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Alice Quentin #6
Fatal Harmony
Adrian Stone believes he is a genius. A narcissist, with a psychotic desire to pursue his ambition to become the world’s most revered pianist, Stone joined London’s Royal College of Music as a child prodigy, believing his path to fame was secure. But when his parents decided to send him back to school, he slaughtered them and his older sister in their Richmond home, landing himself in Rampton’s high security unit.
Nine years later Stone escapes with two goals in mind: to kill those who denied his destiny and pursue his musical ambitions.
As bodies start to appear around London Dr Alice Quentin is brought in from the Met’s Forensic Psychology Unit. But when she realises her name is on Stone’s list of potential victims, the case becomes personal.
Working alongside her boyfriend, DI Don Burns, London’s most successful murder investigator, Alice must stop Stone to save her own life.
Alice realises that there is logic to the music left at each murder scene, and thinks she’s cracked the case, but little does she know what Stone has in store for his grand finale…
Nine years later Stone escapes with two goals in mind: to kill those who denied his destiny and pursue his musical ambitions.
As bodies start to appear around London Dr Alice Quentin is brought in from the Met’s Forensic Psychology Unit. But when she realises her name is on Stone’s list of potential victims, the case becomes personal.
Working alongside her boyfriend, DI Don Burns, London’s most successful murder investigator, Alice must stop Stone to save her own life.
Alice realises that there is logic to the music left at each murder scene, and thinks she’s cracked the case, but little does she know what Stone has in store for his grand finale…
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2019
99 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
36 books353 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 27, 2019
Hallelujah I have finished this series and wow was it bad, the writing style the pace and characters are just awful. The only positive thing I can say about this is that the mystery and story had promise which when written by this author just got list in too many cliches.
February 26, 2019
Sit on the edge of your seat and hang on! Adrian Stone is a cold hearted killer. He is also a musical genius. He claims as Bizet did that one is relate to the other. Nine years ago he killed three members of his family and was put not a secure mental facility. He is a narcissist and has severe personality disorder however he is clever and cunning and can turn people in the blink of an ey, having deceived several psychologists in the past. Dr Alice Quentin now works for the Met and was instrumental in putting Adrian away. Stone has faked deafness and on the way to a hospital appointment having turned one of the guards makes his escape, killing two of the guards and leaving the other one very nearly dead also. He very quickly begins his killing spree and is leaving things at the scenes for the team to find. Oh my. Kate knows just how to build tension very quickly and this runs throughout the book. There is that air of standing on the brink and then pulling away again, just slightly, that knowledge that something could be about to happen or the case take on a new turn. I took to Alice and her tenacity. Not only to find Stone but knowing that he was after her and for not taking a back seat in an easier position. This is my first Kate Rhodes book- it most certainly won’;t be my last. This is stunningly written and I didn’t want it to end. If you like on the edge of your seat thrillers then please have a look at this one. Stunning doesn't do this justice.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
October 6, 2018
Five stars.
Who wouldn't give this book five stars? Once again excellent reading, l have loved this series and hope this isn't the last one. Please keep on entertaining us.
Who wouldn't give this book five stars? Once again excellent reading, l have loved this series and hope this isn't the last one. Please keep on entertaining us.
November 15, 2018
What a wonderful yet twisted story.
Yet again Kate writes another show stopping story of Alice. I loved all of the twists and turns, it had me hooked for days. A fantastic book.
Yet again Kate writes another show stopping story of Alice. I loved all of the twists and turns, it had me hooked for days. A fantastic book.
January 3, 2019
So happy to read the latest instalment of the Alice Quentin series, it did not disappoint.
January 10, 2019
Just loved this book, hope there is more to come.
June 3, 2019
Quite good but after reading a few in succession, becomes a bit predictable.
March 13, 2025
This is the sixth book of a six book series featuring Alice Quentin, a forensic psychologist based in London. This is the fourth book in this series which I have read. I have also read five other books by the author.
Most of the story is told from Alice's first person perspective though this is interspersed with short chapters told in the third person showing the actions of the killer. It's a far-fetched story about a convicted killer who escapes from his high-security psych1atric unit and starts to kill people he believes have wronged him. The reader really does need to willingly suspend disbelief and I can understand why the author gave up on this series.
I still hope to read the other two books in this series.
