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DI Maya Rahman #1
Turn a Blind Eye
A twisted killer has a deadly riddle for DI Maya Rahman to solve in this pulse-racing thriller, the first in an addictive new series set in East London.
A headmistress is found strangled in her East London school, her death the result of a brutal and ritualistic act of violence. Found at the scene is a single piece of card, written upon which is an ancient Buddhist precept:
I shall abstain from taking the ungiven.
At first, DI Maya Rahman can’t help but hope this is a tragic but isolated murder. Then, the second body is found.
Faced with a community steeped in secrets and prejudice, and with a serial killer on her hands, Maya must untangle the cryptic messages left at the crime scenes to solve the deadly riddle behind the murders – before the killer takes another victim.
A headmistress is found strangled in her East London school, her death the result of a brutal and ritualistic act of violence. Found at the scene is a single piece of card, written upon which is an ancient Buddhist precept:
I shall abstain from taking the ungiven.
At first, DI Maya Rahman can’t help but hope this is a tragic but isolated murder. Then, the second body is found.
Faced with a community steeped in secrets and prejudice, and with a serial killer on her hands, Maya must untangle the cryptic messages left at the crime scenes to solve the deadly riddle behind the murders – before the killer takes another victim.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2018
27 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Newham
4 books99 followers***STOP PRESS***
The ebook of Turn a Blind Eye is currently on offer at £2.99 on Amazon.
Vicky Newham is a writer, teacher and psychologist. She is the author of the DI Maya Rahman series of police procedural novels set in multi-cultural East London. The first in the series, TURN A BLIND EYE, publishes in hardback and ebook on April 5th 2018, and the paperback on Feb 7th 2019. The second, OUT OF THE ASHES, publishes in hardback and ebook on May 30th 2019.
The East London setting of the novels, and the characters, were inspired by the 4 years that Vicky spent living and working in the Tower Hamlets area.
Vicky grew up in Sussex and taught Psychology in London for many years before moving to Kent, where she now lives. She is fascinated by what makes people tick and what pushes them to commit violence and murder.
The ebook of Turn a Blind Eye is currently on offer at £2.99 on Amazon.
Vicky Newham is a writer, teacher and psychologist. She is the author of the DI Maya Rahman series of police procedural novels set in multi-cultural East London. The first in the series, TURN A BLIND EYE, publishes in hardback and ebook on April 5th 2018, and the paperback on Feb 7th 2019. The second, OUT OF THE ASHES, publishes in hardback and ebook on May 30th 2019.
The East London setting of the novels, and the characters, were inspired by the 4 years that Vicky spent living and working in the Tower Hamlets area.
Vicky grew up in Sussex and taught Psychology in London for many years before moving to Kent, where she now lives. She is fascinated by what makes people tick and what pushes them to commit violence and murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 5, 2018
DI Maya Rahman - Book 1.
A headmistress is found strangled in her East End School. Her death is a result of a brutal and ritualistic act of violence. Found at the scene is a single piece of card, written upon which is an ancient Buddhist precept: I shall abstain from taking the ungiven.
DI Maya Rahman cuts her compassionate leave early to lead this investigation. Maya needs to unravel the cryptic message left behind by the killer who murdered the headmistress. The action is written from several points of view, in both first and third person. We also hear the murderers voice along with the teachers. This is a well written debut novel that's tense, gripping and fast paced. It also has lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Vicky Newham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A headmistress is found strangled in her East End School. Her death is a result of a brutal and ritualistic act of violence. Found at the scene is a single piece of card, written upon which is an ancient Buddhist precept: I shall abstain from taking the ungiven.
DI Maya Rahman cuts her compassionate leave early to lead this investigation. Maya needs to unravel the cryptic message left behind by the killer who murdered the headmistress. The action is written from several points of view, in both first and third person. We also hear the murderers voice along with the teachers. This is a well written debut novel that's tense, gripping and fast paced. It also has lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Vicky Newham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2018
Turn a Blind Eye is the first book in a brand-new series set in East London and starring DI Maya Rahman. I found it addictive and got through it rather quickly. I did have a problem with the amount of errors in grammar and sentences that didn't completely make sense and I hope these will be ironed out before publication.
There have been a plethora of debuts out of late that are truly exceptional - this novel fits into that category perfectly. It's written as an intelligent thriller with lots of clever goings on and an engrossing story that is full of twisty surprises. The characters are well rounded and develop as you go deeper into the book. I especially liked DI Maya Rahman, she is such a super main character. There are also a few peripheral figures. Sensitive issues such as cultural practices e.g. arranged marriage, are dealt with in a thoughtful and careful manner.
I am looking forward to further titles from Newham and will definitely continue reading this series when further books are published. Recommended for those who enjoy their thrillers with added intelligence and cultural intricacies.
I would like to thank Vicky Newham, HQ and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
There have been a plethora of debuts out of late that are truly exceptional - this novel fits into that category perfectly. It's written as an intelligent thriller with lots of clever goings on and an engrossing story that is full of twisty surprises. The characters are well rounded and develop as you go deeper into the book. I especially liked DI Maya Rahman, she is such a super main character. There are also a few peripheral figures. Sensitive issues such as cultural practices e.g. arranged marriage, are dealt with in a thoughtful and careful manner.
I am looking forward to further titles from Newham and will definitely continue reading this series when further books are published. Recommended for those who enjoy their thrillers with added intelligence and cultural intricacies.
I would like to thank Vicky Newham, HQ and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
February 19, 2019
Turn A Blind Eye by Vicky Newham is the start of a new East End of London police series with DI Maya Rahman as the main character.
It's a great start to the series it fast and easy to get into while it keeps you guessing untill the end,it can be slightly predictable at times but that's probably because I've read many books in the same category lately 😌
But if you're interested in a new police series then I would definitely recommend you give this one ago.
It's a great start to the series it fast and easy to get into while it keeps you guessing untill the end,it can be slightly predictable at times but that's probably because I've read many books in the same category lately 😌
But if you're interested in a new police series then I would definitely recommend you give this one ago.
February 5, 2018
T/W- Mentions of suicide, some graphic descriptions
3.75 out of 5 stars!
I would like to thank the publishers HQ for sending a signed physical ARC to me for review! All thoughts stated in this review are purely my own.
Currently, I am in the mood where I just want to sit down with a hot chocolate and binge-read thriller novels from the comfort of my own home. I was really excited to be introduced to DI Maya Rahman as a character and the start of a new series which after reading this one, the first book, I will definitely be continuing with the series!
