What do you think?
Rate this book
DC O'Connell Crime Thriller #1
The Upper Hand
"An exciting new voice in British Crime fiction." - J D Kirk When a local businessman is brutally murdered in the English countryside, apparently sacrificed, DC Kate O’Connell must unravel the web of lies surrounding his death, before more people are killed. It’s Kate’s first day on the Surrey Murder Team, a specialised group of detectives working on homicide cases in the affluent Home Counties, just outside London. Partnered with DC Nathan Halliwell, the pair investigate the death of a local man whose killing has all the hallmarks of an occult sacrifice.Horrified by the disturbing killing, Kate dives into the case, keen to prove herself to her superiors by breaking through the lies that surround the victim’s life before the killer strikes again. But the ritualistic nature of the crime dredges up disturbing memories of a past tragedy.While wrestling with the demons of her past, Kate learns that her partner has a few skeletons in his own closet that threaten to taint the investigation or ruin her career.Kate must break the silence surrounding the victim to get to the truth before it’s too late, and the death toll rises.
- GenresCrime
255 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2019
67 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 28, 2019
This is #1 in a new series and features DC Kate O’Connell on her first case on the Murder Investigation Team. She is partnered with DS Nathan Halliwell, a slightly disgraced former DCI….he sees conspiracies everywhere!
A body has been found by a dog walker in the woods, tortured, murdered and left bound to a tree…..with strange symbols left at the scene……is this a ritualistic killing?
What follows is a thorough and gripping investigation, with secrets and lies a plenty in this twisty, gruesome and creepy thriller. Is there a link between the victims? And who are the sinister group behind the scenes?
I love the characters of O’Connell and Halliwell and their growing working relationship and I really want to read more…..can’t wait to read Book 2….
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
A body has been found by a dog walker in the woods, tortured, murdered and left bound to a tree…..with strange symbols left at the scene……is this a ritualistic killing?
What follows is a thorough and gripping investigation, with secrets and lies a plenty in this twisty, gruesome and creepy thriller. Is there a link between the victims? And who are the sinister group behind the scenes?
I love the characters of O’Connell and Halliwell and their growing working relationship and I really want to read more…..can’t wait to read Book 2….
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
August 26, 2019
I absolutely love crime fiction and I must have read ever so many police procedurals over the years. When I read the synopsis for 'The Upper Hand', I just knew that this was one book I had to read as soon as I could. 'The Upper Hand' is A. L. Fraine's debut novel and what a debut novel it is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Constable Kate O'Connell? She is a highly enthusiastic detective who has just joined the Murder Squad in Surrey. She hasn't been in the police force for all that long but she has worked her way up from being in uniform to being a plain clothes detective. She is eager to learn and eager to please. Kate just wants to get along with her team and she even smiles at some of the comments that are thrown at her. Kate wants to be one of the gang so up to a point she will stand whatever is thrown in her direction. Kate is partnered up with Detective Nathan Hallewell, who has had some bad experiences of late that have impacted on his mental and emotional health. I got the impression that he is an outsider and is given all the crappy jobs that nobody else wants. It isn't immediately apparent as to what it is that happened but little clues are given throughout the story that give the full picture when pieced together. Anyway I digress so back to Kate I go. Kate has an interesting family background. Her father was a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), now the PSNI (Police Service Of Northern Ireland), although he doesn't like to talk about his experiences so Kate doesn't really know the extent of her father's career history. Kate and Nathan are handed a gruesome murder and both know that this could be their chance to shine and to make an impression.
Oh my goodness me, 'The Upper Hand' has to be one of my favourite books of 2019 so far. 'The Upper Hand' is seriously addictive reading. As soon as I began to read, I just knew that I would have to binge read the book over the course of a day because I just couldn't contemplate having to put the book down for any reason. I bought the paperback and trust me the book travelled everywhere with me. I think that I thought I might miss out on some vital clue or on some nugget of gossip. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to discover the truth increased. Whilst reading this book, I lost all track of time and I didn't realise just how quickly I was getting through the book until I checked and I was stunned to realise that I had read over two thirds of the book. I soon reached the end of the story, which I was so disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative sense but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines that much that I just didn't want the book to end.
A.. L. Fraine is certainly an author to watch. He has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. He grabbed my attention from the start and he kept my attention throughout the book. It was as if the book developed a hold over me and I didn't want to break that hold. The author writes so convincingly and realistically that I felt as though I was part of the story myself and I was an extra member of the investigating team. I was blown away by the quality of the writing in this book and by the story. It is A. L. Fraine's debut full length novel, which surprised me as the smoothness and confidence of the writing indicates to me that it is the work of an author, who has released several books over the years. I have high hopes for further books in the series and I just know that they will be just as good as this one.
