Lonely Hearts

DI Falle #1

by Gwyn G.B.

Someone's watching. Someone's Lonely. Someone's going to Die. Could it be You?

Meet Rachel, she loves animals and works at a dating agency bringing lonely people together – only somebody is watching her every move and she’s scared…

Neil didn’t see who killed him – but his murder brings DI Claire Falle on the case. What she uncovers leads her to discover a serial-killer is preying on the clients of the dating agency where Rachel works.

Can Claire work out the connection between all the deaths before Rachel becomes the next victim?

What is it in Rachel’s past that haunts her?

As DI Claire Falle investigates the lives of the dating agency staff and clients, she is pulled into a tangled web of loneliness and deceit which will have devastating consequences for someone...

Genres: Crime, Mystery

318 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2017

About the author

Gwyn GB is a writer living in Jersey, Channel Islands. A native of the UK she moved to the island with her Jersey-born husband and family.

Gwyn is a former national and international newsreader for BBC TV and ITN in London and Jersey. She's also freelanced for national newspapers and magazines in the UK, once had her own magazine publishing business and has a PR diploma. She is currently working as a freelance writer and author, and is one of the co-founders of MyVLF, the world's first virtual book festival site.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow my blog
https://sueandherbooks.blogspot.co.uk/


This has been a blurb invite to me, I read the blurb and got curious, and I am so glad I did because I would have missed out on a very good read.

I love the female DI Claire Falle, quite a ballsy woman but with a heart of gold. She has her fair share of problems. She felt real to me so that was a plus.

The other characters in this story are well woven in with a personality of their own.

I loved the red herrings thrown in all around the place leading me to some 'dead' herrings that went nowhere! So when the climax came it was well worth the wait.



International giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?

[Kelly Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-ordered, downloaded, read. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one session. I loved this author's debut, Islands, and yet again the imagery is so evocative you feel as if you're slap bang in the middle of the story. A crime thriller with believable characters and realistic action, Lonely Hearts kept me captive to the unexpected and shocking end.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

New author - check.
Intriguing cover - check.
New book serial - check.

Not a bad start really, eh? Meet the new book serial from author Gwyn GB; a crime thriller set within a dating agency...believe it or not. We all know dating agencies as places to meet our potential new soulmate, and not a place where hearts are broken and no longer allowed to pump blood around bodies.

To be honest, I really didn't know what to make of this novel to begin with. I mean, a dating agency and a crime thriller in one? I can't say I have ever come across that before.  It did take me several chapters to warm to the theme of the storyline as there was so much information for me to digest and learn, before I was able to truly enjoy the book itself.

Firstly, there are quite a lot of characters involved in 'Lonely Hearts' which, in my opinion, is a mixture of both bad and good. Bad because I got confused as to who did what and when, and good because the 'whodunnit' nature of the book was more likely to be kept hidden longer than if the storyline contained fewer characters.

Once I felt that I was able to distinguish between each character and what their role was within the book, I was able to truly enjoy this unique storyline. I thought that DI Claire Falle was such a relatable character to have are the forefront of the storyline, even if she did come across as a novice a lot of the time, the fact she wasn't afraid to tune into her own personal thoughts and feelings made me like her even more. She listened to her gut and was determined to follow through with what her gut was trying to tell her, even though people around her were less likely to jump on board the same idea.

Personally, I am so glad that this book is part of a series and that a second book will be released as that ending made me go 'grrrrr!!!!'. I wasn't ready for the book to come to and end, and when it did I felt as though I was left hanging. Whilst endings like that irk me ever so slightly, it has also made me more excited about the next instalment from author Gwyn GB. I'm just hoping it won't take too long to materialise as I want to find out what happens next!!

Unique, addictive, positively gripping, and thoroughly entertaining; 'Lonely Hearts' is a shocking, rollercoaster read which will make you think twice about wearing your heart on your sleeve. I cannot wait for the second book in the series!!

Thanks Brookcottage Books!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and I'll most likely read book two in the series. However, I had to drop from my anticipated four stars to three due to the very abrupt ending, which I found disappointing.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book we are introduced to Rachel who is constantly looking over her shoulder, convinced that someone is watching her. Even inside her own home she is almost a prisoner, locking herself inside and almost afraid of her own shadow. Her friend Neil is murdered and DI Falle is called into investigate. Claire Falle is determined to make sure this case is taken seriously, haunted by a previous case. Could Rachel's stalker and Neil's murderer be connected to the dating agency Soulmates?

