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DI Kelly Porter #4
Bitter Edge
DI Kelly Porter is back, but so is an old foe and this time he won’t back down...
When a teenage girl flings herself off a cliff in pursuit of a gruesome death, DI Kelly Porter is left asking why. Ruled a suicide, there’s no official reason for Kelly to chase answers, but as several of her team’s cases converge on the girl’s school, a new, darker story emerges. One which will bring Kelly face-to-face with an old foe determined to take back what is rightfully his – no matter the cost.
Mired in her pursuit of justice for the growing list of victims, Kelly finds security in Johnny, her family and the father she has only just discovered. But just as she draws close to unearthing the dark truth at the heart of her investigation, a single moment on a cold winter’s night shatters the notion that anything in Kelly’s world can ever truly be safe.
When a teenage girl flings herself off a cliff in pursuit of a gruesome death, DI Kelly Porter is left asking why. Ruled a suicide, there’s no official reason for Kelly to chase answers, but as several of her team’s cases converge on the girl’s school, a new, darker story emerges. One which will bring Kelly face-to-face with an old foe determined to take back what is rightfully his – no matter the cost.
Mired in her pursuit of justice for the growing list of victims, Kelly finds security in Johnny, her family and the father she has only just discovered. But just as she draws close to unearthing the dark truth at the heart of her investigation, a single moment on a cold winter’s night shatters the notion that anything in Kelly’s world can ever truly be safe.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2019
603 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lynch
82 books413 followersRachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
February 2, 2019
This is the fourth in Rachel Lynch's great crime series featuring DI Kelly Porter set in the fabulous setting of the Lake District. The location may be wonderful but this is a dark and bleak story that begins with teenager Jenna Fraser throwing herself of a cliff edge to her death. Her suicide does not entail further investigation but Kelly is disturbed, so much so that she begins to look into it, she just cannot help herself. Other issues and connections lead Kelly to Jenna's school, the Derwent Academy. In a narrative that features multiple perspectives, Kelly is thrown into the unsettling world of teenagers. So a number of issues emerge, bullying, sexual assault, drugs, drug dealing, and celebrity obsessions. Kelly's personal affairs are a more pleasant contrast, her relationship with boyfriend, Jonny, and daughter, Josie is more settled, the recent entry of her father, Ted, causes few ripples, she is closer to her dying mother although things with her sister remain spiky.
Lynch's series is compelling and this addition is a gripping, heartbreaking and twisted intense book with the multiple threads eventually connecting well. The characterisation is great, I really like Kelly, a dedicated and determined police officer, unrelenting in her pursuit of the truth and justice. Definitely a crime thriller series worth reading. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
Lynch's series is compelling and this addition is a gripping, heartbreaking and twisted intense book with the multiple threads eventually connecting well. The characterisation is great, I really like Kelly, a dedicated and determined police officer, unrelenting in her pursuit of the truth and justice. Definitely a crime thriller series worth reading. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
February 13, 2022
This is the fourth instalment of DI Kelly Porter.
I read 3 books in a row looking for closure of book #2, and again I was disappointed for being left hanging.
Anyways… this one, compared to the last two, is a lot better. It starts slow but it becomes gripping.
The storyline was interesting and very well developed, although, once again the author uses too many characters.
The subject is very touching and heartbreaking.
The conclusion was too fast for my liking, but overall I did enjoy this book, especially the writing, which improved.
The problem readings a series in a row is the constant flashbacks. It gives a false impression of repetitiveness.
With that said, I’m taking a break from this series, but I will return to it next month. I have 5 more sitting on my shelves.
I read 3 books in a row looking for closure of book #2, and again I was disappointed for being left hanging.
Anyways… this one, compared to the last two, is a lot better. It starts slow but it becomes gripping.
The storyline was interesting and very well developed, although, once again the author uses too many characters.
The subject is very touching and heartbreaking.
The conclusion was too fast for my liking, but overall I did enjoy this book, especially the writing, which improved.
The problem readings a series in a row is the constant flashbacks. It gives a false impression of repetitiveness.
With that said, I’m taking a break from this series, but I will return to it next month. I have 5 more sitting on my shelves.
September 12, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review
In this 4th installment of the DI Kelly Porter series, Kelly's relationship with Johnny continues to blossom and his teenage daughter, Josie plays a huge role in the couple continuing to figure out what they mean to one another. Sister Nikki takes a back seat in this book as the relationship between Kelly and her mother, Wendy is more the focus. As for her professional life, Kelly and her team certainly have their hands full between a teenager's suicide, a teacher being excused of inappropriate behaviour towards students, a missing teenager from a community fair, a vengeful father, a drug dealer, and a local sexual predator who seems to be tied to it all.
One of my comments from my review of book three, Dead End was that Rachel Lynch focused a lot of her storytelling on Kelly's personal life and less on the crime. I am beginning to see that is the author's pattern. The first 15 chapters are a bit of a character dump until Kelly and her team finally get something concrete to investigate. But once that happens the momentum began to build.
I continue to like this series, but I feel it's a bit light in terms of other police procedural series.
In this 4th installment of the DI Kelly Porter series, Kelly's relationship with Johnny continues to blossom and his teenage daughter, Josie plays a huge role in the couple continuing to figure out what they mean to one another. Sister Nikki takes a back seat in this book as the relationship between Kelly and her mother, Wendy is more the focus. As for her professional life, Kelly and her team certainly have their hands full between a teenager's suicide, a teacher being excused of inappropriate behaviour towards students, a missing teenager from a community fair, a vengeful father, a drug dealer, and a local sexual predator who seems to be tied to it all.
