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Detective Kay Hunter #5
Call to Arms
If you knew what the truth could do, would you lie?
Returning to work after an enforced absence, Detective Kay Hunter discovers she wasn’t the only victim of her previous investigation.
DI Devon Sharp remains suspended from duties, and the team is in turmoil.
Determined to prove herself once more and clear his name, Kay undertakes to solve a cold case that links Sharp to his accuser.
But, as she gets closer to the truth, she realises her enquiries could do more harm than good.
Torn between protecting her mentor and finding out the truth, the consequences of Kay's enquiries will reach far beyond her new role…
Call to Arms is a gripping murder mystery, and the fifth in the Detective Kay Hunter series:
A page-turning murder mystery for fans of Peter Robinson, David Baldacci and Harlen Coben.
Returning to work after an enforced absence, Detective Kay Hunter discovers she wasn’t the only victim of her previous investigation.
DI Devon Sharp remains suspended from duties, and the team is in turmoil.
Determined to prove herself once more and clear his name, Kay undertakes to solve a cold case that links Sharp to his accuser.
But, as she gets closer to the truth, she realises her enquiries could do more harm than good.
Torn between protecting her mentor and finding out the truth, the consequences of Kay's enquiries will reach far beyond her new role…
Call to Arms is a gripping murder mystery, and the fifth in the Detective Kay Hunter series:
A page-turning murder mystery for fans of Peter Robinson, David Baldacci and Harlen Coben.
360 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2018
312 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
206 books668 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 21, 2020
This is proving to be an excellent series. I like Kay Hunter's character very much. In this book she is showing herself to be a genuinely strong and competent woman who is able to work and also maintain her relationship at home. And no addictions or personal hang ups. A breath of fresh air for the mystery/thriller genre. It was nice too to see that the bad cop from the earlier books has ended up in jail.
I always enjoy this author's books. This one moved along at the perfect pace and included plenty of realistic police work. I dutifully believed all of her red herrings and failed to guess who the baddies were. Nicely done Ms. Amphlett - keep writing them!
I always enjoy this author's books. This one moved along at the perfect pace and included plenty of realistic police work. I dutifully believed all of her red herrings and failed to guess who the baddies were. Nicely done Ms. Amphlett - keep writing them!
March 6, 2018
Detective Kay Hunter was going mad with the enforced recuperation time after the attack which had almost killed her and when she finally convinced the powers that be that she was fine to return to work – a month earlier than recommended – Kay then had to sit at a desk with paperwork as her companion. More boredom. But her Detective Inspector, Devon Sharp had been suspended from duties and was being investigated. Kay was determined to clear her boss’ name and get him back to the job he did best, and it was a ten-year-old cold case which had connections to both Sharp and the accuser which she tackled.
With Kay’s small team by her side, they re-interviewed old witnesses, found new evidence and gradually moved closer to secrets which had been buried for many years. Secrets which could hurt many. But Kay was driven in her desire to clear Sharp and find the answers; to find justice for the man who’d died all those years before…
What would be the outcome for Kay and her team in this case? Would they find the answers needed? Was Kay’s new position in jeopardy already?
Call to Arms by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett is the 5th in the Detective Kay Hunter series, and another riveting tale. I loved how Kay worked without having to answer to a boss; how her stubbornness and authority came through, but when she arrived home to Adam, another side of her emerged. Kay Hunter is a well-crafted, extremely likeable character, and her cases are electric! Set in country England – Maidstone in Kent – the author has given us a small connection to Australia as well. I thoroughly enjoy this series and can’t wait for the next! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
With Kay’s small team by her side, they re-interviewed old witnesses, found new evidence and gradually moved closer to secrets which had been buried for many years. Secrets which could hurt many. But Kay was driven in her desire to clear Sharp and find the answers; to find justice for the man who’d died all those years before…
What would be the outcome for Kay and her team in this case? Would they find the answers needed? Was Kay’s new position in jeopardy already?
Call to Arms by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett is the 5th in the Detective Kay Hunter series, and another riveting tale. I loved how Kay worked without having to answer to a boss; how her stubbornness and authority came through, but when she arrived home to Adam, another side of her emerged. Kay Hunter is a well-crafted, extremely likeable character, and her cases are electric! Set in country England – Maidstone in Kent – the author has given us a small connection to Australia as well. I thoroughly enjoy this series and can’t wait for the next! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 1, 2018
Story: 4
Narration: 4
Overall: 4
Firstly let me state that this is a new series to me. While it does mention past cases etc. I do not feel that my enjoyment of Call to Arms was lessened due to not having read the previous 4 books in this series Having said that, I also feel that it would be beneficial for readers/listeners to listen to the previous books because this is really good and it does contain information on past incidents. (I would like to listen to them in the future)
Call to arms is a really well written police-procedural, thriller. Full of suspense and a really intriguing story-line. Kay Hunter has returned to work after a vicious attack and is desperate to prove that she is still capable of doing her job. Her boss DI Devon Sharp is on forced leave due to information that has been received and Kay and her partner begin investigating the cold case that DI Devon Sharp is accused of misconduct with. Investigating the linked cold case they discovers some serious flaws in the decade old initial investigation. Of course this is merely the pinnacle of the book, I don't do spoilers but I will say I have left out some great stuff!
Rachel Amphlett is an incredibly talented writer and this is such a wonderfully written story. The way that the book is written feels like you are a fly on the wall and following along the investigation and you are drip fed a lot of the information, which is how I imagine that a real investigation builds. You do get a wonderful sense of immersion in the case which is really well built and developed. The conclusion is equally well developed but still holds surprises.
The narration really helps brings this story to life. Alison Campbell is a fantastic voice actor who maintains a good flow, defined characters and a really clear and pleasant voice. She manages to convey the emotions expressed throughout Call to Arms and her excellent narration is consistent from start to finish. I feel that Rachel Amphlett and Alison Campbell are a really ideal author/narrator team.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Narration: 4
Overall: 4
Firstly let me state that this is a new series to me. While it does mention past cases etc. I do not feel that my enjoyment of Call to Arms was lessened due to not having read the previous 4 books in this series Having said that, I also feel that it would be beneficial for readers/listeners to listen to the previous books because this is really good and it does contain information on past incidents. (I would like to listen to them in the future)
Call to arms is a really well written police-procedural, thriller. Full of suspense and a really intriguing story-line. Kay Hunter has returned to work after a vicious attack and is desperate to prove that she is still capable of doing her job. Her boss DI Devon Sharp is on forced leave due to information that has been received and Kay and her partner begin investigating the cold case that DI Devon Sharp is accused of misconduct with. Investigating the linked cold case they discovers some serious flaws in the decade old initial investigation. Of course this is merely the pinnacle of the book, I don't do spoilers but I will say I have left out some great stuff!
Rachel Amphlett is an incredibly talented writer and this is such a wonderfully written story. The way that the book is written feels like you are a fly on the wall and following along the investigation and you are drip fed a lot of the information, which is how I imagine that a real investigation builds. You do get a wonderful sense of immersion in the case which is really well built and developed. The conclusion is equally well developed but still holds surprises.
