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Detective Sophie Whitton #2
Grave Decisions
Do you believe in fate? That Karma will even things out?
Anita Simmons didn't, and now she must pay for her crime with her life.
Detective Inspector Sophie Whitton had hoped for something simple to ease herself back into the job following the Doll Maker case. She should have known it would never be that easy.
It’s hot, summer has arrived with a wave of heat that has the town of Woodington steaming, a powder keg waiting to explode. When Anita Simmons’ body is found on top of a grave, Whitton and Saint are perplexed as to why anyone would want to kill this woman. She’s a married mum of two who spends her life helping others. What could she have done to deserve this?
While working hard to catch the killer, Whitton is also working to fix herself. PTSD has taken its toll after the Doll Maker and she’s having flashbacks, imagining her lover Rachel at every scene. Now she’s seeing Dr Westbrook to work through her issues, but will it be enough to keep her relationship intact?
As the team delves deeper, they uncover a lot more than they anticipated. And when more grave murders are discovered across the country, Whitton realises that this isn’t an ordinary killer they’re chasing. It’s a vigilante set on restoring his own form of justice, acting as Judge, Jury and Executioner.
Anita Simmons didn't, and now she must pay for her crime with her life.
Detective Inspector Sophie Whitton had hoped for something simple to ease herself back into the job following the Doll Maker case. She should have known it would never be that easy.
It’s hot, summer has arrived with a wave of heat that has the town of Woodington steaming, a powder keg waiting to explode. When Anita Simmons’ body is found on top of a grave, Whitton and Saint are perplexed as to why anyone would want to kill this woman. She’s a married mum of two who spends her life helping others. What could she have done to deserve this?
While working hard to catch the killer, Whitton is also working to fix herself. PTSD has taken its toll after the Doll Maker and she’s having flashbacks, imagining her lover Rachel at every scene. Now she’s seeing Dr Westbrook to work through her issues, but will it be enough to keep her relationship intact?
As the team delves deeper, they uncover a lot more than they anticipated. And when more grave murders are discovered across the country, Whitton realises that this isn’t an ordinary killer they’re chasing. It’s a vigilante set on restoring his own form of justice, acting as Judge, Jury and Executioner.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
27 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books363 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 13, 2020
This is book 2 of ‘Detective Sophie Whitton’ series by this author which started with the murder investigation thriller ‘The Doll Maker‘. Even though ‘Grave Decisions’ could be read as a standalone, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series as Detective Whitton’s personal and relationship issues are connected to what happened in book 1. ‘The Doll Maker’ is a great read/listen too so it’s worth starting there.
Following the Doll Maker case, Detective Sophie Whitton is trying to get back to normality and working to overcome her PTSD. But when a couple of people appeared murdered on top of graves, Whitton realises that she might be facing a dangerous vigilante who is acting as Judge, Jury, and Executioner.
I love this series a lot. Highton-Stevenson’s mysteries remind me of Cari Hunter’s work though perhaps with less social critique and gruesome parts. The Britishness of the characters, the police system, and the landscape are present like in Hunter’s work. Even the weather plays an important part, in this case, the stifling heat of a rare British ‘Indian Summer’.
The mystery arc develops at a good pace to keep the reader invested with each new clue that the author adds throughout the story. But what I love most is that the story balances really well the police procedural and the personal parts. This is a character-driven series and Whitton steals the show with the crucial help of the supporting characters, especially her girlfriend Rachel and her police partner. I liked how the author presented the dichotomy in the detective personality, on one hand, her gentle and caring personality – her ‘Sophie side’, and on the other hand, the determined and rough side of Whitton. Dealing with brutal crimes produces her detachment.
The audiobook version is narrated by Fiona Thraille who read the first book too. She did again a great job. Her narrative pace is perfect and she lets the tale unfold in the listener’s mind eye. The story has a few very emotional parts and Ms.Thraille nailed them all. Her voices are distinctive and she has a good range of different tones and accents even for male characters. As a matter of fact, I prefer her male voices to the females’ though that’s my personal taste. At any rate, this is a great lesbian mystery audiobook if you are a fan of British police procedural fiction. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the author at my request in exchange for an honest review.
