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D.I. Grace Fisher #3
The Special Girls
A seemingly perfect man is accused of horrendous crimes. It should be an open and shut case - but is there more to it than meets the eye?
An intelligent, timely thriller from award-winning screenwriter Isabelle Grey - a must-read for fans of Lynda La Plante's Prime Suspect and Sarah Hilary
A young psychiatric registrar is found dead in the woods outside a summer camp for young eating disorder patients, run by the charismatic, world-renowned Professor Ned Chesham. DI Grace Fisher investigates, but it is not long before she is pulled from the case - to head up a Metropolitan Police review into a cold case involving Chesham himself.
Nearly twenty years ago, one of Chesham's patients made allegations that he sexually assaulted her. The investigation at the time found no conclusive proof, but Grace soon discovers another victim, and a witness whose account never reached the police. Does this mean the original investigation was bungled? Scotland Yard would certainly like her to conclude otherwise.
As Grace uncovers the lies that led to the young doctor's murder, she discovers the full extent of the damage done to Chesham's 'special girls' - and the danger they are still in.
An intelligent, timely thriller from award-winning screenwriter Isabelle Grey - a must-read for fans of Lynda La Plante's Prime Suspect and Sarah Hilary
A young psychiatric registrar is found dead in the woods outside a summer camp for young eating disorder patients, run by the charismatic, world-renowned Professor Ned Chesham. DI Grace Fisher investigates, but it is not long before she is pulled from the case - to head up a Metropolitan Police review into a cold case involving Chesham himself.
Nearly twenty years ago, one of Chesham's patients made allegations that he sexually assaulted her. The investigation at the time found no conclusive proof, but Grace soon discovers another victim, and a witness whose account never reached the police. Does this mean the original investigation was bungled? Scotland Yard would certainly like her to conclude otherwise.
As Grace uncovers the lies that led to the young doctor's murder, she discovers the full extent of the damage done to Chesham's 'special girls' - and the danger they are still in.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2017
22 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Grey
19 books103 followersI write the DI Grace Fisher series of crime novels, set in Colchester, Essex. 'The Special Girls', the third in the series, was a Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Month. The first three books in the series are 'Good Girls Don't Die', 'Shot Through the Heart' and 'The Special Girls. The murder detective's fourth investigation, 'Wrong Way Home', was a Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month.
Quercus also publish my novels of psychological suspense, 'Out of Sight' and the Amazon bestseller 'The Bad Mother', as well as historical fiction by my new writing persona, V.B. Grey.
As a screenwriter I've contributed episodes to such television crime dramas as 'The Bill', 'Wycliffe', 'Rosemary & Thyme' and 'Midsomer Murders' and, with Jimmy McGovern, an episode of the Bafta and International Emmy award-winning BBC series 'Accused'.
I enjoy writing crime and suspense because such gripping and tightly-woven stories offer a chance to explore how secrets come back to haunt us, the chilling emotions of why people kill, how love can go terrifyingly wrong, and the psychology of what we most fear.
I was born within the sound of Bow Bells in London's East End, grew up in Manchester, lived for ten years on what was once a tidal island at the edge of the Romney Marsh, and now live and work in north London.
Quercus also publish my novels of psychological suspense, 'Out of Sight' and the Amazon bestseller 'The Bad Mother', as well as historical fiction by my new writing persona, V.B. Grey.
As a screenwriter I've contributed episodes to such television crime dramas as 'The Bill', 'Wycliffe', 'Rosemary & Thyme' and 'Midsomer Murders' and, with Jimmy McGovern, an episode of the Bafta and International Emmy award-winning BBC series 'Accused'.
I enjoy writing crime and suspense because such gripping and tightly-woven stories offer a chance to explore how secrets come back to haunt us, the chilling emotions of why people kill, how love can go terrifyingly wrong, and the psychology of what we most fear.
I was born within the sound of Bow Bells in London's East End, grew up in Manchester, lived for ten years on what was once a tidal island at the edge of the Romney Marsh, and now live and work in north London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 20, 2017
This a police procedural featuring DI Grace Fisher set in Essex and London. It is the third in the series and I found it a reasonable standalone. It refers to the traumatic backstory of Grace which features an abusive ex-husband, the fallout from being a whistleblower and her uncomfortable history with her ambitious boss, Detective Superintendent Colin Pitman. This a story thaf feeds into our contemporary issues of historical child abuse, perpetrated by those in power, charismatic, twisted, public figures at the heart of the establishment and the repercussions of their actions down the years on their victims, their families, their colleagues, and friends. At a summer camp run by Professor Ned Chesham for young girls with severe eating disorders, a junior doctor, Dr Tim Merrick is discovered murdered.
This is a politically charged investigation as Grace and her team delve into the lives of the medical personnel and begin to uncover evidence of abuse allegations that were ignored and covered up. This goes back to the days when the medical profession were treated as gods who wielded enormous power and young traumatised girls were disbelieved and powerless to do anything about it. To complicate matters, Grace is asked to head a police investigation of a complaint headed by her old boss. This inquiry 'Operation Firefly' is a poisoned chalice that is looking to exonerate the police from all blame. However, it indicates to Grace that there were political figures that ensured the case was buried. Grace finds herself with no choice but to deploy unorthodox means to ensure that justice is served, as influential opposition looks set to bury the case. The story of Clive and Gillian gives us an insight into the effect the sexual abuse has on families and their devastating consequences. In the midst of all this, Grace gets romantically involved with her DS, Blake Langley and becomes personally acquainted with the effects of abuse through a close colleague.
