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D.I. Sterling #2
Children in Chains
'A visceral, no-punches-pulled, gut-wrenching thriller. A disturbing and gripping tale of child prostitution, and the tragic detective Paolo Sterling dealing with the heartache of his own daughter’s sexual assault. Crime Noir at its darkest' - Caroline Dunford, A Death in the Family
'D.I. Paolo Sterling is instantly engaging – Children in Chains is a dark, gripping and unflinching read' - Louise Phillips, winner of the Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year, longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award.
The second gripping instalment in the DI Paolo Sterling crime series.
Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester’s streets with young prostitutes.
When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
Has Paolo come up against a criminal he cannot defeat?
'D.I. Paolo Sterling is instantly engaging – Children in Chains is a dark, gripping and unflinching read' - Louise Phillips, winner of the Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year, longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award.
The second gripping instalment in the DI Paolo Sterling crime series.
Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester’s streets with young prostitutes.
When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
Has Paolo come up against a criminal he cannot defeat?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2019
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Mace
14 books83 followersLorraine is the author of the D.I. Sterling series. Her first standalone psychological thriller, The Guest, was published April 2023. The second, The Family Home, was published 25 April 2024.
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Find her at:
Website: www.lorrainemace.com
X: https://twitter.com/lomace
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lomace.bsky....
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mace_lorraine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_lorraine/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 5, 2019
4☆ Gritty, Thrilling, Intense, Must Read!
Children in Chains is the Second book in D.I. Sterling Series. Although it's said it can be read as a standalone I think you really need to read book 1 to get to grips with previous back stories.
This time round Paolo and his team are hunting down an underground paedophile ring, that deals in child prostitution, abuse and trafficking.
What he knows is young girls up to the age of nine are abused by the ring then when they have no more use for them, they put then out on the streets to work as prostitutes. But people are running scared and despite the older prostitutes trying to watch out for them, they refuse to talk.
Not only is Paolo on one of his toughest cases but he's home Life isn't exactly great. With Katy still suffering from her ordeal and dealing with his ex wife it's no wonder he throws everything and more into his work.
Again this is another gritty, Thrilling, page Turner that had many twists and turns.
This isn't an easy read especially as it's subject is child abuse. But you find yourself becoming embroiled deeper into the plot as you are so desperate for Paolo to save the girls.
I love that you get both sides to the story Paolo and the abuser ring as it keeps things intense, suspenseful and intriguing.
This is fast becoming one of my new favourite series, and I can't wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Children in Chains is the Second book in D.I. Sterling Series. Although it's said it can be read as a standalone I think you really need to read book 1 to get to grips with previous back stories.
This time round Paolo and his team are hunting down an underground paedophile ring, that deals in child prostitution, abuse and trafficking.
What he knows is young girls up to the age of nine are abused by the ring then when they have no more use for them, they put then out on the streets to work as prostitutes. But people are running scared and despite the older prostitutes trying to watch out for them, they refuse to talk.
Not only is Paolo on one of his toughest cases but he's home Life isn't exactly great. With Katy still suffering from her ordeal and dealing with his ex wife it's no wonder he throws everything and more into his work.
Again this is another gritty, Thrilling, page Turner that had many twists and turns.
This isn't an easy read especially as it's subject is child abuse. But you find yourself becoming embroiled deeper into the plot as you are so desperate for Paolo to save the girls.
I love that you get both sides to the story Paolo and the abuser ring as it keeps things intense, suspenseful and intriguing.
This is fast becoming one of my new favourite series, and I can't wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
February 16, 2019
DI Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the people who are flooding the streets with very young prostitutes. It's only after these girls have lived with Pedophiles and they have 'aged out' are they turned loose on the streets ... by this time they are also drug addicts and must work for their drugs.
This has become a personal crusade because of his own daughter' assault.
BOOK BLURB -- When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
WARNING: This is a thriller that is dark and disturbing. It's a story of child abduction, child trafficking and child prostitution. Even though the author has handled this sensitive subject as well as it can be handled, it still may be a trigger for some readers.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the advanced digital copy of this Crime Noir. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This has become a personal crusade because of his own daughter' assault.
BOOK BLURB -- When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
WARNING: This is a thriller that is dark and disturbing. It's a story of child abduction, child trafficking and child prostitution. Even though the author has handled this sensitive subject as well as it can be handled, it still may be a trigger for some readers.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the advanced digital copy of this Crime Noir. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 28, 2019
DI Sterling is back with another investigation, trying to uncover the people behind the Albanian smuggling ring, before more lives are destroyed.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series, and Paolo Sterling. His team are hunting down a potential peado ring, linked to Bradchester and Albania.
This time, it seem like everybody knows the culprits, but they are all too terrified to talk.
The Sterling books continue to be intriguing. As before, it starts openly with the villains, and it is like you know who they are. Then the story moves on, and the doubt sets in. After that, the real questions start.
I enjoyed watching the changing dynamics of Paolo's team, as they adjust to working with each other - some better than others!
With the exception of following Katy's recovery, I didn't feel as connected with the personal relationships or developments, as I did in the first book. Some of them felt rushed, and the rest were just angry.
Overall, this was a great gritty story that really gets its hooks in. I can't wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series, and Paolo Sterling. His team are hunting down a potential peado ring, linked to Bradchester and Albania.
This time, it seem like everybody knows the culprits, but they are all too terrified to talk.
The Sterling books continue to be intriguing. As before, it starts openly with the villains, and it is like you know who they are. Then the story moves on, and the doubt sets in. After that, the real questions start.
I enjoyed watching the changing dynamics of Paolo's team, as they adjust to working with each other - some better than others!