I do have one teensy, weeny little comment to make about a blooper in the book. As I mention above, I have the paperback. I noticed that on the back of the book, Nathan Halliwell is referred to as being a Detective Constable but within the book itself, he seems to chop and change from being a Detective Constable to a Detective Sergeant and back again. This is no way spoiled my enjoyment of the story and it's just a minor blooper, which may just be in the paperback and not in the e-book version.
Reading 'The Upper Hand' was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Some of the twists I had predicted but others crept up on me in secret and when they hit, I was left feeling momentarily stunned and speechless. I was gripped by the story throughout and on the edge of my seat more often than not.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Upper Hand' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read more from A. L. Fraine and fortunately I don't have too long to wait because the second book in the O'Connell and Halliwell series called 'Idle Hands' is due for release on 19th October 2019. Whilst I wait, I will definitely be reading the already released prequel to the series called 'First Hand', which gives us a bit more detail about Kate's earlier life. 'First Hand' is a novella. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Constable Kate O'Connell? She is a highly enthusiastic detective who has just joined the Murder Squad in Surrey. She hasn't been in the police force for all that long but she has worked her way up from being in uniform to being a plain clothes detective. She is eager to learn and eager to please. Kate just wants to get along with her team and she even smiles at some of the comments that are thrown at her. Kate wants to be one of the gang so up to a point she will stand whatever is thrown in her direction. Kate is partnered up with Detective Nathan Hallewell, who has had some bad experiences of late that have impacted on his mental and emotional health. I got the impression that he is an outsider and is given all the crappy jobs that nobody else wants. It isn't immediately apparent as to what it is that happened but little clues are given throughout the story that give the full picture when pieced together. Anyway I digress so back to Kate I go. Kate has an interesting family background. Her father was a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), now the PSNI (Police Service Of Northern Ireland), although he doesn't like to talk about his experiences so Kate doesn't really know the extent of her father's career history. Kate and Nathan are handed a gruesome murder and both know that this could be their chance to shine and to make an impression.
Oh my goodness me, 'The Upper Hand' has to be one of my favourite books of 2019 so far. 'The Upper Hand' is seriously addictive reading. As soon as I began to read, I just knew that I would have to binge read the book over the course of a day because I just couldn't contemplate having to put the book down for any reason. I bought the paperback and trust me the book travelled everywhere with me. I think that I thought I might miss out on some vital clue or on some nugget of gossip. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to discover the truth increased. Whilst reading this book, I lost all track of time and I didn't realise just how quickly I was getting through the book until I checked and I was stunned to realise that I had read over two thirds of the book. I soon reached the end of the story, which I was so disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative sense but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines that much that I just didn't want the book to end.
A.. L. Fraine is certainly an author to watch. He has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. He grabbed my attention from the start and he kept my attention throughout the book. It was as if the book developed a hold over me and I didn't want to break that hold. The author writes so convincingly and realistically that I felt as though I was part of the story myself and I was an extra member of the investigating team. I was blown away by the quality of the writing in this book and by the story. It is A. L. Fraine's debut full length novel, which surprised me as the smoothness and confidence of the writing indicates to me that it is the work of an author, who has released several books over the years. I have high hopes for further books in the series and I just know that they will be just as good as this one.
I do have one teensy, weeny little comment to make about a blooper in the book. As I mention above, I have the paperback. I noticed that on the back of the book, Nathan Halliwell is referred to as being a Detective Constable but within the book itself, he seems to chop and change from being a Detective Constable to a Detective Sergeant and back again. This is no way spoiled my enjoyment of the story and it's just a minor blooper, which may just be in the paperback and not in the e-book version.
Reading 'The Upper Hand' was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Some of the twists I had predicted but others crept up on me in secret and when they hit, I was left feeling momentarily stunned and speechless. I was gripped by the story throughout and on the edge of my seat more often than not.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Upper Hand' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read more from A. L. Fraine and fortunately I don't have too long to wait because the second book in the O'Connell and Halliwell series called 'Idle Hands' is due for release on 19th October 2019. Whilst I wait, I will definitely be reading the already released prequel to the series called 'First Hand', which gives us a bit more detail about Kate's earlier life. 'First Hand' is a novella. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 29, 2019
What a very creepy and scary start to a book – being stalked home from a rare night out in the pub! I love a good prologue and The Upper Hand ticked all the right boxes is that respect! What followed this creepy prologue was a tense crime thriller with a little bit of a difference.
I loved the partnership between Nathan and Kate. It’s reminiscent of the start of The X-Files though our auburn Kate is slightly more open minded than the ginger Dana Scully. Nathan accepts he’s the laughing stock of his team and a bit of a initiation test for new recruits. I felt for him as he’s a good detective just a bit of a black sheep…i for one am looking forward to getting to know this pair better!
The Upper Hand is a pacey read that kept me guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed following the complex investigation with all its twists and turns. I enjoyed it so much as soon as I’d finished, I downloaded First Hand and jumped straight in!
I loved the partnership between Nathan and Kate. It’s reminiscent of the start of The X-Files though our auburn Kate is slightly more open minded than the ginger Dana Scully. Nathan accepts he’s the laughing stock of his team and a bit of a initiation test for new recruits. I felt for him as he’s a good detective just a bit of a black sheep…i for one am looking forward to getting to know this pair better!
The Upper Hand is a pacey read that kept me guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed following the complex investigation with all its twists and turns. I enjoyed it so much as soon as I’d finished, I downloaded First Hand and jumped straight in!
Read
December 21, 2020The Upper Hand: A Chilling British Crime Thriller (A DC O'Connell Crime Thriller, #1), my twenty-sixth read from author Andrew Dodell and my first read under his A.L. Fraine mystery name. This seems to be my month for new authors. An outstanding read, captivating in its detail, warms up like a jet on an aircraft carrier & then whoosh, it takes off! I was gifted a free copy and I'm voluntarily reviewing it because every great books need reviews. I look forward to more from this author and I'm sure there will be more in what looks to be an excellent series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 28, 2022
This is the first book in the DC O’Connell Crime Thriller series. Kate and Nathan’s investigation is heart-pounding and captivating. Kate's past is breathtakingly intense. She is strong, smart, and determined. Nathan definitely is an enigmatic character. The storyline is fast-paced and suspenseful, filled with danger, secrets, and twists and turns. The world building is intricate and enthralling. The secret society is highly intriguing. Some scenes are very intense. This series isn't for the faint of heart. This is an excellent thriller. Julia Eve did an outstanding job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to Idle Hands, the next book in the series.
August 6, 2022
What a terrific debut this is. Kate's first day in the murder squad starts with a gruesome discovery of a body by a dogwalker. She is paired with Nathan who seems to be sidelined by his colleagues due to his conspiracy and far out theories.
The pair work well together and i enjoyed the partnership. I was hooked from the start of the book and it just flowed so well, that I was surprised when I realised it was already over. I had completely immersed myself in it and lost all track of time.
It's great to discover a new author and even better when it's a new series. Can't wait to start reading the next one.
The pair work well together and i enjoyed the partnership. I was hooked from the start of the book and it just flowed so well, that I was surprised when I realised it was already over. I had completely immersed myself in it and lost all track of time.
It's great to discover a new author and even better when it's a new series. Can't wait to start reading the next one.
November 4, 2020
Interesting . . .
Easy reading, with a fluid writing style. I liked the subject and both main characters. Only one point was a stumbling block and that was the lighthearted repartee at tye meat hook scene. I understand "nervous tension" but I thought the dialogue a bit too light. Can't wait to read the other books.
Easy reading, with a fluid writing style. I liked the subject and both main characters. Only one point was a stumbling block and that was the lighthearted repartee at tye meat hook scene. I understand "nervous tension" but I thought the dialogue a bit too light. Can't wait to read the other books.
April 27, 2021
A new partnership
Having read later books I thought I would start the Kate O’Connell series. So glad I did. Great to see the start of a new partnership that along with a gripping story, and yes it is full of twists, there is the added humour you would expect. Looking forward to the next
Having read later books I thought I would start the Kate O’Connell series. So glad I did. Great to see the start of a new partnership that along with a gripping story, and yes it is full of twists, there is the added humour you would expect. Looking forward to the next
September 23, 2021
Good
Good first book fast paced maybe little too fast but felt the characters not fleshed out … Hopefully will be in other books… there are other minor niggles I have but would cause me to possibly give things away so will continue to the next book and see how it goes … try it see how you feel
Good first book fast paced maybe little too fast but felt the characters not fleshed out … Hopefully will be in other books… there are other minor niggles I have but would cause me to possibly give things away so will continue to the next book and see how it goes … try it see how you feel
June 7, 2020
Juicy Thriller
Book 1 does a good job of setting the scene for this series and i found Kate a likely and well written character who tries her best whilst slowly being taken into a deeper conspiracy.
Book 1 does a good job of setting the scene for this series and i found Kate a likely and well written character who tries her best whilst slowly being taken into a deeper conspiracy.
