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DI Grace Dalton #0.5

The Death Of Me

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He watched. He studied. He planned.

Every detail meticulously organised. Every detail perfect. The basement was ready, now all he needed was the girl.


Grace Dalton was just fourteen years old when she was snatched from Greenwich Park on her way back from school. A beautiful, shy, but socially awkward girl, she would do anything to stay out of trouble and away from her bullies. Pressed for time and her tormentors blocking her usual route home, she makes a split second decision with catastrophic consequences.

After facing public humiliation from a previous investigation, Detective Constable Philip Harris once again finds himself under savage media scrutiny when he's assigned to Grace's case. Determined to find her and solve the case to gain back his credibility, his frustrations mount when he repeatedly finds himself hampered at every turn. With no other suspects and the case rapidly becoming cold, the finger of blame points to Tom, Grace's father. Struggling to keep his personal resentment towards Tom away from the case and the press, DC Harris embarks on his own investigations to find who the real kidnapper is against the instructions from his superior officers. But when his digging leads him to a mysterious concealed road protected by impenetrable iron gates he soon realises his investigations have not only endangered himself, but also his family.

Pitched alone against a highly organised crime syndicate and not knowing which side his colleagues are on, he's faced with some tough decisions. Either drop Grace's case, declaring it cold and allowing Tom to take the fall, or embark on a highly dangerous quest for her safe return. Time's running out, which will he choose?

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2017

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481 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Hames

13 books15 followers

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5 stars
440 (44%)
4 stars
326 (32%)
3 stars
160 (16%)
2 stars
45 (4%)
1 star
25 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This was a free novel e-book from Amazon. First time with this author.

Grace has been kidnapped and the fun begins. This British 🏰👑 mystery is about family and friends relationships adventures with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to the conclusion.

I would recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😕
Profile Image for Gillian.
127 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
Grace Daltons dream is to become a ballerina but at just five foot tall she is too short. Her sister Elspeth is a budding cellist and has an audition for a scholarship. On the day of the audition the girls argue Grace storms out to catch her bus to school. When she gets there she spots Hayley and her friends who have been bullying her since Aiden Robinson asked her out. Hayley had her eye on him. At the bus stop Hayley starts physically attacking Grace the bus driver seen and stopped it going further.
At the end the of the school day Grace knows she has to be home earlier for Elspeths recital but when she sees Hayley and her friend at bus stop again she decides to go through Greenwich Park she knows she shouldn’t go on her own but if she waits for next bus she would be late home.
As she’s going through the park she is unaware she is being followed. After watching her every move and waiting for months he finally gets his chance to pounce once he has her he takes her to a place where no one will think to look for her. Will Grace survive her ordeal who has kidnapped her is it somewhere one close to her or a complete stranger?
This is a brilliant book I really enjoyed it. You’ve nailed this Natalie keep them coming.
Profile Image for Steven Ramirez.
Author 14 books178 followers
November 11, 2017
I really liked this novel, but I have to be honest. DC Philip Harris drove me crazy. And maybe that’s the point. Take a guy who, let’s face it, is not the shiniest penny in the jar and throw every kind of roadblock in his path as he attempts to salvage what’s left of his career, and what do you have? Pure Grade A frustration, my friend. I mean, there were times when I wanted to scream at the guy to just grow a set. Then again, I was deeply impressed by his analytical skills and dogged determination, if not his wussy approach to those who taunt him—and there are plenty.

At this point, you’re probably wondering why I am recommending this book. Simple. Because it’s so bloody well written. The fact that another author can make this author seethe with anger each time the stakes are raised is something I admire. Also, the writing is taut and the characters well developed. My only criticism is that Phil’s Catholic backstory could use some work. But hey, that’s me.

If you like dark characters, conspiracy, and political intrigue—not to mention a couple of nasty abductions—then you should read The Death Of Me. You won’t be disappointed.
1 review
March 7, 2018
I have glanced at the reviews and am surprised that there were so many five stars. Regrettably, I don't share their enthusiasm. I found all of the characters two dimensional and lacking in credibility. This is especially true of the protagonist Detective Constable Philip Harris. How in the world did he stay in the force so long? Like the other characters, he sweated a lot, had numb fingers sometimes, hot sweats, often choked and talked to himself in the most unbelievable banalities. In fact, conversations between him and his wife Katharine, were the same. Banal.
I do not think this was a good book. It is grossly overwritten, and my copy was littered with spelling mistakes. It is unlikely that I'll read any more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Lynda Kelly.
2,210 reviews108 followers
August 31, 2021
Ouch, ouch, ouch, I don't think this book has had a SNIFF of a proofreading nor editing exercise and I for one am not prepared to sit through over 220 pages of it.
The actual story sounded interesting and brought to mind a case in America where a girl took a shortcut via a drainage ditch to avoid bullies and was assaulted and murdered as she did, and not by the bullies. It was appalling and this reminded me of that story.....
On page 5 it was mentioned about a girl having 'platted hair' which actually made me gasp !! Teachers' and not teacher's was written and we then had this gem of a sentence, "The he ensured the whiteboard was perfectly clean," we had parent's and not parents' (though she later got this correct so does know the difference), over active needs a hyphen and upon navigation of this following sentence I sighed loudly, swore under my breath and called it a day at 5%...."It was familiar surroundings and today threw no differences to any other day".....huh ???? WHAT does this sentence even mean ?? Bear in mind, this was only 12 pages in !!
Sorry to leave only 1* but it just isn't good enough.
Profile Image for Rainbow Unicorn.
1,134 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2024
This had the makings of a really good book but fell short of the mark for me, as it was difficult to follow the timelines.
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 79 books299 followers
August 15, 2021
"Not for me"

A police procedural wrapped in a story of corruption, and the lengths someone will go to in the pursuit of money. The detailed account of the kidnapping and imprisonment of young Grace was disturbing. I thought that element was designed to sell the book, and there have been too many instances where male predators have attacked women walking alone at night. Hence, the rest of the story didn't rid me of the bad tste in my mouth. Not for me.
Profile Image for Marion.
378 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2017
A fourteen year old girl, Grace Dalton,has been being bullied at school.One night leaving school, she sees her tormentors waiting for her at the bus stop.
In order to avoid them she misses the bus and decides to walk home. The evening turns dark quickly and not wanting to be late she decides to take a short cut through the park.
Unfortunately, she has been being observed for some time by a man, who follows her and drags her into the woods. The next thing she knows she wakes in a cellar.
DC Philip Harris is assigned to the team investigating Graces abduction.
DC Harris has problems of his own not least of which is the fact that Tom Dalton, Graces father, was involved in a car crash with DC Harris`s wife.
This case is full of surprises, the feeling of tension builds as you read more of what is a complex and well written mystery and makes it an incredibly good read.
I would definately recommend it.
10 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2021
It's not great really. Somewhere in there are some reasonable ideas, but the overall plot is so unbelievable. Several, significant elements seem to become important story building blocks, but then mysteriously become forgotten, almost as though the writer has become bored with that particular line. A child kidnapped; seems conveniently ignored for a huge chunk of the book. A strong Catholic faith that only surfaces quarter of the way through but then plays little part in the story. Various deaths that remain uninvestigated or simply ignored. A lack of understanding of police and judicial procedure, let alone the urgency and resources that would be thrown at a child kidnap. A mysterious underworld, controling all, but no explanation of who they are supposed to be. A mixed up character who somehow becomes a D/Insp by the age of 24; really? It's like several unconnected ideas without any coherent trail. I can't really recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
October 4, 2018
Frustrating read

The story had some compelling elements, but I found the writing style quite clumsy at times and at others downright ungrammatical (the author is so confused about the verbs "lie" and "lay" that you'd think she's American!) And yes, Phil was an almost unbearably weak person. How did he ever make it to detective?

On the other hand, I cared enough about what would happen to Grace to finish the book!
13 reviews
May 29, 2018
Ok for a holiday read!

Lightweight entertainment. As stated would make a good holiday read with nothing too deep that you would be anxious not to have to put down but pleasant enough to (just about) keep reading. Fairly implausible in many areas and only 3D character was a cop but I would consider him flawed (I think he is meant to be).

***possible spoilers***

To be honest I wasn't shocked to find his previous promotion had been turned down, not would I ever wish him to work on a case on my families behalf, he seemed ineffectual for the most part and I felt he lacked basic training, never mind instincts. I did empathise though when it was people he knew because that closeness can override training as a different type of panic kicks in when someone you love is involved, but the rest of the time I wondered how he had ever been promoted from basic duties at all, he didn't feel like the type to proceed past walking the beat or traffic duties. the 'abruption' scene didn't ring true either as I know from experience that type of pain can bring you round even if under hospital strength sleeping tablets, which they weren't on... so that part felt under researched, as the person would have definitely disturbed the sleep of others around, especially that of an insomniac. I also felt that Grace, who initially was what the blurb claims to be about, was over-looked and forgotten about for the majority of this book. As were many of the key ingredients that were tossed in then forgotten about for the most part. An easy and fairly entertaining read but forgettable
Profile Image for Nora.
28 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2018
The Death of Me by Natalie Hames

What happens when a child disappears. How does their family cope? What about the feelings of those involved in the police investigation?

Grace is a shy awkward teenager who after making a last minute decision is abducted. The race to find her alive begins.

I was immersed into this book from the beginning. I’m not usually into detective type stories but this has an emotional human interest background which keeps it from being too clinical whilst the findings of the case leads you to the ‘oh my gosh’ moments. The many twists and turns will keep you guessing til the end.

I liked the characters who have different facets to their personality. No 2D figures here. They’re just like you and me. Not just black or white. Everyone has their strong and weak moments, nice and nasty sides. Who can honestly say they haven’t?

I was drawn to this book by the descriptive blurb and the cover. I started reading it with high expectations and I’m pleased to say it didn’t disappoint. It did however go in a different direction to what I thought.

I would recommend this well written novel and in fact have already done so!

Well done Natalie. I look forward to reading more from this series.



Profile Image for Helen Christmas.
Author 9 books28 followers
August 10, 2019
As soon as I started reading this I knew it was going to be a dark and disturbing read. At some times it was unbearable to imagine the terrible fear this poor girl suffered, locked in an underground cell at the mercy of an unknown kidnapper. The central character, DC Philip Harris, was a disgraced police officer determined to crack the case, despite the humiliation of his superiors. I liked the writing style and it was fast paced and exciting throughout, filled with suspense, corruption and police coverups.

Whilst reading, I could help but wonder if there was a previous book as there were lots of references to a crime that Philip failed to solve as well as a grudge against the victim's father. After so much build up though, I felt the ending was rushed and with no satisfying resolution. What Grace went through was heart breaking and I would have liked to have seen more justice.
22 reviews
September 16, 2022
Determined and obsessed with finding the girl, but the truth was too close to home.

Passed over for the job he had dreamed of, convinced his co-worker was up to no good, his wife on the 3rd try with IVF, and a 14 year old girl who had gone missing. As Phil tried to keep his pregnant wife from worrying, he hid his desperate hunt to prove he had not been wrong. He had to find the girl and the person/people that had taken her. In his heart he was convinced she was still alive. As he makes his way, juggling all these things, it becomes evident that he is putting it all together,piece by piece, which causes problems not only in his personal life, but his job is also affected. As he digs for the truth, there are more questions than answers. Can his suspicion really be true and where is the girl?
Profile Image for Tasha.
66 reviews
March 2, 2020
This book I both enjoyed and also got annoyed at. Only because it was well written to the point where the twists to the plot I really didn’t see coming, but weren’t unfathomable either. The clues were there, planted so discretely, and I was annoyed I missed them!
Phil was also a little hard to warm too but he was a great lead character, I really did feel for him in the end.
Overall, I got everything I would want from a crime mystery.. a crime, a good detective who really wanted to find the culprit, the baddies and all the twists and turns to get us to the end.
One thing I would have liked is an explanation as to how Phil pulled everything off, we knew he’d have to create a story of how he worked things out but we don’t find out and that bugged me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,294 reviews13 followers
March 20, 2021
Grace, a 14 year old girl who is being bullied, decides to walk home rather than face more bullying. She goes through the woods and is kidnapped. Detective Phil Harris has been passed over for promotion because of a mistake he made in a previous case. He has a lot to prove.

