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Helen Grace #7
Love Me Not
A desperate young woman runs through the storm. She hares up the path, hammering desperately on the front door, crying for help. The startled owner opens the door, ushers her inside, promising her whatever assistance she needs. This fateful decision will be his last. He should never have opened the door...
A middle aged couple are found brutally murdered in their ransacked suburban house. Helen Grace, now back at Southampton Central following her release from prison, is first on the scene. The crime is baffling, hideous, cruel, but before Helen can process the evidence, another double murder is reported - identical in almost every way to the first. What follows is the darkest, most dangerous night of Helen's life as a sequence of brutal home invasions takes place. By sunrise eight people will be dead and Helen may well be the ninth as she finds herself locked on a collision course with a pair of rampaging spree killers. Is there method in their madness? Or are they selecting their victims at random? It falls to Helen to wrestle with these questions - only by answering them can she end the bloodshed.
A break neck thriller which takes place in real time over 24 hours, this is the sharpest, most adrenliased Helen Grace thriller yet.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2017
426 people are currently reading
8705 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,241 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,071 reviews
June 19, 2018
If you know me well, you know I love the Helen Grace murder mysteries. What I like most is the protagonist, Helen. She is perfectly imperfect.. and I love that about her. It makes her real and relatable.
This book takes place over the course of one day, which is a format I happened to love. It worked really well. It made my heart-pound and that is exactly what I want from a thriller. This was one of my favorites, although, I feel like anything M.J. Arlidge writes, is magic. I want the next book NOW!
This book takes place over the course of one day, which is a format I happened to love. It worked really well. It made my heart-pound and that is exactly what I want from a thriller. This was one of my favorites, although, I feel like anything M.J. Arlidge writes, is magic. I want the next book NOW!
April 17, 2018
4 Stars.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is a woman who has had to start over more than once. A woman who has had to look her fears, her enemies and herself straight in the eye and who has come out on top every time. The cost to her, and everyone else has been significant. She is fierce, resilient and vulnerable and she is the best of the best.
In “Love Me Not” by M. J. Arlidge, DI Grace is back and she needs to be at the top of her game in order to catch a young couple on a killing spree. This time, DI Grace, DS Brooks and DS Sanderson help investigate several killings: a mother and a wife whose body is found brutally slayed in the middle of the road; a pharmacist who is found savagely murdered; and a school teacher whose life hangs in the balance.
Everything happens at breakneck speed, as reported by Emilia Garanita. The danger these characters experience is palpable: Emilia Garanita feels it and so do we. My heart beating wicked fast, the sweat dripping down my spine and my stomach churning - all while DI Grace and DI Sanderson scramble to stop the killers from taking more lives. What goes down leaves it all on the floor and it left me breathless.
M. J. Arlidge’s characters have made a huge a mark on my soul. Helen Grace is flawed, human and altogether heartbreaking. Strife is her middle name. Charlie Brooks is the only constant in Helen Grace’s life. A best friend, a sister and a conscience. DS Joanne Sanderson has made a lot of tough choices in the past and she is paying the price. In “Love Me Not” - M. J. Arlidge works his magic, with a race against time suspense novel including characters who we love. I was all in reading this one with Brenda, Kaceey and Crumb and am glad to say that we all loved this book. Suffice it to say that I can’t wait to see what’s next for Helen Grace.
Thank you to M. J. Arlidge for creating characters with heart, soul and vulnerability. I love them desperately.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 4.15.18.
Detective Inspector Helen Grace is a woman who has had to start over more than once. A woman who has had to look her fears, her enemies and herself straight in the eye and who has come out on top every time. The cost to her, and everyone else has been significant. She is fierce, resilient and vulnerable and she is the best of the best.
In “Love Me Not” by M. J. Arlidge, DI Grace is back and she needs to be at the top of her game in order to catch a young couple on a killing spree. This time, DI Grace, DS Brooks and DS Sanderson help investigate several killings: a mother and a wife whose body is found brutally slayed in the middle of the road; a pharmacist who is found savagely murdered; and a school teacher whose life hangs in the balance.
Everything happens at breakneck speed, as reported by Emilia Garanita. The danger these characters experience is palpable: Emilia Garanita feels it and so do we. My heart beating wicked fast, the sweat dripping down my spine and my stomach churning - all while DI Grace and DI Sanderson scramble to stop the killers from taking more lives. What goes down leaves it all on the floor and it left me breathless.
M. J. Arlidge’s characters have made a huge a mark on my soul. Helen Grace is flawed, human and altogether heartbreaking. Strife is her middle name. Charlie Brooks is the only constant in Helen Grace’s life. A best friend, a sister and a conscience. DS Joanne Sanderson has made a lot of tough choices in the past and she is paying the price. In “Love Me Not” - M. J. Arlidge works his magic, with a race against time suspense novel including characters who we love. I was all in reading this one with Brenda, Kaceey and Crumb and am glad to say that we all loved this book. Suffice it to say that I can’t wait to see what’s next for Helen Grace.
Thank you to M. J. Arlidge for creating characters with heart, soul and vulnerability. I love them desperately.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 4.15.18.
June 25, 2017
M.J. Arlidge has created another wonderful novel to appeal to his large cross-section of fans, many of whom will surely be buzzing about this seventh instalment. Helen Grace is back in a thriller that brings new meaning to ‘race against time’. While driving to work, DI Helen Grace is almost struck by a vehicle and then comes upon an apparent carjacking victim, with a woman shot twice at close range. It is only then that Grace realises that she may have seen the killer, behind the wheel and speeding away from the scene. Calling in her team, DI Grace begins an investigation to determine what happened and who might be behind this heinous act. Meanwhile, the two trench coat clad youths have a second target in mind when they descend upon a chemist’s. A confrontation therein leads to more bloodshed, though the killers are less concerned about being identified when they leave a victim behind. DI Grace remains committed to finding the killers and one clue helps begin the chase, but these killers are a little too conniving and remain one step ahead. As minutes turn to hours, tainted journalist Emilia Garanita refuses to let this breaking news pass her by, especially as she is on a short leash for having led to the frame-up of DI Grace. Finding a way to approach the story from her own vantage point, Emilia is soon caught in the middle of an evolving situation and could become the next victim. When all eyes turn to a local school, DI Grace knows that there is no time to ponder next steps, though sometimes fast responses yield drastic mistakes. Two killers soon become one and the hunt is on, with enough breadcrumbs to predict where the killer will go next. But what is fuelling this one-day rampage and will DI Grace be able to stop it before anyone else gets killed? Arlidge pulls on past emotional character flaws from previous novels to construct a wonderfully dark story that pulls DI Helen Grace in all directions and well past her breaking point. Wonderful for series fans but likely not a good starting point for those curious about Helen Grace. Best to begin where it all started and work up to this explosive culmination.