This is a well written and compelling story of the grisly nature of child abuse and the repercussions it has and the society that turned a blind eye. The novel draws you in and never lets you go with its high levels of suspense and tension. What particularly drew my interest was the character of the nurse, Helen, her actions and behaviour, giving the reader an intensely thought provoking controversial figure. An excellent read of an important issue with its roots in the reality of our society. Highly recommended. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
This is a politically charged investigation as Grace and her team delve into the lives of the medical personnel and begin to uncover evidence of abuse allegations that were ignored and covered up. This goes back to the days when the medical profession were treated as gods who wielded enormous power and young traumatised girls were disbelieved and powerless to do anything about it. To complicate matters, Grace is asked to head a police investigation of a complaint headed by her old boss. This inquiry 'Operation Firefly' is a poisoned chalice that is looking to exonerate the police from all blame. However, it indicates to Grace that there were political figures that ensured the case was buried. Grace finds herself with no choice but to deploy unorthodox means to ensure that justice is served, as influential opposition looks set to bury the case. The story of Clive and Gillian gives us an insight into the effect the sexual abuse has on families and their devastating consequences. In the midst of all this, Grace gets romantically involved with her DS, Blake Langley and becomes personally acquainted with the effects of abuse through a close colleague.
This is a well written and compelling story of the grisly nature of child abuse and the repercussions it has and the society that turned a blind eye. The novel draws you in and never lets you go with its high levels of suspense and tension. What particularly drew my interest was the character of the nurse, Helen, her actions and behaviour, giving the reader an intensely thought provoking controversial figure. An excellent read of an important issue with its roots in the reality of our society. Highly recommended. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
April 8, 2017
4.5 ☆ Review
Special Girls is the third book within the series. However this is my first book. I don't feel this hindered my reading in any way as this can be read as a stand alone book.
Special Girls is a detective, crime book and tackles some very sensitive issues. Murder, child abuse, cover ups and politics.
It is a powerful story and I found this made it a little tough to read at times. Although I fully understand the reader has to endure those moments in order to find out more.
Detective books are not my usual reads but the blurb enticed me in.
Things start to go horribly wrong when a group of teenagers attend a camp for eating disorders, however one member of staff is brutally murdered.
Detective Grace Fisher is the leading detective and it's her job to uncover the truth about the murder.
The further Grace delves into the case the more she uncovers links to historical abuse cases that was ignored and more to the point covered up.
Could this be bigger than her is she stepping into murky waters of cover ups and corruption.
At what cost.
Special Girls is highly addictive and a real page turner. It's gripping and has you hooked in, it's cleverly written and a great strong female lead detective.
My heart was breaking when you learn of the abuse, then you feel anger. A mixed bag of emotions throughout the story!
It does delve into such subjects that are sensitive like the child abuse and the history behind the cover ups.
However the subjects are well researched and although painful to read it does draw you in.
I will definitely be reading the other books within the series.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
Special Girls is the third book within the series. However this is my first book. I don't feel this hindered my reading in any way as this can be read as a stand alone book.
Special Girls is a detective, crime book and tackles some very sensitive issues. Murder, child abuse, cover ups and politics.
It is a powerful story and I found this made it a little tough to read at times. Although I fully understand the reader has to endure those moments in order to find out more.
Detective books are not my usual reads but the blurb enticed me in.
Things start to go horribly wrong when a group of teenagers attend a camp for eating disorders, however one member of staff is brutally murdered.
Detective Grace Fisher is the leading detective and it's her job to uncover the truth about the murder.
The further Grace delves into the case the more she uncovers links to historical abuse cases that was ignored and more to the point covered up.
Could this be bigger than her is she stepping into murky waters of cover ups and corruption.
At what cost.
Special Girls is highly addictive and a real page turner. It's gripping and has you hooked in, it's cleverly written and a great strong female lead detective.
My heart was breaking when you learn of the abuse, then you feel anger. A mixed bag of emotions throughout the story!
It does delve into such subjects that are sensitive like the child abuse and the history behind the cover ups.
However the subjects are well researched and although painful to read it does draw you in.
I will definitely be reading the other books within the series.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
April 5, 2017
I loved The Special Girls – it is an emotive and very current theme that Isabelle Grey uses as her main plot here, that of historical child abuse and the difficulties of prosecuting, or even proving, criminal acts committed by those in power. As such it is at times a quite harrowing read, the author digging into the fallout and affect on those who suffer at the hands of those they should be able to trust.
When a psychiatric registrar is found dead, Grace gets the case but it soon becomes apparent that there are political issues that may stymie her investigation. Soon moved on to a cold case review that is connected, she is thrown into a years long history of possible abuse against young girls suffering eating disorders. The plot flows along from there, Grace finding obstacles at every turn, having to think outside the box in order to get to the truth and putting her own career in danger along the way.
The Special Girls is highly readable, well flowing and immersive – I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series but I do think that this one has taken things up a notch, not only in regards to character arcs but in depth and quality of storytelling. Isabelle Grey writes about a truly horrific subject with sympathy and realism – you feel every moment of it, get frustrated right along with Grace when political maneuvering gets in the way of protecting the vulnerable – it is often very heart wrenching stuff but always genuine and as we know from many recent news headlines, not at all unbelievable.
This was addictive reading with a tough emotional edge and realistic twists of fate that I have no problem at all recommending.
When a psychiatric registrar is found dead, Grace gets the case but it soon becomes apparent that there are political issues that may stymie her investigation. Soon moved on to a cold case review that is connected, she is thrown into a years long history of possible abuse against young girls suffering eating disorders. The plot flows along from there, Grace finding obstacles at every turn, having to think outside the box in order to get to the truth and putting her own career in danger along the way.