I really liked the flashbacks within the story and felt so sad for the situation Rachel was left in, looking after her father when she was a mere child, both stricken with grief over the sudden death of her mother. These flashbacks provide the reader to some insight into who Rachel is, giving her character real substance.

D.I Claire Fallon is a likeable character and one not without her own set of problems. Living with her partner, also in the police force, her life isn't turning out quite how she had planned. Suddenly thrown into a domestic situation she does not find fulfilling at all, she is desperately trying to find a way out. However, the distraction of a murder investigation and trying to find out just who is stalking Rachel leaves Claire desperate to make a good impression with her squad and try to put personal difficulties to one side. She resolves not to make the same mistakes she did with a previous investigation.

I really enjoyed this book. It had enough going on to keep me interested with good steady pacing and lots of interesting and complex characters. The book had lots of twists and turns and at times had me completely confused as to who the killer might be. I love books that can stretch me and frustrate me at the same time and this book certainly fits the bill. The ending made me want to scream at the top of my lungs and now I'm desperate to read the next book in the series! I was really drawn to the author's writing style and would highly recommend this book to crime lovers who want a book that will grip them right to the very end and leave them wanting more!

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Rachel Hill works for SoulMates, a dating agency, and is being stalked by someone unknown. When Neil, a friend of Rachel’s as well as a client, is murdered in his bathroom, DI Claire Falle is called to the murder scene. The story is told in the third person from the points of view Claire and Rachel, with flashbacks to Rachel’s childhood, and several short chapters from an unknown narrator.

Rachel lost her mother when she was eleven years old. Her grief was overshadowed by her father’s inability to cope. He never recovered from the loss of his wife and sought solace in the bottom of a bottle. Rachel was left to look after them both as best she could. The flashbacks were intriguing, leaving me to wonder what relevance they had to the story playing out in the present, and at the same time fleshing out Rachel’s background and character.

'In the daylight, and with a tired mind, she starts to question the events of last night. Was there really somebody there? Was she just being paranoid? Is it the tiredness that’s making her jumpy, sending her heart racing when a loose strand of hair falls across one of her eyes?'

Claire’s home life isn’t going particularly well, made all the more difficult because her partner and his mates are also police officers. But she’s dedicated to her job and as this is her first murder enquiry since her promotion to Detective Inspector, she knows she has to make a good impression, and disregard any awkwardness. Claire is an immediately likeable character, clearly drawn, and having her personal life and thoughts worked into the story makes her more believable. She is desperate to protect Rachel after a previous case went disastrously wrong.

Engaging and easy to read writing with characters that appeal. Both timelines work well, blending seamlessly and keeping me intrigued, with a good twist which I wasn’t expecting. The ending also came as a complete surprise, so I’m looking forward to the next book.

I chose to read and review Lonely Hearts based on a digital copy of the book supplied by Brook Cottage Books and the author.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwyn GB is a new author to me but I was suckered in by the striking cover and the blurb. It took me a while to slide in comfortably so that I knew who was who or who was doing what but all of a sudden the plot line just clicks and from there I was eager to continue with Lonely Hearts.

I liked DI Claire Falle she just gets on with the situation in hand, doesn’t always make the right decision but that makes her human. It’s no secret there is murder involved and the past/present timeline works quite well. I’m not a huge fan of flitting backwards and forwards yet this managed to provide just enough detail to keep it flowing.

It’s certainly a thought provoking concept involving a dating agency. I enjoyed this page turner and flew through it in my keenness to see what happened and THEN … that ending aaaaaarghhhhh! I kept looking at it, reading back, flicking ahead just to make sure I wasn’t missing a section somewhere. Initially I was so cross to be left dangling like that, but it’s a sure fire way to make certain the reader comes back for the second book!

Thanks to the author and Brook Cottage Books for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Bodies in the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downloaded this book for the myVLF bookclub, and enjoyed it.

The characterisation is really good - I liked the protagonist, DI Claire Falle, and the rest of the police team.

The plot was also strong, but unfortunately I think too much was given away in the writing of the scenes from 1994 - it was obvious from early on who the murderer was, and why. I think the book would have worked better if we’d stayed in the present day, or if the 1994 scenes had been reduced in number to reveal less.

That said, there was more than enough in the subplots and in the character development to keep me engaged to the end, and I will definitely acquire the second book in the series to read Claire Falle’s next adventure. A good four star read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down and can't wait for the follow up.
The story was believable and actually quite heart-breaking, all the characters coming across as sympathetic or in some cases pathetic.
I really took to DI Falle and wish her well from another Jersey girl.
If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend Gwyn's first book Islands.

[bandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Liked the character, Claire. And the storyline was interesting . I would have preferred the book ending differently. Because I prefer to read books whereby i dont have to guess what actually happened.

[Barbara Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, couldn't put it down. Keeps you thinking right to the end. Looking forward to her next book which is a follow up to Lonely Hearts.

[Karen Blaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twist

Suspense, a real page Turner i couldn't put it down. Quick read easy to follow. Highly recommend this read. Bravo

[wally walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather complicated plot, good read but not unduly so

[Mary Helms]

Horrible

Horrible book. Too much left up in the air. So many loose ends and no follow up written. Stupid ending.

[Gemma Dufty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good twists and turns but a bit slow for me!

[Kaz Bland · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I have read this author. I loved this book. Great characters and it was well written. Bit of a twist at the end but that just made it more interesting. I will definitely be reading more from this author and will continue with the series.

[Rachel (Rae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery within the book definitely grabbed my attention and was written in a way where I wasn't quite sure where the story was going to go. In no time at all I felt invested in the story and also the characters it just seemed to flow really well. I found Lonely Hearts to be very clever but not overly complex with the bonus of a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes. The writing style felt engaging and easy going I was able to concentrate on the whole story without having to be constantly overthinking things.

The flashbacks to Rachel's past were intriguing and it really helped to pull the story together and made Rachel a more rounded and interesting character. Sometimes flashbacks can hinder a plot but I thought they only enhanced certain scenes and gave an added bit of depth to Rachel's character. Claire is a very easy character to like, her life isn't perfect and there is a slight vulnerability to her. However there is also a spark of determination that is a great side to her personality. Making her perfect to investigate the crimes but also showing a more human side to herself at the same time. I liked that the reader was able to experience her personal problems I think that it fit in well with the storyline of the dating agency and finding love etc. Both characters work well within the story and spark off each other perfectly too. The minor characters all added something to the story along with some suspects and red herrings thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed how the investigation progressed with the clues being slowly pieced together by Clare and her colleagues.

I really don't want to give anything away about the plot but I will say it is a very twisty journey that kept me turning the pages until I had finally discovered the truth. I actually finished Lonely Hearts in one sitting and I can't wait for the next book in the series to see where everything will go next!

Surprises, shocks and a brilliant story!

With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Sheila Howes · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Firstly, thank you to Debbie at Brook Cottage Books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review*

At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Rachel, who appears to be afraid of someone or something. Meanwhile, we are also introduced to Neil, who is being murdered. Rachel is trying to contact him while this is happening. Finally we are introduced to DI Claire Falle, who is woken with an early morning call to get to the crime scene.

Rachel is being stalked. Neil was her friend, who she knows through the dating agency she works for. Are the two linked? And are the other deaths at the agency just coincidences?

I was intrigued by the blurb on the back of the book. It sounded just my cup of tea, and I went into the book not knowing what to expect.

Claire is a likeable character, trying to make her career in the force but at the same time a very sympathetic character. Early on in the story she takes pity on Rachel, who seems to be dealing with ghosts from the past as well as her stalker. Rachel is a bit of a strange character - there was something about her from the start I really wasn't sure about.

The story was mostly told from Claire and Rachel's point of view, with one or two chapters marked as Unknown. Neil's murder was told from his point of view, which was quite interesting. Rachel also bounces back in time to her mother's death.

What I didn't like was that even though the chapters were marked from whomever's viewpoint, the story was still then told from a third person narrative, and I found this quite annoying. The other thing that I really didn't like was that the ending felt vey rushed.

[Eileen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really cared about the characters in this book. The narrative and dialogue take you on a journey of pain and loss that comes with loneliness and how it can affect a life like Rachel's. DI Claire Calle is trying to solve a murder linked to the dating agency where Rachel works. When it looks like she will never find a client's killer her hunches start to unravel what could be a serial killer. It's never that simple though. Loved the twists and how the plot developed. And that ending, beginning of next book!

[Roy McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nicely worked murder mystery. Starting with a pretty standard bathroom knifing, the author develops the ensuing police investigation in unexpected ways. What does the dating agency have to do with it? What is the connection with Rachel’s troubled childhood? Very readable throughout, the story winds up with a couple of outrageous twists, one which you may see coming (I didn’t) but the other completely from left field. Very well planned and written Gwyn.

[Georgina Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished this fast-paced thriller and my brain is whirring at the the shocking twist. So good!

I loved Islands and this book, although quite different, is another excellent read. The two timelines were woven together seamlessly and I can't wait for Gwyn GB's next book.