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Kate Redman Mysteries #12
Scimitar
A terrorist atrocity rips through London the day before the body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, near the West Country town of Abbeyford. DI Kate Redman and her team take on the case, but are hampered by a lack of identification on the body, not to mention the odd location of the crime scene.
Eventually, they identify the young man as a certain Ibrahim Bashir, but this only leads to more confusion – because it seems that Ibrahim Bashir died fifty years ago…
Scimitar is the twelfth in the Kate Redman Mysteries series, by USA Today bestselling author Celina Grace.
Praise for the Kate Redman Mysteries, from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
“One of the best I have read this year. I read about a fourth of the book early in the day, then at bedtime, I thought I would read a bit more before sleep. I finished the book at 5:20 AM. Just could not put it down.”
“At last, a mystery that delivers…I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn’t.”
“…a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too.”
“…amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself…”
Eventually, they identify the young man as a certain Ibrahim Bashir, but this only leads to more confusion – because it seems that Ibrahim Bashir died fifty years ago…
Scimitar is the twelfth in the Kate Redman Mysteries series, by USA Today bestselling author Celina Grace.
Praise for the Kate Redman Mysteries, from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers:
“One of the best I have read this year. I read about a fourth of the book early in the day, then at bedtime, I thought I would read a bit more before sleep. I finished the book at 5:20 AM. Just could not put it down.”
“At last, a mystery that delivers…I found this novel superb because I got all I needed to know and none of what I didn’t.”
“…a gripping detective story but the main character engages you, and as well as wanting to know how the mystery turns out you want to learn more about her too.”
“…amazing book, read it front to back in one visit, couldn`t help myself…”
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
896 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Celina Grace
62 books455 followersI’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
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February 2, 2020
Terrorism, Murder and Mid-Life Crisis
Celina Grace's writing is excellent, as always. There are a few typos, mostly "extra" words in a sentence that were probably marked for deletion in the manuscript but, for some reason, didn't get cut in the upload.
While the murder and its investigation are both intriguing and multi-layered, I feel the main focus of the first half of the book is geared to the emotional devastation experienced by the people that a sudden death leave behind. And Ms Grace, in her introduction, prepares us for this.
And the second half of the book feels like an exploration - and a really good one - of what many refer to as a "mid-life crisis." Kate is blind-sided by how the murder victim, his supervisor, his brother, and even the suspects affect her approach to the case, affect herself as an individual and affect her relationship with Anderton. And she's not the only character in psychologically deep, hot water either.
While shorter than most of Ms Grace's entries in the series, this book packs a lot of emotion and psychology into those 190 pages. Ms Grace manages to tie several current social and political trends together in a neat but not-so-nice little package before we reach the last page. And, depending on which character / situation you find yourself identifying with, the chances are you are going to squirm a bit before that last paragraph hits.
Celina Grace's writing is excellent, as always. There are a few typos, mostly "extra" words in a sentence that were probably marked for deletion in the manuscript but, for some reason, didn't get cut in the upload.
While the murder and its investigation are both intriguing and multi-layered, I feel the main focus of the first half of the book is geared to the emotional devastation experienced by the people that a sudden death leave behind. And Ms Grace, in her introduction, prepares us for this.
And the second half of the book feels like an exploration - and a really good one - of what many refer to as a "mid-life crisis." Kate is blind-sided by how the murder victim, his supervisor, his brother, and even the suspects affect her approach to the case, affect herself as an individual and affect her relationship with Anderton. And she's not the only character in psychologically deep, hot water either.
While shorter than most of Ms Grace's entries in the series, this book packs a lot of emotion and psychology into those 190 pages. Ms Grace manages to tie several current social and political trends together in a neat but not-so-nice little package before we reach the last page. And, depending on which character / situation you find yourself identifying with, the chances are you are going to squirm a bit before that last paragraph hits.
January 31, 2020
I ALWAYS enjoy the Kate Redman stories but I almost didn’t with this one. The story still had the thrill of the chase in trying to catch a killer and all the suspense and intrigue but there was an almost annoying aspect to her private life. When I thought about it, I realized that this it what makes Kate tick and makes her feel like a normal human being with all the flaws that that entails, not a stereotype fictional character. She feels like a real person and the interplay with her work colleagues , especially her support to her close friend Chloe and the way she juggles her private life is all part of the unique package that have come to be the classic hallmark of a superb Kate Redman crime thriller.
Most definitely recommend this.
Most definitely recommend this.
September 1, 2021
Firstly, I LOVE the cover on this one in this terrific series. Probably my favourite so far. It's a smashing design....I was so sorry to read the dedication to her friend at the beginning and found it so touching she is donating some of the book's proceeds to mental health charities.....she's done him proud. I also liked her PS at the start, too, and the shout-out to the people intervening on London Bridge the way they did. I totally agree.....though sadly, the way things are going right now I think we'll see even more from these psychotics.....I'm with Kate in substituting the B word with the C word myself.
I have needed to knock this down by 1* yet again because of mistakes that are still getting through the proofreading process, and not just one or two....
I see she spelt Cheetam this way and was sure it was usually Cheetham so looked back in the previous book, only to see it was written both ways in that, so it was of little assistance !! THEN we had THE cardinal sin of one of her own characters being spelt wrong again.....WHY aren't her editors noticing this ??? She gave us Anderson not Anderton !! Unforgiveable. She writes carriage way and not carriageway, though it is correct further in, and print outs not printouts.
I did notice she guesses the murder victim to be early 30s but is then not shocked he isn't married as he's so young....that is a bit of a contradiction. Olbeck was forever heading off to a meeting, at almost every time we encountered him which I began to find irritating, also.
There were too many missed speechmarks peppered throughout, women was written not woman, discretely not discreetly and relieving and not reliving.
I did get decidedly sniffy a couple of times a times at Kate's interactions with Chloe in this tale....they were very touching, though of course we had the funny little moments with them as well, still. However, I was also pretty annoyed and (almost) disappointed with Kate in this one, too. You'll figure out why. I did write "phew" at the ending, I must say !!
(Oh, I googled The Little White Company and you need a second mortgage to buy stuff there) !!
I'd love to score more of this author's books in this series 5* but I can't in all honesty when the presentation is still lacking, although the stories aren't at all. They're still tremendous.
I have needed to knock this down by 1* yet again because of mistakes that are still getting through the proofreading process, and not just one or two....
I see she spelt Cheetam this way and was sure it was usually Cheetham so looked back in the previous book, only to see it was written both ways in that, so it was of little assistance !! THEN we had THE cardinal sin of one of her own characters being spelt wrong again.....WHY aren't her editors noticing this ??? She gave us Anderson not Anderton !! Unforgiveable. She writes carriage way and not carriageway, though it is correct further in, and print outs not printouts.
I did notice she guesses the murder victim to be early 30s but is then not shocked he isn't married as he's so young....that is a bit of a contradiction. Olbeck was forever heading off to a meeting, at almost every time we encountered him which I began to find irritating, also.
There were too many missed speechmarks peppered throughout, women was written not woman, discretely not discreetly and relieving and not reliving.
I did get decidedly sniffy a couple of times a times at Kate's interactions with Chloe in this tale....they were very touching, though of course we had the funny little moments with them as well, still. However, I was also pretty annoyed and (almost) disappointed with Kate in this one, too. You'll figure out why. I did write "phew" at the ending, I must say !!
(Oh, I googled The Little White Company and you need a second mortgage to buy stuff there) !!
I'd love to score more of this author's books in this series 5* but I can't in all honesty when the presentation is still lacking, although the stories aren't at all. They're still tremendous.
July 14, 2020
4.75 Stars
Whenever I read a Kate Redman book, it always feels like I'm meeting an old and beloved friend for coffee to catch up on each other's lives. This novel held closer to that sentiment than usual. Whether it was the fact that Kate's world, much like ours currently, is at odds with itself, or that Kate and I are at similar crossroads, or just plain good writing, but the story pulled me in completely.
In her preamble, the author mentioned that Scimitar had been difficult to write due to the subject matter. I'm so glad she persevered.
Whenever I read a Kate Redman book, it always feels like I'm meeting an old and beloved friend for coffee to catch up on each other's lives. This novel held closer to that sentiment than usual. Whether it was the fact that Kate's world, much like ours currently, is at odds with itself, or that Kate and I are at similar crossroads, or just plain good writing, but the story pulled me in completely.
In her preamble, the author mentioned that Scimitar had been difficult to write due to the subject matter. I'm so glad she persevered.
July 26, 2020
"Easy read"
Despite the terrorist element to the book it was a surprisingly easy read. This wasn't the first book in this series that I'd read and I knew that it would be well-written, with a strong cast of characters. The side-stories concerning Kate and her love-life keep the pace bubbling throughout.
Despite the terrorist element to the book it was a surprisingly easy read. This wasn't the first book in this series that I'd read and I knew that it would be well-written, with a strong cast of characters. The side-stories concerning Kate and her love-life keep the pace bubbling throughout.
January 25, 2023
NOT MUCH OF A MYSTERY MORE ABOUT KATE REDMAN'S PERSONAL LIFE. I DON'T LIKE CHEATERS EVEN BOARDERLINE ONES. THIS WASN'T A VERY LONG BOOK (196pgs.) IT ONLY SEEMED LIKE IT, BORING. ;<
February 17, 2020
I am a longtime fan of Celina Grace's Kate Redman series. I can't think of one of them that didn't engage me from start to finish. The stories are smart, topical and edgy. In addition to the crime and its ramifications, we get the ongoing story of the series' eponymous heroine and her colleagues at the constabulary. The combination makes for an engaging experience on many levels.
In Scimitar, the latest entry in the series, the opening scene of a terrorist bombing on the streets of London draws you in immediately and lets you know you are in for a harrowing, drawn-from-the-headlines tale. But this scene, while ripping, is in itself a backdrop for the main crime in the novel which involves the murder of an Asian man whose body is found on the grounds of one of England's stately homes. The twists and turns of this puzzle are unpredictable, full of surprises and heartrending narratives. Suffice to say, I was completely surprised by the ending which is always a plus in this genre. This is one of the best Kate Redman tales and I highly recommended it to fans of the series and to new readers as well.
The only drawback I can see for new readers is that the ongoing saga of Kate Redman and her life and loves is a major part of this book, even more so than usually, so if you haven't been following the series, you may feel like you are missing some backstory. I would have preferred less hemming and hawing on Kate's part about her upcoming life commitment to her former boss. The introduction of a possible fling with a new man just as she is finally going to take the plunge into a serious adult commitment is interesting and fits in with Kate's all too human persona, but a little less of this would have made the strong central story even stronger. That said, I still gave the book 5 stars because it is a very good book that stays with you for a long time after reading it. As always, I look forward to the next Kate Redman story. Will she take the plunge or continue to waffle? Either way, I'll be there to find out.
In Scimitar, the latest entry in the series, the opening scene of a terrorist bombing on the streets of London draws you in immediately and lets you know you are in for a harrowing, drawn-from-the-headlines tale. But this scene, while ripping, is in itself a backdrop for the main crime in the novel which involves the murder of an Asian man whose body is found on the grounds of one of England's stately homes. The twists and turns of this puzzle are unpredictable, full of surprises and heartrending narratives. Suffice to say, I was completely surprised by the ending which is always a plus in this genre. This is one of the best Kate Redman tales and I highly recommended it to fans of the series and to new readers as well.
The only drawback I can see for new readers is that the ongoing saga of Kate Redman and her life and loves is a major part of this book, even more so than usually, so if you haven't been following the series, you may feel like you are missing some backstory. I would have preferred less hemming and hawing on Kate's part about her upcoming life commitment to her former boss. The introduction of a possible fling with a new man just as she is finally going to take the plunge into a serious adult commitment is interesting and fits in with Kate's all too human persona, but a little less of this would have made the strong central story even stronger. That said, I still gave the book 5 stars because it is a very good book that stays with you for a long time after reading it. As always, I look forward to the next Kate Redman story. Will she take the plunge or continue to waffle? Either way, I'll be there to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2020
The Kate Redman is one of my favourite series to return to reading when I want a 'quick' read - a book that I can complete in an afternoon but still enjoy as a decent crime novel. 'Scimitar' is the twelfth novel in the series, and there are several novella aswell. The last book of the series that I read was actually no8., so I was concerned that perhaps, I would no longer be familiar with the characters or their situations. And indeed, there have been a number of significant changes but Grace addresses these as the story progresses, so that time is not wasted and also it is easy for new comers to follow.
In the later books, Grace has focused on more ‘topical’ issues such as immigration, refugees and this time around, terrorist. After a shocking terrorist attack in London, it seems that a cell may be operating in the West Country town of Abbeyford and the team soon find themselves enmeshed in a confusing case involving MI5, drugs and a possible love triangle.
I must confess, that I did not enjoy this storyline as much as previous books. The main reason for this is Kate’s behaviour towards Anderton. I found it hard to believe that she would react in such a way with regard to buiying a house etc. Sorry, cannot say more unless I reveal spoilers. Perhaps, her behaviour in related to grief over Chloe and Roman but honestly, I wanted to yell, that she has been in love with him for years and needs to stop acting like a lovesick teenager. The again, if a book can invoke such a reaction, I guess that it has gotten under my skin?
In the later books, Grace has focused on more ‘topical’ issues such as immigration, refugees and this time around, terrorist. After a shocking terrorist attack in London, it seems that a cell may be operating in the West Country town of Abbeyford and the team soon find themselves enmeshed in a confusing case involving MI5, drugs and a possible love triangle.
I must confess, that I did not enjoy this storyline as much as previous books. The main reason for this is Kate’s behaviour towards Anderton. I found it hard to believe that she would react in such a way with regard to buiying a house etc. Sorry, cannot say more unless I reveal spoilers. Perhaps, her behaviour in related to grief over Chloe and Roman but honestly, I wanted to yell, that she has been in love with him for years and needs to stop acting like a lovesick teenager. The again, if a book can invoke such a reaction, I guess that it has gotten under my skin?
February 14, 2020
Scimitar is an absolutely wonderful addition to this series! I LOVE this entire series and especially the way the characters have come to seem like friends that I look forward to catching up with.
The author allows her characters to grow and mature and as they change, their relationships and work experience change also. This is a huge plus and I especially enjoy the way we've seen Kate Redman change since the first book in this series. In Scimitar, Celina Grace has addressed a very topical issue ~ terrorism ~ and does is exceedingly well. I felt like I was there when one of the terrorist events happened and could definitely "see" and feel how it affected her friend and colleague that she calls "Bird". They use that as a nickname for each other and I really like that.
