What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Natalie Ward #6
The Secret Admirer
‘I tried to talk to you today but you snubbed me and walked away. It wasn’t wise to give me the brush-off, Gemma. I can be a truly good friend but I also make the perfect enemy.’
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for…
And then the case takes a devastating, personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for…
And then the case takes a devastating, personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
1306 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
March 11, 2020
The Blossom Girls, book 5 in this series absolutely broke me. I could hardly believe what I was reading as the tears fell. So I jumped at the chance to read book 6, The Secret Admirer, but was hesitant going in. Poor Natalie, seriously that woman cannot catch a break and this installment is a tough read. again it made me cry to imagine what Natalie was going through, every day.
The Detective Natalie Ward series just keeps getting better and better. I have loved every single book in this series and am wanting book 7 already. I am hoping that things will get better for Natalie and her family soon. I am not sure one woman could take anything more. My heart broke for her.
An acid attack on a beautiful young student bring Natalie back to work after 3 months of trying to adjust to her life without her daughter and after the end of her marriage. She knows that going back will bring some normality back to her life but at every turn she is reminded of her daughter. This horrific attack kills the girl and Natalie and her team begin the investigation. Who would want to this girl dead and why? And then one of her housemates goes missing...
Another fantastic chapter in Natalie's story, highly recommend this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
The Detective Natalie Ward series just keeps getting better and better. I have loved every single book in this series and am wanting book 7 already. I am hoping that things will get better for Natalie and her family soon. I am not sure one woman could take anything more. My heart broke for her.
An acid attack on a beautiful young student bring Natalie back to work after 3 months of trying to adjust to her life without her daughter and after the end of her marriage. She knows that going back will bring some normality back to her life but at every turn she is reminded of her daughter. This horrific attack kills the girl and Natalie and her team begin the investigation. Who would want to this girl dead and why? And then one of her housemates goes missing...
Another fantastic chapter in Natalie's story, highly recommend this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
March 9, 2020
4.5 Stars
Detective Natalie Ward has returned to work following the death of her daughter Leigh. She's investigating the murder of university student, Gemma Barnes, who was the victim of a shocking acid attack. Who would possibly want to harm the beautiful and well-liked student? As Natalie and her team race to solve the murder, they uncover a twisted web of lies, deceit, jealousy, and more bodies.
The Secret Admirer by Carol Wyer is the sixth book in the Detective Natalie Ward series and the first one that I have read. I had very high expectations going into this series and was not disappointed. I found myself totally immersed in this fast-paced and gripping police procedural thriller. The cast of characters was so well-written by the author that I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything that had happened in the previous books. The main character, Natalie, is strong, likable, hardworking, and brilliant at her job. It was very easy to root for her and sympathize with her as she struggles to cope with Leigh's death and tries to be the best parent that she could possibly be for her son Josh. We also get little glimpses into the lives of Lucy, Ian, and Murray, which I enjoyed.
There were so many suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to make sure that the reader did not guess the killer's identity before the reveal. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I enjoyed watching as the multi-layered mystery started to unravel. This thriller was a page-turner, and I will definitely be reading more books by Carol Wyer. If you enjoy complex police procedural thrillers, then I highly recommend this series.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Detective Natalie Ward has returned to work following the death of her daughter Leigh. She's investigating the murder of university student, Gemma Barnes, who was the victim of a shocking acid attack. Who would possibly want to harm the beautiful and well-liked student? As Natalie and her team race to solve the murder, they uncover a twisted web of lies, deceit, jealousy, and more bodies.
The Secret Admirer by Carol Wyer is the sixth book in the Detective Natalie Ward series and the first one that I have read. I had very high expectations going into this series and was not disappointed. I found myself totally immersed in this fast-paced and gripping police procedural thriller. The cast of characters was so well-written by the author that I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything that had happened in the previous books. The main character, Natalie, is strong, likable, hardworking, and brilliant at her job. It was very easy to root for her and sympathize with her as she struggles to cope with Leigh's death and tries to be the best parent that she could possibly be for her son Josh. We also get little glimpses into the lives of Lucy, Ian, and Murray, which I enjoyed.
There were so many suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to make sure that the reader did not guess the killer's identity before the reveal. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I enjoyed watching as the multi-layered mystery started to unravel. This thriller was a page-turner, and I will definitely be reading more books by Carol Wyer. If you enjoy complex police procedural thrillers, then I highly recommend this series.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 3, 2020
The Secret Admirer is the sixth instalment in the Detective Inspector Natalie Ward series, based in Staffordshire, UK. When nineteen-year-old student Gemma Barnes is brutally attacked with acid on the way to the library having had the liquid thrown over her by the warped perpetrator in an attempt to maim culminating in her losing her life Natalie is called back from compassionate leave (after the untimely death of her daughter Leigh) to investigate her most gruelling case to date. The problem stems from the lack of witnesses and not a single scrap of forensic evidence to guide them towards viable suspects. They scour the house Gemma shared for clues of who would wish to harm her and discover she mentions having a ”secret admirer” in several entries in her private diary. It is an impossible case even for the most seasoned of investigators and as bodies begin to pile up the team quickly realise they must get a handle on the situation pronto to save more lives being lost.
This is a simply brilliant, complex police procedural and Ms Wyer knows what her readers demand and provides it in spades with a well-crafted story and a cast of developed and highly engaging characters. It begins with a bang and continues as it means to go on providing plenty of drama, a plethora of twists and turns, a rollicking pacey narrative and a twisted perpetrator. The use of acid as a weapon is very much highlighting a topical issue and could've been ripped from the headlines from the past few years making it all the more riveting. I must admit that from the moment I turned that first page I tore through it in express fashion as everything just came together moving in sync to keep you completely captivated; I was well and truly under the author spell and not for the first time. An entertaining, exhilarating thriller that shows that the series is still as fresh now as at any other point. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a simply brilliant, complex police procedural and Ms Wyer knows what her readers demand and provides it in spades with a well-crafted story and a cast of developed and highly engaging characters. It begins with a bang and continues as it means to go on providing plenty of drama, a plethora of twists and turns, a rollicking pacey narrative and a twisted perpetrator. The use of acid as a weapon is very much highlighting a topical issue and could've been ripped from the headlines from the past few years making it all the more riveting. I must admit that from the moment I turned that first page I tore through it in express fashion as everything just came together moving in sync to keep you completely captivated; I was well and truly under the author spell and not for the first time. An entertaining, exhilarating thriller that shows that the series is still as fresh now as at any other point. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
April 20, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for an ARC copy for an honest review.
The Blossom Girls, book 5 in this series absolutely broke me, shattering shocks, heartbreaks, so tough times ahead for DI Natalie Ward... It was about to get tougher!!
‘I tried to talk to you today but you snubbed me and walked away. It wasn’t wise to give me the brush-off, Gemma. I can be a truly good friend but I also make the perfect enemy.’
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for…
And then the case takes a devastating, personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
A powerful series of detective books, DI Natalie Ward has a tough job, and on her first assignment back life is going to get harder, on this very tough case.
Carol Wyer gives us a team of great individual characters that add to the stories, it seems Natalie is destined to have a tough life as well as a tough job, in this a really tough challenge.