The narration really helps brings this story to life. Alison Campbell is a fantastic voice actor who maintains a good flow, defined characters and a really clear and pleasant voice. She manages to convey the emotions expressed throughout Call to Arms and her excellent narration is consistent from start to finish. I feel that Rachel Amphlett and Alison Campbell are a really ideal author/narrator team.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
October 31, 2018
Catch up time is here again.
After returning to work early following a vicious attack, Kay Hunter is riding a desk and looking at cold cases. She looks into a ten year old murder that involves her boss DI Devon Sharp who is currently on leave while he is being investigated. Hunter wants to clear his name but of course it couldn't just be that easy, could it? A very well constructed story in an excellent series.
After returning to work early following a vicious attack, Kay Hunter is riding a desk and looking at cold cases. She looks into a ten year old murder that involves her boss DI Devon Sharp who is currently on leave while he is being investigated. Hunter wants to clear his name but of course it couldn't just be that easy, could it? A very well constructed story in an excellent series.
September 6, 2019
Kay Hunter has helped me through a very long week. I just love this series ❤
March 13, 2018
I can't quite believe we are already at book five in this fabulous series and it’s only getting better!
After events from the previous book, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this change of pace. Things are a bit more mellow, if you like, as Kay Hunter sinks her teeth into a cold case when she returns to work and is rather quickly tired of anything involving light duties. Not only is she determined to solve this ten year old murder, she's desperately trying to get DI Sharp reinstated after he remains suspended. What follows is a good old-fashioned pounding-the-pavement investigation which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The concept of a cold case is utterly fascinating to me. Witnesses may have passed away, or may not even remember where they were or what they were doing all those years ago. And some people have been keeping secrets for a very long time. What will they do to hang on to those?
In this case, a young soldier died in a motorcycle accident ten years ago. DI Sharp was working for the military police at the time but wasn't involved in the investigation since the accident happened away from barracks. But someone else was and his reputation is in tatters after recent events. Is it possible he made a mess of this case as well back in the day? If it wasn't clear from this slightly vague stuff here, you should really read the entire series so you get the full background of events.
As always, I adore how Rachel Amphlett manages to maintain a healthy balance between the cases Kay Hunter investigates and her life at home with her husband, Adam. Just as Kay looks forward to returning home after a hard day's work, I look forward to those chapters too as they provide the best kind of relief and allow my poor brain a moment to recover from trying to figure out the mystery that needs solving. Besides, it's always fun trying to predict which animal Adam has brought home to take care of.
Call to Arms lends itself to being read in one sitting and had me absolutely hooked. A fantastic page-turner and another brilliant addition to the series. I very much look forward to seeing more of Kay Hunter and her team!
After events from the previous book, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this change of pace. Things are a bit more mellow, if you like, as Kay Hunter sinks her teeth into a cold case when she returns to work and is rather quickly tired of anything involving light duties. Not only is she determined to solve this ten year old murder, she's desperately trying to get DI Sharp reinstated after he remains suspended. What follows is a good old-fashioned pounding-the-pavement investigation which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The concept of a cold case is utterly fascinating to me. Witnesses may have passed away, or may not even remember where they were or what they were doing all those years ago. And some people have been keeping secrets for a very long time. What will they do to hang on to those?
In this case, a young soldier died in a motorcycle accident ten years ago. DI Sharp was working for the military police at the time but wasn't involved in the investigation since the accident happened away from barracks. But someone else was and his reputation is in tatters after recent events. Is it possible he made a mess of this case as well back in the day? If it wasn't clear from this slightly vague stuff here, you should really read the entire series so you get the full background of events.
As always, I adore how Rachel Amphlett manages to maintain a healthy balance between the cases Kay Hunter investigates and her life at home with her husband, Adam. Just as Kay looks forward to returning home after a hard day's work, I look forward to those chapters too as they provide the best kind of relief and allow my poor brain a moment to recover from trying to figure out the mystery that needs solving. Besides, it's always fun trying to predict which animal Adam has brought home to take care of.
Call to Arms lends itself to being read in one sitting and had me absolutely hooked. A fantastic page-turner and another brilliant addition to the series. I very much look forward to seeing more of Kay Hunter and her team!
May 21, 2018
Call to Arms is a good, solid police procedural; Amphlett writes so smoothly, you can lose yourself in the pages of this book for hours – as I did, reading it in one-sitting.
This instalment is not as fast-paced as the previous books in the series, I think the slower pace in this one was the perfect play by Amphlett – don’t get me wrong, the pace isn’t slow, it’s just slower than previous books. If you’re up to date with this series, you’ll understand why this book makes so much sense, the continuous storyline called for this book – so, read this series in order to get the most out of it.
The focus is very much on the investigation, and it’s a gripping one, so well-plotted. Still recovering from all that occurred on her last case, Kay and the team are investigating a ten-year-old cold case. A lot changes in ten-years, witnesses are no longer available, memory isn’t what it once was, so the team face some challenges. There wasn’t a huge fanfare, no tricks or gimmicks, just solid investigative police work, which I really liked. When you read so many crime fiction books, it’s a breath of fresh air to read one that shines a light on a team of police officers that work within the boundaries of policing to solve a case. I love the way Kay and her team support each other, their camaraderie is a joy to read about. If you enjoy a good old-fashioned police procedural, I think you’ll find this your favourite book in the series, so far.
I have come to love the character of Kay Hunter, I said after reading the first book that she’s ultra-likeable, and that remains true five books into the series. Not only is Kay one of my favourite fictional detectives, but her and her husband, Adam, are one of my favourite fictional couples. It’s not written in a ‘lovey-dovey’ manner but when Kay goes home after work, I just love the relationship between her and Adam; how they support each other, no headache, no drama, it’s just ‘feel-good’ reading.
I really love the way this series is developing and I’m so excited to see what’s to come in book six.
*My thanks to the author, Rachel Amphlett, for providing me with a digital copy of this title*
This instalment is not as fast-paced as the previous books in the series, I think the slower pace in this one was the perfect play by Amphlett – don’t get me wrong, the pace isn’t slow, it’s just slower than previous books. If you’re up to date with this series, you’ll understand why this book makes so much sense, the continuous storyline called for this book – so, read this series in order to get the most out of it.
The focus is very much on the investigation, and it’s a gripping one, so well-plotted. Still recovering from all that occurred on her last case, Kay and the team are investigating a ten-year-old cold case. A lot changes in ten-years, witnesses are no longer available, memory isn’t what it once was, so the team face some challenges. There wasn’t a huge fanfare, no tricks or gimmicks, just solid investigative police work, which I really liked. When you read so many crime fiction books, it’s a breath of fresh air to read one that shines a light on a team of police officers that work within the boundaries of policing to solve a case. I love the way Kay and her team support each other, their camaraderie is a joy to read about. If you enjoy a good old-fashioned police procedural, I think you’ll find this your favourite book in the series, so far.
I have come to love the character of Kay Hunter, I said after reading the first book that she’s ultra-likeable, and that remains true five books into the series. Not only is Kay one of my favourite fictional detectives, but her and her husband, Adam, are one of my favourite fictional couples. It’s not written in a ‘lovey-dovey’ manner but when Kay goes home after work, I just love the relationship between her and Adam; how they support each other, no headache, no drama, it’s just ‘feel-good’ reading.
I really love the way this series is developing and I’m so excited to see what’s to come in book six.
*My thanks to the author, Rachel Amphlett, for providing me with a digital copy of this title*
October 29, 2019
Call to Arms is book five in the Detective Kay Hunter series by Rachel Amphlett. Acting Detective Inspector Kay Hunter decided to investigate the case against Detective Inspector Devon Sharp and clear his name. However, the investigation into the allegations against Detective Devon Sharp was more complicated then Inspector Kay Hunter first thought. With the help of her team, Detective Kay Hunter continued to follow the clues to find the truth. The readers of Call to Arms will continue to follow the twists and turns in Inspector Kay Hunter investigation to find out does she clear Detective Inspector Devon Sharp name.
Call to Arms another fantastic addition to this excellent series. Call to Arms engaged me from the first page, and I had trouble putting the book down. I love the way Rachel Amphlett portrays her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Call to Arms is well written and researched by Rachel Amphlett. I enjoyed the description of the settings of this book.
The readers of Call to Arms will learn about being a country Vet, and the emotional stress that they can suffer. Also, the readers of Call to Arms will learn about the toll that terminal cancer can have on a family.
I recommend this book.
Call to Arms another fantastic addition to this excellent series. Call to Arms engaged me from the first page, and I had trouble putting the book down. I love the way Rachel Amphlett portrays her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Call to Arms is well written and researched by Rachel Amphlett. I enjoyed the description of the settings of this book.
The readers of Call to Arms will learn about being a country Vet, and the emotional stress that they can suffer. Also, the readers of Call to Arms will learn about the toll that terminal cancer can have on a family.
I recommend this book.
August 13, 2020
Another good read, and some matters cleared up. Had me guessing right up until the last little bit.
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars
From the blurb:If you knew what the truth could do, would you lie?
Returning to work after an enforced absence, Detective Kay Hunter discovers she wasn’t the only victim of her previous investigation.
DI Devon Sharp remains suspended from duties, and the team is in turmoil.
Determined to prove herself once more and clear his name, Kay undertakes to solve a cold case that links Sharp to his accuser.
But as she gets closer to the truth, she realises her enquiries could do more harm than good.
Torn between protecting her mentor and finding out the truth, the consequences of Kay's enquiries will reach far beyond her new role…
2 thumbs up and 4 solid stars
From the blurb:If you knew what the truth could do, would you lie?
Returning to work after an enforced absence, Detective Kay Hunter discovers she wasn’t the only victim of her previous investigation.
DI Devon Sharp remains suspended from duties, and the team is in turmoil.
Determined to prove herself once more and clear his name, Kay undertakes to solve a cold case that links Sharp to his accuser.
But as she gets closer to the truth, she realises her enquiries could do more harm than good.
Torn between protecting her mentor and finding out the truth, the consequences of Kay's enquiries will reach far beyond her new role…
May 28, 2018
The Detective Kay Hunter series is one of my favorites of 2018. Kay Hunter is back on the job having to prove herself again merely a year after barely surviving an attack. I always feel like I"m part of the investigation when I read one of these books. This time it's her boss, DI Devon Sharp who's in trouble. Kay and her team take it upon themselves to solve a cold case linked to Sharp ten years ago involving someone close to him. The mystery unravels in splendor in this page-turning crime book. I'll be eagerly awaiting book #6!
August 25, 2018
Finished reading: August 24th 2018
"A cold chill crawled over his shoulders as fear began to overcome his anger. It wasn't meant to be like this. Everything was out of control."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 31, 2018
By this time, with the fifth book in the series, you’d think I’d be prepared for another good book and, of course, I was but I really do think Rachel Amphlett has become one of my very favorite police procedural authors with Call to Arms. I expect to enjoy police procedurals for the tension and the action but this author takes it a step further by letting the reader really get to know the characters.
Kay has been on medical leave but is finally back on desk duty and is already bored. Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, she’s on probation but she’s in a better position than DI Devon Sharp who’s under suspension during an internal investigation. Kay and her team set out to look into a ten-year-old cold case involving Sharp in hopes of clearing his name and will follow one thin lead after another, getting deeper and deeper in the muck of greed and addiction.
What sets this series apart from others is the connection I’ve made with Kay and her colleagues. Even those we don’t know so well yet, such as Carys, are distinct in their personalities and I’m quite simply in book love with veterinarian Adam, Kay’s husband, and really enjoy the moments I get to spend with them and whatever random animal he’s brought home for a day or two. Kay and Adam have tragedy in their lives but they’re so committed to each other that they’re going to get through it.
Alison Campbell is a terrific narrator and I really think she did a brilliant job with this entry. No matter who was speaking, I knew who it was because she’s so good with voices, making an already strong story even better.
Call to Arms has so many personal issues for these characters while they delve into an old crime that I think it’s a story not to be missed. I’m adding it to my list of best books read in 2018 and am already salivating for book #6.
Kay has been on medical leave but is finally back on desk duty and is already bored. Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, she’s on probation but she’s in a better position than DI Devon Sharp who’s under suspension during an internal investigation. Kay and her team set out to look into a ten-year-old cold case involving Sharp in hopes of clearing his name and will follow one thin lead after another, getting deeper and deeper in the muck of greed and addiction.
What sets this series apart from others is the connection I’ve made with Kay and her colleagues. Even those we don’t know so well yet, such as Carys, are distinct in their personalities and I’m quite simply in book love with veterinarian Adam, Kay’s husband, and really enjoy the moments I get to spend with them and whatever random animal he’s brought home for a day or two. Kay and Adam have tragedy in their lives but they’re so committed to each other that they’re going to get through it.
Alison Campbell is a terrific narrator and I really think she did a brilliant job with this entry. No matter who was speaking, I knew who it was because she’s so good with voices, making an already strong story even better.
Call to Arms has so many personal issues for these characters while they delve into an old crime that I think it’s a story not to be missed. I’m adding it to my list of best books read in 2018 and am already salivating for book #6.
May 30, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
Kay Hunter is finally back at work after her injuries from her last case. After finding out Williamson is corrupt, and was responsible for her injuries. While in prison the allegations he has made against DI Devon Sharp. Her direct boss is on forced leave until Kay can clear him of the allegations .
So we start with Kay working on a 10 year old cold case. The case is of a soldier who is killed in a motorcycle accident. Doubts were raised, but never investigated properly.
This is a case of what appears to be a simple case. The investigation uncovers much more than anyone is expecting. I love a good detective series, and this is a good series. It makes you feel like you are there discovering the clues with them. I really enjoyed this for many reasons. I felt I was in the middle of the story with a huge cast of characters, what always surprises me when I get to the end and there is only one narrator. The other is it finishes to quickly, so I now am waiting for book six
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Kay Hunter is finally back at work after her injuries from her last case. After finding out Williamson is corrupt, and was responsible for her injuries. While in prison the allegations he has made against DI Devon Sharp. Her direct boss is on forced leave until Kay can clear him of the allegations .
So we start with Kay working on a 10 year old cold case. The case is of a soldier who is killed in a motorcycle accident. Doubts were raised, but never investigated properly.
