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The Tattoo Thief / Sullivan & Mullins #2
Her Last Breath
A gripping new detective series set in Brighton for readers who enjoy Peter James' Roy Grace series.When a young woman is attacked and left fighting to survive in hospital, the police are pulled into a race against time to save her life. But just 24 hours later, she dies and a deadly tattoo is discovered on her body. And when another young woman disappears, Detective Francis Sullivan and his team fear a serial killer walks the streets of Brighton. His team identify a suspect, Alex Mullins, son of Francis's lover, Marni. Can Francis forget their shared past and save the next victim before it is too late?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2019
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December 31, 2019
This is the second in Alison Belsham's Brighton based Tattoo Thief series, featuring the youngest and troubled DI Francis Sullivan. This is a dark and fraught addition with the return of Marni Mullins, who runs a tattoo parlour, with her shaky marriage to Thierry, and her absolute love for Alex, her son. Despite the feelings between Marni and Francis, nothing happened, but the two are tied together, appearing in the trial for the killer from previous harrowing events. Alex and his girlfriend, Natasha 'Tash' Brady are at a club when the two have a fight, with Tash leaving after slapping him. She sets off home alone, with Alex being unable to find her. She rings him at his mother's home, distraught after being seriously assaulted. Marni and Alex make their way to her, horrorstruck at the blood soaked nightmare scene they see, Marni calls the police.
Tash is taken to hospital, but it seems that she will recover, but the medical staff are shocked when her condition deteriorates, culminating in her having a massive heart attack and dying. The killer had caused stigmata injuries on her hands and feet, and tattooed a religious latin phrase on her back, a tattoo created from poison ink, adulterated with taxin from the Yew tree. Tash had never stood a chance, there was nothing the medical profession could have done after she had been tattooed. Alex becomes the prime suspect, but Francis is in a quandry, he has some doubts about Alex being their killer, but he needs Marni to testify in court, which she is unlikely to do if Alex is arrested. In the meantime, Francis finds himself facing family issues, suffering loss and grief, and a difficult relationship with his sister, Robin, who he never sees because of his job, but who is suffering from MS. The media turn their intense scrutiny on Francis and the trial, putting at risk the justice Francis is seeking. Other young women with connections to Alex begin turning up, with the same MO as Tash, their death is inevitable. Will Francis be able to find the serial killer before even more young women die?
Belsham spins a dark and disturbing crime story that goes back and forth in time with its focus on a young girl, Aimee, and the horrors the little girl grows up with in her family. It is only at the end that the connection with that thread is made with Francis's case. Poor Francis faces pain, suffering and threats from every direction, his work place is difficult with someone leaking against him to the press, it's a shock that he manages to hold it all together to get to the truth of this terrifying and harrowing case. This is a tense and suspenseful read that I found myself being drawn inexorably into, definitely compelling crime fiction. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Tash is taken to hospital, but it seems that she will recover, but the medical staff are shocked when her condition deteriorates, culminating in her having a massive heart attack and dying. The killer had caused stigmata injuries on her hands and feet, and tattooed a religious latin phrase on her back, a tattoo created from poison ink, adulterated with taxin from the Yew tree. Tash had never stood a chance, there was nothing the medical profession could have done after she had been tattooed. Alex becomes the prime suspect, but Francis is in a quandry, he has some doubts about Alex being their killer, but he needs Marni to testify in court, which she is unlikely to do if Alex is arrested. In the meantime, Francis finds himself facing family issues, suffering loss and grief, and a difficult relationship with his sister, Robin, who he never sees because of his job, but who is suffering from MS. The media turn their intense scrutiny on Francis and the trial, putting at risk the justice Francis is seeking. Other young women with connections to Alex begin turning up, with the same MO as Tash, their death is inevitable. Will Francis be able to find the serial killer before even more young women die?
Belsham spins a dark and disturbing crime story that goes back and forth in time with its focus on a young girl, Aimee, and the horrors the little girl grows up with in her family. It is only at the end that the connection with that thread is made with Francis's case. Poor Francis faces pain, suffering and threats from every direction, his work place is difficult with someone leaking against him to the press, it's a shock that he manages to hold it all together to get to the truth of this terrifying and harrowing case. This is a tense and suspenseful read that I found myself being drawn inexorably into, definitely compelling crime fiction. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
February 3, 2020
The Tattoo Thief #2
Tasha Bradley had been brutally attacked and dies. A strange tattoo was found on her body. Her boyfriend, Alex becomes the prime suspect. Soon the death toll rises.
Detective Francis Sullivan has been tasked with the job to investigate the mutilated murder of Tash Bradley. The murders share a link to tattooists. The story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast with a gripping storyline. There is references to the events that happened in the first book in this series. Marni Mullens and her son, Alex are tattooists. Marni is already a witness in a current court case. Marni will do anything she can to prove her son's innocence. I have not read the first book in this series but it did read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author Alison Belsham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tasha Bradley had been brutally attacked and dies. A strange tattoo was found on her body. Her boyfriend, Alex becomes the prime suspect. Soon the death toll rises.
Detective Francis Sullivan has been tasked with the job to investigate the mutilated murder of Tash Bradley. The murders share a link to tattooists. The story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast with a gripping storyline. There is references to the events that happened in the first book in this series. Marni Mullens and her son, Alex are tattooists. Marni is already a witness in a current court case. Marni will do anything she can to prove her son's innocence. I have not read the first book in this series but it did read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author Alison Belsham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2020
Her last breath by Alison Belsham is the 2nd book in the Tattoo thief series but, you can read it as a standalone as I have not read the first one.
A young woman is attacked and left for dead with a Tattoo on her back. She is found but dies 24 hours later in hospital. At first, they don’t know what caused her to die. When another body of a woman is found they discover that the ink is poisoned. But who is killing these women and what links them together? They first suspect Alex Mullins as he was linked both to the women, but he denies everything and they don’t have substantial evidence to link him to the murders so, they must let him go. But what the police do know that they have a serial killer on the loose.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a great original storyline and characters. This was a fast-paced thriller that gripped you from the start. Shame I didn’t read the first in the series, but I didn’t have to worry as this is an excellent read.
A young woman is attacked and left for dead with a Tattoo on her back. She is found but dies 24 hours later in hospital. At first, they don’t know what caused her to die. When another body of a woman is found they discover that the ink is poisoned. But who is killing these women and what links them together? They first suspect Alex Mullins as he was linked both to the women, but he denies everything and they don’t have substantial evidence to link him to the murders so, they must let him go. But what the police do know that they have a serial killer on the loose.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a great original storyline and characters. This was a fast-paced thriller that gripped you from the start. Shame I didn’t read the first in the series, but I didn’t have to worry as this is an excellent read.
February 3, 2020
The Tattoo Thief #2
Tash Bradley had been brutally attacked and dies. A strange tattoo was found on her body. Her boyfriend, Alex becomes the prime suspect. Soon the death toll rises.
Detective Francis Sullivan has been tasked with the job to investigate the mutilated murder of Tash Bradley. The murders share a link to tattooists. The story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast with a gripping storyline. There is references to events that happens in the first book in this series. Marni Mullins and her son, Alex are tattooists. Mari is already a witness in a current court case. Marnie will do anything she can to prove her son innocence. I have ot read the first ook in this series but it did read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author Alison Belsham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tash Bradley had been brutally attacked and dies. A strange tattoo was found on her body. Her boyfriend, Alex becomes the prime suspect. Soon the death toll rises.
Detective Francis Sullivan has been tasked with the job to investigate the mutilated murder of Tash Bradley. The murders share a link to tattooists. The story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is fast with a gripping storyline. There is references to events that happens in the first book in this series. Marni Mullins and her son, Alex are tattooists. Mari is already a witness in a current court case. Marnie will do anything she can to prove her son innocence. I have ot read the first ook in this series but it did read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author Alison Belsham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2020
This was quite a breath stealing ride with connections so deep amongst the characters that it took me time to get to know them.
A different concept, death due to poison in the tattoos. A new murderer in town who abducted women, drilled their hands and feet and tattooed their backs, which caused their deaths within 24 hours. It was upto DI Francis and tattoo artist Marni to get to the truth.
My first book by author Alison Belsham, though second in the series, there were shadows of the first book in this which took me time to understand. The investigation section was written in a suspenseful manner. I could feel the frustration and determination of the team as more girls got taken. Francis was great as the protagonist, the emotions he showed were endearing. It was his intelligence which solved the case in a rocking finale.
Though the cops were a bit rigid in their outlook, I realized that the author had portrayed this part realistically as most do take easy way in real life. The writing was complexed yet easy to understand. In spite if not knowing the characters, it was easy to get to know them. A lot of personal information was written in which gave me the feeling of a thriller more than police procedural.
Overall, a fun read.
A different concept, death due to poison in the tattoos. A new murderer in town who abducted women, drilled their hands and feet and tattooed their backs, which caused their deaths within 24 hours. It was upto DI Francis and tattoo artist Marni to get to the truth.
My first book by author Alison Belsham, though second in the series, there were shadows of the first book in this which took me time to understand. The investigation section was written in a suspenseful manner. I could feel the frustration and determination of the team as more girls got taken. Francis was great as the protagonist, the emotions he showed were endearing. It was his intelligence which solved the case in a rocking finale.
Though the cops were a bit rigid in their outlook, I realized that the author had portrayed this part realistically as most do take easy way in real life. The writing was complexed yet easy to understand. In spite if not knowing the characters, it was easy to get to know them. A lot of personal information was written in which gave me the feeling of a thriller more than police procedural.
Overall, a fun read.
December 17, 2019
Her Last Breath is the second book in the DI Sullivan series and an absolute belter of a read. There is enough background in my personal opinion for this one to work as a stand alone if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading The Tattoo Thief.
The murders are quite horrific in the story but boy does it make for some compulsive reading. I wanted to turn my head away from the horrors unfolding in front of me, yet the authors writing had me hooked and unable to tear my eyes away from the pages.
Crime stories really don’t come anymore complex than this. Nothing is straight forward. Poor Alex is being torn in many directions in his personal life as well as being a suspect in a murder case. I really felt sorry for this young man who seems to be misunderstood by everyone.
You can feel the urgency throughout, with the pace and tension getting turned up a notch the further into the story we go. The climax was pretty much breath taking as I didn’t dare breath as more peoples lives come under threat.
Her Last Breath is an adrenaline fuelled read that had me clinging on for dear life. I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough as I was desperate to know who the killer was. I really enjoyed the first book in the series but by heck, with this one, the author has knocked it out of the park. Absolutely loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Trapeze Books for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The murders are quite horrific in the story but boy does it make for some compulsive reading. I wanted to turn my head away from the horrors unfolding in front of me, yet the authors writing had me hooked and unable to tear my eyes away from the pages.
Crime stories really don’t come anymore complex than this. Nothing is straight forward. Poor Alex is being torn in many directions in his personal life as well as being a suspect in a murder case. I really felt sorry for this young man who seems to be misunderstood by everyone.
You can feel the urgency throughout, with the pace and tension getting turned up a notch the further into the story we go. The climax was pretty much breath taking as I didn’t dare breath as more peoples lives come under threat.
Her Last Breath is an adrenaline fuelled read that had me clinging on for dear life. I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough as I was desperate to know who the killer was. I really enjoyed the first book in the series but by heck, with this one, the author has knocked it out of the park. Absolutely loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Trapeze Books for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 1, 2019
A brilliant follow up book which I although it's hard to believe it was even better than the first. It's a bit gruesome in places but not over the top. I love the leading character Detective Francis Sullivan, he has his faults but the job always comes first. and when finds himself faced with two murders in quick succession he realises that they have a serial killer to catch. I love the author's style of writing it sucks you in and doesn't let you go while the very last page.
April 12, 2020
Questo secondo capitolo non mi ha fatto impazzire .. sarò’ onesto .. l’aspettativa purtroppo non e’ stata rispettata.. delusione.
April 26, 2021
Our police hero Francis Sullivan is just back on his feet after his adventures in The Tattoo Thief so nothing much has changed yet. Especially not his awful boss Bradshaw and his almost as awful colleague Rory Mackay. His budging relationship with Marni led nowhere, and he has still not enough time to visit his elderly mother and his sister, who both suffer from MS. No, Sullivan is not happy. He's only happy when he can solve murders but of course he's not happy when the first one is the murder - in a very devious way - of Tash. And she is not the last one to die in this story. Sadly.
The story actually follows the same pattern as the first book. Francis and Marni have feelings for each other but there are a lot of things that are keeping them from being apart, such as the age difference and Marni still having lots of feelings for her ex-husband Thierry. It's complicated! Bradshaw tells Francis time and time again he doesn't like him, but I hope the author will tell us soon why he hates Francis so. After all, he appointed him to the job. Rory applied for the job too so it's no surprise he feels resentful but Bradshaw?
A body is found and another and another. Bradshaw and Rory do not trust Francis and keep looking in the wrong direction for the killer. Francis trusts his instinct and Marni, and together they find enough clues to catch the killer.
We do see some more of Francis' and Marni's background which is good because it explains a lot. Still, I'm happy I read The Tattoo Thief first.
I must say I liked it that there was more action in this book than the first one (or at least, so it felt for me) and I especially liked the scenes that involved water (to prevent a spoiler). I also liked the flashbacks with the very unexpected ending.
Now starting in book three!
The story actually follows the same pattern as the first book. Francis and Marni have feelings for each other but there are a lot of things that are keeping them from being apart, such as the age difference and Marni still having lots of feelings for her ex-husband Thierry. It's complicated! Bradshaw tells Francis time and time again he doesn't like him, but I hope the author will tell us soon why he hates Francis so. After all, he appointed him to the job. Rory applied for the job too so it's no surprise he feels resentful but Bradshaw?
A body is found and another and another. Bradshaw and Rory do not trust Francis and keep looking in the wrong direction for the killer. Francis trusts his instinct and Marni, and together they find enough clues to catch the killer.
We do see some more of Francis' and Marni's background which is good because it explains a lot. Still, I'm happy I read The Tattoo Thief first.
I must say I liked it that there was more action in this book than the first one (or at least, so it felt for me) and I especially liked the scenes that involved water (to prevent a spoiler). I also liked the flashbacks with the very unexpected ending.
Now starting in book three!
March 4, 2024
O Último Fôlego, de Alison Belsham, pode não me ter tirado literalmente o fôlego, mas que me deu “pica” a ler, deu. Um livro muito bom, que me despertou o interesse logo no início e o manteve o tempo todo.
Já não me lembro de nada do primeiro livro e tenho pena porque há, neste segundo livro, várias referências e até desenvolvimentos no caso aí tratado.
Gostei muito da Marni, mas achei que, tanto ela como o filho, eram um bocado exagerados na forma de tratar a polícia.
E acertei no assassino – YAY! Só que não sabia os seus motivos.
Dispensava as descrições dos ataques do assassino, que foram uma coisa mesmo horrível.
Trocar ideias com a minha parceira de leituras conjuntas só deu mais piada a esta leitura.
Já não me lembro de nada do primeiro livro e tenho pena porque há, neste segundo livro, várias referências e até desenvolvimentos no caso aí tratado.
Gostei muito da Marni, mas achei que, tanto ela como o filho, eram um bocado exagerados na forma de tratar a polícia.
E acertei no assassino – YAY! Só que não sabia os seus motivos.
Dispensava as descrições dos ataques do assassino, que foram uma coisa mesmo horrível.
Trocar ideias com a minha parceira de leituras conjuntas só deu mais piada a esta leitura.
May 19, 2020
Firstly I must say, disregard the premise. It is incorrect with it's opening line "After old remains resurface in a heatwave, a young woman is attacked..." This is so misleading is annoys me! I have to wonder if those who write these premises have actually read the book?? It also gives away something of a spoiler which is key to the mystery...even more irritating.
The second in the Tattoo Thief series based in Brighton, HER LAST BREATH is a dark tale that is, in parts, gruesome (though not graphic) and is an addictive page turner. Featuring the young DI Francis Sullivan who, along with his own troubles, heads up a team of detectives hot on the trail of a sadistic serial killer.
Tash Brady is attacked on her way home from a nightclub after a tiff with her boyfriend Alex Mullins when she is attacked and left for dead. Found in the bandstand along Brighton beach the following morning after calling Alex for help, she is rushed to hospital where she dies just 24 hours later. The medical staff is at a loss as to what killed her as none of her wounds were life threatening and had been treated, yet she continued to get worse until she went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after. Tash's mother, who wasn't aware of her daughter's relationship with Alex, promptly points the finger at him claiming he killed her daughter and demanded he be arrested immediately.
With wounds of the stigmata on her hands and feet, a stab wound to her side, Tash had also been tattooed in Latin on her back. DI Sullivan recognised the words as being from a choral piece he'd sung in a choir as a boy. But what reference did it have to the case? And why was she given the stigmata and tattooed?
DI Sullivan and his team have no choice but to bring in Alex Mullins for questioning. He was closest to their victim and he had access to tattooing equipment with both his parents being tattooists. However, Sullivan has something of a personal stake in this suspect, for he knows the boy's mother Marni Mullins from the previous case involving the tattoo thief. The two had become close over the course of that investigation which came close to an affair, though nothing ever happened. Still, he didn't relish telling Marni that Alex had been brought in for questioning. Then a witness comes forth stating that Tash had confided in her that Alex once hit her...and with his other ties to the victim, he becomes prime suspect.
When the post mortem reveals that Tash died from poisoning in the tattoo ink inscribed on her back, Sullivan and his team are now looking for a murderer. And his DS is certain that Alex is their man. But despite the circumstantial evidence against Alex, Sullivan feels sure that he is not their killer.
Then another girl is found with identical wounds and another Latin tattooed inscribed on her back. This time in the aquarium where she was employed as a cleaner. Within hours, she dies. And her last text was sent to Alex Mullins. Two victims both known to their suspect. But this time, it is discovered that the second victim was having a relationship with her art tutor. And both women had at one time or another attended the Brighton Art College. Now they have two suspects. When a third woman turns up and dies shortly after, investigations are ramped up to discover a link between her and Alex. He says he doesn't know her but DS Rory Mackay, intent on proving that he is their killer, doesn't believe him. And Sullivan still has difficulty believing that he is.
With another woman gone missing, his team seemingly out of control and a DCI out to prove him incompetent, Sullivan finds himself face to face with the killer a too little close to home. Can he save this young woman's life before it's too late?
A cat and mouse tale that really doesn't get any more complex than this, HER LAST BREATH is a fast paced thriller with tension building throughout. It is certainly and adrenaline fuelled read that is so addictive you won't want to put it down until the very end.
The narrative flips between various characters - Sullivan, Rory, Marni, Alex, Angie (a DC), the various victims and a girl called Aimee whose story unfolds in the past, revealing a disturbing and horrific childhood. It all very cleverly tied together that comes together at the end.
