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DI Robyn Carter #5
The Chosen Ones
They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….
When a doting young father is murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield for his family to see, it’s a harrowing new case for Detective Robyn Carter. But just as Robyn starts to investigate, a popular local doctor and young mother is found dead outside her surgery.
As Robyn tries to find the link between the victims, she uncovers a dark web of secrets. Were these much-loved members of the community as innocent as they seemed?
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
If you love Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and Rachel Abbott, you’ll love the latest pulse-pounding thriller from Carol Wyer. The Chosen Ones will keep you guessing until the very last page.
What readers are saying about Carol Wyer:
‘Wow.....Double Wow..........What a book! ... this series is getting better and better. I am loving it ... just brilliant and looking forward to the next book... Well Done Carol Wyer for another 5 big fat star book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Spectacular, amazing and fantastic. I love this series and this didn't disappoint it was beautifully written, dark, emotional and full of twists I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book one of my favourites for 2017.’ Bonnies Book Talk, 5 stars
‘I read it in one sitting, desperate to know what was coming next ... a thrill a minute ...gripping ... I have no hesitation in recommending.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘Carol Wyer is absolutely amazing and quickly becoming one of my favourite crime authors. I've just finished the Silent Children and I now want more more more ... I'm gutted I read this too fast as I wanted to savour every word ... brilliant.’ Sincerely Book Angels, 5 stars
‘Brilliant! ... gripping ... emotional and topical ... Fabulous and very highly recommended. I cannot wait for her next.’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars
‘Thrilling ... I was on the edge of my seat ... didn't see the ending coming. I highly recommend this one!’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘You are left guessing and second guessing through this book, I thought my detective skills had kicked in once over, but oh how wrong was I ... thrilling.’ I Love Reading
When a doting young father is murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield for his family to see, it’s a harrowing new case for Detective Robyn Carter. But just as Robyn starts to investigate, a popular local doctor and young mother is found dead outside her surgery.
As Robyn tries to find the link between the victims, she uncovers a dark web of secrets. Were these much-loved members of the community as innocent as they seemed?
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
If you love Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and Rachel Abbott, you’ll love the latest pulse-pounding thriller from Carol Wyer. The Chosen Ones will keep you guessing until the very last page.
What readers are saying about Carol Wyer:
‘Wow.....Double Wow..........What a book! ... this series is getting better and better. I am loving it ... just brilliant and looking forward to the next book... Well Done Carol Wyer for another 5 big fat star book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Spectacular, amazing and fantastic. I love this series and this didn't disappoint it was beautifully written, dark, emotional and full of twists I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book one of my favourites for 2017.’ Bonnies Book Talk, 5 stars
‘I read it in one sitting, desperate to know what was coming next ... a thrill a minute ...gripping ... I have no hesitation in recommending.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘Carol Wyer is absolutely amazing and quickly becoming one of my favourite crime authors. I've just finished the Silent Children and I now want more more more ... I'm gutted I read this too fast as I wanted to savour every word ... brilliant.’ Sincerely Book Angels, 5 stars
‘Brilliant! ... gripping ... emotional and topical ... Fabulous and very highly recommended. I cannot wait for her next.’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars
‘Thrilling ... I was on the edge of my seat ... didn't see the ending coming. I highly recommend this one!’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘You are left guessing and second guessing through this book, I thought my detective skills had kicked in once over, but oh how wrong was I ... thrilling.’ I Love Reading
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2018
1117 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
May 27, 2018
4 Unforgettable Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟4>
Three murders... one involves a cornfield... one involves a screwdriver... and one involves a car... all are pretty brutal... is there a link? And if so what is the connection?
Robin Carter is a clever, relentless, and committed Detective... this was more than just a case to her and those working with her... I found this case so intriguing and compelling and I loved the approach to solving it... and I was truly surprised by who the guilty party was....
I would give this book all the stars but for one small problem.... I didn’t feel connected to Robin throughout most of the book, although I did more towards the ending... and what an ending... don’t tell anyone this🤫 this is the first book I’ve read in the series, so perhaps I would feel more of a connection had I started with book one, but that’s just between you and me😉
Strongly recommend to fans of the police procedural with a strong female detective...
*** many thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
Three murders... one involves a cornfield... one involves a screwdriver... and one involves a car... all are pretty brutal... is there a link? And if so what is the connection?
Robin Carter is a clever, relentless, and committed Detective... this was more than just a case to her and those working with her... I found this case so intriguing and compelling and I loved the approach to solving it... and I was truly surprised by who the guilty party was....
I would give this book all the stars but for one small problem.... I didn’t feel connected to Robin throughout most of the book, although I did more towards the ending... and what an ending... don’t tell anyone this🤫 this is the first book I’ve read in the series, so perhaps I would feel more of a connection had I started with book one, but that’s just between you and me😉
Strongly recommend to fans of the police procedural with a strong female detective...
*** many thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
May 22, 2018
In this fifth novel of the series, DI Robyn Carter finds herself investigating three murders. All different but something tells her they are related. First there was the young delivery driver, found posed as a scarecrow in the middle of a field, then a friend of his, killed in his garage by a sharp implement inserted through his ear, and then a local doctor knocked down and run over outside her clinic. What is it that links these murders and why would someone want these three people dead?
It's always a sign of a good thriller when it takes you most of the book to work out who the murderer is and then the rest of the book to work out why. The case moves slowly for DI Carter with the clues coming slowly at first so that the links between the murders are hard to see. Several possible leads involve a drug racket, a brawl between football teams and property development and there are several twists and turns until the real underlying motive becomes apparent. DI Robyn Carter is a likeable cop, observant, gritty and very focused on her job, but making sure her team get plenty of R&R. Her private life is almost non-existent as she is still not certain whether to believe that her fiance was killed in Afghanistan or has gone into hiding. The ending suggests that we may find out more in the next instalment (which would be good so that poor Robyn can move on with her life).
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of this book
It's always a sign of a good thriller when it takes you most of the book to work out who the murderer is and then the rest of the book to work out why. The case moves slowly for DI Carter with the clues coming slowly at first so that the links between the murders are hard to see. Several possible leads involve a drug racket, a brawl between football teams and property development and there are several twists and turns until the real underlying motive becomes apparent. DI Robyn Carter is a likeable cop, observant, gritty and very focused on her job, but making sure her team get plenty of R&R. Her private life is almost non-existent as she is still not certain whether to believe that her fiance was killed in Afghanistan or has gone into hiding. The ending suggests that we may find out more in the next instalment (which would be good so that poor Robyn can move on with her life).
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of this book
April 24, 2018
THE CHOSEN ONES is book 5 in the DI Robyn Carter series, by author Carol Wyer, a procedural crime thriller. I have read the first four books in this series and loved them, so now plan to read the remaining last book in the series. This book could be read easily as a standalone novel, but I would recommend that you take advantage and enjoy the whole series.
There are currently 5 books in the series that include:
1) Little Lost Girl
2) Secrets of the Dead
3) The Missing Girls
4) The Silent Children
5) The Chosen Ones
In “The Chosen Ones”, Detective Robyn Carter returns with her team to solve three vicious murders.
1) A young father found murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield discovered by crop farmers.
2) Jordan’s best friend is found dead in his own garage.
3) Local doctor and young mother found dead outside her surgery
They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….
A treacherous serial killer was out there, and Robyn had to find the link between the victims, amid a dark web of secrets.
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
At least in this novel, the subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who supposedly died two years ago, is mildly addressed again. Ross Cunningham, Robyn’s cousin and a private investigator has been helping her determine the validity of a photograph she received that hinted that her fiancé Davies had not been killed in an ambush over two years ago. But it is proving to be a difficult process going nowhere.
