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East Rise #3
Lost Lives
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER LIFE
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined . . .
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER DAUGHTER
DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
SHE WAS WRONG
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined . . .
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER DAUGHTER
DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
SHE WAS WRONG
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 27, 2018
This is a chilling and harrowing police procedural from Lisa Cutts that really is not for the faint hearted. The horror contained will turn your stomach as Cutts research gives us an all too real and in your face picture of the unconscionable treatment of migrants and the trafficked, their powerlessness, and what little value their lives have to the cold and ruthless controllers and those running this filthy and nightmarish trade. DI Harry Powell is called at a shooting in a place he knows two of the people who have flats in the building, convicted sex offender Martha Lipton and a colleague, DC Gabrielle Royston. The target of the failed killing is John Kersley, a man it turns out who tried to help some victims of trafficking. Kersley is a frightened man, aware of the powerful reach of those who wish to eliminate him, and this makes him a difficult man to get any information out of in the face of his obdurate silence.
Anna is a Hungarian woman from Budapest who had high hopes for a future in England, only to find herself in the hands of traffickers she will never be free of, working on a farm, constantly hungry and beaten. Her passport has been taken, and she has a debt that she will never be able to repay, and has to endure living in inhuman and degrading conditions. She forms a relationship with another migrant woman, Lili, as a form of support. The narrative is mostly from the perspective of Anna and Harry. Harry is traumatised by the condition of the migrants, as indeed are his officers. He puts his best police officer, the gay DC Pierre Rainer to try and get Kersley to talk but Kersley needs iron clad protection from the dangers that he faces before he talks. Police budget cuts make this extremely difficult for Harry but he does his best, roping in Pierre to look after Kersley. In a story that is enough to make your blood curdle, tragic outcomes and desperate danger are inevitable.
Cutts does a superb job in her authentic depiction of the below the radar brutal underworld of human trafficking and slavery in our contemporary world and the under resourced police forces that have to address this, suffering from poor morale and overwork. I found this an uncomfortable read but I was angry and outraged that such horror exists in our world, made so much the worse by the opportunistic, venal and populist politicians and media outlets that scapegoat migrants. This is hard hitting and brilliant crime fiction that provides insights into many of our red hot social and political issues of today's world. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
Anna is a Hungarian woman from Budapest who had high hopes for a future in England, only to find herself in the hands of traffickers she will never be free of, working on a farm, constantly hungry and beaten. Her passport has been taken, and she has a debt that she will never be able to repay, and has to endure living in inhuman and degrading conditions. She forms a relationship with another migrant woman, Lili, as a form of support. The narrative is mostly from the perspective of Anna and Harry. Harry is traumatised by the condition of the migrants, as indeed are his officers. He puts his best police officer, the gay DC Pierre Rainer to try and get Kersley to talk but Kersley needs iron clad protection from the dangers that he faces before he talks. Police budget cuts make this extremely difficult for Harry but he does his best, roping in Pierre to look after Kersley. In a story that is enough to make your blood curdle, tragic outcomes and desperate danger are inevitable.
Cutts does a superb job in her authentic depiction of the below the radar brutal underworld of human trafficking and slavery in our contemporary world and the under resourced police forces that have to address this, suffering from poor morale and overwork. I found this an uncomfortable read but I was angry and outraged that such horror exists in our world, made so much the worse by the opportunistic, venal and populist politicians and media outlets that scapegoat migrants. This is hard hitting and brilliant crime fiction that provides insights into many of our red hot social and political issues of today's world. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
September 10, 2018
Well, this was a single sitting read for me. Once I started reading I simply could not put it down. I tend to gravitate to female protagonists but Lisa Cutts may just have converted me as I found DI Harry Powell to be one of the strongest, fleshed out main characters I've read. The supporting cast were drawn with equal skill and precision but Harry is the person I'm still thinking about today. The storyline focussed on modern day slavery which the author had clearly researched extensively and at times my heart ached for these poor souls and other times I was outraged at the treatment and injustice of it all. The writing was pacy, impeccable and had me swiping my kindle at a rate of knots. I understand this author has extensive knowledge of police procedures however this knowledge was tempered to show her expertise which added to the story but did not detract from it. Although part of a series I did not feel at any disadvantage from not having read previous books but will definitely be going back for more. Watch out, Harry, I'm coming to get ya!! Compelling, pacy, full of tension that had me gripped from the first page to the last.
November 15, 2018
Lost Lives, the third novel to feature DI Harry Powell of East Rise police, was a highly entertaining addition to this compulsively readable series. The story heavily focuses on the trafficking of workers detailing their struggles in a sensitive and compassionate way. Although I am receptive to their issues and situation, I felt that the book should've had more of the unfolding police work. At some points, it did feel a little as though I was reading nonfiction due to that.
I also found that the perspective shifts between a variety of characters later on in the book and is quite confusing as a result. The author also incorporates some real-world police issues into the novel by referencing the lack of money and resources and the consequences of having less police at their disposal. This is exactly what is happening right now in the UK. In this instalment, DI Harry Powell's usual strong and stable personality is beginning to fail him with the mask beginning to slip. Thought-provoking, chilling and hard-hitting, this is not a book for the faint-hearted. Added intrigue comes in the form of social and political issues incorporated into Lost Lives thereby mirroring the outside world. Recommended.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.