Despite his troubled demeanour, I actually liked Francis Sullivan. And I don't usually like such flawed characters. I think maybe because he didn't seek his answers in a bottle, whereas most troubled police detectives do. He is trying to juggle his career with his personal life and do the right thing by everyone. I don't understand his interest in Marni, but then I haven't read the first book either.
While this is the second in the series and there are elements in this book that relate back to the first one, HER LAST BREATH can be read as a standalone, just as I have. And despite not having read "The Tattoo Thief" , I am interested to see where the author will take us next.
I would like to thank #AlisonBelsham, #NetGalley and #OrionPublishingGroup and #Trapeze for an ARC of #HerLastBreath in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The second in the Tattoo Thief series based in Brighton, HER LAST BREATH is a dark tale that is, in parts, gruesome (though not graphic) and is an addictive page turner. Featuring the young DI Francis Sullivan who, along with his own troubles, heads up a team of detectives hot on the trail of a sadistic serial killer.
Tash Brady is attacked on her way home from a nightclub after a tiff with her boyfriend Alex Mullins when she is attacked and left for dead. Found in the bandstand along Brighton beach the following morning after calling Alex for help, she is rushed to hospital where she dies just 24 hours later. The medical staff is at a loss as to what killed her as none of her wounds were life threatening and had been treated, yet she continued to get worse until she went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after. Tash's mother, who wasn't aware of her daughter's relationship with Alex, promptly points the finger at him claiming he killed her daughter and demanded he be arrested immediately.
With wounds of the stigmata on her hands and feet, a stab wound to her side, Tash had also been tattooed in Latin on her back. DI Sullivan recognised the words as being from a choral piece he'd sung in a choir as a boy. But what reference did it have to the case? And why was she given the stigmata and tattooed?
DI Sullivan and his team have no choice but to bring in Alex Mullins for questioning. He was closest to their victim and he had access to tattooing equipment with both his parents being tattooists. However, Sullivan has something of a personal stake in this suspect, for he knows the boy's mother Marni Mullins from the previous case involving the tattoo thief. The two had become close over the course of that investigation which came close to an affair, though nothing ever happened. Still, he didn't relish telling Marni that Alex had been brought in for questioning. Then a witness comes forth stating that Tash had confided in her that Alex once hit her...and with his other ties to the victim, he becomes prime suspect.
When the post mortem reveals that Tash died from poisoning in the tattoo ink inscribed on her back, Sullivan and his team are now looking for a murderer. And his DS is certain that Alex is their man. But despite the circumstantial evidence against Alex, Sullivan feels sure that he is not their killer.
Then another girl is found with identical wounds and another Latin tattooed inscribed on her back. This time in the aquarium where she was employed as a cleaner. Within hours, she dies. And her last text was sent to Alex Mullins. Two victims both known to their suspect. But this time, it is discovered that the second victim was having a relationship with her art tutor. And both women had at one time or another attended the Brighton Art College. Now they have two suspects. When a third woman turns up and dies shortly after, investigations are ramped up to discover a link between her and Alex. He says he doesn't know her but DS Rory Mackay, intent on proving that he is their killer, doesn't believe him. And Sullivan still has difficulty believing that he is.
With another woman gone missing, his team seemingly out of control and a DCI out to prove him incompetent, Sullivan finds himself face to face with the killer a too little close to home. Can he save this young woman's life before it's too late?
A cat and mouse tale that really doesn't get any more complex than this, HER LAST BREATH is a fast paced thriller with tension building throughout. It is certainly and adrenaline fuelled read that is so addictive you won't want to put it down until the very end.
The narrative flips between various characters - Sullivan, Rory, Marni, Alex, Angie (a DC), the various victims and a girl called Aimee whose story unfolds in the past, revealing a disturbing and horrific childhood. It all very cleverly tied together that comes together at the end.
Despite his troubled demeanour, I actually liked Francis Sullivan. And I don't usually like such flawed characters. I think maybe because he didn't seek his answers in a bottle, whereas most troubled police detectives do. He is trying to juggle his career with his personal life and do the right thing by everyone. I don't understand his interest in Marni, but then I haven't read the first book either.
While this is the second in the series and there are elements in this book that relate back to the first one, HER LAST BREATH can be read as a standalone, just as I have. And despite not having read "The Tattoo Thief" , I am interested to see where the author will take us next.
I would like to thank #AlisonBelsham, #NetGalley and #OrionPublishingGroup and #Trapeze for an ARC of #HerLastBreath in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 5, 2020
It's not necessary to have read 'The Tattoo Thief' prior to reading 'Her Last Breath', but I would recommend doing so as it is such a great book!
Having introduced her team of characters-Marni Mullins, Francis Sullivan and associated family-Alison lets Marni's son,Alex, take center stage in this investigation.
He gets into a situation that is partly of his making, and his guilt at the situation has everyone around him thinking that his is somehow responsible for the death of his girlfriend. When they become seperated after an argument at a party, something which happens easily enough in everyday life, the consequences are deadly.
Tattoos once again feature as a USP of the novel, not only because of Marni's profession, but another link with the crimes being comitted in Brighton at the height of summer. The narrative flips between Francis, Marni, Alex and a girl named Aimee, who is in the summer of 1982 onwards, experiencing an increasingly horrific childhood.
Having become familiar with these people, you are wrong footed by the sudden suspicions thrown towards Alex as a murderer-after all, do we really know him? Are we so willing to believe he is innocent because of Marni's involvement in the Tattoo Thief case?
There is an excellent sleight of hand at play as all the characters you are emotionally attached to become uprooted through loss, grief and guilt. We reassess our relationship with them, and the truth, the same as Francis does with Marni-their relationship seemed to be going somewhere, but stalled as they simultaneously realise that they do not know each other. Being thrown together by circumstance is not a solid foundation for a relationship, however that doesn't stop the reader -me!- screaming at the page for them to realise they really, really need each other.
Being pulled in so many different directions, but ultimately trying to tackle another serial killer who is stalking the streets of Brighton, these guys are finding information drops at the same time as we are-be warned though, this is not for the faint of heart.
The level of anatomical detail included in the murders/autopsies are brilliantly realised but gory-this is an unflinching display of violence, and as such, we readers have a front row seat to the savagery. After all, real life is nasty, mean and brutish, so why flinch on the details? It brings a sense of intimacy and urgency which is in no way gratuitous, but brings home just what the violence suffered by women looks like.
It's a gripping cat and mouse tale by an author who teases out all your emotions, this is a series which can only grow more compelling with each instalment-brava!!!
Having introduced her team of characters-Marni Mullins, Francis Sullivan and associated family-Alison lets Marni's son,Alex, take center stage in this investigation.
He gets into a situation that is partly of his making, and his guilt at the situation has everyone around him thinking that his is somehow responsible for the death of his girlfriend. When they become seperated after an argument at a party, something which happens easily enough in everyday life, the consequences are deadly.
Tattoos once again feature as a USP of the novel, not only because of Marni's profession, but another link with the crimes being comitted in Brighton at the height of summer. The narrative flips between Francis, Marni, Alex and a girl named Aimee, who is in the summer of 1982 onwards, experiencing an increasingly horrific childhood.
Having become familiar with these people, you are wrong footed by the sudden suspicions thrown towards Alex as a murderer-after all, do we really know him? Are we so willing to believe he is innocent because of Marni's involvement in the Tattoo Thief case?
There is an excellent sleight of hand at play as all the characters you are emotionally attached to become uprooted through loss, grief and guilt. We reassess our relationship with them, and the truth, the same as Francis does with Marni-their relationship seemed to be going somewhere, but stalled as they simultaneously realise that they do not know each other. Being thrown together by circumstance is not a solid foundation for a relationship, however that doesn't stop the reader -me!- screaming at the page for them to realise they really, really need each other.
Being pulled in so many different directions, but ultimately trying to tackle another serial killer who is stalking the streets of Brighton, these guys are finding information drops at the same time as we are-be warned though, this is not for the faint of heart.
The level of anatomical detail included in the murders/autopsies are brilliantly realised but gory-this is an unflinching display of violence, and as such, we readers have a front row seat to the savagery. After all, real life is nasty, mean and brutish, so why flinch on the details? It brings a sense of intimacy and urgency which is in no way gratuitous, but brings home just what the violence suffered by women looks like.
It's a gripping cat and mouse tale by an author who teases out all your emotions, this is a series which can only grow more compelling with each instalment-brava!!!
November 20, 2020
This is the second book in the DI Sullivan series and oh my god what a corker it was. Now usually reading a series gets me a little bored and I have to read another book in between but it is certainly not the case with this series.
I’m not going to lie, when I first started reading the second book I was a little gutted to find out who was in Marni’s bed, and her being my favourite character in the last book I did hope to see just as much of her in this book, however as much as that disappointed me a little it made no shadow on the story itself.
The story follows Sullivan and his team on their hunt for a new serial killer, with the main suspect being Alex, Francis Sullivan’s ex Marni Mullins son. As if this isn’t enough to cause friction on the case, at the same time Sullivan has his own personal issues to deal with.
In this sequel we started to see a few characters for who they really are - Sullivan and Marni are still two of my favourite characters and my god I hope to see them two back together in the third book. Mackay and Bradshaw I severely dislike, especially mackay, he is one egotistical moron.
As much as I dislike a few of the characters that doesn’t stop them from being exceptionally well written, this author certainly has a hella lot of talent for writing twisting thrillers, and cases you can not crack. So far there have been two killers and I have been no where near guessing who done it.