Celina Grace plots a fast paced, hard to figure out whodunit and brings in plenty of personal issues from the lives of her characters also. I hope she never quits writing this series because I never want to stop reading it.
I was fortunate to receive and ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given because I love this author's work and recommend these books all the time.
The author allows her characters to grow and mature and as they change, their relationships and work experience change also. This is a huge plus and I especially enjoy the way we've seen Kate Redman change since the first book in this series. In Scimitar, Celina Grace has addressed a very topical issue ~ terrorism ~ and does is exceedingly well. I felt like I was there when one of the terrorist events happened and could definitely "see" and feel how it affected her friend and colleague that she calls "Bird". They use that as a nickname for each other and I really like that.
Celina Grace plots a fast paced, hard to figure out whodunit and brings in plenty of personal issues from the lives of her characters also. I hope she never quits writing this series because I never want to stop reading it.
I was fortunate to receive and ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given because I love this author's work and recommend these books all the time.
March 3, 2020
There’s been a two year gap between Celina Grace’s Scimitar and Fury, the previous Kate Redmond book.
The author explains some difficult moments in her life that led to this time gap.
I think I read all of the Kate Redman books within a week back in 2018. Suffice it to say, I really enjoy them.
It took me a while to get my bearings upon reading this because it’d been so long since I’d read the last one.
I think it has a really strong start. I just felt like it was a little rushed. Kate was dealing with a relationship dilemma throughout the entire novel, and then in the course of two sentences the author just ties it up. I felt the same about how quickly the case was wrapped up.
The terrorism component was interesting, and the fragile mental health of her friend felt very real. But again, I feel like it all kind of ended abruptly.
I still enjoyed the book very much. I just think that the last quarter could’ve been a bit longer and tie the stories up in a neater manner.
I do hope the next story comes out sooner rather than later.
I subscribe to the author’s mailing list in which I receive an advanced copy of the manuscript in exchange for a review.
The author explains some difficult moments in her life that led to this time gap.
I think I read all of the Kate Redman books within a week back in 2018. Suffice it to say, I really enjoy them.
It took me a while to get my bearings upon reading this because it’d been so long since I’d read the last one.
I think it has a really strong start. I just felt like it was a little rushed. Kate was dealing with a relationship dilemma throughout the entire novel, and then in the course of two sentences the author just ties it up. I felt the same about how quickly the case was wrapped up.
The terrorism component was interesting, and the fragile mental health of her friend felt very real. But again, I feel like it all kind of ended abruptly.
I still enjoyed the book very much. I just think that the last quarter could’ve been a bit longer and tie the stories up in a neater manner.
I do hope the next story comes out sooner rather than later.
I subscribe to the author’s mailing list in which I receive an advanced copy of the manuscript in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
Scimitar is book twelve in Celina Grace's British crime procedural series, which centres around detective (now Detective Chief Inspector) Kate Redman and her team. So I imagine the first question potential readers will have is whether this series of books manages to maintain its quality, originality and freshness. I can say unreservedly that it does.
The Kate Redman books follow a template but, rather than leading to a sameness, in this case it's what maintains my interest. Broadly speaking, there are two strands; the British police procedural cases and the ever-developing characters and relationships in and around Kate Redman's team. There is always just one case per book, and we get to follow it from the launch of the investigation through to its conclusion. The characters develop and age from book to book, and we witness how their lives progress.
Clearly this has been a more than usually personal book for Celina Grace to write, and I'd urge everyone to read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, explaining why this is so.
An aspect of Celina Grace's writing that I always appreciate is how the police investigations often revolve around events that are very current and of public significance. This book tackles the theme of terrorism in the UK. Its a big and complex subject to approach and I feel that it's treated with care here - after all, it's a police investigation, not a political or moral treatise. But I do think that the solving of the case, and hence the ending of the book, speeded up more than I wanted. It's still a book I'd heartily recommend but, after much deliberation, I've docked it one star because I feel it would have benefited for being maybe fifty pages longer.
Having said that, it's a series of books that always draws me in, and I'm already looking forward to Celina publishing the next episode in Kate Redman's life.
Having bought the earlier books, I am now on Celina's advance readers list, so was sent a free copy of this book. Needless to say, I haven't let that influence my review.
The Kate Redman books follow a template but, rather than leading to a sameness, in this case it's what maintains my interest. Broadly speaking, there are two strands; the British police procedural cases and the ever-developing characters and relationships in and around Kate Redman's team. There is always just one case per book, and we get to follow it from the launch of the investigation through to its conclusion. The characters develop and age from book to book, and we witness how their lives progress.
Clearly this has been a more than usually personal book for Celina Grace to write, and I'd urge everyone to read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book, explaining why this is so.