The Special Girls is highly readable, well flowing and immersive – I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series but I do think that this one has taken things up a notch, not only in regards to character arcs but in depth and quality of storytelling. Isabelle Grey writes about a truly horrific subject with sympathy and realism – you feel every moment of it, get frustrated right along with Grace when political maneuvering gets in the way of protecting the vulnerable – it is often very heart wrenching stuff but always genuine and as we know from many recent news headlines, not at all unbelievable.
This was addictive reading with a tough emotional edge and realistic twists of fate that I have no problem at all recommending.
April 2, 2017
In brief - I'd not come across Isabelle Gray's work before however this is a very well crafted police story which I really enjoyed reading. I'll certainly look to read more by this author. Probably 4.5/5.
In full
This book features DI Grace Fisher and is the third in the series. I'd not read anything from this author previously however the immediate feel is of a fairly traditional police story well written. The setting is a summer camp for patients with eating disorders in the grounds of an old stately home type place. There are three staff who are accompanying the girls and one of those, a young doctor, is murdered. Before Grace can get fully involved in this investigation she is asked to head up a review of an old case handled by the Met. It concerns someone who was at the scene of the murder investigation - is there a connection?
As the book goes on it is clear that things are not actually that clear! Did the previous investigation miss something of any importance? Who is really interested in these cases and why? What might be the role of the press in this? In a sense this is a simple crime novel. However that really would be to sell this short. I've read some remarkably ordinary crime stories and this is not one of them. The writing is very good indeed and this is a book which it is very easy to simply continue reading.
As the investigations progress there is good sustained pace and tension that kept me reading solidly. Refreshingly it doesn't cast the police, in the main, or anyone else as incompetent or making blunders. I found myself liking Grace and a number of the other characters too. Indeed, good or bad, I don't recall a character who didn't work for me. Some of the more minor characters seemed particularly well drawn too. On that subject this is a book that is about historical sexual abuse. For me the issues are handled well however it may affect some people - worth bearing in mind maybe.
My only reservation about this story - and it is minor - is the introduction of "love interest". This is a very well written crime drama for me. It did not need that dimension nor did that have any real bearing on the story. I for one will be reading more of Grey's work now I've found it and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys good crime fiction.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/police/special-...
In full
This book features DI Grace Fisher and is the third in the series. I'd not read anything from this author previously however the immediate feel is of a fairly traditional police story well written. The setting is a summer camp for patients with eating disorders in the grounds of an old stately home type place. There are three staff who are accompanying the girls and one of those, a young doctor, is murdered. Before Grace can get fully involved in this investigation she is asked to head up a review of an old case handled by the Met. It concerns someone who was at the scene of the murder investigation - is there a connection?
As the book goes on it is clear that things are not actually that clear! Did the previous investigation miss something of any importance? Who is really interested in these cases and why? What might be the role of the press in this? In a sense this is a simple crime novel. However that really would be to sell this short. I've read some remarkably ordinary crime stories and this is not one of them. The writing is very good indeed and this is a book which it is very easy to simply continue reading.
As the investigations progress there is good sustained pace and tension that kept me reading solidly. Refreshingly it doesn't cast the police, in the main, or anyone else as incompetent or making blunders. I found myself liking Grace and a number of the other characters too. Indeed, good or bad, I don't recall a character who didn't work for me. Some of the more minor characters seemed particularly well drawn too. On that subject this is a book that is about historical sexual abuse. For me the issues are handled well however it may affect some people - worth bearing in mind maybe.
My only reservation about this story - and it is minor - is the introduction of "love interest". This is a very well written crime drama for me. It did not need that dimension nor did that have any real bearing on the story. I for one will be reading more of Grey's work now I've found it and would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys good crime fiction.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/police/special-...
July 19, 2019
What stands out is how the author Isabelle Grey has written this story with an exceptional suspense. I enjoyed reading every page that was full of suspicion.
Twenty eight year old doctor Tim Merrick was young, polite, helpful and this was his first time at summer camp, with eight young girls with that all have eating disorders. Anorexia mainly.
Toby Thomas was walking his dog when his dog Daisy found a dead body.
The ugly scene looked liked someone may have hit Tim Merrick on the head and in face once he was on the ground. It paints a tale of real fear as it looked like his injuries were probably inflicted by a blood stained rock that was found near the scene.
So many questions build up. Did Tim have any problems with anyone? Had he arranged to meet someone?
This is a baffling horrific crime for the police and they are going to question everyone at the summer camp including the eight girls, however unlikely it would be one of them was a killer.
The law is the law and everyone needs to be questioned each in turn would have to be scrupulously ruled out as suspect.
At a time like this when crime fiction has become one of the top selling categories I have found that this book has an unputdownable offering that is why I completely highly recommend readers buying The special Girls.
September 28, 2017
Listened to in audio format.
The Special Girls is book three in the DI Grace Fisher. This book covers the sensitive topic of historic child sex abuse and police cover ups.
Grace and her new bagman Sergeant Blake Langley are called to the murder of Dr Tim Merrick in the grounds of Wryford Hall. The renowned Professor Ned Chesham who is an expert in eating disorders holds a summer camp at Wryford Hall for his teenage patients every year. Dr Merrick and a specialist nurse accompanied Chesham as helpers.
Grace and Blake interview the girls from the camp but they did not see anything strange. One of the campers Meghan Goodwin has anorexia and was desperately ill when her aunt Helen Fry a mental health nurse recommended Professor Ned Chesham to her parents. Megan's condition was improving under the care of Ned Chesham. However after returning from summer camp her condition has started to deteriorate again.
Grace is surprised when she is called in by the MET to conduct a case review. Chesham is due knighted shortly but he was involved in a child sex abuse allegation years earlier. It is Grace's job to check the allegation was thoroughly investigated by the MET before he is knighted. After interviewing the victim she is sure Chesham is a child abuser but she is told to stop her review because she does not have any evidence.