With the exception of following Katy's recovery, I didn't feel as connected with the personal relationships or developments, as I did in the first book. Some of them felt rushed, and the rest were just angry.
Overall, this was a great gritty story that really gets its hooks in. I can't wait for the next installment.
May 31, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book of this series Retriever of Souls, which I would highly recommend reading before this one just to get a fuller picture of the characters.
Wow, Children in Chains is dark, disturbing yet utterly gripping! I just could not get enough, I read it in just two sittings.
Paolo faces one of his toughest cases involving child prostitution and a community too scared to speak out against the ruthless criminals who are running it. His personal life is a bit of a shambles, with his ex wife at his throat and his daughter Katy still suffering from the events that happened at the end of the last book. To make matters worse, cracks are starting to show in his once efficient team.
A little warning this is a book about child sex trafficking, with children as young as six or seven, it is handled by the author in a sensitive way but some readers may finding it upsetting. It personally made me feel so angry that this still happens around the world in this day and age.
Again I have a little of the same gripe I had with the first book, which was the fact I had the main bad guy pegged from quite early on but it really shows how fantastic Lorraine Mace’s writing is that I read to the end without wanting to put it down.
Children in Chains will stay with me long after I’ve read it. Happily there is another in the series, Injections of Insanity, which I can’t wait to get stuck into.
Wow, Children in Chains is dark, disturbing yet utterly gripping! I just could not get enough, I read it in just two sittings.
Paolo faces one of his toughest cases involving child prostitution and a community too scared to speak out against the ruthless criminals who are running it. His personal life is a bit of a shambles, with his ex wife at his throat and his daughter Katy still suffering from the events that happened at the end of the last book. To make matters worse, cracks are starting to show in his once efficient team.
A little warning this is a book about child sex trafficking, with children as young as six or seven, it is handled by the author in a sensitive way but some readers may finding it upsetting. It personally made me feel so angry that this still happens around the world in this day and age.
Again I have a little of the same gripe I had with the first book, which was the fact I had the main bad guy pegged from quite early on but it really shows how fantastic Lorraine Mace’s writing is that I read to the end without wanting to put it down.
Children in Chains will stay with me long after I’ve read it. Happily there is another in the series, Injections of Insanity, which I can’t wait to get stuck into.
May 30, 2019
Children in Chains is incredibly well written. Dealing in the murder and trafficking of children, this was a difficult and gripping read. Lorraine Mace presents this information as sensitively as possible. She isn’t an author that just throws the vile things in her reader’s face, but carefully and compellingly captures our attention and keeps us flipping the pages.
DI Sterling is a well written character. He has his flaws, but his character growth shine through. The rest of the cast is dealt with the same way. There are characters to love and characters to hate, but none of them feel cookie cutter.
Children in Chains is the second in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. The topic is brutal and difficult to read, but the novel is so well done, I ate it up quclay. I highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
DI Sterling is a well written character. He has his flaws, but his character growth shine through. The rest of the cast is dealt with the same way. There are characters to love and characters to hate, but none of them feel cookie cutter.
Children in Chains is the second in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. The topic is brutal and difficult to read, but the novel is so well done, I ate it up quclay. I highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
May 28, 2019
Wow!!! What a book!!! The action starts from the very first page of the book! Several people who reviewed the book called it “gut-wrenching,” “dark,” and “gripping.” Those descriptions are one-hundred percent accurate. However, I would add that it is also heartbreaking, and it will infuriate you!
This is the follow-up to the first book in the DI Paolo Sterling series. I didn’t think the thrills could get any better, but I was wrong. Paolo is in therapy dealing with his angry, estranged wife, all the while trying to help in his daughter’s recovery from her own trauma. Now, he is involved in a case that will test him in ways he has never been tested before. While working on a case of a dead child, he discovers a horrendous network of child traffickers and abusers that stretch all across Europe. He is determined to put a stop to it, but there will be a lot of roadblocks in the way, especially when you have a criminal, Joey, who always seems to be one step ahead of him.
The book is told in several different POVs...Paolo’s. A voice is even given to an abuser and Joey, himself. I find this a genius move on the writer’s part. She gives her readers a look into a demented and evil mind! This is the part that infuriated me. But, isn’t that what a writer’s goal is...to make you feel something? She definitely made me feel lots of emotions, heartbreak, anger, and disgust!!!
She also gives us more insight into Paolo and Dave. We get to see a glimpse of Dave we haven’t seen before, and another emotional layer of Paolo is discovered as well. The book is extremely well-written, and she expertly balances the crime solving with the private lives of her main characters. As with the first book, she gives us a bit of a cliffhanger, but not like in other novels. It’s uniquely her own.
I have to add the most important part of my review in this last paragraph. She covers an emotional, horrible problem in our society. It affects our world, not just one in Britain or the United States. It’s a worldwide epidemic! I see stories all the time on television and on social media of children who are horribly abused. It moves me greatly. However, Lorraine Mace, gave these children a face. She spared no details, without getting too graphic. It was hard to read at times, yet, if we don’t face the dark things, we can never affect change. Mace is doing what writers dream of….making a change. Fantastic job, and I’m anxiously waiting the next book!!!
This is the follow-up to the first book in the DI Paolo Sterling series. I didn’t think the thrills could get any better, but I was wrong. Paolo is in therapy dealing with his angry, estranged wife, all the while trying to help in his daughter’s recovery from her own trauma. Now, he is involved in a case that will test him in ways he has never been tested before. While working on a case of a dead child, he discovers a horrendous network of child traffickers and abusers that stretch all across Europe. He is determined to put a stop to it, but there will be a lot of roadblocks in the way, especially when you have a criminal, Joey, who always seems to be one step ahead of him.
