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Starke & Bell #2
You Die Next
You can run...but you can't hide
'A highly original, gripping read that didn't let up until the final pages' CASS GREEN
'A brilliant premise' ROZ WATKINS
When a group of urban explorers stumble across a murderer's kill room in a derelict film studio, terror strikes. And when one of the group is found dead, the team realise - they're being hunted.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is Dominic's ex, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
A cat-and-mouse thriller perfect for fans of Sarah Hilary and Rachel Abbott. Read it if you dare!
'A highly original, gripping read that didn't let up until the final pages' CASS GREEN
'A brilliant premise' ROZ WATKINS
When a group of urban explorers stumble across a murderer's kill room in a derelict film studio, terror strikes. And when one of the group is found dead, the team realise - they're being hunted.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is Dominic's ex, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
A cat-and-mouse thriller perfect for fans of Sarah Hilary and Rachel Abbott. Read it if you dare!
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2019
13 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 28, 2019
This one wasn't really my bag.
It's the second book in a police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Dominic Bell and Academic and amateur crime sleuth Clementine Starke.
I read this as a stand-alone without reading book one and did manage to follow along.
There was some back story that I was slightly in the dark with and I do think this maybe slightly detached from my overall experience here: my advice here would be read book one first.
So where this didn't work for me mostly was that I was expecting something completely different than what this actually was.
I don't read police procedural books very often but do occasionally enjoy indulging.
This to me felt more about the chaotic and obsessive relationship developing between Dom and Clem and less about solving the actual crime itself.
The crime: Urban explorers stumbling onto something they shouldn't then being picked off one by one by an unknown assailant was what initially drew me to this story.
I felt this was a secondary concern to the main event which seemed to be Clem and Dom themselves.
I also didn't really like them as people either and thought they were both equally intense and unreasonable in their natures.
Clem was overly obsessive and Dom definitely sent mixed messages.
I also found this to be slightly predictable and I won't be carrying on with this particular series.
The writing itself was good its just not really my cup of tea folks.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of "You Die Next (Starke & Bell, #2)"
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 4, 2019
4.5 Stars
Urban explorers are the big things these days. This particular group hide their true identities from everyone ... even themselves. They locate old abandoned businesses, warehouses, etc. and then film their findings for their fans.
All goes well until the night they break into a derelict film studio. What they see there ends them all scattering to safety. Ultimately they decide not to go to the police, for fear they'd be arrested for illegal entry. But then there's a message on their video channel .... Who Dies Next?
A short time later, DI Dominic Bell and his team are called to investigate a series of odd murders.... a jeweled dagger is the murder weapon.
As the police try to piece together how these victims are related, Clementine Starke is already a step or two ahead of them. But Bell isn't taking her calls. She made a huge mistake once, and Bell fears he can never trust her again.
Ultimately, Bell's decision not to have anything to do with Clementine will cause more bodies to fall. And Clementine will have to decide how fare she wants to go to help Bell find a killer.
What a trip! How exciting it must be to explore places that haven't seen the light of day in many years. Just think of all the treasures one could find. One could also find themselves being hunted instead of being a hunter.
This is a well written thriller with lots of twists and turns. It's a riveting look at urban exploring with credible characters. Bell and Starke are both flawed, and how they interact with each other .... it's like looking at the aftermath of a tragic car accident.
Many thanks to the author / Orion Publishing Group - Trapeze / The Book Club (FB) / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Urban explorers are the big things these days. This particular group hide their true identities from everyone ... even themselves. They locate old abandoned businesses, warehouses, etc. and then film their findings for their fans.
All goes well until the night they break into a derelict film studio. What they see there ends them all scattering to safety. Ultimately they decide not to go to the police, for fear they'd be arrested for illegal entry. But then there's a message on their video channel .... Who Dies Next?
A short time later, DI Dominic Bell and his team are called to investigate a series of odd murders.... a jeweled dagger is the murder weapon.
As the police try to piece together how these victims are related, Clementine Starke is already a step or two ahead of them. But Bell isn't taking her calls. She made a huge mistake once, and Bell fears he can never trust her again.
Ultimately, Bell's decision not to have anything to do with Clementine will cause more bodies to fall. And Clementine will have to decide how fare she wants to go to help Bell find a killer.
What a trip! How exciting it must be to explore places that haven't seen the light of day in many years. Just think of all the treasures one could find. One could also find themselves being hunted instead of being a hunter.
This is a well written thriller with lots of twists and turns. It's a riveting look at urban exploring with credible characters. Bell and Starke are both flawed, and how they interact with each other .... it's like looking at the aftermath of a tragic car accident.
Many thanks to the author / Orion Publishing Group - Trapeze / The Book Club (FB) / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 12, 2020
What did I just read? Better get the nightlight out and keep my cats close. I still feel that way many days after completing the second book in the Starke and Bell series. Although I haven't read book one, I felt that the author alludes to enough of the past that I never felt lost. This was the type of crime thriller that definitely keeps a reader on the edge of their seat and I loved the characters of Dominic and Clementine. I really feel that the police officer may have more than he can handle with Clementine, but I look forward to what will happen next.
Goodreads review published 12/08/20
Goodreads review published 12/08/20
April 4, 2019
You Die Next is the second novel to feature DI Dominic Bell of the Met and Dr Clementine Starke, psychologist and true crime detective, and I happened to find it even more compelling and addictive than its predecessor. Here, they search for a brutal thrill killer with the plentiful twists, turns and red herrings creating a gripping and unpredictable plotline captures you from page one. Elsewhere the subplots regarding police corruption and Clementine's mission to discover who framed and then murdered her father in the hope of getting justice for him are both intriguing and engaging. Eventually, Clementine and Dominic's separate investigations lead them to believe the same person is responsible for both incidents. But are they?
Usually, this would lead to them at least sharing their findings with one another or even working together but Clementine and Dom are reticent about either of those options. If I'm honest. neither of them is particularly likeable or affable; Clementine is a bit of a strange one and Dom doesn't fare much better coming across as very selfish. They are both well portrayed, complex characters and I appreciated the depth they had to them and the fact that they have evolved from the first book.
Although the main plot surrounding the urban explorers is contained to this novel, the subplots are continued from the previous book, so I feel in order to understand those it would be beneficial to read the books in sequence. It will also help you understand the reasons behind Dom and Clementine's rocky working relationship.
Many thanks to Trapeze for an ARC.
Usually, this would lead to them at least sharing their findings with one another or even working together but Clementine and Dom are reticent about either of those options. If I'm honest. neither of them is particularly likeable or affable; Clementine is a bit of a strange one and Dom doesn't fare much better coming across as very selfish. They are both well portrayed, complex characters and I appreciated the depth they had to them and the fact that they have evolved from the first book.
Although the main plot surrounding the urban explorers is contained to this novel, the subplots are continued from the previous book, so I feel in order to understand those it would be beneficial to read the books in sequence. It will also help you understand the reasons behind Dom and Clementine's rocky working relationship.
Many thanks to Trapeze for an ARC.
April 3, 2019
YOU DIE NEXT, by author Stephanie Marland, is the second book in a police procedural thriller series featuring Detective Inspector Dominic Bell and psychologist and crime detective, Dr. Clementine Starke.
The two books in the Starke & Bell series include:
My Little Eye (Book 1)
You Die Next (Book 2)
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but wish I had as I think that it would have provided further clarification of some of the history between the characters. While this novel can be read as a standalone, much could be gained by reading the novels in sequence.
Hendleton Studios has been lying dormant since it closed its gates and stopped production on 24 Jan 1972…until tonight when a group of urban explorers breaks into the studio.
Urban explorers explore abandoned places and post their adventures on YouTube or livestream direct on sites, for the positive ratings of their online fans.
For the explorers it was such a rush!
“SASS holds up her SLR camera. Beaker takes out his mobile. Streaming live every step of the way, says Jedx. You guys ready to go inside? As Cap pushes down the door handle, the other three crowd in close. Then they are in. Live stream terminated.”
The group stagger into a murderer's kill room in the abandoned film studio. Terrified, they run, thinking they are safe. Then a message appears on their video channel: Who dies next?
DI Dominic Bell and his team are assigned to investigate the series of murders in hidden locations across London. Is there a connection? Psychologist and crime detective, Dr. Clementine Starke, is called in to assist with the cases, based on her past success rate in this area. But Clementine is haunted by obsessions, including her former relationship with DI Dominic Bell.
