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DS Imogen Grey #6
Woman in the Water
The Sunday Times bestselling author of The Teacher and Truth or Die is back with a new twisty crime thriller
I’m alive. But I can’t be saved . . .
When a woman’s body is found submerged in icy water, police are shocked to find she is alive. But she won’t disclose her name, or what happened to her – even when a second body is discovered. And then she disappears from her hospital bed.
Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey follow their only lead to the home of Reece Corrigan, and when his wife Angela walks in, they immediately recognise her. She’s the woman from the river, with her injuries carefully masked.
The more they dig into the couple, the less they understand about them.
Why have people in their past been hurt, or vanished?
And why doesn’t Angela want to be saved?
Smart, shocking and twisty – perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Karin Slaughter.
Praise for Katerina Diamond:
‘All hail the new Queen of Crime’ Heat
‘Deliciously dark . . . Keeps her readers guessing throughout, as she leads us on a very secretive, VERY twisted journey’ Lisa Hall, author of The Party
‘Packed with twists until the last page’ Closer
418 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
November 22, 2019
Traumatic
Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey return in Katerina Diamond’s sixth book in her outstanding action-packed crime thriller series. Katerina immediately establishes an atmosphere of fear and danger when a Woman in the Water is found and pulled from a freezing river. Adrian Miles is the first on the scene of what he expects to be a corpse and as he stands over the deathly body of a badly beaten woman, she reaches out and grabs his leg. Jane Doe is taken to the hospital where she starts to make a recovery while claiming amnesia regarding her name, assailant or reason for her attack. Mystery and suspicion are woven into the story when she also refuses to give any blood or DNA samples and the marks on her body are consistent with a woman in an abusive relationship.
A dead male was discovered close by, his body badly mutilated. While Adrian and Imogen start to investigate his murder, Jane Doe absconds from the hospital, and they have no means of tracking her down. Their investigation initially leads them to the man’s employer and it isn’t too long before they recognise the woman, still bruised but pretending she doesn’t know them. They play along, although this strikes a chord with Adrian’s family past and he takes the crime personally.
The main suspect is an imperious man who over the years has built a belief that he is untouchable and has no boundaries in what he would do to protect his position. The investigation reveals a threatening undertone where a number of people confirm his brutality but are terrified to speak out or provide any statements on what they have witnessed.
Katerina Diamond is certainly an author that doesn’t shirk from horrific details in her thrillers. She is bold with vivid images of violence and one scene, in particular, affects one of the detectives and was extremely disturbing. This incident, with the physical and psychological repercussions, defines a significant theme for the majority of the novel. While the narrative is disturbing, it is compelling reading and it was a brave call to introduce this aspect to a main character’s makeup as we will progress through the series. I found myself wishing the incident didn’t happen but recognising that Katerina had totally drawn me into her story and the empathy I’ve developed for Adrian and Imogen.
The primary focus of the story moved from a police crime investigation to a distressing psychological exploration of the mental turmoil and coming to terms with a violent life-changing assault. While they are both linked, I felt the story lost its anchor, unsure what elements were the background and what constituted the main thread. The relationship between Adrian and Imogen took centre stage and provided the context of an unsettling individual crime and the coming to terms within oneself and close relationships. The consequence, of course, is that the wider investigative plot lacked her previous depth and twists.
I love everything Katerina writes and would recommend reading this book. I’d like to thank Katerina Diamond, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey return in Katerina Diamond’s sixth book in her outstanding action-packed crime thriller series. Katerina immediately establishes an atmosphere of fear and danger when a Woman in the Water is found and pulled from a freezing river. Adrian Miles is the first on the scene of what he expects to be a corpse and as he stands over the deathly body of a badly beaten woman, she reaches out and grabs his leg. Jane Doe is taken to the hospital where she starts to make a recovery while claiming amnesia regarding her name, assailant or reason for her attack. Mystery and suspicion are woven into the story when she also refuses to give any blood or DNA samples and the marks on her body are consistent with a woman in an abusive relationship.
