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DC Connie Childs #3
A Patient Fury
In the third DC Childs novel, Connie is called to a fire-wrecked property in the Derbyshire Peak District. Three bodies from one family are discovered, which points her colleagues to an obvious suspect, but she uncovers a more complex mystery.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2017
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467 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 14, 2017
A Patient Fury – There is always a dark side to a family
DC Connie Childs has just returned to work and she is not too sure if she has come back too soon, but no matter, it is a job that she loves. When the call comes through in the early hours Connie is being dragged out of bed to a suspicious fire at the request of the Fire Brigade in Brampton. With DI Sadler, they head for the fire, more in silent resignation than hope, as these calls only ever mean one thing, death.
Once again, Connie goes her own way on the case, does not listen to Sadler or any other of the team and ends up in the Daily Mail, after the case has been closed. When she is suspended she still ignores all the known evidence and goes head long into a secret investigation to uncover the secrets that the family involved seem to be hiding. As she gets further involved in the case, she notices her car gets vandalised, but carries on regardless. She does find that time has not healed any rifts in the family have never really healed. Connie really would like to bridge that and bring closure for her and the case.
Once again Connie Childs is on a one-way career destruction course, ignoring her detective inspector, because she knows she is correct, even if the evidence does not show that. Her health is not at its best and it looks like she may lose the one things she cares more about, her police career.
Sarah Ward really knows how to bring a family’s secrets out in to the open and make them interesting and throw in a few added twists to the story. She is really developing Connie Childs into a character you can believe in, if not love, and scream at her to eat something for a change too. This really is a fantastic mystery that keeps you guessing all the way to the last sentence, and always a sting in the tail.
A fantastic story, I cannot recommend highly enough.
DC Connie Childs has just returned to work and she is not too sure if she has come back too soon, but no matter, it is a job that she loves. When the call comes through in the early hours Connie is being dragged out of bed to a suspicious fire at the request of the Fire Brigade in Brampton. With DI Sadler, they head for the fire, more in silent resignation than hope, as these calls only ever mean one thing, death.
Once again, Connie goes her own way on the case, does not listen to Sadler or any other of the team and ends up in the Daily Mail, after the case has been closed. When she is suspended she still ignores all the known evidence and goes head long into a secret investigation to uncover the secrets that the family involved seem to be hiding. As she gets further involved in the case, she notices her car gets vandalised, but carries on regardless. She does find that time has not healed any rifts in the family have never really healed. Connie really would like to bridge that and bring closure for her and the case.
Once again Connie Childs is on a one-way career destruction course, ignoring her detective inspector, because she knows she is correct, even if the evidence does not show that. Her health is not at its best and it looks like she may lose the one things she cares more about, her police career.
Sarah Ward really knows how to bring a family’s secrets out in to the open and make them interesting and throw in a few added twists to the story. She is really developing Connie Childs into a character you can believe in, if not love, and scream at her to eat something for a change too. This really is a fantastic mystery that keeps you guessing all the way to the last sentence, and always a sting in the tail.
A fantastic story, I cannot recommend highly enough.
July 26, 2018
Three and a half stars
Detective Constable Connie Childs is called to a property on Cross Farm Lane where there has been a fire. It is believed bodies are inside. She and Detective Inspector Francis Sandler arrive at the scene. It appears clear cut at least to DI Sadler what happened and who the murderer was. But Connie is not convinced. Something doesn’t sit right with her about his conclusion of what happened. Who is right and will the truth come to light?
I found this a very easy read that had me interested from the outset. Connie is a very determined woman, who is out to get at the truth no matter what the cost. I had not read any earlier books in this series but it didn’t matter as this book can easily stand alone. It was easy enough to connect with the character of Connie and understand where she was coming from, even if her choices are perhaps not always the wisest ones. The interactions between characters is a strong feature of the story. That and wanting to know who the murderer was.
The story is cleverly constructed and the way the story pans out ensures there is plenty to keep the reader’s interest. I thought all along this was easily going to be a 4 and a half star read. Sadly, certain aspects of the ending did not sit comfortably with me and that pulled my rating down. However I am aware others may not have the same problem with the ending. Worth reading and I should be interested to read another book by this author with these characters.
Detective Constable Connie Childs is called to a property on Cross Farm Lane where there has been a fire. It is believed bodies are inside. She and Detective Inspector Francis Sandler arrive at the scene. It appears clear cut at least to DI Sadler what happened and who the murderer was. But Connie is not convinced. Something doesn’t sit right with her about his conclusion of what happened. Who is right and will the truth come to light?
I found this a very easy read that had me interested from the outset. Connie is a very determined woman, who is out to get at the truth no matter what the cost. I had not read any earlier books in this series but it didn’t matter as this book can easily stand alone. It was easy enough to connect with the character of Connie and understand where she was coming from, even if her choices are perhaps not always the wisest ones. The interactions between characters is a strong feature of the story. That and wanting to know who the murderer was.
The story is cleverly constructed and the way the story pans out ensures there is plenty to keep the reader’s interest. I thought all along this was easily going to be a 4 and a half star read. Sadly, certain aspects of the ending did not sit comfortably with me and that pulled my rating down. However I am aware others may not have the same problem with the ending. Worth reading and I should be interested to read another book by this author with these characters.
September 14, 2017
A Patient Fury, the third book to feature Connie Childs is, as its predecessors, a right old page turner with an intriguing multi-layered plot, the usual character suspects plus some others and a tense and atmospheric tale of families gone wrong.
What I love about these books is the way Sarah Ward twists her plots and those living out the drama within the pages in subtle and undefined ways so it is not until you are heading towards the end that you finally start to see the truth. Her strength is dysfunctional family units, showing us the underneath of things, those hidden parts of marriage, wider ties and parenthood that can explode in the most violent ways. It is fascinating to “watch” things unfold, see the connections and the hidden meanings, this is character led crime fiction at its finest.
Connie is a very good anchor to all of this – she is determined and not always sensible – I’ll admit as a reader that she often irritates me but in the best reading way. In A Patient Fury she see’s beyond the obvious and takes us, the reader, down a different track – it is clever and unpredictable.
Overall a fine addition to the series. Beautifully readable and one of those books that makes you think back on it later to see the nuances.
Highly Recommended.
What I love about these books is the way Sarah Ward twists her plots and those living out the drama within the pages in subtle and undefined ways so it is not until you are heading towards the end that you finally start to see the truth. Her strength is dysfunctional family units, showing us the underneath of things, those hidden parts of marriage, wider ties and parenthood that can explode in the most violent ways. It is fascinating to “watch” things unfold, see the connections and the hidden meanings, this is character led crime fiction at its finest.
Connie is a very good anchor to all of this – she is determined and not always sensible – I’ll admit as a reader that she often irritates me but in the best reading way. In A Patient Fury she see’s beyond the obvious and takes us, the reader, down a different track – it is clever and unpredictable.
Overall a fine addition to the series. Beautifully readable and one of those books that makes you think back on it later to see the nuances.
Highly Recommended.
October 19, 2017
This started out as a fairly good murder/thriller type story but it gradually got more and more implausible and the ending was a disappointment.
July 13, 2018
A Patient Fury is the third book in the DC Childs mystery series, featuring Detective Connie Childs, and let me tell you – this is a series that gets better with each book! One of the things I love about this series is how strong the mysteries are, they’re complex and they take centre stage, making this the perfect crime series for fans of plot-driven books. This latest instalment contains the strongest and most interesting mystery yet. I love the connections drawn between past events and the present day, with mysteries from the past, and mysteries in the present, this novel is basically a mystery lover’s dream! I found this novel to be a gripping read, brimming with suspense; I devoured it over the course of a day – I don’t want to be cliché but the short chapters really do create that “just one more chapter” feeling.
This novel contains some great character creation, not all are likeable, but all are distinct in their personalities. Some you like, some leave you unsettled – you just know there’s something off about them, and then there’s some you’re completely wrong about. As a main protagonist, I really like Connie Childs, a detective who knows her own mind and is not afraid to follow her instincts despite what others think. Who doesn’t love a strong female lead?! There’s a really interesting dynamic to this policing team. I’m a lover of character’s backstories when I read police procedurals; here the backstory of Connie (and others) is minimal, yet has me entirely interested and craving more because I find Connie a really interesting character. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know I always advocate for reading series in order, but the minimal character backstory in this series means this book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Set in Derbyshire, if you’re looking for a plot-driven police procedural, then I highly recommend A Patient Fury. It’s is so well-plotted, filled with red herrings that will keep you guessing till the end. And speaking of the ending, this one was so clever, and shows that Ward really knows what’s she doing when it comes to crime fiction. Obviously, I’m not going to tell you how it ended but it was a so well-executed, the kind of ending that you want to talk to someone about because it was that good! Well-written, engaging, with a dark atmosphere, my favourite of the series so far, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
*My thanks to the publisher (Faber & Faber) for providing me with a copy of this title*
This novel contains some great character creation, not all are likeable, but all are distinct in their personalities. Some you like, some leave you unsettled – you just know there’s something off about them, and then there’s some you’re completely wrong about. As a main protagonist, I really like Connie Childs, a detective who knows her own mind and is not afraid to follow her instincts despite what others think. Who doesn’t love a strong female lead?! There’s a really interesting dynamic to this policing team. I’m a lover of character’s backstories when I read police procedurals; here the backstory of Connie (and others) is minimal, yet has me entirely interested and craving more because I find Connie a really interesting character. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know I always advocate for reading series in order, but the minimal character backstory in this series means this book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Set in Derbyshire, if you’re looking for a plot-driven police procedural, then I highly recommend A Patient Fury. It’s is so well-plotted, filled with red herrings that will keep you guessing till the end. And speaking of the ending, this one was so clever, and shows that Ward really knows what’s she doing when it comes to crime fiction. Obviously, I’m not going to tell you how it ended but it was a so well-executed, the kind of ending that you want to talk to someone about because it was that good! Well-written, engaging, with a dark atmosphere, my favourite of the series so far, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
*My thanks to the publisher (Faber & Faber) for providing me with a copy of this title*
July 7, 2018
This is one of my favourite series and it’s also a very worthy 5 star series to follow especially if you’re looking for dark and gritty rural crime thrillers with a brilliantly complex main protagonist. This is the third book to feature DC Connie Child’s but I do recommend you start at book 1 for a fuller picture of her personal and work life balance although this is also a self contained crime story which flows well without having to know every little backstory. I’ve been looking forward to book 3 and have to say that, once again, Sarah Ward had delivered a twisty, brilliantly plotted narrative that grabbed my attention from the first few shocking pages and didn’t let me go until the final breathtaking denouement.
A shadowy figure is in the middle of a distressing and heinous crime when A Patient Fury starts and it isn’t long before Connie is called to a crime scene that makes even the hardest of detectives sick to their stomachs. A fire has broken out at a local home and bodies are soon being pulled out of the ashes. But when it looks like the fire was set to cover up a worse crime, a murder/suicide is declared. And that’s when Connie decides that things are TOO cut and dried for her and she starts to investigate further, uncovering a missing persons case from many years ago that may be connected to this present day crime. Can she solve the mystery whilst holding onto her job….and her life?
This was the definitive page turner for me and I hid myself away as I didn’t want any interruptions while I devoured it! Sarah Ward writes an involving and expertly crafted storyline that pulls you into the narrative straight away. Living not far from the Derbyshire Peak District I know the area quite well and her descriptive prose really does provide a perfect picture of the countryside and surrounding areas.
DC Connie Child is a complex and interesting main character and I love her work ethic but I enjoy just as much the flashes of her personal life that make her the woman she is. She’s isn’t always likeable but her flaws make her relatable and engaging. It’s tough being able to make your character stand out in the sea of women detectives out there but Sarah Ward manages to write compelling and thrilling plots to compliment her protagonists personality. If you’re looking for the full package of great characters and a riveting storyline all set in one of the most beautiful parts of England then you really need to read A Patient Fury.
A shadowy figure is in the middle of a distressing and heinous crime when A Patient Fury starts and it isn’t long before Connie is called to a crime scene that makes even the hardest of detectives sick to their stomachs. A fire has broken out at a local home and bodies are soon being pulled out of the ashes. But when it looks like the fire was set to cover up a worse crime, a murder/suicide is declared. And that’s when Connie decides that things are TOO cut and dried for her and she starts to investigate further, uncovering a missing persons case from many years ago that may be connected to this present day crime. Can she solve the mystery whilst holding onto her job….and her life?
This was the definitive page turner for me and I hid myself away as I didn’t want any interruptions while I devoured it! Sarah Ward writes an involving and expertly crafted storyline that pulls you into the narrative straight away. Living not far from the Derbyshire Peak District I know the area quite well and her descriptive prose really does provide a perfect picture of the countryside and surrounding areas.
DC Connie Child is a complex and interesting main character and I love her work ethic but I enjoy just as much the flashes of her personal life that make her the woman she is. She’s isn’t always likeable but her flaws make her relatable and engaging. It’s tough being able to make your character stand out in the sea of women detectives out there but Sarah Ward manages to write compelling and thrilling plots to compliment her protagonists personality. If you’re looking for the full package of great characters and a riveting storyline all set in one of the most beautiful parts of England then you really need to read A Patient Fury.
September 3, 2017
On the blog tour on Sept 13th so want to save my review till then BUT sometimes you really have to let the good thoughts and 5 stars fly out. And that's what I'm doing today.
Brilliant plot, twists and turns a plenty, dysfunctional families and a secret weaving back into the past and then back again with a bang. It's twisty and rocky like the Peak District roads - obstacles a plenty - stonewalls, unexpected bumps and a killer ending.
We even go outside of fictional Bampton to Horncastle and Skegness and it just seems to make Bampton even more real! This works as a police procedural, a look at family dynamics and some dark secrets in those caves and valleys
So much good about this. Am keeping it in until the tour, but i could well burst before then ;)
Brilliant plot, twists and turns a plenty, dysfunctional families and a secret weaving back into the past and then back again with a bang. It's twisty and rocky like the Peak District roads - obstacles a plenty - stonewalls, unexpected bumps and a killer ending.
We even go outside of fictional Bampton to Horncastle and Skegness and it just seems to make Bampton even more real! This works as a police procedural, a look at family dynamics and some dark secrets in those caves and valleys
So much good about this. Am keeping it in until the tour, but i could well burst before then ;)
September 10, 2017
A Patient Fury in the third book in the DC Connie Childs series and is absolutely flipping amazing. I LOVE this series. I reviewed the second book, A Deadly Thaw earlier this year and gave it an easy five out of five stars. If you’d like a reminder then please visit my blog, damppebbles.com.
This meant, of course, that the third instalment had a lot to live up to. And oh my gosh, I am absolutely thrilled to confirm that it managed to blow my socks off! What a brilliant book! The first thing you should know is that DC Connie Childs is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional detectives. She’s so wonderfully driven, so beautifully intense and so very flawed. I can’t help but be drawn to this headstrong, feisty woman and her very human faults.
The opening chapter is brilliantly written and there was no way on this earth anyone was going to prise A Patient Fury from my hands. I was hooked and I couldn’t stop myself from becoming totally engrossed in the story. It was a joy to return to Bampton in Derbyshire (if you’ve read my previous review I can confirm that I now know exactly where Derbyshire is, doh!). Being reunited with DI Francis Sadler once again was a wonderful thing. I felt DI Sadler played a much bigger part in the story this time around and I found out a lot more about him. His relationship with DC Childs can be a little fraught at times but that friction makes for excellent reading. On the one hand, he’s her superior, on the other he’s a father figure keeping an eye on the fiery young detective. Brilliant!
Ward has, quite rightly so, moved one of her older characters on to pastures new leaving space for a new detective. I think I can understand why the author has decided to do this as it did feel as though the character had had their time. I was, however, a little sad to see them go and hope they make a cameo in future novels. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing where Ward takes the relationship between Connie and the new(-ish) recruit in the future. I can see fireworks ahead…
The plot was full of twists, turns and intrigue. I enjoyed the flashback sequences and grew to despise the character of George, the rude and obnoxious son of the victim. All of the characters at some point felt as though they had a lot to hide which absolutely made this book for me. I couldn’t have or rather wouldn’t have put money on the culprit despite all of the signs pointing in one definite direction.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It can be read as a stand alone so don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books in the series (although if you get the chance, then do!). I love DC Connie Childs. I particularly like her when she’s breaking the rules and undertaking an investigation in her own time, which she *may* end up doing in A Patient Fury. Honestly, my favourite crime series out there at the moment and I urge you to get yourself a copy of A Patient Fury. You won’t regret it. Sheer brilliance.
Five out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an ARC of A Patient Fury. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
This meant, of course, that the third instalment had a lot to live up to. And oh my gosh, I am absolutely thrilled to confirm that it managed to blow my socks off! What a brilliant book! The first thing you should know is that DC Connie Childs is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional detectives. She’s so wonderfully driven, so beautifully intense and so very flawed. I can’t help but be drawn to this headstrong, feisty woman and her very human faults.
The opening chapter is brilliantly written and there was no way on this earth anyone was going to prise A Patient Fury from my hands. I was hooked and I couldn’t stop myself from becoming totally engrossed in the story. It was a joy to return to Bampton in Derbyshire (if you’ve read my previous review I can confirm that I now know exactly where Derbyshire is, doh!). Being reunited with DI Francis Sadler once again was a wonderful thing. I felt DI Sadler played a much bigger part in the story this time around and I found out a lot more about him. His relationship with DC Childs can be a little fraught at times but that friction makes for excellent reading. On the one hand, he’s her superior, on the other he’s a father figure keeping an eye on the fiery young detective. Brilliant!
Ward has, quite rightly so, moved one of her older characters on to pastures new leaving space for a new detective. I think I can understand why the author has decided to do this as it did feel as though the character had had their time. I was, however, a little sad to see them go and hope they make a cameo in future novels. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing where Ward takes the relationship between Connie and the new(-ish) recruit in the future. I can see fireworks ahead…
The plot was full of twists, turns and intrigue. I enjoyed the flashback sequences and grew to despise the character of George, the rude and obnoxious son of the victim. All of the characters at some point felt as though they had a lot to hide which absolutely made this book for me. I couldn’t have or rather wouldn’t have put money on the culprit despite all of the signs pointing in one definite direction.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It can be read as a stand alone so don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books in the series (although if you get the chance, then do!). I love DC Connie Childs. I particularly like her when she’s breaking the rules and undertaking an investigation in her own time, which she *may* end up doing in A Patient Fury. Honestly, my favourite crime series out there at the moment and I urge you to get yourself a copy of A Patient Fury. You won’t regret it. Sheer brilliance.
Five out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an ARC of A Patient Fury. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 22, 2019
An extra star for the ending,even if it was rushed.Not a series I'm keen to read.
September 9, 2017
Oh my goodness! I really didn't think that Sarah Ward's writing could any better than in A Deadly Thaw, but I was wrong, she just gets better and better. I was totally consumed by the plot of A Patient Fury; it's finely tuned, flows perfectly and delivers shocks and unexpected moments galore. This is crime writing at its finest.
The story is set, once again in Brampton; a small town in Derbyshire and the lead character DC Connie Childs is recovering from events that happened in A Deadly Thaw, but determined to be a better person, a better police officer and to do things properly and by the book. Even though A Patient Fury is the third in the series, and events from the previous two books are mentioned, this author is so very skilled at making the reader aware and the book could easily be read as a standalone novel.
DC Connie Childs is called out to a house fire; Peter Winson, his young wife and their toddler son are all dead. Upon further investigation it appears that this is a murder-suicide, carried out by the mother of the family. Despite the evidence to back this up, Connie doesn't feel comfortable with the conclusion. Not only is this very rare, there appears to be very little evidence to back it up and she is convinced that this tragedy is connected to the disappearance, many years ago, of Peter's first wife.
Julia and George Winson; Peter's adult children from his first marriage have differing reactions to the fire. Julia begins to feel scared, in fear of what could happen and convinced that her family has some murky secrets that could destroy everything if they are revealed. George, on the other hand, is emotionally cold, difficult to relate to and easily suspected of wrong-doing.
Connie Childs can't accept that the events of almost forty years ago are not connected to what has happened and she risks the wrath of her superiors by continuing her dogged questioning of anyone that may have answers.
Sarah Ward is very skilled at creating atmosphere and a vivid sense of place. Small town Brampton is stifling and close and in A Patient Fury she ventures further afield, to Lincolnshire, my own home county. It's clear that the author has personal experience of the small town of Horncastle - it is described perfectly; that mix of quaint and pretty, with the pervading feel of rundown and old-fashioned.
A Patient Fury is a tense and intelligent crime novel and the author very cleverly gets right into the minds of the characters, allowing the reader to experience their feelings and observations so very well.
I love this series; both the characters and the town of Brampton are perfectly drawn, I'm so looking forward to more from Connie in the future.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
The story is set, once again in Brampton; a small town in Derbyshire and the lead character DC Connie Childs is recovering from events that happened in A Deadly Thaw, but determined to be a better person, a better police officer and to do things properly and by the book. Even though A Patient Fury is the third in the series, and events from the previous two books are mentioned, this author is so very skilled at making the reader aware and the book could easily be read as a standalone novel.
DC Connie Childs is called out to a house fire; Peter Winson, his young wife and their toddler son are all dead. Upon further investigation it appears that this is a murder-suicide, carried out by the mother of the family. Despite the evidence to back this up, Connie doesn't feel comfortable with the conclusion. Not only is this very rare, there appears to be very little evidence to back it up and she is convinced that this tragedy is connected to the disappearance, many years ago, of Peter's first wife.
Julia and George Winson; Peter's adult children from his first marriage have differing reactions to the fire. Julia begins to feel scared, in fear of what could happen and convinced that her family has some murky secrets that could destroy everything if they are revealed. George, on the other hand, is emotionally cold, difficult to relate to and easily suspected of wrong-doing.
Connie Childs can't accept that the events of almost forty years ago are not connected to what has happened and she risks the wrath of her superiors by continuing her dogged questioning of anyone that may have answers.
Sarah Ward is very skilled at creating atmosphere and a vivid sense of place. Small town Brampton is stifling and close and in A Patient Fury she ventures further afield, to Lincolnshire, my own home county. It's clear that the author has personal experience of the small town of Horncastle - it is described perfectly; that mix of quaint and pretty, with the pervading feel of rundown and old-fashioned.
A Patient Fury is a tense and intelligent crime novel and the author very cleverly gets right into the minds of the characters, allowing the reader to experience their feelings and observations so very well.
I love this series; both the characters and the town of Brampton are perfectly drawn, I'm so looking forward to more from Connie in the future.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
December 31, 2017
This is book 3 in the DC Connie Child's series and although I feel it could be read as a stand alone book, I would say it would be better to read the previous two books In Bitter Chill and A Deadly Thaw so that you get the true personality of Connie, who is dedicated to her career, determined, professional (although some of her ethics leave her boss DI Sadler speechless!).
DC Child's first assignment after coming back from sick leave is to investigate a catastrophic fire at a local farm. As soon as Connie arrives she knows it will not be a cut and dry case. She can smell death and she is not wrong. After finding out that the owner, his wife and their small son, Charlie have all perished in the fire, Connie and her colleagues are against the clock to find out what happened and more importantly, who committed this horrendous crime.
Julia and George were never really close to their father, but when he died in the fire along with his new wife and son, they have to begin to deal with grief again. After their mother disappeared many years previously, they didn't think that tragedy would come knocking at their door again.
Julia has never really recovered from her mother's disappearance and when she discover's her father's demise in the fire, she starts questioning her brother's motives and when she sees someone standing outside her house in the dark of night, Julia is near to breaking point because with her mother gone, her father dead and her brother under suspicion, could she be next on the list?
I loved the fact that you didn't really know what happened that fateful night until near the very last page! A few twists and turns and the author is exceptionally good at making you suspect everyone and trust no one!
Another fabulous read from Sarah Ward. I really think this would make a great detective series on TV and love it when I read a book and I can actually visualise the characters in my mind and this is exactly what I can do with the DC Child Mysteries.
If you haven't read any of Sarah Ward's books as yet, put them on your 2018 TBR pile now as you won't be disappointed!
DC Child's first assignment after coming back from sick leave is to investigate a catastrophic fire at a local farm. As soon as Connie arrives she knows it will not be a cut and dry case. She can smell death and she is not wrong. After finding out that the owner, his wife and their small son, Charlie have all perished in the fire, Connie and her colleagues are against the clock to find out what happened and more importantly, who committed this horrendous crime.
Julia and George were never really close to their father, but when he died in the fire along with his new wife and son, they have to begin to deal with grief again. After their mother disappeared many years previously, they didn't think that tragedy would come knocking at their door again.
Julia has never really recovered from her mother's disappearance and when she discover's her father's demise in the fire, she starts questioning her brother's motives and when she sees someone standing outside her house in the dark of night, Julia is near to breaking point because with her mother gone, her father dead and her brother under suspicion, could she be next on the list?
I loved the fact that you didn't really know what happened that fateful night until near the very last page! A few twists and turns and the author is exceptionally good at making you suspect everyone and trust no one!
Another fabulous read from Sarah Ward. I really think this would make a great detective series on TV and love it when I read a book and I can actually visualise the characters in my mind and this is exactly what I can do with the DC Child Mysteries.
If you haven't read any of Sarah Ward's books as yet, put them on your 2018 TBR pile now as you won't be disappointed!
October 23, 2017
Sarah Ward is one of my favourite authors. I seem to be able to get into all her books. Detective Inspector Sadler is called out to a house fire where bodies of a Mother, father and a small child are definitely inside. A neighbour claims that the husband would shout at his wife a lot. The fire is said to be suspicious. But could the fire be arson or is there another reason how this fire started? I don't want to spoil the mystery to this story so I'm not telling you how the fire started. I highly recommend A Patient Fury as Sarah Ward knows how to keep readers turning the pages with reading about characters and scenes that you can relate too.
February 7, 2018
Connie has been off work for quite some time but she’s now re-joined the team having recovered from her injury during a recent case, so what if at her most introspective she wonders if it is too soon? Then while she’s just finding her feet she is called out by DI Francis Sadler to a fire in Bampton. A house has gone up in flames and the occupants are all feared to be dead. No officer likes a fire, and Connie is no different but when she can’t accept the sequence of events provided by the Chief Fire Officer it looks like sparks are also going to fly between her and her boss. DI Sadler really isn’t up for Connie’s side investigations and nor are the victim’s family. After all in this book Connie Childs is more driven, contrary and tenacious than ever before and so for all her faults it is impossible not to admire her.
On one level this series is a solid police procedural set in the fictional town of Bampton in the Peak District. I was lucky enough to read my copy whilst on a weekend break near the non-fictional town of Leek which confirmed that the author has provided the reader with a setting which is in keeping with the reality of the area. But above that Sarah Ward gives us a plot that is both credible and yet audacious. The lines of enquiry are followed but there is more beneath the surface than trying to find the answer to the three main questions: means, motive and opportunity, the lid is also lifted on family life, the parts that we often don’t want to acknowledge.
Connie Childs narrates a good proportion of A Patient Fury but as in the previous books, we also hear from someone on the edge of the investigation, Julia, who is connected to the family who lived in the burnt house. Julia is an interesting woman, a giver of tours underground for school children and the like by day and the tour guide for ghost walk’s around the area by night. She has also lost a parent in mysterious circumstances in the past so whilst most of the book is linear, we also have flashbacks to the early eighties. Regular readers of my reviews will know that I find the collision between past and present irresistible.
This is a book full of red herrings and that of course the puzzle is one of my favourite aspects of the crime fiction genre. There is no cheating and although I had my suspicions on whodunit I wasn’t entirely sure why and although I don’t usually mention the ending – this one has the justness that early proponents of the genre would have delighted in just as much as I did.
Despite there being lots going on in this book both in terms of diverse investigations (mainly the diversity is Connie going her own route) and the number of characters, the writing is both clear and compelling. The author has allowed one of her detectives to move to another Police Authority which works well and allows a new character to step into the team mixing up the dynamics most satisfactorily and will hopefully allow the series to continue to grow and delight for many more books yet. If you haven’t read this series and you love well-written crime fiction, I suggest you add them all to your bookshelf.
On one level this series is a solid police procedural set in the fictional town of Bampton in the Peak District. I was lucky enough to read my copy whilst on a weekend break near the non-fictional town of Leek which confirmed that the author has provided the reader with a setting which is in keeping with the reality of the area. But above that Sarah Ward gives us a plot that is both credible and yet audacious. The lines of enquiry are followed but there is more beneath the surface than trying to find the answer to the three main questions: means, motive and opportunity, the lid is also lifted on family life, the parts that we often don’t want to acknowledge.
Connie Childs narrates a good proportion of A Patient Fury but as in the previous books, we also hear from someone on the edge of the investigation, Julia, who is connected to the family who lived in the burnt house. Julia is an interesting woman, a giver of tours underground for school children and the like by day and the tour guide for ghost walk’s around the area by night. She has also lost a parent in mysterious circumstances in the past so whilst most of the book is linear, we also have flashbacks to the early eighties. Regular readers of my reviews will know that I find the collision between past and present irresistible.
This is a book full of red herrings and that of course the puzzle is one of my favourite aspects of the crime fiction genre. There is no cheating and although I had my suspicions on whodunit I wasn’t entirely sure why and although I don’t usually mention the ending – this one has the justness that early proponents of the genre would have delighted in just as much as I did.
Despite there being lots going on in this book both in terms of diverse investigations (mainly the diversity is Connie going her own route) and the number of characters, the writing is both clear and compelling. The author has allowed one of her detectives to move to another Police Authority which works well and allows a new character to step into the team mixing up the dynamics most satisfactorily and will hopefully allow the series to continue to grow and delight for many more books yet. If you haven’t read this series and you love well-written crime fiction, I suggest you add them all to your bookshelf.
March 25, 2021
Started out promising but continued to deteriorate to the very silly ending. Why would a police captain block all other lines of investigation from the start when it's obvious there's more to the crime than meets the eye? Why would his boss meet with a reprimanded officer behind her boss's back, at her house!??
July 12, 2018
The most interesting about this story is the conflict between Sadler and Connie, as it pertains to the police investigation and the way it is carried out or which direction it goes in because of it. Sadler believes Connie is letting herself be distracted by the thought the two investigations are connected, whereas she believes the team is wrong not to consider evidence outside of the original investigation.
DC Childs also strongly believes the annihilation of an entire family is not down to the actions of the one person, who is supposed to protect her child and family. It isn’t common for women to become killers who wipe out entire families. This creates a chasm between the team and Connie, which leads to her investigating the person she feels is the more likely suspect.
The author presents an interesting dilemma, wherein neither person is completely wrong or right. Their refusal to accept the views and opinions outside of their own remit puts people in danger and draws out the investigation.
Ward presents a compelling duo, who disagree like an old married couple, and yet instinctively comfort each other when they need the presence of another person. The crimes they are involved in are solved despite the obvious fracture in the team, but in a roundabout tentacle-reaching kind of way, and this is what makes it a really good read.
The author keeps the reader guessing until the end. Everyone is a possible suspect, and some of the tentacles bring in more motives than the police expect. It is an invigorating read embedded with some harsh realities. Crime done really well.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
DC Childs also strongly believes the annihilation of an entire family is not down to the actions of the one person, who is supposed to protect her child and family. It isn’t common for women to become killers who wipe out entire families. This creates a chasm between the team and Connie, which leads to her investigating the person she feels is the more likely suspect.
The author presents an interesting dilemma, wherein neither person is completely wrong or right. Their refusal to accept the views and opinions outside of their own remit puts people in danger and draws out the investigation.
Ward presents a compelling duo, who disagree like an old married couple, and yet instinctively comfort each other when they need the presence of another person. The crimes they are involved in are solved despite the obvious fracture in the team, but in a roundabout tentacle-reaching kind of way, and this is what makes it a really good read.
The author keeps the reader guessing until the end. Everyone is a possible suspect, and some of the tentacles bring in more motives than the police expect. It is an invigorating read embedded with some harsh realities. Crime done really well.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
October 7, 2017
I gave it three stars because it did engage me, but seriously, I'm getting tired of the cliche in crime, where the intrepid police person is always treated as an idiot by the police chief. At least in this one the police chief doesn't turn it to be deliberately covering up for the murderer. Also I just don't buy someone killing their own child, or two ruthless killers just happening to get together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
Unsatisfying and disappointing after I had enjoyed the other book in the series. Central police character annoying rather than engaging, an unlikely original solution to the crime, and a clunky twist at the end.
May 31, 2020
A terrific addition to this particular series. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would highly recommend for some top notch writing. Want to read the next one pretty soonish!
September 15, 2017
After reading A Deadly Thaw I just KNEW I had to get my hands on this book – check out my review on my blog at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk
Set in Derbyshire, the reader is drawn into a mystery of domestic abuse, family secrets, relationships, abandonment, loss, betrayal, hurt and isolation.
Plotwise we are given #AllTheBooms – and early on I found my jaw on the floor … OMFG I love when that happens! This was a fast-paced, compelling read and I literally could not put this book down! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than when a book leaves me looking around my room thinking WTAF – did THAT just happen! Oh yeah, it bloody did! Brilliant! You can see the story arc continue to develop in this, the third book, of the series as we also learn even more about the main characters who make up this superb team!
This book was abundant with characters that drew me in hook, line and sinker. DC Connie Childs returns to work following a period of sickness absence and soon feels isolated amongst her colleagues. To be fair, she brings some of this upon herself as she doesn’t take to following orders very well! Connie is stubborn and has a fiery temper which didn’t help her much, but she came across as real and believable. A fantastic all- around character!
Now DI Sadler is a firm but fair leader and in his own way, he looks out for DC Childs, even though she doesn’t see this. DS Sadler – blah- what is sneaky, so and so. I found him to be selfish, arrogant and competitive to a fault. But what a great character to garner so much emotion from me! 😂 I could go on about the various different characters but that wouldn’t be much fun for anyone else who wants to read this book.
In terms of the adversary…well jaysus…I did not see it coming – well I did, but then I didn’t as the red herrings just kept me changing my mind every five minutes – my review notes will attest to that! 😉
Do I recommend this book? Hell yeah with bells on, I do! This is one intense, secretive, compelling read that really got me excited! When books do that, you KNOW you are onto a winner! So what are you waiting for, #bookjunkies? Grab yourselves a copy and welcome DC Childs into your crime fiction reading lives!
Set in Derbyshire, the reader is drawn into a mystery of domestic abuse, family secrets, relationships, abandonment, loss, betrayal, hurt and isolation.
Plotwise we are given #AllTheBooms – and early on I found my jaw on the floor … OMFG I love when that happens! This was a fast-paced, compelling read and I literally could not put this book down! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than when a book leaves me looking around my room thinking WTAF – did THAT just happen! Oh yeah, it bloody did! Brilliant! You can see the story arc continue to develop in this, the third book, of the series as we also learn even more about the main characters who make up this superb team!
This book was abundant with characters that drew me in hook, line and sinker. DC Connie Childs returns to work following a period of sickness absence and soon feels isolated amongst her colleagues. To be fair, she brings some of this upon herself as she doesn’t take to following orders very well! Connie is stubborn and has a fiery temper which didn’t help her much, but she came across as real and believable. A fantastic all- around character!
Now DI Sadler is a firm but fair leader and in his own way, he looks out for DC Childs, even though she doesn’t see this. DS Sadler – blah- what is sneaky, so and so. I found him to be selfish, arrogant and competitive to a fault. But what a great character to garner so much emotion from me! 😂 I could go on about the various different characters but that wouldn’t be much fun for anyone else who wants to read this book.
In terms of the adversary…well jaysus…I did not see it coming – well I did, but then I didn’t as the red herrings just kept me changing my mind every five minutes – my review notes will attest to that! 😉
Do I recommend this book? Hell yeah with bells on, I do! This is one intense, secretive, compelling read that really got me excited! When books do that, you KNOW you are onto a winner! So what are you waiting for, #bookjunkies? Grab yourselves a copy and welcome DC Childs into your crime fiction reading lives!
July 12, 2018
This book is the third installment of the DC Connie Childs series and I’ve immediately requested the previous titles from the library so I can enjoy those after reading this. It didn’t matter to the plot that I hadn’t read the previous books, enough is summarised so you soon settle in to the dynamics of the characters etc. The fourth is due out in September so there’s plenty to get your teeth in to.
I was initially drawn to wanting to review this book because it is set in my home county of Derbyshire; I love how this county is getting quite the crime noire setting, with Sarah Ward firmly established alongside Roz Watkins, Steven Dunne and Stephen Booth et al as excellent Derbyshire based crime fiction writers.
The story focuses on Connie’s first case back on the job after a few months, straight in to an horrific crime scene that sets the pace of the narrative as brooding, atmospheric, with escalating tension. Connie’s team are tasked with unraveling the mysteries of the victims’ pasts, analysing the difficult to fathom crime scene, motives and the terrible secrets underpinning everything. Along her investigation, Connie’s dogged approach to unearthing the truth, treading on toes and disobeying orders, risks jeopardising everything. This sets the book on a course that leads to a twisty, frenzied and shocking conclusion.
I loved how there were so many elements to this story, how none of the characters were really trustworthy or wholesome. There were so many clashing egos and also questionable narratives that threw red herrings galore.
Connie is a brilliant, intense, admirable character that despite her flaws you can’t stop cheering on her compassion, determination and “don’t mess” attitude. You can easily see why she ruffles feathers, particularly amongst the alpha-male characters in the book and that aspect was written with the kind of insight that I feel only a female author can effectively capture.
Thank you so much to the hardworking Emma at Damp Pebbles for running this blog tour and providing me with a copy of this title to review honestly & in my own words.
I was initially drawn to wanting to review this book because it is set in my home county of Derbyshire; I love how this county is getting quite the crime noire setting, with Sarah Ward firmly established alongside Roz Watkins, Steven Dunne and Stephen Booth et al as excellent Derbyshire based crime fiction writers.
The story focuses on Connie’s first case back on the job after a few months, straight in to an horrific crime scene that sets the pace of the narrative as brooding, atmospheric, with escalating tension. Connie’s team are tasked with unraveling the mysteries of the victims’ pasts, analysing the difficult to fathom crime scene, motives and the terrible secrets underpinning everything. Along her investigation, Connie’s dogged approach to unearthing the truth, treading on toes and disobeying orders, risks jeopardising everything. This sets the book on a course that leads to a twisty, frenzied and shocking conclusion.
I loved how there were so many elements to this story, how none of the characters were really trustworthy or wholesome. There were so many clashing egos and also questionable narratives that threw red herrings galore.
Connie is a brilliant, intense, admirable character that despite her flaws you can’t stop cheering on her compassion, determination and “don’t mess” attitude. You can easily see why she ruffles feathers, particularly amongst the alpha-male characters in the book and that aspect was written with the kind of insight that I feel only a female author can effectively capture.
Thank you so much to the hardworking Emma at Damp Pebbles for running this blog tour and providing me with a copy of this title to review honestly & in my own words.
November 3, 2018
Another cracking instalment in the series featuring D.C. Connie Childs. A serious house fire has resulted in three deaths - Peter, Francesca and their son, Charlie - but autopsies reveal that Peter and Charlie were murdered and Francesca apparently committed suicide. Connie suspects all is not as it seems, particularly regarding George and Julia, Peter's children from a previous marriage. George and Julia suffered the trauma of their mother, Elizabeth, going missing when they were children and Peter being suspected of killing her - but what really happened to Elizabeth and does it have any bearing on the current horrific crime. Connie thinks so and investigates accordingly, putting her at odds with her boss, D.I. Sadler. Thoroughly gripping yet again from this author and hard to work out what had really happened until the reveal at the end - 9.5/10.
November 13, 2023
A strong police procedural with a steadfast but imperfect police team investigating the results of a fire with three victims. I read the first two books in the series and feel like the author, Sarah Ward, really hit her stride with this one. There are two sympathetic characters - DC Connie Childs and victim's daughter Julia Winson - that I found myself rooting for, wanting to know more about their stories and wanting them to find closure. DC Childs seemed a more focused character than in the earlier books. There was also an excellent twist that I found very plausible given what was revealed about the characters, one which I didn't see coming. I'll definitely look forward to the fourth book, The Shrouded Path.
July 13, 2018
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. A Patient Fury is the third book in the series but only the first that I have read. It is also the first book that I have read that takes place in Derbyshire, an area I now want to visit. I do prefer to read a series in order but there are no plot spoilers and I plan to read the previous books soon.
Even having no knowledge of any of the characters I could tell immediately that Connie wasn’t one to back down and obey orders if she felt there was something to look closer at. She makes a lot of trouble for herself in doing so but is determined to carry on. Even if it did place her in danger. She looks for answers in the present but also looks closely at events from years earlier.
Some of the chapters reveal what happened then but most of the narrative concerns Connie and Julia who is a close relative of the victims.
Unusually for me I enjoyed both of their accounts equally. Connie was an interesting lead character whose career and private life were complicated. I wanted to know more about her and what made her the way she was. I understand dedication to a job but she seemed to be prepared to sacrifice it all for a personal opinion. Julia, coping with a sudden bereavement and memories from when she was young also had financial worries and a feeling of being watched. I liked her story and I also found both her career choices fascinating. I would love to do one of them, the other I am a bit more wary of.
The other police officers are represented well, Sadler especially is one I warmed to, and I wanted to shout at him for not realising what was happening with a certain individual sooner. For a police officer he seemed a little naive!
The ending was unexpected and sent the hairs up on the back of my neck. One of those where the reader is left gazing into space.
A brilliant read, I plan on catching up in time for book 4.
Even having no knowledge of any of the characters I could tell immediately that Connie wasn’t one to back down and obey orders if she felt there was something to look closer at. She makes a lot of trouble for herself in doing so but is determined to carry on. Even if it did place her in danger. She looks for answers in the present but also looks closely at events from years earlier.
Some of the chapters reveal what happened then but most of the narrative concerns Connie and Julia who is a close relative of the victims.
Unusually for me I enjoyed both of their accounts equally. Connie was an interesting lead character whose career and private life were complicated. I wanted to know more about her and what made her the way she was. I understand dedication to a job but she seemed to be prepared to sacrifice it all for a personal opinion. Julia, coping with a sudden bereavement and memories from when she was young also had financial worries and a feeling of being watched. I liked her story and I also found both her career choices fascinating. I would love to do one of them, the other I am a bit more wary of.
The other police officers are represented well, Sadler especially is one I warmed to, and I wanted to shout at him for not realising what was happening with a certain individual sooner. For a police officer he seemed a little naive!
The ending was unexpected and sent the hairs up on the back of my neck. One of those where the reader is left gazing into space.
A brilliant read, I plan on catching up in time for book 4.
August 6, 2018
A Patient Fury is my first encounter with DC Connie Childs, but it will not be my last. I have (stupidly) had A Deadly Thaw languishing on my kindle TBR for some time and, on the back of finishing this book, I have also downloaded In Bitter Chill in order to begin at the beginning.
A Patient Fury is a gripping and compelling read, beautifully written and extremely cleverly plotted. I love a complex, mutlti-layered, more-than-meets-the-eye mystery and that is exactly what Sarah Ward has created. I also love a dual timeline and more than one narrator and you get both here. I do wish I’d read the earlier books first though; there are no real spoilers here and everything makes sense, but there have clearly been issues between the recurring characters and dramatic events that I have missed out on so I would recommend anyone else who is new to DC Childs to start with In Bitter Chill.
Connie is a prickly but dedicated and determined character and you would totally want her on your side. I liked Sadler and Matthews also, and felt for Julia. (By the way, I don’t think you get nearly enough Julias in fiction… 😉 #justsaying) There were plenty of red herrings and some intriguing subplots and I basically mistrusted everyone. At one point, I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be but I was totally wrong and the creepy ending completely threw me.
Basically this is brilliant so just go out and buy it (or stay in and download it) and then buy the first two…and then pre-order the fourth one! I am definitely now #TeamConnie
A Patient Fury is a gripping and compelling read, beautifully written and extremely cleverly plotted. I love a complex, mutlti-layered, more-than-meets-the-eye mystery and that is exactly what Sarah Ward has created. I also love a dual timeline and more than one narrator and you get both here. I do wish I’d read the earlier books first though; there are no real spoilers here and everything makes sense, but there have clearly been issues between the recurring characters and dramatic events that I have missed out on so I would recommend anyone else who is new to DC Childs to start with In Bitter Chill.
Connie is a prickly but dedicated and determined character and you would totally want her on your side. I liked Sadler and Matthews also, and felt for Julia. (By the way, I don’t think you get nearly enough Julias in fiction… 😉 #justsaying) There were plenty of red herrings and some intriguing subplots and I basically mistrusted everyone. At one point, I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be but I was totally wrong and the creepy ending completely threw me.
Basically this is brilliant so just go out and buy it (or stay in and download it) and then buy the first two…and then pre-order the fourth one! I am definitely now #TeamConnie
September 13, 2017
Awesome read! Review later, perhaps:)
January 14, 2018
This was the third outing for DC Connie Childs and the best so far - deliciously twisty turny. The ensemble police characters were likeable and didn't detract from the main story. The chapters from the POV of Julie, a close relative of the victims, did much to maintain the suspense
April 27, 2018
This is the third entry in Sarah Ward's DC Connie Childs series, and I think I must be becoming accustomed to disliking (mildly or intensely) her characters, be they good or bad, because that aspect of her writing did not bother me as much as it did in A Deadly Thaw. The mystery reader who looks for a satisfactory restoration of good over evil at the end of their detective novel (not necessarily a reasonable hope in this less-formulaic age) will note with interest the titles of the three main sections of the book: "The Wrong", "The Right", and again "The Wrong".
Yes, Connie is wrong in the first section, right in the second, and wrong again in the third - or at least so it seems! - and I'm not going to say more than that about the final outcome, even though I've put a spoiler warning on this review. The twist at the end was only one of the possibilities I was still mulling; one thing I didn't like so much was that novel ended quite abruptly, with one secondary character left rather disturbingly vulnerable to a horrid fate.
As usual, the murders in the present - nasty, involving blunt force trauma and a fire, and with 3 dead bodies, though the number that are actually murders is intrinsic to the solution so I won't say - anyway, the present murders are linked to a past unpleasant incident (in this case the disappearance of a parent). And though there is nothing supernatural, there is quite a lot of haunting from the past that goes on one way or another, including the profession of our main survivor and protagonist, Julia, who gives "ghost tours".
As far as settings go, we mostly stick close to Connie's beat in her fictional English town, but we do have a brief trip to a historically interesting prison in Leicester. Its history seems to have interested the author, too, because she gave enough detail to pique my curiosity and send me to Google for pictures.
Psychologically, Connie's a bit of a mess in this one - she's depressed, recovering both from being summarily shoved away from her very brief affair, and from very bad physical injuries at the end of the last novel, and she's self-doubting and irritable enough when her superiors question her judgment & discipline her to submit her resignation. Fortunately for the continuation of the series, it's not accepted. However, if a relationship with her immediate superior, Sadler, is the long game, then based on this novel it's going to be a very long game indeed.
I'm not a raving fan, but I'll probably continue to follow this series, now that I've made something of an investment in all those continuing characters that I can't - quite - like.
Yes, Connie is wrong in the first section, right in the second, and wrong again in the third - or at least so it seems! - and I'm not going to say more than that about the final outcome, even though I've put a spoiler warning on this review. The twist at the end was only one of the possibilities I was still mulling; one thing I didn't like so much was that novel ended quite abruptly, with one secondary character left rather disturbingly vulnerable to a horrid fate.
As usual, the murders in the present - nasty, involving blunt force trauma and a fire, and with 3 dead bodies, though the number that are actually murders is intrinsic to the solution so I won't say - anyway, the present murders are linked to a past unpleasant incident (in this case the disappearance of a parent). And though there is nothing supernatural, there is quite a lot of haunting from the past that goes on one way or another, including the profession of our main survivor and protagonist, Julia, who gives "ghost tours".
As far as settings go, we mostly stick close to Connie's beat in her fictional English town, but we do have a brief trip to a historically interesting prison in Leicester. Its history seems to have interested the author, too, because she gave enough detail to pique my curiosity and send me to Google for pictures.
Psychologically, Connie's a bit of a mess in this one - she's depressed, recovering both from being summarily shoved away from her very brief affair, and from very bad physical injuries at the end of the last novel, and she's self-doubting and irritable enough when her superiors question her judgment & discipline her to submit her resignation. Fortunately for the continuation of the series, it's not accepted. However, if a relationship with her immediate superior, Sadler, is the long game, then based on this novel it's going to be a very long game indeed.
I'm not a raving fan, but I'll probably continue to follow this series, now that I've made something of an investment in all those continuing characters that I can't - quite - like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book as it was an easy read and there was plenty to keep the reader occupied. Although some readers didn’t particularly enjoy the ending. It was this that made me give it 4 stars, as not a lot of novels end this way.
I did wonder how things happened and kept going backwards and forwards as to what I thought the outcome would be.
I wanted it to end the way it did but was surprised when it did.
I will definitely give Sarah Ward’s other novels a go to see if her first novels are as good.
I did wonder how things happened and kept going backwards and forwards as to what I thought the outcome would be.
I wanted it to end the way it did but was surprised when it did.
I will definitely give Sarah Ward’s other novels a go to see if her first novels are as good.
January 10, 2021
4.75 stars
A Patient Fury is the third book in the DC Connie Childs mystery series. It was a compulsively readable, interesting mystery that was easy to read and kept me captivated throughout.
We jump right into a rather grisly crime in real time and then flash forward to the investigation itself. Along the way, we also drop back in time to a possibly related crime that occurred years ago to the same family. The timelines are woven together seamlessly to give us a fuller picture.
After the opening scene, we follow D.I. Sadler and his team of detectives and fire investigators as they quickly come to the obvious conclusion about the crime. It’s horrific, but fairly straightforward. We also follow DC Connie Childs as she stubbornly and rather gracelessly refuses to concur and independently seeks to find her own answers. It’s a twisty, tricky crime, with the addition of drama amongst the investigative team itself.
I was thinking I might be underwhelmed by the conclusion, but Sarah Ward is a brilliant crime writer, and gave me just what I hoped for, a shocking ending to this clever and heartbreaking story.
A Patient Fury is the third book in the DC Connie Childs mystery series. It was a compulsively readable, interesting mystery that was easy to read and kept me captivated throughout.
We jump right into a rather grisly crime in real time and then flash forward to the investigation itself. Along the way, we also drop back in time to a possibly related crime that occurred years ago to the same family. The timelines are woven together seamlessly to give us a fuller picture.
After the opening scene, we follow D.I. Sadler and his team of detectives and fire investigators as they quickly come to the obvious conclusion about the crime. It’s horrific, but fairly straightforward. We also follow DC Connie Childs as she stubbornly and rather gracelessly refuses to concur and independently seeks to find her own answers. It’s a twisty, tricky crime, with the addition of drama amongst the investigative team itself.
I was thinking I might be underwhelmed by the conclusion, but Sarah Ward is a brilliant crime writer, and gave me just what I hoped for, a shocking ending to this clever and heartbreaking story.
October 29, 2019
Twisted and thrilling
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