Duration: 6 hrs and 17 mins
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Following the Doll Maker case, Detective Sophie Whitton is trying to get back to normality and working to overcome her PTSD. But when a couple of people appeared murdered on top of graves, Whitton realises that she might be facing a dangerous vigilante who is acting as Judge, Jury, and Executioner.
I love this series a lot. Highton-Stevenson’s mysteries remind me of Cari Hunter’s work though perhaps with less social critique and gruesome parts. The Britishness of the characters, the police system, and the landscape are present like in Hunter’s work. Even the weather plays an important part, in this case, the stifling heat of a rare British ‘Indian Summer’.
The mystery arc develops at a good pace to keep the reader invested with each new clue that the author adds throughout the story. But what I love most is that the story balances really well the police procedural and the personal parts. This is a character-driven series and Whitton steals the show with the crucial help of the supporting characters, especially her girlfriend Rachel and her police partner. I liked how the author presented the dichotomy in the detective personality, on one hand, her gentle and caring personality – her ‘Sophie side’, and on the other hand, the determined and rough side of Whitton. Dealing with brutal crimes produces her detachment.
The audiobook version is narrated by Fiona Thraille who read the first book too. She did again a great job. Her narrative pace is perfect and she lets the tale unfold in the listener’s mind eye. The story has a few very emotional parts and Ms.Thraille nailed them all. Her voices are distinctive and she has a good range of different tones and accents even for male characters. As a matter of fact, I prefer her male voices to the females’ though that’s my personal taste. At any rate, this is a great lesbian mystery audiobook if you are a fan of British police procedural fiction. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the author at my request in exchange for an honest review.
Duration: 6 hrs and 17 mins
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 15, 2019
Grave Decisions is the second Detective Sophie Whitton novel, and a very solid sequel to The Doll Maker: A Detective Sophie Whitton Story, which should definitely be read first.
Still reeling from the Doll Maker case, DI Sophie Whitton and her partner DS Dale Saint investigate the murder of Anita Simmons, whose body was found on top of someone else’s grave. They soon find out that the mother of two, who spent her whole life trying to help others, had her own struggle and secret to hide. When more similar cases seem to appear all over the place, Whitton and her team start looking for a vigilante.
As I wrote in my review for The Doll Maker, I’m not into gory details. I’m more interested in the human aspect, the how of the mystery than the crime itself. I’m happy to say that this novel pretty much met my requirements. I could have done without the rare foray into the criminal’s point of view, which didn’t bring much to the story (not the way it did in The Doll Maker).
That said, I loved the pace of the story, the interactions between Whitton and Saint, and also with the other members of the team, and I think Claire Highton-Stevenson‘s writing is getting better with each book.
Another thing I loved is that Grave Decisions is definitely a crime story but also, very much, about the consequences of The Doll Maker case on Sophie and Rachel, and on their relationship, how both women deal (or don’t deal) with PTSD, how it affects their relationship. Sophie’s doubts and vulnerability make her much more relatable. In the first book, she was unhappy in her relationship, closed off, and only lived for her job. Falling in love with Rachel in far from perfect circumstances, then almost losing her made her rethink her priorities. I hope we’ll get to see more of that relationship, and a lot more of Rachel, in future instalments.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Still reeling from the Doll Maker case, DI Sophie Whitton and her partner DS Dale Saint investigate the murder of Anita Simmons, whose body was found on top of someone else’s grave. They soon find out that the mother of two, who spent her whole life trying to help others, had her own struggle and secret to hide. When more similar cases seem to appear all over the place, Whitton and her team start looking for a vigilante.
As I wrote in my review for The Doll Maker, I’m not into gory details. I’m more interested in the human aspect, the how of the mystery than the crime itself. I’m happy to say that this novel pretty much met my requirements. I could have done without the rare foray into the criminal’s point of view, which didn’t bring much to the story (not the way it did in The Doll Maker).