This is a case of what appears to be a simple case. The investigation uncovers much more than anyone is expecting. I love a good detective series, and this is a good series. It makes you feel like you are there discovering the clues with them. I really enjoyed this for many reasons. I felt I was in the middle of the story with a huge cast of characters, what always surprises me when I get to the end and there is only one narrator. The other is it finishes to quickly, so I now am waiting for book six
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 20, 2018
Really enjoyed this series and did wonder where this book was going to lead but needn't have worried at all. Keeps you hooked throughout, desperately trying to work it out. Great read, looking forward to next instalment.
April 17, 2018
RCall to Arms is the fifth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series written by author, Rachel Amphlett. I LOVE this series and always make a point of keeping up to date with the latest release (one of the few I actually manage as well!). You can check out my reviews of the first four books by clicking on the following titles; #1 Scared to Death, #2 Will to Live, #3 One to Watch and #4 Hell to Pay.
I was delighted to have the latest Kay Hunter novel in my mitts. And before long, the events of the previous novel came crashing back into my mind. (IF YOU HAVENT READ THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE SERIES, MISS THE NEXT BIT OUT!). The near-deadly tousle on the beach, the shocking conclusion where Hunter was suddenly promoted to DI as her friend and current DI, Devon Sharp, was forcibly removed from her hospital room. But despite being fully aware of all of that, having Kay’s colleagues refer to her as DI Hunter still came as a bit of surprise to me!
(SKIP TO HERE!) At the start of Call to Arms Kay Hunter is on light duties having only recently returned to work. She’s bored, not helped by a recent promotion and a large increase in the amount of paperwork she has to complete. Hunter realises the only way to get back to the action of ‘real police work’ is to get her friend and colleague, Devon Sharp reinstated as DI of the team. It helps a great deal if you’ve read Hell to Pay, the fourth book in the series before reading Call to Arms. I’ve always said each and every book in the Kay Hunter series can be read as a standalone. Not this one, this is the exception. It would help enormously if you’ve read Hell to Pay first. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Kay decides to reinvestigate a cold case in her own time which, if she can prove wasn’t properly investigated in the first place, may help clear Devon Sharp’s name whilst digging a fellow senior colleague deeper into the hole he has already made for himself – part of the draw maybe?! The investigation is into the death of an Army Private who skidded out of control and to his death on his motorcycle one dark and dismal night. Kay is connected to the case in other ways; the soldier who died was Devon Sharp’s godson. This time it’s personal and Hunter will stop at nothing to make sure the truth is discovered. No matter what the outcome.
So here’s the thing. I enjoyed Hell to Pay but not as much as I expected to (which is really weird as the despicable characters in the story and the evil deeds that were happening before my eyes are very much the kind of thing that I love to read about. Weird right?). However, I was thrilled to fully submerge myself in this latest brilliant instalment, Call to Arms. I REALLY enjoyed it and it reminded me exactly why I love Amphlett’s writing and, in particular, Kay Hunter as much as I do.
I loved that the plot headed off at an unexpected tangent and the more we discovered about the deceased, the darker the tale became. I devoured this book in a few short hours which is unheard of for me. I didn’t want to put it down.
One of my issues with Hell to Pay was the lack of Adam, Kay’s other half in the story. Again, it’s quite strange because I’m not a reader who cares much for romance in my stories. However, I love the relationship between Kay and Adam. I love how utterly normal they are. I was glad to see Adam playing more of a part in Call to Arms. He even managed to bring me to tears at one point! (And don’t forget to check out the brilliant guest post I hosted earlier this week – it’s all about the lovely Adam!).
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely but make sure you grab copies of the first four books in the series as well. I promise it’ll be worth it. My favourite in the series is still Will to Live but Call to Arms is a very welcome addition to a much-loved series. I hope Amphlett continues to write this series for many years to come. I am so fond of the characters and ALWAYS look forward to finding out what is going to happen next.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Call to Arms. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I was delighted to have the latest Kay Hunter novel in my mitts. And before long, the events of the previous novel came crashing back into my mind. (IF YOU HAVENT READ THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE SERIES, MISS THE NEXT BIT OUT!). The near-deadly tousle on the beach, the shocking conclusion where Hunter was suddenly promoted to DI as her friend and current DI, Devon Sharp, was forcibly removed from her hospital room. But despite being fully aware of all of that, having Kay’s colleagues refer to her as DI Hunter still came as a bit of surprise to me!
(SKIP TO HERE!) At the start of Call to Arms Kay Hunter is on light duties having only recently returned to work. She’s bored, not helped by a recent promotion and a large increase in the amount of paperwork she has to complete. Hunter realises the only way to get back to the action of ‘real police work’ is to get her friend and colleague, Devon Sharp reinstated as DI of the team. It helps a great deal if you’ve read Hell to Pay, the fourth book in the series before reading Call to Arms. I’ve always said each and every book in the Kay Hunter series can be read as a standalone. Not this one, this is the exception. It would help enormously if you’ve read Hell to Pay first. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Kay decides to reinvestigate a cold case in her own time which, if she can prove wasn’t properly investigated in the first place, may help clear Devon Sharp’s name whilst digging a fellow senior colleague deeper into the hole he has already made for himself – part of the draw maybe?! The investigation is into the death of an Army Private who skidded out of control and to his death on his motorcycle one dark and dismal night. Kay is connected to the case in other ways; the soldier who died was Devon Sharp’s godson. This time it’s personal and Hunter will stop at nothing to make sure the truth is discovered. No matter what the outcome.
So here’s the thing. I enjoyed Hell to Pay but not as much as I expected to (which is really weird as the despicable characters in the story and the evil deeds that were happening before my eyes are very much the kind of thing that I love to read about. Weird right?). However, I was thrilled to fully submerge myself in this latest brilliant instalment, Call to Arms. I REALLY enjoyed it and it reminded me exactly why I love Amphlett’s writing and, in particular, Kay Hunter as much as I do.
I loved that the plot headed off at an unexpected tangent and the more we discovered about the deceased, the darker the tale became. I devoured this book in a few short hours which is unheard of for me. I didn’t want to put it down.
One of my issues with Hell to Pay was the lack of Adam, Kay’s other half in the story. Again, it’s quite strange because I’m not a reader who cares much for romance in my stories. However, I love the relationship between Kay and Adam. I love how utterly normal they are. I was glad to see Adam playing more of a part in Call to Arms. He even managed to bring me to tears at one point! (And don’t forget to check out the brilliant guest post I hosted earlier this week – it’s all about the lovely Adam!).
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely but make sure you grab copies of the first four books in the series as well. I promise it’ll be worth it. My favourite in the series is still Will to Live but Call to Arms is a very welcome addition to a much-loved series. I hope Amphlett continues to write this series for many years to come. I am so fond of the characters and ALWAYS look forward to finding out what is going to happen next.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Call to Arms. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 26, 2018
I've loved and enjoyed this series from the very beginning, and after the mystery running through the first three books was solved in book four, I wondered how the fifth in series would play out. I shouldn't have given it a single thought, as Rachel Amphlett plunges Kay Hunter right back into the midst of a cold case with the outcome having lasting effects on not only the DI but also the rest of her team.
As always with this author's writing, the action begins from page one with only a brief mention in passing as to what has gone on before. With her dedicated colleagues at her side, Kay leads this investigation in her usual manner - from the front. Still a workaholic, we also follow Kay's home life with her husband Adam - the man who keeps her centred in all that she does.
Call to Arms is a riveting thriller, full of twists and turns, lies and secrets and totally engrossing. Moving along at a brisk pace, there is always something happening and it's a hard one to put down as you want to find out what happens next .. and next .. and again, until suddenly you find yourself having reached the final page with the crime solved and no loose ends. A thoroughly satisfying novel!
I'm delighted to be a part of this author's reading team, and grateful for my copy of this book. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
As always with this author's writing, the action begins from page one with only a brief mention in passing as to what has gone on before. With her dedicated colleagues at her side, Kay leads this investigation in her usual manner - from the front. Still a workaholic, we also follow Kay's home life with her husband Adam - the man who keeps her centred in all that she does.
Call to Arms is a riveting thriller, full of twists and turns, lies and secrets and totally engrossing. Moving along at a brisk pace, there is always something happening and it's a hard one to put down as you want to find out what happens next .. and next .. and again, until suddenly you find yourself having reached the final page with the crime solved and no loose ends. A thoroughly satisfying novel!
I'm delighted to be a part of this author's reading team, and grateful for my copy of this book. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
May 4, 2025
Detektiv inspektorka Kay Hunterová se po zdravotní dovolené vrací zpátky do práce. Na rozdíl od jejího nadřízeného Devona Sharpa, který čelí kárnému vyšetřování. Kay se mu rozhodne pomoct tím, že přezkoumá případ, kvůli kterému je Sharp dočasně suspendován: deset let starou nehodu, při které zemřel vojín Jamie Ingram…
(Za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku mnohokrát děkuji Albatros Media :)
Devon Sharp tehdy sloužil u vojenské policie a domníval se, že šlo o víc než o nešťastnou nehodu na motorce a že kentská policie případ odflákla. Jamieho smrt totiž vyšetřoval Simon Harrison, právě onen zkorumpovaný policista, kvůli kterému Kay při minulém případu málem přišla o život. Jenže teď Simon Harrison obvinil Devona Sharpa, že mu před lety nesdělil všechna fakta a že byl dokonce zapletený do toho, co se stalo Jamiemu.
Problém je v tom, že Devon Sharp Jamieho a jeho rodinu dobře znal a že možná opravdu polici nesdělil všechny informace, protože Jamie Ingram nejspíš nebyl žádné neviňátko. Čím hlouběji se Kay ve starém případu vrtá, tím častěji ji napadá, jestli Sharpovi opravdu pomůže, nebo mu spíš ublíží.
Rachel Amphlettová píše lehce a čtivě, takže opět přináší svižnou procedurální detektivku. Hra o čas je extrémně chytlavá, takže prakticky nejde odložit a přečtete ji raz dva. Nechybí v ní starý, pořádně zamotaný případ, překvapivá odhalení a zvraty, troška policejního politikaření ani nějaká ta akce na závěr.
Aby toho nebylo málo, tak se Kay nemůže sžít se svým povýšením, protože místo toho, aby vyšetřovala v terénu, tak se hrabe v papírech nebo vysedává na nekonečných školeních. Vyšetřování odlehčují chvíle klidu a pohody, které zažívá Kay doma po boku svého dlouholetého partnera Adama. Ten si jako veterinář občas „vodí“ domů pacienty a tentokrát u nich pobývá německý ovčák Rufus, který trpí rakovinou.
Těšila jsem se, že se ve Hře o čas dozvím víc Devonu Sharpovi, ale to se mi bohužel nesplnilo. Hra o čas navíc dějově navazuje na předchozí díl s názvem Draze zaplatíš, takže doporučuju číst sérii popořadě.
Detektivní série s Kay Hunterovou patří mezi mé oblíbené. V minulých recenzích jsem psala, že Rachel Amphlettové nejvíc jde pátrání po sériových vrazích, ale staré a znovuotevřené případy jí taky bezvadně sedí. Až jsem skoro v pokušení tvrdit, že Hra o čas byla (zatím) nejlepší díl ze všech dosud pěti česky vydaných knih. Zcela určitě je ale Hra o čas stejně dobrá jako první díly Vyděšená k smrti a Vůle žít. Každopádně celou sérii s Kay Hunterovou vřele doporučuju a jen doufám, že v českém překladu vyjdou i další díly (v originále je jich už čtrnáct!).
(Za poskytnutí recenzního výtisku mnohokrát děkuji Albatros Media :)
Devon Sharp tehdy sloužil u vojenské policie a domníval se, že šlo o víc než o nešťastnou nehodu na motorce a že kentská policie případ odflákla. Jamieho smrt totiž vyšetřoval Simon Harrison, právě onen zkorumpovaný policista, kvůli kterému Kay při minulém případu málem přišla o život. Jenže teď Simon Harrison obvinil Devona Sharpa, že mu před lety nesdělil všechna fakta a že byl dokonce zapletený do toho, co se stalo Jamiemu.
Problém je v tom, že Devon Sharp Jamieho a jeho rodinu dobře znal a že možná opravdu polici nesdělil všechny informace, protože Jamie Ingram nejspíš nebyl žádné neviňátko. Čím hlouběji se Kay ve starém případu vrtá, tím častěji ji napadá, jestli Sharpovi opravdu pomůže, nebo mu spíš ublíží.
Rachel Amphlettová píše lehce a čtivě, takže opět přináší svižnou procedurální detektivku. Hra o čas je extrémně chytlavá, takže prakticky nejde odložit a přečtete ji raz dva. Nechybí v ní starý, pořádně zamotaný případ, překvapivá odhalení a zvraty, troška policejního politikaření ani nějaká ta akce na závěr.
Aby toho nebylo málo, tak se Kay nemůže sžít se svým povýšením, protože místo toho, aby vyšetřovala v terénu, tak se hrabe v papírech nebo vysedává na nekonečných školeních. Vyšetřování odlehčují chvíle klidu a pohody, které zažívá Kay doma po boku svého dlouholetého partnera Adama. Ten si jako veterinář občas „vodí“ domů pacienty a tentokrát u nich pobývá německý ovčák Rufus, který trpí rakovinou.
Těšila jsem se, že se ve Hře o čas dozvím víc Devonu Sharpovi, ale to se mi bohužel nesplnilo. Hra o čas navíc dějově navazuje na předchozí díl s názvem Draze zaplatíš, takže doporučuju číst sérii popořadě.
Detektivní série s Kay Hunterovou patří mezi mé oblíbené. V minulých recenzích jsem psala, že Rachel Amphlettové nejvíc jde pátrání po sériových vrazích, ale staré a znovuotevřené případy jí taky bezvadně sedí. Až jsem skoro v pokušení tvrdit, že Hra o čas byla (zatím) nejlepší díl ze všech dosud pěti česky vydaných knih. Zcela určitě je ale Hra o čas stejně dobrá jako první díly Vyděšená k smrti a Vůle žít. Každopádně celou sérii s Kay Hunterovou vřele doporučuju a jen doufám, že v českém překladu vyjdou i další díly (v originále je jich už čtrnáct!).
