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East Rise #2
Buried Secrets
The brilliant new crime novel from Lisa Cutts - the author who puts the reader at the heart of a police investigation. To most people, Detective Inspector Milton Bowman appears to have an ideal life. But some secrets aren’t buried deep enough. And Milton’s Monday morning will not follow routine as he is caught in a major car accident on the way to East Rise incident room. His friend and colleague DI Harry Powell is given the unenviable task of delivering the message to Bowman's wife, Linda. Except she’s been murdered. The team, including DC Hazel Hamilton, begin to examine every aspect of their colleague’s life as suspicion and disbelief take hold of those embroiled in the investigation. A web of deceit that fooled them all for years means no one is to be trusted – the Bowman family, friends, colleagues, even Harry Powell is under suspicion. Nothing is as it appears and nobody seems to be telling the truth. Authoritative and experienced, Lisa Cutts is the author of four police procedural novels, based on her nineteen years of policing work. Praise for Lisa 'Brutal, harrowing and compelling, Mercy Killing deftly challenges everything you thought you knew about police investigations. Lisa Cutts has a unique empathetic, observant, incisive. This is a book to devour and recommend; everyone should read it' ELIZABETH HAYNES, author of Into the Darkest Corner ‘I SO enjoyed Mercy Killing . Taut. Tense. Insider knowledge leaps from every page’ SIMON BOOKER, author of Without Trace
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2017
33 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 12, 2023
I feel bad giving this one star but it just didn't do anything for me. I was close to DNFing this one but it just isn't in my nature.
I will say you can tell Lisa Cutts has or is in the policing world, the descriptions of policing are very realistic and so is the story in a way - but that doesn’t make for the most interesting story. The plot was ok, but it didn't grip me as much as I would have liked.
There ended up being quite a lot of characters, but none of them had any real personality and it was really hard to differentiate between all the police especially. There are some secrets that were reveled but they didn't have any shock value. I did feel like I was reading a real newspaper article at points, and not a very interesting one at that.
The ending was unimaginative and not satisfying in the least. I wouldn't read from this author again personally. If you prefer your books to be more real life they maybe give this a go.
I will say you can tell Lisa Cutts has or is in the policing world, the descriptions of policing are very realistic and so is the story in a way - but that doesn’t make for the most interesting story. The plot was ok, but it didn't grip me as much as I would have liked.
There ended up being quite a lot of characters, but none of them had any real personality and it was really hard to differentiate between all the police especially. There are some secrets that were reveled but they didn't have any shock value. I did feel like I was reading a real newspaper article at points, and not a very interesting one at that.
The ending was unimaginative and not satisfying in the least. I wouldn't read from this author again personally. If you prefer your books to be more real life they maybe give this a go.
June 13, 2017
A tense and cleverly plotted police procedural from Lisa Cutts here - whose writing I've always loved within the crime genre and Buried Secrets shows just why that is.
Great writing and one of those books that encourage rabid onset of page turning as you avidly make your way through it. One of the huge strength's of this and indeed of all of this authors novels is the pure authenticity she brings to proceedings, reality bites and in a very addictive way.
It was a compelling story - the police lose one of their own - he may or may not have killed his wife just before dying himself - the politics of the situation make solving the crime all the more difficult and Lisa Cutts brings great depth to the nuances involved in such a dilemma.
Overall a truly excellent read. If you like this genre then this is most definitely worth your time - I will look forward to the next book as I always do.
Recommended.
Great writing and one of those books that encourage rabid onset of page turning as you avidly make your way through it. One of the huge strength's of this and indeed of all of this authors novels is the pure authenticity she brings to proceedings, reality bites and in a very addictive way.
It was a compelling story - the police lose one of their own - he may or may not have killed his wife just before dying himself - the politics of the situation make solving the crime all the more difficult and Lisa Cutts brings great depth to the nuances involved in such a dilemma.
Overall a truly excellent read. If you like this genre then this is most definitely worth your time - I will look forward to the next book as I always do.
Recommended.
June 7, 2017
This is one of the most accurate police procedurals on the market today. Written by a serving Detective Constable with a depth of knowledge, Author Lisa Cutts brings you into the heart of a murder investigation. Telling the story from several viewpoints, she provides the reader with a fully rounded view of life behind the thin blue line. Her characters are down to earth and wholly believable. The story gallops along at a gripping pace and is filled with intrigue, particularly when one of their own officers may be involved. An enjoyable highly recommended read.
June 5, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for an advance copy of Buried Secrets, a police procedural set in East Rise in the South of England.
When DI Milton Bowman is involved in a serious car accident his colleague and friend DI Harry Powell goes to tell Milton's wife, Linda, about the accident and finds her dead on the kitchen floor, bleeding from head wounds. To avoid conflict of interest Harry is sidelined and the investigation is led by DCI Barbara Venice and DI Doug Philbert, drafted in from another station. The main emphasis of the novel lies with Family liaison officer, DC Hazel Hamilton.
I enjoyed Buried Secrets as I like Ms Cutts' approach to writing. The first few chapters are intriguing and really drew me in. Was it murder/suicide or just a coincidence or something more nefarious at work with both attacked? As the investigation continues many of Milton and Linda's secrets come to light opening up more avenues of investigation. Hazel, as FLO to their son Travis, is at the centre of it all trying to get information from him and keeping him up to date. It is fascinating and informative to see the tightrope she walks. I haven't read a better novel on this role. It kept me reading and interested until the ending which I found a bit disappointing and trite. It is a twist but it's unsatisfying.
There are chapters where the point of view changes completely and feature a couple of thugs intimidating drug addicts. Initially I didn't see the point of them but assumed they would have some relevance later on. Maybe, but I think too much is made of them.
I really like the characterisation. It is not overly developed as befits a procedural but it is very pleasant to read about ordinary people doing their job well but being human too, like slapping down any rumours about Milton being corrupt because they know him and he's a friend. I think Ms Cutts does an excellent job with Travis and his oscillating emotions as grieves, assimilates the uncomfortable information he is given and still has to answer questions and provide information. I don't think I realised before what a bruising experience it is for the relatives of a murder victim.
Buried Secrets is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When DI Milton Bowman is involved in a serious car accident his colleague and friend DI Harry Powell goes to tell Milton's wife, Linda, about the accident and finds her dead on the kitchen floor, bleeding from head wounds. To avoid conflict of interest Harry is sidelined and the investigation is led by DCI Barbara Venice and DI Doug Philbert, drafted in from another station. The main emphasis of the novel lies with Family liaison officer, DC Hazel Hamilton.
I enjoyed Buried Secrets as I like Ms Cutts' approach to writing. The first few chapters are intriguing and really drew me in. Was it murder/suicide or just a coincidence or something more nefarious at work with both attacked? As the investigation continues many of Milton and Linda's secrets come to light opening up more avenues of investigation. Hazel, as FLO to their son Travis, is at the centre of it all trying to get information from him and keeping him up to date. It is fascinating and informative to see the tightrope she walks. I haven't read a better novel on this role. It kept me reading and interested until the ending which I found a bit disappointing and trite. It is a twist but it's unsatisfying.
There are chapters where the point of view changes completely and feature a couple of thugs intimidating drug addicts. Initially I didn't see the point of them but assumed they would have some relevance later on. Maybe, but I think too much is made of them.
I really like the characterisation. It is not overly developed as befits a procedural but it is very pleasant to read about ordinary people doing their job well but being human too, like slapping down any rumours about Milton being corrupt because they know him and he's a friend. I think Ms Cutts does an excellent job with Travis and his oscillating emotions as grieves, assimilates the uncomfortable information he is given and still has to answer questions and provide information. I don't think I realised before what a bruising experience it is for the relatives of a murder victim.
Buried Secrets is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 3, 2017
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC through NetGalley
This was a good book following the investigation of the accidental death of a police inspector and the murder of his wife. The storyline was really good, though it left a lot of points unresolved. It felt very realistic and I enjoyed that.
However, there were a lot of characters and it was quite difficult to remember who everybody was and why they were important. I found myself switching off every time Hazel and Harry were together because I didn't feel it was important to the storyline. In this way, it was quite difficult to have a fleshed out characterisation for all the characters, but instead of fleshing out the main characters (Hazel or Aidan and Travis for example), it was spread across them all and as a result, they all felt a bit lacklustre.
This was a good book following the investigation of the accidental death of a police inspector and the murder of his wife. The storyline was really good, though it left a lot of points unresolved. It felt very realistic and I enjoyed that.
