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Jessica Daniel #15
A Cry in The Night
Samuel is fourteen years old. He lives with his mother in a Manchester flat, goes to school, plays on his computer, reads books and likes the same things that most other teenagers do.
He’s also blind.
And he’s the only witness when his mother is attacked in their own home late one night.
With his hopes hung firmly on her and only his witness statement to go on, DI Jessica Daniel is facing an uphill battle to begin with – and that’s before an unidentified man with a ropey tattoo shows up in a gutter with his head kicked in.
Something strange is happening in Jessica’s team. Someone close to her has a secret – and when it comes out, everything is going to change.
He’s also blind.
And he’s the only witness when his mother is attacked in their own home late one night.
With his hopes hung firmly on her and only his witness statement to go on, DI Jessica Daniel is facing an uphill battle to begin with – and that’s before an unidentified man with a ropey tattoo shows up in a gutter with his head kicked in.
Something strange is happening in Jessica’s team. Someone close to her has a secret – and when it comes out, everything is going to change.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2020
230 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
70 books1,069 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 27, 2019
You know it’s a successful series when an author is up to book 15. And I’ve enjoyed every one of the prior 14.
This time around, Jessica is investigating the murder of a woman where the only witness is the woman’s blind son. The son has the unique ability to “see” through echolocation, which works along the same means as sonar. Before we know it, there is another murder which may or may not be related as the murderers seems to have been looking for something in each residence.
I’ve missed Wilkinson’s sense of humor! And his ability to paint a scene or a person with just a few brush strokes. “Shaun Viceroy was almost a cartoon caricature of a Scotsman. Barely comprehensible and with a shock of ginger hair, he was a kilt and a set of bagpipes away from featuring on a box of porridge oats. When he spoke, it felt like they were on an international phone call with a short delay as Jessica took a moment to work out what he had said.”
Wilkinson’s stories always move at a fast pace and keep the readers guessing. I was surprised that Jessica wasn’t jumping to some of the same conclusions I was (which did turn out to be correct). But there were still so many play outs I didn’t see coming. Great ending! And another cliffhanger to leave us dangling.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
June 15, 2020
This is the 15th book in the Jessica Daniel series by author Kerry Wilkinson. I have been reading this series for a while now and this latest novel is one of the best yet.
Fourteen years old Samuel lives in a Manchester flat with his mother and does most of the things any other boy does. But there is one big difference Samuel is blind and has taught himself how to be aware of his surroundings by making a clicking noise with his mouth called echolocation.
When his mother is attacked in their flat, Samuel is the only witness for DI Jessica Daniel to go on, but proves to be more observant that people would anticipate.
The lead character Jessica Daniel is an excellent character who is very good at her job although she leads a less controlled personal life. This series is full of humour bringing a lighter touch to the books while at the same time telling chilling crimes that grip the reader.
These books can be read as stand-alone novels but the characters do grow on you as you learn more about them. Very good read and an excellent addition to this series.
Fourteen years old Samuel lives in a Manchester flat with his mother and does most of the things any other boy does. But there is one big difference Samuel is blind and has taught himself how to be aware of his surroundings by making a clicking noise with his mouth called echolocation.
When his mother is attacked in their flat, Samuel is the only witness for DI Jessica Daniel to go on, but proves to be more observant that people would anticipate.
The lead character Jessica Daniel is an excellent character who is very good at her job although she leads a less controlled personal life. This series is full of humour bringing a lighter touch to the books while at the same time telling chilling crimes that grip the reader.
These books can be read as stand-alone novels but the characters do grow on you as you learn more about them. Very good read and an excellent addition to this series.
June 11, 2020
This is the 15th book in the Jessica Daniel series by author Kerry Wilkinson. I have been reading this series for a while now and this latest novel is one of the best yet.
Fourteen years old Samuel lives in a Manchester flat with his mother and does most of the things any other boy does. But there is one big difference Samuel is blind and has taught himself how to be aware of his surroundings by making a clicking noise with his mouth called echolocation.
When his mother is attacked in their flat, Samuel is the only witness for DI Jessica Daniel to go on, but proves to be more observant that people would anticipate.
The lead character Jessica Daniel is an excellent character who is very good at her job although she leads a less controlled personal life. This series is full of humour bringing a lighter touch to the books while at the same time telling chilling crimes that grip the reader.
These books can be read as stand-alone novels but the characters do grow on you as you learn more about them. Very good read and an excellent addition to this series.
Fourteen years old Samuel lives in a Manchester flat with his mother and does most of the things any other boy does. But there is one big difference Samuel is blind and has taught himself how to be aware of his surroundings by making a clicking noise with his mouth called echolocation.
When his mother is attacked in their flat, Samuel is the only witness for DI Jessica Daniel to go on, but proves to be more observant that people would anticipate.
