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Detective Kate Matthews #3
Cold Heart
It has been a week since anyone last saw fifteen-year-old Daisy, after she left her best friend’s house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her ever since.
When a tip-off leads Kate to a disused gymnasium at Daisy’s school, she is shocked to find evidence linking to the murder of a different girl.
Working the two cases side by side, Kate’s blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her at the station. The heart belongs to yet another unknown victim, but the message is there will be more, and Daisy could be one of them.
When activity on Daisy’s Facebook account indicates she is still alive, the race is on for Kate and her team. Will Daisy be the killer’s next victim? Is Kate prepared to risk everything to stop another innocent life from being taken?
This absolutely unputdownable crime thriller will have fans of Angela Marsons, Peter James and Rachel Abbott biting their nails long after the final twist has sunk in.
When a tip-off leads Kate to a disused gymnasium at Daisy’s school, she is shocked to find evidence linking to the murder of a different girl.
Working the two cases side by side, Kate’s blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her at the station. The heart belongs to yet another unknown victim, but the message is there will be more, and Daisy could be one of them.
When activity on Daisy’s Facebook account indicates she is still alive, the race is on for Kate and her team. Will Daisy be the killer’s next victim? Is Kate prepared to risk everything to stop another innocent life from being taken?
This absolutely unputdownable crime thriller will have fans of Angela Marsons, Peter James and Rachel Abbott biting their nails long after the final twist has sunk in.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2018
56 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Edger
51 books144 followersStephen Edger is the Amazon bestselling author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Little Girl Gone, Snatched, and the Kate Matthews series. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton where most of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page.
With books published by Harper Collins, Bookouture, and Endeavour Media, you wouldn’t believe that writing is still only a hobby for Stephen. A hobby that has seen him write more than twenty novels in the last decade, whilst balancing a full-time job with a young family.
Away from writing, Stephen loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs. Stephen is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association, the Crime Writers Association (CWA), and loves to engage with his readers on his Facebook author page and Twitter.
If you have a question for him, he can be reached at:
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEdger
www.twitter.com/StepheEdger
www.stephenedger.com
With books published by Harper Collins, Bookouture, and Endeavour Media, you wouldn’t believe that writing is still only a hobby for Stephen. A hobby that has seen him write more than twenty novels in the last decade, whilst balancing a full-time job with a young family.
Away from writing, Stephen loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs. Stephen is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association, the Crime Writers Association (CWA), and loves to engage with his readers on his Facebook author page and Twitter.
If you have a question for him, he can be reached at:
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEdger
www.twitter.com/StepheEdger
www.stephenedger.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 19, 2018
Fifteen year old Daisy left her friend's home a week ago and she hasn't been seen since, so when Detective Kate Matthews attention is brought to the disused gymnasium at Daisy's school, she's not sure what to expect. What she discovers is a severed foot, and naturally one would expect Daisy to be the victim, but this foot belongs to someone else! However, the shocks don't stop there, as a parcel addressed to Kate is delivered to the station, and its contents are particularly gruesome - revealing a human heart from yet another victim. Kate and her team certainly have a huge challenge, not only in discovering who the victims are and why they were killed, but also in discovering the whereabouts of Daisy, and hoping that she too hasn't fallen victim to this crazed killer.
This is the third in the series, but reads perfectly well as a standalone. After a troubled past, Kate appears to be more grounded this time around, and it's good to see her on a more even keel. This particular case is extremely challenging, and keeps the whole team on their toes. The author is adept at keeping the reader interested - the characters are well developed and the plot ensures that you're not going to put this one down and forget about it. The ending wasn't quite what I was expecting, but all the better for it! I really like how Stephen Edger is developing this series and I look forward to the next.
* Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Stephen Edger for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is the third in the series, but reads perfectly well as a standalone. After a troubled past, Kate appears to be more grounded this time around, and it's good to see her on a more even keel. This particular case is extremely challenging, and keeps the whole team on their toes. The author is adept at keeping the reader interested - the characters are well developed and the plot ensures that you're not going to put this one down and forget about it. The ending wasn't quite what I was expecting, but all the better for it! I really like how Stephen Edger is developing this series and I look forward to the next.
* Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Stephen Edger for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 13, 2018
4☆ A Gripping Addictive Thriller
Cold Heart is the third book in the series but the first book for me.
I had no problem jumping straight in
The opening scene is In a school and the head teacher is being questioned to the whereabouts of a missing student Daisy.
You see Daisy has been missing for several days when she didn't return home
But the detectives are about to uncover something even more gruesome when in runs the caretaker claiming he has found a body in the old school gym.
Lead detective Kate quickly follows the caretaker. However what they discover in the gymnasium isn't intact a body....when they delve in deeper they find a severed foot!
Does the foot belong to Daisy? Or someone else?
Cold Heart literally had me on tender hooks. Especially when a heart is delivered to Kate at the station!
Who is sick enough deliver a heart to a police station.
I loved Detective Kate's Character she is persistent, strong, kick ass, trustworthy, loyal and determined.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All the thrilling juicy twists. Plenty of suspects, it had enough suspense to keep you hooked and your hair to stand on end! A gripping roller coaster ride to hunt down the truth and find the killer.
I haven't read the other two books in the series, and I'm now kicking myself as to why It's taken me so long to discover Stephen Edgar's books.
Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Cold Heart is the third book in the series but the first book for me.
I had no problem jumping straight in
The opening scene is In a school and the head teacher is being questioned to the whereabouts of a missing student Daisy.
You see Daisy has been missing for several days when she didn't return home
But the detectives are about to uncover something even more gruesome when in runs the caretaker claiming he has found a body in the old school gym.
Lead detective Kate quickly follows the caretaker. However what they discover in the gymnasium isn't intact a body....when they delve in deeper they find a severed foot!
Does the foot belong to Daisy? Or someone else?
Cold Heart literally had me on tender hooks. Especially when a heart is delivered to Kate at the station!
Who is sick enough deliver a heart to a police station.
I loved Detective Kate's Character she is persistent, strong, kick ass, trustworthy, loyal and determined.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All the thrilling juicy twists. Plenty of suspects, it had enough suspense to keep you hooked and your hair to stand on end! A gripping roller coaster ride to hunt down the truth and find the killer.
I haven't read the other two books in the series, and I'm now kicking myself as to why It's taken me so long to discover Stephen Edgar's books.
Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
March 17, 2018
EXCERPT: Kate forced her eyes open, already anticipating the scene before her, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw: bright red sprays of blood covered every wall; all around her thick, sticky, crimson puddles of blood had dried on the plastic sheeting which covered every inch of the carpet; overhead, the ceiling was covered with a poppy field of dangling rose and strawberry scented fresheners. The gymnasium had been horrific, but here the blood covered every possible surface, as if less care had been taken, as if the blood had been fresher.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It has been a week since anyone last saw fifteen-year-old Daisy, after she left her best friend’s house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her ever since.
When a tip-off leads Kate to a disused gymnasium at Daisy’s school, she is shocked to find evidence linking to the murder of a different girl.
Working the two cases side by side, Kate’s blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her at the station. The heart belongs to yet another unknown victim, but the message is clear: there will be more, and Daisy could be one of them.
When activity on Daisy’s Facebook account indicates she is still alive, the race is on for Kate and her team. Will Daisy be the killer’s next victim? Is Kate prepared to risk everything to stop another innocent life from being taken?
MY THOUGHTS: This series, of which Cold Heart is the third book, is developing into a 'must read'. Edger kept me on my toes for the whole read. My brain felt like the pinball in one of those machines, but instead it was bouncing off ideas and possible different outcomes.
Although I guessed who was behind the killings, I sure didn't get the why, or the who was an accessory. Close to the end my jaw was literally hanging open (a great look in a busy cafe at lunch time!), and I am sure I was making 'oh, no!' noises as I read through the final pages.
We actually learn little more about Kate as a person in this book, which is not a criticism, but I would suggest that if this series is to continue, then perhaps we could be privy to a little more of her private life.
