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Detective Natalie Ward #2
Last Lullaby
Charlotte’s baby is safe. But is she?
When the body of mother Charlotte Brannon is discovered by her husband Adam, in their bedroom, Detective Natalie Ward is first on the scene. The killer has left a chilling calling card: The word ‘Why?’ written on the wall in blood.
As Natalie begins to delve deeper into the couple’s lives, she discovers that Adam has a dark past he’s been hiding and she’s sure that the Brannon’s teenage babysitter Inge has secrets of her own.
Then another mother is murdered on her doorstep in front of her young son, the word ‘why’ scrawled on the wall next to her.
All the key suspects have alibis and with her own marriage hanging by a thread, Natalie is struggling to stay focused on cracking her toughest case yet.
When a young woman and her baby disappear, a member of Natalie’s own team is put in terrible danger. Can Natalie stop this twisted serial killer and save one of her own before more families are torn apart forever?
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will send shivers down your spine. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter.
What readers are saying about Carol Wyer:
‘Absolutely stunning!... wow it blew me away. Totally my favourite book so far of 2018… I loved everything about it… A great start to a new series that I am going to love. I’m already wishing I could have the next book!... Amazing… 5 stars, although it is a shame I can’t give it more, it’s easily worth a 7. Buy it, you won’t regret it!' Bonnie's Book Talk, 5 stars
‘Everything Carol Wyer touches turns to gold. She most definitely knows how to write an addictive and tense page-turner and this one is no different. Compelling from the first page, this will have you hooked in a heartbeat.’ Novel Deelights, 5 stars
‘Omg!! My heart is pounding so hard! I have just finished reading The Birthday and I am floored! This is the first in a new series from Carol Wyer, featuring DI Natalie Ward and her team. What a way to start! Speedy, sharp, heart stopping and engaging; this is a series I am definitely looking forward to!’ TishyLou, 5 stars
‘A rollocking rollercoaster ride … dark, twisty and wonderfully gripping’ Minimac Reviews
‘This could be something special… This book truly is excellent… Heart-thumpingly good… A well-paced, heart-wrenching, pulse racing, edge-of-your-seat kind of book and a crime fighting team who you can genuinely root for… look no further as this could genuinely be your next favourite read. I tore through it.’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘What a twist! …I read this book in a day!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘An exciting new series… Excellent character development… full of surprising twists and turns.
When the body of mother Charlotte Brannon is discovered by her husband Adam, in their bedroom, Detective Natalie Ward is first on the scene. The killer has left a chilling calling card: The word ‘Why?’ written on the wall in blood.
As Natalie begins to delve deeper into the couple’s lives, she discovers that Adam has a dark past he’s been hiding and she’s sure that the Brannon’s teenage babysitter Inge has secrets of her own.
Then another mother is murdered on her doorstep in front of her young son, the word ‘why’ scrawled on the wall next to her.
All the key suspects have alibis and with her own marriage hanging by a thread, Natalie is struggling to stay focused on cracking her toughest case yet.
When a young woman and her baby disappear, a member of Natalie’s own team is put in terrible danger. Can Natalie stop this twisted serial killer and save one of her own before more families are torn apart forever?
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will send shivers down your spine. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter.
What readers are saying about Carol Wyer:
‘Absolutely stunning!... wow it blew me away. Totally my favourite book so far of 2018… I loved everything about it… A great start to a new series that I am going to love. I’m already wishing I could have the next book!... Amazing… 5 stars, although it is a shame I can’t give it more, it’s easily worth a 7. Buy it, you won’t regret it!' Bonnie's Book Talk, 5 stars
‘Everything Carol Wyer touches turns to gold. She most definitely knows how to write an addictive and tense page-turner and this one is no different. Compelling from the first page, this will have you hooked in a heartbeat.’ Novel Deelights, 5 stars
‘Omg!! My heart is pounding so hard! I have just finished reading The Birthday and I am floored! This is the first in a new series from Carol Wyer, featuring DI Natalie Ward and her team. What a way to start! Speedy, sharp, heart stopping and engaging; this is a series I am definitely looking forward to!’ TishyLou, 5 stars
‘A rollocking rollercoaster ride … dark, twisty and wonderfully gripping’ Minimac Reviews
‘This could be something special… This book truly is excellent… Heart-thumpingly good… A well-paced, heart-wrenching, pulse racing, edge-of-your-seat kind of book and a crime fighting team who you can genuinely root for… look no further as this could genuinely be your next favourite read. I tore through it.’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘What a twist! …I read this book in a day!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘An exciting new series… Excellent character development… full of surprising twists and turns.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2018
3016 people are currently reading
1616 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
November 3, 2018
The last series I followed written by this author was absolutely ace.
So, when I knew she was writing a new series introducing DI Natalie Ward with a whole new set of investigations, I was on it! I read book 1, loved and eagerly awaited this book.
Book 2 in the series just ups the intrigue, whets the readers juices and definitely gets your mind thinking all kinds of thoughts.
The characters were so well rounded that you could reach out and touch them almost.
I love the authors who write like this and give us readers a slight insight to the perpetrators mind. No matter how awful or twisted their minds are it’s fascinating to understand their warped reasonings.
Carol Wyer had the balance so right, from slow and thoughtful to keeping up moments of the plot as it indeed thickens.
She had me.
I really thought it was someone else.
The reality of this case shone through so well it was like watching a good solid drama on TV and feeling thoroughly satisfied when you got the result.........
And then.......
The ending hits you with.......what! What! I need the next book, I need it now, right now, don’t leave me like this......
Wonderful. Really great.
So, when I knew she was writing a new series introducing DI Natalie Ward with a whole new set of investigations, I was on it! I read book 1, loved and eagerly awaited this book.
Book 2 in the series just ups the intrigue, whets the readers juices and definitely gets your mind thinking all kinds of thoughts.
The characters were so well rounded that you could reach out and touch them almost.
I love the authors who write like this and give us readers a slight insight to the perpetrators mind. No matter how awful or twisted their minds are it’s fascinating to understand their warped reasonings.
Carol Wyer had the balance so right, from slow and thoughtful to keeping up moments of the plot as it indeed thickens.
She had me.
I really thought it was someone else.
The reality of this case shone through so well it was like watching a good solid drama on TV and feeling thoroughly satisfied when you got the result.........
And then.......
The ending hits you with.......what! What! I need the next book, I need it now, right now, don’t leave me like this......
Wonderful. Really great.
December 2, 2018
In this second episode of Carol Wyer's new series introducing Detective Natalie Ward, I feel that we're getting to know her better and see what makes her tick. She's a dedicated, hard working cop who looks after her team and struggles to spend enough time with her family. Her husband has recently lost his job and resents her putting her work before her family while he struggles to work part time from home. Natalie's team - Lucy, Murray and Ian are also starting to develop real characters through their personalities and actions.
In this case Natalie is called in to investigate the horrific murder of a young mum, Charlotte Brannon, clubbed to death while her baby is asleep in the next room. Natalie and the team have their work cut out chasing up suspects and clues. There's Charlotte's husband, a seemingly reformed ex-con, his shady mate Lee who's clearly up to something and then there are the two youths seem running from the house at the time of the murder. Charlotte is also not all she seems and has a secret from her wild youth that she had threatened to reveal.
The tension starts to ramp up in this well written thriller as Natalie and her team stumble across many roadblocks and bend in the road. When a young woman and her child are kidnapped, the pressure is on to solve the case quickly before they have another body on their hands. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for a digital copy to read.
In this case Natalie is called in to investigate the horrific murder of a young mum, Charlotte Brannon, clubbed to death while her baby is asleep in the next room. Natalie and the team have their work cut out chasing up suspects and clues. There's Charlotte's husband, a seemingly reformed ex-con, his shady mate Lee who's clearly up to something and then there are the two youths seem running from the house at the time of the murder. Charlotte is also not all she seems and has a secret from her wild youth that she had threatened to reveal.
The tension starts to ramp up in this well written thriller as Natalie and her team stumble across many roadblocks and bend in the road. When a young woman and her child are kidnapped, the pressure is on to solve the case quickly before they have another body on their hands. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for a digital copy to read.
December 4, 2018
I received a free e-copy of Last Lullaby (Detective Natalie Ward #2) by Carol Wyer from NetGalley for my honest review.
First off, I absolutely love the first book, "The Birthday". This one was just as awesome. A great murder mystery with an amazing plot and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing till the end. Carol Wyer is a compelling writer that will forever be on my reading radar.
First off, I absolutely love the first book, "The Birthday". This one was just as awesome. A great murder mystery with an amazing plot and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing till the end. Carol Wyer is a compelling writer that will forever be on my reading radar.
November 26, 2018
Charlotte, the mother of 6 month old Alfie is brutally murdered in her own house. Her husband, Adam, who has found the body, is the prime suspect, but has an airtight alibi.
DI Natalie Ward and her team are doing everything to find a glitch in Adam’s narrative and eventually they discover not only his alibi is not as strong as he claimed, but also he is hiding too many secrets.
But when a second body is found with unnerving similarities to the first one, the police realize they may have a brutal serial killer on their hands.
As time is running out for the potential third victim, the investigators must try to find the motive behind these senseless killings to be able to identify the killer and stop the carnage.
Well written, with in-depth character study, Last Lullaby is an engaging and suspenseful read.
Thanks to Carol Wyer, Bookouture and the netGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
DI Natalie Ward and her team are doing everything to find a glitch in Adam’s narrative and eventually they discover not only his alibi is not as strong as he claimed, but also he is hiding too many secrets.
But when a second body is found with unnerving similarities to the first one, the police realize they may have a brutal serial killer on their hands.
As time is running out for the potential third victim, the investigators must try to find the motive behind these senseless killings to be able to identify the killer and stop the carnage.
Well written, with in-depth character study, Last Lullaby is an engaging and suspenseful read.
Thanks to Carol Wyer, Bookouture and the netGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
December 22, 2018
Terrific Story!
WoW! I really enjoyed this pschological crime story. This book had me on edge trying to figure out who the real villains we're until the very end of the book and that is a large feat for me since I usually have the mysteries or crimes solved before I am halfway through a book. This story was a real page turner and I hated when I would have to put this book down, so this really made reading this book a 5/5!
The story begins with the body of a young wife and mother found brutally murdered and the husband finding her body. Of course, the husband is the prime suspect but there are so many other suspects as well. The chief detective on the case is Natalie, also a wife and mother yet is at the top of her game as far as her police work is concerned. Natalie heads a great team of officers who are almost as driven as she is. Another murder is committed during the hunt for the killer of the first victim and the team needs to find out if both crimes are the work of he same killer. There are wonderful background stories for every character and you just want to know more and more. This book does not disappoint!
This is my 2nd book by Carol Wyer and I have a few others that I purchased and am looking forward to reading. This book is so well-written and I found it very intense and exciting. I loved all the twists and turns and the well-developed characters who I hope to encounter in other Ms. Wyer's books. I highly recommend this book and given a rating of 5 Twisty 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
I want to thank Bookouture and Netgally for allowing me to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion!
WoW! I really enjoyed this pschological crime story. This book had me on edge trying to figure out who the real villains we're until the very end of the book and that is a large feat for me since I usually have the mysteries or crimes solved before I am halfway through a book. This story was a real page turner and I hated when I would have to put this book down, so this really made reading this book a 5/5!
The story begins with the body of a young wife and mother found brutally murdered and the husband finding her body. Of course, the husband is the prime suspect but there are so many other suspects as well. The chief detective on the case is Natalie, also a wife and mother yet is at the top of her game as far as her police work is concerned. Natalie heads a great team of officers who are almost as driven as she is. Another murder is committed during the hunt for the killer of the first victim and the team needs to find out if both crimes are the work of he same killer. There are wonderful background stories for every character and you just want to know more and more. This book does not disappoint!
This is my 2nd book by Carol Wyer and I have a few others that I purchased and am looking forward to reading. This book is so well-written and I found it very intense and exciting. I loved all the twists and turns and the well-developed characters who I hope to encounter in other Ms. Wyer's books. I highly recommend this book and given a rating of 5 Twisty 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!!
I want to thank Bookouture and Netgally for allowing me to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion!
December 6, 2018
A woman's husband finds her dead body in their home. Detective Natalie Ward is on the scene, and soon begins questioning everyone in the murdered woman's life. The woman, her husband, and everyone connected to them seems to be keeping secrets. When a second woman's body is discovered, and connected to the first crime, the field of suspects starts to narrow. Meanwhile, Natalie's home life with her husband and kids is deteriorating, especially as she spends more time working.
This is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer. I have read the first book in the series, The Birthday, but this one could be read as a standalone novel. The crime in this novel is completely separate from the crime in the first book, but there are continuing story arcs involving Natalie's family and work life.
Well developed and intriguing characters. Dark and gripping story. The mystery is complex enough that it is not obvious who is behind the murder. I love when a story keeps me guessing. Overall, a great read for fans of crime thrillers.
I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer. I have read the first book in the series, The Birthday, but this one could be read as a standalone novel. The crime in this novel is completely separate from the crime in the first book, but there are continuing story arcs involving Natalie's family and work life.
Well developed and intriguing characters. Dark and gripping story. The mystery is complex enough that it is not obvious who is behind the murder. I love when a story keeps me guessing. Overall, a great read for fans of crime thrillers.
I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2018
Wyer has done it again! I have, yet, to be disappointed in any of her books! This one is filled with lies and deceit. Natalie has her hands full as she and her team investigate the murder of Charlotte. Her husband and family make it difficult to get to the truth. Spinning Natalie in all different directions. Seems like Charlotte wasn’t very innocent. As tensions mount and another murder happens, Natalie gets increasingly frustrated. Especially when her own home life spins out of control. This will keep you guessing from start to finish! Love Wyer’s books and look forward to a new one already.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2018
Last Lullaby, the second police procedural to feature DI Natalie Ward and based in Samford, turned out to be just as arresting and engrossing as the first book, The Birthday, and although part of a series it works perfectly as a standalone. Written in an accessible and eminently readable style it's a fast-paced, easy story to get through. The two murders take place quite a way apart, and although you may think this would lead to a lull in the intensity, the time in between them is the part I actually enjoyed most. This is because the secrets and blatant lies start to come to the fore and once they do everything just unravels and one by one we discover the deceit and duplicitous behaviour right alongside DI Ward and her team.