A dead male was discovered close by, his body badly mutilated. While Adrian and Imogen start to investigate his murder, Jane Doe absconds from the hospital, and they have no means of tracking her down. Their investigation initially leads them to the man’s employer and it isn’t too long before they recognise the woman, still bruised but pretending she doesn’t know them. They play along, although this strikes a chord with Adrian’s family past and he takes the crime personally.
The main suspect is an imperious man who over the years has built a belief that he is untouchable and has no boundaries in what he would do to protect his position. The investigation reveals a threatening undertone where a number of people confirm his brutality but are terrified to speak out or provide any statements on what they have witnessed.
Katerina Diamond is certainly an author that doesn’t shirk from horrific details in her thrillers. She is bold with vivid images of violence and one scene, in particular, affects one of the detectives and was extremely disturbing. This incident, with the physical and psychological repercussions, defines a significant theme for the majority of the novel. While the narrative is disturbing, it is compelling reading and it was a brave call to introduce this aspect to a main character’s makeup as we will progress through the series. I found myself wishing the incident didn’t happen but recognising that Katerina had totally drawn me into her story and the empathy I’ve developed for Adrian and Imogen.
The primary focus of the story moved from a police crime investigation to a distressing psychological exploration of the mental turmoil and coming to terms with a violent life-changing assault. While they are both linked, I felt the story lost its anchor, unsure what elements were the background and what constituted the main thread. The relationship between Adrian and Imogen took centre stage and provided the context of an unsettling individual crime and the coming to terms within oneself and close relationships. The consequence, of course, is that the wider investigative plot lacked her previous depth and twists.
I love everything Katerina writes and would recommend reading this book. I’d like to thank Katerina Diamond, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
November 12, 2019
When I was offered this book, I had no idea it was the sixth book in a series. Although I found that it worked as a stand-alone for me, I know that I was missing background on both main characters: Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey.
Adrian Miles was on his way home when he noticed a group of women standing by a bridge, he pulled over to investigate and found the body of a badly beaten woman partially submerged in the water. She is alive and once she is treated at the hospital, she is interrogated and reports that she does not know her name or the circumstances which led her to be found in the water. Later the dead body of a young man is also found submerged in water. As the book progresses, it is evident that this investigation is hitting close to home for detective Miles.
I enjoyed the story telling and the sections told in italics. There we get some background on one character which helps shed more and more light on that character’s life. There is also one scene in the book which might be difficult for some to read.
I enjoyed this book but feel it failed to really hit its full potential. As I have not read the previous books in this series, I found that for people in a relationship, who are also best friends, there should have been more trust and willingness to put trust in that relationship. Having said that, I did appreciate how the Author showed how a victim of such a crime would feel afterward. I found the reaction to be realistic and believable.
Even though the reader knows who the bad guy is in this book, the Author still managed to pull off a reveal and twist at the end of the book. I did not see that one coming. Even with the twist and reveal this was lacking a little bit of something for me. Again, this could be due to not having read the previous books in the series. I really enjoyed some parts, and other parts dragged a little for me.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adrian Miles was on his way home when he noticed a group of women standing by a bridge, he pulled over to investigate and found the body of a badly beaten woman partially submerged in the water. She is alive and once she is treated at the hospital, she is interrogated and reports that she does not know her name or the circumstances which led her to be found in the water. Later the dead body of a young man is also found submerged in water. As the book progresses, it is evident that this investigation is hitting close to home for detective Miles.
I enjoyed the story telling and the sections told in italics. There we get some background on one character which helps shed more and more light on that character’s life. There is also one scene in the book which might be difficult for some to read.
I enjoyed this book but feel it failed to really hit its full potential. As I have not read the previous books in this series, I found that for people in a relationship, who are also best friends, there should have been more trust and willingness to put trust in that relationship. Having said that, I did appreciate how the Author showed how a victim of such a crime would feel afterward. I found the reaction to be realistic and believable.