Grace accidentally leaks the information to hard nosed hack Ivo to make sure the allegations cannot be ignored.
This storyline can be quite distressing at times when you realise the effects of the abuse can linger into adulthood. I enjoyed the story of Meghan and how her anorexia affects not just herself but her family.
This book was an interesting thought provoking story. There were multiple storylines that weaved together throughout the story but all the loose ends tied together nicely at the end I think they were too many characters in this book and I sometimes had to think to remember who a character was but this did not stop me from enjoying the story.
The Special Girls is book three in the DI Grace Fisher. This book covers the sensitive topic of historic child sex abuse and police cover ups.
Grace and her new bagman Sergeant Blake Langley are called to the murder of Dr Tim Merrick in the grounds of Wryford Hall. The renowned Professor Ned Chesham who is an expert in eating disorders holds a summer camp at Wryford Hall for his teenage patients every year. Dr Merrick and a specialist nurse accompanied Chesham as helpers.
Grace and Blake interview the girls from the camp but they did not see anything strange. One of the campers Meghan Goodwin has anorexia and was desperately ill when her aunt Helen Fry a mental health nurse recommended Professor Ned Chesham to her parents. Megan's condition was improving under the care of Ned Chesham. However after returning from summer camp her condition has started to deteriorate again.
Grace is surprised when she is called in by the MET to conduct a case review. Chesham is due knighted shortly but he was involved in a child sex abuse allegation years earlier. It is Grace's job to check the allegation was thoroughly investigated by the MET before he is knighted. After interviewing the victim she is sure Chesham is a child abuser but she is told to stop her review because she does not have any evidence.
Grace accidentally leaks the information to hard nosed hack Ivo to make sure the allegations cannot be ignored.
This storyline can be quite distressing at times when you realise the effects of the abuse can linger into adulthood. I enjoyed the story of Meghan and how her anorexia affects not just herself but her family.
This book was an interesting thought provoking story. There were multiple storylines that weaved together throughout the story but all the loose ends tied together nicely at the end I think they were too many characters in this book and I sometimes had to think to remember who a character was but this did not stop me from enjoying the story.
February 24, 2017
This is a solid police procedural that explores timely issues of abuse and cover-ups, and which has things to say about the media, police and politics more generally. Grey has done her research and keeps everything moving along from the start when a promising paediatrician is found murdered at a summer camp for young female anorexia sufferers.
I've read an earlier book in this DI Grace Fisher series and have found them both very competent in terms of writing, characterisation, plot but there's something just a bit so-so about them: it's not that Grey does anything wrong, just that there's no pizzazz, no personality or humour or anything to make them stand out from the thousands of other police procedurals out there.
Grace herself has a few hang-ups from the past, a mild aversion to her boss and there are some 'Line of Duty' moments in this book. Some of the 'big' moments happen off-stage, as it were, which contributes to the slightly grey and anti-climactic feel of the book overall.
Those readers who prefer their crime without undue violence or swearing may like this though there are some mild issues of sex given the subject matter - If you enjoy straightforward procedurals that get to the point without extravagance then this is definitely worth a try.
Review from an ARC via Amazon Vine
I've read an earlier book in this DI Grace Fisher series and have found them both very competent in terms of writing, characterisation, plot but there's something just a bit so-so about them: it's not that Grey does anything wrong, just that there's no pizzazz, no personality or humour or anything to make them stand out from the thousands of other police procedurals out there.
Grace herself has a few hang-ups from the past, a mild aversion to her boss and there are some 'Line of Duty' moments in this book. Some of the 'big' moments happen off-stage, as it were, which contributes to the slightly grey and anti-climactic feel of the book overall.
Those readers who prefer their crime without undue violence or swearing may like this though there are some mild issues of sex given the subject matter - If you enjoy straightforward procedurals that get to the point without extravagance then this is definitely worth a try.
Review from an ARC via Amazon Vine
April 7, 2017
Isabelle Grey has been brave in taking the contemporary issue of child abuse and grooming by those in power in The Special Girls. Not an easy topic by any standards and yet this only too believable tale doesn’t avoid the other side of this crime, those men that have been falsely accused in the full glare of the public eye.
Dr Tim Merrick, a young psychiatric registrar is found brutally murdered while supervising a camping trip of eight girls suffering with eating disorders, the main question being asked was why he wasn’t, as he was supposed to be, supervising the girls at the camp in Essex. The girls were chosen from Professor Edward “Ned” Chesham’s clinic at St Botolph’s hospital in London as those who had made good progress as a reward and a way of learning how to enjoy life with tree climbing, swimming in the lake and other healthy pursuits.
With the adults at the camp with a firm alibi Grace Fisher has no option to take a look at the young charges but with such fragile girls, they simply can’t be investigated in the normal manner which presents something of an issue for the capable Detective Inspector. With the motive unclear Grace does what she can to get the investigation off the ground, however she has barely started when she is asked to head up a Metropolitan Police review into a cold case involving Chesham himself called Operation Mayfly. Soon she is interviewing her old boss who ran the investigation into a sexual assault involving Chesham some twenty years ago.
I was delighted to see the unusual friendship witnessed in the previous two books in this series between Ivo the crime reporter on the Courier and Grace Fisher is still going strong even while questioning the wisdom of this pairing. It isn’t as though Grace isn’t aware of the recent phone hacking scandal and the resultant need to keep any contact between the Police and the press strictly above-board.
