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Detectives King and Lane #1
The Girls in the Water
When she woke, she found herself in darkness. She couldn’t move. She was going to die and she had no idea why...
Early one icy winter morning, Detective Alex King is called to a murder scene at a local park. The river is running high, and in the water lies the body of a woman, her wrists tied, and all her fingernails missing.
The victim, beautiful, young Lola Evans, had a troubled past, but Alex’s team can’t find a reason why anyone would want to kill her. The pressure to solve the case keeps mounting, but all their leads run dry.
Then, another body is found in the water.
A disturbing clue suggests how the girls are connected. But who would target such vulnerable girls, and does this mean another life is at risk? Just when Alex thinks she has cracked the case, she realises one of her own team is in terrible danger.
Alex is caught in a race against time to reach the next victim before it’s too late... and some of her team must face terrifying truths from their own lives if they’re to have a chance of catching the killer.
Early one icy winter morning, Detective Alex King is called to a murder scene at a local park. The river is running high, and in the water lies the body of a woman, her wrists tied, and all her fingernails missing.
The victim, beautiful, young Lola Evans, had a troubled past, but Alex’s team can’t find a reason why anyone would want to kill her. The pressure to solve the case keeps mounting, but all their leads run dry.
Then, another body is found in the water.
A disturbing clue suggests how the girls are connected. But who would target such vulnerable girls, and does this mean another life is at risk? Just when Alex thinks she has cracked the case, she realises one of her own team is in terrible danger.
Alex is caught in a race against time to reach the next victim before it’s too late... and some of her team must face terrifying truths from their own lives if they’re to have a chance of catching the killer.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2017
3764 people are currently reading
4178 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Jenkins
25 books352 followersVictoria Jenkins is a Welsh author who has made a name for herself writing the highly popular Detective King and Lane series of novels. The first novel in the series was “The Girls In The Water” that Jenkins first published in 2017, to much critical acclaim and popularity among crime fiction fans.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
August 3, 2017
3.5, bumped up to a 4. This is a really promising debut. I just occasionally felt like I was missing something, like I'd jumped in and started reading in the middle of the series. I am very interested in two female detectives working together at such a close capacity. The elder is very protective of the younger, and it's an interesting dynamic. I thought I had the case all figured out, and though I guessed some aspects, the ending actually proved me wrong.
A jogger (it's always those joggers) finds the body of a young woman, bound and laying on a riverbank after being submerged for some time in the water. Her body is ravaged. She clearly suffered immensely. It's a hard sight for Alex King to take in. The case barely gets underway before another girl gets missing. The ladies were both young and vulnerable, and they immediately fear the worst... for a reason. It's not long before they find her, but she too is beyond help.
Working to connect the women and find out who knows them both, King and team soon learn that the women have attended the same small support group in the past. This seems like a major break in the case, but they still can't figure out who'd want to hurt them both.
Alex is working the case with a young DI she's taken under her wing, Chloe Lane. Previously a very promising detective, Chloe has been distracted lately. She's been receiving strange emails about her past, and turns to Alex for help. She thinks someone is taunting her about her deceased brother, and is determined to open up old cases. Alex is rightfully more concerned about their current case, but Chloe is adamant.
I'm not quite sure I'm a huge fan of either character yet. We're told that Chloe has been a very promising young detective, focused and intelligent. We don't really see that focus though, as she's much more intent on digging up that old case than the local girls that are currently being kidnapped and murdered. She's had an undoubtedly difficult past, but sometimes it's hard to buy her sudden obsession with it along with Alex's assertions that she's typically a much better detective than she is right now. I'm hopeful I'll get to know both better and like them more in future books.
Solid start to a new series! I'm very interested to see how it continues.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
A jogger (it's always those joggers) finds the body of a young woman, bound and laying on a riverbank after being submerged for some time in the water. Her body is ravaged. She clearly suffered immensely. It's a hard sight for Alex King to take in. The case barely gets underway before another girl gets missing. The ladies were both young and vulnerable, and they immediately fear the worst... for a reason. It's not long before they find her, but she too is beyond help.
Working to connect the women and find out who knows them both, King and team soon learn that the women have attended the same small support group in the past. This seems like a major break in the case, but they still can't figure out who'd want to hurt them both.
Alex is working the case with a young DI she's taken under her wing, Chloe Lane. Previously a very promising detective, Chloe has been distracted lately. She's been receiving strange emails about her past, and turns to Alex for help. She thinks someone is taunting her about her deceased brother, and is determined to open up old cases. Alex is rightfully more concerned about their current case, but Chloe is adamant.
I'm not quite sure I'm a huge fan of either character yet. We're told that Chloe has been a very promising young detective, focused and intelligent. We don't really see that focus though, as she's much more intent on digging up that old case than the local girls that are currently being kidnapped and murdered. She's had an undoubtedly difficult past, but sometimes it's hard to buy her sudden obsession with it along with Alex's assertions that she's typically a much better detective than she is right now. I'm hopeful I'll get to know both better and like them more in future books.
Solid start to a new series! I'm very interested to see how it continues.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
December 29, 2017
Girls in the Water is the first book in the newly created Detectives King & Lane #1 by Victoria Jenkins. This first book has received excellent reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. The second book is expected on November 15th 2017. Victoria Jenkins is relatively unheard of in the wider world - outside of the bookish one that I live in, but that will not last long if she keeps writing thrillers as well as this one! I, for one, will be reading #2.
Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane are called in to lead the hunt for lola Evans' killer. Her body was discovered in the local park on a very chilly winter's morning. Then, only a few days later, another girl goes missing. As always in cases like these e.g multiple missing persons in the same area, multiple murders in the same area etc, King and Lane investigate to see if there is anything that ties the two girls together, something they both have in common. This is an excellent strategic choice thst they hope will lead them to the murderer.
So, is there any connection between the two girls that might indicate that they were taken by the same person(s)? After looking into it they find that the two girls shared a troubled past, and happened to both be members of the same support group. Finding this monster has become even more crucial as it's thought that he is targeting vulnerable young girls. But why target these particular girls? Who would sink so low?
As the detectives piece together all the evidence collected, Chloe realises that she too is in danger - as she uncovers secrets regarding her own brother's death which someone will kill to keep under wraps. Will Alex and Chloe find the killer before more lives are lost?
Although the story is not unique to this book and there are many other recent novels playing around with the same story, I still really enjoyed this. Te reason I have not given 5 stars is due to the storyline being one that's been used many times before. I know from writing myself that it's difficult to cook up a truly unique and enthralling book.
What a way to kick off a series, very promising! An entrancing ride through the pages and a dark, twisted tale which is exactly what I love. The characters I found most interesting - I liked that there was some backstory to them and I hope they can be developed further and we can get to know them and their motivations much more in the second novel. For these books where there are recurring characters throughout the series e.g. Alex King & Chloe Lane, people need to find that these characters are relatable - that we can understand and perhaps even admire them.
Bookouture -
I would also like to mention the publisher and just how special they are! I wouldn't normally write about a publisher during a book review but this is how I feel and wanted to express it. I discovered Bookouture while scouring the NetGalley recently added titles and I noticed right away after reading the synopsis for a handful of their books that every synopsis I had read, for what had been classed as mystery/thriller/crime title, sounded so damn exciting that I wanted to request and read them all. I knew from then that they were going to be a massive part of my NetGalley journey as quite frankly they just have so mzny fantastic books. I ended up limiting myself until they get to know me more and Girls in the Water by Victoria Jenkins was one of my picks.
I have read that Bookouture only choose a small selection of great books for a reason - so they can focus all their attention on helping those select few succeed. This doesn't just help the writer but also helps a reader like me as I know that their mystery/thrillers are something I can rely on to be right up street! So, as you can see, I have quite the thing for Bookouture! I can see that this will be a publisher I will be reading (hopefully) and reviewing a lot through NetGalley. Seriously, if you are a fan of mystery/thriller novels you NEED Bookouture in your life!