Even though the reader knows who the bad guy is in this book, the Author still managed to pull off a reveal and twist at the end of the book. I did not see that one coming. Even with the twist and reveal this was lacking a little bit of something for me. Again, this could be due to not having read the previous books in the series. I really enjoyed some parts, and other parts dragged a little for me.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2020
Woman in the Water by Katerina Diamond is the sixth entry in the DS Imogen Grey series but can easily be read as a standalone. DS Adrian Miles is called to the scene of a crime: a woman, barely alive, has been beaten within an inch of her life and left semi-submerged in the river shallows. His partner, DS Imogen Grey, joins him at the hospital where the mystery woman has been taken. The woman soon disappears, leaving the detectives without a clue as to who she is, who did this to her and where she is running to. Their investigation leads them to the home of the Corrigans. It becomes clear that Mr. Corrigan’s entourage live in fear of the man and injuries and missing persons are not uncommon. This mystery is well-written and often surprises the reader with unexpected details and events throughout, including a very surprising ending. I highly recommend this original police procedural. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2019
I am a big fan of the Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey series by Katerina Diamond and I think this might be the best one so far. The Woman In The Water is a dark and gritty police procedural with real characters and storylines. The twist at the end had me stunned, I really did not see it coming at all.
It is a hard book to talk about the plot without spoilers. I will say that there is a really tough scene to read in this book. I felt quite ill and upset reading it. But it is fantastic writing and makes you feel very emotional. DS Miles pulls a woman out of a icy cold lake and is stunned when she is alive. But she claims to have no memory and then disappears from the hospital. And then another man is pulled from the lake, this one is dead though. What is the connection?
This book should should really come with a warning as there are some horrific events and they are quite graphic.
Imogen and Adrian are still trying to work out what their relationship is and where it is going. But he is keeping a really big secret from her and it threatens to destroy their friendship as well as their love. It is fantastic book and a great addition to the series.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
It is a hard book to talk about the plot without spoilers. I will say that there is a really tough scene to read in this book. I felt quite ill and upset reading it. But it is fantastic writing and makes you feel very emotional. DS Miles pulls a woman out of a icy cold lake and is stunned when she is alive. But she claims to have no memory and then disappears from the hospital. And then another man is pulled from the lake, this one is dead though. What is the connection?
This book should should really come with a warning as there are some horrific events and they are quite graphic.
Imogen and Adrian are still trying to work out what their relationship is and where it is going. But he is keeping a really big secret from her and it threatens to destroy their friendship as well as their love. It is fantastic book and a great addition to the series.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
August 7, 2019
Woman in the Water by Katerina Diamond is the 6th book in the Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey series. I have really enjoyed this series so far and this new chapter did not disappoint.
A young woman is found badly beaten and half submerged in the river. She says that she has lost her memory and does not even remember her name. When a body is found near to where they found the woman the investigation turns into a murder enquiry.
This is a fast paced thriller with quite a few twists and turns.
I have enjoyed seeing the characters of these two police officers develop and can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A young woman is found badly beaten and half submerged in the river. She says that she has lost her memory and does not even remember her name. When a body is found near to where they found the woman the investigation turns into a murder enquiry.
This is a fast paced thriller with quite a few twists and turns.
I have enjoyed seeing the characters of these two police officers develop and can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2019
Woman In The Water is the 6th book in the detective series Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. This just gets better and better!!
A young woman is found badly beaten in a river, she has no memory of what has happened to her or her name. A man’s body is found nearby and the police duo try to work out if the two of them are connected in any way.
This is such a great riveting series, I have to say that there is an assault in this book that made me nearly give up reading it. I couldn’t see the words as tears streamed down my face. It was very upsetting but told in a sensitive and not overly dramatised way!!
Imogen and Adrian’s relationship is flourishing, but Adrian is hiding a big secret that could jeopardise their future.