The Secret Admirer is a gripping, twisty & emotionally- charged book, I am exhausted after the book for the hard working police team and a tough case...
Great characters, great story, great emotions.... Another triumph for Carol Wyer
A clear four stars, nearly five !
The Blossom Girls, book 5 in this series absolutely broke me, shattering shocks, heartbreaks, so tough times ahead for DI Natalie Ward... It was about to get tougher!!
‘I tried to talk to you today but you snubbed me and walked away. It wasn’t wise to give me the brush-off, Gemma. I can be a truly good friend but I also make the perfect enemy.’
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for…
And then the case takes a devastating, personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
A powerful series of detective books, DI Natalie Ward has a tough job, and on her first assignment back life is going to get harder, on this very tough case.
Carol Wyer gives us a team of great individual characters that add to the stories, it seems Natalie is destined to have a tough life as well as a tough job, in this a really tough challenge.
The Secret Admirer is a gripping, twisty & emotionally- charged book, I am exhausted after the book for the hard working police team and a tough case...
Great characters, great story, great emotions.... Another triumph for Carol Wyer
A clear four stars, nearly five !
February 29, 2020
The Secret Admirer is the sixth book from Carol Wyer in the DI Natalie Ward series, and my first book from this author.
Gemma is a college student who receives anonymous letters from « an admirer ». One evening, she falls victim to an acid attack while going to the library, and dies from the shock.
DI Natalie Ward has been on compassionate leave following the death of her daughter. From what I gathered from the novel, she’s not been a very lucky detective. She’s estranged from her husband who, even before their daughter’s death, had been in a freefall, gambling and losing his job. She lost friends, and only has her son, Josh, and her new boyfriend and colleague, Mike, to support her. Right after she decided to resume work, she’s put in charge of the investigation into Gemma’s murder.
The investigation focuses on many people. Gemma had a shifty tutor, shared a flat with four other students, two other girls and two guys. A flat frequently visited by Gemma’s mother, and by one of the girl’s best friend roomed in another place. Soon, it will appear that Gemma wasn’t as nice and loved than first thought. More bodies drop and, to add to DI Ward’s troubles, David, her estranged husband, will also come up as a person of interest.
Carol Wyer has built an ensemble of compelling characters, and does a good job of getting new readers acquainted with them and their lives so far. All of them are fleshed out, as the author gives us windows in their lives and meaningful character development. As for the investigation, if the first half of the book moves at maybe too slow a pace, the second half makes up for it. The case is complex, and the team will need more than a break to solve it.
The final chapters combine the unraveling of the case with stressful happenings in DI Ward’s personal life, before setting the stage for the next novel in the series as an epilogue.
The writing is agreeable and flows nicely. There are a few technical inaccuracies concerning phones, SIM cards, and e-mails forensics, but only the most tech-savvy of us will catch them. And, even then, we can easily replace them in our minds with what should have been. It’s far from being a deal breaker, nor was the initial slow pacing, even if the book could have benefited from shedding a few pages.
All in all, this was an entertaining read and a solid police procedural. The series is certainly one to get into.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
Gemma is a college student who receives anonymous letters from « an admirer ». One evening, she falls victim to an acid attack while going to the library, and dies from the shock.
DI Natalie Ward has been on compassionate leave following the death of her daughter. From what I gathered from the novel, she’s not been a very lucky detective. She’s estranged from her husband who, even before their daughter’s death, had been in a freefall, gambling and losing his job. She lost friends, and only has her son, Josh, and her new boyfriend and colleague, Mike, to support her. Right after she decided to resume work, she’s put in charge of the investigation into Gemma’s murder.
The investigation focuses on many people. Gemma had a shifty tutor, shared a flat with four other students, two other girls and two guys. A flat frequently visited by Gemma’s mother, and by one of the girl’s best friend roomed in another place. Soon, it will appear that Gemma wasn’t as nice and loved than first thought. More bodies drop and, to add to DI Ward’s troubles, David, her estranged husband, will also come up as a person of interest.
Carol Wyer has built an ensemble of compelling characters, and does a good job of getting new readers acquainted with them and their lives so far. All of them are fleshed out, as the author gives us windows in their lives and meaningful character development. As for the investigation, if the first half of the book moves at maybe too slow a pace, the second half makes up for it. The case is complex, and the team will need more than a break to solve it.
The final chapters combine the unraveling of the case with stressful happenings in DI Ward’s personal life, before setting the stage for the next novel in the series as an epilogue.
The writing is agreeable and flows nicely. There are a few technical inaccuracies concerning phones, SIM cards, and e-mails forensics, but only the most tech-savvy of us will catch them. And, even then, we can easily replace them in our minds with what should have been. It’s far from being a deal breaker, nor was the initial slow pacing, even if the book could have benefited from shedding a few pages.
All in all, this was an entertaining read and a solid police procedural. The series is certainly one to get into.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
February 23, 2020
It's no secret that I love Carol Wyer. I believe I've given 5 stars to every book I've read by her. With that said, this is my least favorite by her. Not because it wasn't good. The mystery part was spot on and she did a great job with it. I just felt that Natalie's personal life is getting too far out there. Not necessarily Natalie herself either, her soon to be ex-husband. The last five books have pretty much made you dislike David but this one pushed the envelope. I don't think so much needed to happen to him considering everything that happened in book 5. That was the most disappointing thing about this book, otherwise it was another great entry in this series.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2020
I was blown away by the Blossom Twins a book that featured DI Natalie Wards. That one made me cry until early morning. But The Secret Admirer went a step further. It gave me shockers that had my hands trembling right at the beginning of the book.
A fatal gruesome attack on a young girl with her entire life ahead of her, an only child of a loving mother and Natalie Wards went back to work to head that investigation.
Having read almost all of author Carol Wyer’s books, I knew that I was in for a rocking ride. What I didn’t know was that the ride would start from the get-go. The tale was intriguing where the investigation led to minimal clues. I too was left scratching my head trying to decipher the identity of the killer.
The book had twists, absolutely shocking ones, my stomach fell and my hands became cold on reading that. The author had a wickedly clever mind to think up such a plot twist. The story had layers, different nuances and expressions. Each page told me something different. Of all the books I have read, and I have read a lot, this was the most complete ones.
There was a sense of poetry to it, a flow to the way she amalgamated the past, present, and future of Natalie’s life and to a small extent of her team mmembers’ too. There was nothing incongruous in the prose. Each section felt as if they belonged to tell me a story, if I would sit down to listen. And believe me, I listened. I savored every word that the book told me.
I had a lump in my throat at certain sections. I felt loss keenly and I understood Natalie Ward just a bit more. What can I say more about this book? It was everything and something more. Very, very different. It was Carol Wyer at her best showing me her sensitive and wicked side. Both made me smile.
Read it to believe it. But read the series from the beginning, then you would love DI Natalie Wards as much as I do. She is special.
A fatal gruesome attack on a young girl with her entire life ahead of her, an only child of a loving mother and Natalie Wards went back to work to head that investigation.