This is a thrilling murder mystery full of twists and turns that is sure to please.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
Expected publication: May 24th 2018
There are currently 5 books in the series that include:
1) Little Lost Girl
2) Secrets of the Dead
3) The Missing Girls
4) The Silent Children
5) The Chosen Ones
In “The Chosen Ones”, Detective Robyn Carter returns with her team to solve three vicious murders.
1) A young father found murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield discovered by crop farmers.
2) Jordan’s best friend is found dead in his own garage.
3) Local doctor and young mother found dead outside her surgery
They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….
A treacherous serial killer was out there, and Robyn had to find the link between the victims, amid a dark web of secrets.
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
At least in this novel, the subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who supposedly died two years ago, is mildly addressed again. Ross Cunningham, Robyn’s cousin and a private investigator has been helping her determine the validity of a photograph she received that hinted that her fiancé Davies had not been killed in an ambush over two years ago. But it is proving to be a difficult process going nowhere.
This is a thrilling murder mystery full of twists and turns that is sure to please.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
Expected publication: May 24th 2018
May 26, 2018
THE CHOSEN ONES is the fifth book in the Detective Robyn Carter series by Carol Wyer. I actually have the previous four books on my Kindle waiting to be read but, as always, there are too many great books and too little time. One thing that gets my goat on NetGalley is when a title that is number 2, 3, 4, etc in a series is not described as such. Luckily, Bookouture seem to one of the best at making this clear, so although I hadn't read number 1, 2, and 3 I still decided to grab it. I am glad I did, it's a fantastic ride and, as a consequence, I've moved the rest to closer to the top of my to be read pile.
The opening chapter had me excited about what the rest of the book had in store for me. It manages to get its claws into you and has you turning those pages swiftly. The only words I uttered from the beginning until the very end were ones that politely told the rest of my family to be quiet as I was so engrossed. I am assured by those I know who have had the pleasure of enjoying the previous books that they are all as deeply engaging, I genuinely found it impossible to put down! Robyn Carter is a likeable character who almost feels like a friend. Her tenacity, strong female traits, and the fact that she has to operate in a male dominated profession (although it is getting better than it once was) makes her a very inspiring lead. Wyer certainly knows how to hook you in with her excellent writing and an exciting story you can become invested in easily. I appreciate the unpredictability of the plot, the twists and turns are plentiful and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Bookouture are without doubt one of my favourite publishers, I am yet to find a title that is less than average from them. In my opinion, they are one of the most consistent publishers out there. I know that friends who also love crime fiction feel the same as I do, they are so reliable and I urge anyone into the genre who hasn't already, to give them a go - I'm pretty confident that you won't be disappointed.
An AMAZING foray into the world of DI Carter, make no mistake, I will be back for more!
I would like to thank Carol Wyer, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
The opening chapter had me excited about what the rest of the book had in store for me. It manages to get its claws into you and has you turning those pages swiftly. The only words I uttered from the beginning until the very end were ones that politely told the rest of my family to be quiet as I was so engrossed. I am assured by those I know who have had the pleasure of enjoying the previous books that they are all as deeply engaging, I genuinely found it impossible to put down! Robyn Carter is a likeable character who almost feels like a friend. Her tenacity, strong female traits, and the fact that she has to operate in a male dominated profession (although it is getting better than it once was) makes her a very inspiring lead. Wyer certainly knows how to hook you in with her excellent writing and an exciting story you can become invested in easily. I appreciate the unpredictability of the plot, the twists and turns are plentiful and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Bookouture are without doubt one of my favourite publishers, I am yet to find a title that is less than average from them. In my opinion, they are one of the most consistent publishers out there. I know that friends who also love crime fiction feel the same as I do, they are so reliable and I urge anyone into the genre who hasn't already, to give them a go - I'm pretty confident that you won't be disappointed.
An AMAZING foray into the world of DI Carter, make no mistake, I will be back for more!
I would like to thank Carol Wyer, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
May 5, 2018
Firstly, thank you to Bookouture, the author and of course Net Galley, so pleased to read another great author, and yes another great find, sits alongside an array of great detective authors including Robert Bryndza, Angela Marsons, Mel Sherratt , Patricia Gibney and Sharon Bolton.
They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….
When a doting young father is murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield for his family to see, it’s a harrowing new case for Detective Robyn Carter. But just as Robyn starts to investigate, a popular local doctor and young mother, is found dead outside her surgery.
As Robyn tries to find the link between the victims, she uncovers a dark web of secrets. Were these much-loved members of the community as innocent as they seemed?
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
A well paced, gripping, clever story filled with lots of suspects, and also a great team working with DI Robyn Carter, a very realistic character.
A great shock ending, with an added climax at the end which makes this series even more readable, and also tells me which I had read the first four beforehand !
Another series to catch up with, and another great new author to keep us with, thanks.
A clear four star.
They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….
When a doting young father is murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield for his family to see, it’s a harrowing new case for Detective Robyn Carter. But just as Robyn starts to investigate, a popular local doctor and young mother, is found dead outside her surgery.
As Robyn tries to find the link between the victims, she uncovers a dark web of secrets. Were these much-loved members of the community as innocent as they seemed?
The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?
A well paced, gripping, clever story filled with lots of suspects, and also a great team working with DI Robyn Carter, a very realistic character.
A great shock ending, with an added climax at the end which makes this series even more readable, and also tells me which I had read the first four beforehand !
Another series to catch up with, and another great new author to keep us with, thanks.
A clear four star.
May 24, 2018
From the very beginning, the Robyn Carter series captured my heart. From Robyn and her team, to the incredibly well thought-out cases and all the stuff in the background involving Davies, it had me hooked and I knew this series would be special. So whenever I’m offered the opportunity to read the next addition, I quite happily drop whatever it is I’m doing and tell the husband to take care of dinner himself because … well, priorities, people.
With every single book, I think this is the best one yet and that I couldn’t possibly love this series any more if I tried. And yet every time, Carol Wyer effortlessly proves me completely wrong. Not surprising then that I think The Chosen Ones is an absolute corker and the author has knocked it out of the park once again. Like way out of the park. At least two cities beyond it.
A young man is found murdered in a cornfield. Stuff of nightmares right there but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. You’re welcome. It seems the killer is somehow trying to convey a message but will the team figure out the clues? The case is hampered by a rich and hugely unlikeable businessman, who’s entirely unwilling to cooperate and making Robyn’s life a living hell. However, if you know her, then you also know she doesn’t give up without a fight and she’ll do whatever it takes to get to the truth.
Just when you’re settling into the investigation, trying to look for clues so you could maybe figure things out, Carol Wyer comes up with a devilish and heartbreaking chapter and just massively sucker-punches you right in the feels! Killers aren’t supposed to be people you feel sympathy for and yet. I enjoy moments like these. It makes them look human instead of just randomly psycho. That makes sense in my head and maybe it will to you as well once you get to reading this book. But at the same time, they’re insanely vicious, yet also highly creative. I almost sound as if I’m admiring them (I’m not, in case you wondered) but their murderous ways are quite something.
Of course, a Robyn Carter book isn’t complete without mention of Davies but my lips are sealed so tightly, I may never be able to open my mouth again. There is an event (vague, I know, so sorry!) that made me feel far more emotional than I thought it would. Like serious lump in throat sort of thing. I may never recover.