Although this is a series, each book that I have read is easily able to be read as a stand-alone. I still haven't read the first in the series, Dead to Me, although it is high on my list of priorities. I hope Stephen Edger is busy writing the next in the series. I will be at the front of the long line of eager fans awaiting its publication.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Cold Heart by Stephen Edger for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It has been a week since anyone last saw fifteen-year-old Daisy, after she left her best friend’s house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her ever since.
When a tip-off leads Kate to a disused gymnasium at Daisy’s school, she is shocked to find evidence linking to the murder of a different girl.
Working the two cases side by side, Kate’s blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her at the station. The heart belongs to yet another unknown victim, but the message is clear: there will be more, and Daisy could be one of them.
When activity on Daisy’s Facebook account indicates she is still alive, the race is on for Kate and her team. Will Daisy be the killer’s next victim? Is Kate prepared to risk everything to stop another innocent life from being taken?
MY THOUGHTS: This series, of which Cold Heart is the third book, is developing into a 'must read'. Edger kept me on my toes for the whole read. My brain felt like the pinball in one of those machines, but instead it was bouncing off ideas and possible different outcomes.
Although I guessed who was behind the killings, I sure didn't get the why, or the who was an accessory. Close to the end my jaw was literally hanging open (a great look in a busy cafe at lunch time!), and I am sure I was making 'oh, no!' noises as I read through the final pages.
We actually learn little more about Kate as a person in this book, which is not a criticism, but I would suggest that if this series is to continue, then perhaps we could be privy to a little more of her private life.
Although this is a series, each book that I have read is easily able to be read as a stand-alone. I still haven't read the first in the series, Dead to Me, although it is high on my list of priorities. I hope Stephen Edger is busy writing the next in the series. I will be at the front of the long line of eager fans awaiting its publication.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Cold Heart by Stephen Edger for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 7, 2018
COLD HEART, a serial killer thriller is the third novel in the Detective Kate Matthews Series by Stephen Edger. I have enjoyed reading the books in this series. They include:
1)Dead To Me (Detective Kate Matthews #1)
2)Dying Day (Detective Kate Matthews #2)
3) Cold Heart (Detective Kate Matthews #3)
A missing girl. A killer with a deadly message…
It has been a week since anyone last saw fifteen-year-old Daisy, after she left her best friend’s house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her ever since.
In Book 3#, Cold Heart, we touch base with the protagonist, Detective Kate Matthews and her team, who are called to Daisy’s school to a disused gymnasium, where after a tip-off leads them to a discovery… amongst the dusty benches and broken lockers a side-room covered in plastic and a small severed foot.
But the DNA results show the foot does not belong to Daisy?
Soon after, a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to Kate at the station. A sick and twisted killer wants the attention of the victims’ families.
Is Daisy dead or alive? Kate must uncover the truth.
I have to admit while I have enjoyed this series, I had hoped to find out more about Kate’s daughter and Kate’s relationship with Ben.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
1)Dead To Me (Detective Kate Matthews #1)
2)Dying Day (Detective Kate Matthews #2)
3) Cold Heart (Detective Kate Matthews #3)
A missing girl. A killer with a deadly message…
It has been a week since anyone last saw fifteen-year-old Daisy, after she left her best friend’s house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her ever since.
In Book 3#, Cold Heart, we touch base with the protagonist, Detective Kate Matthews and her team, who are called to Daisy’s school to a disused gymnasium, where after a tip-off leads them to a discovery… amongst the dusty benches and broken lockers a side-room covered in plastic and a small severed foot.
But the DNA results show the foot does not belong to Daisy?
Soon after, a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to Kate at the station. A sick and twisted killer wants the attention of the victims’ families.
Is Daisy dead or alive? Kate must uncover the truth.
I have to admit while I have enjoyed this series, I had hoped to find out more about Kate’s daughter and Kate’s relationship with Ben.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
March 10, 2018
Detective Kate Matthews - Book 3.
No one has seen fifteen year old Daisy for a week after she left her best friends house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews has been looking for her ever since. A tip-off leads Kate to a unused gymnasium at Daisy's school.. She finds evidence linking to the murder of another girl. Working the two cases size by side, Kate's blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her station.
This is a well thought out plot. With plenty of twists and suspects. The case just gets more complicated as events begin to unfold. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone., but honestly, do yourself a favour, get yourself copies of the first two book as this is turning out to be a really good series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Stephen Edgar for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
No one has seen fifteen year old Daisy for a week after she left her best friends house and started her short walk home. Detective Kate Matthews has been looking for her ever since. A tip-off leads Kate to a unused gymnasium at Daisy's school.. She finds evidence linking to the murder of another girl. Working the two cases size by side, Kate's blood runs cold when a gift-wrapped box containing a human heart is delivered to her station.
This is a well thought out plot. With plenty of twists and suspects. The case just gets more complicated as events begin to unfold. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone., but honestly, do yourself a favour, get yourself copies of the first two book as this is turning out to be a really good series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Stephen Edgar for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
Cold Heart is the third Detective Kate Matthews story and if you’ve read my reviews of the previous two books then you’ll know it was a bit of a mixed experience for me. Unfortunately the same can be said for Cold Heart.
Kate Matthews has been on quite the journey throughout these three books but finally in this story she’s a bit more relaxed, stable and is able to focus on the case impartially and without that reckless determination she had throughout the previous two books because of her need to right the wrongs of her past. I enjoyed reading about her here more and would have liked to have seen her with her daughter. Granted she was busy on a case that we followed in real-time, but it’s hard to get on board with her being a changed woman in regards to motherhood without us being able to witness that.
The storyline I felt was relatively weak. It’s one of those that sounds exciting enough but the actual execution didn’t really follow through. The premise is that Kate and the team are called to a local school where a severed foot is found inside the disused gym. Could the foot belong to missing teenager Daisy who’s disappearance is the case Kate and her team are currently working on? The plot moves nicely enough but it just wasn’t gripping. I found myself bored more than I was enjoying reading the story and in a crime novel (or indeed any novel), that’s the last thing that you want. The cast of characters who might have been responsible weren’t interesting enough for me to really get behind putting any real effort into trying to work out who was responsible and so my interest waned and I spent most of my time watching the time remaining in book part of my Kindle screen to see just how long I had left until I could move on to my next read.
Unfortunately sometimes crime writers make the mistake of he who doth protest too much, and what I mean by that is the character who completely over-exaggerates and makes a scene is invariably going to be connected to the case in some way. As was proven here in what was a disappointing and lacklustre ending. It seems as though I just can’t get on board with this series because a lot of people seem to like it, but for me there’s just too much missing from what I usually love about a crime novel. The characterisation is strong but the plots are weak and finish with cliched or disappointing endings. I really wanted to like this series but it just seems as though it’s not going to happen and with this being the third book in the series I think it might be time for me to give up with it. It’s annoying because I like Kate and I like Laura a lot but the plots just aren’t gripping me or keeping me interested and so we will see what happens when book four comes around.
Kate Matthews has been on quite the journey throughout these three books but finally in this story she’s a bit more relaxed, stable and is able to focus on the case impartially and without that reckless determination she had throughout the previous two books because of her need to right the wrongs of her past. I enjoyed reading about her here more and would have liked to have seen her with her daughter. Granted she was busy on a case that we followed in real-time, but it’s hard to get on board with her being a changed woman in regards to motherhood without us being able to witness that.
The storyline I felt was relatively weak. It’s one of those that sounds exciting enough but the actual execution didn’t really follow through. The premise is that Kate and the team are called to a local school where a severed foot is found inside the disused gym. Could the foot belong to missing teenager Daisy who’s disappearance is the case Kate and her team are currently working on? The plot moves nicely enough but it just wasn’t gripping. I found myself bored more than I was enjoying reading the story and in a crime novel (or indeed any novel), that’s the last thing that you want. The cast of characters who might have been responsible weren’t interesting enough for me to really get behind putting any real effort into trying to work out who was responsible and so my interest waned and I spent most of my time watching the time remaining in book part of my Kindle screen to see just how long I had left until I could move on to my next read.