As the death count rises, Clementine and Dom work together (reluctantly) to hunt the killer.
What follows is a cat-and-mouse game…and one that will hold your attention until the last page. A dark and persevering thriller bound to please.
Many thanks to the author, and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) and Orion Publishing group / Trapeze via NetGalley for my digital copy.
The two books in the Starke & Bell series include:
My Little Eye (Book 1)
You Die Next (Book 2)
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but wish I had as I think that it would have provided further clarification of some of the history between the characters. While this novel can be read as a standalone, much could be gained by reading the novels in sequence.
Hendleton Studios has been lying dormant since it closed its gates and stopped production on 24 Jan 1972…until tonight when a group of urban explorers breaks into the studio.
Urban explorers explore abandoned places and post their adventures on YouTube or livestream direct on sites, for the positive ratings of their online fans.
For the explorers it was such a rush!
“SASS holds up her SLR camera. Beaker takes out his mobile. Streaming live every step of the way, says Jedx. You guys ready to go inside? As Cap pushes down the door handle, the other three crowd in close. Then they are in. Live stream terminated.”
The group stagger into a murderer's kill room in the abandoned film studio. Terrified, they run, thinking they are safe. Then a message appears on their video channel: Who dies next?
DI Dominic Bell and his team are assigned to investigate the series of murders in hidden locations across London. Is there a connection? Psychologist and crime detective, Dr. Clementine Starke, is called in to assist with the cases, based on her past success rate in this area. But Clementine is haunted by obsessions, including her former relationship with DI Dominic Bell.
As the death count rises, Clementine and Dom work together (reluctantly) to hunt the killer.
What follows is a cat-and-mouse game…and one that will hold your attention until the last page. A dark and persevering thriller bound to please.
Many thanks to the author, and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) and Orion Publishing group / Trapeze via NetGalley for my digital copy.
February 11, 2019
This is the second book in the wonderful Starke and Bell series and oh it’s a goodie and just as brilliant if not better than the first !!! I love Clementine Starke she is one hell of a character, dark, obsessional, hard as nails on the outside and yet fragile inside. Dominic (Dom) Bell is also very well written a real and likeable character If not somewhat flawed at times by his own demons. The storyline is is excellent a real gripping thriller violent at times and as the body count rises Clementine and Dom work together (not always that comfortably) to hunt the killer. This really is an unputdownable read and I’m so looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series which I know will be one of my favourites of 2019. So if you love your thrillers dark and gritty then you have it all here a real 5 Star read and well recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing group / Trapeze for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing group / Trapeze for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 14, 2019
I enjoyed this tale, but, wasn't as wowed with it as others appear to have been.
It's an engrossing tale about a damaged academic who is writing a Phd on obsession and who is pulled into a murder investigation when some urban explorers come across a murderer's kill room. It's a good premise and some interesting characters, but, there was something missing for me which made this an OK read, rather than a really good one. I'm not sure if it's due to my not having read the first book in the series, but, I'd advise you do before reading this to ensure you fully understand the characters.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review and I wish it and the author every success.
It's an engrossing tale about a damaged academic who is writing a Phd on obsession and who is pulled into a murder investigation when some urban explorers come across a murderer's kill room. It's a good premise and some interesting characters, but, there was something missing for me which made this an OK read, rather than a really good one. I'm not sure if it's due to my not having read the first book in the series, but, I'd advise you do before reading this to ensure you fully understand the characters.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review and I wish it and the author every success.
April 30, 2019
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
If you have not read Stephanie Marland's My Little Eye, you shouldn't read this post, because I don't know how much I might let slip, and while you probably can enjoy this book without having read it -- you won't appreciate it the way you should. Also, you should reconsider your life choices from the last year or so, because My Little Eye was one of the best things that was published in 2018.
---
Given the crime scenes we know Dom's seen? That's saying something.
I'll admit, I wasn't sure how Marland was going to proceed with Starke and Bell. Sure, teaming up the amateur and the Police Detective once is believable, but how do you do it again without it coming across as contrived? It's not as if DI Bell can call her up, "Say, Clementine...I've got this real puzzler of a case that's got me stumped, you think you and your pals can take a crack at it?" without violating so many rules and regulations that he wouldn't have a job long enough to arrest anyone. Marland makes the smart choice -- she put them in each other's rearview mirrors.
Starke's off on her next research project, lamenting the notoriety that she earned (and enjoyed) after the events of My Little Eye, dealing with university politics, deadlines, and continuing to research her father's death with the True Crime online group. She's currently studying thrill-seekers and voyeurs, the genesis of their obsession and what feeds it. A fan of her work (for lack of a better term), keeps trying to get her to look into Urban Explorers. She finally gives in, just to get him off her case about it (she hopes), and watches a video he insists she watch. While doing so she sees two things -- first, that he's probably right, they'd make good subjects for her research; and second, she's pretty sure she sees a murder. Which settles things -- Clementine Stark dives into the world of Urban Explorers in general and those on the video in particular.
Bell's working various cases, trying to decide what to do with his DS post-My Little Eye, and worried about the internal investigation about that case that went so wrong before the last book that still wreaks havoc on almost every relationship in his life. He's called out to the scene of a car striking and killing a pedestrian -- not really his kind of case, if not for the fact that the pedestrian probably would've been killed by the stab wounds all over him if the car hadn't sped his death along. Meanwhile, as I said, the look into Operation Atlantis continues and the strain on his relationship with his sister is such that it's at the breaking point, and Bell's ex is pushing him for information on the investigation into the operation. Bell's close to putting things together, and when he does, this ugly situation is probably only going to look worse for everyone.
It's on the back-of-the-book blurb, so I feel I can say this without giving away too much -- Bell's pedestrian is one of the Urban Explorers that Starke's looking into. So again, they're working the same case, but don't know it -- and are approaching it from very different angles. But Starke also observes some of the people involved in that Operation Atlantis raid that went so horribly wrong, clearly plotting and planning about what to do about Bell -- how to exploit him at the very least. Whatever went wrong between them, Starke's not going to let anything happen to Bell if she can help it. So, again, the two are working the same case from different angles. There's another thing they will have in common, too -- but I'm not going to get into it beyond saying it exists. But let's just say there are really three mysteries being investigated in this book, and both Starke and Bell have a stake in all three, but aren't really working together on any of them.
That sounds confusing, maybe like a little narrative overkill, too. But it's not, Marland weaves these six storylines together perfectly -- actually, there are more than six, but they can be boiled down to six without losing much, if I tried to diagram it exactly, I'd end up with something looking like one of those cork-boards covered in newspaper clippings, note cards and photos tied together with strings between connections that were so popular on TV a few years ago. (and that Starke has in her apartment, come to think of it). I lost my point there -- Marland artfully weaves/juggles the various stories into a cohesive whole in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader and keeps the reader engaged with all the various mysteries, plot advances, character moments, etc. It's a real feat that she pulls off with aplomb.
I'm going to be haunted by the conclusion for a while. It reminds me of something I read in December 2017, and frankly, haven't shaken yet (I'll not mention the title, because doing so might tell you more about the conclusion than I want to). It's the only way this book really could end -- and I'm not complaining about it at all -- but it's going to linger longer than most do in the back of my mind.
I want to talk about some of the supporting characters -- and Bell's DS and DC, in particular, really deserve more attention than I'm paying them. But I'm going to skip that this time. I just don't have enough time to do them justice. While Starke and Bell are fascinating, complex characters that any reader will enjoy digging into, the same is true for the people around them. They're pretty well fleshed out, and you can easily imagine that Marland has plans for their future use. Any of the secondary or tertiary characters in this series could become very important in future events and should probably be paid attention to by readers (which is easy, because even the one who might as well be named Lecherous Scumbag is a character you can enjoy reading).
I've managed to only use the word "obsession" once so far -- which is surprising. Not only is it the focus of Starke's research, obsession can be used in some way to talk about every story, every idea, every character in You Die Next.. The person hunting down Urban Explorers is clearly obsessed with whatever their motivation is. Bell's obsession over whatever investigation he's pursuing has damaged romantic relationships, his relationship with his sister, and even his career. Starke's obsessions with her work, Bell, her father's death, this possible murder she saw, and . . . well, really -- what isn't she obsessed with? This book is permeated with notions of, examples of, and the repercussions of obsession.
