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DI Frank Farrell #2
Perfect Dead
Sometimes perfection is worth killing for…
The second gripping crime novel in an exciting new series. Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell finds himself on the trail of a vicious killer in rural Scotland. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, James Oswald and Val McDermid.
Each murder brings him one step closer to the perfect death.
Ex-priest DI Farrell is called on to investigate a gruesome death in rural Scotland. All evidence points to suicide, except for one loose end: every light in the cottage was switched off. Why would he kill himself in the dark?
The question sparks a murder investigation that leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, a sinister commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
And when the remains of a young girl are uncovered on a barren stretch of coastline, Farrell realises that there is something rotten in this tight-knit community. Now he must track down a ruthless killer before another person dies, this time much closer to home…
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2018
87 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Baldwin
17 books71 followersScottish crime writer and former criminal lawyer.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 17, 2018
THE PERFECT DEAD by author Jackie Baldwin is the second gripping crime novel in the DI Frank Farrell Series but reads fine as a standalone. This is an exciting new series that will appeal to a wide audience who enjoy reading crime novels.
Each murder brings him one step closer to the perfect death.
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide, a horrific death in rural Scotland (Kirkcudbright). All evidence points to suicide, except for one loose end: every light in the cottage was switched off. Why would he kill himself in the dark?
But was it a suicide, or was he murdered and the whole thing was staged?
Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death.
And so, begins a murder investigation that leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, an ominous commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
And when the remains of a young girl are uncovered on a barren coastline area, Farrell realizes that there something isn’t right with this community.
Time is ticking away and Farrell and his team must track down a brutal killer before another person dies.
This novel is well written with non-stop action and engaging characters, and one that I very much enjoyed.
Many thanks to the author, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads via Netgalley and the TBR Requestor Review for my copy.
Each murder brings him one step closer to the perfect death.
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide, a horrific death in rural Scotland (Kirkcudbright). All evidence points to suicide, except for one loose end: every light in the cottage was switched off. Why would he kill himself in the dark?
But was it a suicide, or was he murdered and the whole thing was staged?
Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death.
And so, begins a murder investigation that leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, an ominous commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
And when the remains of a young girl are uncovered on a barren coastline area, Farrell realizes that there something isn’t right with this community.
Time is ticking away and Farrell and his team must track down a brutal killer before another person dies.
This novel is well written with non-stop action and engaging characters, and one that I very much enjoyed.
Many thanks to the author, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads via Netgalley and the TBR Requestor Review for my copy.
June 7, 2018
DI Frank Farrell and his team are called to investigate what appears to be a suicide. When Farrell finds evidence to the contrary, it turns into a murder investigation.
The murder investigation leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, a sinister commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
When the remains of a young girl are found nearby, Farrell realizes that the two cases may be connected. The first victim was an artist ... the young girl modeled for several of the artists....and fell in love with one of them.
And when it's discovered that a group of art forgeries are found in the area, Farrell finds himself nearly overwhelmed. Now he must track down a ruthless killer before another person dies, this time much closer to home.
Farrell is a terrific character. He is a Catholic Priest, now non-practicing, and a break in his belief led him to law enforcement. Recovering from a near mental breakdown, he is now questioning whether to stay where he is ... or return to the church. His team are young and dedicated and have much respect for their boss. They also all have their own personal issues which puts them at odds with their respective jobs.
There is much suspense which starts slowly and builds to a rapid boiling of murder, revenge, blackmail, and many secrets.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Impulse and Killer Reads / Netgalley / TBR Requestor Review for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 21, 2020
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide but seems more like a murder to them which leads them to the mysterious Ivy House where a group of artists calling themselves ‘ The Collective’ will do anything to keep their secrets hidden.When the remains of a young girl also connected to them are found nearby DI Frank Farrell has to race against time to find the killer before he finds his next victim
Perfect Dead by Jackie Baldwin is the second book in the police procedural series and is an action packed thriller with lots of twists & turns that will keep you hooked to the end.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Perfect Dead by Jackie Baldwin is the second book in the police procedural series and is an action packed thriller with lots of twists & turns that will keep you hooked to the end.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
March 25, 2020
Perfect dead by Jackie Baldwin.
A brilliant read. I loved Frank and Mhairi. They are still my favourite characters. I do hope to read more in this great series. 5*.
A brilliant read. I loved Frank and Mhairi. They are still my favourite characters. I do hope to read more in this great series. 5*.
May 25, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an advance copy of Killer Dead, the second novel to feature Dumfries based DI Frank Farrell.
When the body of artist Monro Stevenson is found in his cottage in Kirkcudbright everyone except Frank thinks it's suicide, there are enough minor discrepancies in the scene for him to suspect murder. At the same time DI Moore is investigating an art forgery ring which appears to be headquartered in Kirkcudbright and DCI Lind is investigating a grave of bones which he suspects to be that of Ailish Kerrigan who disappeared from The Collective, an artist's colony three years previously. Soon all the investigations are leading to the village of Kirkcudbright.
I thoroughly enjoyed Killer Dead which is a satisfyingly complicated read with plenty of twists and turns. With all these plot strands I thought it might be difficult to keep up but everything is laid out logically and is thus easy to follow. The plotting is clever and well thought out and with so much going on there is never a dull moment so it held my attention from start to finish. I also like that it has a linear timeline and is told in the third person from the police point of view, mostly Frank's. It makes for an immersive read when the reader is not distracted by an ever changing point of view. Thank you Ms Baldwin for bucking the trend and adopting this straightforward approach.