I became so engrossed in this book that I could hardly put it down. BUT, the ending was such a disappointment. It leaves you hanging with a TO BE CONTINUED at the end. The author skips 9 years into the future without filling in what happened in the corruption. I will read the next book to see if my questions are answered in that one.
1 review1 follower
July 21, 2020
It is a Good Read - except

It is a Good Read - except for the final part. Granted the author wants the readers, after reading the prequel, to buy the books in the series following - but... don’t chop the ending so short.
The author already had us caught - so a smoother ending to the prequel would not make the reader feel cheated by the abrupt ending. Other than that I would still recommend this book and am still going to read the next book - if that ending follows a pattern - I’ll be finished with the series. Well written otherwise.
Profile Image for Gordon Johnston.
Author 2 books9 followers
February 24, 2023
An odd book - it starts off well with the investigation into the kidnap of a young girl, but then spirals in too many directions at once. The plot is sweeping with many story lines and it just doesn't work.

The characters are not well developed, mostly one dimensional. Dialogue is stilted and formal, not at all natural The timeline is odd, with occasional jumps of weeks or months suddenly announced. And every character talks to themselves, announcing exactly what they are thinking and feeling. Show don't tell?
Profile Image for Janet.
777 reviews
January 15, 2022
Although I really liked this book I do have a few issues with it . I found many of the characters shallow and thus lacked empathy for them .
Phil the main character was superhuman with his ability to carry on with little or no sleep ,he was reckless, ridiculous and persistent and not really believable . Lies ,corruption and cover ups are all in abundance and the ending much like a series leaving it open for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
51 reviews
October 10, 2017
This novel is full of suspense and surprises! It keeps you guessing. You can feel the tension from Grace as she tries to figure out why she was kidnapped and what will happen to her. You feel bad for Phil and his troubles but hopeful too. There are twists and turns and a surprising ending.

I would highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 reviews
June 2, 2021
Amazing book

I can honestly say this has been one of the best books I have read in a while, I usually just mark the book with stars but felt I had to write something on this, it's full to the brim with action, crime, love and sadness it had all my emotions come right to the surface, cannot wait to read what's next for Phil and of course grace.
Profile Image for Sarah.
91 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2024
This book was pretty poorly written. There was a lot of grammatical errors and a few plot holes. The general storyline had a lot of potential and to be fair I didn't guess the who dunit, but I just felt the time scale jumped forward so much with very little explanation and there was so much waffle in the middle that could of been cut it out.
Profile Image for Linzi Moon.
80 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2018
At first this story did not strike me as anything out of the ordinary, but it crept up on me, kept me engrossed and finally had me desperate to find a conclusion.
An excellent piece of police/detective/thriller writing.
NAtalie Hames is now on my list of 'to read' authors.
289 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2019
Deep dark mystery

From child napping to international corruption this book gets so deep it leaves you overwhelmed but ready to continue. Glad for a sequel because the ending leaves so much undone. Phil's chapter is confusing. Did he give up all his integrity? Will we ever know?
1,471 reviews7 followers
May 3, 2022
Great police thriller

This story had more twist and turns than a roller coaster. The main character was definitely flawed and ended up being corrupt. Loved the twist at the end. Can't wait to read the next book.
Author 2 books2 followers
January 3, 2023
Reading this as a parent it made me have goosebumps, fear, and anxiety, but only because it is every parents nightmare, and because it has been written so well and the story keeps you reading on to see the outcome.
5 reviews
October 3, 2017
Fantastic book

Couldn't put it down! Well written, full of twists. Looking forward to the next instalment. Soon as possible please Natalie
55 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2017
The Death of Me

Wow! I could not put this book down. I caught myself actually holding my breath so many times. Intense reading.
14 reviews
April 30, 2020
A real page turner

I loved this book.
I couldn't put it down wanting to know what happens. Great characters and a wonderful plot.
Profile Image for Lee Carey.
Author 50 books8 followers
March 19, 2021
No ending...unless you purchase the series. Needs an editor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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