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DCI Tom Douglas #7
Come A Little Closer
They will be coming soon. They come every night.
Snow is falling softly as a young woman takes her last breath.
Fifteen miles away, two women sit silently in a dark kitchen. They don’t speak, because there is nothing left to be said.
Another woman boards a plane to escape the man who is trying to steal her life. But she will have to return, sooner or later.
These strangers have one thing in common. They each made one bad choice - and now they have no choices left. Soon they won’t be strangers, they’ll be family…
When DCI Tom Douglas is called to the cold, lonely scene of a suspicious death, he is baffled. Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get there?
How many more must die? Who is controlling them, and how can they be stopped?
Snow is falling softly as a young woman takes her last breath.
Fifteen miles away, two women sit silently in a dark kitchen. They don’t speak, because there is nothing left to be said.
Another woman boards a plane to escape the man who is trying to steal her life. But she will have to return, sooner or later.
These strangers have one thing in common. They each made one bad choice - and now they have no choices left. Soon they won’t be strangers, they’ll be family…
When DCI Tom Douglas is called to the cold, lonely scene of a suspicious death, he is baffled. Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get there?
How many more must die? Who is controlling them, and how can they be stopped?
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2018
3885 people are currently reading
1926 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
50 books2,691 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 468 reviews
February 18, 2018
This is another fine DCI Tom Douglas novel from Rachel Abbott. The characters we know and love have returned, but don't seem to be the main focus. It would be easy to follow along with this one if you haven't read any of the previous novels. In this one, we're focusing more on a group of women who have been down on their luck... whether that stemmed from a man, family, or something else. They are very different people, but all have that in common. This hardship leads them to make a decision they'll soon regret immensely and will tie these strangers together for life...
Callie has no one to turn to when she meets Thea on a cruise. She's taken the vacation after making a promise to her grandfather, who has very recently passed away. She left behind a worthless boyfriend who seems content to live off her, despite her requests for him to leave her home. She's hoping he will have vacated by the time she returns, but it soon becomes clear that it won't be easy to escape him. Thea is an older woman, wise and comforting and soon starts to seem like all Callie has.
DCI Tom Douglas is investigating a young woman who has been found dead outside in the cold. She seems to have died peacefully and doesn't have any injuries, but she's in a hard to reach place without shoes and it just doesn't add up to him.
This is a complex story that's hard to predict with a stunning ending. I would have been happier if the chapters had been labeled, because we get so many different perspectives that it can get confusing, especially if you're not reading in one sitting. I also had a hard time buying some of Callie's actions, but the character development was great. I had a good time trying to figure out the characters and their motivations. This one is a 3.5 bumped up to a 4 for me.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Black Dot Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Callie has no one to turn to when she meets Thea on a cruise. She's taken the vacation after making a promise to her grandfather, who has very recently passed away. She left behind a worthless boyfriend who seems content to live off her, despite her requests for him to leave her home. She's hoping he will have vacated by the time she returns, but it soon becomes clear that it won't be easy to escape him. Thea is an older woman, wise and comforting and soon starts to seem like all Callie has.
DCI Tom Douglas is investigating a young woman who has been found dead outside in the cold. She seems to have died peacefully and doesn't have any injuries, but she's in a hard to reach place without shoes and it just doesn't add up to him.
This is a complex story that's hard to predict with a stunning ending. I would have been happier if the chapters had been labeled, because we get so many different perspectives that it can get confusing, especially if you're not reading in one sitting. I also had a hard time buying some of Callie's actions, but the character development was great. I had a good time trying to figure out the characters and their motivations. This one is a 3.5 bumped up to a 4 for me.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Black Dot Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
January 22, 2018
Come A Little Closer by Rachel Abbott is a psychological thriller that is dark and disturbing about lies, control and murder. A woman on holiday trying to get away from her abusive boyfriend meets a kind elderly lady who is willing to give her the support she needs and said that she has helped many girls before. I enjoyed this book although I had not read any of the previous books in DCI Tom Douglas series, this book can be read as a stand alone. I would like to thank NetGalley and Black Dot Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2018
COME A LITTLE CLOSER is a dark and gripping psychological crime thriller, by author Rachel Abbott. It is the 7th book in the DCI Tom Douglas series, but provides sufficient background information that this novel can be read as a stand-alone. I am so ashamed to admit that this is the first novel I have read by this author, but I have all the previous six books of the DCI Tom Douglas series to read on my Kindle. After reading this novel, I will definitely MAKE the time to read the other books in the series. So Good!
I have to admit that I was so impressed with this excellent dark psychological suspense thriller. This novel has it all, and had me gripped right from the beginning.
A young woman, Sharon was looking forward to getting married. She had convinced her friends to a night on the town. This night proved to be more than what she expected.
Another woman, Callie, moves out of her house and leaves her abusive partner, Ian, on a holiday to Burma to finally take control of her life. While on the cruise ship, she meets a kind elderly lady who is willing to give her the support she needs and said that she has helped many girls before. But she will have to return, sooner or later.
Snow is falling softly as a young woman takes her last breath.
Fifteen miles away, two women sit silently in a dark kitchen. They don’t speak, because there is nothing left to be said.
These strangers have one thing in common. They each made one bad choice - and now they have no choices left. Soon they won’t be strangers, they’ll be family…
DCI Tom Douglas is called to a crime scene, a suspicious death, a young woman’s body discovered at the snow-covered park. Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get there?
This is a multi-layered fast-paced novel with fascinating realistic emotional characters. There was such depth to the characters, and I felt empathy for the characters, and the victims that had been exposed to psychological trauma. I can feel their pain of learning to suppress their emotions as a means of survival.
Lots of lies and deception and a shocking ending, that I didn’t see coming!
COME A LITTLE CLOSER is an exceptional novel, and I would highly recommend this novel especially if you are a fan, of the psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Black Dot Publishing via NetGalley for my copy.
Expected Publication Date-Feb 15, 2018
I have to admit that I was so impressed with this excellent dark psychological suspense thriller. This novel has it all, and had me gripped right from the beginning.
A young woman, Sharon was looking forward to getting married. She had convinced her friends to a night on the town. This night proved to be more than what she expected.
Another woman, Callie, moves out of her house and leaves her abusive partner, Ian, on a holiday to Burma to finally take control of her life. While on the cruise ship, she meets a kind elderly lady who is willing to give her the support she needs and said that she has helped many girls before. But she will have to return, sooner or later.
Snow is falling softly as a young woman takes her last breath.
Fifteen miles away, two women sit silently in a dark kitchen. They don’t speak, because there is nothing left to be said.
These strangers have one thing in common. They each made one bad choice - and now they have no choices left. Soon they won’t be strangers, they’ll be family…
DCI Tom Douglas is called to a crime scene, a suspicious death, a young woman’s body discovered at the snow-covered park. Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get there?