Having read almost all of author Carol Wyer’s books, I knew that I was in for a rocking ride. What I didn’t know was that the ride would start from the get-go. The tale was intriguing where the investigation led to minimal clues. I too was left scratching my head trying to decipher the identity of the killer.
The book had twists, absolutely shocking ones, my stomach fell and my hands became cold on reading that. The author had a wickedly clever mind to think up such a plot twist. The story had layers, different nuances and expressions. Each page told me something different. Of all the books I have read, and I have read a lot, this was the most complete ones.
There was a sense of poetry to it, a flow to the way she amalgamated the past, present, and future of Natalie’s life and to a small extent of her team mmembers’ too. There was nothing incongruous in the prose. Each section felt as if they belonged to tell me a story, if I would sit down to listen. And believe me, I listened. I savored every word that the book told me.
I had a lump in my throat at certain sections. I felt loss keenly and I understood Natalie Ward just a bit more. What can I say more about this book? It was everything and something more. Very, very different. It was Carol Wyer at her best showing me her sensitive and wicked side. Both made me smile.
Read it to believe it. But read the series from the beginning, then you would love DI Natalie Wards as much as I do. She is special.
November 11, 2024
A good solid police procedural with likeable central characters. Just the right blend of mystery with their personal lives.
April 11, 2020
The Secret Admirer by Carol Wyer is the sixth in the Detective Natalie Ward series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, who has had a rough time lately. Her husband's gambling and lies finally destroyed their marriage, but the loss of their daughter was the final straw. Everyone blames Natalie, and she blames herself. She has not been back to work since her daughters death. Natalie’s team consists of: DS Lucy Carmichael, DS Murray Anderson and PC Ian Jarvis. Her boss is Dan Trasker, and she is in love with Mike Sullivan, her husband's one-time best friend.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Natalie decides to return to work, realizing that if she doesn't do this soon, she never will, but it won't be easy. She sees her daughter's face everywhere. Her death is still fresh in Natalie's mind, but she knows work is a necessary step to healing.
When college student Gemma Barnes is found dead, the result of an acid attack, Natalie and her team are horrified. After repeated interviews with Gemma's housemates, mother and professor, the team are no closer to finding answers. What have they missed?
Then the unthinkable, Natalie's ex-husband David becomes one of the prime suspects, and although she cannot quite believe that David is capable of murder, she knows he has changed, and she knows he is hiding something.
It seems like everyone is withholding something from Natalie, and another dead body confirms that at least one person has lied.
My Opinions:
The author continues to surprise me with plot twists. I love it! I was sure I knew who the perpetrator was, and then I changed my mind....repeatedly. This is so much fun!
Natalie's strength has been tested again and again, and yet she prevails. David's idiocy continues to irritate me, and although I should probably feel sorry for him, I do not. Remember - you must read the books in order, or you will never understand the relationship between Natalie and David.
The book really took a look at families. The book showed how grief can affect people differently, even within the same family. It showed how a relationship between a loving couple with a new baby can turn sour if not tended. It was a rather sad book, as even the college students had poor relationships with their families.
Overall, this was a really good book, and the series is definitely one of the better police procedurals out there!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
February 23, 2020
The Secret Admirer by Carol Wyer is the sixth installment of a series focused on Detective Natalie Ward. I have been a huge fan of this series from its very inception, and the talented Ms Wyer has delivered once again. This is a series that, once started, will have you irreversibly hooked.
Detective Natalie Ward has returned to work following a devastating personal loss. A female student has died following an acid attack, and each of her housemates, among others, falls under suspicion. Who would possibly want to harm the beautiful and gregarious Gemma? As the team race to solve the puzzling crime, Detective Ward's personal and professional lives will once again collide in the most unexpected of ways when a surprising suspect emerges, and Natalie's mettle will be tested even further.
This is a series that continues to surprise me at each and every turn. If you are looking for an addictive series that you can emotionally invest yourself in, this is it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Detective Natalie Ward has returned to work following a devastating personal loss. A female student has died following an acid attack, and each of her housemates, among others, falls under suspicion. Who would possibly want to harm the beautiful and gregarious Gemma? As the team race to solve the puzzling crime, Detective Ward's personal and professional lives will once again collide in the most unexpected of ways when a surprising suspect emerges, and Natalie's mettle will be tested even further.
This is a series that continues to surprise me at each and every turn. If you are looking for an addictive series that you can emotionally invest yourself in, this is it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
April 24, 2020
THE SECRET ADMIRER is the sixth novel in the Detective Natalie Ward Series, based in Staffordshire, UK., a riveting crime-thriller by Carol Wyer. Her books keep getting better and better! I have read them all. I would recommend you read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones. This series keeps getting better and better!
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Book 6-The Secret Admirer
Eighteen- year-old attractive Gemma Barnes receives a note from a secret admirer…someone that is obsessed with her…someone that has been watching her and will pick the right moment to make themselves known to her.
‘I tried to talk to you today but you snubbed me and walked away. It wasn’t wise to give me the brush-off, Gemma. I can be a truly good friend but I also make the perfect enemy.’
Sasha’s daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters.
Gemma had been living with her mum, but moved out while attending University and working part-time at a bar, to be independent and move on with her life, and allow her mum to pursue a new career as a seamstress. The student house was home to five of them: including Lennox, Fran, Ryan and a mature student Hattie.
Then the unthinkable happens…Gemma was a victim of an acid attack outside the library early in the evening. So, when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them.
And then the case takes a personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large.
The clock is ticking and Natalie and her team must piece together all the clues before another precious life is taken.
The Secret Admirer was an entertaining, exciting thriller that shows that the series must continue. It is a well-plotted story with a cast of highly relatable characters. Lots of drama, emotion, twists and turns to satisfy the reader. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Book 6-The Secret Admirer
Eighteen- year-old attractive Gemma Barnes receives a note from a secret admirer…someone that is obsessed with her…someone that has been watching her and will pick the right moment to make themselves known to her.
‘I tried to talk to you today but you snubbed me and walked away. It wasn’t wise to give me the brush-off, Gemma. I can be a truly good friend but I also make the perfect enemy.’
Sasha’s daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. Sasha fell pregnant with Gemma when she was still at school, and the two are as close as sisters.
Gemma had been living with her mum, but moved out while attending University and working part-time at a bar, to be independent and move on with her life, and allow her mum to pursue a new career as a seamstress. The student house was home to five of them: including Lennox, Fran, Ryan and a mature student Hattie.
Then the unthinkable happens…Gemma was a victim of an acid attack outside the library early in the evening. So, when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from ‘a secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to un-mask them.
And then the case takes a personal twist. CCTV footage reveals Natalie’s estranged husband David followed Gemma home every evening the week before she died.
Natalie is forced to put personal feelings aside and follow procedure, even though she can’t believe David could be guilty. But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large.
The clock is ticking and Natalie and her team must piece together all the clues before another precious life is taken.
The Secret Admirer was an entertaining, exciting thriller that shows that the series must continue. It is a well-plotted story with a cast of highly relatable characters. Lots of drama, emotion, twists and turns to satisfy the reader. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
July 20, 2020
I have been a fan of Carol Wyer's Natalie Ward series since almost the beginning and though it took me a while to warm to her, she is now one of my favourite detectives. When book 5
"The Blossom Twins"
ended with such a heartbreaking twist, I was gutted. And I didn't know how Natalie, whose marriage was already on the rocks, was going to weather the storm ahead.