However, there were a lot of characters and it was quite difficult to remember who everybody was and why they were important. I found myself switching off every time Hazel and Harry were together because I didn't feel it was important to the storyline. In this way, it was quite difficult to have a fleshed out characterisation for all the characters, but instead of fleshing out the main characters (Hazel or Aidan and Travis for example), it was spread across them all and as a result, they all felt a bit lacklustre.
July 9, 2017
This book sounded very interesting and the story line was something I would normally read. However, there were too many characters to keep track of and honestly, to me they were just fillers. The writer didn't really allow the reader to really get to know the characters at all. I was also disappointed as there was a lot of things left unresolved at the end of this book. If there is to be a sequel, that is great, but still, in my experience with series type books, the writer doesn't usually leave the reader with the sense that something is missing. The next books are usually an extension, that is separate in itself.
February 4, 2018
I did not know what to make of this. For starters there were far too many characters to keep track of and most of the characters were underdeveloped so I found I didn’t care about them. The writing was at times a bit clunky and repetitive and left me feeling “what’s the point” It felt a bit TOO procedural like I was being given a tour of a working day in the life of a copper. Hazel and Harry’s relationship just did not ring true to me and there was no chemistry. They had been together two minutes and he was going to be asking to move in with her?? Weird. Also hated the ending. After dragging the plot on the last 10 chapters felt rushed.
June 24, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The way you're navigated through this book is very different than most thriller/mysteries you'll read. Maybe the ending in particular is what made me like this so much. I really enjoyed the last page of this book, it tied it all together for me, and I didn't hate Jenny as much as I thought I did throughout the whole book, once I finished that last page.
I think I found this so enjoyable and different because it's more of a police procedural, than a thriller/mystery. Though there was a lot of mystery about this book, it was refreshing to read this story while it was being told in a technical way, not in a way that tries to trick you, and throw you off course.
I wont waste much time telling you about the characters, although I will say that I enjoyed getting to know Hazel and Harry the best. If you're sort of a sap like I am, you'll see why shortly into the first few chapters.
Ugh! The ending was fantastic. I loved it, and I'll keep saying how much I loved it. How clever.
I can't wait to read another Lisa Cutts book. This was one of my favorite ARC's yet.
The way you're navigated through this book is very different than most thriller/mysteries you'll read. Maybe the ending in particular is what made me like this so much. I really enjoyed the last page of this book, it tied it all together for me, and I didn't hate Jenny as much as I thought I did throughout the whole book, once I finished that last page.
I think I found this so enjoyable and different because it's more of a police procedural, than a thriller/mystery. Though there was a lot of mystery about this book, it was refreshing to read this story while it was being told in a technical way, not in a way that tries to trick you, and throw you off course.
I wont waste much time telling you about the characters, although I will say that I enjoyed getting to know Hazel and Harry the best. If you're sort of a sap like I am, you'll see why shortly into the first few chapters.
Ugh! The ending was fantastic. I loved it, and I'll keep saying how much I loved it. How clever.
I can't wait to read another Lisa Cutts book. This was one of my favorite ARC's yet.
June 22, 2017
This has to be one of my favourite novels that i have read in the past few months. It is the first time that i have read any novels by this author and am now keen to read more. Plenty of twists and turns and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Usually i can guess what happens at the end, but not this time. I also love stories that are set in Southern England, as it feels as if the crime has happened near my doorstep.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers. This is my honest review.
June 29, 2017
On the plus side Lisa Cutts knows what she is writing about and I know now that a family liaison officer don't just makes tea, but I'd rather she made procedural mistakes instead of writing a book where the people just don't feel right. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't relate to her characters and when I did a little in the end, she writes an ending I just hated. Nope, this one is not for me.
Thanks to netgalley.com for the ARC.
Thanks to netgalley.com for the ARC.
January 26, 2018
2.5 really, rounded it up because I finished it. Didn't like the factual way it was written, considering it dragged most of the way, the ending was quick and not very satisfactorily finished for my liking.
October 10, 2017
Buried Secrets, the second in the East Rise series, starts with a tragic accident, closely followed by a murder, one that puts the police themselves at the heart of the investigation. Front and centre of trying to find the murderer should be DI Harry Powell; unfortunately, he’s at best a witness, at worst a suspect, so off the case.
Instead it’s down to DI Doug Philbert and DCI Barbara Venice to head up what will prove to me a much more complicated case than any of them might have thought. Amongst the team they are leading are some familiar faces, including DC Hazel Hamilton, who is appointed Family Liaison Officer and finds herself supporting the nineteen year old son of the victim.
I suppose one of the first things I would say about Buried Secrets, and one of things I liked about it, is exactly what drew me to the first in the series, Mercy Killing – the fact that this book really shows how the police work, and how team work is at the heart of what they do. Whilst some characters here take front and centre, it is all the officers as a unit, working together, that solve the case. No one is a lone wolf, so often the case nowadays in books.
What it does mean though is that it took me a while to get all the characters straight in my head, who they were, what their roles were and what type of personalities they had. I did get it, but it was probably a good 10 chapters in before everything fell into place. The good new is, once I did, there wasn’t anyone I didn’t warm to or want to find out more about.
And this is something I am hoping I will get to as the series goes on because what Lisa Cutts did here is, I thought, quite clever. Whilst Harry was one of the main characters in the first book, and is definitely present here, it was Hazel who dominated this novel (and not in a bad way). I liked getting to know her here and understanding what made her tick
I also liked that she had the role of family liaison, something which I know exists but don’t really know what they do. Hats of to them I would say now because it’s a hard, emotionally draining, job by the sounds of it. Focusing on this aspect of the case (though not to the detriment of the investigation, there was plenty of that), gave this book a different slant, which I liked.
Other things I liked? The twists and turns, which started to come thick and fast in the second half as you were left guessing who the guilty party was, and the sub-plot involving a local drug gang (which I’m hoping might be the subject of another novel because there are some nasty characters there that might make a good story). Plus the fact that I got to see not just the investigation but the trial.
What I didn’t like? Not a lot, if I’m honest. The getting my head round the large cast maybe but that’s a minor complaint and may just be down to my age and terrible memory for names. Also, for me, it was just a little too long – not much, maybe fifty pages, but there were a few scenes of Hazel’s burgeoning relationship I could maybe have done without.
And that’s it really. Overall, I found myself liking this book a lot and recommending it for fans of police procedurals…Enjoy!
Instead it’s down to DI Doug Philbert and DCI Barbara Venice to head up what will prove to me a much more complicated case than any of them might have thought. Amongst the team they are leading are some familiar faces, including DC Hazel Hamilton, who is appointed Family Liaison Officer and finds herself supporting the nineteen year old son of the victim.
I suppose one of the first things I would say about Buried Secrets, and one of things I liked about it, is exactly what drew me to the first in the series, Mercy Killing – the fact that this book really shows how the police work, and how team work is at the heart of what they do. Whilst some characters here take front and centre, it is all the officers as a unit, working together, that solve the case. No one is a lone wolf, so often the case nowadays in books.
What it does mean though is that it took me a while to get all the characters straight in my head, who they were, what their roles were and what type of personalities they had. I did get it, but it was probably a good 10 chapters in before everything fell into place. The good new is, once I did, there wasn’t anyone I didn’t warm to or want to find out more about.
And this is something I am hoping I will get to as the series goes on because what Lisa Cutts did here is, I thought, quite clever. Whilst Harry was one of the main characters in the first book, and is definitely present here, it was Hazel who dominated this novel (and not in a bad way). I liked getting to know her here and understanding what made her tick
I also liked that she had the role of family liaison, something which I know exists but don’t really know what they do. Hats of to them I would say now because it’s a hard, emotionally draining, job by the sounds of it. Focusing on this aspect of the case (though not to the detriment of the investigation, there was plenty of that), gave this book a different slant, which I liked.
Other things I liked? The twists and turns, which started to come thick and fast in the second half as you were left guessing who the guilty party was, and the sub-plot involving a local drug gang (which I’m hoping might be the subject of another novel because there are some nasty characters there that might make a good story). Plus the fact that I got to see not just the investigation but the trial.
What I didn’t like? Not a lot, if I’m honest. The getting my head round the large cast maybe but that’s a minor complaint and may just be down to my age and terrible memory for names. Also, for me, it was just a little too long – not much, maybe fifty pages, but there were a few scenes of Hazel’s burgeoning relationship I could maybe have done without.
And that’s it really. Overall, I found myself liking this book a lot and recommending it for fans of police procedurals…Enjoy!
November 16, 2017
What price friendship?
Early on a routine Monday in June, Detective Inspector Milton Bowman leaves his house after a row with his wife Linda; within a few hours he has driven his car into a concrete flowerbed and is fighting for his life. Friend and colleague, Detective Inspector Harry Powell hastens to break the news to Linda, but finds he is too late; someone has got there first.
Detective Constable Hazel Hamilton is appointed a family liaison officer to the Bowman's nineteen-year-old son Travis and has the unenviable job of breaking the news. Travis hadn't been home last night but had spent the night at his friend Aiden's house.
What ensues is a tense police procedural as Milton's colleagues seek to understand exactly what happened that Monday morning. As a close friend of Milton and Linda, Harry is persuaded to take some time off, but he is kept up to date on the case by Hazel, with whom he starts a tentative courtship.
At the same time the reader learns of the activities of an East End drug baron whose brutal reprisals terrorise those who cross him; but what is the link to the Bowmans?
This is an excellently constructed novel from an author who through her career in the police, is well versed in how things are done. The characters leap from the page, and the plot, sub-plots and mis-directions keep one guessing until the very end.
A very satisfying read for lovers of homegrown (UK) crime fiction.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Early on a routine Monday in June, Detective Inspector Milton Bowman leaves his house after a row with his wife Linda; within a few hours he has driven his car into a concrete flowerbed and is fighting for his life. Friend and colleague, Detective Inspector Harry Powell hastens to break the news to Linda, but finds he is too late; someone has got there first.
Detective Constable Hazel Hamilton is appointed a family liaison officer to the Bowman's nineteen-year-old son Travis and has the unenviable job of breaking the news. Travis hadn't been home last night but had spent the night at his friend Aiden's house.
What ensues is a tense police procedural as Milton's colleagues seek to understand exactly what happened that Monday morning. As a close friend of Milton and Linda, Harry is persuaded to take some time off, but he is kept up to date on the case by Hazel, with whom he starts a tentative courtship.
At the same time the reader learns of the activities of an East End drug baron whose brutal reprisals terrorise those who cross him; but what is the link to the Bowmans?
This is an excellently constructed novel from an author who through her career in the police, is well versed in how things are done. The characters leap from the page, and the plot, sub-plots and mis-directions keep one guessing until the very end.
A very satisfying read for lovers of homegrown (UK) crime fiction.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
November 27, 2017
A great police procedural by Lisa Cutts, who writes crime and investigation with great authenticity. This book too forms a part of those books which compels the reader to keep turning pages till the end.
The story follows the investigation of the accidental death of Inspector Milton and the murder of his wife.
The secrets keep revealing and point of views keep changing to give the entire story.
The author Lisa Cutts has described her characters well. It is evident that Lisa has put in enough research into this story, so that story is true to its form and at the same time it keeps the reader involved.
There are a few unanswered questions and a few not-so-needed parts but they don't detract the story from its course.
On the whole, a great intriguing story, entertaining page turner
The story follows the investigation of the accidental death of Inspector Milton and the murder of his wife.
The secrets keep revealing and point of views keep changing to give the entire story.
The author Lisa Cutts has described her characters well. It is evident that Lisa has put in enough research into this story, so that story is true to its form and at the same time it keeps the reader involved.
There are a few unanswered questions and a few not-so-needed parts but they don't detract the story from its course.
On the whole, a great intriguing story, entertaining page turner
June 23, 2017
Buried Secrets by lisa Cutts.
To most people, Detective Inspector Milton Bowman appears to have an ideal life. But some secrets aren’t buried deep enough.
After a tragic car accident, and a shocking murder, DI Milton's colleagues have to start digging into every aspect of his life.
Suspicion and disbelief creep into their lives as a web of deceit unfolds - the Bowman family, friends and even colleagues come under suspicion. No one is to be trusted.
Nothing is as it appears.
OMG what a tense and gripping read. Absolutely fantastic. I was hooked from page one. Really had me thinking who it was. 5*. Netgalley and Simon and schuster UK fiction.
To most people, Detective Inspector Milton Bowman appears to have an ideal life. But some secrets aren’t buried deep enough.
After a tragic car accident, and a shocking murder, DI Milton's colleagues have to start digging into every aspect of his life.
Suspicion and disbelief creep into their lives as a web of deceit unfolds - the Bowman family, friends and even colleagues come under suspicion. No one is to be trusted.
Nothing is as it appears.
OMG what a tense and gripping read. Absolutely fantastic. I was hooked from page one. Really had me thinking who it was. 5*. Netgalley and Simon and schuster UK fiction.
February 4, 2018
Enjoyed this a lot. Feel like there could be a part two. Quite a few, what happened to........... why did....? Was hooked from the start, a great opening chapter. That's what |I like. The author was a detective constable with the Kent police for over 21 years, so she had good inside knowledge, and it showed.
September 10, 2024
Great read
October 29, 2018
Very mixed feelings about this read. I think it will appeal to readers who like their police procedurals to be very correct.
Brilliant story-line and exceptionally good opening chapters that really raised my expectations.
Where the book didn't work so well for me was the characters. There were lots of minor characters that I couldn't keep track of. That wasn't too much of a problem as they acted their role and disappeared. However, I also found I didn't believe in any of the major characters and couldn't imagine any of them as real people. I can't explain why.
I do think there were a few occasions where the pedantic following of correct procedure reduced the suspense and excitement.
Brilliant story-line and exceptionally good opening chapters that really raised my expectations.
Where the book didn't work so well for me was the characters. There were lots of minor characters that I couldn't keep track of. That wasn't too much of a problem as they acted their role and disappeared. However, I also found I didn't believe in any of the major characters and couldn't imagine any of them as real people. I can't explain why.
I do think there were a few occasions where the pedantic following of correct procedure reduced the suspense and excitement.
December 27, 2017
A 3 1/2 star book. The plotting is extremely intricate and clever and there are lots of mis directions and red herrings in this very readable police procedural. The writing style is fairly straightforward and although the lead character is quite engaging, some of the other characterisation is a little underdeveloped. I will be happy to read more of the author’s work, but I doubt I will be actively seeking it out.
April 9, 2018
This book has really good reviews however it didn’t work for me! By the end of the book I was really quite bored. There was no suspense and no real likeable characters in my opinion. The end also left lots of unanswered questions which really gets on my goat!
August 30, 2018
This fast-paced, authentic police procedural with a tightly woven plot is a grippingly good read with twists aplenty. Think you know who the killer is? Think again! :)
June 30, 2017
All of my reviews can be found at: http://jacob-reviews-books.blogspot.c...
Buried Secrets is the second novel in the East Rise Incident Room series, a gripping police procedural from start to finish. It is the first book by Lisa Cutts which I have read and I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
When DC Hazel Hamilton arrives at the scene of a car crash, she realises straight away that this investigation isn’t going to be straightforward. The victim is one of their own, DI Milton Bowman. Bowman is taken away from the scene with life threatening injuries and Hazel knows that there is little chance that he is going to make it. When DI Harry Powell goes to Milton’s address to break the news to his wife he stumbles across a horrific murder scene. Linda Bowman lies dead in her house. Could it be possible that Milton could have murdered his wife? What was really going on in their lives?
What I really liked about Buried Secrets was the authenticity. Lisa Cutts has spent nineteen years working in the police force and in this book she takes you into the heart of the police investigation. I really liked her character, Hazel, especially in the scenes in which she is acting as FLO to Linda and Milton’s son, Travis. I thought that Lisa wrote these scenes really well, you can clearly see the influence from her days spent working in the police force.
I also liked the relationship between Hazel and her colleague Harry which added to their characters. I’d like to see their relationship develop further.
A really good read, perfect for fans of Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan series. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read.
Buried Secrets is the second novel in the East Rise Incident Room series, a gripping police procedural from start to finish. It is the first book by Lisa Cutts which I have read and I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
When DC Hazel Hamilton arrives at the scene of a car crash, she realises straight away that this investigation isn’t going to be straightforward. The victim is one of their own, DI Milton Bowman. Bowman is taken away from the scene with life threatening injuries and Hazel knows that there is little chance that he is going to make it. When DI Harry Powell goes to Milton’s address to break the news to his wife he stumbles across a horrific murder scene. Linda Bowman lies dead in her house. Could it be possible that Milton could have murdered his wife? What was really going on in their lives?
What I really liked about Buried Secrets was the authenticity. Lisa Cutts has spent nineteen years working in the police force and in this book she takes you into the heart of the police investigation. I really liked her character, Hazel, especially in the scenes in which she is acting as FLO to Linda and Milton’s son, Travis. I thought that Lisa wrote these scenes really well, you can clearly see the influence from her days spent working in the police force.
I also liked the relationship between Hazel and her colleague Harry which added to their characters. I’d like to see their relationship develop further.
A really good read, perfect for fans of Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan series. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read.
September 5, 2017
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and it had me completely gripped. Given that Lisa Cutts has 19 years history of working for the police force, she knows what she's talking about and the accuracies within her storylines are evident, and it makes such a difference.
Buried Secrets tells the story of DI Milton Bowman, and the secrets that unfold. Admittedly I struggled for the first few chapters as there were SO many names to get to grips with, and I had to keep flicking back a few pages to refresh my memory on who was who and what their backstory was. After a while though it all began to fit together seamlessly, like a very complex jigsaw puzzle. I am amazed at how Lisa has managed to focus equally on several different characters and manage to entangle all of their stories into one greater story. There were plenty of twists and turns, and an ending I wasn't quite expecting, although admittedly I was a little disappointed at the ending. It felt like the whole story had lead up to one ending and then it didn't quite deliver in the same way.
On the whole though, I loved this book and will definitely be looking for more from Lisa.
(Thanks to NetGalley for this copy).
Buried Secrets tells the story of DI Milton Bowman, and the secrets that unfold. Admittedly I struggled for the first few chapters as there were SO many names to get to grips with, and I had to keep flicking back a few pages to refresh my memory on who was who and what their backstory was. After a while though it all began to fit together seamlessly, like a very complex jigsaw puzzle. I am amazed at how Lisa has managed to focus equally on several different characters and manage to entangle all of their stories into one greater story. There were plenty of twists and turns, and an ending I wasn't quite expecting, although admittedly I was a little disappointed at the ending. It felt like the whole story had lead up to one ending and then it didn't quite deliver in the same way.
On the whole though, I loved this book and will definitely be looking for more from Lisa.
(Thanks to NetGalley for this copy).
May 22, 2020
It was clear from the police procedural elements of this story that the author's was making good use of her twenty one years with the police force to ensure a convincing authenticity to her story-telling. I particularly enjoyed how she brought the complex, demanding role of Family Liaison Officer into such sharp focus, illustrating the fine line they tread between supporting a victim in the aftermath of appalling crimes, whilst remaining ever conscious that, first and foremost, their primary role remains that of a police officer, a member of the crime-solving team. I also appreciated learning much more about how (courtesy of joints of pork!) forensic specialists are able to tell so much about a crime scene by blood pattern analysis.
Whilst I did guess some aspects of the development of the plot, other red-herrings were very effective, helping to make this a satisfying and entertaining read. Although I found that some of the characters were very well-drawn, others did remain disappointingly sketchy, making this rather more than a 3* read but less than the 4* one I thought it might be when I first started reading.
Whilst I did guess some aspects of the development of the plot, other red-herrings were very effective, helping to make this a satisfying and entertaining read. Although I found that some of the characters were very well-drawn, others did remain disappointingly sketchy, making this rather more than a 3* read but less than the 4* one I thought it might be when I first started reading.
January 14, 2020
This is my first Lisa Cutts novel and I quite enjoyed it, maybe it due to the detail in the procedural information within the pages, most probably it's because it was written by a serving police officer.
Although there was a plethora of characters, there was more than a few that I could take or leave. I found myself wanting to like the chemistry with the main protagonists to gel together a little better but that will come with more writing.
Well this is a book full to the brim of deceit, lies and secrets and there's some biggies in this. I mean we all know that everything isn't always all that it seems and it's illustrated well in this. A well respected senior officer is involved in a horrific traffic accident and a shocking murder and his life is suddenly under a microscope. Every element is examined, all of his are friends cross-examined and the finger of suspicion lands on everyone involved.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Cutts, Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Fiction
Although there was a plethora of characters, there was more than a few that I could take or leave. I found myself wanting to like the chemistry with the main protagonists to gel together a little better but that will come with more writing.
Well this is a book full to the brim of deceit, lies and secrets and there's some biggies in this. I mean we all know that everything isn't always all that it seems and it's illustrated well in this. A well respected senior officer is involved in a horrific traffic accident and a shocking murder and his life is suddenly under a microscope. Every element is examined, all of his are friends cross-examined and the finger of suspicion lands on everyone involved.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Cutts, Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Fiction
June 22, 2017
firstly would like to thank netgalley and simon and schuster uk for letting me read and review this book, my first lisa cutts book and hopefully not my last book this author
this book takes you to a whole different level a murder mystery done from the police perspective, we have a car accident and then a murder, are these two linked or are they not what they seem...not wanting to give to much away with spoilers
the characters are well written and believeable and interact very well...a glimpse of the role of a family liaision officer and how they have to interact with families made for an interesting read
but on the whole as the story progressed and the investigation was under way it was amazing what they uncovered and the final outcome....what an ending
i can see lisa cutts being another author added to my ever growing list of authors to keep an eye out for
this book takes you to a whole different level a murder mystery done from the police perspective, we have a car accident and then a murder, are these two linked or are they not what they seem...not wanting to give to much away with spoilers
the characters are well written and believeable and interact very well...a glimpse of the role of a family liaision officer and how they have to interact with families made for an interesting read
but on the whole as the story progressed and the investigation was under way it was amazing what they uncovered and the final outcome....what an ending
i can see lisa cutts being another author added to my ever growing list of authors to keep an eye out for
March 19, 2019
This was an interesting premise for a book, and I think it was quite well executed. Sorry if that sounds a bit wishy-washy, I'm not sure of the best way to review this audio book. On the whole I enjoyed it. The characters were likeable, and worked together in a cohesive and thoughtful way. I was thrilled the author didn't fall into the trap of having all the police officers at each others throats and generally clawing their colleagues eyes out just to get ahead. The whole story was good; it wasn't earth shatteringly fabulous - it's not going to change your life, but it was an enjoyable listen. Would I seek out more books by Lisa Cutts? Possibly not, but if one came up as the daily deal I would definitely buy it. I wasn't sure I was going to like Deryn Edwards narration at the beginning, but I warmed to it and quite liked it by the end.
February 9, 2025
Reading this book was like trudging through deep snow - and I don't mean chilling. I found it slow, ponderous and dampening.
The plot idea was quite good but it lacked suspense and there was no satisfaction at the end. I can only assume there will be a sequel, otherwise, there was hardly any point to the story at all. There was too much harping on about Hazel's feelings towards Travis - so much so that I was beginning to think this was a red herring and he was the perp!
The author also needs to get a better copy editor as some of the sentence structure and grammar was not up to scratch for an author who has written so many books. There were many sentences I had to read several times to ascertain the meaning.
I like a good police procedural but unfortunately this did not qualify for my 'must read this author again' list.
The plot idea was quite good but it lacked suspense and there was no satisfaction at the end. I can only assume there will be a sequel, otherwise, there was hardly any point to the story at all. There was too much harping on about Hazel's feelings towards Travis - so much so that I was beginning to think this was a red herring and he was the perp!
The author also needs to get a better copy editor as some of the sentence structure and grammar was not up to scratch for an author who has written so many books. There were many sentences I had to read several times to ascertain the meaning.
I like a good police procedural but unfortunately this did not qualify for my 'must read this author again' list.
Want to read
June 24, 2017Thanks to netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Fiction for an ARC.
November 6, 2019
Rozzers stick together, so when Rozzer Milton Bowman is in a fatal car accident , his friend Rozzer Harry Powell is the obvious choice to tell Bowman's wife Linda. Except Linda is dead. Killed by Bowman before he killed himself? Harry Powell is sidelined as 'tecs from elsewhere are brought in to try and unravel the mess.
Family Liaison Officer Hazel Hamilton works with the Bowman's grieving son Travis, walking a line between investigating and caretaking. The story is largely told From Hamilton's point of view with some others chiming in, which adds interest.
A cracking police procedural that grips and doesn't let go.
Family Liaison Officer Hazel Hamilton works with the Bowman's grieving son Travis, walking a line between investigating and caretaking. The story is largely told From Hamilton's point of view with some others chiming in, which adds interest.
A cracking police procedural that grips and doesn't let go.
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