Unfortunately sometimes crime writers make the mistake of he who doth protest too much, and what I mean by that is the character who completely over-exaggerates and makes a scene is invariably going to be connected to the case in some way. As was proven here in what was a disappointing and lacklustre ending. It seems as though I just can’t get on board with this series because a lot of people seem to like it, but for me there’s just too much missing from what I usually love about a crime novel. The characterisation is strong but the plots are weak and finish with cliched or disappointing endings. I really wanted to like this series but it just seems as though it’s not going to happen and with this being the third book in the series I think it might be time for me to give up with it. It’s annoying because I like Kate and I like Laura a lot but the plots just aren’t gripping me or keeping me interested and so we will see what happens when book four comes around.
February 12, 2018
Stephen Edger.. that was brilliant! What an ending... . Did not see that coming... very clever.
Book 3 in the DI Kate Matthews series and I swear the books just keep getting better... no pressure for book 4.... This time we see Kate searching for missing 15 year old school girl Daisy who has disappeared without a trace. Whilst investigating this disappearance a disturbing scene is discovered in the abandoned school gym.. a lot of blood and female foot. Now working 2 cases side by side, Kate and her team are racing against the clock to find Daisy before she become an the next victim.
If ou have not read this series do yourself a favour and start now. These books keep you guessing, they shock you and you become very attached to the characters. A big thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book in exchange for my honest opinions
Book 3 in the DI Kate Matthews series and I swear the books just keep getting better... no pressure for book 4.... This time we see Kate searching for missing 15 year old school girl Daisy who has disappeared without a trace. Whilst investigating this disappearance a disturbing scene is discovered in the abandoned school gym.. a lot of blood and female foot. Now working 2 cases side by side, Kate and her team are racing against the clock to find Daisy before she become an the next victim.
If ou have not read this series do yourself a favour and start now. These books keep you guessing, they shock you and you become very attached to the characters. A big thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book in exchange for my honest opinions
Read
March 15, 2018A missing 15-year-old girl, a severed female foot found in a school sports center marked for demolition, and the heart of a male victim delivered to the police station. Are these connected? That is what Detective Kate Matthews and her team try to figure out in this police procedural.
The investigation hits one wall after another as little headway is made. The painstaking methods of tracking down all leads and clues take valuable time with hope running out that Daisy is still alive. They can't find her and the other two who were eventually identified offer no evidence to chase. As they haul in first one suspect and then another, the team is working long hours and nearing exhaustion without having any luck. Meanwhile, Kate is dealing with one of her fellow team members and a personal situation. NO SPOILERS.
This is the third in the series featuring Kate Matthews and the second that I have read. I am fully vested in learning more about the characters on the team and about Kate's personal life outside of the police. The author is able to evoke reader response as tension builds and frustration mounts. I am definitely looking forward to further revelations in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
The investigation hits one wall after another as little headway is made. The painstaking methods of tracking down all leads and clues take valuable time with hope running out that Daisy is still alive. They can't find her and the other two who were eventually identified offer no evidence to chase. As they haul in first one suspect and then another, the team is working long hours and nearing exhaustion without having any luck. Meanwhile, Kate is dealing with one of her fellow team members and a personal situation. NO SPOILERS.
This is the third in the series featuring Kate Matthews and the second that I have read. I am fully vested in learning more about the characters on the team and about Kate's personal life outside of the police. The author is able to evoke reader response as tension builds and frustration mounts. I am definitely looking forward to further revelations in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
May 3, 2018
Follow Detective Kate Matthews around Southampton as she investigates the disappearance of 15 year old Daisy.
Although this is the 3rd novel in the series, it can be read as a standalone and I was not put at a disadvantage. Cold Heart is a regular British police procedural crime thriller. The investigation into the disappearance of Daisy and some body parts that are found, all follow standard procedures. The team of police officers have regular meetings in the incident room, which bring no surprises. You can easily guess what will happen next. The whole story revolves around regular police work and becomes a little bit of a drag. I started to get a little monday morning feeling as another meeting was starting in the incident room. One officer would be told to get a search warrant, enter a house and bring back every computer, mobile and tablet. Another officer would be told to walk somewhere, spot any CCTV cameras, find the owner and demand the footage. Other routine tasks would be given to other officers, leaving the reader with an unexciting read.
The characterization of Detective Kate Matthews and her fellow police officers was average. The private lives of the police were included but those parts were of standard soap opera quality. The was no special chemistry binding the police team together.
The plot developed slowly with no dramatic twists and turns. When I got to the end of Cold Heart I felt rather robbed, purely because the bad guy’s actions appeared to be unrealistic. I feel the plot lacked realism and the investigation broke no new ground in activity or specialist police skills. I found Detective Kate Matthews bringing her daughter onto the side lines of this story a frustrating nuisance in the same way as when adults are talking and a child interrupts or screams.
I consider Cold Heart to be a run-of-the-mill police procedural. It was an okay, 3 star read that gave my daily reading fix but there was nothing special about it. If there becomes a 4th Detective Kate Matthews novel, I shall not be bothering because there are so many other authors who give the reader a lot more content, pleasure and unique scenarios.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
Although this is the 3rd novel in the series, it can be read as a standalone and I was not put at a disadvantage. Cold Heart is a regular British police procedural crime thriller. The investigation into the disappearance of Daisy and some body parts that are found, all follow standard procedures. The team of police officers have regular meetings in the incident room, which bring no surprises. You can easily guess what will happen next. The whole story revolves around regular police work and becomes a little bit of a drag. I started to get a little monday morning feeling as another meeting was starting in the incident room. One officer would be told to get a search warrant, enter a house and bring back every computer, mobile and tablet. Another officer would be told to walk somewhere, spot any CCTV cameras, find the owner and demand the footage. Other routine tasks would be given to other officers, leaving the reader with an unexciting read.
The characterization of Detective Kate Matthews and her fellow police officers was average. The private lives of the police were included but those parts were of standard soap opera quality. The was no special chemistry binding the police team together.
The plot developed slowly with no dramatic twists and turns. When I got to the end of Cold Heart I felt rather robbed, purely because the bad guy’s actions appeared to be unrealistic. I feel the plot lacked realism and the investigation broke no new ground in activity or specialist police skills. I found Detective Kate Matthews bringing her daughter onto the side lines of this story a frustrating nuisance in the same way as when adults are talking and a child interrupts or screams.
I consider Cold Heart to be a run-of-the-mill police procedural. It was an okay, 3 star read that gave my daily reading fix but there was nothing special about it. If there becomes a 4th Detective Kate Matthews novel, I shall not be bothering because there are so many other authors who give the reader a lot more content, pleasure and unique scenarios.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
March 12, 2018
So we join an investigation seven days in when an 15 year old girl went missing on her short walk home from a friend’s house. No one can vanish into thin air right? She has to be out there somewhere, surely?!
Throw in the discovery of some random body parts and we have the making of a cracking crime thriller from Mr Stephen Edger. Kate Matthews and the team have their work cut out for them. How on earth do you identify someone by just their foot? We may all have unique foot prints like we do finger prints but it’s not something that the police tend to take.
What Cold Heart turns into is a very dark and sinister story. Its no longer a missing persons case….it’s murder!!! But is missing Daisy really dead or is a mother’s gut instinct right and Daisy still alive out there? Stephen Edger has definitely played a blinder with this one; I couldn’t decide which side of the fence to land, let alone guess who our murderer-cum-Kate Matthews stalker was! Yes Kate’s got herself a stalker who delivers rather sinister gifts!
Kate has changed over the three books. She’s learnt to trust her team and use them to the best of their abilities. Their camaraderie has definitely developed and they work brilliantly as a team. I would love to see more from Kate and the team.
Throw in the discovery of some random body parts and we have the making of a cracking crime thriller from Mr Stephen Edger. Kate Matthews and the team have their work cut out for them. How on earth do you identify someone by just their foot? We may all have unique foot prints like we do finger prints but it’s not something that the police tend to take.
