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Maddie Ives #4
He Knows Your Secrets
Three women: One Will sacrifice her life to stop him. One is his next victim. One must try to put him behind bars.
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right. Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff.
As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack.
.She will give her life to bring him down
Kelly Dale wakes up to her first day without her mother. Her mum passed away late the previous night after losing a battle with cancer. Kelly receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late.
Kelly has lost her mother and girlfriend in the space of a few hours.
Now she must face her own battle to stay alive.
He will kill Kelly next. He wants to live-stream her murder.
Detective Maddie Ives is called out to inspect the wrecked vehicle. She is under pressure to write it off as a murder-suicide or a terrible accident. Holly was a known sex worker and the running theory is that she may have been engaged in activity with the taxi driver when it rolled over the side.
Maddie doesn’t buy it. Holly’s rucksack contains seemingly random and worthless items but Maddie quickly finds numerous links to a crime boss.
Maddie must stop a powerful man who exploits and controls women.
It’s a tense and thrilling ride as the net closes in. But time is running out to save Kelly.
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right. Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff.
As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack.
.She will give her life to bring him down
Kelly Dale wakes up to her first day without her mother. Her mum passed away late the previous night after losing a battle with cancer. Kelly receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late.
Kelly has lost her mother and girlfriend in the space of a few hours.
Now she must face her own battle to stay alive.
He will kill Kelly next. He wants to live-stream her murder.
Detective Maddie Ives is called out to inspect the wrecked vehicle. She is under pressure to write it off as a murder-suicide or a terrible accident. Holly was a known sex worker and the running theory is that she may have been engaged in activity with the taxi driver when it rolled over the side.
Maddie doesn’t buy it. Holly’s rucksack contains seemingly random and worthless items but Maddie quickly finds numerous links to a crime boss.
Maddie must stop a powerful man who exploits and controls women.
It’s a tense and thrilling ride as the net closes in. But time is running out to save Kelly.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2019
949 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
33 books590 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 28, 2019
One woman commits suicide and takes a taxi driver with her. A young girl finds herself in a precarious position because of her drinking. Her boyfriend is in the hospital with a cracked skull. And she's afraid to tell anyone what happened that night ...and continues to happen now. Another young woman has to find a way to escape her situation .... hopefully without being murdered ..or worse.
Detective Maddie Ives is investigating the suicide when other information comes to her attention. Maddie starts the hunt for a powerful man who exploits and controls women. He has fingers in multiple pies ... the most financially sound is line streaming his 'girls' at the requests of paying members.
In order to bring this man down, she's going to have to take two women under her umbrella and hope she can keep them ...and herself ... safe.
WARNING -- lots of violence against women may be a trigger for some readers.
This one is packed with action, characters that stand out and won't be forgotten soon. It's almost like the aftermath of a car accident ... you don't want to see anything, but you can't help but look. The story line is riveting with a satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Booko Promtions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Maddie Ives is investigating the suicide when other information comes to her attention. Maddie starts the hunt for a powerful man who exploits and controls women. He has fingers in multiple pies ... the most financially sound is line streaming his 'girls' at the requests of paying members.
In order to bring this man down, she's going to have to take two women under her umbrella and hope she can keep them ...and herself ... safe.
WARNING -- lots of violence against women may be a trigger for some readers.
This one is packed with action, characters that stand out and won't be forgotten soon. It's almost like the aftermath of a car accident ... you don't want to see anything, but you can't help but look. The story line is riveting with a satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Booko Promtions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 18, 2019
DI Maddie Ives #4
A taxi plunges over a cliff killing the woman passenger and the taxi driver. But was it an accident or suicide? DS Madsie Ives is at the scene. In the womans backpack, there is evidence that could ring down a man who has a hold over some women. Around the same time another young woman has just lost her mother to cancer. She does not know yet that her girlfriend has just died in a taxi.
This far from an easy book to read due to its subject matter. It covers: prostitution, female exploitation and violence. There is quite a lot of violence and it's quite a dark and gritty read. I really like this series of books. Is also like Maddie and her part er Vince. Its fast paced and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A taxi plunges over a cliff killing the woman passenger and the taxi driver. But was it an accident or suicide? DS Madsie Ives is at the scene. In the womans backpack, there is evidence that could ring down a man who has a hold over some women. Around the same time another young woman has just lost her mother to cancer. She does not know yet that her girlfriend has just died in a taxi.
This far from an easy book to read due to its subject matter. It covers: prostitution, female exploitation and violence. There is quite a lot of violence and it's quite a dark and gritty read. I really like this series of books. Is also like Maddie and her part er Vince. Its fast paced and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of He Knows Your Secrets, the fourth novel to feature DS Maddie Ives, set in the fictional town of Langthorne on the south coast of England.
Holly Maguire dies when the taxi she is in rolls off a cliff but her backpack contains secrets she died to expose. Meanwhile her girlfriend, Kelly Dale, is struggling not only with the death of her mother but to survive a dangerous situation. DS Maddie Ives is the only detective taking Holly’s death as more than a simple suicide and is determined to investigate it fully.
I thoroughly enjoyed He Knows Your Name which is a compelling read, chock full of authentic detail and characters. It is not for the faint hearted as it tackles the seamier side of life and its attendant violence. It is told from various points of view, primarily Maddie and Kelly, so the reader gets a broader picture of events but there is good and bad in that depending on how you like your novels. Kelly’s tale gives the reader a close look at the danger she’s in whereas Maddie is playing catch-up with what she and the reader know. Mostly I prefer to read a straightforward investigation but I found Kelly’s story compelling and fascinating in a car crash kind of way, her thought processes and actions are a ray of light in a horrible situation although they sometimes seem self-defeating. I found the entire novel gripping from the small details to the overarching plot line. It pulses with authenticity and never has a dull moment.
I love the main characters, the impulsive, feeling Maddie and her more restrained, introverted boss DI Harry Blaker. They have a great relationship on paper but I think Maddie might be a bit of a nightmare to work with. There is humour, bad temper and misunderstandings in their relationship but also support. I also loved Kelly Dale who turns out to be much more than I expected and her finale is wonderful and so satisfying.
He Knows Your Secrets is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Holly Maguire dies when the taxi she is in rolls off a cliff but her backpack contains secrets she died to expose. Meanwhile her girlfriend, Kelly Dale, is struggling not only with the death of her mother but to survive a dangerous situation. DS Maddie Ives is the only detective taking Holly’s death as more than a simple suicide and is determined to investigate it fully.
I thoroughly enjoyed He Knows Your Name which is a compelling read, chock full of authentic detail and characters. It is not for the faint hearted as it tackles the seamier side of life and its attendant violence. It is told from various points of view, primarily Maddie and Kelly, so the reader gets a broader picture of events but there is good and bad in that depending on how you like your novels. Kelly’s tale gives the reader a close look at the danger she’s in whereas Maddie is playing catch-up with what she and the reader know. Mostly I prefer to read a straightforward investigation but I found Kelly’s story compelling and fascinating in a car crash kind of way, her thought processes and actions are a ray of light in a horrible situation although they sometimes seem self-defeating. I found the entire novel gripping from the small details to the overarching plot line. It pulses with authenticity and never has a dull moment.
I love the main characters, the impulsive, feeling Maddie and her more restrained, introverted boss DI Harry Blaker. They have a great relationship on paper but I think Maddie might be a bit of a nightmare to work with. There is humour, bad temper and misunderstandings in their relationship but also support. I also loved Kelly Dale who turns out to be much more than I expected and her finale is wonderful and so satisfying.
He Knows Your Secrets is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 7, 2021
Wow, what a read! Absolutely love this Maddie Ives series.
What a complex and intricate tale evolves from a taxi plunging over a cliff, killing the woman passenger and the taxi driver. DS Maddie Ives has niggling doubts about this being written off as a suicide and like a dog with a bone, she follows the clues left in the woman's backpack.
Some despicable characters and behaviours surround the unfolding events but they are delivered with a predatory ferociousness and fervour not often seen as a reader. Charlie Gallagher's writing is brilliant; intricacies and accuracy make this an excellent novel.
The subject matter does not make it an easy read. Everything from prostitution, human exploitation, deplorable violence, organised crime to manipulation and control, it all works. A dark and gritty read. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
What a complex and intricate tale evolves from a taxi plunging over a cliff, killing the woman passenger and the taxi driver. DS Maddie Ives has niggling doubts about this being written off as a suicide and like a dog with a bone, she follows the clues left in the woman's backpack.
Some despicable characters and behaviours surround the unfolding events but they are delivered with a predatory ferociousness and fervour not often seen as a reader. Charlie Gallagher's writing is brilliant; intricacies and accuracy make this an excellent novel.
The subject matter does not make it an easy read. Everything from prostitution, human exploitation, deplorable violence, organised crime to manipulation and control, it all works. A dark and gritty read. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 4, 2025
✨ Livro 4 da saga Maddie Ives, e mais uma vez não desiludiu. O que gosto neste autor é a capacidade que tem de nos confrontar com medos primordiais, com enredos que têm por base violência doméstica, agressões a jovens e/ou a mulheres. Acredito que, influenciado pela sua experiência como detetive no departamento de casos graves.
✨Este livro tem partes fortes, revoltantes e angustiantes. Algumas em que temos que ter estômago. É um relato acerca das redes de prostituição, da manipulação física e psicológica, das agressões a que as mulheres estão sujeitas. Mas também é acerca de vingança, coragem e resiliência e nunca, nunca desistir. Obrigada Charlie.
✨ É um thriller bem construída, emotivo.
✨Este livro tem partes fortes, revoltantes e angustiantes. Algumas em que temos que ter estômago. É um relato acerca das redes de prostituição, da manipulação física e psicológica, das agressões a que as mulheres estão sujeitas. Mas também é acerca de vingança, coragem e resiliência e nunca, nunca desistir. Obrigada Charlie.
✨ É um thriller bem construída, emotivo.
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up for this 4th book in the Detective Maddie Ives series. A graphic crime thriller that has the police trying to stop an evil and powerful man who manipulates, exploits, controls and kills women.
A young woman, Holly Maguire, commits suicide by having a taxi drive off a steep cliff. She holds a rucksack that contains clues that she hopes will cause the police to investigate her death and bring down a monster. Holly's girlfriend, Kelly Dale, is snared in the clutches of a ruthless man who produces sex camera videos and uses violence to keep the women involved and in line. Anyone who threatens Freddie Rickman ends up dead, or locked into a life that he completely controls. Richman is seemingly untouchable and, because of his methods, no one connected to him will talk to the police. How will Maddie Ives and her boss, DI Harry Blaker, bring this crime lord down? NO SPOILERS.
This was quite a gruesome and suspenseful book with horrible people who made me cringe and innocent victims who tugged at my heartstrings. The narrative was full of action and quite tense as the police went about trying to sift through the clues to figure out the scope of the investigation and close the case. I liked the writing style and I would probably have felt closer to the characters had I read the previous books in this series -- I've only read the first one and not #2 or #3 so I likely missed some development and those important personal details that make a character real and understandable. I will definitely look for the next installment to find out more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
A young woman, Holly Maguire, commits suicide by having a taxi drive off a steep cliff. She holds a rucksack that contains clues that she hopes will cause the police to investigate her death and bring down a monster. Holly's girlfriend, Kelly Dale, is snared in the clutches of a ruthless man who produces sex camera videos and uses violence to keep the women involved and in line. Anyone who threatens Freddie Rickman ends up dead, or locked into a life that he completely controls. Richman is seemingly untouchable and, because of his methods, no one connected to him will talk to the police. How will Maddie Ives and her boss, DI Harry Blaker, bring this crime lord down? NO SPOILERS.
This was quite a gruesome and suspenseful book with horrible people who made me cringe and innocent victims who tugged at my heartstrings. The narrative was full of action and quite tense as the police went about trying to sift through the clues to figure out the scope of the investigation and close the case. I liked the writing style and I would probably have felt closer to the characters had I read the previous books in this series -- I've only read the first one and not #2 or #3 so I likely missed some development and those important personal details that make a character real and understandable. I will definitely look for the next installment to find out more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.
November 30, 2019
I gave this book 5 Stars! As a matter of fact, I've given this rating to all of Charlie Gallagher's books because they're all great reads! I became a fan when I was introduced to the Langthorne series (hopefully, there will be a follow-up). I was hesitant when Charlie came out with a new character, so I decided to give it a try. Every single Maddie Ives book has kept me on the edge of my seat! She's one bad ass woman! I was terrified for Kelly and what she went through. At the same time, I was angry at her for not really listening as to why Holly killed herself. She came to that realization the hard way and just reading about what she went through was very intense! My heart was pounding and I had to stop every now and then to take a breath! I was scared and I kept thinking "what is she going to do? will she live?"
And that's all I have to say. No spoilers! Charlie Gallagher is the MAN and you've got to read his books. You want intense, you want fear, you want a fast-paced thriller - well, here he is...Charlie Gallagher!
And that's all I have to say. No spoilers! Charlie Gallagher is the MAN and you've got to read his books. You want intense, you want fear, you want a fast-paced thriller - well, here he is...Charlie Gallagher!
December 11, 2019
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS by Charlie Gallagher is the fourth book in the Maddie Ives Series. I have not read the previous books in this series, but I feel that Mr. Gallagher does an excellent job of reintroducing the main characters, so you don't have to read the books in order. Mr. Gallagher also brings his vast knowledge of police work, which adds a realistic aspect to his writing. The pacing of this novel is perfect, keeping the reader on edge. Mr. Gallagher continuously builds the suspense by alternating scenes between the main characters, thus keeping the reader glued to the book. There is an element of darkness to this book. Some scenes are very graphic and violent toward women, but I did feel they were well within the realm of the subject matter, and the author handled these elements well. To balance the dark graphic qualities in this book, Mr. Gallagher does introduce the softer side of human nature. The love that one woman has for another and the kindness that is given by a stranger delivers countenance. Both of these things might help change a life.
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS set in the fictional coastal town of Langthorne in the south-east of England. Holly Maguire, a local sex worker, meets her death as the taxi she has hired plunges over the edge of a cliff. Is this a murder-suicide or a horrible accident? That is what Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives must figure out. I love that Mr. Gallagher writes the character of Maddie as a strong kick-a** woman that has a soft side and is far from perfect.
Kelly Dale is a woman in a dark place, her mother has recently lost her battle with cancer, and she has just found out that her girlfriend Holly Maguire has committed suicide. She doesn't understand why Holly has done this; they planned to be together forever. They were supposed to get out of the horrible situation they found themselves in together.
"I'll be the sky and you be the bird…"
Now Kelly is left alone to deal with the psychopath who employs her. HE is a man who has made a career of exploiting, controlling and abusing women for his gain and amusement. Now that Holly is dead, HE is looking for a replacement, and HE is expecting Kelly to train her. Will Kelly be able to help the new girl survive in this depraved world this man has trapped her? Will DS Ives find a way to save these women? These are the questions that will propel you through this book.
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS is a dark, edgy thriller with heart-pounding suspense. Although we know who the bad guy is, this book's focus is on the wild ride Mr. Gallagher takes us on to find out if DS Maddie has what it takes to bring down this evil man. If you are a fan of police procedural books, this book will tick all your boxes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
** Please note the quote in my review are subject to change once the book is published**
*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS set in the fictional coastal town of Langthorne in the south-east of England. Holly Maguire, a local sex worker, meets her death as the taxi she has hired plunges over the edge of a cliff. Is this a murder-suicide or a horrible accident? That is what Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives must figure out. I love that Mr. Gallagher writes the character of Maddie as a strong kick-a** woman that has a soft side and is far from perfect.
Kelly Dale is a woman in a dark place, her mother has recently lost her battle with cancer, and she has just found out that her girlfriend Holly Maguire has committed suicide. She doesn't understand why Holly has done this; they planned to be together forever. They were supposed to get out of the horrible situation they found themselves in together.
"I'll be the sky and you be the bird…"
Now Kelly is left alone to deal with the psychopath who employs her. HE is a man who has made a career of exploiting, controlling and abusing women for his gain and amusement. Now that Holly is dead, HE is looking for a replacement, and HE is expecting Kelly to train her. Will Kelly be able to help the new girl survive in this depraved world this man has trapped her? Will DS Ives find a way to save these women? These are the questions that will propel you through this book.