One of my comments from my review of book three, Dead End was that Rachel Lynch focused a lot of her storytelling on Kelly's personal life and less on the crime. I am beginning to see that is the author's pattern. The first 15 chapters are a bit of a character dump until Kelly and her team finally get something concrete to investigate. But once that happens the momentum began to build.
I continue to like this series, but I feel it's a bit light in terms of other police procedural series.
February 22, 2019
Bitter Edge is the fourth novel in the DCI Kelly Porter series, set in beautifully scenic Cumbrian surroundings, and although it's a little difficult to follow the ever-changing points-of-view at the beginning and it has you wondering how they can all possibly be relevant you soon get into the swing of things. It's cleverly written with some excellent twisty surprises and reveals, but this is much more of a slow-burn than a fast and frenetic action-fest, and I enjoyed that aspect of it. Ms Lynch certainly keeps you guessing with endless possibilities and suspects and when she brings each of the various threads of the plot together for the denouement it's both a shocking and wholly satisfying experience.
This is one of the few series' where the subplot concerning Kelly's personal life is just as compelling as the ongoing investigation, and although it isn't essential to have read the previous books in the series it certainly helps to get a feel for the characters and their motivations. The author adds depth to the story by exploring a variety of themes that heavily impact teenagers: the need to belong, drugs, alcohol, bullying, celebrity obsessions. It makes for depressing reading but I admired the book addressing such important issues. Kelly is a dogged investigator who puts everything she has in her mission to get justice for victims, and her evolving private life is happier than ever.
Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
This is one of the few series' where the subplot concerning Kelly's personal life is just as compelling as the ongoing investigation, and although it isn't essential to have read the previous books in the series it certainly helps to get a feel for the characters and their motivations. The author adds depth to the story by exploring a variety of themes that heavily impact teenagers: the need to belong, drugs, alcohol, bullying, celebrity obsessions. It makes for depressing reading but I admired the book addressing such important issues. Kelly is a dogged investigator who puts everything she has in her mission to get justice for victims, and her evolving private life is happier than ever.
Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
April 3, 2019
This is the 4th book in the DI Kelly Porter series by author Rachel Lynch.
The death of a teenage girl is seen to be a tragic suicide when she it appears she has thrown herself off a cliff. Yet with no apparent reason for doubt, Kelly Porter is still asking why and seeks answers from the girls school. A sinister tale unfolds which will lead Kelly back to an old adversary who is determined to take back what is rightfully his at any cost.
This series has an excellent mix of the actual crime plot and Kelly's own personal life. In this book, we see the growing bond with boyfriend Jonny and her relatively new father daughter relationship with Ted. Added to this we have the on-going conflict with her sister and her heartbreak with her terminally ill.
This is a fabulous series and works so well as a series, well paced, excellent characters and interesting plots.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The death of a teenage girl is seen to be a tragic suicide when she it appears she has thrown herself off a cliff. Yet with no apparent reason for doubt, Kelly Porter is still asking why and seeks answers from the girls school. A sinister tale unfolds which will lead Kelly back to an old adversary who is determined to take back what is rightfully his at any cost.
This series has an excellent mix of the actual crime plot and Kelly's own personal life. In this book, we see the growing bond with boyfriend Jonny and her relatively new father daughter relationship with Ted. Added to this we have the on-going conflict with her sister and her heartbreak with her terminally ill.
This is a fabulous series and works so well as a series, well paced, excellent characters and interesting plots.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2025
Excellent characters, great pacing, fantastic writing, shocking case, foes old and new, DI Porter has her hands full in Bitter Edge. And what with all the drama happening in her private life, there's just no time to stop and take stock.
Rachel Lynch delivers another fantastic installment in DI Kelly Porter series and I absolutely love it.
Rachel Lynch delivers another fantastic installment in DI Kelly Porter series and I absolutely love it.
January 13, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this arc.
Bitter Edge is the 4th DI Kelly Porter book and I still need to read the first 2 books (but I've got them on my kindle now!) I tore through Bitter Edge in just a few hours. Kelly starts off juggling a couple of cases and somehow ends up dealing with a whole lot more that once again turns into a gigantic Gordian Knot of a mess.
With the help of other neighboring police forces they somehow manage to cut the head(s) off the hydra and tie most of the mess up in a fairly satisfactory manner. Kelly's personal relationships run through the background of the story and also continue to progress in a natural manner.
The book's blurb promises this is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza. And it delivers on that promise.
Bitter Edge is the 4th DI Kelly Porter book and I still need to read the first 2 books (but I've got them on my kindle now!) I tore through Bitter Edge in just a few hours. Kelly starts off juggling a couple of cases and somehow ends up dealing with a whole lot more that once again turns into a gigantic Gordian Knot of a mess.
With the help of other neighboring police forces they somehow manage to cut the head(s) off the hydra and tie most of the mess up in a fairly satisfactory manner. Kelly's personal relationships run through the background of the story and also continue to progress in a natural manner.
The book's blurb promises this is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza. And it delivers on that promise.
February 16, 2019
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This is the first book in the DI Kelly Porter series that I've read - in fact, it's the first book I've read by Rachel Lynch at all, but she's definitely now an author who I'd like to read much more from.
Bitter Edge is a well-written, multi-faceted police thriller/ crime novel that features a great lead character: Kelly Porter, a Detective Inspector with her own problems to contend with, as well as trying to solve various cases including a missing teenager, a very dodgy fairground worker and a spate of drug-related crime in the area. Kelly is likable, tough and fair, and I really enjoyed reading about her, as well as her partner Johnny. I don't know all the backstory with the two of them, or what else may have happened in Kelly's past (it talks about an 'old foe'), because I haven't read the first three books, but I don't feel that this hampered my enjoyment as I understood what was happening and who was who regardless.