An aspect of Celina Grace's writing that I always appreciate is how the police investigations often revolve around events that are very current and of public significance. This book tackles the theme of terrorism in the UK. Its a big and complex subject to approach and I feel that it's treated with care here - after all, it's a police investigation, not a political or moral treatise. But I do think that the solving of the case, and hence the ending of the book, speeded up more than I wanted. It's still a book I'd heartily recommend but, after much deliberation, I've docked it one star because I feel it would have benefited for being maybe fifty pages longer.
Having said that, it's a series of books that always draws me in, and I'm already looking forward to Celina publishing the next episode in Kate Redman's life.
Having bought the earlier books, I am now on Celina's advance readers list, so was sent a free copy of this book. Needless to say, I haven't let that influence my review.
September 27, 2021
A few years ago I picked up 6 or 7 Celina Grace books for free. I read a few of them right away but found them to be pretty mediocre. Some were better than others but none of them was excellent or even very good. The main problem for me is the main character (Kate Redman), who is irritating and frequently unlikeable. Apart from her, the rest of the writing isn’t bad. The plots are okay; the other characters are pretty well drawn and the narrative gives some decent atmosphere. Every once in a while, between other books I actually want to read, I return to the Celina Grace freebies to give the series another chance.
In Scimitar, the twelfth of the series, a terrorist attack in London kills the fiancé of Kate Redman’s friend Chloe. A few days later the young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, near the West Country town of Abbeyford. Kate and her team take on the local case and learn the body is that of a MI5 agent who has been infiltrating a terrorist group. Eventually it seems the two crimes are connected but there are many twists, turns and red-herrings to mislead the reader. In the end it’s mostly okay -- except for Kate herself.
She is, and was from the first book, a deeply irritating character. It’s bad enough that she’s an indecisive, arrogant flake of a cop but the narrative constantly inflicts the reader to an account of her moment to moment thoughts, both professional and personal. One moment she’s irritated and then she’s feeling lust and then she’s feeling guilty. Presumably, it’s part of an emotional rollercoaster ride that will appeal to some readers. For me it has the exact opposite effect and makes me want to throw the book in the trash. I still have a few freebies but I’ve given up on this series.
In Scimitar, the twelfth of the series, a terrorist attack in London kills the fiancé of Kate Redman’s friend Chloe. A few days later the young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, near the West Country town of Abbeyford. Kate and her team take on the local case and learn the body is that of a MI5 agent who has been infiltrating a terrorist group. Eventually it seems the two crimes are connected but there are many twists, turns and red-herrings to mislead the reader. In the end it’s mostly okay -- except for Kate herself.
She is, and was from the first book, a deeply irritating character. It’s bad enough that she’s an indecisive, arrogant flake of a cop but the narrative constantly inflicts the reader to an account of her moment to moment thoughts, both professional and personal. One moment she’s irritated and then she’s feeling lust and then she’s feeling guilty. Presumably, it’s part of an emotional rollercoaster ride that will appeal to some readers. For me it has the exact opposite effect and makes me want to throw the book in the trash. I still have a few freebies but I’ve given up on this series.
January 30, 2020
I've never read a Celina Grace mystery that I didn't love. I've read all the Kate Redmond series and have been anxiously awaiting this one.
I was struck, first of all, by how far Kate has come in both her personal and professional lives. She still has her neurotic side mostly thanks to her chaotic childhood, but she is much more comfortable with herself, her relationships and her leadership with the team of Abbeyford homicide detectives.
The story is set in present day England, i.e., Brexit and terrorism incidents at the top of the news. I appreciated the author's discussion of why she waited so long to finish this book (she wrote another one before finishing Scimitar). The tragedy in the beginning of the book hangs over the lives of everyone in the country including the detectives. When the body of a young Asian man with an Arabic sounding name is found on the grounds of a tourist friendly historical mansion near Abbeyford, everyone assumes that jihadism is at the bottom of the mystery. But there are many anomalies including just the puzzle of why the victim would be there in the first place. Even MI-5 gets involved.
The team, with assistance from uniformed officers, find nothing in their initial search of the mansion and ground, including the murder weapon. However, with diligence, many interviews, and more searches, physically and digitally, the mystery is solved. I was surprised by the ending as well as satisfied, always a plus. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was struck, first of all, by how far Kate has come in both her personal and professional lives. She still has her neurotic side mostly thanks to her chaotic childhood, but she is much more comfortable with herself, her relationships and her leadership with the team of Abbeyford homicide detectives.
The story is set in present day England, i.e., Brexit and terrorism incidents at the top of the news. I appreciated the author's discussion of why she waited so long to finish this book (she wrote another one before finishing Scimitar). The tragedy in the beginning of the book hangs over the lives of everyone in the country including the detectives. When the body of a young Asian man with an Arabic sounding name is found on the grounds of a tourist friendly historical mansion near Abbeyford, everyone assumes that jihadism is at the bottom of the mystery. But there are many anomalies including just the puzzle of why the victim would be there in the first place. Even MI-5 gets involved.
The team, with assistance from uniformed officers, find nothing in their initial search of the mansion and ground, including the murder weapon. However, with diligence, many interviews, and more searches, physically and digitally, the mystery is solved. I was surprised by the ending as well as satisfied, always a plus. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2020
As London becomes the scene of a new terrorist attack, leaving behind wounds and losses of loved ones and breaking the heart of Chloe Wapping, member of Abbeyford CID, DI Kate Redman is grappling with a new murder. The body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of Bucklesbury House, a magnificent Tudor House now a National Trust property.
The identity of the victim remains unclear for a long time, until its discovery leads Kate to collaborate with MI5 and get to know a side of herself that perhaps she wished not to deal with.
Full of doubts, not only about taking a step forward in her relationship with the former DCI Anderton, but also about the identity of the murderer, Kate will face a new challenge by putting herself into play in all respects.
Celina Grace gives us not only an unusual and well-built plot, but also a story which talks about too often forgotten humanity, the voice of ordinary people who lose their lives by meaningless acts of terrorism. Personal and choral human dramas intersect in a mystery that will keep you glued to the page until the end as it did for me.
The identity of the victim remains unclear for a long time, until its discovery leads Kate to collaborate with MI5 and get to know a side of herself that perhaps she wished not to deal with.
Full of doubts, not only about taking a step forward in her relationship with the former DCI Anderton, but also about the identity of the murderer, Kate will face a new challenge by putting herself into play in all respects.
Celina Grace gives us not only an unusual and well-built plot, but also a story which talks about too often forgotten humanity, the voice of ordinary people who lose their lives by meaningless acts of terrorism. Personal and choral human dramas intersect in a mystery that will keep you glued to the page until the end as it did for me.
January 26, 2020
Another absolutely wonderful story! Kate really gets in a little over her head in this book. She finds herself in a situation that is tearing her apart on the personal level. The case the team is working on is very exciting, at first they are unable to find anything that makes sense but then one clue leads to so many going in all different directions that the team is unable to keep up on their own and have to get the assistance of some uniformed officers. Chloe goes through a terrifying situation that leads to heart break. Kate feels like she is being pulled in so many directions that even Anderton thinks she needs to go see her therapist, Magda. As always a suspense with lots of action as well as learning more about each team member. I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who enjoys this kind of story. Please know that there is some bad language.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
January 27, 2020
Another page turner from Celina Grace.
I really enjoy the Kate Redman novels - I particularly like the friendship she has with Chloe, all of which feels incredibly genuine and well observed - even down to the 'bird' (all we need now is for them to start calling each other 'lovely' and I'll be able to pinpoint their location!!)
I was particularly pleased to find at the opening that Chloe was more visible than usual, and there was some good news.
But - Spoiler - not for long. Sobs from me.
There's an emotional parallel story running here, which I felt triggered various feelings and emotions within Kate (I've read all the books, and Kate has had a 'challenging' childhood) in an entirely true to life reaction to the turmoil and disruption.
As usual, I didn't guess the murderer, nor the reason for it. It's always a joy to read a book that strikes a genuine note and has that core of truth. That's always the case with a Kate Redman.
I really enjoy the Kate Redman novels - I particularly like the friendship she has with Chloe, all of which feels incredibly genuine and well observed - even down to the 'bird' (all we need now is for them to start calling each other 'lovely' and I'll be able to pinpoint their location!!)
I was particularly pleased to find at the opening that Chloe was more visible than usual, and there was some good news.
But - Spoiler - not for long. Sobs from me.
There's an emotional parallel story running here, which I felt triggered various feelings and emotions within Kate (I've read all the books, and Kate has had a 'challenging' childhood) in an entirely true to life reaction to the turmoil and disruption.
As usual, I didn't guess the murderer, nor the reason for it. It's always a joy to read a book that strikes a genuine note and has that core of truth. That's always the case with a Kate Redman.
February 4, 2020
Others have already given insights into the plot and the subject matter - terrorism, so I won't expand further on the theme. I found the plot fascinating with it's many twists and turns, but perhaps what I enjoy most is the way Celina gets inside her character's heads and therefore how they become "real" to the reader. I've enjoyed all the Kate Redmond series and unlike some other fictional female detective main characters, although Kate has a flawed background, she has come out of it and developed into a strong empathetic woman. She's having some doubts in this book as to whether she is ready to commit to something more permanent with Anderton, her partner. I find this completely understandable for a woman in her 30s who has hitherto been very independent and I can certainly empathise with her. All in all another winner in the Kate Redmond series. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, and that is what this is.
February 9, 2020
Okay so Scimitar was a mixed bag for me...
The Kate Redman series has been a favorite of mine for years but I have to say I was a bit let down with Scimitar and here’s why...
Firstly Kate finding the MI5 guy attractive was nothing wrong but the unnecessary lunches the inappropriate text emoji’s and then the kisses just felt wrong all wrong after everything else that Kate’s gone through in her personal life and then she and Anderson finally get together and are moving forward this really had me turning away from the book...
But what kept me reading was the mystery now that was an exciting, thrilling and gripping plot with great twists and turns that kept me guessing but with the threads of Kate’s personal life being off it started to take away from what was an awesome mystery.
After waiting so long for this story it was a bit of a let down but because the main mystery was so good it still gets 4 stars.
The Kate Redman series has been a favorite of mine for years but I have to say I was a bit let down with Scimitar and here’s why...
Firstly Kate finding the MI5 guy attractive was nothing wrong but the unnecessary lunches the inappropriate text emoji’s and then the kisses just felt wrong all wrong after everything else that Kate’s gone through in her personal life and then she and Anderson finally get together and are moving forward this really had me turning away from the book...
But what kept me reading was the mystery now that was an exciting, thrilling and gripping plot with great twists and turns that kept me guessing but with the threads of Kate’s personal life being off it started to take away from what was an awesome mystery.
After waiting so long for this story it was a bit of a let down but because the main mystery was so good it still gets 4 stars.
July 25, 2020
Scimitar is the twelfth in the Kate Redman Mysteries series, by author Celina Grace. I have read about 6 of them so far and they never disapoint. Although each story is totally new and stands alone, I wish I had read them in order as there is continuity with the various chracters and their lives. It is nice when something crops up about a character and I remember their history from a previous book.
Maybe one day I will read them all again and in order. One day.....when I have a ton of time!
A terrorist atrocity rips through London the day before the body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, near the West Country town of Abbeyford. DI Kate Redman and her team take on the case, but are hampered by a lack of identification on the body, not to mention the odd location of the crime scene.
Eventually, they identify the young man as a certain Ibrahim Bashir, but this only leads to more confusion – because it seems that Ibrahim Bashir died fifty years ago…
I like Celina's work as the stories are very involved with great plots but without any gratuitous violence. They re not what I call grizzly.
Maybe one day I will read them all again and in order. One day.....when I have a ton of time!
A terrorist atrocity rips through London the day before the body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, near the West Country town of Abbeyford. DI Kate Redman and her team take on the case, but are hampered by a lack of identification on the body, not to mention the odd location of the crime scene.
Eventually, they identify the young man as a certain Ibrahim Bashir, but this only leads to more confusion – because it seems that Ibrahim Bashir died fifty years ago…
I like Celina's work as the stories are very involved with great plots but without any gratuitous violence. They re not what I call grizzly.
July 25, 2020
Wavering on this one....I really wanted to love it since I really do enjoy Kate Redman stories. But this one just didn't cut it for me. It started out promising with a terrorist attack in London and an murder in Abbeyford, but devolved from there. I got super annoyed with Kate's simpering attitude towards Ricky, and her dithering on her relationship with Anderton. I mean it took this long for them to get together and now she is looking at other men? Seriously...it doesn't make sense. The mystery takes you all over the place and in the end it was a big let down. In fact, I found that the story ended quite abruptly, like the author got tired of writing and just brought it to a close. I think there were supposed to be some parallels made between the young man that was murdered and Kate's infatuation with Ricky, but I think it missed the mark. Not Celina's best effort at all.
January 31, 2020
I agreed to be an Advance Reader/Beta Reader for this book before its publication, so I was sent a copy for free in exchange for my honest review. I happily agreed to do this as I really enjoy reading the Kate Redman stories by Celina Grace.
I found Scimitar was as good as the other Kate Redman books I have read in this series. I like the balance between each working detective story interwoven with the continuing personal story of Kate and her work mates. Scimitar, like the other books, was well written. Even better to my mind, as I am a proof-reader, there were very few errors in the advance copy that I read, I expect these will have been addressed in the published book for sale, but they were minimal and didn't detract from another entertaining story from Celina Grace.
Jan
xxxx
I found Scimitar was as good as the other Kate Redman books I have read in this series. I like the balance between each working detective story interwoven with the continuing personal story of Kate and her work mates. Scimitar, like the other books, was well written. Even better to my mind, as I am a proof-reader, there were very few errors in the advance copy that I read, I expect these will have been addressed in the published book for sale, but they were minimal and didn't detract from another entertaining story from Celina Grace.
Jan
xxxx
January 26, 2020
A terrorist attack happens in London, and one of Kate's team members are involved.
The next day a young Asian man is discovered on the grounds of a stately manor. He died of multiple stab wounds.
When the team finally gets the identification of the victim, they learn afterwards that it was an alias that he used and he had been undercover working a suspected jihadist group.
While Kate is doing everything she can to solve a murder, she also appears to be going through a mid-life crisis that has her doubting almost everything she has.
This was an interesting and enjoyable story with some unusual twists in it.
The next day a young Asian man is discovered on the grounds of a stately manor. He died of multiple stab wounds.
When the team finally gets the identification of the victim, they learn afterwards that it was an alias that he used and he had been undercover working a suspected jihadist group.