As always this is a gripping, fast paced thriller that had plenty of twists and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The ending left me wanting more. Please don’t make me wait too long for the next book in this amazing series!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
A young woman is found badly beaten in a river, she has no memory of what has happened to her or her name. A man’s body is found nearby and the police duo try to work out if the two of them are connected in any way.
This is such a great riveting series, I have to say that there is an assault in this book that made me nearly give up reading it. I couldn’t see the words as tears streamed down my face. It was very upsetting but told in a sensitive and not overly dramatised way!!
Imogen and Adrian’s relationship is flourishing, but Adrian is hiding a big secret that could jeopardise their future.
As always this is a gripping, fast paced thriller that had plenty of twists and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The ending left me wanting more. Please don’t make me wait too long for the next book in this amazing series!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
December 8, 2019
I was not aware when I requested this from NetGalley that it was the sixth book in a series, as it wasn’t labelled as such on GoodReads - and still isn’t. By the time I came to read it, and found out by seeing other reviews, it was too late.
I really don’t like reading series out of order, and this book reinforced all the reasons why. I’ll admit that sometimes I have been introduced to a new favourite series by reading one at random, and then going back to the beginning. Sometimes I then think that I would not have continued had I started with the first book, eg Jo Nesbo or Robert Crais, but this is not going to be one of those cases as I really didn’t like either of the main characters.
DS Adrian Miles is driving home when he notices a commotion by a river. Stopping to investigate, he finds a woman on the bank, barely alive, and after following her to the hospital, takes on the case alongside his partner and secret girlfriend, DS Imogen Grey. When another body is found in the river, the team suspect the woman’s husband, a wealthy building contractor, but she refuses to testify against him, out of fear for her life. How will they stop him when they have no evidence and everyone he encounters is terrified of him?
This book has lots of high ratings from both my GR friends and other readers, as do the earlier books, so I’m aware that the things that bothered me are clearly not a problem for most readers, but I’m going to report them anyway as that’s what an honest review is for, and you can then make up your own mind.
It doesn’t help that I am completely over abusive husband plotlines - that’s not the book’s fault - I should’ve researched this more carefully before requesting it.
So, I can understand why a publisher might want a book to look like a stand-alone when it’s not, to not put off readers like me from trying it. The problem is being introduced to characters with major history, both separately and together, with minimal recap - I get that too much gets boring when you have already read the preceding books - but we don’t even get a physical description of either of them. Imogen and Adrian are supposed to be in love but most of the time they don’t even seem to like each other. Early on, there’s a line about Imogen loving to watch him squirm. Hardly a marker of a loving adult relationship. She spends an inordinate amount of time obsessing about their situation, which was incredibly boring. They are both so immature and cowardly that the non-stop angst on both sides was just tedious. One stereotypical damaged detective is bad enough, but two just detracts from any enjoyment of the mystery.
Both Imogen and Adrian are completely unprofessional - putting their selfish desire to keep working together over their responsibilities as police officers. They lie, cover for each other and ignore obvious problems out of fear that their seniors will separate them. Their thinking is so dysfunctional that when a witness dies in front of them, her main thought is “oh no how will we solve the case now?” - not once but twice! Adrian is obsessed with saving the titular woman from the water, but doesn’t seem to care who else he puts at risk by his actions. Yeah yeah, I get it, traumatic childhood, transference, trying to undo past damage, I might’ve had more sympathy if I were more invested in the characters but this just felt like a replica of umpteen other broken protagonists. His seniors are hardly blameless, he should’ve been taken off the case as soon as he punched a suspect!
On the positive side, this is well plotted and paced, with some brave twists from the author that we don’t commonly see in crime fiction - I can’t say more without spoilers but something happens which will change the tone of this series forever - I would be interested to know what happens next, but not sure that I want to read more. The writing is pedestrian at best, and clumsy in places with words and phrases used that don’t mean what she thinks they do. As I said earlier, these criticisms don’t seem to bother all the people who made this a bestseller so if they’re not the sort of things you mind, please do give it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Woman in the Water is available now.