THE SECRET ADMIRER is the sixth installment and picks up a couple of months after where "The Blossom Twins" ended. There has been tragedy and trauma and, now living in a flat until their house can be sold, Natalie must now pick up the pieces of the life she once knew and loved. Having been on leave for the past few months, Natalie feels she is ready to return to work.
Nineteen year old Gemma Barnes is a student studying languages at Samford University when she falls victim to a shocking acid attack. A witness rushes to her assistance but Gemma dies an agonising death before the ambulance arrives. Who would want to kill Gemma who, for all intents and purposes, appears to be well-liked?
DI Natalie Ward receives the call to investigate this suspicious death and immediately focuses on her housemates, questioning their whereabouts at the time of the attack. They all appear to have an alibi for the busy Friday evening. But as Natalie and her team investigate, they soon discover that some of the housemates are being less than truthful. So what is it they are they hiding?
During a search of Gemma's room, the team uncover a letter addressed to her from "an admirer". Was this a targeted attack? And if so, by whom? Natalie is unable to uncover any other letters, so is unsure if this is just a once-off or if she should be concerned about it.
Then Natalie receives a call from one of the housemates, Hattie, with some information regarding the case and asks to meet her. But when Hattie doesn't show, Natalie starts to wonder if the woman had second thoughts or if something more sinister has taken place. She begins to search for her whereabouts and looking into her background but to no avail. Hattie appears to have vanished. Then her car is found at the railway station. Has she done a flit? Along with any information she had to impart on the investigation? But where would Hattie go? Her only thought is to her father, who is a vicar in a small village, but he hasn't seen her either.
Then a body is found in the doorway of an abandoned shop under a sheaf of blankets. Natalie prepares herself for the victim to be Hattie but is shocked to discover that it is one of the other housemates. With no visual signs as to cause of death, it is soon revealed she had ingested acid which lead to her demise. Who is targeting the women of 35 Eastview Avenue?
The deeper the investigation goes more disturbing details are revealed as another murder is discovered. But things worsen even moreso as Natalie's ex-husband David becomes a suspect when it is found he knew two of the victims. Their marriage may have fallen apart and David may be many things...but is he a murderer? Natalie must put aside her personal feelings and work to establish his role in the murders or eliminate him as a suspect.
I have read a good many of Carol Wyer's books and I love her style and approach. I love her characters, or love to hate them, and I love the complex multi-layered mystery of each book. THE SECRET ADMIRER had a lot to live up after in the wake of that devastating twist at the end of "The Blossom Twins" . It was always going to be hard to move beyond that and get better. I love how Natalie has finally moved out, after to-ing and fro-ing over it in the last books. David was always portrayed as someone we loved to hate after all he put Natalie through, but this book shows a different side to him.
I have to hand it to Carol Wyer because this time I did not guess the killer until near the end, a little before they were exposed. It started to make sense to me and then BOOM! All was revealed. I'm usually pretty good at guessing the culprit but THE SECRET ADMIRER had so many red herrings to steer us off in the wrong direction, it left a more obvious one in the dark. When I say "obvious", it is only that after we know and we're left thinking "Of course! Now it makes perfect sense!"
The chapters aren't as short as usually like, but this series is so enthralling most of the time you don't notice their length. The pace is relentless with a compelling narrative that doesn't let up until the end. The tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit unfolds amidst a tension so palpable that I could not put it down.
This series is by far one of my favourites, despite coming in on just the second book, as I have watched Natalie's family life slowly implode. Although this is a thrilling read, it didn't quite live up to the previous one, but that was a tough one to top. THE SECRET ADMIRER does feature Natalie's personal life a little more due to her recent tragedy as well as David's involvement in the case. Things are still very raw for her as she finds comparisons in almost every situation. I may not have warmed to Natalie at first but I have really come to love her and her team. I missed Murray's presence in the last book as he was (out here) in Australia - I remember a reference to him being at Bondi Beach in wintry conditions, though not as cold as the UK, I'm sure. I was glad to see his return in this one.
Some say THE SECRET ADMIRER suffices as a standalone but I have to disagree. Yes, the reader is given enough information about past events and each book follows a different case, but the entire series is connected throughout and starting from the beginning would give a complete and fuller picture. Besides, reading this one will only spoil earlier books, should you decide to read them, particularly the one immediately preceding THE SECRET ADMIRER.
In all, THE SECRET ADMIRER is a fantastic addition to one of my favourite series by one of my favourite authors with one of my favourite publishers and while not as shocking as the last one, it is still addictive reading that you can't stop until the very end.
Recommended for fans of crime fiction, thrillers and suspense. Basically anyone looking for a gripping read and don't mind starting at the beginning of the series. Or at least "The Blossom Twins" . Fantastic read!!
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSecretAdmirer in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
THE SECRET ADMIRER is the sixth installment and picks up a couple of months after where "The Blossom Twins" ended. There has been tragedy and trauma and, now living in a flat until their house can be sold, Natalie must now pick up the pieces of the life she once knew and loved. Having been on leave for the past few months, Natalie feels she is ready to return to work.
Nineteen year old Gemma Barnes is a student studying languages at Samford University when she falls victim to a shocking acid attack. A witness rushes to her assistance but Gemma dies an agonising death before the ambulance arrives. Who would want to kill Gemma who, for all intents and purposes, appears to be well-liked?
DI Natalie Ward receives the call to investigate this suspicious death and immediately focuses on her housemates, questioning their whereabouts at the time of the attack. They all appear to have an alibi for the busy Friday evening. But as Natalie and her team investigate, they soon discover that some of the housemates are being less than truthful. So what is it they are they hiding?
During a search of Gemma's room, the team uncover a letter addressed to her from "an admirer". Was this a targeted attack? And if so, by whom? Natalie is unable to uncover any other letters, so is unsure if this is just a once-off or if she should be concerned about it.
Then Natalie receives a call from one of the housemates, Hattie, with some information regarding the case and asks to meet her. But when Hattie doesn't show, Natalie starts to wonder if the woman had second thoughts or if something more sinister has taken place. She begins to search for her whereabouts and looking into her background but to no avail. Hattie appears to have vanished. Then her car is found at the railway station. Has she done a flit? Along with any information she had to impart on the investigation? But where would Hattie go? Her only thought is to her father, who is a vicar in a small village, but he hasn't seen her either.
Then a body is found in the doorway of an abandoned shop under a sheaf of blankets. Natalie prepares herself for the victim to be Hattie but is shocked to discover that it is one of the other housemates. With no visual signs as to cause of death, it is soon revealed she had ingested acid which lead to her demise. Who is targeting the women of 35 Eastview Avenue?
The deeper the investigation goes more disturbing details are revealed as another murder is discovered. But things worsen even moreso as Natalie's ex-husband David becomes a suspect when it is found he knew two of the victims. Their marriage may have fallen apart and David may be many things...but is he a murderer? Natalie must put aside her personal feelings and work to establish his role in the murders or eliminate him as a suspect.
I have read a good many of Carol Wyer's books and I love her style and approach. I love her characters, or love to hate them, and I love the complex multi-layered mystery of each book. THE SECRET ADMIRER had a lot to live up after in the wake of that devastating twist at the end of "The Blossom Twins" . It was always going to be hard to move beyond that and get better. I love how Natalie has finally moved out, after to-ing and fro-ing over it in the last books. David was always portrayed as someone we loved to hate after all he put Natalie through, but this book shows a different side to him.
I have to hand it to Carol Wyer because this time I did not guess the killer until near the end, a little before they were exposed. It started to make sense to me and then BOOM! All was revealed. I'm usually pretty good at guessing the culprit but THE SECRET ADMIRER had so many red herrings to steer us off in the wrong direction, it left a more obvious one in the dark. When I say "obvious", it is only that after we know and we're left thinking "Of course! Now it makes perfect sense!"
The chapters aren't as short as usually like, but this series is so enthralling most of the time you don't notice their length. The pace is relentless with a compelling narrative that doesn't let up until the end. The tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit unfolds amidst a tension so palpable that I could not put it down.
This series is by far one of my favourites, despite coming in on just the second book, as I have watched Natalie's family life slowly implode. Although this is a thrilling read, it didn't quite live up to the previous one, but that was a tough one to top. THE SECRET ADMIRER does feature Natalie's personal life a little more due to her recent tragedy as well as David's involvement in the case. Things are still very raw for her as she finds comparisons in almost every situation. I may not have warmed to Natalie at first but I have really come to love her and her team. I missed Murray's presence in the last book as he was (out here) in Australia - I remember a reference to him being at Bondi Beach in wintry conditions, though not as cold as the UK, I'm sure. I was glad to see his return in this one.
Some say THE SECRET ADMIRER suffices as a standalone but I have to disagree. Yes, the reader is given enough information about past events and each book follows a different case, but the entire series is connected throughout and starting from the beginning would give a complete and fuller picture. Besides, reading this one will only spoil earlier books, should you decide to read them, particularly the one immediately preceding THE SECRET ADMIRER.
In all, THE SECRET ADMIRER is a fantastic addition to one of my favourite series by one of my favourite authors with one of my favourite publishers and while not as shocking as the last one, it is still addictive reading that you can't stop until the very end.
Recommended for fans of crime fiction, thrillers and suspense. Basically anyone looking for a gripping read and don't mind starting at the beginning of the series. Or at least "The Blossom Twins" . Fantastic read!!
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSecretAdmirer in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 30, 2020
Carol Wyer set the bar high by leaving readers jaws open and hearts broken in
The Blossom Twins,
the fifth book in the Detective Natalie Ward series. I have been waiting for this next book with bated breath. Never fear. Ms. Wyer did an exceptional job at matching the tension, nail-biting and heart-stopping drama in
The Secret Admirer.
Natalie has spent three months recovering from an unbearable personal loss. She decides to go back to work and becomes immediately immersed in a case that is bound to give her very sad reminders at every turn.
Natalie and her team do their best to find the killer of a college student. A note signed “an admirer” was found that proved the young woman was targeted. By whom? Natalie begins interviewing the girls fellow housemates and students. This book does not miss a punch. Gripping from the very start, the intrigue does not stop until the very end.
The deeper Natalie's investigation goes, the more disturbing details are revealed, and one that hits far too close to home. More murders are discovered, and now Natalie’s search intensifies as she must try and find the connection and the culprit. As Natalie works feverishly to prevent more murders, lies and duplicity run fast and hard. Don’t miss this incredible book! If I have any problem with this at all, it would be wondering how I am going to be able to wait for book seven.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
*Reviewer’s note: Although part of a connected series, enough information is given about past events throughout the pages of each story, thus each book can be read as a standalone.
Natalie has spent three months recovering from an unbearable personal loss. She decides to go back to work and becomes immediately immersed in a case that is bound to give her very sad reminders at every turn.
Natalie and her team do their best to find the killer of a college student. A note signed “an admirer” was found that proved the young woman was targeted. By whom? Natalie begins interviewing the girls fellow housemates and students. This book does not miss a punch. Gripping from the very start, the intrigue does not stop until the very end.
The deeper Natalie's investigation goes, the more disturbing details are revealed, and one that hits far too close to home. More murders are discovered, and now Natalie’s search intensifies as she must try and find the connection and the culprit. As Natalie works feverishly to prevent more murders, lies and duplicity run fast and hard. Don’t miss this incredible book! If I have any problem with this at all, it would be wondering how I am going to be able to wait for book seven.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
*Reviewer’s note: Although part of a connected series, enough information is given about past events throughout the pages of each story, thus each book can be read as a standalone.
April 2, 2020
Rating: 4 gut-wrenching stars
‘The Secret Admirer’ is the sixth entry in Carol Wyer’s ‘DI Natalie Ward’ police procedural series. This book continues the run of outstanding books in this series. There hasn’t been a clunker yet. The opening of this book has Natalie and her family trying to gather the shattered pieces of their lives after the shocking ending in the last book. ‘The Blossom Twins’ is the fifth book. If you haven’t read it yet, do that as soon as you can. I don’t want to give away the spoiler from that book so I won’t discuss what the family is recovering from. Please read the books in this series in order if possible.
As she is walking up the steps of her college library, co-ed, Gemma, is murdered in a most gruesome way. Assigned to solve the case are DI Natalie Ward and her team. They don’t have much to go on. They start by interviewing her housemates and her devastated mother. As usual, the police management wants results yesterday, and this murder seems to be motiveless. Then more people on campus start dying. Did Gemma have a secret admirer? Excerpts from notes from a secret admirer are interspersed throughout the book. Could that be who is causing all this havoc? Was Natalie’s estranged husband David somehow involved? What secrets are people hiding? The answers might shock you.
I have become a huge fan of this series. It continues to spotlight the author’s strong writing skills, both in developing character depth and mystery complexity. I am so happy that this author writes quickly because it’s an excruciating wait between book publication dates. This clever mystery seemed to go in many directions at once, but was eventually resolved in a satisfying way. I am eagerly waiting to find out what happens next in the lives of the police and forensic team members featured in the series, and the mysteries they have to solve. Yes, Carol Wyer, you have me thoroughly hooked!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Secret Admirer’ is the sixth entry in Carol Wyer’s ‘DI Natalie Ward’ police procedural series. This book continues the run of outstanding books in this series. There hasn’t been a clunker yet. The opening of this book has Natalie and her family trying to gather the shattered pieces of their lives after the shocking ending in the last book. ‘The Blossom Twins’ is the fifth book. If you haven’t read it yet, do that as soon as you can. I don’t want to give away the spoiler from that book so I won’t discuss what the family is recovering from. Please read the books in this series in order if possible.
As she is walking up the steps of her college library, co-ed, Gemma, is murdered in a most gruesome way. Assigned to solve the case are DI Natalie Ward and her team. They don’t have much to go on. They start by interviewing her housemates and her devastated mother. As usual, the police management wants results yesterday, and this murder seems to be motiveless. Then more people on campus start dying. Did Gemma have a secret admirer? Excerpts from notes from a secret admirer are interspersed throughout the book. Could that be who is causing all this havoc? Was Natalie’s estranged husband David somehow involved? What secrets are people hiding? The answers might shock you.