The book is told in several different POVs...Paolo’s. A voice is even given to an abuser and Joey, himself. I find this a genius move on the writer’s part. She gives her readers a look into a demented and evil mind! This is the part that infuriated me. But, isn’t that what a writer’s goal is...to make you feel something? She definitely made me feel lots of emotions, heartbreak, anger, and disgust!!!
She also gives us more insight into Paolo and Dave. We get to see a glimpse of Dave we haven’t seen before, and another emotional layer of Paolo is discovered as well. The book is extremely well-written, and she expertly balances the crime solving with the private lives of her main characters. As with the first book, she gives us a bit of a cliffhanger, but not like in other novels. It’s uniquely her own.
I have to add the most important part of my review in this last paragraph. She covers an emotional, horrible problem in our society. It affects our world, not just one in Britain or the United States. It’s a worldwide epidemic! I see stories all the time on television and on social media of children who are horribly abused. It moves me greatly. However, Lorraine Mace, gave these children a face. She spared no details, without getting too graphic. It was hard to read at times, yet, if we don’t face the dark things, we can never affect change. Mace is doing what writers dream of….making a change. Fantastic job, and I’m anxiously waiting the next book!!!
May 22, 2019
This second book in the Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling series is standalone.
With the murder of a child linked to a child prostitution ring, determined DI Sterling wants to seek justice for the young victim. However, his investigations find the links are international, spread far beyond Bradchester making him wonder if there's a remote chance of shutting down the network of abusers?
A step away from what I normally read, this novel has an intriguing, dark narrative and definitely not for the faint-hearted. I confess to feeling a little apprehensive about my own ability to cope with the harrowing narrative. Thankfully, I managed but it wasn't an easy read. The scenario is sobering, thought-provoking and difficult to read sometimes due to shocking details which emerge. So, when the case is finally wrapped up, it's a relief.
A side plot about Paolo's life away from work is one aspect where I do wonder about what happened earlier in his life, leading me to wonder if I should have read book one first. The thought is borne out of my own curiosity rather than thinking this novel is missing something, which it isn't. The author does a fine job of including the relevant back story so readers won't feel they are missing important facts.
The author's writing style focuses on keeping the narrative flowing and the details always relevant to keep the reader invested within the plot. The theme is dark and disturbing yet she manages to deal with the subject matter in a respectful way. Structured like crime stories for the small and big screen, there's a twist near the end which I didn't foresee but greatly appreciated.
Overall, fans of crime thrillers will enjoy this novel and will want to pick up others in the series too. I know I'm motivated to read more about DI Sterling.
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher Accent Press***
With the murder of a child linked to a child prostitution ring, determined DI Sterling wants to seek justice for the young victim. However, his investigations find the links are international, spread far beyond Bradchester making him wonder if there's a remote chance of shutting down the network of abusers?
A step away from what I normally read, this novel has an intriguing, dark narrative and definitely not for the faint-hearted. I confess to feeling a little apprehensive about my own ability to cope with the harrowing narrative. Thankfully, I managed but it wasn't an easy read. The scenario is sobering, thought-provoking and difficult to read sometimes due to shocking details which emerge. So, when the case is finally wrapped up, it's a relief.
A side plot about Paolo's life away from work is one aspect where I do wonder about what happened earlier in his life, leading me to wonder if I should have read book one first. The thought is borne out of my own curiosity rather than thinking this novel is missing something, which it isn't. The author does a fine job of including the relevant back story so readers won't feel they are missing important facts.
The author's writing style focuses on keeping the narrative flowing and the details always relevant to keep the reader invested within the plot. The theme is dark and disturbing yet she manages to deal with the subject matter in a respectful way. Structured like crime stories for the small and big screen, there's a twist near the end which I didn't foresee but greatly appreciated.
Overall, fans of crime thrillers will enjoy this novel and will want to pick up others in the series too. I know I'm motivated to read more about DI Sterling.
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher Accent Press***
March 9, 2019
The second book in the D. I. Sterling series certainly doesn't hold any punches. Following the death of a young girl, Sterling discovers the area where he works could be involved in not only child slavery but child sex slavery. During the hunt to find those responsible for the young girl's death, he deals with what would appear to be almost an Albanian mafia but the head of the crime group always seems just out of reach.
This is a difficult subject to deal with, and for most people it makes this quite a difficult book to read but Mace deals with it sensitively, showing the terrible effect being trafficked has on these young girls and those around them.
Sterling has more problems to deal with than this case, colleagues who can't get on and a family life with many issues. I kind of feel sorry for Sterling as he just can't seem to get a break no matter what he does, is this going to carry on for him in future books or will life be nice to him eventually. I don't know but if anyone deserves something nice to happen, it's Paulo Sterling.
I love the characters in this book, as in any work place, there's problems but as I read my way through the series I can see the bonds forming and the characters becoming a "Police Family".
As with the first book, Retriever of Souls, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good gritty read.
This is a difficult subject to deal with, and for most people it makes this quite a difficult book to read but Mace deals with it sensitively, showing the terrible effect being trafficked has on these young girls and those around them.
Sterling has more problems to deal with than this case, colleagues who can't get on and a family life with many issues. I kind of feel sorry for Sterling as he just can't seem to get a break no matter what he does, is this going to carry on for him in future books or will life be nice to him eventually. I don't know but if anyone deserves something nice to happen, it's Paulo Sterling.
I love the characters in this book, as in any work place, there's problems but as I read my way through the series I can see the bonds forming and the characters becoming a "Police Family".
As with the first book, Retriever of Souls, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good gritty read.
March 18, 2019
This is the second book in the series and, like the first one, I really enjoyed it. Although, "enjoyed" is relative as it is a very graphic book about child sex trafficking and not for the faint of heart.
Paolo is back with his team, trying to figure out what the heck is going on, on the Bradchester streets. Children are turning up sexually abused and most of them have been murdered so he has to unravel the thread that goes back to Albania and see why this is so and who exactly locally is connected to this trafficking ring.
This is a really terrific story, graphic of course, and quite shocking because I know that this is what actually happens out there in some communities, but Paolo is a strong character and I liked the secondary characters as well. He struggles with a member of his team but his love life seems to be looking more hopeful so swings and roundabouts there.
Anyway, this was a great read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
Paolo is back with his team, trying to figure out what the heck is going on, on the Bradchester streets. Children are turning up sexually abused and most of them have been murdered so he has to unravel the thread that goes back to Albania and see why this is so and who exactly locally is connected to this trafficking ring.
This is a really terrific story, graphic of course, and quite shocking because I know that this is what actually happens out there in some communities, but Paolo is a strong character and I liked the secondary characters as well. He struggles with a member of his team but his love life seems to be looking more hopeful so swings and roundabouts there.
Anyway, this was a great read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
May 29, 2019
Having read and enjoyed the first book of the series, Retriever of Souls, I went ahead and bought book 2, although I was a little wary of the subject matter. Child abuse is not an easy topic to read about. I needn't have worried, the issue was dealt with sensitively although it was still a dark and disturbing read.
We join Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling and his partner, Detective Sergeant Dave Johnson, as they investigate the murder of an abused child and discover a network of child traffickers and paedophiles.
The cast of characters from book one are back and I enjoyed seeing their personalities and relationships develop further through the book. Paolo's home life is still complicated and his work made more difficult when one of his colleagues talks to the press.
I can't say this was an enjoyable read, but like Retriever of Souls, it was a gritty and gripping thriller that kept me turning the pages.
The third book of the series is on my TBR list!
We join Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling and his partner, Detective Sergeant Dave Johnson, as they investigate the murder of an abused child and discover a network of child traffickers and paedophiles.
The cast of characters from book one are back and I enjoyed seeing their personalities and relationships develop further through the book. Paolo's home life is still complicated and his work made more difficult when one of his colleagues talks to the press.
I can't say this was an enjoyable read, but like Retriever of Souls, it was a gritty and gripping thriller that kept me turning the pages.
The third book of the series is on my TBR list!
May 27, 2019
While this is #2 in the Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling series it can easily be read as standalone. (I have read #1 Retriever of Souls)
This begins with DI Sterling investigating the murder of a child which leads to links with a child prostitution ring, as away he is determined to get the justice the young victims deserve. Can he put an end to this vile ring?
This has a dark subject matter and so is not always an easy read, but Lorraine Mace has handled it sympathetically but it is still truly harrowing at times.
I found this to be a compelling read and loved the twisty, thriller of it too….if you like your thrillers dark and uncomfortable then this is definitely one for you…..
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
This begins with DI Sterling investigating the murder of a child which leads to links with a child prostitution ring, as away he is determined to get the justice the young victims deserve. Can he put an end to this vile ring?
This has a dark subject matter and so is not always an easy read, but Lorraine Mace has handled it sympathetically but it is still truly harrowing at times.
I found this to be a compelling read and loved the twisty, thriller of it too….if you like your thrillers dark and uncomfortable then this is definitely one for you…..
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
June 10, 2019
This was a difficult but compelling read. Difficult because the subject matter of child trafficking into sexual slavery is not one that reads comfortably, no matter how sensitively it is written about.
Joey and his gang and his customers are truly vile and you cannot wait for them to be caught and to be punished.
Paolo and Dave are a developing partnership in this book and their characters really start to gel, both within the story but also in the readers mind. The backstory of Paolo's daughters and wife is also covered in more detail, lending another facade to his character outside the detective world.
Fantastically written and you are compelled to read on in the hope of victory for the detectives, justice for the children and punishment for the pedophiles.
Joey and his gang and his customers are truly vile and you cannot wait for them to be caught and to be punished.
Paolo and Dave are a developing partnership in this book and their characters really start to gel, both within the story but also in the readers mind. The backstory of Paolo's daughters and wife is also covered in more detail, lending another facade to his character outside the detective world.
Fantastically written and you are compelled to read on in the hope of victory for the detectives, justice for the children and punishment for the pedophiles.
June 25, 2020
So I agreed to review all three of Lorraine Mace’s D.I Sterling novels for Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour and after reviewing the first entry in the series I was chomping at the bit to read and review this one. As with other blog tours I’ve done (Which you can check out here and here) I feel the need to say upfront that I am doing this as part of a promotional blog tour but that in no way will influence my opinion on the book and so you can expect me to be honest, unbiased and as always fair in my review of this submission.
Okay now that we’ve got the legal bit out of the way I want to very quickly talk about the author, if you want a little more detail then check out my link to the review of the first entry above. Anyways Lorraine Mace is an English author, by way of South London but has lived all over the world in places such as South Africa, Gozo and France. She is currently based in the Costa del Sol in Spain but she doesn’t let the sun influence her writing because having read her first novel ‘Retriever of Souls’ she can take you to some dark places. Mace is also the author/co-author of titles such as The Writer’s ABC Checklist, Vlad The Inhaler: Hero In The Making and Notes from the Margin: A Writer’s Life all of which I urge you to check out. In the next few weeks I aim to get an interview with Lorraine but in the meantime make sure an keep up to date with her by checking out her website or following her on Twitter.
Next, let’s actually talk about the book, the series as a whole is a hard boiled crime fiction/thriller piece, which follows Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling as he attempts to unravel the various threads that lead from the crime to the criminal responsible. As a huge fan of the genre I’m always happy for new entries and having read the first novel in the D.I Sterling series I feel that Mace handles the genre exceptionally well. ‘Children in Chains’ specifically deals with Sterling investigating a child murder that leads him to discover a prostitution network that stretches from the seedy underbelly of society right to the highest rungs of society. We also see Sterling face of against someone that truly challenges him, and as every good hero is judged by his villain we see a whole new side to the Detective Inspector. ‘Children in Chains’ was officially published 21st February 2019 by Accent Press who have actually just slashed the price of the book until June 15th so get it just now for the bargain deal of 99p/99c across all Amazon stores while you can. Lastly, I want to add that the book does feature human trafficking and child prostitution which might not be to everyone’s taste, but it isn’t gratuitous or exceedingly graphic so while it might present a hard or emotional challenging read it is still worth reading.
So now on to the review, and it does not hold back, as mentioned up top it deals with some sensitive subjects but Lorraine manages to balance giving enough information and writing something that is evocative and grips the reader without being insensitive or overly graphic for shock value. It deals with the real grit and darkness that can and does exist in the world without glorifying it in any way. I tend to emotional connect with the text that I’m reading and so I found it hard at times to keep reading but for a book to draw that kind of reaction it has to be well written and ‘Children in Chains’ is definitely that.
Something I really like in a series is consistency, I name dropped one of my favourite crime/thriller writers in the previous review, Ian Rankin, who I also strongly suggest you check out and what I like about his work, other than that to date in my opinion he’s produced nothing but work that’s deeply compelling and well written is that each book is stand alone much like Mace’s books here and yet they remain consistent and reference each other and lead into one, characters develop between books but all the information, and the story is presented to you in such a way that you don’t need to read each book to understand the context. Mace has also managed this, she has already begun to build a world, and a character that works both consistently throughout each entry in the series and yet can be enjoyed independently.
Speaking of character, Sterling has really grown on me, in my review of the previous entry I noted that he was not some perfect character but a real, flawed human and that hasn’t changed but their is growth, and you even start to feel sympathy for him. He is struggling deeply with personal issues but he is still doing his job and that tells you all you need to know about him. Other characters develop throughout this novel as well, you can feel the team come together as the story unfolds and is adds to the realism, because while their is a certain ‘romanticism’ in a solo hero outgunned, it’s not entirely realistic to how police units work, so it’s good that Paolo has a team behind him.
All in all this book is as engaging as the previous one, which is a compliment particularly considering the subject matter of the book itself. I truly believe that Mace has a talent for the grim and the unseemly, because she can turn those topics into a gripping page turner that again I just couldn’t put down. So with that in mind I’d like to give ‘Children in Chains’ a 4/5 and I’m looking forward to reading the next entry.
First Published on: https://offtherecordblog.org/
Off the Record is and always will be a free platform, but if you like what we do here and want to contribute to the production of future content then you can do so by donating to our PayPal or Ko-Fi.
Okay now that we’ve got the legal bit out of the way I want to very quickly talk about the author, if you want a little more detail then check out my link to the review of the first entry above. Anyways Lorraine Mace is an English author, by way of South London but has lived all over the world in places such as South Africa, Gozo and France. She is currently based in the Costa del Sol in Spain but she doesn’t let the sun influence her writing because having read her first novel ‘Retriever of Souls’ she can take you to some dark places. Mace is also the author/co-author of titles such as The Writer’s ABC Checklist, Vlad The Inhaler: Hero In The Making and Notes from the Margin: A Writer’s Life all of which I urge you to check out. In the next few weeks I aim to get an interview with Lorraine but in the meantime make sure an keep up to date with her by checking out her website or following her on Twitter.
Next, let’s actually talk about the book, the series as a whole is a hard boiled crime fiction/thriller piece, which follows Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling as he attempts to unravel the various threads that lead from the crime to the criminal responsible. As a huge fan of the genre I’m always happy for new entries and having read the first novel in the D.I Sterling series I feel that Mace handles the genre exceptionally well. ‘Children in Chains’ specifically deals with Sterling investigating a child murder that leads him to discover a prostitution network that stretches from the seedy underbelly of society right to the highest rungs of society. We also see Sterling face of against someone that truly challenges him, and as every good hero is judged by his villain we see a whole new side to the Detective Inspector. ‘Children in Chains’ was officially published 21st February 2019 by Accent Press who have actually just slashed the price of the book until June 15th so get it just now for the bargain deal of 99p/99c across all Amazon stores while you can. Lastly, I want to add that the book does feature human trafficking and child prostitution which might not be to everyone’s taste, but it isn’t gratuitous or exceedingly graphic so while it might present a hard or emotional challenging read it is still worth reading.
So now on to the review, and it does not hold back, as mentioned up top it deals with some sensitive subjects but Lorraine manages to balance giving enough information and writing something that is evocative and grips the reader without being insensitive or overly graphic for shock value. It deals with the real grit and darkness that can and does exist in the world without glorifying it in any way. I tend to emotional connect with the text that I’m reading and so I found it hard at times to keep reading but for a book to draw that kind of reaction it has to be well written and ‘Children in Chains’ is definitely that.
Something I really like in a series is consistency, I name dropped one of my favourite crime/thriller writers in the previous review, Ian Rankin, who I also strongly suggest you check out and what I like about his work, other than that to date in my opinion he’s produced nothing but work that’s deeply compelling and well written is that each book is stand alone much like Mace’s books here and yet they remain consistent and reference each other and lead into one, characters develop between books but all the information, and the story is presented to you in such a way that you don’t need to read each book to understand the context. Mace has also managed this, she has already begun to build a world, and a character that works both consistently throughout each entry in the series and yet can be enjoyed independently.
Speaking of character, Sterling has really grown on me, in my review of the previous entry I noted that he was not some perfect character but a real, flawed human and that hasn’t changed but their is growth, and you even start to feel sympathy for him. He is struggling deeply with personal issues but he is still doing his job and that tells you all you need to know about him. Other characters develop throughout this novel as well, you can feel the team come together as the story unfolds and is adds to the realism, because while their is a certain ‘romanticism’ in a solo hero outgunned, it’s not entirely realistic to how police units work, so it’s good that Paolo has a team behind him.
All in all this book is as engaging as the previous one, which is a compliment particularly considering the subject matter of the book itself. I truly believe that Mace has a talent for the grim and the unseemly, because she can turn those topics into a gripping page turner that again I just couldn’t put down. So with that in mind I’d like to give ‘Children in Chains’ a 4/5 and I’m looking forward to reading the next entry.
First Published on: https://offtherecordblog.org/
Off the Record is and always will be a free platform, but if you like what we do here and want to contribute to the production of future content then you can do so by donating to our PayPal or Ko-Fi.
March 9, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC reviewers thank you
The second book in the DI Striking series- if you e not read the first do yourself a favour and start there
This book deals with (if it’s possible) even more potentially worrying subject matter - human trafficking for prostitution. Again not possibly a read for the faint hearted. Lorraine deals with the subject matter delicately and in a positive manner she gives hope that in real life it too could be stopped if only we had a DI Stirling in every police station
An absolutely brilliant read I loved the developments with other characters and the way the relationships in the book became firmer and more concrete
Can’t wait to see more DI Stirling
The second book in the DI Striking series- if you e not read the first do yourself a favour and start there
This book deals with (if it’s possible) even more potentially worrying subject matter - human trafficking for prostitution. Again not possibly a read for the faint hearted. Lorraine deals with the subject matter delicately and in a positive manner she gives hope that in real life it too could be stopped if only we had a DI Stirling in every police station
An absolutely brilliant read I loved the developments with other characters and the way the relationships in the book became firmer and more concrete
Can’t wait to see more DI Stirling
March 2, 2019
This is the second book in the series and the first book was great so is this one...
Both this and the previous book start quite graphically.This Book is about child trafficking the subject is carefully described DI Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the people that are doing this.....
This book built on the relationships in book 1 but i can be read as a standalone.
Well done to this Author 2 great books under your belt....
Both this and the previous book start quite graphically.This Book is about child trafficking the subject is carefully described DI Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the people that are doing this.....
This book built on the relationships in book 1 but i can be read as a standalone.
Well done to this Author 2 great books under your belt....
May 27, 2019
The character development is fab! I’m becoming really attached to our main character D.I. Paolo Sterling, he’s so relatable and he’s juggling so much. You can see he’s trying so hard to balance visiting his daughter in hospital, trying to calm his ex-wife and possibly start a new relationship. Oh as well as all that he has a really disturbing case to solve.
I was also shocked that I started to warm to Dave who is Paolo’s partner. In the first book. I couldn’t stand him, he was so misogynistic and just an all round douche.
As much as I love it, I do have to admit that the first third of this book is pretty slow, but once you get through that it’s non-stop.
Find the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
I was also shocked that I started to warm to Dave who is Paolo’s partner. In the first book. I couldn’t stand him, he was so misogynistic and just an all round douche.
As much as I love it, I do have to admit that the first third of this book is pretty slow, but once you get through that it’s non-stop.
Find the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
April 3, 2019
The second in the DI Stirling series, another great read this time about the sensitive issue of child sex trafficing. A page turner like the first, lots of red herrings and twists and turns. Hopefully there is more to come.
March 26, 2019
Children in chains by Lorraine Mace.
Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester's streets with young prostitutes.
When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
Has Paolo come up against a criminal he cannot defeat?
This was a fantastic read with some great characters. I loved Paolo and Dave and cc. George was a bit miserable at times. I was really hoping he would find out who was taking the young girls and put them away. I hate any crime to do with young children. I hope there is more to come because of the ending. 5*.
Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester's streets with young prostitutes.
When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.
Has Paolo come up against a criminal he cannot defeat?
This was a fantastic read with some great characters. I loved Paolo and Dave and cc. George was a bit miserable at times. I was really hoping he would find out who was taking the young girls and put them away. I hate any crime to do with young children. I hope there is more to come because of the ending. 5*.
March 2, 2019
I hadn't read the first book in the series, but it didn't prove to be an issue as the characters and backstories are revealed seamlessly. The plot is shocking and I found a few chapters made me feel sick with horror at what those poor girls must have gone through (and almost certainly do each day around the world) but it is integral to the story and it is well worth reading on to see the characters develop.
I have to confess that in a very different way I really felt for George ('Who?' you might say) but I wanted to shake Paolo, although he had far more to worry about.
This is a great read with a pacy plot. The ending was fab and I don't envy Paolo his dilemma!
I have to confess that in a very different way I really felt for George ('Who?' you might say) but I wanted to shake Paolo, although he had far more to worry about.
This is a great read with a pacy plot. The ending was fab and I don't envy Paolo his dilemma!
February 26, 2019
Wow, I have just read both of these books in this series. I wanted to go straight into the second one, am I glad that I read them in order. The subject matter is very hard hitting, you can not want but for these children to be rescued, unfortunately this is not to be. You get a great insight into D.I. Sterling's background and the reason that he is in so much pain. His marriage is on the rocks, he has lost his daughter and his other daughter is in danger. His ex wife hates him. His personal life runs into his work life and makes him struggle. But he works through it. Both books were a very good read and I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys this type of story. Not that it is an enjoyable read, but a very good one about a very serious subject. 5 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
The second in the DI Sterling series, easily read for a standalone, but for the full backstory of Paolo I'd start from the beginning.
Although the plot of this one was compelling, it led to some uncomfortable reading in places as the main focuses were child trafficking, paedophilia and child abuse.
Dark, gritty and extremely intense from the off, Mace does it again and comes up with another fantastic piece of dark noir. Gripping, compelling and this one certainly toys with your emotions.
Paolo is still struggling with the aftermath of what's happened to his daughter, and his estranged wife certainly isn't the most likeable of characters.
I'm absolutely loving this series and I'm off to start book three.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Although the plot of this one was compelling, it led to some uncomfortable reading in places as the main focuses were child trafficking, paedophilia and child abuse.
Dark, gritty and extremely intense from the off, Mace does it again and comes up with another fantastic piece of dark noir. Gripping, compelling and this one certainly toys with your emotions.
Paolo is still struggling with the aftermath of what's happened to his daughter, and his estranged wife certainly isn't the most likeable of characters.
I'm absolutely loving this series and I'm off to start book three.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 14, 2019
I got this as a arc e book from a page called tbc reviews on facebook that I am a member of. I enjoyed reading this book as much as the first one in this series. It had a good story to it. I hope to read more books by this author.
December 31, 2019
In Retriever of Souls, book 1 of the DI Sterling Series, Paolo Sterling and his team were hunting for a serial killer targeting prostitutes. This led them to question the women working the street trade for information as they tried to identify the monster taking lives. It wasn’t lost on Paolo many of the females he encountered were barely into their teens.
Connections made during that investigation are front and center in Children in Chains as Paolo searches for the person responsible for trafficking females for sex. But, it’s even worse than any of them believed. Teenage girls are forced to work the streets only after they are abused, violated, and addicted to drugs at an even younger age.
The DI is overwhelmed at times by everything around him—the dead ends his case keeps hitting because people are too terrified of the consequences of talking to the police; the cracks his team is showing; his fortieth birthday and the state of his personal life, and the physical recovery of his sixteen-year-old daughter, Katy, from the near-fatal attack she suffered in book 1. But don’t count the gutsy teen out yet. While she may still have a lot to come to terms with mentally and emotionally, she’s not one sit around and veg out. Love her spirit and wouldn’t be at all surprised if she followed in her dad’s footsteps.
Of course, with Katy, comes Paolo’s ex-wife, Lydia, who’s still an insufferable cow, placing blame for all wrong in her life on his shoulders.
Despite all that, Sterling is no less focused on the case, his frustration and anger always rumbling just below the surface.
He perks up after interviewing an aging rocker he suspects is connected with the trafficking, but is thrown for a loop and blindsided by betrayal from a member of his team. But Paolo also soon discovers the ringleader he’s searching for could have been in front of him all along.
Children in Chains in not an easy read. Stephen King said, “Fiction is the truth inside the lie,” and this author has done an extraordinary job of weaving just enough of the truth through the story to not only create an engrossing, suspenseful read but also incite heartache and sympathy for the victimized children as well as rage for their tormentors.
And just when I thought dealings with Lydia—remember her?—were relegated to the back burner, she’s had an epiphany, God, help us, and I was right there, cringing with Paolo.
Can Children in Chains be read as a standalone? Yes, but I don’t recommend it. While all the elements needed for the story are in this story, this series centers on Paolo Sterling, and while his character is evolving, he’s not dramatically changing overnight. The changes are subtle and readers should know where he’s been to understand where he’s headed. Grab books 1 and 2!
Enjoy!
Connections made during that investigation are front and center in Children in Chains as Paolo searches for the person responsible for trafficking females for sex. But, it’s even worse than any of them believed. Teenage girls are forced to work the streets only after they are abused, violated, and addicted to drugs at an even younger age.
The DI is overwhelmed at times by everything around him—the dead ends his case keeps hitting because people are too terrified of the consequences of talking to the police; the cracks his team is showing; his fortieth birthday and the state of his personal life, and the physical recovery of his sixteen-year-old daughter, Katy, from the near-fatal attack she suffered in book 1. But don’t count the gutsy teen out yet. While she may still have a lot to come to terms with mentally and emotionally, she’s not one sit around and veg out. Love her spirit and wouldn’t be at all surprised if she followed in her dad’s footsteps.
Of course, with Katy, comes Paolo’s ex-wife, Lydia, who’s still an insufferable cow, placing blame for all wrong in her life on his shoulders.
Despite all that, Sterling is no less focused on the case, his frustration and anger always rumbling just below the surface.
He perks up after interviewing an aging rocker he suspects is connected with the trafficking, but is thrown for a loop and blindsided by betrayal from a member of his team. But Paolo also soon discovers the ringleader he’s searching for could have been in front of him all along.
Children in Chains in not an easy read. Stephen King said, “Fiction is the truth inside the lie,” and this author has done an extraordinary job of weaving just enough of the truth through the story to not only create an engrossing, suspenseful read but also incite heartache and sympathy for the victimized children as well as rage for their tormentors.
And just when I thought dealings with Lydia—remember her?—were relegated to the back burner, she’s had an epiphany, God, help us, and I was right there, cringing with Paolo.
Can Children in Chains be read as a standalone? Yes, but I don’t recommend it. While all the elements needed for the story are in this story, this series centers on Paolo Sterling, and while his character is evolving, he’s not dramatically changing overnight. The changes are subtle and readers should know where he’s been to understand where he’s headed. Grab books 1 and 2!
Enjoy!
April 18, 2021
The subject of this book is child sex trafficking so it is by no means a "cozy" and yet it deals with this very serious subject without getting into really gritty, graphic descriptions of the violence. It was a refreshing change from some of the books I've read recently. There is enough to suggest the horror of the events that are going on but the reader doesn't get dragged through the worst of it in detail.
The police team setting seems quite contemporary and realistic, including bureaucracy, conflicts of personality, presumed favouritism, jealousies and rookie mistakes. The plot has a few turns that make it a bit unrealistic but most of it actually seems quite credible. It was an easy read and I'm intending to seek out other books in the series for when I need a break from stories that are too disturbing to actually 'enjoy'. A good story doesn't need to be a painful read.
The police team setting seems quite contemporary and realistic, including bureaucracy, conflicts of personality, presumed favouritism, jealousies and rookie mistakes. The plot has a few turns that make it a bit unrealistic but most of it actually seems quite credible. It was an easy read and I'm intending to seek out other books in the series for when I need a break from stories that are too disturbing to actually 'enjoy'. A good story doesn't need to be a painful read.
December 19, 2020
Truly repulsive. I liked it. Sex trafficking is real and it is terrifying. This shone a light on the practice and it was brutal.
Again, the ex-wife made me want to tear my hair out, but we got some solid character development with Dave and the other secondary characters. My only issue is that the characters we aren't supposed to like (George, I'm looking at you...) are written in such an extreme way. He acted like an angry toddler and it just didn't seem realistic to me. Like, how do you expect to hold down a job when you behave like that at work? I kind of feel like they serve as a counterpoint to Paolo, who is preturnaturally sensible and measured. But it isn't necessary! Yeah, that's the only thing that bugs me.
The story, though, was an absolute page turner, with grotesque but unfortunately realistic (and practically ripped from the headlines) villains and a satisfying ending.
Again, the ex-wife made me want to tear my hair out, but we got some solid character development with Dave and the other secondary characters. My only issue is that the characters we aren't supposed to like (George, I'm looking at you...) are written in such an extreme way. He acted like an angry toddler and it just didn't seem realistic to me. Like, how do you expect to hold down a job when you behave like that at work? I kind of feel like they serve as a counterpoint to Paolo, who is preturnaturally sensible and measured. But it isn't necessary! Yeah, that's the only thing that bugs me.
The story, though, was an absolute page turner, with grotesque but unfortunately realistic (and practically ripped from the headlines) villains and a satisfying ending.
August 24, 2020
Once again Lorraine Mace has knocked it out of the park. Right from the opening chapter, you are straight into the heart of this gripping, deliciously horrific crime extravaganza!
I've read all (currently) four of the D.I. Sterling books but this one is definitely my favourite. When reading crime novels, I want to shocked, appalled, horrified and entertained - and this book delivered on all counts. Throw in some ongoing relationships, and you're onto a winner! For me - Paolo and Dave (I love you Dave!) beat Karin Slaughter's Jeffrey and Will hands down.
You can read this book as a standalone (there are enough key points mentioned to know who is who) - but why deprive yourself of book one? Start at the beginning and steam on through, like I have. You won't be disappointed!
I've read all (currently) four of the D.I. Sterling books but this one is definitely my favourite. When reading crime novels, I want to shocked, appalled, horrified and entertained - and this book delivered on all counts. Throw in some ongoing relationships, and you're onto a winner! For me - Paolo and Dave (I love you Dave!) beat Karin Slaughter's Jeffrey and Will hands down.
You can read this book as a standalone (there are enough key points mentioned to know who is who) - but why deprive yourself of book one? Start at the beginning and steam on through, like I have. You won't be disappointed!
June 8, 2020
Good fast paced follow up to the first in the series Retriever of Souls. Not for the faint hearted, but well worth reading. I like Paolo Sterling very much. A totally believable character, with relationship problems and a daughter that adores him. The subject matter in Children in Chains might leave some feeling uncomfortable but don't let that put you off.
July 22, 2021
Cleverly written in a chilling sort of way
July 29, 2022
4.5 rounded to 5 stars for Goodreads. I felt this one stepped up a gear - although the subject matter was hard to read at times. It's very intense and disturbing, so again, check the trigger warnings.
I felt much more connected to the characters, which made me more invested in the story. I loved knowing half of the mystery from the start and watching how close (or far) Paolo was getting to solving it. I thought the twist was very good too, and didn't actually see it coming.
I really struggled with the very ending (not the crime ending, but on the personal side) - it made no sense to me given how vile the person had been previously. Again, maybe this is where a prequel at the start may help with this understanding.
I could not put this one down, I'm loving how the relationships are developing, and the crimes are really clever.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I felt much more connected to the characters, which made me more invested in the story. I loved knowing half of the mystery from the start and watching how close (or far) Paolo was getting to solving it. I thought the twist was very good too, and didn't actually see it coming.
I really struggled with the very ending (not the crime ending, but on the personal side) - it made no sense to me given how vile the person had been previously. Again, maybe this is where a prequel at the start may help with this understanding.
I could not put this one down, I'm loving how the relationships are developing, and the crimes are really clever.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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