The lead character Jessica Daniel is an excellent character who is very good at her job although she leads a less controlled personal life. This series is full of humour bringing a lighter touch to the books while at the same time telling chilling crimes that grip the reader.
These books can be read as stand-alone novels but the characters do grow on you as you learn more about them. Very good read and an excellent addition to this series.
December 3, 2019
When Samuel wakes up in the middle of the night to strange noises, he finds two men with his mother who are asking her where the money is. When things go wrong and his mother is killed, Samuel finds himself asking Jessica Daniel's to find the killers. The only thing Jessica has to go on is the word of Samuel and he's blind. Jessica, as always, is determined to the point of going against the rules/regulations to find answers. Another solid entry in this series! We are on book 15 now and Jessica is still a character that I love to read about and follow. The mysteries are always good, Jessica is always getting into trouble, and the stories are never dull. With every ending of these books there are cliffhangers, ones that have you screaming to Kerry Wilkinson, "why do you do this to me?!". Can't wait for book 16 to find out what comes next.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2019
After finally warming up to detective investigator Jessica Daniel in the 2018 Eye for an Eye series entry, I must say that after reading this one I've cooled off again. I'm not sure why, except that Jessica seems to be more of an "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission" kind of person than I'd like her to be.
No, that doesn't mean this book isn't good - I enjoyed it thoroughly, as I have the others I've read. And for sure I love a feisty female character, and Jessica certainly is that; but sometimes she seems to go astray with little regard for the consequences (though maybe, if the ending here is any indication, she may need to start reining herself in).
The main story has an interesting twist - one that prompted me to learn more; 14-year-old Samuel is blind, but that doesn't prevent him from "seeing" his way around amazingly well. He does that by "echolocation" - using sound (generated by clicking his tongue that bounces off objects much like sonar). He lives with his mother in a simple flat in Manchester, England, and it is there that Jessica gets involved. A couple of nasty men (or so Samuel says) broke in and as a result, his mother was killed. Samuel can describe both men by his sound clues, but he has no names nor did he actually see the two. So with few clues - including a motive - Jessica and her partner Archie set out to head up the investigation.
The neighbors aren't much help; they've all moved out months earlier. The only clue Jessica's search of the flat turns up is that somehow, some way, Samuel's mother seems to have been getting under-the-table revenue. As all this progresses, Jessica gets hints that all may not be well in her department - but clues as to what might be going on are even more scarce than in the case of Samuel's mother's death.
Everything pretty much gets resolved by the end of this book except that last bit, which I'm sure will carry over to the next one - and I'm looking forward to it. I must also commend the author for coming up with some new-to-me British words and phrases - hard to do in part because I read so many books set in the U.K. and have the great pleasure of having a daughter-in-law (and her brother) who were born in London. Beans on toast? Check. Crisps? Check. Poppadum? What the heck?
No, I won't tell you - go look it up for yourself, just as you'll have to read this book to flesh out the rest of the story. My opinion? Thumbs up! Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy to read and review.
No, that doesn't mean this book isn't good - I enjoyed it thoroughly, as I have the others I've read. And for sure I love a feisty female character, and Jessica certainly is that; but sometimes she seems to go astray with little regard for the consequences (though maybe, if the ending here is any indication, she may need to start reining herself in).
The main story has an interesting twist - one that prompted me to learn more; 14-year-old Samuel is blind, but that doesn't prevent him from "seeing" his way around amazingly well. He does that by "echolocation" - using sound (generated by clicking his tongue that bounces off objects much like sonar). He lives with his mother in a simple flat in Manchester, England, and it is there that Jessica gets involved. A couple of nasty men (or so Samuel says) broke in and as a result, his mother was killed. Samuel can describe both men by his sound clues, but he has no names nor did he actually see the two. So with few clues - including a motive - Jessica and her partner Archie set out to head up the investigation.
The neighbors aren't much help; they've all moved out months earlier. The only clue Jessica's search of the flat turns up is that somehow, some way, Samuel's mother seems to have been getting under-the-table revenue. As all this progresses, Jessica gets hints that all may not be well in her department - but clues as to what might be going on are even more scarce than in the case of Samuel's mother's death.
Everything pretty much gets resolved by the end of this book except that last bit, which I'm sure will carry over to the next one - and I'm looking forward to it. I must also commend the author for coming up with some new-to-me British words and phrases - hard to do in part because I read so many books set in the U.K. and have the great pleasure of having a daughter-in-law (and her brother) who were born in London. Beans on toast? Check. Crisps? Check. Poppadum? What the heck?
No, I won't tell you - go look it up for yourself, just as you'll have to read this book to flesh out the rest of the story. My opinion? Thumbs up! Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy to read and review.