This is a multi-layered fast-paced novel with fascinating realistic emotional characters. There was such depth to the characters, and I felt empathy for the characters, and the victims that had been exposed to psychological trauma. I can feel their pain of learning to suppress their emotions as a means of survival.
Lots of lies and deception and a shocking ending, that I didn’t see coming!
COME A LITTLE CLOSER is an exceptional novel, and I would highly recommend this novel especially if you are a fan, of the psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Black Dot Publishing via NetGalley for my copy.
Expected Publication Date-Feb 15, 2018
March 13, 2018
Wow. Wow. Wow. And if that isn't enough to tell you how much I LOVED this book, here's a bit more. This author always manages to capture me from the first moment and hold me in until the very last word. I read this book a couple of weeks ago but pesky line edits delayed my review. It is a testament to the excellence of this book that I need no reminder to be able to share my thoughts.
It was like slipping into a comfy dressing gown meeting up with DCI Tom Douglas and a pregnant Becky in this episode. Their relationship works perfectly and makes me smile throughout.
As ever, the author draws her characters so expertly that I half expect to look up and see them on the sofa looking at me. Thea was a particular favourite of mine despite her overbearing character. I loved her.
True to form, Abbott builds the suspense from the get go and I'm normally only a few chapters in before I start trying to guess what's going to happen but I have learned that I am always wrong when it comes to these novels.
No-one blends a psychological thriller with a police procedural like this woman and although I'm emotionally exhausted every time I finish one of her books I am just as equally hungry for more.
Captivating! Sinister! Twisty!
It was like slipping into a comfy dressing gown meeting up with DCI Tom Douglas and a pregnant Becky in this episode. Their relationship works perfectly and makes me smile throughout.
As ever, the author draws her characters so expertly that I half expect to look up and see them on the sofa looking at me. Thea was a particular favourite of mine despite her overbearing character. I loved her.
True to form, Abbott builds the suspense from the get go and I'm normally only a few chapters in before I start trying to guess what's going to happen but I have learned that I am always wrong when it comes to these novels.
No-one blends a psychological thriller with a police procedural like this woman and although I'm emotionally exhausted every time I finish one of her books I am just as equally hungry for more.
Captivating! Sinister! Twisty!
August 12, 2022
"Come A Little Closer" is author, Rachel Abbott’s 7th novel in the D.C.I. Tom Douglas series. Callie Baldwin is suffering – she has a nasty, manipulating, abusive partner, Ian and she desperately needs a holiday so she can get her mind to the place where she will be able to make a sensible decision on what to do about him. Fortunately, she is given some money by her grandfather which will enable her to travel. She decides on Myanmar in the Far East, surely far enough to distance herself from Ian and make a decision she can live with. On the trip, she meets a mysterious, elderly couple, Dr. Garrick, a psychiatrist and Thea Garrick, the latter particularly sympathetic to her plight. She spends a lot of time with the Garricks who offer consolation, comfort and advice. Later, back in England, D.C.I. Douglas is called to the desolate scene of a suspicious death and it proves difficult for the police to even identify her, let alone determine why she died. While this aspect of the story does not appear to be related to the narrative involving Callie, eventually, the dots are joined and Callie, not the brightest star in the firmament, finds out the true nature of that mysterious couple she met in Myanmar.
Like many of her characters, Rachel Abbott has form. Her debut thriller "Only The Innocent" was an international bestseller, she has sold 4 million copies of her books worldwide and in 2015 was named the 14th bestselling author over 5 years on Amazon’s Kindle. All this, and she didn’t publish until she was 59 -- even then, she self-published. For her fans, "Come A Little Closer" won’t disappoint. It is as fast-paced as her previous work in the Tom Douglas series, and as the plot twists and turns from one surprise to the next, it is clearly in the hard-to-put-down variety. The narrative alternates between first and third person, with Callie telling her own story, before the reader is taken to what’s happening elsewhere. Abbott has a knack of being able to get inside the heads of her characters and lay them bare, which earns her books the psychological thriller appellation. Dialogue is believable, the scenes easy to visualise and there’s a cracker of an ending.
Like many of her characters, Rachel Abbott has form. Her debut thriller "Only The Innocent" was an international bestseller, she has sold 4 million copies of her books worldwide and in 2015 was named the 14th bestselling author over 5 years on Amazon’s Kindle. All this, and she didn’t publish until she was 59 -- even then, she self-published. For her fans, "Come A Little Closer" won’t disappoint. It is as fast-paced as her previous work in the Tom Douglas series, and as the plot twists and turns from one surprise to the next, it is clearly in the hard-to-put-down variety. The narrative alternates between first and third person, with Callie telling her own story, before the reader is taken to what’s happening elsewhere. Abbott has a knack of being able to get inside the heads of her characters and lay them bare, which earns her books the psychological thriller appellation. Dialogue is believable, the scenes easy to visualise and there’s a cracker of an ending.
June 18, 2018
I so love it when this author has a new book out. Yes yes yes I know I’m late in reading this, but that doesn’t stop me from saying she’s one of my top 20 thriller authors.
I just know once I start one of her books I’ll be saying bye bye to doing much else. I can never rest until I’ve finished.
This book is just the same.
Several women. All not known by each other but all are connected by something.
Rachel Abbott has the ability to take ordainary people and turn plots that become amazingly acceptable. It’s fiction, but it could be fact.
Tom Douglas the DCI is still going strong and just as invested in the crimes that come his way to solve them.
There is lots that have been written in reviews that give more of the story. I’m not going to that. I think this authors books should be read blind getting the most from them.
If you haven’t read one of this authors books, may I urge you to try one.
Thank you Black dot publishing via Net Galley
Find all my reviews in one https://readalongwithsue.blogspot.com/
I just know once I start one of her books I’ll be saying bye bye to doing much else. I can never rest until I’ve finished.
This book is just the same.
Several women. All not known by each other but all are connected by something.
Rachel Abbott has the ability to take ordainary people and turn plots that become amazingly acceptable. It’s fiction, but it could be fact.
Tom Douglas the DCI is still going strong and just as invested in the crimes that come his way to solve them.
There is lots that have been written in reviews that give more of the story. I’m not going to that. I think this authors books should be read blind getting the most from them.
If you haven’t read one of this authors books, may I urge you to try one.
Thank you Black dot publishing via Net Galley
Find all my reviews in one https://readalongwithsue.blogspot.com/
January 19, 2018
One woman is fleeing an abusive boyfriend...at least temporarily until she decides what to do. Who is the man who seems to be following her .. and whispering in her ear that he's watching her? Who are the elderly couple who can't seem to do enough for her?
Two women sit silently in a kitchen waiting for the buzzer that tells them they need to go to their rooms.
One young woman is found dead. Although the middle of a cold winter, she is found without shoes. Who is she? How did she get here? Who wanted her dead?
DCI Tom Douglas is lead detective. His investigation will lead him along a path of lies, secrets, and murder.
This is a story of multiple components. It is well written, at times a little predictable. The characters are strongly developed. What really grabbed me was the ending ... what a shocker!