What Cold Heart turns into is a very dark and sinister story. Its no longer a missing persons case….it’s murder!!! But is missing Daisy really dead or is a mother’s gut instinct right and Daisy still alive out there? Stephen Edger has definitely played a blinder with this one; I couldn’t decide which side of the fence to land, let alone guess who our murderer-cum-Kate Matthews stalker was! Yes Kate’s got herself a stalker who delivers rather sinister gifts!
Kate has changed over the three books. She’s learnt to trust her team and use them to the best of their abilities. Their camaraderie has definitely developed and they work brilliantly as a team. I would love to see more from Kate and the team.
March 13, 2018
And #Boom Kate Matthews is back and she has got justice on her mind! The disappearance of 15-year-old Daisy has left Kate's team feeling deflated, a week after her disappearance and they seem no closer to finding her. Determined not to give up Kate and her team pour their heart and soul into this case in the midst of some pretty gruesome and grisly discoveries along the way!
Now, Detective Kate Matthews has always been considered a bit of a loose cannon has she not? She is like a dog with a bone and tends not to let the small things like procedures and rules stand in her way of hunting down the bad guys. In Cold Heart, we see a more focused detective, one who is hellbent on getting justice but is willing to show the rules and procedures a little more respect than she has before. Has Kate Matthews toned down her act? Has her new chance at motherhood, tamed this wild woman just a little? Who knows, but this new direction in her character definitely worked for this novel.
A strong loyalty to her team is rewarded by their faith in Kate as their leader and they are all out to support her to bring the killer to justice. But one of the team seems to be struggling a little, acting out of character and Kate is quick to ensure that she offers the support needed but just what are they going to divulge and just what impact is the fallout going to have? I sense another sense of direction coming up in the next in the series!
Well, what about the plot, bloody, gruesome and grisly! Stephen Edger gives us it all in abundance without making the storyline too squeamish, don't worry! Sometimes the work that your imagination does is even worse and I'll say my heart was racing throughout this novel! Twists and turns galore, little hints dangled in front of you to tantalize before being snatched away, leaving your head in a spin and your reading speed almost matching that of a formula one racer as you raced to the end to find out what happened. A whole cast of characters who will have you pondering, is it him? Is it her? How on earth are they connected? Stephen Edger has played a blinder in bringing all these lines together and tying them up in a perfect, if rather bloody, bow for the reader.
Fast paced, stomach churning and riveting read had me glued to the book from start to finish. If I hadn't needed some sleep this one would have been a one sitting read that's for sure. An interesting direction for Kate Matthews and I am keen to see where she goes from here. A perfect read for lovers of police procedurals with a strong protagonist who will keep you guessing for a long time to come!
Now, Detective Kate Matthews has always been considered a bit of a loose cannon has she not? She is like a dog with a bone and tends not to let the small things like procedures and rules stand in her way of hunting down the bad guys. In Cold Heart, we see a more focused detective, one who is hellbent on getting justice but is willing to show the rules and procedures a little more respect than she has before. Has Kate Matthews toned down her act? Has her new chance at motherhood, tamed this wild woman just a little? Who knows, but this new direction in her character definitely worked for this novel.
A strong loyalty to her team is rewarded by their faith in Kate as their leader and they are all out to support her to bring the killer to justice. But one of the team seems to be struggling a little, acting out of character and Kate is quick to ensure that she offers the support needed but just what are they going to divulge and just what impact is the fallout going to have? I sense another sense of direction coming up in the next in the series!
Well, what about the plot, bloody, gruesome and grisly! Stephen Edger gives us it all in abundance without making the storyline too squeamish, don't worry! Sometimes the work that your imagination does is even worse and I'll say my heart was racing throughout this novel! Twists and turns galore, little hints dangled in front of you to tantalize before being snatched away, leaving your head in a spin and your reading speed almost matching that of a formula one racer as you raced to the end to find out what happened. A whole cast of characters who will have you pondering, is it him? Is it her? How on earth are they connected? Stephen Edger has played a blinder in bringing all these lines together and tying them up in a perfect, if rather bloody, bow for the reader.
Fast paced, stomach churning and riveting read had me glued to the book from start to finish. If I hadn't needed some sleep this one would have been a one sitting read that's for sure. An interesting direction for Kate Matthews and I am keen to see where she goes from here. A perfect read for lovers of police procedurals with a strong protagonist who will keep you guessing for a long time to come!
March 12, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the third book in the Detective Kate Matthews series and after really enjoying the first two books I was really keen to get started on this one!
I loved the plot, the pace was great and the characters were spot on as always - it is an excellent book and I really enjoyed the whole thing.
I was hooked from the start and it didn't let me go until we got to the end!! It was a very clever ending that I did not see coming - definitely five stars from me for this one!! Very enjoyable!!
This is the third book in the Detective Kate Matthews series and after really enjoying the first two books I was really keen to get started on this one!
I loved the plot, the pace was great and the characters were spot on as always - it is an excellent book and I really enjoyed the whole thing.
I was hooked from the start and it didn't let me go until we got to the end!! It was a very clever ending that I did not see coming - definitely five stars from me for this one!! Very enjoyable!!
March 11, 2018
Another great book in this series.
Detective Kate Matthews is trying to find a missing teenage girl and while asking questions at her school a body part is found in the school gym.
There’s quite a few suspects that the police are investigating and it seems like they are getting nowhere as they all seem to be hiding something.
New information then comes to light and leads Kate to solve this one.
This is a gripping crime thriller and I loved the last few chapters.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Detective Kate Matthews is trying to find a missing teenage girl and while asking questions at her school a body part is found in the school gym.
There’s quite a few suspects that the police are investigating and it seems like they are getting nowhere as they all seem to be hiding something.
New information then comes to light and leads Kate to solve this one.
This is a gripping crime thriller and I loved the last few chapters.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
February 14, 2018
I love this author - he never disappoints. I save his books like treats because I know I will enjoy them. I also clear away everything I have to do beforehand for I know that once I start reading, I will not be able to do anything else until I get to the end. This author is skilful at keeping the reader absorbed and awed, engrossed in his story, so that at times while reading this stunning book, I forgot myself and needed a minute or two to get back to my surroundings. This book is a roller-coaster of a read. Thrilling and spellbinding. Absolutely magnificent. A fast moving, unnerving and heart pounding masterpiece. Loved it from start to finish and am sad , feel bereft it's over although I read it in one setting.
March 13, 2018
A HEART POUNDING, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT READ!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mrs. Kilpatrick is head teacher at St. Bartholomew's.
Kate Matthews is a Detective Inspector.
Samir Patel is a Detective Sergeant on Kate's team.
Daisy Emerson is a missing 15 year old.
Ismael Vardan is Daisy's English teacher.
Dr. Ben Temple is a Pathologist.
Laura Trotter, Olly Quinlan, Vicky Rogus are Detective Constables on Kate's team.
Chris Jackson is a copier machine engineer.
Liam Phillips is the Building Inspector.
Neil Watkins is the groundsman.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story begins with DI Kate Matthews and DS Samir Patel at St. Bartholomew's school inquiring about Daisy Emerson. She's been missing for 7 days. Kate and Patel are with Mrs. Kilpatrick, the head teacher. She tells Kate and Patel about one of her teachers, Mr. Ismael Vardan. He had some negative questions about his past but Mrs. Kilpatrick says he's a good teacher. Kate continues to ask questions about Vardan. He was accused with inappropriate behavior with a student at another school. Kate wonders if he was the reason why Daisy ran away.
Mr. Linus comes to Kilpatrick's office. He wants her to go with him to the sports hall (gym) because someone is in there. The sports hall is going to be remodeled and no one has been in there for months. Kate, Patel, Kilpatrick and Linus go to the sports hall. Kate and Patel go inside the hall and they find a body under the tarp. Is it Daisy?
Kate and Patel investigate the rest of the hall and she finds dried blood and a clear plastic sheet with blood smears and blood sprayed up the wall. Kate calls in the tech team and Dr. Ben Temple. He finds a severed foot in the hall. Does the foot belong to Daisy? Kate will contact her parents to get a DNA sample.