If you’re a fan of this series, I promise you, this book has everything and more than you could possibly ask for! It’s well plotted, gripping, utterly addictive, full of great characters and a total page-turner. In short, The Chosen Ones is an absolute corker and it will leave you begging for more! It gets all the stars from me and if you’re not reading these, you are seriously missing out! I continue to love this series fiercely and for as long as Carol Wyer keeps writing, I’ll be right there at the front of the line to keep reading.
With every single book, I think this is the best one yet and that I couldn’t possibly love this series any more if I tried. And yet every time, Carol Wyer effortlessly proves me completely wrong. Not surprising then that I think The Chosen Ones is an absolute corker and the author has knocked it out of the park once again. Like way out of the park. At least two cities beyond it.
A young man is found murdered in a cornfield. Stuff of nightmares right there but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. You’re welcome. It seems the killer is somehow trying to convey a message but will the team figure out the clues? The case is hampered by a rich and hugely unlikeable businessman, who’s entirely unwilling to cooperate and making Robyn’s life a living hell. However, if you know her, then you also know she doesn’t give up without a fight and she’ll do whatever it takes to get to the truth.
Just when you’re settling into the investigation, trying to look for clues so you could maybe figure things out, Carol Wyer comes up with a devilish and heartbreaking chapter and just massively sucker-punches you right in the feels! Killers aren’t supposed to be people you feel sympathy for and yet. I enjoy moments like these. It makes them look human instead of just randomly psycho. That makes sense in my head and maybe it will to you as well once you get to reading this book. But at the same time, they’re insanely vicious, yet also highly creative. I almost sound as if I’m admiring them (I’m not, in case you wondered) but their murderous ways are quite something.
Of course, a Robyn Carter book isn’t complete without mention of Davies but my lips are sealed so tightly, I may never be able to open my mouth again. There is an event (vague, I know, so sorry!) that made me feel far more emotional than I thought it would. Like serious lump in throat sort of thing. I may never recover.
If you’re a fan of this series, I promise you, this book has everything and more than you could possibly ask for! It’s well plotted, gripping, utterly addictive, full of great characters and a total page-turner. In short, The Chosen Ones is an absolute corker and it will leave you begging for more! It gets all the stars from me and if you’re not reading these, you are seriously missing out! I continue to love this series fiercely and for as long as Carol Wyer keeps writing, I’ll be right there at the front of the line to keep reading.
May 5, 2022
Right from the get-go I was absorbed in this story. The murder was gruesome, "just the way I like it." It took me about 2 hours to get to the 40% mark. Which is really a record for me. But nearly halfway through, I had been reminded 2 or 3 times that this wasn't a t.v. show, and lab tests don't take an hour or less to come through. This is not C.S.I......obviously. Really? Gosh, I was so confused.... Dear Ms. Wyer, most readers aren't imbeciles who need to be spoon fed. We know these facts already. If you wish to say something that we, as readers already know, then fine. But to repeat it again, just in case we idiot readers didn't get it through out thick skulls the first time is downright insulting. I don't read author's who talk down to their audience, and I won't be reading anything more from you. My thanks to Bookoutre, and Netgalley for letting me read this for the price of a review.
August 31, 2018
What would you do for the ones you love? This book explores that. Sometimes you have no idea how far you would go.
I would say this series keeps getting better but since I've begun reading 3 books ago, I've given each one 5 stars. That's how great these books are. I love Robyn and her team of investigators. They are skilled and characters that are well fleshed out. In each one, we get to know more about Robyn. Which dangles little snippets of her personal life that keep you wanting to know more. As for the investigation, they are also exemplary. Right away we witness the murder of a young man that is gruesome. Robyn has her hands full when another murder is committed within a day of the first. With no idea as to why or who is doing this, the team is kept busy until the very last chapter. These are well thought out and you'll be kept on the edge of your seat trying to figure it out. Carol Wyer is great at keeping you guessing. Love these books so I hope she keeps writing them!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for honest review.
I would say this series keeps getting better but since I've begun reading 3 books ago, I've given each one 5 stars. That's how great these books are. I love Robyn and her team of investigators. They are skilled and characters that are well fleshed out. In each one, we get to know more about Robyn. Which dangles little snippets of her personal life that keep you wanting to know more. As for the investigation, they are also exemplary. Right away we witness the murder of a young man that is gruesome. Robyn has her hands full when another murder is committed within a day of the first. With no idea as to why or who is doing this, the team is kept busy until the very last chapter. These are well thought out and you'll be kept on the edge of your seat trying to figure it out. Carol Wyer is great at keeping you guessing. Love these books so I hope she keeps writing them!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for honest review.
August 21, 2024
*Disturbing*
**3.5 Stars**
This is the last instalment of the DI Robyn Carter series, this starts off with a gruesome murder, not for the faint hearted. The murders are staged with a religious theme running through them and Robyn and her team are struggling to get a breakthrough.
This is a frustrating case as the culprit is a hiding in plain sight. They have an uncanny knack of being an accomplished liar.
How will Robyn and her team ever fit the pieces of this puzzle. The culprit runs rings around them all as they perform one gruesome murder after another.
The ending was a disappointment for me as it felt unfinished regarding a personal matter for Robyn.
There is a short story at the end of the book called ‘Endgame’ which answers my questions somewhat but I wanted more.
**3.5 Stars**
This is the last instalment of the DI Robyn Carter series, this starts off with a gruesome murder, not for the faint hearted. The murders are staged with a religious theme running through them and Robyn and her team are struggling to get a breakthrough.
This is a frustrating case as the culprit is a hiding in plain sight. They have an uncanny knack of being an accomplished liar.
How will Robyn and her team ever fit the pieces of this puzzle. The culprit runs rings around them all as they perform one gruesome murder after another.
The ending was a disappointment for me as it felt unfinished regarding a personal matter for Robyn.
There is a short story at the end of the book called ‘Endgame’ which answers my questions somewhat but I wanted more.
April 17, 2018
So after loving this series up until book four, The Silent Children, I ended my review of that book doubtful of whether I would continue with the series. Well, what can I say, I am a sucker for a crime fiction series and couldn’t resist the lure of The Chosen Ones. I am mostly glad that I decided to read it.
The Chosen Ones is a timely read because it deals with a story that is similar to others that have been in the press recently. Highly topical, sensitive and emotional cases. I won’t allude to what they are because it would ruin the story, but it’s an extremely thought-provoking book that highlights what love can drive a person to do and also makes you think about what you would do in a similar situation. I must award marks to Carol Wyer for keeping me guessing throughout. I had no idea how things would conclude as I read and was impressed with the revelations that came out as everything started to unravel and the case came to a close. The story was really well-crafted.
I have loved Robyn as a character, or I did up until book four, but felt that the series had already started to become a bit stale. Not only that but I felt that there were too many similarities with other crime series and Carol wasn’t doing a good enough job making this series unique. Unfortunately, the same can be said of this book. We have a bolshy female detective who goes against her superiors, she is in a will she won’t she situation with one of her colleagues and she spends the book fending off the local news hungry journalist. It’s all a little bit cliched at times and I could have been reading a story from any number of crime writers. Unfortunately one character who does stand out, her PI cousin Ross, is absent for the majority of the story. What I will say is that I really liked the journalist in this story, but again I felt like I was walking down a path I’ve been down in countless other crime novels.
Also for those who are up to date with this series (or who read my rather scathing review of The Silent Children), the mystery of whether or not Robyn’s husband Davies is alive or not continues here. And once again we are left on another cliffhanger waiting to see just whether he is alive or not. Again it was a little frustrating. Peter James dragged the Sandy saga out for a decade, how long is Carol Wyer going to do it here? Either let Robyn move on with her life or show us where Davies is. I’ve got visions of reading the next five books and seeing Robyn finally getting together with Shearer, walking down the aisle to marry him only for Davies to finally burst in and go sorry to keep everyone waiting for ten books but yes I’m alive. Hopefully book six puts this ‘mystery’ to bed once and for all.
The Chosen Ones is a timely read because it deals with a story that is similar to others that have been in the press recently. Highly topical, sensitive and emotional cases. I won’t allude to what they are because it would ruin the story, but it’s an extremely thought-provoking book that highlights what love can drive a person to do and also makes you think about what you would do in a similar situation. I must award marks to Carol Wyer for keeping me guessing throughout. I had no idea how things would conclude as I read and was impressed with the revelations that came out as everything started to unravel and the case came to a close. The story was really well-crafted.
I have loved Robyn as a character, or I did up until book four, but felt that the series had already started to become a bit stale. Not only that but I felt that there were too many similarities with other crime series and Carol wasn’t doing a good enough job making this series unique. Unfortunately, the same can be said of this book. We have a bolshy female detective who goes against her superiors, she is in a will she won’t she situation with one of her colleagues and she spends the book fending off the local news hungry journalist. It’s all a little bit cliched at times and I could have been reading a story from any number of crime writers. Unfortunately one character who does stand out, her PI cousin Ross, is absent for the majority of the story. What I will say is that I really liked the journalist in this story, but again I felt like I was walking down a path I’ve been down in countless other crime novels.
Also for those who are up to date with this series (or who read my rather scathing review of The Silent Children), the mystery of whether or not Robyn’s husband Davies is alive or not continues here. And once again we are left on another cliffhanger waiting to see just whether he is alive or not. Again it was a little frustrating. Peter James dragged the Sandy saga out for a decade, how long is Carol Wyer going to do it here? Either let Robyn move on with her life or show us where Davies is. I’ve got visions of reading the next five books and seeing Robyn finally getting together with Shearer, walking down the aisle to marry him only for Davies to finally burst in and go sorry to keep everyone waiting for ten books but yes I’m alive. Hopefully book six puts this ‘mystery’ to bed once and for all.
June 4, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A lot better than book 4 but missing that certain magic of the first 3.
Here we have have Robyn trying to solve 3 murders, seemingly unrelated but with imagery of biblical references for the way the bodies have been laid out, Robyn is convinced there is a serial killer at work.
So, after the disappointment of book 4, we do have an improvement here. The story is solid enough. Plenty of red herrings and you are kept guessing for a large portion of the book as to who the killer is and their motive.
The elephant in the room from the last book, Robyn’s missing presumed dead husband is given more air time here but more annoyingly you are strung along for another novel with little progress. I can see this story arc being spun through a few more of these books without any real resolve when it already feels like it has outstayed it’s welcome.
Also one of the stronger characters in the series, Robyn’s cousin Ross, the private investigator is given little time in this outing and the book is poorer for it. They have always had a really good dynamic and he was always an interesting character to spend time with. A shame he was sidelined so far into the series.
Robyn herself here as well is a little more two dimensional and isn’t really developed any further. She’s just a vehicle for solving the crimes here. It’s in a crowded “female lead detective” market, she is losing her individual identity a bit for me and getting left behind a bit by much more memorable and well written characters.
A fair but if criticism from me but it is a very solid read. Slightly too long for what it is, it still held my attention and I enjoyed it overall. I do worry a little bit though where this series may go and if it’s running out of steam a little bit.
I marked it as 4 stars even though I think it just barely makes that score. It’s certainly better than a 3 star read from me(yes 3.5 stars the ideal mark for it) so I’ve no problem rounding it up to 4.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here we have have Robyn trying to solve 3 murders, seemingly unrelated but with imagery of biblical references for the way the bodies have been laid out, Robyn is convinced there is a serial killer at work.
So, after the disappointment of book 4, we do have an improvement here. The story is solid enough. Plenty of red herrings and you are kept guessing for a large portion of the book as to who the killer is and their motive.
The elephant in the room from the last book, Robyn’s missing presumed dead husband is given more air time here but more annoyingly you are strung along for another novel with little progress. I can see this story arc being spun through a few more of these books without any real resolve when it already feels like it has outstayed it’s welcome.
Also one of the stronger characters in the series, Robyn’s cousin Ross, the private investigator is given little time in this outing and the book is poorer for it. They have always had a really good dynamic and he was always an interesting character to spend time with. A shame he was sidelined so far into the series.
Robyn herself here as well is a little more two dimensional and isn’t really developed any further. She’s just a vehicle for solving the crimes here. It’s in a crowded “female lead detective” market, she is losing her individual identity a bit for me and getting left behind a bit by much more memorable and well written characters.
A fair but if criticism from me but it is a very solid read. Slightly too long for what it is, it still held my attention and I enjoyed it overall. I do worry a little bit though where this series may go and if it’s running out of steam a little bit.
I marked it as 4 stars even though I think it just barely makes that score. It’s certainly better than a 3 star read from me(yes 3.5 stars the ideal mark for it) so I’ve no problem rounding it up to 4.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review No on Blog)
This series steadily gets better with each book as the writing gets stronger. I do wish there was more of Ross in the book, helping to solve the case. I enjoyed the story and the suspense in this book was more towards how this would get wrapped up and will we find out more about Robyn's husband. I am looking forward to more books in this series and there is a new series coming out, which I am excited about. This is a great British mystery!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
(Review No on Blog)
This series steadily gets better with each book as the writing gets stronger. I do wish there was more of Ross in the book, helping to solve the case. I enjoyed the story and the suspense in this book was more towards how this would get wrapped up and will we find out more about Robyn's husband. I am looking forward to more books in this series and there is a new series coming out, which I am excited about. This is a great British mystery!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
May 20, 2018
The Chosen Ones by Carol Wyer is book 5 in the DI Robyn Carter series. After the way book 4 ended I could not wait to get stuck into this one and find out what happened next.
Robyn Carter is one of my favourite female detectives at the moment. She is strong, respected and well liked by her team. Underneath it all she has her own demons and finally in this book she starts to feel like she can move on with her life. Although, just like the rest of the series Carol Wyer leaves us on yet another cliffhanger. Seriously, I need book 6 now!!
This books sees Robyn and the team called to the scene of a gruesome murder, a body of a local man is found hanging like a scarecrow in a corn field. As they set about working this case more locals are murdered and they begin to find links between the victims. Seemingly average people are hiding dark secrets and Robyn needs to start to find the killer before they strike again.
I loved this book, could not get enough of it and was sad when it was finished. Easily 5 stars from me. Thanks again to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest views.
Robyn Carter is one of my favourite female detectives at the moment. She is strong, respected and well liked by her team. Underneath it all she has her own demons and finally in this book she starts to feel like she can move on with her life. Although, just like the rest of the series Carol Wyer leaves us on yet another cliffhanger. Seriously, I need book 6 now!!
This books sees Robyn and the team called to the scene of a gruesome murder, a body of a local man is found hanging like a scarecrow in a corn field. As they set about working this case more locals are murdered and they begin to find links between the victims. Seemingly average people are hiding dark secrets and Robyn needs to start to find the killer before they strike again.
I loved this book, could not get enough of it and was sad when it was finished. Easily 5 stars from me. Thanks again to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest views.
June 9, 2018
I am really enjoying this series by Carol Wyer and have read every book so far. This one is just as good as all the rest of them!
Robyn Carter has to solve some very gruesome murders. There is a message in the way the bodies are positioned but it takes the collective brains of all her team and just plain, good, detective work to figure out what is going on. I really like this character - Robyn is a dedicated police officer but she is also a real person and the author doesn't hesitate to let us know this too. She is smart enough to take full advantage of her teams skills when it comes to various aspects of her cases and I like this about her. After five books, I feel like I know Robyn Carter personally.
I am already looking forward to the next one :)
I am giving this one 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Robyn Carter has to solve some very gruesome murders. There is a message in the way the bodies are positioned but it takes the collective brains of all her team and just plain, good, detective work to figure out what is going on. I really like this character - Robyn is a dedicated police officer but she is also a real person and the author doesn't hesitate to let us know this too. She is smart enough to take full advantage of her teams skills when it comes to various aspects of her cases and I like this about her. After five books, I feel like I know Robyn Carter personally.
I am already looking forward to the next one :)
I am giving this one 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 24, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I genuinly love every single novel in this series. Each one is a true book-sized treasure trove because it never fails to surprise you when you see where the story takes you. You know where it starts but boy you can never predict where it’ll end. So yes, I stayed up far past my bedtime to know how this one was going to be resolved.
The Chosen Ones was a tad more hard-hitting than the previous one and that makes my reader’s heart beat just a little faster. The crimes committed seemed just a little more graphic and violent than usual and I quite liked the darker tone. I also loved reading the snippets set in the past even if they were cruel and disturbing. I was frantically searching my mind who the little boy who had to endure such unfair punishment from his pious mother could be in the present but I failed to figure out who was so mistreated as a child. I can’t pinpoint the moment exactly when I finally caught on but somewhere over halfway I had a pretty good idea. I still didn’t understand why though. The author can brilliantly steer you in the right direction but still take its time to let all the puzzle pieces fall into place and it wasn’t any differently here.
The plotline went this way and that and the unwillingness of the first victim’s father to disclose his whereabouts at the time of death of his son certainly raised my suspicions but I also knew that it wouldn’t just be as simple and straightforward as that. Carol Wyer never makes it easy and it’s always deeper and more complex so I was anticipating an extraordinary resolve and I wasn’t disappointed at all, she delivered another brilliant whoddunit.
Even with the killer’s revelations, I have to admit the biggest shock for me in this novel came from an entirely other direction. How the, why the… ? I literally gasped and luckily nobody was around to see my state of distress. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes about what was happening and what she’d written but it was seriously jaw-dropping. It’s very daring what she did and I love the author for that, what a bold move! It made me suddenly love someone I grew to hate :-).
The Chosen Ones can be read as a standalone, but there’s a subplot running from book 1 all through the rest of the series, which is addressed in this novel again right at the end, giving another big jolt of excitement. The author just gave us a finger though and I’m ready to grab her whole hand now. I hope she’ll reveal more in the next novel because the details about what happened with her husband Davies and how she’ll carry on now are really killing me!
I was hooked from the first novel in the series, Little Girl Lost, but The Chosen Ones is definitely standing out in the whole series because it made me FEEL. It’s wonderfully mistifying. Overall it’s a cracking crime novel that I can highly recommend.
I genuinly love every single novel in this series. Each one is a true book-sized treasure trove because it never fails to surprise you when you see where the story takes you. You know where it starts but boy you can never predict where it’ll end. So yes, I stayed up far past my bedtime to know how this one was going to be resolved.
The Chosen Ones was a tad more hard-hitting than the previous one and that makes my reader’s heart beat just a little faster. The crimes committed seemed just a little more graphic and violent than usual and I quite liked the darker tone. I also loved reading the snippets set in the past even if they were cruel and disturbing. I was frantically searching my mind who the little boy who had to endure such unfair punishment from his pious mother could be in the present but I failed to figure out who was so mistreated as a child. I can’t pinpoint the moment exactly when I finally caught on but somewhere over halfway I had a pretty good idea. I still didn’t understand why though. The author can brilliantly steer you in the right direction but still take its time to let all the puzzle pieces fall into place and it wasn’t any differently here.
The plotline went this way and that and the unwillingness of the first victim’s father to disclose his whereabouts at the time of death of his son certainly raised my suspicions but I also knew that it wouldn’t just be as simple and straightforward as that. Carol Wyer never makes it easy and it’s always deeper and more complex so I was anticipating an extraordinary resolve and I wasn’t disappointed at all, she delivered another brilliant whoddunit.
Even with the killer’s revelations, I have to admit the biggest shock for me in this novel came from an entirely other direction. How the, why the… ? I literally gasped and luckily nobody was around to see my state of distress. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes about what was happening and what she’d written but it was seriously jaw-dropping. It’s very daring what she did and I love the author for that, what a bold move! It made me suddenly love someone I grew to hate :-).
The Chosen Ones can be read as a standalone, but there’s a subplot running from book 1 all through the rest of the series, which is addressed in this novel again right at the end, giving another big jolt of excitement. The author just gave us a finger though and I’m ready to grab her whole hand now. I hope she’ll reveal more in the next novel because the details about what happened with her husband Davies and how she’ll carry on now are really killing me!
I was hooked from the first novel in the series, Little Girl Lost, but The Chosen Ones is definitely standing out in the whole series because it made me FEEL. It’s wonderfully mistifying. Overall it’s a cracking crime novel that I can highly recommend.
May 25, 2018
The Chosen Ones by Carol Wyer and is the 5th novel in the Detective Robin Carter series.
The story starts when the body of Jordan Kilby, trussed up on a scarecrow pole, with crows pecking at him is found in a corn field. Jordan is the son of wealthy business man Nathaniel Jones Kilby who is responsible of several redevelopment projects, including the field that Jordan had died in.
DI Robyn Carter leads the investigation and discovers that Jordan wasn’t well liked by his work colleagues and football team mates. Not only because of his father but they thought he was quite weird due to him be into Marvel comics and figurines, he was always under the thumb by his girlfriend Rebecca but, he was also mad about cycling. They thought his death was due to rivalry but, when they find his friend Owen dead as well, DI Robyn Carter knows that she has a serial killer on her hands.
I have read and enjoyed all books in this series and this was another thought provoking, gripping fast paced thriller, with lots of red herrings to keep you guessing throughout. But I didn’t think it was intense as the others and I kind of guessed who-dunnit before we found out who it was. The cliff hanger was a bit samey. So because of this I give it 4 stars.
Thank you Bookoutre and Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
The story starts when the body of Jordan Kilby, trussed up on a scarecrow pole, with crows pecking at him is found in a corn field. Jordan is the son of wealthy business man Nathaniel Jones Kilby who is responsible of several redevelopment projects, including the field that Jordan had died in.
DI Robyn Carter leads the investigation and discovers that Jordan wasn’t well liked by his work colleagues and football team mates. Not only because of his father but they thought he was quite weird due to him be into Marvel comics and figurines, he was always under the thumb by his girlfriend Rebecca but, he was also mad about cycling. They thought his death was due to rivalry but, when they find his friend Owen dead as well, DI Robyn Carter knows that she has a serial killer on her hands.
I have read and enjoyed all books in this series and this was another thought provoking, gripping fast paced thriller, with lots of red herrings to keep you guessing throughout. But I didn’t think it was intense as the others and I kind of guessed who-dunnit before we found out who it was. The cliff hanger was a bit samey. So because of this I give it 4 stars.
Thank you Bookoutre and Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
July 2, 2020
I love Carol Wyer’s dark side!
A very clever story, very intriguing, and very well put together. Lots of ‘verys’ there but all necessary!
There are some really gruesome murder scenes, which I visualised all too realistically! And the crows, I have a bird phobia and they really creeped me out. There was story from the past running alongside the main plot. I really tried to work out who the people were and how they fitted into the main story but I didn’t succeed!
Robyn’s team are great. They are a nice bunch who I feel like I’ve got to know well over the series. There was a race against time as the body count rose. What was the connection? Robyn’s boss was ready to throw her off the case if she didn’t come up with a suspect quickly.