Many thanks to the author / Black Dot Publishing / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 21, 2018
*4.5
I think this is probably the creepiest of stories of Rachel’s that I’ve read. Bodies of young women are being discovered – they have no obvious signs of wounding and have no identification. Where and how did they die and more importantly, who are they? These are questions that the police are struggling to answer. Add to the mix some rather weirdly creepy characters, an abusive controlling boyfriend and you have a cracker of a suspenseful read.
Come a Little Closer is the latest story to feature my hero, Tom Douglas. From previous reviews, it’s no secret that that I have a huge book crush on Tom and I couldn’t wait to see what is in store for him here. As well as trying to solve a particularly taxing and difficult case, his personal life also causes him some grief and added complications when a face from the past suddenly lands on his doorstep and threatens not only his job but his romantic relationship. His working relationship with his DS Becky Robinson is a fabulous pairing. Becky is a great character in her own right, although now heavily pregnant, she refuses to be mollycoddled and is determined not to let the pregnancy stop her from doing her job. As well as providing professional support to Tom, she is also a friend and one of the few people he can confide in.
The story begins with several different strands, all seemingly so random – a young woman about to be married catches the eye of a stranger in a bar and agrees to meet later that night at a secluded beauty spot. Another young woman on holiday is befriended by an elderly couple and then we switch to an unknown location housing women clearly drugged and living in terror. Try piecing that lot together! Never fear, for as confusing as it may seem, all these strands combine perfectly together to form a chilling and suspenseful read.
Come a Little Closer initially has a slower pace than previous books but that doesn’t mean it’s any less thrilling. It isn’t difficult to work out the ‘who’ but it’s the ‘why’ that I couldn’t figure out – and what was there to gain? The story kept me hooked all the way through, the suspense heightening to a thrilling finale…and then that ending! Didn’t see that coming!
If you’ve read Rachel’s books before, you will know just how good they are. This latest release is no different with its intricate plotting and excellent characterisation and if you haven’t picked up any of her books before then you are seriously missing out. Come A Little Closer can easily be read as a standalone although some prior knowledge of the main characters is obviously an advantage.
I think this is probably the creepiest of stories of Rachel’s that I’ve read. Bodies of young women are being discovered – they have no obvious signs of wounding and have no identification. Where and how did they die and more importantly, who are they? These are questions that the police are struggling to answer. Add to the mix some rather weirdly creepy characters, an abusive controlling boyfriend and you have a cracker of a suspenseful read.
Come a Little Closer is the latest story to feature my hero, Tom Douglas. From previous reviews, it’s no secret that that I have a huge book crush on Tom and I couldn’t wait to see what is in store for him here. As well as trying to solve a particularly taxing and difficult case, his personal life also causes him some grief and added complications when a face from the past suddenly lands on his doorstep and threatens not only his job but his romantic relationship. His working relationship with his DS Becky Robinson is a fabulous pairing. Becky is a great character in her own right, although now heavily pregnant, she refuses to be mollycoddled and is determined not to let the pregnancy stop her from doing her job. As well as providing professional support to Tom, she is also a friend and one of the few people he can confide in.
The story begins with several different strands, all seemingly so random – a young woman about to be married catches the eye of a stranger in a bar and agrees to meet later that night at a secluded beauty spot. Another young woman on holiday is befriended by an elderly couple and then we switch to an unknown location housing women clearly drugged and living in terror. Try piecing that lot together! Never fear, for as confusing as it may seem, all these strands combine perfectly together to form a chilling and suspenseful read.
Come a Little Closer initially has a slower pace than previous books but that doesn’t mean it’s any less thrilling. It isn’t difficult to work out the ‘who’ but it’s the ‘why’ that I couldn’t figure out – and what was there to gain? The story kept me hooked all the way through, the suspense heightening to a thrilling finale…and then that ending! Didn’t see that coming!
If you’ve read Rachel’s books before, you will know just how good they are. This latest release is no different with its intricate plotting and excellent characterisation and if you haven’t picked up any of her books before then you are seriously missing out. Come A Little Closer can easily be read as a standalone although some prior knowledge of the main characters is obviously an advantage.
May 18, 2023
Labai patiko!!! 😍
Įdomus, įtraukiantis psichologinis trileris.
Man labai patiko, kad vėl šitame siužete dalyvavo detektyvo Tomo Daglaso brolis Džekas. 😊 Istorija su daug įvykių, įdomūs veikėjai ir netikėta pabaiga. 💯
Įdomus, įtraukiantis psichologinis trileris.
Man labai patiko, kad vėl šitame siužete dalyvavo detektyvo Tomo Daglaso brolis Džekas. 😊 Istorija su daug įvykių, įdomūs veikėjai ir netikėta pabaiga. 💯
February 15, 2018
Being a huge fan of the DCI Tom Douglas series I nearly fell off my seat when I saw a post pop up on social media saying book seven would be out in February. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews you’ll know I may have a wee bit of a soft spot for Tom.
Come A Little Closer is one of those books that once you’ve picked it up you really don’t want to put it down. To start with there are a few different threads to follow, this may be confusing for some but I knew they’d all come together eventually and it had me really intrigued. It does feel like you are reading the start of a few different stories but they all have a connection, it’s really perfectly written and comes together nicely.
Of course the wonderful Tom Douglas is back along with Becky who is pregnant but still determined to be involved as much as possible in the case. I really like their partnership, they really work well together and I enjoy reading how these characters progress through this series. Tom not only has a difficult case to crack but also has some surprises and complications to deal with in his personal life.
I honestly don’t want to give too much away as far as the plot goes and to be honest it’s such a jam-packed book it’s difficult to know where to begin. It’s fast paced, utterly gripping, disturbing and like I said previously it’s a book you don’t want to put down. An absolute sleep stealer.
Rachel Abbott has created perfection in Come A Little Closer, it’s a fantastic mix of police procedural and psychological thriller, from the very first page it grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the very last. Outstanding writing that I will be highly recommending.
Come A Little Closer is book seven in the series and could be read as a stand alone but I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning of this fantastic series, you wont be disappointed.
Come A Little Closer is one of those books that once you’ve picked it up you really don’t want to put it down. To start with there are a few different threads to follow, this may be confusing for some but I knew they’d all come together eventually and it had me really intrigued. It does feel like you are reading the start of a few different stories but they all have a connection, it’s really perfectly written and comes together nicely.
Of course the wonderful Tom Douglas is back along with Becky who is pregnant but still determined to be involved as much as possible in the case. I really like their partnership, they really work well together and I enjoy reading how these characters progress through this series. Tom not only has a difficult case to crack but also has some surprises and complications to deal with in his personal life.
I honestly don’t want to give too much away as far as the plot goes and to be honest it’s such a jam-packed book it’s difficult to know where to begin. It’s fast paced, utterly gripping, disturbing and like I said previously it’s a book you don’t want to put down. An absolute sleep stealer.
