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D.I. Denis Hamilton #4
The Stranger Within
Dealing with everyday crime in London, DI Denis Hamilton is urgently called into a briefing in the early hours of his weekend off. Torn away from his family life, he must unravel an investigation he thought had long closed.
Putting his personal worries to one side, Hamilton and his Murder Investigation Team come up against a patient with a mental disorder hell-bent on revenge.
Comparing the present day with memories of his tragic past, can Hamilton open his mind to the difficulties of mental illness in order to catch a murderer?
And when a colleague's life is threatened, can Hamilton unlock the truth of the stranger within before it's too late?
Putting his personal worries to one side, Hamilton and his Murder Investigation Team come up against a patient with a mental disorder hell-bent on revenge.
Comparing the present day with memories of his tragic past, can Hamilton open his mind to the difficulties of mental illness in order to catch a murderer?
And when a colleague's life is threatened, can Hamilton unlock the truth of the stranger within before it's too late?
222 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2018
About the author
Tara Lyons
13 books108 followersTara is a crime and psychological suspense author from London. Her debut novel, In the Shadows, was published in March 2016. Later that same year, Tara signed with Bloodhound Books and published three more books in the DI Hamilton series.
Tara then crossed over from series to standalone and has written two psychological suspense thrillers, The Paramedic’s Daughter and The Perfect Stranger.
She has also written a festive murder mystery novella, A Christmas Crime, and created and produced a charity anthology - Written in the Stars - in memory of her daughter, who passed away in 2020. The anthology is a unique collection of short stories from bestselling authors Angela Marsons, Rob Sinclair, Joy Ellis, Louise Beech, and many more. All net profits from the anthology are in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and The Butterfly AVM Charity.
When she’s not writing, Tara keeps busy with her publishing career and her active family life.
Follow her writing journey via Instagram and TikTok: @Taralyonsauthor
Tara then crossed over from series to standalone and has written two psychological suspense thrillers, The Paramedic’s Daughter and The Perfect Stranger.
She has also written a festive murder mystery novella, A Christmas Crime, and created and produced a charity anthology - Written in the Stars - in memory of her daughter, who passed away in 2020. The anthology is a unique collection of short stories from bestselling authors Angela Marsons, Rob Sinclair, Joy Ellis, Louise Beech, and many more. All net profits from the anthology are in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and The Butterfly AVM Charity.
When she’s not writing, Tara keeps busy with her publishing career and her active family life.
Follow her writing journey via Instagram and TikTok: @Taralyonsauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 2, 2018
Tara Lyons is a crime writer who hails from London, UK, she has always had a love for both reading and writing. Lyons studied English Literature at Brunel University and was Assistant Editor at an in-house magazine for a period of eight years. Having held a lifelong dream of becoming a successful writer, after turning 30 in 2015 she turned her dream into a reality, with her solo debut "In The Shadows", the first book in the Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton series, being published in March 2016. "No Safe Home" and "Deadly Friendship", book two and three in the series came out in January and July 2017 respectively. She has also written books as part of a writing duo with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author M. A. Comley, penning "The Caller" and "Web of Deceit" together.
Well, this series is turning out to be a corker and this book is no exception! Gripping right from the get-go, easy-to-follow and a flowing, accessible narrative coupled with a great story and developed characters this is a excellent addition to the DI Hamilton franchise. As the synopsis suggests, there is an emphasis on mental illness in this book in particular and it is done pretty believably. Lyons uses the symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder to ratchet up the tension and it continues to build nicely throughout the reading experience. The pacing is perfect as it's quick enough to keep the story suspenseful but you never feel as though things have been rushed. It is intelligently written and has an air of authenticity to it that a lot of thrillers lack these days. It feels as if the author has properly thought about the concept and made sure she executed it well. It is clear that she has done her research on the topics explored here and I appreciated that I was also learning as well as relaxing.
In "The Stranger Within" the killer police are seeking is a complex and often confused individual making catching them much more difficult than it usually would be but time is also running out for them to find this elusive predator. Can they net them before it's too late? I must mention DI Denis Hamilton - I loved his character from when he was first introduced back in the series opener and you learn a lot about him throughout this series. As I always mention in this situation, although this can easily be read as a standalone novel, I would recommend perhaps beginning at the start and reading them chronologically to see the evolution of the characters. Even reading this one and if you enjoy it going back and acquiring the others would be preferable to not reading them at all.
I look forward to the fourth book and hope it will be up to Ms. Lyons high standards. Somehow, with each additional book Lyons surpasses her last offering - long may that continue!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Well, this series is turning out to be a corker and this book is no exception! Gripping right from the get-go, easy-to-follow and a flowing, accessible narrative coupled with a great story and developed characters this is a excellent addition to the DI Hamilton franchise. As the synopsis suggests, there is an emphasis on mental illness in this book in particular and it is done pretty believably. Lyons uses the symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder to ratchet up the tension and it continues to build nicely throughout the reading experience. The pacing is perfect as it's quick enough to keep the story suspenseful but you never feel as though things have been rushed. It is intelligently written and has an air of authenticity to it that a lot of thrillers lack these days. It feels as if the author has properly thought about the concept and made sure she executed it well. It is clear that she has done her research on the topics explored here and I appreciated that I was also learning as well as relaxing.
In "The Stranger Within" the killer police are seeking is a complex and often confused individual making catching them much more difficult than it usually would be but time is also running out for them to find this elusive predator. Can they net them before it's too late? I must mention DI Denis Hamilton - I loved his character from when he was first introduced back in the series opener and you learn a lot about him throughout this series. As I always mention in this situation, although this can easily be read as a standalone novel, I would recommend perhaps beginning at the start and reading them chronologically to see the evolution of the characters. Even reading this one and if you enjoy it going back and acquiring the others would be preferable to not reading them at all.