Amy Walters, a local investigative journalist, has had numerous run-ins with Robyn before and is sticking her nose in again. She’s writing a book about serial killers and is after all the info she can get. She does some digging herself, and had written a piece on the first victim, Jordan Kilby, in the past. She’s also written about Jordan’s property developer father, Nathaniel Jones-Kilby.
I liked the setting in Staffordshire and felt like I knew the area as it was all so well described.
Robyn’s cousin Ross had only a bit-part this time, and I really like him! He is a private investigator, and an ex-copper. She calls on him to help her out sometimes on the side.
The cliffhanger from the end of book three is still ongoing and not resolved. I didn’t mind to be honest, as the storyline in this book had me so engrossed. I do hope we find out before the end of the series. I can’t believe this is book five already, it’s gone so fast.
Well-paced and great writing. A pleasure to read. I look forward to the next one!
Thanks to Carol Wyer and Bookouture for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
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A very clever story, very intriguing, and very well put together. Lots of ‘verys’ there but all necessary!
There are some really gruesome murder scenes, which I visualised all too realistically! And the crows, I have a bird phobia and they really creeped me out. There was story from the past running alongside the main plot. I really tried to work out who the people were and how they fitted into the main story but I didn’t succeed!
Robyn’s team are great. They are a nice bunch who I feel like I’ve got to know well over the series. There was a race against time as the body count rose. What was the connection? Robyn’s boss was ready to throw her off the case if she didn’t come up with a suspect quickly.
Amy Walters, a local investigative journalist, has had numerous run-ins with Robyn before and is sticking her nose in again. She’s writing a book about serial killers and is after all the info she can get. She does some digging herself, and had written a piece on the first victim, Jordan Kilby, in the past. She’s also written about Jordan’s property developer father, Nathaniel Jones-Kilby.
I liked the setting in Staffordshire and felt like I knew the area as it was all so well described.
Robyn’s cousin Ross had only a bit-part this time, and I really like him! He is a private investigator, and an ex-copper. She calls on him to help her out sometimes on the side.
The cliffhanger from the end of book three is still ongoing and not resolved. I didn’t mind to be honest, as the storyline in this book had me so engrossed. I do hope we find out before the end of the series. I can’t believe this is book five already, it’s gone so fast.
Well-paced and great writing. A pleasure to read. I look forward to the next one!
Thanks to Carol Wyer and Bookouture for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
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May 31, 2018
I think the whole world probably knows by now I have a mega girly crush on DI Robyn Carter, in my eyes she can do no wrong. As soon as I have finished one book I’m counting down the days until the next in the series is available. One huge benefit of being a blogger is the benefit of getting the books early so we can review. So while all the books in this series are special The Chosen Ones‘ will forever hold a special place in my heart because it is dedicated to me! What bigger thrill could there be .. settling down to open the book and begin reading and spot the hallowed dedication spot is to me! Of course this in no way altered my opinion of the story.
If you have read the Robyn Carter series you will know what to expect, but with The Chosen Ones you can triple that expectation and still not reach the giddy heights of suspense. Put on your big girl panties and hold on tight for the ride of your life! I can not express how much I enjoyed The Chosen Ones, in most thriller books there is an element of disgust when something I dislike occurs, no spoilers but if you have a phobia about birds, in particular big, dark scary ones you might want to peep through your fingers when you read those parts.
As per previous books there are a few murders and Robyn is up against the clock to uncover if they are related while hunting down the killer, plenty of characters to get your teeth into while attempting to solve the mystery yourself. I always pride myself that I can fathom out what is going on but it’s still a thrill if I have picked the culprit.
Carol is the queen of dark twisty tales that make you want to keep the light on at night. For those who have read the entire series if you are anything like me you will be itching to find out if Davies makes a comeback, while holding my breath I realised I had come to the end of the book and once again Carol has provided a smashing climactic finish that I wasn’t expecting.
I always feel a remendous sadness when I have finished one of these books and it takes a while to be able to settle my mind onto something else.
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
5 big shiny stars from me 🙂
If you have read the Robyn Carter series you will know what to expect, but with The Chosen Ones you can triple that expectation and still not reach the giddy heights of suspense. Put on your big girl panties and hold on tight for the ride of your life! I can not express how much I enjoyed The Chosen Ones, in most thriller books there is an element of disgust when something I dislike occurs, no spoilers but if you have a phobia about birds, in particular big, dark scary ones you might want to peep through your fingers when you read those parts.
As per previous books there are a few murders and Robyn is up against the clock to uncover if they are related while hunting down the killer, plenty of characters to get your teeth into while attempting to solve the mystery yourself. I always pride myself that I can fathom out what is going on but it’s still a thrill if I have picked the culprit.
Carol is the queen of dark twisty tales that make you want to keep the light on at night. For those who have read the entire series if you are anything like me you will be itching to find out if Davies makes a comeback, while holding my breath I realised I had come to the end of the book and once again Carol has provided a smashing climactic finish that I wasn’t expecting.
I always feel a remendous sadness when I have finished one of these books and it takes a while to be able to settle my mind onto something else.
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
5 big shiny stars from me 🙂
July 11, 2018
The Chosen Ones is the 5th book in the DI Robyn Carter series. I just finished The Silent Children so I was eager to continue the series. I have to say I was a little disappointed with this one. I liked it well enough but it was a bit slow for me and the plot was just ok. And enough with the whole Davies tease. Either tell us whether he is dead or alive and lets move on.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of Carol Wyer's "The Chosen Ones" in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of Carol Wyer's "The Chosen Ones" in exchange of an honest review.
July 7, 2020
We are five months after the Silent Children and Robyn has the unfortunate “pleasure” for the want of a better word, of having to deal with the most gruesome death I have had the pleasure of reading. It does not make for comfortable reading, shocking, shocking I tell you! But do the shocks end there? Nope, so don’t get comfortable!
They are all just grim, there are two scenes and my eyes were sweating. One of the final scenes in the book, my god I have not read anything so horrifying and heartbreaking at the same time.
Robyn is facing difficulties in this case, what is it with people with money! They think they can ignore the police and act outside the realms of the norm, the rudeness of some people! It really riled me – grr!! This is not an easy case for the team, not only with people being disruptive, but people interfering and we have no idea how everything fits together, this jigsaw is missing a piece.
Robyn is just a powerhouse of a woman, how she juggles everything and does not break down, not only with the case but Davies and Ross. I do love the softer side and how she checks in on her cat Schrödinger, reminds me of my little Jet. I now want a nanny cam to watch her when I am not here although I can imagine what she does!
About 70% of the way through I kind of guessed who the said killer was but I could not fathom for the life of me the reasoning! Definitely twinged with a lot of sadness, but it really does not, however, excuse what they did and when you realise why the book is called The Chosen One well it does make you simmer a little bit with anger. It was an interesting thread to how everyone was linked but the reasoning behind everything has such a sting in the tail. It’s hard to explain without giving anything away but jeez!!
But there is something more going on apart from the case in Robyn’s life and I swear to god if there is not a 6th book in my life, there will be a riot! It CAN NOT BE LEFT LIKE THIS!!!! The ending is not a final ending, there is no way that this can finish like this, there has to be more, can I demand more?! OMG!!! Not over it!
BUT if this is the end of the series, well it has ended on a bang! Another book which has been epic, another book where Carol has shocked me.
Each book has just got better and better and I do think this might just be the best and darkest book yet. Carol really has such an imagination and a dark twisty mind. I really do not know where she gets her stories from, they are just immense and have blown my small brain! The stories are ones where I could not solve them. They are nail-biting, intense, they will turn you on your head and the rug will be pulled out from under you. I have loved every second of the Robyn train and I am sad to see it end, my eyes are sweating, promise they are not tears!
They are all just grim, there are two scenes and my eyes were sweating. One of the final scenes in the book, my god I have not read anything so horrifying and heartbreaking at the same time.
Robyn is facing difficulties in this case, what is it with people with money! They think they can ignore the police and act outside the realms of the norm, the rudeness of some people! It really riled me – grr!! This is not an easy case for the team, not only with people being disruptive, but people interfering and we have no idea how everything fits together, this jigsaw is missing a piece.
Robyn is just a powerhouse of a woman, how she juggles everything and does not break down, not only with the case but Davies and Ross. I do love the softer side and how she checks in on her cat Schrödinger, reminds me of my little Jet. I now want a nanny cam to watch her when I am not here although I can imagine what she does!
About 70% of the way through I kind of guessed who the said killer was but I could not fathom for the life of me the reasoning! Definitely twinged with a lot of sadness, but it really does not, however, excuse what they did and when you realise why the book is called The Chosen One well it does make you simmer a little bit with anger. It was an interesting thread to how everyone was linked but the reasoning behind everything has such a sting in the tail. It’s hard to explain without giving anything away but jeez!!
But there is something more going on apart from the case in Robyn’s life and I swear to god if there is not a 6th book in my life, there will be a riot! It CAN NOT BE LEFT LIKE THIS!!!! The ending is not a final ending, there is no way that this can finish like this, there has to be more, can I demand more?! OMG!!! Not over it!
BUT if this is the end of the series, well it has ended on a bang! Another book which has been epic, another book where Carol has shocked me.
Each book has just got better and better and I do think this might just be the best and darkest book yet. Carol really has such an imagination and a dark twisty mind. I really do not know where she gets her stories from, they are just immense and have blown my small brain! The stories are ones where I could not solve them. They are nail-biting, intense, they will turn you on your head and the rug will be pulled out from under you. I have loved every second of the Robyn train and I am sad to see it end, my eyes are sweating, promise they are not tears!
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May 26, 2018I'm a little miffed because the synopsis on the book information page is so misleading and I've found this to be a disturbing trend. I often wonder if the person who writes the descriptions has any true knowledge what the book is about.
This is the 5th in series that features DI Robyn Carter and her team out of Stafford. The investigation involves the murders of 3 different people connected to the nearby town of Coltron. Jordan Kilby, age 23, is found strung up like a scarecrow in a local farmer's field. Owen Falcon is a football buddy of Jordan's and he's found dead in his garage, the victim of a gruesome murder. The final death is Dr. Lucy Harding, a GP just starting out at the local clinic. How are these 3 linked? Who is killing them in such particularly savage ways and why? The investigation sort of plods along as Robyn, Mitz, Anna and David try to figure out if there is a message in the murders. There are many additional characters to keep track of and plenty of red herrings but most readers will figure out the "who" quickly but the "why" takes a bit longer for the reveal.
I liked this well enough but it was sort of slow. There was a narrative written in italics that hinted at the genesis of the motives for the killings, or at least an attempt to explain the psychopathology involved in the making of the murderer. This was not particularly suspenseful and not a thriller per se, mostly a standard police procedural. Again, Robyn's personal life is tangentially addressed with no resolution there either -- and this has gone on for several of the books in series. It's getting old. I just wonder why female detectives can't have normal, healthy, and dare I say it -- somewhat happy -- lives and families?
Will I read a #6? Probably, because now I'm a little invested in these people so I hope that none of the characters go the way of other stories in this genre and get killed off willy nilly. Anyway, in this outing, and this is not a spoiler, Robyn and her team catch the killer and tie up the loose ends as expected.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the 5th in series that features DI Robyn Carter and her team out of Stafford. The investigation involves the murders of 3 different people connected to the nearby town of Coltron. Jordan Kilby, age 23, is found strung up like a scarecrow in a local farmer's field. Owen Falcon is a football buddy of Jordan's and he's found dead in his garage, the victim of a gruesome murder. The final death is Dr. Lucy Harding, a GP just starting out at the local clinic. How are these 3 linked? Who is killing them in such particularly savage ways and why? The investigation sort of plods along as Robyn, Mitz, Anna and David try to figure out if there is a message in the murders. There are many additional characters to keep track of and plenty of red herrings but most readers will figure out the "who" quickly but the "why" takes a bit longer for the reveal.
I liked this well enough but it was sort of slow. There was a narrative written in italics that hinted at the genesis of the motives for the killings, or at least an attempt to explain the psychopathology involved in the making of the murderer. This was not particularly suspenseful and not a thriller per se, mostly a standard police procedural. Again, Robyn's personal life is tangentially addressed with no resolution there either -- and this has gone on for several of the books in series. It's getting old. I just wonder why female detectives can't have normal, healthy, and dare I say it -- somewhat happy -- lives and families?
Will I read a #6? Probably, because now I'm a little invested in these people so I hope that none of the characters go the way of other stories in this genre and get killed off willy nilly. Anyway, in this outing, and this is not a spoiler, Robyn and her team catch the killer and tie up the loose ends as expected.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review.
May 25, 2018
I love the Robyn Carter series- each one just seems to get better. She gets great results from her team - investigating some horrific crimes. They have to investigate a spate of murders and find out how they are connected. Her local journalist makes things difficult when she wants to steer their questioning and in turn risks causing big problems for the team.
I love the characters and the mystery in the books. They are real page turners - as you try to guess who is responsible for the gruesome crimes.
I've read that there is a new series coming up soon- which is so exciting. I hope we still return to Robyn in the future.
I love the characters and the mystery in the books. They are real page turners - as you try to guess who is responsible for the gruesome crimes.
I've read that there is a new series coming up soon- which is so exciting. I hope we still return to Robyn in the future.
April 15, 2018
oh my dayzz
I enjoyed that.
bloody brilliant.
full review to follow.
I enjoyed that.
bloody brilliant.
full review to follow.
May 9, 2018
Review coming soon.
April 18, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Chosen Ones, the fifth novel to feature DI Robyn Carter of Stafford police.
Robyn and the team are called out to a gruesome murder scene. Jordan Kilby has been killed and his body displayed on a scarecrow frame. When more murders occur they realise they are looking for a serial killer but links between the victims are elusive and therefore so are suspects.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen Ones which is a fast paced read with no dull moments and plenty for the reader to ponder. I always enjoy a procedural as I like the initial sense of floundering as the team gathers information, not knowing what will be relevant, and gradually winnows it out until they are able to identify a suspect. There is much to winnow in this novel as secrets and incidental crimes are uncovered. I followed it all and still had no idea about the perpetrator so I was glued to the pages from start to finish. It is an absorbing read and I admire Ms Wyer's ability to maintain such a high standard across both this novel and the series as a whole.
The subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who apparently died in Marrakech two years ago but maybe didn't moves on slightly in the novel. I must admit that I find the developments in this starting to get tedious. It's too long and drawn out. Let Robyn move on one way or the other.
Robyn is a good protagonist, smart, tenacious and supportive. I like her determination to get justice and her smart instincts in getting there.
