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Starke & Bell #1
My Little Eye
Can a group of true crime addicts take on the police to catch a serial killer?
A young woman is found dead in her bedroom surrounded by rose petals - the latest victim of 'The Lover'. Struggling under the weight of an internal investigation, DI Dominic Bell is no closer to discovering the identity of the killer and time is running out.
As the murders escalate, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime group determined to take justice in to their own hands - to catch the killer before the police. Hiding a dark secret, she takes greater risks to find new evidence and infiltrate the group.
As Starke and Bell get closer to cracking the case neither of them realise they're being watched. The killer is closer to them than they think, and he has his next victim - Clementine - firmly in his sights.
* * * * *
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 2, 2017
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August 12, 2022
3.5 rounded down.
SYNOPSIS
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the latest victim of the serial murderer/rapist called The Lover. Online, Clementine and her fellow armchair detectives decide to investigate the case for themselves and prove that "crowd sourced sleuthing" does work.
MY OPINION
Ah man... So close, yet so far. The writing was SOLID AF. And let me be clear, when I say writing, I'm talking about the quality of the prose. Some people equate good writing with the entertainment of a well-executed plot. Writing can be good, but the plot is boring. Writing can be terrible, but the plot is bangerlicious (think The Silent Patient). Don't get it twisted!
Ok, let me get my ass back on track. This book is marketed for fans of Sharon Bolton apparently, and I can definitely see the similarities in the prose. Marland my love, you can write. Once you tighten up this plot and plug those plot holes, you have a Bolton or even Angela Marsons level police procedural on your hands. I can see the vision !!!!
Unfortunately, the plot was swiss cheese like and there were some inconsistencies with Clementine's character. The biggest plot hole was saying that X had been murdering hoes since the 80s... yet they've gone undetected for this long??? And considering how much theatre was involved in the murders, you'd think someone would put 2 and 2 together.
There were also times when Clementine and her goon squad acted obtuse AF. I think we were supposed to sympathize with her given her background story, but I honestly couldn't get a grasp on who she was. Apparently she was "numb" but at the same time over emotional and prone to going full doormat for validation. Apparently she was docile, scared, borderline agoraphobic, but also wildly confrontational and violent. There needed to be more clarity on who she is and what drives her. Is it the thing with the father? How did they relate to her push for armchair detectives to prove they're better than the police? Citizens can be corrupt to?
I liked the overarching themes of online behaviour and the effectiveness of armchair Nancy Drewing. It reminded me of Don't F*** With Cats. I'll never recover from that being the title because SIR a whole ass person was brutally murdered and said murder was broadcasted to the entire world, but ya'll decided to focus on the CATS??? Not saying that animal cruelty is okay... but it felt disrespectful to put the cats before an innocent victim.
whoa nelly... got on a tangent there. My biz. Anyways, I will be reading #2 at some point. The cliffhanger was hangin. I have faith in Marland's writing and I hope she figures it out because she's got the raw talent.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: wonderful writing, lots of potential
Cons: plot holes galore, Clementine's character was inconsistent af
SYNOPSIS
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the latest victim of the serial murderer/rapist called The Lover. Online, Clementine and her fellow armchair detectives decide to investigate the case for themselves and prove that "crowd sourced sleuthing" does work.
MY OPINION
Ah man... So close, yet so far. The writing was SOLID AF. And let me be clear, when I say writing, I'm talking about the quality of the prose. Some people equate good writing with the entertainment of a well-executed plot. Writing can be good, but the plot is boring. Writing can be terrible, but the plot is bangerlicious (think The Silent Patient). Don't get it twisted!
Ok, let me get my ass back on track. This book is marketed for fans of Sharon Bolton apparently, and I can definitely see the similarities in the prose. Marland my love, you can write. Once you tighten up this plot and plug those plot holes, you have a Bolton or even Angela Marsons level police procedural on your hands. I can see the vision !!!!
Unfortunately, the plot was swiss cheese like and there were some inconsistencies with Clementine's character. The biggest plot hole was saying that X had been murdering hoes since the 80s... yet they've gone undetected for this long??? And considering how much theatre was involved in the murders, you'd think someone would put 2 and 2 together.
There were also times when Clementine and her goon squad acted obtuse AF. I think we were supposed to sympathize with her given her background story, but I honestly couldn't get a grasp on who she was. Apparently she was "numb" but at the same time over emotional and prone to going full doormat for validation. Apparently she was docile, scared, borderline agoraphobic, but also wildly confrontational and violent. There needed to be more clarity on who she is and what drives her. Is it the thing with the father? How did they relate to her push for armchair detectives to prove they're better than the police? Citizens can be corrupt to?
I liked the overarching themes of online behaviour and the effectiveness of armchair Nancy Drewing. It reminded me of Don't F*** With Cats. I'll never recover from that being the title because SIR a whole ass person was brutally murdered and said murder was broadcasted to the entire world, but ya'll decided to focus on the CATS??? Not saying that animal cruelty is okay... but it felt disrespectful to put the cats before an innocent victim.
whoa nelly... got on a tangent there. My biz. Anyways, I will be reading #2 at some point. The cliffhanger was hangin. I have faith in Marland's writing and I hope she figures it out because she's got the raw talent.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: wonderful writing, lots of potential
Cons: plot holes galore, Clementine's character was inconsistent af
May 1, 2018
***3.5 stars***
This book is a strong start to a new police procedural series with a twist by Stephanie Marland, who has also published as Stephanie Broadribb. I did a bit of research into this book and it appears to be the beginning of a new series about Stark and Bell, who are our two narrators and lead characters. When I found out that this may be the first in a series, I felt that it was much easier for me to place this book in context of what to expect, and where some stories were left with threads hanging (presumably to set those up for the next installment).
This book had some outstanding twists and some polarizing characters—all of which made for an interesting read! I thought Stephanie did a particularly good job with keeping the reader guessing with the way the plot unfolded. It had many of the distractions that are some common in real police investigations—carry over from previous cases, personal life issues that impact our emotions day-to-day. All together, the story felt authentic, which is something not all procedural series are able to achieve!
The Plot
The book follows the separate but parallel stories of Clementine Stark—a PhD student studying the psychology of online interactions—and Dominic Bell—a detective coming off of a bad case and dealing with the fallout. Both are following the murders of young women in London by a serial murderer known in the press as The Lover. Dominic is the detective assigned to the case, but Dominic also is a man with his own demons.
Meanwhile, Clementine is a virtual recluse, due to a dark past, and has been working on her PhD from the safety of her own home. Clementine is convinced that she can prove her thesis advisor wrong. She believes that in modern day, with all of the media attention and information available to the public, armchair detectives working together have the capability to solve a crime as fast or faster than the police. But to prove her theory right, Clementine will need to put herself out there in a way she hasn’t for 12 years. Can she be brave enough as a person to catch a serial murderer?
As Dominic finds his focus hindered by outside forces, Clementine teams up with a group of online true crime fanatics to track down The Lover once and for all. But if Clementine and her group really find the murderer first, what will the consequences be? And will Dominic be ok with an outside investigation team?
Reflections
This was a great start to this series, and there is a compelling case for two characters as different as Clementine Stark and Dominic Bell to balance one another out. I must admit that in the first third of this book I actually wondered if this was the second in a series because the details of the Atlantis investigation and Clementine’s past were mysterious but frequently alluded to. I encourage readers to be comfortable with this ambiguity, because the context of these events is important to the story of the two characters, and the details will be revealed in time by Marland.
I think many readers who are a fan of media and communications, online interactions, and true crime will be excited about this series. Marland does a fantastic job of weaving in online communication and developing characters over text-based medium that feel extremely true to the mystery of online personas. There are tidbits you can pick up, but there is so much that is hard to interpret when you only communicate over text. The interactions among the true crime group members were extremely compelling!
I have a group of students interested in the psychology of communications and a group of forensic students this summer. I’d be curious whether a cross-cohort discussion could be fascinating, and play off of the differences in Dominic and Clementine in the book. It might be an interesting way to teach students about the benefits of cross-disciplinary thinking, and I think my adult readers would enjoy this book.
All in all, this is a strong series debut. I did feel at times that Dominic’s past case took center stage over Clementine and her story, but I think that knowing this is a series helps—I expect Clementine to get more central as the series progresses, and I do feel like I connected a bit more with her character and story, personally.
Great work to Stephanie Marland, and I look forward to seeing this series develop in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley, Stephanie Marland (Broadribb), and Trapeze through Orion Publishing Group for a chance to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair, honest review.
See my review on my blog as well: http://novelbutnice.blogspot.com/2018...
This book is a strong start to a new police procedural series with a twist by Stephanie Marland, who has also published as Stephanie Broadribb. I did a bit of research into this book and it appears to be the beginning of a new series about Stark and Bell, who are our two narrators and lead characters. When I found out that this may be the first in a series, I felt that it was much easier for me to place this book in context of what to expect, and where some stories were left with threads hanging (presumably to set those up for the next installment).
This book had some outstanding twists and some polarizing characters—all of which made for an interesting read! I thought Stephanie did a particularly good job with keeping the reader guessing with the way the plot unfolded. It had many of the distractions that are some common in real police investigations—carry over from previous cases, personal life issues that impact our emotions day-to-day. All together, the story felt authentic, which is something not all procedural series are able to achieve!
The Plot
The book follows the separate but parallel stories of Clementine Stark—a PhD student studying the psychology of online interactions—and Dominic Bell—a detective coming off of a bad case and dealing with the fallout. Both are following the murders of young women in London by a serial murderer known in the press as The Lover. Dominic is the detective assigned to the case, but Dominic also is a man with his own demons.