May 20, 2023
The 5th book in the Detective Kay Hunter Series by Rachel Amphlett.
DI Devon Sharp has been suspended due to the complaint by another detective who Kay believes/knows is corrupt, but hasn't been able to prove it. The complaint relates to a 10-year-old cold case death of a motorcyclist, the godson of DI Sharp. Kay reopens the case in order to find out the truth so her boss can return to work.
I quite like this series. It's nice to see a detective who is strong, competent, and psychologically and emotionally healthy. She has a great relationship with her husband, a veterinarian, who, in every book, brings home an ailing animal that requires some tender loving care.
DI Devon Sharp has been suspended due to the complaint by another detective who Kay believes/knows is corrupt, but hasn't been able to prove it. The complaint relates to a 10-year-old cold case death of a motorcyclist, the godson of DI Sharp. Kay reopens the case in order to find out the truth so her boss can return to work.
I quite like this series. It's nice to see a detective who is strong, competent, and psychologically and emotionally healthy. She has a great relationship with her husband, a veterinarian, who, in every book, brings home an ailing animal that requires some tender loving care.
July 1, 2021
Part of me wishes the main character would stop to self-analyse rather than compartmentalising everything. However, the action picked up from the first page, and also neatly tied into the previous book really nicely. The plot twists came thick and fast, and while I guessed one of the antagonists really early on, the real one was kept from me until the delicious climax. I would have preferred a much more satisfying resolution, but even so, I will have to read the next in the series very soon.
August 15, 2021
Another great installment in the Kay Hunter series. It picks up where the last one left off, with Kay recovering from her injuries in a previous case. This investigation is into an accident 10 years previously. The pace and characters are good as usual and there are lots of potential culprits.
June 14, 2018
This was another great book in this series. Slower paced than the previous books but more emphasis on police procedurals.
October 15, 2024
I have liked each book in this series!!
May 4, 2025
Super Kniha
June 2, 2018
Audiobook Review
5 Performance
5 Story
5 Overall
I devoured all 5 of the Detective Kay Hunter books. The series as a hole is fantastic in both print and audio. Each book is better than the previous one and that is saying something. I want more!
Rachel Amphlett is a master at weaving an intricate, diverse, crime drama. I feel like I needed a suspect board this time around. There were twists and turns and OMG moments with every turn of the page and a shocking ending. The MC, Kay Hunter, is phenomenal. When she sinks her teeth into a case she doesn’t give an inch.
I adore Alison Campbell as the narrator. She has done a smashing job with the series. Through Ali I am connected to Kay on a more personal level. She really makes the story come alive around me.
I highly recommend this series for any crime novel fans out there. You do need to read the all the books in the series in order for the best experience. You won’t be disappointed.
5 Performance
5 Story
5 Overall
I devoured all 5 of the Detective Kay Hunter books. The series as a hole is fantastic in both print and audio. Each book is better than the previous one and that is saying something. I want more!
Rachel Amphlett is a master at weaving an intricate, diverse, crime drama. I feel like I needed a suspect board this time around. There were twists and turns and OMG moments with every turn of the page and a shocking ending. The MC, Kay Hunter, is phenomenal. When she sinks her teeth into a case she doesn’t give an inch.
I adore Alison Campbell as the narrator. She has done a smashing job with the series. Through Ali I am connected to Kay on a more personal level. She really makes the story come alive around me.
I highly recommend this series for any crime novel fans out there. You do need to read the all the books in the series in order for the best experience. You won’t be disappointed.
April 9, 2018
Kay Hunter is back at work and has temporarily stepped into the shoes of DI Devon Sharpe who is currently suspended and under investigation following allegations made by DCI Simon Harrison. The shoes are not a comfortable fit for Kay who definitely doesn’t want to be a deskbound detective, she wants to be right there right in the thick of it all! And as a reader that is exactly where I want her too! Her sharp mind and attitude combined with a loyalty to her team that is given back in abundance makes for a nail-biting reading experience whenever Kay is on the case!
Kay, of course is not only on light duties as she is covering for her DI, she has also just returned to work following her narrow escape at the end of the last book and the reader is left to wonder just how much of an impact has this had on her psychologically? How honest will Kay be with others in her attempt to show her team and those around her how strong a character she is?
Her relationship with DCI Larch changes ever so slightly in Call to Arms and the beginnings of a thaw in the ice cap that was their relationship is evident. He supports her taking on a cold case which could go towards clearing Sharp and highlighting just what Harrison has been up to and this is where things start to heat up.
Like a dog with a bone Kay Hunter has got her teeth into this case and she is not going to let go, with no additional resources allocated to her, her team’s loyalty is demonstrated as they give up their own time to help her work on the case. The deeper they dig the more they uncover but at what cost? Secrets, lies and drugs are the name of the game in this book. It is all about the case here and underneath every stone there lies another trail. A gripping and enthralling story line and a whole host of characters involved who may be plausible on the surface but have stories to hide underneath. It is very much a plot driven novel and there wasn’t as much about the relationships between characters in this one which I missed a little. However, the plot was enough to keep me gripped throughout the book!
Call to Arms is fast paced, full of twists and turns and little red herrings. I love the fact that I can NEVER guess the outcome in this series and I am in awe of the character that Rachel Amphlett has created in Kay Hunter. Her mind is razor sharp, no matter what is going on in her life her focus and sharpness never waivers. Another cracking and compelling read and roll on number 6 please!
Kay, of course is not only on light duties as she is covering for her DI, she has also just returned to work following her narrow escape at the end of the last book and the reader is left to wonder just how much of an impact has this had on her psychologically? How honest will Kay be with others in her attempt to show her team and those around her how strong a character she is?
Her relationship with DCI Larch changes ever so slightly in Call to Arms and the beginnings of a thaw in the ice cap that was their relationship is evident. He supports her taking on a cold case which could go towards clearing Sharp and highlighting just what Harrison has been up to and this is where things start to heat up.
Like a dog with a bone Kay Hunter has got her teeth into this case and she is not going to let go, with no additional resources allocated to her, her team’s loyalty is demonstrated as they give up their own time to help her work on the case. The deeper they dig the more they uncover but at what cost? Secrets, lies and drugs are the name of the game in this book. It is all about the case here and underneath every stone there lies another trail. A gripping and enthralling story line and a whole host of characters involved who may be plausible on the surface but have stories to hide underneath. It is very much a plot driven novel and there wasn’t as much about the relationships between characters in this one which I missed a little. However, the plot was enough to keep me gripped throughout the book!
Call to Arms is fast paced, full of twists and turns and little red herrings. I love the fact that I can NEVER guess the outcome in this series and I am in awe of the character that Rachel Amphlett has created in Kay Hunter. Her mind is razor sharp, no matter what is going on in her life her focus and sharpness never waivers. Another cracking and compelling read and roll on number 6 please!
July 13, 2021
I am always sad when i finish a good detective thriller , none moreso than the Kay Hunter series. After the traumatic time Kay endured during our previous outing with her where she was almost killed, this book takes us through her first experience as a probationary Detective Inspector. Her previous boss was on suspension and asked her to review a cold case. I won't spoil the story but i, once again felt I was there with Kay enduring the tension of her investigation. Her rapport with her colleagues is outstanding. It is complimented by her relationship with her partner, Adam, who helps her through her ordeals and has a knack of knowing her frame of mind more than she does herself.
