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DI Stella Cole Thriller #1
Hit and Run
THE WIDOW IS A COP. FORGET THE LAW, SHE WANTS REVENGE
Detective Inspector Stella Cole was a rising star in London’s Metropolitan Police. Then a hit-and-run driver killed her husband, Richard, a human rights lawyer. Grief drove her to booze and pills. Back at work after a year’s compassionate leave, Stella secretly re-investigates his death and begins to suspect a cover-up.
Freelance journalist Vicky Riley was working with Richard to expose corruption buried deep inside the legal system. Unaware that powerful people are out to stop her, she contacts Stella.
Vicky’s research confirms Stella’s worst fears. The people who should be upholding the law are turning it on its head.
Stella thinks she’s closing in on the truth. Then a horrific discovery threatens her very sanity. What began as a search for justice is now a raging thirst for revenge.
A disturbing psychological crime thriller…
Hit and Run is a disturbing, psychological crime thriller set in the grimy world of legal conspiracy and corruption, from Andy Maslen, author of the hugely popular Gabriel Wolfe novels.
Set in the grey area where truth and lies, virtue and villainy collide, it shines a spotlight into some very dark places. The book is the first in a series.
Detective Inspector Stella Cole was a rising star in London’s Metropolitan Police. Then a hit-and-run driver killed her husband, Richard, a human rights lawyer. Grief drove her to booze and pills. Back at work after a year’s compassionate leave, Stella secretly re-investigates his death and begins to suspect a cover-up.
Freelance journalist Vicky Riley was working with Richard to expose corruption buried deep inside the legal system. Unaware that powerful people are out to stop her, she contacts Stella.
Vicky’s research confirms Stella’s worst fears. The people who should be upholding the law are turning it on its head.
Stella thinks she’s closing in on the truth. Then a horrific discovery threatens her very sanity. What began as a search for justice is now a raging thirst for revenge.
A disturbing psychological crime thriller…
Hit and Run is a disturbing, psychological crime thriller set in the grimy world of legal conspiracy and corruption, from Andy Maslen, author of the hugely popular Gabriel Wolfe novels.
Set in the grey area where truth and lies, virtue and villainy collide, it shines a spotlight into some very dark places. The book is the first in a series.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2017
2529 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
72 books514 followersMILLION COPY BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR KINDLE STORYTELLER AWARD
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 29, 2017
4.5 STARS
DI Stella Cole is unlike any other female Detective Inspector. She's worked long and hard to get to where she is ... until her husband is killed in a hit and run accident. But was it really an accident?
Grief drove her to booze and pills and taking a year off work to deal with the tragedy. Once she begins to think clearly, she shakes the addictions and makes plans to re-investigate her husband's death.
Vicky Riley is a freelance journalist who was secretly working with Stella's husband. . What she finds is a cover-up involving the city's highest officials... the very people who are supposed to be protecting its citizens.
And while Stella is determined to get justice for her husband, she's horrified to learn the whole truth. Now she wants vengeance.
There is a huge twist about 1/3 of the way in ... and it blew me away. Never saw it coming. Kudos to the author for such clever writing.
Lots of non-stop action ..... graphic violence in places. Very well written. Stella makes a terrific series character. She's like a bull dog and just won't quit. And if she has to cross that blue line, that's exactly what she will do. She's extremely smart and knows how to play the game. She's a female John McClane (DIE HARD).
There is a small cliff hanger, actually, it's more of a segue leading to the second book which I hope will appear soon.
Many, many thanks to the author who so graciously furnished the digital copy of HIT AND RUN. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DI Stella Cole is unlike any other female Detective Inspector. She's worked long and hard to get to where she is ... until her husband is killed in a hit and run accident. But was it really an accident?
Grief drove her to booze and pills and taking a year off work to deal with the tragedy. Once she begins to think clearly, she shakes the addictions and makes plans to re-investigate her husband's death.
Vicky Riley is a freelance journalist who was secretly working with Stella's husband. . What she finds is a cover-up involving the city's highest officials... the very people who are supposed to be protecting its citizens.