Frank Farrell is a rather lonely figure with few friends and no significant other. As a former priest he is often sickened by the behaviour he encounters as a detective and hears the siren call of the Church. It is difficult to work out if he is serious about returning to the priesthood or if thinking about it is a stress reliever. He is a kind, considerate man with hidden steel and very likeable as a protagonist.
Killer Dead is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When the body of artist Monro Stevenson is found in his cottage in Kirkcudbright everyone except Frank thinks it's suicide, there are enough minor discrepancies in the scene for him to suspect murder. At the same time DI Moore is investigating an art forgery ring which appears to be headquartered in Kirkcudbright and DCI Lind is investigating a grave of bones which he suspects to be that of Ailish Kerrigan who disappeared from The Collective, an artist's colony three years previously. Soon all the investigations are leading to the village of Kirkcudbright.
I thoroughly enjoyed Killer Dead which is a satisfyingly complicated read with plenty of twists and turns. With all these plot strands I thought it might be difficult to keep up but everything is laid out logically and is thus easy to follow. The plotting is clever and well thought out and with so much going on there is never a dull moment so it held my attention from start to finish. I also like that it has a linear timeline and is told in the third person from the police point of view, mostly Frank's. It makes for an immersive read when the reader is not distracted by an ever changing point of view. Thank you Ms Baldwin for bucking the trend and adopting this straightforward approach.
Frank Farrell is a rather lonely figure with few friends and no significant other. As a former priest he is often sickened by the behaviour he encounters as a detective and hears the siren call of the Church. It is difficult to work out if he is serious about returning to the priesthood or if thinking about it is a stress reliever. He is a kind, considerate man with hidden steel and very likeable as a protagonist.
Killer Dead is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 28, 2018
4 and 1 / 2 stars
DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide in
Kirkcudbright. Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death. They talk to the woman who found the body, a housekeeper. None of the other neighbors have any information save the elderly lady across the street who says she heard a gunshot and an unknown car pass by her house twice on the suspected day of the murder. The victim, Monro Stevenson, was formerly associated with a group of artists known as The Collective. He had a bad crush on the girl, Ailish Kerrigan, who also lived there with her then boyfriend Patrick Rafferty, also from Ireland. Ailish disappeared three years earlier. Most people thought that she had run off after finding her boyfriend had picked up someone else. But, DCI John Lind, DI Farrell’s good friend, believes differently, as does her sister Maureen.
Meanwhile, DI Moore is investigating an art forgery ring. It is not going well until they capture the man who was taking the forged art piece to the exchange place. DS Stirling and DC Thompson go undercover as the contacts for the art forgers.
When Ailish’s body is found, DCI Lind calls her sister Maureen and imparts the bad news. The investigation of her murder leads the team back to the Collective, the same group to which Monro Stevenson belonged. It seems all leads on the three cases lead back to them.
Another murder is committed, of a young woman named Poppy Black, which is also disguised to look like suicide, the team kicks into high gear.
The pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place. Several people are arrested in the forgery scandal. The murderer of Poppy and Ailish is discovered, but not before there is another near miss for someone on the team.
This book is remarkably well written. The action scenes were well described and clearly thought out well by Ms. Baldwin. I truly enjoyed this book. It had romance, action, suspense and intrigue. It had drama – that’s it! I liked DI Farrell very much. Although he is a lonely person in some ways, he jumps into the action and doesn’t look back. He gets along well with the rest of the team, other DI’s and the DCI as well. I appreciate that he has Henry in his life. It added a nice touch to DI Farrell. This is my first Jackie Baldwin novel, but it certainly won’t be my last. I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books by this author. Well done, Ms. Baldwin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads/Killer Reads for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide in
Kirkcudbright. Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death. They talk to the woman who found the body, a housekeeper. None of the other neighbors have any information save the elderly lady across the street who says she heard a gunshot and an unknown car pass by her house twice on the suspected day of the murder. The victim, Monro Stevenson, was formerly associated with a group of artists known as The Collective. He had a bad crush on the girl, Ailish Kerrigan, who also lived there with her then boyfriend Patrick Rafferty, also from Ireland. Ailish disappeared three years earlier. Most people thought that she had run off after finding her boyfriend had picked up someone else. But, DCI John Lind, DI Farrell’s good friend, believes differently, as does her sister Maureen.
Meanwhile, DI Moore is investigating an art forgery ring. It is not going well until they capture the man who was taking the forged art piece to the exchange place. DS Stirling and DC Thompson go undercover as the contacts for the art forgers.
When Ailish’s body is found, DCI Lind calls her sister Maureen and imparts the bad news. The investigation of her murder leads the team back to the Collective, the same group to which Monro Stevenson belonged. It seems all leads on the three cases lead back to them.
Another murder is committed, of a young woman named Poppy Black, which is also disguised to look like suicide, the team kicks into high gear.
The pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place. Several people are arrested in the forgery scandal. The murderer of Poppy and Ailish is discovered, but not before there is another near miss for someone on the team.
This book is remarkably well written. The action scenes were well described and clearly thought out well by Ms. Baldwin. I truly enjoyed this book. It had romance, action, suspense and intrigue. It had drama – that’s it! I liked DI Farrell very much. Although he is a lonely person in some ways, he jumps into the action and doesn’t look back. He gets along well with the rest of the team, other DI’s and the DCI as well. I appreciate that he has Henry in his life. It added a nice touch to DI Farrell. This is my first Jackie Baldwin novel, but it certainly won’t be my last. I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books by this author. Well done, Ms. Baldwin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads/Killer Reads for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
June 28, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in the DI Farrell series so I didn’t have to be asked twice when I was approached to be on the blog tour for Perfect Dead! And thankfully book 2 lived up to the promise of Dead Man’s Prayer, which was Jackie Balwins debut, and confirmed my opinion that this series is definitely worth waiting for!