I have become a huge fan of this series. It continues to spotlight the author’s strong writing skills, both in developing character depth and mystery complexity. I am so happy that this author writes quickly because it’s an excruciating wait between book publication dates. This clever mystery seemed to go in many directions at once, but was eventually resolved in a satisfying way. I am eagerly waiting to find out what happens next in the lives of the police and forensic team members featured in the series, and the mysteries they have to solve. Yes, Carol Wyer, you have me thoroughly hooked!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2020
Review for 'The Secret Admirer' by Carol Wyer
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first being 'The Blossom Twins' which was the 5th book in the 'Detective Natalie Ward' series, this is the 6th. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Blossom Twins' and look forward to reading this (written before I started reading).
Although this book is the 6th in a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are parts where events from previous books are mentioned but any details needed are given, including in flashbacks which I enjoyed reading even though I have read the book the event happened in. I won't say much more in case readers wish to read the previous books, I don't want to spoil it for them.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the author and the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters and a prologue which are medium in length so not too bad for 'just one more chapter', like that ever happens for me, more like 3 or 4 more!!
This book is set in England which is always a bonus for me. I'm from Wales but visit England regularly on trips and holidays so have visited quite a few areas. This helps me picture places if they are mentioned in books and I have visited them.
This series has a strong female lead which is also a bonus, being female myself it's always great to see some strong females in books.
The story is told from several points of view I always enjoy being able to see from several of the detectives perspectives as you can read more about more of what is going on with the case, what various witnesses and suspects say and make your own decisions on their innocence or guilt.
The writing is smooth and very easy to read. The descriptions are excellent and I really felt that I was in the novel. I even got teary at the end!!
The characters all have fantastic personalities and I love how realistic they are. Murray and Lucy made me laugh on several occasions with their attitude. I really feel for Natalie and what she has been through and the relationship between Ian and Murray is also quite funny. Although it's a crime book I love that there are several parts that are more light hearted and made me laugh as it mixes it up a bit. I'm moving straight on to the next book in the series as I cannot wait to read more about them!!!!
The storyline was fast paced, intriguing and filled with mystery, murder, suspense, crime and deceit. A true page turning thriller.
I didn't guess what was going to happen which is always a bonus when it comes to crime novels.... Nothing worse than working it all out before your even half way through!
I would recommend this book to fans of murder, crime, thrillers, suspense, fans of Carol Wyer and just anyone looking for a fantastic read!!
370 pages
Free on kindle unlimited or £2.99 to purchase. I think this is a bargain for this book by a very talented author!
Rated 5/5 ( I LOVED 😍 IT) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon.Com and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#TheSecretAdmirer #CarolWyer #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview
@CarolWyer Bookouture Bookouture Anonymous! @Bookworm1986
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first being 'The Blossom Twins' which was the 5th book in the 'Detective Natalie Ward' series, this is the 6th. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Blossom Twins' and look forward to reading this (written before I started reading).
Although this book is the 6th in a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are parts where events from previous books are mentioned but any details needed are given, including in flashbacks which I enjoyed reading even though I have read the book the event happened in. I won't say much more in case readers wish to read the previous books, I don't want to spoil it for them.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the author and the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters and a prologue which are medium in length so not too bad for 'just one more chapter', like that ever happens for me, more like 3 or 4 more!!
This book is set in England which is always a bonus for me. I'm from Wales but visit England regularly on trips and holidays so have visited quite a few areas. This helps me picture places if they are mentioned in books and I have visited them.
This series has a strong female lead which is also a bonus, being female myself it's always great to see some strong females in books.
The story is told from several points of view I always enjoy being able to see from several of the detectives perspectives as you can read more about more of what is going on with the case, what various witnesses and suspects say and make your own decisions on their innocence or guilt.
The writing is smooth and very easy to read. The descriptions are excellent and I really felt that I was in the novel. I even got teary at the end!!
The characters all have fantastic personalities and I love how realistic they are. Murray and Lucy made me laugh on several occasions with their attitude. I really feel for Natalie and what she has been through and the relationship between Ian and Murray is also quite funny. Although it's a crime book I love that there are several parts that are more light hearted and made me laugh as it mixes it up a bit. I'm moving straight on to the next book in the series as I cannot wait to read more about them!!!!
The storyline was fast paced, intriguing and filled with mystery, murder, suspense, crime and deceit. A true page turning thriller.
I didn't guess what was going to happen which is always a bonus when it comes to crime novels.... Nothing worse than working it all out before your even half way through!
I would recommend this book to fans of murder, crime, thrillers, suspense, fans of Carol Wyer and just anyone looking for a fantastic read!!
370 pages
Free on kindle unlimited or £2.99 to purchase. I think this is a bargain for this book by a very talented author!
Rated 5/5 ( I LOVED 😍 IT) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon.Com and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#TheSecretAdmirer #CarolWyer #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview
@CarolWyer Bookouture Bookouture Anonymous! @Bookworm1986
April 2, 2020
The Secret Admirer
sees the return of Detective Natalie Ward, in this superb crime/mystery series by Carol Wyer.
In this riveting 6th instalment, DI Natalie Ward is still grieving after the tragic loss of her daughter but decides that it's time for her to move on and return to work. She gets a call from her boss, Superintendent Dan Tasker, to find the killer of University student Gemma Barnes, 19, who has died from the effects of an horrific acid attack. But as Natalie and her team investigate, it becomes clear that something is amiss, following discussions with Gemma's housemates as some of them are not telling the whole truth. The investigation worsens even more when Natalie’s ex husband David, finds himself in the frame for Gemma’s murder...
I love that Carol Wyer is able to create the perfect balance between developing really solid characters and such a complex, multi-layered mystery. There were many dead ends, misdirections and false leads to make sure that the reader did not guess the killer's identity before the author was ready for the revelation. The pace was relentless, the narrative riveting and as the story unfolded, I was submerged in a tangled web of lies, secrets and deceit, suffering from tension and shocks that held me in a tight grip of just-one-more-page syndrome!
I have read a fair few thrillers and this one is right up there with my other favourites. I have no hesitation in giving this first-rate thriller five shiny stars and I am already excitedly awaiting the next book in this series, from the immensely talented Carol Wyer.
This book, although part of a series, is a great individual read, as each instalment follows a different case. However, starting from book #1 would offer a complete picture of the main characters' professional and family backgrounds. Despite that, I have not yet read the first three, and I don't feel as though my has enjoyment has been spoilt, in any way.
Readers who gets a buzz from complex and exhilarating police procedural thrillers should absolutely delight in The Secret Admirer and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley, and this review is my unbiased opinion.
In this riveting 6th instalment, DI Natalie Ward is still grieving after the tragic loss of her daughter but decides that it's time for her to move on and return to work. She gets a call from her boss, Superintendent Dan Tasker, to find the killer of University student Gemma Barnes, 19, who has died from the effects of an horrific acid attack. But as Natalie and her team investigate, it becomes clear that something is amiss, following discussions with Gemma's housemates as some of them are not telling the whole truth. The investigation worsens even more when Natalie’s ex husband David, finds himself in the frame for Gemma’s murder...
I love that Carol Wyer is able to create the perfect balance between developing really solid characters and such a complex, multi-layered mystery. There were many dead ends, misdirections and false leads to make sure that the reader did not guess the killer's identity before the author was ready for the revelation. The pace was relentless, the narrative riveting and as the story unfolded, I was submerged in a tangled web of lies, secrets and deceit, suffering from tension and shocks that held me in a tight grip of just-one-more-page syndrome!
I have read a fair few thrillers and this one is right up there with my other favourites. I have no hesitation in giving this first-rate thriller five shiny stars and I am already excitedly awaiting the next book in this series, from the immensely talented Carol Wyer.
This book, although part of a series, is a great individual read, as each instalment follows a different case. However, starting from book #1 would offer a complete picture of the main characters' professional and family backgrounds. Despite that, I have not yet read the first three, and I don't feel as though my has enjoyment has been spoilt, in any way.
Readers who gets a buzz from complex and exhilarating police procedural thrillers should absolutely delight in The Secret Admirer and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley, and this review is my unbiased opinion.
February 22, 2020
This is my favourite crime series so it was great to catch up with Natalie and the team again.
After the shocking end of The Blossom Twins I wondered how Natalie would cope, but her sheer determination to catch the killer in this book really shines through, despite her personal grief.
Carol Wyer has done it again and created a gripping, addictive crime thriller that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
The first murder is shocking as acid is thrown into a student’s face and immediately kills her. The second and third murders follow swiftly behind and soon Natalie and the team have their hands full trying to find the killer.
I was gobsmacked when someone close to Natalie is a suspect and I loved the way this part of the story played out.
Whilst this book isn’t as shocking as the last one, it still grabs hold of you, and doesn’t let go.
This is a fantastic crime thriller that I highly recommend along with the rest of the series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
After the shocking end of The Blossom Twins I wondered how Natalie would cope, but her sheer determination to catch the killer in this book really shines through, despite her personal grief.
Carol Wyer has done it again and created a gripping, addictive crime thriller that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
The first murder is shocking as acid is thrown into a student’s face and immediately kills her. The second and third murders follow swiftly behind and soon Natalie and the team have their hands full trying to find the killer.
I was gobsmacked when someone close to Natalie is a suspect and I loved the way this part of the story played out.
Whilst this book isn’t as shocking as the last one, it still grabs hold of you, and doesn’t let go.
This is a fantastic crime thriller that I highly recommend along with the rest of the series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 20, 2020
I love Carol's Natalie Ward series, and after the last book, I really wanted to catch up with Natalie's life as well as read a great thriller/mystery! The Secret Admirer provides both--lots about Natalie's life, which was good and right, and also a cracking mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Thank you, Carol, for another great read--am already looking forward to the next one!
May 15, 2023
great read
I’m so excited that this author has finally stopped killing characters by strangulation, dear lord was I getting bored.
I really enjoyed this read. It’s about female students being murdered one by one. I love a who dun it novel!
The ex husband David is still bugging me to no end. Grow up man, work in any job, step up as a father and finally…. Realise your relationship is over with Natalie.
I’m so excited that this author has finally stopped killing characters by strangulation, dear lord was I getting bored.
I really enjoyed this read. It’s about female students being murdered one by one. I love a who dun it novel!
The ex husband David is still bugging me to no end. Grow up man, work in any job, step up as a father and finally…. Realise your relationship is over with Natalie.
February 21, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Secret Admirer, the sixth novel to feature DI Natalie Ward of the Staffordshire Police.
When student Gemma Barnes is killed in an acid attack Natalie returns from extended leave to lead the team. With no forensics and very few suspects the team is hard pushed to find a motive, never mind a solution. And then Natalie’s estranged husband comes to their attention.
I enjoyed The Secret Admirer which has more twists than a rollercoaster and a convoluted plot, some parts more believable than others. The novel is told from the investigative point of view so the reader gets to guess along with the team although I defy any reader to guess all the intricacies, or even most of them until the reveals set them in the right direction. I had an inkling of the perpetrator in the second half but no idea of the whys or hows and was urging the team to catch up. Interspersed with the team’s point of view are various letters to Gemma from the eponymous Secret Admirer. I don’t think that they are really relevant until the denouement as they are, basically, the usual nut job “I love you until you reject me” fare.
As I said the plot is extremely convoluted and I’m not sure if that is good or bad. It’s good in that there is a surprise or twist in every chapter so the reader can’t help but get engrossed in events. It’s bad that it involves so many characters acting badly or lying that it really stretches credulity. I also think it’s a little glib on motivation, notably the acid attack.
The Secret Admirer is a good read that I can recommend.
When student Gemma Barnes is killed in an acid attack Natalie returns from extended leave to lead the team. With no forensics and very few suspects the team is hard pushed to find a motive, never mind a solution. And then Natalie’s estranged husband comes to their attention.
I enjoyed The Secret Admirer which has more twists than a rollercoaster and a convoluted plot, some parts more believable than others. The novel is told from the investigative point of view so the reader gets to guess along with the team although I defy any reader to guess all the intricacies, or even most of them until the reveals set them in the right direction. I had an inkling of the perpetrator in the second half but no idea of the whys or hows and was urging the team to catch up. Interspersed with the team’s point of view are various letters to Gemma from the eponymous Secret Admirer. I don’t think that they are really relevant until the denouement as they are, basically, the usual nut job “I love you until you reject me” fare.
As I said the plot is extremely convoluted and I’m not sure if that is good or bad. It’s good in that there is a surprise or twist in every chapter so the reader can’t help but get engrossed in events. It’s bad that it involves so many characters acting badly or lying that it really stretches credulity. I also think it’s a little glib on motivation, notably the acid attack.
The Secret Admirer is a good read that I can recommend.
April 11, 2020
Carol Wyer sure doesn't shy away from the hard stuff for Detective Natalie Ward...this series keeps getting better and better!
Full review up on the blog: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/2...
Full review up on the blog: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/2...
January 1, 2025
Review coming soon.
April 9, 2020
The Secret Admirer is a gripping, twisty & emotionally- charged book. The book starts off with a creepy prologue that hooks you in, The subsequent chapters are good but then the pace slows down. Contrary to popular opinion, I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous books in this series. This book was emotionally-intense and there was a cloud of sadness following the events in the last book.
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from a ‘secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to unmask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for… But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
The characters in this book are very good. I liked Sasha, Gemma, Fran, Hattie & the rest. They were interesting characters who kept the book going for me. But when the book switched to Natalie's life it became all too predictable. I personally feel Nat is a bit selfish & has double standards. I was shocked to see her continue working after the incident with David, considering everything. Even more shocked when she did nothing with Josh's fallout with his father. When it comes to her personal life she's been so very indecisive & for so long, it's starting to get a bit annoying. I liked the parts between Rowena & her. I just hope that by the end of the next book everyone move's on, considering this has been dragging for over 6 books now.
I like how Nat's team banded together to solve this case. We also get a glimpse of Lucy's life, now that baby Aurora is here. I wish there was more about her than making this all about Nat & her grief.
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Carol Wyer for an arc!
Sasha’s eighteen-year-old daughter Gemma was all she had in the world. So when Gemma’s burned and broken body is found, Sasha’s world ends. What kind of person would want her beautiful daughter dead?
Leading the case is Detective Natalie Ward, scarred by her own recent tragedy. When she finds a note in Gemma’s diary from a ‘secret admirer’, she moves quickly, determined to unmask them. But interviews with Gemma’s devastated ex-boyfriend, and her charismatic teacher, who has been seen embracing his student far away from the classroom, don’t give Natalie the answers she’d hoped for… But when Gemma’s housemate is found murdered, Natalie thinks the killer could still be at large. Is she right to trust her instincts about David and can she discover the truth before another precious life is taken?
The characters in this book are very good. I liked Sasha, Gemma, Fran, Hattie & the rest. They were interesting characters who kept the book going for me. But when the book switched to Natalie's life it became all too predictable. I personally feel Nat is a bit selfish & has double standards. I was shocked to see her continue working after the incident with David, considering everything. Even more shocked when she did nothing with Josh's fallout with his father. When it comes to her personal life she's been so very indecisive & for so long, it's starting to get a bit annoying. I liked the parts between Rowena & her. I just hope that by the end of the next book everyone move's on, considering this has been dragging for over 6 books now.
I like how Nat's team banded together to solve this case. We also get a glimpse of Lucy's life, now that baby Aurora is here. I wish there was more about her than making this all about Nat & her grief.
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Carol Wyer for an arc!
April 5, 2020
Gemma Barnes, a 19-year-old student is attacked and has acid thrown in her face by, she dies later from hypothermia brought on by shock. Unfortunately, acid-attacks seem to be on the increase in the UK. Most of those are personal and not done by strangers. But more deaths are to follow.
DI Nathalie Ward is living with the aftermath of her daughter’s and her best friend’s murder. Her son Josh lives with her estranged husband David in their old house but asks to live with her instead.
At first, she’s a bit hesitant to return to work, still blaming herself for not having been able to save the girls. But she throws herself head-on into the investigation. She’s very thorough in her job; each individual is checked over and over again until she’s absolutely certain they’re in the clear. Even her own husband can’t escape this process once he’s become a suspect.
In the victim’s diary, Natalie finds a letter from a shy secret admirer. But as no others seem to exist, the investigation doesn’t follow this lead. The reader knows though that there are more letters and that their tone quickly changes into bitter and angry.
I won’t tell more about the contents of the story because that would involve spoilers, but it’s one hell of a read and amongst the best books, I’ve read this year. There are several crimes committed by different people that all lie and have things to hide. That makes it a very complicated investigation and it takes a lot of work to solve all the loose ends.
This story is part 6 of a series, but can perfectly be read as a stand-alone. Every person is properly introduced and has background details about their home life or quirks that it’s easy to distinguish between the different individuals. The characters are full-bodied and well developed, most are likeable, but some aren’t. Of course, there are several references to the tragedy that took place in the previous story. They are helpful to understand Natalie, the main character. Because of those events, she can particularly well relate to the parents of the murdered students.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for a free copy of this book, this is my honest unbiased review of it.
DI Nathalie Ward is living with the aftermath of her daughter’s and her best friend’s murder. Her son Josh lives with her estranged husband David in their old house but asks to live with her instead.
At first, she’s a bit hesitant to return to work, still blaming herself for not having been able to save the girls. But she throws herself head-on into the investigation. She’s very thorough in her job; each individual is checked over and over again until she’s absolutely certain they’re in the clear. Even her own husband can’t escape this process once he’s become a suspect.
In the victim’s diary, Natalie finds a letter from a shy secret admirer. But as no others seem to exist, the investigation doesn’t follow this lead. The reader knows though that there are more letters and that their tone quickly changes into bitter and angry.
I won’t tell more about the contents of the story because that would involve spoilers, but it’s one hell of a read and amongst the best books, I’ve read this year. There are several crimes committed by different people that all lie and have things to hide. That makes it a very complicated investigation and it takes a lot of work to solve all the loose ends.
This story is part 6 of a series, but can perfectly be read as a stand-alone. Every person is properly introduced and has background details about their home life or quirks that it’s easy to distinguish between the different individuals. The characters are full-bodied and well developed, most are likeable, but some aren’t. Of course, there are several references to the tragedy that took place in the previous story. They are helpful to understand Natalie, the main character. Because of those events, she can particularly well relate to the parents of the murdered students.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for a free copy of this book, this is my honest unbiased review of it.
April 10, 2020
This is the 6th book in the DI Natalie Ward series and after a heart breaking end to last book in the series, which I am still upset over, I wondered where this one would go and it didn’t disappoint. You are constantly second guessing your theories as this book takes twists and turns, which keeps you reading to find out more. It’s literally everything you would expect from a DI thriller series.
You don’t really have to read the previous books to keep up with this one however I would recommend you do because they are great anyway and you really start to invest in the characters as the books go on. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series.
Overall this one was gripping, fast paced and cleverly written. I would definitely recommend this book and the series as a whole. The Secret Admirer is out now!
Thank you to @netgalley, @bookouture and @carolwyer for gifting me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
You don’t really have to read the previous books to keep up with this one however I would recommend you do because they are great anyway and you really start to invest in the characters as the books go on. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series.
Overall this one was gripping, fast paced and cleverly written. I would definitely recommend this book and the series as a whole. The Secret Admirer is out now!
Thank you to @netgalley, @bookouture and @carolwyer for gifting me with a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
September 27, 2021
The sixth book in the Detective Natalie Ward series. Natalie investigates a case of a murdered young woman.
Natalie is a smart and strong female protagonist. She's got a lot of strengths, but she also has flaws. This is a great crime series, and Natalie is one of my favorite fictional detectives.
This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is a fantastic series, so I recommend starting with the first book, The Birthday.
A dark and complex crime thriller. Good for fans of police procedurals. Gritty, intense, and fast-paced.
Natalie is a smart and strong female protagonist. She's got a lot of strengths, but she also has flaws. This is a great crime series, and Natalie is one of my favorite fictional detectives.
This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is a fantastic series, so I recommend starting with the first book, The Birthday.
A dark and complex crime thriller. Good for fans of police procedurals. Gritty, intense, and fast-paced.
August 8, 2020
Review to follow.
March 26, 2021
Love the series, but I still dislike Natalie. Crazy I know.
May 22, 2021
Wow !! Another awesome book in this series. I have one more to read and will feel sad when this series finished. I’m loving the different life’s of the characters. This series of top notch kudos carol weyer.
March 2, 2020
As a huge fan of Carol Wyer, her latest is every bit as brilliant as its predecessors. The DI Natalie Ward series is intense, never dull and always makes for compulsive reading. I had a very visceral reaction to this one as I did the last, The Blossom Twins. Any author who entertains, keeps you engaged and makes you feel deep emotion is outstanding! The Secret Admirer sets the bar even higher this time and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews