should we get her (the woman) to explain' why her fingerprints are on the headboard. What??!! Really?? Why the hell do you think they are there? If Barry had to work by himself, no crimes would ever get solved. By the time I got to 60% I was ready to toss this book. I kept checking to see how far I was from completing it, so that tells you how interesting it was. Those were just some of the things that annoyed me but I've wasted enough time on this book, so I'll leave it at that.
This was a huge disappointment. First of all the title of this book should have been 'Let's see how much we can talk about Sophie Allen's family'. Or 'The life of a transgender person at their job'. If I wanted to read all about a transgender person's ups and downs on the job, that's what I would have gotten. We don't need to be beat over the head with it. As it is, I have zero interest in that subject. Hopefully Rae will transfer to somewhere else in the next book. I'm overjoyed that Sophie has a wonderful, loving well put together family but can we solve this murder please? This next bit had me shaking my head. I'm not using names so I don't spoil it. Okay, a man has been found dead and it's established that he'd recently started dating. The woman has spoken with police and been fingerprinted. Her fingerprints turned up on the headboard, in the dead man's bedroom. Barry Marsh asks Sophie 'should we get her (the woman) to explain' why her fingerprints are on the headboard. What??!! Really?? Why the hell do you think they are there? If Barry had to work by himself, no crimes would ever get solved. By the time I got to 60% I was ready to toss this book. I kept checking to see how far I was from completing it, so that tells you how interesting it was. Those were just some of the things that annoyed me but I've wasted enough time on this book, so I'll leave it at that.
January 30, 2017
I absolutely love this series! It keeps getting better and better. I'm devouring them and cannot wait for the next one.
The development of all the characters is done extremely well, the crimes are more twisty and turny and the settings are just as good as they've always been.
I'm glad that Rae is still an important member of the team and hasn't been given the back seat treatment and I enjoyed the parts with Neil and his prickish behaviour and how they were dealt with. I can see him becoming a vicious and disturbing villain pretty soon.
Patiently waiting for the next book as I write this.
*Huge thanks to Michael Hambling, Joffe Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
The development of all the characters is done extremely well, the crimes are more twisty and turny and the settings are just as good as they've always been.
I'm glad that Rae is still an important member of the team and hasn't been given the back seat treatment and I enjoyed the parts with Neil and his prickish behaviour and how they were dealt with. I can see him becoming a vicious and disturbing villain pretty soon.
Patiently waiting for the next book as I write this.
*Huge thanks to Michael Hambling, Joffe Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 11, 2016
Two small bodies are found buried one on top of the other. DCI Sophie Allen and her team are called to investigate. As they dig into a crime that effects the entire Village of Dorchester they begin to uncover secrets some would prefer not be known. This is a steady read and can be read as a stand-alone story. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
January 5, 2018
Must back out of this series. I did get to 54% completion, decided this is not my kind of literature and went to final chapter to confirm I had it right without the pain of reading anymore tawdry details. Not your normal police procedural, or to put it another way...all that is abnormal is front and center. This is clearly what interests this author.
July 12, 2016
I want to start by saying that this book is the fourth in a series but I will be reviewing it as a standalone novel. It definitely can be read as a standalone; while there are some references to previous storylines the main plot itself is completely independent of any other books.
So, to begin. The novel centers around the bodies of two young children which are found in a garden 20 years after the children's death. DCI Sophie Allen and her team are taxed with finding out not only who the children are, but what might've happened to them. Not an easy task 20 years after the fact.
Well......I should start by saying that the mystery was very good. It was compelling and interesting to think about how a cold case could unfold. The mystery was also one of those that slowly unfolds before really slapping you in the face, which I like. It keeps you guessing.
There were also some really compelling characters in the novel. There's a transgender detective, who is struggling to navigate social life post-transition. There's also a really interesting, mysterious woman at the center of the novel, who the author hints may appear in subsequent books.
However, I was disappointed in this novel, overall. The ending just kind of happened. Like, one minute you're waiting for the climax of the last 200 pages, and suddenly they just kind of walk up and get the person to confess. Then it's over. Hurray? I was a little shell-shocked to say the least.
The writing was also a little dry. The conversations felt very formal. Not like people would talk at all. That made diving into the novel a little harder, with the conversations not really drawing you in.
Bottom line: I'd probably pick up another novel in this series, and encourage mystery lovers to give this one consideration, but it's certainly not among my favorites. Keep it for a rainy, boring day.
So, to begin. The novel centers around the bodies of two young children which are found in a garden 20 years after the children's death. DCI Sophie Allen and her team are taxed with finding out not only who the children are, but what might've happened to them. Not an easy task 20 years after the fact.
Well......I should start by saying that the mystery was very good. It was compelling and interesting to think about how a cold case could unfold. The mystery was also one of those that slowly unfolds before really slapping you in the face, which I like. It keeps you guessing.
There were also some really compelling characters in the novel. There's a transgender detective, who is struggling to navigate social life post-transition. There's also a really interesting, mysterious woman at the center of the novel, who the author hints may appear in subsequent books.
However, I was disappointed in this novel, overall. The ending just kind of happened. Like, one minute you're waiting for the climax of the last 200 pages, and suddenly they just kind of walk up and get the person to confess. Then it's over. Hurray? I was a little shell-shocked to say the least.
The writing was also a little dry. The conversations felt very formal. Not like people would talk at all. That made diving into the novel a little harder, with the conversations not really drawing you in.
Bottom line: I'd probably pick up another novel in this series, and encourage mystery lovers to give this one consideration, but it's certainly not among my favorites. Keep it for a rainy, boring day.
July 19, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I found this book to be a great read. I love Michael Hambling's writing style. It is easy to read, fast paced and suspenseful with lots of twists and turns. It had me guessing and changing my mind a lot about "who done it".
Two children have been laid buried in a back garden for over 20 years. Why haven't they been missed?
DCI Sophie Allen is given this cold case to investigate. Also on her team are DC Barry Marsh and Rae a fairly new member of the team who is a transgender. Not only has DCI Allen have to deal with the investigation but she also becomes embroiled in office politics, namely Rae's nemesis.
This is a book I couldn't put down and thoroughly enjoyed. Kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end.
Look forward to reading more by Michael Hambling.
I found this book to be a great read. I love Michael Hambling's writing style. It is easy to read, fast paced and suspenseful with lots of twists and turns. It had me guessing and changing my mind a lot about "who done it".
Two children have been laid buried in a back garden for over 20 years. Why haven't they been missed?
DCI Sophie Allen is given this cold case to investigate. Also on her team are DC Barry Marsh and Rae a fairly new member of the team who is a transgender. Not only has DCI Allen have to deal with the investigation but she also becomes embroiled in office politics, namely Rae's nemesis.
This is a book I couldn't put down and thoroughly enjoyed. Kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end.
Look forward to reading more by Michael Hambling.
July 7, 2016
The Freemans have recently moved to their new home, and decide to do some gardening, when they find two bodies buried under a bush. The time frame suggests that they have been there for twenty years. Its DCI Sophie Allen and her team's job to investigate.
For me this series has too much personal details of the police interwoven into the story. As I don't really like the characters this creates a problem for me.
A NetGalley Book.
For me this series has too much personal details of the police interwoven into the story. As I don't really like the characters this creates a problem for me.
A NetGalley Book.
January 30, 2021
Still really enjoying this series! Highly recommended!
June 24, 2021
Book No. 4 and they are getting better and better? Clever Stories and good Characters
July 16, 2016
Finished in one sitting! I read this as a standalone novel and it worked. There were a lot of names to learn but I only had to look back a few times. References to past stories are included but don't detract from this one. Very readable as a standalone but I think I would like to check out the previous ones!
A couple with two children purchases a new home and starts sprucing it up. After some work on the inside, the husband decides to do some gardening. Planning on moving a bush that's been growing for quite some time, he and his daughter are horrified to discover bones... Very small bones. This is when DCI Sophie Allen and our other main characters come in. There's not one skeleton buried by the house but two. Very small children who've been there for decades... and no one knows who they are. This is a very intricate story that manages to stay quite suspenseful most of the time. I could have done with a bit more excitement, but I'm satisfied with the ending and story in general even though the end did come a little out of left field for me. I also really appreciated that one of the characters, Rae, is transgender. I thought the author really wrote that well and did a good job of putting you in her frame of mind. While others might be irked by this aspect or so much of the personal lives and families of the detectives being included in the story, it really added a lot to me. I like feeling and identifying with the characters and knowing a lot about them makes that so easy for me.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
A couple with two children purchases a new home and starts sprucing it up. After some work on the inside, the husband decides to do some gardening. Planning on moving a bush that's been growing for quite some time, he and his daughter are horrified to discover bones... Very small bones. This is when DCI Sophie Allen and our other main characters come in. There's not one skeleton buried by the house but two. Very small children who've been there for decades... and no one knows who they are. This is a very intricate story that manages to stay quite suspenseful most of the time. I could have done with a bit more excitement, but I'm satisfied with the ending and story in general even though the end did come a little out of left field for me. I also really appreciated that one of the characters, Rae, is transgender. I thought the author really wrote that well and did a good job of putting you in her frame of mind. While others might be irked by this aspect or so much of the personal lives and families of the detectives being included in the story, it really added a lot to me. I like feeling and identifying with the characters and knowing a lot about them makes that so easy for me.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 27, 2017
This is the fourth title in Michael Hambling's series featuring DCI Sophie Allen. It's the first one of the series that's come my way, and I shall definitely be seeking out the others.
The skeletons of two children, apparently buried for twenty years or more, are discovered in the garden of Finch Cottage, and the task of solving the crime falls to DCI Sophie Allen and her team. As with all cold crimes, endless ploughing through paperwork ensues, and the trail leads from Dorchester to the far East before clues are pulled together to reveal what exactly occurred all those years ago.
This well-paced, well-written novel is worthy of your attention.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing an ARC of the Kindle edition.
The skeletons of two children, apparently buried for twenty years or more, are discovered in the garden of Finch Cottage, and the task of solving the crime falls to DCI Sophie Allen and her team. As with all cold crimes, endless ploughing through paperwork ensues, and the trail leads from Dorchester to the far East before clues are pulled together to reveal what exactly occurred all those years ago.
This well-paced, well-written novel is worthy of your attention.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing an ARC of the Kindle edition.
July 9, 2016
Just an ok read. When the lead detective 's whole family is involved in some way with the investigation that is sketchy to me!!! Also when a veteran detective has to get advice from her grandfather about sexual predators that is scary as well!! Basically the whole book had moments of you got to be kidding me... too many coincidental moments . Not sure what the long lost dad had to do with the story . Mystery component was so so.
November 23, 2021
I’m afraid this book just didn’t work for me. I’ve tried the previous books in the series (having bought the set) and I’ve struggled with them. I just don’t like Sophie. I’m binning the lot.
May 21, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
This is a very complicated story with multiple overlapping relationships throughout. DCI Sophie Allen and her team are dismayed at the discovery of a grave in the yard of Finch Cottage in Dorchester. The remains are initially of one child, then a second body, also a child is discovered, buried under the first. It is going to be a tough case as the graves appear to be 20 years old. Thus begins a grueling investigation to find the residents of the cottage over the years and the murderer.
Rae Gregson is subjected to bigotry from DCS Neil Dunnett, he being the reason she had asked for a transfer from her last position. He clearly dislikes transgenders and women, and tries to undermine Sophie at the same time as intimidating Rae. He has, however, met his match and, to my own applause, is suspended when his file and actions are brought to the attention of the Chief Constable, which include lying on his CV and ill treatment of fellow female officers. Too often in these mysteries, the corrupt and bullying superiors do not get caught or sanctioned. It was satisfying to see one get the boot.
Pauline Stopley has a penchant for sleeping with many men and women, and is having a relationship with John Wethergill, who is later murdered. He had been the gardener of Finch Cottage during the time the children had been buried. She was also the wife of Richard Camberwell who had lived in Finch Cottage when he was married to Li Hua and had two children, twins Jasmine and Kenneth. DNA analysis proves that these are the buried children Li Hua had been killed by a hit and run and Richard had died a couple of years later in a fall down some stairs, while married to Pauline. Stopley is now having an affair with Jill Freeman, the wife of the family that had just purchased Finch Cottage. Stopely with her sister Dorothy Kitson own Finch Cottage.
Stopley had taken the children to relatives in Hong Kong after Richard's death and when she got an acting job in New York, but the chidren disappeared shortly after, and though Stopley had tried continually over the years to find them, she had not been successful. In the end the deaths were caused by Kitson. She had been summoned to get the children when they were returned to the UK. She was not capable parenting and had frequently locked them in the basement of the cottage, tied to a ring in the wall. A faulty heater was used for warmth and it had killed the children by carbon monoxide. Wethergill had buried them in the backyard. There was speculation that Li Hua had been killed by her husband as the investigation revealed that she had been a difficult nasty woman. Wethergill had been killed by Kitson. Though the story lead me to believing Stopley was the killer, she was merely an promiscuous individual who wasn't caring about the distress she caused with her sleeping around. Kitson seemed a peripheral character, suspicious a couple of times but shadowy until the last part of the story. This tale was well done, creative.
This is a very complicated story with multiple overlapping relationships throughout. DCI Sophie Allen and her team are dismayed at the discovery of a grave in the yard of Finch Cottage in Dorchester. The remains are initially of one child, then a second body, also a child is discovered, buried under the first. It is going to be a tough case as the graves appear to be 20 years old. Thus begins a grueling investigation to find the residents of the cottage over the years and the murderer.
Rae Gregson is subjected to bigotry from DCS Neil Dunnett, he being the reason she had asked for a transfer from her last position. He clearly dislikes transgenders and women, and tries to undermine Sophie at the same time as intimidating Rae. He has, however, met his match and, to my own applause, is suspended when his file and actions are brought to the attention of the Chief Constable, which include lying on his CV and ill treatment of fellow female officers. Too often in these mysteries, the corrupt and bullying superiors do not get caught or sanctioned. It was satisfying to see one get the boot.
Pauline Stopley has a penchant for sleeping with many men and women, and is having a relationship with John Wethergill, who is later murdered. He had been the gardener of Finch Cottage during the time the children had been buried. She was also the wife of Richard Camberwell who had lived in Finch Cottage when he was married to Li Hua and had two children, twins Jasmine and Kenneth. DNA analysis proves that these are the buried children Li Hua had been killed by a hit and run and Richard had died a couple of years later in a fall down some stairs, while married to Pauline. Stopley is now having an affair with Jill Freeman, the wife of the family that had just purchased Finch Cottage. Stopely with her sister Dorothy Kitson own Finch Cottage.
Stopley had taken the children to relatives in Hong Kong after Richard's death and when she got an acting job in New York, but the chidren disappeared shortly after, and though Stopley had tried continually over the years to find them, she had not been successful. In the end the deaths were caused by Kitson. She had been summoned to get the children when they were returned to the UK. She was not capable parenting and had frequently locked them in the basement of the cottage, tied to a ring in the wall. A faulty heater was used for warmth and it had killed the children by carbon monoxide. Wethergill had buried them in the backyard. There was speculation that Li Hua had been killed by her husband as the investigation revealed that she had been a difficult nasty woman. Wethergill had been killed by Kitson. Though the story lead me to believing Stopley was the killer, she was merely an promiscuous individual who wasn't caring about the distress she caused with her sleeping around. Kitson seemed a peripheral character, suspicious a couple of times but shadowy until the last part of the story. This tale was well done, creative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
This the fourth in the series of eight Sophie Allen mysteries. I loved the first three. This one, on the other hand, not so much. Its premise is that to children were murdered 20 years ago, and now we have to figure out what happened. Aside from the fact that I find it impossible to believe that multiple jurisdictions would be able and available to spend so much time on a 20-year-old case, I find the entire thing more than a little suspect and unbelievable, and the conclusion of which is unsatisfiable.
It seems for a bit that not everything is going to actually be answered, but it's sort of is in the end, but not conclusively so. There are still questions with proposed answers, but nothing is secured down. And being that that really is the case in life, I suppose that's okay, but it's sort of begs the question, "what is the actual point of the entire case?"
On top of that, the last couple chapters just seem to be dragging and trying to solve those final questions but not in a satisfying manner. Overall, quite a disappointment – but I'm still looking forward to the next one. "One bad apple" and all that…
It seems for a bit that not everything is going to actually be answered, but it's sort of is in the end, but not conclusively so. There are still questions with proposed answers, but nothing is secured down. And being that that really is the case in life, I suppose that's okay, but it's sort of begs the question, "what is the actual point of the entire case?"
On top of that, the last couple chapters just seem to be dragging and trying to solve those final questions but not in a satisfying manner. Overall, quite a disappointment – but I'm still looking forward to the next one. "One bad apple" and all that…
December 29, 2017
The death of children is never an easy subject to read or write about. Having the deaths occur in the not-very-recent past isn't much of a buffer for emotions. DCI Sophie Allen works extra hard to uncover what happened to the small twins found buried in a family's garden. Unraveling their past ends up involving a myriad of other people, dead and alive, and along the way they find additional murders (maybe). The maze that Allen and her co workers go through to solve the mystery took the forefront in this book. Personal stories did not play a prominent role with the exception of Rae, who has successfully completed her transition from a man. I enjoy reading the overriding personal arcs as much as I do the individual mysteries. This one does not disappoint.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2021
If you are a fan of crime fiction, Dorset and emancipated women then this is a really good book it’s part of a series and each book does stand alone but the background of the characters develops as the series moves along so best to read them in order.
There are some cliches that spoil the substance of the books kindly father figures and nasty, vindictive superiors spring to mind and Sophie’s way of handling the latter smacks of lazy plot development unless it progresses into something harder and brutal in later books.
However the overall plots are skilful and the power play between the sisters was fascinating and it wasn’t until the holiday in Weymouth that I had an inclination I may have been suspecting the wrong one!
There are some cliches that spoil the substance of the books kindly father figures and nasty, vindictive superiors spring to mind and Sophie’s way of handling the latter smacks of lazy plot development unless it progresses into something harder and brutal in later books.
However the overall plots are skilful and the power play between the sisters was fascinating and it wasn’t until the holiday in Weymouth that I had an inclination I may have been suspecting the wrong one!
July 18, 2017
Buried Crimes and The Beekeeper are this month’s reads over at book clubs on Goodreads. Buried Crimes was quite good. It involves a somewhat cold case, bodies are discovered buried in a garden and they had been there for quite a while. The crime centers around two children who slip through the safety net and no one knows what happened until their bodies are found in the garden of Finch Cottage. There is quite a bit going on in here as the case is investigated and connected crimes are discovered. The characters are not always what they seem and DCI Sophie Allen is a competent and sympathetic investigator.
September 20, 2020
I think one of the admirable things about the DCI Sophie Allen Series is that Michael Hambling is inclusive and timely in quiet but effective ways. For instance, in Buried Crimes one of Sophie’s daughters learns about a potential female circumcision and the way the authorities would handle that is explored. Another example, is that one of the police assigned to Sophie is someone dealing with prejudice. This is a fantastic way to introduce readers to people and challenges that they might not have thought very much about.
Not only are the books timely, they are carefully crafted and a pleasure to read. I recommend them.
Not only are the books timely, they are carefully crafted and a pleasure to read. I recommend them.
December 9, 2023
Los asesinatos de dos gemelos hace al menos 20 años es el nuevo caso de investigación al que se enfrentan Sophie Allen y su equipo.
Los restos de los dos niños son encontrados en el jardín trasero de una casa, bajo un arbusto que la familia que actualmente habita la vivienda se encuentra transplantando.
Tanto el lugar donde se encuentran los restos como las muertes de los padres de los niños años antes de las de estos, apuntan a un posible caso de homicidio. Sin embargo, será difícil encontrar pruebas que incriminen al ejecutor de los hechos después de tantos años.
Una novela muy ágil como las anteriores que devoras en 0,
Los restos de los dos niños son encontrados en el jardín trasero de una casa, bajo un arbusto que la familia que actualmente habita la vivienda se encuentra transplantando.
Tanto el lugar donde se encuentran los restos como las muertes de los padres de los niños años antes de las de estos, apuntan a un posible caso de homicidio. Sin embargo, será difícil encontrar pruebas que incriminen al ejecutor de los hechos después de tantos años.
Una novela muy ágil como las anteriores que devoras en 0,
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May 15, 2020This whole series is well done
In this novel the author adds a Transgender DC, Rae Gregson to the crew. Her concerns and the procedures the police have to follow are covered . Also the concerns about harassment, thanks to DCS Dunnet (?). Still waiting to see what actually happens to him. There is also an intervention regarding female genital mutilation . The main story is a cold case after two children's skeletons are discovered in a backyard .
In this novel the author adds a Transgender DC, Rae Gregson to the crew. Her concerns and the procedures the police have to follow are covered . Also the concerns about harassment, thanks to DCS Dunnet (?). Still waiting to see what actually happens to him. There is also an intervention regarding female genital mutilation . The main story is a cold case after two children's skeletons are discovered in a backyard .
October 30, 2020
An upscale.neighborhood with new owners, under a bush in the garden revealed the skeleton of two young children. Sophie having a hard time grasping the affect it has on her. Talking with her retired mentor Harry.
Telling her our brain is telling us to nourish and protect.children, and it too can’t cope with murder of any of them. To go back twenty years and find the people and the pattern of their lives is what was needed to bring closure to this case. Included blackmail , secrets and lies. A deep emotional cases that involved many.
Telling her our brain is telling us to nourish and protect.children, and it too can’t cope with murder of any of them. To go back twenty years and find the people and the pattern of their lives is what was needed to bring closure to this case. Included blackmail , secrets and lies. A deep emotional cases that involved many.
October 24, 2021
They're getting better!
This book picked up the pace about 1/3 of the way in and just didn't stop. It had many plots, and layers to dig through, and not all questions were answered. And while I had guessed the perpetrator from halfway in the book, it didn't stop the intensity of the book at all for me. The further this series get, the more I am loving it! I really love that the author has no fear of writing about the LBGTQ+ experiences. I feel that is important in today's society as someone that is a part of that community. It's good to be heard.
This book picked up the pace about 1/3 of the way in and just didn't stop. It had many plots, and layers to dig through, and not all questions were answered. And while I had guessed the perpetrator from halfway in the book, it didn't stop the intensity of the book at all for me. The further this series get, the more I am loving it! I really love that the author has no fear of writing about the LBGTQ+ experiences. I feel that is important in today's society as someone that is a part of that community. It's good to be heard.
November 26, 2021
This was a decent story but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous books. I still thought Sophie and her team and family were interesting, but the way the story developed didn’t grab me and I found the ending a bit of an anticlimax.
I also thought more could have been made of the way Sophie handled her vindictive, superior officer.
After finishing I noticed a few reviewers didn’t like Rae, I actually found the inclusion of a transgender officer interesting and definitely would not like the author to move her on.
I also thought more could have been made of the way Sophie handled her vindictive, superior officer.
After finishing I noticed a few reviewers didn’t like Rae, I actually found the inclusion of a transgender officer interesting and definitely would not like the author to move her on.
August 20, 2023
I have the box set of this series and Buried Crimes was another good crime thriller. When two bodies are found in a garden, it's up to DCI Sophie Allen and her team to solve this sad case.
Good characters and plot. Well-written and fast-paced, this was a disturbing story though well done. There were some grammatical errors regarding the lack of capitals at the beginning of speech but an edit would soon sort that.
Overall, this was an engaging British crime story and worth a look.
Good characters and plot. Well-written and fast-paced, this was a disturbing story though well done. There were some grammatical errors regarding the lack of capitals at the beginning of speech but an edit would soon sort that.
Overall, this was an engaging British crime story and worth a look.
May 17, 2018
Homeowner tries to move a decades old butterfly bush (?) and discovers a buried body. Police are called and another body is found. Both young children.
Cold case is reconstructed through forensics, good police investigation and some happenstance.
Lots of sexual quirkiness and transgender bias.
Great characters (tho Martin was a bit absent).
A good read.
Cold case is reconstructed through forensics, good police investigation and some happenstance.
Lots of sexual quirkiness and transgender bias.
Great characters (tho Martin was a bit absent).
A good read.
January 5, 2019
Terrific!
Sophie and team do it again! Exciting police procedural involving 25 years buried skeletons of children. Following all leads, accessing old files, and questioning all suspects leads to another exciting solution. This group of police have terrific personalities and interact seamlessly It is a joy to follow the clues with them!
Sophie and team do it again! Exciting police procedural involving 25 years buried skeletons of children. Following all leads, accessing old files, and questioning all suspects leads to another exciting solution. This group of police have terrific personalities and interact seamlessly It is a joy to follow the clues with them!
December 17, 2020
Two bodies are discovered in a garden leading Sophie Allen to solve a crime committee 20 years previously. Logical detective work unravels a strange family history, not helped by the return of senior officer with issues. A treatise in how tragic circumstances can arise and the impact it has on people's lives.
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