I remember binge-reading the Helen Grace series last summer and being enthralled with the build-up of the characters throughout. This story has an interesting aspect to it that differs significantly from the other novels in the series, worth a discussion in a moment. Arlidge continues to develop the post-incarceration Helen Grace, as she is forced to come to terms with the arrest, prison time, and eventual exoneration for being framed. While that is going on, others around her are forced to readjust, seeing Helen in a new light or trying to revert to how they felt before, though the taint of the prison time makes that hard. The style of this book leaves little time for Helen growth, but the killer’s life is explored in the narrative, such that the reader can draw a strong affinity to the hunter-go-hunted. Speaking of the uniqueness of the book, the largest portion is set in a single day, a la Jack Bauer and the '24' television series. The race is always on and the story develops over small increments of time. While some readers have bemoaned this approach, I cannot applaud it enough, as the short chapters beg for this small time passage. The narrative remains crisp as minutes pass and the story develops as the reader turns the page (which becomes happily repetitive). Brilliantly crafted and powerful in its delivery, Arlidge challenges the reader to put the book down. I know I failed there, propelling myself through this wonderful thriller with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for another wonderful novel. You have differentiated yourself here, turning away from the drawn-out story of a psychopath to a killer seeking to find themselves.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I remember binge-reading the Helen Grace series last summer and being enthralled with the build-up of the characters throughout. This story has an interesting aspect to it that differs significantly from the other novels in the series, worth a discussion in a moment. Arlidge continues to develop the post-incarceration Helen Grace, as she is forced to come to terms with the arrest, prison time, and eventual exoneration for being framed. While that is going on, others around her are forced to readjust, seeing Helen in a new light or trying to revert to how they felt before, though the taint of the prison time makes that hard. The style of this book leaves little time for Helen growth, but the killer’s life is explored in the narrative, such that the reader can draw a strong affinity to the hunter-go-hunted. Speaking of the uniqueness of the book, the largest portion is set in a single day, a la Jack Bauer and the '24' television series. The race is always on and the story develops over small increments of time. While some readers have bemoaned this approach, I cannot applaud it enough, as the short chapters beg for this small time passage. The narrative remains crisp as minutes pass and the story develops as the reader turns the page (which becomes happily repetitive). Brilliantly crafted and powerful in its delivery, Arlidge challenges the reader to put the book down. I know I failed there, propelling myself through this wonderful thriller with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for another wonderful novel. You have differentiated yourself here, turning away from the drawn-out story of a psychopath to a killer seeking to find themselves.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 11, 2020
This author certainly knows how to keep a series fresh. In the previous book our main character was in prison which was different! In Love Me Not nearly the whole book takes place over one day. Each chapter is titled with the time in minutes as the police scramble to capture two apparently relentless young people on a chilling murder spree.
The book is totally gripping. Minute by minute, as the reader, you get to see the police chasing clues and missing their targets by moments. Helen Grace is still feeling hurt by the fact that many of her team members believed her capable of the crime for which she was wrongly sent to prison. As the deaths mount she makes mistakes and ends up losing one of her own. Is is her fault or not?
The suspense builds and culminates in a very tense conclusion. I enjoyed it all very much indeed!
The book is totally gripping. Minute by minute, as the reader, you get to see the police chasing clues and missing their targets by moments. Helen Grace is still feeling hurt by the fact that many of her team members believed her capable of the crime for which she was wrongly sent to prison. As the deaths mount she makes mistakes and ends up losing one of her own. Is is her fault or not?
The suspense builds and culminates in a very tense conclusion. I enjoyed it all very much indeed!
November 4, 2017
4 stars
It is with a heavy heart that I finished the last or at least the last of the published novels in the Helen Grace series. How will I ever fill the void this amazing series has left in my heart!?!
Love Me Not takes Helen Grace at her weakest point still shell shocked by the events in Hide and Seek, we see Helen is now distrustful, closed-off, angry and reckless to the point of suicidal. Honestly who can blame her she spent a hellish few months in prison that ended with her almost losing her life, thanks in large part to her team that were a bit too quick to find her guilty. Now she's back leading the Major Incident Unit of Southhampton surrounded by the same people that betrayed her. Specifically DC Joanna Sanderson, although she rectified her ways and was instrumental in freeing Helen from her wrongful incarceration it still doesn't whitewash the fact she was the leader of the man hunt that landed Helen in prison in the first place. The team is broken they are not united at the moment and it takes a gruelling 24 hours to get them back to where they were.
Helen Grace meets 24 as she and her team are taken through an exhausting day as they track down a couple that is going on a Bonnie and Clyde-esque killing spree. I really enjoyed the concept of containing the story into a single day, it up the stakes and made you realize how much can change within the span of a few seemingly meaningless hours.
I gave this book 4 star rating instead of my usual 5 star rave rating because Helen Grace wasn't at the top of her game. As a reader who is in love with this fierce badass heroine it was frustrating to see her doubt her instincts, freeze out helpful detectives based on bitterness, and then go into melodramatic speeches about why is it never her that suffers only those around her (it's like Helen you almost died in prison remember?). It was understandable that her self esteem and confidence was going to take a hit but it still didn't stop me from wanting to slap her a few times and yell "GET IT TOGETHER LADY!"
There was also this one moment that took me out of the book and actually made me start laughing in the middle of a high tense situation; one of the soon to be victims declares, "that they were shocked by the violence happening today in Southhampton, its usually such a safe place". Really?!? Where have you been? There's serial killer on the loose like every year? I'm actually surprised people still inhabit this town!
I enjoyed the novel overall. It still had that gripping unable to stop reading till the end feel. It's just when you take journey through 6 books with those characters and they become something worse for the wear in the end it can be both disappointing and frustrating. You want your favourite detective to thrive not flail, but the end of this novel makes me hopeful for the future instalment(s) as the days events clearly took a toll on Helen Grace and she re-doubles her efforts to not let the past break her. So I am excitingly waiting for the next in this series. These books have been some my favourite reads this year and I can't wait for what M.J Arlidge does next!
It is with a heavy heart that I finished the last or at least the last of the published novels in the Helen Grace series. How will I ever fill the void this amazing series has left in my heart!?!
Love Me Not takes Helen Grace at her weakest point still shell shocked by the events in Hide and Seek, we see Helen is now distrustful, closed-off, angry and reckless to the point of suicidal. Honestly who can blame her she spent a hellish few months in prison that ended with her almost losing her life, thanks in large part to her team that were a bit too quick to find her guilty. Now she's back leading the Major Incident Unit of Southhampton surrounded by the same people that betrayed her. Specifically DC Joanna Sanderson, although she rectified her ways and was instrumental in freeing Helen from her wrongful incarceration it still doesn't whitewash the fact she was the leader of the man hunt that landed Helen in prison in the first place. The team is broken they are not united at the moment and it takes a gruelling 24 hours to get them back to where they were.
Helen Grace meets 24 as she and her team are taken through an exhausting day as they track down a couple that is going on a Bonnie and Clyde-esque killing spree. I really enjoyed the concept of containing the story into a single day, it up the stakes and made you realize how much can change within the span of a few seemingly meaningless hours.
I gave this book 4 star rating instead of my usual 5 star rave rating because Helen Grace wasn't at the top of her game. As a reader who is in love with this fierce badass heroine it was frustrating to see her doubt her instincts, freeze out helpful detectives based on bitterness, and then go into melodramatic speeches about why is it never her that suffers only those around her (it's like Helen you almost died in prison remember?). It was understandable that her self esteem and confidence was going to take a hit but it still didn't stop me from wanting to slap her a few times and yell "GET IT TOGETHER LADY!"
There was also this one moment that took me out of the book and actually made me start laughing in the middle of a high tense situation; one of the soon to be victims declares, "that they were shocked by the violence happening today in Southhampton, its usually such a safe place". Really?!? Where have you been? There's serial killer on the loose like every year? I'm actually surprised people still inhabit this town!
I enjoyed the novel overall. It still had that gripping unable to stop reading till the end feel. It's just when you take journey through 6 books with those characters and they become something worse for the wear in the end it can be both disappointing and frustrating. You want your favourite detective to thrive not flail, but the end of this novel makes me hopeful for the future instalment(s) as the days events clearly took a toll on Helen Grace and she re-doubles her efforts to not let the past break her. So I am excitingly waiting for the next in this series. These books have been some my favourite reads this year and I can't wait for what M.J Arlidge does next!
May 16, 2017
Love Me Not has to be one of my most anticipated reads of 2017.
It was great to catch up with Helen again. She seems quite melancholy in this story. I think her time in prison has certainly given her food for thought and she seems to be struggling to make sense of it all. If you haven’t read the rest in the series yet (where have you been??) I think it certainly would benefit to have read the others first.
I have no idea how the author comes up with these gripping story lines but each book just has me wowed every time. I literally can not turn the pages quick enough to see what the out come is going to be. It felt slightly like the film Natural Born Killers to start with, with a couple going round killing random people. It certainly had me well and truly hooked from the start.
As much as Emilia, the ever annoying journalist, gets on my nerves, I actually really enjoyed reading about her in this one. It’s always great to have a mixture of characters with some that you love to hate.
Love Me Not is with out a doubt going to be a big hit with fans of the series. The author has yet again delivered a gripping, fast paced read that I for one devoured in one sitting. I hope the author takes it as a compliment but for me Helen is the UK version of James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, which is another series I love.
Another belter of a read!
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
It was great to catch up with Helen again. She seems quite melancholy in this story. I think her time in prison has certainly given her food for thought and she seems to be struggling to make sense of it all. If you haven’t read the rest in the series yet (where have you been??) I think it certainly would benefit to have read the others first.
I have no idea how the author comes up with these gripping story lines but each book just has me wowed every time. I literally can not turn the pages quick enough to see what the out come is going to be. It felt slightly like the film Natural Born Killers to start with, with a couple going round killing random people. It certainly had me well and truly hooked from the start.
As much as Emilia, the ever annoying journalist, gets on my nerves, I actually really enjoyed reading about her in this one. It’s always great to have a mixture of characters with some that you love to hate.
Love Me Not is with out a doubt going to be a big hit with fans of the series. The author has yet again delivered a gripping, fast paced read that I for one devoured in one sitting. I hope the author takes it as a compliment but for me Helen is the UK version of James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, which is another series I love.
Another belter of a read!
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 21, 2017
Having followed this series from its inception I am as keen as he every long-term fan to see the indomitable DI Helen Grace back out on the streets of Southampton, but I can't pretend that the most recent outings have been up to same high consistency standard of the early novels. For me, the slippage started with the fifth novel, Little Boy Blue, only to be compounded by the loss of credibility of putting the series protagonist behind bars in the follow-up. Sadly, Love Me Not is more of the same, and this straight up manhunt with DI Grace leading her team will no doubt please most ardent fans. A fairly bog-standard thriller the only reason to read Love Me Not is for the latest progress in the lives of our largely female continuing cast. The series has steadily evolved into thriller territory and Love Me Not opens with DI Helen Grace discovering a middle-aged female probation officer who has been gunned down along a quiet country lane. However, the perpetrators are not finished yet and from here on unleash a frenzy of destruction with the body count steadily increasing all the while. As DI Grace and her team respond, they are in a race against time to head off the attacks, but unfolding over the period of a single day, accessing and sourcing the required information is no mean feat. As the officers of Southampton Central are led a merry dance, the eventual discovery of the reasons behind the spree will surprise very few readers and Love Me Not follows the conventional 101 guide to psychopaths. In essence, it subscribes to the familiar 'outsiders' theory, and those who feel they have been dealt a perceived slight or injustice by society. What follows is a 'join the dots' pursuit of a perpetrator who identity is known, with the focus on anticipating the location and identity of their next intended target.
In terms of character development, Love Me Not focuses on how DI Helen Grace returns to the forefront of policing, just nine-months on from her wrongful incarceration, largely driven by the determination of her subordinate DS Joanna Sanderson. Holding the fort and awaiting the appointment of a superior, DI Grace relies on her old ally, DS Charlie Brooks, but her suspicion and mistrust of the wider team is evident, not least of a frozen out DS Sanderson. Through a variety of points of view, the eyes of Grace, Brooks and Sanderson combine to form the narrative with the much maligned journalist, Emilia Garanita, giving her own individual angle on the situation. As it becomes apparent that DI Helen Grace will need to conquer her bitterness in order to unite her team and be the driving force she always was, much depends on reigniting her inspirational leadership spirit. Love Me Not is concerned with this just as much as catching a lethal predator and putting a stop to the spree killings unfolding across Southampton.
I wanted a crime novel, not a soap opera of a thriller strewn with inaccuracies and much as I am loathe to nit-pick, these were glaringly obvious. (For example, is a female of 5' 2 inches really likely to be capable of overpowering an albeit portly middle-aged man, and given that the minimum height restriction for the British Army is 5' 4 inches, how did the same 5' 2 inches females application make it past the medical restrictions?) It is this lack of attention to detail, evident throughout, that characterises the whole novel. Much of the dialogue is banal, from the woman confronted by a sawn-off shotgun wailing, "I'm not an animal, I'm a human being" to another soon to be victim claiming, "I'm not a monster, I'm just a guy. Nobody special, nobody important." Oh dear.. In conclusion, "I'm just a reader, give me back my £6.49!"
In terms of character development, Love Me Not focuses on how DI Helen Grace returns to the forefront of policing, just nine-months on from her wrongful incarceration, largely driven by the determination of her subordinate DS Joanna Sanderson. Holding the fort and awaiting the appointment of a superior, DI Grace relies on her old ally, DS Charlie Brooks, but her suspicion and mistrust of the wider team is evident, not least of a frozen out DS Sanderson. Through a variety of points of view, the eyes of Grace, Brooks and Sanderson combine to form the narrative with the much maligned journalist, Emilia Garanita, giving her own individual angle on the situation. As it becomes apparent that DI Helen Grace will need to conquer her bitterness in order to unite her team and be the driving force she always was, much depends on reigniting her inspirational leadership spirit. Love Me Not is concerned with this just as much as catching a lethal predator and putting a stop to the spree killings unfolding across Southampton.
I wanted a crime novel, not a soap opera of a thriller strewn with inaccuracies and much as I am loathe to nit-pick, these were glaringly obvious. (For example, is a female of 5' 2 inches really likely to be capable of overpowering an albeit portly middle-aged man, and given that the minimum height restriction for the British Army is 5' 4 inches, how did the same 5' 2 inches females application make it past the medical restrictions?) It is this lack of attention to detail, evident throughout, that characterises the whole novel. Much of the dialogue is banal, from the woman confronted by a sawn-off shotgun wailing, "I'm not an animal, I'm a human being" to another soon to be victim claiming, "I'm not a monster, I'm just a guy. Nobody special, nobody important." Oh dear.. In conclusion, "I'm just a reader, give me back my £6.49!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2017
This is the 7th book in the excellent 'Helen Grace' series by author MJ Arlidge. I have enjoyed this series from the very start and it just gets better the more you read.
When a woman's body is found in the road it looks like a tragic accident. But when Helen Grace arrives on the scene it's clear she's looking at a coldblooded killing. Why would anyone target a much loved wife and mother? Across town, a shopkeeper is killed while his customers are left unharmed. But what lies behind the killer's choices? Who's next? The clock is ticking and Helen needs to solve this deadly puzzle before more blood will be shed.
The story is over a 24 hour period which adds to the urgency of the plot and the suspense grows and grows to a thrilling climax. The author keeps this series fresh and interesting and surely must soon get the true recognition he deserves for his work. A very good series that is well worth a read.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When a woman's body is found in the road it looks like a tragic accident. But when Helen Grace arrives on the scene it's clear she's looking at a coldblooded killing. Why would anyone target a much loved wife and mother? Across town, a shopkeeper is killed while his customers are left unharmed. But what lies behind the killer's choices? Who's next? The clock is ticking and Helen needs to solve this deadly puzzle before more blood will be shed.
The story is over a 24 hour period which adds to the urgency of the plot and the suspense grows and grows to a thrilling climax. The author keeps this series fresh and interesting and surely must soon get the true recognition he deserves for his work. A very good series that is well worth a read.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
Este cel mai puțin reușit volum din serie, dar are un tragism aparte. Cu toții am citit serii și ne-am atașat de personaje, iar dispariția unuia dintre ele te întristează, așa se întâmplă în acest volum. Subiectul volumul este tot unul tragic (așa cum face în fiecare volum) lipsa iubirii și grijii părintești, egoismul acestora lasă traume în viața copiilor, ducând uneori la gesturi extreme.
December 27, 2017
The events of the book take place in the course of one day. While it was well written, fast paced and full of suspense, it lacked the mystery and twists, typical of the author. The perpetrator being identified in the early stages of the story didn't help either.
August 6, 2019
Another Heart-stopping instalment in the Series!
‘Please, help me … You’ve got to help me.’ Sonia turned to her, trying to fathom what was happening. The woman was dressed in combat trousers and a trench coat. Through the open visor of her helmet, Sonia could see a small trickle of blood running down her temple.
‘My boyfriend, he’s come off his bike. He’s not moving …’
Sonia stole a look down the road and got her second shock of the morning. Ahead of them was a crumpled motorbike and next to it a figure, lying motionless in the middle of the road.
The woman was crying, shaking and desperate, so, gesturing to her to move away from the car, Sonia unclipped her seatbelt and climbed out. Sonia was still pretty shaken herself, but as she’d been trained in first aid, it was her duty to help. Flicking a look behind her to check that the road was clear, she hurried over to the man, praying to herself that his injuries weren’t severe. She had seen many things in her lifetime, but she had never had anyone die on her.
‘Can you hear me?’Kneeling down on the cold tarmac, Sonia gently rolled him on to his back. His visor was cracked, his eyes closed, and already Sonia feared the worst.
‘Is he ok? Is he going to be ok?’
Sonia ignored the twittering girlfriend, raising his head off the ground. He still felt warm, which was something, but he remained unresponsive, his head heavy in her hand.
‘Everything’s going to be fine,’ she continued to the injured man. ‘But I need you to talk to me.’ Still no response.
Sonia tried to ease his visor up, but it wouldn’t budge. ‘Can you hear what I’m saying?’ Still nothing, so she tried again, louder.
‘Can you hear what I’m saying to y—’
His eyes shot open, locking on to hers.
‘Loud and clear, sweetheart.’
Then he drove his fist into her face.
*******
*Audiobook Review*
Love Me Not by M.J. Arlidge is the seventh book in the Series and it's just as fast paced, heart-stopping, and thrilling as ever!
If you've been following my reviews of this series, you'll already know that this is one of my favourites and that I listen to the audiobooks almost back to back!
There's not much more I want to say other than that it's a must read if you love emotionally charged, thrilling, shocking stories with terrific characters and unusual storylines! For me, the audiobooks intensify all the tension and emotions that the story provokes!
Once again, narrator Elizabeth Bower enhances the author's masterful stories with her brilliant, five star performance, heightening all the emotions to another level of breath-taking, palpable, and visceral reality!
‘Please, help me … You’ve got to help me.’ Sonia turned to her, trying to fathom what was happening. The woman was dressed in combat trousers and a trench coat. Through the open visor of her helmet, Sonia could see a small trickle of blood running down her temple.
‘My boyfriend, he’s come off his bike. He’s not moving …’
Sonia stole a look down the road and got her second shock of the morning. Ahead of them was a crumpled motorbike and next to it a figure, lying motionless in the middle of the road.
The woman was crying, shaking and desperate, so, gesturing to her to move away from the car, Sonia unclipped her seatbelt and climbed out. Sonia was still pretty shaken herself, but as she’d been trained in first aid, it was her duty to help. Flicking a look behind her to check that the road was clear, she hurried over to the man, praying to herself that his injuries weren’t severe. She had seen many things in her lifetime, but she had never had anyone die on her.
‘Can you hear me?’Kneeling down on the cold tarmac, Sonia gently rolled him on to his back. His visor was cracked, his eyes closed, and already Sonia feared the worst.
‘Is he ok? Is he going to be ok?’
Sonia ignored the twittering girlfriend, raising his head off the ground. He still felt warm, which was something, but he remained unresponsive, his head heavy in her hand.
‘Everything’s going to be fine,’ she continued to the injured man. ‘But I need you to talk to me.’ Still no response.
Sonia tried to ease his visor up, but it wouldn’t budge. ‘Can you hear what I’m saying?’ Still nothing, so she tried again, louder.
‘Can you hear what I’m saying to y—’
His eyes shot open, locking on to hers.
‘Loud and clear, sweetheart.’
Then he drove his fist into her face.
*******
*Audiobook Review*
Love Me Not by M.J. Arlidge is the seventh book in the Series and it's just as fast paced, heart-stopping, and thrilling as ever!
If you've been following my reviews of this series, you'll already know that this is one of my favourites and that I listen to the audiobooks almost back to back!
There's not much more I want to say other than that it's a must read if you love emotionally charged, thrilling, shocking stories with terrific characters and unusual storylines! For me, the audiobooks intensify all the tension and emotions that the story provokes!
Once again, narrator Elizabeth Bower enhances the author's masterful stories with her brilliant, five star performance, heightening all the emotions to another level of breath-taking, palpable, and visceral reality!
January 21, 2021
2.5/5
Thrillerele vor ocupa întotdeauna un loc special în biblioteca mea. Contrar așteptărilor, îmi plac aproape toate etapele care preced prinderea inculpatului (bineînțeles că uneori mai și scapă, dar nu divulgăm titluri), inclusiv „filajul”, când rolurile par să se schimbe, când tu devii vânătorul, uitând de reguli și restricții.
Știți cât de mult îmi place seria Helen Grace. O recomand adesea, chiar dacă nu toate volumele s-au ridicat la nivelul așteptărilor. E perfect normal (și logic) să existe o diferențiere, să recunoști un anumit tipar sau să-ți sară câteva detalii în ochi, de parcă autorul nici nu încearcă să ascundă adevăratul deznodământ, însă aceste lucruri nu te împiedică să te oprești din citit. Rămâi acolo, între coperte, prins în poveste. Pentru personaje.
Nu am recunoscut-o pe Helen Grace. După evenimentele din ultimele două romane, m-am pregătit pentru o înfruntare dureroasă cu acea latură întunecată și instabilă care amenință să preia controlul atunci când lumea înconjurătoare se prăbușește în jurul nostru. Nu sunt nici pe departe o specialistă în domeniu, dar consider că reacțiile unei persoane traumatizate sunt imposibil de preconizat cu acuratețe.
Helen e de nerecunoscut. Nu mai știe cum să reacționeze, ce ar trebui să simtă sau în cine ar trebuie să aibă încredere. E pierdută și nesigură, instabilă și furioasă. Nu m-au deranjat aceste reacții, nici pe departe, dar m-a scos din minți una dintre răbufnirile ei de la final. Nu, refuz să cred că Helen Grace ar gândi așa. Nu am pus-o pe un piedestal, e perfect normal să sufere și să existe repercusiuni, însă simt că autorul a încălcat o limită mult prea sensibilă în Mă iubește, nu mă iubește.
Mi-a lipsit foarte mult legătura dintre ea și Charlie, atât de slab schițată în acest roman. M-au dezamăgit toate aspectele legate de caz, un episod „clasic” din Minți criminale; parcă am citit scenariul pentru un film de acțiune american low-budget. Și m-am supărat pe M. J. Arlidge pentru modul în care a gestionat soarta unui personaj. Sunt conștientă că este o serie dură (mi-am învățat lecția după primul roman), dar „soluția” a fost mult prea sadică, macabră și nedreaptă.
Thrillerele vor ocupa întotdeauna un loc special în biblioteca mea. Contrar așteptărilor, îmi plac aproape toate etapele care preced prinderea inculpatului (bineînțeles că uneori mai și scapă, dar nu divulgăm titluri), inclusiv „filajul”, când rolurile par să se schimbe, când tu devii vânătorul, uitând de reguli și restricții.
Știți cât de mult îmi place seria Helen Grace. O recomand adesea, chiar dacă nu toate volumele s-au ridicat la nivelul așteptărilor. E perfect normal (și logic) să existe o diferențiere, să recunoști un anumit tipar sau să-ți sară câteva detalii în ochi, de parcă autorul nici nu încearcă să ascundă adevăratul deznodământ, însă aceste lucruri nu te împiedică să te oprești din citit. Rămâi acolo, între coperte, prins în poveste. Pentru personaje.
Nu am recunoscut-o pe Helen Grace. După evenimentele din ultimele două romane, m-am pregătit pentru o înfruntare dureroasă cu acea latură întunecată și instabilă care amenință să preia controlul atunci când lumea înconjurătoare se prăbușește în jurul nostru. Nu sunt nici pe departe o specialistă în domeniu, dar consider că reacțiile unei persoane traumatizate sunt imposibil de preconizat cu acuratețe.
Helen e de nerecunoscut. Nu mai știe cum să reacționeze, ce ar trebui să simtă sau în cine ar trebuie să aibă încredere. E pierdută și nesigură, instabilă și furioasă. Nu m-au deranjat aceste reacții, nici pe departe, dar m-a scos din minți una dintre răbufnirile ei de la final. Nu, refuz să cred că Helen Grace ar gândi așa. Nu am pus-o pe un piedestal, e perfect normal să sufere și să existe repercusiuni, însă simt că autorul a încălcat o limită mult prea sensibilă în Mă iubește, nu mă iubește.
Mi-a lipsit foarte mult legătura dintre ea și Charlie, atât de slab schițată în acest roman. M-au dezamăgit toate aspectele legate de caz, un episod „clasic” din Minți criminale; parcă am citit scenariul pentru un film de acțiune american low-budget. Și m-am supărat pe M. J. Arlidge pentru modul în care a gestionat soarta unui personaj. Sunt conștientă că este o serie dură (mi-am învățat lecția după primul roman), dar „soluția” a fost mult prea sadică, macabră și nedreaptă.
January 10, 2021
Another great book in this series,Helen Grace on a case of young couple on a killing spree.will she catch them are they random killings? looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 20, 2022
Mă iubește, nu mă iubește….
Altă crimă, altă goană după criminal.
De data asta, totul se întâmplă într-o singură zi și povestea e mai alertă ca de obicei.
Personajele noastre se luptă cu criminalul pe ceas, orice detaliu contează și nimeni nu e în siguranță.
Mi-a plăcut foarte multe și această parte din serie, nici nu am avut timp de respiro. Foarte intensă și bine scrisă. LOVED IT
Altă crimă, altă goană după criminal.
De data asta, totul se întâmplă într-o singură zi și povestea e mai alertă ca de obicei.
Personajele noastre se luptă cu criminalul pe ceas, orice detaliu contează și nimeni nu e în siguranță.
Mi-a plăcut foarte multe și această parte din serie, nici nu am avut timp de respiro. Foarte intensă și bine scrisă. LOVED IT
April 26, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Love Me Not by M.J Arlidge is the seventh book in the Helen Grace series, and personally I wouldn’t say it’s the best one in the series, but it’s a worthy contender. This book isn’t as dark as previous books in the series, but it’s certainly got the “thrilling” element that I enjoy so much in a crime thriller. The plot focuses on a series of murders that happen over a day. At first they appear to be random acts of terrible violence but it soon becomes apparent to Helen and her team they are anything but, what follows is an intense and heart thumping read.
The author expertly presents the reader with short, concise chapters time stamped over a twenty four hour period which give a sense of urgency to the plot. In Love Me Not we get to see a very different side to Helen’s personality she is suspicious and feels isolated from her team, which lead to conflict within her team. This book has a very different feel to previous books in the series, but I mean that in a good way it feels fresh and vibrate and made it all the more exciting to read.
As the killing spree intensifies Love Me Not makes for a chilling read , even more so when the reasons behind the killings are revealed. As the investigation intensifies this is very much a cat and mouse crime thriller that will keep you on tenterhooks until you reach the last thrilling chapter. This maybe the seventh book in the series but it’s still a series that has plenty to offer, the plots are surprising, the characters have evolved and M J Ardlidge writing shows no signs of getting stagnant or repetitive.
Love Me Not by M.J Arlidge is the seventh book in the Helen Grace series, and personally I wouldn’t say it’s the best one in the series, but it’s a worthy contender. This book isn’t as dark as previous books in the series, but it’s certainly got the “thrilling” element that I enjoy so much in a crime thriller. The plot focuses on a series of murders that happen over a day. At first they appear to be random acts of terrible violence but it soon becomes apparent to Helen and her team they are anything but, what follows is an intense and heart thumping read.
The author expertly presents the reader with short, concise chapters time stamped over a twenty four hour period which give a sense of urgency to the plot. In Love Me Not we get to see a very different side to Helen’s personality she is suspicious and feels isolated from her team, which lead to conflict within her team. This book has a very different feel to previous books in the series, but I mean that in a good way it feels fresh and vibrate and made it all the more exciting to read.
As the killing spree intensifies Love Me Not makes for a chilling read , even more so when the reasons behind the killings are revealed. As the investigation intensifies this is very much a cat and mouse crime thriller that will keep you on tenterhooks until you reach the last thrilling chapter. This maybe the seventh book in the series but it’s still a series that has plenty to offer, the plots are surprising, the characters have evolved and M J Ardlidge writing shows no signs of getting stagnant or repetitive.
April 28, 2018
Weer heerlijke korte hoofdstukken! Wat leest een Arlidge toch fijn :). In dit deel vond ik vooral de opzet erg goed gedaan; alles speelt binnen een dag af. Toch vond ik het vorige deel beter en spannender, vandaar 4 sterren.
March 12, 2017
The 7th instalment in the DI Helen Grace series should seriously come with a safety harness, because it is one hell of a ride. Told over a period of 24 hours with short and gripping chapters, this really is one of those books that you think… “just one more chapter” and then you realise it’s 2am in the morning and you’ve finished the book and now you have to wait patiently for the author to write another one. Fans of DI Helen Grace will not be disappointed. An extremely fast-paced, page turning thriller.
June 21, 2017
3.5 Stars
The 7th book in the Helen Grace series.
This novel takes places during a period of 24 hours of terrorism and mayhem in Southampton.
More than 4 victims are executed ... by a pair of killers. Natural born killers visit the UK.
The characters evolved from the last novel. Helen is back on the force after her last ordeal, Charlie is there to help, and Joanne Sanderson is in an awkward position after what happened in the last book.
I expected more, more violence .. but in that aspect the book felt flat bc the author was caged the action within a day. Some chapters were short but boring and gave too much background and the first half was better than the last half of the book.
The 7th book in the Helen Grace series.
This novel takes places during a period of 24 hours of terrorism and mayhem in Southampton.
More than 4 victims are executed ... by a pair of killers. Natural born killers visit the UK.
The characters evolved from the last novel. Helen is back on the force after her last ordeal, Charlie is there to help, and Joanne Sanderson is in an awkward position after what happened in the last book.
I expected more, more violence .. but in that aspect the book felt flat bc the author was caged the action within a day. Some chapters were short but boring and gave too much background and the first half was better than the last half of the book.
July 12, 2021
Mă iubește, nu mă iubește este cel de-al șaptelea volum al seriei ce l-a propulsat pe M.J.Arlidge drept unul dintre cei mai cunoscuți scriitori de thrillere și cartea cu care acesta a experimentat cel mai mult, acțiunea poveștii desfășurându-se pe parcursul a doar 24 de ore. O premisă destul de ambițioasă, o dorință a autorului de a da naștere celei mai pline de adrenalină povești a seriei Helen Grace.
Dacă ar fi să rezum esența întregului volum printr-un singur cuvânt, acela ar fi previzibil. Deși se vrea a fi o poveste plină de adrenalină, suspans și răsturnări de situație, romanul mi s-a părut lipsit de profunzime. Da, este o poveste spusă pe repede-nainte, avem parte nu de una, nu de două, ci de patru crime ce se petrec în mai puțin de 24 de ore, avem răniți, morți și cazuri speciale care dau mari bătăi de cap echipei de poliție din Southampton, însă dorinței mele de a crea o legătură cu personajele cărții – cu Helen, cu echipa sa genială, cu victimele, chiar și cu răufăcătorii – mai ales cu această tipologie de personaje, căci villianurile oferă cele mai brutale și credibile povești de viață -, i-au fost retezate aripile, primind în schimb o poveste bună, însă prea puțin satisfăcătoare.
Chiar dacă în acest volum, reîntoarcerea eroinei noastre nu scoate la suprafață toate elementele cu care autorul ne-a obișnuit până acum, am speranța ca situația lui Grace va fi una mai stabilă pe viitor, iar Arlidge va reuși într-un final să readucă la viață acea variantă explozivă a lui Helen, cu care ne-a tot obișnuit timp de șase volume. În definitv, consecințele evenimentelor ultimelor două romane anterioare se văd extrem de clar în volumul de față, iar asta poate că nu este un lucru de condamnat, ci ar trebui înțeles și luat ca atare, căci seria prezintă povești extrem de umane, cu subiecte sensibile, profunde și brutale, care pot depăși realitatea de zi cu zi, așadar este normal ca și personajele să treacă prin anumite schimbări notabile care pot dezamăgi puțin cititorii, îmbătați de prea multe așteptări nerealiste. Personajele ca Helen Grace nu sunt super-eroi rupți din filmele și poveștile cu efecte speciale și happy-end. Sunt personaje inspirate din realitatea dură care ne înconjoară pe toți, iar noi toți suntem oameni supuși greșelilor, imperfecți, temători și cu prea multe cicatrici invizibile, care ne dor în feluri diferite, dar care se răsfrâng asupra noastră la fel de puternic.
Recenzia completa: https://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogs...
Dacă ar fi să rezum esența întregului volum printr-un singur cuvânt, acela ar fi previzibil. Deși se vrea a fi o poveste plină de adrenalină, suspans și răsturnări de situație, romanul mi s-a părut lipsit de profunzime. Da, este o poveste spusă pe repede-nainte, avem parte nu de una, nu de două, ci de patru crime ce se petrec în mai puțin de 24 de ore, avem răniți, morți și cazuri speciale care dau mari bătăi de cap echipei de poliție din Southampton, însă dorinței mele de a crea o legătură cu personajele cărții – cu Helen, cu echipa sa genială, cu victimele, chiar și cu răufăcătorii – mai ales cu această tipologie de personaje, căci villianurile oferă cele mai brutale și credibile povești de viață -, i-au fost retezate aripile, primind în schimb o poveste bună, însă prea puțin satisfăcătoare.
Chiar dacă în acest volum, reîntoarcerea eroinei noastre nu scoate la suprafață toate elementele cu care autorul ne-a obișnuit până acum, am speranța ca situația lui Grace va fi una mai stabilă pe viitor, iar Arlidge va reuși într-un final să readucă la viață acea variantă explozivă a lui Helen, cu care ne-a tot obișnuit timp de șase volume. În definitv, consecințele evenimentelor ultimelor două romane anterioare se văd extrem de clar în volumul de față, iar asta poate că nu este un lucru de condamnat, ci ar trebui înțeles și luat ca atare, căci seria prezintă povești extrem de umane, cu subiecte sensibile, profunde și brutale, care pot depăși realitatea de zi cu zi, așadar este normal ca și personajele să treacă prin anumite schimbări notabile care pot dezamăgi puțin cititorii, îmbătați de prea multe așteptări nerealiste. Personajele ca Helen Grace nu sunt super-eroi rupți din filmele și poveștile cu efecte speciale și happy-end. Sunt personaje inspirate din realitatea dură care ne înconjoară pe toți, iar noi toți suntem oameni supuși greșelilor, imperfecți, temători și cu prea multe cicatrici invizibile, care ne dor în feluri diferite, dar care se răsfrâng asupra noastră la fel de puternic.
Recenzia completa: https://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogs...
June 20, 2020
Ένα δυνατό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με καταιγιστικές εξελίξεις που διαδέχονται η μια την άλλη και δε σε αφήνουν να αφήσεις κάτω το βιβλίο μέχρι να διαβάσεις το φινάλε!!! Ένα από τα πιο δυνατά σημεία του βιβλίου είναι η επιθεωρήτρια που αναλαμβάνει να διελευκάνει τους φόνους, η οποία παρ' ότι παλεύει ακόμα με τους δαίμονες της, δε διστάζει ακόμα και να πέσει στη φωτιά προκειμένου να προστατεύσει αθώους πολίτες.
February 16, 2025
O mais fraco até agora!
June 15, 2017
I have to say I'm fairly addicted to this series by M J Arlidge. When you do find yourself a few books in, it does feel like you have been on a journey with various characters. The books can be read as standalones but there's enough of a running theme to warrant starting from book one.
That all said we're here at the latest release and a few months have passed since the previous book. DI Grace is now back at work in her role where she should be but still struggling to shake off the aftermath of her stint in prison and all that entailed there. Grace is not dealing well with the fact that some of her team and lost faith in her and still harbors grudges as she throws herself back into work. DS Sanderson is bearing the brunt of it as she was the one that instigated of lot of what happened to Grace.
Grace and her team are now on the the hunt for a pair of killers that appear to be trigger happy as they take down victims without a shred of remorse. Grace finds herself constantly tracking where the couple will head next as it quickly turns into a game of cat and mouse. Though not the strongest book that Arlidge has produced, Love Me Not was still a very readable book which had me glued until the last page. There is plenty of action and suspense with a bucketful of tension thrown in the mix. In fact much of the story arc is told over a very short timeline with made it feel all the more gripping.
It's been noted that Grace's character was different here as she was moodier than ever and her judgement seemed off. Given what she had been through though ...... give the woman some slack ....... I'd still want her on my team fighting my corner with every inch of her difficult 'get out of my way, I have a job to do' self!
Thanks go out for my review copy.
Recommended.
That all said we're here at the latest release and a few months have passed since the previous book. DI Grace is now back at work in her role where she should be but still struggling to shake off the aftermath of her stint in prison and all that entailed there. Grace is not dealing well with the fact that some of her team and lost faith in her and still harbors grudges as she throws herself back into work. DS Sanderson is bearing the brunt of it as she was the one that instigated of lot of what happened to Grace.
Grace and her team are now on the the hunt for a pair of killers that appear to be trigger happy as they take down victims without a shred of remorse. Grace finds herself constantly tracking where the couple will head next as it quickly turns into a game of cat and mouse. Though not the strongest book that Arlidge has produced, Love Me Not was still a very readable book which had me glued until the last page. There is plenty of action and suspense with a bucketful of tension thrown in the mix. In fact much of the story arc is told over a very short timeline with made it feel all the more gripping.
It's been noted that Grace's character was different here as she was moodier than ever and her judgement seemed off. Given what she had been through though ...... give the woman some slack ....... I'd still want her on my team fighting my corner with every inch of her difficult 'get out of my way, I have a job to do' self!
Thanks go out for my review copy.
Recommended.
June 1, 2018
Man! Wat een knaller van een vervolg. Na deel 2 van deze serie vond ik de verhaallijn wat inkakken, maar het vorige deel was al weer veeel beter! Dit deel is wat mij betreft weer op hetzelfde niveau als deel 1! Wat een goede thriller! Door de korte hoofdstukken blijf je door het boek heen vliegen, maar dit keer ook omdat het boek zich afspeelt in 24 uur. Prachtig gedaan! Enkel de Nederlandse titel slaat nergens op.
March 26, 2017
The phrase "fast paced, tense, police thriller" is perfect for this. 4.5/5 happily rounded - full review nearer publication
June 26, 2024
2,5🌟
O pior da série, até agora.
O pior da série, até agora.
October 16, 2019
Ever since book 4 in this series I'm totally hooked. The first 3 books were good, but book 4,5,6 and 7 are just amazing. I'm rushing through these books, mainly because the chapters are so short, but also because the author keeps surprising me. The books are a series, but the stories overall are so different. It makes me wonder every time what will happen when I pick up a book in this series.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
I'm such a big fan of this series and I love how the books are everywhere in the Dutch bookstores. I've also lend the first book in this series to two different people, because I'm just so enthusiastic about this series. I think every crime/thriller lover should read this series. The first three books are just a small peak of what is going to come, and I'm sure any reader can rush through and finish these books within days.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
I'm such a big fan of this series and I love how the books are everywhere in the Dutch bookstores. I've also lend the first book in this series to two different people, because I'm just so enthusiastic about this series. I think every crime/thriller lover should read this series. The first three books are just a small peak of what is going to come, and I'm sure any reader can rush through and finish these books within days.
November 4, 2020
O meu terceiro livro de Arlidge e o que mais me desiludiu. Os assassinos são desvendados numa fase muito precoce do livro, e toda a história gira em torno da perseguição de Daisy, a autor de um massacre, ao longo de um dia. Falta o mistério, suspense e imprevisibilidade, que são imprescindíveis num bom policial.
Apesar de gostar da escrita do autor e de ter sido bom reencontrar a inspetora Helen Grace, com uma personalidade tão peculiar, este livro não me acrescentou nada de novo.
Apesar de gostar da escrita do autor e de ter sido bom reencontrar a inspetora Helen Grace, com uma personalidade tão peculiar, este livro não me acrescentou nada de novo.
April 23, 2021
This is the best book in the series so far and that’s saying a lot! Completely riveting and high octane. I even cried at the end ( can’t tell you why—spoilers) but this was so engrossing. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I highly recommend that you do!
July 20, 2020
2,5*
Estou um bocado chateada com Arlidge neste livro, ao ponto de, pela primeira vez, escrever uma crítica com spoilers. A história é do mais inverosímil que há. Não o enredo em si, mas a parte de a dupla de assassinos, e mais tarde apenas a Daisy, nunca serem apanhados. Tudo o que é força policial se encontra lá, no mesmo sítio que eles e ao mesmo tempo, e deixam-nos fugir? Mais do que uma vez? Ainda por cima quando se distinguiam tão bem das restantes pessoas pelo vestuário usado... enfim! Depois já começa a irritar a Garanita... ou a irritar mais do que o normal! Não sei porque não vai para a polícia. Afinal, tudo aquilo que a polícia não descobre, ela vê logo... consegue descobrir tudo ou então tudo lhe cai no colo. Já cansa...
Tive pena da Sanderson, mas desde o início se percebe que ela vai morrer. Demasiado evidente!
Por fim, por que razão tem a Helen de ser sempre um mártir? De levar pancada atrás de pancada em todos os livros? E a cena final, novamente de bradar aos céus: então acham que ela vai assassinar a mãe e os irmãos e a Helen decide que vai lá sozinha? Desta vez já não leva o arsenal humano? Não se entende esta história. Estou chateada!
Leva as 2,5* porque o ritmo alucinante característico continua presente; mas se continuar neste estilo nos livros futuros, com muita pena minha, despedir-me-ei da Helen Grace.
Estou um bocado chateada com Arlidge neste livro, ao ponto de, pela primeira vez, escrever uma crítica com spoilers. A história é do mais inverosímil que há. Não o enredo em si, mas a parte de a dupla de assassinos, e mais tarde apenas a Daisy, nunca serem apanhados. Tudo o que é força policial se encontra lá, no mesmo sítio que eles e ao mesmo tempo, e deixam-nos fugir? Mais do que uma vez? Ainda por cima quando se distinguiam tão bem das restantes pessoas pelo vestuário usado... enfim! Depois já começa a irritar a Garanita... ou a irritar mais do que o normal! Não sei porque não vai para a polícia. Afinal, tudo aquilo que a polícia não descobre, ela vê logo... consegue descobrir tudo ou então tudo lhe cai no colo. Já cansa...
Tive pena da Sanderson, mas desde o início se percebe que ela vai morrer. Demasiado evidente!
Por fim, por que razão tem a Helen de ser sempre um mártir? De levar pancada atrás de pancada em todos os livros? E a cena final, novamente de bradar aos céus: então acham que ela vai assassinar a mãe e os irmãos e a Helen decide que vai lá sozinha? Desta vez já não leva o arsenal humano? Não se entende esta história. Estou chateada!
Leva as 2,5* porque o ritmo alucinante característico continua presente; mas se continuar neste estilo nos livros futuros, com muita pena minha, despedir-me-ei da Helen Grace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2019
De Helen Grace boeken blijven me boeien en blijven een pakkend verhaal hebben.
Klein klein kleutertje (geen idee waarom het boek deze titel gekregen heeft) speelt zich af in 24 uur. Het verhaal is daarom ook razendsnel en spannend.
Wat ik knap vind aan de schrijfstijl is dat Arlidge tot het moment dat de dader of iemand bekend wordt, hij deze personage geheim houdt en oppervlakkig. Op het moment dat de naam van de dader in beeld is, krijgen de hoofdstukken waarin de dader hoofdpersonage is, een naam. Ondanks dat er veel personages in voor komen. Heeft het verhaal een logisch opgebouwd verhaal. Pas wanneer een personage er toe doet, komt deze in beeld zonder dat er veel is prijsgegeven waarom deze personage belangrijk kan zijn in de zaak. Dit maakt dat het verhaal tot het einde boeiend en spannend blijft.
Helen Grace is geen oppervlakkige politiedame meer, we hebben haar gedurende de boeken beter leren kennen. In dit boek werd ze als persoon maar ook als ijzersterke rechercheur neergezet.
Doordat ik de boeken vlak achter elkaar lees, blijf ik wel beter in het verhaal. Dit zorgt er wel voor dat ik nu toch echt moet beginnen in het laatste boek over Helen Grace.
Klein klein kleutertje (geen idee waarom het boek deze titel gekregen heeft) speelt zich af in 24 uur. Het verhaal is daarom ook razendsnel en spannend.
Wat ik knap vind aan de schrijfstijl is dat Arlidge tot het moment dat de dader of iemand bekend wordt, hij deze personage geheim houdt en oppervlakkig. Op het moment dat de naam van de dader in beeld is, krijgen de hoofdstukken waarin de dader hoofdpersonage is, een naam. Ondanks dat er veel personages in voor komen. Heeft het verhaal een logisch opgebouwd verhaal. Pas wanneer een personage er toe doet, komt deze in beeld zonder dat er veel is prijsgegeven waarom deze personage belangrijk kan zijn in de zaak. Dit maakt dat het verhaal tot het einde boeiend en spannend blijft.
Helen Grace is geen oppervlakkige politiedame meer, we hebben haar gedurende de boeken beter leren kennen. In dit boek werd ze als persoon maar ook als ijzersterke rechercheur neergezet.
Doordat ik de boeken vlak achter elkaar lees, blijf ik wel beter in het verhaal. Dit zorgt er wel voor dat ik nu toch echt moet beginnen in het laatste boek over Helen Grace.
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