Rachel Abbott has created perfection in Come A Little Closer, it’s a fantastic mix of police procedural and psychological thriller, from the very first page it grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the very last. Outstanding writing that I will be highly recommending.
Come A Little Closer is book seven in the series and could be read as a stand alone but I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning of this fantastic series, you wont be disappointed.
January 1, 2019
Just when you think Rachel Abbott can not compete with everyother DCI Tom Douglas books, she knocks this one right out of the park.
February 19, 2018
OK I think I may say this about each book I've read in the series, but seriously I think this is the best one yet!
As usual Rachel Abbott has written a gripping crime thriller with one of my favourite DCI's Tom Douglas but this time we have several narrators who help create the creepy and disturbing setting for this story. From a nervous bride who sees something she shouldn't, Callie, a young woman who escapes a bullying boyfriend by going on holiday, a missing sister, a young woman found dead in an apparent suicide and an elderly couple who appear to be Callie's saviours and several other twists and red herrings thrown in to keep the reader on their toes.
With several main characters it would be easy to get confused but Abbott skillfully brings each character to life and enables to reader to get involved in their own individual stories and still gasp as the story cleverly intertwines and then brings the entire book to an explosive but very exciting ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and whilst it totally works as a standalone - with 6 excellent books in the back catalogue of this series you really should read them all.
As usual Rachel Abbott has written a gripping crime thriller with one of my favourite DCI's Tom Douglas but this time we have several narrators who help create the creepy and disturbing setting for this story. From a nervous bride who sees something she shouldn't, Callie, a young woman who escapes a bullying boyfriend by going on holiday, a missing sister, a young woman found dead in an apparent suicide and an elderly couple who appear to be Callie's saviours and several other twists and red herrings thrown in to keep the reader on their toes.
With several main characters it would be easy to get confused but Abbott skillfully brings each character to life and enables to reader to get involved in their own individual stories and still gasp as the story cleverly intertwines and then brings the entire book to an explosive but very exciting ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and whilst it totally works as a standalone - with 6 excellent books in the back catalogue of this series you really should read them all.
May 22, 2018
I’m actually baffled at the high ratings of the book. I got to about 29% when I had figured out the whole storyline. The character Callie is the most pathetic, weak insecure individual known to man her character is beyond unrealistic and shockingly frustrating!!! I recommend this book no one especially not the feminists of the world, be assured your soul will be destroyed!!
January 18, 2018
I've enjoyed a number of Abbott's books, but the premise of this one didn't work for me.
September 3, 2018
Even though I saw what was coming around 30% I did not see that end coming! Pretty solid mystery with a few twists and turns along the way. Would definitely pick up another one from this author and series.
April 26, 2018
So here I am, once again, reading out of order in the Tom Douglas series. I wanted to get through the series as quickly as I could before I got to the latest in the series, but I just didn't manage to quite get there. I have one more to read, and then I'll officially be caught up on the series. The good thing about the Tom Douglas series, is that you really don't have to read them in order to enjoy them. While there may be a few things that don't quite add up without having read some of the past novels, Rachel Abbott does a good job of filling in enough detail as to not affect the reader.
So with this one, you have a few different narratives that eventually run together, and for me, I just couldn't buy into it. The main focus is on Callie, a young woman who sets off on a cruise as a promise to her grandfather who has recently passed away. Before setting sail, she decides to end a not so great relationship with her live-in boyfriend, Ian. Ian isn't taking the hint however. While away, Ian leaves nasty voicemails, text messages, and emails for Callie making the breakup and enjoying her holiday all the more difficult. Callie meets an older woman named Thea, and her husband, known as "the doctor" while on the cruise. She also meets a strange man known as Paul who seems to be lurking around every corner. Callie eventually confides in Thea about her problems with Ian, and stays close to Thea to avoid the strange man, Paul, who seems to be following her. When the cruise ends, Thea and Callie agree to keep in touch. When Callie lands at the airport, she is surprised to see Ian there waiting for her. Of course, he's acting as if nothing has happened, as if they have just had a minor disagreement and life will go on as before her holiday. Once Callie and Ian arrive home, Callie explains that she meant what she said and Ian will have to find somewhere else to live. The situation escalates when Callie loses her job. Mysteriously, Thea shows up at her home. Callie decides to leave the home and stay with Thea for a few days to clear her head and decide what she's going to do next, only, it's not long before Callie realizes that her life is quickly on a downward spiral.
Meanwhile, Tom and his team discover a body at the Pennington Flash Country Park. The circumstances surrounding the death are suspicious. There are no signs of struggle. And why is she not wearing any shoes, in the middle of winter? Her feet don't show any signs that she walked there, so how did she get there? There are no cars left in the lot. She doesn't appear to be a vagrant. As the investigation unfolds, it's looking more and more like this was an attempted suicide, but she obviously had help. Could this have been a homicide designed to look like a suicide?
Tom receives an unexpected visitor, we see Jack return in this one with some interesting news. We also learn of a childhood friend Nathan, whose younger sister has mysteriously gone missing. Nathan reaches out to Tom for assistance in tracking down his sister. While Tom doesn't work in missing persons, he offers what help he can. As it turns out, he's able to provide more assistance than he thought possible.
So I don't want to divulge any spoilers, but there are some connections that are made towards the end, and I just didn't find them to be credible. What are the chances that so many can be connected ya know? Something else that I thought was interesting is that we start the novel off with Sharon, then all of the sudden she completely drops out of the novel all together. I just felt like it was odd how her character was introduced so early on, but her story wasn't finished. We don't learn too much about what happens to Sharon.
I can't say that this was my favorite in the series. It's not one that I think will be overall memorable. There were some good points in the novel, but nothing that outright "wowed" me. I have enjoyed the series, and I'll continue to read onward, but for me, this one just didn't hit home.
I want to thank NetGalley, Black Dot Publishing, and Rachel Abbott for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
So with this one, you have a few different narratives that eventually run together, and for me, I just couldn't buy into it. The main focus is on Callie, a young woman who sets off on a cruise as a promise to her grandfather who has recently passed away. Before setting sail, she decides to end a not so great relationship with her live-in boyfriend, Ian. Ian isn't taking the hint however. While away, Ian leaves nasty voicemails, text messages, and emails for Callie making the breakup and enjoying her holiday all the more difficult. Callie meets an older woman named Thea, and her husband, known as "the doctor" while on the cruise. She also meets a strange man known as Paul who seems to be lurking around every corner. Callie eventually confides in Thea about her problems with Ian, and stays close to Thea to avoid the strange man, Paul, who seems to be following her. When the cruise ends, Thea and Callie agree to keep in touch. When Callie lands at the airport, she is surprised to see Ian there waiting for her. Of course, he's acting as if nothing has happened, as if they have just had a minor disagreement and life will go on as before her holiday. Once Callie and Ian arrive home, Callie explains that she meant what she said and Ian will have to find somewhere else to live. The situation escalates when Callie loses her job. Mysteriously, Thea shows up at her home. Callie decides to leave the home and stay with Thea for a few days to clear her head and decide what she's going to do next, only, it's not long before Callie realizes that her life is quickly on a downward spiral.
Meanwhile, Tom and his team discover a body at the Pennington Flash Country Park. The circumstances surrounding the death are suspicious. There are no signs of struggle. And why is she not wearing any shoes, in the middle of winter? Her feet don't show any signs that she walked there, so how did she get there? There are no cars left in the lot. She doesn't appear to be a vagrant. As the investigation unfolds, it's looking more and more like this was an attempted suicide, but she obviously had help. Could this have been a homicide designed to look like a suicide?
Tom receives an unexpected visitor, we see Jack return in this one with some interesting news. We also learn of a childhood friend Nathan, whose younger sister has mysteriously gone missing. Nathan reaches out to Tom for assistance in tracking down his sister. While Tom doesn't work in missing persons, he offers what help he can. As it turns out, he's able to provide more assistance than he thought possible.
So I don't want to divulge any spoilers, but there are some connections that are made towards the end, and I just didn't find them to be credible. What are the chances that so many can be connected ya know? Something else that I thought was interesting is that we start the novel off with Sharon, then all of the sudden she completely drops out of the novel all together. I just felt like it was odd how her character was introduced so early on, but her story wasn't finished. We don't learn too much about what happens to Sharon.
I can't say that this was my favorite in the series. It's not one that I think will be overall memorable. There were some good points in the novel, but nothing that outright "wowed" me. I have enjoyed the series, and I'll continue to read onward, but for me, this one just didn't hit home.
I want to thank NetGalley, Black Dot Publishing, and Rachel Abbott for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
June 7, 2023
Bardzo dobrze było wrócić do tej serii, jednak tęskniłam, a do tego duo lektorskie Kosior - Dereszowska sprawili, że trudno było mi odłożyć i przestać słuchać. Tylko nie do końca jestem zadowolona - sama intryga trochę jak dla mnie aż za bardzo absurdalna. Na początku fajnie się słuchało, ale im dalej w las, tym mniej się to dla mnie trzymało kupy i przyznaję, że coraz mniej mnie obchodziło, jak to się skończy.
Mierzi mnie trochę też fakt, jak mało było Douglasa w tym tomie, a nie oszukujmy się, że to jego historia obchodzi mnie najbardziej! Na przestrzeni całej książki wszystko, co dotyczy jego zmieściłoby się zapewne na kilku stronach i nawet cudownej Becky jest tu jak na lekarstwo. Bardzo lubię tą serię, ale jednak chciałabym, żeby główni bohaterowie byli, no wiecie, główni, jednak to jeden ze słabszych tomów w serii. Mimo tego wszystkiego już nie mogę się doczekać, aż sięgnę po kolejny!
Mierzi mnie trochę też fakt, jak mało było Douglasa w tym tomie, a nie oszukujmy się, że to jego historia obchodzi mnie najbardziej! Na przestrzeni całej książki wszystko, co dotyczy jego zmieściłoby się zapewne na kilku stronach i nawet cudownej Becky jest tu jak na lekarstwo. Bardzo lubię tą serię, ale jednak chciałabym, żeby główni bohaterowie byli, no wiecie, główni, jednak to jeden ze słabszych tomów w serii. Mimo tego wszystkiego już nie mogę się doczekać, aż sięgnę po kolejny!
January 5, 2023
Lengvai sunkus psichologinis trileris. Trumpai – knyga man patiko. Autorės rašimo stilius labai paprastai ir lengvai skaitomas. Skyriai nėra irgi, nors pradžioje teko pavargti kol susigaudžiau kas ir kaip vyksta, bet viskas palaipsniui labai gražiai išsiplėtojo. Knyga paliečia svarbią ir šiais laikais temą – įtaigą, baimę, pažeidžiamumą ir savižudybę. Tačiau viskas labai gražiai perpinta pasakojime. Pati knygos istorija taip pat labai įdomi, o pabaiga. Galima buvo to tikėtis, tačiau nustebino. Knyga turi dvi pabaigas. Viena istorijos bendrai ir viena pagrindinės veikėjos, tačiau kap ir paskutiniais sakiniais aišku, bet taip norėjosi dar, tai kasgi vis dėlto vyko toliau ir ar tikrai vyko. Vertas perskaityti Rachell Abbott kūrinys, teks ieškoti ir kitų šios autorės knygų.
June 12, 2022
Gera knyga, tik ryte atverčiau pirmą puslapį, o vakare užverčiau paskutinį, bet iki 5⭐ man asmeniškai kažko pritrūko, nors įtampos netrūko skaitant,o ir pabaiga kaip visad netikėta.
February 18, 2018
Woohoo! We are back with DCI Tom Douglas and domestic abuse, manipulation, betrayal, the past, survival, courage, control, mistrust plus the many faces of human nature at their worst are thrown at the reader to absorb!
I was instantly intrigued by the prologue and I knew I was in for a real edge-of-your-seat read! This story is told from various P.O.V’s and the narrative is superb! Rachel Abbott delivers a tight and believable plot with some intricate and compelling sub-plots to really mess with our minds! BOOM! 💥 The suspense is perfectly drawn out and the reader is left waiting with bated breath to see what the outcome will be. BLOODY LOVE THAT! As usual, I was playing armchair detective alongside Tom and his team of fabulous coppers – and although I had sussed some parts out – the author threw a spanner in my investigation and really knocked me for six!
Relatable characters 🌞SHINE 🌞 in this novel and the author has mastered the technique of showing how easy it can be to manipulate vulnerable individuals through what should be taken as normal, trustworthy human interaction. I thought Hannah was the perfect example of this. The inner conflict of strength and determination matched against her own vulnerability due to her personal life, left her wide open for what followed.
Thea and the Dr (Garrick) were another pair of great characters- a sweet, old couple? 🤔My spidey senses were on high alert with this pair. I thought these characters were extremely well written as throughout the story, you just don’t know how to feel about them. Thea can be a bit over bearing but has a kind side – while the Dr just seems to be in the background….and jaysus…wait until…well, read the book – I won’t spoil it for you!
Something else I loved about this book was the psych thriller / police procedural cross-over – so smoothly done it all just worked! Sometimes when this happens, it can make a story quite disjointed, as if you are reading two or more separate stories – but Rachel Abbott works it seamlessly! I adore DCI Tom Douglas and his team – so of course I was over the moon when I got to immerse myself in the story as the extra member of his team!