In both concept and execution, Marland tried to accomplish a lot in My Little Eye and succeeded. You Died Next strikes me as more ambitious than its predecessor, making it harder to pull off -- the bar was set pretty high and she moved it up. I'm not sure Marland was as successful with this novel as she was with My Little Eye, but I can't point at any part of this book and say "this could be better here." I think my hesitancy about this book comes from so much of the conclusion of this novel pointing to the third installment. My Little Eye told a story, with the potential for more. You Die Next told a story, but kept the resolution to much of it dangling. If we didn't get You Die Next, for whatever reason, My Little Eye could stand on its own. Without Starke & Bell #3, You Die Next is the novel equivalent of "Shave and a Haircut"/Tum-ti-ti-tum-tum without the "Two Bits"/Tum-tum.
And by not as successful, I think I'm saying this is more of a 4.25-4.35 than a clear 4.5.
I may not be the biggest fan of every choice that Marland made for these two in this book, but they were honest choices entirely consistent with the characters -- and will lead to a whole lot of exciting narrative possibilities in Starke & Bell #3 (and beyond, if there is a beyond). Either of these characters could anchor a pretty decent series on their own, together they make a special kind of magic. Their continued interaction may not do them a lot of good, but it will prove destructive to more than one criminal in London -- and a whole lot of fun for readers. You Die Next brings the two characters together in a way that highlights their strengths (and weaknesses), pitting them against a cold and clever killer and a criminal conspiracy (or two) more widespread and powerful than they yet realize. I haven't read a whole lot this year that I'd call a must, but this is. Stop wasting your time on my stuff and get this in front of your eyes.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
If you have not read Stephanie Marland's My Little Eye, you shouldn't read this post, because I don't know how much I might let slip, and while you probably can enjoy this book without having read it -- you won't appreciate it the way you should. Also, you should reconsider your life choices from the last year or so, because My Little Eye was one of the best things that was published in 2018.
---
The tunnel would be pitch-black without the safety lights, but even with them Dom, Parekh and Timber have to tread carefully, using their torch beams to scan the rails for signs of blood. Back on platform five, the CSIs are working their magic. Once Dom’s established the route taken by Thomas Lee, they’ll start work on the tunnel as well. They need to move fast, find leads as to what the hell happened here. This has to be one of the most bizarre crime scenes that Dom’s attended.
Given the crime scenes we know Dom's seen? That's saying something.
I'll admit, I wasn't sure how Marland was going to proceed with Starke and Bell. Sure, teaming up the amateur and the Police Detective once is believable, but how do you do it again without it coming across as contrived? It's not as if DI Bell can call her up, "Say, Clementine...I've got this real puzzler of a case that's got me stumped, you think you and your pals can take a crack at it?" without violating so many rules and regulations that he wouldn't have a job long enough to arrest anyone. Marland makes the smart choice -- she put them in each other's rearview mirrors.
Starke's off on her next research project, lamenting the notoriety that she earned (and enjoyed) after the events of My Little Eye, dealing with university politics, deadlines, and continuing to research her father's death with the True Crime online group. She's currently studying thrill-seekers and voyeurs, the genesis of their obsession and what feeds it. A fan of her work (for lack of a better term), keeps trying to get her to look into Urban Explorers. She finally gives in, just to get him off her case about it (she hopes), and watches a video he insists she watch. While doing so she sees two things -- first, that he's probably right, they'd make good subjects for her research; and second, she's pretty sure she sees a murder. Which settles things -- Clementine Stark dives into the world of Urban Explorers in general and those on the video in particular.
Bell's working various cases, trying to decide what to do with his DS post-My Little Eye, and worried about the internal investigation about that case that went so wrong before the last book that still wreaks havoc on almost every relationship in his life. He's called out to the scene of a car striking and killing a pedestrian -- not really his kind of case, if not for the fact that the pedestrian probably would've been killed by the stab wounds all over him if the car hadn't sped his death along. Meanwhile, as I said, the look into Operation Atlantis continues and the strain on his relationship with his sister is such that it's at the breaking point, and Bell's ex is pushing him for information on the investigation into the operation. Bell's close to putting things together, and when he does, this ugly situation is probably only going to look worse for everyone.
It's on the back-of-the-book blurb, so I feel I can say this without giving away too much -- Bell's pedestrian is one of the Urban Explorers that Starke's looking into. So again, they're working the same case, but don't know it -- and are approaching it from very different angles. But Starke also observes some of the people involved in that Operation Atlantis raid that went so horribly wrong, clearly plotting and planning about what to do about Bell -- how to exploit him at the very least. Whatever went wrong between them, Starke's not going to let anything happen to Bell if she can help it. So, again, the two are working the same case from different angles. There's another thing they will have in common, too -- but I'm not going to get into it beyond saying it exists. But let's just say there are really three mysteries being investigated in this book, and both Starke and Bell have a stake in all three, but aren't really working together on any of them.
That sounds confusing, maybe like a little narrative overkill, too. But it's not, Marland weaves these six storylines together perfectly -- actually, there are more than six, but they can be boiled down to six without losing much, if I tried to diagram it exactly, I'd end up with something looking like one of those cork-boards covered in newspaper clippings, note cards and photos tied together with strings between connections that were so popular on TV a few years ago. (and that Starke has in her apartment, come to think of it). I lost my point there -- Marland artfully weaves/juggles the various stories into a cohesive whole in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader and keeps the reader engaged with all the various mysteries, plot advances, character moments, etc. It's a real feat that she pulls off with aplomb.
I'm going to be haunted by the conclusion for a while. It reminds me of something I read in December 2017, and frankly, haven't shaken yet (I'll not mention the title, because doing so might tell you more about the conclusion than I want to). It's the only way this book really could end -- and I'm not complaining about it at all -- but it's going to linger longer than most do in the back of my mind.
I want to talk about some of the supporting characters -- and Bell's DS and DC, in particular, really deserve more attention than I'm paying them. But I'm going to skip that this time. I just don't have enough time to do them justice. While Starke and Bell are fascinating, complex characters that any reader will enjoy digging into, the same is true for the people around them. They're pretty well fleshed out, and you can easily imagine that Marland has plans for their future use. Any of the secondary or tertiary characters in this series could become very important in future events and should probably be paid attention to by readers (which is easy, because even the one who might as well be named Lecherous Scumbag is a character you can enjoy reading).
I've managed to only use the word "obsession" once so far -- which is surprising. Not only is it the focus of Starke's research, obsession can be used in some way to talk about every story, every idea, every character in You Die Next.. The person hunting down Urban Explorers is clearly obsessed with whatever their motivation is. Bell's obsession over whatever investigation he's pursuing has damaged romantic relationships, his relationship with his sister, and even his career. Starke's obsessions with her work, Bell, her father's death, this possible murder she saw, and . . . well, really -- what isn't she obsessed with? This book is permeated with notions of, examples of, and the repercussions of obsession.
In both concept and execution, Marland tried to accomplish a lot in My Little Eye and succeeded. You Died Next strikes me as more ambitious than its predecessor, making it harder to pull off -- the bar was set pretty high and she moved it up. I'm not sure Marland was as successful with this novel as she was with My Little Eye, but I can't point at any part of this book and say "this could be better here." I think my hesitancy about this book comes from so much of the conclusion of this novel pointing to the third installment. My Little Eye told a story, with the potential for more. You Die Next told a story, but kept the resolution to much of it dangling. If we didn't get You Die Next, for whatever reason, My Little Eye could stand on its own. Without Starke & Bell #3, You Die Next is the novel equivalent of "Shave and a Haircut"/Tum-ti-ti-tum-tum without the "Two Bits"/Tum-tum.
And by not as successful, I think I'm saying this is more of a 4.25-4.35 than a clear 4.5.
I may not be the biggest fan of every choice that Marland made for these two in this book, but they were honest choices entirely consistent with the characters -- and will lead to a whole lot of exciting narrative possibilities in Starke & Bell #3 (and beyond, if there is a beyond). Either of these characters could anchor a pretty decent series on their own, together they make a special kind of magic. Their continued interaction may not do them a lot of good, but it will prove destructive to more than one criminal in London -- and a whole lot of fun for readers. You Die Next brings the two characters together in a way that highlights their strengths (and weaknesses), pitting them against a cold and clever killer and a criminal conspiracy (or two) more widespread and powerful than they yet realize. I haven't read a whole lot this year that I'd call a must, but this is. Stop wasting your time on my stuff and get this in front of your eyes.