Most of the story is told from Alice's first person perspective though this is interspersed with short chapters told in the third person showing the actions of the killer. It's a far-fetched story about a convicted killer who escapes from his high-security psych1atric unit and starts to kill people he believes have wronged him. The reader really does need to willingly suspend disbelief and I can understand why the author gave up on this series.
I still hope to read the other two books in this series.
September 18, 2024
Gostei muito! Achei que alguns personagens ficaram desaparecidos no livro e apareceram só por aparecer. Também penso que poderia ter mais cenas do casal principal. No mais, gostei muito!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
Excellent novel , very tense at times .
Good characters and plot .
Good characters and plot .
March 27, 2019
The first time I read anything from Kate Rhodes was when I read Hell Bay and have very much enjoyed all of that series so far. When I was sent some information from Heather at Bloodhound Books about Fatal Harmony it seemed quite fortuitous as I knew the author had written another series of books. This is the fifth in the series. I recently read the first one (and have others in the series awaiting my attention) and thought it would be interesting to see what was now happening in the world of Dr Alice Quentin. Well things have moved on! Alice is now Deputy Director of the Met’s Forensic Psychology Unit and very much a part of the investigation into finding Adrian Stone when he escapes custody, killing two officers and seriously injuring a third. A master of disguise he eludes the investigating team who are frantically searching seemingly always one step behind.
It was also good to catch up with some of the other characters her brother, Will, best friend, Lola, and Don Burns their situations have moved on quite some way from Crosbones Yard the first in the series, as you would expect, and reading Fatal Harmony certainly makes me want to go back and read the journey they have all taken since then.
Back to Fatal Harmony though, this is after all a blog blitz about Kate Rhodes latest book and newest in the Alice Quentin Series. As always in her writing the author has a great sense of place and this exudes throughout the book giving the reader not only terrific descriptive information of London but some absolutely fascinating detail of various music venues and places around the Capital all put to excellent use to link the story together. Kate Rhodes certainly knows how to write a captivating, heart-rendering and intricate story of a psychotic murderer out for revenge and to show the world what a great talent he is. The way in which Rhodes writes the main character, Alice, allowing her to be sympathetic without being too naive and still showing that she is human – even if it’s not easy for her to demonstrate it in her personal life – is quite a triumph; the way in which the author gets to the very heart of what she wants to say in a few words must be due to her initially being a poet cutting straight to the heart of the matter, allowing the reader to understand some quite complicated ideas, feelings and actions so incisively, so clearly without a jarring in the overall story of the chase to catch a killer who will not stop taking revenge until he is caught.
We are allowed into the thinking of Adrian as the story progresses, his desperate need to perform and be acknowledged as a great musician and his manipulative ability when it comes to vulnerable people who might further his cause in one way or another. It is easy to believe how people might well be drawn under the influence of such a man, the way in which he is able to find their weak spots and use them for his own betterment without a thought for them. He is smart, capable – having built up a deal of knowledge – and has carefully planned what he wants to do.
We follow Alice as she brings disparate musical clues together as she hunts for Adrian in the only way she knows and, to some extent, against the flow of the main investigation taking place under Ron Burns and his wonderful team. The team are not only investigating but trying to protect those most likely targets for Adrian’s revenge such as his sister, Melissa, and not least Alice herself. As the body count rises and then a very prominent pianist goes missing time is of the essence. This is a truly gripping story.
Fatal Harmony is an excellent read, one which I would highly recommend. This can most certainly be read as a stand-alone but I am sure that you, like me, will want to go back and read the rest of what is obviously a first-class series. I also can’t wait to read the next in the series as much to find out what is going to happen with Alice, Ron and the rest of the team as for whatever fiendish crime story these terrific characters will have to deal with.
With thanks to Heather at Bloodhound Books for the invite onto the Blog Tour and for an eCopy of Fatal Harmony by Kate Rhodes.
I would also like to thanks to Kate Rhodes, although I have never met her in person, our paths have crossed on Twitter. I have loved the Hell Bay Series and done a little to champion her books when possible. It was lovely to see that Kate has very kindly added my name to her list of acknowledgements in Fatal Harmony.
#FatalHarmony
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/2019/0...
It was also good to catch up with some of the other characters her brother, Will, best friend, Lola, and Don Burns their situations have moved on quite some way from Crosbones Yard the first in the series, as you would expect, and reading Fatal Harmony certainly makes me want to go back and read the journey they have all taken since then.