The Chosen Ones is another exciting, very readable addition to a good series which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Robyn and the team are called out to a gruesome murder scene. Jordan Kilby has been killed and his body displayed on a scarecrow frame. When more murders occur they realise they are looking for a serial killer but links between the victims are elusive and therefore so are suspects.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen Ones which is a fast paced read with no dull moments and plenty for the reader to ponder. I always enjoy a procedural as I like the initial sense of floundering as the team gathers information, not knowing what will be relevant, and gradually winnows it out until they are able to identify a suspect. There is much to winnow in this novel as secrets and incidental crimes are uncovered. I followed it all and still had no idea about the perpetrator so I was glued to the pages from start to finish. It is an absorbing read and I admire Ms Wyer's ability to maintain such a high standard across both this novel and the series as a whole.
The subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who apparently died in Marrakech two years ago but maybe didn't moves on slightly in the novel. I must admit that I find the developments in this starting to get tedious. It's too long and drawn out. Let Robyn move on one way or the other.
Robyn is a good protagonist, smart, tenacious and supportive. I like her determination to get justice and her smart instincts in getting there.
The Chosen Ones is another exciting, very readable addition to a good series which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 12, 2018
To read all of my reviews head over to novelthrillsandchillsreview.wordpress.com.
Just when I think Wyer can’t top herself, she proves me wrong again! This novel is drop dead exciting and that ending was SHOCKING!
I think I say this every time I write a blog for Carol, but if you have yet to pick up the DI Robyn Carter series, I suggest you do it today! Her writing is full of suspense, crime, passion and cliff hangers. It’s everything I want and need in a story. I read this novel as a buddy read with my bestie Megan over at Coffee By the Novel. This read took us a little while to get through due to our own personal issues NOT due to the book itself.
I was waiting for this novel to give me ALL the answers from thee extremely huge cliff hanger I was left with in The Silent Children and I am still not any closer to knowing the big “event” than I did in the last book. I need to know what happened to Davies!!!
The Chosen Ones was perfectly written to keep readers on their toes by second guessing characters, feeling heartbroken for characters and for almost making them want to cry (or maybe that was just me!). Wyer is the master when it comes to creating characters. Inside the pages of this novel, she creates her villain so readers can identify their pain. I related to this villain and felt extremely sorry for this person until the end that is. I love that she made this character a real human being rather than some psycho killer who had past issues.
From the beginning, when I picked up Little Lost Girl, Wyer had sunk her claws into me and I’m so glad that this series is not finished yet because I’m not ready for her or DI Carter to let me go just yet.!
Don’t forget to look for her new novel coming soon: The Birthday releasing September 27, 2018.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for letting me read this advanced copy for my honest review.
Just when I think Wyer can’t top herself, she proves me wrong again! This novel is drop dead exciting and that ending was SHOCKING!
I think I say this every time I write a blog for Carol, but if you have yet to pick up the DI Robyn Carter series, I suggest you do it today! Her writing is full of suspense, crime, passion and cliff hangers. It’s everything I want and need in a story. I read this novel as a buddy read with my bestie Megan over at Coffee By the Novel. This read took us a little while to get through due to our own personal issues NOT due to the book itself.
I was waiting for this novel to give me ALL the answers from thee extremely huge cliff hanger I was left with in The Silent Children and I am still not any closer to knowing the big “event” than I did in the last book. I need to know what happened to Davies!!!
The Chosen Ones was perfectly written to keep readers on their toes by second guessing characters, feeling heartbroken for characters and for almost making them want to cry (or maybe that was just me!). Wyer is the master when it comes to creating characters. Inside the pages of this novel, she creates her villain so readers can identify their pain. I related to this villain and felt extremely sorry for this person until the end that is. I love that she made this character a real human being rather than some psycho killer who had past issues.
From the beginning, when I picked up Little Lost Girl, Wyer had sunk her claws into me and I’m so glad that this series is not finished yet because I’m not ready for her or DI Carter to let me go just yet.!
Don’t forget to look for her new novel coming soon: The Birthday releasing September 27, 2018.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for letting me read this advanced copy for my honest review.
June 16, 2018
I have enjoyed the previous books in this series so it was nice to catch up with Robyn Carter & her team.
A young man is found strung up like a crucified scarecrow in field being attacked by crows. He was a bit of a loner but he has left behind a grieving fiance & her young son. He also happens to be the estranged son of local millionaire & property developer who makes it quite clear he has no intention of speaking to Robyn and her team.
Within a short period of time, his friend is also found murdered in a very grisly fashion. A young doctor is also brutally killed- what is the connection? The only one the team can find is the way they are killed seems to mimic deaths in the Bible-but what is the meaning behind it?
Robyn struggles to find answers whilst trying to fend off a curious journalist & the lack of cooperation from her superior.
This a great fast moving story with lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing- in my case wrongly!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- can't wait for the next one!
A young man is found strung up like a crucified scarecrow in field being attacked by crows. He was a bit of a loner but he has left behind a grieving fiance & her young son. He also happens to be the estranged son of local millionaire & property developer who makes it quite clear he has no intention of speaking to Robyn and her team.
Within a short period of time, his friend is also found murdered in a very grisly fashion. A young doctor is also brutally killed- what is the connection? The only one the team can find is the way they are killed seems to mimic deaths in the Bible-but what is the meaning behind it?
Robyn struggles to find answers whilst trying to fend off a curious journalist & the lack of cooperation from her superior.
This a great fast moving story with lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing- in my case wrongly!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- can't wait for the next one!
May 22, 2018
This is a gripping read and my favourite in this series so far.
I know Carol is writing another series but with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, I hope it’s not too long before we get another DI Robyn Carter book.
The book starts with a gruesome murder where they leave the body trussed up to a pole in a field, like a scarecrow.
Jordan’s body is discovered by the owner of the land and soon two more murders occur, and Robyn is struggling to find the connection with the victims.
Amy is as persistent as ever and despite initially helping Robyn, the journalist soon drops her in it.
If you read the previous book you’ll know Robyn and Ross were trying to work out if the photo of Davies was genuine, and you’ll be pleased to know some parts of that mystery are solved in this book.
This is a fantastic series and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I know Carol is writing another series but with the cliffhanger at the end of this book, I hope it’s not too long before we get another DI Robyn Carter book.
The book starts with a gruesome murder where they leave the body trussed up to a pole in a field, like a scarecrow.
Jordan’s body is discovered by the owner of the land and soon two more murders occur, and Robyn is struggling to find the connection with the victims.
Amy is as persistent as ever and despite initially helping Robyn, the journalist soon drops her in it.
If you read the previous book you’ll know Robyn and Ross were trying to work out if the photo of Davies was genuine, and you’ll be pleased to know some parts of that mystery are solved in this book.
This is a fantastic series and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 12, 2018
What can I say? I was totally hooked! I had never read a book from this author before and after reading this one, I deeply regret this.
I liked the way the story was constructed. The actions happening in the present were mixed with fragements of the past of the killer and the author was able to keep me in the dark for a very long time. A lot was going on, but it was never confusing and it attacted my attention the whole time.
For me it was an unputdownable book and the least I can say is that she went out with a bang.
Thank you, Carol Wyer (you gained a fan), Bookouture and Netgalley.
(https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/...)
I liked the way the story was constructed. The actions happening in the present were mixed with fragements of the past of the killer and the author was able to keep me in the dark for a very long time. A lot was going on, but it was never confusing and it attacted my attention the whole time.
For me it was an unputdownable book and the least I can say is that she went out with a bang.
Thank you, Carol Wyer (you gained a fan), Bookouture and Netgalley.
(https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/...)
May 10, 2018
I love this author's books and this series is one of my favourite crime series ever, so I was eagerly awaiting this book. And what a book it is! From the first page to the last this is a gripping, tense, fast paced and mind bending, heart racing roller-coaster of a read. I could not put it down! I just had to keep turning the pages, everything else forgotten as I raced to the end! This author gets better with every book and I absolutely cannot wait for her next!
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