I am hoping that The First to Die (Detectives King & Lane #2) will live up to my expectations when it arrives in the not so distant future.
I would like to thank Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane are called in to lead the hunt for lola Evans' killer. Her body was discovered in the local park on a very chilly winter's morning. Then, only a few days later, another girl goes missing. As always in cases like these e.g multiple missing persons in the same area, multiple murders in the same area etc, King and Lane investigate to see if there is anything that ties the two girls together, something they both have in common. This is an excellent strategic choice thst they hope will lead them to the murderer.
So, is there any connection between the two girls that might indicate that they were taken by the same person(s)? After looking into it they find that the two girls shared a troubled past, and happened to both be members of the same support group. Finding this monster has become even more crucial as it's thought that he is targeting vulnerable young girls. But why target these particular girls? Who would sink so low?
As the detectives piece together all the evidence collected, Chloe realises that she too is in danger - as she uncovers secrets regarding her own brother's death which someone will kill to keep under wraps. Will Alex and Chloe find the killer before more lives are lost?
Although the story is not unique to this book and there are many other recent novels playing around with the same story, I still really enjoyed this. Te reason I have not given 5 stars is due to the storyline being one that's been used many times before. I know from writing myself that it's difficult to cook up a truly unique and enthralling book.
What a way to kick off a series, very promising! An entrancing ride through the pages and a dark, twisted tale which is exactly what I love. The characters I found most interesting - I liked that there was some backstory to them and I hope they can be developed further and we can get to know them and their motivations much more in the second novel. For these books where there are recurring characters throughout the series e.g. Alex King & Chloe Lane, people need to find that these characters are relatable - that we can understand and perhaps even admire them.
Bookouture -
I would also like to mention the publisher and just how special they are! I wouldn't normally write about a publisher during a book review but this is how I feel and wanted to express it. I discovered Bookouture while scouring the NetGalley recently added titles and I noticed right away after reading the synopsis for a handful of their books that every synopsis I had read, for what had been classed as mystery/thriller/crime title, sounded so damn exciting that I wanted to request and read them all. I knew from then that they were going to be a massive part of my NetGalley journey as quite frankly they just have so mzny fantastic books. I ended up limiting myself until they get to know me more and Girls in the Water by Victoria Jenkins was one of my picks.
I have read that Bookouture only choose a small selection of great books for a reason - so they can focus all their attention on helping those select few succeed. This doesn't just help the writer but also helps a reader like me as I know that their mystery/thrillers are something I can rely on to be right up street! So, as you can see, I have quite the thing for Bookouture! I can see that this will be a publisher I will be reading (hopefully) and reviewing a lot through NetGalley. Seriously, if you are a fan of mystery/thriller novels you NEED Bookouture in your life!
I am hoping that The First to Die (Detectives King & Lane #2) will live up to my expectations when it arrives in the not so distant future.
I would like to thank Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
August 30, 2022
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There’s just something about smart, in-charge females solving violent crimes against other females, perpetrated by men with psycho fucking issues, that really gets me in my feels.
This is a really promising start for a new author and new series.
In Wales, a jogger finds the body of a woman floating in the river. DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane are called to the scene. It seems almost as soon as the first body is found a second body turns up. Ugh, serial killers, dude.
The thing about these two lead characters is that they are in fact two characters. Unique and given equal time to develop. Their histories, their emotions, their life circumstances – it is not surface or cliché or redundant. They feel like two purposeful women who practice support of each other. I loved that this book clearly demonstrates sisterhood, even in difficult circumstances, even in the same job, even when they don’t understand each other’s motives or reactions.
Also, let’s talk about joggers for just a second. They are always finding bodies, aren’t they? Honestly, the luck! Almost makes me want to start jogging. Almost. But I’m way better at not jogging. You go where your strengths are, you know?
Jenkins threw out individual plot threads, which seemed unconnected but added more obstacles and a chance for the characters to add depth. Then everything was brought together, using the climax as a tool to explain how each puzzle piece fit together. That eliminated the need for the whole "bad guy reveals his entire plan to the hero with a long diatribe" thing, which I truly appreciated.
One of the better procedurals I've read. Especially for a series starter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
book source: Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s just something about smart, in-charge females solving violent crimes against other females, perpetrated by men with psycho fucking issues, that really gets me in my feels.
This is a really promising start for a new author and new series.
In Wales, a jogger finds the body of a woman floating in the river. DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane are called to the scene. It seems almost as soon as the first body is found a second body turns up. Ugh, serial killers, dude.
The thing about these two lead characters is that they are in fact two characters. Unique and given equal time to develop. Their histories, their emotions, their life circumstances – it is not surface or cliché or redundant. They feel like two purposeful women who practice support of each other. I loved that this book clearly demonstrates sisterhood, even in difficult circumstances, even in the same job, even when they don’t understand each other’s motives or reactions.
Also, let’s talk about joggers for just a second. They are always finding bodies, aren’t they? Honestly, the luck! Almost makes me want to start jogging. Almost. But I’m way better at not jogging. You go where your strengths are, you know?
Jenkins threw out individual plot threads, which seemed unconnected but added more obstacles and a chance for the characters to add depth. Then everything was brought together, using the climax as a tool to explain how each puzzle piece fit together. That eliminated the need for the whole "bad guy reveals his entire plan to the hero with a long diatribe" thing, which I truly appreciated.
One of the better procedurals I've read. Especially for a series starter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
book source: Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2020
I found this to be an OK read. It had my interest enough and kept my attention.
A girls body found in the water, obviously been murdered and of course a need to find who dunnit. Then a secound body is found in the same way.
Serial killer on the loose.
There’s much more to it than this. Maybe I’m a bit over this kind of read as it’s blurring into one another? But I’m still going to press on to book 2.
I want to experience the development of characters.
A girls body found in the water, obviously been murdered and of course a need to find who dunnit. Then a secound body is found in the same way.
Serial killer on the loose.
There’s much more to it than this. Maybe I’m a bit over this kind of read as it’s blurring into one another? But I’m still going to press on to book 2.
I want to experience the development of characters.
August 4, 2017
Woo! What a fantastic way to kick off a new series!
The prologue alone already made me move to the edge of my seat and after finishing those two pages, I was hooked and utterly convinced this would be one tense ride. My expectations skyrocketed at that point and I was not left disappointed as the promise of something dark and twisted was completely fulfilled.
When the body of a young woman is found in a local park, DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane are put on the case. But Chloe quickly becomes distracted and obsessed as someone is taunting her about the death of her brother, Luke. Did he commit suicide or was he murdered?
Joys of joys, what a wonderful team of women we have here. Girl power and all that! Both are flawed and have baggage which makes them all the more realistic and believable. Chloe struggles with her past in more ways than one and Alex, while divorced from her husband, is still sleeping with him. As you do.
The Girls in the Water is an incredibly compelling and gripping read. There are characters I loved and characters I’d happily strangle myself. The book had me glued to the pages as the investigation into the murder victim unfolded and various layers of the skilfully crafted plot came together. I stayed up way too late in a desperate attempt to finish as the team races against the clock to save another potential victim.
This is an incredible debut by Victoria Jenkins and a thrilling and exciting start to a new series. It has so much to offer, from a chilling killer to a haunting backstory and with an intelligent plot and interesting characters. I can’t wait to see more of Alex and Chloe!
The prologue alone already made me move to the edge of my seat and after finishing those two pages, I was hooked and utterly convinced this would be one tense ride. My expectations skyrocketed at that point and I was not left disappointed as the promise of something dark and twisted was completely fulfilled.
When the body of a young woman is found in a local park, DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane are put on the case. But Chloe quickly becomes distracted and obsessed as someone is taunting her about the death of her brother, Luke. Did he commit suicide or was he murdered?
Joys of joys, what a wonderful team of women we have here. Girl power and all that! Both are flawed and have baggage which makes them all the more realistic and believable. Chloe struggles with her past in more ways than one and Alex, while divorced from her husband, is still sleeping with him. As you do.
The Girls in the Water is an incredibly compelling and gripping read. There are characters I loved and characters I’d happily strangle myself. The book had me glued to the pages as the investigation into the murder victim unfolded and various layers of the skilfully crafted plot came together. I stayed up way too late in a desperate attempt to finish as the team races against the clock to save another potential victim.
This is an incredible debut by Victoria Jenkins and a thrilling and exciting start to a new series. It has so much to offer, from a chilling killer to a haunting backstory and with an intelligent plot and interesting characters. I can’t wait to see more of Alex and Chloe!
August 5, 2017
What initially drew me into this book is that cover. It screamed at me to be read! And, of course, as its a thriller I had to request it. (I've been in a thriller mood for weeks now!!) This proved to be a good start to a new series. King is a veteran detective with her partner, Lane, who is a newbie. I thought it was a good balance of the two detectives. Lane, however, has a backstory that goes along with their new case. A woman was found in the water and days later another is found. So begins a rush to find the killer but soon the two stories will merge into one.
I will definitely look out for more books in this new series. I liked the writing, the mystery, the characters, and the pacing. Great start!
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely look out for more books in this new series. I liked the writing, the mystery, the characters, and the pacing. Great start!
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
The Girls in the Water is the debut novel from Victoria Jenkins and if this is her first I can't wait to follow this author's journey. I love the main characters - the team that is Alex and Chloe and felt they complemented each other perfectly throughout the novel. It was refreshing to read about two strong female characters in the lead roles and despite their differences the bond between them. Also refreshing was the setting in and around Cardiff. As a lover of Wales this was another aspect of the novel I really enjoyed. The story is full of twists and turns (no spoilers here) leading to an ending that was both thrilling and filled with tension. Oh, and I never guessed who dun it, either! I will definitely be reading the next in what I feel is an exciting and dynamic new crime series.
September 22, 2019
THE GIRLS IN THE WATER is the first mystery/crime thriller book in the Detective King and Lane Series by Victoria Jenkins. The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
The Detective King and Lane series of novels include:
The Girls in The Water (Book1)
The First One To Die (Book2)
Nobody’s Child (Book3)
A Promise to the Dead (Book4)
This is the review of The Girls in the Water (Book1).
Detective Alex King is called to a murder scene at a local park to investigate the death of a young woman. Her wrists are tied, and all her fingernails are missing. The victim is Lola Evans, but Alex’s team can’t find a reason why anyone would want to kill her. The pressure to solve the case keeps mounting, but all their leads run dry.
Then, another body is found in the water.
Are the two deaths connected? Why would someone kill these young beautiful women? Does this mean another life is at risk?
The pressure to solve the case increases, but just when Alex thinks she has solved the case, she realizes one of her own team is in terrible danger.
A race against time to catch the killer before there is another victim.
This is a great start to a promising police series with well-developed strong female characters with lots of action to keep the reader entertained. Looking forward to book 2.
The Detective King and Lane series of novels include:
The Girls in The Water (Book1)
The First One To Die (Book2)
Nobody’s Child (Book3)
A Promise to the Dead (Book4)
This is the review of The Girls in the Water (Book1).
Detective Alex King is called to a murder scene at a local park to investigate the death of a young woman. Her wrists are tied, and all her fingernails are missing. The victim is Lola Evans, but Alex’s team can’t find a reason why anyone would want to kill her. The pressure to solve the case keeps mounting, but all their leads run dry.
Then, another body is found in the water.
Are the two deaths connected? Why would someone kill these young beautiful women? Does this mean another life is at risk?
The pressure to solve the case increases, but just when Alex thinks she has solved the case, she realizes one of her own team is in terrible danger.
A race against time to catch the killer before there is another victim.
This is a great start to a promising police series with well-developed strong female characters with lots of action to keep the reader entertained. Looking forward to book 2.
August 28, 2018
Detective Alex King is called to investigate the death of a young woman found in a pond at a local park. It's obviously murder .. her wrists are bound and her fingernails are all missing.
King's investigation finds no apparent motive for this crime as the victim seemed to be well liked by friends and loved by family. Without any leads, the case comes to a standstill.
Then, another body is found in the water.
What's the connection between these young women? When the detective jumps in with both feet, she finds that danger is much closer than she imagined. She must catch this killer before another life is taken.
This is an exciting beginning of a police procedural series. The characters are solid and well drawn. Full of twists and turns, this crime story is action-packed with excitement on every page. The ending comes as a total eye-opener shocker. I look forward to reading the entire series.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
King's investigation finds no apparent motive for this crime as the victim seemed to be well liked by friends and loved by family. Without any leads, the case comes to a standstill.
Then, another body is found in the water.
What's the connection between these young women? When the detective jumps in with both feet, she finds that danger is much closer than she imagined. She must catch this killer before another life is taken.
This is an exciting beginning of a police procedural series. The characters are solid and well drawn. Full of twists and turns, this crime story is action-packed with excitement on every page. The ending comes as a total eye-opener shocker. I look forward to reading the entire series.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 24, 2017
I was immediately drawn to this book thanks to that stunning cover. And then I read the blurb and knew it would be a match made in heaven (that’s me and the book, by the way!). There’s nothing I like more than a gripping police procedural/serial killer thriller but when the two lead female protagonists are feisty, head-strong, kick-ass detectives then I know I’m in for a corker of a read.
As soon as you start reading you are hurled, by the well-constructed prologue, into a harrowing scene of mental child abuse. Your heart goes out to the unknown boy who is being berated by his mother for something that, whilst distressing, is blown all out of proportion in order to serve the mother’s own needs. The boy’s attempts to distance himself from the hurt were a tough read and I felt incredibly sad for this unnamed character. I admired this debut author’s ability to create such a heart-wrenching and intriguing opening to her novel.
Before long you meet DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. I wanted to fall head over heels in love with both characters but I’m afraid it didn’t happen immediately. It was much more of a slow build over the course of the novel. I initially warmed more to DC Lane as she felt more spontaneous, more outgoing and a lot more fun to be around than her superior. However, as the story progressed I felt I had a lot more in common with DI King (plus she’s more my age, obv.!). She felt like a safe and trusted pair of hands and she shone that little bit brighter for me.
DC Lane becomes quite distracted with an older case at an early stage in the story which creates an interesting discord between Chloe and her senior officers. It’s clear to see there has been a lot of careful planning in creating the character’s back stories as these all add real value and link seamlessly as you approach the conclusion. For a debut, this book is incredibly well plotted and the characters felt very credible.
Would I recommend this book? I would and I plan on pre-ordering the next book in the series as soon as it is available. There is one twist in this book that I really didn’t see coming and it knocked me sideways. As an avid crime reader I will always appreciate the books that can do that! A brilliant debut and I look forward to reading more from Victoria Jenkins in the near future.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The Girls in the Water. The above review is my own unbiased opinion. My thanks to Kim, Noelle and the Bookouture team for asking me to join the blog tour.
As soon as you start reading you are hurled, by the well-constructed prologue, into a harrowing scene of mental child abuse. Your heart goes out to the unknown boy who is being berated by his mother for something that, whilst distressing, is blown all out of proportion in order to serve the mother’s own needs. The boy’s attempts to distance himself from the hurt were a tough read and I felt incredibly sad for this unnamed character. I admired this debut author’s ability to create such a heart-wrenching and intriguing opening to her novel.
Before long you meet DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. I wanted to fall head over heels in love with both characters but I’m afraid it didn’t happen immediately. It was much more of a slow build over the course of the novel. I initially warmed more to DC Lane as she felt more spontaneous, more outgoing and a lot more fun to be around than her superior. However, as the story progressed I felt I had a lot more in common with DI King (plus she’s more my age, obv.!). She felt like a safe and trusted pair of hands and she shone that little bit brighter for me.
DC Lane becomes quite distracted with an older case at an early stage in the story which creates an interesting discord between Chloe and her senior officers. It’s clear to see there has been a lot of careful planning in creating the character’s back stories as these all add real value and link seamlessly as you approach the conclusion. For a debut, this book is incredibly well plotted and the characters felt very credible.
Would I recommend this book? I would and I plan on pre-ordering the next book in the series as soon as it is available. There is one twist in this book that I really didn’t see coming and it knocked me sideways. As an avid crime reader I will always appreciate the books that can do that! A brilliant debut and I look forward to reading more from Victoria Jenkins in the near future.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The Girls in the Water. The above review is my own unbiased opinion. My thanks to Kim, Noelle and the Bookouture team for asking me to join the blog tour.
August 21, 2017
Good beginning to this suspense series!
Detective Alex King is in charge of a new case involving the torture and killing of a young troubled woman. Alex's team has to find the killer before he/she does it again. Chloe Lane is a young police officer who's part of her team. Alex trusts Chloe but she can't help feeling like Chloe is hiding things from her.
Chloe likes and respects Alex. She looks up to her. Yet, Chloe has difficulty revealing the truth about her past and the death of her own brother. Chloe was never satisfied with the ruling of his death as a suicide. She knows her brother didn't kill himself. Someone was behind it and it's time she uncovers the truth with or without Alex's help. Breaking the rules might be worth it especially now that someone is sending her cryptic messages.
When another girl goes missing, the stakes become much higher.
The Girls in the Water was quite enjoyable. I liked how the author was able to tie together the strings of the storyline. Both Alex and Chloe were having problems in their personal life, making it harder to concentrate on what was happening to the missing girls. I thought this made it more realistic.
I'd like to know what is going to happen to both women and their future adventures. Count me in for the next book in this series.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 21, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Girls in the Water, the first novel to feature DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane of the Pontypridd police.
The detectives are called out to a body. A young woman's body has been found murdered in the river in Bute Park. The first order of business is to identify her and then try to identify the perpetrator. Then another body is found in similar circumstances. Alex is dedicated to working the case but just when she needs her Chloe is distracted by events in her personal life.
I was really looking forward to this novel as the synopsis is everything I like - tough, dedicated investigator, police procedural and clever perpetrator - but I was a bit disappointed in the execution. The first half of the novel really didn't hold my attention. It has multiple points of view and some needless distractions where Alex and her team stumble about like amateurs. I also found Chloe's sudden preoccupation with events 8 years in the past which she has looked at periodically over this time highly improbable in such a smart, dedicated and efficient officer. Having said this the novel picks up in the second half and ends with a good, greatly satisfying twist. I would also say that Chloe's story is eventually much more interesting than the hunt for the killer.
I didn't find the characters particularly likeable either. Chloe and her backstory is by far the more interesting but as she spends most of the novel acting like a child rather than the professional Alex insists she is it is difficult to warm to her. I'm not sure what to make of Alex. She is obviously loyal and a competent, dedicated officer but the way she runs her life is at odds with this and she just doesn't feel convincing. Again, however, by the end of the novel there are signs that they are becoming more likeable. I would be interested to read the next novel to see what they become.
The Girls in the Water is an interesting debut which takes some time to find its feet but bear with it and it develops into a good read.
The detectives are called out to a body. A young woman's body has been found murdered in the river in Bute Park. The first order of business is to identify her and then try to identify the perpetrator. Then another body is found in similar circumstances. Alex is dedicated to working the case but just when she needs her Chloe is distracted by events in her personal life.
I was really looking forward to this novel as the synopsis is everything I like - tough, dedicated investigator, police procedural and clever perpetrator - but I was a bit disappointed in the execution. The first half of the novel really didn't hold my attention. It has multiple points of view and some needless distractions where Alex and her team stumble about like amateurs. I also found Chloe's sudden preoccupation with events 8 years in the past which she has looked at periodically over this time highly improbable in such a smart, dedicated and efficient officer. Having said this the novel picks up in the second half and ends with a good, greatly satisfying twist. I would also say that Chloe's story is eventually much more interesting than the hunt for the killer.
I didn't find the characters particularly likeable either. Chloe and her backstory is by far the more interesting but as she spends most of the novel acting like a child rather than the professional Alex insists she is it is difficult to warm to her. I'm not sure what to make of Alex. She is obviously loyal and a competent, dedicated officer but the way she runs her life is at odds with this and she just doesn't feel convincing. Again, however, by the end of the novel there are signs that they are becoming more likeable. I would be interested to read the next novel to see what they become.
The Girls in the Water is an interesting debut which takes some time to find its feet but bear with it and it develops into a good read.
August 6, 2017
All of my reviews can be found at: https://jacob-reviews-books.blogspot....
The Girls in the Water is the first book in an exciting new crime series by Victoria Jenkins featuring DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. The novel is fast paced and will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. It won't take you long to finish this one.
When the body of a young woman is pulled out of the water at a local park, DI Alex King fears that they may be facing a new serial killer. Her worst fears are confirmed when another body is found, the second woman has been killed in similar circumstances and the team now know that they have a new, twisted killer at large who they must stop before the killer kills again.
The Girls in the Water is a promising start to this new series. I loved Victoria's characters, Alex and Chloe. Chloe comes from a tragic past and she is trying, with the help of Alex to find out the truth of what happened to her brother several years earlier who died after his girlfriend was suspected of committing suicide. Chloe's backstory for me was the main pull of the story, I wanted to find out more about her and I really felt that I got to know her character well as I was reading the book, perhaps a little more than Alex, but with the promise of more books to come I'm sure we'll get to know a lot more about her.
There were plenty of surprising twists and turns throughout the book, a couple of the twists I did manage to guess but that didn't spoil the story for me. The ending was really tense and Victoria's writing made sure I continued reading until I had turned the final page.
I'm interested to see where Victoria takes us next with Alex and Chloe; this was a really good debut with great characters that will keep you hooked. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Bookouture and Netgally for providing me with a copy of the book to read and to Kim for asking me to take part in the blog tour.
The Girls in the Water is the first book in an exciting new crime series by Victoria Jenkins featuring DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. The novel is fast paced and will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. It won't take you long to finish this one.
When the body of a young woman is pulled out of the water at a local park, DI Alex King fears that they may be facing a new serial killer. Her worst fears are confirmed when another body is found, the second woman has been killed in similar circumstances and the team now know that they have a new, twisted killer at large who they must stop before the killer kills again.
The Girls in the Water is a promising start to this new series. I loved Victoria's characters, Alex and Chloe. Chloe comes from a tragic past and she is trying, with the help of Alex to find out the truth of what happened to her brother several years earlier who died after his girlfriend was suspected of committing suicide. Chloe's backstory for me was the main pull of the story, I wanted to find out more about her and I really felt that I got to know her character well as I was reading the book, perhaps a little more than Alex, but with the promise of more books to come I'm sure we'll get to know a lot more about her.
There were plenty of surprising twists and turns throughout the book, a couple of the twists I did manage to guess but that didn't spoil the story for me. The ending was really tense and Victoria's writing made sure I continued reading until I had turned the final page.
I'm interested to see where Victoria takes us next with Alex and Chloe; this was a really good debut with great characters that will keep you hooked. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Bookouture and Netgally for providing me with a copy of the book to read and to Kim for asking me to take part in the blog tour.
August 4, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I’m always super excited when I’m able to jump in on the ground floor of a new series, it’s intimidating when you really want to read a book and you realize it’s the eighth book already, right?! The Girls in the Water is an excellent beginning to an exciting new series, if you want to catch it from the beginning it’s out now!
Alex and Chloe are the two lead characters, they are partners and Alex is Chloe’s boss. Alex is in her forties and Chloe is in her twenties but despite their age difference, they make quite the team. The case they’re working on is really intense, young women are being murdered and left in bodies of water. When a tie to Chloe’s past is uncovered the tension mounts as they realize she may be in danger as well.
The character development was strong here, both Alex and Chloe have interesting pasts. Alex has a complex relationship with her ex husband, Rob and Chloe’s brother died when she was younger. The dynamics of the team were also engaging, I quite liked all of them besides Alex and Chloe including Dan and their superintendent Harry.