And what an opener to Perfect Dead! That shocking moment when a young girl realises she has made the wrong decision really hit me hard and from that moment on I was hooked, desperate to see justice done for such a heinous crime. But what is the connection to the suspected suicide that DI Farrell is called in to investigate in the present day? A suicide that is showing signs of being staged due to clues only spotted by the eagle eyes of the investigating officers.
What makes this book for me is it’s protagonist DI Frank Farrell and the supporting cast of characters who felt like returning friends when I met them again here in Perfect Dead. Although there is a murder to solve, there is also a fraud case that may or may not be related and a local artists commune that seems to have secrets to hide from the outside world. But as the narrative unfolded and all these threads wound themselves together, I found myself getting just as caught up in the personal circumstances of ex priest Frank Farrell and his colleagues. The balance between the personal and professional lives of these police officers was perfectly proportioned throughout and both aspects left me wanting more!
I do love the fact that Jackie Baldwin has set her books in a part of Scotland that she knows and so obviously loves. This is a police procedural that will be much admired by fans of Scottish crime fiction and quite rightly so. It’s well worth a look!
And what an opener to Perfect Dead! That shocking moment when a young girl realises she has made the wrong decision really hit me hard and from that moment on I was hooked, desperate to see justice done for such a heinous crime. But what is the connection to the suspected suicide that DI Farrell is called in to investigate in the present day? A suicide that is showing signs of being staged due to clues only spotted by the eagle eyes of the investigating officers.
What makes this book for me is it’s protagonist DI Frank Farrell and the supporting cast of characters who felt like returning friends when I met them again here in Perfect Dead. Although there is a murder to solve, there is also a fraud case that may or may not be related and a local artists commune that seems to have secrets to hide from the outside world. But as the narrative unfolded and all these threads wound themselves together, I found myself getting just as caught up in the personal circumstances of ex priest Frank Farrell and his colleagues. The balance between the personal and professional lives of these police officers was perfectly proportioned throughout and both aspects left me wanting more!
I do love the fact that Jackie Baldwin has set her books in a part of Scotland that she knows and so obviously loves. This is a police procedural that will be much admired by fans of Scottish crime fiction and quite rightly so. It’s well worth a look!
June 22, 2018
I was a huge fan of Baldwin's first DI Farrell book, Dead Man's Prayer. So much so, that it featured on my books of 2016 list. Which means that I've been waiting for the release of Perfect Dead and Frank's second outing with bated breath. For those new to this series our protagonist is DI Frank Farrell, an ex-priest turned Detective Inspector in the Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland. Frank is conflicted as he doesn't really know where his heart truly lies; is he destined to hunt the seedy criminals and lowlifes of the lowland or does he have a much higher, spiritual calling? What I love most about Frank Farrell is that he is unlike any of the other detectives I tend to read about. They are more often than not addiction driven, tortured souls but Frank, with his past in the Church, isn't. He fascinates me.
I was also delighted to see DC Mhairi McLeod make a welcome return to proceedings. Her intelligent insight and her wonderfully feisty attitude really added to the story for me this time around. I liked her character in the first book but I felt she really came to life in Perfect Dead, often leaving DI Farrell in the shadows.
When Frank and Mhairi are called to a suicide in Kirkcudbright something just doesn't feel right. Gut instinct and a good investigative brain mean that before long they are treating the artist's death as suspicious. The investigation leads to 'The Collective's door, a group of uninhibited 'invite only' artists who keep themselves to themselves and their secrets well and truly hidden. Frank's suspicious suicide was once part of 'The Collective' flock, so it's only natural that he starts asking questions. But that's only the beginning. When the remains of a young woman, missing for several years is discovered nearby, all roads lead to 'The Collective'.
I really enjoyed how there were several plot threads intricately woven throughout the story and the way the author managed to keep the investigations separate, to a point. Parts of the story I found a little predictable but then I just can't help playing amateur detective whilst reading detective fiction (any fiction!). I was looking for clues from the moment I started to read which is very normal for me. It certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. Although I had guessed 'whodunit' I really did love the conclusion of Perfect Dead.
Would I recommend this book? I would. I love how Jackie Baldwin writes and her characters are wonderfully unique. I just can't help myself when it comes to DI Frank Farrell, there's something so appealing about him that I will read this series until the author decides she has had enough! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the team in action again and I can't wait to see what Baldwin has in store for us next. A delightfully intricate and enjoyable novel.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Perfect Dead. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I was also delighted to see DC Mhairi McLeod make a welcome return to proceedings. Her intelligent insight and her wonderfully feisty attitude really added to the story for me this time around. I liked her character in the first book but I felt she really came to life in Perfect Dead, often leaving DI Farrell in the shadows.
When Frank and Mhairi are called to a suicide in Kirkcudbright something just doesn't feel right. Gut instinct and a good investigative brain mean that before long they are treating the artist's death as suspicious. The investigation leads to 'The Collective's door, a group of uninhibited 'invite only' artists who keep themselves to themselves and their secrets well and truly hidden. Frank's suspicious suicide was once part of 'The Collective' flock, so it's only natural that he starts asking questions. But that's only the beginning. When the remains of a young woman, missing for several years is discovered nearby, all roads lead to 'The Collective'.
I really enjoyed how there were several plot threads intricately woven throughout the story and the way the author managed to keep the investigations separate, to a point. Parts of the story I found a little predictable but then I just can't help playing amateur detective whilst reading detective fiction (any fiction!). I was looking for clues from the moment I started to read which is very normal for me. It certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. Although I had guessed 'whodunit' I really did love the conclusion of Perfect Dead.
Would I recommend this book? I would. I love how Jackie Baldwin writes and her characters are wonderfully unique. I just can't help myself when it comes to DI Frank Farrell, there's something so appealing about him that I will read this series until the author decides she has had enough! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the team in action again and I can't wait to see what Baldwin has in store for us next. A delightfully intricate and enjoyable novel.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Perfect Dead. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 23, 2020
This is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Former priest DI Frank Farrell is called out to investigate a suspicious death. A promising young artist is dead, having apparently taken his own life. But he had everything to live for, and a few things about the scene of death don't sit right with Frank, and he's not convinced it was suicide and determines to investigate further. And then human bones are discovered ...
Meanwhile, DI Kate Moore is looking into a possible art forgery ring in the area. She only has a small team at her disposal but fortunately a local art expert has offered up his services to help.
Relations between Farrell and his mother have thawed considerably, as they have between him and Detective Superintendent Walker. Frank's friend, and immediate boss, John Lind and his wife Laura are struggling following events in the first book, and Mhairi has a lovely new boyfriend. So there is plenty going on!
I loved the idea of 'The Collective', a kind of creative commune, which over the years has attracted all sorts of artists, but now has just three members. But they're a hard bunch to crack, clearly with secrets they want to keep. And the mysterious painter who nobody really sees is a fabulous creation. I had a great image of him in my mind!
I struggled to keep track of the movement of real paintings and forgeries but I think that was down to me rather than the writing. But I loved seeing Stirling and Thomson going undercover - they made a great double act!
There is humour throughout, which I always welcome in a crime novel. But there are plenty of shocks too. It was great finding out more about the characters, although sometimes it was hard to read. I've become very invested in some of these folk and sometimes I was sad for them. Or scared for them. And faith figures heavily too, for Frank anyway. I think Baldwin has been very clever adding this in. It sets Farrell apart, gives him depth and adds so much interest for the reader.
The foray into the art world was an interesting one for me, and some of the paintings are vividly described by the author. - to the point where I could see them clearly in my mind. Great writing.
The conclusion was unexpected, tense and shocking. My heart was in my mouth as I turned the pages (well, swiped them on my Kindle). It was a 'Woah!' moment and one hell of an ending. It certainly left me wanting more, and I'm not sure I can ask for much more than that. A very enjoyable read.
Former priest DI Frank Farrell is called out to investigate a suspicious death. A promising young artist is dead, having apparently taken his own life. But he had everything to live for, and a few things about the scene of death don't sit right with Frank, and he's not convinced it was suicide and determines to investigate further. And then human bones are discovered ...
Meanwhile, DI Kate Moore is looking into a possible art forgery ring in the area. She only has a small team at her disposal but fortunately a local art expert has offered up his services to help.
Relations between Farrell and his mother have thawed considerably, as they have between him and Detective Superintendent Walker. Frank's friend, and immediate boss, John Lind and his wife Laura are struggling following events in the first book, and Mhairi has a lovely new boyfriend. So there is plenty going on!
I loved the idea of 'The Collective', a kind of creative commune, which over the years has attracted all sorts of artists, but now has just three members. But they're a hard bunch to crack, clearly with secrets they want to keep. And the mysterious painter who nobody really sees is a fabulous creation. I had a great image of him in my mind!
I struggled to keep track of the movement of real paintings and forgeries but I think that was down to me rather than the writing. But I loved seeing Stirling and Thomson going undercover - they made a great double act!
There is humour throughout, which I always welcome in a crime novel. But there are plenty of shocks too. It was great finding out more about the characters, although sometimes it was hard to read. I've become very invested in some of these folk and sometimes I was sad for them. Or scared for them. And faith figures heavily too, for Frank anyway. I think Baldwin has been very clever adding this in. It sets Farrell apart, gives him depth and adds so much interest for the reader.
The foray into the art world was an interesting one for me, and some of the paintings are vividly described by the author. - to the point where I could see them clearly in my mind. Great writing.
The conclusion was unexpected, tense and shocking. My heart was in my mouth as I turned the pages (well, swiped them on my Kindle). It was a 'Woah!' moment and one hell of an ending. It certainly left me wanting more, and I'm not sure I can ask for much more than that. A very enjoyable read.
June 5, 2018
DI Frank Farrell is an ex-priest. He is pretty much a hermit but works quite hard at his job, especially in this new case, that of trying to stop a vicious killer in a town in Scotland. Is there a such thing as a perfect death? Obviously, the killer has that very intent in mind. Well, the first murder in this case is that of an apparent suicide. However, there is a powerful clue that shows otherwise. Farrell and his team are led to the mysterious Ivy House, a commune of artists holding onto warped secrets. Another murder takes case, thus ramping up their investigation.
This is my first book by Jackie Baldwin, but this is the second in the DI Frank Farrell series. This was an engaging read. Even though Farrell is damaged, he definitely grew on me. So did members of his team. I found myself invested in their stories. Although I haven't read the first book in this terrific series, I felt that I understood Farrell, his angst and what drives him. I am a romantic at heart, and kept hoping for him to find a love interest. Maybe as the series progresses? Since I will definitely be reading Book 3 in this series, at some point before then I will most certainly take time to read the first book. Ms. Baldwin is relatively new on the scene, but she has excellent talent that I look forward to reading in the future.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review.
Date of publication: June 15, 2018
This is my first book by Jackie Baldwin, but this is the second in the DI Frank Farrell series. This was an engaging read. Even though Farrell is damaged, he definitely grew on me. So did members of his team. I found myself invested in their stories. Although I haven't read the first book in this terrific series, I felt that I understood Farrell, his angst and what drives him. I am a romantic at heart, and kept hoping for him to find a love interest. Maybe as the series progresses? Since I will definitely be reading Book 3 in this series, at some point before then I will most certainly take time to read the first book. Ms. Baldwin is relatively new on the scene, but she has excellent talent that I look forward to reading in the future.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review.
Date of publication: June 15, 2018
June 7, 2018
I wondered if the second outing of DI Farrel and his team was going to be as thrilling as their first in "Dead Man's Prayer". It was and I am now a total fan of the ex-priest turned DI who is skewered between his job as policeman and his yearning to return to the church. I so enjoyed learning more about each of the team as I enjoy character driven mysteries. The smooth writing and slow reveal of the antagonists enriched the plot which was well thought out with a lovely twist at the end. Oh dear I've realised I have a long time to wait for the next one!
May 24, 2020
DI Farrell is a likeable man conflicted between his faith and his desire to remain a detective. Will he decide to return to the priesthood? This was a readable story if a little clunky at times. If I’d been the editor there were a number of changes I would have made but altogether quite interesting characters and not a bad storyline. No problem for the police to just shoot the bad guys dead which raised a smile as it let the author off having to come up with a reason for the murder.
March 3, 2020
Another great book in the series. There were a lot of different threads and they all came together very well.
I liked the fact that Frank Farrell is a far from perfect person and yet he does his level best when it comes to his job on the police force. His faith keeps him going when he is doubting himself and when he needs extra strength to do what he must. It must be quite confusing being pulled in two quite different directions - does he want to be a Priest or does he want to be a police officer?
This was a solid police procedural and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
4.5 stars from me.
I liked the fact that Frank Farrell is a far from perfect person and yet he does his level best when it comes to his job on the police force. His faith keeps him going when he is doubting himself and when he needs extra strength to do what he must. It must be quite confusing being pulled in two quite different directions - does he want to be a Priest or does he want to be a police officer?
This was a solid police procedural and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
4.5 stars from me.
June 27, 2020
Love this one. Was hooked but got who it was early on.
June 14, 2018
This book starts off by immediately grabbing the attention with the prologue. A young girl is heading to get a bus home when she meets someone who she knows and goes off with them instead. Before long she realises she has made a big mistake and "a last tear tipped from her eyes. She would never see her home again." At once I wanted to who was the person she went off, what had happened and why. Just what you need to hook you into a book.
Frank and the others in his team are looking into art forgery ring suspected to be working out of Kirkcudbright. A member of local art community, The Collective, who has recently been nominated for a major art prize is found dead in an apparent suicide. Human remains are found on the hills above the town, Could they be the girl who disappeared three years ago after leaving The Collective? With the art connection, are the three cases connected?
I love the main character of Frank Farrell. He is a very complex character. As well as being a dedicated and determined detective, he is also an ex- Catholic priest. Technically he is still a priest although he has been released from his duties. Once you have been ordained as a priest, you are always a priest. His sense of vocation still guides his decision making and he is perhaps beginning to feel that call again. He has the added complication of a work colleague having serious marital difficulties. The complication is that Frank used to go out with his wife before he became a priest. Frank feels really torn between his call to the priesthood and his work as a detective and it was fascinating watching him in this book as he tried to decide where he could do the most good.
As well as having a great main character, Perfect Dead is also a cracking crime novel with plenty of surprises to keep you turning the pages. It is well paced and there is so much going on: murder, mystery, tension, danger plenty action and even some romance. A terrific crime thriller and I do hope there are more DI Frank Farrell books to come, especially since the book stops with such a heart-stopping climax.
Frank and the others in his team are looking into art forgery ring suspected to be working out of Kirkcudbright. A member of local art community, The Collective, who has recently been nominated for a major art prize is found dead in an apparent suicide. Human remains are found on the hills above the town, Could they be the girl who disappeared three years ago after leaving The Collective? With the art connection, are the three cases connected?
I love the main character of Frank Farrell. He is a very complex character. As well as being a dedicated and determined detective, he is also an ex- Catholic priest. Technically he is still a priest although he has been released from his duties. Once you have been ordained as a priest, you are always a priest. His sense of vocation still guides his decision making and he is perhaps beginning to feel that call again. He has the added complication of a work colleague having serious marital difficulties. The complication is that Frank used to go out with his wife before he became a priest. Frank feels really torn between his call to the priesthood and his work as a detective and it was fascinating watching him in this book as he tried to decide where he could do the most good.
As well as having a great main character, Perfect Dead is also a cracking crime novel with plenty of surprises to keep you turning the pages. It is well paced and there is so much going on: murder, mystery, tension, danger plenty action and even some romance. A terrific crime thriller and I do hope there are more DI Frank Farrell books to come, especially since the book stops with such a heart-stopping climax.
March 8, 2023
I read this book within 24 hours (and with a toddler so that says it all) I could not put it down - I usually guess what’s going on in a crime book but there were twists and turns everywhere! Would love to see this made in to a tv drama - definitely recommend! Off to read the 3rd book
June 15, 2018
This is the first book in this series that I have read - but it will certainly not be the last! I found this novel to be extremely well executed (and very thought out in even the smallest of details). To be honest, I was a little concerned that with so many seemingly connected threads that there would be too much happening at once making it easy to get lost. However, with the way this was laid out it was easy to keep track not only of all the players and their parts in this, but also in what was going on and how it connected to the next thread.
Each character in Perfect Dead is unique and integral to the overall plot. DI Frank Farrell is one of the more interesting characters I've read in awhile. Obviously, I don't know the details from the first story (a fact I am hoping to remedy soon), but the fact that he was at one time a Catholic Priest speaks volumes. I loved his inner turmoil between his past, his present and where he wanted to go in the future. However, as I mentioned, he was merely one of many.
I found the plot of this novel to move along a a steady pace, but the details were added in such a way that it was easy to become lost within this world, working alongside these people as they diligently tried to solve these crimes. In fact, there were a few times where I did not expect the twists and outcomes that happened.
I do believe this is a solid police/thriller/whodunit novel that will appeal to fans of all those genres.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Each character in Perfect Dead is unique and integral to the overall plot. DI Frank Farrell is one of the more interesting characters I've read in awhile. Obviously, I don't know the details from the first story (a fact I am hoping to remedy soon), but the fact that he was at one time a Catholic Priest speaks volumes. I loved his inner turmoil between his past, his present and where he wanted to go in the future. However, as I mentioned, he was merely one of many.
I found the plot of this novel to move along a a steady pace, but the details were added in such a way that it was easy to become lost within this world, working alongside these people as they diligently tried to solve these crimes. In fact, there were a few times where I did not expect the twists and outcomes that happened.
I do believe this is a solid police/thriller/whodunit novel that will appeal to fans of all those genres.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 2, 2018
Kicking off in 2009 I was immediately caught up in the escape of a young girl from an artist's commune, where the implication is that there is much more than painting taking place behind the four walls! I was then catapulted forward to 2013 with DI Frank Farrell attending, what is believed to be a suicide of a young man in this sleepy little town in the Scottish Borders. What connections tie them all together and will Frank Farrell join the dots before another person loses their life!
DI Farrell is a cop with a difference, an ex priest with his own demons to contend with. He's a deep character and there is something almost haunted about him at times. His internal conflict over policing and his Catholic beliefs is firmly entrenched in his psyche see him struggle at times with decisions and actions he has to take. Farrell's mental health is a huge part of his character and in the last book it was brought out into the open with his colleagues. I was impressed with the author's willingness to bring mental health out into the open and challenging the idea that those in the forces should keep their mental health hidden. In Perfect Dead, Frank faces memories and relationships from his past and he struggles to keep himself on the level, especially when his colleague DCI Lind and his wife Laura are facing a traumatic breakup of their marriage. Frank and Laura were romantically involved before he joined the priesthood and Frank has to be cautious when he is offering support. The intensity of this relationship breakdown was palpable and I got a real sense of the struggle that Frank felt being caught up in it all.
Set just before the inception of Police Scotland, tensions are running high within the local force, all worried about their roles following the merger. Jackie Baldwin provides an accurate portrayal of the feelings and apprehension that existed at this time.
A whole host of characters, some shady and some downright creepy from the art world serve to provide little clues and red herrings as to what has actually gone on. Deceit, intrigue and mystery surrounds this sleepy little town. The author has created the sense of place perfectly in Perfect Dead; there is a real feeling of a small rural setting with the "small town" feel about the place as we are drawn deeper into the murky world of art, forgery and communes!
She paints a twisted picture of a small rural community, placing the reader at the heart of the investigation.Cleverly plotted full of twists and turns this one is an impressive read! Every time I thought I'd worked it out, the author managed to pull the rug from under my feet! My only two questions to the author are why did it take you so long to write and when is your next one out!
DI Farrell is a cop with a difference, an ex priest with his own demons to contend with. He's a deep character and there is something almost haunted about him at times. His internal conflict over policing and his Catholic beliefs is firmly entrenched in his psyche see him struggle at times with decisions and actions he has to take. Farrell's mental health is a huge part of his character and in the last book it was brought out into the open with his colleagues. I was impressed with the author's willingness to bring mental health out into the open and challenging the idea that those in the forces should keep their mental health hidden. In Perfect Dead, Frank faces memories and relationships from his past and he struggles to keep himself on the level, especially when his colleague DCI Lind and his wife Laura are facing a traumatic breakup of their marriage. Frank and Laura were romantically involved before he joined the priesthood and Frank has to be cautious when he is offering support. The intensity of this relationship breakdown was palpable and I got a real sense of the struggle that Frank felt being caught up in it all.
Set just before the inception of Police Scotland, tensions are running high within the local force, all worried about their roles following the merger. Jackie Baldwin provides an accurate portrayal of the feelings and apprehension that existed at this time.
A whole host of characters, some shady and some downright creepy from the art world serve to provide little clues and red herrings as to what has actually gone on. Deceit, intrigue and mystery surrounds this sleepy little town. The author has created the sense of place perfectly in Perfect Dead; there is a real feeling of a small rural setting with the "small town" feel about the place as we are drawn deeper into the murky world of art, forgery and communes!
She paints a twisted picture of a small rural community, placing the reader at the heart of the investigation.Cleverly plotted full of twists and turns this one is an impressive read! Every time I thought I'd worked it out, the author managed to pull the rug from under my feet! My only two questions to the author are why did it take you so long to write and when is your next one out!
February 7, 2020
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
Each murder brings him one step closer to the perfect death.
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide, a horrific death in rural Scotland (Kirkcudbright). All evidence points to suicide, except for one loose end: every light in the cottage was switched off. Why would he kill himself in the dark?
But was it a suicide, or was he murdered and the whole thing was staged?
Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death.
And so, begins a murder investigation that leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, an ominous commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
And when the remains of a young girl are uncovered on a barren coastline area, Farrell realizes that there something isn’t right with this community.
Time is ticking away and Farrell and his team must track down a brutal killer before another person dies.
This is the second book in the series and Jackie has further developed the characters Frank and Mhari and their relationship. I’ve absolutely loved reading about them and I love the way she describes the events in the book really brings it to life. Somehow the characters work so well together in the book even though on paper they couldn’t be any more different
Thank you
Each murder brings him one step closer to the perfect death.
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell and his partner DC Mhairi McLeod are called to the scene of an apparent suicide, a horrific death in rural Scotland (Kirkcudbright). All evidence points to suicide, except for one loose end: every light in the cottage was switched off. Why would he kill himself in the dark?
But was it a suicide, or was he murdered and the whole thing was staged?
Something doesn’t look right to them, so they label it a suspicious death.
And so, begins a murder investigation that leads to the mysterious Ivy House, home of ‘The Collective’, an ominous commune of artists who will do anything to keep their twisted secrets hidden.
And when the remains of a young girl are uncovered on a barren coastline area, Farrell realizes that there something isn’t right with this community.
Time is ticking away and Farrell and his team must track down a brutal killer before another person dies.
This is the second book in the series and Jackie has further developed the characters Frank and Mhari and their relationship. I’ve absolutely loved reading about them and I love the way she describes the events in the book really brings it to life. Somehow the characters work so well together in the book even though on paper they couldn’t be any more different
Thank you
July 7, 2018
Suspects and Twists Galore
Revenge, jealousy and greed drives the villains’ motives in Perfect Dead book 2 of the DI Frank Farrell detective series. Multiple plot lines converge to make for a riveting read as detectives try to solve a suspicious suicide, accidental death, and missing person’s case which leads them to an eclectic group of artists known as "The Collective". The three cases collide with DI Moore’s investigation into an art forgery.
I was intrigued by the character of ex-priest, Frank Farrell in Dead Man’s Prayer book 1 and invested in the personal lives of DC Mhairi McLeod, DCI John Lind, and DI Kate Moore. Detectives are human and infallible despite having the training and instinct to solve crimes and suss out criminals. Baldwin’s bringing out the British in me which also made this a fun read since she’s a Scottish crime writer and introduced me to words and meals I’d never heard of before!
The author does an excellent job of leading the reader down many paths of “whodunit” while slowly revealing the identities of persons of interests and suspects. The shocking twist near the end will delight and dare I say “repulse” readers. Fantastic crime writing! I’m looking forward to the third book in this refreshing mystery series.
Revenge, jealousy and greed drives the villains’ motives in Perfect Dead book 2 of the DI Frank Farrell detective series. Multiple plot lines converge to make for a riveting read as detectives try to solve a suspicious suicide, accidental death, and missing person’s case which leads them to an eclectic group of artists known as "The Collective". The three cases collide with DI Moore’s investigation into an art forgery.
I was intrigued by the character of ex-priest, Frank Farrell in Dead Man’s Prayer book 1 and invested in the personal lives of DC Mhairi McLeod, DCI John Lind, and DI Kate Moore. Detectives are human and infallible despite having the training and instinct to solve crimes and suss out criminals. Baldwin’s bringing out the British in me which also made this a fun read since she’s a Scottish crime writer and introduced me to words and meals I’d never heard of before!
The author does an excellent job of leading the reader down many paths of “whodunit” while slowly revealing the identities of persons of interests and suspects. The shocking twist near the end will delight and dare I say “repulse” readers. Fantastic crime writing! I’m looking forward to the third book in this refreshing mystery series.
July 17, 2018
This is a good book for anyone who enjoys Crime Series!
The plot is complex and very well thought out, but not difficult to follow. There are several strands, and at the start i worried that It would become confusing but that wasn’t the case.
The story flowed easily, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, surprising several times with what happened.
I really enjoyed the character Farrell presented, he wasn’t a typical investigator, and his own unique personality gave a very new type of twist to the tale.
He is self effacing and unsure of his own role, and that made him quite endearing. I did find that his partner overshadowed him though, and at times it felt as if we were following the wrong Main Character, but That may be down to being used to the stronger person being the Main Character.
I did enjoy this, but at times this difference between the Main Characters could be frustrating, as I assume it would take a Strong person to get to this stage of investigation ranks.
That being said, i did enjoy the book, and was intrigued enough to want book 1! This does work as a book in it’s own right, but i assume that as with any Crime Series, you get to know the characters better by starting at the beginning.
The plot is complex and very well thought out, but not difficult to follow. There are several strands, and at the start i worried that It would become confusing but that wasn’t the case.
The story flowed easily, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, surprising several times with what happened.
I really enjoyed the character Farrell presented, he wasn’t a typical investigator, and his own unique personality gave a very new type of twist to the tale.
He is self effacing and unsure of his own role, and that made him quite endearing. I did find that his partner overshadowed him though, and at times it felt as if we were following the wrong Main Character, but That may be down to being used to the stronger person being the Main Character.
I did enjoy this, but at times this difference between the Main Characters could be frustrating, as I assume it would take a Strong person to get to this stage of investigation ranks.
That being said, i did enjoy the book, and was intrigued enough to want book 1! This does work as a book in it’s own right, but i assume that as with any Crime Series, you get to know the characters better by starting at the beginning.
June 6, 2018
#PerfectDead #NetGalley Four and a half stars. What a cracking crime novel. Fast paced, gritty and set in Scotland I loved the way this book was written that kept me interested to the very last page. The characters were well rounded and I loved the slightly flawed, ex priest turned detective Frank Farrell. I realise this was the second book in the series (and I hadn't read the first book) and on the whole it was absolutely fine to read as a standalone. However, the only thing that stopped me giving this book the full 5 stars was the constant references to 'what happened last year' with not even a brief explanation to what this was. Whilst it didn't stop me enjoying the story in this novel I did find it tedious to keep referencing it without even touching on it. Maybe it was designed to make you read the first book, but it fact it did the opposite for me! I will, however, be very keen to read the next in the series as it was a brilliant crime read.
June 17, 2018
For some reason it took me a while to get into this book but once I did it turned into one of those books you don’t want to finish because you just want to keep reading! This is the second book in a series and this time I actually think it would have been useful to have read them as intended. In the beginning there were quite a lot of mentions of things that had happened the year earlier which I assume was the first book but it didn’t suffer so much that it made a lot of difference. I loved the lead character Frank Farrell who is a DI and also an ex-priest. It seemed a funny combination but worked very well. It was easy to get a little tripped up in all the characters in the painting commune. All in all a great book with lots of attention to detail and interesting people. I would love to recommend this book to anyone and gladly give it 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in the exchange for my unbiased review.
December 1, 2020
I do like these books but a lot of different characters in a complex plot is more difficult to follow on my Kindle. The plot revolves around art forgeries and 3 murders each being run by a different DI. They aren’t sure if they’re linked or not but suspect that they may be linked in some way but not clear how. It unfolds bit by bit but I didn’t think the cleaner was the mother of Alish (girl who was murdered 3 years before) and had come from Ireland to try and get answers. She got sucked into the forgeries aspect to earn some extra money but eventually ends up helping the police when she was arrested.
You get a lot about Farrell’s turmoil ax to whether to return to the priesthood or to stay with the police which I think will feature in the next book along with Lind’s recovery and his marriage problems with wife Laura. Still enjoyed the book but would prefer if I had read it as a paperback in deference to my Kindle.
You get a lot about Farrell’s turmoil ax to whether to return to the priesthood or to stay with the police which I think will feature in the next book along with Lind’s recovery and his marriage problems with wife Laura. Still enjoyed the book but would prefer if I had read it as a paperback in deference to my Kindle.
June 23, 2018
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I was drawn straight in to this book and was hooked after the first few pages.
The pace and writing style are spot on for this one, I loved how the story progressed and the ending was great- everything I was hoping it would be.
I enjoyed the characters, their development was brilliant and their interaction really made the story - Ferrell is a very strong character and this is a highly entertaining, gritty series and this book has the most perfect cover for the story!!
Four and a half stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - I really enjoyed it!! Very highly recommended!!
I was drawn straight in to this book and was hooked after the first few pages.
The pace and writing style are spot on for this one, I loved how the story progressed and the ending was great- everything I was hoping it would be.
I enjoyed the characters, their development was brilliant and their interaction really made the story - Ferrell is a very strong character and this is a highly entertaining, gritty series and this book has the most perfect cover for the story!!
Four and a half stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - I really enjoyed it!! Very highly recommended!!
July 18, 2020
I haven't read the first book in the series, but I loved the characters, it feels like you already know them, right from the start. Each one is completely relatable - flawed people doing their best in their professional and personal lives.
The story draws you in right away. An apparent suicide, but DI Farrell isn't convinced and is determined to delve deeper into the matter. There are a few twists along the way as more facts are uncovered and what seemed to be a simple case turns out to be a lot more complicated!
The relationships between the police officers add an intriguing layer to the story, and it's interesting to read the police procedures.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed, I'll be reading the others in the series!
The story draws you in right away. An apparent suicide, but DI Farrell isn't convinced and is determined to delve deeper into the matter. There are a few twists along the way as more facts are uncovered and what seemed to be a simple case turns out to be a lot more complicated!
The relationships between the police officers add an intriguing layer to the story, and it's interesting to read the police procedures.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed, I'll be reading the others in the series!
April 3, 2019
I think I may have seen this advertised on Twitter and decided to give it a try even though I hadn't read the first book (I have now!). I found it riveting - especially interesting is the fact that DI Frank Farrell is an ex-priest now police working in his hometown of Dumfries. Being an ex-priest, who comes with quite a lot of baggage, lends interesting layers of complexity as he delves into murder and missing people. It also looks at mental ill health in a way that is accessible, educational and non-judgemental.
A good story that weaves around, setting up clues, but leaving you questioning all the time who it might be...
A good story that weaves around, setting up clues, but leaving you questioning all the time who it might be...
April 19, 2020
This is the 2nd book in the DI Frank Farrell series. Unlike the first book I was pulled into this story right from the beginning but that could be because I had already "met" DI Frank Farrell. The main character, DI Frank Farrell, is a unique character in that he has different facets to his personality that help him keep going on despite the horror he witnesses on a daily basis. He does struggle at times as every human does but somehow manages to come out near the top. Plenty of suspense along with twists kept me reading well past my bedtime. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book thanks to The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook.
May 17, 2020
Having stumbled across the 3rd book in the DI Farrell series, on completion I raced to find another one. But because of COVID-19 my physical library is closed so I had to make do with what was available by the e-library - which was No. 2. By the end I wanted to go to Kirkcudbright, a Scottish village full of artists. Not that travel is on the cards at the moment, but you know what I mean.
Like No 3, this book has a range of interesting characters and enough threads to the story to keep one engaged to the end. A skilled piece of police-procedural writing
Like No 3, this book has a range of interesting characters and enough threads to the story to keep one engaged to the end. A skilled piece of police-procedural writing
October 3, 2018
Perfect for crime lovers
After reading Jackie Baldwin's first book 'dead man's prayer' in more or less one sitting, I eagerly awaited her second novel! She did not disappoint!
From The epilogue, I was hooked and it had my heart racing so fast at points I had to hide the book under the pillow!
Definitely one for crime, detective or thriller lovers.
Can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next in Dumfries!
After reading Jackie Baldwin's first book 'dead man's prayer' in more or less one sitting, I eagerly awaited her second novel! She did not disappoint!
From The epilogue, I was hooked and it had my heart racing so fast at points I had to hide the book under the pillow!
Definitely one for crime, detective or thriller lovers.
Can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next in Dumfries!
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