That said, I loved the pace of the story, the interactions between Whitton and Saint, and also with the other members of the team, and I think Claire Highton-Stevenson‘s writing is getting better with each book.
Another thing I loved is that Grave Decisions is definitely a crime story but also, very much, about the consequences of The Doll Maker case on Sophie and Rachel, and on their relationship, how both women deal (or don’t deal) with PTSD, how it affects their relationship. Sophie’s doubts and vulnerability make her much more relatable. In the first book, she was unhappy in her relationship, closed off, and only lived for her job. Falling in love with Rachel in far from perfect circumstances, then almost losing her made her rethink her priorities. I hope we’ll get to see more of that relationship, and a lot more of Rachel, in future instalments.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2019
Grave Decisions is the second book (#1 The Doll Maker) in the Detective Sophie Whitton series. And it is a fantastic second part. The author created a gripping and thrilling story about a vigilante, who acts as a judge and an executor.
After Anita Simmons's body was found on top of a grave, DI Sophie Whitton and her team are commissioned to solve the case. As more and more similar cases are discovered, the picture is clear, there is an avenger with a mission. But finding the murder is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. I wondered the whole time, who’s the culprit, but I couldn’t guess it. And this is something I really love in a thriller. I liked how the team worked together and slowly but surely solved the case.
The second story in the book is Sophie’s recovery from her last case, the Doll Maker, where she nearly lost her girlfriend Rachel. They both are dealing differently with the processing of the event. PTSD isn’t something to take lightly, but they are strong women who needed time to admit they need help. And with this help and with each other they are making progress. And maybe someday they can take the next step in their relationship and move in together. I very much appreciated that Sophie isn’t just a tough cookie with no feelings, but struggles to find her balance again and to grow in the partnership with Rachel. And she learns to set new priorities in work and life.
The only small complaint, or maybe it isn’t even a complaint, but I would really love to know more about Rachel, her past and the present. Maybe we get to know her better in the next book? I hope there will be more of Sophie and Rachel.
Highly recommended.
My rating 4.75 stars
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
After Anita Simmons's body was found on top of a grave, DI Sophie Whitton and her team are commissioned to solve the case. As more and more similar cases are discovered, the picture is clear, there is an avenger with a mission. But finding the murder is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. I wondered the whole time, who’s the culprit, but I couldn’t guess it. And this is something I really love in a thriller. I liked how the team worked together and slowly but surely solved the case.
The second story in the book is Sophie’s recovery from her last case, the Doll Maker, where she nearly lost her girlfriend Rachel. They both are dealing differently with the processing of the event. PTSD isn’t something to take lightly, but they are strong women who needed time to admit they need help. And with this help and with each other they are making progress. And maybe someday they can take the next step in their relationship and move in together. I very much appreciated that Sophie isn’t just a tough cookie with no feelings, but struggles to find her balance again and to grow in the partnership with Rachel. And she learns to set new priorities in work and life.
The only small complaint, or maybe it isn’t even a complaint, but I would really love to know more about Rachel, her past and the present. Maybe we get to know her better in the next book? I hope there will be more of Sophie and Rachel.
Highly recommended.
My rating 4.75 stars
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
December 31, 2019
Hate it when a good book comes to a end..
Hopefully there will be another?????
Hopefully there will be another?????
December 24, 2019
This…was…amazing!
Sophie Whitton is back, and dealing with another in depth case and the events of the last traumatic case involving the Doll Maker! Sophie finds herself thrown in with trying to track down someone who is taking the law into their own hands by playing judge, jury and executioner then dumping bodies on graves. Whilst busy trying to track down this next serial killer, Sophie is also seeing a therapist to help her get over the troubles she is having following the Doll Maker case, and trying to concentrate on finding happiness with her girlfriend Rachel, but it’s tough, and Sophie has a lot of fears to face.