This was definitely one hell of a read and I can not wait to start the next one.
I’m not going to lie, when I first started reading the second book I was a little gutted to find out who was in Marni’s bed, and her being my favourite character in the last book I did hope to see just as much of her in this book, however as much as that disappointed me a little it made no shadow on the story itself.
The story follows Sullivan and his team on their hunt for a new serial killer, with the main suspect being Alex, Francis Sullivan’s ex Marni Mullins son. As if this isn’t enough to cause friction on the case, at the same time Sullivan has his own personal issues to deal with.
In this sequel we started to see a few characters for who they really are - Sullivan and Marni are still two of my favourite characters and my god I hope to see them two back together in the third book. Mackay and Bradshaw I severely dislike, especially mackay, he is one egotistical moron.
As much as I dislike a few of the characters that doesn’t stop them from being exceptionally well written, this author certainly has a hella lot of talent for writing twisting thrillers, and cases you can not crack. So far there have been two killers and I have been no where near guessing who done it.
This was definitely one hell of a read and I can not wait to start the next one.
September 12, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy of Her Last Breath, the second novel set in Brighton to feature DI Francis Sullivan and tattoo artist Marni Mullins.
Tash Bradley phones her boyfriend, Alex Mullins, for help after being attacked. She is rushed to hospital but sadly dies the next day. After her death a strange tattoo is found on her back and this makes Alex the prime suspect. When another girl with links to Alex disappears he becomes the only suspect. Francis isn’t as convinced as the rest of the team of his guilt and Marni will do anything to clear her son’s name.
Her Last Breath is a roller coaster of a read with incident upon incident and a well concealed perpetrator which will appeal to many readers. I found it compulsive in parts but not enough to say I loved it. I found it a very choppy read with its constant switches between characters and the insertion of chapters about a young girl called Aimée which have no relevance until the denouement just seemed like a distraction. Having read the whole novel they are given much more prominence than they deserve. The murder plot is well conceived and executed but it gets bogged down in extraneities, mainly interpersonal relationships and the court case from the previous novel. This latter means that there is no going back to The Tattoo Thief after reading this one. The balance is not right for my tastes.
The characters are very well developed so the reader gets to experience their highs and lows along with them. This is fine if you like them but try as I might I really don’t like Marni, finding her impulsive and too quick to jump to conclusions. It’s harder to get a handle on Francis as his life seems to be one long confrontation with his workmates, his sister and Marni.
Tash Bradley phones her boyfriend, Alex Mullins, for help after being attacked. She is rushed to hospital but sadly dies the next day. After her death a strange tattoo is found on her back and this makes Alex the prime suspect. When another girl with links to Alex disappears he becomes the only suspect. Francis isn’t as convinced as the rest of the team of his guilt and Marni will do anything to clear her son’s name.
Her Last Breath is a roller coaster of a read with incident upon incident and a well concealed perpetrator which will appeal to many readers. I found it compulsive in parts but not enough to say I loved it. I found it a very choppy read with its constant switches between characters and the insertion of chapters about a young girl called Aimée which have no relevance until the denouement just seemed like a distraction. Having read the whole novel they are given much more prominence than they deserve. The murder plot is well conceived and executed but it gets bogged down in extraneities, mainly interpersonal relationships and the court case from the previous novel. This latter means that there is no going back to The Tattoo Thief after reading this one. The balance is not right for my tastes.
The characters are very well developed so the reader gets to experience their highs and lows along with them. This is fine if you like them but try as I might I really don’t like Marni, finding her impulsive and too quick to jump to conclusions. It’s harder to get a handle on Francis as his life seems to be one long confrontation with his workmates, his sister and Marni.
July 23, 2020
All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/
I chose to read and review a free eARC of Her Last Breath but that has in no way influenced my review.
I read The Tattoo Thief, the author's debut, back in 2018 and really enjoyed it. It was a dark read with a really interesting, different lead detective. So I was keen to get stuck into Her Last Breath and oh boy, I loved it. The Tattoo Thief was good but Her Last Breath is an absolute corker!
A young woman is savagely attacked and left with horrific wounds on a beach in Brighton. The woman, Tash Brady, is the girlfriend of Alex Mullins - son of local tattoo artist Marni Mullins, who is still recovering from her recent run-in with the Tattoo Thief. Marni does the only thing she can think of to help Tash and that's call a man she hoped to never see again, DI Francis Sullivan. Sullivan and the team are put on the case but days later, Tash tragically dies. Shortly after Tash's death, another young woman is attacked. Her wounds match those of the first victim and Sullivan fears the worst. They have a serial killer on their hands. And one clear suspect - Marni's son, Alex...
What a page-turner! I enjoyed the first book but found it hard to warm to the characters. That was not the case in Her Last Breath. I adored Marni's complete faith in her son's innocence and her dogged determination to prove it. Sullivan has matured and grown into his role and even though he has moments of doubt, he stands tall and leads the team from the front. DS Rory Mackay is still biting at his heels and wants Sullivan's job, which he feels should be his anyway, but Sullivan's increased confidence and leadership keeps him at bay. Other members of the team are equally as strong as Sullivan and Mackay, and add to the gripping storyline.
Killer tattoos. I mean, how fantastic is that?! This is the type of plot I devour. Something a little different, something that I haven't seen before, something to keep me on the edge of my seat - which is exactly what Her Last Breath did. With many of the team focussing all of their resources on one suspect, looking to pin something - anything (!) - on Alex, they're not looking at the bigger picture, which results in a second woman being attacked. Sullivan senses that Alex isn't their man, but he's got to prove it and find out who is. I loved the intense race against time to find the killer. The way the author makes you question Alex's innocence. The heart-stopping, claustrophobic ending set in one of the most revolting locations I've ever read in a book was so brilliantly written - I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved Her Last Breath and I'm eagerly waiting for book three so I can be reunited with Sullivan and Marni again. And, of course, find out how tattoos will feature in the plot! I would strongly recommend that you read The Tattoo Thief first before Her Last Breath, as the case in the first book is mentioned and referred to often with lots of spoilers. Going in with some knowledge of past happenings will help. Her Last Breath is a gritty, captivating police procedural with a difference and I loved every minute I spent in Brighton with the team. Gripping, engaging and absolutely riveting. Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Her Last Breath. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I chose to read and review a free eARC of Her Last Breath but that has in no way influenced my review.
I read The Tattoo Thief, the author's debut, back in 2018 and really enjoyed it. It was a dark read with a really interesting, different lead detective. So I was keen to get stuck into Her Last Breath and oh boy, I loved it. The Tattoo Thief was good but Her Last Breath is an absolute corker!
A young woman is savagely attacked and left with horrific wounds on a beach in Brighton. The woman, Tash Brady, is the girlfriend of Alex Mullins - son of local tattoo artist Marni Mullins, who is still recovering from her recent run-in with the Tattoo Thief. Marni does the only thing she can think of to help Tash and that's call a man she hoped to never see again, DI Francis Sullivan. Sullivan and the team are put on the case but days later, Tash tragically dies. Shortly after Tash's death, another young woman is attacked. Her wounds match those of the first victim and Sullivan fears the worst. They have a serial killer on their hands. And one clear suspect - Marni's son, Alex...
What a page-turner! I enjoyed the first book but found it hard to warm to the characters. That was not the case in Her Last Breath. I adored Marni's complete faith in her son's innocence and her dogged determination to prove it. Sullivan has matured and grown into his role and even though he has moments of doubt, he stands tall and leads the team from the front. DS Rory Mackay is still biting at his heels and wants Sullivan's job, which he feels should be his anyway, but Sullivan's increased confidence and leadership keeps him at bay. Other members of the team are equally as strong as Sullivan and Mackay, and add to the gripping storyline.
Killer tattoos. I mean, how fantastic is that?! This is the type of plot I devour. Something a little different, something that I haven't seen before, something to keep me on the edge of my seat - which is exactly what Her Last Breath did. With many of the team focussing all of their resources on one suspect, looking to pin something - anything (!) - on Alex, they're not looking at the bigger picture, which results in a second woman being attacked. Sullivan senses that Alex isn't their man, but he's got to prove it and find out who is. I loved the intense race against time to find the killer. The way the author makes you question Alex's innocence. The heart-stopping, claustrophobic ending set in one of the most revolting locations I've ever read in a book was so brilliantly written - I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved Her Last Breath and I'm eagerly waiting for book three so I can be reunited with Sullivan and Marni again. And, of course, find out how tattoos will feature in the plot! I would strongly recommend that you read The Tattoo Thief first before Her Last Breath, as the case in the first book is mentioned and referred to often with lots of spoilers. Going in with some knowledge of past happenings will help. Her Last Breath is a gritty, captivating police procedural with a difference and I loved every minute I spent in Brighton with the team. Gripping, engaging and absolutely riveting. Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Her Last Breath. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 15, 2022
After reading the first book The Tattoo Thief which blew me away and was an easy five star read, I was hoping that Her Last Breath would be more of the same. I am glad to say I definitely did. This book ticked all my boxes. I read this book in one sitting and only put it down when needs must. The tension and suspense kept me glued to my seat. Atmospheric and so chilling it gave me goosebumps on my goosebumps. Graphic, with plenty of heart in your mouth moments. Her first book put me off tattoos but this book has put me off them for life. A must read and highly recommended.
July 2, 2021
Prvá kniha, Zlodej tetovaní, sa mi dostala do rúk hneď po vydaní a veľmi sa mi zapáčila. Autorka nazrela do tatérskeho umenia a poviem vám, táto práca je oveľa komplikovanejšia a komplexnejšia akoby si jeden myslel. 😍
V dvojke, Jej posledný výdych, sa ponárame ešte o čosi hlbšie.
Kniha začína v strede diania, stretávame sa s prvou obeťou, prvým podozrivým, a odvtedy sme hádzaní do jednej zlej situácie za druhou. Snažíme sa rozuzliť šialenstvo, ktoré sa v meste rozpútalo, no to nás aj inšpektorov stále dovedie na začiatok.
Už z obsahu je jasné, že sa do deja vrátia staré známe postavy s novými problémami, ale priznám sa, že ma tróp hrdinu ako páchateľa unavuje. Zbytočne to zabíja celkovú tajomnú atmosféru, pretože namiesto skutočného pátrania sa len stále točíme okolo toho istého. A potom, z ničoho nič, si postavy uvedomia jednu vec a vyriešia celý prípad na posledných 40tich stranách. 🤔
Páčil sa mi spôsob, akým sa autorka rozhodla zakomponovať do diela útržky histórie iných postáv, vraždy a podobne, no z toho skákania z postavy na postavu som mala miestami nejasno, kde a s kým sa vlastne nachádzam.
Príbeh je značne dynamický, postavy napredujú, snažia sa vysporiadať s minulosťou, ktorá ich v tomto pokračovaní dobehne, vďaka čomu všetci ukazujú, čo sa v nich naozaj skrýva.
Francis a Marni boli skvelí rozprávači, takže mi ostáva dúfať a modliť sa, že sa s nimi uvidíme aj v treťom pokračovaní, pretože veľa vecí ostalo na konci otvorených a ja potrebujem odpovede.
V dvojke, Jej posledný výdych, sa ponárame ešte o čosi hlbšie.
Kniha začína v strede diania, stretávame sa s prvou obeťou, prvým podozrivým, a odvtedy sme hádzaní do jednej zlej situácie za druhou. Snažíme sa rozuzliť šialenstvo, ktoré sa v meste rozpútalo, no to nás aj inšpektorov stále dovedie na začiatok.
Už z obsahu je jasné, že sa do deja vrátia staré známe postavy s novými problémami, ale priznám sa, že ma tróp hrdinu ako páchateľa unavuje. Zbytočne to zabíja celkovú tajomnú atmosféru, pretože namiesto skutočného pátrania sa len stále točíme okolo toho istého. A potom, z ničoho nič, si postavy uvedomia jednu vec a vyriešia celý prípad na posledných 40tich stranách. 🤔
Páčil sa mi spôsob, akým sa autorka rozhodla zakomponovať do diela útržky histórie iných postáv, vraždy a podobne, no z toho skákania z postavy na postavu som mala miestami nejasno, kde a s kým sa vlastne nachádzam.
Príbeh je značne dynamický, postavy napredujú, snažia sa vysporiadať s minulosťou, ktorá ich v tomto pokračovaní dobehne, vďaka čomu všetci ukazujú, čo sa v nich naozaj skrýva.
Francis a Marni boli skvelí rozprávači, takže mi ostáva dúfať a modliť sa, že sa s nimi uvidíme aj v treťom pokračovaní, pretože veľa vecí ostalo na konci otvorených a ja potrebujem odpovede.
February 9, 2020
I absolutely loved The Tattoo Thief so was thrilled to pick up a copy of Her Last Breath when I was attending Morecambe and Vice last year. I think it can be read as a stand-alone but you definitely could do with reading The Tattoo Thief first if you fancy more of an insight into Francis and his relationship with Marnie Mullins and their backgrounds.
Her Last Breath was just as good as The Tattoo Thief, if not better!! It was gripping, gory and gruesome with a fantastically dark and intriguing storyline. Detective Francis Sullivan is called in when a girl is found injured after an attack. When she later dies and another woman is snatched off the streets, Francis realises a serial killer is once again stalking the streets of Brighton. And if that's not enough, he also has to face the "Tattoo Thief" trial plus the son of his ex lover is now a prime suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. I'm not even going to mention the other problems he is facing but it's safe to say that nothing is going well for DI Sullivan...
I was blown away once again by how involved I became in this case. Alison Belsham writes a disturbing yet fascinating narrative that winds its twisty way down the path of suspense until that shocking conclusion. Yes, the clues may have been there but I didn't see them coming and was totally in awe of the plot development that crept up on me, hidden by some great camouflage! I think I suspected everyone whilst still suspecting no one!
Alison Belsham got this second book just right. It can be hard to follow up on a debut crime novel that has been so well received but Her Last Breath worked perfectly for me. It's a stylish thriller with a likeable "closed book" main character who always leaves me wanting to know more.
Highly recommended by me!
February 9, 2025
Spannend verhaal, het begon enigszins traag maar toen het plot op gang kwam wilde ik blijven lezen om maar te zien hoe het zou aflopen.
October 8, 2019
Elena81 - per RFS
.
Siamo a Brighton e l’ispettore Francis Sullivan viene contattato in seguito al ritrovamento di una ragazza gravemente ferita: Natasha Brady.
La vittima, appena diciassettenne, è stata violentemente picchiata e seviziata e non solo: su mani e piedi presenta dei segni simili a stigmate e tra le scapole le è stato fatto un tatuaggio molto particolare, tre righe in stile gotico e lingua Latina:
“Clavos pedum, plagas dura,
Et tam graves impressuras
Circumplector cum affect”
A lanciare l’allarme è Alex, il fidanzato di Tash, contattato da lei dopo l’aggressione.
Una volta ricevuti i primi soccorsi, la ragazza viene trasportata d’urgenza in ospedale, dove piano piano sembra rispondere alle cure. Sullivan riesce a farle qualche domanda a cui lei risponde a fatica, per il grave stato di shock in cui versa.
Partono le indagini e si apre una caccia all’uomo, ma purtroppo Tash, 24 ore dopo l’aggressione muore.
Il primo sospettato è Alex Mullins, il fidanzato, poiché viene riferito che i due innamorati avevano avuto una discussione in un pub.
Inoltre le telecamere del lungomare hanno ripreso Tash che andava via e dopo poco, lui dirigersi nella stessa direzione per cercarla.
Dall’autopsia risulta che nell’inchiostro impiegato per il tatuaggio era presente la Tassina, un veleno altamente pericoloso, che se assorbito dall’organismo in grandi quantità può rivelarsi fatale.
Passano i giorni e le indagini si trovano a un punto morto fino a che non viene ritrovata un’altra ragazzina, Sally Ann Granger, migliore amica di Tash.
Stessa tipologia di aggressione, stesso stile di tatuaggio che cita
“Quit sum tibi responsurus,
Actu vilis corole durus?”
Sullivan capisce che che le frasi sono tratte da un brano del corano di Buxtehude, quello che non gli torna è cosa rappresentino per il killer.
Una volta trasportata in ospedale anche Sally Ann viene sottoposta alle cure necessarie ma viene ritrovata nel suo sangue la stessa sostanza ed i medici, in preda allo sconforto, non possono fare altro che attendere che il veleno porti a termine ciò che il killer ha iniziato…
Wow che meraviglioso thriller!
Alex è il personaggio che più mi ha colpita e per cui ho provato subito “simpatia”.
I genitori di Tash scoprono della sua relazione con la figlia solo in ospedale, nonostante i due giovani stessero insieme da circa sei mesi e fossero veramente innamorati.
Tash ha preferito tacere perché, conoscendo il modo di pensare della famiglia, sapeva che non avrebbero mai acconsentito.
Figlio di genitori con un passato un po’ burrascoso, entrambi tatuatori e soprattutto… nero!
Una famiglia benestante come quella della ragazza, chiusa di vedute e molto attenta al giudizio degli altri, non lo avrebbe mai accettato!
La madre di Tash è talmente convinta che lui sia il responsabile della morte della figlia da convincere una delle amiche a dichiarare alla polizia che lui l’avesse colpita tempo indietro, in seguito ad una discussione.
Insomma, quale colpevole migliore di un ragazzo nero proveniente da un’umile famiglia?
Scritto benissimo, in maniera fluida, scorrevole e super coinvolgente, questo romanzo non lascia nulla al caso, niente è insignificante o irrilevante.
In più passaggi vengono menzionati episodi relativi al libro precedente “Il Tatuatore” che io non ho letto, ma vengono rispiegati in maniera molto semplice e diretta, in modo che non vi siano “momenti di vuoto”, come spesso accade quando si leggono delle serie collegate, partendo dal secondo volume.
Spero vivamente che l’autrice decida di proseguire con le avventure dell’investigatore Sullivan perché a mio modesto parere è da primo in classifica nel suo genere.
.
Siamo a Brighton e l’ispettore Francis Sullivan viene contattato in seguito al ritrovamento di una ragazza gravemente ferita: Natasha Brady.
La vittima, appena diciassettenne, è stata violentemente picchiata e seviziata e non solo: su mani e piedi presenta dei segni simili a stigmate e tra le scapole le è stato fatto un tatuaggio molto particolare, tre righe in stile gotico e lingua Latina:
“Clavos pedum, plagas dura,
Et tam graves impressuras
Circumplector cum affect”
A lanciare l’allarme è Alex, il fidanzato di Tash, contattato da lei dopo l’aggressione.
Una volta ricevuti i primi soccorsi, la ragazza viene trasportata d’urgenza in ospedale, dove piano piano sembra rispondere alle cure. Sullivan riesce a farle qualche domanda a cui lei risponde a fatica, per il grave stato di shock in cui versa.
Partono le indagini e si apre una caccia all’uomo, ma purtroppo Tash, 24 ore dopo l’aggressione muore.
Il primo sospettato è Alex Mullins, il fidanzato, poiché viene riferito che i due innamorati avevano avuto una discussione in un pub.
Inoltre le telecamere del lungomare hanno ripreso Tash che andava via e dopo poco, lui dirigersi nella stessa direzione per cercarla.
Dall’autopsia risulta che nell’inchiostro impiegato per il tatuaggio era presente la Tassina, un veleno altamente pericoloso, che se assorbito dall’organismo in grandi quantità può rivelarsi fatale.
Passano i giorni e le indagini si trovano a un punto morto fino a che non viene ritrovata un’altra ragazzina, Sally Ann Granger, migliore amica di Tash.
Stessa tipologia di aggressione, stesso stile di tatuaggio che cita
“Quit sum tibi responsurus,
Actu vilis corole durus?”
Sullivan capisce che che le frasi sono tratte da un brano del corano di Buxtehude, quello che non gli torna è cosa rappresentino per il killer.
Una volta trasportata in ospedale anche Sally Ann viene sottoposta alle cure necessarie ma viene ritrovata nel suo sangue la stessa sostanza ed i medici, in preda allo sconforto, non possono fare altro che attendere che il veleno porti a termine ciò che il killer ha iniziato…
Wow che meraviglioso thriller!
Alex è il personaggio che più mi ha colpita e per cui ho provato subito “simpatia”.
I genitori di Tash scoprono della sua relazione con la figlia solo in ospedale, nonostante i due giovani stessero insieme da circa sei mesi e fossero veramente innamorati.
Tash ha preferito tacere perché, conoscendo il modo di pensare della famiglia, sapeva che non avrebbero mai acconsentito.
Figlio di genitori con un passato un po’ burrascoso, entrambi tatuatori e soprattutto… nero!
Una famiglia benestante come quella della ragazza, chiusa di vedute e molto attenta al giudizio degli altri, non lo avrebbe mai accettato!
La madre di Tash è talmente convinta che lui sia il responsabile della morte della figlia da convincere una delle amiche a dichiarare alla polizia che lui l’avesse colpita tempo indietro, in seguito ad una discussione.
Insomma, quale colpevole migliore di un ragazzo nero proveniente da un’umile famiglia?
Scritto benissimo, in maniera fluida, scorrevole e super coinvolgente, questo romanzo non lascia nulla al caso, niente è insignificante o irrilevante.
In più passaggi vengono menzionati episodi relativi al libro precedente “Il Tatuatore” che io non ho letto, ma vengono rispiegati in maniera molto semplice e diretta, in modo che non vi siano “momenti di vuoto”, come spesso accade quando si leggono delle serie collegate, partendo dal secondo volume.
Spero vivamente che l’autrice decida di proseguire con le avventure dell’investigatore Sullivan perché a mio modesto parere è da primo in classifica nel suo genere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
http://viaggiatricepigra.blogspot.com...
Un seguito che non mi aspettavo (non seguivo le notizie) e alla cui notizia ho reagito con gioia. Sono davvero grata per l'esser finita in questo Review Party (che mi ha permesso di scoprirlo) e leggerlo in anteprima per potervene parlare.
Ci troviamo un anno dopo le vicende raccontate nel primo volume, ovvero "Il Tatuatore" (trovate la mia opinione quì). Ritroviamo i protagonisti che avevano reso così avvincente quella storia, eppure qualcosa è cambiato, nonostante serva un'altra indagine per farli rincontrare.
Ahimè, essendo abbastanza collegati, potreste leggerli separati, ma ve lo sconsiglio.
Vi spoilereste il primo volume e temo che alcuni dettagli potrebbero creare confusione.
Anche questa recensione contiene Spoiler, quindi se non avete letto "Il Tatuatore" non andate oltre.
Una ragazza viene brutalmente aggredita, seviziata e lasciata morente. In meno di ventiquattr'ore muore in ospedale. La polizia si ritrova a passare da un caso di aggressione ad uno di omicidio.
Ad investigare ci sarà ancora l'ispettore Francis Sullivan con la sua squadra, ma c'è un problema.
Il principale sospetto è il fidanzato della vittima. Ovvero, Alex Mullins, il figlio di Marni, la tatuatrice che ha aiutato Francis nelle precedenti indagini e quasi diventata vittima del "Ladro di Tatuaggi".
A complicare il tutto ci si mettono anche problemi familiari, che danno modo ad un elemento della sua squadra di cercare di farsi notare, per prendere il posto di Francis.
Di più non voglio dirvi.
Come il precedente, avremo una visione corale della storia attraverso molte voci, da Francis, ad Alex, a Marni, fino ad alcuni agenti di polizia ed altri. Persino l'assassino ci darà alcune tracce di sé, ma rendendo difficile capire chi sia e perchè stia facendo questo.
Un thriller davvero interessante e che in pochissime ore si divora.
Adrenalinico quanto basta per tener il lettore attaccato alle pagine, mescolando abilmente colpi di scena e rivelazioni, con parti della vita privata dei vari personaggi che danno loro spessore.
Una scrittura leggera, che permette di scorrere velocemente capitolo dopo capitolo l'indagine, senza appesantirci mentre si arriva alla rivelazione finale.
Un secondo capitolo di una serie che promette bene, anche se è difficile capire dove l'autrice troverà spunto per un prossimo capitolo (o magari più d'uno?!). Staremo a vedere.
Nel frattempo, se avete amato "Il Tatuatore", non potete farvi scappare questo seguito.
Una piccola nota stonata: il titolo!
La Newton in questo pecca clamorosamente. Infatti era il precedente volume da noi chiamato "Il Tatuatore" ad essere in originale "The Tattoo Thief" (ovvero "Il Ladro Di Tatuaggi", che si collega perfettamente alla trama), mentre questo era "Her Last Breath" (ovvero "Il Suo Ultimo Respiro", riferendosi ad una donna per l'uso di "her"). Non ha alcun senso questo titolo.
Mi spiace, ma ci sono rimasta davvero male. Poteva essere di tutto, ma questo non ci sta proprio.
Un seguito che non mi aspettavo (non seguivo le notizie) e alla cui notizia ho reagito con gioia. Sono davvero grata per l'esser finita in questo Review Party (che mi ha permesso di scoprirlo) e leggerlo in anteprima per potervene parlare.
Ci troviamo un anno dopo le vicende raccontate nel primo volume, ovvero "Il Tatuatore" (trovate la mia opinione quì). Ritroviamo i protagonisti che avevano reso così avvincente quella storia, eppure qualcosa è cambiato, nonostante serva un'altra indagine per farli rincontrare.
Ahimè, essendo abbastanza collegati, potreste leggerli separati, ma ve lo sconsiglio.
Vi spoilereste il primo volume e temo che alcuni dettagli potrebbero creare confusione.
Anche questa recensione contiene Spoiler, quindi se non avete letto "Il Tatuatore" non andate oltre.
Una ragazza viene brutalmente aggredita, seviziata e lasciata morente. In meno di ventiquattr'ore muore in ospedale. La polizia si ritrova a passare da un caso di aggressione ad uno di omicidio.
Ad investigare ci sarà ancora l'ispettore Francis Sullivan con la sua squadra, ma c'è un problema.
Il principale sospetto è il fidanzato della vittima. Ovvero, Alex Mullins, il figlio di Marni, la tatuatrice che ha aiutato Francis nelle precedenti indagini e quasi diventata vittima del "Ladro di Tatuaggi".
A complicare il tutto ci si mettono anche problemi familiari, che danno modo ad un elemento della sua squadra di cercare di farsi notare, per prendere il posto di Francis.
Di più non voglio dirvi.
Come il precedente, avremo una visione corale della storia attraverso molte voci, da Francis, ad Alex, a Marni, fino ad alcuni agenti di polizia ed altri. Persino l'assassino ci darà alcune tracce di sé, ma rendendo difficile capire chi sia e perchè stia facendo questo.
Un thriller davvero interessante e che in pochissime ore si divora.
Adrenalinico quanto basta per tener il lettore attaccato alle pagine, mescolando abilmente colpi di scena e rivelazioni, con parti della vita privata dei vari personaggi che danno loro spessore.
Una scrittura leggera, che permette di scorrere velocemente capitolo dopo capitolo l'indagine, senza appesantirci mentre si arriva alla rivelazione finale.
Un secondo capitolo di una serie che promette bene, anche se è difficile capire dove l'autrice troverà spunto per un prossimo capitolo (o magari più d'uno?!). Staremo a vedere.
Nel frattempo, se avete amato "Il Tatuatore", non potete farvi scappare questo seguito.
Una piccola nota stonata: il titolo!
La Newton in questo pecca clamorosamente. Infatti era il precedente volume da noi chiamato "Il Tatuatore" ad essere in originale "The Tattoo Thief" (ovvero "Il Ladro Di Tatuaggi", che si collega perfettamente alla trama), mentre questo era "Her Last Breath" (ovvero "Il Suo Ultimo Respiro", riferendosi ad una donna per l'uso di "her"). Non ha alcun senso questo titolo.
Mi spiace, ma ci sono rimasta davvero male. Poteva essere di tutto, ma questo non ci sta proprio.
February 5, 2020
I was interested to read Her Last Breath since this well paced thriller is set in my hometown of Brighton. I find it an extra bonus when the action takes place in streets that are familiar to me, although a little eerie!! It adds to my overall enjoyment and this thriller was no exception.
This is the second book in a series featuring detective Francis Sullivan and local tattooist Marni Mullins. Like other reviewers I do think it probably helps you to appreciate both characters more if you have read the first book(which I hadn’t!) though by no means essential. I think if you do read in sequence then their backstory would make more sense.
I’m not sure I particularly warmed to either of these two characters, although I did feel some sympathy towards Francis, who as someone promoted at a young age over and above more experienced officers, he faces an uphill struggle to get some members of his team on side. Yet he is dogged and determined and stands firm in his convictions which are admirable traits. Like all good fictional detectives, his job comes first, to the exclusion of a personal life, although you do get an insight into his personal feelings/emotions in the scenes featuring his sister and mother.
When Tasha Brady is found barely conscious having suffered an horrific attack, her boyfriend Alex Mullins is definitely in the frame for what turns out to be murder. He is portrayed as an easy convenient suspect especially when one of Tasha’s friends becomes the second victim of this killer.
And so begins the race to catch whoever is guilty for these gruesome killings before he/she can strike again.
Told from multiple perspectives I found this to be an engaging read although unfortunately it was way too obvious to guess the identity of the serial killer. I wasn’t too sure about the inclusion of the whole Marni, Paul, Thierry triangle except perhaps to pave the way for any development in the relationship between Marni and Francis in the future.
Overall I do think Her last Breath is well written, quite gruesome in places and nerve wracking at certain points. The events leading up to the revealing of the killer’s identity were tense and gripping and certainly held my attention. Reading this you do get a feel for the seedy side of this seaside city, perhaps proving why it’s a popular choice for the setting of crime/thriller novels.
Definitely worth a read, in my opinion, and look forward to future instalments in this series.
My thanks as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in a series featuring detective Francis Sullivan and local tattooist Marni Mullins. Like other reviewers I do think it probably helps you to appreciate both characters more if you have read the first book(which I hadn’t!) though by no means essential. I think if you do read in sequence then their backstory would make more sense.
I’m not sure I particularly warmed to either of these two characters, although I did feel some sympathy towards Francis, who as someone promoted at a young age over and above more experienced officers, he faces an uphill struggle to get some members of his team on side. Yet he is dogged and determined and stands firm in his convictions which are admirable traits. Like all good fictional detectives, his job comes first, to the exclusion of a personal life, although you do get an insight into his personal feelings/emotions in the scenes featuring his sister and mother.
When Tasha Brady is found barely conscious having suffered an horrific attack, her boyfriend Alex Mullins is definitely in the frame for what turns out to be murder. He is portrayed as an easy convenient suspect especially when one of Tasha’s friends becomes the second victim of this killer.
And so begins the race to catch whoever is guilty for these gruesome killings before he/she can strike again.
Told from multiple perspectives I found this to be an engaging read although unfortunately it was way too obvious to guess the identity of the serial killer. I wasn’t too sure about the inclusion of the whole Marni, Paul, Thierry triangle except perhaps to pave the way for any development in the relationship between Marni and Francis in the future.
Overall I do think Her last Breath is well written, quite gruesome in places and nerve wracking at certain points. The events leading up to the revealing of the killer’s identity were tense and gripping and certainly held my attention. Reading this you do get a feel for the seedy side of this seaside city, perhaps proving why it’s a popular choice for the setting of crime/thriller novels.
Definitely worth a read, in my opinion, and look forward to future instalments in this series.
My thanks as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2020
Amici del Confine,
eccomi in vostra compagnia in questi ultimi giorni del 2019 per parlarvi di un libro che ho da poco concluso di leggere.
Si tratta di un thriller dal titolo "Il ladro di tatuaggi" di Alison Belsham, secondo romanzo scritto dell'autrice e seguito di “Il tatuatore”, pubblicato dalla Newton Compton editori.
Durante l'estate a Brighton, una giovane donna viene ritrovata in fin di vita e poco dopo muore in ospedale in circostanze misteriose.
Sul corpo aveva un particolare tatuaggio fatto come fosse un marchio.
Quando viene coinvolta anche un'altra donna, scomparsa nelle stesse circostanze della prima, l'ispettore Francis Sullivan si trova nuovamente alle prese con un serial killer collegato in qualche modo al mondo dei tatuaggi.
Sullivan è ancora nel bel mezzo del processo per il suo vecchio caso "dei tatuaggi" e stavolta deve tenere conto anche dei suoi sentimenti, perché il maggior sospettato degli omicidi delle due donne è Alex Mullins, figlio della sua amata Marni, la tatuatrice.
L'ispettore riuscirà a svolgere il suo lavoro risolvendo il caso senza farsi coinvolgere dalla sua vita privata?
Siamo tornati a Brighton in compagnia dell'ispettore Sullivan e, soprattutto di Marni, il personaggio che più ho adorato nel primo romanzo.
Anche stavolta, al centro delle indagini ci saranno i tatuaggi, ma Marni e Francis avranno un ruolo completamente diverso rispetto al precedente romanzo.
Avevamo lasciato i due che, dopo aver svolto insieme le indagini, erano in buoni rapporti, direi più che buoni, ma il coinvolgimento di Alex, figlio di Marni, nel caso,non renderà per niente facile la situazione tra i due.
Durante la lettura vi renderete conto che il loro rapporto sarà quasi pari a zero.
L'autrice, come al solito, è stata molto brava a fornire dettagli minuziosi e importanti.
Le forti descrizioni ricche di dettagli ci saranno utili a capire molte cose e ad avere un bel quadro di tutta la storia e dei personaggi, sia vecchi che nuovi, con dei collegamenti tra loro che serviranno a risolvere il caso.
Avere Alex come maggior sospettato sarà complicato per Francis e il coinvolgimento sentimentale non gli renderà le cose facili, infatti in alcuni momenti si troverà in disaccordo con la sua squadra.
Il fatto che la storia sia raccontata da diversi punti di vista, da quella dei due protagonisti e da quella dell'assassino, rende la storia più adrenalinica e avvincente, con un po’ di mistero che tiene il lettore incollato con interesse alle pagine fino alla fine.
A parer mio, chi non ha letto "Il tatuatore" e vuole leggere questo romanzo dovrebbe leggerli in ordine cronologico per evitare spoiler sulla storia precedente. Per chi è appassionato di suspense thriller, non può perdersi "Il ladro di tatuaggi", rimarrete sorpresi in positivo.
Non è una lettura pesante e in questo periodo di vacanze abbiamo tutti bisogno di un po’ di relax.
Vi auguro buona lettura e buone vacanze.
Voto 3.5
eccomi in vostra compagnia in questi ultimi giorni del 2019 per parlarvi di un libro che ho da poco concluso di leggere.
Si tratta di un thriller dal titolo "Il ladro di tatuaggi" di Alison Belsham, secondo romanzo scritto dell'autrice e seguito di “Il tatuatore”, pubblicato dalla Newton Compton editori.
Durante l'estate a Brighton, una giovane donna viene ritrovata in fin di vita e poco dopo muore in ospedale in circostanze misteriose.
Sul corpo aveva un particolare tatuaggio fatto come fosse un marchio.
Quando viene coinvolta anche un'altra donna, scomparsa nelle stesse circostanze della prima, l'ispettore Francis Sullivan si trova nuovamente alle prese con un serial killer collegato in qualche modo al mondo dei tatuaggi.
Sullivan è ancora nel bel mezzo del processo per il suo vecchio caso "dei tatuaggi" e stavolta deve tenere conto anche dei suoi sentimenti, perché il maggior sospettato degli omicidi delle due donne è Alex Mullins, figlio della sua amata Marni, la tatuatrice.
L'ispettore riuscirà a svolgere il suo lavoro risolvendo il caso senza farsi coinvolgere dalla sua vita privata?
Siamo tornati a Brighton in compagnia dell'ispettore Sullivan e, soprattutto di Marni, il personaggio che più ho adorato nel primo romanzo.
Anche stavolta, al centro delle indagini ci saranno i tatuaggi, ma Marni e Francis avranno un ruolo completamente diverso rispetto al precedente romanzo.
Avevamo lasciato i due che, dopo aver svolto insieme le indagini, erano in buoni rapporti, direi più che buoni, ma il coinvolgimento di Alex, figlio di Marni, nel caso,non renderà per niente facile la situazione tra i due.
Durante la lettura vi renderete conto che il loro rapporto sarà quasi pari a zero.
L'autrice, come al solito, è stata molto brava a fornire dettagli minuziosi e importanti.
Le forti descrizioni ricche di dettagli ci saranno utili a capire molte cose e ad avere un bel quadro di tutta la storia e dei personaggi, sia vecchi che nuovi, con dei collegamenti tra loro che serviranno a risolvere il caso.
Avere Alex come maggior sospettato sarà complicato per Francis e il coinvolgimento sentimentale non gli renderà le cose facili, infatti in alcuni momenti si troverà in disaccordo con la sua squadra.
Il fatto che la storia sia raccontata da diversi punti di vista, da quella dei due protagonisti e da quella dell'assassino, rende la storia più adrenalinica e avvincente, con un po’ di mistero che tiene il lettore incollato con interesse alle pagine fino alla fine.
A parer mio, chi non ha letto "Il tatuatore" e vuole leggere questo romanzo dovrebbe leggerli in ordine cronologico per evitare spoiler sulla storia precedente. Per chi è appassionato di suspense thriller, non può perdersi "Il ladro di tatuaggi", rimarrete sorpresi in positivo.
Non è una lettura pesante e in questo periodo di vacanze abbiamo tutti bisogno di un po’ di relax.
Vi auguro buona lettura e buone vacanze.
Voto 3.5
March 2, 2020
It's great to see Marni Mullins again! I know Francis Sullivan is the main man, but I'm delighted that Marni is back too.
This is the follow up to The Tattoo Thief but can easily be read as a standalone. It's set in one of my favourite places, Brighton, and has a character called Suze (great name) in it - what's not to like!
Seventeen year old Tash Brady storms out of a nightclub following an argument with her boyfriend and heads towards home. Hours later he finds her with horrific injuries and a tattoo on her back. Her death sparks a murder investigation headed up by DI Francis Sullivan. And the chief suspect is Tash's boyfriend, Alex Mullins, who just happens to be Marni's son. And Marni and the DI have history.
Sullivan is a really interesting character. Promoted young, he's not always popular with his subordinates, particularly Rory. He has a solid Catholic faith and a strong moral compass. But tattoo artist Marni gets him hot under the collar.
I love Marni. She's feisty, fierce and full of attitude. She has a fair amount of baggage, some of which is teased out here in a charged sub plot. She has a pretty low opinion of the police and her feelings about Sullivan are...complicated. But it's fair to say she's far from impressed when the team get her son in their sights.
Is it wrong that I have a thing for Thierry? I've had it since the first book - I think it's the bad boy/French accent combo that does it!
As well as the current action, we see a few snapshots of a young girl of a young girl growing up in the 80s and 90s, which I found really intriguing. Sad too. Back in the present, the team struggle to get ahead, not helped by a bit of in fighting. And Francis is distracted by things happening away from work. Tension builds as they start to put clues together. I was rooting for the team, although at times I wanted to give Rory a good shake!
Her Last Breath is nerve-racking throughout. Quite gruesome in places - Belsham doesn't shy away from the bloody details - and a bit icky in others. The denouement had me holding my breath, I just couldn't read fast enough, and whilst I was thinking along the right lines, the reveal was a shock for me.
This story is chocked full of action, with added spadefuls of jeopardy. And it's all done with brilliantly drawn characters who have real emotional depth. Characters that I'd like to have a drink and chat with. That's skilful writing. I devoured this book and just can't wait for the final part of the trilogy.
This is the follow up to The Tattoo Thief but can easily be read as a standalone. It's set in one of my favourite places, Brighton, and has a character called Suze (great name) in it - what's not to like!
Seventeen year old Tash Brady storms out of a nightclub following an argument with her boyfriend and heads towards home. Hours later he finds her with horrific injuries and a tattoo on her back. Her death sparks a murder investigation headed up by DI Francis Sullivan. And the chief suspect is Tash's boyfriend, Alex Mullins, who just happens to be Marni's son. And Marni and the DI have history.
Sullivan is a really interesting character. Promoted young, he's not always popular with his subordinates, particularly Rory. He has a solid Catholic faith and a strong moral compass. But tattoo artist Marni gets him hot under the collar.
I love Marni. She's feisty, fierce and full of attitude. She has a fair amount of baggage, some of which is teased out here in a charged sub plot. She has a pretty low opinion of the police and her feelings about Sullivan are...complicated. But it's fair to say she's far from impressed when the team get her son in their sights.
Is it wrong that I have a thing for Thierry? I've had it since the first book - I think it's the bad boy/French accent combo that does it!
As well as the current action, we see a few snapshots of a young girl of a young girl growing up in the 80s and 90s, which I found really intriguing. Sad too. Back in the present, the team struggle to get ahead, not helped by a bit of in fighting. And Francis is distracted by things happening away from work. Tension builds as they start to put clues together. I was rooting for the team, although at times I wanted to give Rory a good shake!
Her Last Breath is nerve-racking throughout. Quite gruesome in places - Belsham doesn't shy away from the bloody details - and a bit icky in others. The denouement had me holding my breath, I just couldn't read fast enough, and whilst I was thinking along the right lines, the reveal was a shock for me.
This story is chocked full of action, with added spadefuls of jeopardy. And it's all done with brilliantly drawn characters who have real emotional depth. Characters that I'd like to have a drink and chat with. That's skilful writing. I devoured this book and just can't wait for the final part of the trilogy.
February 3, 2020
I absolutely love discovering new authors and Alison Belsham is sort of a new author for me. I say 'sort of' because although I already have a copy of the first book in the DI Sullivan series (called 'The Tattoo Thief') on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually read it yet. When I was offered the chance to take part in the blog tour for the second book in the series, called 'Her Last Breath', I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to acquaint myself with Alison's work. Having enjoyed reading 'Her Last Breath' as much as I did, I am rather annoyed at myself for leaving it this long to discover just how flipping fantastic an author Alison is. I absolutely loved reading 'Her Last Breath' but more about that in a bit.
It took me next to no time to get into this book. As soon as I read the first couple of sentences, I knew that this was going to be one of those rare books that would not leave my hands until the moment I read the last word on the last page. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to be parted from the book as I feared missing out on some vital part of the story. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. I tried to pace myself so that I could prolong the enjoyment of the story but that idea was soon thrown out of the window because I was enjoying the book too much to stop reading. I seemed to motor through the book but because I was so immersed in the story, I lost all track of time and I didn't realise how long I had been reading until I happened to glance at the clock. I had been reading for a couple of hours! I raced to the finish. 'Her Last Breath' was gripping stuff and also rather gruesome on occasion and I loved every single second of it!
'Her Last Breath' is superbly written. Alison certainly grabbed my attention from the start with a crime that is horrific in nature and it will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Alison certainly starts the story with a bang. The story hits the ground running and maintains a fast pace throughout. The chapters are written from the points of view of the different characters. I did wonder if that might lead to a bit of a disjointed story but I needn't have worried because the chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. I love the characters that Alison has created and I loved the interaction between Marni and Francis. Alison uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'Her Last Breath' was much like being on a seriously scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach contents, take a breath and allow your heart rate to settle then off the action would go again. There were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Her Last Breath' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Alison's work in the future- starting with 'The Tattoo Thief' just as soon as I have a minute. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me next to no time to get into this book. As soon as I read the first couple of sentences, I knew that this was going to be one of those rare books that would not leave my hands until the moment I read the last word on the last page. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to be parted from the book as I feared missing out on some vital part of the story. I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. I tried to pace myself so that I could prolong the enjoyment of the story but that idea was soon thrown out of the window because I was enjoying the book too much to stop reading. I seemed to motor through the book but because I was so immersed in the story, I lost all track of time and I didn't realise how long I had been reading until I happened to glance at the clock. I had been reading for a couple of hours! I raced to the finish. 'Her Last Breath' was gripping stuff and also rather gruesome on occasion and I loved every single second of it!
'Her Last Breath' is superbly written. Alison certainly grabbed my attention from the start with a crime that is horrific in nature and it will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Alison certainly starts the story with a bang. The story hits the ground running and maintains a fast pace throughout. The chapters are written from the points of view of the different characters. I did wonder if that might lead to a bit of a disjointed story but I needn't have worried because the chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. I love the characters that Alison has created and I loved the interaction between Marni and Francis. Alison uses such vivid and powerful descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'Her Last Breath' was much like being on a seriously scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach contents, take a breath and allow your heart rate to settle then off the action would go again. There were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Her Last Breath' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Alison's work in the future- starting with 'The Tattoo Thief' just as soon as I have a minute. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 4, 2020
A great crime thriller they had me racing through the pages.
I’ve not read the first book in this series and didn’t feel that I was missing out on anything, so this can be read as a stand-alone.
Sullivan is called to help when a girl is found fighting for her life in the early hours of the morning. She’s brutally stabbed, but it’s the tattoo that takes her life.
Soon another woman is found in the same position and again there’s nothing that can be done to save her.
Sullivan and the team interview Alex who was the boyfriend of the first victim, and whilst Rory thinks he’s the killer, Sullivan is not so sure.
There’s a real race against time at the end of the book, which I loved.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series as I liked the pace of the story and Sullivan is a great character.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I’ve not read the first book in this series and didn’t feel that I was missing out on anything, so this can be read as a stand-alone.
Sullivan is called to help when a girl is found fighting for her life in the early hours of the morning. She’s brutally stabbed, but it’s the tattoo that takes her life.
Soon another woman is found in the same position and again there’s nothing that can be done to save her.
Sullivan and the team interview Alex who was the boyfriend of the first victim, and whilst Rory thinks he’s the killer, Sullivan is not so sure.
There’s a real race against time at the end of the book, which I loved.
I’ll definitely be reading more of this series as I liked the pace of the story and Sullivan is a great character.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 18, 2020
A crime thriller and court room drama in one, it helps if you have read the first book in this series as it is mentioned a lot but it is not essential. The series is set in Brighton with DI Francis Sullivan is leading the investigation into a very gruesome killing. Their are a lots of story lines running through this book with plenty of action and twists.
February 7, 2021
Čtivě napsaná kniha, která si zakládá na tom, že je "cool a hip" neboť hlavní postava/postavy nejsou rasisti a nejsou proti tetování. Pokud musíte ukázat, že hlavní hrdina je "dobrý" tím, že všichni okolo jsou naprosto nesnesitelní, něco je asi špatně.
February 10, 2022
En toer der lever fuldt op til etteren “Tatotyven”, god underholdning i klassisk stil uden helt at være klassisk.
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