January 15, 2020
I've been hanging around with DI Jessica Daniel and her cohort from Manchester CID for a long time! Hard to believe this is #15 in the series and what a lot has happened over the years. Returning to Longsight Police Station to check in with the gang and see what cases they're dealing with, enjoying the banter, relishing old memories -- the series is still interesting though I always find it irritating when the author ends the book with a cliffhanger. No fair, Kerry Wilkinson.
In this installment, we are introduced to a blind boy, Samuel, who uses echolocation to help him navigate his world. He's there on the night his mother dies and can definitely give Jessica clues about the two men who were there in the flat when it happened. But Evie Briers's death is just the beginning of this complicated investigation that also involves stolen goods, money laundering, and creative accounting. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoy the characters, the relationship they have to each other and the police procedural aspects of their jobs with the police. Wilkinson has a great writing style and a sharp wit -- sometimes I almost laugh out loud. I like Jessica and I do hope that she will one day have a partner and a family that will mesh with her career. I noted that Jessica interacts, albeit only by phone, with Andrew Hunger, a character in Wilkinson's other series and am interested to see if that will be a new thing in the future. It goes without saying that I'll be in line for the next book whenever it is available.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
In this installment, we are introduced to a blind boy, Samuel, who uses echolocation to help him navigate his world. He's there on the night his mother dies and can definitely give Jessica clues about the two men who were there in the flat when it happened. But Evie Briers's death is just the beginning of this complicated investigation that also involves stolen goods, money laundering, and creative accounting. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoy the characters, the relationship they have to each other and the police procedural aspects of their jobs with the police. Wilkinson has a great writing style and a sharp wit -- sometimes I almost laugh out loud. I like Jessica and I do hope that she will one day have a partner and a family that will mesh with her career. I noted that Jessica interacts, albeit only by phone, with Andrew Hunger, a character in Wilkinson's other series and am interested to see if that will be a new thing in the future. It goes without saying that I'll be in line for the next book whenever it is available.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
December 22, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of A Cry in the Night, the fifteenth novel to feature DI Jessica Daniel of the Manchester Police.
When fourteen year old Samuel wakes up he hears intruders and finds two men threatening his mum, Evie. Then he hears a bump and soon realises that Evie is dead. Samuel didn’t see the men because he is blind but he can tell that one man walked with a limp. This is enough to set Jessica searching and what she discovers is a much wider crime spree.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Cry in the Night which is a solid police procedural with amusing dialogue. The novel is told mostly from Jessica’s point so the reader gets to live the investigation with her and her sardonic take on events. I like this approach as it leaves the reader room for speculation and to be surprised by certain turns of event. I found myself glued to the pages, wondering what would be coming next. I also like the broad sweep of the crime with one development leading to another line of enquiry and further crimes and yet the author keeps it tight with all roads eventually leading back to Evie and her murder. It’s smart and clever but never confusing.
Despite there being some serious wrongdoing the novel has a light tone, mostly due to the, at times, humorous dialogue. It can’t be described as cosy as this dialogue is often robust and not for the coy but it has a real ring of authenticity to it, reflecting the genuine friendship and camaraderie among people doing a tough job. I love it as it seems so natural and everyday.
A Cry in the Night is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When fourteen year old Samuel wakes up he hears intruders and finds two men threatening his mum, Evie. Then he hears a bump and soon realises that Evie is dead. Samuel didn’t see the men because he is blind but he can tell that one man walked with a limp. This is enough to set Jessica searching and what she discovers is a much wider crime spree.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Cry in the Night which is a solid police procedural with amusing dialogue. The novel is told mostly from Jessica’s point so the reader gets to live the investigation with her and her sardonic take on events. I like this approach as it leaves the reader room for speculation and to be surprised by certain turns of event. I found myself glued to the pages, wondering what would be coming next. I also like the broad sweep of the crime with one development leading to another line of enquiry and further crimes and yet the author keeps it tight with all roads eventually leading back to Evie and her murder. It’s smart and clever but never confusing.
Despite there being some serious wrongdoing the novel has a light tone, mostly due to the, at times, humorous dialogue. It can’t be described as cosy as this dialogue is often robust and not for the coy but it has a real ring of authenticity to it, reflecting the genuine friendship and camaraderie among people doing a tough job. I love it as it seems so natural and everyday.
A Cry in the Night is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 2, 2020
This 15th Jessica Daniel book was not one of my favorites in the series. I enjoyed the mystery, which centers on solving the murder of a woman that occurred while her blind son was in the home also. I didn't really like where the book took Jessica both professionally and personally. I'm still looking forward to the next installment, and hoping Jessica will be in a better situation.
January 28, 2020
A great mystery with an ending that has me impatiently waiting for the next book in this series! I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Highly recommend this entire series!
January 29, 2020
“A Cry in the Night” by Kerry Wilkinson is book fifteen in the “Detective Jessica Daniel Thriller” series, but first-time readers can definitely follow along. The story begins when Samuel awakes. It is night; he is frightened; he is worried about his mother; she has been attacked, and he is blind. Detective Daniel is called to the horrific scene. Samuel is unique; his memory seemed near photographic. The fact that he cannot see makes little difference in the aftermath of his mother’s murder. He describes smells and sounds until Daniel can picture the scene herself.
Detective Inspector Jessica Daniel and Detective Constable Archie Davey are regular people with not very regular jobs. They are complex, busy individuals. They work several cases simultaneously involving assorted complains that must be attended to and cleared. They have detailed personal lives as well with appointments, interactions, events, and relationships.
The team is focused on their cases, but many conversations are friendly with a touch of humor. Even some cases have a touch of comedy, for example a burglary that turns out to be a squirrel. Progress is deliberate, planned, and organized; however, there are plenty of unusual developments, connections, and people. Little pieces of the puzzle come from surprising sources, and do not provide the answers the team expects. It is up the team to rearrange the diverse evidence into something of substance.
I received a review copy of “A Cry in the Night” from Kerry Wilkinson and Bookouture. It was my first Jessica Daniel book, and I had no trouble following the people and the cases. It was easy to read, and I loved the characters’ lighthearted banter and as well as their dedication to their job. Of course, a woman in a red coat on the cover always means a must-read book. Now, I have the first fourteen books to read and enjoy.
Detective Inspector Jessica Daniel and Detective Constable Archie Davey are regular people with not very regular jobs. They are complex, busy individuals. They work several cases simultaneously involving assorted complains that must be attended to and cleared. They have detailed personal lives as well with appointments, interactions, events, and relationships.
The team is focused on their cases, but many conversations are friendly with a touch of humor. Even some cases have a touch of comedy, for example a burglary that turns out to be a squirrel. Progress is deliberate, planned, and organized; however, there are plenty of unusual developments, connections, and people. Little pieces of the puzzle come from surprising sources, and do not provide the answers the team expects. It is up the team to rearrange the diverse evidence into something of substance.
I received a review copy of “A Cry in the Night” from Kerry Wilkinson and Bookouture. It was my first Jessica Daniel book, and I had no trouble following the people and the cases. It was easy to read, and I loved the characters’ lighthearted banter and as well as their dedication to their job. Of course, a woman in a red coat on the cover always means a must-read book. Now, I have the first fourteen books to read and enjoy.
January 6, 2020
Another good chapter in the Jessica Daniel series. This is book 15 and is about the murder of a mother and the only witness is the blind 14 year old son. As Jessica investigates this murder and what follows she also has to deal with someone in her team who has a secret that will change the dinamics of the team going forward. Well written and fast to read.
January 9, 2020
I had not read any of the prior books in this series. Overall, it did not affect my enjoyment of this book. There is something in the end that I think I may have understood more if I had read those books. Jessica Daniels is an enjoyable protagonist and her relationship with Archie kept the interest. The mystery was solid. Overall an enjoyable police procedural and I will seek out the earlier books. There was some threads hanging at the end and that always annoys me so be prepared.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 6, 2021
Another fantastic Jessica Daniel story which has ended on a cliff hanger .... can't wait for the next book in the series
October 30, 2021
Absolutely brilliant worth a listen hope it’s not to long till the next book
April 12, 2020
Jessica Daniels is my favourite fictional detective. She is one if those people I'd love to go for a beer with. This series of books has given me great joy. They read well stand as alone too.
December 2, 2019
14 year old Samuel is woken up by noises in the night. He gets up to investigate and witnesses his mother being attacked in their home. Next day, Jessica comes to take his statement and is shocked by what he delivers. For someone who is blind, he certainly has a lot to tell her, most of which pretty unbelievable on first hearing. But she takes it all on board and, going back to her team, starts the investigation in earnest. But it soon transpires that this incident is just the tip of a rather nasty iceberg as every lead they follow just opens up more interest and intrigue in other directions. On a more personal note, Jessica's personal life gets more interesting both at home and she even goes on a date! Back at work she also puts a call into someone who readers of this and other of the author's series will recognise (yay!) but it soon transpires that all is not at all as rosy in her life as she thought because there is someone close to her keeping a secret. One that has the potential to blow her world up.