This was terrifically brilliant! What a fantastic addition to the Detective Sophie Whitton series. I loved the plot, it was strong, and you couldn’t have predicted it at all. In true fashion of a crime/mystery novel there are red herrings, plot twists, and unexpected events that not only threw our amazing detective Whitton, but us as the reader. It was so cleverly thought out, and the detail in the case building really drew me into the story more and made me feel I was solving the crime with Whitton. What I loved most through was the focus on Sophie’s character development. After the Doll Maker this was very much showing how she is more vulnerable than she thought she was, and how she has changed (only a little) after falling in love. It worked so well as a standalone if you hadn’t read The Doll Maker, but offered great further insight to the characters.
I adored every second of this, was completely gripped by the story and can’t complain at all. It was absolutely brilliant.
Sophie I adore so much! She is a great character. She is a bit moody, a bit sensitive, highly vulnerable but hides it so well, she really is just what I would expect of a detective. Hard working and focused she really is dedicated to solving crimes and being her very best and I admire that about her, but I do love the way Rachel can break down her walls and show the reader a completely different side of this strong character we have in Whitton. I loved how their relationship had developed but didn’t dominate the story, Claire has the perfect balance with keeping the story focused on the main plot and using the romance to add depth, heart, and meaning.
Amazing! Love this series and highly recommend this second gritty instalment!
Sophie Whitton is back, and dealing with another in depth case and the events of the last traumatic case involving the Doll Maker! Sophie finds herself thrown in with trying to track down someone who is taking the law into their own hands by playing judge, jury and executioner then dumping bodies on graves. Whilst busy trying to track down this next serial killer, Sophie is also seeing a therapist to help her get over the troubles she is having following the Doll Maker case, and trying to concentrate on finding happiness with her girlfriend Rachel, but it’s tough, and Sophie has a lot of fears to face.
This was terrifically brilliant! What a fantastic addition to the Detective Sophie Whitton series. I loved the plot, it was strong, and you couldn’t have predicted it at all. In true fashion of a crime/mystery novel there are red herrings, plot twists, and unexpected events that not only threw our amazing detective Whitton, but us as the reader. It was so cleverly thought out, and the detail in the case building really drew me into the story more and made me feel I was solving the crime with Whitton. What I loved most through was the focus on Sophie’s character development. After the Doll Maker this was very much showing how she is more vulnerable than she thought she was, and how she has changed (only a little) after falling in love. It worked so well as a standalone if you hadn’t read The Doll Maker, but offered great further insight to the characters.
I adored every second of this, was completely gripped by the story and can’t complain at all. It was absolutely brilliant.
Sophie I adore so much! She is a great character. She is a bit moody, a bit sensitive, highly vulnerable but hides it so well, she really is just what I would expect of a detective. Hard working and focused she really is dedicated to solving crimes and being her very best and I admire that about her, but I do love the way Rachel can break down her walls and show the reader a completely different side of this strong character we have in Whitton. I loved how their relationship had developed but didn’t dominate the story, Claire has the perfect balance with keeping the story focused on the main plot and using the romance to add depth, heart, and meaning.
Amazing! Love this series and highly recommend this second gritty instalment!
December 11, 2019
This is the second book in the Whitton detective series, the first one being Doll Maker. Unlike the first one which I felt had a dark feel to it, this one is a bit lighter in a sense, at least to me. Detective Inspector and her crew are back to solve another serial killer who has decided to take the role of judge, jury, and executioner. Not only does she have to solve this case but she has to battle with the effects the Doll Maker has left in his wake and her still new relationship with Rachel.
Like I mentioned earlier this isnt as heavy as the first book and that might be because it takes place more during the day than at creepy night. We also get to see more of the human side of Whitton, not the hardass side of the detective. I really liked that because she became more relatable to me.
I personally would have liked to see more of an inner struggle of Whitton as she navigates seeing a shrink, her relationship not only with Rachel but Dale and everyone else, and the murder. We get a glimpse of it but its quickly resolved or not delved into enough. Regardless, this was good read and I am actually looking forward to what will be in store for Whitton and the crew. An easy 4.5* for me.
Like I mentioned earlier this isnt as heavy as the first book and that might be because it takes place more during the day than at creepy night. We also get to see more of the human side of Whitton, not the hardass side of the detective. I really liked that because she became more relatable to me.
I personally would have liked to see more of an inner struggle of Whitton as she navigates seeing a shrink, her relationship not only with Rachel but Dale and everyone else, and the murder. We get a glimpse of it but its quickly resolved or not delved into enough. Regardless, this was good read and I am actually looking forward to what will be in store for Whitton and the crew. An easy 4.5* for me.
December 14, 2019
While the murders in this book aren't quite as grisly as in The Doll Maker, they are certainly disturbing and unusual, and while we do meet the killer at some point over the course of the story, I never would have guessed who it was! I can often figure out who the killer is before the detective does in mystery novels, but not this time! The twists and turns the story follows while the every-sexy Whitton tries to track the killer certainly do lead us to some interesting places and allow us to meet some rather unusual people. If you like gritty, crime-focused mysteries, this is one you will not want to pass up.
Aside from the mystery, I enjoyed getting to see Whitton's personal growth. If you've read The Doll Maker (which I do recommend reading first), you know her love life was a bit of a mess in that book. In this book, she is trying to do better and find more of a work/life balance. You get to see her romance develop with Rachel under better circumstances than in the last book, but both of them are also dealing with the effects of trauma and trying to figure out how to work around that to form the kind of relationship they both need. I like to see established couples going through things and making it work, so this was one of my favorite things about the book. Whitton is still very much the no-nonsense detective from the first book, but her edges have softened a little due to her relationship, and she is becoming more of a well-rounded human. I love when authors allow their characters to grow like this. It feels natural and real.
I really look forward to seeing future installments in this series! I'd like to see what other twisted crimes Highton-Stevenson comes up with, as well as the continued growth of Sophie Whitton and her love life!
Aside from the mystery, I enjoyed getting to see Whitton's personal growth. If you've read The Doll Maker (which I do recommend reading first), you know her love life was a bit of a mess in that book. In this book, she is trying to do better and find more of a work/life balance. You get to see her romance develop with Rachel under better circumstances than in the last book, but both of them are also dealing with the effects of trauma and trying to figure out how to work around that to form the kind of relationship they both need. I like to see established couples going through things and making it work, so this was one of my favorite things about the book. Whitton is still very much the no-nonsense detective from the first book, but her edges have softened a little due to her relationship, and she is becoming more of a well-rounded human. I love when authors allow their characters to grow like this. It feels natural and real.
I really look forward to seeing future installments in this series! I'd like to see what other twisted crimes Highton-Stevenson comes up with, as well as the continued growth of Sophie Whitton and her love life!
May 30, 2021
Grave Decisions is a murder mystery with a well-made plot. However, this is actually only half of the story, because the development of Sophie and Rachel’s relationship after the events in The Doll-Maker is important too, and this part of the book is at least as good as the murder mystery part.
Sophie and Rachel have to work a lot on their relationship after the events of book 1, and it is just wonderful to see how they do so. And kudos to Claire Highton-Stevenson for combining the murder mystery and the romance part so brilliantly into one.
This is the second book of the Sophie Whitton series, and although this could be read and enjoyed without reading The Doll-Maker first, there are some references and parts of the background story that you might miss if you have not read the first part before.
So, this is definitely a 5 out of 5 stars title.
Sophie and Rachel have to work a lot on their relationship after the events of book 1, and it is just wonderful to see how they do so. And kudos to Claire Highton-Stevenson for combining the murder mystery and the romance part so brilliantly into one.
This is the second book of the Sophie Whitton series, and although this could be read and enjoyed without reading The Doll-Maker first, there are some references and parts of the background story that you might miss if you have not read the first part before.
So, this is definitely a 5 out of 5 stars title.
October 27, 2021
Sophie is getting help to work through her issues involving the Doll Maker case. Her relationship with Rachel is good and she just needs to open up a bit more. She is really trying and doing much better with her feelings in this book. The murder case will keep you glued to this audiobook it’s fantastic. The heat between Rachel and Sophie is as strong as every. I hope for a third book in the future. Awesome narrating by Fiona as well.
January 3, 2020
Walk down the memory lane with me. When I saw the cover of Grave Decisions, I immediately clicked 'want to read' without reading the title nor the author's name as it reminded me of my then 6 years old nephew's drawings. He knew how much I love my thriller/horror and always drew haunted house with graveyard in front of it for me.The crosses were spot on. He's 22 now, a father to 6 cats and we're lucky enough to receive "okay" to our texts and "do you have any food at home?" from him.
Detective Inspector Whitton was chosen by the author to lead the investigator in the sequel to The Doll Maker. I'm happy with the author's decision as it was good to be inside DI Whitton's head in the 1st book. She was one of those cool under pressure, hardworking and not an asshole to her colleagues and foes despite her position in the force. I loved that Sophie was not an in your face lead, a ➕ in this genre.
In this sequel, someone was playing the role of Judge Dredd but instead of the victims being locked away, they were murdered. The opening of the story, one of my most favorite kind, as it brought out all sorts of emotions - fear, sadness, awe - a great opening to any books. Author also scored big points by giving quite tragic backstories to the victims, something that I'm allergic to as I'm a huge victim sympathizer and will be thinking of them for a few days.
Not only the investigation team had to pursue the case/s with minimal evidence/witnesses, they had to endure the heatwave too. However, the heatwave did not damper on Sophie and Rachel's intimate scenes, they were still causing loads of problems to my bits. It was great seeing them again, their relationship was as strong as ever and these two talked. You'll not find "Are you okay?" "Yea, I'm FINE!" conversations here.
Investigation procedure was on point - jotting down notes, interviewing witnesses, checking out leads, meeting up with the forensic team, consuming pots of tea and biscuits, the usage of an investigation board, reading case files, discussions and updating T.H.E. man - not a misogynist character.
I did enjoy this. The story was well balanced - good amount of thriller/investigation and DI Whitton's private life. So I got my chunky peanut butter and Nutella sandwich, I would prefer more PB but this softcore thriller was good enough.
🔪 💉 🔨 ¾ rating.
Ms.Claire, I suspected that you had plans for the one that got away and I'm curious why as their victim did not match the other victims of crime profiles... I was like "Oh no, really??" when you confirmed my suspicion.
Why didn't I color all the stars? The story could lose some pages and I had only one suspect.
Detective Inspector Whitton was chosen by the author to lead the investigator in the sequel to The Doll Maker. I'm happy with the author's decision as it was good to be inside DI Whitton's head in the 1st book. She was one of those cool under pressure, hardworking and not an asshole to her colleagues and foes despite her position in the force. I loved that Sophie was not an in your face lead, a ➕ in this genre.
In this sequel, someone was playing the role of Judge Dredd but instead of the victims being locked away, they were murdered. The opening of the story, one of my most favorite kind, as it brought out all sorts of emotions - fear, sadness, awe - a great opening to any books. Author also scored big points by giving quite tragic backstories to the victims, something that I'm allergic to as I'm a huge victim sympathizer and will be thinking of them for a few days.
Not only the investigation team had to pursue the case/s with minimal evidence/witnesses, they had to endure the heatwave too. However, the heatwave did not damper on Sophie and Rachel's intimate scenes, they were still causing loads of problems to my bits. It was great seeing them again, their relationship was as strong as ever and these two talked. You'll not find "Are you okay?" "Yea, I'm FINE!" conversations here.
Investigation procedure was on point - jotting down notes, interviewing witnesses, checking out leads, meeting up with the forensic team, consuming pots of tea and biscuits, the usage of an investigation board, reading case files, discussions and updating T.H.E. man - not a misogynist character.