Kate is back at the station and she gets a message that she's received a package. She goes downstairs. At first, she thinks Ben sent her something but there's a sickly sweet smell coming from the package. She opens the package and she finds - a human heart! With the heart, a note saying "I'm sorry".
Kate finds out with the help of Ben that there used to be a tattoo on the severed foot. She goes to a tattoo parlor and asks if they've removed a tattoo recently. One of the artists tells Kate that a young woman came in to have a tattoo removed; she's in her twenties and possibly a prostitute.
Ben is able to identify who the heart belonged to: Petr Nowaskowski.
The woman with the tattoo is Maria Alexandrou, a prostitute who is missing.
Does the foot belong to Maria? Is there a connection between Maria and Petr? Where is Daisy?
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again, Stephen has weaved a tale that is full of suspense and a great "who done it" read! He has done a great job with multiple storylines. The story opens with a missing Daisy Emerson, then it branches off with Petr and Maria. Kate's working three different crimes and she's trying to figure how they all connect. The characters he's developed, especially Kate Matthews, is that of a strong woman. Her sense of justice extends to her team. She is willing to go that extra mile to get to the bottom of the crime. Kate trusts her team members and they trust her with the decisions she makes.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG! What can I say about the ending? It was a roller coaster of thrills and suspense. I couldn't believe who killed Petr and Maria and who had Daisy! That's all I'm saying...I don't want to ruin it for everyone!!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Stephen's 3rd book in the DI Kate Matthews Series. As a reader of books 1 and 2, book 3 is absolutely brilliant! I love how he has developed the characters and how Kate is determined to find the truth, no matter where she finds it. Kate is one bad-ass lady! I hope there's a book 4 in the future!!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mrs. Kilpatrick is head teacher at St. Bartholomew's.
Kate Matthews is a Detective Inspector.
Samir Patel is a Detective Sergeant on Kate's team.
Daisy Emerson is a missing 15 year old.
Ismael Vardan is Daisy's English teacher.
Dr. Ben Temple is a Pathologist.
Laura Trotter, Olly Quinlan, Vicky Rogus are Detective Constables on Kate's team.
Chris Jackson is a copier machine engineer.
Liam Phillips is the Building Inspector.
Neil Watkins is the groundsman.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story begins with DI Kate Matthews and DS Samir Patel at St. Bartholomew's school inquiring about Daisy Emerson. She's been missing for 7 days. Kate and Patel are with Mrs. Kilpatrick, the head teacher. She tells Kate and Patel about one of her teachers, Mr. Ismael Vardan. He had some negative questions about his past but Mrs. Kilpatrick says he's a good teacher. Kate continues to ask questions about Vardan. He was accused with inappropriate behavior with a student at another school. Kate wonders if he was the reason why Daisy ran away.
Mr. Linus comes to Kilpatrick's office. He wants her to go with him to the sports hall (gym) because someone is in there. The sports hall is going to be remodeled and no one has been in there for months. Kate, Patel, Kilpatrick and Linus go to the sports hall. Kate and Patel go inside the hall and they find a body under the tarp. Is it Daisy?
Kate and Patel investigate the rest of the hall and she finds dried blood and a clear plastic sheet with blood smears and blood sprayed up the wall. Kate calls in the tech team and Dr. Ben Temple. He finds a severed foot in the hall. Does the foot belong to Daisy? Kate will contact her parents to get a DNA sample.
Kate is back at the station and she gets a message that she's received a package. She goes downstairs. At first, she thinks Ben sent her something but there's a sickly sweet smell coming from the package. She opens the package and she finds - a human heart! With the heart, a note saying "I'm sorry".
Kate finds out with the help of Ben that there used to be a tattoo on the severed foot. She goes to a tattoo parlor and asks if they've removed a tattoo recently. One of the artists tells Kate that a young woman came in to have a tattoo removed; she's in her twenties and possibly a prostitute.
Ben is able to identify who the heart belonged to: Petr Nowaskowski.
The woman with the tattoo is Maria Alexandrou, a prostitute who is missing.
Does the foot belong to Maria? Is there a connection between Maria and Petr? Where is Daisy?
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again, Stephen has weaved a tale that is full of suspense and a great "who done it" read! He has done a great job with multiple storylines. The story opens with a missing Daisy Emerson, then it branches off with Petr and Maria. Kate's working three different crimes and she's trying to figure how they all connect. The characters he's developed, especially Kate Matthews, is that of a strong woman. Her sense of justice extends to her team. She is willing to go that extra mile to get to the bottom of the crime. Kate trusts her team members and they trust her with the decisions she makes.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG! What can I say about the ending? It was a roller coaster of thrills and suspense. I couldn't believe who killed Petr and Maria and who had Daisy! That's all I'm saying...I don't want to ruin it for everyone!!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Stephen's 3rd book in the DI Kate Matthews Series. As a reader of books 1 and 2, book 3 is absolutely brilliant! I love how he has developed the characters and how Kate is determined to find the truth, no matter where she finds it. Kate is one bad-ass lady! I hope there's a book 4 in the future!!
April 18, 2018
This review is also posted in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for a free copy of this book in trade for an honest review.
This is fast paced read with a twisty plot that didn’t reveal until near the end. It’s full of good police work with lots of action and many wrong leads but all comes together in the end. When I read this book, I feel like reading through the Law and Order : SVU series. No preliminaries of the crime, no vantage point from the killer or from the police. The story flows by itself and what you need to do is enjoy it. What I like too is there’s minimum drama.
The story started with a missing teenager, Daisy, who’ve been missing for 7 days with no clue where she’s gone. It’s like the earth swallowed her without any trace. She was last seen going home from her friend’s house. Detective Kate Matthews is trying to locate the missing teen with walking through her last path and checking all the possible route or characters that she’s associated with.
What’s interesting is during the investigation, there are a couple of murders that comes up. The baffling thing is the killer only left body parts in the school or send a body organ to Kate. These murders are somehow throwing the police into different directions. Are they connected to the missing teen? Or are they a completely different event? Should they be looking for a serial killer or a kidnapper? Is Daisy still alive? There are so many questions, so many distracting clues and yet no answer, not until the end. I won’t reveal too much but all I can say is I can’t wait for the police to connect all the dots and see whether the murders and Daisy has some connection. This is one of the book that I finished in 3 days.
Love the characters in this story since they have strong attitude. Kate Matthews is clear headed, purpose driven and a good leader for her team. She shows just enough emotion, not too weepy or too dramatic or even too rough as a police officer. So, she’s got the right attitude for this story. The only disappointing character is the killer himself, because well, he’s not really killing. He’s just a weak personality doing his job, so this is one character I don’t really like.
The end is quite unexpected but I don’t really like it. For the ending, I should give it 3 stars, because it’s quite disappointing. However, in general I love the journey of reading this book that I’m willing to give it 5 stars. I sure want to read another book in the Kate Matthews series.
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for a free copy of this book in trade for an honest review.
This is fast paced read with a twisty plot that didn’t reveal until near the end. It’s full of good police work with lots of action and many wrong leads but all comes together in the end. When I read this book, I feel like reading through the Law and Order : SVU series. No preliminaries of the crime, no vantage point from the killer or from the police. The story flows by itself and what you need to do is enjoy it. What I like too is there’s minimum drama.
The story started with a missing teenager, Daisy, who’ve been missing for 7 days with no clue where she’s gone. It’s like the earth swallowed her without any trace. She was last seen going home from her friend’s house. Detective Kate Matthews is trying to locate the missing teen with walking through her last path and checking all the possible route or characters that she’s associated with.
What’s interesting is during the investigation, there are a couple of murders that comes up. The baffling thing is the killer only left body parts in the school or send a body organ to Kate. These murders are somehow throwing the police into different directions. Are they connected to the missing teen? Or are they a completely different event? Should they be looking for a serial killer or a kidnapper? Is Daisy still alive? There are so many questions, so many distracting clues and yet no answer, not until the end. I won’t reveal too much but all I can say is I can’t wait for the police to connect all the dots and see whether the murders and Daisy has some connection. This is one of the book that I finished in 3 days.