I really don’t like reading series out of order, and this book reinforced all the reasons why. I’ll admit that sometimes I have been introduced to a new favourite series by reading one at random, and then going back to the beginning. Sometimes I then think that I would not have continued had I started with the first book, eg Jo Nesbo or Robert Crais, but this is not going to be one of those cases as I really didn’t like either of the main characters.
DS Adrian Miles is driving home when he notices a commotion by a river. Stopping to investigate, he finds a woman on the bank, barely alive, and after following her to the hospital, takes on the case alongside his partner and secret girlfriend, DS Imogen Grey. When another body is found in the river, the team suspect the woman’s husband, a wealthy building contractor, but she refuses to testify against him, out of fear for her life. How will they stop him when they have no evidence and everyone he encounters is terrified of him?
This book has lots of high ratings from both my GR friends and other readers, as do the earlier books, so I’m aware that the things that bothered me are clearly not a problem for most readers, but I’m going to report them anyway as that’s what an honest review is for, and you can then make up your own mind.
It doesn’t help that I am completely over abusive husband plotlines - that’s not the book’s fault - I should’ve researched this more carefully before requesting it.
So, I can understand why a publisher might want a book to look like a stand-alone when it’s not, to not put off readers like me from trying it. The problem is being introduced to characters with major history, both separately and together, with minimal recap - I get that too much gets boring when you have already read the preceding books - but we don’t even get a physical description of either of them. Imogen and Adrian are supposed to be in love but most of the time they don’t even seem to like each other. Early on, there’s a line about Imogen loving to watch him squirm. Hardly a marker of a loving adult relationship. She spends an inordinate amount of time obsessing about their situation, which was incredibly boring. They are both so immature and cowardly that the non-stop angst on both sides was just tedious. One stereotypical damaged detective is bad enough, but two just detracts from any enjoyment of the mystery.
Both Imogen and Adrian are completely unprofessional - putting their selfish desire to keep working together over their responsibilities as police officers. They lie, cover for each other and ignore obvious problems out of fear that their seniors will separate them. Their thinking is so dysfunctional that when a witness dies in front of them, her main thought is “oh no how will we solve the case now?” - not once but twice! Adrian is obsessed with saving the titular woman from the water, but doesn’t seem to care who else he puts at risk by his actions. Yeah yeah, I get it, traumatic childhood, transference, trying to undo past damage, I might’ve had more sympathy if I were more invested in the characters but this just felt like a replica of umpteen other broken protagonists. His seniors are hardly blameless, he should’ve been taken off the case as soon as he punched a suspect!
On the positive side, this is well plotted and paced, with some brave twists from the author that we don’t commonly see in crime fiction - I can’t say more without spoilers but something happens which will change the tone of this series forever - I would be interested to know what happens next, but not sure that I want to read more. The writing is pedestrian at best, and clumsy in places with words and phrases used that don’t mean what she thinks they do. As I said earlier, these criticisms don’t seem to bother all the people who made this a bestseller so if they’re not the sort of things you mind, please do give it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Woman in the Water is available now.
November 11, 2019
I have read all the previous books in the series and enjoyed them all but I thought this was much weaker and found it to be just an ok read. Following the rescue from the water of Angela Corrigan and later on the discovery of a dead body of a man, what followed was a tale of domestic abuse, corruption and rape so it was a very dark, unsavoury story. Interspersed in the storytelling was the point of view of Angela who told her sorry tale but I don’t feel her version of events added anything very much as it largely repeated what we already knew. Most of the characters in the story were not likeable, especially Reece Corrigan who was a cruel bully and a manipulative liar. However, he seemed to be a stereotype of a villain. Some of the events described seems to beggar belief especially the suicide of Leo Quick which I thought was somewhat ludicrous.