As I mentioned earlier, I had figured some things out and got my cocky “I sussed this” walk ready when Rachel Abbott pretty much laughed in my face and threw me sideways – Oh, Noelle – you wee fool…nice try but maybe next time…
👊🏻💥 #AllTheFrigginBooms! 👊🏻💥
Do I recommend this read? Hmmm…let me think about that…🤔🙄 OMFG you bet your sweet ‘ol arse I do! I read this book in one sitting…stayed up late and absolutely drank in every eery, ominous word which made my heart race and my nerves stand on end! Creepy to the core, Rachel Abbot never lets me down with her mind-blowing twists and downright sinister storylines. You can easily read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend treating yourself and grabbing as many of these books as you can!
I was instantly intrigued by the prologue and I knew I was in for a real edge-of-your-seat read! This story is told from various P.O.V’s and the narrative is superb! Rachel Abbott delivers a tight and believable plot with some intricate and compelling sub-plots to really mess with our minds! BOOM! 💥 The suspense is perfectly drawn out and the reader is left waiting with bated breath to see what the outcome will be. BLOODY LOVE THAT! As usual, I was playing armchair detective alongside Tom and his team of fabulous coppers – and although I had sussed some parts out – the author threw a spanner in my investigation and really knocked me for six!
Relatable characters 🌞SHINE 🌞 in this novel and the author has mastered the technique of showing how easy it can be to manipulate vulnerable individuals through what should be taken as normal, trustworthy human interaction. I thought Hannah was the perfect example of this. The inner conflict of strength and determination matched against her own vulnerability due to her personal life, left her wide open for what followed.
Thea and the Dr (Garrick) were another pair of great characters- a sweet, old couple? 🤔My spidey senses were on high alert with this pair. I thought these characters were extremely well written as throughout the story, you just don’t know how to feel about them. Thea can be a bit over bearing but has a kind side – while the Dr just seems to be in the background….and jaysus…wait until…well, read the book – I won’t spoil it for you!
Something else I loved about this book was the psych thriller / police procedural cross-over – so smoothly done it all just worked! Sometimes when this happens, it can make a story quite disjointed, as if you are reading two or more separate stories – but Rachel Abbott works it seamlessly! I adore DCI Tom Douglas and his team – so of course I was over the moon when I got to immerse myself in the story as the extra member of his team!
As I mentioned earlier, I had figured some things out and got my cocky “I sussed this” walk ready when Rachel Abbott pretty much laughed in my face and threw me sideways – Oh, Noelle – you wee fool…nice try but maybe next time…
👊🏻💥 #AllTheFrigginBooms! 👊🏻💥
Do I recommend this read? Hmmm…let me think about that…🤔🙄 OMFG you bet your sweet ‘ol arse I do! I read this book in one sitting…stayed up late and absolutely drank in every eery, ominous word which made my heart race and my nerves stand on end! Creepy to the core, Rachel Abbot never lets me down with her mind-blowing twists and downright sinister storylines. You can easily read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend treating yourself and grabbing as many of these books as you can!
February 15, 2018
In each book, I feel like I’m coming back to old friends when I meet up with DCI Tom Douglas again. He’s someone I’d definitely want fighting my corner for me if needed! I love that in each book you get more of an insight into his personal life and I love the relationship he has with Becky.
Blooming heck! What a cracker of a book!
It gave me a really funny feeling in my tummy right from the start. It was a feeling of uneasiness and trepidation that was just building and building as I read my way through the book having no flipping idea what would happen to these characters which most of the time, I found myself shouting at. Reading this book was like watching a film, the descriptions and characterisations so well written that you were sat on the sidelines watching in. I just forgot everything that is going on around you and focus on the book, one of those that when I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t wait to get back to.
The book was totally spellbinding. And breathtaking. The pace just builds and builds to the climax giving you a really uneasy feeling in your bones. And that ending! OMG! What a shocker!
Come A Little Closer was completely awesome, as always with Rachel’s books! I am going to rename her The Queen of Twists and Captivating Reading! I highly recommend this brilliant book in a fantastic series.
Blooming heck! What a cracker of a book!
It gave me a really funny feeling in my tummy right from the start. It was a feeling of uneasiness and trepidation that was just building and building as I read my way through the book having no flipping idea what would happen to these characters which most of the time, I found myself shouting at. Reading this book was like watching a film, the descriptions and characterisations so well written that you were sat on the sidelines watching in. I just forgot everything that is going on around you and focus on the book, one of those that when I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t wait to get back to.
The book was totally spellbinding. And breathtaking. The pace just builds and builds to the climax giving you a really uneasy feeling in your bones. And that ending! OMG! What a shocker!
Come A Little Closer was completely awesome, as always with Rachel’s books! I am going to rename her The Queen of Twists and Captivating Reading! I highly recommend this brilliant book in a fantastic series.
January 27, 2018
Come a Little Closer is the 7th book in the DCI Tom Douglas series. It gives enough background where this can be read as a stand-alone.
The story has multiple narratives so it can get confusing. A woman is alone in a parking lot at night when a car silently drives in with no lights on. Two woman sit silently at a table. Another woman breaks up with her boyfriend and goes on a cruise.
DCI Tom Douglas is called to a scene where a woman looks like she died peacefully. But who is she?
This was another great book in the series. Complex with lots of lies and deceit and a surprise ending. It was well written with great character development. I highly recommend reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Dot Publishing for supplying me a copy of Rachel Abbott's "Come A Little Closer" in exchange for an honest review.
The story has multiple narratives so it can get confusing. A woman is alone in a parking lot at night when a car silently drives in with no lights on. Two woman sit silently at a table. Another woman breaks up with her boyfriend and goes on a cruise.
DCI Tom Douglas is called to a scene where a woman looks like she died peacefully. But who is she?
This was another great book in the series. Complex with lots of lies and deceit and a surprise ending. It was well written with great character development. I highly recommend reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Dot Publishing for supplying me a copy of Rachel Abbott's "Come A Little Closer" in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2025
DCI Tom Douglas is back and I'm so glad that he is because those books are just getting better and better. Rachel Abbott gives us another complex and twisty case and delivers on all levels.
Seemlessly switching between past and present, moving between Tom and Becky and other characters, Come A Little Closer is absolutely gripping.
And that ending? Well, Abbott sure knows how to tease a reader. Loved it and hope there are many more books to come featuring Tom Douglas.
Seemlessly switching between past and present, moving between Tom and Becky and other characters, Come A Little Closer is absolutely gripping.
And that ending? Well, Abbott sure knows how to tease a reader. Loved it and hope there are many more books to come featuring Tom Douglas.
February 14, 2018
There can be no doubt Abbott is honing her skills with every book, as her plots become more intricate and her characters become like old friends to her readers.
Rachel Abbott likes to skate between the black and white areas of right and wrong, to shed a light on the vulnerable in our society, and the secrets hidden in plain sight. In Come a Little Closer the hidden, the missing and the ones who go unaccounted for are given a voice, albeit a small one.
This is the seventh book to feature DCI Tom Douglas, and it feels as if he is just getting settled in for the long run. He is a straight talker with a penchant for breaking the rules, and yet his worst enemy is his own guilty conscience.