October 30, 2020
Intense
This was very different to the books published as Andrew Dobell. There’s a very intense atmosphere, and the world is condensed into the book. Not my usual genre, and I was surprised to enjoy it so much. I will certainly continue the series.
PS: should have read First Hand first 🤦🏻♀️
This was very different to the books published as Andrew Dobell. There’s a very intense atmosphere, and the world is condensed into the book. Not my usual genre, and I was surprised to enjoy it so much. I will certainly continue the series.
PS: should have read First Hand first 🤦🏻♀️
May 2, 2021
A chilling story
Somewhere there is history in Kate's life that is following her. Her first job with the murder squad teams her up with an oddball. That may bore well for the future and result in her dispelling her demon.
Somewhere there is history in Kate's life that is following her. Her first job with the murder squad teams her up with an oddball. That may bore well for the future and result in her dispelling her demon.
August 24, 2021
Really did enjoy this and it is setting up for a great police procedural. It wasn't the normal police story, with a touch of suspense in there as well.
I did struggle sometimes with the narration but all in all look forward to the next installment
I did struggle sometimes with the narration but all in all look forward to the next installment
November 10, 2021
A good plot but too many things wrong
This is certainly better than the DCI Pilgrim books. Unfortunately like them full of poor grammar. These books really need to be proof read and edited.
This is certainly better than the DCI Pilgrim books. Unfortunately like them full of poor grammar. These books really need to be proof read and edited.
December 11, 2022
Recommended to this author from reading others (via fantasticfiction). Really enjoyed Kate's first adventure and the intriguing back story which will no doubt unfold in the next books. Also like the relationship between Kate and the other detectives.
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
February 4, 2021
Enjoyable
Good storyline, my favorite genre. I liked the detectives Kate and Nathan. Kept me interested and guessing which is what i like.
Good storyline, my favorite genre. I liked the detectives Kate and Nathan. Kept me interested and guessing which is what i like.
June 28, 2021
Wow, picked it up and couldn't put it down, loved it. On to book 2.
November 24, 2021
Wow this book was brilliant! Really enjoying book my A L Fraine. Great to see where it all began for Kate.
I can't wait to read more!
I can't wait to read more!
December 20, 2022
upper hand
An enjoyable page turner that keeps you guessing the occult be delved into or not and who the killer is. Will he finally be caught
An enjoyable page turner that keeps you guessing the occult be delved into or not and who the killer is. Will he finally be caught
December 7, 2020
We are partners
DC Kate O'Connell is just starting her life as a detective for the Sulley Murder Team. The kind of police work.she has wanted to do.since her aunt was murdered a decade earlier. Kate is introduced to her partner, DC Nathan Halliwell.
On Kate's first day there is a murder and a very gory one. One that looks like it may have a Satanic finger print. DCI Dean tells Nathan, "this is your kind of case". I am assigning it to you and Kate.
At first, Nathan doesn't want to include Kate but she soon convinces him that they are partners and she wants to know everything about the case. Kate soon learns why they don't like Nathan; he believes that there are Satan worshipers who are living among them. The other detectives laugh at him.
Their first murder points to Satanic rituals and Kate's reaction to the scene leaves Nathan concerned. The second murder leaves him more concerned about Kate's ability to be a detective. When Kate finally explains how her aunt was murdered and that these scenes bring back memories, they finally begin to gel as partners!
Things move along quite rapidly through the whole book and I found myself on the edge of my chair most of the time.
DC Kate O'Connell is just starting her life as a detective for the Sulley Murder Team. The kind of police work.she has wanted to do.since her aunt was murdered a decade earlier. Kate is introduced to her partner, DC Nathan Halliwell.
On Kate's first day there is a murder and a very gory one. One that looks like it may have a Satanic finger print. DCI Dean tells Nathan, "this is your kind of case". I am assigning it to you and Kate.
At first, Nathan doesn't want to include Kate but she soon convinces him that they are partners and she wants to know everything about the case. Kate soon learns why they don't like Nathan; he believes that there are Satan worshipers who are living among them. The other detectives laugh at him.
Their first murder points to Satanic rituals and Kate's reaction to the scene leaves Nathan concerned. The second murder leaves him more concerned about Kate's ability to be a detective. When Kate finally explains how her aunt was murdered and that these scenes bring back memories, they finally begin to gel as partners!
Things move along quite rapidly through the whole book and I found myself on the edge of my chair most of the time.
June 27, 2021
Having just binge listened to a couple of detective/mystery/thriller series I was on the look out for another and spotted this one from an author I'd had my eye on but so far not tried. Thought I'd give it a whirl and I'm so glad I did.
The story has a good pace and flows nicely. The main characters are well written and interact perfectly and have a kind of dry sarcastic banter that appeals to me.