Back to Fatal Harmony though, this is after all a blog blitz about Kate Rhodes latest book and newest in the Alice Quentin Series. As always in her writing the author has a great sense of place and this exudes throughout the book giving the reader not only terrific descriptive information of London but some absolutely fascinating detail of various music venues and places around the Capital all put to excellent use to link the story together. Kate Rhodes certainly knows how to write a captivating, heart-rendering and intricate story of a psychotic murderer out for revenge and to show the world what a great talent he is. The way in which Rhodes writes the main character, Alice, allowing her to be sympathetic without being too naive and still showing that she is human – even if it’s not easy for her to demonstrate it in her personal life – is quite a triumph; the way in which the author gets to the very heart of what she wants to say in a few words must be due to her initially being a poet cutting straight to the heart of the matter, allowing the reader to understand some quite complicated ideas, feelings and actions so incisively, so clearly without a jarring in the overall story of the chase to catch a killer who will not stop taking revenge until he is caught.
We are allowed into the thinking of Adrian as the story progresses, his desperate need to perform and be acknowledged as a great musician and his manipulative ability when it comes to vulnerable people who might further his cause in one way or another. It is easy to believe how people might well be drawn under the influence of such a man, the way in which he is able to find their weak spots and use them for his own betterment without a thought for them. He is smart, capable – having built up a deal of knowledge – and has carefully planned what he wants to do.
We follow Alice as she brings disparate musical clues together as she hunts for Adrian in the only way she knows and, to some extent, against the flow of the main investigation taking place under Ron Burns and his wonderful team. The team are not only investigating but trying to protect those most likely targets for Adrian’s revenge such as his sister, Melissa, and not least Alice herself. As the body count rises and then a very prominent pianist goes missing time is of the essence. This is a truly gripping story.
Fatal Harmony is an excellent read, one which I would highly recommend. This can most certainly be read as a stand-alone but I am sure that you, like me, will want to go back and read the rest of what is obviously a first-class series. I also can’t wait to read the next in the series as much to find out what is going to happen with Alice, Ron and the rest of the team as for whatever fiendish crime story these terrific characters will have to deal with.
With thanks to Heather at Bloodhound Books for the invite onto the Blog Tour and for an eCopy of Fatal Harmony by Kate Rhodes.
I would also like to thanks to Kate Rhodes, although I have never met her in person, our paths have crossed on Twitter. I have loved the Hell Bay Series and done a little to champion her books when possible. It was lovely to see that Kate has very kindly added my name to her list of acknowledgements in Fatal Harmony.
#FatalHarmony
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/2019/0...
March 27, 2019
My review
5 stars
A grisly, gripping read that I could not put down.
Thank you to BloodHound books for this gifted copy of Fatal Harmony and for the opportunity to take part in the blog tour.
I had not had the pleasure of reading Kate's books previously and this is the sixth book in the Alice Quentin series and can be read as a standalone.
The book begins with a really dramatic prison breakout from Adam Stone who has been incarnated for life after brutally murdering his family as a teenager.
Stone was a child prodigy, a musical genius and prison prevents him from doing what he loves most, playing the piano. Stone first comes into contact with Alice when she is one of a panel of psychologists assessing whether he should even be released from prison. She is called in to help the police after Stone escapes and he begins a calculated programme of revenge.
Stone is extremely clever at disguises and also manipulating and grooming people to achieve what he wants and Alice needs to find out what happened in Stone's childhood that triggered this psychopathic behaviour.
I was gripped by this book from the first few pages, I needed to know what made Adam Stone tick because he is such a complex and unpleasant human being. The clues he leaves for Alice are intriguing and I found myself googling the music to find out more about the type of music Adam Stone leaves.
The book is quite graphic in places but I did not find this an issue as it was not gratuitous but essential to the story and character development.
I will not give anymore away about the plot as I think it makes the book all the more exciting and I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I was hooked from page one and the last few chapters of the book were so engrossing and exciting I had to keep reading to find out the conclusion.
A really exciting book and I will definitely reading more by this author.
5 stars
A grisly, gripping read that I could not put down.
Thank you to BloodHound books for this gifted copy of Fatal Harmony and for the opportunity to take part in the blog tour.
I had not had the pleasure of reading Kate's books previously and this is the sixth book in the Alice Quentin series and can be read as a standalone.
The book begins with a really dramatic prison breakout from Adam Stone who has been incarnated for life after brutally murdering his family as a teenager.