I did enjoy this. The story was well balanced - good amount of thriller/investigation and DI Whitton's private life. So I got my chunky peanut butter and Nutella sandwich, I would prefer more PB but this softcore thriller was good enough.
🔪 💉 🔨 ¾ rating.
Ms.Claire, I suspected that you had plans for the one that got away and I'm curious why as their victim did not match the other victims of crime profiles... I was like "Oh no, really??" when you confirmed my suspicion.
Why didn't I color all the stars? The story could lose some pages and I had only one suspect.
September 7, 2020
Wow!
Another wonderful Detective Sophie Whitton story from Claire Highton-Stevenson! This book can be read as a stand alone but reading the first book, "The Doll Maker" gives more insight into the three well developed characters in this book. Plenty of twists and turns in the storyline kept me turning page after page. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book for your must read list!
Another wonderful Detective Sophie Whitton story from Claire Highton-Stevenson! This book can be read as a stand alone but reading the first book, "The Doll Maker" gives more insight into the three well developed characters in this book. Plenty of twists and turns in the storyline kept me turning page after page. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book for your must read list!
May 14, 2020
Oh, I should have listened to the first book first! Not because it was hard to follow the story, because it wasn't. But because I want to know how these women come together and the things they went through to be so traumatized.
The mystery part of the story is enthralling, the case complex and ser well into the grey zone of morality. A vigilant is 'taking care' of those who escaped justice and they are laying the corpses on the tombs of the victims.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story, the interaction between the characters and Sophie and Rachel's relationship. I loved that Sophie was able to trust Rachel about her fears, and how Rachel answered trusting her with her own.
A very, very good story, which was made even better by Fiona Thraille's excellent job with the narration.
I most certainly will keep reading this series.
The mystery part of the story is enthralling, the case complex and ser well into the grey zone of morality. A vigilant is 'taking care' of those who escaped justice and they are laying the corpses on the tombs of the victims.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story, the interaction between the characters and Sophie and Rachel's relationship. I loved that Sophie was able to trust Rachel about her fears, and how Rachel answered trusting her with her own.
A very, very good story, which was made even better by Fiona Thraille's excellent job with the narration.
I most certainly will keep reading this series.
January 20, 2020
Great Continuation!
I loved the first story and this one kept up the pace needed to succeed. Loved the psychological edge of this and the human nature of Sophie and all she was going through. I definitely love the chemistry between Sophie and Rachel. The major issues with Yvonne in the first story served as a reminder of what is so much a better connection with Rachel. They get each other! Hope this series continues. I just love this writer.
I loved the first story and this one kept up the pace needed to succeed. Loved the psychological edge of this and the human nature of Sophie and all she was going through. I definitely love the chemistry between Sophie and Rachel. The major issues with Yvonne in the first story served as a reminder of what is so much a better connection with Rachel. They get each other! Hope this series continues. I just love this writer.
December 30, 2019
Excellent!
I loved Grave Decisions. I lovvvvve Sophie Whitton. So glad to carry with her in another book. Love books based on intelligent, hard working, women loving women.
I loved Grave Decisions. I lovvvvve Sophie Whitton. So glad to carry with her in another book. Love books based on intelligent, hard working, women loving women.
December 24, 2019
Excitement level is steady throughout the book as DI Whitton and her team gather evidence, ask hard questions, get stymied, and then uncover the perp. The counseling sessions were spot on and the descriptions of the PTSD episodes tight and well written. Being a police detective is hard work and Claire Highton-Stevenson showed that in this second installment DI Whitton. I really can't share more of the story without spoiling it for the reader; and whoever's reading this should read the book. The relationship with Rachel is a good break away from the murder and mayhem. Well done indeed. I was just as surprised as the detectives when they learned who the murderer was.
February 6, 2020
Grave Decisions: A Detective Sophie Whitton Story t
Another great story with Detective Whittom this time lgooking for a killer and finding out they have a serial killer at large.Sophie her lover agree toove. In
Author Clare Highton-Stevenson did an excellent job writing this ,looking forward to the next book.
Another great story with Detective Whittom this time lgooking for a killer and finding out they have a serial killer at large.Sophie her lover agree toove. In
Author Clare Highton-Stevenson did an excellent job writing this ,looking forward to the next book.
January 16, 2020
As good as the first..
Funny thing, I wasn't sure until the last chapters who the killer is!! Claire did excellent job here. Loved the hidden truth and the interactions between characters, looking for the murderer and of course the new relationship between Soph and Rachel.
Funny thing, I wasn't sure until the last chapters who the killer is!! Claire did excellent job here. Loved the hidden truth and the interactions between characters, looking for the murderer and of course the new relationship between Soph and Rachel.
December 29, 2019
Grave Decisions is a solid follow up to The Dollmaker. Sophie Whitton works through a difficult case that ends up being so much more than it first appears as well as the personal impact she faces on the other side of The Dollmaker case. While I would have liked a bit more depth from both Sophie and Rachel working through their issues, maybe there will a next installment for that.
May 4, 2020
Excelente, mantiene la calidad del primer libro. Quiero más!
August 4, 2020
Another great read
I really enjoyed this second book about DI Whitton and her case and life. Again a good twist, the characters are well written and like able.
I really enjoyed this second book about DI Whitton and her case and life. Again a good twist, the characters are well written and like able.
November 28, 2020
I liked the first book in this series but i enjoyed this one more.
I wasn't able to guess who the culprit was in Grave Decisions which kept my interest in the story for longer, where it wained a little in the Dollmaker book.
I also appreciated the development of the main characters and seeing how they dealt with and recovered from the effects of the Dollmaker case. This in turn allowed for the progression of their romantic relationship in this story.
It was interesting how the author depicted the personality types of one of the main chracters, as being either the 'Detective' or 'Sophie' and the impact this has on a romantic and sexual level. It also highlights the often unseen stressful nature of jobs and the balancing act of work and home life.
Overall, a good story with likeable main characters and decent side characters such as Dale and Becky who actually add to the story, rather than just fluff it out. I'd be interested to see more stories from these characters.
I wasn't able to guess who the culprit was in Grave Decisions which kept my interest in the story for longer, where it wained a little in the Dollmaker book.
I also appreciated the development of the main characters and seeing how they dealt with and recovered from the effects of the Dollmaker case. This in turn allowed for the progression of their romantic relationship in this story.
It was interesting how the author depicted the personality types of one of the main chracters, as being either the 'Detective' or 'Sophie' and the impact this has on a romantic and sexual level. It also highlights the often unseen stressful nature of jobs and the balancing act of work and home life.
Overall, a good story with likeable main characters and decent side characters such as Dale and Becky who actually add to the story, rather than just fluff it out. I'd be interested to see more stories from these characters.
April 24, 2022
Whitton and Saint investigate vigilante killings
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, character with a disability, butch character; UNICORN: period, therapy
Whitton finally got therapy to deal with her PTSD, but it still projected onto the vigilante victims. Trust and communication improved with Rachel and Dale, which led to progress with her mental health. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing the killer's identity.
The dark subject matter and the struggles that Whitton faced made for serious content, but they were what made it a good book.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, character with a disability, butch character; UNICORN: period, therapy
Whitton finally got therapy to deal with her PTSD, but it still projected onto the vigilante victims. Trust and communication improved with Rachel and Dale, which led to progress with her mental health. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing the killer's identity.
The dark subject matter and the struggles that Whitton faced made for serious content, but they were what made it a good book.
May 8, 2021
This is the follow up to The Doll Maker, and I would really recommend you start reading there first to get full enjoyment of this book.
I loved Sophie Whitton’s first foray into the detective world and this sequel does not disappoint. I would recommend this to anyone who likes police procedurals or serial killer cases.
I loved Sophie Whitton’s first foray into the detective world and this sequel does not disappoint. I would recommend this to anyone who likes police procedurals or serial killer cases.
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