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS is a dark, edgy thriller with heart-pounding suspense. Although we know who the bad guy is, this book's focus is on the wild ride Mr. Gallagher takes us on to find out if DS Maddie has what it takes to bring down this evil man. If you are a fan of police procedural books, this book will tick all your boxes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
** Please note the quote in my review are subject to change once the book is published**
*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
August 6, 2020
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS by Charlie Gallagher
Synopsis /
Three women: one will sacrifice her life to stop him; one is his next victim; one must try to put him behind bars.
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right. Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff. As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack. She will give her life to bring him down.
Kelly Dale wakes up to her first day without her mother. Her mum passed away late the previous night after losing a battle with cancer. Kelly receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late. Kelly has lost her mother and girlfriend in the space of a few hours. Now she must face her own battle to stay alive.
Detective Maddie Ives is called out to inspect the wrecked vehicle. She is under pressure to write it off as a murder-suicide or a terrible accident. Holly was a known sex worker and the running theory is that she may have been engaged in activity with the taxi driver when it rolled over the side. Maddie doesn’t buy it. Holly’s rucksack contains seemingly random and worthless items but Maddie quickly finds numerous links to a crime boss.
My Thoughts /
WARNING – The subject matter in this book covers prostitution, female exploitation and violence.
This book was filled with gruesome horrible people who made me cringe at almost every page. Does this make me naïve, (I wonder?) but I have a real empathy for these girls and a true abhorrence for the men who are exploiting them. The sympathy you get for the victims and the loathing you have for the antagonists is instant. Kudos Mr Gallagher for being able to evoke such emotions from the written word, it made the story intensely captivating.
I won’t say I was hooked from the start. It was a slow burn in the beginning and I can’t say at what point it happened, but at some mid-point I was hooked and found myself engaged and thoroughly enjoying the attention to detail and dynamics between Maddie and her colleagues. I did enjoy the female character roles in this book. That being said, all of the characters had strong personalities and it was written in such a way it felt like you were standing by them along this journey.
The ending for me was a little flat. The 'build up' to the finale was exciting and (in my opinion) well put together. Reaching the peak was great, but then, there was this thing, this final chapter and I'm not sure, but it didn't give me enough, I was looking for more.
That being said, I have gone and purchased Book 1 of this series which I am keen to read at some point.
Synopsis /
Three women: one will sacrifice her life to stop him; one is his next victim; one must try to put him behind bars.
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right. Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff. As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack. She will give her life to bring him down.
Kelly Dale wakes up to her first day without her mother. Her mum passed away late the previous night after losing a battle with cancer. Kelly receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late. Kelly has lost her mother and girlfriend in the space of a few hours. Now she must face her own battle to stay alive.
Detective Maddie Ives is called out to inspect the wrecked vehicle. She is under pressure to write it off as a murder-suicide or a terrible accident. Holly was a known sex worker and the running theory is that she may have been engaged in activity with the taxi driver when it rolled over the side. Maddie doesn’t buy it. Holly’s rucksack contains seemingly random and worthless items but Maddie quickly finds numerous links to a crime boss.
My Thoughts /
WARNING – The subject matter in this book covers prostitution, female exploitation and violence.
This book was filled with gruesome horrible people who made me cringe at almost every page. Does this make me naïve, (I wonder?) but I have a real empathy for these girls and a true abhorrence for the men who are exploiting them. The sympathy you get for the victims and the loathing you have for the antagonists is instant. Kudos Mr Gallagher for being able to evoke such emotions from the written word, it made the story intensely captivating.
I won’t say I was hooked from the start. It was a slow burn in the beginning and I can’t say at what point it happened, but at some mid-point I was hooked and found myself engaged and thoroughly enjoying the attention to detail and dynamics between Maddie and her colleagues. I did enjoy the female character roles in this book. That being said, all of the characters had strong personalities and it was written in such a way it felt like you were standing by them along this journey.
The ending for me was a little flat. The 'build up' to the finale was exciting and (in my opinion) well put together. Reaching the peak was great, but then, there was this thing, this final chapter and I'm not sure, but it didn't give me enough, I was looking for more.
That being said, I have gone and purchased Book 1 of this series which I am keen to read at some point.
December 18, 2019
I have read several books by Charlie Gallagher now, including He Will Kill You (Maddie Ives 2) and He Will Find You (Maddie Ives 3) and I rated them all five stars. This one - He Knows Your Secrets -is equally as good, exactly as I was expecting, and I just had to finish it to find out what happens. I relish reading this author's books and this latest book was simply brilliant!
A young woman, Holly Maguire, commits suicide and takes a taxi driver with her. She carries a rucksack containing clues that she hopes will result in the police investigating her death and bringing down a dangerous and controlling brute.
Kelly Dale is in a dark place; her mother has recently lost her battle with cancer, and she has just found out that her girlfriend, Holly Maguire, has committed suicide. Now Kelly is left to deal with the psychopath who employs her, a man who has made a career of exploiting, controlling and abusing women for his gain and amusement. Now that Holly is dead, he is looking to replace her, and he is expecting Kelly to train her. But will Kelly be able to help the new girl?
He Knows Your Secrets is set in the town of Langthorne in the south-east of England. DS Maddie Ives and her team are at the sharp end of a complex and baffling investigation trying to solve the case, though trying to rein her in is boss Harry Blaker, when Maddie's vehemence begins to gets the better of her. I love that Charlie Gallagher portrays Maddie as a strong-willed, determined woman with plenty of attitude, who also has a soft side and is far from perfect.
I was hooked from the start and fully appreciated the attention to detail and the dynamics between Maddie and her colleagues. Although this isn't a typical whodunit mystery, there was still a strong sense of peril and endangerment, as well as an urgency to reach the end to find out what happens to the familiar and lesser-known characters, none of which was disappointing to me.
He Knows Your Secrets was such an exciting read and I have no hesitation in recommending it. I am already looking forward to Charlie Gallagher's next offering.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Joffe Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
A young woman, Holly Maguire, commits suicide and takes a taxi driver with her. She carries a rucksack containing clues that she hopes will result in the police investigating her death and bringing down a dangerous and controlling brute.
Kelly Dale is in a dark place; her mother has recently lost her battle with cancer, and she has just found out that her girlfriend, Holly Maguire, has committed suicide. Now Kelly is left to deal with the psychopath who employs her, a man who has made a career of exploiting, controlling and abusing women for his gain and amusement. Now that Holly is dead, he is looking to replace her, and he is expecting Kelly to train her. But will Kelly be able to help the new girl?
He Knows Your Secrets is set in the town of Langthorne in the south-east of England. DS Maddie Ives and her team are at the sharp end of a complex and baffling investigation trying to solve the case, though trying to rein her in is boss Harry Blaker, when Maddie's vehemence begins to gets the better of her. I love that Charlie Gallagher portrays Maddie as a strong-willed, determined woman with plenty of attitude, who also has a soft side and is far from perfect.
I was hooked from the start and fully appreciated the attention to detail and the dynamics between Maddie and her colleagues. Although this isn't a typical whodunit mystery, there was still a strong sense of peril and endangerment, as well as an urgency to reach the end to find out what happens to the familiar and lesser-known characters, none of which was disappointing to me.
He Knows Your Secrets was such an exciting read and I have no hesitation in recommending it. I am already looking forward to Charlie Gallagher's next offering.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Joffe Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 20, 2019
Losing her mum was awful enough, but when her girlfriend kills herself just a few hours later Kelly Dale's grief is almost overwhelming. There is no time for reflection however; she is now the one in danger and has no idea how to save herself.
This was the brilliant beginning to another excellent novel by Charlie Gallagher who mixes the lives of victims, perpetrators and the police together in such a successful way that the reader can slip seamlessly from one scene to the next with no trouble at all.
Once again Maddie Ives is at the pointy end of a complex and confusing investigation, working long hours to try and solve something she is sure is laid out before her if she can only grasp hold of it. Trying to rein her in a touch boss, Harry Blaker, is his usual curmudgeonly, charming self as he becomes the voice of reason when Maddie's enthusiasm begins to gets the better of her.
The sympathy and loathing for the victims and antagonists respectively is instantly realistic and easily accepted throughout. The reasons shown, which explain why women are lured into a life they can't escape is obviously written by someone whose knowledge and understanding of this world and the way law enforcement deals with it, can only be gained first hand.
I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail and the ever evolving dynamic between Maddie and her colleagues. Although this isn't a whodunnit but rather a how to prove it there was still a feeling of jeopardy and need to get to the end to find out what happens to the familiar and not so familiar characters none of which was anticlimactic in any way.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read and enjoyed the previous books in this series or likes British police procedural novels; in either instance you're in for a treat.
This was the brilliant beginning to another excellent novel by Charlie Gallagher who mixes the lives of victims, perpetrators and the police together in such a successful way that the reader can slip seamlessly from one scene to the next with no trouble at all.
Once again Maddie Ives is at the pointy end of a complex and confusing investigation, working long hours to try and solve something she is sure is laid out before her if she can only grasp hold of it. Trying to rein her in a touch boss, Harry Blaker, is his usual curmudgeonly, charming self as he becomes the voice of reason when Maddie's enthusiasm begins to gets the better of her.
The sympathy and loathing for the victims and antagonists respectively is instantly realistic and easily accepted throughout. The reasons shown, which explain why women are lured into a life they can't escape is obviously written by someone whose knowledge and understanding of this world and the way law enforcement deals with it, can only be gained first hand.
I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed the attention to detail and the ever evolving dynamic between Maddie and her colleagues. Although this isn't a whodunnit but rather a how to prove it there was still a feeling of jeopardy and need to get to the end to find out what happens to the familiar and not so familiar characters none of which was anticlimactic in any way.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read and enjoyed the previous books in this series or likes British police procedural novels; in either instance you're in for a treat.
November 29, 2019
Maddie Ives is back and ready to fight for the people who nobody cares about. She is a very addictive character, feisty, determined and underneath the hard exterior she shows when needed lies a very compassionate, caring personality. She has grown on me book by book so I am now at a place where I am nagging Charlie Gallagher to write faster.
A taxi goes over a cliff killing the taxi driver and a prostitute who is known to the Police. Maddie attends and her gut instinct is telling her there is something wrong. There are several very probable theories about what happened: a sex act gone wrong, murder/suicide ..... But Maddie is not buying any of them. When her boss, Harry tells her to leave it and concentrate on the cases she already has, she uses her own time to continue investigating, determined to put the pieces together and find out what Holly wanted her to know.
The story develops and we see the police view and the view from the criminal side as we are immersed in the sickening and violent world of abuse and exploitation masterminded by a known criminal that keeps escaping justice.
This is a fast paced story but we really get into the detective side as we follow Maddie as she tries to join up the dots and help people that don't want to be helped.
I do love this series and in this one Maddie takes more of a central role with Harry taking a back seat for once. As always the banter between Maddie and Vince adds humour to offset the darkness that shrouds Major Crimes.
Another excellent story by the brilliant Charlie Gallagher.
A taxi goes over a cliff killing the taxi driver and a prostitute who is known to the Police. Maddie attends and her gut instinct is telling her there is something wrong. There are several very probable theories about what happened: a sex act gone wrong, murder/suicide ..... But Maddie is not buying any of them. When her boss, Harry tells her to leave it and concentrate on the cases she already has, she uses her own time to continue investigating, determined to put the pieces together and find out what Holly wanted her to know.
The story develops and we see the police view and the view from the criminal side as we are immersed in the sickening and violent world of abuse and exploitation masterminded by a known criminal that keeps escaping justice.
This is a fast paced story but we really get into the detective side as we follow Maddie as she tries to join up the dots and help people that don't want to be helped.
I do love this series and in this one Maddie takes more of a central role with Harry taking a back seat for once. As always the banter between Maddie and Vince adds humour to offset the darkness that shrouds Major Crimes.
Another excellent story by the brilliant Charlie Gallagher.
December 10, 2019
"Gritty, complex thriller"
When you have a series written by a serving police officer you get an authentic view of the police procedural. Even if some elements have to be 'massaged' in order for there to be an exciting story line. Of course, there were times when characters could have acted differently and the whole premise of this thriller would have disappeared. But this is fiction and designed to entertain.
The exploitation of the women by Freddie Rickman and the others was gratuitous and graphic. It's despicable. yet the police deal with cases such as this every day. Maddie Ives's tenacious questioning in the closing chapters was superbly handled. We were left with an impression that at long last Rickman was done for. He would spend the rest of his life in prison. As readers we want to see that evil does not triumph and justice is seen to be done,
What we should never forget is that the current system provides Rickman and others with bed and board, three meals a day, health care as they age in prison. What a joke. Some of Rickman's victims died. Their families carry that grief until the day they die. Those that survived will suffer too. The mental anguish will be intolerable for some. Where's the justice in that? How can we expect to defeat evil when its personification is cosseted until it draws its last breath?
There are many authors who cover crimes such as these and by and large they're aimed at entertaining us. On this occasion it prompted me to sit back and ask whether I should.
When you have a series written by a serving police officer you get an authentic view of the police procedural. Even if some elements have to be 'massaged' in order for there to be an exciting story line. Of course, there were times when characters could have acted differently and the whole premise of this thriller would have disappeared. But this is fiction and designed to entertain.
The exploitation of the women by Freddie Rickman and the others was gratuitous and graphic. It's despicable. yet the police deal with cases such as this every day. Maddie Ives's tenacious questioning in the closing chapters was superbly handled. We were left with an impression that at long last Rickman was done for. He would spend the rest of his life in prison. As readers we want to see that evil does not triumph and justice is seen to be done,
What we should never forget is that the current system provides Rickman and others with bed and board, three meals a day, health care as they age in prison. What a joke. Some of Rickman's victims died. Their families carry that grief until the day they die. Those that survived will suffer too. The mental anguish will be intolerable for some. Where's the justice in that? How can we expect to defeat evil when its personification is cosseted until it draws its last breath?
There are many authors who cover crimes such as these and by and large they're aimed at entertaining us. On this occasion it prompted me to sit back and ask whether I should.
December 11, 2019
I just love this author's books and his lastest book was Just a brilliant read. So when He Knows Your Secrets by Charlie Gallagher came out I just had to turn my phone off, find a comfy spot to open my kindle and become a part of this new book. Blimey what a cracking read Charlie's lastest book was. I was hooked within the first few pages and I just had to finish it to find out what happens.
A young woman called Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right.
Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff. Killing the taxi driver as well
"As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack"
"SHE WILL GIVE HER LIFE TO BRING HIM DOWN."
WoW! Who is Holly Maguire? Why did she kill herself and who does she want to bring down?
OMG I just wanted to find out more about Holly and why she killed herself! What was in her rucksack?
Holly has a girlfriend called Kelly Dale who she loves dearly. Kelly is coming to terms with the death of her mother when she finds out about Holly. DS Maddie Ives is the only person who thinks there is more to this suicide of Holly and starts to look more into it. She is shocked on what she finds out.
Is Kelly Dale in danger?
Will DS Maddie Ives be in time to save Holly before some thing happens to her?
This book is full of twists and turns and you will not see that coming.......
I highly recommend this Book by Charlie Gallagher and is a great read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read, and review.
A young woman called Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. She is determined to make things right.
Then the car goes over the edge of the cliff. Killing the taxi driver as well
"As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack"
"SHE WILL GIVE HER LIFE TO BRING HIM DOWN."
WoW! Who is Holly Maguire? Why did she kill herself and who does she want to bring down?
OMG I just wanted to find out more about Holly and why she killed herself! What was in her rucksack?
Holly has a girlfriend called Kelly Dale who she loves dearly. Kelly is coming to terms with the death of her mother when she finds out about Holly. DS Maddie Ives is the only person who thinks there is more to this suicide of Holly and starts to look more into it. She is shocked on what she finds out.
Is Kelly Dale in danger?
Will DS Maddie Ives be in time to save Holly before some thing happens to her?
This book is full of twists and turns and you will not see that coming.......
I highly recommend this Book by Charlie Gallagher and is a great read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read, and review.
November 20, 2019
Village Capel the coastal town of Langhorne. Kelly Dale has just lost her mum, and receives a text from her partner Holly Maguir that's disturbing. Holly is later found in a taxi with the driver Tarus Mardin a Turkish after the car goes over the cliff its a suicide murder investigation. D.S.Maddie Ives has to get to the bottom of why this has happened. Kelly Dale and Libby Battle worked for Freddie Rickman and what connection is there to the two dying the way they did? This book is over flowing with action. It will make your eyes pop and make you cringe as you keep reading. It is definitely a I did not expect that to happen book. He definitely does know your secrets and it left me craving more. The best Maddie Ives book yet. Gripping to the end.
April 12, 2020
Another brilliant story from our local best selling author in Folkestone, Kent. I’m not sure how he manages to write such brilliant books so quick, but he just keeps churning them out. I have enjoyed this series with Maddie Ives the detective, this one being my favourite. The more you get through, many things happen and eventually you piece it all together. This is another page turner that I couldn’t put down. Not as gritty as the others but a good story. Well done Charlie
December 11, 2019
Excellent as always from Charlie Gallagher. Thank you!
January 8, 2020
What a great story
From the first page to the last, absorbing, interesting and quite intricate. A most thoroughly enjoyable book.
Looking forward to more
From the first page to the last, absorbing, interesting and quite intricate. A most thoroughly enjoyable book.
Looking forward to more
October 12, 2025
De todos os que li até agora, achei este o mais fraco. Achei-o forçado do inicio ao fim. Demasiadas descrições desnecessárias, fizeram com que a leitura se arrastasse e tornasse aborrecida. Confesso que dei por mim a ler, por vezes, na diagonal para chegar ao fim do livro.
December 1, 2019
This is the fourth book in the series featuring DS Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker based in Canterbury, and they just get better and better. DS Maddie Ives had been working undercover in Manchester for years until disobeying orders meant that she had to move right across the country to a Major Crimes posting in Langhorne in the south east. Then a nasty shoot out injured her boss DI Harry Blaker and put him out of action for months and her back into CID, and once reunited they have worked a couple of nasty cases together. Back for good in Major Crimes and with things on a more even keel they face possibly the most gritty and disturbing case yet. A woman called Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location. Before long the car goes over the edge of the cliff and falls hundreds of feet. As Holly plummets to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack full of clues. The detectives are faced with two bodies but struggle to get to the root of whether it was a tragedy, a suicide attempt or something more sinister. Holly's girlfriend Kelly has recently lost her mum to cancer and now is too late to save Holly. Her whole life is in a downward spiral and she longs to escape the vicious criminals who dominate her but she will need help and protection. That help arrives in the form of DS Maddie Ives who is convinced there is more to Holly's death than murder-suicide. Harry is not convinced and there is pressure on her to drop it but she is determined and gradually with the help of the clues Holly left she starts to piece together links to an evil crime boss with a shady past who is exploiting young girls. A man who thinks nothing of eliminating anyone who gets in his way. The characters are very well drawn, and the detectives get more likeable as the series moves on. Harry still growls a lot (although he does occasionally show a softer side), Vince never gives up trying to ask Maddie out, and Maddie just never gives up when she has the bit between her teeth. The pace is fast and the plot exciting as Maddie is drawn into a world that gets much darker as the story progresses, and even with Harry and Vince on her side she has to battle relentlessly with reluctant witnesses to make any headway. The ending is very dramatic and this is altogether another excellent read from a clearly very knowledgeable author which I have no hesitation in recommending. 5*
March 7, 2020
This is my first novel by Charlie Gallagher and it has blown me away. I received a free ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. While I enjoy reading detective novels I often find them to be unrealistic and while they may be good books it kind of ruins it for me, but not this one. I, like most people, tend to forget that these types of crimes happen much more often then we’d like to think and it’s hard to imagine that these things do actually happen. The events that occur in this book are absolutely horrific but are completely believable and people like Kelly, Libby, Holly, Freddie, Benny, Vince and Maddie all exist in real life. This made the story SO much better in my opinion. I was on the edge of my seat, I’ve had goosebumps, I’ve felt nauseous, I’ve had shivers go through my entire body and felt my heartbeat speed up as I felt actual fear for the characters and the reality of what I was reading. The events take place over a week, starting Saturday morning and ending on Friday, we see multiple points of view and see what different characters are doing during each day to give a more complete story which was brilliant. It is a very tough book to read because of the content but it will grip you. 5 stars.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. While I enjoy reading detective novels I often find them to be unrealistic and while they may be good books it kind of ruins it for me, but not this one. I, like most people, tend to forget that these types of crimes happen much more often then we’d like to think and it’s hard to imagine that these things do actually happen. The events that occur in this book are absolutely horrific but are completely believable and people like Kelly, Libby, Holly, Freddie, Benny, Vince and Maddie all exist in real life. This made the story SO much better in my opinion. I was on the edge of my seat, I’ve had goosebumps, I’ve felt nauseous, I’ve had shivers go through my entire body and felt my heartbeat speed up as I felt actual fear for the characters and the reality of what I was reading. The events take place over a week, starting Saturday morning and ending on Friday, we see multiple points of view and see what different characters are doing during each day to give a more complete story which was brilliant. It is a very tough book to read because of the content but it will grip you. 5 stars.
November 28, 2019
So this is the fourth in the Maddie Ives series but I would say it can be read as a standalone but I would recommend starting at the beginning with He Is Watching You for a better understanding of the characters (and it happens to be a really good book too).
Holly Maguire forces a taxi off the road and over a cliff, what would make a young woman like herself do something so drastic? Maddie is about to write it off as murder/suicide when they find a backpack full of seemingly unrelated items. Unable to leave it alone, she digs deeper to find disturbing secrets that she needs to unravel.
He Knows Your Secrets is a gritty and gripping police procedural that took me on a surprisingly emotional journey.
This book does touch on some tough subjects, prostitution and suicide are just two I can name but Charlie Gallagher manages to both handle them with both believability and sensitivity.
I would urge anyone who loves a police procedural to pick up this fantastic series each ones seems to be getting better and better!
He Knows Your Secrets is a disturbing yet utterly captivating read that will grab you from that very first chapter.
Holly Maguire forces a taxi off the road and over a cliff, what would make a young woman like herself do something so drastic? Maddie is about to write it off as murder/suicide when they find a backpack full of seemingly unrelated items. Unable to leave it alone, she digs deeper to find disturbing secrets that she needs to unravel.
He Knows Your Secrets is a gritty and gripping police procedural that took me on a surprisingly emotional journey.
This book does touch on some tough subjects, prostitution and suicide are just two I can name but Charlie Gallagher manages to both handle them with both believability and sensitivity.
I would urge anyone who loves a police procedural to pick up this fantastic series each ones seems to be getting better and better!
He Knows Your Secrets is a disturbing yet utterly captivating read that will grab you from that very first chapter.
December 26, 2019
Great book
This is book 4 in Charlie’s brilliant Maddie Ives series, which i would suggest you read in order so you get a feel for the character and locations.
This time round Maddie is sent to investigate a suspected suicide where a woman has driven off a cliff in a taxi falling to her death. Maddie though doesn’t think things add up and starts to look into it further.
As she digs she finds out the woman was a prostitute and so looks into the dark world until she finds a likely suspect. The only issue she now has is finding credible people to testify against him.
The book is such a great read with so much going on that you don’t realise you are almost finished and been reading for two hours, which means you might as well just finish the last couple of chapters even though it is gone midnight.
I really enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones and can’t wait for more from Charlie.
This is book 4 in Charlie’s brilliant Maddie Ives series, which i would suggest you read in order so you get a feel for the character and locations.
This time round Maddie is sent to investigate a suspected suicide where a woman has driven off a cliff in a taxi falling to her death. Maddie though doesn’t think things add up and starts to look into it further.
As she digs she finds out the woman was a prostitute and so looks into the dark world until she finds a likely suspect. The only issue she now has is finding credible people to testify against him.
The book is such a great read with so much going on that you don’t realise you are almost finished and been reading for two hours, which means you might as well just finish the last couple of chapters even though it is gone midnight.
I really enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones and can’t wait for more from Charlie.
January 15, 2020
So once again Maddie Ives knows that the evidence offered may have more to it. When a car plummets off a cliff it looks like a sex act gone wrong. It is in fact a well thought out plan by Holly to unselfishly end her own life to try and save her girlfriend Kelly and bring down a sordid sex ring and its master! With very believable characters who are so well written you are invested in them all from the get go. It invites you into the horrific world of trafficking and the dark web, all of which is truer than we would like to think!
As always Maddie shows her strength and tenacity as she follows her gut to the truth. I have loved all the Maddie Ives books and her story in itself is worth the read. A women with secrets and insecurities in a predominantly male world. The book is fine to read without having read the others in the serious but it will make you go back and read the rest! Well done Charlie on another cracking Maddie book.....can't wait till the next .
As always Maddie shows her strength and tenacity as she follows her gut to the truth. I have loved all the Maddie Ives books and her story in itself is worth the read. A women with secrets and insecurities in a predominantly male world. The book is fine to read without having read the others in the serious but it will make you go back and read the rest! Well done Charlie on another cracking Maddie book.....can't wait till the next .
December 14, 2019
Another great book by Charlie Gallagher that keeps you reading to see what happens next. Maddie Ives is on the scent of criminals as always despite hesitation from her superiors. Great characters and a series of crimes that you wish could only be made up by an author but which you sadly realize is most likely happening in real life as you read. Eagerly awaiting the next offering by Mr. Galllagher who has become one of my favorite authors.
February 1, 2020
Best Maddie Ives Book Yet!!
I have enjoyed all the Maddie Ives books but I really think this one is the best so far! It grabs your attention right from the start and doesn't let go! The characters in this book really spoke to me and in some ways I would like closure on where they're at now. I read this book in two days and am now sitting on pins and needles wondering if there will be another installment. I hope there will be!!
I have enjoyed all the Maddie Ives books but I really think this one is the best so far! It grabs your attention right from the start and doesn't let go! The characters in this book really spoke to me and in some ways I would like closure on where they're at now. I read this book in two days and am now sitting on pins and needles wondering if there will be another installment. I hope there will be!!
December 10, 2019
Fantastic.
Very dark, but compelling.
Charlie Gallagher’s characters are real and you live their story even when you are not actively reading the book.
I’ve read all his books from the start and they just get better.
As an added bonus, I live in ’Langthorne’ which is the icing on the cake.
I can thoroughly recommend Charlie Gallagher’s books.
Very dark, but compelling.
Charlie Gallagher’s characters are real and you live their story even when you are not actively reading the book.
I’ve read all his books from the start and they just get better.
As an added bonus, I live in ’Langthorne’ which is the icing on the cake.
I can thoroughly recommend Charlie Gallagher’s books.
December 10, 2019
Very true to life
Very believable scumbags and perfectly unexagerated policing, the author got me to the point of actually experiencing a genuine hatred of the main criminal character. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Very believable scumbags and perfectly unexagerated policing, the author got me to the point of actually experiencing a genuine hatred of the main criminal character. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
December 13, 2019
Amazing
Love this book. It was so hard to put down. Just wanted to see how it ended. A happy ending. And at the same time didn’t want it to end. You will really enjoy this book.
Love this book. It was so hard to put down. Just wanted to see how it ended. A happy ending. And at the same time didn’t want it to end. You will really enjoy this book.
May 9, 2020
I couldn't put this book down. Having read the other 3 in the series I knew it would be good but wow. I felt for the characters so much. Xx
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