March 19, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy of You Die Next, the second novel to feature DI Dominic Bell of the Met and Dr Clementine Starke, psychologist and true crime detective.
When a group of urban explorers find a kill room in a disused film studio they argue about reporting it to the police but soon they don’t need to worry about that as someone is picking them off, one at a time. In the meantime Clementine is studying adrenaline junkies and trying to work out who framed then killed her father and Dom is trying to understand which of his colleagues betrayed him and his operation to a crime Lord.
I found You Die Next to be a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand I enjoyed the hunt for the killer with its misdirection and good twists but, on the other, I didn’t like the characters or the corruption angle which seems far fetched, not that it exists but the lengths they go to to avoid discovery. Even worse, this plot line appears to be a thread that will run through the series so there is little resolution in the novel, only new avenues of enquiry. I also liked the format which has a shifting perspective between Clementine, Dom and the urban explorers. Clementine and Dom have little interaction about the murders but both end up in the same place from entirely different directions. The compare and contrast effect of their two narratives gives the reader a fuller picture which is rounded off with the urban explorers’ actions and reactions. I often find the switch between perspectives choppy and distracting but in this case I think it adds to the read.
What can I say about the characters? The constant strife between them is wearing to read. I haven’t read the first novel in the series so I don’t know the reason for Dom’s animus towards Clementine but it seems a touch extreme. Blocking her without explanation is not a good look. Perhaps though Clementine deserves it. She is fairly obsessive about Dom and while she is self aware enough to recognise it she doesn’t seem to be able to do anything about it. To be honest she’s the type of person I would go out of my way to avoid and that’s what Dom has done, brutally. He’s not much more likeable, given to fits of temper and brooding. It’s all about him, always. To be fair it’s good writing to produce a reaction.
You Die Next will appeal to many readers but I prefer characters I can like.
When a group of urban explorers find a kill room in a disused film studio they argue about reporting it to the police but soon they don’t need to worry about that as someone is picking them off, one at a time. In the meantime Clementine is studying adrenaline junkies and trying to work out who framed then killed her father and Dom is trying to understand which of his colleagues betrayed him and his operation to a crime Lord.
I found You Die Next to be a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand I enjoyed the hunt for the killer with its misdirection and good twists but, on the other, I didn’t like the characters or the corruption angle which seems far fetched, not that it exists but the lengths they go to to avoid discovery. Even worse, this plot line appears to be a thread that will run through the series so there is little resolution in the novel, only new avenues of enquiry. I also liked the format which has a shifting perspective between Clementine, Dom and the urban explorers. Clementine and Dom have little interaction about the murders but both end up in the same place from entirely different directions. The compare and contrast effect of their two narratives gives the reader a fuller picture which is rounded off with the urban explorers’ actions and reactions. I often find the switch between perspectives choppy and distracting but in this case I think it adds to the read.
What can I say about the characters? The constant strife between them is wearing to read. I haven’t read the first novel in the series so I don’t know the reason for Dom’s animus towards Clementine but it seems a touch extreme. Blocking her without explanation is not a good look. Perhaps though Clementine deserves it. She is fairly obsessive about Dom and while she is self aware enough to recognise it she doesn’t seem to be able to do anything about it. To be honest she’s the type of person I would go out of my way to avoid and that’s what Dom has done, brutally. He’s not much more likeable, given to fits of temper and brooding. It’s all about him, always. To be fair it’s good writing to produce a reaction.
You Die Next will appeal to many readers but I prefer characters I can like.
October 28, 2020
This is a story about a couple of urban explorers, taking a trip to an old, derelict film studio. They were filming their trip live and something quite disturbing happened.
DI Dominic Bell investigates this incident. All the while, having a certain Clementine Stark lurking in the background and come to aid in the investigation in her own way.
Good ideas and not a bad storyline. Pretty solid but nothing special.
DI Dominic Bell investigates this incident. All the while, having a certain Clementine Stark lurking in the background and come to aid in the investigation in her own way.
Good ideas and not a bad storyline. Pretty solid but nothing special.
November 13, 2024
As with the previous book, this is very well written and the short chapters make it a quick read. However, it is such a frustrating book! Of the 3 plots, only 1 has any kind of resolution - and ,as it seems we're not getting any more ( this was printed over 5 years ago now), therefore the ending is a massive let down.
April 16, 2019
A nail-biting prologue sets the scene for what’s to come. A group of urbexers (Urban Explorers) break into an abandoned movie theatre while live streaming the event but they stumble across something rather disturbing and the streaming goes dead! We then cut to Clementine Stark being interviewed about her role in the capture of The Lover from the last novel. Right from the beginning I was hooked and then some!
I have to say that I really connect with Clementine Starke, something about her draws her to me. There something quirky about the character. Yet despite the quirkiness Clementine is full of depth; her obsessive personality is explored in detail in this novel and we learn so much more about the mindset of this intriguing protagonist. Family relationships are under the microscope as she pursues her own investigation into her father’s death. She is obsessed with finding out what happened to her father. For years she had blamed herself. But it is becoming clearer that all is not what it first seemed as she uncovers links to her father’s past and her own present, leaving her unsure of just who she can trust. Clementine is one of the strongest characters I’ve read for a long time and I love her!
Running parallel to Clem’s research is DI Dominic Bell’s investigation into an unexplained death in the tube and the author marries up both plots in perfect harmony as we watch both characters struggle with the weight of their private and professional lives. And of course, there is still that chemistry between Clementine and Dominic adding an extra tension to the storyline.
Abandoned railway and tube stations, Urbexers relishing the challenge of the forbidden, obsession, corruption and narcissism in a world where people attach value according to social media likes and following this is a brilliant psychological exploration of a modern phenomena, it is both topical and relevant in a world where social media and the need for recognition leads the way. It is dark both in location, the underground and of course the metaphorical underground world of those who seek their thrills; character driven with a cast of both compelling and also very relatable characters who invite you inside of their head for the ride. This series nails it for me, a genius combination of character and perfectly executed plot drew me in, placing me firmly in situ and inside the minds of the characters. I found myself thinking about them when I wasn’t reading the book. I didn’t want to put it down but I didn’t want it to end! It kept me on my toes right up until the last page, this is definitely a “read past your bedtime” kind of book!
I have to say that I really connect with Clementine Starke, something about her draws her to me. There something quirky about the character. Yet despite the quirkiness Clementine is full of depth; her obsessive personality is explored in detail in this novel and we learn so much more about the mindset of this intriguing protagonist. Family relationships are under the microscope as she pursues her own investigation into her father’s death. She is obsessed with finding out what happened to her father. For years she had blamed herself. But it is becoming clearer that all is not what it first seemed as she uncovers links to her father’s past and her own present, leaving her unsure of just who she can trust. Clementine is one of the strongest characters I’ve read for a long time and I love her!
Running parallel to Clem’s research is DI Dominic Bell’s investigation into an unexplained death in the tube and the author marries up both plots in perfect harmony as we watch both characters struggle with the weight of their private and professional lives. And of course, there is still that chemistry between Clementine and Dominic adding an extra tension to the storyline.
Abandoned railway and tube stations, Urbexers relishing the challenge of the forbidden, obsession, corruption and narcissism in a world where people attach value according to social media likes and following this is a brilliant psychological exploration of a modern phenomena, it is both topical and relevant in a world where social media and the need for recognition leads the way. It is dark both in location, the underground and of course the metaphorical underground world of those who seek their thrills; character driven with a cast of both compelling and also very relatable characters who invite you inside of their head for the ride. This series nails it for me, a genius combination of character and perfectly executed plot drew me in, placing me firmly in situ and inside the minds of the characters. I found myself thinking about them when I wasn’t reading the book. I didn’t want to put it down but I didn’t want it to end! It kept me on my toes right up until the last page, this is definitely a “read past your bedtime” kind of book!
July 23, 2020
Es war der Klappentext von "You die next", der mich auf diese Thrillerreihe aufmerksam gemacht hat, da ich das Setting sehr ungewöhnlich und spannend fand. Ich habe dann mir zunächst den ersten Teil besorgt und dieser hat mir auch gut gefallen, so dass ich dann sehr gespannt mit dem zweiten Teil begonnen habe.
Der Einstieg war auch sehr spannend und ich fand das Setting rund um die Urban Explorer und Lost Places sehr gelungen. Leider schleicht sich jedoch sehr schnell sowas wie Langeweile in die Geschichte und es gab für mich auch keinen richtigen Spannungsbogen. Gerade mit dem Setting hätte man meiner Meinung nach viel mehr machen können.
Zunehmend genervt war ich auch von den Wiederholungen rund um die Ermittlungen gegen Bell bzw. seinen Schwager in spe. Da gab es nicht viel neues und es waren viele Wiederholungen aus dem ersten Teil.
Die Auflösung fand ich dann sehr an den Haaren herbeigezogen und es hat mich nicht wirklich überzeugt. Dies war auch sehr lang gezogen und mir fehlte definitiv Spannung und ein wenig Action.
Die Geschichte hatte definitiv Potenzial, ist für mich aber leider ein wenig an der Umsetzung gescheitert.
Der Einstieg war auch sehr spannend und ich fand das Setting rund um die Urban Explorer und Lost Places sehr gelungen. Leider schleicht sich jedoch sehr schnell sowas wie Langeweile in die Geschichte und es gab für mich auch keinen richtigen Spannungsbogen. Gerade mit dem Setting hätte man meiner Meinung nach viel mehr machen können.
Zunehmend genervt war ich auch von den Wiederholungen rund um die Ermittlungen gegen Bell bzw. seinen Schwager in spe. Da gab es nicht viel neues und es waren viele Wiederholungen aus dem ersten Teil.
Die Auflösung fand ich dann sehr an den Haaren herbeigezogen und es hat mich nicht wirklich überzeugt. Dies war auch sehr lang gezogen und mir fehlte definitiv Spannung und ein wenig Action.
Die Geschichte hatte definitiv Potenzial, ist für mich aber leider ein wenig an der Umsetzung gescheitert.
February 8, 2019
Oh boy what a book!! I read this book in one night. I just couldn't put it down. I fell in love with the first book and I fell in love with it more in the second book. Both Clementine Stark and DI Bell are wonderful and brilliantly created characters. I can't wait for the next book in this series, which has quickly become one of my favourites. A well deserved 5 stars!!
February 11, 2019
A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.
The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!
The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!
April 6, 2019
2nd book in this series and I ,again really enjoyed it . Maybe a bit slower to get into but I loved the storyline and I’m really enjoying getting to know Clementine and Dom and the pull they have together . I look forward to reading book 3 ! My thanks to tbc reviewers for my copy
April 8, 2019
2nd book in this series and I ,again really enjoyed it . Maybe a bit slower to get into but I loved the storyline and I’m really enjoying getting to know Clementine and Dom and the pull they have together . I look forward to reading book 3 ! My thanks to tbc reviewers for my copy
March 12, 2022
A great follow up to My Little Eye. Definitely a page turner that will keep you guessing!
April 3, 2019
It seems pretty straightforward. Take one hapless, lovelorn and stressed out detective, D.I. Dominic Bell. Give him a work environment where he knows corruption is rife and everyone is a suspect, adding to his stress levels. Pair him with Clementine Stark, PhD student and True Crime aficionado, who is both studying obsession in online behaviour and obsessively trying to solve her father’s murder. Then offer up a series of gruesome murders happening to a group of urban explorers who fall into the realm of Clementine’s study area and you just know that these two are going to end up chasing the same killer.
I think it really does help if you have read the first book in the series, because this series sings because of the relationship between Dominic and Clementine. It’s far from conventional and in Clementine’s case it looks like it’s also becoming a little obsessional. The nearest comparison I can come to is the relationship between John Luther and Alice Morgan in the TV series, Luther.
The main crime story is well written, dark and as twisted as you would expect. A serial killer is stalking and killing urban explorers in dark, creepy places. Clementine is on their track, but Dom is avoiding her calls. He’s up to his neck worrying about corruption in his team and who is involved – but he doesn’t know who to trust.
The last thing he needs is for his ex to re-enter his life, especially after everything they have been through. So he’s blocked her, but that may not prove to be his wisest move.
As the body count grows and Clementine’s frantic efforts to get through to him eventually pay dividends, he finds himself embroiled in a moral maze. If only he could see clearly enough to work his way out of it.
Clementine is such a morally ambiguous character she is absolutely transfixing me. Watching Dominic and Clementine together is a bit like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know you ought to be able to stop it, but the force is just too great and there is going to be an almighty bang whatever you do.
I have no idea where Stephanie Marland is going to take this pair, but my goodness it is guaranteed to be a bumpy ride and that makes it all the more compelling.
Verdict: A dark and twisted thriller packed with fascinating characters and morally challenging perspectives.
I think it really does help if you have read the first book in the series, because this series sings because of the relationship between Dominic and Clementine. It’s far from conventional and in Clementine’s case it looks like it’s also becoming a little obsessional. The nearest comparison I can come to is the relationship between John Luther and Alice Morgan in the TV series, Luther.
The main crime story is well written, dark and as twisted as you would expect. A serial killer is stalking and killing urban explorers in dark, creepy places. Clementine is on their track, but Dom is avoiding her calls. He’s up to his neck worrying about corruption in his team and who is involved – but he doesn’t know who to trust.
The last thing he needs is for his ex to re-enter his life, especially after everything they have been through. So he’s blocked her, but that may not prove to be his wisest move.
As the body count grows and Clementine’s frantic efforts to get through to him eventually pay dividends, he finds himself embroiled in a moral maze. If only he could see clearly enough to work his way out of it.
Clementine is such a morally ambiguous character she is absolutely transfixing me. Watching Dominic and Clementine together is a bit like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know you ought to be able to stop it, but the force is just too great and there is going to be an almighty bang whatever you do.
I have no idea where Stephanie Marland is going to take this pair, but my goodness it is guaranteed to be a bumpy ride and that makes it all the more compelling.
Verdict: A dark and twisted thriller packed with fascinating characters and morally challenging perspectives.
March 16, 2019
An entertaining crime thriller with engaging main characters. The plot, a group of urban explorers stumbling across, what appears to be, a kill room sets the scene for an action filled ride as the group find themselves being hunted down. Alongside this is a continuing tale of police corruption, spanning several decades. Who can be trusted?
I hadn’t read the first book in the series and now wish I had as I think that it would have filled out their back story a bit better. Having said that the author makes enough references for it work as a stand alone. I look forward to the next instalment.
My thanks to Netgalley and TBConFB for this copy.
I hadn’t read the first book in the series and now wish I had as I think that it would have filled out their back story a bit better. Having said that the author makes enough references for it work as a stand alone. I look forward to the next instalment.
My thanks to Netgalley and TBConFB for this copy.
March 19, 2025
I’ve never finished reading a book so fast! The multiple story lines all slowly connecting with one and other meant I couldn’t stop reading!! And the ending!! I have so many questions I need more of this book! The perfect combination between thriller and crime!! This book is definitely going to be one of those I can’t stop thinking about!
January 21, 2021
To protect and to serve. Or to protect.
"He inhales. Then the pain begins and his surroundings come into focus. Rope. Wood. Blades. The side of his head is throbbing. His body feels like it's on fire. He hears laughter. Remembers where he is, who he's with, and that's when he knows for sure that this isn't a dream; he's in a nightmare."
Hendleton Studios in Britain used to be the place for big-audience movies, but have been abandonned. So a group exploring exactly that type of urban sites, so-called urban explorers or "urbexers", have picked the derelict place to film their type of a more topical broadcast for their fanbase to stream. Normally, the thrill is in breaking in, going beyond those signs with "No Trespassing", and occassionally the risk of injuries due to the run-down state of the locations. But this time, the thrill is in finding something different. And the risk is to loose their lives.
Detective Inspector Dominic "Dom" Bell is summonned to investigate a suspicious death near a tube station. What looks like accident or suicide first, soon turns out quite peculiar when a daggar is found. But this will not remain the only casualty. And all of this while an unsolved case of foul play within the ranks of the police is still in his mind.
Two months and six days ago, Clementine "Clem" Starke had killed a killer. Now she has to face public and media scrutiny, when actually she would rather continue with her research on obsession and voyeurism. Urbexers might fit her scheme. But then, she has an object of obesession herself - Dom.
Okay, the experienced reader is quite aware that those three threads will be linked together. You are so wrong. There are way more threads and way more links. This is #2 in a so-far two-book-series and I read the first part, but think you might read them separately, even without the second spoiling too much of the first (but concerning Clem's dad, that is). Be aware that there are several open issues from book one that will show up in this book, too, just like some "red threads" of the series, I guess. The book is not too overly graphic, no sexual violence, none against kids or animals. No epic descriptions of the deeds, rather the forensics (for those sensitive to any of those) - rather some horror-like general setup, painted very vividly. The level of suspense is pretty high throughout the novel, emphasized by quick changes of point of view, mostly in between Clem and Dom, with Clem being the main protaganist (all her chapters are first-person narrator). I liked the idea of this unlikely team of investigators from the first novel on: the professional and the amateur sleuth, with Clem using social media instead of footwork mostly; she is a member in a True Crime online-group. Well, haven't most readers of fiction guessed at how good they might be at investigating? But there is more. Forget "damaged investigator", Clem has been there, gone beyond, and returned. When I normally get bored by "dead sibling, miserable past, etc.", consider here that Clem will not be the willing victim. Her deeds will have the reader question his concept of ethics. Apart from the topical case, making me wonder if I like what Clem will be willing to do or not, is probably the bigger achievment Stephanie Marland delivered. Even better than the first - and with promise for #3, hopefully soon.
5 stars plus.
"He inhales. Then the pain begins and his surroundings come into focus. Rope. Wood. Blades. The side of his head is throbbing. His body feels like it's on fire. He hears laughter. Remembers where he is, who he's with, and that's when he knows for sure that this isn't a dream; he's in a nightmare."
Hendleton Studios in Britain used to be the place for big-audience movies, but have been abandonned. So a group exploring exactly that type of urban sites, so-called urban explorers or "urbexers", have picked the derelict place to film their type of a more topical broadcast for their fanbase to stream. Normally, the thrill is in breaking in, going beyond those signs with "No Trespassing", and occassionally the risk of injuries due to the run-down state of the locations. But this time, the thrill is in finding something different. And the risk is to loose their lives.
Detective Inspector Dominic "Dom" Bell is summonned to investigate a suspicious death near a tube station. What looks like accident or suicide first, soon turns out quite peculiar when a daggar is found. But this will not remain the only casualty. And all of this while an unsolved case of foul play within the ranks of the police is still in his mind.
Two months and six days ago, Clementine "Clem" Starke had killed a killer. Now she has to face public and media scrutiny, when actually she would rather continue with her research on obsession and voyeurism. Urbexers might fit her scheme. But then, she has an object of obesession herself - Dom.
Okay, the experienced reader is quite aware that those three threads will be linked together. You are so wrong. There are way more threads and way more links. This is #2 in a so-far two-book-series and I read the first part, but think you might read them separately, even without the second spoiling too much of the first (but concerning Clem's dad, that is). Be aware that there are several open issues from book one that will show up in this book, too, just like some "red threads" of the series, I guess. The book is not too overly graphic, no sexual violence, none against kids or animals. No epic descriptions of the deeds, rather the forensics (for those sensitive to any of those) - rather some horror-like general setup, painted very vividly. The level of suspense is pretty high throughout the novel, emphasized by quick changes of point of view, mostly in between Clem and Dom, with Clem being the main protaganist (all her chapters are first-person narrator). I liked the idea of this unlikely team of investigators from the first novel on: the professional and the amateur sleuth, with Clem using social media instead of footwork mostly; she is a member in a True Crime online-group. Well, haven't most readers of fiction guessed at how good they might be at investigating? But there is more. Forget "damaged investigator", Clem has been there, gone beyond, and returned. When I normally get bored by "dead sibling, miserable past, etc.", consider here that Clem will not be the willing victim. Her deeds will have the reader question his concept of ethics. Apart from the topical case, making me wonder if I like what Clem will be willing to do or not, is probably the bigger achievment Stephanie Marland delivered. Even better than the first - and with promise for #3, hopefully soon.
5 stars plus.
June 17, 2019
**4.5 Stars**
You Die Next is the second book in the Starke and Bell series written by a favourite author of mine, Stephanie Marland (also known as Steph Broadribb). You Die Next was published by Trapeze Books earlier this month in eBook, audiobook and paperback formats. I received an eARC copy of You Die Next which has in no way influenced this review.
I am a huge fan of this author's writing no matter what guise it takes. Be it home-grown amateur sleuth, Clementine Starke, and her favourite obsession, DI Dominic Bell. Or whether it's a trip stateside with kick-ass bounty hunter, Lori Anderson. Stephanie Marland knows how to tell a story and I, for one, enjoy reading them. Here's my review of the first book in the Starke and Bell series, My Little Eye, to prove it. When I discovered that book two in the Starke and Bell series was imminent, I knew I had to get a copy.
And I'm so very glad I did. I have to be honest, I think I preferred the second outing of this intriguing duo a touch more than the first. Both Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke are fascinating characters and I cannot wait to see where Marland takes them. From book one to book two they've taken a step (or rather Clementine has!) towards the dark side and I love that! That's what I want from a series of crime novels - something a little different, something that's going to make me sit up and take note. There's so much potential here, I can't wait to see what the future holds.
The plot focuses on a group of urban explorers who one day stumble upon a grisly murder scene. Being in the act of breaking the law themselves they fail to notify the police but the guilt eats away at some of them. Then subtle yet threatening messages start appearing on their video feeds. The plot was interesting and kept me gripped throughout. I loved the set-up of the murders and the way individuals within the group were picked off one by one. The reveal of whodunit was a complete surprise and I spent a lot of my time whilst reading coming up with motives and suspects. I was wrong...a lot!
Would I recommend this book? I would, definitely. However, I've read both books in this series and I'm not sure if You Die Next works as a standalone. By going straight to book two you will miss a lot of background information about Clementine and Dominic so I would recommend you start with My Little Eye first and then move onto You Die Next. Stephanie Marland is a must read author for me and this is a must read series. I can't wait for book three to be published.
You Die Next is the second book in the Starke and Bell series written by a favourite author of mine, Stephanie Marland (also known as Steph Broadribb). You Die Next was published by Trapeze Books earlier this month in eBook, audiobook and paperback formats. I received an eARC copy of You Die Next which has in no way influenced this review.
I am a huge fan of this author's writing no matter what guise it takes. Be it home-grown amateur sleuth, Clementine Starke, and her favourite obsession, DI Dominic Bell. Or whether it's a trip stateside with kick-ass bounty hunter, Lori Anderson. Stephanie Marland knows how to tell a story and I, for one, enjoy reading them. Here's my review of the first book in the Starke and Bell series, My Little Eye, to prove it. When I discovered that book two in the Starke and Bell series was imminent, I knew I had to get a copy.
And I'm so very glad I did. I have to be honest, I think I preferred the second outing of this intriguing duo a touch more than the first. Both Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke are fascinating characters and I cannot wait to see where Marland takes them. From book one to book two they've taken a step (or rather Clementine has!) towards the dark side and I love that! That's what I want from a series of crime novels - something a little different, something that's going to make me sit up and take note. There's so much potential here, I can't wait to see what the future holds.
The plot focuses on a group of urban explorers who one day stumble upon a grisly murder scene. Being in the act of breaking the law themselves they fail to notify the police but the guilt eats away at some of them. Then subtle yet threatening messages start appearing on their video feeds. The plot was interesting and kept me gripped throughout. I loved the set-up of the murders and the way individuals within the group were picked off one by one. The reveal of whodunit was a complete surprise and I spent a lot of my time whilst reading coming up with motives and suspects. I was wrong...a lot!
Would I recommend this book? I would, definitely. However, I've read both books in this series and I'm not sure if You Die Next works as a standalone. By going straight to book two you will miss a lot of background information about Clementine and Dominic so I would recommend you start with My Little Eye first and then move onto You Die Next. Stephanie Marland is a must read author for me and this is a must read series. I can't wait for book three to be published.
April 14, 2019
I'm a big fan of Stephanie Marland's work and so when the opportunity arose for an early read of the book, I didn't hestitate. Dominic Bell and Clementine Starke were amongst my favourite characters in 2018 and I was really looking forward to seeing what fresh nightmare awaited them this time around.
I was not disappointed. The author pulls the reader in from the off, creating dark and tense atmosphere with a huge amount of suspense as a group of Urban Explorers break into an abandoned movie studio. They aren't prepared for what they find, or for all that will follow, but as a reader I knew that I was in for one heck of a ride.
This is a story about obsession, a theme which manifests on so many levels, Firstly there is that of the group of explorers who are so determined to grow their social media audience and find a kind of cyber celebrity status which sees them making some very unwise and deadly decisions. Then there is the obsession of the person who is tracking them but as to who it is and what it is that drives them, the secret is very cleverly disguised, not being revealed until the dying moments of the book (no pun intended). Finally we have Clementine Starke, a woman whose academic study is literally on the topic of obsession. Only she is one of her own subjects, her already unhealthy obsession with DI Bell only growing stronger as the story progresses.
Now the chemistry between the lead characters is as strong as ever, but the author has cleverly thrown in some pretty major obstacles to keep the two apart, increasing the tension and the level of anticipation as a result. These are two fascinating characters, and the more I spend time with them, the more I want to know. They are both damaged by events from their past, both seeking answers to questions which may well put their lives in danger. Despite Bell's determination to keep his and Clementine's lives separate, there are forces at play which make this virtually impossible. Their relationship, though strained, is addictive, both of them bringing out the best, and worst, in each other. Clementine is an academic and true crime fanatic - determined, perhaps even a little neurotic, and a complete anti-hero. Bell, as a Police Officer, is the exact opposite - restrained, focused, and keen to play things by the book. They are a brilliant pairing. Love them.
As well as the murders, there are elements of the story which carry over from book one in the series and which are not fully resolved here either. But this only makes me hungry for the next book in the series. With some heart stopping moments throughout, this is a book which kept me on high alert. It also made me wonder, in a world dominated by reality tv and with the internet creating new media stardom every few seconds, just how far would people be willing to go to pursue notoriety and fame? With stories that seem to be getting progressively darker, I cannot wait to see where the author leads us next.
I was not disappointed. The author pulls the reader in from the off, creating dark and tense atmosphere with a huge amount of suspense as a group of Urban Explorers break into an abandoned movie studio. They aren't prepared for what they find, or for all that will follow, but as a reader I knew that I was in for one heck of a ride.
This is a story about obsession, a theme which manifests on so many levels, Firstly there is that of the group of explorers who are so determined to grow their social media audience and find a kind of cyber celebrity status which sees them making some very unwise and deadly decisions. Then there is the obsession of the person who is tracking them but as to who it is and what it is that drives them, the secret is very cleverly disguised, not being revealed until the dying moments of the book (no pun intended). Finally we have Clementine Starke, a woman whose academic study is literally on the topic of obsession. Only she is one of her own subjects, her already unhealthy obsession with DI Bell only growing stronger as the story progresses.
Now the chemistry between the lead characters is as strong as ever, but the author has cleverly thrown in some pretty major obstacles to keep the two apart, increasing the tension and the level of anticipation as a result. These are two fascinating characters, and the more I spend time with them, the more I want to know. They are both damaged by events from their past, both seeking answers to questions which may well put their lives in danger. Despite Bell's determination to keep his and Clementine's lives separate, there are forces at play which make this virtually impossible. Their relationship, though strained, is addictive, both of them bringing out the best, and worst, in each other. Clementine is an academic and true crime fanatic - determined, perhaps even a little neurotic, and a complete anti-hero. Bell, as a Police Officer, is the exact opposite - restrained, focused, and keen to play things by the book. They are a brilliant pairing. Love them.
As well as the murders, there are elements of the story which carry over from book one in the series and which are not fully resolved here either. But this only makes me hungry for the next book in the series. With some heart stopping moments throughout, this is a book which kept me on high alert. It also made me wonder, in a world dominated by reality tv and with the internet creating new media stardom every few seconds, just how far would people be willing to go to pursue notoriety and fame? With stories that seem to be getting progressively darker, I cannot wait to see where the author leads us next.
April 12, 2019
I started reading Stephanie Marland’s novels because I am a huge fan of her Lori Anderson series, which she writes under the name Steph Broadribb. YOU DIE NEXT is the second book in the Starke & Bell series and, even though it’s a bit darker than her other novels, I am completely addicted and I am already looking forward to the next novel.
Who are the protagonists? Clementine Starke is a researcher who studies the effects of obsession on people for her PhD. Clementine herself is her own first case study. Why? Because she has two obsessions: the murder of her father and DI Dominick Bell. Her father was a police detective that was murdered during a fire that almost killed her and left her numb to emotions. The killer was never found, but she’s enlisted the help of a true-crime online group to find out the truth. She met DI Dominick Bell while solving a case in the first book, My Little Eye, where he saved her life from a killer. This event connected them in a “special” (her word), unhealthy and dangerous (my words) way. Despite Dominick’s efforts to keep Clementine at a distance, she gets mixed up not only in his new murder investigation, but also in the case of corrupt officers that involves one of his own family.
In YOU DIE NEXT, the author explores a world that I am unfamiliar with and that, to be honest, I didn’t even know existed. Urban explorers are groups of people that film themselves while they go through abandoned and neglected buildings and, thanks to technology and social media, they have thousands of followers during their nightly adventures. During the filming, their faces are covered and they use nicknames and no one knows who they really are. One night, one of the most popular group of urban explores breaks into an old film studio and stumbles upon a scene that makes them run away scared. The fear of prosecution for the break in stops them from going to the police, but someone is leaving threatening messages for them. And when the first body turns up, they ask themselves, who dies next? As the bodies pile up, DI Dominick Bell tries to solve the case while Clementine is ready to do absolutely anything to help and protect him.
Clementine and Dominick are both intriguing characters. They both have a very dark side, they both have demons to deal with and their relationship is obsessive and a bit dangerous. I like these two flawed and engaging characters that created a story that is intense, twisty, and chilling and that kept me completely hooked until the very last word.
Who are the protagonists? Clementine Starke is a researcher who studies the effects of obsession on people for her PhD. Clementine herself is her own first case study. Why? Because she has two obsessions: the murder of her father and DI Dominick Bell. Her father was a police detective that was murdered during a fire that almost killed her and left her numb to emotions. The killer was never found, but she’s enlisted the help of a true-crime online group to find out the truth. She met DI Dominick Bell while solving a case in the first book, My Little Eye, where he saved her life from a killer. This event connected them in a “special” (her word), unhealthy and dangerous (my words) way. Despite Dominick’s efforts to keep Clementine at a distance, she gets mixed up not only in his new murder investigation, but also in the case of corrupt officers that involves one of his own family.
In YOU DIE NEXT, the author explores a world that I am unfamiliar with and that, to be honest, I didn’t even know existed. Urban explorers are groups of people that film themselves while they go through abandoned and neglected buildings and, thanks to technology and social media, they have thousands of followers during their nightly adventures. During the filming, their faces are covered and they use nicknames and no one knows who they really are. One night, one of the most popular group of urban explores breaks into an old film studio and stumbles upon a scene that makes them run away scared. The fear of prosecution for the break in stops them from going to the police, but someone is leaving threatening messages for them. And when the first body turns up, they ask themselves, who dies next? As the bodies pile up, DI Dominick Bell tries to solve the case while Clementine is ready to do absolutely anything to help and protect him.
Clementine and Dominick are both intriguing characters. They both have a very dark side, they both have demons to deal with and their relationship is obsessive and a bit dangerous. I like these two flawed and engaging characters that created a story that is intense, twisty, and chilling and that kept me completely hooked until the very last word.
April 28, 2019
You're always guaranteed a good read with a Stephanie Marland (aka Steph Broadribb) book so I was really excited to read You Die Next, the second book in the Starke and Bell series. I think it does read well as a standalone as there are enough references to the story in the first book, My Little Eye, to give any new readers the history of our leading pair.
I have to say that I read this book pretty fast to get my review posted in time for the blog tour, so I don't think I experienced it at its finest. I didn't really understand the point of urban explorers and what they get out of doing what they do. Having said that, what drives the story along for me are the strong leading characters of Clementine Starke and Dominic Bell. They aren't a traditional duo, being very much apart in this book, but I particularly loved how Clementine's character has developed; she's a bit like Darth Vader, being lured to the dark side.
Not only do we have the story of the urban explorers being picked off one by one with increasingly vivid and imaginative demises, but Clementine has a mystery of her own to solve: the death of her father. The reader is teased quite a lot by Stephanie Marland as Clementine starts to dig into her father's history and I loved how it brought Dom closer to her when he agrees to look into it. It definitely left me hanging and eager to read the next Starke & Bell book.
Vivid, chilling, ingenious and unique You Die Next is a superb instalment in the Starke & Bell series which I'm sure will become a firm favourite with crime and thriller readers.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I have to say that I read this book pretty fast to get my review posted in time for the blog tour, so I don't think I experienced it at its finest. I didn't really understand the point of urban explorers and what they get out of doing what they do. Having said that, what drives the story along for me are the strong leading characters of Clementine Starke and Dominic Bell. They aren't a traditional duo, being very much apart in this book, but I particularly loved how Clementine's character has developed; she's a bit like Darth Vader, being lured to the dark side.
Not only do we have the story of the urban explorers being picked off one by one with increasingly vivid and imaginative demises, but Clementine has a mystery of her own to solve: the death of her father. The reader is teased quite a lot by Stephanie Marland as Clementine starts to dig into her father's history and I loved how it brought Dom closer to her when he agrees to look into it. It definitely left me hanging and eager to read the next Starke & Bell book.
Vivid, chilling, ingenious and unique You Die Next is a superb instalment in the Starke & Bell series which I'm sure will become a firm favourite with crime and thriller readers.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 2, 2019
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group/Trapeze for an eARC via NetGalley of Stephanie Marland’s ‘You Die Next’ in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in her Starke and Bell series. I hadn’t read ‘My Little Eye’ though this wasn’t an issue as enough background is provided.
When a group of urban explorers (urbexers) break into an abandoned film studio outside London they stumble upon a shocking scene: a kill room complete with body. They flee from a masked figure and it soon becomes clear to the reader that they are being hunted.
Clementine Starke is working on a project for her university linked to documenting what drives people to engage in thrill-seeking activities and is prompted by a contact to look at the exploits of this particular group. Meanwhile, DI Dominic Bell is assigned to investigate a murder in the London Underground not realising that his victim is linked to the urbexer group.
Clearly the events of ‘My Little Eye’ impacted upon the relationship between Clementine and Dominic and he is holding her at a distance, which was frustrating at times as she had useful information. More murders occur.
Clementine is a dark character and I found that I was both fascinated and ambivalent. I plan to go back and read ‘My Little Eye’ to understand more of her background and their dynamic.
A fast, intense, twisty, fun (in a dark way) crime thriller that was very hard to put down. I look forward to catching up and reading further outings with these two.
This is the second in her Starke and Bell series. I hadn’t read ‘My Little Eye’ though this wasn’t an issue as enough background is provided.
When a group of urban explorers (urbexers) break into an abandoned film studio outside London they stumble upon a shocking scene: a kill room complete with body. They flee from a masked figure and it soon becomes clear to the reader that they are being hunted.
Clementine Starke is working on a project for her university linked to documenting what drives people to engage in thrill-seeking activities and is prompted by a contact to look at the exploits of this particular group. Meanwhile, DI Dominic Bell is assigned to investigate a murder in the London Underground not realising that his victim is linked to the urbexer group.
Clearly the events of ‘My Little Eye’ impacted upon the relationship between Clementine and Dominic and he is holding her at a distance, which was frustrating at times as she had useful information. More murders occur.
Clementine is a dark character and I found that I was both fascinated and ambivalent. I plan to go back and read ‘My Little Eye’ to understand more of her background and their dynamic.
A fast, intense, twisty, fun (in a dark way) crime thriller that was very hard to put down. I look forward to catching up and reading further outings with these two.
March 18, 2019
I loved the first book in this series and so couldn’t wait to read this one, and I wasn’t disappointed! I think it might even be better than the first and that’s saying something!
Once again Clementine Starke is back. She’s a brilliant flawed character – hard as nails on the outside, but inside she’s very fragile. She’s damaged and obsessed in trying to find her father’s killer. Her relationship with DI Dominic Bell is extremely strained and he wants nothing to do with her.
The book has a really modern feel to it. The storyline about urban explorers was really gripping and intriguing as I’d never heard of them (must be my age!) and I could feel the tension as they explored the derelict buildings, and I read until 3am just to finish it.
As I said this is the second in the series and there are lots of mentions about Clementine and Dom’s previous case, and also about Dom’s IPCC investigation, so I feel that if I hadn’t read the first book I might not have known exactly what was going on.
This was a definite 5* read and I hope there will be more in the series!
Once again Clementine Starke is back. She’s a brilliant flawed character – hard as nails on the outside, but inside she’s very fragile. She’s damaged and obsessed in trying to find her father’s killer. Her relationship with DI Dominic Bell is extremely strained and he wants nothing to do with her.
The book has a really modern feel to it. The storyline about urban explorers was really gripping and intriguing as I’d never heard of them (must be my age!) and I could feel the tension as they explored the derelict buildings, and I read until 3am just to finish it.
As I said this is the second in the series and there are lots of mentions about Clementine and Dom’s previous case, and also about Dom’s IPCC investigation, so I feel that if I hadn’t read the first book I might not have known exactly what was going on.
This was a definite 5* read and I hope there will be more in the series!
April 7, 2019
You Die Next is a blend of psychological thriller and police procedural. Short punchy chapters from a number of characters but primarily the two main protagonists, Clementine Starke and Dom Bell, give a swift pace and action-packed plot. The two main characters are original and captivating, Clementine in particular giving introspection on the dark and light in her personality as well as narrating the storyline. The plot and the sinister killer hunting victims in the less than legal world of urban exploring are great but the real strength of this story is the relationships and the complex psychological make-up of the characters. Ironically, this is why I’ve gone for four stars instead of five! I read this as a stand-alone and while there was enough exposition of the events of the previous book to know where the characters are at the outset of the story and how they got there, I would have enjoyed reading the evolution of those characters in the first novel first. I would still definitely recommend this book but I would suggest that you read the first one first.
July 14, 2025
Hm, na ja, wo soll ich anfangen. Ich habe das Buch vorhin beendet und irgendwie mit einem unbefriedigenden Gefühl zugeklappt.
Im Laufe der Geschichte – und ehrlich gesagt schon ziemlich früh – kamen so viele verschiedene Charaktere und Namen vor, dass ich echt den Überblick verloren habe. Es wurde irgendwann so schlimm, dass ich das Drama und die Höhepunkte der Story „verpasst“ habe, weil ich einfach nicht mehr wusste, wer diese Person jetzt nochmal war.
An sich hatte die Story echt Potenzial. Als ich das Buch in einem kostenlosen Bücherschrank entdeckt und den Klappentext gelesen habe, dachte ich nur: 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗮, 𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘄. Zu meinem Bedauern war es das dann aber leider gar nicht.
Trotz meiner Kritik muss ich sagen, dass die letzten 100 Seiten nochmal spannend und unterhaltsam wurden. Die letzten 20 Seiten davon waren dann aber wieder eher enttäuschend, und das Ende war für mich ein absoluter Schuss in den Ofen. Sehr schade – und rückblickend leider Zeitverschwendung.
Im Laufe der Geschichte – und ehrlich gesagt schon ziemlich früh – kamen so viele verschiedene Charaktere und Namen vor, dass ich echt den Überblick verloren habe. Es wurde irgendwann so schlimm, dass ich das Drama und die Höhepunkte der Story „verpasst“ habe, weil ich einfach nicht mehr wusste, wer diese Person jetzt nochmal war.
An sich hatte die Story echt Potenzial. Als ich das Buch in einem kostenlosen Bücherschrank entdeckt und den Klappentext gelesen habe, dachte ich nur: 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗮, 𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘄. Zu meinem Bedauern war es das dann aber leider gar nicht.
Trotz meiner Kritik muss ich sagen, dass die letzten 100 Seiten nochmal spannend und unterhaltsam wurden. Die letzten 20 Seiten davon waren dann aber wieder eher enttäuschend, und das Ende war für mich ein absoluter Schuss in den Ofen. Sehr schade – und rückblickend leider Zeitverschwendung.
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