While Kate is doing everything she can to solve a murder, she also appears to be going through a mid-life crisis that has her doubting almost everything she has.
This was an interesting and enjoyable story with some unusual twists in it.
January 30, 2020
This latest DI Kate Redman mystery starts off with a bang – a terrorist attack in London which has a direct effect on Kate and her team.
The next day, the body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, the victim of multiple stab wounds. Identifying the victim proves to be difficult, and, once a name is found, this only seems to throw up new problems.
Is there a link between the attack and the body? Why was he visiting a stately home? You will have to read the book to find out!
As always, this book is excellently written and the main characters are very real and all too human. Highly recommended!
The next day, the body of a young Asian man is found in the grounds of a stately home, the victim of multiple stab wounds. Identifying the victim proves to be difficult, and, once a name is found, this only seems to throw up new problems.
Is there a link between the attack and the body? Why was he visiting a stately home? You will have to read the book to find out!
As always, this book is excellently written and the main characters are very real and all too human. Highly recommended!
January 30, 2020
Just finished my advance copy of Scimitar. Thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the fact that it is a web of emotions and suspense. Violence is largely "off camera" which I am very content with, as it gives the reader the opportunity to imagine outside the text. It is remarkably current in that events paralleling those described are all too common in the Uk of today.
Masterful misdirection in the plot accentuates the authors mastery of genre. The ending was unusually abrupt, but in its way as shocking as anything else in the book.
Not perfect (what is?) But definitely worth spending the time to read.
Masterful misdirection in the plot accentuates the authors mastery of genre. The ending was unusually abrupt, but in its way as shocking as anything else in the book.
Not perfect (what is?) But definitely worth spending the time to read.
April 5, 2020
When Chloe’s boyfriend is killed in a terrorist attack in London, the team bands together to support her. A body of a Middle Eastern man is found on the grounds of a National Trust house in the area, leads Kate and her team on a goose chase. When the learn the man was undercover for MI5 investigating a jihadi group in the area, they focus on that direction until Kate has a feeling that the case has nothing to do with that. Eventually, they are successful as always. In her personal life, Kate and Anderton are looking at houses because they are planning to purchase one together. Waiting for the next book in the series.
January 27, 2020
Love this series! Celina Grace has been a go to author for me for a long time. It was a difficult book to read, especially in the charged climate that we live in. In some aspects of the book I was surprised, the behaviors of Kate that were so out of character for her. But just as in real life, nobody is perfect. So many times while reading a wanted to give Chloe a big squeeze, my heart broke for her. As always an intriguing police procedural. with a human element as well. Anxiously awaiting the next installment!
February 2, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for an objective review. I did enjoy the book, wonderful to catch up with Kate and her colleagues, and an interesting murder mystery...but; I found aspects of the book unlikely.
SPOILER ALERT!! If you haven't read the book, please don't read further..
I don't think MI 5 would just wander off and allow a small town police team to investigate the murder of one of their undercover agents,
I also have to question where and how the two people would have met to embark on a relationship.. (I'm trying not to give too much away here!)
SPOILER ALERT!! If you haven't read the book, please don't read further..
I don't think MI 5 would just wander off and allow a small town police team to investigate the murder of one of their undercover agents,
I also have to question where and how the two people would have met to embark on a relationship.. (I'm trying not to give too much away here!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
Kept me guessing until the end
This was an unusual case because of where the body was found and because of a lack of identification. There were numerous twists and turns and red herrings. If you enjoy trying to solve difficult mysteries, this is for you. I enjoyed the characters interactions with one another and thought the personal issues and thoughts were interwoven seamlessly with the main plot. The dialogue and characters’ reactions were very realistic. I did not figure out who the killer was or even guess the motive. Another enjoyable book in the series.
This was an unusual case because of where the body was found and because of a lack of identification. There were numerous twists and turns and red herrings. If you enjoy trying to solve difficult mysteries, this is for you. I enjoyed the characters interactions with one another and thought the personal issues and thoughts were interwoven seamlessly with the main plot. The dialogue and characters’ reactions were very realistic. I did not figure out who the killer was or even guess the motive. Another enjoyable book in the series.
July 24, 2020
I enjoy this series a lot, but sometimes I have trouble finding the books. Therefore, I was excited to see it for free download from Amazon. I read so many books that I usually try to get them from the library.
This wasn't my favorite. MI5 was jarringly uninterested in getting involved in the case, which struck a wrong note with me. Mostly, though, I kind of ran out of patience with Kate's angst. I like mysteries that give a lot of space to the private lives of the characters, but this was a little too much? That said, it was still 4 solid stars.
This wasn't my favorite. MI5 was jarringly uninterested in getting involved in the case, which struck a wrong note with me. Mostly, though, I kind of ran out of patience with Kate's angst. I like mysteries that give a lot of space to the private lives of the characters, but this was a little too much? That said, it was still 4 solid stars.
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