Have you ever asked yourself whether someone would miss you or question your whereabouts if you suddenly disappeared? How long would it take for someone to notice you are gone? There are plenty of men, women and children without a support system, who just vanish from the face of the earth and fall prey to people seeking the invisible of our society.
There is another important aspect of this story the author has slipped in, which is perhaps far more important than the main plot. What can you do when someone you used to love becomes an abusive insidious leech you can't get rid of? When the system can't help you and it ends up protecting them instead of you?
DCI Douglas is flummoxed by his new case and isn't sure where to start. A young woman with no identity, who seems to have gone to her death willingly or rather to her murder. It seems as if she might not be the only one. Where are these women coming from and who are they?
A few decades a ago I went to a seminar led by a leading FBI profiler and expert on paedophiles and serial-killers, and he made two adults, myself being one of them, pretend to be children walking on the pavement. He played the perpetrator in the car. He winds down his imaginary window and says something quietly, I couldn't hear so I stepped towards him as he said Come a little Closer and grabs me and throws me in his imaginary car. That is exactly the kind of criminal Abbott is excellent at imbibing and then creating on paper. The type we are surrounded by, but never see coming, because we are taught from a young age to ignore our gut instinct. In a way we are all Judith.
This is just a little taste of the compelling read and the questions you may encounter. Rachel Abbott writes a fast paced riveting thriller that pulls the reader in opposite directions. The plot is nefarious and also simple in its complexity. It's realistic, which makes it relatable and there are aspects of it that will ring true for some of the readers.
Be prepared for a read you won't want to put down.
*I received an ARC courtesy of the author.*
Rachel Abbott likes to skate between the black and white areas of right and wrong, to shed a light on the vulnerable in our society, and the secrets hidden in plain sight. In Come a Little Closer the hidden, the missing and the ones who go unaccounted for are given a voice, albeit a small one.
This is the seventh book to feature DCI Tom Douglas, and it feels as if he is just getting settled in for the long run. He is a straight talker with a penchant for breaking the rules, and yet his worst enemy is his own guilty conscience.
Have you ever asked yourself whether someone would miss you or question your whereabouts if you suddenly disappeared? How long would it take for someone to notice you are gone? There are plenty of men, women and children without a support system, who just vanish from the face of the earth and fall prey to people seeking the invisible of our society.
There is another important aspect of this story the author has slipped in, which is perhaps far more important than the main plot. What can you do when someone you used to love becomes an abusive insidious leech you can't get rid of? When the system can't help you and it ends up protecting them instead of you?
DCI Douglas is flummoxed by his new case and isn't sure where to start. A young woman with no identity, who seems to have gone to her death willingly or rather to her murder. It seems as if she might not be the only one. Where are these women coming from and who are they?
A few decades a ago I went to a seminar led by a leading FBI profiler and expert on paedophiles and serial-killers, and he made two adults, myself being one of them, pretend to be children walking on the pavement. He played the perpetrator in the car. He winds down his imaginary window and says something quietly, I couldn't hear so I stepped towards him as he said Come a little Closer and grabs me and throws me in his imaginary car. That is exactly the kind of criminal Abbott is excellent at imbibing and then creating on paper. The type we are surrounded by, but never see coming, because we are taught from a young age to ignore our gut instinct. In a way we are all Judith.
This is just a little taste of the compelling read and the questions you may encounter. Rachel Abbott writes a fast paced riveting thriller that pulls the reader in opposite directions. The plot is nefarious and also simple in its complexity. It's realistic, which makes it relatable and there are aspects of it that will ring true for some of the readers.
Be prepared for a read you won't want to put down.
*I received an ARC courtesy of the author.*
February 13, 2018
Come a Little Closer by Rachel Abbott is a DCI Tom Douglas novel. DCI Tom Douglas is called out to Pennington Flash Country Park. A woman has been found in a birdwatching hide. There is no identification on her, she is very thin, no shoes or sign of a struggle. At first glance it would appear to be suicide. Tom, though, knows there is more to this woman’s story. Nearby three women are in a dark kitchen. They are thin, scared, tired and afraid. Sharon is taking the trip her father always talked about it. Her boyfriend, Ian wanted her to cancel and give him half the money since he is out of work. She is honoring her father by embarking on this cruise. The trip is not as relaxing as she expected. A man seems to be following her and someone was in her cabin. She returns home to an angry Ian and a puzzling problem at work. It is a relief when a new friend offers her assistance. DCI Douglas and his team work to unravel what happened to the woman found in the Flash. They soon discover that she is not the first woman found this way and, undoubtedly, she will not be the last unless the police stop them.
Come a Little Closer may be the seventh book in the DCI Tom Douglas series, but it can be read alone. I struggled with this novel. It is very confusing in the beginning because it jumps around. One minute with DCI Tom Douglas, then with Sharon, then with women, then it jolts to next chapter. It all starts to gel at the half way mark and comes together into a complete story at the end. I thought the writing was choppy and it lacked a nice flow (slow pace too). The dialogue was stilted (awkward). The characters were not fully developed (lacking in details that help bring them to life). The mystery is one that plays out and is supposed to be suspenseful. Unfortunately, I did not feel it. I wanted to get a hold of these women and shake them. I cannot see anyone in this day and age being that naïve (unless they are under 6). I do not want to say to much and spoil for you. I wanted to the story to be less predictable. The chapters that focused on Tom’s private life felt off. They did not blend well with the rest of the book. Be aware that this is a British novel, so it contains British slang and the words are spelled differently (British spelling). Come a Little Closer was not the right fit for me, but many other readers have found it thrilling. I suggest getting a sample and see if it appeals to you. Every individual has their own perspective.
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*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Come a Little Closer may be the seventh book in the DCI Tom Douglas series, but it can be read alone. I struggled with this novel. It is very confusing in the beginning because it jumps around. One minute with DCI Tom Douglas, then with Sharon, then with women, then it jolts to next chapter. It all starts to gel at the half way mark and comes together into a complete story at the end. I thought the writing was choppy and it lacked a nice flow (slow pace too). The dialogue was stilted (awkward). The characters were not fully developed (lacking in details that help bring them to life). The mystery is one that plays out and is supposed to be suspenseful. Unfortunately, I did not feel it. I wanted to get a hold of these women and shake them. I cannot see anyone in this day and age being that naïve (unless they are under 6). I do not want to say to much and spoil for you. I wanted to the story to be less predictable. The chapters that focused on Tom’s private life felt off. They did not blend well with the rest of the book. Be aware that this is a British novel, so it contains British slang and the words are spelled differently (British spelling). Come a Little Closer was not the right fit for me, but many other readers have found it thrilling. I suggest getting a sample and see if it appeals to you. Every individual has their own perspective.
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*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 27, 2018
I have read all the Tom Douglas books and it’s like welcoming back an old friend when Rachel Abbott has a new book out as I’m always so happy to catch up with him! You could definitely read Come a Little Closer as a standalone if you’ve never read Rachel’s books before but you will get so much more out of this one if you know Tom’s backstory. And they are all fabulous books!