Meanwhile, Clementine is a virtual recluse, due to a dark past, and has been working on her PhD from the safety of her own home. Clementine is convinced that she can prove her thesis advisor wrong. She believes that in modern day, with all of the media attention and information available to the public, armchair detectives working together have the capability to solve a crime as fast or faster than the police. But to prove her theory right, Clementine will need to put herself out there in a way she hasn’t for 12 years. Can she be brave enough as a person to catch a serial murderer?
As Dominic finds his focus hindered by outside forces, Clementine teams up with a group of online true crime fanatics to track down The Lover once and for all. But if Clementine and her group really find the murderer first, what will the consequences be? And will Dominic be ok with an outside investigation team?
Reflections
This was a great start to this series, and there is a compelling case for two characters as different as Clementine Stark and Dominic Bell to balance one another out. I must admit that in the first third of this book I actually wondered if this was the second in a series because the details of the Atlantis investigation and Clementine’s past were mysterious but frequently alluded to. I encourage readers to be comfortable with this ambiguity, because the context of these events is important to the story of the two characters, and the details will be revealed in time by Marland.
I think many readers who are a fan of media and communications, online interactions, and true crime will be excited about this series. Marland does a fantastic job of weaving in online communication and developing characters over text-based medium that feel extremely true to the mystery of online personas. There are tidbits you can pick up, but there is so much that is hard to interpret when you only communicate over text. The interactions among the true crime group members were extremely compelling!
I have a group of students interested in the psychology of communications and a group of forensic students this summer. I’d be curious whether a cross-cohort discussion could be fascinating, and play off of the differences in Dominic and Clementine in the book. It might be an interesting way to teach students about the benefits of cross-disciplinary thinking, and I think my adult readers would enjoy this book.
All in all, this is a strong series debut. I did feel at times that Dominic’s past case took center stage over Clementine and her story, but I think that knowing this is a series helps—I expect Clementine to get more central as the series progresses, and I do feel like I connected a bit more with her character and story, personally.
Great work to Stephanie Marland, and I look forward to seeing this series develop in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley, Stephanie Marland (Broadribb), and Trapeze through Orion Publishing Group for a chance to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair, honest review.
See my review on my blog as well: http://novelbutnice.blogspot.com/2018...
November 8, 2017
I absolutely love this authors other series that she writes as Steph Broadribb so I was a little worried about this new one written under her pen name of Stephanie Marland. Would it live up to my high expectations and how would I react to a very different style and genre from one of my favourite writers? Especially as I’ve got a bit jaded with police crime thrillers recently – I now need something extra special to be able to hit my “high”. But OMG My Little Eye is something very special indeed!
This urban thriller has a very contemporary feel to it right from the start. Social media plays a huge part in the development of the storyline making it feel relevant to the way in which society has moved away from traditional crime solving towards a more “trial by media” approach. The rise in popularity of crime shows such as CSI makes us believe that we can all solve any crime from the comfort of our own sofa. In a more extreme version of that, Clementine and a group of online misfits with a passion for real life crime solving come together to “help” the police investigation by doing a little research of their own!
Now I found Clementine to be a very intriguing character, an enigmatic recluse with a dark secret hidden in her past, leaving me wondering just how much of a reliable source of information she was! At one point somebody at a crime scene she is staking out recognises her, even though her profile pic on her social media accounts is just her eye and that made me realise that as the reader I also wasn’t seeing the whole picture where Clementine was concerned. The author deliberately keeps us in the dark about her physical attributes so that we are only seeing her in her online persona as others do. It took me over half the book to be able to picture her in my mind and this was only once she started to reveal herself to DI Dominic Bell. And once these two started to connect, that’s when I knew that Stephanie Marland had created a chemistry that needs to be explored further-I can’t wait for the next instalment to see how she chooses to develop it!
Dominic Bell was my kind of policeman! I do love a protagonist with flaws especially one with a secretive past that’s come back to bite him on the bum! This author always seems to be able to create enigmatic “bad boy” male characters who you are drawn to instantly and I was desperate for him to meet Clementine as I just knew that they would compliment each other perfectly. And I’m now more than curious to see where Stephanie Marland is going to take this unconventional pairing next! We are certainly left with more than a few questions about the past traumas one of them has gone through and I’m sure that thread will weave its way into any future storylines.
When I got to the last page of My Little Eye, I put it down with a huge smile on my face! It has totally reignited my passion for crime thrillers by cleverly throwing into the mix a unique civilian investigator to compliment the police based hunt for The Lover. Speaking of whom, that was one sick serial killer and I have to say there is no way I personally would have thrown my hat in the ring to try and catch them as Clementine felt compelled to! Although if it meant spending some time with DI Dominic Bell, I might just have had a little rethink!!
It’s safe to say that I absolutely loved My Little Eye. Stephanie Marland has totally, 100%, smashed it here! So if you love a breathtaking serial killer chiller with expertly drawn characters and cleverly crafted twists then you need this book in your life! Very highly recommended by me!
This urban thriller has a very contemporary feel to it right from the start. Social media plays a huge part in the development of the storyline making it feel relevant to the way in which society has moved away from traditional crime solving towards a more “trial by media” approach. The rise in popularity of crime shows such as CSI makes us believe that we can all solve any crime from the comfort of our own sofa. In a more extreme version of that, Clementine and a group of online misfits with a passion for real life crime solving come together to “help” the police investigation by doing a little research of their own!
Now I found Clementine to be a very intriguing character, an enigmatic recluse with a dark secret hidden in her past, leaving me wondering just how much of a reliable source of information she was! At one point somebody at a crime scene she is staking out recognises her, even though her profile pic on her social media accounts is just her eye and that made me realise that as the reader I also wasn’t seeing the whole picture where Clementine was concerned. The author deliberately keeps us in the dark about her physical attributes so that we are only seeing her in her online persona as others do. It took me over half the book to be able to picture her in my mind and this was only once she started to reveal herself to DI Dominic Bell. And once these two started to connect, that’s when I knew that Stephanie Marland had created a chemistry that needs to be explored further-I can’t wait for the next instalment to see how she chooses to develop it!
Dominic Bell was my kind of policeman! I do love a protagonist with flaws especially one with a secretive past that’s come back to bite him on the bum! This author always seems to be able to create enigmatic “bad boy” male characters who you are drawn to instantly and I was desperate for him to meet Clementine as I just knew that they would compliment each other perfectly. And I’m now more than curious to see where Stephanie Marland is going to take this unconventional pairing next! We are certainly left with more than a few questions about the past traumas one of them has gone through and I’m sure that thread will weave its way into any future storylines.
When I got to the last page of My Little Eye, I put it down with a huge smile on my face! It has totally reignited my passion for crime thrillers by cleverly throwing into the mix a unique civilian investigator to compliment the police based hunt for The Lover. Speaking of whom, that was one sick serial killer and I have to say there is no way I personally would have thrown my hat in the ring to try and catch them as Clementine felt compelled to! Although if it meant spending some time with DI Dominic Bell, I might just have had a little rethink!!
It’s safe to say that I absolutely loved My Little Eye. Stephanie Marland has totally, 100%, smashed it here! So if you love a breathtaking serial killer chiller with expertly drawn characters and cleverly crafted twists then you need this book in your life! Very highly recommended by me!
March 21, 2019
This is the first in a new crime fiction series featuring DI Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke. I confess ... I read the second book first. Good news, nothing in the second book contained any major spoilers, so I still enjoyed reading the first book.
Bell and Starke both have issues, are flawed. Due to a leak about an undercover operation, Bell was injured ... leaving him with few memories of what happened. His female partner was also injured. Bell is absolutely sure that someone on his team is dirty.
Clementine thinks of herself as a murderer. Her cop father was killed in a house fire shortly after she discovered that he was being charged with all sorts of crimes. She remembers nothing else from that night and to this day she feels numb ... like she never fits in anywhere. She's studied how to copy people, mannerisms, conversations.
She has joined an online true crime group ... a bunch of people who are determined to take justice into their own hands and find a serial killer known as The Lover. Several women have been killed ... and Bell is feeling the heat about finding him.
As Starke and Bell get closer to cracking the case neither of them realize they're being watched. The killer is closer to them than they think, and he has his next victim - Clementine - firmly in his sights.
The book is very well written with solidly defined characters. The chapters alternate between the voices of Bell and Starke. There are all kinds of twists and turns .... and everyone lies ... everyone has secrets. The reader has an assortment of suspects to look at ... especially those of us who are armchair detectives.
Many thanks to the author / Orion Publishing Group - Trapeze / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 31, 2017
So it is no secret at all that Stephanie Marland (better known currently as Crime Thriller Girl Steph Broadbribb) is a good friend of mine who I love dearly – and you might think that would mean I’d give her an easy ride but trust me you would be mistaken. If anything I’m a much tougher critic of the people I have come to know well, they have to go some for me to be impressed even slightly.
So when I say that “My Little Eye” is a bang on psychological thriller of the most addictive kind, throwing us some brilliantly divisive and fascinating characters with a twisted plot full of gorgeous unpredictability you can be reassured that I genuinely mean it. And then some. I raced through this read in my grasshopper on acid type manner, every time I thought I could put it down something else happened that made me do that proverbial “one more chapter” thing.
Clementine is just brilliant. She’s unusual, compelling, creates unpredictability all by herself you hardly need a mystery element so right away you are sucked into this, as she rockets around London (brilliantly described) trying to catch a murderer. The central theme – could a group of online crime enthusiasts solve a murder in real time – is a cleverly socially current one – we’ve all been on Twitter and Facebook doing our armchair detective thing on the headlines of the moment, in My Little Eye that takes on a whole new vibe.
Dom the detective (I couldn’t help that it’s how I’ve been thinking of him all the way through) is also an intelligently divisive character and one of the strengths of this read for me was in the way he and Clementine came together. We also have a mystery element that is beautifully imagined, has a truly thrilling serial killer vibe and doesn’t necessarily do what it says on the tin all the way through. That alongside the layered characterisation and the really very good writing (she says grudgingly once again I can’t complain even though it’s one of my favourite things to do) makes “My Little Eye” a pure joy to read. Get the caffeine, get the chocolate, find a corner to hide in and go into Clementine’s world. You won’t regret it.
Highly Recommended. Well done Steph – all the wine for you.
So when I say that “My Little Eye” is a bang on psychological thriller of the most addictive kind, throwing us some brilliantly divisive and fascinating characters with a twisted plot full of gorgeous unpredictability you can be reassured that I genuinely mean it. And then some. I raced through this read in my grasshopper on acid type manner, every time I thought I could put it down something else happened that made me do that proverbial “one more chapter” thing.
Clementine is just brilliant. She’s unusual, compelling, creates unpredictability all by herself you hardly need a mystery element so right away you are sucked into this, as she rockets around London (brilliantly described) trying to catch a murderer. The central theme – could a group of online crime enthusiasts solve a murder in real time – is a cleverly socially current one – we’ve all been on Twitter and Facebook doing our armchair detective thing on the headlines of the moment, in My Little Eye that takes on a whole new vibe.
Dom the detective (I couldn’t help that it’s how I’ve been thinking of him all the way through) is also an intelligently divisive character and one of the strengths of this read for me was in the way he and Clementine came together. We also have a mystery element that is beautifully imagined, has a truly thrilling serial killer vibe and doesn’t necessarily do what it says on the tin all the way through. That alongside the layered characterisation and the really very good writing (she says grudgingly once again I can’t complain even though it’s one of my favourite things to do) makes “My Little Eye” a pure joy to read. Get the caffeine, get the chocolate, find a corner to hide in and go into Clementine’s world. You won’t regret it.
Highly Recommended. Well done Steph – all the wine for you.
April 11, 2018
This is quite a refreshing change to the usual run of the mill crime thrillers. An online vigilante group that make it their mission to catch the killer before the police do. Each member goes under a code name so they don’t know each other identities.
Clementine is intrigued by the on line group and the people in it. She isn’t quite sure what she will be able to learn by hanging out around where the latest victim was killed but she is determined to get something to make herself stand out to the other members. She appears to be fighting her own demons from an event in her past and I was as interested in finding out more about her as I was with who was behind the killings.
Dom was a really interesting DI. He felt different to the usual ones you come across in crime books. I liked how the story flicks between him and Clementine and couldn’t wait to see how things were going to pan out for them both.
My Little Eye is definitely a page turner of a read that had me hooked through out. The tension and suspense of who the killer is builds nicely and leads to a breath holding ending. This is the first book in the series and the ending certainly leaves you wanting more. Great read.
Clementine is intrigued by the on line group and the people in it. She isn’t quite sure what she will be able to learn by hanging out around where the latest victim was killed but she is determined to get something to make herself stand out to the other members. She appears to be fighting her own demons from an event in her past and I was as interested in finding out more about her as I was with who was behind the killings.
Dom was a really interesting DI. He felt different to the usual ones you come across in crime books. I liked how the story flicks between him and Clementine and couldn’t wait to see how things were going to pan out for them both.
My Little Eye is definitely a page turner of a read that had me hooked through out. The tension and suspense of who the killer is builds nicely and leads to a breath holding ending. This is the first book in the series and the ending certainly leaves you wanting more. Great read.
September 18, 2018
2,5 Sterne! War ein klassischer Ermittler-Thriller, wo die Spannung für mich leider absolut auf der Strecke blieb. Mit der Auflösung hätte ich zwar so nicht gerechnet, aber es gab trotzdem keinen "Schock-Moment", weil mich die ganze Geschichte mit ihren Charakteren nicht wirklich packen konnte. Der Schreibstil war flüssig zu lesen & auch die Nebenstory des Detectives hatte Potenzial, jedoch konnte mich das Buch schlussendlich nicht überzeugen. Und man merkt am Ende deutlich, dass ein zweiter Band bald folgen wird ...
September 3, 2025
Steph Broadribb begon haar carrière als misdaadblogger onder de naam Crime Thriller Girl. Vandaag is ze een bekend misdaadauteur en schrijft ze onder de namen Steph Broadribb en Stephanie Marland. Ze werd genomineerd voor verschillende awards. Ze is nog steeds verslingerd aan mysterieboeken en thrillers. Eerder verscheen van haar ook De laatste steen. Een boek dat ze schreef in samenwerking met M.J. Arlidge.
Wij zien jou is het eerste deel in de serie rond Clementine Starke en Dominic Bell. Het boek bevat afwisselend hoofdstukken vanuit deze hoofdpersonages. Clementine Starke is een mysterieus personage waar de lezer aanvankelijk maar moeilijk de vinger op kan leggen. In haar verleden is er iets voorgevallen dat haar heeft gevormd tot de vrouw die ze vandaag de dag is. Wat dat iets is, blijft lange tijd onduidelijk en wordt pas naar het einde toe verduidelijkt. Ze is wel bezig met studeren en met een proefschrift. Daarvoor wordt ze lid van de online groep True Crime Londen en probeert ze mee de seriemoordenaar ‘The Lover’ te ontmaskeren. Dominic Bell is rechercheur en onderzoekt de zaak van The Lover. Hij wordt echter mede in beslag genomen door een intern onderzoek naar een mislukte undercoveropdracht van enkele maanden terug.
De personages worden goed uitgewerkt en de zaak van The Lover is interessant. Er is niet alleen het politieonderzoek, maar daarnaast ook de online groep die research doet. Zij proberen de moordenaar sneller op het spoor te zijn dan de politie. Bewijsmateriaal wordt daarom niet altijd even snel gedeeld en zo gaan de poppen dus aan het dansen. De lezer voelt instinctief al aan dat Clementine een rol zal gaan spelen in het onderzoek. Door het slim te spelen, bouwt ze bovendien een connectie op met Bell.
Het gebruik van de chatberichten tussen de leden van de true crime groep is een leuke toevoeging, alsook de cursieve stukken die meer helderheid brengen over het verleden van Clementine. Het einde voelt misschien ietwat te voorspelbaar aan en bevat bovendien een dosis geluk, maar laat dus zeker wel ruimte voor een tweede deel.
Wij zien jou is een aangename kennismaking met Starke en Bell en het doet uitkijken naar een nieuw verhaal met dit duo.
Wij zien jou is het eerste deel in de serie rond Clementine Starke en Dominic Bell. Het boek bevat afwisselend hoofdstukken vanuit deze hoofdpersonages. Clementine Starke is een mysterieus personage waar de lezer aanvankelijk maar moeilijk de vinger op kan leggen. In haar verleden is er iets voorgevallen dat haar heeft gevormd tot de vrouw die ze vandaag de dag is. Wat dat iets is, blijft lange tijd onduidelijk en wordt pas naar het einde toe verduidelijkt. Ze is wel bezig met studeren en met een proefschrift. Daarvoor wordt ze lid van de online groep True Crime Londen en probeert ze mee de seriemoordenaar ‘The Lover’ te ontmaskeren. Dominic Bell is rechercheur en onderzoekt de zaak van The Lover. Hij wordt echter mede in beslag genomen door een intern onderzoek naar een mislukte undercoveropdracht van enkele maanden terug.
De personages worden goed uitgewerkt en de zaak van The Lover is interessant. Er is niet alleen het politieonderzoek, maar daarnaast ook de online groep die research doet. Zij proberen de moordenaar sneller op het spoor te zijn dan de politie. Bewijsmateriaal wordt daarom niet altijd even snel gedeeld en zo gaan de poppen dus aan het dansen. De lezer voelt instinctief al aan dat Clementine een rol zal gaan spelen in het onderzoek. Door het slim te spelen, bouwt ze bovendien een connectie op met Bell.
Het gebruik van de chatberichten tussen de leden van de true crime groep is een leuke toevoeging, alsook de cursieve stukken die meer helderheid brengen over het verleden van Clementine. Het einde voelt misschien ietwat te voorspelbaar aan en bevat bovendien een dosis geluk, maar laat dus zeker wel ruimte voor een tweede deel.
Wij zien jou is een aangename kennismaking met Starke en Bell en het doet uitkijken naar een nieuw verhaal met dit duo.
March 27, 2018
4.5 stars.
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In London, a series of murders have taken place and the killer who’s MO is the same for each and is being referred to as ‘The Lover‘. The police investigation is being led by MIT Detective Dom/Dominic Campbell and his team and it is faltering, the press is baying for answers, with each new killing there are no new clues, breakthroughs or leads and the fear is that The Lover will strike again sooner rather than later.
Clementine Starke is part of a true crime Internet group. A PhD student who unbeknownst to the rest of the group is researching them for her thesis and theory that a true crime group without police resources could solve a live crime. A small portion of the group is interested in attempting to beat the police and solve the case. Highlighting both, the current fallibility and failings of the police force and to prove that even without the amenities and resources available to the police that amateur crime enthusiasts can be beneficial and can solve live crimes.
With both groups after The Lover, it’s a race against time to find out the killer’s identity and to stop them before they claim their next victim.
Without going into detail, both of the main characters are quite tortured, Clementine from a traumatic past event that year’s later, still haunts her and Dom from a recent undercover police operation that went horribly wrong and is still under an ongoing investigation.
Personally, I was eager to learn more about the pair and I found them both to be engaging and interesting catalysts to propel the story forward. I felt that the backstories of the main characters really added to them. Throughout the book, we get to learn the truth behind Clementine’s past as it is slowly revealed to us in flashbacks and the backdrop of the bungled undercover investigation and the subsequent fallout that is hampering Dom’s efforts with The Lover case adds an extra depth to him.
With Marland’s use of an Internet group and their transfer from anonymity and the relative safety of purely online interaction to meeting in real-life My Little Eye is a very topical read. It is also relevant to today’s society and makes you question how much do you really know about the people you are in contact with on the Internet. You get to know them and in some cases, even bond with them through shared interests but are they really who they say they are? Do they have secrets? Is their profile picture really them? Is their online persona different to their real-life personality? These are all questions you’ll find yourself contemplating whilst reading the true crime group segments of My Little Eye and let’s be honest, I’m fairly certain that they are all questions we will have asked ourselves before about our Internet acquaintances at one time or another.
I really liked how it wasn’t just the police searching for the killer in My Little Eye with Marland incorporating the group of amateur sleuths alongside the professionals in trying to solve the case and catch the killer. I felt that amateur element added an extra dimension to the story making for a refreshing change from the far more standard police hunting criminals trope that is often the norm in thrillers.
Marland writes in a style that is easily accessible and really draws you in with the pages flying by in a blur of compelling lead characters, twists and a bountiful amount of mystery. The chapters in My Little Eye are short and snappy and as you swap between the amateur and professional groups, their investigations and Clementine and Dom as the focal points you will find yourself constantly being drawn back to the book and to reading (even if you should be doing other things but, of course, other things can wait when you are engrossed in a book).
As an introduction to the pairing of Starke and Bell, My Little Eye serves as a stellar starting point to get you invested in the duo for future releases.
I enjoyed my time spent reading My Little Eye and found it to be a thoroughly addictive and page-turning read.
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In London, a series of murders have taken place and the killer who’s MO is the same for each and is being referred to as ‘The Lover‘. The police investigation is being led by MIT Detective Dom/Dominic Campbell and his team and it is faltering, the press is baying for answers, with each new killing there are no new clues, breakthroughs or leads and the fear is that The Lover will strike again sooner rather than later.
Clementine Starke is part of a true crime Internet group. A PhD student who unbeknownst to the rest of the group is researching them for her thesis and theory that a true crime group without police resources could solve a live crime. A small portion of the group is interested in attempting to beat the police and solve the case. Highlighting both, the current fallibility and failings of the police force and to prove that even without the amenities and resources available to the police that amateur crime enthusiasts can be beneficial and can solve live crimes.
With both groups after The Lover, it’s a race against time to find out the killer’s identity and to stop them before they claim their next victim.
Without going into detail, both of the main characters are quite tortured, Clementine from a traumatic past event that year’s later, still haunts her and Dom from a recent undercover police operation that went horribly wrong and is still under an ongoing investigation.
Personally, I was eager to learn more about the pair and I found them both to be engaging and interesting catalysts to propel the story forward. I felt that the backstories of the main characters really added to them. Throughout the book, we get to learn the truth behind Clementine’s past as it is slowly revealed to us in flashbacks and the backdrop of the bungled undercover investigation and the subsequent fallout that is hampering Dom’s efforts with The Lover case adds an extra depth to him.
With Marland’s use of an Internet group and their transfer from anonymity and the relative safety of purely online interaction to meeting in real-life My Little Eye is a very topical read. It is also relevant to today’s society and makes you question how much do you really know about the people you are in contact with on the Internet. You get to know them and in some cases, even bond with them through shared interests but are they really who they say they are? Do they have secrets? Is their profile picture really them? Is their online persona different to their real-life personality? These are all questions you’ll find yourself contemplating whilst reading the true crime group segments of My Little Eye and let’s be honest, I’m fairly certain that they are all questions we will have asked ourselves before about our Internet acquaintances at one time or another.
I really liked how it wasn’t just the police searching for the killer in My Little Eye with Marland incorporating the group of amateur sleuths alongside the professionals in trying to solve the case and catch the killer. I felt that amateur element added an extra dimension to the story making for a refreshing change from the far more standard police hunting criminals trope that is often the norm in thrillers.
Marland writes in a style that is easily accessible and really draws you in with the pages flying by in a blur of compelling lead characters, twists and a bountiful amount of mystery. The chapters in My Little Eye are short and snappy and as you swap between the amateur and professional groups, their investigations and Clementine and Dom as the focal points you will find yourself constantly being drawn back to the book and to reading (even if you should be doing other things but, of course, other things can wait when you are engrossed in a book).
As an introduction to the pairing of Starke and Bell, My Little Eye serves as a stellar starting point to get you invested in the duo for future releases.
I enjoyed my time spent reading My Little Eye and found it to be a thoroughly addictive and page-turning read.
November 27, 2017
This is the first book written by Steph Broadribb under the pen name of Stephanie Marland and is the start of a cracking new series. With a cast of fascinating characters, a twisted serial killer and enough red herrings to keep the most seasoned crime thriller reader on their toes, My Little Eye is fast-paced, gripper of a read.
There’s a serial killer loose in London, preying on young woman, killing them in an unspeakable way and the police are no closer to catching him. Nicknamed The Lover by the press – this psychopath appears unstoppable and leaves no clues.
Enter Clementine Starke, a Phd student and avid crime researcher who joins an online group of armchair detectives who are convinced they can solve crimes quicker than the police, however Clementine has her own agenda for joining this group. Then we have the Detective Inspector – Dominic (Dom) Bell – a copper with a history and issues who needs to catch the killer for his own redemption.
This book is a great introduction to Starke and Bell and I look forward to following their stories in future books.
There’s a serial killer loose in London, preying on young woman, killing them in an unspeakable way and the police are no closer to catching him. Nicknamed The Lover by the press – this psychopath appears unstoppable and leaves no clues.
Enter Clementine Starke, a Phd student and avid crime researcher who joins an online group of armchair detectives who are convinced they can solve crimes quicker than the police, however Clementine has her own agenda for joining this group. Then we have the Detective Inspector – Dominic (Dom) Bell – a copper with a history and issues who needs to catch the killer for his own redemption.
This book is a great introduction to Starke and Bell and I look forward to following their stories in future books.
December 1, 2018
A generous three stars. This book was just OK.
A cop and an online group of true crime fans are trying to solve the case of the Lover. Of course the police don't know about the online group. The Lover kills women by some injection of poison and then makes them up to all look the same, presumably to resemble someone who was important to him at one time. The plot was predictable. It would be a real twist if the heroine of a story did NOT end up as the last victim only to be rscued by the male lead, sigh.
This book could have been better. The problem for me was that none of the characters seemed real, neither the lead investigator, Dom who was (as usual) unbelievably beleaguered, or Clementine one of the more dogged of the online group (of course she is drowning in guilt over a past event). Dom came across as whiny and pathetic and Clem as a paranoid fruitcake. The killer was also not well drawn. The rationale for his murders was weak and rushed and the character lacked any passion. All in all a very bland story. I might have to re-think my stars, hmmm.
A cop and an online group of true crime fans are trying to solve the case of the Lover. Of course the police don't know about the online group. The Lover kills women by some injection of poison and then makes them up to all look the same, presumably to resemble someone who was important to him at one time. The plot was predictable. It would be a real twist if the heroine of a story did NOT end up as the last victim only to be rscued by the male lead, sigh.
This book could have been better. The problem for me was that none of the characters seemed real, neither the lead investigator, Dom who was (as usual) unbelievably beleaguered, or Clementine one of the more dogged of the online group (of course she is drowning in guilt over a past event). Dom came across as whiny and pathetic and Clem as a paranoid fruitcake. The killer was also not well drawn. The rationale for his murders was weak and rushed and the character lacked any passion. All in all a very bland story. I might have to re-think my stars, hmmm.
July 25, 2017
What a cracking premise for a novel! We all think we're armchair detectives and we do love solving a mystery or two in a book but would you try it for real in the real world and try to beat the police?
That's exactly what Clementine does in this novel and gets herself involved in the darker side of the web - where people hide behind aliases and icons to be jury, judge and executioner. Most people might go to extremes on tiwtter comments etc but to go out and gather evidence? Then to collate it on line so your fellow crime busters can see and comment? A great piece of insider info gets you likes as well as kudos. An invisible puppet master is tugging at everyone's strings.
Add to that the other story about the actual police investigation and how their investigation collides with the social media warriors...
The story ramps along nicely with the hashtags, twitter handles neatly helping the plot to feel rela and in the moment. And that's the gritty realisation - how social media can spread the word quicker than the word itself, how you can be whoever you are, can't be sure of what you are reading, who you are talking to,, wanting likes and approval and the extremes some people go to to get social media fame.
Book groups are going to love this as many issues are explored. Picked this up at Theakstons crime festival and wolfed it down. Wolf being the operative word. Who is the hunter and who is being hunted in the world of social media? I spy with My Little Eye...
That's exactly what Clementine does in this novel and gets herself involved in the darker side of the web - where people hide behind aliases and icons to be jury, judge and executioner. Most people might go to extremes on tiwtter comments etc but to go out and gather evidence? Then to collate it on line so your fellow crime busters can see and comment? A great piece of insider info gets you likes as well as kudos. An invisible puppet master is tugging at everyone's strings.
Add to that the other story about the actual police investigation and how their investigation collides with the social media warriors...
The story ramps along nicely with the hashtags, twitter handles neatly helping the plot to feel rela and in the moment. And that's the gritty realisation - how social media can spread the word quicker than the word itself, how you can be whoever you are, can't be sure of what you are reading, who you are talking to,, wanting likes and approval and the extremes some people go to to get social media fame.