The Special Girls, while focussed on an uncomfortable subject has its attention on the effects of the crime rather than the details of the crime itself, except where absolutely necessary. The power games within the police are exposed because of the political hot potato that this particular crime has become which goes against Grace’s belief that the police are there to protect the public, not themselves. We also here from the father of one of the girls under Ned Chesham’s care, in what feels like an authentic look at life with a daughter with an eating disorder. None of the elements are overly laboured but together the political and the personal are built into a crime that is not only a whodunit but reflects contemporary views and issues in an incredibly effective manner.
There is of course a fair bit of Grace’s personal life which feeds back to the main story arc that began with her being ostracised by her old force when she made a complaint about another officer, one who happened to be her husband. This time around it seems as though Grace has finally found her feet but how far can she do to appease her superiors and protect those who she feels require it.
This series is definitely worth following and The Special Girls has ensured that it stays on my ‘must-read’ list as I can’t resist intelligent contemporary crime fiction which is based on proper research thereby avoiding the clichés that some in this genre space fall into. Not only that it was an interesting read with perfect pace and clever plotting without forgetting that readers love a cast of characters that they believe in.
Dr Tim Merrick, a young psychiatric registrar is found brutally murdered while supervising a camping trip of eight girls suffering with eating disorders, the main question being asked was why he wasn’t, as he was supposed to be, supervising the girls at the camp in Essex. The girls were chosen from Professor Edward “Ned” Chesham’s clinic at St Botolph’s hospital in London as those who had made good progress as a reward and a way of learning how to enjoy life with tree climbing, swimming in the lake and other healthy pursuits.
With the adults at the camp with a firm alibi Grace Fisher has no option to take a look at the young charges but with such fragile girls, they simply can’t be investigated in the normal manner which presents something of an issue for the capable Detective Inspector. With the motive unclear Grace does what she can to get the investigation off the ground, however she has barely started when she is asked to head up a Metropolitan Police review into a cold case involving Chesham himself called Operation Mayfly. Soon she is interviewing her old boss who ran the investigation into a sexual assault involving Chesham some twenty years ago.
I was delighted to see the unusual friendship witnessed in the previous two books in this series between Ivo the crime reporter on the Courier and Grace Fisher is still going strong even while questioning the wisdom of this pairing. It isn’t as though Grace isn’t aware of the recent phone hacking scandal and the resultant need to keep any contact between the Police and the press strictly above-board.
The Special Girls, while focussed on an uncomfortable subject has its attention on the effects of the crime rather than the details of the crime itself, except where absolutely necessary. The power games within the police are exposed because of the political hot potato that this particular crime has become which goes against Grace’s belief that the police are there to protect the public, not themselves. We also here from the father of one of the girls under Ned Chesham’s care, in what feels like an authentic look at life with a daughter with an eating disorder. None of the elements are overly laboured but together the political and the personal are built into a crime that is not only a whodunit but reflects contemporary views and issues in an incredibly effective manner.
There is of course a fair bit of Grace’s personal life which feeds back to the main story arc that began with her being ostracised by her old force when she made a complaint about another officer, one who happened to be her husband. This time around it seems as though Grace has finally found her feet but how far can she do to appease her superiors and protect those who she feels require it.
This series is definitely worth following and The Special Girls has ensured that it stays on my ‘must-read’ list as I can’t resist intelligent contemporary crime fiction which is based on proper research thereby avoiding the clichés that some in this genre space fall into. Not only that it was an interesting read with perfect pace and clever plotting without forgetting that readers love a cast of characters that they believe in.
March 23, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Special Girls, the third novel to feature DI Grace Fisher and her team at Colchester CID.
Dr Tim Merrick is found bludgeoned to death in the woods of an estate where he was holidaying in a carer capacity with a group of anorexic teenagers. With all the adults on the estate accounted for Grace and the team are turning to the possibility of a stranger murder when she is called to London and asked to head up operation Mayfly with the specific task of re-examining the Met's handling of a historic sex allegation against Tim's boss and fellow camper, Professor Edward "Ned" Chesham.
Wow! Just wow, what a read. Without a doubt this is my novel of the year so far and I'm sure I won't be able to do it justice in this review. For a start it is a good crime novel with an interesting plot and a few surprising twists that held me enthralled, wondering what was coming next. The detail and thought that have gone into it are amazing. I would like to say that it is unputdownable but the effects of abuse on already fragile minds are harrowing and there were times when I had to put it down for a while but, like the siren's song, it always called me back. The sexual abuse of minors is a very topical subject but there is no sensationalism, only sympathy and what comes over really strongly is the victims' feeling of helplessness and not being believed. In sharp contrast is the Establishment's need to protect high profile figures, no matter the cost to individuals and The Met's need to present a faultless profile. Ms Grey nails these needs perfectly and the saddest thing about it is that it feels a little underdone - as recent history has proved over and over again.
DI Grace Fisher is a good protagonist. Having suffered at the hands of the police culture of protect your own she is ideally placed to help victims and she finds some ingenious ways to do so, but she comes over as a little naïve sometimes but definitely courageous.
The Special Girls is an excellent read with several plot strands, some good, unexpected twists and a sensitive, in-depth portrayal of abuse and its many aftershocks so I have no hesitation in recommending it as one of my books of the year.
Dr Tim Merrick is found bludgeoned to death in the woods of an estate where he was holidaying in a carer capacity with a group of anorexic teenagers. With all the adults on the estate accounted for Grace and the team are turning to the possibility of a stranger murder when she is called to London and asked to head up operation Mayfly with the specific task of re-examining the Met's handling of a historic sex allegation against Tim's boss and fellow camper, Professor Edward "Ned" Chesham.
Wow! Just wow, what a read. Without a doubt this is my novel of the year so far and I'm sure I won't be able to do it justice in this review. For a start it is a good crime novel with an interesting plot and a few surprising twists that held me enthralled, wondering what was coming next. The detail and thought that have gone into it are amazing. I would like to say that it is unputdownable but the effects of abuse on already fragile minds are harrowing and there were times when I had to put it down for a while but, like the siren's song, it always called me back. The sexual abuse of minors is a very topical subject but there is no sensationalism, only sympathy and what comes over really strongly is the victims' feeling of helplessness and not being believed. In sharp contrast is the Establishment's need to protect high profile figures, no matter the cost to individuals and The Met's need to present a faultless profile. Ms Grey nails these needs perfectly and the saddest thing about it is that it feels a little underdone - as recent history has proved over and over again.
DI Grace Fisher is a good protagonist. Having suffered at the hands of the police culture of protect your own she is ideally placed to help victims and she finds some ingenious ways to do so, but she comes over as a little naïve sometimes but definitely courageous.
The Special Girls is an excellent read with several plot strands, some good, unexpected twists and a sensitive, in-depth portrayal of abuse and its many aftershocks so I have no hesitation in recommending it as one of my books of the year.
June 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like she has gotten in her stride and the books are becoming less predictable. Also I love her relationship with the reporter. Great book
June 5, 2024
this is the first book by this author I've ever read/listened to, on a hard subject to write about and, I liked it it is the 3rd in the D.I. Grace Fisher series so I will be on the lookout for the others both before and after. Grace is asked to look into and start an inquiry on an old sex case to see if something was missed that shouldn't have been...Her old boss ran the case so she wants to do her best like always and prove his innocence as well. In the course of her looking she stumbles into a current case where a young Dr. has been beaten to death on a summer camp retreat for anorexic young girls....what Grace and her team uncover is shocking and covers decades of sexual abuse to young girls.... Hard subject to write about, but tastefully done.
April 22, 2017
A detective story dealing with child abuse by a famous doctor and an establishment cover-up which had appalling consequences. I found it a riveting story, if a trifle "over the top". This is the third in a series of stories and I would recommend that people read the first two before embarking on this.
September 20, 2022
Wonderful
May 23, 2017
Powerful story
Best yet.amazing story told without sensationalism but burning with righteous anger at how powerful men canhide their abuse in plain sight.
Best yet.amazing story told without sensationalism but burning with righteous anger at how powerful men canhide their abuse in plain sight.
October 18, 2018
The Special Girls is the third Grace Fisher book by Isabelle Grey, again narrated by the lovely Melody Grove.
Grace has now been with the Essex force for a year or so, and is becoming a valued member of the team. Her colleague Lance Cooper, who lost his partner in the last book (Shot Through the Heart, and yes, I sing “and you’re to blame” afterwards too…) left the force at the end of that book (and apparently went on to train to be a teacher if you’re interested), and has been replaced by Blake Langley who Grace isn’t sure about to start with.
They get a call to the local manor house where a man has been found dead. Dr Tim Merrick, a promising junior doctor, was camping with a group of girls and his mentor, Dr Ned Chesham (and a nurse) in the ground of the large house as part of the therapy the girls are going through for anorexia. Tim has been bludgeoned to death with a tree branch and Grace and Blake are charged with finding out who did it.
At the same time, Grace is asked to head up an investigation into a failed investigation by the Met called Operation Mayfly, which was originally meant to be looking for paedophiles in high places – celebrities, politicians etc. Mayfly failed and Grace is asked to investigate why. During her investigations, she is led back again and again to Dr Ned Chesham, who is practically a god, with his wonderful dedication to girls with anorexia over the years. Grace uncovers evidence of Ned’s “Special Girls” – each year for twenty years he has taken the recovering girls to the camp by the cricket pavilion and one girl has always worn a red swimming costume. This is his girl of the year who he is actually abusing.
Grace and Blake are convinced that Ned is a paedophile but simply can’t prove it. The few girls willing to talk are either unreliable (drinking) or wind up dead – coincidence?
This story was very hard hitting, talking of child abuse, both now and historic, and the sheer arrogance of people who think that they can’t be touched. It may be a novel, but there is so much truth in it.
It was probably the best of the three Grace Fisher novels so far, and they’ve all been very good. And yet again I must comment on the lovely Melody Grove, who has just one of the best voices for audio.
The only thing that didn’t really work for me was the love story between Grace and Blake. As they work together they discover that they are falling in… love? Lust? Anyway, they end up in bed together, and it’s all tastefully done (can you imagine having to narrate something like 50 Shades of Gray? Awkward!) but it doesn’t add anything to the story and I did keep waiting for Blake to turn out to be a shit and to tell everyone in the office that he nailed the boss or similar but he did seem to feel the same way as her. We shall see where it takes us but I didn’t feel that it added anything.
4.5 stars for me.
Grace has now been with the Essex force for a year or so, and is becoming a valued member of the team. Her colleague Lance Cooper, who lost his partner in the last book (Shot Through the Heart, and yes, I sing “and you’re to blame” afterwards too…) left the force at the end of that book (and apparently went on to train to be a teacher if you’re interested), and has been replaced by Blake Langley who Grace isn’t sure about to start with.
They get a call to the local manor house where a man has been found dead. Dr Tim Merrick, a promising junior doctor, was camping with a group of girls and his mentor, Dr Ned Chesham (and a nurse) in the ground of the large house as part of the therapy the girls are going through for anorexia. Tim has been bludgeoned to death with a tree branch and Grace and Blake are charged with finding out who did it.
At the same time, Grace is asked to head up an investigation into a failed investigation by the Met called Operation Mayfly, which was originally meant to be looking for paedophiles in high places – celebrities, politicians etc. Mayfly failed and Grace is asked to investigate why. During her investigations, she is led back again and again to Dr Ned Chesham, who is practically a god, with his wonderful dedication to girls with anorexia over the years. Grace uncovers evidence of Ned’s “Special Girls” – each year for twenty years he has taken the recovering girls to the camp by the cricket pavilion and one girl has always worn a red swimming costume. This is his girl of the year who he is actually abusing.