There was an incredibly chilling opening to this book that gave me goosebumps! But after that there were a few different threads and I wasn’t quite sure where it was going so I do have to say PLEASE STICK WITH IT as everything will soon become clear! Once the plot threads started to weave themselves together, there were some very shocking twists and turns but beware, you may think you have it all sussed but Rachel Abbott has a few more surprises up her sleeve for you! I don’t want to say anymore about the plot than that!
It was wonderful to see how Tom was getting on and also to meet his team again, especially Becky who was struggling to leave the police work to those who weren’t seven months pregnant! Relationship wise, Tom never seems to have an easy time of things and here there were a few more obstacles to overcome when past secrets threatened to cause problems for those involved.
I would probably describe this as a slow burner. It takes its time building up the tension, gradually revealing the shocks until the final denouement brings the biggest shock of all. And PLEASE let’s talk about that ending!! Actually let’s not-it was one of the creepiest last pages I have ever read and I would rather not go there again!!
I think the most terrifying moment for me was when I realised just how realistic the events that took place were and how easy it is for things like this to happen to those vulnerable people in our society. Rachel Abbott handles a topical issue with understanding, taking time to create believable scenarios for her characters which increased the tension and fears for their safety. And although there was an inevitability to one of the outcomes the ending was just perfect for me!
A thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller from this much loved author!
There was an incredibly chilling opening to this book that gave me goosebumps! But after that there were a few different threads and I wasn’t quite sure where it was going so I do have to say PLEASE STICK WITH IT as everything will soon become clear! Once the plot threads started to weave themselves together, there were some very shocking twists and turns but beware, you may think you have it all sussed but Rachel Abbott has a few more surprises up her sleeve for you! I don’t want to say anymore about the plot than that!
It was wonderful to see how Tom was getting on and also to meet his team again, especially Becky who was struggling to leave the police work to those who weren’t seven months pregnant! Relationship wise, Tom never seems to have an easy time of things and here there were a few more obstacles to overcome when past secrets threatened to cause problems for those involved.
I would probably describe this as a slow burner. It takes its time building up the tension, gradually revealing the shocks until the final denouement brings the biggest shock of all. And PLEASE let’s talk about that ending!! Actually let’s not-it was one of the creepiest last pages I have ever read and I would rather not go there again!!
I think the most terrifying moment for me was when I realised just how realistic the events that took place were and how easy it is for things like this to happen to those vulnerable people in our society. Rachel Abbott handles a topical issue with understanding, taking time to create believable scenarios for her characters which increased the tension and fears for their safety. And although there was an inevitability to one of the outcomes the ending was just perfect for me!
A thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller from this much loved author!
February 15, 2018
When the body of a young woman is found in the forest, DCI Tom Douglas is called to the scene. Heavy snowfall means there are few clues left to be found. How did this woman end up in the middle of nowhere? Where did she come from? And most importantly, who is she? Because as long as that remains unknown, the investigation goes pretty much nowhere. On the other side of the world, another woman goes on the holiday of a lifetime, in an attempt to escape an abusive relationship. Meanwhile, Tom's past catches up with him but will this cause problems between him and Louisa?
The DCI Tom Douglas series is one of my favourites and if you're not reading these, you're missing out on some seriously good books. I've come to rely on Rachel Abbott to deliver highly original premises and Come A Little Closer is no different. The description promises something intriguing and I wasn't at all disappointed.. This is one well-thought out plot and it's also intensely creepy.
Although the who seemed fairly obvious to me, I had a hard time figuring out the why. This story tackles a topic which is sadly highly realistic and believable. Those moments where the vulnerable suddenly turn into preys, find themselves cut off from the world with their thoughts so incredibly manipulated that they feel there is no escape. It's very reminiscent of grooming and trafficking.
I couldn't predict the outcome at all and the parts of the story completely threw me, which I love. This is one dark, disturbing and harrowing tale. Full of tension and suspense, it had me hooked from start to finish and seeing all the threads come together was a true delight. Come A Little Closer is another brilliant addition to this series, which keeps going from strength to strength.
Tom and Becky make such a fabulous team. It seems it has been ages since we last hung out with them and it's such a thrill to see them return. I've missed them fiercely and I can't wait to spend more time with them in future. I have no doubt it'll be worth the wait.
The DCI Tom Douglas series is one of my favourites and if you're not reading these, you're missing out on some seriously good books. I've come to rely on Rachel Abbott to deliver highly original premises and Come A Little Closer is no different. The description promises something intriguing and I wasn't at all disappointed.. This is one well-thought out plot and it's also intensely creepy.
Although the who seemed fairly obvious to me, I had a hard time figuring out the why. This story tackles a topic which is sadly highly realistic and believable. Those moments where the vulnerable suddenly turn into preys, find themselves cut off from the world with their thoughts so incredibly manipulated that they feel there is no escape. It's very reminiscent of grooming and trafficking.
I couldn't predict the outcome at all and the parts of the story completely threw me, which I love. This is one dark, disturbing and harrowing tale. Full of tension and suspense, it had me hooked from start to finish and seeing all the threads come together was a true delight. Come A Little Closer is another brilliant addition to this series, which keeps going from strength to strength.
Tom and Becky make such a fabulous team. It seems it has been ages since we last hung out with them and it's such a thrill to see them return. I've missed them fiercely and I can't wait to spend more time with them in future. I have no doubt it'll be worth the wait.
March 18, 2018
Well written but disappointing plot spoiler alert!
Potential spoiler alerts here. I really like Rachel Abbott's books but this one was about a woman who is such a weak sister that I just could not either like her or in the end find her believable unless I just concluded that she was crazy. It may be that I just like good endings but I think it's more than that. The principal character is so fundamentally without a spine that even when given opportunities to make a difference she doesn't. Truly, I hated the ending and unless I had misjudged the principal character throughout the whole book... and perhaps I did... it seems like a cheap device just for effect and I'm never a fan of that. I will of course continue to read all of her books because she's a terrific writer but I hope to never find another like this.
Potential spoiler alerts here. I really like Rachel Abbott's books but this one was about a woman who is such a weak sister that I just could not either like her or in the end find her believable unless I just concluded that she was crazy. It may be that I just like good endings but I think it's more than that. The principal character is so fundamentally without a spine that even when given opportunities to make a difference she doesn't. Truly, I hated the ending and unless I had misjudged the principal character throughout the whole book... and perhaps I did... it seems like a cheap device just for effect and I'm never a fan of that. I will of course continue to read all of her books because she's a terrific writer but I hope to never find another like this.
February 26, 2018
I have read and loved the previous books in this series and was really looking forward to reading this one but it wasn't to be. I have this rule that I always read 30% before giving up.and I really struggled to get that far. I am afraid it is far too disjointed for me. There are several different stories and I am sure they all link together at some point but at this point in time it is far too complicated for me. Sorry.
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