And while Stella is determined to get justice for her husband, she's horrified to learn the whole truth. Now she wants vengeance.
There is a huge twist about 1/3 of the way in ... and it blew me away. Never saw it coming. Kudos to the author for such clever writing.
Lots of non-stop action ..... graphic violence in places. Very well written. Stella makes a terrific series character. She's like a bull dog and just won't quit. And if she has to cross that blue line, that's exactly what she will do. She's extremely smart and knows how to play the game. She's a female John McClane (DIE HARD).
There is a small cliff hanger, actually, it's more of a segue leading to the second book which I hope will appear soon.
Many, many thanks to the author who so graciously furnished the digital copy of HIT AND RUN. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 25, 2019
Oh dear. This one was not for me. Talk about over egging a pudding. This pudding had so much egg in it, it overtopped the bowl, oozed onto the worktop and dribbled onto the floor, Quatermass style. I would estimate it was about a third of the way in before the story got going. I nearly nodded of - still if you’re looking for a cure for insomnia you could try this?
This is the story of DI Stella Cole who is seeking vengeance for the hit and run death of her husband and child. In the background is a shadowy organisation called Pro Patria Mori who administer their brand of harsh justice and one of those dealt with is the supposed killer of Stella’s family. PPM’s members are high profile in the police and justice system. Stella goes up against them when she realises that the man convicted was not the actual perpetrator. There were parts of the story that were actually quite good but then there would be a gringe worthy conversation or comment that made me wince. For example, where Stella talks to the otherStella. There were more holes in the plotting than a piece of Emmental especially towards the end. There was also a lot of gratuitous violence in particular as Stella slaughters the man responsible for the death of her family.
I know a number of people liked this book and I genuinely don’t like giving a poor review but I just didn’t find this realistic. I probably won’t read the next instalment either as there were far too many eye rolling moments for me to wish to pursue it further. Sorry. 😟
This is the story of DI Stella Cole who is seeking vengeance for the hit and run death of her husband and child. In the background is a shadowy organisation called Pro Patria Mori who administer their brand of harsh justice and one of those dealt with is the supposed killer of Stella’s family. PPM’s members are high profile in the police and justice system. Stella goes up against them when she realises that the man convicted was not the actual perpetrator. There were parts of the story that were actually quite good but then there would be a gringe worthy conversation or comment that made me wince. For example, where Stella talks to the otherStella. There were more holes in the plotting than a piece of Emmental especially towards the end. There was also a lot of gratuitous violence in particular as Stella slaughters the man responsible for the death of her family.
I know a number of people liked this book and I genuinely don’t like giving a poor review but I just didn’t find this realistic. I probably won’t read the next instalment either as there were far too many eye rolling moments for me to wish to pursue it further. Sorry. 😟
April 30, 2019
This book was so far fetched and weird, at first I thought what a good start and then it got silly and I skipped a lot of the book and just read the end, which I never do, I couldn't waste my time on it any longer. Probably the worst book I have read for a long time.
March 31, 2017
Another awesome read ! Imagine a copper with revenge on her mind for the loss of her family. And the target is a judge with ties to a group of police and others who make sure justice is dealt to those who who the courts won't. Loads of action and lots of great characters in a great story.
September 5, 2019
Audio version of this book 📚- Good story as different to what I was expecting. However , the narration was dreadful with terrible effects that were not at all necessary and were really off putting, ruined what probably would’ve been 5*
May 10, 2019
Tough
I really struggled with this book. It was hard to get started then read three quarters of it and gave up!! I'm really sorry Andy but I just couldn't keep going in the end.
I really struggled with this book. It was hard to get started then read three quarters of it and gave up!! I'm really sorry Andy but I just couldn't keep going in the end.
November 23, 2017
Amazing
Omg such a gripping story fantastic writing. Can't wait for number two. Fabulous. Andy Maslen does it again amazingly talented
Omg such a gripping story fantastic writing. Can't wait for number two. Fabulous. Andy Maslen does it again amazingly talented
February 11, 2021
Not a police procedural!
A police thriller with a unique twist, a good standalone read but also sets up the series nicely. Looking forward to book two.
A police thriller with a unique twist, a good standalone read but also sets up the series nicely. Looking forward to book two.
February 22, 2019
Well I really have mixed feelings on this book . It's well written but could have really benefited from being edited or proof read . At the start of the book we are told that Lola is 3 months old and it's March 6th , further along in the story she is suddenly 5 months old and March has become May ! I really felt for Stella but she ends up being as bad as the villains . I really wanted her to overcome adversity and be the good guy in this but no she winds up appearing to be a sadistic criminally insane killer . It's a good story but I'm somehow disappointed at the way it played out . I suppose I just found it all a bit implausible . I'm actually not sure about continuing the series ,but then my curiosity as to what happens next may just get the better of me .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent series from EReaderNews, author Andy Maslen, and publisher Tyton Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The DI Stella Cole books of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. This is definitely a series and a writer I will want to follow. Stella seemed a little over the top when I first started this series, but I got over that pretty quickly. Sometimes Justice is enough, if you can get it. But there are times when only revenge will answer.
#1 Hit and Run
#2 Hit Back Harder
#3 Hit and Done
REVIEWED on May 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available on B&N or Kobo.
#1 Hit and Run
#2 Hit Back Harder
#3 Hit and Done
REVIEWED on May 15, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available on B&N or Kobo.
August 23, 2019
An ok read but st times a bit of a slog. There were times when less would have been more. I would still read the next in the series just to see what happens to Stella Cole.
November 26, 2018
Thrilling and disturbing!
Incredible storytelling, a disturbing, thrilling and mind blowing read.
The absolute horror of your husband and baby daughter's death, by a hit and run driver, has to be enough to send anyone into a pit of despair. But for DI Stella Cole, coming back from that pit, has been a nightmare she's unable to fully escape from.
Returning to work, a job she loves and hopefully will help to bring her back to some sort of normality doesn't quite go as she was expecting it to.
Stella finds out the person jailed for the death of her family, wasn't the guilty party, but a fall guy.
So her quest begins, determined to find out the truth puts her own life in danger. Corruption in high places is prevalent, making her search for the truth, even more hazardous. The need for revenge gets stronger by the day, making the reader question her sanity.
A story that grabs your imagination to the full, a rollercoaster of thrills at every page turn. Impossible to put down, even for eating and sleeping. It's a story that really does test your emotions to the extreme.
The characters are varied, believable and well crafted, particularly Stella, whom I must follow as her quest for truth and justice isn't finished. I need more!
New to this author's books, but one I will most certainly be following in the future!
Incredible storytelling, a disturbing, thrilling and mind blowing read.
The absolute horror of your husband and baby daughter's death, by a hit and run driver, has to be enough to send anyone into a pit of despair. But for DI Stella Cole, coming back from that pit, has been a nightmare she's unable to fully escape from.
Returning to work, a job she loves and hopefully will help to bring her back to some sort of normality doesn't quite go as she was expecting it to.
Stella finds out the person jailed for the death of her family, wasn't the guilty party, but a fall guy.
So her quest begins, determined to find out the truth puts her own life in danger. Corruption in high places is prevalent, making her search for the truth, even more hazardous. The need for revenge gets stronger by the day, making the reader question her sanity.
A story that grabs your imagination to the full, a rollercoaster of thrills at every page turn. Impossible to put down, even for eating and sleeping. It's a story that really does test your emotions to the extreme.
The characters are varied, believable and well crafted, particularly Stella, whom I must follow as her quest for truth and justice isn't finished. I need more!
New to this author's books, but one I will most certainly be following in the future!
December 16, 2017
Hit and Run. Andy Malsen
British DI Stella Cole's life has taken a horrible turn for the most unimaginable depths of Hell. Her husband and infant daughter have been killed in a traffic accident. Hit and run. Or was it murder? She's put on a medical leave. Alcohol, depressants dull the pain. Now she is a recovering alcoholic. Back on the job. Light duty. A clerk in the records department. Temporarily she thinks, until she gets her old job back. A vigilante group comprised of very influential people in the legal community or taking the law into there own hands. Dispatching justice to people who escaped the liberal court system. Her husband, was investigating them. He needed to be dealt with. There young daughter was collateral damage. Stella wants justice, actually revenge. She's determined to find these individuals and punish them. Not through the legal system, a more painful and permanent solution. First they will suffer, like she has, and still is. This is an extremely well written dark mystery , but will her revenge totally eliminate her pain, anguish and deep psychological wounds? I highly recommend!
British DI Stella Cole's life has taken a horrible turn for the most unimaginable depths of Hell. Her husband and infant daughter have been killed in a traffic accident. Hit and run. Or was it murder? She's put on a medical leave. Alcohol, depressants dull the pain. Now she is a recovering alcoholic. Back on the job. Light duty. A clerk in the records department. Temporarily she thinks, until she gets her old job back. A vigilante group comprised of very influential people in the legal community or taking the law into there own hands. Dispatching justice to people who escaped the liberal court system. Her husband, was investigating them. He needed to be dealt with. There young daughter was collateral damage. Stella wants justice, actually revenge. She's determined to find these individuals and punish them. Not through the legal system, a more painful and permanent solution. First they will suffer, like she has, and still is. This is an extremely well written dark mystery , but will her revenge totally eliminate her pain, anguish and deep psychological wounds? I highly recommend!
October 10, 2020
I liked the Stella Cole character from the Gabriel Wolfe series ~ very much! I thought it'd be fun to see her development through her earlier motivations ~ how she evolved into who she is in the Gabriel Wolfe stories. I was expecting the same taut, crisp action and dialogue I've come expect from Andy Maslen and ~ on the whole ~ I wasn't really disappointed, but in the individual books, I was (see Book #2 review) ~ I gave this one a 4stars because I just didn't 'bond' with Stella the way I'd hoped. I wonder ~ if I'd read Stella before I read Gabriel Wolfe, would I have liked her more? Another point against was that while there were numerous overarching story lines the Gabriel Wolfe stories, each book *ended* ~ you could put it down. The immediate story/threat was finished. With this Stella #1, there is no 'ending' ~ I HAVE to go to the next book, like it or not, in order to 'finish' the immediate story.
(And those of you who've read other review by me know that I really dislike being forced into reading the next book. I don't like being held hostage: if you want to know what really happens, you HAVE to read the next one! One of my pet peeves . . . . . )
(And those of you who've read other review by me know that I really dislike being forced into reading the next book. I don't like being held hostage: if you want to know what really happens, you HAVE to read the next one! One of my pet peeves . . . . . )
March 19, 2020
Hit and Run is seriously dark and gruesome I felt so exhausted after reading the book... like finishing a marathon.
DI Stella Cole is one mad lady and I really really like her! I mean, at first, I didn't like her insanity (after losing her husband and baby) much. It's quite a cliche that she is an alcoholic with serious depression that leads to a tranquilizer addict. Anyway, as her investigation went on and her persona transform into something mentally disturbing......I like her. I'm mental but I have a soft spot for a bad-ass, unapologetic vigilante. I respect her determination and hard work I couldn't help cheering her revenge mission like a lunatic. So if you like detective work like British DI series....forget this one. This book is not really that of Kim Stone, Helen Grace, Lottie Parker, and other detectives. Hit and Run is about when you have to fight for your own justice and no longer care about sanity anymore.
DI Stella Cole punished the bad guys in ways you always secretly wish to, and she's not sorry.
DI Stella Cole is one mad lady and I really really like her! I mean, at first, I didn't like her insanity (after losing her husband and baby) much. It's quite a cliche that she is an alcoholic with serious depression that leads to a tranquilizer addict. Anyway, as her investigation went on and her persona transform into something mentally disturbing......I like her. I'm mental but I have a soft spot for a bad-ass, unapologetic vigilante. I respect her determination and hard work I couldn't help cheering her revenge mission like a lunatic. So if you like detective work like British DI series....forget this one. This book is not really that of Kim Stone, Helen Grace, Lottie Parker, and other detectives. Hit and Run is about when you have to fight for your own justice and no longer care about sanity anymore.
DI Stella Cole punished the bad guys in ways you always secretly wish to, and she's not sorry.
September 1, 2023
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/hit-and-run...
There were some other plot aspects that didn't convince. In the end, the person directly responsible for her husband's death - as in, actually driving the car - is one of PPM's top officials, which doesn't seem to make sense. It'd be more logical to use the person who was actually sent to jail, and they clearly have no issues with throwing low-lives at problems, or access to the same. Similarly, it'd be more logical to have had her work up the chain of command. It still makes for a satisfying and vigorous tale of justice emphatically served, though I'm not certain how there can be six more books in the series. It feels as if Cole has burned an awful lot of bridges, with a return to her job seeming highly problematic. It's certainly not a light read, yet perhaps is the better for unashamedly embracing the darkness in its topic and heroine.
There were some other plot aspects that didn't convince. In the end, the person directly responsible for her husband's death - as in, actually driving the car - is one of PPM's top officials, which doesn't seem to make sense. It'd be more logical to use the person who was actually sent to jail, and they clearly have no issues with throwing low-lives at problems, or access to the same. Similarly, it'd be more logical to have had her work up the chain of command. It still makes for a satisfying and vigorous tale of justice emphatically served, though I'm not certain how there can be six more books in the series. It feels as if Cole has burned an awful lot of bridges, with a return to her job seeming highly problematic. It's certainly not a light read, yet perhaps is the better for unashamedly embracing the darkness in its topic and heroine.
November 19, 2020
I have to say I loved this book, it was exciting and I think revenge is a dish best eaten cold. I’m so glad that the perps got their comeuppance, but I just wondered actually how easy it would be to get away with what Stel did. I really admired her, she’d lost her family and nothing can replace them, nor the suffering she endured. I am a firm believer of karma, an eye for an eye and I was with her all the way. I thought the way she meted out the justice was well thought out.
I had my heart in my mouth at some of the mischief she got up to, and I did wonder why no one really queried her absence from work, but it certainly was a gripping yarn.
You know that Stella is going to be ok because atm there are another 4 books ahead of this one, but still it is heart pounding stuff.
I’m off now to read the second one which carries on from where the first one left off, and I say good luck Stella!!
I had my heart in my mouth at some of the mischief she got up to, and I did wonder why no one really queried her absence from work, but it certainly was a gripping yarn.
You know that Stella is going to be ok because atm there are another 4 books ahead of this one, but still it is heart pounding stuff.
I’m off now to read the second one which carries on from where the first one left off, and I say good luck Stella!!
January 3, 2025
This one is not for me. I am giving 3 stars because this book is well written with interesting characters, although there are some plot conundrums as others have pointed out. I guess you could say they are due to the MC's spiralling mental health, but I rather think not. The author gripped my attention and made me feel empathetic towards Stella as we discover her tragedy. I could understand her struggle with substance abuse and was looking forward to seeing her fight back for her position as a homicide detective.
Instead, she exacted brutal vengeance. It seemed so out of character that I felt uncomfortable reading all the gory details from Stella's perspective. I nearly didn't finish but forced myself, just to see if there was anything that would make me pick up the next installment. There was not. Read the Kat Ballentyne series instead; or Detective Ford.
Instead, she exacted brutal vengeance. It seemed so out of character that I felt uncomfortable reading all the gory details from Stella's perspective. I nearly didn't finish but forced myself, just to see if there was anything that would make me pick up the next installment. There was not. Read the Kat Ballentyne series instead; or Detective Ford.
April 24, 2021
"Dark and depressing"
I expected better when I read the blurb. The opening chapter was the best part and promised a good read. The problem was that in life everything has light and shade. In this story there was none. Everything was unremittingly dark and depressing. I've read dozens of series featuring vigilante assassins. Even in the most violent there was a chink of light shining on a noble sliver of the killer's character. If there was one in this story I missed it. No matter how well written it might be, or how accurate the effects of bullets on the human body were described it didn't encourage me to follow Stella Cole on her quest for closure.
I expected better when I read the blurb. The opening chapter was the best part and promised a good read. The problem was that in life everything has light and shade. In this story there was none. Everything was unremittingly dark and depressing. I've read dozens of series featuring vigilante assassins. Even in the most violent there was a chink of light shining on a noble sliver of the killer's character. If there was one in this story I missed it. No matter how well written it might be, or how accurate the effects of bullets on the human body were described it didn't encourage me to follow Stella Cole on her quest for closure.
July 19, 2021
Even if Andy Maslen works, or has worked, for The Met, no one person could know so much about every aspect from the police gun-storage facility to protected computer data, and much more, without painstaking research.
He also "gets under the skin" of complex DCI Stella Cole and several other female characters extremely well - so much so, I was surprised to discover "Andy" was a man.
Well-written and gripping, this is not a book for the squeamish, but I loved it and recommend it to crime and horror fans... anyone who enjoys fast-paced action and a shock around every corner!
Sarah Stuart - Readers' Favorite Reviewer
He also "gets under the skin" of complex DCI Stella Cole and several other female characters extremely well - so much so, I was surprised to discover "Andy" was a man.
Well-written and gripping, this is not a book for the squeamish, but I loved it and recommend it to crime and horror fans... anyone who enjoys fast-paced action and a shock around every corner!
Sarah Stuart - Readers' Favorite Reviewer
September 20, 2025
DI Cole loses her husband and baby daughter in a hit and run collision. She starts to suspect that the perpetrator was not the guilty party.
It transpires that there is a secret group of powerful people that are exacting their own justice on criminals that are not dealt severely enough in their opinion.
Stella Cole's husband was investigating this group's existence, hence his demise.
Stella becomes deranged and is out for revenge. She starts to see her daughter and has conversations with her alter ego.
I found the violence that she contemplates and eventually carries out really gory and not sure I want to read the next two books.
It transpires that there is a secret group of powerful people that are exacting their own justice on criminals that are not dealt severely enough in their opinion.
Stella Cole's husband was investigating this group's existence, hence his demise.
Stella becomes deranged and is out for revenge. She starts to see her daughter and has conversations with her alter ego.
I found the violence that she contemplates and eventually carries out really gory and not sure I want to read the next two books.
January 3, 2020
"A Shocking Murder Mystery"
This is a British novel of a woman who has lost her husband in a violent car accident. Their baby daughter was in the car, how badly was she hurt? Police inspector Stella Cole is now a single mom. She's had a rough recovery of her loss and after a year of confusion and struggling she returns to work, though only as an office worker. But ... once a detective, always a D.I., and she's going to solve the suspected murder of Richard. A mind-blowing story I could not put down.
This is a British novel of a woman who has lost her husband in a violent car accident. Their baby daughter was in the car, how badly was she hurt? Police inspector Stella Cole is now a single mom. She's had a rough recovery of her loss and after a year of confusion and struggling she returns to work, though only as an office worker. But ... once a detective, always a D.I., and she's going to solve the suspected murder of Richard. A mind-blowing story I could not put down.
January 8, 2022
Hit and Run .....
Is not what one expects it to be. Excellent storyline, fast-paced. The descriptions of the characters are so good one is there amongst the action.
Richard Drinkwater and his baby daughter are in their car when it is hit and run off the road. He dies on impact when his car hits something which is solid metal.
The baby is killed by another method.
Stella wants justice but when the perp only gets 3 years, she starts to seeks a nasty revenge on the group she eventually fins who are responsible
Is not what one expects it to be. Excellent storyline, fast-paced. The descriptions of the characters are so good one is there amongst the action.
Richard Drinkwater and his baby daughter are in their car when it is hit and run off the road. He dies on impact when his car hits something which is solid metal.
The baby is killed by another method.
Stella wants justice but when the perp only gets 3 years, she starts to seeks a nasty revenge on the group she eventually fins who are responsible
January 23, 2018
I can't imagine going from a extrodinary day to having it rip from you and crumble into a thousand pieces of shards. Having your five month old baby girl and husband are struck and killed.
Then later after taking compassionate leave thay you find out that the death of your hisband and child was a part of a cover up. Not sure if the people close at to you are for you or against you.
Although she is somewhat split into two she is going for those who ruined her.
Then later after taking compassionate leave thay you find out that the death of your hisband and child was a part of a cover up. Not sure if the people close at to you are for you or against you.
Although she is somewhat split into two she is going for those who ruined her.
March 12, 2021
What a book
This is my first time reading this series and at first I wasn't sure it was for me as it was totally different to my usual books. I was able to get straight into the book and then well I just wanted to know the rest. I never like to spoil a book by saying too much, but I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Stella and to find out well it's well worth reading. I am hooked and now reading the next in the series.
This is my first time reading this series and at first I wasn't sure it was for me as it was totally different to my usual books. I was able to get straight into the book and then well I just wanted to know the rest. I never like to spoil a book by saying too much, but I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Stella and to find out well it's well worth reading. I am hooked and now reading the next in the series.
Read
June 18, 2021I listened to the Audible version.The story wasn't too bad, in fact, it could have been good if it was for the narrator. She was absolutely awful. So slow and dreary. In fact it's so bad I've not got half way through and I'm thinking of ditching it. I've tried speeding the narration up but it's no better. It's a decent story spoiled. This narrator is certainly not one to be chosen to read a crime novel. I'll be avoiding this reader in future.
November 14, 2024
Grief drove her to booze and pills., Stella begins to suspect a cover-up.
Then a discovery threatens her sanity. What began as a search for justice is now a thirst for revenge.
her X pulling in friends from the underworld. Chief among them, an Albanian drug lord
His first move is to have Stella sectioned.
Back from the brink of killing herself,
Ugh.
Might have been ok but I hate this focus on personal lives of detectives and always this sort of stuff.
Not for me.
September 16, 2025
Edge of your seat belter of an intro!
Always really hard not to give away the story when writing a review - especially when it's a tale of this high a calibre. So I won't. I read the whole Stella Cole series a while ago and now, in the rereading, I've realised that it's going to be a GREAT ride.
Andy Maslen's research is amazingly eye-opening, and his storytelling is totally captivating.
Always really hard not to give away the story when writing a review - especially when it's a tale of this high a calibre. So I won't. I read the whole Stella Cole series a while ago and now, in the rereading, I've realised that it's going to be a GREAT ride.
Andy Maslen's research is amazingly eye-opening, and his storytelling is totally captivating.
October 10, 2018
Great read!
Wasn't sure that Andy Maslen could produce another page turner with a different lead. How wrong was I!. This was a book that I couldnt put down waiting for the next page of revelations. The beginning was superb, the middle was great but the ending was brilliant albeit a little difficult to imagine what will come next. I really do hope that Stella finds her way.
Wasn't sure that Andy Maslen could produce another page turner with a different lead. How wrong was I!. This was a book that I couldnt put down waiting for the next page of revelations. The beginning was superb, the middle was great but the ending was brilliant albeit a little difficult to imagine what will come next. I really do hope that Stella finds her way.
February 6, 2019
A good revenge thriller.
This is the second Andy Maslen book that I have read and I found it much superior to the first which was his first Gabriel Wolfe thriller. Even though this felt a little far fetched in places it was still very entertaining and if you enjoy a good revenge thriller this definitely hits the spot.
This is the second Andy Maslen book that I have read and I found it much superior to the first which was his first Gabriel Wolfe thriller. Even though this felt a little far fetched in places it was still very entertaining and if you enjoy a good revenge thriller this definitely hits the spot.
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