It is mainly told from DI Ward's perspective, however, there are some chapters detailing the conversations between the unidentified killer and their therapist which really intrigued me and added further interest to the storyline. Although there was not a lot of evidence for the investigators to go on, Wyer does a fantastic job of keeping you on the edge-of-your-seat from the first to the last page. DI Natalie Ward, like many women with both a career and a family, is juggling many different balls. She's a very capable investigator who gets along with everyone due to her affable nature, but she has been dealt a bit of a bad hand when it comes down to luck. This is captivating crime fiction with a distinct feeling of realism to it and plenty of thrills and spills to keep even the most discerning reader entertained.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
It is mainly told from DI Ward's perspective, however, there are some chapters detailing the conversations between the unidentified killer and their therapist which really intrigued me and added further interest to the storyline. Although there was not a lot of evidence for the investigators to go on, Wyer does a fantastic job of keeping you on the edge-of-your-seat from the first to the last page. DI Natalie Ward, like many women with both a career and a family, is juggling many different balls. She's a very capable investigator who gets along with everyone due to her affable nature, but she has been dealt a bit of a bad hand when it comes down to luck. This is captivating crime fiction with a distinct feeling of realism to it and plenty of thrills and spills to keep even the most discerning reader entertained.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
November 18, 2018
LAST LULLABY is book 2 in the Detective Natalie Ward Series, a new crime fiction series from author Carol Wyer, featuring Detective Natalie Ward. After really enjoying The Birthday Book 1 in the series, I was anxious to learn more about the characters. I loved Last Lullaby even more than her first novel. Another winner in a great new series!
“People are sometimes not who they seem to be; sometimes they live a lie.”
When the body of mother Charlotte Brannon is discovered by her husband Adam, in their bedroom, Detective Natalie Ward is first on the scene. The killer has left a chilling calling card: The word ‘Why?’ written on the wall in blood.
The murder investigation is assigned to DI Natalie and her team with Lucy, Murray, Ian and Mike.
But Natalie soon discovers that Adam has a dark past he’s been hiding and the Brannon’s teenage babysitter, Inge has her own secrets.
Adam soon becomes the number one suspect in the murder of his wife, Charlotte. There was a baby unharmed at the home during the attack…their six-month old son, Alfie who had been screaming in his nursery.
There was no evidence of a break-in and burglar alarm wasn’t activated. The killer had keys or was let in by Charlotte.
Then another mother, Samantha Kirkdale is murdered on her doorstep in front of her young son, the word ‘who’ scrawled on the wall next to her.
Are the murders linked? Why were the words “WHY” and “WHO” left written in blood at the murder scenes?
I found myself totally immersed in this fast-paced investigation. The characters in this novel were fully developed, with a strong protagonist, Natalie, who does things her way. It has not been easy for Natalie to juggle work with her personal life, as she is coming to terms with her own problems in her family life. This is a gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns to satisfy the reader.
While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I encourage readers to get both these books to fully appreciate the ongoing character development. An excellent read that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital copy.
“People are sometimes not who they seem to be; sometimes they live a lie.”
When the body of mother Charlotte Brannon is discovered by her husband Adam, in their bedroom, Detective Natalie Ward is first on the scene. The killer has left a chilling calling card: The word ‘Why?’ written on the wall in blood.
The murder investigation is assigned to DI Natalie and her team with Lucy, Murray, Ian and Mike.
But Natalie soon discovers that Adam has a dark past he’s been hiding and the Brannon’s teenage babysitter, Inge has her own secrets.
Adam soon becomes the number one suspect in the murder of his wife, Charlotte. There was a baby unharmed at the home during the attack…their six-month old son, Alfie who had been screaming in his nursery.
There was no evidence of a break-in and burglar alarm wasn’t activated. The killer had keys or was let in by Charlotte.
Then another mother, Samantha Kirkdale is murdered on her doorstep in front of her young son, the word ‘who’ scrawled on the wall next to her.
Are the murders linked? Why were the words “WHY” and “WHO” left written in blood at the murder scenes?
I found myself totally immersed in this fast-paced investigation. The characters in this novel were fully developed, with a strong protagonist, Natalie, who does things her way. It has not been easy for Natalie to juggle work with her personal life, as she is coming to terms with her own problems in her family life. This is a gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns to satisfy the reader.
While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I encourage readers to get both these books to fully appreciate the ongoing character development. An excellent read that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital copy.
April 30, 2019
Gripping, Chilling, and Unputdownable!
She pushed herself up onto her elbows and pressed her ear closer to the monitor, listening for Adam’s voice. Alfie stirred and gurgled. The sound lifted her spirits momentarily. Her baby was a smiler. He never woke up in a bad mood.
A cough. And not Adam’s.
Hairs rose the length of her bare arms. Somebody, who was not Adam, was in her baby’s room.
The urge to scream was great. She fought it back. Thoughts bounced and collided and veered in all directions like beads falling from a broken necklace onto a tiled floor.
She had to get help. She had to save her baby. With the flat of her hand she searched for her mobile in vain, patting the bedside table in desperation, before the horrific recollection that her phone was downstairs in her handbag.
A gentle whimper came from the monitor: a helpless cry that froze her blood, and paralysed with fear, her mind whirred. There was somebody in the house and her baby was in danger.
A new thought spurred her into action. Adam kept a baseball bat under his side of the bed in case of intruders. She’d grab it, rescue Alfie then run like crazy and scream and yell outside until she’d woken all the neighbours in the street.
Every cell of her body vibrated with fear but she placed her bare feet onto the carpet and shuffled around the bed in the darkness, spurred on by the knowledge someone wished her child harm. One step. I’m coming, Alfie. Two steps. Mummy’s coming, baby. Three steps. She dropped down on all fours, knees grazing the carpet, and fumbled for the bat, fingers fully outstretched, locating nothing. It wasn’t there. She patted the area. It had to be there. Adam was paranoid about somebody breaking in or trying to steal one of the cars from the drive. It was what he called his insurance. He wouldn’t have removed it. Finally, her fingers alighted on the object, and as she withdrew it a sound halted her – a click. She lifted her head. The bedroom door was opening inch by inch. A scream stuck in her throat. Rooted to the spot, she stared with ever-widening eyes as the door flew wide open and a figure burst into the room.
********
Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series and was even better than book one, The Birthday, which was excellent!
I really like Natalie and her team as they are genuine, compassionate characters but they won't stop until they catch the killer and get justice for the families.
The story is chilling, nerve wracking, and terrifying from the start and becomes even more so with every twist and turn!
This is an excellent series and I can't wait to read book three, The Dare! As it turns out, I've already finished it even before writing this review and will be posting both reviews together.
Carol Wyer one of the most extraordinary writers out there! I've loved every one of her books that I've read thus far and I'm certain I'll enjoy more of her novels! Fortunately, she has written another series starring DI Robyn Carter . I have books one through five on my shelves and I'm anxious to read them!
I really love the eye catching covers of her books!
She pushed herself up onto her elbows and pressed her ear closer to the monitor, listening for Adam’s voice. Alfie stirred and gurgled. The sound lifted her spirits momentarily. Her baby was a smiler. He never woke up in a bad mood.
A cough. And not Adam’s.
Hairs rose the length of her bare arms. Somebody, who was not Adam, was in her baby’s room.