The descriptions of the Lake District, where Bitter Edge is set, creates a really atmospheric but at times eerie setting, and as you're reading it's easy to imagine getting the danger of getting lost in the bitter winter months whilst hiking or climbing. This adds a sense of danger to Kelly and her team's investigations, and to the work that Johnny does in his position as a mountain rescuer. This also echoes some of the more shocking and uncomfortable themes that Rachel Lynch tackles in Bitter Edge, which soon become apparent.
The pacing of this novel felt just right to me, with plenty of developments keeping me interested, along with the more personal touches where we find out some of what Kelly has going on in her personal life, and these make her seem like a much more real and interesting character.
Various storylines come together towards the end (I love stories that do this!) to make a gripping and enjoyable read, despite some aforementioned dark themes and occurrences. I will definitely be reading more from this series!
Many thanks to Canelo for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
This is the first book in the DI Kelly Porter series that I've read - in fact, it's the first book I've read by Rachel Lynch at all, but she's definitely now an author who I'd like to read much more from.
Bitter Edge is a well-written, multi-faceted police thriller/ crime novel that features a great lead character: Kelly Porter, a Detective Inspector with her own problems to contend with, as well as trying to solve various cases including a missing teenager, a very dodgy fairground worker and a spate of drug-related crime in the area. Kelly is likable, tough and fair, and I really enjoyed reading about her, as well as her partner Johnny. I don't know all the backstory with the two of them, or what else may have happened in Kelly's past (it talks about an 'old foe'), because I haven't read the first three books, but I don't feel that this hampered my enjoyment as I understood what was happening and who was who regardless.
The descriptions of the Lake District, where Bitter Edge is set, creates a really atmospheric but at times eerie setting, and as you're reading it's easy to imagine getting the danger of getting lost in the bitter winter months whilst hiking or climbing. This adds a sense of danger to Kelly and her team's investigations, and to the work that Johnny does in his position as a mountain rescuer. This also echoes some of the more shocking and uncomfortable themes that Rachel Lynch tackles in Bitter Edge, which soon become apparent.
The pacing of this novel felt just right to me, with plenty of developments keeping me interested, along with the more personal touches where we find out some of what Kelly has going on in her personal life, and these make her seem like a much more real and interesting character.
Various storylines come together towards the end (I love stories that do this!) to make a gripping and enjoyable read, despite some aforementioned dark themes and occurrences. I will definitely be reading more from this series!
Many thanks to Canelo for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
July 19, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for a honest review.
Although this has a lot of characters which at times made the story difficult to follow, it slowly pulled me in and by the end I did not want it to finish.
All the characters were so well developed and the background of the Lake District made it refreshingly different.
Although this has a lot of characters which at times made the story difficult to follow, it slowly pulled me in and by the end I did not want it to finish.
All the characters were so well developed and the background of the Lake District made it refreshingly different.
April 3, 2019
It's almost Christmas in Cumbria in the frigid Lake District. But there's nothing colder than murder.
A 16-year-old girl throws herself off a cliff. The death is classified as a suicide. But what demons could drive someone that young to such a horrible end? Another young teen goes missing after attending the local fair. Her friends claim she went off to the loo and never came back. A shifty gypsy working with the traveling fair really likes young girls -- has he taken this one? A popular teacher is accused of pedophilia when incriminating photos are found on his home computer. Has he been set up? And the teenagers in town keep on using and taking the seemingly endless supply of drugs that are being pumped into the area. Meanwhile, the two-year-old son of a wanted criminal from Sarajevo is taken from his foster mother. DI Kelly Porter and her team at the Cumbria Police HQ are frantically trying to unravel all the pieces of this complicated web. NO SPOILERS.
Drug use, teenage suicide, bullying, social media and the insurgence of the criminal element into the Lake District contribute to a volatile conflagration as the noose tightens around those responsible. It takes everything Kelly has to handle the case and manage her hard-working team. It doesn't help that she is also dealing with some personal issues but at least her new romance seems rock solid. Porter has a gut feeling about the suicide cases but trying to get any information out of the self-absorbed and drug-addled teenagers is tough.
I really like this series, and suggest that the books be read from the beginning, in order, for a reader to really appreciate the story line and to see the changes and developments in Kelly's personal and professional life. The setting is very well described so that the reader can see the beauty and the menace of the Lake District and it seems a very fitting background for the chilling tale. I like the character of Kelly Porter and can't wait to see what happens next after the way this one ended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
A 16-year-old girl throws herself off a cliff. The death is classified as a suicide. But what demons could drive someone that young to such a horrible end? Another young teen goes missing after attending the local fair. Her friends claim she went off to the loo and never came back. A shifty gypsy working with the traveling fair really likes young girls -- has he taken this one? A popular teacher is accused of pedophilia when incriminating photos are found on his home computer. Has he been set up? And the teenagers in town keep on using and taking the seemingly endless supply of drugs that are being pumped into the area. Meanwhile, the two-year-old son of a wanted criminal from Sarajevo is taken from his foster mother. DI Kelly Porter and her team at the Cumbria Police HQ are frantically trying to unravel all the pieces of this complicated web. NO SPOILERS.
Drug use, teenage suicide, bullying, social media and the insurgence of the criminal element into the Lake District contribute to a volatile conflagration as the noose tightens around those responsible. It takes everything Kelly has to handle the case and manage her hard-working team. It doesn't help that she is also dealing with some personal issues but at least her new romance seems rock solid. Porter has a gut feeling about the suicide cases but trying to get any information out of the self-absorbed and drug-addled teenagers is tough.