The pacing is steady to start, I think this is partly because Jenkins is introducing the reader to a new cast of characters. Things do amp up as the book progresses and the climax was intense and got my pulse pounding. There were also quite a few surprising turns that caught me off guard, being shocked is always good! I’m looking forward to the next book already and think fans of Patricia Gibney would enjoy this one.
I’m always super excited when I’m able to jump in on the ground floor of a new series, it’s intimidating when you really want to read a book and you realize it’s the eighth book already, right?! The Girls in the Water is an excellent beginning to an exciting new series, if you want to catch it from the beginning it’s out now!
Alex and Chloe are the two lead characters, they are partners and Alex is Chloe’s boss. Alex is in her forties and Chloe is in her twenties but despite their age difference, they make quite the team. The case they’re working on is really intense, young women are being murdered and left in bodies of water. When a tie to Chloe’s past is uncovered the tension mounts as they realize she may be in danger as well.
The character development was strong here, both Alex and Chloe have interesting pasts. Alex has a complex relationship with her ex husband, Rob and Chloe’s brother died when she was younger. The dynamics of the team were also engaging, I quite liked all of them besides Alex and Chloe including Dan and their superintendent Harry.
The pacing is steady to start, I think this is partly because Jenkins is introducing the reader to a new cast of characters. Things do amp up as the book progresses and the climax was intense and got my pulse pounding. There were also quite a few surprising turns that caught me off guard, being shocked is always good! I’m looking forward to the next book already and think fans of Patricia Gibney would enjoy this one.
September 26, 2017
The very first thing that I liked about this book is the fact the two main detectives are women. Something that I haven't seen before. The second thing that I liked was the ride that this story took me on. Lots of plot twists with several stories going on at once. The third thing was the cover. I was immediately attracted to this book.
Chloe, new to the department, is working on who is killing these women and, she has a mission of her own. She knows her brother did not commit suicide and is bound and determined to prove it. While being suspended from her job and almost fired, she is searching for that truth. Has she missed something, something very dangerous along the way?
I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed this book. As a matter of fact, when I finished this one and found the next book in the series available for review, I did not hesitate to request it. Yay, my request was approved and I will get to continue the journeys of Chloe and Alex.
Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Chloe, new to the department, is working on who is killing these women and, she has a mission of her own. She knows her brother did not commit suicide and is bound and determined to prove it. While being suspended from her job and almost fired, she is searching for that truth. Has she missed something, something very dangerous along the way?
I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed this book. As a matter of fact, when I finished this one and found the next book in the series available for review, I did not hesitate to request it. Yay, my request was approved and I will get to continue the journeys of Chloe and Alex.
Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 15, 2017
There is nothing I like better than a new detective series and Victoria Jenkins has clearly begun a good one here!
Alex King and Chloe Lane are police officers who work closely together but Chloe hides many secrets. Will this impact on her ability to her job properly? What is the story with her anyway? Alex has a couple of secrets of her own but she is older, wiser and more experienced. There is something about Chloe that brings out her maternal instincts and it is just as well, because Chloe needs all the help she can get.
On top of getting to know each other better as colleagues, they also have a series of murders to solve. What is the connection between the women and why is water significant to the killer?
This was an excellent book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Alex King and Chloe Lane are police officers who work closely together but Chloe hides many secrets. Will this impact on her ability to her job properly? What is the story with her anyway? Alex has a couple of secrets of her own but she is older, wiser and more experienced. There is something about Chloe that brings out her maternal instincts and it is just as well, because Chloe needs all the help she can get.
On top of getting to know each other better as colleagues, they also have a series of murders to solve. What is the connection between the women and why is water significant to the killer?
This was an excellent book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.
January 23, 2018
I love a new crime series and I finished The Girls in the Water knowing I had found one that I am really going to enjoy. Alex and Chloe are both fantastic characters and I haven’t enjoyed reading about two new characters as much since I first read Angela Marsons and met Kim Stone.
The storyline here in The Girls in the Water was fantastic. It took me a while to get into the book itself, but that was more because I was having trouble concentrating on reading than anything to do with the story. The basic premise is that we have two girls murdered who were attending the same support group. Whilst this link has been found, there’s only one or two suspects in the frame and Alex and Chloe struggle to make them fit into the puzzle of why one of them had reason to kill both girls. It’s a brilliantly plotted story and I had no idea where it would ultimately lead to which is why I enjoyed it so much.
Alex is a wonderful character and I especially loved the motherly relationship that formed between her and Chloe as the story progressed. Whilst I’m not sure how close a boss would be to one of her team, I felt the relationship and friendship between them was very believable and I can’t wait to see it explored further in future novels. Alex seems to have her head screwed on, despite the fact she’s still sleeping with her ex, she hasn’t really got any major or predictable skeletons in her closet and that makes her a refreshing character to read about.
It’s Chloe however who will leave a lasting impression on me after finishing this story. Her struggle throughout is in her quest to find out what really happened to her brother who was believed to have killed his girlfriend. Chloe has always said and believed that her brother is innocent and her determination to prove that is palpable, I really invested in her character and could believe the pain and need that she felt in wanting to prove everybody wrong. She’s young and at times naive but at others incredibly headstrong and she’s got what it takes to be a great detective with the mentorship of Alex.
The pacing of the story is great and as we start to reach a conclusion that pace is really cranked up and I couldn’t read quick enough. The past few crime stories I have read, whilst being enjoyable, have been somewhat predictable and that wasn’t the case here. I was constantly surprised as I read and even when I thought I had one thing worked out, it turned out that I was only half right. There’s real emotion here to be felt by people who buy into Chloe’s story and who feel sympathy for her as they read, as I did. The closing scenes in particular brought me closer to these two characters, made me almost resent the fact that I had neared the end of the story because I didn’t want it to end, but left me excited at the fact that I have the second book ready and waiting to read. Victoria Jenkins has written a fantastic crime novel here and this is a series I will be hopefully recommending to everybody if the second book is even half as good.
The storyline here in The Girls in the Water was fantastic. It took me a while to get into the book itself, but that was more because I was having trouble concentrating on reading than anything to do with the story. The basic premise is that we have two girls murdered who were attending the same support group. Whilst this link has been found, there’s only one or two suspects in the frame and Alex and Chloe struggle to make them fit into the puzzle of why one of them had reason to kill both girls. It’s a brilliantly plotted story and I had no idea where it would ultimately lead to which is why I enjoyed it so much.
Alex is a wonderful character and I especially loved the motherly relationship that formed between her and Chloe as the story progressed. Whilst I’m not sure how close a boss would be to one of her team, I felt the relationship and friendship between them was very believable and I can’t wait to see it explored further in future novels. Alex seems to have her head screwed on, despite the fact she’s still sleeping with her ex, she hasn’t really got any major or predictable skeletons in her closet and that makes her a refreshing character to read about.
It’s Chloe however who will leave a lasting impression on me after finishing this story. Her struggle throughout is in her quest to find out what really happened to her brother who was believed to have killed his girlfriend. Chloe has always said and believed that her brother is innocent and her determination to prove that is palpable, I really invested in her character and could believe the pain and need that she felt in wanting to prove everybody wrong. She’s young and at times naive but at others incredibly headstrong and she’s got what it takes to be a great detective with the mentorship of Alex.
The pacing of the story is great and as we start to reach a conclusion that pace is really cranked up and I couldn’t read quick enough. The past few crime stories I have read, whilst being enjoyable, have been somewhat predictable and that wasn’t the case here. I was constantly surprised as I read and even when I thought I had one thing worked out, it turned out that I was only half right. There’s real emotion here to be felt by people who buy into Chloe’s story and who feel sympathy for her as they read, as I did. The closing scenes in particular brought me closer to these two characters, made me almost resent the fact that I had neared the end of the story because I didn’t want it to end, but left me excited at the fact that I have the second book ready and waiting to read. Victoria Jenkins has written a fantastic crime novel here and this is a series I will be hopefully recommending to everybody if the second book is even half as good.
June 13, 2017
Thank you Netgalley
This was an okay read for me... recommended for fans of Robert Bryndza & Patricia Gibney (which I am). But it was SLOW SLOW Slow. There was way too much blatheration of the main character's introspective ruminations. A little bit is fine, helps to develop the characters, but after 17 or more repetitions it becomes annoying and patronizing (you were concerned that I wasn't paying attention the first dozen times it was presented?). After a while it was more like stumbling through the day of two obsessive women who were having real problems overcoming and stuck in their own pasts.
It really slowed the story down for me and left me dissatisfied with the lack of character development.
Also the end was too sappy for me (I heard Paul Simon singing about "Mother & child reunions").
This was an okay read for me... recommended for fans of Robert Bryndza & Patricia Gibney (which I am). But it was SLOW SLOW Slow. There was way too much blatheration of the main character's introspective ruminations. A little bit is fine, helps to develop the characters, but after 17 or more repetitions it becomes annoying and patronizing (you were concerned that I wasn't paying attention the first dozen times it was presented?). After a while it was more like stumbling through the day of two obsessive women who were having real problems overcoming and stuck in their own pasts.
It really slowed the story down for me and left me dissatisfied with the lack of character development.
Also the end was too sappy for me (I heard Paul Simon singing about "Mother & child reunions").
August 12, 2017
Two detectives, DI Alex King and her partner and new recruit DC Chloe Lane investigate the brutal murder of a young woman found days after her death washed up on a riverbank. The evidence points to sadistic torture. When another woman goes missing the detectives discover that she and the original victim share one thing in common. Both attended the same support group. It is up to Alex and Chloe to hunt down this killer before more women become victims.
Okay, I promised myself I would stop reading books with the word “Girl” in the title. The thriller genre is filled with authors cashing in on the popularity of The Girl on the Train. The book addict in me saw this first book in a series published by Bookouture, my favourite publisher in this genre and I had to have a look.
Like all new series, time spent on worldbuilding and character development is expected. Alex King has been a DI for several years and is a capable investigator although she does spend a lot of time second guessing herself. Unlike many lead detectives, Alex is a team player and not a rogue officer out to solve her crimes on gallons of coffee and little sleep. She also has an unusual relationship with her ex-husband. DC Chloe Lane is an enigma. DI King believes her to be a brilliant young detective yet for the majority of the novel Chloe is distracted and detached, adding little to the ongoing investigation. She is all consumed with her own personal agenda, one which she reveals with reluctance to her boss. Getting to know the inner turmoil in our two lead detectives slows the progress of the murder investigation to a crawl. Few clues are dished out and interviews with suspects are some of the weakest scenes in the novel.
Patience by the reader is rewarded once the groundwork has been established. The reasons behind Chloe’s actions become clear and the murder investigation ends with a satisfying adrenalin rush. This case may not be as complex as other books in this genre but clues to solving the crime are there for the detectives (and readers) to uncover once they pull their collective heads out of the sand.
3 Stars for this debut novel and an author who shows a lot of potential. Looking forward to more books starring detectives King and Lane.
ARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
Okay, I promised myself I would stop reading books with the word “Girl” in the title. The thriller genre is filled with authors cashing in on the popularity of The Girl on the Train. The book addict in me saw this first book in a series published by Bookouture, my favourite publisher in this genre and I had to have a look.
Like all new series, time spent on worldbuilding and character development is expected. Alex King has been a DI for several years and is a capable investigator although she does spend a lot of time second guessing herself. Unlike many lead detectives, Alex is a team player and not a rogue officer out to solve her crimes on gallons of coffee and little sleep. She also has an unusual relationship with her ex-husband. DC Chloe Lane is an enigma. DI King believes her to be a brilliant young detective yet for the majority of the novel Chloe is distracted and detached, adding little to the ongoing investigation. She is all consumed with her own personal agenda, one which she reveals with reluctance to her boss. Getting to know the inner turmoil in our two lead detectives slows the progress of the murder investigation to a crawl. Few clues are dished out and interviews with suspects are some of the weakest scenes in the novel.
Patience by the reader is rewarded once the groundwork has been established. The reasons behind Chloe’s actions become clear and the murder investigation ends with a satisfying adrenalin rush. This case may not be as complex as other books in this genre but clues to solving the crime are there for the detectives (and readers) to uncover once they pull their collective heads out of the sand.
3 Stars for this debut novel and an author who shows a lot of potential. Looking forward to more books starring detectives King and Lane.
ARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
August 22, 2017
Audible is not really my thing, as I have a certain pace I read books at and therefore, I often struggle to listen to a book rather than read it for myself. That being said, I really enjoyed listening to Victoria Jenkins’ THE GIRLS IN THE WATER as it set the tone nicely for what I had to look forward to….and OMFG what a grisly and twisted read did I have!
Set in Wales, the reader is confronted with fear, beliefs, haunting pasts that taunt the present, obsessive behaviour and the search for the truth.
This was one interesting, intricate and utterly compelling plot with a prologue that had me hooked from the start! The descriptions were fantastically written and I found myself cringing in all the right places and for all the right reasons! The storyline kept me guessing and I loved the fact that it started out at a steady pace and then picked up to whiz me through to the bitter end.
This book was full of interesting and diverse characters but as this is a mini review, I’ll stick to the two main characters: DI Alex King & DC Chloe Lane. We get to learn a lot about the characters in this book as this debut novel sets the reader up nicely with some excellent background information. The author lays it all out nicely in a meaningful and relevant way.
King & Lane are likeable but also can be annoying. When characters get under your skin, this can turn out to be awesome or disastrous – fortunately for Victoria Jenkins, this pair rubbed me up the wrong way for all the right reasons! We learn a lot about King & Lane’s personal lives and often drift from the past to the present. I loved that I found myself constantly asking questions and looking for links in my own sad attempt of being one step ahead of this police duo. There is quite a strong bond/relationship between these characters which I really enjoyed learning about. I look forward to what is next for this pair in future books!
Do I recommend THE GIRLS IN THE WATER? Erm….You bet your sweet arse I do! Dark, twisted and full of suspense, this Detective thriller will leave you gasping for more! Fancy checking it out? Just click on the wee book below!
Set in Wales, the reader is confronted with fear, beliefs, haunting pasts that taunt the present, obsessive behaviour and the search for the truth.
This was one interesting, intricate and utterly compelling plot with a prologue that had me hooked from the start! The descriptions were fantastically written and I found myself cringing in all the right places and for all the right reasons! The storyline kept me guessing and I loved the fact that it started out at a steady pace and then picked up to whiz me through to the bitter end.
This book was full of interesting and diverse characters but as this is a mini review, I’ll stick to the two main characters: DI Alex King & DC Chloe Lane. We get to learn a lot about the characters in this book as this debut novel sets the reader up nicely with some excellent background information. The author lays it all out nicely in a meaningful and relevant way.
King & Lane are likeable but also can be annoying. When characters get under your skin, this can turn out to be awesome or disastrous – fortunately for Victoria Jenkins, this pair rubbed me up the wrong way for all the right reasons! We learn a lot about King & Lane’s personal lives and often drift from the past to the present. I loved that I found myself constantly asking questions and looking for links in my own sad attempt of being one step ahead of this police duo. There is quite a strong bond/relationship between these characters which I really enjoyed learning about. I look forward to what is next for this pair in future books!
Do I recommend THE GIRLS IN THE WATER? Erm….You bet your sweet arse I do! Dark, twisted and full of suspense, this Detective thriller will leave you gasping for more! Fancy checking it out? Just click on the wee book below!
August 6, 2018
Mi-era tare dor de un roman polițist, de o poveste care să mă țină trează până târziu în noapte, plină de suspans, cu o intrigă bună și un final pe măsură. Recunosc că nu am căutat prea mult și m-am oprit la The girls in the water din instinct, fără să știu prea multe despre roman sau autoare. Și mi-a plăcut, a fost exact ceea ce căutam.
Spuneam despre romanele polițiste că urmăresc același pattern și sunt niște ingrediente ce trebuie respectate ca povestea să fie una bună, iar romanul să nu fie mediocru. Cred că Victoria Jenkins și-a făcut bine temele, căci nu i-a lipsit nimic. Romanul ei e foarte bine construit, cu personaje interesante și bine conturate, cu mult suspans și întorsături de situație, cu o poveste verosimilă și un final bine pregătit, deși nu șocant. Într-un fel, totul a dus spre finalul așteptat. Toate elementele s-au unit și au redat imaginea de ansamblu, elemente cunoscute de la început, fără să fie ceva neprevăzut. Eu apreciez mult la genul acesta de romane că nu ne trezim la final cu personaje noi, pentru că nu mai văd rostul construcției. Îmi place să analizez și să caut motive, să cunosc criminalul și să încerc să îl înțeleg, iar un roman bun trebuie să ofere această șansă.
Mi-a plăcut mult de detectivele Alex și Chloe, un duet după modelul Rizzoli și Isles. Cred că, dincolo de elementele de roman polițist, The girls in the water a avut în centru și prietenia dintre cele două, legătura ce se formează între două persoane care se potrivesc atât de bine emoțional, care se completează și se înțeleg, se acceptă și respectă. Le-am văzut mai mult ca un tot, decât individual. Acest prim volum al seriei a prezentat și viața fetelor și ne-a introdus în lumea și sufletul lor. Mi-a plăcut că am ajuns să le cunosc așa bine și m-am atașat de ele, mai ales că e vorba de o serie.
Titlul e foarte sugestiv, iar trimiterea la apă e una interesantă, o asociere la care nu m-aș fi gândit. Ca în multe alte romane, se pune accentul pe traumele din copilărie și pe felul în care ele ne influențează viața ca adulți.
The girls in the water e un roman bun, bine construit, care, deși nu te impresionează cu ceva anume, te ține cu sufletul la gură.
țe
Spuneam despre romanele polițiste că urmăresc același pattern și sunt niște ingrediente ce trebuie respectate ca povestea să fie una bună, iar romanul să nu fie mediocru. Cred că Victoria Jenkins și-a făcut bine temele, căci nu i-a lipsit nimic. Romanul ei e foarte bine construit, cu personaje interesante și bine conturate, cu mult suspans și întorsături de situație, cu o poveste verosimilă și un final bine pregătit, deși nu șocant. Într-un fel, totul a dus spre finalul așteptat. Toate elementele s-au unit și au redat imaginea de ansamblu, elemente cunoscute de la început, fără să fie ceva neprevăzut. Eu apreciez mult la genul acesta de romane că nu ne trezim la final cu personaje noi, pentru că nu mai văd rostul construcției. Îmi place să analizez și să caut motive, să cunosc criminalul și să încerc să îl înțeleg, iar un roman bun trebuie să ofere această șansă.
Mi-a plăcut mult de detectivele Alex și Chloe, un duet după modelul Rizzoli și Isles. Cred că, dincolo de elementele de roman polițist, The girls in the water a avut în centru și prietenia dintre cele două, legătura ce se formează între două persoane care se potrivesc atât de bine emoțional, care se completează și se înțeleg, se acceptă și respectă. Le-am văzut mai mult ca un tot, decât individual. Acest prim volum al seriei a prezentat și viața fetelor și ne-a introdus în lumea și sufletul lor. Mi-a plăcut că am ajuns să le cunosc așa bine și m-am atașat de ele, mai ales că e vorba de o serie.
Titlul e foarte sugestiv, iar trimiterea la apă e una interesantă, o asociere la care nu m-aș fi gândit. Ca în multe alte romane, se pune accentul pe traumele din copilărie și pe felul în care ele ne influențează viața ca adulți.
The girls in the water e un roman bun, bine construit, care, deși nu te impresionează cu ceva anume, te ține cu sufletul la gură.
țe
August 19, 2017
Detective Alex King and her new recruit, Chloe Lane, are on the case of a killer who leaves his victims in bodies of water. These victims seem to share a sordid past and as the clues start to come together, Chloe realizes her past is catching up with her. Her poor choices in her past life and her obsession with proving that her father killed her brother, puts her life in danger. But can her and Alex find the killer before more are killed?
Bookouture really can do no wrong in the thrillers they present to their readers. This particular book, first in a series, starts off at a moderate pace as Jenkins introduces her characters. There is great character development here - we see Alex in her career and trying to balance her complicated relationship with her ex husband and CHloe trying to keep her past hidden while having to confront it and find some closure in her brother's death. With some twists and turns like all Bookouture thrillers are known for, you're in for quite a ride. A debut novel that doesn't let you down. Can't wait to see what else Alex and Chloe gets into!
Thank you Bookouture for this copy in return for my honest opinion.
4 Stars
Bookouture really can do no wrong in the thrillers they present to their readers. This particular book, first in a series, starts off at a moderate pace as Jenkins introduces her characters. There is great character development here - we see Alex in her career and trying to balance her complicated relationship with her ex husband and CHloe trying to keep her past hidden while having to confront it and find some closure in her brother's death. With some twists and turns like all Bookouture thrillers are known for, you're in for quite a ride. A debut novel that doesn't let you down. Can't wait to see what else Alex and Chloe gets into!
Thank you Bookouture for this copy in return for my honest opinion.
4 Stars
November 21, 2017
A tortured woman is discovered in a river. Alex King and Chloe Lane are the detectives on the case. They work well together but Chloe is also investigating a murder/suicide from her past. Secrets are revealed and questions answered.
Alex and Chloe have a special relationship. Like they're family. Which they both need. While working both cases they put everything on the eb line including their lives. The two main characters are really likable and the relationship between them along with the plot keeps the pages turning. For a first book in a series this is a good start.
Alex and Chloe have a special relationship. Like they're family. Which they both need. While working both cases they put everything on the eb line including their lives. The two main characters are really likable and the relationship between them along with the plot keeps the pages turning. For a first book in a series this is a good start.
September 22, 2017
The Girls in the Water is a strong debut by Victoria Jenkins.
Holy Moley Guacamole. Women detectives in a twisty book go straight to my heart faster than food in my belly.
A crime novel through and through, Victoria Jenkins introduces us to detectives Alex King and Chloe Lane. They are investigating the murders of two women, found in the water (SHOCKER!) in a park. And soon enough, Chloe realizes she may be in danger as well.
As a side story, Chloe is also, on her own, investigating the death of her brother. Previously ruled as a suicide, she believes that something more sinister was going on. She is hell-bent on figuring it out, even if it means risking her career (or her life!).
I enjoy the dual stories, with the investigation of the girls and the exploration of Chloe's past, it's like reading two great books in one. Fear not, my friends, the storylines are clear and easy to keep track of.
Now, there isn't much for me to say about The Girls in the Water, as I don't wish to give away any of the surprises. And as we know, mystery lovers covet those!
The Girls in the Water is yet another fantastical thriller brought forth by Bookouture. Bookouture rarely disappoints with their psychological thrillers. Rarely.
This one is a winner for me, and I am looking forward to reading The First One to Die (King and Lane #2). Five wet stars all the way!
Holy Moley Guacamole. Women detectives in a twisty book go straight to my heart faster than food in my belly.
A crime novel through and through, Victoria Jenkins introduces us to detectives Alex King and Chloe Lane. They are investigating the murders of two women, found in the water (SHOCKER!) in a park. And soon enough, Chloe realizes she may be in danger as well.
As a side story, Chloe is also, on her own, investigating the death of her brother. Previously ruled as a suicide, she believes that something more sinister was going on. She is hell-bent on figuring it out, even if it means risking her career (or her life!).
I enjoy the dual stories, with the investigation of the girls and the exploration of Chloe's past, it's like reading two great books in one. Fear not, my friends, the storylines are clear and easy to keep track of.
Now, there isn't much for me to say about The Girls in the Water, as I don't wish to give away any of the surprises. And as we know, mystery lovers covet those!
The Girls in the Water is yet another fantastical thriller brought forth by Bookouture. Bookouture rarely disappoints with their psychological thrillers. Rarely.
This one is a winner for me, and I am looking forward to reading The First One to Die (King and Lane #2). Five wet stars all the way!
December 4, 2017
This is a thriller and a police procedural. Detective Alex King and her protégé Chloe Lane are called in when a body of a young girl is found. This is followed by another woman disappearing and soon it becomes a race to find the killer.
The author Victoria Jenkins makes her debut with this book and she has done a good job with it. The story is fast and reads well at least in the latter half. The initial bit appeared a bit shaky took me some time to get into it.
Both the police women were good they played their parts well, but I couldn’t like them or root for them. I read this book as a story without getting fully invested in it. I liked the background of the two detectives, it made them more real. There is also a side story regarding Chloé’s brother’s death, and she conducts her own investigation and finds a plot in that.
The story follows the same formula of women disappearing and appearing as dead bodies and police investigating to trace the killer. I wanted more twists and the story to grip me from the very beginning. But it was a good thriller, a good debut.
The author Victoria Jenkins makes her debut with this book and she has done a good job with it. The story is fast and reads well at least in the latter half. The initial bit appeared a bit shaky took me some time to get into it.
Both the police women were good they played their parts well, but I couldn’t like them or root for them. I read this book as a story without getting fully invested in it. I liked the background of the two detectives, it made them more real. There is also a side story regarding Chloé’s brother’s death, and she conducts her own investigation and finds a plot in that.
The story follows the same formula of women disappearing and appearing as dead bodies and police investigating to trace the killer. I wanted more twists and the story to grip me from the very beginning. But it was a good thriller, a good debut.
June 17, 2017
Wow! What an incredible, assured and resounding debut! Enjoyed every page of this brilliant book. A beautifully crafted story, with many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The character development is fab. Loved the detectives and the backstory and the way everything fell into place at the end. Intelligent, fast paced and thrilling. Loved it!
August 7, 2017
This is a new author to me and the first in a brand new police procedural series, woohoo .. I usually end up lagging behind and starting a few books in so this made a pleasant change.
Two leading lady cops, Detective Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. Both women have potential, are extremely human, flaws and all. Easy to relate too, Alex is fairly dedicated to her career, Chloe appears rather immature but I grew to like her as her past is revealed, she has plenty of issues to deal with.
The prologue had me snared .. once I had read that I couldn’t wait to delve into The Girls In The water. A female body is discovered in the local park, the hunt is on for a killer. Not long after another is found in similar circumstances .. can Alex and Chloe track the perpetrator before they can strike again!?
There are several layers to this tale and they all interweave nicely, plenty of characters, some not so pleasant. Family history has a bearing on Chloe’s actions.
I found this to be a quick read, plenty of investigating and crime scene stuff but also the background stories of these two cops makes it a little more intriguing. It’s a good plot with a few unexpected twists. I did see some coming but that didn’t spoil the enjoyment.
If you like an entertaining crime story with a duo who click then take the opportunity to begin a new series. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to Victoria, Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Two leading lady cops, Detective Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. Both women have potential, are extremely human, flaws and all. Easy to relate too, Alex is fairly dedicated to her career, Chloe appears rather immature but I grew to like her as her past is revealed, she has plenty of issues to deal with.
The prologue had me snared .. once I had read that I couldn’t wait to delve into The Girls In The water. A female body is discovered in the local park, the hunt is on for a killer. Not long after another is found in similar circumstances .. can Alex and Chloe track the perpetrator before they can strike again!?
There are several layers to this tale and they all interweave nicely, plenty of characters, some not so pleasant. Family history has a bearing on Chloe’s actions.
I found this to be a quick read, plenty of investigating and crime scene stuff but also the background stories of these two cops makes it a little more intriguing. It’s a good plot with a few unexpected twists. I did see some coming but that didn’t spoil the enjoyment.
If you like an entertaining crime story with a duo who click then take the opportunity to begin a new series. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to Victoria, Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 20, 2022
DI Alex King is called out to a scene where the body of a young woman has been found. The woman was obviously killed elsewhere & dumped in the river in a local park, & there is evidence of torture. The victim is identified as Lola Evans who had attended a local self-help group, but they can't find any viable suspects or a reason for her death. When a second victim is found, the pressure is really on to crack the case. Meanwhile, one of her team, DC Chloe Lane, comes to her to ask about reopening the case into the death of her brother's girlfriend. Luke's girlfriend was killed & Luke was blamed on circumstantial evidence, & he ended up committing suicide. Chloe is certain that Luke wouldn't have killed his girlfriend & she's not entirely sure he would have killed himself either.
This starts off quite well but soon gets bogged down. Alex King is the usual 'police detective with a broken relationship' & is in fact sleeping with her ex-husband who turns out to be cheating on his present girlfriend with Alex. Chloe Lane meanwhile comes across as more of a stroppy teenager than a young woman with a promising career. The plot itself is okay but nothing different to what has already been done a thousand times before. You can't always tell from the first book though as characters can grow on you, so I intend on reading the next one, just to see if things have improved. 2.5 stars (rounded down)
This starts off quite well but soon gets bogged down. Alex King is the usual 'police detective with a broken relationship' & is in fact sleeping with her ex-husband who turns out to be cheating on his present girlfriend with Alex. Chloe Lane meanwhile comes across as more of a stroppy teenager than a young woman with a promising career. The plot itself is okay but nothing different to what has already been done a thousand times before. You can't always tell from the first book though as characters can grow on you, so I intend on reading the next one, just to see if things have improved. 2.5 stars (rounded down)
August 31, 2017
I always love to be able to jump on the bandwagon for book 1 of a series and what a way to kick off a series! The book centres around Alex (the Boss) and Chloe her partner. Despite the age difference between the two they make a cracking team and I warmed to both characters immediately. There is a great build of back story for both characters and you as they develop through the book you just know that book 2 is going to be even better (no pressure Victoria Jenkins!!!)
Called in to investigate the murder of a young girl whose body is found in the park, the pair work together brilliantly to try and catch a killer but when a second girl goes missing just days later the pressure really builds for the pair.
But as is always the case things are not as straightforward as they seem and Chloe finds her past being dragged back into the present and someone is desperate to keep a secret buried.
I honestly cannot wait for the next book I this series, these two have already become long lost friends.
This book was read over the space of two days simply for the fact that its school holidays and as chief entertainer couldn’t get a clear run at this…otherwise it would have been a one day read for sure!
Called in to investigate the murder of a young girl whose body is found in the park, the pair work together brilliantly to try and catch a killer but when a second girl goes missing just days later the pressure really builds for the pair.
But as is always the case things are not as straightforward as they seem and Chloe finds her past being dragged back into the present and someone is desperate to keep a secret buried.
I honestly cannot wait for the next book I this series, these two have already become long lost friends.
This book was read over the space of two days simply for the fact that its school holidays and as chief entertainer couldn’t get a clear run at this…otherwise it would have been a one day read for sure!
July 30, 2017
When the body of Lola Evans is found in a local park on a cold winter’s morning, Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane are called in to lead the hunt for the killer.
Days later, a second girl goes missing. It seems the two shared a troubled history, and were members of the same support group. Who is the monster preying on these vulnerable girls?
I always find it exciting to discover a new crime series right from the start of it, and The Girls in the Water with Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane, this is a series I will now be looking forward to.
Although this book was a bit slower than I usually like to read, it did still keep my attention and I look forward to book two.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Days later, a second girl goes missing. It seems the two shared a troubled history, and were members of the same support group. Who is the monster preying on these vulnerable girls?
I always find it exciting to discover a new crime series right from the start of it, and The Girls in the Water with Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane, this is a series I will now be looking forward to.
Although this book was a bit slower than I usually like to read, it did still keep my attention and I look forward to book two.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
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