Stone was a child prodigy, a musical genius and prison prevents him from doing what he loves most, playing the piano. Stone first comes into contact with Alice when she is one of a panel of psychologists assessing whether he should even be released from prison. She is called in to help the police after Stone escapes and he begins a calculated programme of revenge.
Stone is extremely clever at disguises and also manipulating and grooming people to achieve what he wants and Alice needs to find out what happened in Stone's childhood that triggered this psychopathic behaviour.
I was gripped by this book from the first few pages, I needed to know what made Adam Stone tick because he is such a complex and unpleasant human being. The clues he leaves for Alice are intriguing and I found myself googling the music to find out more about the type of music Adam Stone leaves.
The book is quite graphic in places but I did not find this an issue as it was not gratuitous but essential to the story and character development.
I will not give anymore away about the plot as I think it makes the book all the more exciting and I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I was hooked from page one and the last few chapters of the book were so engrossing and exciting I had to keep reading to find out the conclusion.
A really exciting book and I will definitely reading more by this author.
March 29, 2019
Alice Quentin is a forensic psychologist working for the Met Police in London. Her report on Adrian Stone, had helped ensure he wasn’t released from Rampton Secure Hospital…. Then he escapes !
Adrian is a gifted pianist, he studied at the Royal College of Music when very young, but the declined his application to continue his studies as they felt he was too young…..he then went home and murdered his family…..except for one sister, Melissa.
A Psychopathic narcissist, he manipulated others and orchestrated his escape..killing two prison guards and injuring a third in the process….now on the run, anyone linked to him is in danger….as the bodies start to appear….the hunt is on.
Adrian is leaving music related clues, and Alice seems to understand how his mind is working and follows his trail …..is she in danger ? Will she find the kidnapped Asako ? Will Lily survive?..will her relationship with Burns survive?….so many questions which are all answered in a stunning and surprising, tension filled end. Marvellous writing by Kate Rhodes in this tension filled thriller with great characters and a human touch…brilliant.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Adrian is a gifted pianist, he studied at the Royal College of Music when very young, but the declined his application to continue his studies as they felt he was too young…..he then went home and murdered his family…..except for one sister, Melissa.
A Psychopathic narcissist, he manipulated others and orchestrated his escape..killing two prison guards and injuring a third in the process….now on the run, anyone linked to him is in danger….as the bodies start to appear….the hunt is on.
Adrian is leaving music related clues, and Alice seems to understand how his mind is working and follows his trail …..is she in danger ? Will she find the kidnapped Asako ? Will Lily survive?..will her relationship with Burns survive?….so many questions which are all answered in a stunning and surprising, tension filled end. Marvellous writing by Kate Rhodes in this tension filled thriller with great characters and a human touch…brilliant.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
December 26, 2022
Adrian Stone is an exceptionally gifted pianist. Unfortunately he is also a psychopath, convicted of murdering his parents and sister.
When Adrian escapes from the secure hospital where he is being held, he commences a series of violent attacks on those he believes responsible for thwarting his musical ambitions.
Forensic psychologist Alice Quentin (who is one of the potential victims on Stone's hit list), must work urgently with the Metropolitan Police to stop Adrian's destructive rampage.
A very good thriller, full of suspense.
When Adrian escapes from the secure hospital where he is being held, he commences a series of violent attacks on those he believes responsible for thwarting his musical ambitions.
Forensic psychologist Alice Quentin (who is one of the potential victims on Stone's hit list), must work urgently with the Metropolitan Police to stop Adrian's destructive rampage.
A very good thriller, full of suspense.
July 18, 2019
I love the Alice Quentin series.
Glad she has returned in this sixth book of the series.
London is always a character in this series and this time it's the musical world-Royal College of Music and the Royal Albert Hall.
Adrian Stone is back and he believes he is a genius,relentlessly pursuing his ambition to be the most revered pianist in the world.Anyone who stood or stands in his way is in danger including Alice.
This is a page turner with lots of twists as the police try and track down Stone.
We also meet some familiar characters like Alice's brother,best friend and of course her lover Burns.
There has not been time for their relationship due to their jobs ,however this may be about to change.
Look forward to seeing what happens next.
Glad she has returned in this sixth book of the series.
London is always a character in this series and this time it's the musical world-Royal College of Music and the Royal Albert Hall.
Adrian Stone is back and he believes he is a genius,relentlessly pursuing his ambition to be the most revered pianist in the world.Anyone who stood or stands in his way is in danger including Alice.
This is a page turner with lots of twists as the police try and track down Stone.
We also meet some familiar characters like Alice's brother,best friend and of course her lover Burns.
There has not been time for their relationship due to their jobs ,however this may be about to change.
Look forward to seeing what happens next.
May 12, 2019
This shines.
There are plenty of serial killer books about. Some are pretty dire, lots of them are very readable but just OK. Every now and then there is a jewel, and for me this is one of them. It is so well written, all the storylines hang together and the pace doesn't let up. Wow!
Kate is a new author for me and I am delighted that there are quite a few for me to dive into. I've bought two more already! Thank you Kate.
There are plenty of serial killer books about. Some are pretty dire, lots of them are very readable but just OK. Every now and then there is a jewel, and for me this is one of them. It is so well written, all the storylines hang together and the pace doesn't let up. Wow!
Kate is a new author for me and I am delighted that there are quite a few for me to dive into. I've bought two more already! Thank you Kate.
May 23, 2019
I love the Alice Quentin books and this one was no different. A killer has escaped from a secure prison and is targeting those people he feels are to blame for his continued incarceration. Alice is one of those. She is also helping with the investigation and trying to solve the clues left behind at various locations. In-between of all this she is meant to be helping Lola prepare for her wedding.
This is fast paced and I couldn't put it down.
This is fast paced and I couldn't put it down.
May 26, 2019
I stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it and overslept the next day. Kate Rhodes prose is always lovely and flows beutifully - must be the poet side of her.
A really interesting idea for the madness of this killer, and revelas a part of London I had no idea existed.
Really enjoyed it - Ruin Beach next though.
A really interesting idea for the madness of this killer, and revelas a part of London I had no idea existed.
Really enjoyed it - Ruin Beach next though.
June 11, 2019
A brilliant read
A brilliant read by Kate Rhodes about a psychopath Adrian Stone who escapes from prison with a mission to get his own justice for people who wronged him.
It is very exciting as he wrecks havoc all over London and leads the police on a merry dance. I would definitely recommend this book a thrilling read.📕👍👍👍
A brilliant read by Kate Rhodes about a psychopath Adrian Stone who escapes from prison with a mission to get his own justice for people who wronged him.
It is very exciting as he wrecks havoc all over London and leads the police on a merry dance. I would definitely recommend this book a thrilling read.📕👍👍👍
October 21, 2021
This is an absolutely stunning read. Tight characterization and gripping plot combine to weave an intricate and thrilling novel. Ms. Rhodes has combined elements of classical and jazz music, the dedication required to excel, the tortured psychology of the antagonist to make this one of the best books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend this book!
March 8, 2022
Absolutely delightful read. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. Very fast paced. Kate Rhodes is one of my favorite mystery authors. Her writing is beautiful and her characters, gripping, believable and well fleshed out. No stereotypes. The storyline was tantalizing with an ending just out of reach of my imagination.
April 17, 2019
Love the Alice Quentin series of books. Didn't spend so much time in Alice or Burns' heads as in previous books, which is a dynamic I enjoy, but still an excellent read. Races along at a great pace, can't wait for the next one.
July 23, 2020
Fantastic!
I love Alice and Don. I have read the whole series and it is fantastic. I love their dedication to their jobs and helping others. I enjoyed watching their love for each other grow. This book was no exception. It's like getting into the mind of a killer.
I love Alice and Don. I have read the whole series and it is fantastic. I love their dedication to their jobs and helping others. I enjoyed watching their love for each other grow. This book was no exception. It's like getting into the mind of a killer.
April 5, 2019
What a read
This was a read you could not put down i can't wait to read more from Kate Rhodes . I am a Chris Carter reader but this is up there with his books
This was a read you could not put down i can't wait to read more from Kate Rhodes . I am a Chris Carter reader but this is up there with his books
May 26, 2019
Excellent book best one yet such a good author for twists and turns and things you don't see coming better in some ways to read in order but not essential
June 2, 2019
Alice in more adventurous mode. This book feels familiar but also fresh. An exciting read.
June 28, 2019
So interesting. Loved the London locations that were so real I was there with Alice! Kept me guessing. Her books just get better and better.
August 27, 2019
Always a few heart-stopping moments in this Alice Quentin series. Love the pace of the plot and the developments in the personal lives of the main characters. Looking forward to the next book.
October 18, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book it kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through it.
February 29, 2020
This is part of a series, but I can't really recall the earlier books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews