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The Love Detective
“He’d thought himself the hunter, that I was easy prey but what he hadn’t bargained for, was contending with a woman who hadn’t eaten a square meal in twenty-four hours. I get mean when I’m hungry.”
Clarry Pennhaligan, low on ambition but high on energy, can’t seem to come up with a proper grown-up plan to kick-start her life. Planning really isn’t her thing. But then she happens upon her true vocation: Snooping. Discovering other people’s secrets and getting paid for it. What could possibly go wrong? Well……as it turns out, just about everything and soon Clarry finds herself in real danger.
Clarry Pennhaligan, low on ambition but high on energy, can’t seem to come up with a proper grown-up plan to kick-start her life. Planning really isn’t her thing. But then she happens upon her true vocation: Snooping. Discovering other people’s secrets and getting paid for it. What could possibly go wrong? Well……as it turns out, just about everything and soon Clarry finds herself in real danger.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2018
About the author
Angela Dyson
4 books17 followersBorn out of a need for escapism I create characters and scenarios that I hope will both lift the spirits of my readers and encourage them to follow their own dreams.
I'm delighted to report my debut novel, The Love Detective, has been wonderfully well received with readers regularly emailing me to tell me how gripped and entertained they were by the host of strong, vibrant female characters.
Although I have always loved to write, to pay my bills (I soon discovered that utility companies, bank managers and landlords aren’t known for their generosity and understanding natures,) I had to squeeze it in with working for a living. Some of the jobs to which I only gave half my attention include working for a recording studio and a record label, running a building maintenance company where pretty much the only upside was getting to boss a lot of men about all day, doing a bit of plus size modelling (strictly clothes on) and, for one memorable summer, making a living reading palms on a Greek Island.
Thankfully, I am now able to spend much more of my time engaging in my true passion – writing.
I am currently on a book tour around the UK - promoting both books in The Love Detective series.
Do take a look at my website for exclusive offers, news and competitions.
I'm delighted to report my debut novel, The Love Detective, has been wonderfully well received with readers regularly emailing me to tell me how gripped and entertained they were by the host of strong, vibrant female characters.
Although I have always loved to write, to pay my bills (I soon discovered that utility companies, bank managers and landlords aren’t known for their generosity and understanding natures,) I had to squeeze it in with working for a living. Some of the jobs to which I only gave half my attention include working for a recording studio and a record label, running a building maintenance company where pretty much the only upside was getting to boss a lot of men about all day, doing a bit of plus size modelling (strictly clothes on) and, for one memorable summer, making a living reading palms on a Greek Island.
Thankfully, I am now able to spend much more of my time engaging in my true passion – writing.
I am currently on a book tour around the UK - promoting both books in The Love Detective series.
Do take a look at my website for exclusive offers, news and competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 21, 2019
This is my first Angela Dyson book and will definitely not be the last!!
Clarry a waitress at Abbie’s Brassiere is asked by her loved up friend Laura, to investigate her new boyfriend Simon Napier. Laura head over heels in love, is worried that Simon is only with her to advance his career.
This book was a pleasant surprise, by the title I thought it was going to be a soppy romance, but it was a gripping mystery that had me hooked.
Clarry is a great down to earth character, she is funny and finds herself in dangerous situations through not thinking first!! She uncovers a major scandal which could put her life at risk,but she is determined to never give up until the truth is revealed. She finds herself mixed up with fraud, murder and trafficking.
A must read book full of humour, fun, action and danger. What more could you ask for?
Looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Clarry a waitress at Abbie’s Brassiere is asked by her loved up friend Laura, to investigate her new boyfriend Simon Napier. Laura head over heels in love, is worried that Simon is only with her to advance his career.
This book was a pleasant surprise, by the title I thought it was going to be a soppy romance, but it was a gripping mystery that had me hooked.
Clarry is a great down to earth character, she is funny and finds herself in dangerous situations through not thinking first!! She uncovers a major scandal which could put her life at risk,but she is determined to never give up until the truth is revealed. She finds herself mixed up with fraud, murder and trafficking.
A must read book full of humour, fun, action and danger. What more could you ask for?
Looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 23, 2018
The cover of this book is quite misleading. I expected something cozy and sweet and what I got was a gripping and rather dark mystery. The book was not really in balance, although written quite well. It is not my cup of tea but I do give it 4 stars for the story. I do think the cover and/or blurb should categorize it a bit better.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
March 30, 2020
Really good read. Plenty of tense moments. Looking forward to starting the next one.