I love this series. I've been with it right from the stare when I got my first Kindle eight years ago when it was initially self-published. I've also read pretty much every other adult book the author has written along the way. And I have loved them all. I've said it before but the way that the author writes, his characters, his plots, his banter and his no nonsense attitude to getting on with things without superfluous waffle all which leave me wholly satisfied at the end just really gels with me as a reader. That and including the best observations ever just makes me hanker for each and every new book, devouring each as soon as I get my mitts on them. Only waiting til I have cleared my schedule before diving in as I know when I start one I will be powerless to put it aside for anything short of an emergency! This was no exception to the level of quality I have come to expect and, to be honest, rely on. Yes he has a nasty habit of leaving you hanging at the end - series arc, not really a cliffhanger as such - and this book left me fearing for what is to follow. My only hope is that the next in series will not be long in coming cos I can't wait for the fallout...
All in all a cracking addition to both a great series and an already very impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time, be it a Jessica, an Andrew or a stand alone - I'm ready and waiting.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I love this series. I've been with it right from the stare when I got my first Kindle eight years ago when it was initially self-published. I've also read pretty much every other adult book the author has written along the way. And I have loved them all. I've said it before but the way that the author writes, his characters, his plots, his banter and his no nonsense attitude to getting on with things without superfluous waffle all which leave me wholly satisfied at the end just really gels with me as a reader. That and including the best observations ever just makes me hanker for each and every new book, devouring each as soon as I get my mitts on them. Only waiting til I have cleared my schedule before diving in as I know when I start one I will be powerless to put it aside for anything short of an emergency! This was no exception to the level of quality I have come to expect and, to be honest, rely on. Yes he has a nasty habit of leaving you hanging at the end - series arc, not really a cliffhanger as such - and this book left me fearing for what is to follow. My only hope is that the next in series will not be long in coming cos I can't wait for the fallout...
All in all a cracking addition to both a great series and an already very impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time, be it a Jessica, an Andrew or a stand alone - I'm ready and waiting.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 12, 2020
I really like Jessica Daniel. She feels genuine. She pushes boundaries, has her gains and losses, but is generally an efficient detective inspector who gets her man (or woman). She reminds me somewhat of the character Danny in Blue Bloods--edgy but effective. It may be her droll sense of humor, that biting wit that lightens the sensitive issues, but she can usually detect the line drawn that shouldn't be crossed.
In Book 15, Samual, a blind fourteen-year-old who "witnesses" the violent death of his mother, is a keen observant who uses echolocation that helps him share the scene with the police. While Jessica has not seen this phenomenon before and has some misgivings as to how accurately his descriptions are, she is nonetheless impressed.
There is also something else, unrelated to the cases she and partner Detective Constable Archie Davey are handling. Archie is acting weird, causing tension between the two of them, blowing hot and cold. What is going on with him?!
Author Wilkinson weaves a clever, suspense-driven and well-plotted storyline focusing on Jessica and investigation progress, and again, for me, it's the characters and the free and easy prose-filled descriptions given to them as well as the people of Manchester that drive the story. The banter between characters lends the authentic feeling of overhearing their actual dialogue. The depiction of Grimsby is priceless.
The conclusion results in a mixed bag of explanations, anxiety, and strongly hints at the story arc carrying into Book 16, along with cliffhanging situations that resulted in my going back to see if I'd missed a page, that last one being so abrupt. The cliffhanger is a douzy.
I was given this digital download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I really enjoy this series, love these characters, and now anxiously looking forward to Book 16...what happens??! 4.5/5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
In Book 15, Samual, a blind fourteen-year-old who "witnesses" the violent death of his mother, is a keen observant who uses echolocation that helps him share the scene with the police. While Jessica has not seen this phenomenon before and has some misgivings as to how accurately his descriptions are, she is nonetheless impressed.
There is also something else, unrelated to the cases she and partner Detective Constable Archie Davey are handling. Archie is acting weird, causing tension between the two of them, blowing hot and cold. What is going on with him?!
Author Wilkinson weaves a clever, suspense-driven and well-plotted storyline focusing on Jessica and investigation progress, and again, for me, it's the characters and the free and easy prose-filled descriptions given to them as well as the people of Manchester that drive the story. The banter between characters lends the authentic feeling of overhearing their actual dialogue. The depiction of Grimsby is priceless.
The conclusion results in a mixed bag of explanations, anxiety, and strongly hints at the story arc carrying into Book 16, along with cliffhanging situations that resulted in my going back to see if I'd missed a page, that last one being so abrupt. The cliffhanger is a douzy.
I was given this digital download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I really enjoy this series, love these characters, and now anxiously looking forward to Book 16...what happens??! 4.5/5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
December 8, 2019
I've enjoyed this series for quite a while, but admit this one isn't my favorite. A Cry in the Night lets you know pretty early that something is wrong on Jessica Daniel's team. You know how when a character you like does something untoward, it can be either easily accepted or cause uneasiness? Jessica offers 10 pounds to a snitch to let her know when her suspect turns up, and 10 more when he does. Why did that make me so uneasy? Because Wilkinson intends exactly that--to create a sense of disquietude.
