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DS Josie Masters #2
Keep Her Close
His hand went around her middle, and the other came up over her face, holding some sort of material against her nose and mouth. He dragged her backwards, trailing her scrabbling feet … When a young woman goes missing from Jesus College, Oxford, DS Josie Masters is plunged into a world of panic as fear grips the city. Along with Thames Valley Police’s newest recruit, the handsome DS Pryce , Josie must act fast – and when two more students disappear from Oriel and Somerville colleges, she realises the killer is sending her a deadly message in a cruel game of cat and mouse. This time, the case is personal – but who is the perpetrator? In a desperate race against the clock, Josie hunts for the kidnapper, and soon discovers he could be a lot closer to home than she’d ever thought… M.J. Ford is back with a gripping new thriller, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and T.M. Logan. What others are saying about Keep Her Close : ‘ Wow loved it! I devoured the first book and looked forward to starting the second’ Reader review ‘A tense, taut and terrifying thriller that will keep you up all night, Keep Her Close will send chills down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat frantically turning the pages desperate to find out what happens next. Full of shocking twists and turns, nerve-jangling red herrings and jaw-dropping revelations, Keep Her Close is a first class crime thriller you are simply going to love .’ Bookish Jottings ‘A quick twisty read, and I highly recommend it!’ Reader review ‘This book was an amazing suspense thriller… one of my favourite books that I have read this year! ’ Vickie’s Book Nook ‘I love finding a new author and this one is exceptional… Excellent read, highly recommended .’ Reader review ‘An ambitious and satisfying police thriller … really stunning and dark – excellent .’ Reader review ‘ Perfect psychological thriller! It moved at a fast pace with twists and turns throughout! I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend! ’ Reader review
400 pages, ebook
First published March 7, 2019
293 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
September 29, 2022
One word review: A steady pace, action around every corner, and a plot thiccer than a Snicker
This is part of a series and I actually recommend you read book #1 first. I def had some questions because I started with #2
SYNOPSIS
DS Josie Masters is still reeling from the outcome of a personal case when she's thrown headfirst into another one. As girls from colleges go missing, Masters realizes the killer is trying to send her a message... but why!? Can't she live in peace!? The answer: when hell freezes over.
MY OPINION
I snatched this one up at the local library sale; it's a madhouse so I basically grab books blindly and hope for the best LOL. Police procedurals are usually a safe bet since it's rare I meet one that I don't really fks with.
Tbh I don't like when a series has MULTIPLE cases that revolve around getting revenge on the main character. Girl... you need witness protection lmao. This was my gripe with Sharon Bolton's Lacey Flint series as well. Once is enough. But if multiple people be exacting revenge schemes... you need to flee the country and get a new identity ASAP.
This is a juicy book but you definitely need to suspend – nay, yeet – your disbelief because the chances of a killer going to these extremes just to make a fking point to a DS is pretty extreme. I don't mind yeeting disbelief for police procedurals because I enjoy the mechanics of solving a case, whereas yeeting disbelief so I can look past the blatant stupidity of characters like Verity and Dr. Avery from The Golden Couple (Derek this one is for you LOL) makes me cranky. I don't want to pretend characters aren't stupid. Just make them not stupid. PLZ.
Ok ok sorry, went on a tangent. Anyways. Some crime books can meander a bit, but the action and revelations were nonstop. It was a quick and breezy read with a twisty twist ending. Kudos to the author... the clues were definitely there and ya girl blew right past 'em which to me is the sign of good writing. If you can subtly blend the clues into the background, you're winning. As I've said before, a plot twist should make you go A HAAA so that's why the author wrote xyz earlier. A plot twist for the sake of shock value with no previous clues is garbagio. Next.
Also I have to give it up to the author. For being a lowly man (sarcasm chill) he writes female characters and romance very well. No weird male gaze. Love to see it!!! I'll definitely be following this series and author.
PROS AND CONS
PROS: Pacing, solid writing, humor, well-executed plot with a lot of moving parts, great twisty twist with subtle clues throughout
Cons: yeeting disbelief required, sometimes Master was a lil dumb and didn't seem that great at detecting clues lmao
This is part of a series and I actually recommend you read book #1 first. I def had some questions because I started with #2
SYNOPSIS
DS Josie Masters is still reeling from the outcome of a personal case when she's thrown headfirst into another one. As girls from colleges go missing, Masters realizes the killer is trying to send her a message... but why!? Can't she live in peace!? The answer: when hell freezes over.
MY OPINION
I snatched this one up at the local library sale; it's a madhouse so I basically grab books blindly and hope for the best LOL. Police procedurals are usually a safe bet since it's rare I meet one that I don't really fks with.
Tbh I don't like when a series has MULTIPLE cases that revolve around getting revenge on the main character. Girl... you need witness protection lmao. This was my gripe with Sharon Bolton's Lacey Flint series as well. Once is enough. But if multiple people be exacting revenge schemes... you need to flee the country and get a new identity ASAP.
This is a juicy book but you definitely need to suspend – nay, yeet – your disbelief because the chances of a killer going to these extremes just to make a fking point to a DS is pretty extreme. I don't mind yeeting disbelief for police procedurals because I enjoy the mechanics of solving a case, whereas yeeting disbelief so I can look past the blatant stupidity of characters like Verity and Dr. Avery from The Golden Couple (Derek this one is for you LOL) makes me cranky. I don't want to pretend characters aren't stupid. Just make them not stupid. PLZ.
Ok ok sorry, went on a tangent. Anyways. Some crime books can meander a bit, but the action and revelations were nonstop. It was a quick and breezy read with a twisty twist ending. Kudos to the author... the clues were definitely there and ya girl blew right past 'em which to me is the sign of good writing. If you can subtly blend the clues into the background, you're winning. As I've said before, a plot twist should make you go A HAAA so that's why the author wrote xyz earlier. A plot twist for the sake of shock value with no previous clues is garbagio. Next.
Also I have to give it up to the author. For being a lowly man (sarcasm chill) he writes female characters and romance very well. No weird male gaze. Love to see it!!! I'll definitely be following this series and author.
PROS AND CONS
PROS: Pacing, solid writing, humor, well-executed plot with a lot of moving parts, great twisty twist with subtle clues throughout
Cons: yeeting disbelief required, sometimes Master was a lil dumb and didn't seem that great at detecting clues lmao
August 16, 2019
We are all so very busy in our lives. Any shortcut we can find is much appreciated. A literary shortcut is the categorization of novels. Is it a thriller - sci fi - romance - police procedural or cat and mouse novel. Actually we should categorize by; is it a good novel or a so-so novel or a waste of time novel .
For me the good novel category is the most important one. Thanks to M.J. Ford, I have a very good read in Keep Her Close. This is the second book in the D.S. Josie Masters series.
Josie Madters is back at work following her successful saving of her nephew from a killer clown. Still dealing with the aftermath of the event, Josie must also relive the event in department regulation forced therapy. Her colleagues do not ease the situation as many are jealous and envious of the notoriety the case generated for Josie.
Now paired with new recruit, D.S. Pryce, Josie’s new case is the disappearance of a young girl from Jesus College. Then a girl disappears from Oriel and then another girl disappears from Somerville.
Josie recognizes the clues the abductor is leaving. Do you? But why is this happening? Who is doing this. Can Josie figure it out before another girl disappears?
This cat and mouse, mystery thriller crime, really good book has twists and turns you might expect but surprises with an unexpected ending. M.J. Ford’s second installment can stand on its own but I recommend going back to where this journey began in Hold Her Down to fully appreciate the evolution of DS Josie Masters. Flawed yes, but tenacious and determined, Josie prevails.
The next time you are asked to recommend a good book. Answer “I just read a very good book, Keep Her Close.”
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #KeepHerClose
For me the good novel category is the most important one. Thanks to M.J. Ford, I have a very good read in Keep Her Close. This is the second book in the D.S. Josie Masters series.
Josie Madters is back at work following her successful saving of her nephew from a killer clown. Still dealing with the aftermath of the event, Josie must also relive the event in department regulation forced therapy. Her colleagues do not ease the situation as many are jealous and envious of the notoriety the case generated for Josie.
Now paired with new recruit, D.S. Pryce, Josie’s new case is the disappearance of a young girl from Jesus College. Then a girl disappears from Oriel and then another girl disappears from Somerville.
Josie recognizes the clues the abductor is leaving. Do you? But why is this happening? Who is doing this. Can Josie figure it out before another girl disappears?
This cat and mouse, mystery thriller crime, really good book has twists and turns you might expect but surprises with an unexpected ending. M.J. Ford’s second installment can stand on its own but I recommend going back to where this journey began in Hold Her Down to fully appreciate the evolution of DS Josie Masters. Flawed yes, but tenacious and determined, Josie prevails.
The next time you are asked to recommend a good book. Answer “I just read a very good book, Keep Her Close.”
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #KeepHerClose
April 13, 2019
3☆ Cat and Mouse Police Procedural
Keep Her Close is a race against time police procedural, crime fiction.
This is also the second book in the series
Unfortunately I haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the first book, and I do believe this is the main reason I found it difficult to connect with the story.
Although it has been said it can be read as a standalone I really don't think this is the case.
The opening story was of DS Josie Masters attending counselling for a horrific case that took place in the previous book.
Which had me confused and a lil lost as i didn't really know what was going on.
DS Masters was called to a College when a student goes missing.
They see signs of a struggle and blood splatter but no evidence as to what actually happened to Malin.
When two more different young girls go missing, Masters knows it's a race against time to find out who is taking the girls.
With no evidence they truly have their work cut out.
Unfortunately I struggled to get into the plot, I found it difficult to connect with the characters as i feel like I was missing something.
It is a slower paced, quick read and at times gripping.
I only wish I had read the previous book then my ratings might have been higher.
I do believe others will really enjoy Keep Her Close, DS Masters has alot of potential to make a great series.
To be honest after getting a glimpse of the previous book (Hold My Hand) it sounds thrilling, so i think I'll give it a read.
Overal a good read. Would still recommend to others, I'm intrigued to see what is next for DS Masters and her Team.
Keep Her Close is a race against time police procedural, crime fiction.
This is also the second book in the series
Unfortunately I haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the first book, and I do believe this is the main reason I found it difficult to connect with the story.
Although it has been said it can be read as a standalone I really don't think this is the case.
The opening story was of DS Josie Masters attending counselling for a horrific case that took place in the previous book.
Which had me confused and a lil lost as i didn't really know what was going on.
DS Masters was called to a College when a student goes missing.
They see signs of a struggle and blood splatter but no evidence as to what actually happened to Malin.
When two more different young girls go missing, Masters knows it's a race against time to find out who is taking the girls.
With no evidence they truly have their work cut out.
Unfortunately I struggled to get into the plot, I found it difficult to connect with the characters as i feel like I was missing something.
It is a slower paced, quick read and at times gripping.
I only wish I had read the previous book then my ratings might have been higher.
I do believe others will really enjoy Keep Her Close, DS Masters has alot of potential to make a great series.
To be honest after getting a glimpse of the previous book (Hold My Hand) it sounds thrilling, so i think I'll give it a read.
Overal a good read. Would still recommend to others, I'm intrigued to see what is next for DS Masters and her Team.
February 25, 2019
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
It's six months since DS Josie Masters saved her nephew from the clutches of the killer clown, but she is still haunted by that terrible night. In this case, a young girl has went missing from Jesus College. Jo has been given the case the case along with new recruit, DS Pryce. Then two more girls have disappeared from Oriel and Somerville. Jo realises that the killer is spelling out her name. Now the case has become personal - but who is the predator?
DS Josie Masters works for the Thames Valley Police. The story is told from Josie's point of view, so the reader gets the events as they happen. There's no hint of the killer or their motivation. I liked the way the clues were revealed and the fact that Josie doesn't always play by the rules. There are plenty of curve balls and the conclusion I did not see coming. This is a fast paced and gripping read. I did prefer the authors first book, Hold My Hand, but they are still both good books to read. This book could be read as a standalone, but my advice is to read them in order. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author M. J. Ford for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's six months since DS Josie Masters saved her nephew from the clutches of the killer clown, but she is still haunted by that terrible night. In this case, a young girl has went missing from Jesus College. Jo has been given the case the case along with new recruit, DS Pryce. Then two more girls have disappeared from Oriel and Somerville. Jo realises that the killer is spelling out her name. Now the case has become personal - but who is the predator?
DS Josie Masters works for the Thames Valley Police. The story is told from Josie's point of view, so the reader gets the events as they happen. There's no hint of the killer or their motivation. I liked the way the clues were revealed and the fact that Josie doesn't always play by the rules. There are plenty of curve balls and the conclusion I did not see coming. This is a fast paced and gripping read. I did prefer the authors first book, Hold My Hand, but they are still both good books to read. This book could be read as a standalone, but my advice is to read them in order. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author M. J. Ford for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2019
I really struggled to get into this book. Though the pace did pick up after a slow start, I was never fully involved in the story. One problem I had was with the lead detective – Jo Masters. She had major trust issues, was paranoid, and – as the story continued – was rather a liability to the investigation. I know there were good (historical) reasons for her character flaws – just because you are paranoid does not mean that someone is not out to get you – but I found her very unsympathetic.
I thought the story-line was rather contrived, and at times clichéd (unhappy police detective with excessive flaws, cop in danger …). I prefer my police procedurals to be mainly focussed on the criminal(s) and crime(s) rather than on the police working the investigation. Some background about the police does give the tale more human interest, but there was just a bit too much of Jo and her personal life. I felt the end of the epilogue was unnecessary.
I am clearly in the minority when it come to not liking this book – most reviews that I have read are very complimentary. The writing is good, and it is a very readable crime novel – but not for me.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I thought the story-line was rather contrived, and at times clichéd (unhappy police detective with excessive flaws, cop in danger …). I prefer my police procedurals to be mainly focussed on the criminal(s) and crime(s) rather than on the police working the investigation. Some background about the police does give the tale more human interest, but there was just a bit too much of Jo and her personal life. I felt the end of the epilogue was unnecessary.
I am clearly in the minority when it come to not liking this book – most reviews that I have read are very complimentary. The writing is good, and it is a very readable crime novel – but not for me.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 24, 2019
Keep Her .Close is the second book to feature DS Josie Masters. After reading and loving Hold My Hand I had high hopes for this book. I certainly wasn't disappointed and I read this book in less than a day. This is a great police series and hope that we have not seen the last of Josie. She is far from perfect and her past makes her paranoid and untrusting. But she is very good at her job.
This book focuses on the case of missing students from Oxford Colleges. First one and then another, and another, and another. There doesn't app at to be any link between the girls who all attend different schools and don't know each other. There are a multitude of twists and red herrings along the way until an explosive ending that I certainly didn't see coming.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
This book focuses on the case of missing students from Oxford Colleges. First one and then another, and another, and another. There doesn't app at to be any link between the girls who all attend different schools and don't know each other. There are a multitude of twists and red herrings along the way until an explosive ending that I certainly didn't see coming.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
February 12, 2019
Keep me close is the second book in the series involving DS Josie Masters and Thames valley police. It’s six months on from where we left off in Hold my hand. Josie and her family are still suffering from the after effects of what happened months ago.
Back at work, Josie is called to investigate a missing girl with new partner DS Jack Pryce, Malin Sigurdssin missing from Oriel college. When they get to her room, they find blood in the bathroom, which gives the team cause to concern. Is she still alive or is she dead? When another woman’s body, a college staff and another student goes missing. The links between them Josie discovers that this is personal. When she gets back to the station her boss tries to take her off the case but she ignores his commands.
This is another gripping thriller from M. J. Ford, But, at first although it was a continuation of the first one I found it quite difficult to grasp what the plot was. I liked the relationship between Josie and Pryce and I really thought that they were going to get together into a relationship. I was quite surprised what happened at the send. I really did not see that coming.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for an ARC of this book.
Back at work, Josie is called to investigate a missing girl with new partner DS Jack Pryce, Malin Sigurdssin missing from Oriel college. When they get to her room, they find blood in the bathroom, which gives the team cause to concern. Is she still alive or is she dead? When another woman’s body, a college staff and another student goes missing. The links between them Josie discovers that this is personal. When she gets back to the station her boss tries to take her off the case but she ignores his commands.
This is another gripping thriller from M. J. Ford, But, at first although it was a continuation of the first one I found it quite difficult to grasp what the plot was. I liked the relationship between Josie and Pryce and I really thought that they were going to get together into a relationship. I was quite surprised what happened at the send. I really did not see that coming.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for an ARC of this book.
August 16, 2019
We are all so very busy in our lives. Any shortcut we can find is much appreciated. A literary shortcut is the categorization of novels. Is it a thriller - sci fi - romance - police procedural or cat and mouse novel. Actually we should categorize by; is it a good novel or a so-so novel or a waste of time novel .
For me the good novel category is the most important one. Thanks to M.J. Ford, I have a very good read in Keep Her Close. This is the second book in the D.S. Josie Masters series.
Josie Madters is back at work following her successful saving of her nephew from a killer clown. Still dealing with the aftermath of the event, Josie must also relive the event in department regulation forced therapy. Her colleagues do not ease the situation as many are jealous and envious of the notoriety the case generated for Josie.
Now paired with new recruit, D.S. Pryce, Josie’s new case is the disappearance of a young girl from Jesus College. Then a girl disappears from Oriel and then another girl disappears from Somerville.
Josie recognizes the clues the abductor is leaving. Do you? But why is this happening? Who is doing this. Can Josie figure it out before another girl disappears?
This cat and mouse, mystery thriller crime, really good book has twists and turns you might expect but surprises with an unexpected ending. M.J. Ford’s second installment can stand on its own but I recommend going back to where this journey began in Hold Her Down to fully appreciate the evolution of DS Josie Masters. Flawed yes, but tenacious and determined, Josie prevails.
The next time you are asked to recommend a good book. Answer “I just read a very good book, Keep Her Close.”
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #KeepHerClose
For me the good novel category is the most important one. Thanks to M.J. Ford, I have a very good read in Keep Her Close. This is the second book in the D.S. Josie Masters series.
Josie Madters is back at work following her successful saving of her nephew from a killer clown. Still dealing with the aftermath of the event, Josie must also relive the event in department regulation forced therapy. Her colleagues do not ease the situation as many are jealous and envious of the notoriety the case generated for Josie.
Now paired with new recruit, D.S. Pryce, Josie’s new case is the disappearance of a young girl from Jesus College. Then a girl disappears from Oriel and then another girl disappears from Somerville.
Josie recognizes the clues the abductor is leaving. Do you? But why is this happening? Who is doing this. Can Josie figure it out before another girl disappears?
This cat and mouse, mystery thriller crime, really good book has twists and turns you might expect but surprises with an unexpected ending. M.J. Ford’s second installment can stand on its own but I recommend going back to where this journey began in Hold Her Down to fully appreciate the evolution of DS Josie Masters. Flawed yes, but tenacious and determined, Josie prevails.
The next time you are asked to recommend a good book. Answer “I just read a very good book, Keep Her Close.”
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #KeepHerClose
September 15, 2019
Keep Her Close” is the second book in the series to include D.S Josie Masters. After devouring the first book “Hold My Hand” in one day I was very keen to start this one.
D.S Josie Masters is back to work after her last harrowing case, she has a new partner, Jack Pryce and is in a new relationship.
The new case Josie and jack are working on is a girl gone missing from Jesus College. When two more girls disappear from Oriel and Somerville it looks like the perpetrator is spelling out Josie’s name. The case is too close to home and Josie is soon working out who would have a grievance against her.
I was completely hooked with this book, there was lots of twists and red herrings along the way that kept me guessing!!
Definitely a series to read, highly recommended!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy on exchange for a review.
D.S Josie Masters is back to work after her last harrowing case, she has a new partner, Jack Pryce and is in a new relationship.
The new case Josie and jack are working on is a girl gone missing from Jesus College. When two more girls disappear from Oriel and Somerville it looks like the perpetrator is spelling out Josie’s name. The case is too close to home and Josie is soon working out who would have a grievance against her.
I was completely hooked with this book, there was lots of twists and red herrings along the way that kept me guessing!!
Definitely a series to read, highly recommended!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy on exchange for a review.
May 9, 2019
Although I haven’t read Hold my Hand I had no trouble connecting with the main character, Josie (Josephine) Masters. What happened in the first book was grueling and she is still trying to come to terms with it.
Keep her close is a well-written book; I do like it when the setting is a British town I’ve actually visited ;-). Josie is very determined but sometimes a bit too determined for her own good. Or to the liking of her boss. On the other hand she is much loved with her colleagues and this fact turns out to play an important role in this book.
This is the kind of story you want to read immediately again after you’ve finished the book. There are many twists and turns and once you’ve read the last page, you may want to turn back to see what you’ve missed in determining who the bad guy (or girl) is. I would certainly like to read more of this author.
Thanks to Netgalley for sending me a digital copy of this book.
Keep her close is a well-written book; I do like it when the setting is a British town I’ve actually visited ;-). Josie is very determined but sometimes a bit too determined for her own good. Or to the liking of her boss. On the other hand she is much loved with her colleagues and this fact turns out to play an important role in this book.
This is the kind of story you want to read immediately again after you’ve finished the book. There are many twists and turns and once you’ve read the last page, you may want to turn back to see what you’ve missed in determining who the bad guy (or girl) is. I would certainly like to read more of this author.
Thanks to Netgalley for sending me a digital copy of this book.
April 7, 2019
I thought that the writing was gripping, edgy but most of all enthralling. I just couldn't put it down.
Jo Masters is a brilliant character, down to earth and has a lot of baggage. I loved Hold My Hand and was worried that the sequel would fall short. I needed have done.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Jo's life.
Thanks to Netgalley, M. J. Ford and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jo Masters is a brilliant character, down to earth and has a lot of baggage. I loved Hold My Hand and was worried that the sequel would fall short. I needed have done.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Jo's life.
Thanks to Netgalley, M. J. Ford and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 11, 2019
3.5
This was good and very well written but I felt that I would have enjoyed it much more had I read the first. It can work as a stand alone so don’t let me scare you off but so much has happened to lay the groundwork for this story that it took me a bit off time to figure out what had gone on and why Josie was who she was.
Once I put all the pieces together this story really moved along. There was a nice amount of twists and turns, some of which were very surprising. Josie is quite flawed, understandable considering her past. She doesn’t always play by the rules. She’s an interesting character.
The conclusion was quite good and one I didn’t see coming. I did enjoy this and would read more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon Books UK for a copy in exchange for a review.
This was good and very well written but I felt that I would have enjoyed it much more had I read the first. It can work as a stand alone so don’t let me scare you off but so much has happened to lay the groundwork for this story that it took me a bit off time to figure out what had gone on and why Josie was who she was.
Once I put all the pieces together this story really moved along. There was a nice amount of twists and turns, some of which were very surprising. Josie is quite flawed, understandable considering her past. She doesn’t always play by the rules. She’s an interesting character.
The conclusion was quite good and one I didn’t see coming. I did enjoy this and would read more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon Books UK for a copy in exchange for a review.
August 14, 2019
In theory, I'd really love this, and at some points I did like where the story was going. Overall, though, it was really hard to get into the plot and I felt like I didn't connect with any of the characters, Josie included.
March 23, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Avon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Keep Her Close is the second book in the DS Josie Masters series.
Josie was still recovering after the murder of her ex fiancee Ben and the kidnapping of her nephew by The Clown Killer. Josie was now in a relationship with gardener Ben who she met in her last investigation.
Josie was called to Oriel College after student Anna Mullin reported her friend Makin Surgidsson missing. When Josie had checked Makin`s room they found blood and possible signs of a struggle. When Jodie and new colleague Jack Pryce investigated Malin`s background they found out she was seeing a married man and was also a drug user.
Then a body of a young woman was found frozen in a lake in a small village outside Oxford. Her name was Natalie Palmer and she was a cleaner at Jesus College. Natalie `s mum was a drug user but Natalie had kept away from drugs and was very sensible. It appeared she had been run over by a vehicle and badly injured, she fell in the lake.
Then to Josie`s dismay there are another two kidnappings. Rita Prakash a student at Sommervile College was abducted on her way to fitness training. Then school girl Sophie Okafor from Iffley Road Academy from hockey practice. After the public scandal following The Clown Killer Josie was desperate to regain her superiors confidence with the help of Pryce.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the authors first book Hold My Hand. The story was fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. The plot was well crafted with interesting characters.
I like Josie, like DCI Jack Frost she keeps her bravery medal in her office draw. However I thought she was paranoid in this book and was just looking for a reason to distrust Ben. I did feel embarrassed for Josie though when a passer by filmed Josie and Ben having a row which ended up on social media. I was glad ex policeman Harry Ferman appeared in Keep Her Close and would love it if he appeared in the next book as an unofficial adviser.
I did guess the kidnapper half way through the book but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. The conclusion of the book was very descriptive and I could imagine the scenes in my mind. The epilogue was a nice twist and I can't wait to see what happens next for Josie.
Keep Her Close is the second book in the DS Josie Masters series.
Josie was still recovering after the murder of her ex fiancee Ben and the kidnapping of her nephew by The Clown Killer. Josie was now in a relationship with gardener Ben who she met in her last investigation.
Josie was called to Oriel College after student Anna Mullin reported her friend Makin Surgidsson missing. When Josie had checked Makin`s room they found blood and possible signs of a struggle. When Jodie and new colleague Jack Pryce investigated Malin`s background they found out she was seeing a married man and was also a drug user.
Then a body of a young woman was found frozen in a lake in a small village outside Oxford. Her name was Natalie Palmer and she was a cleaner at Jesus College. Natalie `s mum was a drug user but Natalie had kept away from drugs and was very sensible. It appeared she had been run over by a vehicle and badly injured, she fell in the lake.
Then to Josie`s dismay there are another two kidnappings. Rita Prakash a student at Sommervile College was abducted on her way to fitness training. Then school girl Sophie Okafor from Iffley Road Academy from hockey practice. After the public scandal following The Clown Killer Josie was desperate to regain her superiors confidence with the help of Pryce.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the authors first book Hold My Hand. The story was fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. The plot was well crafted with interesting characters.
I like Josie, like DCI Jack Frost she keeps her bravery medal in her office draw. However I thought she was paranoid in this book and was just looking for a reason to distrust Ben. I did feel embarrassed for Josie though when a passer by filmed Josie and Ben having a row which ended up on social media. I was glad ex policeman Harry Ferman appeared in Keep Her Close and would love it if he appeared in the next book as an unofficial adviser.
I did guess the kidnapper half way through the book but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. The conclusion of the book was very descriptive and I could imagine the scenes in my mind. The epilogue was a nice twist and I can't wait to see what happens next for Josie.
September 1, 2019
M.J. Ford’s spectacularly assured debut, Hold My Hand, was a truly original police procedural and a thrilling introduction to realistically flawed DS Josie Masters. Six months after the harrowing case that put her family in danger Jo is still haunted by the memories that saw her awarded a bravery medal and labelled a hero. However she would swap all of that in a heartbeat if it helped her deal with the sense of responsibility that is dragging her down or cope with the paranoia and suspicion that now dogs her everyday life. Although reading Hold My Hand is certainly not a prerequisite for following or enjoying Keep Her Close it will give the reader a better understanding of protagonist Jo and explain some of her hang-ups.
Opening midway through her final mandatory session with the force forensic psychologist Jo is now back at Thames Valley Police in Oxford with a new love interest in Lucas and a new police partner in handsome golden boy, DC Jack Pryce. But her superiors, most notably DCI Phil Stratton, seem to regard her history and baggage as something of a liability. When Jo and her new sidekick attend a report of a missing student, Malin Sigurdsson, at Oriel college with signs of blood in the bathroom it is discovered that she is the well-heeled step-daughter of a local MP. Jo’s refusal to avoid asking the difficult questions of her tutor and the friend who reported her missing see her boss remove her from the case and assign her to the suspected hit-and-run of Natalie Palmer, a cleaner at Jesus college. Refusing to be palmed off and still with a ear to the ground in Malin’s case, Jo starts to suspect that perhaps the death of Natalie was no straightforward hit-and-run with concerns how the victim actually met her death. Already looking to tie the two cases together the disappearance of another student at Somerville college, albeit in different circumstances to Malin, sees anxiety in the town escalate and the detective team spot an ominous pattern.
Narrated entirely in the third person from Jo’s point of view the reader sees the events unfold as our protagonist does, making for an involving story that allows readers to follow the clues for themselves. Slightly more cliched than the first novel in the series there are more than a few familiar elements with a hot-headed female detective on the brink of turning forty, desperate for a child with a testy relationship with her boss. Together with being personally over-invested in the job, Jo is also emotionally vulnerable with a cynical but realistic approach to the job that appeals and makes her character easy to vie for.
Whilst I admit that I did identify the culprit before the close it certainly did nothing to spoil my reading experience, however there were several leads that started off with promise and frustratingly fizzled out (most notably in Malin’s case a possible drug link and an inappropriate relationship with a tutor). Disappointedly these were never satisfactorily followed up or ruled out making the link between all the cases feel tenuous at best and far from the obvious conclusion. It likewise felt rather like a fluke that Jo tied the suspected hit-and-run with Malin’s case with such confidence and relied on some unconvincing police procedures.
Whilst I hope to see DS Jo Masters starring in future novels I am not quite sure that at the age of forty and still hoping for a child that she has much more to give. At some point the cases she works on will undoubtedly have to stop being so personal and I wonder just where is will leave Jo. 3.5 stars bumped up to 4 with the pace and characterisation of Jo making for an engaging read.
Opening midway through her final mandatory session with the force forensic psychologist Jo is now back at Thames Valley Police in Oxford with a new love interest in Lucas and a new police partner in handsome golden boy, DC Jack Pryce. But her superiors, most notably DCI Phil Stratton, seem to regard her history and baggage as something of a liability. When Jo and her new sidekick attend a report of a missing student, Malin Sigurdsson, at Oriel college with signs of blood in the bathroom it is discovered that she is the well-heeled step-daughter of a local MP. Jo’s refusal to avoid asking the difficult questions of her tutor and the friend who reported her missing see her boss remove her from the case and assign her to the suspected hit-and-run of Natalie Palmer, a cleaner at Jesus college. Refusing to be palmed off and still with a ear to the ground in Malin’s case, Jo starts to suspect that perhaps the death of Natalie was no straightforward hit-and-run with concerns how the victim actually met her death. Already looking to tie the two cases together the disappearance of another student at Somerville college, albeit in different circumstances to Malin, sees anxiety in the town escalate and the detective team spot an ominous pattern.
Narrated entirely in the third person from Jo’s point of view the reader sees the events unfold as our protagonist does, making for an involving story that allows readers to follow the clues for themselves. Slightly more cliched than the first novel in the series there are more than a few familiar elements with a hot-headed female detective on the brink of turning forty, desperate for a child with a testy relationship with her boss. Together with being personally over-invested in the job, Jo is also emotionally vulnerable with a cynical but realistic approach to the job that appeals and makes her character easy to vie for.
Whilst I admit that I did identify the culprit before the close it certainly did nothing to spoil my reading experience, however there were several leads that started off with promise and frustratingly fizzled out (most notably in Malin’s case a possible drug link and an inappropriate relationship with a tutor). Disappointedly these were never satisfactorily followed up or ruled out making the link between all the cases feel tenuous at best and far from the obvious conclusion. It likewise felt rather like a fluke that Jo tied the suspected hit-and-run with Malin’s case with such confidence and relied on some unconvincing police procedures.
Whilst I hope to see DS Jo Masters starring in future novels I am not quite sure that at the age of forty and still hoping for a child that she has much more to give. At some point the cases she works on will undoubtedly have to stop being so personal and I wonder just where is will leave Jo. 3.5 stars bumped up to 4 with the pace and characterisation of Jo making for an engaging read.
January 4, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of Keep Her Close, the second novel to feature DS Jo Masters of Thames Valley Police.
Jo is called out to a possible disappearance at Oriel College, Oxford. Malin Sigurdssin has been reported missing and blood in her bathroom gives the team cause for suspicion. When the body of another young woman linked to the university is found the team try to uncover a link but it takes more disappearances for the message to become clear.
I thoroughly enjoyed Keep Her Close which is an exciting read with a great twist. There is so much going on I was hooked from start to finish. The novel is told in the third person from Jo’s point of view so the reader lives the events as they happen with her and gets no hint of the killer or motivation. This is my favourite approach to plotting as I like to be able to guess along with the detectives and be surprised when the reveals come. For me it makes for a more exciting read and I’m sick, fed up of wading through more fictional musings of text book psychopaths as there’s only so much a writer can say and it gets repetitive. This is much better as it gives the reader the chance to guess at both the perpetrator and the motive although I didn’t get near either as they are well concealed. The plot is well paced with happenings in every chapter, be it crime related or in Jo’s personal life.
Jo Masters is an interesting character. She has had a lot happen to her in the past and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon with her turbulent personal life and a difficult relationship with her boss. With the narrative entirely from her point of view it is difficult to be objective about her character, for example her boss has been excluding her from major investigations since the dramatic events of Hold My Hand and she sees it as a sign of his mistrust and dislike whereas he sees it as protection because she’s, well I’m not quite sure how to phrase it but I think emotion rather than logic driven might cover it. Not surprising given her history.
Keep Her Close is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jo is called out to a possible disappearance at Oriel College, Oxford. Malin Sigurdssin has been reported missing and blood in her bathroom gives the team cause for suspicion. When the body of another young woman linked to the university is found the team try to uncover a link but it takes more disappearances for the message to become clear.
I thoroughly enjoyed Keep Her Close which is an exciting read with a great twist. There is so much going on I was hooked from start to finish. The novel is told in the third person from Jo’s point of view so the reader lives the events as they happen with her and gets no hint of the killer or motivation. This is my favourite approach to plotting as I like to be able to guess along with the detectives and be surprised when the reveals come. For me it makes for a more exciting read and I’m sick, fed up of wading through more fictional musings of text book psychopaths as there’s only so much a writer can say and it gets repetitive. This is much better as it gives the reader the chance to guess at both the perpetrator and the motive although I didn’t get near either as they are well concealed. The plot is well paced with happenings in every chapter, be it crime related or in Jo’s personal life.
Jo Masters is an interesting character. She has had a lot happen to her in the past and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon with her turbulent personal life and a difficult relationship with her boss. With the narrative entirely from her point of view it is difficult to be objective about her character, for example her boss has been excluding her from major investigations since the dramatic events of Hold My Hand and she sees it as a sign of his mistrust and dislike whereas he sees it as protection because she’s, well I’m not quite sure how to phrase it but I think emotion rather than logic driven might cover it. Not surprising given her history.
Keep Her Close is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 12, 2020
Keep Her Close by M.J. Ford is a police procedural that will have the reader working right alongside the Thames Valley Police Department in a race against the clock to catch an unknown perpetrator. This is quite an enjoyable read for any fan of a fast-paced whodunit.
The novel opens with DS Jo Masters completing her mandated time at a psychologist's office, discussing a past case that resulted in the loss of her partner, Ben. Right away, I felt a little out of the loop, having not read the first book of a series centred on DS Masters. Several chapters in, however, I was able to piece together some idea of previous events. When a student at Jesus College, Malin Sigurdsson, goes missing, Jo and new partner DS Pryce are launched into a new case. When another young woman is the victim of a hit and run, followed by several more disappearances of young women, Masters and Pryce begin to draw parallels, and eventually discover that Jo could be a possible link. The case has become personal.
I had not even an inkling as to the identity of the perpetrator until the dramatic reveal, something I love in a suspenseful read. On a lesser note, I would have liked more context as to Jo's relationship with Lucas. I definitely plan to read the first installment of this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon UK for this ARC.
The novel opens with DS Jo Masters completing her mandated time at a psychologist's office, discussing a past case that resulted in the loss of her partner, Ben. Right away, I felt a little out of the loop, having not read the first book of a series centred on DS Masters. Several chapters in, however, I was able to piece together some idea of previous events. When a student at Jesus College, Malin Sigurdsson, goes missing, Jo and new partner DS Pryce are launched into a new case. When another young woman is the victim of a hit and run, followed by several more disappearances of young women, Masters and Pryce begin to draw parallels, and eventually discover that Jo could be a possible link. The case has become personal.
I had not even an inkling as to the identity of the perpetrator until the dramatic reveal, something I love in a suspenseful read. On a lesser note, I would have liked more context as to Jo's relationship with Lucas. I definitely plan to read the first installment of this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon UK for this ARC.
March 18, 2019
This is a new to me author but not anymore. I’ll certainly be reading more from him in the future.
This is book two in the series about D.S. Josie Masters. Although it can be read as a standalone I normally like to read books in order. Sadly I missed out on this. Having said that I really liked this book.
Quite a lot of time I can guess what is going to happen next but not with this one. This story kept me guessing throughout.
Still haunted from saving her nephew from the killer clown, DS Josie Masters has a new case when a young girl goes missing from college. Working alongside DS Pryce the plot thickens when more girls disappear.
A well written twisted story that had me guessing throughout. A good storyline with likeable characters.
I’ll definitely be going back and reading Hold My Hand by this author.
This is book two in the series about D.S. Josie Masters. Although it can be read as a standalone I normally like to read books in order. Sadly I missed out on this. Having said that I really liked this book.
Quite a lot of time I can guess what is going to happen next but not with this one. This story kept me guessing throughout.
Still haunted from saving her nephew from the killer clown, DS Josie Masters has a new case when a young girl goes missing from college. Working alongside DS Pryce the plot thickens when more girls disappear.
A well written twisted story that had me guessing throughout. A good storyline with likeable characters.
I’ll definitely be going back and reading Hold My Hand by this author.
March 14, 2019
Because my TBR is list always wildly out of control, it’s pretty uncommon for me to discover a new author and immediately go looking for more books they’ve written. I think Loreth Anne White was the last one - and now M.J. Ford is another. Fortunately this is only the second book in the series about D.S. Josie Masters, so I’ve only got one more to go back and read!
With girls going missing from Oxford’s prestigious university colleges, Jo has to figure out the connection between them before yet more disappear. When a dead body is found, Jo knows they’re running out of time, and all the clues are pointing in a direction she can’t bring herself to believe, or accept. Because they’re pointing right back… at her.
Keep Her Close is chilling, thrilling and kept me wondering right up until the final stages just who the heck the villain could be. Even though barring a deus ex machina we had to already know, I just couldn’t wrap my head around who or how until the Big Reveal came.
Jo’s a fascinatingly complex character, smart as a whip but prone to making the occasional bad personal decision, she’s got a Past and a family with their own issues. In short, she’s realistic, and that makes her easy to root for. Events which obviously happened in the first book are referred to in this one, but honestly they were just enough to whet my appetite to read more, rather than to obstruct my understanding of this separate case.
Five stars for a brilliant read which both kept me guessing right to the end and whetted my appetite for more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
With girls going missing from Oxford’s prestigious university colleges, Jo has to figure out the connection between them before yet more disappear. When a dead body is found, Jo knows they’re running out of time, and all the clues are pointing in a direction she can’t bring herself to believe, or accept. Because they’re pointing right back… at her.
Keep Her Close is chilling, thrilling and kept me wondering right up until the final stages just who the heck the villain could be. Even though barring a deus ex machina we had to already know, I just couldn’t wrap my head around who or how until the Big Reveal came.
Jo’s a fascinatingly complex character, smart as a whip but prone to making the occasional bad personal decision, she’s got a Past and a family with their own issues. In short, she’s realistic, and that makes her easy to root for. Events which obviously happened in the first book are referred to in this one, but honestly they were just enough to whet my appetite to read more, rather than to obstruct my understanding of this separate case.
Five stars for a brilliant read which both kept me guessing right to the end and whetted my appetite for more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
November 23, 2019
4.5
Book source ~ NetGalley
DS Josie Masters has had a terrible year but at least she saved her young nephew after he was kidnapped by a killer clown. Yeah. I don’t know what that story is about because I missed book 1, but I intend to go back and read it. Now Josie is working on some missing persons cases that are starting to look like more than just a missing persons issue and now her supervisor is pulling her off the cases when it appears that there is some kind of connection to her. What the heck is going on?
Well-written and twisty enough for any mystery enthusiast this tale kept me glued to my seat. Josie is flawed and yet a great detective. Does she make some questionable choices? Oh, hell yeah. Do I want to slap her upside the head sometimes? Definitely. But I like her anyway. Secondary characters are great and the world is interesting. I need to go back and read book 1 and then I’ll be all set for a book 3 with Josie and the crew.
Book source ~ NetGalley
DS Josie Masters has had a terrible year but at least she saved her young nephew after he was kidnapped by a killer clown. Yeah. I don’t know what that story is about because I missed book 1, but I intend to go back and read it. Now Josie is working on some missing persons cases that are starting to look like more than just a missing persons issue and now her supervisor is pulling her off the cases when it appears that there is some kind of connection to her. What the heck is going on?
Well-written and twisty enough for any mystery enthusiast this tale kept me glued to my seat. Josie is flawed and yet a great detective. Does she make some questionable choices? Oh, hell yeah. Do I want to slap her upside the head sometimes? Definitely. But I like her anyway. Secondary characters are great and the world is interesting. I need to go back and read book 1 and then I’ll be all set for a book 3 with Josie and the crew.
June 12, 2023
I read the first one in this series about four years ago so took a while to remember the characters but in the end I enjoyed this one just as much and won't leave it as long to read the next one.
November 29, 2024
Decent read!
The build up was great but the last 75 pages kind of ruined it for me.
The build up was great but the last 75 pages kind of ruined it for me.
April 30, 2023
3.5 stars
This was an okay, pretty average crime thriller.
It was an easy enough read, but the plot wasn't overly unique or exciting. The ending was pretty run of the mill as well.
Nothing particularly terrible about this book, just very forgettable when you've read lots of other very similar books before
This was an okay, pretty average crime thriller.
It was an easy enough read, but the plot wasn't overly unique or exciting. The ending was pretty run of the mill as well.
Nothing particularly terrible about this book, just very forgettable when you've read lots of other very similar books before
March 6, 2019
This is a great crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Just as you think the investigation is going one way, it’s completely turned on it’s head.
Josie is still struggling following the incident that took place in a previous book and her boss doesn’t think she’s ready to be back.
Josie strongly disagrees and when it comes to her attention that the latest incidents could be linked to her, she does all she can to be involved.
Girls are being kidnapped and it seems the Police have no clues who has taken them - until something breathtaking is discovered by Josie.
The race is then on to find the girls and the final few chapters will have you racing through the book.
I loved this book and look forward to seeing what happens next for Josie.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Just as you think the investigation is going one way, it’s completely turned on it’s head.
Josie is still struggling following the incident that took place in a previous book and her boss doesn’t think she’s ready to be back.
Josie strongly disagrees and when it comes to her attention that the latest incidents could be linked to her, she does all she can to be involved.
Girls are being kidnapped and it seems the Police have no clues who has taken them - until something breathtaking is discovered by Josie.
The race is then on to find the girls and the final few chapters will have you racing through the book.
I loved this book and look forward to seeing what happens next for Josie.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 28, 2019
‘They’ll always be two steps ahead of you’
I recently read the first book in this series, Hold My Hand and am so delighted to have caught up with these books because, to put it quite simple, it’s a terrific series.
Keep Her Close was published on 7th March and we pick up, more or less, where Hold My Hand finished. The continuation is done relatively seamlessly making it accessible to new readers of the series, but I would always recommend starting with the first book to get a real feel for the characters. After experiencing very traumatic events, Josie is currently seeing a therapist and has a new man in her life, Lucas. Josie has serious trust issues and her relationship with Lucas is very fragile. Josie sees issues where there aren’t any and is quick to judge. She is human with all the frailties that that entails, which adds to the likability factor of her character.
A student disappears from a one of the many colleges in Oxford without trace or explanation. Josie Masters and her new colleague, DS Pryce begin the search immediately but keep coming up with loose ends. Within a very short time-frame a second and third girl go missing, all from different educational facilities. All the team are flummoxed, as there is no apparent connection and, more unusually no contact from the suspect. With limited time available to them, before any leads turn cold, the team spend every waking hour following up information, no matter how tentative.
As the clues start to slowly reveal themselves, it soon becomes apparent that Josie is central to the whole modus operandi…but why? As the team trawl through Josie’s past cases, time is running out for the victims and tempers begin to fray. The press are hounding for answers and the pressure is on to solve this case fast.
Josie’s personal life is suffering as she attempts to juggle everything, making her tired, overly suspicious and quick to judge. She is quite a complex individual with a tenacious approach to her work, resulting in many clashes with colleagues, in particular her boss. Josie is a bit of a firebrand in the office with a major hangup about the way her superiors handle her but she is also determined and focused, wanting results every single time.
Josie is fearless with absolutely no respect for her own life which makes her an incredibly exciting protagonist. She faces down every suspect with determination and righteousness on her side.
Keep Her Close is another exciting read from M.J. Ford with a gripping plot and an action-packed sequence of events. A great cast of characters make up this riveting story, with the relentless DS Josie Masters at it’s core.
Bring on Book 3!!
I recently read the first book in this series, Hold My Hand and am so delighted to have caught up with these books because, to put it quite simple, it’s a terrific series.
Keep Her Close was published on 7th March and we pick up, more or less, where Hold My Hand finished. The continuation is done relatively seamlessly making it accessible to new readers of the series, but I would always recommend starting with the first book to get a real feel for the characters. After experiencing very traumatic events, Josie is currently seeing a therapist and has a new man in her life, Lucas. Josie has serious trust issues and her relationship with Lucas is very fragile. Josie sees issues where there aren’t any and is quick to judge. She is human with all the frailties that that entails, which adds to the likability factor of her character.
A student disappears from a one of the many colleges in Oxford without trace or explanation. Josie Masters and her new colleague, DS Pryce begin the search immediately but keep coming up with loose ends. Within a very short time-frame a second and third girl go missing, all from different educational facilities. All the team are flummoxed, as there is no apparent connection and, more unusually no contact from the suspect. With limited time available to them, before any leads turn cold, the team spend every waking hour following up information, no matter how tentative.
As the clues start to slowly reveal themselves, it soon becomes apparent that Josie is central to the whole modus operandi…but why? As the team trawl through Josie’s past cases, time is running out for the victims and tempers begin to fray. The press are hounding for answers and the pressure is on to solve this case fast.
Josie’s personal life is suffering as she attempts to juggle everything, making her tired, overly suspicious and quick to judge. She is quite a complex individual with a tenacious approach to her work, resulting in many clashes with colleagues, in particular her boss. Josie is a bit of a firebrand in the office with a major hangup about the way her superiors handle her but she is also determined and focused, wanting results every single time.
Josie is fearless with absolutely no respect for her own life which makes her an incredibly exciting protagonist. She faces down every suspect with determination and righteousness on her side.
Keep Her Close is another exciting read from M.J. Ford with a gripping plot and an action-packed sequence of events. A great cast of characters make up this riveting story, with the relentless DS Josie Masters at it’s core.
Bring on Book 3!!
March 9, 2019
Keep her Close is the second book featuring DS Josie Masters and the Thames Valley Police in the city of Oxford. Continuing on from the previous book, Hold my Hand, where Josie saved her nephew from a killer clown, she is understandably still traumatised by events but is trying to carry on normally.
When a young woman goes missing from her room in Jesus College (Part of Oxford University), Josie and her new colleague, DS Pryce face a race against time to find her alive. Within days, two more girls are taken from other Oxford colleges and she realises the kidnapper is sending her a message.
This is a great sequel - as is often the case in a series like this, there is enough background story to be able to read this as a standalone book. Josie is a great character - she has her flaws and is realistic, one whose decisions feel in keeping with the story - other books I've read in this genre, often have the character making implausible decisions that make me roll my eyes!
The action moves thick and fast and as they realise the women's disappearances are connected, the police work that goes on in trying to find the women is really interesting. I really enjoy books with police procedure and especially one's with strong, capable women who lead the case. As you'd expect, there are lots of twists and turns and the last third of the book is so exciting, I didn't want to put it down!
I look forward to reading more books in this series - thank you to Avon Books for my copy as part of the blog tour.
When a young woman goes missing from her room in Jesus College (Part of Oxford University), Josie and her new colleague, DS Pryce face a race against time to find her alive. Within days, two more girls are taken from other Oxford colleges and she realises the kidnapper is sending her a message.
This is a great sequel - as is often the case in a series like this, there is enough background story to be able to read this as a standalone book. Josie is a great character - she has her flaws and is realistic, one whose decisions feel in keeping with the story - other books I've read in this genre, often have the character making implausible decisions that make me roll my eyes!
The action moves thick and fast and as they realise the women's disappearances are connected, the police work that goes on in trying to find the women is really interesting. I really enjoy books with police procedure and especially one's with strong, capable women who lead the case. As you'd expect, there are lots of twists and turns and the last third of the book is so exciting, I didn't want to put it down!
I look forward to reading more books in this series - thank you to Avon Books for my copy as part of the blog tour.
October 27, 2025
I really quite liked this one! Written nice and normally, not too much descriptive jargon- just right!
I found out this is actually the second book in the series but honestly I got through the book perfectly fine without reading the first. Josie Masters is a very good protagonist so she made she readers knew her past well.
I thought the book did a great job of keeping things exciting whilst also going into detail about all the clues and evidence of the crime. I adored being taken on the detective journey and thought it was well laced with breaks from the plot for Jo's personal life. I loved sitting and wondering who done it and I must say- the reveal was exciting and well done.
My two main theories were either Pryce or Lucas, although I did suspect Malin's Dad for quite some time. When Pryce was revealed as the culprit - I really liked that it wasn't washed over or revealed at the last 10 pages of the book. I really hate that! The author took the time to write the reveal, AND the solution leaving me feeling resolved by the end.
Some of the dramatics of the resolution were a tad far fetched, but enjoyable at least. I liked that it didn't all end so perfectly, with Jo coming out of it all quite badly. Why Pryce did it is still a crazy mess to me, but maybe that's because I didn't read the first book. Either way - it's probably meant to feel a bit crazy. Although I wish we had heard from the DCI at the end! I need confirmation that he isn't a hateful prick.
The epilogue was interesting, whilst at first I was planning on writing about how I disliked it- after finishing it I actually think it's quite compelling. I like that she decides not to find out the gender- because really why would you want to know if your kid is the spawn of a psychopath? The cliff hanger end felt rather fitting to Jo Masters life.
All in all, probably one of my favourite books I've read this year!
I found out this is actually the second book in the series but honestly I got through the book perfectly fine without reading the first. Josie Masters is a very good protagonist so she made she readers knew her past well.
I thought the book did a great job of keeping things exciting whilst also going into detail about all the clues and evidence of the crime. I adored being taken on the detective journey and thought it was well laced with breaks from the plot for Jo's personal life. I loved sitting and wondering who done it and I must say- the reveal was exciting and well done.
My two main theories were either Pryce or Lucas, although I did suspect Malin's Dad for quite some time. When Pryce was revealed as the culprit - I really liked that it wasn't washed over or revealed at the last 10 pages of the book. I really hate that! The author took the time to write the reveal, AND the solution leaving me feeling resolved by the end.
Some of the dramatics of the resolution were a tad far fetched, but enjoyable at least. I liked that it didn't all end so perfectly, with Jo coming out of it all quite badly. Why Pryce did it is still a crazy mess to me, but maybe that's because I didn't read the first book. Either way - it's probably meant to feel a bit crazy. Although I wish we had heard from the DCI at the end! I need confirmation that he isn't a hateful prick.
The epilogue was interesting, whilst at first I was planning on writing about how I disliked it- after finishing it I actually think it's quite compelling. I like that she decides not to find out the gender- because really why would you want to know if your kid is the spawn of a psychopath? The cliff hanger end felt rather fitting to Jo Masters life.
All in all, probably one of my favourite books I've read this year!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon UK for this ARC.
M.J. Ford is back with a gripping new thriller, the events in this book follow on from what happened in Hold My Hand 6 months later.
As young college students go missing from different colleges in Oxford, Josie fights with her superiors as to the motives behind the disappearances. Only she sees that there is a deadly pattern to the disappearances and she is the link that they are all missing.
I loved this book and had it devoured in 1 day as I just couldn't put it down. The plot is well developed as are the characters. This is to me a fast paced thriller which kept me hanging and guessing all the way to the end.
The development of the mastermind behind it all was tremendous. There are side plots to this story which are so cleverly done to keep you guessing and gripped.
I would give more than 5 stars if possible and look forward to more from this author!
M.J. Ford is back with a gripping new thriller, the events in this book follow on from what happened in Hold My Hand 6 months later.
As young college students go missing from different colleges in Oxford, Josie fights with her superiors as to the motives behind the disappearances. Only she sees that there is a deadly pattern to the disappearances and she is the link that they are all missing.
I loved this book and had it devoured in 1 day as I just couldn't put it down. The plot is well developed as are the characters. This is to me a fast paced thriller which kept me hanging and guessing all the way to the end.
The development of the mastermind behind it all was tremendous. There are side plots to this story which are so cleverly done to keep you guessing and gripped.
I would give more than 5 stars if possible and look forward to more from this author!
April 9, 2019
DI Josephine Masters is just finally recovering from her most recent case and is back at work at Thames Valley police in Oxford. Jo’s moved on and has a new work partner, Jake and a new man in her life, Lucas, who seems to be ‘the one’. Just as life is settling down Oxford is hit by three abductions all female and all in rapid succession. Despite being quite senior in the department Jo is sidelined to deal with a hit an run seemingly unrelated to the abductions. However, something is niggling at the back of her mind and Jo keeps looking for links. Suddenly everything starts to unravel, the case Jo is working on and it appears that Lucas is just another cheating lying boyfriend.
This is a wonderful psychological thriller that works as a stand alone or as a second novel. I was gripped from the first page as the writing is fast paced and the characters are engaging. I will most certainly be looking forward to the next D I Masters novel.
This is a wonderful psychological thriller that works as a stand alone or as a second novel. I was gripped from the first page as the writing is fast paced and the characters are engaging. I will most certainly be looking forward to the next D I Masters novel.
March 10, 2019
I thought that the writing was gripping, edgy but most of all enthralling. I just couldn't put it down.
Jo Masters is a brilliant character, down to earth and has a lot of baggage. I loved Hold My Hand and was worried that the sequal wouldn't fall short. I needed have done.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Jo's life.
Thanks to Netgalley, M. J. Ford and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jo Masters is a brilliant character, down to earth and has a lot of baggage. I loved Hold My Hand and was worried that the sequal wouldn't fall short. I needed have done.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Jo's life.
Thanks to Netgalley, M. J. Ford and Avon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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