I really like this series, and suggest that the books be read from the beginning, in order, for a reader to really appreciate the story line and to see the changes and developments in Kelly's personal and professional life. The setting is very well described so that the reader can see the beauty and the menace of the Lake District and it seems a very fitting background for the chilling tale. I like the character of Kelly Porter and can't wait to see what happens next after the way this one ended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
March 24, 2019
It could have been five stars except for a very slow start which seemed to take us all over the place. But once everything started to come together it was damn good.
A teenage athlete commits suicide by jumping off a cliff. Its very clearly suicide but Kelly Porter really wants to understand what drove a seemingly well adjusted girl to such an act. She learns that two other students from the Derwent Academy killed themselves in recent years and starts to dig into this. Soon another teenage girl goes missing from the fair. It is quite clear her friends are lying about what happened but how to get to the truth?
It only takes one tiny thread to come loose and Kelly has got something she can tug on and follow. Soon she uncovers a network of drug taking and dealing with students often being coerced into trying the drugs that eventually became their addiction. The drug dealers have a callous disregard for their victims.
Kelly's personal life is also in turmoil as she confronts her biological father with the truth that he suspected but wasn't certain of. Also, her mother is very sick and may not pull through. This story was quite complex and very well written. The characters are mostly likeable and quite realistic. It is altogether a very engaging series.
A teenage athlete commits suicide by jumping off a cliff. Its very clearly suicide but Kelly Porter really wants to understand what drove a seemingly well adjusted girl to such an act. She learns that two other students from the Derwent Academy killed themselves in recent years and starts to dig into this. Soon another teenage girl goes missing from the fair. It is quite clear her friends are lying about what happened but how to get to the truth?
It only takes one tiny thread to come loose and Kelly has got something she can tug on and follow. Soon she uncovers a network of drug taking and dealing with students often being coerced into trying the drugs that eventually became their addiction. The drug dealers have a callous disregard for their victims.
Kelly's personal life is also in turmoil as she confronts her biological father with the truth that he suspected but wasn't certain of. Also, her mother is very sick and may not pull through. This story was quite complex and very well written. The characters are mostly likeable and quite realistic. It is altogether a very engaging series.
February 16, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Sixteen year old Jenna Fraser was a champion fell walker until she broke her leg a year earlier. Jenna became addicted to prescription painkillers, when they stopped she turned to illegal drugs. One morning she went to the fells and ran off a cliff, killing herself instantly.
DI Kelly Porter was upset that a young girl would choose to end her own life. She hoped someone else was involved but it was deemed a suicide. Weeks later teenager Faith Shaw went to the local fair with her best friend Sadie Rawlinson and her friends. Faith went missing after going to the toilet at the fair.
Coincidentally Jenna and Faith went to Derwent Valley Academy. English teacher Tony Blackman was also.suspended from the school after Sadie Rawlinson accused him of molesting her. Suspicious Kelly decided to find out what was happening at the school.
BItter Edge is the fourth book in the DI Kelly Porter series. The story was quite dark focussing on bullying and drugs. It was my least favourite in the series , but the story flowed nicely and there were twists and turns a plenty.
I liked Kelly and found the dynamics in her family interesting.
Kelly was still seeing her boyfriend Jonny who is a mountain rescuer. In the last book Jonny`s teenage daughter Josie came to live with him. Josie is a typical teenager but gets along well with Kelly.
Meanwhile Kelly`s mum and Ted had rekindled their relationship. Kelly knew Ted was her biological dad and invited him over for Christmas dinner. The scenes with Ted and the family in hospital were particularly moving and sensitively done.
I recommend I look forward to seeing how Nicki reacts to Ted once she knows the truth. I recommend this book.
January 27, 2019
Bitter Edge is the fourth in the DI Kelly Porter series and what a fantastic read it is. The series gets better and better.
Young Jenna Frazer kills herself after an overdose. For Kelly there is nothing to investigate. Her parents don’t want to press to know about her death and the case is close. But events in the nearby school Derwent Academy, where Jenna went to school, starts and investigation that involves and drugs and pupils at the school. The story also continues about DI Kelly and her personal life between herself and Jonny and his daughter and the relationship she has with her mother.
This is another gripping read from Rachel Lynch. Set in the beautiful Lake district. The premise is original, has great plot lines and the author keeps the subject current and realistic. I highly recommend.
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Young Jenna Frazer kills herself after an overdose. For Kelly there is nothing to investigate. Her parents don’t want to press to know about her death and the case is close. But events in the nearby school Derwent Academy, where Jenna went to school, starts and investigation that involves and drugs and pupils at the school. The story also continues about DI Kelly and her personal life between herself and Jonny and his daughter and the relationship she has with her mother.
This is another gripping read from Rachel Lynch. Set in the beautiful Lake district. The premise is original, has great plot lines and the author keeps the subject current and realistic. I highly recommend.
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
May 8, 2019
Book four of the series, & a great installment. Kelly finds herself looking for a missing teen, trying to understand why another girl suddenly committed suicide, & dealing with personal family problems. I think this entry humanized Kelly a little more and made me like her better. I think maybe because she wasn’t fighting with her sister, who I can’t stand, was a relief. The mystery was solid, too. This one is probably my favorite so far.
*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.
July 11, 2019
This is book 4 in the Kelly Porter series and the best yet! I love the character development, and the characters are very believable. The setting of the lake District is just perfect and the plot in this book kept me totally intrigued. I enjoyed reading more of Kelly's family and Johnny's daughter. A must read series, from a great author, which I highly recommend. My thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.
January 12, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Bitter Edge, the fourth novel to feature DCI Kelly Porter of the Cumbrian police.
Teenager Jenna Fraser commits suicide and Kelly finds it difficult to accept. She wants to find a reason but has no power to investigate until events take a turn and she finds herself at Jenna’s school, Derwent Academy, investigating other crimes. What she finds gives her a crash course in teenage behaviour.
I enjoyed Bitter Edge which is a clever mystery with several twists and turns. I found the novel initially difficult to grab hold of as it is all over the place, narratively speaking. It opens with the tragedy of Jenna’s death and then switches point of view through various characters whom the reader has to assume will be relevant later in the novel. In an investigative sense, therefore, the novel is slow to ramp up but as it continues I came to value this early scene setting as it gives the reader a good sense of character and places later actions in context. I soon found myself hooked by the various angles and possibilities. I liked the way Ms Lynch pulls all these various strands together into a cohesive and plausible whole. The resolution is clever and satisfying and while it makes sense I wonder if it’s legally possible.
I can’t say that I enjoyed the rather bleak picture it paints of modern teenage life with bullying, drugs and celebrity fixation rife. I’m not one to get nostalgic about my schooldays and I fully understand that Ms Lynch is describing the extreme end of that life but it seems extremely shallow and nihilistic and doesn’t exactly chime, apart from the selfies and celebrity doings, with the teenagers I know. I think what I’m trying to ask is where’s the optimism and joy in their lives?
Ms Lynch reserves that for the adults. Kelly is in a happy place with her relationship which is going from strength to strength, her acceptance of Ted as her father and her new understanding with her dying mother. She is even keeping her fractious sister at arm’s length. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Josie, her boyfriend’s teenage daughter, Josie as they seem natural and realistic. On the work front she is a tenacious investigator who invests personally in her hunt for justice.
Bitter Edge is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Teenager Jenna Fraser commits suicide and Kelly finds it difficult to accept. She wants to find a reason but has no power to investigate until events take a turn and she finds herself at Jenna’s school, Derwent Academy, investigating other crimes. What she finds gives her a crash course in teenage behaviour.
I enjoyed Bitter Edge which is a clever mystery with several twists and turns. I found the novel initially difficult to grab hold of as it is all over the place, narratively speaking. It opens with the tragedy of Jenna’s death and then switches point of view through various characters whom the reader has to assume will be relevant later in the novel. In an investigative sense, therefore, the novel is slow to ramp up but as it continues I came to value this early scene setting as it gives the reader a good sense of character and places later actions in context. I soon found myself hooked by the various angles and possibilities. I liked the way Ms Lynch pulls all these various strands together into a cohesive and plausible whole. The resolution is clever and satisfying and while it makes sense I wonder if it’s legally possible.
I can’t say that I enjoyed the rather bleak picture it paints of modern teenage life with bullying, drugs and celebrity fixation rife. I’m not one to get nostalgic about my schooldays and I fully understand that Ms Lynch is describing the extreme end of that life but it seems extremely shallow and nihilistic and doesn’t exactly chime, apart from the selfies and celebrity doings, with the teenagers I know. I think what I’m trying to ask is where’s the optimism and joy in their lives?
Ms Lynch reserves that for the adults. Kelly is in a happy place with her relationship which is going from strength to strength, her acceptance of Ted as her father and her new understanding with her dying mother. She is even keeping her fractious sister at arm’s length. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Josie, her boyfriend’s teenage daughter, Josie as they seem natural and realistic. On the work front she is a tenacious investigator who invests personally in her hunt for justice.
Bitter Edge is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 16, 2019
I have burnt the midnight oil to finish this book. It was impossible to put down. First of all, may I say what a fantastic series this is. It's informative on so many issues like policing, questioning, forensics, autopsies, drugs, personal relationships, teenage behaviour, bullying, schools, social media, the rise in suicide in teens, misplaced loyalty and cancer. It was a huge learning curve for me in the detail. At first, I believed it was a little disjointed, but it all melds together into a complex network of misdeeds. (understatement) There are some interesting anecdotes and case histories. My mind was screaming for answers all the way through and there a surprise at the end which turned my sympathy upside down. LOVED the snow. I thought the imagery was particularly good as ever. Having said that, I spent my childhood there so knew all the places, the sudden changes in weather patterns and the need to respect its unpredictability. A personally nostalgic journey. I did considerable mountaineering and was part of the Borrowdale Mountain Rescue team in the sixties. My only dislike in the story was the raw, ripe language employed in dialogue and narration (reported thoughts which weren't only from low-lives) As for the school's' lack of support & cooperation I was disgusted. Even the teachers use bad language. I really think the way things are going especially in inner city schools that random drug tests should be performed, bullying policies strengthened that work and not a glossy rhetoric to impress Ofsted, phones forbidden in schools and playground duties performed by specialists on spotting the signs of bullying instead of untrained dinner ladies as in many schools. More information to parents and pupils should be issued on the drug abuse. Security should be tighter on guns and knives too and visitors to the schools. I often wonder if there should be higher age restrictions on social media. This book brought out that none of the parents knew what their youths were doing. The saddest and most emotive quote from an addict of 15/16 "She needed the high more than she wanted to break the cycle." That sounds SO hopeless. Well done again to DCI Kelly Porter and her ingenious team. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo
January 9, 2019
Absolutely freaking brilliant !!! This is book 4 in the DI Kelly Porter series and it has fast become one of my favourite series and it just gets better and better. What I love about the brilliant Rachel Lynch is that she writes so damn real and say’s it just like it is, the characters are believable as are the the multi layered plot lines and this makes for a tremendous read.