The narrator gives a top notch performance for both female and male characters and adds a lovely mild Irish accent for Kate which isn't over done.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series though I also hope to read the prequel which is only available at the moment in ebook format. I prefer to listen as I don't get a lot of time to sit and read but can listen while driving the work van all day.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
The story has a good pace and flows nicely. The main characters are well written and interact perfectly and have a kind of dry sarcastic banter that appeals to me.
The narrator gives a top notch performance for both female and male characters and adds a lovely mild Irish accent for Kate which isn't over done.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series though I also hope to read the prequel which is only available at the moment in ebook format. I prefer to listen as I don't get a lot of time to sit and read but can listen while driving the work van all day.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
August 30, 2019
The first in a new series, introducing the feisty new DC Kate O’Connell and her partner, the troubled DS Nathan Halliwell.
Kate joins the team when a body is found by dog walkers, hanging from a tree in what appears to be a ritualistic act.
Kate is a strong, determined character, maybe slightly too much and gets away with saying things to her superiors that surprised me. Partnered with the much more experienced but Fox Mulder-ish character in conspiracy theorist DS Nathan Halliwell, they investigate.
Beginning with a very strong prologue, this is a superb debut book. It’s creepy, gripping and strongly plotted, smartly paced and with a writing style I found very inviting to read.
The twists and turns are there a plenty, some you will guess and some will just jump out at you.
I like both characters, and Kate has an interesting back story, and there is a more than intriguing element being played out through the book and finale, maybe Nathan isn’t to far from the truth...
A.L Fraine is definitely an author to watch out for. I’m already looking froward to book 2, Idle Hands.
Highly Recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kate joins the team when a body is found by dog walkers, hanging from a tree in what appears to be a ritualistic act.
Kate is a strong, determined character, maybe slightly too much and gets away with saying things to her superiors that surprised me. Partnered with the much more experienced but Fox Mulder-ish character in conspiracy theorist DS Nathan Halliwell, they investigate.
Beginning with a very strong prologue, this is a superb debut book. It’s creepy, gripping and strongly plotted, smartly paced and with a writing style I found very inviting to read.
The twists and turns are there a plenty, some you will guess and some will just jump out at you.
I like both characters, and Kate has an interesting back story, and there is a more than intriguing element being played out through the book and finale, maybe Nathan isn’t to far from the truth...
A.L Fraine is definitely an author to watch out for. I’m already looking froward to book 2, Idle Hands.
Highly Recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 31, 2019
DC Kate O'Connell's first case with new partner DS Nathan Halliwell is the work of a serial killer and they don't have much time before another body shows up. The strange thing is that Kate had seen this kind of killing before when she was sixteen years old. Her Aunt Fiona was found sacrificed in the middle of a stone circle in Ireland.
Kate and Nathan's partnership is full of fun banter and quick wit and even though Nathan has a reputation of a conspiracy theorist and a tendency to go through partners rather quickly, Kate seems able to hold her own with him and the office gossips.
The murders are grisly and the story will keep you guessing with many twists and turns. A great start to a new series.
Thank you to Mr. Fraine for giving me the opportunity for reading this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Kate and Nathan's partnership is full of fun banter and quick wit and even though Nathan has a reputation of a conspiracy theorist and a tendency to go through partners rather quickly, Kate seems able to hold her own with him and the office gossips.
The murders are grisly and the story will keep you guessing with many twists and turns. A great start to a new series.
Thank you to Mr. Fraine for giving me the opportunity for reading this book with no expectation of a positive review.
October 27, 2019
This is an excellent book, and I really enjoyed getting to know these new characters. I like Kate and Nathan’s relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing it develop in further books.
The manner of the murder in this book, jolts Kate as she struggles with her own history. You can read more of Kate’s back story in First Hand, a novella. Eager to please, but sure of herself she forges forward to pursue the case her way.
A brilliant book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
The manner of the murder in this book, jolts Kate as she struggles with her own history. You can read more of Kate’s back story in First Hand, a novella. Eager to please, but sure of herself she forges forward to pursue the case her way.
A brilliant book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
August 4, 2019
I liked the characters, plots, suspense, and humor. I am interested to see what the conspiracy will be and I want her to catch her aunt's killer. I also like the sense of humor. It seems like I missed the first book so will have to catch up.
November 9, 2019
The upper hand
Good storyline. CharActers are multi dimensional and interesting.
A slice of the U K police procedures
Check it out. Worthwhile
Good storyline. CharActers are multi dimensional and interesting.
A slice of the U K police procedures
Check it out. Worthwhile
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews