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DI Matthew Adams #1
After She's Gone
A detective faces off against a man without conscience in this psychological thriller, the first in the British police procedural series.
There’s evil—and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. There are no depths to which this drug dealer, pimp, and murderer won’t sink—and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams knows all too well what such a monster can do. After all, he’s known Patrick since they were children, when their mutual animosity was born.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust led by Matthew, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. For even though Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, he hasn’t taken everything . . .
And now he wants everything .
There’s evil—and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. There are no depths to which this drug dealer, pimp, and murderer won’t sink—and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams knows all too well what such a monster can do. After all, he’s known Patrick since they were children, when their mutual animosity was born.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust led by Matthew, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. For even though Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, he hasn’t taken everything . . .
And now he wants everything .
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2017
717 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Sheryl Browne
38 books885 followersHi, I’m Sheryl Browne writing psychological thriller. My latest psychological thriller MY LOVING HUSBAND is published by fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I have several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where I completed my MA in Creative Writing. I live in Worcestershire with my partner and a variety of disabled dogs. According to readers of my thrillers, I also apparently make an excellent psychopath. ;) Follow my @Bookouture Mailing List and grab a FREE short: https://t.co/bIigwwALCs
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBAND – Can I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You? – She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The Invite – Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's Child – I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's Girlfriend – She told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second Wife – SHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The Affair – You trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The Babysitter – She's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's Gone – He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to Love – Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to Love – Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBAND – Can I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You? – She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The Invite – Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's Child – I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's Girlfriend – She told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second Wife – SHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The Affair – You trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The Babysitter – She's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's Gone – He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to Love – Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to Love – Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 17, 2017
4.5★s
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams was devastated when his little daughter Lily died in his arms – his wife Becky was uninjured but the subsequent miscarriage meant the shocked couple were shattered. Matthew though knew who was to blame – and he was determined to make him pay if it was the last thing he did.
Patrick Sullivan was everything that was evil – his life had been surrounded by the spoils of the drugs he dealt; his girls were disposable; and his father – well that was another story. But he hated Matthew Adams with a passion and he knew a way to repay him for all the wrongs in his life – all Adams’ fault he knew.
But when a psychopath had someone in their sights, there was no way to understand their reasoning. And Sullivan was a dangerous man. What would he do to exact his revenge on the detective who’d made his criminal life so difficult? And what would Matthew do to put Sullivan where he wanted him?
After She’s Gone by Sheryl Browne in an intense, gripping and incredibly fast-paced thriller which had me on the edge of my seat. The action was full-on from the very first page and didn’t let up until the last. I wished Matthew didn’t try to solve his problems with alcohol – it seems a “usual” thing in police novels. But I thoroughly enjoyed my first read of this author and will read more. I also highly recommend After She’s Gone, which is the first in the Detective Inspector Matthew Adams series.
With thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for my digital copy to read and review.
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams was devastated when his little daughter Lily died in his arms – his wife Becky was uninjured but the subsequent miscarriage meant the shocked couple were shattered. Matthew though knew who was to blame – and he was determined to make him pay if it was the last thing he did.
Patrick Sullivan was everything that was evil – his life had been surrounded by the spoils of the drugs he dealt; his girls were disposable; and his father – well that was another story. But he hated Matthew Adams with a passion and he knew a way to repay him for all the wrongs in his life – all Adams’ fault he knew.
But when a psychopath had someone in their sights, there was no way to understand their reasoning. And Sullivan was a dangerous man. What would he do to exact his revenge on the detective who’d made his criminal life so difficult? And what would Matthew do to put Sullivan where he wanted him?
After She’s Gone by Sheryl Browne in an intense, gripping and incredibly fast-paced thriller which had me on the edge of my seat. The action was full-on from the very first page and didn’t let up until the last. I wished Matthew didn’t try to solve his problems with alcohol – it seems a “usual” thing in police novels. But I thoroughly enjoyed my first read of this author and will read more. I also highly recommend After She’s Gone, which is the first in the Detective Inspector Matthew Adams series.
With thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for my digital copy to read and review.
March 29, 2017
I previously read The Rest of My Life, a contemporary romance, by Sheryl Browne, so I was intrigued when I saw she had written something completely different. After she's Gone is the first book in a series about Detective Inspector Matthew Adams. Matthew and his immensely supportive wife, Rebecca, are about to foster Matthew's teenage niece Ashley when Matthew goes head to head with Patrick Sullivan, a local criminal involved in drug dealing and prostitution. Matthew and Sullivan have known each other since childhood and their relationship has been volatile, to say the least. They each blame the other for losing them something that was very dear and close to them.
This was definitely a hard-hitting story of vengeance that captured me right from the start.
Be warned, the first chapter involves the death of a child, and as you would expect, it was incredibly heart-wrenching and emotional.
Sheryl Browne does an admirable job of letting readers inside the heads of Matthew, Rebecca, Ashley, and Patrick Sullivan. Sullivan is truly depraved and pure evil. There were some very dark and disturbing scenes; not purely with regards to violence, but also the psychological terror and emotional distress involved.
The story is very easy to follow as it focuses on a small set of characters. You get to know each character really well.
The one thing I found a little frustrating were some of the inner monologues that went on slightly too long and became a tad repetitive. It made the story drag a little in parts, especially when the suspense kept rising and I wanted some action, but yet again heard Sullivan feeling disrespected or Matthew blaming himself.
Nevertheless, I went straight from this one to reading the next in the series. I guess that indicates I really enjoyed it. Sheryl Browne is a very talented writer who does dark and suspenseful just as well as light and funny.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you Choc-Lit!
This was definitely a hard-hitting story of vengeance that captured me right from the start.
Be warned, the first chapter involves the death of a child, and as you would expect, it was incredibly heart-wrenching and emotional.
Sheryl Browne does an admirable job of letting readers inside the heads of Matthew, Rebecca, Ashley, and Patrick Sullivan. Sullivan is truly depraved and pure evil. There were some very dark and disturbing scenes; not purely with regards to violence, but also the psychological terror and emotional distress involved.
The story is very easy to follow as it focuses on a small set of characters. You get to know each character really well.
The one thing I found a little frustrating were some of the inner monologues that went on slightly too long and became a tad repetitive. It made the story drag a little in parts, especially when the suspense kept rising and I wanted some action, but yet again heard Sullivan feeling disrespected or Matthew blaming himself.
Nevertheless, I went straight from this one to reading the next in the series. I guess that indicates I really enjoyed it. Sheryl Browne is a very talented writer who does dark and suspenseful just as well as light and funny.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you Choc-Lit!
July 16, 2017
This is the first in a new series featuring DI Matthew Adams. The first chapter grabbed me by the throat and never let go.
Adams and his wife are coming to terms with losing their daughter in a hit and run accident. His wife was pregnant with their second child and the trauma caused her to miscarry. The driver was never caught ... but Adams knows exactly who was responsible ...and it wasn't an accident.
Patrick Sullivan is a drug dealer, and murderer. He and Adams attended the same school and Sullivan was one of the bullies that just never let up on Adams. There are lots of hard feelings left from those days. As an adult, and a member of law enforcement, Adams was responsible for the death of Sullivan's brother in a drug bust that went wrong.
This story is about revenge ... will Adams cross the line to ensure Sullivan pays for his crimes? And when Sullivan threatens his wife and teenage niece who lives with them .... what will Adams do?
This was a disturbing look at what happens when a man is pushed beyond his limits ... who has plainly had enough. A well-written story with credible characters make this a must read, especially for anyone who reads psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Adams and his wife are coming to terms with losing their daughter in a hit and run accident. His wife was pregnant with their second child and the trauma caused her to miscarry. The driver was never caught ... but Adams knows exactly who was responsible ...and it wasn't an accident.
Patrick Sullivan is a drug dealer, and murderer. He and Adams attended the same school and Sullivan was one of the bullies that just never let up on Adams. There are lots of hard feelings left from those days. As an adult, and a member of law enforcement, Adams was responsible for the death of Sullivan's brother in a drug bust that went wrong.
This story is about revenge ... will Adams cross the line to ensure Sullivan pays for his crimes? And when Sullivan threatens his wife and teenage niece who lives with them .... what will Adams do?
This was a disturbing look at what happens when a man is pushed beyond his limits ... who has plainly had enough. A well-written story with credible characters make this a must read, especially for anyone who reads psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 24, 2017
Matthew and Rebecca (Becky) Adams's daughter Lily dies in a car accident. The accident also caused Becky to miscarry their second child. Detective Inspector Matthew Adams knows that the accident had been instigated by Patrick Sullivan. Sullivan, a local criminal, blames Matthew for the death of his brother and has held a grudge ever since.
Kirsten, Matthew's younger sister is an alcoholic and drug addict. Even though her brother has tried to help her get her life sorted, all his attempts have failed. Recently, Matthew and Becky found out that Kirsten has a thirteen year old daughter called Ashley. Unfortunately Ashley, because Kirsten is not capable of looking after her, is in care. Matthew and Becky have agreed to be responsible for Ashley and give her a home.
Hell-bent on taking revenge, Sullivan starts to follow Becky and eventually kidnaps her. He tells Matthew that he wants all police investigations dropped and a £100k. In return he will release Becky. However, unbeknown yet to Matthew, Sullivan killed his father Michael and even his own wife, so can the psychopath be trusted to keep his word.
Ashley for her own safety, had been staying with one of Matthew and Becky's friend. She decides that she is going home and leaves, but unfortunately Sullivan captures her also. Matthew now has to try and save both Becky and Ashley. Can he do this and stay alive?
A really enjoyable read. This is book #1 in the series, so it's great to know that there are more DI Matthew Adams books to follow.
Many thanks to the author, Netgalley & Choc-lit, for providing me with a digital copy.
Kirsten, Matthew's younger sister is an alcoholic and drug addict. Even though her brother has tried to help her get her life sorted, all his attempts have failed. Recently, Matthew and Becky found out that Kirsten has a thirteen year old daughter called Ashley. Unfortunately Ashley, because Kirsten is not capable of looking after her, is in care. Matthew and Becky have agreed to be responsible for Ashley and give her a home.
Hell-bent on taking revenge, Sullivan starts to follow Becky and eventually kidnaps her. He tells Matthew that he wants all police investigations dropped and a £100k. In return he will release Becky. However, unbeknown yet to Matthew, Sullivan killed his father Michael and even his own wife, so can the psychopath be trusted to keep his word.
Ashley for her own safety, had been staying with one of Matthew and Becky's friend. She decides that she is going home and leaves, but unfortunately Sullivan captures her also. Matthew now has to try and save both Becky and Ashley. Can he do this and stay alive?
A really enjoyable read. This is book #1 in the series, so it's great to know that there are more DI Matthew Adams books to follow.
Many thanks to the author, Netgalley & Choc-lit, for providing me with a digital copy.
May 12, 2019
AFTER SHE’S GONE is a psychological thriller and the first novel in a new series featuring DI Matthew Adams by Sheryl Browne. This was a fast-paced thriller which had me on the edge of my seat, flipping the pages as fast as I could.
He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
DI Matthew Adams and his wife Rebecca are dealing with the grief after losing their daughter, Lily in a hit and run accident. The parents are also dealing with the loss/miscarriage of their second child after the accident. Matthew, a police officer knows it wasn’t just an accident…his daughter was murdered by an old childhood enemy of Matthew, who holds DI Adams responsible for the death of his brother during a drug bust.
Patrick Sullivan, is a drug dealer, pimp and murderer. He was a bully at school and now runs the family business of prostitution and drugs. The man is pure evil!
And now…Matthew only wants REVENGE, to have Patrick suffer for Lily’s death and all the hurt he has caused his family. He wants Patrick to suffer. Matthew and Rebecca have taken in Matthew’s niece, Ashley who was in child care, as her mother is an alcoholic. I admire the strength of this couple and all that they have been through.
Two men at war…but who will win?
After She's Gone is a gripping emotional crime story, with well-believable characters that come alive on the page. Highly recommended for those readers that read psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author, Choc Lit via Netgalley for my digital copy.
He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
DI Matthew Adams and his wife Rebecca are dealing with the grief after losing their daughter, Lily in a hit and run accident. The parents are also dealing with the loss/miscarriage of their second child after the accident. Matthew, a police officer knows it wasn’t just an accident…his daughter was murdered by an old childhood enemy of Matthew, who holds DI Adams responsible for the death of his brother during a drug bust.
Patrick Sullivan, is a drug dealer, pimp and murderer. He was a bully at school and now runs the family business of prostitution and drugs. The man is pure evil!
And now…Matthew only wants REVENGE, to have Patrick suffer for Lily’s death and all the hurt he has caused his family. He wants Patrick to suffer. Matthew and Rebecca have taken in Matthew’s niece, Ashley who was in child care, as her mother is an alcoholic. I admire the strength of this couple and all that they have been through.
Two men at war…but who will win?
After She's Gone is a gripping emotional crime story, with well-believable characters that come alive on the page. Highly recommended for those readers that read psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to the author, Choc Lit via Netgalley for my digital copy.
March 16, 2019
I somehow managed to read these back to front and have read book 3: Deadly Intent before this one. For me then this gave me some great background to the events I already knew and a fair bit of context.
It's quite a hard hitting series, no fluffy cosy crime here so if you are used to Choc Lit and Ruby for a relaxing read these books are not going to do that. They are quite dark. However, they are easy to read. I do like the characters and unlike some books you don't get bogged down by too many characters so there's plenty of room for development and for you to form attachments to people. Really enjoyed this and now just need Book 2 to have read them all.
It's quite a hard hitting series, no fluffy cosy crime here so if you are used to Choc Lit and Ruby for a relaxing read these books are not going to do that. They are quite dark. However, they are easy to read. I do like the characters and unlike some books you don't get bogged down by too many characters so there's plenty of room for development and for you to form attachments to people. Really enjoyed this and now just need Book 2 to have read them all.
February 20, 2017
Matthew and his wife Rebecca are trying to deal with the grief and pain after losing their daughter in a tragic accident. Matthew is a police officer and he knows that it wasn't really an accident. His daughter was murdered by a long life enemy and Matthew will stop at nothing until he can put the murderer behind bars for the rest of his life. When an informant is also killed Mathhew knows he has no time to waste. Matthew know he normally has the support of his wife, but how far is he willing to go this time and will he and Rebecca still be such a strong team when their lives are on the line?
Patrick Sullivan doesn't know anything but violence. Ever since he was a child he's been told time and time again how much of a disappointment he is for his father. This toughened him up and he became a bully at school. Trying to make his dad proud somehow, Patrick takes over the family business. This family business contains prostitution, erotic dancers and drugs. Patrick is a dominant boss who will take nothing less than respect. If you're standing up to him this will cost you. Will Matthew be able to catch this dangerous man?
Matthew is a man with a heart of gold. He's a good cop and he doesn't let go before his case is solved. He tries to be there for Rebecca and she's his rock. Without her Matthew probably wouldn't be coping with his life the way he does now. Matthew's sister is addicted to alcohol. Matthew and Rebecca found out that she had a child. Her daughter Ashley has been in child care, but now they know about her existence Matthew and Rebecca don't want to leave her there and like to take care of her. Rebecca selflessly opens her heart and her home. She has been through so much in her life and a lot of people would not have the strength to keep going. She's so incredibly brave and I admired her for that. She stands by her man and his niece in such a loving way that it's impossible not to like her.
Patrick Sullivan is just straight out evil. Even though I felt for him about the way he grew up I still couldn't get over the things that he did. The only person he cares about is his daughter, but to anyone else he's cold and emotionless. He's a predator and will take down everybody who's weaker than him. I felt a deep disgust when I was reading about him. In the back of my mind I was still thinking, he doesn't know any better, but this doesn't justify his actions. Has Patrick met his match in Matthew? Will he finally pay for all the hurt that he's caused?
After She's Gone is a gripping heartbreaking crime story. When you read the blurb the first question is: He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do? Well I would probably do the same as Matthew did. I wouldn't rest until he got his punishment. Sheryl Browne already had me crying on the very first page and I found myself in tears several times throughout the story. Matthew and Rebecca are a great couple and it filled my heart with warmth when they took in Ashley. I wished for them all to come out on top. Ashley is different and even though this isolates her from other kids I loved this about her. She's a great young girl and deserves to be loved. After She's Gone grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let me go until I finished the story. Sheryl Browne is an experienced and skillful writer and she has written another brilliant story that I highly recommend.
Patrick Sullivan doesn't know anything but violence. Ever since he was a child he's been told time and time again how much of a disappointment he is for his father. This toughened him up and he became a bully at school. Trying to make his dad proud somehow, Patrick takes over the family business. This family business contains prostitution, erotic dancers and drugs. Patrick is a dominant boss who will take nothing less than respect. If you're standing up to him this will cost you. Will Matthew be able to catch this dangerous man?
Matthew is a man with a heart of gold. He's a good cop and he doesn't let go before his case is solved. He tries to be there for Rebecca and she's his rock. Without her Matthew probably wouldn't be coping with his life the way he does now. Matthew's sister is addicted to alcohol. Matthew and Rebecca found out that she had a child. Her daughter Ashley has been in child care, but now they know about her existence Matthew and Rebecca don't want to leave her there and like to take care of her. Rebecca selflessly opens her heart and her home. She has been through so much in her life and a lot of people would not have the strength to keep going. She's so incredibly brave and I admired her for that. She stands by her man and his niece in such a loving way that it's impossible not to like her.
Patrick Sullivan is just straight out evil. Even though I felt for him about the way he grew up I still couldn't get over the things that he did. The only person he cares about is his daughter, but to anyone else he's cold and emotionless. He's a predator and will take down everybody who's weaker than him. I felt a deep disgust when I was reading about him. In the back of my mind I was still thinking, he doesn't know any better, but this doesn't justify his actions. Has Patrick met his match in Matthew? Will he finally pay for all the hurt that he's caused?
After She's Gone is a gripping heartbreaking crime story. When you read the blurb the first question is: He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do? Well I would probably do the same as Matthew did. I wouldn't rest until he got his punishment. Sheryl Browne already had me crying on the very first page and I found myself in tears several times throughout the story. Matthew and Rebecca are a great couple and it filled my heart with warmth when they took in Ashley. I wished for them all to come out on top. Ashley is different and even though this isolates her from other kids I loved this about her. She's a great young girl and deserves to be loved. After She's Gone grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let me go until I finished the story. Sheryl Browne is an experienced and skillful writer and she has written another brilliant story that I highly recommend.
March 2, 2017
Time taken to read - 3 days on and off
Publisher - Choc Lit
Pages -
Blurb from Goodreads
He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.
My Review
DI Matthew Adams was bullied as a kid, by none other than Patrick Sullivan who is now a top dog pimp, drug runner, murderer and psycho. Their bad blood has gone on all these years and worse still, blood has been shed. When Patrick loses one of his own his retribution is swift, deadly and sets the ball rolling for more bloodshed, anger and vengeance.
Ugh it is never a good thing when a child dies and one of the earlier scenes really hits the reader hard, how can it not when a child is involved. It sets the precedent for everything that follows and cements a long running feud with innocent bystanders set to suffer. We learn about Adams family and introduced to his niece whose "invisible friend" takes the story on a different spin. I would have loved to have heard a lot more about her and seen this aspect of the story explored in a lot more detail, I hold out hope for it in the next installment.
The book is fast paced, we fire in to some disturbing scenes and history between the two main characters. Both have a very negative affect on each other and we see the characters spiral down a dark path. Patrick is a psychopath, as the story goes on we see just how cracked and depraved one person can be and how a balanced individual can destruct when pushed to the limit. The story covers many topics, family, loss, grief, death of a child, abuse, sexual depravity, murder, drugs and prostitution to name just a few. Not for the feint hearted, a good start to a new series, if you haven't read Browne before this is a great place to start. 4/5 fr me this time, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
Publisher - Choc Lit
Pages -
Blurb from Goodreads
He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.
My Review
DI Matthew Adams was bullied as a kid, by none other than Patrick Sullivan who is now a top dog pimp, drug runner, murderer and psycho. Their bad blood has gone on all these years and worse still, blood has been shed. When Patrick loses one of his own his retribution is swift, deadly and sets the ball rolling for more bloodshed, anger and vengeance.
Ugh it is never a good thing when a child dies and one of the earlier scenes really hits the reader hard, how can it not when a child is involved. It sets the precedent for everything that follows and cements a long running feud with innocent bystanders set to suffer. We learn about Adams family and introduced to his niece whose "invisible friend" takes the story on a different spin. I would have loved to have heard a lot more about her and seen this aspect of the story explored in a lot more detail, I hold out hope for it in the next installment.
The book is fast paced, we fire in to some disturbing scenes and history between the two main characters. Both have a very negative affect on each other and we see the characters spiral down a dark path. Patrick is a psychopath, as the story goes on we see just how cracked and depraved one person can be and how a balanced individual can destruct when pushed to the limit. The story covers many topics, family, loss, grief, death of a child, abuse, sexual depravity, murder, drugs and prostitution to name just a few. Not for the feint hearted, a good start to a new series, if you haven't read Browne before this is a great place to start. 4/5 fr me this time, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
February 15, 2017
Well Sheryl Browne is a new author for me, but I can certainly say this won't be the only book I read from this author. What a fantastic read.
I found myself so lost and engrossed in this book, I really couldn't put it down.
A story of how hatred can ruin lives.
The first book in a new series, DI Matthew Adams is a cop on a mission. And that is to put his childhood bully and now Criminal, Patrick Sullivan behind bars. For Good.
Matthew and his wife Becky are trying to rebuild life after a tragedy, But Sullivan seems hell bent on Matthew and his family suffering, and is out for blood after the death of his brother.
I got so involved in this book right from the off, I needed to read it, I needed to carry on reading at every opportunity. I was holding my breath wondering what the hell was going to happen next.
I can't say to much about the actual story, as I feel I would give far to much away and spoil it for anyone who has not read it.
But what I can say is, it's a brilliant story, engrossing and well worth spending your time reading. Make yourself comfy and get stuck in.
I was lucky to receive an Arc of this book, and thrilled that I have now found another author who I can add to my must read list.
A truly fantastic unputdownable read. A must read for all Crime thriller fans.
I found myself so lost and engrossed in this book, I really couldn't put it down.
A story of how hatred can ruin lives.
The first book in a new series, DI Matthew Adams is a cop on a mission. And that is to put his childhood bully and now Criminal, Patrick Sullivan behind bars. For Good.
Matthew and his wife Becky are trying to rebuild life after a tragedy, But Sullivan seems hell bent on Matthew and his family suffering, and is out for blood after the death of his brother.
I got so involved in this book right from the off, I needed to read it, I needed to carry on reading at every opportunity. I was holding my breath wondering what the hell was going to happen next.
I can't say to much about the actual story, as I feel I would give far to much away and spoil it for anyone who has not read it.
But what I can say is, it's a brilliant story, engrossing and well worth spending your time reading. Make yourself comfy and get stuck in.
I was lucky to receive an Arc of this book, and thrilled that I have now found another author who I can add to my must read list.
A truly fantastic unputdownable read. A must read for all Crime thriller fans.
July 5, 2023
I had read one other book by this author which I liked, so I decided to try this detective series. This is the first in the Matthew Adams series. It is about the nemesis who torments the detective. He is responsible for the hit and run death of the detective’s little girl and contributed to the miscarriage of Matthew’s wife. The whole book is a cat and mouse between the two as each wants revenge. It’s not a bad novel. I just thought it was a little on the juvenile side and read slower than novels of it’s type. Other people really liked it, so it may be me. Read the other reviews before you make a decision. Perhaps a 3.49 (don’t reviews know that a 3.5 rounds up, not down?!) I’ll still try other books by this author, maybe a stand alone next!
April 25, 2017
"BRILLIANT" This is a brilliant book its the first book I've read of Sheryl Browne and I will be reading more ...... This book got me from page one ,I'd love to know how the family rebuilt there life's ....so I'm hoping there will be another book ...... I really did enjoy it ......
February 23, 2017
One thing I want to put out before I get into the heart of my review, as I know this fact may be a turn off to some readers. A child does die in the very beginning, and its every bit as heart wrenching as you would imagine.
Also Keep in mind, this story does take place in the UK, so there are some slang words that non-UK readers might have a hard time figuring out (for example I didn't know a spiff was a marijuana cigarette). However, those instances were few and far between and did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Those things having been said, this book was hard to put down! The author draws the reader in from the start, keeping you glued to the pages as you watch Patrick become completely unhinged while Matthew races against the clock to save his loved ones. Her characters were deeply complex, and I have to say that I admired the strength and character of his wife Rebecca. She has gone through so much in her marriage, from the loss of her daughter, and unborn child, to her husband distancing himself from her, but she not only remains strong and loyal, but she also opens her heart and her home when it is discovered Matthew has a niece living in a care home. Ashley was a nice addition to the story as well, giving the family another way to heal while overcoming her own personal traumas and demons.
And as for Patrick? Well it was easy not to like him. In fact, it was easy to loathe him entirely. Not only is he without compassion or morals, but he is the very personification of evil. And what's worse? He doesn't have to resort to physical violence (although make no mistake, he does), but he also uses his own effective brand of psychological warfare that makes for an interesting experience.
Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written thriller novel. I can't wait to read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Also Keep in mind, this story does take place in the UK, so there are some slang words that non-UK readers might have a hard time figuring out (for example I didn't know a spiff was a marijuana cigarette). However, those instances were few and far between and did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Those things having been said, this book was hard to put down! The author draws the reader in from the start, keeping you glued to the pages as you watch Patrick become completely unhinged while Matthew races against the clock to save his loved ones. Her characters were deeply complex, and I have to say that I admired the strength and character of his wife Rebecca. She has gone through so much in her marriage, from the loss of her daughter, and unborn child, to her husband distancing himself from her, but she not only remains strong and loyal, but she also opens her heart and her home when it is discovered Matthew has a niece living in a care home. Ashley was a nice addition to the story as well, giving the family another way to heal while overcoming her own personal traumas and demons.
And as for Patrick? Well it was easy not to like him. In fact, it was easy to loathe him entirely. Not only is he without compassion or morals, but he is the very personification of evil. And what's worse? He doesn't have to resort to physical violence (although make no mistake, he does), but he also uses his own effective brand of psychological warfare that makes for an interesting experience.
Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written thriller novel. I can't wait to read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
April 30, 2017
2.5 stars. Let me say first that I am in a minority here as this book has lots of great reviews. It just wasn't for me. The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things!
The story revolves around Matthew, a detective inspector, his wife , Becky and his apparent arch enemy, Patrick, a very unpleasant local criminal.
The book opens with Matthew reflecting on the death of his daughter in a hot and run accident and the effect on him and his wife. This bit of the story was well written and drew me in and I wanted to learn more about what had happened.
Unfortunately, it was all a bit downhill from there. Matthew and Patrick had known each other from school where they first became adversaries. Each blames the other for tragic events. Matthew blames Patrick for the death of his daughter and Patrick blames Matthew for the death oh his brother in a police raid.
I don't want to add any spoilers so suffice to say Matthew decides to take matters into his own hands as his wife is threatened and Patrick, who wasn't very nice to start with , gets nastier.
The behaviour of Matthew didn't ring true for me and it all got a bit far fetched. Still, it was fast paced and mainly well written, though I thought some of Matthews thought processes were a bit off and I got tired of the word "scum" only a few chapters in. The portrayal of Patrick's character was much better to be honest. As nasty a character as they come!
I liked the side characters of Ashley and Matthew' s Sergeant and these were redeeming features and showed that the author was so good at describing relationships. A more realistic storyline would have highlighted this so much better.
Thanks to TBC and the author for the chance to review this book.
The story revolves around Matthew, a detective inspector, his wife , Becky and his apparent arch enemy, Patrick, a very unpleasant local criminal.
The book opens with Matthew reflecting on the death of his daughter in a hot and run accident and the effect on him and his wife. This bit of the story was well written and drew me in and I wanted to learn more about what had happened.
Unfortunately, it was all a bit downhill from there. Matthew and Patrick had known each other from school where they first became adversaries. Each blames the other for tragic events. Matthew blames Patrick for the death of his daughter and Patrick blames Matthew for the death oh his brother in a police raid.
I don't want to add any spoilers so suffice to say Matthew decides to take matters into his own hands as his wife is threatened and Patrick, who wasn't very nice to start with , gets nastier.
The behaviour of Matthew didn't ring true for me and it all got a bit far fetched. Still, it was fast paced and mainly well written, though I thought some of Matthews thought processes were a bit off and I got tired of the word "scum" only a few chapters in. The portrayal of Patrick's character was much better to be honest. As nasty a character as they come!
I liked the side characters of Ashley and Matthew' s Sergeant and these were redeeming features and showed that the author was so good at describing relationships. A more realistic storyline would have highlighted this so much better.
Thanks to TBC and the author for the chance to review this book.
April 27, 2017
The start of this book really grabbed me – it sees DI Adams and his wife – Becky, trying to rebuild their life after the tragedy of losing their only child, I felt this part of the story was very well written and atmospheric. The story then goes on to introduce Patrick Sullivan, drug-dealer, pimp, murderer – all round bad guy. We also find out that Matthew and Patrick were at school together where Matthew was badly bullied by Patrick for years. Their history pretty much forms the basis of the tale.
Along the way, Matthew and Becky decide to take in their niece Ashley. Ashley is in children’s home as Matthew’s sister is a drug addict and couldn’t care for her. This part of the story felt a bit clunky to me – it didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the tale, the ‘drug addict sister’ feels just dropped in to the plot to pad it out. That said, I really liked Ashley – a troubled teenager who hears the voice of a dead friend, I warmed to her immediately.
I found some bits confusing and disjointed – it was often hard to work out who was speaking – especially as the action picks up towards the end. In relation to the ending, I feel the author has left it open enough for a sequel.
Along the way, Matthew and Becky decide to take in their niece Ashley. Ashley is in children’s home as Matthew’s sister is a drug addict and couldn’t care for her. This part of the story felt a bit clunky to me – it didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the tale, the ‘drug addict sister’ feels just dropped in to the plot to pad it out. That said, I really liked Ashley – a troubled teenager who hears the voice of a dead friend, I warmed to her immediately.
I found some bits confusing and disjointed – it was often hard to work out who was speaking – especially as the action picks up towards the end. In relation to the ending, I feel the author has left it open enough for a sequel.
October 29, 2017
2.5 Stars
I realize my take on this book is very different from most of the other reviews, however, it is what it is.
The feud between evil drug dealer, Patrick Sullivan, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has been going on since these two men were children. When Adams feels that Sullivan killed his child, he is hellbent for revenge. The feud takes on all new levels. For me, those levels became ridiculous. I just could not see Adams, as a cop, doing the things that he does. He treats his wife like crap, moves his alcoholic sister's daughter from a group home to his house to live and treats her like crap.
And Sullivan was disgusting and what he does is disgusting. I just felt like the author just thought of the worst things (all of them) and put them into this book.
I had to give up the book after a little after halfway. I was not enjoying it at all. Way too far fetched for me and I grew very tired of these men acting like children. I could not and did not finish. I left them to fight it out without me because frankly, I really didn't care.
Thanks to Choc Lit and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I realize my take on this book is very different from most of the other reviews, however, it is what it is.
The feud between evil drug dealer, Patrick Sullivan, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has been going on since these two men were children. When Adams feels that Sullivan killed his child, he is hellbent for revenge. The feud takes on all new levels. For me, those levels became ridiculous. I just could not see Adams, as a cop, doing the things that he does. He treats his wife like crap, moves his alcoholic sister's daughter from a group home to his house to live and treats her like crap.
And Sullivan was disgusting and what he does is disgusting. I just felt like the author just thought of the worst things (all of them) and put them into this book.
I had to give up the book after a little after halfway. I was not enjoying it at all. Way too far fetched for me and I grew very tired of these men acting like children. I could not and did not finish. I left them to fight it out without me because frankly, I really didn't care.
Thanks to Choc Lit and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 16, 2017
OMG!!! I already read the second book and I loved it. I kept wondering what happend before and I had to read this one as well. It took me a while because the second one was so intense that I needed something (well a lot of somethings ;) ) before I could start this one.
It did not let me down. This one is as cruel, emotional, sadistic and beautiful at the same time as the sequel.
I did not want to put it away because the author dragged me in and kept me locked in, but sometimes I just had to. I needed to take a break to take a breath.
The author knows perfectly how to describe the emotions to make you feel them as well.
The five stars are more than earned. I only wish I could rate it even higher.
It did not let me down. This one is as cruel, emotional, sadistic and beautiful at the same time as the sequel.
I did not want to put it away because the author dragged me in and kept me locked in, but sometimes I just had to. I needed to take a break to take a breath.
The author knows perfectly how to describe the emotions to make you feel them as well.
The five stars are more than earned. I only wish I could rate it even higher.
April 19, 2025
Hmm. I read another book by this author, 'The Affair', in which a sable-haired young girl is in peril and the main protagonist gets into an apartment block by ordering several pizzas and sneaking past the concierge in the ensuing chaos. And then I read this book, and got a terrible sense of déjà vu. A sable-haired girl is in peril and the main protagonist gets into an apartment block ... guess how? It's terribly lazy writing to plagiarise your own book!
June 15, 2025
Where did she go?
She was taken; she didn't go anywhere. Confusing story at times. The ending sucked. Sometimes the author went on and on with a scenario, but then just dropped the ending of the story.
She was taken; she didn't go anywhere. Confusing story at times. The ending sucked. Sometimes the author went on and on with a scenario, but then just dropped the ending of the story.
February 27, 2017
Let me just start by saying, hold on to your seats people because this book is going to totally blow your minds! I was lucky enough to have read the book long before it was published and therefore have followed it on its journey to greatness. Sheryl Browne has created characters so rich in depth and a book that makes you hold your breath, waiting in anticipation for whatever might come next! I had always been a Sheryl Browne fan, totally hooked on her romantic comedies. This book however is completely different yet equally brilliant.
Matthew Adams is a haunted man. A good and well respected police officer he is obsessed with bringing bad boy Patrick O'Sullivan to justice. Long time enemies from school, O'Sullivan has graduated from school bully to a total thug involved in everything from pimping prostitutes to selling drugs. For Matthew, his hatred for O'Sullivan runs much deeper. He suspects he had a hand in the murder of Matthew's own child. Matthew takes risks he wouldn't normally take and is often forced to step outside the law himself to get to the truth and make sure O'Sullivan gets whats coming to him.
Patrick O'Sullivan is after his own kind of sick justice after his brother is killed. This powder keg of revenge along with the hatred felt by both protagonists is about to set off a terrifying chain of events. This is a long running feud between the two that threatens to tear apart Matthew's world even further. Another casualty of the war between Matthew and O' Sullivan is Matthew's poor wife. While Matthew is struggling with his demons, both real and psychological, she is coping with so much on her own. Pretty soon the feud takes on a new level and Matthew must fight to save what remains of his family. Throw into the mix an unborn child and a niece who needs Matthew to save her from the life that fate has handed her, the pressure on Matthew to protect those he loves pushes him further.
I simply could not put this book down. Its got everything a good thriller should have and from the moment you read the first page I guarantee you will be completely hooked. Sheryl Browne has managed to create a great character in O'Sullivan. Everyone loves a bad boy to hate and my goodness you have one here! This book would make a brilliant mini series for TV or even a movie! Exciting, terrifying and with that wow factor! Highly recommended. Sheryl Browne's writing does not disappoint! Buy this book!
Matthew Adams is a haunted man. A good and well respected police officer he is obsessed with bringing bad boy Patrick O'Sullivan to justice. Long time enemies from school, O'Sullivan has graduated from school bully to a total thug involved in everything from pimping prostitutes to selling drugs. For Matthew, his hatred for O'Sullivan runs much deeper. He suspects he had a hand in the murder of Matthew's own child. Matthew takes risks he wouldn't normally take and is often forced to step outside the law himself to get to the truth and make sure O'Sullivan gets whats coming to him.
Patrick O'Sullivan is after his own kind of sick justice after his brother is killed. This powder keg of revenge along with the hatred felt by both protagonists is about to set off a terrifying chain of events. This is a long running feud between the two that threatens to tear apart Matthew's world even further. Another casualty of the war between Matthew and O' Sullivan is Matthew's poor wife. While Matthew is struggling with his demons, both real and psychological, she is coping with so much on her own. Pretty soon the feud takes on a new level and Matthew must fight to save what remains of his family. Throw into the mix an unborn child and a niece who needs Matthew to save her from the life that fate has handed her, the pressure on Matthew to protect those he loves pushes him further.
I simply could not put this book down. Its got everything a good thriller should have and from the moment you read the first page I guarantee you will be completely hooked. Sheryl Browne has managed to create a great character in O'Sullivan. Everyone loves a bad boy to hate and my goodness you have one here! This book would make a brilliant mini series for TV or even a movie! Exciting, terrifying and with that wow factor! Highly recommended. Sheryl Browne's writing does not disappoint! Buy this book!
March 5, 2017
Book Description
Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable. Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, and a bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.
My Review
On reading this book I came to learn that Patrick Sullivan is a classic bully, drug dealer, pimp, killer and has contempt for women. Matthew Adams was the target of the bullying from Patrick which started at school and carries forward into adult life. Blood is spilled and Patrick is looking for vengeance, Matthew and his family will pay the ultimate price.
The book opens with a hard hitting scene, the death of a child, it wrenches your heart but in the same breath you look to find the reasoning behind it all, the book pulls you in from the very first chapter. There's no going back. Vengeance becomes the ultimate goal for both Matthew and Patrick.
You learn about both families the trauma and abuse suffered, the different paths both have taken. Matthews family have a niece nobody knew about, who has problems herself but starts to help bind the family together. In the case of Patrick you find out he has a daughter that he worships above all others, I found compelling considering his attitude toward's women in general.
After She's Gone accelerates at a rate of knots that you just can't help but get swept along. If you like fast, compelling and hard hitting storylines this book is a must for you, A fantastic first in the DI Matthew Adams series, keep it up Sheryl Browne looking forward to book number 2.
Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable. Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, and a bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.
My Review
On reading this book I came to learn that Patrick Sullivan is a classic bully, drug dealer, pimp, killer and has contempt for women. Matthew Adams was the target of the bullying from Patrick which started at school and carries forward into adult life. Blood is spilled and Patrick is looking for vengeance, Matthew and his family will pay the ultimate price.
The book opens with a hard hitting scene, the death of a child, it wrenches your heart but in the same breath you look to find the reasoning behind it all, the book pulls you in from the very first chapter. There's no going back. Vengeance becomes the ultimate goal for both Matthew and Patrick.
You learn about both families the trauma and abuse suffered, the different paths both have taken. Matthews family have a niece nobody knew about, who has problems herself but starts to help bind the family together. In the case of Patrick you find out he has a daughter that he worships above all others, I found compelling considering his attitude toward's women in general.
After She's Gone accelerates at a rate of knots that you just can't help but get swept along. If you like fast, compelling and hard hitting storylines this book is a must for you, A fantastic first in the DI Matthew Adams series, keep it up Sheryl Browne looking forward to book number 2.
Read
September 10, 2017After She’s Gone by Sheryl Browne is an intense police thriller featuring Detective Inspector Matthew Adams. The story opens with DI Adams rushing to the scene of a hit and run auto accident and he finds his wife Rebecca holding their little daughter as the blood seeps from her injuries. He is emotionally crushed and feels he knows why the accident has happened. He had been threatened by Patrick Sullivan, a childhood bully who holds DI Adams responsible for the death of his brother during a drug bust.
Some time has passed as we start with chapter one. Matthew and Rebecca are still feeling the huge loss not only due to the death of little Lily, but also for the miscarriage of another baby after the accident. Matthew has recently learned his wayward sister has a child in a care facility. He and Rebecca are considering giving Ashley a home with them. They have not met her yet, but hope they could be a loving family for her since her mother does not want her.
Patrick Sullivan is a heartless man who will use anyone to further his own agenda. He has no remorse over acts of violence he has committed or had others do for his purposes. He plans to cause problems for DI Adams and he seeks retribution for the drug bust which has left him indebted to the suppliers.
I won’t post spoilers, but the story is fast paced and full of emotional energy, and action. Sometimes DI Adams acts impulsively and does not make the best choices as he is determined to find a way to arrest or justify killing Patrick Sullivan. The violent challenge between the two men leaves trouble in its wake. There are some scenes which give a hint of a psychological aspect to the actions of Ashley and also Patrick. It keeps you wondering what is next.
The characters are written with strong wills and determined agendas for revenge. The fallout from this will cause harm to some innocents who happen to get caught within the struggle. A page turner! (Warning: Strong / Offensive Language)
Some time has passed as we start with chapter one. Matthew and Rebecca are still feeling the huge loss not only due to the death of little Lily, but also for the miscarriage of another baby after the accident. Matthew has recently learned his wayward sister has a child in a care facility. He and Rebecca are considering giving Ashley a home with them. They have not met her yet, but hope they could be a loving family for her since her mother does not want her.
Patrick Sullivan is a heartless man who will use anyone to further his own agenda. He has no remorse over acts of violence he has committed or had others do for his purposes. He plans to cause problems for DI Adams and he seeks retribution for the drug bust which has left him indebted to the suppliers.
I won’t post spoilers, but the story is fast paced and full of emotional energy, and action. Sometimes DI Adams acts impulsively and does not make the best choices as he is determined to find a way to arrest or justify killing Patrick Sullivan. The violent challenge between the two men leaves trouble in its wake. There are some scenes which give a hint of a psychological aspect to the actions of Ashley and also Patrick. It keeps you wondering what is next.
The characters are written with strong wills and determined agendas for revenge. The fallout from this will cause harm to some innocents who happen to get caught within the struggle. A page turner! (Warning: Strong / Offensive Language)
February 8, 2023
WOW! I am SO annoyed at myself. These books have been sitting on my Kindle for 5 long years but in my extreme effort to not be swayed by new releases I am slowly making my way through my older books and now I am SO pleased that I made that choice. Sherly Browne is an author I have seen around for a while and keep meaning to read her stuff so decided to go back and start with this series of books featuring Matthew Adams. Well, I was NOT prepared to get stuck into not one but all three of these books! Matthew Adams is copper that cares about people, however he has his own personal misery going on. Patrick Sullivan is the bad guy here and as a drug dealer and pimp that is bad enough but when you realise he was responsible for the death of Matthew's daughter it changes the game.
Matthew is a very likeable character but it's clear that he (like any parent I imagine) is struggling after the death of his daughter. Patrick Sullivan is a man that is firmly on his police radar but even more so on his personal radar. Matthew's colleague Steve was also a brilliant character that I hope I get to see in the follow on books. In addition to Matthew his wife Rebecca is a mainstay in the story. Matthew and Rebecca decide to take on his niece Ashley as Matthew's sister is struggling with addiction. The story becomes very ramped up very quickly as Matthew comes up against Patrick in a very dangerous situation.
Overall I read this book in two straight sittings and absolutely loved it. It was fast paced and edgy with great characters and a strong storyline. It was so good I wasted no time and dove straight into book 2. A brilliant book by Sheryl Browne and I really hope the next one is just as good. Highly recommended.
Matthew is a very likeable character but it's clear that he (like any parent I imagine) is struggling after the death of his daughter. Patrick Sullivan is a man that is firmly on his police radar but even more so on his personal radar. Matthew's colleague Steve was also a brilliant character that I hope I get to see in the follow on books. In addition to Matthew his wife Rebecca is a mainstay in the story. Matthew and Rebecca decide to take on his niece Ashley as Matthew's sister is struggling with addiction. The story becomes very ramped up very quickly as Matthew comes up against Patrick in a very dangerous situation.
Overall I read this book in two straight sittings and absolutely loved it. It was fast paced and edgy with great characters and a strong storyline. It was so good I wasted no time and dove straight into book 2. A brilliant book by Sheryl Browne and I really hope the next one is just as good. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2017
After She's Gone will pull at readers heart strings how does one more on after the loss of a child knowing you could have prevented it?
Sheryl Browne paints a very raw man who feels as if he lost everything and can only find peace inside of a bottle. The story is very much a police procedural story but it also has heart and soul as Matthew and Becky struggle to find their peace after the death of their daughter.
Matthew throws himself into finding the killer his nemesis Patrick Sullivan. Sherly tries hard to make every character come to life and she does it so well that Patrick Sullivan is a broken man who take his angry out on Matthew Adams instead of the real reason he turned himself into a vile and evil man.
Each characters will pull at the readers heart strings as the face pace thriller takes you to edge and brings the readers back finding peace.
After She's Gone is a intense face paced cat and mouse game that will have readers wondering if the cat will eat the mouse in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Choc Lit for the chance to review Sheryl Browne
Sheryl Browne paints a very raw man who feels as if he lost everything and can only find peace inside of a bottle. The story is very much a police procedural story but it also has heart and soul as Matthew and Becky struggle to find their peace after the death of their daughter.
Matthew throws himself into finding the killer his nemesis Patrick Sullivan. Sherly tries hard to make every character come to life and she does it so well that Patrick Sullivan is a broken man who take his angry out on Matthew Adams instead of the real reason he turned himself into a vile and evil man.
Each characters will pull at the readers heart strings as the face pace thriller takes you to edge and brings the readers back finding peace.
After She's Gone is a intense face paced cat and mouse game that will have readers wondering if the cat will eat the mouse in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Choc Lit for the chance to review Sheryl Browne
September 5, 2017
Psychological thriller that definitely gets the heart rate speeding up
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams and his wife Becky live on some rural property in Buckinghamshire County southeast of London, England. Becky is a radiographer (which I believe would be an x-ray technician in the U.S.).
They are devastated when their daughter, Lily, is killed by a hit-and-run driver and practically destroyed when Becky then miscarries the child she was carrying.
This is the story of DI Adams going after the psycho that was responsible for all of this - because Adams knows exactly who that is.
This is a well-written thriller with believable characters, mostly believable police procedures and an intense, nail-biting storyline.
The antagonist in the story is truly a despicable character and author Browne does an excellent job of describing this psychopath and his actions.
This is the first in a series about DI Adams.
I received this book from Choc Lit Limited through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams and his wife Becky live on some rural property in Buckinghamshire County southeast of London, England. Becky is a radiographer (which I believe would be an x-ray technician in the U.S.).
They are devastated when their daughter, Lily, is killed by a hit-and-run driver and practically destroyed when Becky then miscarries the child she was carrying.
This is the story of DI Adams going after the psycho that was responsible for all of this - because Adams knows exactly who that is.
This is a well-written thriller with believable characters, mostly believable police procedures and an intense, nail-biting storyline.
The antagonist in the story is truly a despicable character and author Browne does an excellent job of describing this psychopath and his actions.
This is the first in a series about DI Adams.
I received this book from Choc Lit Limited through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 17, 2017
It is always such a pleasure to discover such a fantastic new author (to me)
DI Matthew Adams and his wife Becky are trying to rebuild life after an awful tragedy, but Patrick Sullivan, a drug dealer, pimp and murderer, blames Matthews for all the wrongs in his life, especially the death of his brother, who was shot dead in a drug bust, and is out to destroy Matthew and his family.
After She’s Gone is a fast paced and gripping thriller and I really felt drawn in to Matthew, Becky and his niece Ashley, who has been abandoned by Matthews addict sister. Ashley is different but I found her to be a caring and a very intelligent girl and I hope we see a lot more of her in this new series.
I can highly recommend After She’s Gone, it is a page turner that covers grief, the death of a child, an evil and depraved killer, and family love. I am now looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that the wait is not too long.
DI Matthew Adams and his wife Becky are trying to rebuild life after an awful tragedy, but Patrick Sullivan, a drug dealer, pimp and murderer, blames Matthews for all the wrongs in his life, especially the death of his brother, who was shot dead in a drug bust, and is out to destroy Matthew and his family.
After She’s Gone is a fast paced and gripping thriller and I really felt drawn in to Matthew, Becky and his niece Ashley, who has been abandoned by Matthews addict sister. Ashley is different but I found her to be a caring and a very intelligent girl and I hope we see a lot more of her in this new series.
I can highly recommend After She’s Gone, it is a page turner that covers grief, the death of a child, an evil and depraved killer, and family love. I am now looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that the wait is not too long.
May 7, 2017
My first book by this author. Reminded me in places of Martina Coles books as they often deal with the seedy underworld to which the main character of Sullivan belongs. Police officer Matthew and Sullivan have known each other since their schooldays where Matthew was bullied by Sullivan. Fast forward to their adult lives and the grudge continues and Matthew believes Sullivan is responsible for the death of his daughter Lilly. The upshot of it all is that Sullivan takes Matthews wife and niece hostage - unsure quite why Matthew decides to try and rescue them single handedly and thats where the story lost some interest for me - I didn't care enough about the characters and shat happened to them. It was fast paced and I would read more by this author - in fact I have another one on my kindle waiting for me. Thank you to the author and TBC for the chance to read this book and introduce me to this author as I don't think I would have read it otherwise.
May 17, 2019
I had previously reviewed Learning to Love by Sheryl Browne and loved it. So going into After She’s Gone I wasn’t sure what to expect. It takes a special author to float between genres but Ms Browne nails it perfectly.
DI Matthews Adams is haunted by the murder of his daughter. Struggling to save his marriage and seek revenge. We go on the journey with him but will it only end in more necessary deaths?
There is a cacophony of topics covered in the book. One minute you're emotional the next your heart is thumping with excitement. The subtle hint of paranormal was different and it did throw me a little. I don’t think it was necessary, it didn’t add to the book overall.
The book most definitely goes into my “one more chapter” tag for sure. It is a must read for crime fiction lovers. I am so excited for the next instalment.
After She’s gone is gritty, gory, impulsive and moreish.
DI Matthews Adams is haunted by the murder of his daughter. Struggling to save his marriage and seek revenge. We go on the journey with him but will it only end in more necessary deaths?
There is a cacophony of topics covered in the book. One minute you're emotional the next your heart is thumping with excitement. The subtle hint of paranormal was different and it did throw me a little. I don’t think it was necessary, it didn’t add to the book overall.
The book most definitely goes into my “one more chapter” tag for sure. It is a must read for crime fiction lovers. I am so excited for the next instalment.
After She’s gone is gritty, gory, impulsive and moreish.
March 9, 2017
This is the first book I've ready by Sheryl Brown. I am excited to add her to my favorite authors list.
This story opens as Matthew and Rebecca lose their child. At whose hands did she die?
Matthew, a policeman knows. It was Sullivan, the sadistic, drug selling, pimping, murderous cretin. Even Matthew's chief can't do anything to take Sullivan off the street without solid proof.
Buckle up for this deftly written, exciting and riveting story. You will love Matthew and Rebecca, however, my favorite character is Ashley - Matthew's abandoned niece. You will also despise Sullivan. A task not as easy to accomplish for the villain as you would imagine.
I would have given this book 5 stars had there been definitive breaks between events/locations.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
This story opens as Matthew and Rebecca lose their child. At whose hands did she die?
Matthew, a policeman knows. It was Sullivan, the sadistic, drug selling, pimping, murderous cretin. Even Matthew's chief can't do anything to take Sullivan off the street without solid proof.
Buckle up for this deftly written, exciting and riveting story. You will love Matthew and Rebecca, however, my favorite character is Ashley - Matthew's abandoned niece. You will also despise Sullivan. A task not as easy to accomplish for the villain as you would imagine.
I would have given this book 5 stars had there been definitive breaks between events/locations.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
February 22, 2017
Thanks to Caroline at UKCBC and Sheryl Browne for making my heart race. Full review when I've calmed down!
What a book!
This is the first book I've read by Sheryl Browne but it won't be the last. In fact I've already got book 2 waiting on my kindle.
I loved Matthew and Rebecca. They are a couple filled with love both for each other and their families.
Patrick Sullivan is one evil character, one of the nastiest pieces of work I've read about.
I can't say too much about the plot but I can say that this grabs you at page 1 and doesn't let go until the end.
It is without doubt a truly CPID book.
This is a must read for all fans of crime thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Choc Lit for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
What a book!
This is the first book I've read by Sheryl Browne but it won't be the last. In fact I've already got book 2 waiting on my kindle.
I loved Matthew and Rebecca. They are a couple filled with love both for each other and their families.
Patrick Sullivan is one evil character, one of the nastiest pieces of work I've read about.
I can't say too much about the plot but I can say that this grabs you at page 1 and doesn't let go until the end.
It is without doubt a truly CPID book.
This is a must read for all fans of crime thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Choc Lit for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 20, 2017
Oh boy!! I'm exhausted - stayed awake until 2am so I could finish this book - what a ride!
You are thrust into the action from the first paragraph and it just gets faster and faster! Its the story of a cop versus a criminal and the action follows their war or words and actions.
What makes it different is that you read the story from the aspect of different characters at different times. Which makes for a fascinating insight into the human psyche.
The ending is so tense, I was glad I was in bed - I was exhausted!
Absolutely loved it as I do all books by Sheryl.
I received an ARC from Choc Lit & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You are thrust into the action from the first paragraph and it just gets faster and faster! Its the story of a cop versus a criminal and the action follows their war or words and actions.
What makes it different is that you read the story from the aspect of different characters at different times. Which makes for a fascinating insight into the human psyche.
The ending is so tense, I was glad I was in bed - I was exhausted!
Absolutely loved it as I do all books by Sheryl.
I received an ARC from Choc Lit & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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