From description: "Samuel is fourteen years old. He lives with his mother in a Manchester flat, goes to school, plays on his computer, reads books and likes the same things that most other teenagers do.
He’s also blind.
And he’s the only witness when his mother is attacked in their own home late one night."
The plot was interesting. A while back I read a couple of books by Andreas Pfluger in which his main character is blind and uses echolocation. Fourteen-year-old Samuel also uses echolocation and is able to tell the police that there were two assailants, one taller than theother, and that one moved with a limp. He also is able to "recognize" people by the same method, which startles Jessica. She is both impressed and disbelieving and investigates this phenomenon to see how much trust to put into Samuel's abilities.
A second plot thread is both connected and separate. The underlying awkward tension, however, has to do with a threat to Jessica, not a physical one, but a threat nonetheless.
The conclusion leads to a continuing arc for the next book. The cases are solved, but the apprehension about Jessica's situation will most likely be the main narrative structure for the next novel. I really don't like worrying about my favorite characters. :/
NetGalley/Bookouture
Police Procedural. Jan. 15, 2020. Print length: 347 pages.
From description: "Samuel is fourteen years old. He lives with his mother in a Manchester flat, goes to school, plays on his computer, reads books and likes the same things that most other teenagers do.
He’s also blind.
And he’s the only witness when his mother is attacked in their own home late one night."
The plot was interesting. A while back I read a couple of books by Andreas Pfluger in which his main character is blind and uses echolocation. Fourteen-year-old Samuel also uses echolocation and is able to tell the police that there were two assailants, one taller than theother, and that one moved with a limp. He also is able to "recognize" people by the same method, which startles Jessica. She is both impressed and disbelieving and investigates this phenomenon to see how much trust to put into Samuel's abilities.
A second plot thread is both connected and separate. The underlying awkward tension, however, has to do with a threat to Jessica, not a physical one, but a threat nonetheless.
The conclusion leads to a continuing arc for the next book. The cases are solved, but the apprehension about Jessica's situation will most likely be the main narrative structure for the next novel. I really don't like worrying about my favorite characters. :/
NetGalley/Bookouture
Police Procedural. Jan. 15, 2020. Print length: 347 pages.
April 6, 2020
This is a good mystery with a lot of suspense and the very interesting concept that the only witness to a murder is a teen boy who is blind. Samuel uses echolocation to find things and he is so observant that it puts most people to shame. When his mother is killed, Samuel’s power of observation are put to the test as Detective Jessica Daniels relies on him to help her find the killer. I liked this interesting facet of the book and enjoyed the police procedural that was included. Although this is number 15 in the series, I did not have any difficulty in jumping right into the story and enjoying the main character, her sense of humor and her quirks. There were several surprises along the way which really made me like the book more since I love unexpected twists. And the ending was a surprise, too, as well as a cliffhanger that entices me to read the next book in the series. Fans of mystery and suspense will want to read this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 19, 2023
I felt very sad having to say goodbye to Jessica and Archie. I love the banter between them and they always make me smile.
I think a bit of humour in a thriller is great to break the sometimes harsh 'reality' of the book. I often hear that police officers need this in order to stay sane and I do understand that. If you cannot find an outlet, it drags you down in the end.
This story proves for the umpteenth time what makes the world turn: money. Very often it drives people to do their worst, but sometimes, even though you don't really hurt someone, you still go against their wishes in trying to convince them to do or not do something. All for the love of money and often for very small amounts.
Can you ever have enough money? I don't think so, but you can most certainly have to little and that's what makes people do the craziest things.
I do have to react to a sentence from the book. It said 'Nothing good's ever come from Belgium'. Well, dear author, me, being from Belgium cannot agree with that. :) ;)
I like Jessica and Archie because both of them colour outside the lines. All for the good cause though and in that case, I can have their backs.
A great story and I learned something I did not know it existed. 5 stars
Thank you
I think a bit of humour in a thriller is great to break the sometimes harsh 'reality' of the book. I often hear that police officers need this in order to stay sane and I do understand that. If you cannot find an outlet, it drags you down in the end.
This story proves for the umpteenth time what makes the world turn: money. Very often it drives people to do their worst, but sometimes, even though you don't really hurt someone, you still go against their wishes in trying to convince them to do or not do something. All for the love of money and often for very small amounts.
Can you ever have enough money? I don't think so, but you can most certainly have to little and that's what makes people do the craziest things.
I do have to react to a sentence from the book. It said 'Nothing good's ever come from Belgium'. Well, dear author, me, being from Belgium cannot agree with that. :) ;)
I like Jessica and Archie because both of them colour outside the lines. All for the good cause though and in that case, I can have their backs.
A great story and I learned something I did not know it existed. 5 stars
Thank you
January 15, 2020
👩👦Interesting mix of characters but not gripping🤔
3.5 🌟stars
The book started off well and I thought that Evie's blind son would be an original and interesting key character in the investigation of his mother's death. The story mostly leaves him in the wings, however, and moves off to more and more shady corners as the puzzle of Evie's death is eclipsed by more violence and missing persons.
The writing style was good and the plot was fine if a tad predictable but, for some reason, I just could not get too excited about the characters. Detective Jessie Daniels appears to have a career filled with professional gray areas that could catch up to her. The story ends with the police case wrapped up but with a cliffhanger regarding Jessie's personal life. I normally steer clear from cliffhangers. I think they detract from the story: I NEED CLOSURE!
Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
3.5 🌟stars
The book started off well and I thought that Evie's blind son would be an original and interesting key character in the investigation of his mother's death. The story mostly leaves him in the wings, however, and moves off to more and more shady corners as the puzzle of Evie's death is eclipsed by more violence and missing persons.
The writing style was good and the plot was fine if a tad predictable but, for some reason, I just could not get too excited about the characters. Detective Jessie Daniels appears to have a career filled with professional gray areas that could catch up to her. The story ends with the police case wrapped up but with a cliffhanger regarding Jessie's personal life. I normally steer clear from cliffhangers. I think they detract from the story: I NEED CLOSURE!
Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 19, 2019
Once again I was so thrilled to receive this as an ARC. I adore Jessica, she’s thoroughly human and has faults like we all do, but she gets the job done. I’ve read all her books from the first one, and Andrew Hunters series too. I like the way they cross over.
The author Kerry, adds quite a bit of black northern humour to the book, and he does make me chuckle.
This story revolves around a lady who dies at home after a break in and the only witness is her blind son. I would have liked Samuel to meet the professor who advised Jessica and for him to get some recognition into his way of “seeing”. It was a very interesting theory.
There appears to be no reason why Evie was broken into, and the story moves across the Pennines to Yorkshire.
It finally comes to a gripping end with another cliff hanger, let’s hope there is book 16 so we can find out more.
My thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and Kerry for the ARC., can’t wait for the next one.
The author Kerry, adds quite a bit of black northern humour to the book, and he does make me chuckle.
This story revolves around a lady who dies at home after a break in and the only witness is her blind son. I would have liked Samuel to meet the professor who advised Jessica and for him to get some recognition into his way of “seeing”. It was a very interesting theory.
There appears to be no reason why Evie was broken into, and the story moves across the Pennines to Yorkshire.
It finally comes to a gripping end with another cliff hanger, let’s hope there is book 16 so we can find out more.
My thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and Kerry for the ARC., can’t wait for the next one.
February 22, 2021
This is my first Detective Jessica book, and if it’s an example of what to expect from the series, I’ll be passing on them in the future.
What initially interested me was the story line about a murder witnessed by the victim’s blind, but gifted teenage son. At 15% in, there has been only one brief, but impressive interview with the boy. The majority of what I’ve read is filled with seemingly random conversations in the vernacular used by the British, which is completely foreign to my Yankee ears.
I might have enjoyed this book more if it weren’t for the sheer volume of unfamiliar colloquialisms that constantly disrupt the flow of my reading. In the future, I’ll stick with American authors and those British authors that write in a style that appeals to a wider audience. [Interestingly, I don’t have this issue with other Kerry Wilkinson novels not part of this series]
What initially interested me was the story line about a murder witnessed by the victim’s blind, but gifted teenage son. At 15% in, there has been only one brief, but impressive interview with the boy. The majority of what I’ve read is filled with seemingly random conversations in the vernacular used by the British, which is completely foreign to my Yankee ears.
I might have enjoyed this book more if it weren’t for the sheer volume of unfamiliar colloquialisms that constantly disrupt the flow of my reading. In the future, I’ll stick with American authors and those British authors that write in a style that appeals to a wider audience. [Interestingly, I don’t have this issue with other Kerry Wilkinson novels not part of this series]
January 6, 2020
This is book fifteen is the Jessica Daniels series and can be read as a stand-alone although after fourteen books, some things may be lost to not being a part of the veteran crew. Kerry Wilkinson provides a good domestic thriller/police procedural. It is a bit atypical of his other novels with a more familiar trope and docile plot. The characterization is typical of lead female detective as Jessica Daniels has that snarky, rough exterior. Wilkinson does offer a dual plot line that will and probably did extend an arc from previous to upcoming books in this series. An okay read. Great for a weekend escape.
Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #ACryInTheNight, which was read and reviewed voluntarily.
Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #ACryInTheNight, which was read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 19, 2020
A Jessica book that still lacks the initial camaraderie but this book is so well done it is not diminished by that. Warning, do not buy this book if you will be unable to buy the next or if the waiting to buy the next will be too much for you. This story is self contained, (with a prompt for the next) all the pieces are correctly shaped and fit but if it was a picture for a jigsaw, let’s just say, the bits are there to complete the main picture but there will be questions, like what can that person see round the corner, what is in the shadows, what is over the horizon?..... in a good way - which is how I am now impatiently waiting on book 16 - without suggesting the mysteries in 15 were left hanging.
August 14, 2023
A CRY IN THE NIGHT was an interesting installment in the Jessica Daniel crime thriller series. A blind teenager is the only witness to a home invasion where his mother is murdered. He claims to be able to identify the burglars, but will this hold up in court? This book had lots of moving pieces and only got more exciting as neared the end. I was on the edge of my seat in one scene with Jessica and one of the perpetrators. And then there is a scene with Jessica and Andrew Hunter, a character from a spinoff series that had me biting my nails because we’re left with a bit of a teaser. I’m sorry to see this is the last book for now and I truly hope Kerry Wilkinson will write more of this series. I enjoy all of his books, but Jessica Daniel is a favorite character for sure! 5/5 stars.
December 18, 2019
Just so you guys know I have not read the other titles in this amazing series. But, I will be getting on that soon because this one was great. Although there were a few things that came up from other books. I didn't feel to lost overall in this story. This was a great story about being blind doesn't mean that you can't see. This was a great blend of mystery and thriller and more. The pacing was well done and the story is fully fleshed out. Pretty much everything that you really need gets wrapped up in this one. The small tidbits that don't I am guessing will be taken care of in the following title number 16.
January 24, 2020
Only gave this a 3star rating as - due to the way it ends it does not finish the story - I can only rate it to what I have read so far.
It's almost as if the author finished a chapter, went away from her work place and when she returned forgot about were she was, so left the story finished without a finish; sent it off for publication and then moved on to start a new novel. It would have been a clearer if the author had ended tis particular novel by putting "TO BE CONTINUED" at the end. Don't leave the reader in the air; as we may loose interest in this author (whatever the novel) and move on!
It's almost as if the author finished a chapter, went away from her work place and when she returned forgot about were she was, so left the story finished without a finish; sent it off for publication and then moved on to start a new novel. It would have been a clearer if the author had ended tis particular novel by putting "TO BE CONTINUED" at the end. Don't leave the reader in the air; as we may loose interest in this author (whatever the novel) and move on!
February 23, 2020
Hooked
Oh my god what happened?? I so want to find out what had happened at the end.
Fabulous story I just hope Jessica returns & quickly ;)
Jessica is a fabulous character and I’ve literally got so into Kerry books from the beginning even all the stand alone ones but Jessica Daniels is by far my favourite :D
I got hooked to this story line like I do with all Kerry books but this one all I can say is wow!
If you are looking to read this author and this series I’d strongly recommend you start from Jessica book 1! And work through them :D
I’m not so good at reviewing books without giving it all away so all I can continue saying is wonderful books & extremely addictive :-)
Oh my god what happened?? I so want to find out what had happened at the end.
Fabulous story I just hope Jessica returns & quickly ;)
Jessica is a fabulous character and I’ve literally got so into Kerry books from the beginning even all the stand alone ones but Jessica Daniels is by far my favourite :D
I got hooked to this story line like I do with all Kerry books but this one all I can say is wow!
If you are looking to read this author and this series I’d strongly recommend you start from Jessica book 1! And work through them :D
I’m not so good at reviewing books without giving it all away so all I can continue saying is wonderful books & extremely addictive :-)
February 23, 2020
WOW! Really worth the wait !
We have had to wait a while on the parentHesis Daniel novel ,but it was worth every day of the wait.
It's the classic Jessica Daniel,s novel. We are taken to the very familiar work of Longshot Police Station and all the disinterested that have made this such an intriguing series of books. Kerry Wilkinson seamlessly picks up where he left us in book 14 and using a what seems like a very simple break in takes us on another fascinating insight into the world of our heroine and her team of colleagues and friends.
This really is worth reading and be prepared for a shock ending !
We have had to wait a while on the parentHesis Daniel novel ,but it was worth every day of the wait.
It's the classic Jessica Daniel,s novel. We are taken to the very familiar work of Longshot Police Station and all the disinterested that have made this such an intriguing series of books. Kerry Wilkinson seamlessly picks up where he left us in book 14 and using a what seems like a very simple break in takes us on another fascinating insight into the world of our heroine and her team of colleagues and friends.
This really is worth reading and be prepared for a shock ending !
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