The horrific murder of a Secondary School head teacher throws Maya back into the ghosts of her own past. This was her old High School and is still in shock after a student commits suicide. When more members of staff are found dead, it is obvious to all that a serial killer is on the loose. Dealing with her own brother's death, Maya must track down the murderer before an entire school is closed down due to safety reasons. I felt that the author really did her research into crime scenes and policing. The settings were realistic, the dialogue well-written. The only issue I had were the number of characters mentioned throughout the novel, the chapters in my ARC copy were clear in which perspective it was but I did have to go back a few times to see who was who. There were some graphic descriptions of some of the crime scenes, however, they did make Turn A Blind Eye visual and gripping.
I am really looking forward to seeing where the series goes!
Please subscribe to my blog: www.marriedtobooksreviewsandblog.word...
3.75 out of 5 stars!
I would like to thank the publishers HQ for sending a signed physical ARC to me for review! All thoughts stated in this review are purely my own.
Currently, I am in the mood where I just want to sit down with a hot chocolate and binge-read thriller novels from the comfort of my own home. I was really excited to be introduced to DI Maya Rahman as a character and the start of a new series which after reading this one, the first book, I will definitely be continuing with the series!
The horrific murder of a Secondary School head teacher throws Maya back into the ghosts of her own past. This was her old High School and is still in shock after a student commits suicide. When more members of staff are found dead, it is obvious to all that a serial killer is on the loose. Dealing with her own brother's death, Maya must track down the murderer before an entire school is closed down due to safety reasons. I felt that the author really did her research into crime scenes and policing. The settings were realistic, the dialogue well-written. The only issue I had were the number of characters mentioned throughout the novel, the chapters in my ARC copy were clear in which perspective it was but I did have to go back a few times to see who was who. There were some graphic descriptions of some of the crime scenes, however, they did make Turn A Blind Eye visual and gripping.
I am really looking forward to seeing where the series goes!
Please subscribe to my blog: www.marriedtobooksreviewsandblog.word...
March 12, 2018
“Girls, we're sitting at the intersection of religion, bureaucracy, culture and politics.”Situated in London's traditional East End, the Borough of Tower Hamlets has one of the highest ethnic minority populations in the city – in particular, a well established British Bengali community – known locally as 'Londonis'.
This racially diverse zone is DI Maya Rahman's patch, and the place she grew up after leaving Sylhet with her parents and siblings at the age of four. When the popular headmistress at her old school is found brutally and ritualistically murdered, she is left working against the clock to determine why an ancient Buddhist precept: “I shall abstain from taking the ungiven,” has been written on a piece of card and left at the scene.
Rahman is a flawed but empathetic individual with a complex backstory. She is single-minded and driven, but also cares a about the people she encounters, especially when they are victims of racially motivated crimes. Her sidekick, the Australian detective sergeant Dan Maguire, is an intriguing character who enables the author to indulge her interest in Aboriginal culture by having him compare ethnic tensions in Sydney and London.
This is Vicky Newham's debut novel, and the first to feature DI Maya Rahman. She now lives and writes in the pretty harbour town of Whitstable, but for many years was a psychologist, and became a secondary school teacher in East London. In a Q&A session with her at the back of the novel, she talks about her connection to the area, revealing that many of her pupils were Bangladeshi, and in order to help them “gain as much as possible from their education”, she endeavoured to “learn about their lives.” She is, apparently, still in touch with many people there, which was “useful for the books.”
I found the topic of ethnic diversity to be one of the most compelling aspects of the novel – and it certainly drove the plot of this contemporary police procedural - although I didn't know whodunnit until all was revealed at the end. There is also an intriguing Rahman family mystery weaving itself through the storyline, but it's left unresolved, meaning it will undoubtedly reappear in future books.
I had slight reservations about the constant switch from first to third person narrative, which was sometimes distracting and made the quality of writing seem patchy. However, one expects a few minor flaws of this sort in a first novel.
Turn a Blind Eye is the first book in a forthcoming series to feature Maya Rahman, and has already been optioned for TV by Playground Entertainment. The second, Out of the Ashes, is due for publication on 4th April 2019.
Many thanks to Story HQ for providing an advance review copy of this title.
December 20, 2017
I can see why the marketing labels this “Your new obsession” because Turn A Blind Eye is highly addictive, beautifully flowing words and that “just one more chapter” vibe that us bookworms love – and often lose sleep for turning up bleary eyed for work the next day.
I read a really early version of this and it was great then but now it is greater, a cleverly woven mystery, a culturally diverse setting and set of characters, a deeply layered and thought provoking plot all wrapped up in a vivid mix of police procedural and psychological thriller.
The characters here reflect the setting which reflects the story, a murder, a cryptic clue (don’t you just LOVE the cryptic clues?) and a race against time to stop a killer before he or she strikes again. DI Maya Rahman is perfectly drawn, enigmatically intriguing, battling prejudice on many levels whilst dealing with a personal loss, she never loses sight of what is important. The supporting characters are all given equal gravitas, they will draw you into their world which is also our world – a huge dose of authenticity gives Turn A Blind Eye an added edge and readability.
I won’t give anything away but there are enough twists and turns to keep the most avid crime fan happy, the back stories just beginning to take form are fascinating and intriguing, the themes explored within the narrative are socially relevant to the world we inhabit and give you plenty to think about – whilst still keeping things highly entertaining and unexpected.
Overall this is a truly excellent start to what I believe will be a truly excellent series and one I shall stick with. DI Maya Rahman is indeed one to watch in 2018….and beyond.
Highly Recommended.
I read a really early version of this and it was great then but now it is greater, a cleverly woven mystery, a culturally diverse setting and set of characters, a deeply layered and thought provoking plot all wrapped up in a vivid mix of police procedural and psychological thriller.
The characters here reflect the setting which reflects the story, a murder, a cryptic clue (don’t you just LOVE the cryptic clues?) and a race against time to stop a killer before he or she strikes again. DI Maya Rahman is perfectly drawn, enigmatically intriguing, battling prejudice on many levels whilst dealing with a personal loss, she never loses sight of what is important. The supporting characters are all given equal gravitas, they will draw you into their world which is also our world – a huge dose of authenticity gives Turn A Blind Eye an added edge and readability.
I won’t give anything away but there are enough twists and turns to keep the most avid crime fan happy, the back stories just beginning to take form are fascinating and intriguing, the themes explored within the narrative are socially relevant to the world we inhabit and give you plenty to think about – whilst still keeping things highly entertaining and unexpected.
Overall this is a truly excellent start to what I believe will be a truly excellent series and one I shall stick with. DI Maya Rahman is indeed one to watch in 2018….and beyond.
Highly Recommended.
June 8, 2018
Turn a Blind Eye is a police procedural set in the Tower Hamlets district of London. This is a debut novel and features DI Maya Rahman, who was born in Bangladesh. A school headmaster is murdered and Maya is on the hunt to find the killer.