This is an outstanding thriller and Rachel should be very proud of her creation. A thoroughly recommended read.
This is an outstanding thriller and Rachel should be very proud of her creation. A thoroughly recommended read.
February 7, 2018
Review to be up on 8th March
*For more reviews check out www.rubinareads.com*
*For more reviews check out www.rubinareads.com*
May 29, 2018
Audio Book Review. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when I got the invitation to review the audio book of Call to Arms. I’m a huge fan of the Detective Kay Hunter series and have read with my ears all four of the prior books. This one did not disappoint, and like with the other books in the series, I listened to it straight through in a day.
Though Call to Arms is enhanced by my having read the prior installments in the series, this one stands works as a stand-alone since it is a story that doesn’t rely on prior events or character relationships. Amphlett does a great job of establishing who is who and what is what, so I don’t think readers new to the series will have any trouble jumping in.
As with prior books, Call to Arms starts with action and a possible crime, this one ten years ago. In a break from prior books, readers don’t really have chapters that are told from the bad-guy perspective. As a result, readers don’t ever get into the heads of any characters other than our main character, Detective Kay Hunter ��� and it works just fine for this installment. For fans of the police procedural, Call to Arms is excellent because readers are uncovering information right along with the detectives assigned to the case. The danger element isn’t quite as high, but it’s fascinating going through investigative process and seeing the attention to detail that’s required to do build a solid case against a suspect (or several).
I listened to books one through four, back to back, and it has been a little over a month since I finished them. In a way, the break from the series made Call to Arms more fun because many of the familiar elements were new again and just as delightful as ever. Kay’s husband Adam, as well as his animal house guests, are all bright spots and so is the mandatory cuppa tea or coffee that are staples to solving any crimes. Returning readers will also be surprised by an ever-so-subtle shift in the relationship between Kay and DCI Angus Larch (spoiler: he’s HUMAN).
While Call to Arms doesn’t really do much with further building any relationships between individual characters, I like how it does tighten the group of core detectives readers have known from the beginning. This group has each other’s backs and is starting to work like a well-oiled machine, but they also genuinely care about one another. They keep it professional, but it’s clear that there is a camaraderie that only comes from being through the kinds of hell this group has experienced together. Readers get hints at the mental anguish Kay continues to feel (but tries to deny) from her past traumas, and it is likely those unresolved issues will rear their ugly head at some point down the line. She shows much weariness and some growth as there is more careful decision making and less impulsive than in other books, but she’s realistically flawed. Thank goodness! Otherwise, Kay would be too perfect, and we just can’t have that.
Rachel Amphlett knows how to tell a story and keep the readers engaged in it from start to finish. I can’t speak to the editing of the print book, but the dialogues are natural, the characters are distinctive, and the action is realistic. I have the same gripe as always -- there is far too much glaring – and there was one semi-major contradiction, and a couple of scenes that were left sitting out there, seemingly unimportant/unneeded. But overall, Amphlett nails this story, and it is firmly among my favorites.
The narration by Alison Campbell is as excellent as ever. Her pacing and expressiveness are perfect, and she voices the numerous characters without any of them sounding the same. One character was supposed to have a hint of a German accent, and I didn’t hear it, but it didn’t detract in any way. I have to say, I was sorry there was no creepy bad guy for her to voice in this book – she always does a fabulous job with that. I listened at 1.25x, and that kept the story moving at a pace I enjoyed.
I am thrilled that Amphlett is already working on the next book in the series, and I guarantee I will be grabbing it as soon as it’s out. The books in this series immerse you in another world and keep interest piqued without graphic sex or violence. The Detective Kay Hunter series is truly addictive! Get your fix!
Thank you to the author and Audiobookworm Promotions for providing me a free download in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give.
Though Call to Arms is enhanced by my having read the prior installments in the series, this one stands works as a stand-alone since it is a story that doesn’t rely on prior events or character relationships. Amphlett does a great job of establishing who is who and what is what, so I don’t think readers new to the series will have any trouble jumping in.
"Just stay out of trouble this time, Hunter."
As with prior books, Call to Arms starts with action and a possible crime, this one ten years ago. In a break from prior books, readers don’t really have chapters that are told from the bad-guy perspective. As a result, readers don’t ever get into the heads of any characters other than our main character, Detective Kay Hunter ��� and it works just fine for this installment. For fans of the police procedural, Call to Arms is excellent because readers are uncovering information right along with the detectives assigned to the case. The danger element isn’t quite as high, but it’s fascinating going through investigative process and seeing the attention to detail that’s required to do build a solid case against a suspect (or several).
I listened to books one through four, back to back, and it has been a little over a month since I finished them. In a way, the break from the series made Call to Arms more fun because many of the familiar elements were new again and just as delightful as ever. Kay’s husband Adam, as well as his animal house guests, are all bright spots and so is the mandatory cuppa tea or coffee that are staples to solving any crimes. Returning readers will also be surprised by an ever-so-subtle shift in the relationship between Kay and DCI Angus Larch (spoiler: he’s HUMAN).
"Penny for your thoughts."
"I'm not sure they're worth that at the moment."
While Call to Arms doesn’t really do much with further building any relationships between individual characters, I like how it does tighten the group of core detectives readers have known from the beginning. This group has each other’s backs and is starting to work like a well-oiled machine, but they also genuinely care about one another. They keep it professional, but it’s clear that there is a camaraderie that only comes from being through the kinds of hell this group has experienced together. Readers get hints at the mental anguish Kay continues to feel (but tries to deny) from her past traumas, and it is likely those unresolved issues will rear their ugly head at some point down the line. She shows much weariness and some growth as there is more careful decision making and less impulsive than in other books, but she’s realistically flawed. Thank goodness! Otherwise, Kay would be too perfect, and we just can’t have that.
Rachel Amphlett knows how to tell a story and keep the readers engaged in it from start to finish. I can’t speak to the editing of the print book, but the dialogues are natural, the characters are distinctive, and the action is realistic. I have the same gripe as always -- there is far too much glaring – and there was one semi-major contradiction, and a couple of scenes that were left sitting out there, seemingly unimportant/unneeded. But overall, Amphlett nails this story, and it is firmly among my favorites.
The narration by Alison Campbell is as excellent as ever. Her pacing and expressiveness are perfect, and she voices the numerous characters without any of them sounding the same. One character was supposed to have a hint of a German accent, and I didn’t hear it, but it didn’t detract in any way. I have to say, I was sorry there was no creepy bad guy for her to voice in this book – she always does a fabulous job with that. I listened at 1.25x, and that kept the story moving at a pace I enjoyed.
I am thrilled that Amphlett is already working on the next book in the series, and I guarantee I will be grabbing it as soon as it’s out. The books in this series immerse you in another world and keep interest piqued without graphic sex or violence. The Detective Kay Hunter series is truly addictive! Get your fix!
Thank you to the author and Audiobookworm Promotions for providing me a free download in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give.