I look forward to the fourth book and hope it will be up to Ms. Lyons high standards. Somehow, with each additional book Lyons surpasses her last offering - long may that continue!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 7, 2018
Easy 5 stars
Loved this book as I have the rest of the series, but this one is best yet.
More and more is revealed about DI Hamilton and his family. Plus another member of the team.
The story is extremely well researched and written.
Cannot wait for book 5 no pressure!
Loved this book as I have the rest of the series, but this one is best yet.
More and more is revealed about DI Hamilton and his family. Plus another member of the team.
The story is extremely well researched and written.
Cannot wait for book 5 no pressure!
July 17, 2018
This was my first book from Tara Lyons. I wish I had read the previous 3 books in the series first, so as to know more about the characters and their backgrounds. I felt like an intruder!
The Stranger Within is a fast-paced, suspenseful and somehow dark thriller, dealing with the mental disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID.
The story delves deep into the human mind and soul, showing us how the wounds, inflicted in our childhood, both mental and physical, can over a period of time, converge and become a raging monster ready to lash out at whoever or whatever it perceives harmful and evil.
Grace Murphy, who has a mental disorder, escapes from a hospital for the criminal, killing a security guard. Now she is on her way to right some wrongs and take some lives.
Would D.I. Hamilton and his team be able to stop her? Would she be able to stop herself before it is too late?
Thanks to Tara Lyons, Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
The Stranger Within is a fast-paced, suspenseful and somehow dark thriller, dealing with the mental disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID.
The story delves deep into the human mind and soul, showing us how the wounds, inflicted in our childhood, both mental and physical, can over a period of time, converge and become a raging monster ready to lash out at whoever or whatever it perceives harmful and evil.
Grace Murphy, who has a mental disorder, escapes from a hospital for the criminal, killing a security guard. Now she is on her way to right some wrongs and take some lives.
Would D.I. Hamilton and his team be able to stop her? Would she be able to stop herself before it is too late?
Thanks to Tara Lyons, Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
July 16, 2018
Absolutely fantastic, suspenseful psychological thriller that follows police officer Denis Hamilton in a case where he the must see shades of gray in his black and white outlook on life! This story has many twists as a woman who is arrested for murder has multi-personalities due to severe sexual abuse as a young teenager. We learn along with Hamilton, the amazing power of our brains, as a totally different personality is shown as an escape when life hits a period of turmoil.
DI Hamilton gets some insight into the suicide death of his own daughter recently, starting to understand that the woman who escaped from the hospital may actually be seeking someone to help her, to understand things that she can't herself! I could not put this book down after starting to read it! The author keeps the words flowing and characters three dimensional. I was able to learn more about psychology and the workings of the brain, in an exciting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
This is the fourth book in the DI Hamilton series, and I must go back to read a few I missed!
I received an ARC of this story from author Tara Lyons and Netgalley, who I thank for an incredible adventure, and I am able to put my thoughts into this review to assist other readers into grabbing this book!!
DI Hamilton gets some insight into the suicide death of his own daughter recently, starting to understand that the woman who escaped from the hospital may actually be seeking someone to help her, to understand things that she can't herself! I could not put this book down after starting to read it! The author keeps the words flowing and characters three dimensional. I was able to learn more about psychology and the workings of the brain, in an exciting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
This is the fourth book in the DI Hamilton series, and I must go back to read a few I missed!
I received an ARC of this story from author Tara Lyons and Netgalley, who I thank for an incredible adventure, and I am able to put my thoughts into this review to assist other readers into grabbing this book!!
August 3, 2018
DI Denis Hamilton is called in to investigate a murder that took place in a mental health facility. The killer who escaped is a patient with a mental called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which developed as a result of being abused as a child. Now ... revenge is the sole reason that more people will die.
Comparing the present day with memories of his tragic past, can Hamilton open his mind to the difficulties of mental illness in order to catch a murderer? And when a colleague's life is threatened, can Hamilton unlock the truth of the stranger within before it's too late?
This is an action-packed, fast-paced crime fiction with characters that are well defined and come to life under this author's pen.
Even though this is 4th in the series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series to understand where the recurring characters come from and what molded them into the people they are.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE STRANGER WITHIN. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Comparing the present day with memories of his tragic past, can Hamilton open his mind to the difficulties of mental illness in order to catch a murderer? And when a colleague's life is threatened, can Hamilton unlock the truth of the stranger within before it's too late?
This is an action-packed, fast-paced crime fiction with characters that are well defined and come to life under this author's pen.
Even though this is 4th in the series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series to understand where the recurring characters come from and what molded them into the people they are.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE STRANGER WITHIN. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 17, 2018
The Stranger Within is the fourth book in the DI Hamilton series. The author does give enough background to any readers that may not have had the fortune of reading the previous books but I would recommend if possible, reading them in order or at least going back to the start as they are fabulous books.
Hamilton is a character who really appeals to me. It's obvious he is a genuine and nice guy and I love the glimpses that we get of his home life as it really is important to the man he is today. His family background is tainted with sadness and I love seeing the bond between him and his wife.
The case Hamilton and his team are working on is probably one of the hardest they've had to deal with yet. It is anything but straight forward making it a tougher case to crack. It certainly makes it an engrossing story for the reader and the author delivers a chilling, yet thrilling reading experience.
The Stranger Within is a compelling page turner of a read. I think in today's world where mental illness awareness is more important than ever before, I enjoyed seeing the subject being brought into books also. A current and gripping read that you will struggle to put down.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Hamilton is a character who really appeals to me. It's obvious he is a genuine and nice guy and I love the glimpses that we get of his home life as it really is important to the man he is today. His family background is tainted with sadness and I love seeing the bond between him and his wife.
The case Hamilton and his team are working on is probably one of the hardest they've had to deal with yet. It is anything but straight forward making it a tougher case to crack. It certainly makes it an engrossing story for the reader and the author delivers a chilling, yet thrilling reading experience.
The Stranger Within is a compelling page turner of a read. I think in today's world where mental illness awareness is more important than ever before, I enjoyed seeing the subject being brought into books also. A current and gripping read that you will struggle to put down.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
August 2, 2018
DI Hamilton is back and he’s up against it in The Stranger Within when one of his team is taken by an escaped convict. A dangerous convict on a mission. They say revenge is a dish best served cold; well let’s just say this individual wants their ice cream….
I do like Denis Hamilton, he’s a no-nonsense kind of policeman. When he comes up against something new which in this twisted case is the concept of ‘dissociative identity disorder’, he needs get on board. And things don’t get any easier when he has to choose between his home and his work, especially when his wife drops a bombshell! 😲😲
Ms Lyons dropped enough clues to keep me guessing as to the whats and whys. Plenty of shockers to keep me turning the pages as fast as my eyes would let me. But that climax, my jaw dropped and stayed there. I could not believe what I was reading. I really did not expect that outcome!
I’ve read each of the Denis Hamilton books in order which is rare for me and each can be read as a standalone however I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IN THE SHADOWS BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE STRANGER WITHIN. Yes I did shout that….it has to be said so that you get the full picture of what Denis and the team are up against.
I do like Denis Hamilton, he’s a no-nonsense kind of policeman. When he comes up against something new which in this twisted case is the concept of ‘dissociative identity disorder’, he needs get on board. And things don’t get any easier when he has to choose between his home and his work, especially when his wife drops a bombshell! 😲😲
Ms Lyons dropped enough clues to keep me guessing as to the whats and whys. Plenty of shockers to keep me turning the pages as fast as my eyes would let me. But that climax, my jaw dropped and stayed there. I could not believe what I was reading. I really did not expect that outcome!
I’ve read each of the Denis Hamilton books in order which is rare for me and each can be read as a standalone however I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IN THE SHADOWS BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE STRANGER WITHIN. Yes I did shout that….it has to be said so that you get the full picture of what Denis and the team are up against.
August 3, 2018
This is such a good series and I’m thrilled that DI Hamilton is still one of the main focuses in Tara Lyons books. I fell in love with him after reading Tara’s first book In The Shadows so it has been wonderful catching up with him again here. Although The Stranger Within can be read as a standalone novel, you may want to pick up the previous books to read as well as there is background information contained in them you may prefer to have the full facts about.
Now how to review The Stranger Within without spoiling the plot for anyone?! All I will say is that an escaped inmate from a psychiatric facility is hellbent on seeking revenge and it looks like it could get rather personal for the investigating team! With lives in danger can DI Hamilton solve what’s probably his most difficult case so far?
Tara Lyons is a natural storyteller and as soon as I started reading A Stranger Within I was swept away into her strongly constructed narrative and the mind of a criminal that I felt a very strong connection to. The themes explored were delicately handled especially the issues raised by the treatment of patients with mental health problems. It was very difficult not to feel torn by the emotions stirred up as the nature of the crimes committed was revealed. And that’s all down to the way the character development, meaning that you really get inside their heads.
I’m so pleased that this series seems to be getting better with every book released and I’m now quite invested in both the private and professional lives of Denis Hamilton. With a contemporary feel, great characterisation and a gripping storyline The Stranger Within proved to be an addictive read to the very last page. More please!
Now how to review The Stranger Within without spoiling the plot for anyone?! All I will say is that an escaped inmate from a psychiatric facility is hellbent on seeking revenge and it looks like it could get rather personal for the investigating team! With lives in danger can DI Hamilton solve what’s probably his most difficult case so far?
Tara Lyons is a natural storyteller and as soon as I started reading A Stranger Within I was swept away into her strongly constructed narrative and the mind of a criminal that I felt a very strong connection to. The themes explored were delicately handled especially the issues raised by the treatment of patients with mental health problems. It was very difficult not to feel torn by the emotions stirred up as the nature of the crimes committed was revealed. And that’s all down to the way the character development, meaning that you really get inside their heads.
I’m so pleased that this series seems to be getting better with every book released and I’m now quite invested in both the private and professional lives of Denis Hamilton. With a contemporary feel, great characterisation and a gripping storyline The Stranger Within proved to be an addictive read to the very last page. More please!
August 23, 2018
A stranger within.... mmmmm..do we all have one? We surely have the capability to...most can control it...in this story the main character cannot due to abuse and trauma suffered as a teenager that causes it to manifest itself........
It seems strange to mention Prisoner Cell Block H in my review but on our re run through at the mo there is a character called Brandy....she has Disassociative Identity Disorder and has been a fascinating few episodes and it was actually quite forward thinking ( 1983 ) to feature such a storyline....and then I started to read this book and realised the book is about this as well.....so I had an understanding ( basic ) of the disorder and this book goes much more into depth about it as the main charcater has it....I can only congratulate the author on talking about this and Mental Health in general, as many of you know I am a great believer in talking about mental health, so, firstly the whole basis of the book impressed me
The story itself is dark and includes abuse, rape, murder and vile secrets all alongside a very interesting set of characters including a reader friendly D.I. Hamilton and other Police characters that I quickly liked
The authors writing style is easy and warm and welcoming to a reader and drew me into the story and kept me there, so much so I read the book over 5 hours, I was keen to know the outcome!!
I thought I had it all sewn up and who the ‘baddy’ was......I was wrong, that shocked me as I was convinced.....but that was the Authors intention I am guessing 😃
A really great read that was unusual re the mental health side of the book
Loved it and am keen to now read the first 3 in the series (this book is fine as a stand alone if you havent read the other 3 )
10/10 5 stars 😃
August 3, 2018
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I have been a fan of this author's books since she released her first a couple of years back so as soon as I saw that this one was being released I eagerly awaited for it to land on my Kindle.
I really enjoyed being able to catch up with Denis and his team, their interaction was as completely on point as I remember and I do enjoy how they work together. The writing style was excellent and the flow was good.
I started reading the book one afternoon and had finished it later on that same evening, it isn't a particularly long story but it has plenty of content to get your teeth in to. This one touches on quite a complex subject but from reading the book you can really see how much research the author has put in to the story.
You could probably read this as a stand alone if you are not looking to read any of the other books in the DI Hamilton series, but personally I do think that to get the most out of this book you need to read it as part of the series. There was quite a bit in this one that linked to other books that have been released so if you are planning on reading the whole series, this one would give you some major spoilers if you read them out of sequence and you will also have more of an understanding surrounding the past events that are mentioned.
4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - a thoroughly enjoyable read and very much hoping that we get book 5 in the series!!
I have been a fan of this author's books since she released her first a couple of years back so as soon as I saw that this one was being released I eagerly awaited for it to land on my Kindle.
I really enjoyed being able to catch up with Denis and his team, their interaction was as completely on point as I remember and I do enjoy how they work together. The writing style was excellent and the flow was good.
I started reading the book one afternoon and had finished it later on that same evening, it isn't a particularly long story but it has plenty of content to get your teeth in to. This one touches on quite a complex subject but from reading the book you can really see how much research the author has put in to the story.
You could probably read this as a stand alone if you are not looking to read any of the other books in the DI Hamilton series, but personally I do think that to get the most out of this book you need to read it as part of the series. There was quite a bit in this one that linked to other books that have been released so if you are planning on reading the whole series, this one would give you some major spoilers if you read them out of sequence and you will also have more of an understanding surrounding the past events that are mentioned.
4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - a thoroughly enjoyable read and very much hoping that we get book 5 in the series!!
August 15, 2018
OMFG where do I start other than the fact Tara Lyons is back with her best book yet! I am a massive fan of this series so has you can imagine I couldn't wait to get my teeth into this latest installment, after what feels like I have been waiting yonks for.
In this story we catch up with Hamilton in his toughest case yet when he has to unravel a case that he thought was long gone….
Those of you that read my reviews with know I am a sucker for a good prologue, after all it what starts the story off and I can tell just from that whether I am going to like the book or not. Well this is definitely an OMG prologue….hat gripped me from the very first page. That was it for me I couldn't read it quick enough.
I feel like Tara has taken her writing back to where she first started. A style that I love her for. It is dark, creepy, fast-paced and engaging which tells a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not forgetting the OMG moments.
Loving every single page of it I actually devoured this in one day. I almost forgot to mention the fact that after struggling to get into a few books I lost my reading mojo. Well you all know what it feels like to lose that, It’s not a good feeling at all. But this book gave me mine back, so I have the author to thank for that….Thank You Tara
What more can I say but be prepared for a story to grab you round the throat and not let you go until the very last page. I am gutted to of finished it so soon, I just hope that I don’t have to wait has long for the next one.
This can be read has a standalone there is plenty of background information so you don’t feel like you have missed anything. But it is to good a series not to miss which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars.
In this story we catch up with Hamilton in his toughest case yet when he has to unravel a case that he thought was long gone….
Those of you that read my reviews with know I am a sucker for a good prologue, after all it what starts the story off and I can tell just from that whether I am going to like the book or not. Well this is definitely an OMG prologue….hat gripped me from the very first page. That was it for me I couldn't read it quick enough.
I feel like Tara has taken her writing back to where she first started. A style that I love her for. It is dark, creepy, fast-paced and engaging which tells a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not forgetting the OMG moments.
Loving every single page of it I actually devoured this in one day. I almost forgot to mention the fact that after struggling to get into a few books I lost my reading mojo. Well you all know what it feels like to lose that, It’s not a good feeling at all. But this book gave me mine back, so I have the author to thank for that….Thank You Tara
What more can I say but be prepared for a story to grab you round the throat and not let you go until the very last page. I am gutted to of finished it so soon, I just hope that I don’t have to wait has long for the next one.
This can be read has a standalone there is plenty of background information so you don’t feel like you have missed anything. But it is to good a series not to miss which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars.
August 3, 2018
I love reading a series so that I feel connected to the core key players straight away with each new story. This is the fourth book in the D.I. Denis Hamilton series and although you could read it as a stand alone I feel that you would get so much more out of it by reading from the beginning. Hamilton has had massive personal tragedies in his past that do reflect the way in which he views certain people. His work and his personal life have often clashed in the past. This case will have a huge impact on him.
When a mental health patient escapes Manor Hall Psychiatric Unit, after committing a brutal murder, D. I. Hamilton and his team are called in to track the woman down. The case takes a dive when it becomes personal to the team and a race against time starts to tick down each valuable second. This is a heart breaking story that is littered with cries for help that everyone was deaf to, the reality of it all is chilling and terrifying, especially for someone in the team.
Tara Lyons has certainly got her feet firmly placed in this genre, with this book being my favourite so far. I found that the story played havoc with my own mind and emotions so much, for the little girl to what then evolved inside her. I felt that the character she created in this story will make any reader feel uneasy, but in a scary book reading way because wow it hits the mark for one hell of a story line!
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
When a mental health patient escapes Manor Hall Psychiatric Unit, after committing a brutal murder, D. I. Hamilton and his team are called in to track the woman down. The case takes a dive when it becomes personal to the team and a race against time starts to tick down each valuable second. This is a heart breaking story that is littered with cries for help that everyone was deaf to, the reality of it all is chilling and terrifying, especially for someone in the team.
Tara Lyons has certainly got her feet firmly placed in this genre, with this book being my favourite so far. I found that the story played havoc with my own mind and emotions so much, for the little girl to what then evolved inside her. I felt that the character she created in this story will make any reader feel uneasy, but in a scary book reading way because wow it hits the mark for one hell of a story line!
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
July 17, 2018
Fantastic book, fast paced gripping read. Hamilton and his team are a great bunch of characters
July 16, 2018
I loved this latest instalment in the DI Hamilton series. It’s great to see Hamilton showing more empathy for some of his colleagues. You can tell from reading this book just how much research the author has put in regarding Dissociative Identity Disorder. The book was very fast paced and intense. This is definitely my favourite in the series so far, each book gets better and better.
August 8, 2018
I have read all the other books in this series and have really enjoyed them, but this one is absolutely Tara's best book to date! DI Hamilton is an absolutely cracking character and in this book we see him and his team DS Lewis Clarke, DC O'Connor known as Rocky and DS Yasmine Dixon all pull together. Enter Grace Murphy, a patient locked up in an institution as she has a mental disorder and she somehow manages to not only kill a security guard but escape the institution.
For that reason alone you won't find a 'who dunnit' kind of storyline, but one that echoes the cat and mouse theory. One of the threads I really liked was the insight Denis gets regarding his own past, I won't say more than that as other people may want to start this series at the beginning. What I will say is that it feels like we the readers are getting to know Denis a lot more. I loved the fact that this book has that psychological edge to it and you end up feeling empathy for a woman who is an out-and-out killer.
This was a cracking read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. In the beginning with book one it felt like a slow burner of a series but at this stage in the series I now just want to read the next book. A great series of books with this one being my absolute favourite! A definite recommendation from me!
For that reason alone you won't find a 'who dunnit' kind of storyline, but one that echoes the cat and mouse theory. One of the threads I really liked was the insight Denis gets regarding his own past, I won't say more than that as other people may want to start this series at the beginning. What I will say is that it feels like we the readers are getting to know Denis a lot more. I loved the fact that this book has that psychological edge to it and you end up feeling empathy for a woman who is an out-and-out killer.
This was a cracking read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. In the beginning with book one it felt like a slow burner of a series but at this stage in the series I now just want to read the next book. A great series of books with this one being my absolute favourite! A definite recommendation from me!
August 1, 2018
This is another gripping book in the D I Hamilton series.
A woman escapes from a secure hospital after killing a security guard and the takes another hostage.
She is suffering from multiple personality disorder and we find out through flashbacks what happened to her when she was a child.
This seems to have trigger her mental breakdown and turned her into a killer.
Hamilton and the team are really up against it trying to find the killer before she takes the hostage’s life.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
A woman escapes from a secure hospital after killing a security guard and the takes another hostage.
She is suffering from multiple personality disorder and we find out through flashbacks what happened to her when she was a child.
This seems to have trigger her mental breakdown and turned her into a killer.
Hamilton and the team are really up against it trying to find the killer before she takes the hostage’s life.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 8, 2020
This book finally fleshes out the character of Grace Murphy that was missing for me in the first book In The Shadows. Now it all makes sense.
August 1, 2018
I love DI Denis Hamilton and I was really looking forward to hooking up with him again in this, the fourth book in a series that just gets better and better with each book.
A face from Hamilton's past is back and this time the case forces him to examine parts of his life that he would rather forget. The pressure is really ramped up when one of his colleagues is kidnapped and he's told he has just twenty-four hours to find them but with a list of multiple places to look will he find the right place before time runs out?
It's abundantly clear that the author has thoroughly researched the mental health issues raised in the book and she deals with them with such an understanding that I felt a genuine empathy for the killer. I know that there's never a good reason to kill someone, but as I read the flashback parts of the story I could see just why things turned out the way they did.
I really enjoyed finding out more about Hamilton as well. He's a character who has his own demons but he battles through and is always focused on his job, sometimes to the detriment of his wife and although they speak, it never seems to be about the important stuff.
The Stranger Within is a breathtakingly tense and fast paced thriller that left me feeling like I'd lost a friend as I read the final words. Although it's book four of a series, I think that it could easily be read as a stand-alone but you'd be missing out on some amazing books, so I would definitely add the previous three little beauties to your TBR.
A face from Hamilton's past is back and this time the case forces him to examine parts of his life that he would rather forget. The pressure is really ramped up when one of his colleagues is kidnapped and he's told he has just twenty-four hours to find them but with a list of multiple places to look will he find the right place before time runs out?
It's abundantly clear that the author has thoroughly researched the mental health issues raised in the book and she deals with them with such an understanding that I felt a genuine empathy for the killer. I know that there's never a good reason to kill someone, but as I read the flashback parts of the story I could see just why things turned out the way they did.
I really enjoyed finding out more about Hamilton as well. He's a character who has his own demons but he battles through and is always focused on his job, sometimes to the detriment of his wife and although they speak, it never seems to be about the important stuff.
The Stranger Within is a breathtakingly tense and fast paced thriller that left me feeling like I'd lost a friend as I read the final words. Although it's book four of a series, I think that it could easily be read as a stand-alone but you'd be missing out on some amazing books, so I would definitely add the previous three little beauties to your TBR.
October 14, 2019
This is my first novel by Tara Lyons and although this was the fourth book in the series, it held up as a stand-alone. Yes, the background of D.I. Hamilton and his team was obviously very much a part of the series but it did not spoil my enjoyment not having read the previous books. The plot was quite fast paced with short journeys to the past and the description of mental illness described was very interesting.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Tara Lyons/Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Tara Lyons/Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2018
Book 4 in the DI Denis Hamilton series, and what a thriller! This book had me hooked from the very first line, which is something I love about books. The breakneck speed of this brilliant read made putting it down very, very difficult. DI Hamilton and his team are searching for a killer who has abducted one of their own. The killer they are seeking is very evasive and complex. and time is running out. The plot which was intriguing and to me, terrifying. I honestly can't say too much about the plot for fear of giving a spoiler. This is such a great series and is going from strength to strength. Can't wait for book 5!
August 2, 2018
Happy Publication Day! The Stranger Within is book four in the brilliant DI Hamilton series which I am absolutely loving! A fab series you must all add to your to read pile. I would recommend this series is best read in order.
Wow weeee. Where to beginning? What another brilliant story written by Tara. I flew through this story! This could possibly be the best story yet. Gripping, thrilling and a real page turner. A book you will want to read in one sitting. I think I may just have fallen inlove with DI Hamilton a little.
This time the case gets dark and personal for the team, could this be their worst case yet when one of their own is involved? When a killer wants revenge? Bloody brilliant. Cleverly written! A well deserved five stars from me… I now eagerly await book five… Hopefully Highly recommend!
Wow weeee. Where to beginning? What another brilliant story written by Tara. I flew through this story! This could possibly be the best story yet. Gripping, thrilling and a real page turner. A book you will want to read in one sitting. I think I may just have fallen inlove with DI Hamilton a little.
This time the case gets dark and personal for the team, could this be their worst case yet when one of their own is involved? When a killer wants revenge? Bloody brilliant. Cleverly written! A well deserved five stars from me… I now eagerly await book five… Hopefully Highly recommend!
August 13, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
While the fourth in a series, it works as a standalone novel. There are not the usual references to previous cases. (If there are, they are seamless enough to be transparent.) The end does not have a cliffhanger for the next book. I’ve seen too many of those lately.
The story is set in England and begins with a grisly murder. The murder is solved within the first couple of chapters. That was unexpected. It took me into the next chapter to realize that the author wrote to the structure of establishing the “normal” world of the protagonist, D.I. Denis Hamilton, and his team.
The first case introduces the major members of the police team and gives a feel for their personalities and working relationships. It also has clues for the upcoming case when Fraser, “computer wizard of a sergeant,” receives a bouquet of rotten flowers.
The second case moves to a hospital facility where mentally ill convicted criminals are treated in a relatively low security environment. A patient with multiple personalities, called dissociative identity disorder, killed an orderly and escaped. Hamilton refers to the facility as a joke because the criminals are referred to as patients, and treated as though they have no committed heinous crimes. Now the hunt begins for the escaped killer who has murdered seven people.
At this point, the author intersperses scenes of sexual abuse from a thirteen-year-old girl’s point of view. The scenes are well done: they are horrifying without becoming too graphic. It doesn’t take much speculation to understand that this sexual abuse is the event that caused the victim/killer’s personality to split into multiple characters of various ages, with the dominant one a murderer.
The writer develops the major personalities well, and the makes the serial killer an almost sympathetic character, even though she kidnaps Fraser with the intent of killing her.
The last half of the book raises the escalates tension right up to the final scene as Hamilton and his team search for their coworker.
The book is well written and has introduced me to another good author.
While the fourth in a series, it works as a standalone novel. There are not the usual references to previous cases. (If there are, they are seamless enough to be transparent.) The end does not have a cliffhanger for the next book. I’ve seen too many of those lately.
The story is set in England and begins with a grisly murder. The murder is solved within the first couple of chapters. That was unexpected. It took me into the next chapter to realize that the author wrote to the structure of establishing the “normal” world of the protagonist, D.I. Denis Hamilton, and his team.
The first case introduces the major members of the police team and gives a feel for their personalities and working relationships. It also has clues for the upcoming case when Fraser, “computer wizard of a sergeant,” receives a bouquet of rotten flowers.
The second case moves to a hospital facility where mentally ill convicted criminals are treated in a relatively low security environment. A patient with multiple personalities, called dissociative identity disorder, killed an orderly and escaped. Hamilton refers to the facility as a joke because the criminals are referred to as patients, and treated as though they have no committed heinous crimes. Now the hunt begins for the escaped killer who has murdered seven people.
At this point, the author intersperses scenes of sexual abuse from a thirteen-year-old girl’s point of view. The scenes are well done: they are horrifying without becoming too graphic. It doesn’t take much speculation to understand that this sexual abuse is the event that caused the victim/killer’s personality to split into multiple characters of various ages, with the dominant one a murderer.
The writer develops the major personalities well, and the makes the serial killer an almost sympathetic character, even though she kidnaps Fraser with the intent of killing her.
The last half of the book raises the escalates tension right up to the final scene as Hamilton and his team search for their coworker.
The book is well written and has introduced me to another good author.
October 30, 2018
oh wow a gripping read from the start. i was hooked all the way through D I Hamilton is out to catch a murderer and all his problems have to be put aside. i loved this book and could not put it down from beginning to end
August 9, 2018
I Plan To Read Other Books in This Series
3.5 stars
This is a police procedural with a quirky but interesting structure, with many flashbacks to events of 18 years ago.
The suspenseful, well-written prologue drew me in: A man is murdered in a mysterious, secure institution. The killer manages to escapes the facility and flees into London.
Meanwhile, DI Hamilton and team investigate an unrelated, early morning bludgeoning murder. More: A few team members are investigating a stalker who is menacing DS Fraser—but they’re doing it on the QT.
Flashback to a young teen being raped. Is this flashback relevant to the murder in the secure facility? Perhaps the bludgeoning murder? Perhaps to DS Fraser’s stalker?
As my mind is processing the rape flashback, there’s a flash forward to present time. The bludgeoning murderer is arrested—in less than 24 hours, as seen on TV.
A very convenient wrap up of that murder, because a DCI orders Hamilton and team to the bloody murder scene at the secure facility, which turns out to be a “secret” psychiatric hospital.
Wow! Are you still with me? Just keep reading, because it’ll all make sense in time.
As soon as the escapee’s diagnosis is revealed, it was easy to guess the plot outcome and culprit(s), because I’ve read several murder-true crime novels with similar plots. That said, I kept reading to see how this new-to-me author wrote twists and then resolved the mystery.
What bothered me were switches in a detective’s rank. He’s a constable, then a sergeant; back and forth in a few pages. Names were also misspelled: DCI Allen to Allan. A Good Read reviewer has already noted grammar, spelling and other errors. Editor needed.
I really enjoyed the police characters and their camaraderie, so I will read other books in this series.
3.5 stars
This is a police procedural with a quirky but interesting structure, with many flashbacks to events of 18 years ago.
The suspenseful, well-written prologue drew me in: A man is murdered in a mysterious, secure institution. The killer manages to escapes the facility and flees into London.
Meanwhile, DI Hamilton and team investigate an unrelated, early morning bludgeoning murder. More: A few team members are investigating a stalker who is menacing DS Fraser—but they’re doing it on the QT.
Flashback to a young teen being raped. Is this flashback relevant to the murder in the secure facility? Perhaps the bludgeoning murder? Perhaps to DS Fraser’s stalker?
As my mind is processing the rape flashback, there’s a flash forward to present time. The bludgeoning murderer is arrested—in less than 24 hours, as seen on TV.
A very convenient wrap up of that murder, because a DCI orders Hamilton and team to the bloody murder scene at the secure facility, which turns out to be a “secret” psychiatric hospital.
Wow! Are you still with me? Just keep reading, because it’ll all make sense in time.
As soon as the escapee’s diagnosis is revealed, it was easy to guess the plot outcome and culprit(s), because I’ve read several murder-true crime novels with similar plots. That said, I kept reading to see how this new-to-me author wrote twists and then resolved the mystery.
What bothered me were switches in a detective’s rank. He’s a constable, then a sergeant; back and forth in a few pages. Names were also misspelled: DCI Allen to Allan. A Good Read reviewer has already noted grammar, spelling and other errors. Editor needed.
I really enjoyed the police characters and their camaraderie, so I will read other books in this series.
July 29, 2018
This is the latest in the DI Hamilton series following the MIT team based in London and this one sees the return of Grace Murphy, a character we first met in the first book, In the Shadows, where she was fighting many demons, due to events of her past. This one brings Grace/Carly back to us, where she is now in a secure hospital diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder and still fighting those demons. When Hamilton and his team are called to the hospital to investigate a murder, they are faced with a case that they considered well and truly closed and it opens up a whole new can of worms when one of his team goes missing, but will the team get to their colleague before it's too late?
It's very clear throughout the book that the author has researched the topic of DID thoroughly and tells the story with the greatest respect of a condition that needs to be treated with kid gloves, as no two patients with this condition deal with it in the same way.
After reading the first three books in this series, I had very high expectations of this latest one and Tara Lyons did NOT disappoint! Her characters are all very plausible and true to life and i enjoyed seeing a bit more background from each of them this time, I was hooked from page one, right up to the end and finished it in less than a day, I really hope that there will be a book five! Although these books can be read as standalone, I urge anyone that hasn't read this series yet to read them in order to fully understand the characters.
I would like to thank Bloodhound Books for the approval of this book and will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. A very well deserved 5 stars
It's very clear throughout the book that the author has researched the topic of DID thoroughly and tells the story with the greatest respect of a condition that needs to be treated with kid gloves, as no two patients with this condition deal with it in the same way.
After reading the first three books in this series, I had very high expectations of this latest one and Tara Lyons did NOT disappoint! Her characters are all very plausible and true to life and i enjoyed seeing a bit more background from each of them this time, I was hooked from page one, right up to the end and finished it in less than a day, I really hope that there will be a book five! Although these books can be read as standalone, I urge anyone that hasn't read this series yet to read them in order to fully understand the characters.
I would like to thank Bloodhound Books for the approval of this book and will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. A very well deserved 5 stars
May 31, 2019
The Stranger Within – Tara Lyons
Welcome back DI Hamilton where have you been? I’ve missed you. This is number four in this series and for me they just get better and better. It is advisable to read the previous books before this, as there is a lot of background information on the team members. The writing style is pretty slick and there are twists, turns, thrills and plenty of spills to keep the reader entertained till the very last page,
It’s more personal this time due to a team member being kidnapped, by an escaped convict nonetheless. DI Hamilton’s back really is up against the wall in this one, he needs answers and he needs them quick. He really thought that this one was closed and he’d never have to deal with Grace/Carly again but she’s free again somehow. She’s sly, sleekit and most of all Grace knows how to elude them.
It was clear to see that the author had seriously researched the subject of DID Disassociate Identity Order and Mental Health issues not only the details (If that’s the right word?) It’s not been written about salaciously I felt that the author has taken great pains to be considerate almost delicate. Be under no illusions that this is a soft gentle book because it’s not, there’s kidnap and murder and that’s just for starters.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Bloodhound Books
Welcome back DI Hamilton where have you been? I’ve missed you. This is number four in this series and for me they just get better and better. It is advisable to read the previous books before this, as there is a lot of background information on the team members. The writing style is pretty slick and there are twists, turns, thrills and plenty of spills to keep the reader entertained till the very last page,
It’s more personal this time due to a team member being kidnapped, by an escaped convict nonetheless. DI Hamilton’s back really is up against the wall in this one, he needs answers and he needs them quick. He really thought that this one was closed and he’d never have to deal with Grace/Carly again but she’s free again somehow. She’s sly, sleekit and most of all Grace knows how to elude them.
It was clear to see that the author had seriously researched the subject of DID Disassociate Identity Order and Mental Health issues not only the details (If that’s the right word?) It’s not been written about salaciously I felt that the author has taken great pains to be considerate almost delicate. Be under no illusions that this is a soft gentle book because it’s not, there’s kidnap and murder and that’s just for starters.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Bloodhound Books
August 2, 2018
Maybe We All have darkness inside of Us..and some of us are better at dealing with it than Others...Jasmine Warga..
When a patient escapes from Manor Hall Psychiatric Hospital after a murder...DI Hamilton is drawn into a case that will take him into a place that haunts him...bringing back memories of his own beautiful daughter Maggie, who he loved with every fibre of his being.This is a story where in parts you feel as though the system filed a bright young beautiful person who develops Dissociative Identity disorder...a person with multiple personalities..who is hidden,lost failed and now dangerous.Hamilton must now tread the silent waters carefully..as death follows ever so closely.Just as Hamilton and the team think they have found out why and how this case began..there is a shocking turn of events..when the Hunter becomes the hunter..I read this book almost in one sitting.Having read all the other books in this series I feel that this is her greatest work..From the first chapter I was transfixed..Hamilton emerges here at his most vunerable.You can almost see inside his soul..Brilliant writing Tara Lyons....I loved this story
When a patient escapes from Manor Hall Psychiatric Hospital after a murder...DI Hamilton is drawn into a case that will take him into a place that haunts him...bringing back memories of his own beautiful daughter Maggie, who he loved with every fibre of his being.This is a story where in parts you feel as though the system filed a bright young beautiful person who develops Dissociative Identity disorder...a person with multiple personalities..who is hidden,lost failed and now dangerous.Hamilton must now tread the silent waters carefully..as death follows ever so closely.Just as Hamilton and the team think they have found out why and how this case began..there is a shocking turn of events..when the Hunter becomes the hunter..I read this book almost in one sitting.Having read all the other books in this series I feel that this is her greatest work..From the first chapter I was transfixed..Hamilton emerges here at his most vunerable.You can almost see inside his soul..Brilliant writing Tara Lyons....I loved this story
September 21, 2018
Brilliant book, I really enjoyed it from start to finish, I will definitely be reading more of his books. Those that have gotten to know me I never write much about the novel itself. Because we can all read the synopsis. Should I actually start talking about any book in depth I would be extremely tempted to add a spoiler or two. I have managed never to put spoilers in any review. I think I once explained I read a series of 12 books, on the 12 last one in the series. I was half way through and my ex mother in law told me something about the last book, me not knowing she had read the series. She told me a spoiler and because of that I never did finish that last book. She had ruined the entire series’s. That why I will not read any reviews if it’s marked has having spoilers and a good reason not to put spoilers in any reviews. By the way the series I was reading where my mother in law spoilt the series was just over 40yrs ago..Anyhow back to my review awesome thrilling book a recommendation from me definitely a good read
July 13, 2018
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series and seeing how Denis Hamilton has developed as a character.
Psychology and how the human mind works is always going to pull me in for a read and stars Lyons has not disappointed in this crime thriller of a tense read.
The author had me questioning the killers motives and as we are given a great deal of perspective from the POV of the killer it also made me ponder on the fragility- now two wrongs never make a right, but it does muddy the water.
I do feel we have a slight conclusion in this story with Hamilton’s personal life, but I am hoping he is back soon. He is a character I have warmed to and his team are one of my favourites.
This can be read as a stand-alone; but suggest you read this great Crime series set in London!
Tara set the book off with a mysterious murder, answered questions along the way and has left me wanting more - A tension fuelled read.
Psychology and how the human mind works is always going to pull me in for a read and stars Lyons has not disappointed in this crime thriller of a tense read.
The author had me questioning the killers motives and as we are given a great deal of perspective from the POV of the killer it also made me ponder on the fragility- now two wrongs never make a right, but it does muddy the water.
I do feel we have a slight conclusion in this story with Hamilton’s personal life, but I am hoping he is back soon. He is a character I have warmed to and his team are one of my favourites.
This can be read as a stand-alone; but suggest you read this great Crime series set in London!
Tara set the book off with a mysterious murder, answered questions along the way and has left me wanting more - A tension fuelled read.
August 6, 2018
Book 4 in the series and it didn't disappoint. Having already read the first three I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of this. Tara's book is so good it had me hooked from the first paragraph and i read it in just over a day.
I love all the characters. It's great to learn more about the longstanding characters like DI Hamilton and his team, but I also love the attention to detail and depth that Tara gives her new characters in each book. The concept is stunning and the plot gripping. I found it shocking, thought provoking and incredibly moving in places. Yes I'll admit I did cry once or twice. It's one of those books that I got emotionally invested in and simply couldn't put down.
I'm already looking forward to book 5 (hint hint to the author) and would definitely recommend this book. I think you could easily read it as a standalone but it's well worth reading the other 3 in the series if you haven't already, because it makes this one just so much more thrilling.
I love all the characters. It's great to learn more about the longstanding characters like DI Hamilton and his team, but I also love the attention to detail and depth that Tara gives her new characters in each book. The concept is stunning and the plot gripping. I found it shocking, thought provoking and incredibly moving in places. Yes I'll admit I did cry once or twice. It's one of those books that I got emotionally invested in and simply couldn't put down.
I'm already looking forward to book 5 (hint hint to the author) and would definitely recommend this book. I think you could easily read it as a standalone but it's well worth reading the other 3 in the series if you haven't already, because it makes this one just so much more thrilling.
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