I also found that the perspective shifts between a variety of characters later on in the book and is quite confusing as a result. The author also incorporates some real-world police issues into the novel by referencing the lack of money and resources and the consequences of having less police at their disposal. This is exactly what is happening right now in the UK. In this instalment, DI Harry Powell's usual strong and stable personality is beginning to fail him with the mask beginning to slip. Thought-provoking, chilling and hard-hitting, this is not a book for the faint-hearted. Added intrigue comes in the form of social and political issues incorporated into Lost Lives thereby mirroring the outside world. Recommended.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.
October 11, 2018
DI Harry Powell is such an expertly drawn out character that I can't help but feel that he is working in a department somewhere, solving serious crime. This book is the real deal, written by a police officer with years of experience under her belt. I was immediately drawn into the story, which explores human trafficking in the most authentic way, walking in the footsteps of two Hungarian women as they try to escape their captors. When I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about the plot and rooting for the victims involved. With short, gripping chapters and expertly crafted prose, Lost Lives is a book you won't be able to put down.
September 13, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK Fiction for an advance copy of Lost Lives, the third novel to feature DI Harry Powell of East Rise police.
Harry and the team respond to an incident where shots are fired at a flat but fortunately there are no casualties. When it is suggested that the intended victim is people trafficking the team start investigating but with few resources and a growing caseload the investigation is overtaken by other events.
I enjoyed Lost Lives but not as much as the previous novels. I may be unfeeling but it lingered overmuch on the plight of the trafficked workers and not enough on the investigation for my taste. The plight of these poor people is appalling but it's not something I want rammed down my throat when I'm reading for entertainment, especially as the novel does not offer anything new on the subject and I'm sure that I have read some of the situations in another novel (just can't remember which one). The narrative is mostly told from Harry and trafficked worker Anna's points of view but switches to other characters from time to time, making it difficult at times to keep up.
There is, however, a real authenticity to the police actions, constraints and errors which goes a long way to mitigate any other failings in the novel. It portrays a long suffering service doing its best in reduced circumstances with its people being its strongest albeit demoralised asset.
I like DI Harry Powell who is normally a strong leader and good investigator but events overtake him and he starts to show some frailty. He is a very human protagonist.
Lost Lives is an ok read.
Harry and the team respond to an incident where shots are fired at a flat but fortunately there are no casualties. When it is suggested that the intended victim is people trafficking the team start investigating but with few resources and a growing caseload the investigation is overtaken by other events.
I enjoyed Lost Lives but not as much as the previous novels. I may be unfeeling but it lingered overmuch on the plight of the trafficked workers and not enough on the investigation for my taste. The plight of these poor people is appalling but it's not something I want rammed down my throat when I'm reading for entertainment, especially as the novel does not offer anything new on the subject and I'm sure that I have read some of the situations in another novel (just can't remember which one). The narrative is mostly told from Harry and trafficked worker Anna's points of view but switches to other characters from time to time, making it difficult at times to keep up.
There is, however, a real authenticity to the police actions, constraints and errors which goes a long way to mitigate any other failings in the novel. It portrays a long suffering service doing its best in reduced circumstances with its people being its strongest albeit demoralised asset.
I like DI Harry Powell who is normally a strong leader and good investigator but events overtake him and he starts to show some frailty. He is a very human protagonist.
Lost Lives is an ok read.
January 9, 2019
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 368
Publisher - Simon & Schuster UK
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER LIFE
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined . . .
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER DAUGHTER
DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
SHE WAS WRONG
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
My Review
Anna is headed for a new life, one her family can be proud of her for, finally. Anna has been sold a lie, she will not be going to work in a hotel or anything like it, Anna's nightmare has just begun. A sordid tale of the worst sides of humanity, human trafficking, exploitation of the weak and innocent. For some, human life has no value except that which is can be sold for.
This is a really hard hitting book to be honest, you know the author has come from a background in policing and whilst this is fiction we know this is an ongoing issue today. Anna finds herself trapped, horrific conditions, abused, death always a breath away and always trying to keep herself safe for her family. Friendship and trust is not something that comes easy where she is but sometimes you need do what you can to stay alive. DI Harry Powell is the other part of the story, investigating a shooting at the complex on a police officer, a sex offender and someone who finds themselves caught up with the darker side of society. When the investigation gets going Powell and the team are caught up in a ring that may well put them all at risk.
Firstly let me say this is my first time reading this author, it won't be my last! The book comes in short chapters which I LOVE as you can dip in and out as life allows, I could have read this in one go instead of as and when across one day. It is a very dark tale involving abuse, human trafficking, sexual deviancy, violence and murder. The book doesn't give in depth focused scenes on the sexual depravity but there is enough for you to know exactly what has transpired. The conditions these poor souls find themselves in is enough to bring tears to a glass and and shocks to the core just how easily people find themselves in this living hell.
Dark, fast paced and not just focused on the trafficking side/victims we also get a good look into the team, who they are and what else is going on outwith the investigation. A busy wee book that you will still be thinking about long after you finish the last page. I intend on buying this authors back catalogue! I enjoyed (enjoyed seems the wrong word when dealing with such a subject) the writing, pace, story and characters, I hope they are revisited in stories to come as I would like to see what is next in store for them, 4.5/5 for me this time.
Pages - 368
Publisher - Simon & Schuster UK
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER LIFE
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined . . .
SHE TRUSTED THEM WITH HER DAUGHTER
DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
SHE WAS WRONG
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
My Review
Anna is headed for a new life, one her family can be proud of her for, finally. Anna has been sold a lie, she will not be going to work in a hotel or anything like it, Anna's nightmare has just begun. A sordid tale of the worst sides of humanity, human trafficking, exploitation of the weak and innocent. For some, human life has no value except that which is can be sold for.