I found this novel different to most police procedural crime thrillers. Although it is Maya’s day job to catch the killer, most of this story is focused on the politics of school governance. It will appeal to readers of the Guardian newspaper but I found the droning on about diversity and minority ethnic groups rather dull. I think Vicky overplayed the race card in her novel. Exploring at great length her mother’s use of the regional language of Sylheti quickly became a bore.
The characterization of Maya is good but the focus of the story gets confused when a number of chapters are from the point of view of the teacher who found the dead headmaster. This interrupts the flow of the story and reduced my enjoyment of this book.
The plot was okay but somewhat unrealistic. It was regular “lets point the finger at every character” as they all could have a motive. The police investigation was routine with no surprises. There was the usual obsession with computers, mobile devices and social media.
I think Turn a Blind Eye is an okay, 3 star read. It has a social message but is not an entertaining or thrilling read. It was like spending the day at the Labour Party conference, although Jeremy Corbyn tells a far better tale than Vicky Newham. For lovers of regular crime fiction, Turn a Blind Eye is a disappointment. I feel that Vicky has exaggerated the differences between people of different ethnic backgrounds living in London and that irritated me as her story went on. But it does give you something to ponder, rather than the hunt for the killer.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Harlequin UK/Harper Collins for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
I found this novel different to most police procedural crime thrillers. Although it is Maya’s day job to catch the killer, most of this story is focused on the politics of school governance. It will appeal to readers of the Guardian newspaper but I found the droning on about diversity and minority ethnic groups rather dull. I think Vicky overplayed the race card in her novel. Exploring at great length her mother’s use of the regional language of Sylheti quickly became a bore.
The characterization of Maya is good but the focus of the story gets confused when a number of chapters are from the point of view of the teacher who found the dead headmaster. This interrupts the flow of the story and reduced my enjoyment of this book.
The plot was okay but somewhat unrealistic. It was regular “lets point the finger at every character” as they all could have a motive. The police investigation was routine with no surprises. There was the usual obsession with computers, mobile devices and social media.
I think Turn a Blind Eye is an okay, 3 star read. It has a social message but is not an entertaining or thrilling read. It was like spending the day at the Labour Party conference, although Jeremy Corbyn tells a far better tale than Vicky Newham. For lovers of regular crime fiction, Turn a Blind Eye is a disappointment. I feel that Vicky has exaggerated the differences between people of different ethnic backgrounds living in London and that irritated me as her story went on. But it does give you something to ponder, rather than the hunt for the killer.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Harlequin UK/Harper Collins for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
January 11, 2018
With the vast amount of crime thrillers being released on a daily basis, it is very refreshing to read something that stands out from the crowd. I have my favourites, of course, Angie Marsons and Mel Sherratt to mention just two. But it's so nice to read a debut author with a writing voice as strong as this.
Turn a Blind Eye was my go-to book during the Christmas holidays and I was loathed to put it down. Set in London, this book includes some very vivid descriptions which immediately brought the story to life. From the first page, my sympathies lay with DI Maya Rahman, who mourns the sudden loss of her brother and then diverts her grief to a murder case which took place in the school she once attended. Filled with cryptic clues, this well-plotted story will keep you entertained throughout.
This is such a strong and captivating novel, featuring a cast of characters who seem incredibly real. I really liked Maya and look forward to following her through what is surely set to be a strong series.
Turn a Blind Eye was my go-to book during the Christmas holidays and I was loathed to put it down. Set in London, this book includes some very vivid descriptions which immediately brought the story to life. From the first page, my sympathies lay with DI Maya Rahman, who mourns the sudden loss of her brother and then diverts her grief to a murder case which took place in the school she once attended. Filled with cryptic clues, this well-plotted story will keep you entertained throughout.
This is such a strong and captivating novel, featuring a cast of characters who seem incredibly real. I really liked Maya and look forward to following her through what is surely set to be a strong series.
March 11, 2018
Vicky Newham writes crime with a new and original voice. There are as many themes and ideas here as there are suspects, with Maya, an unusual detective for fiction, at the heart of it all. A full review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
April 23, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
I really enjoyed this novel which had all the elements of a police procedural that I tend to enjoy, and plenty of mystery and tension too.
I really liked Maya - she's an intelligent, quick, hard-working detective who also happens to be Bengali. This makes a bit of a change from other white-male-driven novels in this genre, and her background and family life growing up affects Maya's way of thinking and policing in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding area, where a headmistress has been murdered.
The story is really well structured, allowing the reader to slowly piece together what has happened whilst revealing more about Maya and her colleagues, and also touching upon many issues and subjects that are incredibly relevant today. There's plenty of clues and along the way, and I really enjoyed listening to this on audiobook. It's an easy listen (narrated really well by Sonia Kaur) and very engaging. The plot is tight, the characters are (on the whole) likable and interesting, and the setting in London is great with its multicultural characters - I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to discover a gripping new crime series with a strong and likable female lead.
I really enjoyed this novel which had all the elements of a police procedural that I tend to enjoy, and plenty of mystery and tension too.
I really liked Maya - she's an intelligent, quick, hard-working detective who also happens to be Bengali. This makes a bit of a change from other white-male-driven novels in this genre, and her background and family life growing up affects Maya's way of thinking and policing in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding area, where a headmistress has been murdered.
The story is really well structured, allowing the reader to slowly piece together what has happened whilst revealing more about Maya and her colleagues, and also touching upon many issues and subjects that are incredibly relevant today. There's plenty of clues and along the way, and I really enjoyed listening to this on audiobook. It's an easy listen (narrated really well by Sonia Kaur) and very engaging. The plot is tight, the characters are (on the whole) likable and interesting, and the setting in London is great with its multicultural characters - I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to discover a gripping new crime series with a strong and likable female lead.
March 30, 2018
For a debut book, this was outstanding,
Very addictive, involving and cleverly written, this book winds it's way around you as you read....before you know it you have your own suspects and motives
The beginning of a new term at Mile End school, and the murder of the Headmistress Linda Gibson. Clues are sparse, motives even less, as this amazing lady has turned a failing school into a success, nobody can understand why anyone would want to kill her.
There is so much to this book, I'll simply say that it's a must read and can't wait for the next book in this series
Very addictive, involving and cleverly written, this book winds it's way around you as you read....before you know it you have your own suspects and motives
The beginning of a new term at Mile End school, and the murder of the Headmistress Linda Gibson. Clues are sparse, motives even less, as this amazing lady has turned a failing school into a success, nobody can understand why anyone would want to kill her.
There is so much to this book, I'll simply say that it's a must read and can't wait for the next book in this series
April 16, 2018
Trying a new crime writer, especially a debutant, is always an adventure. I was excited about reading TURN A BLIND EYE after hearing a fair bit about Newham's first novel online in recent months. Would I find a promising author, an accomplished tale, or something that needed more seasoning?
Overall, I really enjoyed TURN A BLIND EYE. It has a very contemporary, current feel, delving into some challenging social issues with a good sense of its London setting and introducing an interesting main character who I could definitely see being the spine of an ongoing series.
DI Maya Rahman is a Bangladeshi-British cop who has recently from her ancestral homeland, having had to deal with a deep personal tragedy. As she settles back into East London life, a murder strikes close to home: the headmistress of Maya's old high school is found strangled, on the school grounds. It's a crime that shocks the community, causing lots of ripples and raising lots of questions. Maya has to deal with vulturous reporters, stunned teachers, and untrusting students and families. Suspicion swirls, as do rumours. The investigation pulls at many veneers, exposing secrets that may or may not have anything to do with the crime. At the same time Maya is having to deal with a new colleague that's been foisted upon her from overseas, and a boss who causes more problems than solutions.
There's an awful lot to like about Newham's debut. It flows really well - the kind of book where you think 'I'll read one more chapter' but are still reading 100 pages later. There's kind of an addictive, x-factor quality to the writing that you can't easily deconstruct or explain. Told in a straightforward manner that still has some elegance, it powers forward. Highly absorbing, more than rip-roaring.
Newham excels with her descriptions of her debut's culturally diverse London setting. TURN A BLIND EYE is deeply set among the children-of-immigrant communities of East London, where cultural clashes and misunderstandings loom, just out of sight, before flashing into life. It's a minefield for Maya and her colleagues to navigate, of different beliefs, values, and sensitivities. They're hampered by mixed relationships between the community and the police. There's a real sense of currency and authenticity to the way Newham textures her tale with its setting, bringing it to life.
The plotting was good, well-woven overall, and the character of DI Maya Rahman and her police colleagues fitted the tale perfectly, while showing plenty of promise for an ongoing series. We learn a fair bit about Maya, while still getting the sense that there's much more to learn. She's had and has a complicated family and personal life, without being a cliched alcoholic/divorced/troubled detective. There's a freshness to the character, some sense of difference without just being different for the sake of it. There's a good sense of 'realness' to the characters as much as the setting.
Overall a good read that's a very adroit debut. Vicky Newham is a writer to watch, and I look forward to seeing how she and DI Maya Rahman grow as the series continues.
Overall, I really enjoyed TURN A BLIND EYE. It has a very contemporary, current feel, delving into some challenging social issues with a good sense of its London setting and introducing an interesting main character who I could definitely see being the spine of an ongoing series.
DI Maya Rahman is a Bangladeshi-British cop who has recently from her ancestral homeland, having had to deal with a deep personal tragedy. As she settles back into East London life, a murder strikes close to home: the headmistress of Maya's old high school is found strangled, on the school grounds. It's a crime that shocks the community, causing lots of ripples and raising lots of questions. Maya has to deal with vulturous reporters, stunned teachers, and untrusting students and families. Suspicion swirls, as do rumours. The investigation pulls at many veneers, exposing secrets that may or may not have anything to do with the crime. At the same time Maya is having to deal with a new colleague that's been foisted upon her from overseas, and a boss who causes more problems than solutions.
There's an awful lot to like about Newham's debut. It flows really well - the kind of book where you think 'I'll read one more chapter' but are still reading 100 pages later. There's kind of an addictive, x-factor quality to the writing that you can't easily deconstruct or explain. Told in a straightforward manner that still has some elegance, it powers forward. Highly absorbing, more than rip-roaring.
Newham excels with her descriptions of her debut's culturally diverse London setting. TURN A BLIND EYE is deeply set among the children-of-immigrant communities of East London, where cultural clashes and misunderstandings loom, just out of sight, before flashing into life. It's a minefield for Maya and her colleagues to navigate, of different beliefs, values, and sensitivities. They're hampered by mixed relationships between the community and the police. There's a real sense of currency and authenticity to the way Newham textures her tale with its setting, bringing it to life.
The plotting was good, well-woven overall, and the character of DI Maya Rahman and her police colleagues fitted the tale perfectly, while showing plenty of promise for an ongoing series. We learn a fair bit about Maya, while still getting the sense that there's much more to learn. She's had and has a complicated family and personal life, without being a cliched alcoholic/divorced/troubled detective. There's a freshness to the character, some sense of difference without just being different for the sake of it. There's a good sense of 'realness' to the characters as much as the setting.
Overall a good read that's a very adroit debut. Vicky Newham is a writer to watch, and I look forward to seeing how she and DI Maya Rahman grow as the series continues.
April 21, 2018
This is an extremely clever, well written crime investigation with well developed characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
DI Maya Rahman returns home from her brother’s funeral to be informed that Linda Gibson, the Headteacher of the Secondary school Maya attended, has been found murdered. Despite the fact that she’s on compassionate leave, Maya sets off to investigate but with cryptic messages from the murderer, the complex relationships between staff and the community as well as coping with her own family concerns, this is an enthralling read.
The author portrays the community in which most of this story takes place so vividly it is easy to envision the places and people involved. The plot is complex, with revelations adding to the enigma, providing diversions and hinting at the truth. The characters seem like ones you could actually meet! There are so many elements of the community which add to the story - from the religious to secular and everything in between!
This is a highly entertaining crime investigation which I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre. The author has created a superb leading lady in DI Maya Rahman and a host of great secondary characters. I will definitely endeavour to read more by this author and especially in this series in future.
I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
DI Maya Rahman returns home from her brother’s funeral to be informed that Linda Gibson, the Headteacher of the Secondary school Maya attended, has been found murdered. Despite the fact that she’s on compassionate leave, Maya sets off to investigate but with cryptic messages from the murderer, the complex relationships between staff and the community as well as coping with her own family concerns, this is an enthralling read.
The author portrays the community in which most of this story takes place so vividly it is easy to envision the places and people involved. The plot is complex, with revelations adding to the enigma, providing diversions and hinting at the truth. The characters seem like ones you could actually meet! There are so many elements of the community which add to the story - from the religious to secular and everything in between!
This is a highly entertaining crime investigation which I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre. The author has created a superb leading lady in DI Maya Rahman and a host of great secondary characters. I will definitely endeavour to read more by this author and especially in this series in future.
I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
April 10, 2018
I had been looking forward to reading Turn A Blind Eye since hearing Vicky Newham read the first few pages at Noir at the Bar in Harrogate in July last year and I was intrigued enough to pop it onto my wishlist. This book really was a like a breath of fresh air blowing across the sea of police procedural novels out there just now. It felt original, authentic and current with a protagonist that I both liked and admired.