The urge to scream was great. She fought it back. Thoughts bounced and collided and veered in all directions like beads falling from a broken necklace onto a tiled floor.
She had to get help. She had to save her baby. With the flat of her hand she searched for her mobile in vain, patting the bedside table in desperation, before the horrific recollection that her phone was downstairs in her handbag.
A gentle whimper came from the monitor: a helpless cry that froze her blood, and paralysed with fear, her mind whirred. There was somebody in the house and her baby was in danger.
A new thought spurred her into action. Adam kept a baseball bat under his side of the bed in case of intruders. She’d grab it, rescue Alfie then run like crazy and scream and yell outside until she’d woken all the neighbours in the street.
Every cell of her body vibrated with fear but she placed her bare feet onto the carpet and shuffled around the bed in the darkness, spurred on by the knowledge someone wished her child harm. One step. I’m coming, Alfie. Two steps. Mummy’s coming, baby. Three steps. She dropped down on all fours, knees grazing the carpet, and fumbled for the bat, fingers fully outstretched, locating nothing. It wasn’t there. She patted the area. It had to be there. Adam was paranoid about somebody breaking in or trying to steal one of the cars from the drive. It was what he called his insurance. He wouldn’t have removed it. Finally, her fingers alighted on the object, and as she withdrew it a sound halted her – a click. She lifted her head. The bedroom door was opening inch by inch. A scream stuck in her throat. Rooted to the spot, she stared with ever-widening eyes as the door flew wide open and a figure burst into the room.
********
Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series and was even better than book one, The Birthday, which was excellent!
I really like Natalie and her team as they are genuine, compassionate characters but they won't stop until they catch the killer and get justice for the families.
The story is chilling, nerve wracking, and terrifying from the start and becomes even more so with every twist and turn!
This is an excellent series and I can't wait to read book three, The Dare! As it turns out, I've already finished it even before writing this review and will be posting both reviews together.
Carol Wyer one of the most extraordinary writers out there! I've loved every one of her books that I've read thus far and I'm certain I'll enjoy more of her novels! Fortunately, she has written another series starring DI Robyn Carter . I have books one through five on my shelves and I'm anxious to read them!
I really love the eye catching covers of her books!
November 8, 2018
What can I say about this author that has already not been said?!!
Fabulous! Fabulous! Simply fabulous!!
I am going through some health issues, and I wanted to read a book which would keep me captivated, my brain engrossed, and switched away from real life. What better than a Carol Wyer book to take me to an alternate universe where I play a detective... Ugghhh I was a poor detective, I couldn't guess it even till the end!!
I can summarize the story in detail, but I don't want to, as the blurb says it all. Murders leading to investigation with DI Natalie and her team with Murray, Ian, Lucy, Mike at the helm.
Carol always has a strong main character, and Detective Natalie is just that. But this time she is more real to me, her problems at home with husband and kids weaved a string around my heart and made me like her a wee bit more than the previous book.
As the lead detective, Natalie is awesome. Carol, as usual, gives us a solid investigation without going into the macabre of death. I like the way the author stays at the edge of the graphic details of the body. I often wonder if Carol would dip down into gruesome minutiae but she never does! She cleverly uses the reactions of others to tell us about the state of the body. Clever writing!! One reaction says it all!!
Police procedural with complete investigation, forensics, profiler, man-hours put in by Natalie and her team make this a great wholesome read. There is tension across the pages, each murder adds to the race, the dedication by the team at the cost of their personal life speeds up the reading, the nail biting finish along with a gripping last line left me with a book hangover...
I completed the book at precisely 2:40 am, and I couldn't stop thinking about Natalie!! What will happen to her in the next book?!!
P.S. I recommend this book when not being well as it completely distracted me!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Fabulous! Fabulous! Simply fabulous!!
I am going through some health issues, and I wanted to read a book which would keep me captivated, my brain engrossed, and switched away from real life. What better than a Carol Wyer book to take me to an alternate universe where I play a detective... Ugghhh I was a poor detective, I couldn't guess it even till the end!!
I can summarize the story in detail, but I don't want to, as the blurb says it all. Murders leading to investigation with DI Natalie and her team with Murray, Ian, Lucy, Mike at the helm.
Carol always has a strong main character, and Detective Natalie is just that. But this time she is more real to me, her problems at home with husband and kids weaved a string around my heart and made me like her a wee bit more than the previous book.
As the lead detective, Natalie is awesome. Carol, as usual, gives us a solid investigation without going into the macabre of death. I like the way the author stays at the edge of the graphic details of the body. I often wonder if Carol would dip down into gruesome minutiae but she never does! She cleverly uses the reactions of others to tell us about the state of the body. Clever writing!! One reaction says it all!!
Police procedural with complete investigation, forensics, profiler, man-hours put in by Natalie and her team make this a great wholesome read. There is tension across the pages, each murder adds to the race, the dedication by the team at the cost of their personal life speeds up the reading, the nail biting finish along with a gripping last line left me with a book hangover...
I completed the book at precisely 2:40 am, and I couldn't stop thinking about Natalie!! What will happen to her in the next book?!!
P.S. I recommend this book when not being well as it completely distracted me!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 10, 2018
Wow! Carol Wyer does it again! I love the Natalie Ward series! I had great expectations because, well it is Carol Wyer and I loved the first book in the series, The Birthday. Dare I say I loved this one even more!
This book had me gripped from page one with a grisly fantastic opening. I was shocked at the story unfolding before me. Detective Natalie Ward is searching for a killer that is leaving behind a gruesome trail. He is targeting young mothers with sons. He brutally murders the mother, writing cryptic messages on the wall of their home in their own blood. How is that for an attention getter? Meanwhile the child is left untouched in the home at the same time.
I flew through this book in a day as I could not put it down. I am loving this Natalie Ward series! The exciting news is that there is a third book in the series coming out next year. I am on team Natalie all the way. Go Natalie! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next year.
This book had me gripped from page one with a grisly fantastic opening. I was shocked at the story unfolding before me. Detective Natalie Ward is searching for a killer that is leaving behind a gruesome trail. He is targeting young mothers with sons. He brutally murders the mother, writing cryptic messages on the wall of their home in their own blood. How is that for an attention getter? Meanwhile the child is left untouched in the home at the same time.
I flew through this book in a day as I could not put it down. I am loving this Natalie Ward series! The exciting news is that there is a third book in the series coming out next year. I am on team Natalie all the way. Go Natalie! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next year.
March 8, 2019
It was solid 4-stars read till exactly 49%, and then they killed another innocent woman at 50%. What for??! It brought NOTHING to the story. Nada. Such a great premise, good writing and then... bam! it all end with the most chewed off plot ever .
It 'amazes' me how female authors sacrifice female victims and female readers adore it. I get, that statistically the most victims are females, but not 95% they use as a storyline in thrillers!!!
The author made me get over the 1st victim, no one deserves to die, but the 1st victim lost my pity after they told me she killed a kitten.
But the 2nd victim around 50% was totally unnecessary. How can you sacrifice a young mother of a baby and to kill her in front of a child?! With no need IMO. The 1st crime was twisted enough to keep me glued to my Kindle...
I admire author's approach to the 'romantic' side of her characters. She doesn't write BS aka HEA after many years together as rainbow shit. Coz, let be honest, everyone, who tells his/her relationship is perfect, is lying.
So, in this story everyone cheated on everyone. I mean, life is not a karaoke-night, but here the majority of the characters cheated on their significant others...
I didn't rate it lower because of the heroine, Natalie, who cheated on her husband with a married man. I knew it after the 1st book and it would be dumb to complain about this issue, when I knew it upfront. But what made me mad - when she gave a 'wise' advise to the sister of the 1st victim, whose bf/later fiance cheated on her . What a decent woman would give an advise to fight for any relationship with a jerk, who cheated on her???!
Fuck. It made me mad.
Anyway, the suspense was good. Till 83%, when they revealed the murderer's name, I had no idea who he was.
For a reader with less judgment about cheaters, it would be a perfect read.
2.5 with a heartache rounded to 3
It 'amazes' me how female authors sacrifice female victims and female readers adore it. I get, that statistically the most victims are females, but not 95% they use as a storyline in thrillers!!!
The author made me get over the 1st victim, no one deserves to die, but the 1st victim lost my pity after they told me she killed a kitten.
But the 2nd victim around 50% was totally unnecessary. How can you sacrifice a young mother of a baby and to kill her in front of a child?! With no need IMO. The 1st crime was twisted enough to keep me glued to my Kindle...
I admire author's approach to the 'romantic' side of her characters. She doesn't write BS aka HEA after many years together as rainbow shit. Coz, let be honest, everyone, who tells his/her relationship is perfect, is lying.
So, in this story everyone cheated on everyone. I mean, life is not a karaoke-night, but here the majority of the characters cheated on their significant others...
I didn't rate it lower because of the heroine, Natalie, who cheated on her husband with a married man. I knew it after the 1st book and it would be dumb to complain about this issue, when I knew it upfront. But what made me mad - when she gave a 'wise' advise to the sister of the 1st victim, whose bf/later fiance cheated on her . What a decent woman would give an advise to fight for any relationship with a jerk, who cheated on her???!
Fuck. It made me mad.
Anyway, the suspense was good. Till 83%, when they revealed the murderer's name, I had no idea who he was.
For a reader with less judgment about cheaters, it would be a perfect read.
2.5 with a heartache rounded to 3
December 11, 2018
And Carol Wyer strikes again! I swear this amazing woman is a writing machine. There is just no stopping her! And if you think that means the quality is suffering, you are so wrong! As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Or in this case, in this book.
Last Lullaby is the second book in the Natalie Ward series and it’s every bit as fabulous as its predecessor. Or dare I say, it’s even better! As I’ve come to expect from this author, it is utterly gripping from the very first page. With a multitude of red herrings, dead ends and lies and deceit to wade through, this is one insanely frustrating and complex investigation and I couldn’t work it out at all. I ended up suspecting pretty much every character I was introduced to.
Once again, I really enjoyed the team dynamics but what really lit a fire in my belly was seeing Lucy taking centre stage, kicking ass and just being generally fierce! Just like in the previous book, Carol Wyer manages to create a perfect balance between the team’s personal lives and their jobs, giving the reader the opportunity to get to know them better. But more than anything, she always makes you almost sympathise with the killer and sometimes that’s even more unnerving than the actual murders they commit.
Dark and disturbing, brilliantly paced and extremely compelling, Last Lullaby will have you flipping or swiping the pages faster as you go, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. On top of that, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger that has me rather impatiently awaiting the next instalment.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Carol Wyer can do no wrong in my eyes and I’ll pick up pretty much anything she throws my way. I can’t wait for the next book in the Natalie Ward series. Although I must admit, I do miss Robin. 😉
Last Lullaby is the second book in the Natalie Ward series and it’s every bit as fabulous as its predecessor. Or dare I say, it’s even better! As I’ve come to expect from this author, it is utterly gripping from the very first page. With a multitude of red herrings, dead ends and lies and deceit to wade through, this is one insanely frustrating and complex investigation and I couldn’t work it out at all. I ended up suspecting pretty much every character I was introduced to.
Once again, I really enjoyed the team dynamics but what really lit a fire in my belly was seeing Lucy taking centre stage, kicking ass and just being generally fierce! Just like in the previous book, Carol Wyer manages to create a perfect balance between the team’s personal lives and their jobs, giving the reader the opportunity to get to know them better. But more than anything, she always makes you almost sympathise with the killer and sometimes that’s even more unnerving than the actual murders they commit.
Dark and disturbing, brilliantly paced and extremely compelling, Last Lullaby will have you flipping or swiping the pages faster as you go, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. On top of that, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger that has me rather impatiently awaiting the next instalment.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Carol Wyer can do no wrong in my eyes and I’ll pick up pretty much anything she throws my way. I can’t wait for the next book in the Natalie Ward series. Although I must admit, I do miss Robin. 😉
October 26, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
Adam Brannon, semi-pro boxer, is the number one suspect in the murder of his wife, Charlotte. His story is that he found her brutally murdered in their bedroom while his six-month old son, Alfie, was screaming in his nursery. They had arrived home after celebrating her parents’ anniversary. His story is that sometime after they arrived home and after he dropped their babysitter off he discovered her body.
DI Natalie Ward is on a few days leave for much-needed time with her family. Her marriage may be in trouble so she really needs this time. However, she is called to the gruesome murder scene along with her team. When they arrive, many observations were made. First and foremost, blessedly, the baby was unharmed. Also, there was no evidence of a break-in and between pictures on the bedroom wall was one word: ‘why?’.
As always in murder investigations, those closest to the victim are under immediate suspicion. Aside from Adam, Natalie speaks to others in Charlotte’s life including the babysitter, as she apparently was the last to see her alive. Also, two men were seen fleeing from the scene and the detectives work very hard to identify them. Within a short period of time, quite a few facts are revealed about Charlotte’s and Adam's marriage and their lives.
There was quite a bit of intrigue in this engaging story and I was caught up in the investigation. This was especially so when two further things were mentioned in the book. One, there was a mysterious individual in the story, but I will leave it at that. Second, there was another mother murdered, with very similar circumstances.
Last Lullaby was ripe full of excellent character development, lots of twists and turns and a shocking conclusion. It is the second book in the Natalie Ward series. The first book was The Birthday, which was a fabulous read. I daresay that this story is just as good, if not better. Although it does well as a stand-alone, I encourage readers to grab both of these stories, and everything else that Carol Wyer has penned. She is extremely talented and writes compelling stories. I very much look forward to continuing this series.
Reviewer’s note: This book is definitely worth five stars as it is extremely well-written and has a very strong plot, but I did want to mention that there is a prevalence of strong language.
Many thanks to Carol Wyer and Bookouture for this ARC for review in exchange for an honest opinion.
Adam Brannon, semi-pro boxer, is the number one suspect in the murder of his wife, Charlotte. His story is that he found her brutally murdered in their bedroom while his six-month old son, Alfie, was screaming in his nursery. They had arrived home after celebrating her parents’ anniversary. His story is that sometime after they arrived home and after he dropped their babysitter off he discovered her body.
DI Natalie Ward is on a few days leave for much-needed time with her family. Her marriage may be in trouble so she really needs this time. However, she is called to the gruesome murder scene along with her team. When they arrive, many observations were made. First and foremost, blessedly, the baby was unharmed. Also, there was no evidence of a break-in and between pictures on the bedroom wall was one word: ‘why?’.
As always in murder investigations, those closest to the victim are under immediate suspicion. Aside from Adam, Natalie speaks to others in Charlotte’s life including the babysitter, as she apparently was the last to see her alive. Also, two men were seen fleeing from the scene and the detectives work very hard to identify them. Within a short period of time, quite a few facts are revealed about Charlotte’s and Adam's marriage and their lives.
There was quite a bit of intrigue in this engaging story and I was caught up in the investigation. This was especially so when two further things were mentioned in the book. One, there was a mysterious individual in the story, but I will leave it at that. Second, there was another mother murdered, with very similar circumstances.
Last Lullaby was ripe full of excellent character development, lots of twists and turns and a shocking conclusion. It is the second book in the Natalie Ward series. The first book was The Birthday, which was a fabulous read. I daresay that this story is just as good, if not better. Although it does well as a stand-alone, I encourage readers to grab both of these stories, and everything else that Carol Wyer has penned. She is extremely talented and writes compelling stories. I very much look forward to continuing this series.
Reviewer’s note: This book is definitely worth five stars as it is extremely well-written and has a very strong plot, but I did want to mention that there is a prevalence of strong language.
Many thanks to Carol Wyer and Bookouture for this ARC for review in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 30, 2018
Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is book 2 in the new Detective Natalie Ward series, following up from the fantastic The Birthday earlier this year. This book is fantastic filled with a great story and characters. It had me suspecting everybody and trusting nobody. Already desperate for book 3!!
Charlotte Brannon is murdered in her own home in front of her baby boy. Her husband Adam find her body and is immediately under suspicion. He has a shady past and struggles to convince the police that he is innocent. Charlotte was not an angel either, casting suspicion on all that she has come into contact with. And then a second mother is murdered in her home and the suspect pool widens. Natalie and her team are up against it to find and stop the murderer before they strike again.
I love the way that Carol Wyer brings her characters to life. Natalie is still forming her relationships at work and struggling to maintain her work/life balance. Her kids are growing up and her husband is beginning to resent her work. She is a tough woman but not without her faults. I look forward to seeing where we are taken in the next book.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Charlotte Brannon is murdered in her own home in front of her baby boy. Her husband Adam find her body and is immediately under suspicion. He has a shady past and struggles to convince the police that he is innocent. Charlotte was not an angel either, casting suspicion on all that she has come into contact with. And then a second mother is murdered in her home and the suspect pool widens. Natalie and her team are up against it to find and stop the murderer before they strike again.
I love the way that Carol Wyer brings her characters to life. Natalie is still forming her relationships at work and struggling to maintain her work/life balance. Her kids are growing up and her husband is beginning to resent her work. She is a tough woman but not without her faults. I look forward to seeing where we are taken in the next book.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
November 1, 2019
Charlotte Brannon was brutally murdered in her own bedroom and was found by her husband Adam with their son Alfie screaming in the next room. Adam who is an ex-con and an owner of a gym for troubled teenagers is the primary suspect . But when a second victim is found dead in her home Natalie and her team know they have to race against time to find and stop the murderer before he or she strikes again.
Last Lullaby is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series .It is another fast paced, gripping police procedural thriller with relatable characters and lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing till the end. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Last Lullaby is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series .It is another fast paced, gripping police procedural thriller with relatable characters and lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing till the end. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 5, 2018
Who could possibly be deranged enough to brutally murder a mother right in front of her baby boy? And follow that up with another bloody murder, once again leaving a young child without a mother? Figuring that out is the task of Detective Natalie Ward and her team of police officers in Samford, U.K. The only clues are the words "why" and "who" written in the victims' own blood - and, partly because they're written out of the usual who-what-where-when-why journalistic sequence, they don't provide much help.
There is, however, no shortage of suspects - ranging from first victim Charlotte Brannon's dicey husband, Adam, to Adam's ex-con friend, a couple of young thugs, a teenage babysitter, a rock star and an estranged sister who triggers unpleasant memories of Natalie's relationship with her own sister. But every single one denies committing the crimes, and several have seemingly ironclad alibis. Or do they?
Later in the book, readers get a glimpse at what's on the culprit's mind through interactions with a psychologist. And as if she doesn't have enough on her plate, Natalie is wondering if her husband David, who is becoming more morose every day since losing his job as a practicing attorney, has gone off an all-too-familiar deep end from which, this time, there may be no recovery.
Well-developed characters, a fast-moving plot and plain old solid writing make this - the second in a series - a don't-miss book. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy. I'm already looking forward to the next one, reportedly due out early in 2019.
There is, however, no shortage of suspects - ranging from first victim Charlotte Brannon's dicey husband, Adam, to Adam's ex-con friend, a couple of young thugs, a teenage babysitter, a rock star and an estranged sister who triggers unpleasant memories of Natalie's relationship with her own sister. But every single one denies committing the crimes, and several have seemingly ironclad alibis. Or do they?
Later in the book, readers get a glimpse at what's on the culprit's mind through interactions with a psychologist. And as if she doesn't have enough on her plate, Natalie is wondering if her husband David, who is becoming more morose every day since losing his job as a practicing attorney, has gone off an all-too-familiar deep end from which, this time, there may be no recovery.
Well-developed characters, a fast-moving plot and plain old solid writing make this - the second in a series - a don't-miss book. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy. I'm already looking forward to the next one, reportedly due out early in 2019.
March 1, 2020
Really enjoying this series so far 😊
December 6, 2018
Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is the 2nd in the Detective Natalie Ward series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, but also a woman who is trying to juggle her job and her home life. Her husband had a gambling problem and lost all their savings. Then he lost his job, and he is now working from home. He is feeling inadequate, and Natalie finds herself constantly having to massage his fragile ego. Although she tries, she feels like she is neglecting her two children, even though they know that if she is on a murder investigation, it has to take precedence. She is often torn.
My Synopsis:
Charlotte Brannon, a prolific fashion blogger is brutally murdered, while her 6-month old little boy lay in his crib in the next room. Charlotte’s husband Adam is the prime suspect. He had motive, means, and opportunity. He also insists he is innocent. His alibi is questionable, and his past is troubled.
As the case evolves, Natalie finds that her investigation is being hindered by lies. Everyone they question seems to be lying or omitting details that could help them solve this murder. Even the baby-sitter is hiding something. Everyone has an alibi, but the team isn’t sure if those can be trusted.
When another woman is murdered in front of her young son, Natalie fears they may have a serial killer on their hands. But there are connections between the two murdered women.
Meanwhile, a psychiatrist is trying to interpret the dreams of a patient who seems to be enthralled with blood. But are they dreams?
My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series. The writing is great, and Wyer is really building on the traits of her characters.
The pace is fast, and therefore a very quick read. The twists kept coming, so that I was sure I knew the perpetrator, and then I didn’t….
I admire Natalie, and her dedication to both her job and her family (although I think she should give her husband a kick in the butt). With this second book, we are seeing her team work closely, and we are learning more about their lives. This makes us crave the next book….that and the ending.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, but also a woman who is trying to juggle her job and her home life. Her husband had a gambling problem and lost all their savings. Then he lost his job, and he is now working from home. He is feeling inadequate, and Natalie finds herself constantly having to massage his fragile ego. Although she tries, she feels like she is neglecting her two children, even though they know that if she is on a murder investigation, it has to take precedence. She is often torn.
