Untouchable

The Blake Harte Mysteries #1

by Robert Innes

Harrison Baxter lives on a farm with his parents, on the outskirts of the village of Harmschapel. It’s picturesque, idyllic and tranquil – but Harrison is far from happy. His parent’s marriage is strained to say the least and on top of that, his boyfriend, Daniel, has been mentally and physically abusing him for years. After he finds himself with one bruise too many, Harrison has had enough. But when he plucks up the courage to finally end his violent relationship, Harrison’s life is changed forever when Daniel is found murdered in the most bizarre circumstances.

Detective Sergeant Blake Harte has moved to Harmschapel after his own relationship ended in tatters. But moving to a quiet village after working his way up the ranks in a city brings its own set of problems and Blake soon finds himself at odds with new colleagues who aren’t used to his style of policing. But when he is called upon to investigate the mysterious and impossible murder at Halfmile Farm, Blake finds himself facing the most challenging case of his career.

So how can Daniel have been shot in a locked shed that nobody could possibly have escaped from?

Is anybody really Untouchable?

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Contemporary, Crime, LGBT, Audiobook, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2016

Reviews

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 2 out of 5]

How does this have a 4.3 star average? Just...how?

First of all, the police procedures are just a joke. I understand this is a small village, but for the love of crime drama, it's embarrassing just how inept these cops are. Especially DS Harte, who's supposed to be some big shot, big city investigator. His boss, the chief or whatever, gets on his case about shit that he shouldn't be, mainly in regards to one of Harte's colleagues, this completely unprofessional douche canoe named Gardiner who routinely disregards evidence, makes blanket assumptions, and at one point comes dangerously close to crossing an ethical and legal line in regards to questioning Harrison....but it's all okay, Harte is supposed to cut the guy some slack because Gardiner was up for the job that Harte was eventually hired for. So what does Harte do? He begins humoring Gardiner! In real life, cops like Gardiner routinely end up as subjects for IA and civil lawsuits, but I guess in the mind of Robert Innes, they're just tragically misunderstood everymen.

Secondly, the characters aren't likable. Not a single one of them. Harrison tries to be strong, and there might be an inkling that he could be, but it's never fully realized as, even when Harrison tries breaking up with his abuser, he still apologizes to him for certain things and repeatedly tries to justify the guy's abuse. There's even a point when the cops seem to feel sympathy for the boyfriend's plight and shake their heads at how tragic it was that he was turned into an abusive prick by circumstances outside his control.

Robert Innes....seriously, wtf?

Third, the solution to the mystery is ludicrous. The very idea that the guilty party spent their entire life hiding their true self from everyone save one person...? Please.

Finally, there's no romance. Like, none. You go into it thinking Blake and Harrison are going to be a thing, but nope, nothing, zilch, nada. Until the very end when, nine months later (epilogue), they might, maybe take something up...in the next book. I'm fine with zero romance as long as the story is good, but when you fail me on both counts, I won't be coming back for another go. An author's lame ass attempts at sexual tension which only serve as a catalyst for future book sales really piss me off.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story could easily be a stand-alone, but the town and its people are all set up for repeat performances as the series goes forward. To get an idea of the lead character, try to imagine Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple as a thirty-year-old heartbroken gay man, and you’ll get the idea. If you like trying to solve the crime, you’ll find that this is a clever locked room mystery...and good luck solving this one. I did find all the characters a tad too abrupt and almost unlikable. I’m going to go for another one, but hope that Harte especially, will become a bit more centered and calmer.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stumbled into Recommended Read (B+) review from Dear Author for this book -- so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, this came out as a big fat MEH for me.

First, the grammar/typo is atrocious. Usually I don't pay attention to grammar; I feel like I don't have the "rights" to complain of those since English is not my first language. But even I noticed the lack of proper editing for this one. Like sudden "He" with capital (H) in the middle of sentence, full stop (dot) instead of comma ... and the words "was sat" or "was stood" were really, REALLY weird to read (edited to add: apparently it is a British thing, so I guess I am just not familiar with it, sorry).

At first I found the mystery to be intriguing ... any murder that happens on a locked/closed room is. But then the lack of suspects (seriously, it's either A or B, that's it) and then the revelation just didn't feel like a "brilliant" closed room murder mystery. Plus I found the identity and what is being kept secret from everyone to be quite ridiculous.

I was also not too impressed with either Blake as the detective (trying to rile up the "local" by pulling ranks seem to be an a**hole move) or Harrison as the (love) interest. The domestic abuse angle wasn't emotionally gripping for me as a reader so I couldn't build up sympathy towards Harrison.

Lastly, that nine-months jump didn't make the ending smoothly 'finished'.

So I don't think I'll be checking the sequel. I'm just not invested enough *shrugs*

[fleurette · Rating 3 out of 5]

In some ways, this book surprised me. It's hard to say whether it's good or bad, it just turned out to be different than I expected.

Generally, if you're looking for romance, you won't find it here. Only in the epilogue there is something that could be an introduction to it, but even there, don't expect too much. And that's probably what I missed the most in this story. On the other hand, it is understandable that Harrison will not enter into a new relationship on the same day that he breaks up with his previous partner and the guy is murdered.

Instead, we have two interesting heroes that we can get to know quite well and for both of them in a rather difficult moment of life. Blake has just ended a long relationship with a man who has abandoned him for a woman, and Harrison just realizes he is in an abusive relationship. This is a good point for this story and allows us to quickly get to know the main characters from an interesting perspective.

The mystery is very interesting. I was actually curious how it would all work out. Generally, this is a variation on a murder in a locked room, and the way in which this crime was committed is explained quite interestingly. Still, I have a little mixed feeling about the ending. On the one hand it is pretty original, but on the other hand it is also slightly too fancy and unbelievable, it lacked a bit of realism. The solution, in my opinion, is somewhat overcomplicated.

At the end of the last chapter, we see that Harrison has undergone a transformation. I would prefer it to happen during this book, and not just to be informed at the end. That way, I would understand what exactly changed in his life and why this change happened in him. And as it is, we must just believe it, believe the author.

Overall, it's a nice story, and I'll probably read the next book in this series. But whether or not I read the entire series depends, among other things, on how Harrison and Blake's relationship develops. I don't have the patience to wait until they decide to be together sometime in the eighth book, or watch them break up in every second book.

[Ashley John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for early review and I loved every second of it! Imagine as episode of The Bill, crossed with an episode of Midsomer Murders and you'll land at Untouchable. Blake Harte is your not-so-typical big city detective who moves to a small village, where a murder happens on his first day at work.

It has all of the ingredients for a perfect murder mystery and I didn't crack the clues until the very head!

I'd recommend this book to anybody who loves a good head-scratching murder mystery and I'll be looking for more from Robert Innes!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untouchable introduces readers to Detective Sergeant (DS) Blake Harte, who is new to the small village of Harmschapel. A town that may appear quiet, but gives Blake quite a welcome. Blake is faced with a seemingly impossible to solve murder on day one. First day on the job and BAM! He gets a body in a locked shed! Who could have killed the man when he was safely locked away? This baffling mystery with a classic whodunit feel kept me guessing til the end.

After his relationship ended in lies, hurt, and humiliation, Blake decides to get away from everything he knows. He needs a change! So off he goes into the middle of nowhere for a new job position far, far away from his cheating ex-boyfriend and reminders of his broken heart. A new home filled with new colleagues, new jealousies, and a new town history to learn and uncover and master. Plus one hell of a mystery to solve while trying to find his way around the land and the people. I've always been a sucker for an outsider trying to find his/her way into a new place or crowd. And I like this town and cast of characters so far. There are townies to root for and boo at! :) Everyone from unhappy co-workers to gentle hearted suspects to goats named Betty play a part in this guessing game!

I enjoyed the quiet way this mystery has about it. The characters and place are introduced in a clear, full of life style. It’s realistic and simple with dashes of hurt and humor. I can’t wait to see the town’s layers and secrets come to light as I move through the series. I’m looking forward to spending more time in Harmschapel with DS Harte.

Hope you give this one a try. It’s a steal at just 99 cents! I already have book two ready to read.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was something different, for sure. But it was wonderful and I can't wait for the second book! Great writing, great storyline, great characters - and somehow it reminded me of Sherlock Holmes:)

And yes, this book was without a love interest and without any sex scene and you know what? It was totally captivating and I loved it.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

DNF @ 22%

I could've muddle through the dry prose, I really could have. It lacked emotion, but it wasn't all telling/no showing. There was an attempt at showing in between all the info-dumping. But there were two things I just could not deal with:

1) The domestic abuse angle. It requires finesse and skill to tell this kind of story right, and I just wasn't feeling it here. It was very textbook. Maybe the execution of this plot line gets better as the story progresses, but I didn't have the patience to find out.

2) The grammar is terrible. Words are randomly capitalized in the middle of sentences. And Innes consistently, without fail, uses incorrect punctuation in all his dialogue. All of it.

"I'm going to the store." She said. - Incorrect.
"I'm going to the store," she said. - Correct.

This is Basic English 100.

Still, there are good bones here, considering this is the first story by this author. A better editor and some more filling in the corners, and you've got a promising story. It just isn't this story.

I can't comment on how the mystery aspect of it unfolds since I didn't get to that part before I gave up.

[Dawn Mayhew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever read a book that doesn't have any romance or sex scenes, and is a great read?? Well, get hold of this one, as this is definitely the case with this book.

I love the character of Detective Sergeant Blake Harte., he has moved to Harmschapel to start his life again, but not sure when he arrives if he has done the right thing or not. At first, he seems to be rather arrogant, but as the story goes on, you soon realise this is a front.

Harrison, you can't help but really feel for. He has been with his boyfriend Darren for years, but more recently has been subject to both physical and mental abuse. With his parents marriage looking really shaky, he keeps everything inside and nobody knows what turmoil he is in.

On the day that Blake starts his new job, the Police are called out to Halfmile Farm (which is where Harrison lives), and when Blake and his team arrive, it is to find there has been a murder.

Now I am not going to give anything away, but I love how this book was written with solving the murder. As you turn each page, you really get to know the rest of the team working with Blake, especially who he gets on with and who he doesn't.

This book kept me hooked, as just when I thought I had everything worked out, there would be a plot twist and everything changed. I really do look forward to reading more books by this author, and in this series especially. This book had plenty of sub characters, which gives the author plenty of scope to continue this series, and although there was no love interest for Blake, things may be changing but I will have to wait for the next book to see!!

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars

I wanted to like this more; I loved the premise, the set-up sending this cop to a small village...but the execution left much to be desired. See, the "police work" was shoddy (and I know it's not the same in the UK as it is in the US, but I've read PLENTY of UK based procedural books and this AIN'T that) and honestly the characters were quite 2-dimensional.

The "romance" doesn't come into play 'til the epilogue; for the most part that kind of thing (or even fade-to-black) doesn't bother me, except for when the story itself isn't strong enough to keep me riveted. The drama was OTT and that plot was a bit ridiculous, too.

So, meh.

I'll give the second one a try but if things don't get better I doubt I'll go further.

[Eugenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Murder Mystery...

...3.2 Stars.....This was a fun and quick murder mystery set in a small English village. Although there wasn’t a lot of detail surrounding the investigation of the crime, there was a nice “how did they kill him?” aspect that I enjoyed. Like a riddle.

No romance here, although we witness the end of several romances for the main and secondary characters. We end with a nice romantic set-up for the next book.

Like I said....very easy to read super fast.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untouchable
By Robert Innes
By the author, 2016
Four stars

This is the first of Robert Innes’ Blake Harte detective series. I liked it so much I bought the next two books immediately when I finished it. It is a fairly short novel, and there’s the danger that this series will become like a bag of potato chips (or, as these are set in the UK, crisps); I may find myself devouring them all.

The core premise is that Detective Harte has left the big-city police force of Manchester because of a broken heart. He finds himself assigned to a small country town called Harmschapel, where everybody knows who he is, and everybody knows what everyone else is doing.

On Harte’s very first day, a bizarre murder happens virtually in front of Harte and his fellow village policemen. It seems impossible, and Harte is challenged both with solving the mystery, and with finding his way into a new relationship with the men and women with whom he must work, his superior officer, and all those people who are now his neighbors. To make things more complicated, both the murder victim, Daniel Donaldson, and one of the chief suspects, Harrison Baxter, are gay.

Innes’ writing is plain, and there is a very consistent use of incorrect grammar that leads me to feel that there’s a regional British dialect going on. Or, perhaps, just careless editing. Where this book shines is in the careful characterization of the people we meet throughout the narrative. The intimacy of living and working in a small town is underscored by the way that everybody immediately refers to each other by their first names. Blake picks up on this right away. Blake is also the kind of detective who depends heavily on psychological understanding of all the players in the drama. He wants to know motivation as well as what sort of state of mind everybody is in. It is Blake’s ability to see past the obvious, and get to people’s emotional underpinnings that makes him so good at what he does, and makes the book so very engaging.

The story is a stand-alone, but the town and its people are all set up for repeat performances as the series goes forward. Imagine Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple as a thirty-year-old heartbroken gay man, and you’ll have the idea. It’s a good idea for a series and I so look forward to the next chapter.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review

In a way Untouchable reminded me about the Harlequin books I used to read in my teens. Except there was no romance in this book - at all. It wasn't sweet or cuddly or leave you with the warm and fuzzies. But bear with me and I’ll explain what I mean.

This book has a very simple and straight forward plotline; a man was murdered in a locked shed. He was alone in the shed, and there was no possible way for anyone to go in or out of it. The wounds he sustained were not self-inflicted. So who killed him and how? It's a mystery and one we spend the book trying to figure out. It is a simple and basic plot with no extra fuss or muss. Just like the characters were very simple. They were a bit flat and lacked depth and there was a distinct lack of development.

So just like the Harlequin books from my youth, this was a simple tale, a story to tell without making it overly complicated or deep. A moment in time – but unlike the romances looking for that happily ever after, we spent our time solving a mystery. It was enjoyable listen for the moment, but not one that will stay with me for long.

I am very partial to the British accent, there's just something about it that just does it for me. So when Paul Woodson started to speak, I started to smile. There isn't a lot of emotion in his narration, but you know what - it fit. It felt British. You know that "keep your distance" vibe "We are British, dear, we don't do hugs or feelings" kind of mentality. I really enjoyed it. Okay, so we've established that Woodson and emotion didn't really happen. However he does have different voices for the characters, not overly distinct but variations just the same. I enjoyed listening to Woodson and would happily pick up more of his narrations in the future.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

I wasn’t sure what I could expected when I started this book but damn, this is fine good crime case. This was so so good.
This great crime novel ist actually one which I would recommend even to people who aren’t reading gay romance normally because this is a stunning novel completely without having a romance or a gay minor storyline (for the main character).

The fact that only the investigator is gay and the suspect wasn’t boring, neither was it too much and disturbing. The crime plot is build on the fact that of of the suspects is gay and was in a relationship with the victim. Also the fact that the crime was committed on the suspect’s family farm. But behing the obvious there were so many secrets revealed.

Also it had underlining a depressing topic which is hard to deal with. But this gives the whole book its thrill, the suspence. :)

The main charcter, Blake Harte, is such a nice character. I instantly had a connection to him. :) He is… confident and a bit cocky sometimes in the book but always with a kind heart. He is also really attractive.

Who doesn’t want to explore this handsome, hot character actually? I really was captured also was I so happy about his behaviour as a kind-hearted investigator but also as a bad ass collegue who isn’t hesitant to say when he is pissed off – still in a charming mannor even when his words can be really harsh. xD

What I also liked was the fact that the story included “new” aspect, even if those are small things. I really liked the fact Blake is smoking a e-cig instead of the “traditional” ones, it is naturally put in the story.
Charming is the book also because of its british spelling of the words, the behaviour and acting of the character. :)

I will definitely read the next novel in the series and I hope that maybe Blake get’s a light love interest in further books. :) He is so sweet, maybe we see the unexpected soon. It would rise the tension and it maybe pepps some cases up when there are conflicts of interests. :)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, a real page turner that keeps you guessing and second guessing, yet you will never come close to really guessing the twist/s! Both clever and well thought out, it leaves you wanting more whilst on the edge of your seat. I do hope the author makes a series and it would also be amazing if adapted to screen. I finished it in a day, when usually I pick up-put down-books like a yo-yo, I had to complete it and enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A quick, enjoyable read and start to this series of mysteries set in a small town somewhere in the north of England/countryside outside Manchester.

After discovering his boyfriend of five-years cheating on him (with a woman), DS Blake Harte requests a transfer out of Manchester CID and ends up moving to the village of Harmschapel. On his first day, he’s thrown straight into the most unusual case the local police department has seen; a man who was locked in a shed with only one way in and out and only one key dies of three gunshot wounds.

The victim was Daniel Donaldson, who had gone to visit his boyfriend, Harrison Baxter at his home – his parents’ farm – because Harrison wanted to end their four-year relationship. Since the death of his father two years before, Daniel’s behaviour had become increasingly violent and erratic, and finally Harrison has decided he’s been his boyfriend’s punching bag for long enough.

When Harrison delivers the news, Daniel, who is more than half-drunk, grabs him by the throat and shoves him against the wall; Seth, Harrison’s father, enters the room at this point and pulls Daniel off, then frogmarches him out of the house and locks him in the shed while he calls the police.

That’s the set-up; an intriguing locked room mystery that doesn’t play out quite as one might expect, and a solid introduction to the unconventional Blake Harte, his colleagues and some of the locals who will no doubt appear in the rest of the series. (No romance as yet, but there are clear indications that one is waiting in the wings ;)) The author sets up some interesting professional relationships and conflicts, but I did think there were some holes in certain aspects of police procedure; for instance, the ‘interview’ whereby one of Harte’s colleagues is clearly desperate to fit up Harrison for the crime felt like I was in an episode of The Sweeney, and I was just waiting for him to snarl “You’re goin’ daaaahn!” And then when Harte’s boss pretty much tells him to cut the guy some slack and warns him not to take his (Harte’s) new-fangled policin’ methods too far (my italics) I had to go back and read that bit again to make sure I’d read it correctly, because I thought he should have been saying the exact opposite.

There were also a number of typos and grammar issues that stuck out; they’re mentioned in other reviews, and although the book was published in November 2016 originally, there appears to have been no attempt made to fix them.

But with all that said, I still enjoyed the story – and the fact that I was able to get through it in an afternoon. I’ll probably read more of the Blake Harte Mysteries.

[Daydreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, super-fast read. A gay detective and an old-school mystery. I liked it

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well thought out cozy mystery set in the English countryside with an interesting bunch of characters. I can't wait to see how Harrison and Blake's story progresses. Great debut novella, well done Mr. Innes!

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the debut novel of Robert Innes.

Harrison Baxter is in his early 20's living on a farm with his parents in the small town of Harmschapel. Harrison feels trapped. Between his parents, who have a very strained relationship and his boyfriend, Daniel, who has been mentally and physically abusing him for a couple years, he just wants to be free from it all. He gets a partial wish when Daniel is unexpectedly murdered on his parents' farm.

Detective Sergeant Blake Harte finds himself in Harmschapel after transferring there in hopes of a new start after he discovers his boyfriend in bed with another woman. He wants to focus on work to avoid the pain of his ex-boyfriend's betrayal. However, his first day on the job will prove to be quite the challenge. First, he is already experiencing some friction with at least one of his colleagues. He is used to living in a big city where things are done a little differently. He has to learn quickly to be a team player to avoid alienating his colleagues.

Second, his first assignment is a murder under very interesting circumstances. The victim is shot in a locked shed with only one way in or out.

What a fantastic debut from Robert Innes. I was at the edge of my seat from start to finish. The murder mystery had me engaged in the story. I felt like I was one of the Detectives helping them to trying to figure the who and most definitely the how of this very interesting murder. It has been a long time since a book has left me at a loss for words. Just WOW!!

[Denise White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read!!

This was such an awesome read...the mystery was good and I liked the characters as well...the twist had my mouth falling open...it was a story with nice developed characters...I will definitely be following this author and reading this series!!! I can't wait for the next book!!!
BTW I finished this book in one setting...I couldn't put it down!! Enough said!!

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 9
Writing: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 7
Mystery: 6
Sexual tension: 0
Humor: 5
Hotness: 0
Product placement: 2
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 2
Audio: 10 (4h 6min)
To re-read: 10

I thought that was lovely. Little town with all the characters and some serious moments

asshole-ex, grumpy cop, eager cop, a spotty-mum, and goat Betty.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untouchable absorbed my free time and more than a little of my professional time, not once but twice! I found that I could not put this book down and it kept me on the edge of my seat. My heart fell out of my chest for Harrison and everything he experienced. As the story evolved I found myself disliking Seth almost immediately and felt pity for Sandra. A solid connection was made with the rest of the characters and I could picture them clearly in my head. It helps that the personalities of the characters remind me of people I know!
What touched me the most with this one is the topic or the reason why of the mystery. Oh how hard it is not to give any details in this review!
The emotional turmoil Harrison experienced touched something in me and with each scene he appeared in, I wanted to wrap him up and keep him safe. While reading it, all that I could think is how much more can he take? Will this break him?
The mystery kept me guessing and when the answers were revealed, I had the knock me down with a feather experience. Nope wasn't expecting that to happen. My perception of some characters changed which threw me off in a major way, good but startling. I am anxiously awaiting the next book of this awesome series.
I am so glad I was able to read this advanced copy and I encourage whoever reading this to READ THIS BOOK!

[booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Wow !! For a first book Robert Innes has certainly set the bar for himself high !!
In this we meet Blake Harte, a D.S who has moved from the fast paced life in Manchester to what he thinks is going to be a much quieter life in Harmschapel. What he gets is far from quiet though.
The whole premise for this book really grabbed my attention and i'm so glad i read it. For a new author Robert should be really proud. This book had everything a good mystery/crime thriller should have and more. It had me thinking the obvious only to realise i was so far off the mark i may aswell have been on the moon !! The main characters, Blake & Harrison were brilliantly written and i was glad to see that instead of the focus being on the "will they, won't they" of them getting together it stayed on solving the mystery of who killed Daniel, Harrison's abusive ex partner.
An absolutely fantastic read, and i for one can't wait for book 2 to see how or IF a relationship between them develops.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Untouchable and let me just say, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. I was giving this ARC for a honest review. But even if I hadn't and I came across this there is no way I couldn't stop talking about it. The story of relocated Detective Blake Harte after a bad break-up to smaller village of Harmschapel to only be thrust into a impossible murder was both intriguing and exciting. The writing was filed with great charm wit, a intricately layered mystery.And a whole lot of fantastic characters and story telling. This is the first book I have read from Robert Innes and I am so excited to get to the next mystery! I found the main character Blake completely riveting, and human, and if there is some justice in the world, hopefully this case has brought him more than just a new life but perhaps even love? The new setting and co-workers he has to navigate and learn are all equally well fleshed out and I only see great things and have high hopes for future volumes of the Blake Harte Mysteries.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Well what can I say other than when is the next book out!!!!

This is a cross between Jonathan Creek, Midsummer Murders and other great detective series.
I can't believe this is the first book written by this author. The writing style is really good it draws you in. I wasn't going to read it in one sitting but the best laid plans always fall when a good book is put in front of me. I see lots of coffee in my future today.
I had an inkling of who had done it but I was only 50% correct. I also had no clue how it was done until it was revealed. That is a really good book in my opinion.
I love a good mystery and this book covered that with loads to spare. I also really enjoyed that there could be a hint of romance in Blake's future.
I so would recommend this book.

Plus Ashley great job on the cover!!!

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! A great combination of MM and crime/mystery. Blake is the leading detective and sounds a complete hottie. This book is so easy to read and the story flows beautifully through each stage of the investigation. As the mystery unfolds it really is difficult to guess who the murderer actually is. I loved all the characters, except one, but there is always 'that' colleague that rubs you up the wrong way. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good 'who done it' story line. You would never know this was Robert Innes first published novel. I give a wholeheartedly 5 stars.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery. What raises this above the rest is it's characters and their relationships, they're so well written and developed that I was completely engrossed in their stories. There's humour, intrigue, drama, just a perfect mix of everything really. I thought I had it all figured out but the ending took my by complete surprise and was brilliantly executed! Very satisfying indeed. It has all the hallmarks of a great franchise so I hope to see this installment do very well.

[Jazz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 STARS | This one was pretty much just okay for me. I'm giving it an extra half star for the attempt at a contemporary locked room mystery. Though there was that element, the resolution seemed a little far-fetched. The police procedures didn't ring true and I guessed the culprit pretty quickly (there weren't a lot of suspects), though how the crime was carried out escaped me. I don't think anyone could have guessed that. The romance was somewhat obvious. All this does not mean the series won't improve, so I'll try another down the line.

[Galia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The mystery takes center stage but with a touch of romance. Good story and I look forward to the next book in the series.