This is a really hard hitting book to be honest, you know the author has come from a background in policing and whilst this is fiction we know this is an ongoing issue today. Anna finds herself trapped, horrific conditions, abused, death always a breath away and always trying to keep herself safe for her family. Friendship and trust is not something that comes easy where she is but sometimes you need do what you can to stay alive. DI Harry Powell is the other part of the story, investigating a shooting at the complex on a police officer, a sex offender and someone who finds themselves caught up with the darker side of society. When the investigation gets going Powell and the team are caught up in a ring that may well put them all at risk.
Firstly let me say this is my first time reading this author, it won't be my last! The book comes in short chapters which I LOVE as you can dip in and out as life allows, I could have read this in one go instead of as and when across one day. It is a very dark tale involving abuse, human trafficking, sexual deviancy, violence and murder. The book doesn't give in depth focused scenes on the sexual depravity but there is enough for you to know exactly what has transpired. The conditions these poor souls find themselves in is enough to bring tears to a glass and and shocks to the core just how easily people find themselves in this living hell.
Dark, fast paced and not just focused on the trafficking side/victims we also get a good look into the team, who they are and what else is going on outwith the investigation. A busy wee book that you will still be thinking about long after you finish the last page. I intend on buying this authors back catalogue! I enjoyed (enjoyed seems the wrong word when dealing with such a subject) the writing, pace, story and characters, I hope they are revisited in stories to come as I would like to see what is next in store for them, 4.5/5 for me this time.
January 10, 2019
Hold onto your seat …… and quite possibly your stomach!
That pretty sums up this book!
It’s hard hitting, shocking, fast paced and had me cringing in at least half a dozen chapters.
This is my first read of a Lisa Cutts book and it certainly won’t be my last, that’s for sure!
The book is written as two stories that come together, Harry the officer in change of a shooting investigation and by Anna, a Hungarian woman going to what she believes is a better life…… if only she knew! Now although I enjoyed Harry’s parts of the story I was more eager to get to Anna, what this poor woman must have felt when her dream bubble was popped is beyond imaginable beating, hunger and blackmailed at ever turn. It’s a real eye opener into what people will do and endure for what they think will be a better life.
If you love your books fast paced, gripping and with the shock factor then this is one for you, maybe just don’t read it while you eat 🤢
That pretty sums up this book!
It’s hard hitting, shocking, fast paced and had me cringing in at least half a dozen chapters.
This is my first read of a Lisa Cutts book and it certainly won’t be my last, that’s for sure!
The book is written as two stories that come together, Harry the officer in change of a shooting investigation and by Anna, a Hungarian woman going to what she believes is a better life…… if only she knew! Now although I enjoyed Harry’s parts of the story I was more eager to get to Anna, what this poor woman must have felt when her dream bubble was popped is beyond imaginable beating, hunger and blackmailed at ever turn. It’s a real eye opener into what people will do and endure for what they think will be a better life.
If you love your books fast paced, gripping and with the shock factor then this is one for you, maybe just don’t read it while you eat 🤢
July 15, 2019
Very workman like,you are not really with these people ,but watching closely.
Would make great TV script,as with lots of crime books now.
Terrible things people do to each other.
Now feel awful buying carrots.....
Would make great TV script,as with lots of crime books now.
Terrible things people do to each other.
Now feel awful buying carrots.....
February 2, 2019
I found this to be a heartrending story, very well researched and probably from experience too. An absolutely compelling read from start to the very end. Gruesome in places but an essential part of the story. I will be reading more from this author.
November 28, 2018
This book focuses on people trafficking and the storyfollows two women, Anna and Lili, as they try to escape their captors. DI Harr6 Powell and his team are called out to investigate a shooting where the intended victim is involved in the people trafficking and the police then have to try and protect him.
It is a very harrowing and at times, upsetting read to learn how these people are treated, but also a compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
It is a very harrowing and at times, upsetting read to learn how these people are treated, but also a compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 12, 2019
The one thing that stands out to me in this book is that not all female characters are sweet and innocent. The two most evil characters in this storyline are female and it's so refreshing, for two completely different reasons. At the beginning, you come to learn that a resident sex offender and a crime boss are female, which never usually happens! The bad guys are almost always, well guys; so it's fantastic that Lisa Cutts has made the most disgusting of criminals strong, evil women. Which leads me on to another reason why bad female characters are refreshing; they tend to be oozing strength and power, that's a win over being fragile and powerless!
I also love that Lisa uses her everyday knowledge within police investigation to write her novels, there is nothing worse for me than diabolically incorrect information (that's my forensic science student mind coming through), so it's fantastic to see the criminal world through the eyes of an actual investigator.
This book had me hooked from the get go, with its well written, short chapters (that you can squeeze into your free five minutes). I started it as soon as I opened the package, I couldn't wait and I devoured it that day, I can't fault anything; the writing or the storyline. Also, I loved Harry! He is definitely in my top 10 favourite police detective list, hard exterior on the outside but a big softie on the inside, wonder what household gift he'll get next?!
For me, the storyline was completely eye opening, I wasn't aware how people trafficking works and how easy it is to be overpowered by fear and violence. I sat cwtched up, chewing my nails and getting so angry at the going ons in the book. The storyline will forever stay with me for that main reason. The book keeps you on tender-hooks, and gasping for breath after the huge winding twists!
I was completely unaware that Lost Lives was part of a police procedural series, this didn't affect my read and review at all; so read this as a stand alone or read from the beginning of the series but you will not be disappointed. Also, just wanted to note, the extensive planning, researching and details that has gone into this book shows that Lisa is passionate about her job, both as a police detective and author. Her ability to produce characters with layering personalities, who you both love and hate is excellent. You can certainly judge how fabulous a book is by the emotions it makes you feel, and oh does this book make you feel and array of emotions.
Lost Lives is a must read of 2019, you will not regret reading it but you will regret not reading it when everyone is talking about it!
I'm not the only blog stop on this tour, so if I haven't completely convinced you to purchase Lost Lives by Lisa Cutts, take a look at the previous and the following days posts by some amazing bloggers!
I also love that Lisa uses her everyday knowledge within police investigation to write her novels, there is nothing worse for me than diabolically incorrect information (that's my forensic science student mind coming through), so it's fantastic to see the criminal world through the eyes of an actual investigator.
This book had me hooked from the get go, with its well written, short chapters (that you can squeeze into your free five minutes). I started it as soon as I opened the package, I couldn't wait and I devoured it that day, I can't fault anything; the writing or the storyline. Also, I loved Harry! He is definitely in my top 10 favourite police detective list, hard exterior on the outside but a big softie on the inside, wonder what household gift he'll get next?!
For me, the storyline was completely eye opening, I wasn't aware how people trafficking works and how easy it is to be overpowered by fear and violence. I sat cwtched up, chewing my nails and getting so angry at the going ons in the book. The storyline will forever stay with me for that main reason. The book keeps you on tender-hooks, and gasping for breath after the huge winding twists!
I was completely unaware that Lost Lives was part of a police procedural series, this didn't affect my read and review at all; so read this as a stand alone or read from the beginning of the series but you will not be disappointed. Also, just wanted to note, the extensive planning, researching and details that has gone into this book shows that Lisa is passionate about her job, both as a police detective and author. Her ability to produce characters with layering personalities, who you both love and hate is excellent. You can certainly judge how fabulous a book is by the emotions it makes you feel, and oh does this book make you feel and array of emotions.
Lost Lives is a must read of 2019, you will not regret reading it but you will regret not reading it when everyone is talking about it!
I'm not the only blog stop on this tour, so if I haven't completely convinced you to purchase Lost Lives by Lisa Cutts, take a look at the previous and the following days posts by some amazing bloggers!
January 19, 2019
Anna and her family have paid money they can ill afford to send her to the UK in the hopes of building a better life. Eventually, she will be able to bring her daughter to live with her but at the start of the book, Anna is setting out full of hope and trepidation.
She quickly realises that it is not going to be easy and a series of incidents reveal to her that
is trapped. Anna and her fellow trafficked immigrants have been tricked, swindled, exploited and all in plain sight. They are being hidden in the middle of an ordinary neighbourhood and bussed to a farm every day to pack vegetables ,wrestle chickens or work in a carwash. There are alternatives to this ,but they are much , much worse...
DI Harry Powell's story runs parallel to Anna's as he investigates a shooting at a shared household. One of the residents is a fellow police officer, another is a hidden sex offender and a third is a police informant living under cover. They are reasonably sure that the shooting was meant to scare, injure or kill one of them, but which one?
The two stories quickly become intertwined as the person who was shot at has links to human trafficking and it becomes a race against time to rescue these people before they are moved on as well as bringing the entire organisation down.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful story with the authenticity that only being written by a detective can bring. From the banter in the police room, to the callouts over the radios, the legal aspects of arrests and the forming of task forces, Lisa takes us straight to the heart of modern policing.
Short staffed, underfunded but never less than 100% engaged, this is a story that has a horrible ring of truth to it as how many people are daily being trafficked into the UK with dreams of a better life only to find themselves a modern slave, a sex worker or exploited for manual labour until they drop dead?
She provides a quiet dignity to the victims in giving enough information so that you understand the physical and mental side effects of those vulnerable to exploitation, but not so much that it is gory. You are rooting for Harry every step of the way as things become increasingly tense and life threatening for Anna and her friend Lili.
The value of a human life is laid bare, as are the lengths people will go to to exploit that vulnerability-the worst part for me was when Anna was walking through the streets to meet the minibus which took her to the farm and her frantically remembering her 'script' in case anyone asked her where she was from. She and her fellow workers were completely invisible . It really made you think about the people you walk past daily , where they were from and what their journey was.
She quickly realises that it is not going to be easy and a series of incidents reveal to her that
is trapped. Anna and her fellow trafficked immigrants have been tricked, swindled, exploited and all in plain sight. They are being hidden in the middle of an ordinary neighbourhood and bussed to a farm every day to pack vegetables ,wrestle chickens or work in a carwash. There are alternatives to this ,but they are much , much worse...
DI Harry Powell's story runs parallel to Anna's as he investigates a shooting at a shared household. One of the residents is a fellow police officer, another is a hidden sex offender and a third is a police informant living under cover. They are reasonably sure that the shooting was meant to scare, injure or kill one of them, but which one?
The two stories quickly become intertwined as the person who was shot at has links to human trafficking and it becomes a race against time to rescue these people before they are moved on as well as bringing the entire organisation down.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful story with the authenticity that only being written by a detective can bring. From the banter in the police room, to the callouts over the radios, the legal aspects of arrests and the forming of task forces, Lisa takes us straight to the heart of modern policing.
Short staffed, underfunded but never less than 100% engaged, this is a story that has a horrible ring of truth to it as how many people are daily being trafficked into the UK with dreams of a better life only to find themselves a modern slave, a sex worker or exploited for manual labour until they drop dead?
She provides a quiet dignity to the victims in giving enough information so that you understand the physical and mental side effects of those vulnerable to exploitation, but not so much that it is gory. You are rooting for Harry every step of the way as things become increasingly tense and life threatening for Anna and her friend Lili.
The value of a human life is laid bare, as are the lengths people will go to to exploit that vulnerability-the worst part for me was when Anna was walking through the streets to meet the minibus which took her to the farm and her frantically remembering her 'script' in case anyone asked her where she was from. She and her fellow workers were completely invisible . It really made you think about the people you walk past daily , where they were from and what their journey was.
January 2, 2024
This was my first venture into a novel crafted by the uber talented Lisa Cutts and by all means, I cannot wait to read her other works.
This book starts out with Anna leaving her home country - Hungary to start afresh in the UK. All she wants is a clean state and somewhere she and her daughter can call home.
But...
what is actually waiting in store isn't the most pleasant at all. I was actually disgusted to read about this (not that it took my enjoyment away from the book!) but to think it actually happens in real life, got me thinking. Is there any more we can do to stop these sorts of things from happening?!
Anna, desperate to get away and with D.I. Harry Powell investigating a shooting, can Anna be saved? Is the shooting linked to these traffickers?
Lisa Cutts' really had me enthralled in her words, that the world around me drifted away, I was only bought back to reality when I heard my daughter laughing at her toys or moaning because she wanted a feed and change.
This book is definitely a top contender for my top books of 2019 (already, I know!) but if there's any book to boast about this year, it's definitely this one.
With its realism of today's society and how adept the police are, just goes to show how compelling this book actually is. I cannot wait for other readers to fall in love with Lisa Cutts and her brilliant words.
This book starts out with Anna leaving her home country - Hungary to start afresh in the UK. All she wants is a clean state and somewhere she and her daughter can call home.
But...
what is actually waiting in store isn't the most pleasant at all. I was actually disgusted to read about this (not that it took my enjoyment away from the book!) but to think it actually happens in real life, got me thinking. Is there any more we can do to stop these sorts of things from happening?!
Anna, desperate to get away and with D.I. Harry Powell investigating a shooting, can Anna be saved? Is the shooting linked to these traffickers?
Lisa Cutts' really had me enthralled in her words, that the world around me drifted away, I was only bought back to reality when I heard my daughter laughing at her toys or moaning because she wanted a feed and change.
This book is definitely a top contender for my top books of 2019 (already, I know!) but if there's any book to boast about this year, it's definitely this one.
With its realism of today's society and how adept the police are, just goes to show how compelling this book actually is. I cannot wait for other readers to fall in love with Lisa Cutts and her brilliant words.
January 21, 2019
We join this story in Hungary, on a minibus with Anna on her way to the UK. A journey which Anna had to pay for, yet you get the feeling that it was not living up to her hopes. Fast forward five weeks and we find a shooting taking place. The perpetrator unknown and the motive just as unclear.
This is a story of human trafficking. It is shocking, often repulsive and is being told by a real life police detective. Therefore, the authenticity of the story drips off the pages – making the read even more harrowing. The book is not an easy read, but saying this, I raced through it. A truly fascinating storyline which I have not come across before. This is a story which needed to be told.
This is a story of human trafficking. It is shocking, often repulsive and is being told by a real life police detective. Therefore, the authenticity of the story drips off the pages – making the read even more harrowing. The book is not an easy read, but saying this, I raced through it. A truly fascinating storyline which I have not come across before. This is a story which needed to be told.
September 4, 2018
Chillingly gripping and horrifyingly authentic. Lost Lives is a fast-paced thriller that is masterfully crafted and expertly told. Highly recommend it!
February 5, 2026
was absolutely thrilled to be asked to contribute towards the blog tour for 'Lost Lives' by Lisa Cutts
'Lost Lives' is available now in eBook format and paperback.
My utmost thanks to Becky McCarthy of Simon and Schuster for having me on board the blogtour with some wonderful bookbloggers, and Lisa for being so passionate about the subjects she covers in her books.
Book description
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined. DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
Anna and her family have paid money they can ill afford to send her to the UK in the hopes of building a better life. Eventually, she will be able to bring her daughter to live with her but at the start of the book, Anna is setting out full of hope and trepidation.
She quickly realises that it is not going to be easy and a series of incidents reveal to her that she is trapped. Anna and her fellow trafficked immigrants have been tricked, swindled, exploited and all in plain sight. They are being hidden in the middle of an ordinary neighbourhood and bussed to a farm every day to pack vegetables ,wrestle chickens or work in a carwash. There are alternatives to this ,but they are much , much worse...
DI Harry Powell's story runs parallel to Anna's as he investigates a shooting at a shared household. One of the residents is a fellow police officer, another is a hidden sex offender and a third is a police informant living under cover. They are reasonably sure that the shooting was meant to scare, injure or kill one of them, but which one?
The two stories quickly become intertwined as the person who was shot at has links to human trafficking and it becomes a race against time to rescue these people before they are moved on as well as bringing the entire organisation down.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful story with the authenticity that only being written by a detective can bring. From the banter in the police room, to the callouts over the radios, the legal aspects of arrests and the forming of task forces, Lisa takes us straight to the heart of modern policing.
Short staffed, underfunded but never less than 100% engaged, this is a story that has a horrible ring of truth to it as how many people are daily being trafficked into the UK with dreams of a better life only to find themselves a modern slave, a sex worker or exploited for manual labour until they drop dead?
She provides a quiet dignity to the victims in giving enough information so that you understand the physical and mental side effects of those vulnerable to exploitation, but not so much that it is gory. You are rooting for Harry every step of the way as things become increasingly tense and life threatening for Anna and her friend Lili.
The value of a human life is laid bare, as are the lengths people will go to to exploit that vulnerability-the worst part for me was when Anna was walking through the streets to meet the minibus which took her to the farm and her frantically remembering her 'script' in case anyone asked her where she was from. She and her fellow workers were completely invisible . It really made you think about the people you walk past daily , where they were from and what their journey was.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful and impassioned book that I am extremely grateful to have read. My thanks, once more, to Lisa, Becky and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour.
'Lost Lives' is available now in eBook format and paperback.
My utmost thanks to Becky McCarthy of Simon and Schuster for having me on board the blogtour with some wonderful bookbloggers, and Lisa for being so passionate about the subjects she covers in her books.
Book description
When Anna arrives in the UK, she believes it’s the start of a better life for her and her daughter. But what awaits her is more shocking than anything she could have ever imagined. DI Harry Powell is investigating a shooting, but the victim has been scared into silence. As Harry struggles to piece together what little information he has, he stumbles upon an operation that may put countless lives across the country at risk.
As Anna’s situation grows more dangerous by the day, Harry is forced to push his overstretched team to the limits to find answers. But for one of them, will it already be too late?
Anna and her family have paid money they can ill afford to send her to the UK in the hopes of building a better life. Eventually, she will be able to bring her daughter to live with her but at the start of the book, Anna is setting out full of hope and trepidation.
She quickly realises that it is not going to be easy and a series of incidents reveal to her that she is trapped. Anna and her fellow trafficked immigrants have been tricked, swindled, exploited and all in plain sight. They are being hidden in the middle of an ordinary neighbourhood and bussed to a farm every day to pack vegetables ,wrestle chickens or work in a carwash. There are alternatives to this ,but they are much , much worse...
DI Harry Powell's story runs parallel to Anna's as he investigates a shooting at a shared household. One of the residents is a fellow police officer, another is a hidden sex offender and a third is a police informant living under cover. They are reasonably sure that the shooting was meant to scare, injure or kill one of them, but which one?
The two stories quickly become intertwined as the person who was shot at has links to human trafficking and it becomes a race against time to rescue these people before they are moved on as well as bringing the entire organisation down.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful story with the authenticity that only being written by a detective can bring. From the banter in the police room, to the callouts over the radios, the legal aspects of arrests and the forming of task forces, Lisa takes us straight to the heart of modern policing.
Short staffed, underfunded but never less than 100% engaged, this is a story that has a horrible ring of truth to it as how many people are daily being trafficked into the UK with dreams of a better life only to find themselves a modern slave, a sex worker or exploited for manual labour until they drop dead?
She provides a quiet dignity to the victims in giving enough information so that you understand the physical and mental side effects of those vulnerable to exploitation, but not so much that it is gory. You are rooting for Harry every step of the way as things become increasingly tense and life threatening for Anna and her friend Lili.
The value of a human life is laid bare, as are the lengths people will go to to exploit that vulnerability-the worst part for me was when Anna was walking through the streets to meet the minibus which took her to the farm and her frantically remembering her 'script' in case anyone asked her where she was from. She and her fellow workers were completely invisible . It really made you think about the people you walk past daily , where they were from and what their journey was.
'Lost Lives' is a powerful and impassioned book that I am extremely grateful to have read. My thanks, once more, to Lisa, Becky and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour.
January 5, 2019
All the stars to Lost Lives!!
Although written in third person we see the story from two points of view. DI Harry Powell and his task force and Anna, an illegal immigrant. Neither character has all the pieces to complete the jigsaw of what is happening but seeing it happen from both perspectives gives the reader a full view.
I took the journey through the book completely immersed in both characters. I felt the magnitude of stress and frustration experienced by the police officers involved in the investigation. Low budgets, low staffing, red tape and very cleverly hidden masterminds makes it near impossible for them. Through Anna's eyes I saw so much pain and suffering, but a woman with determination and strength that even she didn't realise existed in herself.
I finished this book two days ago and I can't shake it off at all. It left me angry, frustrated, and deeply saddened but in awe of our police force. I was hooked by page 5 and by page 65 I was broken and never recovered. Lisa is an active Detective Constable and although this book is a work of fiction, it has the atmosphere of something far too sinister and depraved to be completely fictional.
It's a crime thriller but so horrifically real. It's uncomfortable reading and not for the faint hearted but highly addictive.
I have a strong feeling that this will appear in my favourites of 2019.
Highly recommended!!
Although written in third person we see the story from two points of view. DI Harry Powell and his task force and Anna, an illegal immigrant. Neither character has all the pieces to complete the jigsaw of what is happening but seeing it happen from both perspectives gives the reader a full view.
I took the journey through the book completely immersed in both characters. I felt the magnitude of stress and frustration experienced by the police officers involved in the investigation. Low budgets, low staffing, red tape and very cleverly hidden masterminds makes it near impossible for them. Through Anna's eyes I saw so much pain and suffering, but a woman with determination and strength that even she didn't realise existed in herself.
I finished this book two days ago and I can't shake it off at all. It left me angry, frustrated, and deeply saddened but in awe of our police force. I was hooked by page 5 and by page 65 I was broken and never recovered. Lisa is an active Detective Constable and although this book is a work of fiction, it has the atmosphere of something far too sinister and depraved to be completely fictional.
It's a crime thriller but so horrifically real. It's uncomfortable reading and not for the faint hearted but highly addictive.
I have a strong feeling that this will appear in my favourites of 2019.
Highly recommended!!
January 20, 2019
What can I say other than Lost Lives is an absolute triumph. It's vividly real with graphic and gritty detail that had me hooked from page one.
The story line tackles extremely disturbing topics in a terrifyingly blunt manner depicting the horrors of humankind and creating uncomfortable moments. Human trafficking is an alarming and real element to our everyday life which builds up extra tension for the reader to spur them on to keep reading with morbid curiosity desperate to know more.
The pace is quick and the chapters move at a startling pace and giving that the author, Lisa Cutts, has over twenty years policing experience to draw upon made me wonder which elements have been sourced from real life events to help shape and mould this story into what it is. I particularly like how we were fed just enough character design in order to empathise with the plot but meant each character still remained some what mysterious. I won't spoil the reading experience by going into detail regarding the plot but will let you discover the story the way the author intends you to.
Lost Lives is a terrifyingly real and authentic portrayal of the brutality of humankind. If you like a gritty detective story then look no further as this one is bursting at the seams. So I urge you all to grab your nearest copy and dive in, you won't be disappointed.
The story line tackles extremely disturbing topics in a terrifyingly blunt manner depicting the horrors of humankind and creating uncomfortable moments. Human trafficking is an alarming and real element to our everyday life which builds up extra tension for the reader to spur them on to keep reading with morbid curiosity desperate to know more.
The pace is quick and the chapters move at a startling pace and giving that the author, Lisa Cutts, has over twenty years policing experience to draw upon made me wonder which elements have been sourced from real life events to help shape and mould this story into what it is. I particularly like how we were fed just enough character design in order to empathise with the plot but meant each character still remained some what mysterious. I won't spoil the reading experience by going into detail regarding the plot but will let you discover the story the way the author intends you to.
Lost Lives is a terrifyingly real and authentic portrayal of the brutality of humankind. If you like a gritty detective story then look no further as this one is bursting at the seams. So I urge you all to grab your nearest copy and dive in, you won't be disappointed.
May 12, 2025
Lost Lives is the third installment in Lisa Cutts’ East Rise series, drawing upon her extensive experience as a detective constable to deliver a gripping and authentic crime thriller. The novel intertwines the harrowing journey of Anna, a woman deceived into a life of exploitation under the guise of a better future in the UK, with DI Harry Powell’s investigation into a seemingly isolated shooting that unravels into a complex web of human trafficking.  
Cutts’ firsthand knowledge of police procedures lends credibility to the narrative, immersing readers in the intricacies of modern policing, from the camaraderie among officers to the challenges posed by limited resources. The dual perspectives of victim and investigator provide a comprehensive view of the crime’s impact, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on all involved.
The novel doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of human trafficking, portraying the victims’ plight with sensitivity and depth. Anna’s resilience and determination evoke empathy, while the portrayal of the traffickers underscores the complexities of their motivations.
Lost Lives is a compelling read that sheds light on a pressing social issue through a well-crafted narrative. It’s a must-read for fans of realistic crime fiction that combines procedural accuracy with emotional resonance.  
Rating: 4.5/5
Cutts’ firsthand knowledge of police procedures lends credibility to the narrative, immersing readers in the intricacies of modern policing, from the camaraderie among officers to the challenges posed by limited resources. The dual perspectives of victim and investigator provide a comprehensive view of the crime’s impact, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on all involved.
The novel doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of human trafficking, portraying the victims’ plight with sensitivity and depth. Anna’s resilience and determination evoke empathy, while the portrayal of the traffickers underscores the complexities of their motivations.
Lost Lives is a compelling read that sheds light on a pressing social issue through a well-crafted narrative. It’s a must-read for fans of realistic crime fiction that combines procedural accuracy with emotional resonance.  
Rating: 4.5/5
December 7, 2018
Wow what a book, this is a compelling and brutish way to learn about the horrors of people trafficking . DI Harry Powell goes to the scene of a shooting and the victim is involved in people trafficking and he now wants to be put in protective custody and will give details about the people being exploited.
Anna and Lili are caught up in they have journeyed seperately but ended up in the same place Anna had come to England to be able to send money home to Anna's daughter and Lili was trying to join her boyfriend who had journeyed here before her. They were both forced to work for nothing and live in the most barbaric way and as they had been forced to hand over their passports they can see no way out.
I really enjoyed the book but it does have a brutal honesty about it and the situations are made all the worse because you could imagine them really happening.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my copy of the book.
Anna and Lili are caught up in they have journeyed seperately but ended up in the same place Anna had come to England to be able to send money home to Anna's daughter and Lili was trying to join her boyfriend who had journeyed here before her. They were both forced to work for nothing and live in the most barbaric way and as they had been forced to hand over their passports they can see no way out.
I really enjoyed the book but it does have a brutal honesty about it and the situations are made all the worse because you could imagine them really happening.
I would like to thank NetGalley for my copy of the book.
July 11, 2019
East Rise Series - Book 3
With the latest in the series Lost Lives – and the best, so far – we are brought a dark, heart wrenching story of human trafficking. Bringing to life what happens to those people who are seeking a new and better life by buying passage to the UK and how they are caught up in such appalling and abhorrent situations. Will Harry and the team be able to unravel what is happening? Will they keep John safe? Will they find Anna? Will it be too late? Will there be devastating consequences for Harry and the team?
Each book brings a new investigation, a new plot and greater insight into Harry and the team. Each is quite gritty, hard hitting and well written. These are books which have grown into a tremendous series and are well worth reading.
Thanks
Whilst I purchased the first two books in this series I was delighted to receive the third from Simon and Schuster via NetGalley. Many thanks for an eCopy of Lost Lives by Lisa Cutts.
With the latest in the series Lost Lives – and the best, so far – we are brought a dark, heart wrenching story of human trafficking. Bringing to life what happens to those people who are seeking a new and better life by buying passage to the UK and how they are caught up in such appalling and abhorrent situations. Will Harry and the team be able to unravel what is happening? Will they keep John safe? Will they find Anna? Will it be too late? Will there be devastating consequences for Harry and the team?
Each book brings a new investigation, a new plot and greater insight into Harry and the team. Each is quite gritty, hard hitting and well written. These are books which have grown into a tremendous series and are well worth reading.
Thanks
Whilst I purchased the first two books in this series I was delighted to receive the third from Simon and Schuster via NetGalley. Many thanks for an eCopy of Lost Lives by Lisa Cutts.
October 27, 2020
Hold onto your seat …… and quite possibly your stomach!
That pretty sums up this book!
It’s hard hitting, shocking, fast paced and had me cringing in at least half a dozen chapters.
This is my first read of a Lisa Cutts book and it certainly won’t be my last, that’s for sure!
The book is written as two stories that come together, Harry the officer in change of a shooting investigation and by Anna, a Hungarian woman going to what she believes is a better life…… if only she knew! Now although I enjoyed Harry’s parts of the story I was more eager to get to Anna, what this poor woman must have felt when her dream bubble was popped is beyond imaginable 😣 beating, hunger and blackmailed at ever turn. It’s a real eye opener into what people will do and endure for what they think will be a better life.
If you love your books fast paced, gripping and with the shock factor then this is one for you, maybe just don’t read it while you eat 🤢
That pretty sums up this book!
It’s hard hitting, shocking, fast paced and had me cringing in at least half a dozen chapters.
This is my first read of a Lisa Cutts book and it certainly won’t be my last, that’s for sure!
The book is written as two stories that come together, Harry the officer in change of a shooting investigation and by Anna, a Hungarian woman going to what she believes is a better life…… if only she knew! Now although I enjoyed Harry’s parts of the story I was more eager to get to Anna, what this poor woman must have felt when her dream bubble was popped is beyond imaginable 😣 beating, hunger and blackmailed at ever turn. It’s a real eye opener into what people will do and endure for what they think will be a better life.
If you love your books fast paced, gripping and with the shock factor then this is one for you, maybe just don’t read it while you eat 🤢
December 16, 2018
This book held me from the first page. We really don’t know what goes on in the places around us, we see only what we want to see. You can not believe that this sort of thing happens in this day and age in the modern world.
I actually read it in one day, and I love Harry and hazel. I’m sure these characters are familiar to me but I just can’t remember.
It is an excellent book which tugs in the heartstrings. Modern slavery with desperate people and heartless traffickers. I would certainly recommend it.
My thanks to the author and netgalley for the ARC.
I actually read it in one day, and I love Harry and hazel. I’m sure these characters are familiar to me but I just can’t remember.
It is an excellent book which tugs in the heartstrings. Modern slavery with desperate people and heartless traffickers. I would certainly recommend it.
My thanks to the author and netgalley for the ARC.
January 3, 2019
I think the fact that the author is actually a full-time detective constable currently working within the force shows through in the authenticity of how she tells this story. Although I’m sure this is entirely a work of fiction, for all intents and purposes this could be true crime. The author’s writing on this topic is gritty and real and I personally was gripped wanting to know what the outcome would be for these unfortunate women. If you like your police procedurals with honesty and no holding back then this book is for you.
March 5, 2019
Absolutely loved it.
WOW! What an utterly fantastic police procedural book, a real page turner & very well written. Brilliant characters, the main one Harry was fascinating but there were also great supporting that I would certainly like to get to know better. Really chilling plot, given that something like this is probably happening in every city in the country at the moment, which is an absolute travesty. I hope that there is more to come from this series.
WOW! What an utterly fantastic police procedural book, a real page turner & very well written. Brilliant characters, the main one Harry was fascinating but there were also great supporting that I would certainly like to get to know better. Really chilling plot, given that something like this is probably happening in every city in the country at the moment, which is an absolute travesty. I hope that there is more to come from this series.
June 14, 2019
Pretty good crime novel with a difference as the story revolves around trafficked people, promised a better life in the UK. Of course this does not happen and the way they are treated and the conditions they live in are appalling. It is quite a shocking, dark story and certainly not for the faint hearted. It is horrific to think that people are actually been treated like this in real life and It has given me ‘food for thought.’
November 15, 2018
Once again another cracking book from Lisa Cutts.
An exciting, chilling and somewhat traumatic police procedural featuring DI Harry Powell and his team, this book is not for the faint hearted, it’s gritty, gripping and skilfully written.
A very well deserved 5 stars.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
An exciting, chilling and somewhat traumatic police procedural featuring DI Harry Powell and his team, this book is not for the faint hearted, it’s gritty, gripping and skilfully written.
A very well deserved 5 stars.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
December 3, 2018
Oh my goodness.....this was certainly a gripping read by Lisa Cutts. The misery caused by human trafficking is truly harrowing and, at times, difficult to read. The book does have touches of humour and the characterisation is excellent. this is a well written crime thriller with a fantastic twist at the end. I can't wait for the next episode. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
December 29, 2018
Just finished. Wow what an eye opener. Some graphic descriptions of some quiet horrendous situations but still a throughly enjoyable book. Great pace and suspense makes you need to know what’s going to happen next.
Likeable characters with a likeable main detective.
Will definitely go and look for more from this author.
Likeable characters with a likeable main detective.
Will definitely go and look for more from this author.
January 22, 2019
Really got into this book from the start..it was a gruesome insight into the world of trafficking and was quite a eye opener. A gritty police procedural with characters you get drawn to and keep turning the page to see what happens next.
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