Book groups are going to love this as many issues are explored. Picked this up at Theakstons crime festival and wolfed it down. Wolf being the operative word. Who is the hunter and who is being hunted in the world of social media? I spy with My Little Eye...
June 28, 2018
When the body of a young woman is found surrounded by rose petals in her room, DI Dominic Bell is tasked with finding the culprit, nicknamed “The Lover” due to their creation of a romantic scene around the victim.
Parallel to this, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime club, and they are convinced they can find The Lover and bring them to justice before the police. Angry at the ineptitude of the investigation, the online group become information vigilantes, infiltrating scenes to see what information they can glean.
Both Starke and Bell make progress on their respective investigations, but neither of them seem to realise they have attracted the attention of the killer. These actions unwittingly put them at the forefront of the action, and could have devastating implications for all involved.
My Little Eye is a really good crime thriller. It will satisfy the appetite of armchair sleuths and crime aficionados alike, as it places the reader in the middle of everything. The pace, action and plot are gripping, and I enjoyed the ride.
Recommended for sure!
Parallel to this, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime club, and they are convinced they can find The Lover and bring them to justice before the police. Angry at the ineptitude of the investigation, the online group become information vigilantes, infiltrating scenes to see what information they can glean.
Both Starke and Bell make progress on their respective investigations, but neither of them seem to realise they have attracted the attention of the killer. These actions unwittingly put them at the forefront of the action, and could have devastating implications for all involved.
My Little Eye is a really good crime thriller. It will satisfy the appetite of armchair sleuths and crime aficionados alike, as it places the reader in the middle of everything. The pace, action and plot are gripping, and I enjoyed the ride.
Recommended for sure!
November 9, 2017
All of my reviews can be found at: https://hookedfrompageoneblog.wordpre...
Wow, I was blown away by My Little Eye; I have been looking forward to reading it since I first heard that it was being published and I wasn’t disappointed. Stephanie Marland has created a brilliant cast of characters in her new series and I can’t wait to find out more about them.
In My Little Eye we are introduced to Clementine Starke and murder squad detective DI Dominic Bell. The police are investigating a series of murders which have taken place and DI Dominic Bell fears that a serial killer may be at large, the killer is known to the police and the press as ‘The Lover.’ Fed up with the lack of progress the police are making, an online crime group becomes determined to solve the murders, their main objective: to beat the police. Clementine joins and soon finds herself embroiled in the mystery. But soon her world and Dominic’s collide and Clementine soon realises that she has put herself very close to danger. Can they catch the killer before they kill again? Can they be stopped before it’s too late?
What I really liked about this book is the unique premise. In police procedural novels we are used to the police investigating and solving the crime, what I really found interesting in My Little Eye was Stephanie’s use of true crime addicts who are desperate to beat them. It was intriguing to see how a group of amateurs could solve a crime without the resources the police have and without the means to go and interrogate witnesses and potential suspects. Could they really do a better job? We all like to play armchair detectives and try to work out ‘who did it’ ourselves so it was really fascinating to see this group in action. This really did well in adding to the pace of the novel as both sides raced to stop the killer from striking again. This also had me intrigued to see who would get to the bottom of the case first, if either side managed to solve it.
The characters, who were part of the online crime group, alongside Clementine were intriguing, although most of their interaction takes place online, you can begin to see connections forming and you can definitely see where the group is splitting apart. I was curious to see if they would all maintain their commitment.
Both Clementine and Dominic held my attention from the start. They both have interesting stories which will make you want to find out more about them and I was thrilled to learn that another book in the series is on the way. I really liked the chemistry between them in this book, this is something that I am hoping will be explored further.
My Little Eye is a great start to a thrilling new series; I can’t wait to read the next book.
Wow, I was blown away by My Little Eye; I have been looking forward to reading it since I first heard that it was being published and I wasn’t disappointed. Stephanie Marland has created a brilliant cast of characters in her new series and I can’t wait to find out more about them.
In My Little Eye we are introduced to Clementine Starke and murder squad detective DI Dominic Bell. The police are investigating a series of murders which have taken place and DI Dominic Bell fears that a serial killer may be at large, the killer is known to the police and the press as ‘The Lover.’ Fed up with the lack of progress the police are making, an online crime group becomes determined to solve the murders, their main objective: to beat the police. Clementine joins and soon finds herself embroiled in the mystery. But soon her world and Dominic’s collide and Clementine soon realises that she has put herself very close to danger. Can they catch the killer before they kill again? Can they be stopped before it’s too late?
What I really liked about this book is the unique premise. In police procedural novels we are used to the police investigating and solving the crime, what I really found interesting in My Little Eye was Stephanie’s use of true crime addicts who are desperate to beat them. It was intriguing to see how a group of amateurs could solve a crime without the resources the police have and without the means to go and interrogate witnesses and potential suspects. Could they really do a better job? We all like to play armchair detectives and try to work out ‘who did it’ ourselves so it was really fascinating to see this group in action. This really did well in adding to the pace of the novel as both sides raced to stop the killer from striking again. This also had me intrigued to see who would get to the bottom of the case first, if either side managed to solve it.
The characters, who were part of the online crime group, alongside Clementine were intriguing, although most of their interaction takes place online, you can begin to see connections forming and you can definitely see where the group is splitting apart. I was curious to see if they would all maintain their commitment.
Both Clementine and Dominic held my attention from the start. They both have interesting stories which will make you want to find out more about them and I was thrilled to learn that another book in the series is on the way. I really liked the chemistry between them in this book, this is something that I am hoping will be explored further.
My Little Eye is a great start to a thrilling new series; I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 13, 2018
As a bit of a True-Crime-Podcast fanatic (currently listening to Beyond Reasonable Doubt? – check it out!) I knew that My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland, which follows a group of true crime fanatics as they attempt to hunt down a serial killer known as ‘The Lover,’ was sure to be right up my street. Spoiler alert: I was right. This one is a total page-turner!
As someone with a whole lot of secrets and a very dark past, Clementine Starke doesn’t let people into her life all that easily. She also knows it’s probably not a good idea to join a group of online true crime fanatics in their quest to uncover the identity of ‘The Lover’ before the police do. Clementine is not comfortable with revealing her location (required for participation in the group). She’s not all that comfortable with IRL meet-ups either (ditto). But she needs in with the group. Why? Well, that’s got something to do with that dark past of hers…
DI Dominic Bell is in a race against time to catch the killer the tabloids have christened ‘The Lover.’ The pressure mounts as the body count increases – yet Bell is no closer to uncovering the identity of the killer. It could be that ‘The Lover’ is meticulous in leaving no trace evidence behind. It could also be that Bell is distracted. An internal investigation into a botched police operation has raised some doubts in Bell’s mind - doubts that lead him down a dangerous path of police corruption and dirty cops.
Will Bell catch the killer before he strikes again? What on earth was Clementine thinking when she offered up details of her location to a man who goes by the internet moniker ‘Death Stalker?’ Could he be the killer? Could Clementine be next?!
Read My Little Eye if you like: Serial and/or Line of Duty (As the Starke & Bell series progresses I have a feeling it could deal in police corruption that goes all the way to the very top!)
September 6, 2017
Full review over at www.emmathelittlebookworm.wordpress.com
First off, for those of you who don't know, Stephanie Marland is a pen name used by Stephanie Broadribb, author of Deep Down Dead, the first in the Lori Anderson series which is published by Orenda Books. My Little Eye is the first in her new Starke and Bell series which is published by Trapeze Books.
OMG! This book is AMAZING!!!
Clementine Starke is a recluse. Having spent years hidden away from the world in her London apartment, she is content with watching the world through her pc. For her thesis she is investigating whether the cuts to the police force have made their job so difficult that it would be easier for civilians to solve their criminal cases. Finding like minded people online wasn't that hard and Clementine is soon a member of a London based true crime group.
As the bodies of two women have been found, killed in what appear to be the same circumstances, the group start to believe that they would have more success than the police and so set up an elite group of the members to find out what they can.
The police are panicking, they now have three dead girls and not a clue as to who is killing them, or why and the lead detective, Dominic Bell, is also under investigation for a previous case that landed with one of the team in a coma.
As the killer strikes again, can either team of investigators catch him??
What a fanbloodytastic idea!
First off, for those of you who don't know, Stephanie Marland is a pen name used by Stephanie Broadribb, author of Deep Down Dead, the first in the Lori Anderson series which is published by Orenda Books. My Little Eye is the first in her new Starke and Bell series which is published by Trapeze Books.
OMG! This book is AMAZING!!!
Clementine Starke is a recluse. Having spent years hidden away from the world in her London apartment, she is content with watching the world through her pc. For her thesis she is investigating whether the cuts to the police force have made their job so difficult that it would be easier for civilians to solve their criminal cases. Finding like minded people online wasn't that hard and Clementine is soon a member of a London based true crime group.
As the bodies of two women have been found, killed in what appear to be the same circumstances, the group start to believe that they would have more success than the police and so set up an elite group of the members to find out what they can.
The police are panicking, they now have three dead girls and not a clue as to who is killing them, or why and the lead detective, Dominic Bell, is also under investigation for a previous case that landed with one of the team in a coma.
As the killer strikes again, can either team of investigators catch him??
What a fanbloodytastic idea!
April 18, 2018
Whilst My Little Eye is the first book written under the name Stephanie Marland, the author is also known as Steph Broadribb, and her kick-ass bounty hunter featuring Lori Anderson is published by Orenda Books.
I always find it interesting to read a book by an author that I'm familiar with, when they are taking a different approach and style to their writing, and whilst My Little Eye is a new direction for this talented author, her superb female characters and fast-paced plotting is still very evident.
There's a serial killer on the loose; christened 'The Lover', but not very loving at all. The crimes are horrific, and very unusual and the police don't seem to have the first clue how to solve this. How many times have you read a book, or watched a TV programme and claimed that you could solve the mystery long before the fictional detective did? Well, in My Little Eye, there's a group of true-crime fanatics who are determined to do just that.
Clementine Starke is one of those armchair detectives; a lonely isolated character with her own demons and dark secrets, she's been researching the psychology of online interactions for her PhD and has become immersed in the world of the online crime hunters. When one of them lays down a challenge; to try to solve The Lover case before the police, she's in.
Lead detective on the case is Dominic Bell, and maybe a little cliched, but he too has a dark past that may just come back to haunt him. As both Dominic and Clementine dig deeper into the case, it is inevitable that they become entwined and this is where the perfect partnership begins.
My Little Eye roars along at a great pace, with some incredible insight into the minds of those who spend a lot of time online. It's clear that this author has spent time researching, just as her fictional heroine has and this has resulted in an intelligently written crime story that will please any fan of the genre.
A great start to what is sure to be an excellent new series
I always find it interesting to read a book by an author that I'm familiar with, when they are taking a different approach and style to their writing, and whilst My Little Eye is a new direction for this talented author, her superb female characters and fast-paced plotting is still very evident.
There's a serial killer on the loose; christened 'The Lover', but not very loving at all. The crimes are horrific, and very unusual and the police don't seem to have the first clue how to solve this. How many times have you read a book, or watched a TV programme and claimed that you could solve the mystery long before the fictional detective did? Well, in My Little Eye, there's a group of true-crime fanatics who are determined to do just that.
Clementine Starke is one of those armchair detectives; a lonely isolated character with her own demons and dark secrets, she's been researching the psychology of online interactions for her PhD and has become immersed in the world of the online crime hunters. When one of them lays down a challenge; to try to solve The Lover case before the police, she's in.
Lead detective on the case is Dominic Bell, and maybe a little cliched, but he too has a dark past that may just come back to haunt him. As both Dominic and Clementine dig deeper into the case, it is inevitable that they become entwined and this is where the perfect partnership begins.
My Little Eye roars along at a great pace, with some incredible insight into the minds of those who spend a lot of time online. It's clear that this author has spent time researching, just as her fictional heroine has and this has resulted in an intelligently written crime story that will please any fan of the genre.
A great start to what is sure to be an excellent new series
September 1, 2025
Een jonge vrouw wordt dood aangetroffen in haar slaapkamer, omringd door rozenblaadjes: ze is het nieuwste slachtoffer van ‘The Lover’. Detective Dominic Bell staat flink onder druk: de druk van een intern onderzoek weegt zwaar op zijn schouders en hij is nog steeds niet dichter bij het ontdekken van de identiteit van de moordenaar. De tijd dringt.
Terwijl de moorden zich opstapelen, sluit Clementine Starke zich aan bij een online truecrimegroep die vastbesloten is de moordenaar te pakken voordat de politie dat kan. Clementine verbergt een duister geheim en neemt steeds grotere risico’s om nieuw bewijs te vinden om bij de groep te mogen blijven.
'Wij zien jou' begint met een heerlijk, spannende proloog en je wordt meteen het verhaal ingezogen. Dan lees je over Clementine, ze heeft in het verleden iets heftigs meegemaakt, en nu heeft ze zich bij een groep aangesloten die achter een moordenaar aan zit.
Vervolgens lees je ook hoofdstukken vanuit Dom. Hij is werkzaam als detective bij de politie en moet zien te achterhale wie 'The Lover' is: een moordenaar die inmiddels zijn derde slachtoffer heeft gemaakt.
Clementine raakt steeds meer betrokken bij deze derde moordzaak en probeert, samen met haar online true crime groepje, erachter te komen wie de moordenaar is. Ook haar verleden speelt een grote rol, net als een heftige gebeurtenis uit het leven van Dom. Kunnen ze samen de moordenaar vinden?
Vooral de eerste helft van dit boek vond ik erg goed! De personages Clementine en Dom waren erg interessant en de ontwikkelingen in de true crime groep waren boeiend. Wat dan volgt is een lange zoektocht naar de moordenaar en dit was soms ietwat langdradig voor mij.
Naar het einde toe neemt de spanning gelukkig dan wel weer toe en het slot roept weer een heleboel vragen op, waardoor ik benieuwd werd naar het verdere verloop van Clementine en Dom.
Ik vind dat Steph een hele vlotte schrijfstijl heeft en ik wil dan ook zeker het tweede deel van deze nieuwe serie lezen!
Heel erg bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar @boekerij!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Terwijl de moorden zich opstapelen, sluit Clementine Starke zich aan bij een online truecrimegroep die vastbesloten is de moordenaar te pakken voordat de politie dat kan. Clementine verbergt een duister geheim en neemt steeds grotere risico’s om nieuw bewijs te vinden om bij de groep te mogen blijven.
'Wij zien jou' begint met een heerlijk, spannende proloog en je wordt meteen het verhaal ingezogen. Dan lees je over Clementine, ze heeft in het verleden iets heftigs meegemaakt, en nu heeft ze zich bij een groep aangesloten die achter een moordenaar aan zit.
Vervolgens lees je ook hoofdstukken vanuit Dom. Hij is werkzaam als detective bij de politie en moet zien te achterhale wie 'The Lover' is: een moordenaar die inmiddels zijn derde slachtoffer heeft gemaakt.
Clementine raakt steeds meer betrokken bij deze derde moordzaak en probeert, samen met haar online true crime groepje, erachter te komen wie de moordenaar is. Ook haar verleden speelt een grote rol, net als een heftige gebeurtenis uit het leven van Dom. Kunnen ze samen de moordenaar vinden?
Vooral de eerste helft van dit boek vond ik erg goed! De personages Clementine en Dom waren erg interessant en de ontwikkelingen in de true crime groep waren boeiend. Wat dan volgt is een lange zoektocht naar de moordenaar en dit was soms ietwat langdradig voor mij.
Naar het einde toe neemt de spanning gelukkig dan wel weer toe en het slot roept weer een heleboel vragen op, waardoor ik benieuwd werd naar het verdere verloop van Clementine en Dom.
Ik vind dat Steph een hele vlotte schrijfstijl heeft en ik wil dan ook zeker het tweede deel van deze nieuwe serie lezen!
Heel erg bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar @boekerij!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
April 22, 2019
Crime fiction / Serial Killers
Can a group of true crime addicts take on the police to catch a serial killer?
This is the first book in a new series featuring DI Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke, a PhD candidate studying the online groups. There are two parallel stories going on -- the police, DI Bell investigating a potential serial killer and a group of online crime fanatics (Starke) trying to solve the crimes before the police. Naturally amateur detectives hide what they find and they put themselves in danger...
I wanted to enjoy this story but I hated to read Dominic Bell's chapters. Bell sounded weak and pathetic. He felt distracted from the investigation due to his previous case gone wrong (I'm surprised he was't put on administrative leave after something like this!). I'm getting a little tired that so many of those fictional police officers have all kind of problems that mess with their current cases.
I enjoyed Starke's chapters though and she sounded interesting character (even though in the end she had her big TSTL moment).
Can a group of true crime addicts take on the police to catch a serial killer?
This is the first book in a new series featuring DI Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke, a PhD candidate studying the online groups. There are two parallel stories going on -- the police, DI Bell investigating a potential serial killer and a group of online crime fanatics (Starke) trying to solve the crimes before the police. Naturally amateur detectives hide what they find and they put themselves in danger...
I wanted to enjoy this story but I hated to read Dominic Bell's chapters. Bell sounded weak and pathetic. He felt distracted from the investigation due to his previous case gone wrong (I'm surprised he was't put on administrative leave after something like this!). I'm getting a little tired that so many of those fictional police officers have all kind of problems that mess with their current cases.
I enjoyed Starke's chapters though and she sounded interesting character (even though in the end she had her big TSTL moment).
July 20, 2020
3.5
"Wir sehen dich" ist der Auftakt zu einem eher ungewöhnlichen Ermittler-Duo, denn nur Dominic Bell ist Polizist und Clementine Starke ermittelt eher aus privatem Interesse. Hinter Clementines Geschichte steckt noch deutlich mehr, worüber man hoffentlich im nächsten Buch noch ein wenig mehr erfahren wird.
Interessant fand ich auch die True Crime Gruppe, bei der Privatpersonen in richtig Fällen ermitteln. Dieser Fall war ebenfalls sehr spannend, auch wenn sich diese Spannung nicht immer übertragen hat und ich das Buch nicht als mega spannenden Pageturner empfunden habe. Für mich haben sich zwischendurch immer mal wieder ein paar Längen eingeschlichen.
Das Buch konnte mich jedoch mit den ungewöhnlichen Ermittlungstätigkeiten und einem interessanten Fall gut unterhalten. Ich bin sehr gespannt auf den neuen Fall für Bell und Starke.
"Wir sehen dich" ist der Auftakt zu einem eher ungewöhnlichen Ermittler-Duo, denn nur Dominic Bell ist Polizist und Clementine Starke ermittelt eher aus privatem Interesse. Hinter Clementines Geschichte steckt noch deutlich mehr, worüber man hoffentlich im nächsten Buch noch ein wenig mehr erfahren wird.
Interessant fand ich auch die True Crime Gruppe, bei der Privatpersonen in richtig Fällen ermitteln. Dieser Fall war ebenfalls sehr spannend, auch wenn sich diese Spannung nicht immer übertragen hat und ich das Buch nicht als mega spannenden Pageturner empfunden habe. Für mich haben sich zwischendurch immer mal wieder ein paar Längen eingeschlichen.
Das Buch konnte mich jedoch mit den ungewöhnlichen Ermittlungstätigkeiten und einem interessanten Fall gut unterhalten. Ich bin sehr gespannt auf den neuen Fall für Bell und Starke.
December 26, 2017
Stephanie Marland is the pen name of Crime Thriller Girl Steph Broadribb, the author of Deep Down Dead featuring her character Lori Anderson.
My Little Eye was an edge of your seat book with an interesting premise. Can a group of online true crime fans solve the case of The Lover before the police can?
We are introduced to Clementine Starke AKA The Watcher and Detective Dom Bell - both complex characters with pasts that haunt them.
I loved this book and would suggest it was one of the best books I have read this year. I can't wait to read the next in the series and getting to know Starke and Bell better.
My Little Eye was an edge of your seat book with an interesting premise. Can a group of online true crime fans solve the case of The Lover before the police can?
We are introduced to Clementine Starke AKA The Watcher and Detective Dom Bell - both complex characters with pasts that haunt them.
I loved this book and would suggest it was one of the best books I have read this year. I can't wait to read the next in the series and getting to know Starke and Bell better.
April 23, 2018
A great read with a different spin. True crime geeks racing with the Police to catch a killer known as the Lover.It keeks you guessing all the way through.
April 10, 2018
I decided this year that I was going to leave star ratings off my blog – but today I make an exception as this bloody beauty gets #AllTheFrigginStars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and some!
Set in London, the reader is pulled into a cyber world where a group of #TrueCrimeGeeks are in a race against the police to catch The Lover – a serial killer whose crimes are escalating – and what a race it is! We are faced with a haunting past, secrets, exposure, anxiety, fear, corruption, the choice of right and wrong, egoism, and a search for the truth – but also SO MUCH MORE!
Now let me just say – The prologue …THAT prologue..BOOM! 💥 I was instantly intrigued and breathless, nearly had to call all the 9’s as I was gasping for air so much after I read it! Friggin hell, Steph(anie)- you are one clever writer! This is how you do it, peeps! The story is told from both DI Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke’s POV and I loved how this worked! The storyline was creative and fresh – made me think, EXCITED me, and had me swiping my kindle so fast, I’m convinced my fingerprints have now been erased! Might come in handy… *kidding* 🤔😉 but hmmmm… 🤣
Characters are my thing- I get so wrapped up in their development if an author can create that magical pull that makes it worth it. Ms. Marland NAILED it. DI Dominic Bell has a lot on his plate but was edgy, intelligent and determined. He is both likable and unlikable, with many layers and depth which leaves the reader desperate to know more about him.
🎶 Oh my darlin’, Clementine…🎶 I bloody LOVED this character! I know this series is classed as Starke & Bell, but Clementine was the character that really drew me in. Her backstory, her mind, her motivation and her interests all had me on the edge of my seat desperate to know how things would turn out. I have SO many theories and questions about her – the darkness that hangs over her, some of her thoughts…😱…damn, she is such a fiesty, concerning, clever and focused young woman – I need to know everything about her!
The True Crime London group had a fascinating mix of peeps – the Breakfast Club of true crime followers. Diverse and intent on catching the killer before the police, you find yourself willing them on whilst cringing at the risks they take. I adored these characterisations! I was right there with them all as they sifted through their evidence. Oh yeah- they were a great bunch.
Even the killer – The Lover- had me glued to the pages. Using my (horrendous) profiling skills to draw out who this person was. I made an educated guess and I was right…sort of…but *no spoilers* from me!
Would I recommend this book? Oh YES! Yes! Yes! You better believe I would! My Little Eye had a Luther-esque feel to it but it’s unique, risky, dark and addictive story really got under my skin. I am more than a little bit excited about this series and I tell you what – Steph(anie) Broadribb/Marland is a refreshing, exhilarating and absolutely powerful new voice in crime fiction. Can’t wait for the next in this series!
Set in London, the reader is pulled into a cyber world where a group of #TrueCrimeGeeks are in a race against the police to catch The Lover – a serial killer whose crimes are escalating – and what a race it is! We are faced with a haunting past, secrets, exposure, anxiety, fear, corruption, the choice of right and wrong, egoism, and a search for the truth – but also SO MUCH MORE!
Now let me just say – The prologue …THAT prologue..BOOM! 💥 I was instantly intrigued and breathless, nearly had to call all the 9’s as I was gasping for air so much after I read it! Friggin hell, Steph(anie)- you are one clever writer! This is how you do it, peeps! The story is told from both DI Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke’s POV and I loved how this worked! The storyline was creative and fresh – made me think, EXCITED me, and had me swiping my kindle so fast, I’m convinced my fingerprints have now been erased! Might come in handy… *kidding* 🤔😉 but hmmmm… 🤣
Characters are my thing- I get so wrapped up in their development if an author can create that magical pull that makes it worth it. Ms. Marland NAILED it. DI Dominic Bell has a lot on his plate but was edgy, intelligent and determined. He is both likable and unlikable, with many layers and depth which leaves the reader desperate to know more about him.
🎶 Oh my darlin’, Clementine…🎶 I bloody LOVED this character! I know this series is classed as Starke & Bell, but Clementine was the character that really drew me in. Her backstory, her mind, her motivation and her interests all had me on the edge of my seat desperate to know how things would turn out. I have SO many theories and questions about her – the darkness that hangs over her, some of her thoughts…😱…damn, she is such a fiesty, concerning, clever and focused young woman – I need to know everything about her!
The True Crime London group had a fascinating mix of peeps – the Breakfast Club of true crime followers. Diverse and intent on catching the killer before the police, you find yourself willing them on whilst cringing at the risks they take. I adored these characterisations! I was right there with them all as they sifted through their evidence. Oh yeah- they were a great bunch.
Even the killer – The Lover- had me glued to the pages. Using my (horrendous) profiling skills to draw out who this person was. I made an educated guess and I was right…sort of…but *no spoilers* from me!
Would I recommend this book? Oh YES! Yes! Yes! You better believe I would! My Little Eye had a Luther-esque feel to it but it’s unique, risky, dark and addictive story really got under my skin. I am more than a little bit excited about this series and I tell you what – Steph(anie) Broadribb/Marland is a refreshing, exhilarating and absolutely powerful new voice in crime fiction. Can’t wait for the next in this series!
April 2, 2018
I don't know what I was expecting when I started this book, but it wasn't what I got.
It's like parallel stories going on. The police investigating a potential serial killer. A group of true crime fanatics trying to beat the police at solving the crimes. It flips back and forth. It just didn't encourage me to get invested in the characters or the story. It moves so slowly and frankly, I was bored. After reaching the halfway point, I just couldn't make myself continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
It's like parallel stories going on. The police investigating a potential serial killer. A group of true crime fanatics trying to beat the police at solving the crimes. It flips back and forth. It just didn't encourage me to get invested in the characters or the story. It moves so slowly and frankly, I was bored. After reaching the halfway point, I just couldn't make myself continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
February 16, 2018
I must confess that My Little Eye is a ‘cherry-pop’ for me, as I have not read any of the authors previous work. Stephanie Marland (also known as Steph Broadribb) has well and truly popped the lid off my Pringles with this one. I am already desperate for more.
As someone who loves thrillers and crime procedural novels, I am always hesitant to read a book by a new author. Although you have the familiar flutterings similar to when you meet a new friend or date for the first time, expectations are high and there is also a real risk. But it seems this one was worth taking.
So what is the book about: A serial killer is targeting unsuspecting young women in London, and the murders are anything but tame. As ‘The Lover’ continues his reign of terror, the police are no closer to catching the psychopath. With no clues to lead them to the killer, Clementine Starke steps up to the plate. A PHD student and crime researcher, she quickly delves into the murky waters of the dark web and joins the keyboard warriors and armchair detectives determined to bring this criminal mastermind to his knees.
Of course, every book needs a perfectly flawed cop, it wouldn’t be the perfect book without one, and Detective Dom Bell is a cop with a past. He needs to catch this killer, more for his own sake than for those around him.
This thriller has a very strong contemporary feel with social media playing a crucial part in the plot. The idea of playing with the all too familiar ‘trial by media’ idea really gives the book a current hook. As with most thriller and crime readers, I indulge my passion for mystery watching TV shows along the same lines. And I know I am not alone. So with so many super sleuths being born these days, is it really a surprise that at some point, mere mortals will begin to believe that they can solve crimes quicker than the professionals?
My Little Eye is the perfect first novel in what I hope will become a long-running series. Starke and Bell will keep you hooked, the crimes will keep you guessing and Marland is sure to become one of your 'go-to' thriller writers.
I look forward to reading more.
As someone who loves thrillers and crime procedural novels, I am always hesitant to read a book by a new author. Although you have the familiar flutterings similar to when you meet a new friend or date for the first time, expectations are high and there is also a real risk. But it seems this one was worth taking.
So what is the book about: A serial killer is targeting unsuspecting young women in London, and the murders are anything but tame. As ‘The Lover’ continues his reign of terror, the police are no closer to catching the psychopath. With no clues to lead them to the killer, Clementine Starke steps up to the plate. A PHD student and crime researcher, she quickly delves into the murky waters of the dark web and joins the keyboard warriors and armchair detectives determined to bring this criminal mastermind to his knees.
Of course, every book needs a perfectly flawed cop, it wouldn’t be the perfect book without one, and Detective Dom Bell is a cop with a past. He needs to catch this killer, more for his own sake than for those around him.
This thriller has a very strong contemporary feel with social media playing a crucial part in the plot. The idea of playing with the all too familiar ‘trial by media’ idea really gives the book a current hook. As with most thriller and crime readers, I indulge my passion for mystery watching TV shows along the same lines. And I know I am not alone. So with so many super sleuths being born these days, is it really a surprise that at some point, mere mortals will begin to believe that they can solve crimes quicker than the professionals?
My Little Eye is the perfect first novel in what I hope will become a long-running series. Starke and Bell will keep you hooked, the crimes will keep you guessing and Marland is sure to become one of your 'go-to' thriller writers.
I look forward to reading more.
August 23, 2017
A killer dubbed “The Lover” strikes again, leaving the Met Police chasing their tails. DI Dominic Bell has enough on his plate, and doesn’t know who he can trust. His previous case, a high profile undercover operation, went badly wrong, and the internal investigation seems intent on looking towards him for blame. Clementine Starke is part of an online group of True-Crime enthusiasts, a group critical of the Met’s handling of the case, and convinced they could do a better job. The Lover is perfecting his technique and gaps between their kills are getting shorter. Clementine has secrets of her own to hide, but finds that the risks she takes to keep the hidden, put her firmly in the killers crosshairs.
True crime documentaries like “Making a Murderer” have given rise to countless armchair detectives, and this book will well and truly hit the sweet-spot for each and every one of them. Clementine is a fabulous contradiction, hiding herself away to guard her own secrets, but compelled to stick her neck further, and further back out into the world, to do what the police can’t - catch a killer. She dovetails so well with Dom, someone who right now, wishes he could step out of the limelight and just get on with his job. The half-hidden world of the true crime group adds a supporting cast full of ulterior motives, and politics of groups within a group. Layered over all of this, is some beautifully paced writing that had me speeding through every chapter at a rate of knots. Easily one of my favourite reads this year so far.
True crime documentaries like “Making a Murderer” have given rise to countless armchair detectives, and this book will well and truly hit the sweet-spot for each and every one of them. Clementine is a fabulous contradiction, hiding herself away to guard her own secrets, but compelled to stick her neck further, and further back out into the world, to do what the police can’t - catch a killer. She dovetails so well with Dom, someone who right now, wishes he could step out of the limelight and just get on with his job. The half-hidden world of the true crime group adds a supporting cast full of ulterior motives, and politics of groups within a group. Layered over all of this, is some beautifully paced writing that had me speeding through every chapter at a rate of knots. Easily one of my favourite reads this year so far.
March 13, 2018
Good Lord this was good. I mean great. Brilliant. Fabulous. I'll find the right word eventually but not as many right words as made up this stupendously fricking excellent book. And I was told how great it was. I was forewarned by the wonderful @LaughingGravy71 or is it forearmed?
I loved the concept if an internet crime solving group working to solve a crime the police had not been able to. Anyone who is into real crime knows groups like this exist. There was also enough red herrings to make it interesting.
I am really hoping to see more of Detective Bell in future novels. I will need to stalk the author like a crime solving fan on a regular basis to make sure this happens.
Oh you're so going to love this book.
I received a copy courtesy of #NetGalley
I loved the concept if an internet crime solving group working to solve a crime the police had not been able to. Anyone who is into real crime knows groups like this exist. There was also enough red herrings to make it interesting.
I am really hoping to see more of Detective Bell in future novels. I will need to stalk the author like a crime solving fan on a regular basis to make sure this happens.
Oh you're so going to love this book.
I received a copy courtesy of #NetGalley
February 22, 2018
I was first drawn to "My Little Eye" by Stephanie Marland when I saw the cover. It shows a mystery waiting to be solved.
I loved the connection between Clementine Stark (an edgy PHD student) and Dominic (Dom) Bell a Detective Inspector in the London police force.
Both are trying to track down a serial killer - the identity of whom I didn't guess until it was literally written on the pages in front of my eyes!
An exciting, twisty, well written police procedural/serial killer read that I very much enjoyed. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for the next in the series.
I loved the connection between Clementine Stark (an edgy PHD student) and Dominic (Dom) Bell a Detective Inspector in the London police force.
Both are trying to track down a serial killer - the identity of whom I didn't guess until it was literally written on the pages in front of my eyes!
An exciting, twisty, well written police procedural/serial killer read that I very much enjoyed. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for the next in the series.
January 19, 2018
Really enjoyed, looking forward to second book, this one actually kept me guessing right up until the end
April 17, 2018
**Four and a half stars**
My Little Eye is the first book in the Starke and Bell series written by Stephanie Marland. Sshhh, don’t tell anyone but Stephanie Marland is actually a pen name for another favourite of mine (that’s author AND blogger), Steph Broadribb! Steph writes the breathtakingly good Lori Anderson series, published by Orenda Books. Writing as Stephanie Marland her latest series, featuring Clementine Starke and Dominic Bell, is published by the fabulous folk at Trapeze Books. Of all the books in all the world, this one was pretty much at the top of my MUST READ list.
I’ve been SO excited about getting around to reading My Little Eye, and I really enjoyed it. Knowing that this author (in her other guise) writes one of my very favourite crime series, I was looking forward to seeing how she would write these new characters, the more ‘local’ setting (for us Brits!) and exactly how different it would be to her very distinct Lori Anderson series. And it was just that; very very different. Great different. You can’t really compare the two but they’re both as equally marvellous as each other.
We meet Clementine Starke, a PhD student in psychology, specifically human-computer interaction. Yeah, I scratched my head at that too. Basically, Clementine likes to study how we present ourselves online; the lies we tell, the *cough* truths we omit. The reader soon discovers that Clementine Starke has other dark secrets as well which Marland manages to adeptly tease us with as the story progresses. Starke is part of a London-based forum of true crime addicts. True crime addicts who believe the police are incompetent, corrupt and generally inept. True crime addicts who are out to solve a murder, to beat the police in cracking the case. And oh boy, what a case they have chosen to crack! The Lover is London’s latest serial killer. When a second victim is found, Starke’s group closes rank and start their own investigation. DI Dominic Bell is the lead detective tasked with apprehending The Lover. Bell is struggling with his own demons though, including an Internal Affairs investigation into his last case. Can Bell piece the clues together before it’s too late and The Lover takes another victim? How far will Starke go before she realises she’s in too deep…?
I absolutely loved Starke and I loved Bell. I’m fascinated to see where Marland is going to take the second book as, although it sounds from the blurb like Bell and Starke are a team, they really aren’t and only come to meet towards the end of the book. He is a senior police officer, she is a PhD student who prefers to spend time inside her flat in her own company.
I did see where the plot was heading but I didn’t really care as I was enjoying the book so much. I love a serial killer thriller (more than any other crime thriller, really) and it was great to have what felt like a modern-day amateur sleuth take on the big guys, the serial killers. The addition of a competent but distracted detective worked an absolute treat for me and I’m really excited to read the next instalment in this series for that reason.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It’s a twisty, modern day take on a serial killer thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Fast-paced and addictive, I’m left wanting more. They’re an unlikely duo but oh my gosh, they work. I just hope they don’t do something daft like fall in love…*shudder*
And for the record, Radiohead aren’t ‘old’.
Four and a half stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of My Little Eye. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
My Little Eye is the first book in the Starke and Bell series written by Stephanie Marland. Sshhh, don’t tell anyone but Stephanie Marland is actually a pen name for another favourite of mine (that’s author AND blogger), Steph Broadribb! Steph writes the breathtakingly good Lori Anderson series, published by Orenda Books. Writing as Stephanie Marland her latest series, featuring Clementine Starke and Dominic Bell, is published by the fabulous folk at Trapeze Books. Of all the books in all the world, this one was pretty much at the top of my MUST READ list.
I’ve been SO excited about getting around to reading My Little Eye, and I really enjoyed it. Knowing that this author (in her other guise) writes one of my very favourite crime series, I was looking forward to seeing how she would write these new characters, the more ‘local’ setting (for us Brits!) and exactly how different it would be to her very distinct Lori Anderson series. And it was just that; very very different. Great different. You can’t really compare the two but they’re both as equally marvellous as each other.
We meet Clementine Starke, a PhD student in psychology, specifically human-computer interaction. Yeah, I scratched my head at that too. Basically, Clementine likes to study how we present ourselves online; the lies we tell, the *cough* truths we omit. The reader soon discovers that Clementine Starke has other dark secrets as well which Marland manages to adeptly tease us with as the story progresses. Starke is part of a London-based forum of true crime addicts. True crime addicts who believe the police are incompetent, corrupt and generally inept. True crime addicts who are out to solve a murder, to beat the police in cracking the case. And oh boy, what a case they have chosen to crack! The Lover is London’s latest serial killer. When a second victim is found, Starke’s group closes rank and start their own investigation. DI Dominic Bell is the lead detective tasked with apprehending The Lover. Bell is struggling with his own demons though, including an Internal Affairs investigation into his last case. Can Bell piece the clues together before it’s too late and The Lover takes another victim? How far will Starke go before she realises she’s in too deep…?
I absolutely loved Starke and I loved Bell. I’m fascinated to see where Marland is going to take the second book as, although it sounds from the blurb like Bell and Starke are a team, they really aren’t and only come to meet towards the end of the book. He is a senior police officer, she is a PhD student who prefers to spend time inside her flat in her own company.
I did see where the plot was heading but I didn’t really care as I was enjoying the book so much. I love a serial killer thriller (more than any other crime thriller, really) and it was great to have what felt like a modern-day amateur sleuth take on the big guys, the serial killers. The addition of a competent but distracted detective worked an absolute treat for me and I’m really excited to read the next instalment in this series for that reason.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It’s a twisty, modern day take on a serial killer thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Fast-paced and addictive, I’m left wanting more. They’re an unlikely duo but oh my gosh, they work. I just hope they don’t do something daft like fall in love…*shudder*
And for the record, Radiohead aren’t ‘old’.
Four and a half stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of My Little Eye. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
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