Set in London’s East End borough of Tower Hamlets, the murder of a well respected Head Teacher is being investigated by DI Maya Rahman. Maya has suffered her own bereavement recently which is explored in the first few touching pages and gives a small insight into Maya and her family circumstances. The author actually worked in this area and you can really tell that she understands the community Maya works and lives in. The cultural diversity is relevant to the everyday lives of the people living there and Vicky Newham uses this to explore the cultural heritage and identity within our country today but set within a police mystery. Maya was an interesting character who wasn’t as flawed as I was expecting her to be! Her work was important to her especially as she was working in the same community that she had been brought up in from the age of four when her family had come to the UK from Bangladesh.
The short chapters meant that this was a book that cried out for “just one more chapter” and I found it difficult to let it go once I became involved in the storyline. The flashbacks to Maya when she attended the same school as a teenager, gave a welcome insight into her early life giving a brief respite from the crime scene investigation. But unfortunately the problems faced by her family back in the 1980s seemed as familiar then as they still are today. In fact the whole book portrayed a realistic look at the problems faced by the inner city areas in our country with no answers to the problems faced, just an understanding of how a community can come together at times of crisis.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut as Vicky Newham writes beautifully with a confident style that flows perfectly, leading the reader through the suspects to the final conclusion. DI Rahman is a welcome addition to the fictional detectives around and I am looking forward to her next case already.
Set in London’s East End borough of Tower Hamlets, the murder of a well respected Head Teacher is being investigated by DI Maya Rahman. Maya has suffered her own bereavement recently which is explored in the first few touching pages and gives a small insight into Maya and her family circumstances. The author actually worked in this area and you can really tell that she understands the community Maya works and lives in. The cultural diversity is relevant to the everyday lives of the people living there and Vicky Newham uses this to explore the cultural heritage and identity within our country today but set within a police mystery. Maya was an interesting character who wasn’t as flawed as I was expecting her to be! Her work was important to her especially as she was working in the same community that she had been brought up in from the age of four when her family had come to the UK from Bangladesh.
The short chapters meant that this was a book that cried out for “just one more chapter” and I found it difficult to let it go once I became involved in the storyline. The flashbacks to Maya when she attended the same school as a teenager, gave a welcome insight into her early life giving a brief respite from the crime scene investigation. But unfortunately the problems faced by her family back in the 1980s seemed as familiar then as they still are today. In fact the whole book portrayed a realistic look at the problems faced by the inner city areas in our country with no answers to the problems faced, just an understanding of how a community can come together at times of crisis.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut as Vicky Newham writes beautifully with a confident style that flows perfectly, leading the reader through the suspects to the final conclusion. DI Rahman is a welcome addition to the fictional detectives around and I am looking forward to her next case already.
April 8, 2018
Vicky Newham has already had great success with Turn a Blind Eye with the TV rights to Playground Entertainment who produced The Missing. This is the first in a two book deal with HQ featuring a new detective, DI Maya Rahman. Having read this debut novel, I’m not at all surprised.
DI Maya Rahman has returned from Bangladesh following the death of her brother and so it is testament to her work ethic and her love of the community that she serves, Tower Hamlets in East London, that when she gets a call about the murder of the headmistress at her former school, Mile End High School, she is straight onto the case. The first thing you need to know is this is a detective who is smart as well as hard-working and loyal.
One of the most appealing things about this book is the setting, the cultural diversity of the area allows the author to give these characters the type of back stories which aren’t often on offer in contemporary crime fiction. Best of all though whilst never minimising the difference in culture the author steers clear of stereotypes and instead each character, whatever their background, is a real person, as complex as humans tend to be. As Vicky Newham lived and taught in a school in the area for many years, this isn’t surprising, but it is refreshing.
Back to the story – the murder happened in the school and there is something always appealing about this setting although the focus is more on the teaching and support staff than the pupils the murder happening on a training day. Once the scenes of crime investigators arrive a cryptic note is found alongside the body of the headmistress, Linda Gibson. It contains a Buddhist precept, "I shall abstain from taking the ungiven"
From this Maya works with her team to discover as much as they can about the dead woman, the school and the Buddhist precept. Maya works closest with DS Maguire who despite the Irish name is an Australian who is missing his aborigine wife and two children who are still in Australia, waiting for the right time to join him in Tower Hamlets, and the two are getting to know each other in this book. There is a nice lack of police politics within the book with the political angle squarely on the local area, chiefly the education department, which to my mind is as it should be and makes for a far more interesting read. The tension is raised by threats from the local education department that if the killer isn’t found, and quickly, that the school will be shut down and that could spell disaster for the unsupervised children, and by default the local community and the police.
It will be no surprise that there is another death and matters from the past that need resolving before DI Rhaman and DS Maguire are able to get their man or woman!
This was an engaging crime fiction read, a great start to a new series which it has a real contemporary feel. I might have needed a bit of persuading that the motive was sound but overall this was a solid police procedural which demonstrated that the writer understands both plotting and timing which makes such a difference to the readability. I definitely want to revisit both the characters and the area again and will be watching eagerly for the next in the series.
DI Maya Rahman has returned from Bangladesh following the death of her brother and so it is testament to her work ethic and her love of the community that she serves, Tower Hamlets in East London, that when she gets a call about the murder of the headmistress at her former school, Mile End High School, she is straight onto the case. The first thing you need to know is this is a detective who is smart as well as hard-working and loyal.
One of the most appealing things about this book is the setting, the cultural diversity of the area allows the author to give these characters the type of back stories which aren’t often on offer in contemporary crime fiction. Best of all though whilst never minimising the difference in culture the author steers clear of stereotypes and instead each character, whatever their background, is a real person, as complex as humans tend to be. As Vicky Newham lived and taught in a school in the area for many years, this isn’t surprising, but it is refreshing.
Back to the story – the murder happened in the school and there is something always appealing about this setting although the focus is more on the teaching and support staff than the pupils the murder happening on a training day. Once the scenes of crime investigators arrive a cryptic note is found alongside the body of the headmistress, Linda Gibson. It contains a Buddhist precept, "I shall abstain from taking the ungiven"
From this Maya works with her team to discover as much as they can about the dead woman, the school and the Buddhist precept. Maya works closest with DS Maguire who despite the Irish name is an Australian who is missing his aborigine wife and two children who are still in Australia, waiting for the right time to join him in Tower Hamlets, and the two are getting to know each other in this book. There is a nice lack of police politics within the book with the political angle squarely on the local area, chiefly the education department, which to my mind is as it should be and makes for a far more interesting read. The tension is raised by threats from the local education department that if the killer isn’t found, and quickly, that the school will be shut down and that could spell disaster for the unsupervised children, and by default the local community and the police.
It will be no surprise that there is another death and matters from the past that need resolving before DI Rhaman and DS Maguire are able to get their man or woman!
This was an engaging crime fiction read, a great start to a new series which it has a real contemporary feel. I might have needed a bit of persuading that the motive was sound but overall this was a solid police procedural which demonstrated that the writer understands both plotting and timing which makes such a difference to the readability. I definitely want to revisit both the characters and the area again and will be watching eagerly for the next in the series.
February 23, 2018
Turn A Blind Eye by Vicky Newman is a fabulous debut novel from what promises to be a very talented author. It is the first in a series centred on D.I. Maya Rahman and I cannot wait for more.
Set in London's East End, the reader finds themselves caught up in suicide, murder and Buddhism. What are the links, if any? And why does the epicentre focus on a multicultural high school? Scandal sits side by side with everyday life, as the reader moves from classroom to murder scene. It's a real page turner that consumed me as I could not put it down. It will make a fabulous ITV series.
The action is written from several different viewpoints, in both the first and third person. The reader 'hears' the murderer's voice and tries desperately hard to work out who it is.
With a marvellous cast of cosmopolitan characters, the reader is treated to the sights, sounds and tensions of modern Britain. Flashbacks to D.I. Rahman's youth shows these tensions are not new.
I really enjoyed this action packed novel. It is always exciting to find a new author and to read a debut novel, is just the icing on the cake.
A compulsive, realistic nail biting read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Set in London's East End, the reader finds themselves caught up in suicide, murder and Buddhism. What are the links, if any? And why does the epicentre focus on a multicultural high school? Scandal sits side by side with everyday life, as the reader moves from classroom to murder scene. It's a real page turner that consumed me as I could not put it down. It will make a fabulous ITV series.
The action is written from several different viewpoints, in both the first and third person. The reader 'hears' the murderer's voice and tries desperately hard to work out who it is.
With a marvellous cast of cosmopolitan characters, the reader is treated to the sights, sounds and tensions of modern Britain. Flashbacks to D.I. Rahman's youth shows these tensions are not new.
I really enjoyed this action packed novel. It is always exciting to find a new author and to read a debut novel, is just the icing on the cake.
A compulsive, realistic nail biting read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 21, 2018
This is a debut novel starring DI Maya Rahman investigating a serial killer. She has to investigate the significance of the messages left before the killer can strike again. A chilling psycholgical thriller which keeps you guessing. It's nice to find a new author with a great series starting. I will be keen to read more.
September 1, 2018
When the headmistress of an East London high school is found dead with a note stating ‘I shall abstain from taking the ungiven’, an ancient Buddhist precept, DI Maya Rahman is called in to investigate. For Maya this case is personal, as this is her former high school. A girl close to Maya’s family recently killed herself at this school as well. With these tragedies coming right after an ‘insufficient’ school inspection rating, the school is fighting to stay open, trying to convince teachers, students and students’ parents that there is no danger. Maya instantly feels that there is more going on than meets the eye, but runs into roadblocks everywhere, having to battle police department sexism and misogynist teachers at her old school. But when more bodies are found, again with Buddhist precepts, it becomes clear that no one at, or connected to, the school is safe. DI Rahman dives deep into the world of high school rivalries, cultural differences, teachers’ room politics, well-protected rapists and grieving parents, all the while dealing with her own complicated family situation and grief due to a recent family tragedy. While the case progresses, we also learn about Maya's childhood in Bangladesh and her family's journey to and beginnings in London.
This is the first book in Newham's DI Maya Rahman series and I would most likely read a second book in the series. The case is interesting and you can definitely tell that the author has lived and worked in East London. I loved the very complex character of Maya, which develops nicely, and the unexpected twists in the search for the killer. While the changing narrators, including the killer, were a good idea, at times it was a bit difficult to discern right away who was speaking.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the first book in Newham's DI Maya Rahman series and I would most likely read a second book in the series. The case is interesting and you can definitely tell that the author has lived and worked in East London. I loved the very complex character of Maya, which develops nicely, and the unexpected twists in the search for the killer. While the changing narrators, including the killer, were a good idea, at times it was a bit difficult to discern right away who was speaking.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
February 15, 2018
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
In Turn A Blind Eye, Vicky Newham has created some strong lead characters with Maya and Dan. Maya is the first Bangladeshi character that I have met and I found it fascinating to read the accounts of her childhood interspersed with the murder investigation. She is a character I am looking forward to knowing more about, her relationship with her parents and definitely her sister. Ben, married into the Aboriginal community brings added empathy and understanding into a multi racial community that is different to what he might otherwise be used to. I warmed to Maya immediately, Dan may take a little longer but I am looking forward to knowing more about his personal life. But there are more than the two lead characters. Their superior officer, who is obnoxious, the victims and their families are all well-developed. The way the grieving families were described was more convincing than some that I have read.
The teachers in the novel also have a voice, they show their concerns, their fears and the frustration they feel at events that they have no control over.
I am not a teacher but the account of life in an inner city school was convincing and the politics interesting. How the teachers and social workers have to deal with a lot more than just whether homework is being done.
I found it to be a brilliant account of how a close-knit community cope when one of their own is killed. It felt realistic how Maya had to deal with a crowd that could get angry, fuelled by the media and fake news.
This novel is much more than a murder investigation. This is a study into how people from different races and religions live alongside each other.
September 9, 2018
DI Maya Rahman is a new detective in town. Of Bengali descent she finds she has many battles to fight on a daily basis, not least one of loss which affects her deeply.
A headmistress has been murdered in her study in a multicultural secondary school. The murder sends shockwaves through the whole local community not least amongst the teachers themselves who look to each other with unease. DI Rahman is an ex pupil of the school and knows the school and the local community well. As a reader we learn much about Rahman's background and what leads her to become a detective. Newham clearly knows the area and working in such an environment well and that really shines through throughout the book. It is well researched and the look back into Rahman's past is fascinating.
Turn a Blind Eye is essentially a police procedure that is multi faceted. There's a good array of characters to keep the reader guessing as well as plenty of laying down of foundations into what could potentially be a terrific series.
It's an accomplished debut from an author that cares passionately about her protagonist. That's clear to see!! I look forward to getting to know DI Rahman more. Recommended.
A headmistress has been murdered in her study in a multicultural secondary school. The murder sends shockwaves through the whole local community not least amongst the teachers themselves who look to each other with unease. DI Rahman is an ex pupil of the school and knows the school and the local community well. As a reader we learn much about Rahman's background and what leads her to become a detective. Newham clearly knows the area and working in such an environment well and that really shines through throughout the book. It is well researched and the look back into Rahman's past is fascinating.
Turn a Blind Eye is essentially a police procedure that is multi faceted. There's a good array of characters to keep the reader guessing as well as plenty of laying down of foundations into what could potentially be a terrific series.
It's an accomplished debut from an author that cares passionately about her protagonist. That's clear to see!! I look forward to getting to know DI Rahman more. Recommended.
December 31, 2018
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
DNF at 16%.
This was such a confusing book. The chapters ranged from half a page to five pages and felt incredibly hard to get into. The writing itself wasn't brilliant and felt quite casual due to the over expressive nature. It frequently reverts to the childhood of the main character, which disrupted the flow of the novel and made it even harder to follow the actual story line of the book.
There were so many characters introduced (this book did very well on the multi-cultural front at least) that it was difficult to remember who was who and for the most part, I gave up trying to remember. The main characters themselves weren't particularly enjoyable.
There were also so many issues with grammar, logical errors and the police work itself felt quite shoddy.
DNF at 16%.
This was such a confusing book. The chapters ranged from half a page to five pages and felt incredibly hard to get into. The writing itself wasn't brilliant and felt quite casual due to the over expressive nature. It frequently reverts to the childhood of the main character, which disrupted the flow of the novel and made it even harder to follow the actual story line of the book.
There were so many characters introduced (this book did very well on the multi-cultural front at least) that it was difficult to remember who was who and for the most part, I gave up trying to remember. The main characters themselves weren't particularly enjoyable.
There were also so many issues with grammar, logical errors and the police work itself felt quite shoddy.
April 6, 2018
Turn a Blind Eye by Vicky Newman a five-star read that will turn your eye. This is the first book in the DI Maya Rahman novels, it’s a very strong start to what I am imagining will be a very good series, the setting in the Tower Hamlets area of east London is very gritty and real, you could imagine it as its own character with its own set of problems. Having been in the area a few times and dealing with the people who live and work in the area on a daily basis made this a great setting for me, I could visualise the areas she was working in. The other thing was how multi-cultural the story was, just like the area there are heavy multi-cultural influences in the story. I think all of this together glossed over a few little errors along the way, it made a great story overall.
There were twists and turns in this story that will twist your brain as well as your eye, It really does keep you guessing until the end about who the murders was.
There were twists and turns in this story that will twist your brain as well as your eye, It really does keep you guessing until the end about who the murders was.
December 30, 2017
What a great start to a promising new series. I thoroughly enjoyed Turn a Blind Eye and can’t wait for the next novel.
What did I love about it? For starters the cultural diversity that is a true reflection of where the book is set (Tower Hamlets, London). Maya Rahman is a Bangladeshi D.I, working alongside Australian Dan. They are investigating the murder of head teacher Linda Gibson, but it seems she’s just the first to die.
This novel was so well written, it’s clear to see the author knows her stuff. The locations were really brought to life and I’m so looking forward to more from this talented writer.
Great book and an easy five stars.
What did I love about it? For starters the cultural diversity that is a true reflection of where the book is set (Tower Hamlets, London). Maya Rahman is a Bangladeshi D.I, working alongside Australian Dan. They are investigating the murder of head teacher Linda Gibson, but it seems she’s just the first to die.
This novel was so well written, it’s clear to see the author knows her stuff. The locations were really brought to life and I’m so looking forward to more from this talented writer.
Great book and an easy five stars.
April 5, 2018
A very accomplished debut novel! I've known Vicky and feel I've followed some of her publishing journey with her so it's quite a moment to sit down with the book and to read such a treat! Totally honest review here though - does it read well and what about the setting?
It doesn't read like a debut - it's very assured and the writing is top notch. The subject matter - problems within ethnic minority communities and indeed outside them is a major topic in the news at the moment so it couldn't be more timely!
I immediately liked Maya - what an interesting character she's going to be in future books if she's this good now! And her Australian sidekick for want of a better word. Very interesting duo. The author herself is almost a character as given her background in teaching and her insights as well as first hand research makes this a really exciting read.Puts a very unique spin on crime fiction in the city.
The locations also tell a story. The author knows them well and her research pics show the level of dedication and foresight she has crafted into a novel with grit and backbone.
London crime fiction with a modern day twist in the gut.
March 29, 2018
An outstanding debut crime novel. Based in east London it features a multi cultural cast of characters beginning with Bangladeshi DI Maya Raham. It follows the death of the headmistress of the school she went to as a child. It twists and turns it's way to the final conclusion in an exciting cornucopia of clues. Just when you think you know along comes another little red herring. Really looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 7, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from HQ Stories/Harper Collins exchange for an honest review.
DI Maya Rahman is still dealing with the death of her beloved brother when she’s called in to investigate the suspicious death of the head teacher of her old school. When a second body shows up, it’s obvious they are connected, and they need to find the killer before it’s too late for the next person on the list.
Turn a Blind Eye was a really quick read which was great because it was what I wanted, and was lovely for a day out enjoying the sun. This is going to be an ongoing detective series following Maya Rahman so we immediately get a lot of glimpses into her personal life from the prologue where she is attending her brother’s burial (one we could have skipped in my opinion as I don’t think it added anything).
This book is not own voices but really represents how multi-cultural the UK, and particularly London is, and it contained a huge amount of characters of colours with different backgrounds and belief systems. Many of these beliefs come into play in the novel from arranged marriages, Muslim clothing, societal expectations within different cultures and religions, and then we also see a lot of sexism and misogyny - some of it stemming from archaic cultural beliefs - aimed at Rahman and other women in the book. There are characters in this book that definitely drove me mad because of how they acted to Rahman but also just in general like Asad Farnam who was just a horrible person and shouldn’t have been allowed anywhere near children, or people, in general.
There are a lot of POVs in this book - we have Maya’s chapters, her assisting detective Dan and then we also saw chapters in the POV of a teacher called Steve who found the original body. While I liked Steve, I don’t think his chapters were altogether necessary bar the first one. It may have even heightened the suspense if we didn’t have some of his chapters and suspected him as the killer.
I definitely didn’t guess who the killer was but this book had such a large cast of characters, it was always going to be a hard one but that’s a good thing. I will most likely pick up the next book in this series to follow along with Rahman, and see what she has to investigate next.
DI Maya Rahman is still dealing with the death of her beloved brother when she’s called in to investigate the suspicious death of the head teacher of her old school. When a second body shows up, it’s obvious they are connected, and they need to find the killer before it’s too late for the next person on the list.
Turn a Blind Eye was a really quick read which was great because it was what I wanted, and was lovely for a day out enjoying the sun. This is going to be an ongoing detective series following Maya Rahman so we immediately get a lot of glimpses into her personal life from the prologue where she is attending her brother’s burial (one we could have skipped in my opinion as I don’t think it added anything).
This book is not own voices but really represents how multi-cultural the UK, and particularly London is, and it contained a huge amount of characters of colours with different backgrounds and belief systems. Many of these beliefs come into play in the novel from arranged marriages, Muslim clothing, societal expectations within different cultures and religions, and then we also see a lot of sexism and misogyny - some of it stemming from archaic cultural beliefs - aimed at Rahman and other women in the book. There are characters in this book that definitely drove me mad because of how they acted to Rahman but also just in general like Asad Farnam who was just a horrible person and shouldn’t have been allowed anywhere near children, or people, in general.
There are a lot of POVs in this book - we have Maya’s chapters, her assisting detective Dan and then we also saw chapters in the POV of a teacher called Steve who found the original body. While I liked Steve, I don’t think his chapters were altogether necessary bar the first one. It may have even heightened the suspense if we didn’t have some of his chapters and suspected him as the killer.
I definitely didn’t guess who the killer was but this book had such a large cast of characters, it was always going to be a hard one but that’s a good thing. I will most likely pick up the next book in this series to follow along with Rahman, and see what she has to investigate next.
July 11, 2020
Really enjoyed this book and the main character is very likeable. The plot is fast moving and the ending wasnt a predictable one. This was the first book in this series and I'm looking forward to reading the next one
December 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It's the first in a new series featuring a female, Bangladeshi police officer called Maya Rahman. Most of the story takes place in a multi ethnic comprehensive school in the Tower Hamlets area of London. The head teacher is found murdered in her office on the first day of term. The killer has left a note which is related to Buddhist teachings. It is up to Maya and her team to uncover what has been going on at the school, especially when 2 other members of staff are found murdered. Cultural and ethnic differences lie at the heart of the plot, which makes it different from the usual police procedurals. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
February 6, 2018
Turn a Blind Eye is the first book in a brand-new series set in East London and starring DI Maya Rahman.
Firstly a huge thank you to the team at hq books for my proof copy which I was really excited about and it’s signed !
I finished this tonight and it would have been sooner had I not been binge watching a tv show…
I absolutely loved this book and delighted it’s a debut as know there will be more to come !
Fast paced and dark as we begin to unravel the truth behind the death of the beloved head teacher.
Are those close to her telling the truth? Who has secrets of their own to hide ?
I immediately felt drawn to Maya despite cultural and lifestyle differences but she is one tough cookie. She has the tough job of balancing her own grief and struggles with the ever building workload. I can’t wait to read more from her and watch her character progress.
The death toll is rapidly rising and with each death more questions ate being raised?
Very well written and researched this is a thriller that will leave you wanting more .
Firstly a huge thank you to the team at hq books for my proof copy which I was really excited about and it’s signed !
I finished this tonight and it would have been sooner had I not been binge watching a tv show…
I absolutely loved this book and delighted it’s a debut as know there will be more to come !
Fast paced and dark as we begin to unravel the truth behind the death of the beloved head teacher.
Are those close to her telling the truth? Who has secrets of their own to hide ?
I immediately felt drawn to Maya despite cultural and lifestyle differences but she is one tough cookie. She has the tough job of balancing her own grief and struggles with the ever building workload. I can’t wait to read more from her and watch her character progress.
The death toll is rapidly rising and with each death more questions ate being raised?
Very well written and researched this is a thriller that will leave you wanting more .
January 5, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of Turn a Blind Eye, the first novel in a projected series to feature DI Maya Rahman of the Met.
Maya is just back from burying her brother in Bangladesh when she is called in to investigate the murder of Linda Gibson, headteacher of Maya's old school, Mile End High School, who was strangled in her office, bound and displayed, a Buddhist precept, "I shall abstain from taking the ungiven" printed on a card and left by her body.
I enjoyed Turn a Blind Eye which is as much a novel about the issues and politics surrounding multiculturalism as it is a police procedural. The hunt for the killer is interesting and well done as Maya and her team don't really have much idea about the perpetrator or his motivation until almost the end of the novel. The issues raised which I don't want to say anything about because they don't become apparent until the second half of the novel are real and valid but could have been dealt with more incisively by the author.
I must admit that I found the school politics boring and while they are a relevant avenue of investigation for Maya and her team the unbelievable refusal of the school management to cooperate gives them an importance they probably don't deserve. It's no surprise that Ms Newham is a former teacher.
It is interesting that the author chooses to make her two maintain protagonists outsiders. DI Maya Rahman came to the UK from Bangladesh aged 4 and DS Dan Maguire is Australian. I don't think, in this case, however, that it adds much to the novel apart from the odd moment of soul searching. More important is that they are both smart, dedicated detectives with their heads screwed on.
The format of the novel makes for a choppy read. There are 3 main narrators with each chapter being helpfully labelled with the narrator's voice and the date as Maya's first person narrative slips between her past and the present. The other two third person points of view are Dan and new teacher (another outsider), Steve. Steve's voice is rather redundant and could easily have been inserted into the other narratives but obviously reflects the author's interests.
Turn a Blind Eye is a solid début which I can recommend.
Maya is just back from burying her brother in Bangladesh when she is called in to investigate the murder of Linda Gibson, headteacher of Maya's old school, Mile End High School, who was strangled in her office, bound and displayed, a Buddhist precept, "I shall abstain from taking the ungiven" printed on a card and left by her body.
I enjoyed Turn a Blind Eye which is as much a novel about the issues and politics surrounding multiculturalism as it is a police procedural. The hunt for the killer is interesting and well done as Maya and her team don't really have much idea about the perpetrator or his motivation until almost the end of the novel. The issues raised which I don't want to say anything about because they don't become apparent until the second half of the novel are real and valid but could have been dealt with more incisively by the author.
I must admit that I found the school politics boring and while they are a relevant avenue of investigation for Maya and her team the unbelievable refusal of the school management to cooperate gives them an importance they probably don't deserve. It's no surprise that Ms Newham is a former teacher.
It is interesting that the author chooses to make her two maintain protagonists outsiders. DI Maya Rahman came to the UK from Bangladesh aged 4 and DS Dan Maguire is Australian. I don't think, in this case, however, that it adds much to the novel apart from the odd moment of soul searching. More important is that they are both smart, dedicated detectives with their heads screwed on.
The format of the novel makes for a choppy read. There are 3 main narrators with each chapter being helpfully labelled with the narrator's voice and the date as Maya's first person narrative slips between her past and the present. The other two third person points of view are Dan and new teacher (another outsider), Steve. Steve's voice is rather redundant and could easily have been inserted into the other narratives but obviously reflects the author's interests.
Turn a Blind Eye is a solid début which I can recommend.
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