Grace and Blake are convinced that Ned is a paedophile but simply can’t prove it. The few girls willing to talk are either unreliable (drinking) or wind up dead – coincidence?
This story was very hard hitting, talking of child abuse, both now and historic, and the sheer arrogance of people who think that they can’t be touched. It may be a novel, but there is so much truth in it.
It was probably the best of the three Grace Fisher novels so far, and they’ve all been very good. And yet again I must comment on the lovely Melody Grove, who has just one of the best voices for audio.
The only thing that didn’t really work for me was the love story between Grace and Blake. As they work together they discover that they are falling in… love? Lust? Anyway, they end up in bed together, and it’s all tastefully done (can you imagine having to narrate something like 50 Shades of Gray? Awkward!) but it doesn’t add anything to the story and I did keep waiting for Blake to turn out to be a shit and to tell everyone in the office that he nailed the boss or similar but he did seem to feel the same way as her. We shall see where it takes us but I didn’t feel that it added anything.
4.5 stars for me.
August 16, 2017
All of my reviews can be found at: https://jacob-reviews-books.blogspot....
The Special Girls by Isabelle Grey is a very current read. Her book deals with very emotive themes, especially focusing on historic child abuse. The harrowing, sad fact is that there are people out there who do get away with these heinous crimes which has become all too apparent in the world today. And some even take their secrets to their graves.
DI Grace Fisher of the Essex police force is called in when the body of Tim Merrick, a psychiatric registrar is discovered in a wooded area near a camping site used by the hospital he works for. Every year, Tim Merrick’s boss, Ned Chesham, takes a group of young girls to the camping site; the young girls who he is trying to help are suffering from anorexia and eating disorders. A short while after the body of Tim Merrick has been found Grace is called in by the Met to head up a team investigating historical sex abuse which could be linked to her current case. But when the Met appear to brush the results of the investigation under the carpet Grace is determined to get to the bottom of the allegations, no matter what it might cost her.
The Special Girls is the first book by Isabelle Grey which I have read and it certainly won’t be my last. Isabelle’s writing is highly addictive; I found the scenes in which her writing shone was the police interview scenes. The action here is in the dialogue and Isabelle writes this really well, I could feel the tension of the officers who were asking the questions.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship that Grace has with her colleagues. I don’t want to say any more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil the story but I thought her relationship with one other police officer in particular was very well done.
I’ll definitely be catching up on the first two books in the series and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one. If you’re looking for an exciting new crime series with very addictive writing then I highly recommend Isabelle Grey.
The Special Girls by Isabelle Grey is a very current read. Her book deals with very emotive themes, especially focusing on historic child abuse. The harrowing, sad fact is that there are people out there who do get away with these heinous crimes which has become all too apparent in the world today. And some even take their secrets to their graves.
DI Grace Fisher of the Essex police force is called in when the body of Tim Merrick, a psychiatric registrar is discovered in a wooded area near a camping site used by the hospital he works for. Every year, Tim Merrick’s boss, Ned Chesham, takes a group of young girls to the camping site; the young girls who he is trying to help are suffering from anorexia and eating disorders. A short while after the body of Tim Merrick has been found Grace is called in by the Met to head up a team investigating historical sex abuse which could be linked to her current case. But when the Met appear to brush the results of the investigation under the carpet Grace is determined to get to the bottom of the allegations, no matter what it might cost her.
The Special Girls is the first book by Isabelle Grey which I have read and it certainly won’t be my last. Isabelle’s writing is highly addictive; I found the scenes in which her writing shone was the police interview scenes. The action here is in the dialogue and Isabelle writes this really well, I could feel the tension of the officers who were asking the questions.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship that Grace has with her colleagues. I don’t want to say any more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil the story but I thought her relationship with one other police officer in particular was very well done.
I’ll definitely be catching up on the first two books in the series and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one. If you’re looking for an exciting new crime series with very addictive writing then I highly recommend Isabelle Grey.
December 20, 2018
This book kept me hooked and broke my heart. I have however already bought and finished book 1 because I enjoyed this one so much. It's a hard read at some points but it is written sympathetically. I would definitely say this comes with a TW for sexual abuse and eating disorders.
A doctor is murdered at a summer camp for girls with eating disorders. DI Grace Fisher starts to investigate and is then called to re-look at a cold case involving the Doctor that runs the camp. Chesham is a well-loved man with friends in high places and all the awards. However, the deeper that Grace delves, the more suspicious she gets. Is there a conspiracy and has someone covered up a history of child abuse?
This book really makes you feel a range of emotions. You get the hurt, anger and frustration. Then there's the great friendship between Grace and Ivo, a reporter (which makes way more sense after reading the first book). I had my suspicions over who the murderer was but the why makes it so much sadder.
I could not put this book down and was gripped until the very end. I highly recommend checking out Isabelle Grey.
A doctor is murdered at a summer camp for girls with eating disorders. DI Grace Fisher starts to investigate and is then called to re-look at a cold case involving the Doctor that runs the camp. Chesham is a well-loved man with friends in high places and all the awards. However, the deeper that Grace delves, the more suspicious she gets. Is there a conspiracy and has someone covered up a history of child abuse?
This book really makes you feel a range of emotions. You get the hurt, anger and frustration. Then there's the great friendship between Grace and Ivo, a reporter (which makes way more sense after reading the first book). I had my suspicions over who the murderer was but the why makes it so much sadder.