My Synopsis:
Charlotte Brannon, a prolific fashion blogger is brutally murdered, while her 6-month old little boy lay in his crib in the next room. Charlotte’s husband Adam is the prime suspect. He had motive, means, and opportunity. He also insists he is innocent. His alibi is questionable, and his past is troubled.
As the case evolves, Natalie finds that her investigation is being hindered by lies. Everyone they question seems to be lying or omitting details that could help them solve this murder. Even the baby-sitter is hiding something. Everyone has an alibi, but the team isn’t sure if those can be trusted.
When another woman is murdered in front of her young son, Natalie fears they may have a serial killer on their hands. But there are connections between the two murdered women.
Meanwhile, a psychiatrist is trying to interpret the dreams of a patient who seems to be enthralled with blood. But are they dreams?
My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series. The writing is great, and Wyer is really building on the traits of her characters.
The pace is fast, and therefore a very quick read. The twists kept coming, so that I was sure I knew the perpetrator, and then I didn’t….
I admire Natalie, and her dedication to both her job and her family (although I think she should give her husband a kick in the butt). With this second book, we are seeing her team work closely, and we are learning more about their lives. This makes us crave the next book….that and the ending.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 7, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the second book in the DI Natalie Ward series and I absolutely LOVED it!
I thought that the plot in this book was superb, I was hooked and I loved seeing the story unravel the further I got towards the end, I was completely engrossed I the story, the author really drew me in and it held my full attention right to the superb ending!!
The characters were brilliant and I loved getting to find out more about Natalie and her team and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, she is becoming a firm favourite for me and this series has become a MUST READ for me!
Five stars from me, brilliantly written – very highly recommended!!
This is the second book in the DI Natalie Ward series and I absolutely LOVED it!
I thought that the plot in this book was superb, I was hooked and I loved seeing the story unravel the further I got towards the end, I was completely engrossed I the story, the author really drew me in and it held my full attention right to the superb ending!!
The characters were brilliant and I loved getting to find out more about Natalie and her team and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, she is becoming a firm favourite for me and this series has become a MUST READ for me!
Five stars from me, brilliantly written – very highly recommended!!
January 9, 2023
My second venture into Wyler’s writing did not disappoint! The DI in charge is likable but flawed enough to be believable and I enjoyed Murray, Ian, and Lucy, the members of her team. In this series, Wyler seems to focus on the psychopathic personality- and due to that nature the whodunnit will come as a shock-which of course most of us who enjoy the genre love. If, like myself, you have a penchant for a good British police procedural, with a strong and interesting lead DI, you might want to check this one out
Read
December 7, 2018Detective Natalie Ward and her team out of Samford Police are called to the scene of a vicious murder. Charlotte Brannon was beaten to death while her baby slept in the next room. The word, "Why?", is written in her blood on the wall. Charlotte's husband, Adam, finds her body and the police learn that he's no stranger to violence and has a criminal history. Though he has an alibi, Natalie discovers that he and Charlotte have quite a few nasty secrets between them. The investigation puts pressure on the entire unit forcing them into long hours of work which puts a severe strain on Natalie's shaky marriage. There are many suspects and no one seems to be telling the truth about their relationships with each other. Motives abound. Then another woman, Samantha, is stabbed in front of her child with the word, "Who?", painted in blood on the white fridge. It looks like the police have a serial killer on their hands...one who knew both women. Then a third woman, along with her child, calls the station telling the detectives that she is fearful for her life. NO SPOILERS.
This was a book I couldn't put down as the case and the activity surrounding the investigation were so compelling so I read it in one sitting last night! Lots of procedural details with interviews and seeking out information about all those involved. Natalie and her fellow detectives are all over the city hunting down the suspects and sifting through the few clues and the many lies. As a main character, Natalie is quite interesting and has a personality similar to most of the women described in novels of this genre plus she can't seem to keep her home life anywhere but on the back burner as she works ALL THE TIME. Her issues with her husband notwithstanding, I wonder if her compulsion at her job is really normal for all detectives or just the female ones! Sure I get that it's a major murder investigation, but these people rarely sleep, almost never eat anything but crisps and coffee (or tea), and all of them must have relationship problems! And don't get me started on how the women go from deep sleep to work in 15 minutes. But, I digress. I really did like the book and the plot was complicated enough to hook and reel me in. The writing is top-notch and I do hope that Natalie can be more supportive of her own family as she moves up in the ranks at the police.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for the next in the series!
This was a book I couldn't put down as the case and the activity surrounding the investigation were so compelling so I read it in one sitting last night! Lots of procedural details with interviews and seeking out information about all those involved. Natalie and her fellow detectives are all over the city hunting down the suspects and sifting through the few clues and the many lies. As a main character, Natalie is quite interesting and has a personality similar to most of the women described in novels of this genre plus she can't seem to keep her home life anywhere but on the back burner as she works ALL THE TIME. Her issues with her husband notwithstanding, I wonder if her compulsion at her job is really normal for all detectives or just the female ones! Sure I get that it's a major murder investigation, but these people rarely sleep, almost never eat anything but crisps and coffee (or tea), and all of them must have relationship problems! And don't get me started on how the women go from deep sleep to work in 15 minutes. But, I digress. I really did like the book and the plot was complicated enough to hook and reel me in. The writing is top-notch and I do hope that Natalie can be more supportive of her own family as she moves up in the ranks at the police.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for the next in the series!
January 29, 2019
Review to come.
Quick thoughts:
-2nd book in Detective Natalie Ward series.
- This series is really good!
- Am loving the character development & that ending...cannot wait for the 3rd book!
- The chapters between the killer and their therapist are downright chilling - but darn if I could not figure out their identity during these sessions!
Quick thoughts:
-2nd book in Detective Natalie Ward series.
- This series is really good!
- Am loving the character development & that ending...cannot wait for the 3rd book!
- The chapters between the killer and their therapist are downright chilling - but darn if I could not figure out their identity during these sessions!
November 18, 2018
Last Lullaby is the second in the Natalie Ward series and is a marked improvement on the first, The Birthday which had an obvious killer and a lacklustre plot throughout. This time around I felt all of the characters really came into their own. I especially liked Lucy and Natalie was more interesting this time round and I found myself actually taking an interest in her personal life with her husband and family. The whole team working on this case in fact was enjoyable to read about.
The plot starts off incredibly well and contains for the most part a really strong mystery. There’s nothing over the top about this storyline, in fact it’s quite basic in terms of here’s a suspect let’s look into him, and then repeat that with another suspect. There’s no theatrics or explosive scenes and I suppose that’s why I got bored after a while. This book is at least 20% longer than it needed to be. There’s a point in the story where it’s blatantly obvious some of the suspects aren’t going to be the killer and yet 15% later they are still in the frame. When we meet one of the characters this is the one I chose as the killer and it turned out to be right. But by the point of the reveal I was already starting to skim read because I felt like the story should have finished ages ago. With so many exciting crime thrillers around it takes something special these days to hold my attention and unfortunately Last Lullaby failed to do that after about 60% into the story.
The plot starts off incredibly well and contains for the most part a really strong mystery. There’s nothing over the top about this storyline, in fact it’s quite basic in terms of here’s a suspect let’s look into him, and then repeat that with another suspect. There’s no theatrics or explosive scenes and I suppose that’s why I got bored after a while. This book is at least 20% longer than it needed to be. There’s a point in the story where it’s blatantly obvious some of the suspects aren’t going to be the killer and yet 15% later they are still in the frame. When we meet one of the characters this is the one I chose as the killer and it turned out to be right. But by the point of the reveal I was already starting to skim read because I felt like the story should have finished ages ago. With so many exciting crime thrillers around it takes something special these days to hold my attention and unfortunately Last Lullaby failed to do that after about 60% into the story.
January 11, 2019
Last Lullaby sees DI Natalie Ward's team facing an almost impossible task in finding this particular killer. Charlotte Brandon, a well-to-do young wife and mother is brutally bludgeoned to death with a baseball bat. On the wall, written in blood, is the word "why". Rather than a lack of suspects, there are too many and they all seem to be lying about their whereabouts at the time of the murder. Her six month old son is left unharmed.
A few days later another young mother is brutally murdered. This time stabbed to death and the word "who" written in blood. Her 13 month old son is left unharmed. The investigation is back to square one. And that's basically it. It was a solid police procedural where officers work the clues and gradually put the puzzle together. There was not a lot of suspense. Well, just a teeny bit at the end, but by then you knew whodunnit.
A few days later another young mother is brutally murdered. This time stabbed to death and the word "who" written in blood. Her 13 month old son is left unharmed. The investigation is back to square one. And that's basically it. It was a solid police procedural where officers work the clues and gradually put the puzzle together. There was not a lot of suspense. Well, just a teeny bit at the end, but by then you knew whodunnit.
December 11, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Carol Wyer, who is an author who I hadn’t read before. In addition to never having read the author, I was starting with the second book in her 'Detective Natalie Ward' series without reading the first book. But any qualms that I may have had at the outset were quickly allayed by this fast-paced, intelligent mystery. British Detective Inspector Natalie Ward, and her police team are called in to solve the murder of Charlotte Brannon. The murder was brutal and bloody, with the word ‘Why’ written in blood on her bedroom wall. Charlotte’s body was found by her husband Adam, yet their infant son Alfie was found untouched in his bedroom. Who would have killed Charlotte and left Alfie alone with the cryptic message 'Why' on her wall? Soon all indicators start pointing at her husband Adam who has his own secrets that he’s reluctant to reveal.
Then days later, a second murder of a young mother occurs, and the woman’s toddler son was again found unharmed. Is the team of detectives dealing with a serial killer? Why would someone be killing young mothers with sons, and yet not touch the children? While the team scrambles to solve the murders, we learn more about most of the team member’s personal lives, and come to understand that Natalie’s marriage is possibly at a crumbling point. Is her husband lying to her like all the suspects in her current case appear to be?
I really liked this book. You don’t have to read the first book in the series before jumping into this book. But now that I’ve read this book, I think that I might have to go back and read it. “Last Lullaby” was an engaging page-turner. There were many different possibilities as to who was the killer. The ending was action-packed. It was totally plausible, and yet unexpected. This whodunit had be stumped. Kudos to the author!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Carol Wyer, who is an author who I hadn’t read before. In addition to never having read the author, I was starting with the second book in her 'Detective Natalie Ward' series without reading the first book. But any qualms that I may have had at the outset were quickly allayed by this fast-paced, intelligent mystery. British Detective Inspector Natalie Ward, and her police team are called in to solve the murder of Charlotte Brannon. The murder was brutal and bloody, with the word ‘Why’ written in blood on her bedroom wall. Charlotte’s body was found by her husband Adam, yet their infant son Alfie was found untouched in his bedroom. Who would have killed Charlotte and left Alfie alone with the cryptic message 'Why' on her wall? Soon all indicators start pointing at her husband Adam who has his own secrets that he’s reluctant to reveal.
Then days later, a second murder of a young mother occurs, and the woman’s toddler son was again found unharmed. Is the team of detectives dealing with a serial killer? Why would someone be killing young mothers with sons, and yet not touch the children? While the team scrambles to solve the murders, we learn more about most of the team member’s personal lives, and come to understand that Natalie’s marriage is possibly at a crumbling point. Is her husband lying to her like all the suspects in her current case appear to be?
I really liked this book. You don’t have to read the first book in the series before jumping into this book. But now that I’ve read this book, I think that I might have to go back and read it. “Last Lullaby” was an engaging page-turner. There were many different possibilities as to who was the killer. The ending was action-packed. It was totally plausible, and yet unexpected. This whodunit had be stumped. Kudos to the author!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2019
Having recently read the first book in the Detective Natalie Ward crime series, I couldn’t wait to dive in to the next book.
The story starts off with quite a harrowing incident when a young woman is killed in her own home. You always think of your home as a safe haven so having something like that happen when your child is in the house also, well it didn’t bear thinking about.
Whilst the story heavily focuses on the case, there are bits of Natalie’s home life appearing throughout. Her’s and her husband’s relationship isn’t one of the happiest I have ever come across. This is due to a couple of reasons. I definitely don’t think Natalie’s job helps with how time consuming it can be, especially when there is a murder case going on. I think it does give a very realistic take on life and how it can affect relationships when only one of a couple is in the police force.
The story takes lots of twists and turns where we are introduced to new witnesses and possible culprits. I constantly changed my mind as to who the murderer could be and had definitely not guessed correctly when all is revealed.
Last Lullaby is a story that promises good things from the cover and blurb alone. What was inside definitely didn’t disappoint either. From the shocking start, I was hooked until the very last page of which has now left me desperate to read the next in the series. A chilling and exciting crime thriller.
The story starts off with quite a harrowing incident when a young woman is killed in her own home. You always think of your home as a safe haven so having something like that happen when your child is in the house also, well it didn’t bear thinking about.
Whilst the story heavily focuses on the case, there are bits of Natalie’s home life appearing throughout. Her’s and her husband’s relationship isn’t one of the happiest I have ever come across. This is due to a couple of reasons. I definitely don’t think Natalie’s job helps with how time consuming it can be, especially when there is a murder case going on. I think it does give a very realistic take on life and how it can affect relationships when only one of a couple is in the police force.
The story takes lots of twists and turns where we are introduced to new witnesses and possible culprits. I constantly changed my mind as to who the murderer could be and had definitely not guessed correctly when all is revealed.
Last Lullaby is a story that promises good things from the cover and blurb alone. What was inside definitely didn’t disappoint either. From the shocking start, I was hooked until the very last page of which has now left me desperate to read the next in the series. A chilling and exciting crime thriller.
November 17, 2018
Finished reading: November 15th 2018
"I thought she was heartless, but I'd no idea she was prepared to go to such lenghts to destroy other people's happiness, to wreck my happiness."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 16, 2019
Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer this is the 2nd book with DI Natalie Ward and I have got to say that with each new book we are getting more background information about the team and Natalies family. I am looking forward to book 3 to find out what DI Wards husband is getting up to! Good storyline and fleshier characters in this book, it was a little slow in some places but all in all I was satisfied with the mystery and progression of how 2 mothers were brutally murdered while their young toddlers were in the home and DI Ward and her team track down the serial killer before he got to his next victim. Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers Bookouture for the ARC and leaving my review!
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