June 12, 2018
Note: This is Book 5 in the series and works mostly fine as a stand alone though is best read as part of the series to get the most out of it.
This series continues to deliver! This time Kay Hunter has a cold case to investigate. She’s been on medical leave since the events of the previous book. Now that she’s back, she’s been stuck on desk duty while her boss, Sharp, is on suspension pending the outcome of a formal internal investigation. Kay and her team think that’s all bull and want to do everything they can to get their boss back. But first Kay needs Larch’s blessing. She and Larch have never seen eye to eye. I really started to form an attachment to Larch in this book, seeing the more human side to him.
About a decade ago, there was a motorcycle fatality that was ruled an accident but Sharp has always suspected there was more to it. Now Kay and her team dig out the old reports and start re-interviewing friends, coworkers, and family of the dead man (Jaime). Everyone agrees that Jaime was an excellent motorcyclist but the weather was bad that night and even the best can make a fatal error. I did think this was the one weak spot in the story. The stats don’t sugarcoat motorcycle fatalities and sometimes the driver simply makes a fatal error. However, no one on Kay’s team really takes this possibility seriously and so they were predisposed to find another cause. They do spend some time mulling over wildlife or debris on the road, saying that if it had been a rabbit, they would have found the carcass on the side of the road. As if no predators might come along and make off with it…. Anyway, this one little weak spot didn’t ruin the book for me.
Jaime’s parents (Michael and Brigit?) still live on the family farm. His twin sister Natalie is nearby as well. He worked for the military so Kay and her team dig into his activities and discover a surprise! The more they look into this matter, the more it looks like someone put the pressure on to rule Jaime’s death an accident.
Towards the end, Kay is hot on the trail of one of the bad guys and she and another cop enter a house with just their wits and expanding batons. Yep. Now if I hadn’t recently watched Hard Sun and seen just how efficiently vicious a trained person can be with an expanding baton, I would have called Kay a twit for going into an unknown situation without some more serious hardware.
The end of the story had me raising a pint for Kay and her team. I’ve come to really enjoy this series and this book is another worthy addition. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Alison Campbell has turned out to be a good pick for this series. Her performance needed a little polishing with the earlier books but with this one she has given a great performance. She’s the perfect Kay Hunter. All her characters have distinct voices and her male characters sound masculine. Campbell also does a great job with all the emotions in this tale. There were no recording issues. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This series continues to deliver! This time Kay Hunter has a cold case to investigate. She’s been on medical leave since the events of the previous book. Now that she’s back, she’s been stuck on desk duty while her boss, Sharp, is on suspension pending the outcome of a formal internal investigation. Kay and her team think that’s all bull and want to do everything they can to get their boss back. But first Kay needs Larch’s blessing. She and Larch have never seen eye to eye. I really started to form an attachment to Larch in this book, seeing the more human side to him.
About a decade ago, there was a motorcycle fatality that was ruled an accident but Sharp has always suspected there was more to it. Now Kay and her team dig out the old reports and start re-interviewing friends, coworkers, and family of the dead man (Jaime). Everyone agrees that Jaime was an excellent motorcyclist but the weather was bad that night and even the best can make a fatal error. I did think this was the one weak spot in the story. The stats don’t sugarcoat motorcycle fatalities and sometimes the driver simply makes a fatal error. However, no one on Kay’s team really takes this possibility seriously and so they were predisposed to find another cause. They do spend some time mulling over wildlife or debris on the road, saying that if it had been a rabbit, they would have found the carcass on the side of the road. As if no predators might come along and make off with it…. Anyway, this one little weak spot didn’t ruin the book for me.
Jaime’s parents (Michael and Brigit?) still live on the family farm. His twin sister Natalie is nearby as well. He worked for the military so Kay and her team dig into his activities and discover a surprise! The more they look into this matter, the more it looks like someone put the pressure on to rule Jaime’s death an accident.
Towards the end, Kay is hot on the trail of one of the bad guys and she and another cop enter a house with just their wits and expanding batons. Yep. Now if I hadn’t recently watched Hard Sun and seen just how efficiently vicious a trained person can be with an expanding baton, I would have called Kay a twit for going into an unknown situation without some more serious hardware.
The end of the story had me raising a pint for Kay and her team. I’ve come to really enjoy this series and this book is another worthy addition. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Alison Campbell has turned out to be a good pick for this series. Her performance needed a little polishing with the earlier books but with this one she has given a great performance. She’s the perfect Kay Hunter. All her characters have distinct voices and her male characters sound masculine. Campbell also does a great job with all the emotions in this tale. There were no recording issues. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
June 2, 2018
There is a reputation that you make with everything that you do. For police officers, the precedent is set really high to succeed and close cases. Does that mean that closing the case as quickly as possible is always the best solution? What if you get the wrong guy? What if you destroy someone’s life who may be innocent? Amphlett has a great story, and they just keep getting better as the series continues!
An old case has been reopened because of the current suspension of DI Sharp, the caption of Kay’s unit. He was involved in the case pertaining to a man’s disappearance while still in the Military roughly around ten years ago. While he had suspicions about the case being ruled as an accidental suicide, the commanding officer Harrison closed the case faster than anyone could truly look into the events that occurred on that night. Now, knowing that Harrison is good at sweeping cases under the rug without all of the evidence, Detective Kay Hunter decides to give the case one more look. What she finds could save or break her captain’s career, especially if she doesn’t keep the reopened investigation a secret from the officers who could shut her down.
Amphlett has a terrific fifth installment with her Detective Kay Hunter Mystery series, Call to Arms. The character development is absolutely wonderful, shedding light on some characters from previous installments. Since this review is complementing the audiobook, the narrator portrayed the characters beautifully and with the author’s vivid description, they both gave life to the story together. The pace is perfect, fast and steady, making it easy to follow. If you are a reader of murder mystery and crime fiction, you may enjoy this book. With this being the fifth installment in the Detective Kay Hunter series, readers can still read or listen to this book as a standalone, but there are hints and nods back to previous installments.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for Call to Arms by Rachel Amphlett.
An old case has been reopened because of the current suspension of DI Sharp, the caption of Kay’s unit. He was involved in the case pertaining to a man’s disappearance while still in the Military roughly around ten years ago. While he had suspicions about the case being ruled as an accidental suicide, the commanding officer Harrison closed the case faster than anyone could truly look into the events that occurred on that night. Now, knowing that Harrison is good at sweeping cases under the rug without all of the evidence, Detective Kay Hunter decides to give the case one more look. What she finds could save or break her captain’s career, especially if she doesn’t keep the reopened investigation a secret from the officers who could shut her down.
Amphlett has a terrific fifth installment with her Detective Kay Hunter Mystery series, Call to Arms. The character development is absolutely wonderful, shedding light on some characters from previous installments. Since this review is complementing the audiobook, the narrator portrayed the characters beautifully and with the author’s vivid description, they both gave life to the story together. The pace is perfect, fast and steady, making it easy to follow. If you are a reader of murder mystery and crime fiction, you may enjoy this book. With this being the fifth installment in the Detective Kay Hunter series, readers can still read or listen to this book as a standalone, but there are hints and nods back to previous installments.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for Call to Arms by Rachel Amphlett.
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