It’s set in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District (not so far from me) and again we meet up with Kelly’s work colleagues and family which all adds to the enjoyment of the book. The plot lines as always are exceptionally good and I just cant’ fault anything about it it’s a joy of a book and I look forward to reading the next in the series. So I would say this is a must read most definitely and please don’t miss it..start from the beginning of the series (if you haven’t already) and I promise you won’t be disappointed at all its 5 stars and more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It’s set in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District (not so far from me) and again we meet up with Kelly’s work colleagues and family which all adds to the enjoyment of the book. The plot lines as always are exceptionally good and I just cant’ fault anything about it it’s a joy of a book and I look forward to reading the next in the series. So I would say this is a must read most definitely and please don’t miss it..start from the beginning of the series (if you haven’t already) and I promise you won’t be disappointed at all its 5 stars and more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2019
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book
what a book what an author..this book covers some pretty horrendous topics of drug taking, suicide, disappearances, bullying at schools
the storyline though hard hitting and at times sad to read is an phenomenal book that grips you to the very end and that is why this author is fast becoming one of my all time favourites...
not wanting to give to much away but after that first chapter you are hooked and the book keeps you hooked so much that you want to see how it ends...brilliant
what a book what an author..this book covers some pretty horrendous topics of drug taking, suicide, disappearances, bullying at schools
the storyline though hard hitting and at times sad to read is an phenomenal book that grips you to the very end and that is why this author is fast becoming one of my all time favourites...
not wanting to give to much away but after that first chapter you are hooked and the book keeps you hooked so much that you want to see how it ends...brilliant
January 11, 2019
I love this series. The subplot is as enjoyable as the gripping main plot as we catch up with Detective Kelly Porter, her team and her family, set amongst the beautiful backdrop of The Lakes
Another great addition to this series, which just gets better and better with each instalment.
Another great addition to this series, which just gets better and better with each instalment.
August 24, 2025
Bitter Edge is the fourth instalment in the DI Kelly Porter series and it's a compelling addition.
When a teenage girl is found deceased at the bottom of a cliff, it's quickly determined as suicide. Even though Kelly has nothing to go on, she believes that there is much more to the girl's demise.
Kelly's right in her assumption (as usual). Soon, the teen's school, her classmates and a popular teacher all come into scrutiny. Something's up at Derwent Academy, and none of it is good. It seems that Jenna's untimely death is linked to a missing person, two other teen suicides, a drug ring within and why does the teacher in question have unsavoury images on his computer? Also, why has one of Kelly's former foes made an appearance after so long?
Personally, Kelly's life couldn't be more calm compared to the action at Eden House. Her relationship with Johnny is blossoming and she's given up trying to let her sister's angst ruin her day. Yet- Kelly isn't sure how to deal with Johnny's daughter and the revelation over her parentage.
With Christmas approaching, Kelly is pressed for time and answers more than ever.
Whilst most of Cumbria is enjoying the festive season and the snow, there's menace lying beyond the prettiness. The freezing temperatures couldn't be less than ideal whilst Kelly and her team search for the missing girl and try and solve the mess that is this case.
There is a lot of teen angst occurring throughout- drug experimenting, peer pressure and the world of celebrity obsession to deal with. Kelly is a fish out of water in this instance and has to work hard to level with the teens involved.
It seems that Book 5 will change the dynamics again and I look forward to reading it.
4.75 🌟
When a teenage girl is found deceased at the bottom of a cliff, it's quickly determined as suicide. Even though Kelly has nothing to go on, she believes that there is much more to the girl's demise.
Kelly's right in her assumption (as usual). Soon, the teen's school, her classmates and a popular teacher all come into scrutiny. Something's up at Derwent Academy, and none of it is good. It seems that Jenna's untimely death is linked to a missing person, two other teen suicides, a drug ring within and why does the teacher in question have unsavoury images on his computer? Also, why has one of Kelly's former foes made an appearance after so long?
Personally, Kelly's life couldn't be more calm compared to the action at Eden House. Her relationship with Johnny is blossoming and she's given up trying to let her sister's angst ruin her day. Yet- Kelly isn't sure how to deal with Johnny's daughter and the revelation over her parentage.
With Christmas approaching, Kelly is pressed for time and answers more than ever.
Whilst most of Cumbria is enjoying the festive season and the snow, there's menace lying beyond the prettiness. The freezing temperatures couldn't be less than ideal whilst Kelly and her team search for the missing girl and try and solve the mess that is this case.
There is a lot of teen angst occurring throughout- drug experimenting, peer pressure and the world of celebrity obsession to deal with. Kelly is a fish out of water in this instance and has to work hard to level with the teens involved.
It seems that Book 5 will change the dynamics again and I look forward to reading it.
4.75 🌟
May 27, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
DI Kelly Porter is on the case at a tragic scene. A young girl has thrown herself off of a cliff. Thing is, it was ruled a suicide. But Kelly thinks it is more. So, she and her team head to the school to begin interviewing the staff and students.
Kelly truly has her hands full. If the case, the investigation and her own family life isn't enough, she must now contend with someone from her past. Sadly, he wants something she is not going to give, and that is something he deems his right. Kelly's relationship with her boyfriend Johnny, who works for mountain rescue, is going strong, even with the fact that he has a teen daughter in his care. Kelly also has the opportunity to get to know her biological father, something she never thought would be possible.
Because this story by Rachel Lynch is told in multiple points of view, the solving of the case takes a bit of time to kick in. Instead, the story is mixed with the family drama. This worked for me because this is the fourth book in the DI Kelly Porter series that I have read and I feel invested in Kelly, not only as a police detective, but as a woman.
As far as the investigation is concerned, there are indeed enough twists and turns to keep the most discerning reader invested. Furthermore, the whole story behind the teen death to begin with is very intense. It touches on some very deep issues, and even brings Johnny and his teen daughter into serious consideration. When things like drugs, alcohol and bullying are part of any story, it would be impossible not to pay attention. Furthermore, there is the tragic instance as to how the use of the internet can be instrumental when it comes to harming a person's reputation, enough to drive ones to the brink of death - and beyond.
Kudos to Rachel Lynch for writing such an effective story. I had the opportunity to read this story because I had the first, second, third and fifth books in the DI Kelly Porter series. Because I read the first three, I felt impelled to purchase this copy from Amazon before reading the fifth title, Bold Lies. I am really glad that I followed through because this story, Bitter Edge, was an excellent read.
DI Kelly Porter is on the case at a tragic scene. A young girl has thrown herself off of a cliff. Thing is, it was ruled a suicide. But Kelly thinks it is more. So, she and her team head to the school to begin interviewing the staff and students.
Kelly truly has her hands full. If the case, the investigation and her own family life isn't enough, she must now contend with someone from her past. Sadly, he wants something she is not going to give, and that is something he deems his right. Kelly's relationship with her boyfriend Johnny, who works for mountain rescue, is going strong, even with the fact that he has a teen daughter in his care. Kelly also has the opportunity to get to know her biological father, something she never thought would be possible.
Because this story by Rachel Lynch is told in multiple points of view, the solving of the case takes a bit of time to kick in. Instead, the story is mixed with the family drama. This worked for me because this is the fourth book in the DI Kelly Porter series that I have read and I feel invested in Kelly, not only as a police detective, but as a woman.
As far as the investigation is concerned, there are indeed enough twists and turns to keep the most discerning reader invested. Furthermore, the whole story behind the teen death to begin with is very intense. It touches on some very deep issues, and even brings Johnny and his teen daughter into serious consideration. When things like drugs, alcohol and bullying are part of any story, it would be impossible not to pay attention. Furthermore, there is the tragic instance as to how the use of the internet can be instrumental when it comes to harming a person's reputation, enough to drive ones to the brink of death - and beyond.
Kudos to Rachel Lynch for writing such an effective story. I had the opportunity to read this story because I had the first, second, third and fifth books in the DI Kelly Porter series. Because I read the first three, I felt impelled to purchase this copy from Amazon before reading the fifth title, Bold Lies. I am really glad that I followed through because this story, Bitter Edge, was an excellent read.
March 3, 2019
This is the fourth book in the series featuring DI Kelly Porter. I couldn’t wait to read this as I have enjoyed the other three books and given them five stars. I love the Lake District setting and can visualise what the author is describing having visited this area many times and we also meet up again with Kelly’s police colleagues and her family.
A local teenage girl, Jenna Fraser, seemingly commits suicide, but with her having a promising sports career ahead of her Kelly thinks something doesn’t add up. When she starts making enquiries at Jenna’s school she discovers that there have been other cases of teenagers taking their own lives. A number of things come to light including drugs, drug dealing, bullying and sexual assault and a well respected member of staff seems to be involved. Another girl goes missing at a fun fair and she also attends the same school. We also get an insight imto Kelly’s private life, her relatiionshi with boyfriend Jonny and his teenage daughter Josie. Her mother is terminally Ill and Kelly is still coming to terms with the secret her mother revealed in the last book.
This is another gripping book from Rachel Lynch, fast flowing and dark and with plenty of surprises. A must read that will be more enjoyable if you start from the beginning of the series. I certainly can’t wait for book number five.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
A local teenage girl, Jenna Fraser, seemingly commits suicide, but with her having a promising sports career ahead of her Kelly thinks something doesn’t add up. When she starts making enquiries at Jenna’s school she discovers that there have been other cases of teenagers taking their own lives. A number of things come to light including drugs, drug dealing, bullying and sexual assault and a well respected member of staff seems to be involved. Another girl goes missing at a fun fair and she also attends the same school. We also get an insight imto Kelly’s private life, her relatiionshi with boyfriend Jonny and his teenage daughter Josie. Her mother is terminally Ill and Kelly is still coming to terms with the secret her mother revealed in the last book.
This is another gripping book from Rachel Lynch, fast flowing and dark and with plenty of surprises. A must read that will be more enjoyable if you start from the beginning of the series. I certainly can’t wait for book number five.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 17, 2021
“Bitter Edge” is the fourth novel in the D.I. Kelly Porter police procedural mystery series. The first in the series, “Dark Game” was a solid 5-star read for me and the following novels in the series maintain the quality. There is nothing quite so satisfying to me as reading a British police procedural crime thriller. When it has an engaging protagonist, a Lake District setting, and a compelling and well rendered plot, then it is for me, reading bliss.
The thing I like most about this series is that Rachel Lynch has found that perfect balance between the protagonist’s personal life and the crime investigations. Just the right amount of attention to each makes for compelling reading. I enjoyed the relationships between Kelly and her team, as well as the joys and strife of Kelly’s personal life.
The subject matter of this installment in the series is serious indeed. Teenage suicide, drug use and drug dealing, and the detrimental effect of social media on today’s youth. All current and important issues in modern society. Throw in the tensions of a missing girl the week before Christmas, and the team has more than they can handle.
The cases were all brought to a close in a satisfactory and realistic way.
Rest assured that I will be reading every installment in the DI Kelly Porter series. A must-read for those who enjoy well-written, character-rich, realistically plotted crime novels. Highly recommended!
The thing I like most about this series is that Rachel Lynch has found that perfect balance between the protagonist’s personal life and the crime investigations. Just the right amount of attention to each makes for compelling reading. I enjoyed the relationships between Kelly and her team, as well as the joys and strife of Kelly’s personal life.
The subject matter of this installment in the series is serious indeed. Teenage suicide, drug use and drug dealing, and the detrimental effect of social media on today’s youth. All current and important issues in modern society. Throw in the tensions of a missing girl the week before Christmas, and the team has more than they can handle.
The cases were all brought to a close in a satisfactory and realistic way.
Rest assured that I will be reading every installment in the DI Kelly Porter series. A must-read for those who enjoy well-written, character-rich, realistically plotted crime novels. Highly recommended!
February 25, 2019
I loved Kelly and Johnny I really like how their relationship has changed and grown over the past few books.
I love the description that Rachel puts into her books, her writing is great I love the description we get not only about the case but how Kelly feels and how she gets so involved with her characters and picks up on how they felt and everything in the case. I do love how Kelly gets so invested in the case.
I love how throughout the novel we have the ongoing family issue and we get to see how she carries on dealing with it especially as she is still coping with it.
I love how personal life and investigation intertwine with each other, both sides of the book are very interesting and gripping. The book kept me hooked all the way through and I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book (which I saw was announced on twitter yay.)
The plot was really slow paced at times but it was really nice being able to all sides of this plot, but the best thing is that when it needed to be faster it was and the story was very action packed and I loved that.
Anyway can't wait for the next one, it's going to be fabulous!
I love the description that Rachel puts into her books, her writing is great I love the description we get not only about the case but how Kelly feels and how she gets so involved with her characters and picks up on how they felt and everything in the case. I do love how Kelly gets so invested in the case.
I love how throughout the novel we have the ongoing family issue and we get to see how she carries on dealing with it especially as she is still coping with it.
I love how personal life and investigation intertwine with each other, both sides of the book are very interesting and gripping. The book kept me hooked all the way through and I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book (which I saw was announced on twitter yay.)
The plot was really slow paced at times but it was really nice being able to all sides of this plot, but the best thing is that when it needed to be faster it was and the story was very action packed and I loved that.
Anyway can't wait for the next one, it's going to be fabulous!
February 22, 2019
DI Kelly Porter is back for the fourth time. When a teenage girl flings herself off a cliff it looks like suicide but Kelly is left asking why. Ruled a suicide, there’s no official reason for Kelly to chase answers, but as several of her team’s cases converge on the girl’s school, a new, darker story emerges. Mired in her pursuit of justice for the growing list of victims, Kelly finds security in Johnny, her family and the father she has only just discovered.
Another gripping read which is quite dark as deals with bullying & drugs. The story flows well & there are plenty of twists and turns. I liked that the dark aspect of the book is lightened by Kelly’s personal life which is also interesting. The characters are well portrayed & have depth. I’m thoroughly enjoying this gripping series & hope there are many more instalments to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another gripping read which is quite dark as deals with bullying & drugs. The story flows well & there are plenty of twists and turns. I liked that the dark aspect of the book is lightened by Kelly’s personal life which is also interesting. The characters are well portrayed & have depth. I’m thoroughly enjoying this gripping series & hope there are many more instalments to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 26, 2019
I was born and brought up in Whitehaven and the northern lakes have always been one of my favourite places, so the setting of this book really appealed to me. The author paints a vivid picture of the beauty of the area and clearly knows it very well, although I was surprised at the statement that houses in Keswick are cheap-maybe compared to London?
I hadn’t read the other books in the series but the novel works well as a stand alone and the author gives enough of the back story to fill you in on previous events.
I liked Kelly Porter, she is a strong woman who works with her team, unlike many female DI’s in crime novels who, for some strange reason, decide that they are better handling things on their own, thereby endangering themselves and their colleagues. I’ve stopped reading several series for this reason.
The plot of this novel is good with likeable characters and a decent pace to the events.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.
I hadn’t read the other books in the series but the novel works well as a stand alone and the author gives enough of the back story to fill you in on previous events.
I liked Kelly Porter, she is a strong woman who works with her team, unlike many female DI’s in crime novels who, for some strange reason, decide that they are better handling things on their own, thereby endangering themselves and their colleagues. I’ve stopped reading several series for this reason.
The plot of this novel is good with likeable characters and a decent pace to the events.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.
May 22, 2019
This book was a very busy book but in a good way. The characters were all a little unique, I thought. The story line for me kept me reading more to find out what would happen next. I like that the author made it makes sense in the end by tying everything up. I have not read any of the other books in this series so I think I should go back and catch up but I didn't really lost reading this book. "This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review."
February 14, 2019
This was exactly what I needed to get me out of a bit of a reading slump. I have read this series from the start and the familiar characters and setting made it an easy read. I feel I have to counter that comment by saying that the storyline is a bit dark and in that respect not so easy to read. Kelly Porter is a likeable character and there’s a good mix between her home and working life here. This now feels like a series that could go on for many years and I hope it does.
February 27, 2019
Just finished this book! What a brilliant read.
Incredibly on topic with the fight against drugs and how it can destroy families.
Again more of Kelly's personal life which makes her a very likable character which yoh can't help but admire.
Loved it.
Thrilling ending as usual, I am now late for an appointment as I just couldn't stop reading it!
Excited for the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rachel Lynch and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this enthralling book.
Incredibly on topic with the fight against drugs and how it can destroy families.
Again more of Kelly's personal life which makes her a very likable character which yoh can't help but admire.
Loved it.
Thrilling ending as usual, I am now late for an appointment as I just couldn't stop reading it!
Excited for the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rachel Lynch and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this enthralling book.
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