September 6, 2018
Clarry Pennhaligan is a 26 year old waitress who wants more from her life, but isn’t sure what that more is. With a self-described history of giving up on things and taking the easy way out Clarry is surprised to find herself deep in danger and intrigue when she agrees to help her best friend Laura find out if her new beau is pursuing Laura for the right reasons. What starts out as a few phone calls, stakeouts, and a small masquerade quickly takes Clarry deep into the criminal underworld where murder, fraud, and trafficking are the name of the game.
I really enjoyed Clarry as a protagonist. She was multifaceted and entertaining. I loved her sense of humor as well as her courage and compassion. However she was also very impulsive and often did not think through a plan before throwing herself into situations. Needless to say this led her into a number of sticky and quite dangerous situations.
The supporting cast of characters really gave a lot to the story as well through their diversity in age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and general life circumstances. Clarry’s relationships with them provided the author an opportunity to give different perspectives on the story as well as some social commentary on the issues of today. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of social commentary in the book on issues ranging from sexism, class differences, body image, and race. My only bit of criticism regarding this was that I often felt that these points were made by telling the reader what the point was, rather than showing it through character interactions and expressions.
Overall this book was a great mystery read that found the balance between keeping the reader guessing, while still giving enough clues that they felt they might have an idea of what was to come. This book is filled with action and danger as well as humor and fun (if you enjoy Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton’s books this story will be right up your alley). There were a few loose ends that weren’t tied up but I believe there is a sequel coming and I’m hoping those will be addressed.
***I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I really enjoyed Clarry as a protagonist. She was multifaceted and entertaining. I loved her sense of humor as well as her courage and compassion. However she was also very impulsive and often did not think through a plan before throwing herself into situations. Needless to say this led her into a number of sticky and quite dangerous situations.
The supporting cast of characters really gave a lot to the story as well through their diversity in age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and general life circumstances. Clarry’s relationships with them provided the author an opportunity to give different perspectives on the story as well as some social commentary on the issues of today. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of social commentary in the book on issues ranging from sexism, class differences, body image, and race. My only bit of criticism regarding this was that I often felt that these points were made by telling the reader what the point was, rather than showing it through character interactions and expressions.
Overall this book was a great mystery read that found the balance between keeping the reader guessing, while still giving enough clues that they felt they might have an idea of what was to come. This book is filled with action and danger as well as humor and fun (if you enjoy Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton’s books this story will be right up your alley). There were a few loose ends that weren’t tied up but I believe there is a sequel coming and I’m hoping those will be addressed.
***I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
October 5, 2019
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
Clarry is a 26 year-old waitress who has reached a dead-end in her life. Without real aspirations, she is not sure how she will do at adulting, until her friend Laura helps her to find her true passion: private investigator. Laura has a new boyfriend, but she suspects he is only interested in her to advance his career. Clarry is assigned the mission of investigating Simon, but what she uncovers is a bigger deal than what she signed up for.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I agree that at the beginning it feels like a cozy mystery, but unlike similar American books, which are usually mild, this British counterpart is gripping, intense, and on edge. I like both manifestations of the genre, and I enjoyed the several twists we encounter along the way.
Even though it is mentioned that Clarry is 26 years old, somehow she and her friends seem older, around thirty-something. Their actions, environment, and life, in general, gave me this feeling.
The story is divided into two clear parts, which could have been two separate books. The first is about Simon, and Clarry trying to find out his real intentions towards Laura, the second is much darker, and although it did not feel very realistic at times, I enjoyed the turn the story took.
The characters were quite enjoyable, although Dyson did not really get into detail regarding their personalities. Clarry is the most developed one of them all, as she is the main character. I found Laura’s character a bit bare bones. Somehow, I think developing this character a bit more, and maybe making her join Clarry at times, would have helped the dynamics of the story.
I had big issues regarding the narration though. Jemma Churchill poured her heart onto the narration, and her interpretations were very expressive but I felt she overacted most of the time. The recording and audio production were not good, I am afraid. The narration is full of breathing and very loud swallowing noises that were very distracting and disturbing. There were also several noticeable audio edits, and silences without ambiance noise, which made them too conspicuous. At about 9:38:30 there is a loud guttural sound, the one a person makes when there is air trapped in one’s throat and suddenly comes out while speaking, that had me rewind and replay as I could not believe that this was left on the final mix. Another minor detail was the end of chapter pauses, which were too short. One additional second there would have created a better rhythm. I see that this is Jemma Churchill’s first audiobook on Audible, which sort of explains these issues. I hope her technique and audio production skills will improve, as I think she has talent to deliver good character interpretations.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Clarry is a 26 year-old waitress who has reached a dead-end in her life. Without real aspirations, she is not sure how she will do at adulting, until her friend Laura helps her to find her true passion: private investigator. Laura has a new boyfriend, but she suspects he is only interested in her to advance his career. Clarry is assigned the mission of investigating Simon, but what she uncovers is a bigger deal than what she signed up for.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I agree that at the beginning it feels like a cozy mystery, but unlike similar American books, which are usually mild, this British counterpart is gripping, intense, and on edge. I like both manifestations of the genre, and I enjoyed the several twists we encounter along the way.
Even though it is mentioned that Clarry is 26 years old, somehow she and her friends seem older, around thirty-something. Their actions, environment, and life, in general, gave me this feeling.
The story is divided into two clear parts, which could have been two separate books. The first is about Simon, and Clarry trying to find out his real intentions towards Laura, the second is much darker, and although it did not feel very realistic at times, I enjoyed the turn the story took.
The characters were quite enjoyable, although Dyson did not really get into detail regarding their personalities. Clarry is the most developed one of them all, as she is the main character. I found Laura’s character a bit bare bones. Somehow, I think developing this character a bit more, and maybe making her join Clarry at times, would have helped the dynamics of the story.
I had big issues regarding the narration though. Jemma Churchill poured her heart onto the narration, and her interpretations were very expressive but I felt she overacted most of the time. The recording and audio production were not good, I am afraid. The narration is full of breathing and very loud swallowing noises that were very distracting and disturbing. There were also several noticeable audio edits, and silences without ambiance noise, which made them too conspicuous. At about 9:38:30 there is a loud guttural sound, the one a person makes when there is air trapped in one’s throat and suddenly comes out while speaking, that had me rewind and replay as I could not believe that this was left on the final mix. Another minor detail was the end of chapter pauses, which were too short. One additional second there would have created a better rhythm. I see that this is Jemma Churchill’s first audiobook on Audible, which sort of explains these issues. I hope her technique and audio production skills will improve, as I think she has talent to deliver good character interpretations.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 1, 2019
I would say that my thoughts on this books were mixed. I really enjoyed it. No doubt about that. The story were engaging and had so many twists and turns. The characters were likeable. Some scenes were very tense and had me reading on and on.
However, after finishing the book, I come away with both questions and criticisms. Despite liking it so much.
There were points were I felt it wasn't realistic. In one scene the main character forgot to take a flash light when breaking into a house. I am not saying I have experience in this activity, but a flash light seems an obvious thing to bring. In the same scene she leaves her keys on the hall table of the house! Besides the fact that you can see the obvious plot device that it will lead to, I couldn't believe she would be so stupid. Why would you put your keys down on a table of a house you just broke into?
Obviously when they leave they forget to pick up the keys and you think, "oh no. What are they going to do?" However, it is resolved in the next chapter and never brought up again. You would have thought it would have been used as a huge plot device, completely altering the direction the story has to go in.
There are quite a number of subplots going on within this story and sometimes it is hard to keep track of it all. Especially the different characters who are connected in one way or another.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It is really good fun with all the cheekyness only a female writer could write.
However, after finishing the book, I come away with both questions and criticisms. Despite liking it so much.
There were points were I felt it wasn't realistic. In one scene the main character forgot to take a flash light when breaking into a house. I am not saying I have experience in this activity, but a flash light seems an obvious thing to bring. In the same scene she leaves her keys on the hall table of the house! Besides the fact that you can see the obvious plot device that it will lead to, I couldn't believe she would be so stupid. Why would you put your keys down on a table of a house you just broke into?
Obviously when they leave they forget to pick up the keys and you think, "oh no. What are they going to do?" However, it is resolved in the next chapter and never brought up again. You would have thought it would have been used as a huge plot device, completely altering the direction the story has to go in.
There are quite a number of subplots going on within this story and sometimes it is hard to keep track of it all. Especially the different characters who are connected in one way or another.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It is really good fun with all the cheekyness only a female writer could write.
August 26, 2018
I have just finished “The Love Detective” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The title is clever as I was expecting a chick lit style book, but in actual fact it was a gripping mystery read, with quite a sinister storyline, unlike what the title would lead you to believe.
The main character, Clarry, was the perfect heroine in this story. She was funny and courageous, and quite often put herself in some rather scary situations due to not thinking before acting. I enjoyed watching her flourish from lacking in career and drive, to uncovering a huge scandal that would quite easily have gone unnoticed, had her gut not told her that something really wasn’t right.
This book had the right amount of humour and mystery and quite honestly I couldn’t put it down. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 and I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series.
The main character, Clarry, was the perfect heroine in this story. She was funny and courageous, and quite often put herself in some rather scary situations due to not thinking before acting. I enjoyed watching her flourish from lacking in career and drive, to uncovering a huge scandal that would quite easily have gone unnoticed, had her gut not told her that something really wasn’t right.
This book had the right amount of humour and mystery and quite honestly I couldn’t put it down. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 and I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 26, 2018
To say that this book was not for me would be an understatement. I found it unnecessarily wordy and rambling, and to be honest, the beginning of the story was a bit boring. It does take a dark turn, and the subject matter is quite serious, which was unexpected given the tone of the story. I think that's where this one completely lost me. The book has a cozy mystery feel to it, which doesn't work well with the serious turn it takes. I appreciate wit, sarcasm, and humor and maybe it's because I couldn't connect with the character, but for whatever reason, I just didn't find Clarry particularly witty. In fact, I didn't find many of the characters remotely likable. I did make it through to the end, but given my feelings for this one, I think it's safe to say that I won't be continuing the series.
December 2, 2019
The Love Detective: Next Level was an immensely enjoyable book. It was funny and quickly paced, which made it a very enjoyable read.
This is the second in the series but was easily read as a standalone. This was a new case and a new love interest, and Angela Dyson was able to make me love Clarry. She is a fantastic main character. I related to her very much. She was confident, yet she had her insecurities.
This story is a bit cozy chick-lit but also a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns along the way and I loved it!
I enjoyed this novel. I’m definitely recommending it.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
This is the second in the series but was easily read as a standalone. This was a new case and a new love interest, and Angela Dyson was able to make me love Clarry. She is a fantastic main character. I related to her very much. She was confident, yet she had her insecurities.
This story is a bit cozy chick-lit but also a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many twists and turns along the way and I loved it!
I enjoyed this novel. I’m definitely recommending it.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
May 19, 2019
I quite enjoyed this, it wasn't at all what I was expecting although the darker twists at the end felt a little rushed and glided over. A few clumsy spelling and grammar issues got the better of me though, as well as a point about someone having served national service but being far to young to have done so.
I could really relate to the main character, she was likable and fun and I look forward to getting to know her more as the series continues.
I could really relate to the main character, she was likable and fun and I look forward to getting to know her more as the series continues.
August 7, 2019
I met the author in a local Waterstones store promoting her book and thought I’d give it a go.
This is her first book and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s well written and it held my attention throughout.
This is her first book and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s well written and it held my attention throughout.
September 1, 2019
I loved this book and finished it in a day sat by the pool on holiday! Clarry is such a relatable character and the story manages to be both gritty and realistic but also fun and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next one but I think this is definitely one I'll re-read.
June 4, 2023
Expected some kind of romcom because of the cover but got a gripping, well-paced mystery with lovable characters. Some of the subject matter was heavy (e.g. human trafficking) but the writing was really good. Will definitely read more books by this author.
May 15, 2019
Absolutely fab book, loved the characters and the writing flowed beautifully. Absolutely cannot wait for book two x
September 19, 2019
Enjoyed Clarry as the heroine and the story was very interesting. Not quite the fluff I imagined but very readable non the less.
October 28, 2023
It is very easy to read, exciting and captivating.
June 15, 2019
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_____________________________
"Why confidence in men so often displays itself with a sexual edge, I don't know. Women instinctively recognise it and the suggestion of threat that can lie beneath its surface."
Clarry Pennhaligan is a waitress for Abbe's, she doesn't really know what she wants from life until she finds her true calling: snooping. When Clarry's best friend Laura asks her to find out if her boyfriend is cheating on her, Clarry gets a little too involved, and finds herself in real danger. When she discovers some deep dark secrets that the Greek community were hiding, Clarry, turned private investigator, has to switch to the tenable instincts she has as a woman; her survival depends on it.
Sounds like a warm, fuzzy crime series, right? WRONG.
I read the synopsis and thought it would be a bit of a bad ass chick lit, woman supporting woman style. Instead, it went from a girl asking her best friend to find out if her boyfriend is cheating on her, into an unforeseen escalation of a horrifically detailed Greek mafia sex trafficking ring. WHAT. To say I wasn't expecting that would be the understatement of the year.
It's actually interesting how the author has dictated this; when I saw that the cover looked fun, and read the synopsis of a girl asking her best mate to find out if her boyfriend was cheating on her, I immediately assumed it would be a light and fluffy read. My own subconscious pre-judgement stereotyped this book into the chick lit/crime genre, subconsciously I must have thought how because it would be a female detective leading proceedings, that this novel wouldn't necessarily be dark, pegging this book as harmless fun due to the leading female role, I let the synopsis become seminal, that will show me to literally judge a book by its cover.
However, I didn't particularly like this novel, and not because of how it threw me off, I was not intrinsically immersed into this novel, even when the story would dip into gruesome paroxysms that I wasn't expecting, I felt like the story was long-winded, it was a bit lustreless in its depth, and my ambivalent feelings after finishing the novel meant that I wasn't sure if I had enjoyed it or not.
Although, there was some positive body image activism thrown into these pages; which are welcome to my reading eyes. It was one of my favourite parts of this novel. Clarry is an unconventional heroine to say the least, but the way the author depicts her - and other female characters - is inspiring to any woman.
Unfortunately, to me, it felt a little messy, and the ending left a lot of loose ends, which isn't my favourite. The writing was good, but it didn't save the story.
Thank you to Net Galley and Matador Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2021
For my full review click on the link below:
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https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
March 27, 2026
This is one of those novels that flits from one genre to another. It is a romantic comedy. A Crime Thriller. A psychological study. A character study. A state of the union criticism. It is all of these things.
Clarry Pennhaligan is a 26-year-old waitress who is drifting happily along in her life, with a circle of friends of all generations, but into her world comes her best friend Claire, who has her suspicions about her latest boyfriend, Simon.
Simon is outwardly perfect. Charming, debonnaire, and a successful Estate Agent, but as Clarry, with no previous experience as a private detective, looks beyond the carefully constructed façade, she discovers more than she would like.
As it moves along, the book, which is quite a hefty tome at more than three hundred pages, Clarry finds herself deeper and deeper into a situation. With only her friends at the café, old friend Flan, and a lot of luck on her side, she finds herself in situations that are at once both dangerous and incredibly unlikely. Although we are meant to suspend disbelief in fiction (it is how so many crime fiction thrillers and television programmes operate these days) there are some elements of the story and the narrative that doesn’t add up, but that shouldn’t detract from the action-packed scenes in the book, the sense of well-drawn characters, of a world that feels safe, with people that care about each other.
The book goes from light-hearted froth to tackling human trafficking, but the writing style and the sense of the plot mean that each action has a certain sense to it. The book has been a commercial success, and the sequel, The Love Detective: The Next Level, was released in 2019.
Clarry Pennhaligan is a 26-year-old waitress who is drifting happily along in her life, with a circle of friends of all generations, but into her world comes her best friend Claire, who has her suspicions about her latest boyfriend, Simon.
Simon is outwardly perfect. Charming, debonnaire, and a successful Estate Agent, but as Clarry, with no previous experience as a private detective, looks beyond the carefully constructed façade, she discovers more than she would like.
As it moves along, the book, which is quite a hefty tome at more than three hundred pages, Clarry finds herself deeper and deeper into a situation. With only her friends at the café, old friend Flan, and a lot of luck on her side, she finds herself in situations that are at once both dangerous and incredibly unlikely. Although we are meant to suspend disbelief in fiction (it is how so many crime fiction thrillers and television programmes operate these days) there are some elements of the story and the narrative that doesn’t add up, but that shouldn’t detract from the action-packed scenes in the book, the sense of well-drawn characters, of a world that feels safe, with people that care about each other.
The book goes from light-hearted froth to tackling human trafficking, but the writing style and the sense of the plot mean that each action has a certain sense to it. The book has been a commercial success, and the sequel, The Love Detective: The Next Level, was released in 2019.
September 8, 2018
Thr title and cover did no justice. This book was a quick read due the book being entertaining and engaging. I slowly fot into this novel but once in was enthralled by the author's great writing. I hope to read more from this author and gave an honest review in exchange for an ARC of the book.
September 13, 2018
I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this, I mean I knew it was going to be something I liked otherwise I wouldn’t have requested it on Netgalley. But the tone and the sophistication of the writing was a welcome surprise, as the premise made it sound like the story could have been quite juvenile. It actually turned out to be quite serious, and have some dark twists.
Firstly, I really liked the writing as it sucked me into the story and I felt connected to the main character, Clarry really easily. While it did make me feel cringey that her best friend asked her to do some investigating into her new boyfriend, I was taken unwittingly on to quite an impressive journey. My cynical mind was quickly quieted as I enjoyed the antics that she got up to and the way she pieced together a story.
The story itself was evidently thoroughly planned. Every time I thought the story must be drawing to a close, it just carried on with another twist or another plot to foil. Obviously some scenes were very questionable, but I quickly grasped that this was the sort of story that you were supposed to enjoy and not over analyse every detail. The length of the book was very impressive, although I do feel that it needn’t have been as long as it was. It could have been very easy to condense that story, and not have so many elements and themes running through it.
One slight criticism I do have, is that I believe a cover and synopsis of the book should always reflect the story inside. While they portrayed that the story was going to be a light, fluffy, funny read about two friends standing up for one another, and the other going on funny antics to find out what is wrong with the boyfriend – it was actually intensely dark and serious, more crime, thriller than anything else.
Most importantly, I really enjoyed this first installment and thought it was a quick, interesting read.
Rating: 3. 75 stars
Firstly, I really liked the writing as it sucked me into the story and I felt connected to the main character, Clarry really easily. While it did make me feel cringey that her best friend asked her to do some investigating into her new boyfriend, I was taken unwittingly on to quite an impressive journey. My cynical mind was quickly quieted as I enjoyed the antics that she got up to and the way she pieced together a story.
The story itself was evidently thoroughly planned. Every time I thought the story must be drawing to a close, it just carried on with another twist or another plot to foil. Obviously some scenes were very questionable, but I quickly grasped that this was the sort of story that you were supposed to enjoy and not over analyse every detail. The length of the book was very impressive, although I do feel that it needn’t have been as long as it was. It could have been very easy to condense that story, and not have so many elements and themes running through it.
One slight criticism I do have, is that I believe a cover and synopsis of the book should always reflect the story inside. While they portrayed that the story was going to be a light, fluffy, funny read about two friends standing up for one another, and the other going on funny antics to find out what is wrong with the boyfriend – it was actually intensely dark and serious, more crime, thriller than anything else.
Most importantly, I really enjoyed this first installment and thought it was a quick, interesting read.
Rating: 3. 75 stars
September 16, 2018
Based on the blurb for this book I was expecting it to be similar to the Stephanie Plum and Spellman Files series, so I was looking forward to a lighthearted read. Whilst there is similarities to those series, it's a little more serious, and although still entertaining it wasn't quite as lighthearted as I had originally anticipated. That isn't a critiscism, I enjoyed the book all the more for that.
I like Clarry as a protagonist. She's smart, and has a bit more about her than the hapless, can't do anything right sort of protagonist we usually get in these sorts of books. Yes Clarry is impulsive, which can get her into dangerous situations, but sheactually thinks her way through things rather than accidentally ending up OK. Even simple things like being able to cook for herself, living self sufficiently and not constantly worrying about paying bills made me like her a lot more than other lead characters from similar novels.
The plot is good, it doesn't require huge leaps of faith, and is a believable story. Whilst it is entertaining, and the characters are likeable, it isn't full of silly escapades that detract from the story. It's darker than I was expecting, and whilst it doesn't contain any gruesome or disturbing scenes, the author does touch on a criminal underworld that isn't very nice at all. I like that the author doesn't go into too much detail about that, for me that isn't what this novel is about, but I do appreciate having a story that I can imagine actually happening.
I thought the book was well written, the characters were likeable and realistic, with enough detail and backstory for you to get a good feel for them. I'm hoping that we will see many of them again in later books.
Overall I'm giving this 4*, and will be looking out for book 2 (due out next year)
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC
I like Clarry as a protagonist. She's smart, and has a bit more about her than the hapless, can't do anything right sort of protagonist we usually get in these sorts of books. Yes Clarry is impulsive, which can get her into dangerous situations, but sheactually thinks her way through things rather than accidentally ending up OK. Even simple things like being able to cook for herself, living self sufficiently and not constantly worrying about paying bills made me like her a lot more than other lead characters from similar novels.
The plot is good, it doesn't require huge leaps of faith, and is a believable story. Whilst it is entertaining, and the characters are likeable, it isn't full of silly escapades that detract from the story. It's darker than I was expecting, and whilst it doesn't contain any gruesome or disturbing scenes, the author does touch on a criminal underworld that isn't very nice at all. I like that the author doesn't go into too much detail about that, for me that isn't what this novel is about, but I do appreciate having a story that I can imagine actually happening.
I thought the book was well written, the characters were likeable and realistic, with enough detail and backstory for you to get a good feel for them. I'm hoping that we will see many of them again in later books.
Overall I'm giving this 4*, and will be looking out for book 2 (due out next year)
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC
September 18, 2018
The Love Detective by Angela Dyson is a very good thriller deceptively hidden behind the cozy cover.
Reading the short description I had no idea what was in store for me. It started almost as a rom com, developed into cozy mystery and ended as a full blown suspense novel.
I loved the fact that it is written in first person, that it is full of twists and turns and that something is happening on every page.
Clarry is a waitress trying to figure out her true calling when her best friend asks her to look into her new boyfriend just to make sure he is trustworthy. What happens next is a tangled web of deceit, lies, sex trafficking and squatter issues.
I liked main protagonist, her sense of humor, her quirkiness and her courage. She is one of those good intentioned and well meaning women but she often acts on her instincts and doesn't think things through. Her unconventional side kicks are surprising and quite eccentric to say the least.
Real life situations and issues mentioned in this book add to the authenticity however some situations were a bit unrealistic and glossed over and unexpected to say the least.
All in all a great read and I can't wait for the next book to see how it will develop.
Reading the short description I had no idea what was in store for me. It started almost as a rom com, developed into cozy mystery and ended as a full blown suspense novel.
I loved the fact that it is written in first person, that it is full of twists and turns and that something is happening on every page.
Clarry is a waitress trying to figure out her true calling when her best friend asks her to look into her new boyfriend just to make sure he is trustworthy. What happens next is a tangled web of deceit, lies, sex trafficking and squatter issues.
I liked main protagonist, her sense of humor, her quirkiness and her courage. She is one of those good intentioned and well meaning women but she often acts on her instincts and doesn't think things through. Her unconventional side kicks are surprising and quite eccentric to say the least.
Real life situations and issues mentioned in this book add to the authenticity however some situations were a bit unrealistic and glossed over and unexpected to say the least.
All in all a great read and I can't wait for the next book to see how it will develop.
September 30, 2018
First of all, if you like the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich stop reading this review and just buy this book!
This novel, which looks to happily be the first in a series, is the tale of how Clarry gets involved in being a private investigator. There is a short sight goal of finding out if her friend’s new man is trustworthy that snowballs into quite an adventure. This book is fun, fast, and still has feelings and growth of the character. I would definitely recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
This novel, which looks to happily be the first in a series, is the tale of how Clarry gets involved in being a private investigator. There is a short sight goal of finding out if her friend’s new man is trustworthy that snowballs into quite an adventure. This book is fun, fast, and still has feelings and growth of the character. I would definitely recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
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February 24, 2019I received the Love Detective as an ARC from NetGalley. Based on the title I thought this was going to be more of a chick lit type mystery. The title is not descriptive of the actual story. Clarry works as a waitress and is asked by her best friend to investigate her boyfriend because she's afraid he's not what he seems. This harmless investigation leads to a sex trafficking ring. Not the fun romp I was expecting.
April 11, 2019
I actually bought this book on a whim when I met the author at a bookstore signing a few weeks ago. Her enthusiasm made me want to take a peek into her creativity so I bought the book to take away on holiday with me.
I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. Whilst the main characters are still developing they were interesting and I wanted to get to know them better.. so I am grateful there are more books in the pipeline.
The story is fun.. having said that, it touches on some serious topics and you can feel real empathy for the situations Clarry finds herself in.. yet still giggle at Flan's antics.
I can't wait to read Book 2!
I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. Whilst the main characters are still developing they were interesting and I wanted to get to know them better.. so I am grateful there are more books in the pipeline.
The story is fun.. having said that, it touches on some serious topics and you can feel real empathy for the situations Clarry finds herself in.. yet still giggle at Flan's antics.
I can't wait to read Book 2!
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