Love the characters in this story since they have strong attitude. Kate Matthews is clear headed, purpose driven and a good leader for her team. She shows just enough emotion, not too weepy or too dramatic or even too rough as a police officer. So, she’s got the right attitude for this story. The only disappointing character is the killer himself, because well, he’s not really killing. He’s just a weak personality doing his job, so this is one character I don’t really like.
The end is quite unexpected but I don’t really like it. For the ending, I should give it 3 stars, because it’s quite disappointing. However, in general I love the journey of reading this book that I’m willing to give it 5 stars. I sure want to read another book in the Kate Matthews series.
Recommend for those who love reading about good police work and enjoy a twisty plot.
March 13, 2018
How can it be possible that an author of Stephen’s calibre can keep on pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat with every new book, Cold Heart is an exceptional read which just gets better and better the more pages you turn.
First and foremost for me the biggest thing that grabbed me about the third book in the series was the title. Now, Cold Heart just the sound of the words tripping off your tongue is utterly spine-chilling, and to cap it off before I got to the synopsis was the too die for cover design. Stephen, on the whole the manifestation of the cover, the title and the synopsis grabbed me full force and never let me go until the very last page leaving a void I need to fill, so hurry on with Book Four.
Okay lets get to grips with Cold Heart, the plotline surrounds the disappearance of Daisy, a young teenage girl, who nobody has seen since leaving her friends house. A week passes and no sightings, then Detective Kate Matthews is called upon to investigate a suspicious incident in the school which Daisy attended, the discovery of a mutilated foot in amongst a bloodbath. Initial findings progress and the origin of the foot is established to be from another young girl, not Daisy, so what is the killer trying to convey.
Now Detective Matthews has two cases running simultaneously, a murderous event and a young girl vanished without a trace is Daisy in danger, is it too late, can Kate save Daisy. The attraction drawn by the killer is paramount when a gift is left in the station for Kate, what is the killer trying to portray, what is the angle they perceive to hold, do they want the victims families attention, or is there a darker reason to the deaths, most of all will there be more.
For all this the third in the series of Detective Kate Matthews, there is so much more to be built on. The relationship between Kate and her daughter is something I definitely would love to read more about, it would certainly bring more of her character to the forefront, not just her work ethic but what makes Kate tick maternally and how it is injected into her work/personal life.
I’ll tell you this, Stephen had me questioning myself several times over, no matter how many times I flipped the clues, crossed the lines and joined the dots I was nowhere near a satisfactory conclusion, Stephen defeated me I never saw the end coming, just the way it like it.
Overall if I was to describe the whole book from beginning to end it would:
You Seek Them Here,
You Seek Them There,
You Seek Them Clues Everywhere,
Is The End Heaven Or Hell,
It’s A Cold Heart And I Just Won’t Tell.
My thanks go to Stephen Edger, Bookouture and Noelle Holten for an advanced readers copy of Cold Heart to read in exchanged for an honest review, it was my pleasure to read Cold Heart and be part of the Blog Blitz curtesy of an invite by Noelle, thank you.
First and foremost for me the biggest thing that grabbed me about the third book in the series was the title. Now, Cold Heart just the sound of the words tripping off your tongue is utterly spine-chilling, and to cap it off before I got to the synopsis was the too die for cover design. Stephen, on the whole the manifestation of the cover, the title and the synopsis grabbed me full force and never let me go until the very last page leaving a void I need to fill, so hurry on with Book Four.
Okay lets get to grips with Cold Heart, the plotline surrounds the disappearance of Daisy, a young teenage girl, who nobody has seen since leaving her friends house. A week passes and no sightings, then Detective Kate Matthews is called upon to investigate a suspicious incident in the school which Daisy attended, the discovery of a mutilated foot in amongst a bloodbath. Initial findings progress and the origin of the foot is established to be from another young girl, not Daisy, so what is the killer trying to convey.
Now Detective Matthews has two cases running simultaneously, a murderous event and a young girl vanished without a trace is Daisy in danger, is it too late, can Kate save Daisy. The attraction drawn by the killer is paramount when a gift is left in the station for Kate, what is the killer trying to portray, what is the angle they perceive to hold, do they want the victims families attention, or is there a darker reason to the deaths, most of all will there be more.
For all this the third in the series of Detective Kate Matthews, there is so much more to be built on. The relationship between Kate and her daughter is something I definitely would love to read more about, it would certainly bring more of her character to the forefront, not just her work ethic but what makes Kate tick maternally and how it is injected into her work/personal life.
I’ll tell you this, Stephen had me questioning myself several times over, no matter how many times I flipped the clues, crossed the lines and joined the dots I was nowhere near a satisfactory conclusion, Stephen defeated me I never saw the end coming, just the way it like it.
Overall if I was to describe the whole book from beginning to end it would:
You Seek Them Here,
You Seek Them There,
You Seek Them Clues Everywhere,
Is The End Heaven Or Hell,
It’s A Cold Heart And I Just Won’t Tell.
My thanks go to Stephen Edger, Bookouture and Noelle Holten for an advanced readers copy of Cold Heart to read in exchanged for an honest review, it was my pleasure to read Cold Heart and be part of the Blog Blitz curtesy of an invite by Noelle, thank you.
March 4, 2018
The best book in this series yet. Full review to follow on Tuesday, 13th March as part of the blog tour.
May 6, 2018
Woohoo! DI Kate Matthews is back in Southampton doing what she does best! The reader is faced with the relationship dynamics woven throughout the pages which gives us greater insight, along with guilt, greed, fear and secrets whilst we follow our protagonist on her search for justice!
The novel opens with a BANG and immediately captured my interest. I really enjoyed the storyline and how everything seamlessly came together. This was quite a dark and gruesome story, but not in the gratuitous sense. The pace of the plot worked perfectly as the author laid out the clues and delivered the OMG moments! Easily read as a stand alone, I do think it is best to go back to the start so you can see how much the story and characters have developed.
A wonderful narrative brings the characters alive and allows the reader to really relate to those fictional peeps on the pages. DI Kate Matthews is one of my favourite characters. She is flawed beyond reason and that is exactly what I love about her – she may be a marmite character, but her believability factor is high in my opinion and her flaws are exactly what drew me to her in the first place. I think Kate is a lot tamer in this novel than she has been in the previous two but she is very take charge. I love that we see more of a personal side to her in terms of her own relationships and how she is building bridges with her daughter.
There were quite a few surprises dispensed within this story, and the author sure knows how to keep the reader hanging on the edge of their seat! Would I recommend this book? OMFG YES! YES! YES! – I recommend the whole series in fact for those of you who like to shake things up, enjoy a chilling, dark and compelling storyline and who like a bit of the twisted mixed in your crime fiction! Stephen Edger has always kept me hooked and I look forward to what else this author has up his sleeve each and every time I see he is writing!
The novel opens with a BANG and immediately captured my interest. I really enjoyed the storyline and how everything seamlessly came together. This was quite a dark and gruesome story, but not in the gratuitous sense. The pace of the plot worked perfectly as the author laid out the clues and delivered the OMG moments! Easily read as a stand alone, I do think it is best to go back to the start so you can see how much the story and characters have developed.
A wonderful narrative brings the characters alive and allows the reader to really relate to those fictional peeps on the pages. DI Kate Matthews is one of my favourite characters. She is flawed beyond reason and that is exactly what I love about her – she may be a marmite character, but her believability factor is high in my opinion and her flaws are exactly what drew me to her in the first place. I think Kate is a lot tamer in this novel than she has been in the previous two but she is very take charge. I love that we see more of a personal side to her in terms of her own relationships and how she is building bridges with her daughter.
There were quite a few surprises dispensed within this story, and the author sure knows how to keep the reader hanging on the edge of their seat! Would I recommend this book? OMFG YES! YES! YES! – I recommend the whole series in fact for those of you who like to shake things up, enjoy a chilling, dark and compelling storyline and who like a bit of the twisted mixed in your crime fiction! Stephen Edger has always kept me hooked and I look forward to what else this author has up his sleeve each and every time I see he is writing!
March 12, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour. Crime thrillers are becoming quite a favourite of mine so I was thrilled to be on this tour. This is the first book I have read by Stephen as crime thrillers are still quite new to me. While this is the third in a series it can be read as a stand alone, which I did.
The book jumps straight in to the action, 15 year old Daisy has been missing for 7 days. The leads have been slow. The team are losing motivation and are struggling with how a 15 year old could have vanished without a trace. When the team find a foot in the old gymnasium things look like they may be about to turn around.
Kate Matthews is a good detective that seems to have had some personal issues in the past. These are hinted at in the book but not covered in detail, I suspect this may be in the earlier books but this knowledge is not essential to the story. Kate is one of those detectives that are married to the job. She barely rests during the case and is determined to bring Daisy home alive. Kate knew just how to handle Daisy's family when they were getting irate that she was still missing. Kate also has a great team behind her not only the officers working under her but also in the SSD who are crucial in identifying who the body parts belong to.
The suspects in this story were very interesting. All had different reasons for their suspicions and Stephen wrote them excellently. I honestly thought any of them could have been the one. I won;t go into too much regarding them as I don't want to ruin the story but they were very well written.
I really enjoyed Stephen's writing. I will definitely be grabbing myself a copy of the first two books in this series and keeping my eyes peeled for the next.
The book jumps straight in to the action, 15 year old Daisy has been missing for 7 days. The leads have been slow. The team are losing motivation and are struggling with how a 15 year old could have vanished without a trace. When the team find a foot in the old gymnasium things look like they may be about to turn around.
Kate Matthews is a good detective that seems to have had some personal issues in the past. These are hinted at in the book but not covered in detail, I suspect this may be in the earlier books but this knowledge is not essential to the story. Kate is one of those detectives that are married to the job. She barely rests during the case and is determined to bring Daisy home alive. Kate knew just how to handle Daisy's family when they were getting irate that she was still missing. Kate also has a great team behind her not only the officers working under her but also in the SSD who are crucial in identifying who the body parts belong to.
The suspects in this story were very interesting. All had different reasons for their suspicions and Stephen wrote them excellently. I honestly thought any of them could have been the one. I won;t go into too much regarding them as I don't want to ruin the story but they were very well written.
I really enjoyed Stephen's writing. I will definitely be grabbing myself a copy of the first two books in this series and keeping my eyes peeled for the next.
February 13, 2018
This book is the first in the series I have read but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. It was an excellent police procedural and I enjoyed it very much.
Kate and her team are trying to find Daisy when various body parts turn up on their patch. Do they belong to Daisy? Do they belong to someone else, and if so, who? Are they dealing with one murderer or more than one?
I thought this was a very clever book and the main characters as well as the secondary ones are very well described, to the point where I felt I was getting to know them quite well and getting emotionally involved in the story. I liked Kate, she was a modern woman trying to do the best she could in a challenging environment. She wasn't afraid to be vulnerable but was dedicated to her job, nevertheless. The author brought all the various threads together beautifully and I had no idea what the ending would be, whatsoever!
4.5 stars from me, highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Kate and her team are trying to find Daisy when various body parts turn up on their patch. Do they belong to Daisy? Do they belong to someone else, and if so, who? Are they dealing with one murderer or more than one?
I thought this was a very clever book and the main characters as well as the secondary ones are very well described, to the point where I felt I was getting to know them quite well and getting emotionally involved in the story. I liked Kate, she was a modern woman trying to do the best she could in a challenging environment. She wasn't afraid to be vulnerable but was dedicated to her job, nevertheless. The author brought all the various threads together beautifully and I had no idea what the ending would be, whatsoever!
4.5 stars from me, highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 9, 2018
Stonking addition to the series. Kate and team have to solve the case of a missing school girl but the discovery of bloody body parts in the school gym soon lead them to believe that they are dealing with more than a runaway. Excellent plot and nice character development in the sub plot. Cracking twist at the end too.
Number four please Mr Edgar quick as you like!
#ColhHeart#NetGalley
Number four please Mr Edgar quick as you like!
#ColhHeart#NetGalley
March 13, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I’m just going to get straight to the point – THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY FLUFFING BRILLIANT!!!! Omg!
Never in a million years did I think that I would EVER be sitting with a grin on my face after reading a police procedural/thriller type novel. Never. Years ago I thought that it was a little bit strange if people sat with a grin after reading about murders, dismembered body parts, you name it! But now, after doing exactly that, I feel like I’m now a true member of the dark side (and yes, I have cookies).
I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again – what an absolute belter of a book. For me, Stephen Edger’s ‘Cold Heart’ ticked every single box, including ticking boxes which I never knew were even on my list. I loved the pace of the storyline and how it fit in with the overall theme and Kate Matthews reactions! I didn’t feel that the pace was slow, nor did I think that it was fact. It was…just right.
I also thought the author was incredibly clever to incorporate multiple red herrings into the storyline, thus making me change my opinion of where the storyline was heading on multiple occasions. Detective Kate Matthews is definitely in her element with this book, and I feel that she has settled into her role in the station a lot better this time round, as opposed to the previous book, ‘Dying Day’.
I thought the relationship between Kate and her colleagues was brilliant written, often making me laugh out loud due to the sarcasm and one liners. Kate certainly knows how to stand her own, that’s for sure!
‘Cold Heart’ is yet another book where all I want to do is shout, ‘OMG DID YOU READ THE BIT WHERE…..’ – I just want to sit and talk about this book until I’m blue in the face. Trust me, you would not regret picking up ‘Cold Heart’ to read. Yeah, it is the third book in the series, but i think that it can be read perfectly fine as a standalone. That said, all the books in the series so far are incredible, so you won’t really be losing anything if you were to read the books in order. No. In fact, you’ll actually be gaining a brand new series to binge read. as well as having to wait impatiently for the next book.
Stephen Edger has outdone himself with ‘Cold Heart’, I really cannot recommend this book enough. From the first page to the last, Edger had my attention, taking me on a rollercoaster ride of surprises, whilst also leaving me wanting more.
A fantastically written, chilling, gripping, and suspenseful read which highlights the authors outstanding story telling, as well as his ability to engage his readers with such complex and addictive characters.
I have to say that, in my opinion, ‘Cold Heart’ is Stephen Edger’s best book yet! It certainly is one of my all-time favourite reads, that’s for sure!
I’m just going to get straight to the point – THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY FLUFFING BRILLIANT!!!! Omg!
Never in a million years did I think that I would EVER be sitting with a grin on my face after reading a police procedural/thriller type novel. Never. Years ago I thought that it was a little bit strange if people sat with a grin after reading about murders, dismembered body parts, you name it! But now, after doing exactly that, I feel like I’m now a true member of the dark side (and yes, I have cookies).
I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again – what an absolute belter of a book. For me, Stephen Edger’s ‘Cold Heart’ ticked every single box, including ticking boxes which I never knew were even on my list. I loved the pace of the storyline and how it fit in with the overall theme and Kate Matthews reactions! I didn’t feel that the pace was slow, nor did I think that it was fact. It was…just right.
I also thought the author was incredibly clever to incorporate multiple red herrings into the storyline, thus making me change my opinion of where the storyline was heading on multiple occasions. Detective Kate Matthews is definitely in her element with this book, and I feel that she has settled into her role in the station a lot better this time round, as opposed to the previous book, ‘Dying Day’.
I thought the relationship between Kate and her colleagues was brilliant written, often making me laugh out loud due to the sarcasm and one liners. Kate certainly knows how to stand her own, that’s for sure!
‘Cold Heart’ is yet another book where all I want to do is shout, ‘OMG DID YOU READ THE BIT WHERE…..’ – I just want to sit and talk about this book until I’m blue in the face. Trust me, you would not regret picking up ‘Cold Heart’ to read. Yeah, it is the third book in the series, but i think that it can be read perfectly fine as a standalone. That said, all the books in the series so far are incredible, so you won’t really be losing anything if you were to read the books in order. No. In fact, you’ll actually be gaining a brand new series to binge read. as well as having to wait impatiently for the next book.
Stephen Edger has outdone himself with ‘Cold Heart’, I really cannot recommend this book enough. From the first page to the last, Edger had my attention, taking me on a rollercoaster ride of surprises, whilst also leaving me wanting more.
A fantastically written, chilling, gripping, and suspenseful read which highlights the authors outstanding story telling, as well as his ability to engage his readers with such complex and addictive characters.
I have to say that, in my opinion, ‘Cold Heart’ is Stephen Edger’s best book yet! It certainly is one of my all-time favourite reads, that’s for sure!
March 12, 2018
I have really enjoyed seeing Kate develop over the three books released in this series and I love her determination to solve her cases. I also felt that in Cold Heart you were able to see a more emotional side to her character which made her all the more likeable for me. Even though this is book three I still think you can read it as a standalone as you are given bits and pieces regarding character history. It has been a great series so I would say if you get chance it is worthwhile starting right at the beginning.
In this book Kate is investigating the disappearance of a teenager and the case provided quite a few twists along the way. This brought up more questions than answers for Kate which definitely kept things interesting. It felt like I was catching up with old friends as Kate and her team set about trying to solve Daisy's disappearance.
The pace is pretty good and easily kept me invested in discovering the truth behind it all. I tried to piece all the clues together but as ever failed miserably but I still really enjoyed playing detective ;) At times there was a sinister edge to Cold Heart that made everything even more compelling as I was left wondering what would happen next.
I'm looking forward to seeing what will be in store for Kate next!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Noelle at Bookouture for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
In this book Kate is investigating the disappearance of a teenager and the case provided quite a few twists along the way. This brought up more questions than answers for Kate which definitely kept things interesting. It felt like I was catching up with old friends as Kate and her team set about trying to solve Daisy's disappearance.
The pace is pretty good and easily kept me invested in discovering the truth behind it all. I tried to piece all the clues together but as ever failed miserably but I still really enjoyed playing detective ;) At times there was a sinister edge to Cold Heart that made everything even more compelling as I was left wondering what would happen next.
I'm looking forward to seeing what will be in store for Kate next!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Noelle at Bookouture for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 12, 2018
Cold Heart is the third book in the Kate Matthews series and Stephen Edger delivers another spine-chilling, unputdownable, suspenseful read with an ending I never saw coming.
Kate is alot more grounded in this book and her team are stretched to their limits when a missing girl case takes a sinister turn. With twists and turns aplenty and a killer that has Kate Matthews firmly in their sights, Stephen Edger really ramps up the suspense and intrigue and has you guessing with every twist and turn. I am loving this series and cannot wait for more.
Kate is alot more grounded in this book and her team are stretched to their limits when a missing girl case takes a sinister turn. With twists and turns aplenty and a killer that has Kate Matthews firmly in their sights, Stephen Edger really ramps up the suspense and intrigue and has you guessing with every twist and turn. I am loving this series and cannot wait for more.
March 12, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the Detective Kate Matthews series and after really enjoying the first 2 books I was really keen to get started on the 3rd. I loved everything about this book: storyline. the characters, the pace, the descriptions, the writing, just everything! I was hooked from the very start till the ending. This is fast paced read with a twisty plot that didn’t reveal until near the end. I loved police work that included lots of action and many wrong leads/dead ends but it all came together in the end. Definitely worth reading!
March 28, 2018
I love this series featuring D I Kate Matthews, each book gets better, Kate is called upon to investigate the disappearance of Daisy, a young teenage girl. Then body parts are being sent to Kate including a gift wrapped human heart. Kate and her team are challenged in finding out who the victims are and why they were murdered and also what has happened to Daisy.
The book was quite gruesome at times, plenty of twists and turns and an astonishing ending. Can’t wait for book number four 4 in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book was quite gruesome at times, plenty of twists and turns and an astonishing ending. Can’t wait for book number four 4 in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 14, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publisher, Bookouture for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Noelle from Bookouture for organising the Blog Tour.
This is book number 3 in the DI Kate Matthews series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, it does make sense to read the books in order of the series. For information this book is set in the UK, mainly in the Southampton area.
15 year old Daisy Emerson has been missed for a week. She was last seen leaving her friend’s house on the short walk home. DI Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her, but to no avail. When a murder is discovered in the soon to be demolished gym at Daisy’s school the team fear the worse. What also shocks DI Matthews is evidence in the gym that links to a murder of someone different. Things take a grisly turn for the worse when Kate is sent a gift wrapped human heart in a box. Who does the heart belong to?
Welcome back DI Matthews, and what a case to come back with!! The story goes straight into the action with the gruesome discovery of a murder in the disused school gym. Obviously, you automatically think the worse that they’ve found missing schoolgirl, Daisy, but things go from bad to worse when body parts start to be sent in the post to DI Matthews. I found Kate Matthews so much different in this book. In the previous book, she seemed like she was on the road to destruction, but I found her so much more collected and settled in this one. To be honest, the storyline focussed on the crimes and the investigations into them and Kate’s personal life wasn’t really dwelled on that much, which for me was great as I love all the nitty-gritty of the police work.
I loved this book even more than the last one. There were lots of people who it could have been and it was great to try and work out who was involved (and get it wrong again!) You don’t get to find out what is going on until right at the end and so the suspense keeps you hooked until the very last page. Fantastic book, great writing and highly recommended. Roll on book 4!!
This is book number 3 in the DI Kate Matthews series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, it does make sense to read the books in order of the series. For information this book is set in the UK, mainly in the Southampton area.
15 year old Daisy Emerson has been missed for a week. She was last seen leaving her friend’s house on the short walk home. DI Kate Matthews and her team have been looking for her, but to no avail. When a murder is discovered in the soon to be demolished gym at Daisy’s school the team fear the worse. What also shocks DI Matthews is evidence in the gym that links to a murder of someone different. Things take a grisly turn for the worse when Kate is sent a gift wrapped human heart in a box. Who does the heart belong to?
Welcome back DI Matthews, and what a case to come back with!! The story goes straight into the action with the gruesome discovery of a murder in the disused school gym. Obviously, you automatically think the worse that they’ve found missing schoolgirl, Daisy, but things go from bad to worse when body parts start to be sent in the post to DI Matthews. I found Kate Matthews so much different in this book. In the previous book, she seemed like she was on the road to destruction, but I found her so much more collected and settled in this one. To be honest, the storyline focussed on the crimes and the investigations into them and Kate’s personal life wasn’t really dwelled on that much, which for me was great as I love all the nitty-gritty of the police work.
I loved this book even more than the last one. There were lots of people who it could have been and it was great to try and work out who was involved (and get it wrong again!) You don’t get to find out what is going on until right at the end and so the suspense keeps you hooked until the very last page. Fantastic book, great writing and highly recommended. Roll on book 4!!
February 7, 2018
#ColdHeart(detectiveKateMatthewsBook3) #NetGalley A great fast paced English detective thriller. This book was really well written with so many twists and turns it was difficult to catch your breath at times. I certainly didn't guess the ending until I was almost upon it. The main character Detective Kate Matthews is well developed and it was easy to warm to her. She reminded me of a younger, more stylish Vera!! the same doggedness and determination to get to the bottom of things no matter what the cost. I had not read the first two books in this series but in my opinion it did not matter a jot as this was easily read as a standalone. However, this has whetted my appetite to go and read the first two and I definitely want to follow this Detective series for as long as it keep going.
November 14, 2018
Well now that Detective Matthews found her former co-worker's killer, it appears that she has returned to being a solid detective who doesn't feel the need to make rash and stupid charges into the unknown. I like that! Heaven knows what would have happened to her if she had tried that in this situation when a girl goes missing and then body parts (of other people) start popping up. Other than the link of the local school, I missed how anyone decided that the crimes were related. But that seems to be the only chink in the armor of an otherwise good solid detective story with a very surprising ending! My favorite in the series to date! Mr. Edger was very clever!
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
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