I could not put this book down and was gripped until the very end. I highly recommend checking out Isabelle Grey.
June 4, 2018
This book really surprised me, the more I read the more I found this was real life with just the names ad locations changed. At the heart of this story is child sexual abuse by a highly regarded specialist doctor. However, the real story is how "the old boy" network amongst this country's so called elite look after themselves to the detriment of ordinary people. Politicians, high profile police officers and the elite of the medical profession closing ranks and covering up for one another so that they can continue their sordid life and continue to crawl ever higher up in our society and try to become untouchable. A young girl accusations years previously not totally believed, the local police told to close the investigation by those higher up the chain. A complaint by a cleaner at a hospital brushed aside by senior management who only spoke to the doctor not the patient saying why would a doctor lie and so a paedophile carries on his deadly torment of young girls. This book says so much about the society we in to day and it is so near to the truth. A great read.
May 12, 2020
A solid police procedural with a topical plot and a decent cast of characters.
I hate coming into a series part way through and there was nothing on the jacket to say this was book 3. I know this isn't the authors fault but it did taint my enjoyment of the story as i was frequently reminded of history I felt i was expected to know and didn't.
For me there was nothing particularly special about this, it was a fairly linear plot and I had most of worked out in the first hundred pages. The bit that i didn't work out I still don't fully understand.
Helen and Clive Goodwin are hands down the best characters in the book, all the others feel slightly 2 dimensional next to them.
A perfect book and potentially series for lockdown - doesn't require too much attention or time to enjoy.
I hate coming into a series part way through and there was nothing on the jacket to say this was book 3. I know this isn't the authors fault but it did taint my enjoyment of the story as i was frequently reminded of history I felt i was expected to know and didn't.
For me there was nothing particularly special about this, it was a fairly linear plot and I had most of worked out in the first hundred pages. The bit that i didn't work out I still don't fully understand.
Helen and Clive Goodwin are hands down the best characters in the book, all the others feel slightly 2 dimensional next to them.
A perfect book and potentially series for lockdown - doesn't require too much attention or time to enjoy.
September 9, 2021
Starts with the murder of a young doctor at a holiday retreat for adolescent girls with eating disorders. The detective heading the enquiry then gets called to lead a review of a cold case involving allegations of sexual abuse against the acclaimed doctor who heads up the eating disorder clinic and organises the annual camping trips at which the murder took place. Although the twists are all easy to predict, the book is well written and fast moving and deals sensitively with the central issue of historic child abuse.
May 20, 2017
I am compulsively reading all the Grace Fisher series, having enjoyed the first one so much. This is a great story, and flirts with the kind of crimes where a respected member of society might have sexually abused girls in his care, but where the establishment takes steps to quash any investigation. It was a good read and while what happened to one family at the end was heartbreaking, it gave me an insight into why those kinds of deeds take place.
June 5, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5
Absolutely loved it!! Better than Shot through the heart!!
But the only thing that made me not give 5 was....
SPOILER BELOW
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Clive killing off his family.... I wished that he had the balls to tell his family what happened and not the take the, what I feel, was the cowards way out..... Meghan could have grown up to be a better person, but needlessly more lives were lost.
Absolutely loved it!! Better than Shot through the heart!!
But the only thing that made me not give 5 was....
SPOILER BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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Clive killing off his family.... I wished that he had the balls to tell his family what happened and not the take the, what I feel, was the cowards way out..... Meghan could have grown up to be a better person, but needlessly more lives were lost.
March 24, 2018
This was a real find - always great to stumble upon a new writer with several previous books in a series to enjoy. I thought this was a really meaty plot, with enough subplot to provide insight into the detective's emotional past without some torturous exposition, and enough twists and turns to keep me engaged. Will definitely go and find other books by this writer.
See my blog at https://www.vivienne-shannon.com/vivi...
See my blog at https://www.vivienne-shannon.com/vivi...
February 25, 2020
From my book club I would not have chosen a book on child abuse that said a real page turner on police procedure and detective work full of detail, well drawn characters who you could relate to. The only fault I could find was a motive for the perpetrator of the last murder apart from his daughter being a patient he had no connection with the second murder victim yet his interest in closing the case was historic. Maybe I have missed something or pefhaps someone will e lighten me.
June 10, 2017
The third in Isabelle Grey's DI GRACE FISHER crime series revolves around historical sex crimes but the plot line involving the father of a teenage anorexic treated by Chesham was too soapy for me and the central murder investigation fell by the wayside but Fisher's an interesting character and I enjoyed her relationship with journalist Ivo enough to read the preceding books.
August 19, 2017
The best of the three, in my opinion, and almost worth five stars. With the theme of child abuse, parts of this story were horrific and very difficult to read. The post is quite complex, but well handled and kept my interest to the extent that I read it in one sitting. I am not sure if the author will continue with the series, but will definitely read more if she does.
November 2, 2024
A fairly good police procedural, but that's it. Fairly good, nothing more, but neither is it worse than that. A bland, not very interesting story despite the hard subject, which I think is nicely handled. It would have been good if you actually felt something for the persons involved, but it's just not gripping enough.
June 5, 2017
A DI Grace Fisher crime thriller involving the world renowned Professor Ned Gresham and his summer camp for young girls with eating disorders. When one of the Doctors accompanying the trip is found bludgeoned to death Grace's investigations uncover a dark conspiracy. Highly enjoyable stuff.
July 10, 2025
I enjoy Grey's Colchester/Essex based settings, so always a fun read. in a fun twist, I picked this up second-hand and have just realised it's originally from a library 10 mins from our holiday let on the other side of the country.
June 21, 2017
Couldn't really get into this one.
I may read at a later date, but still unsure.
I may read at a later date, but still unsure.
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