The aspect of the book that irritated me the most was the constant questioning first of all from DS Imogen Grey about her relationship with Adrian Miles but this was a constant feature throughout the book. We seemed to go round in circles over their relationship and all we got was footprints and nothing of substance. Some of the dialogue wasn’t very convincing either as some of the statements seems so obvious they just appeared to be filling pages or it felt wooden. . I should have felt tension, menace and suspense from some of the scenes but I didn’t. I did feel disgust at some points which I was clearly meant to but apart from that I felt the plotting was an A to B plod as for quite a considerable amount of time the story didn’t seem to go anywhere. Sorry this one was not for me.
The aspect of the book that irritated me the most was the constant questioning first of all from DS Imogen Grey about her relationship with Adrian Miles but this was a constant feature throughout the book. We seemed to go round in circles over their relationship and all we got was footprints and nothing of substance. Some of the dialogue wasn’t very convincing either as some of the statements seems so obvious they just appeared to be filling pages or it felt wooden. . I should have felt tension, menace and suspense from some of the scenes but I didn’t. I did feel disgust at some points which I was clearly meant to but apart from that I felt the plotting was an A to B plod as for quite a considerable amount of time the story didn’t seem to go anywhere. Sorry this one was not for me.
January 29, 2020
The latest instalment in the Detectives Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles series was so brilliantly gripping and disturbingly tough in certain sections, that even for a first time reader to this author was really effected by the traumatic event - so I can only imagine how strong that one aspect of this book would have been for those that have been reading from the beginning...
The central mystery to this case of a near to death women found submerged in the icy water, once taken to hospital she's claims that she has no recollection of either her name or how she become so close to death.
I really liked the relationship between the two main characters, though would probably have appreciated them even more if I'd read the development during the earlier novels.
Nevertheless this compelling short chapter thriller with an added sinister tone instantly appealed to me.
Will be adding the first to my list!
The central mystery to this case of a near to death women found submerged in the icy water, once taken to hospital she's claims that she has no recollection of either her name or how she become so close to death.
I really liked the relationship between the two main characters, though would probably have appreciated them even more if I'd read the development during the earlier novels.
Nevertheless this compelling short chapter thriller with an added sinister tone instantly appealed to me.
Will be adding the first to my list!
December 5, 2019
I just finished reading Woman in the Water, by author Katerina Diamond -
From Avon Books UK
First of all I must state that I have not read anything from this author before, and it will not be my last!
A great writing style, which kept me engaged throughout the book. Quite a few shocking elements, and some brutally hard to handle crime, that is very descriptive.
Fear, danger and control with lots of evil. All together a very good book.
Thanks to the author, and Avon Books UK for my advanced copy.
#NetGalley
From Avon Books UK
First of all I must state that I have not read anything from this author before, and it will not be my last!
A great writing style, which kept me engaged throughout the book. Quite a few shocking elements, and some brutally hard to handle crime, that is very descriptive.
Fear, danger and control with lots of evil. All together a very good book.
Thanks to the author, and Avon Books UK for my advanced copy.
#NetGalley
November 8, 2019
Detectives Miles and Grey #6
A woman is found, half submerged and badly beaten in an icy river. Shes still alive. She claims that she has no memory of whom she and what happened to her. But then another body is found close to where she was found. The difference is in this case, the police know who committed the crime, they just can't prove it. No one will speak out. They're too afraid.
This is a very dark and at times a disturbing read. The book covers domestic abuse, rape and violence so it wont sit everybody. Its a difficult story to read in places. The story is full of twist and turns. Theres not a lot more I can say about this book as I don't want to spoil it for potential readers. Katerina Diamond has truly did justice to this taboo subject matter. The final reveal shocked the socks off me. I do recommend this book but it's not for the faint hearted. Even if you are a fan.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Katerina Diamond for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A woman is found, half submerged and badly beaten in an icy river. Shes still alive. She claims that she has no memory of whom she and what happened to her. But then another body is found close to where she was found. The difference is in this case, the police know who committed the crime, they just can't prove it. No one will speak out. They're too afraid.
This is a very dark and at times a disturbing read. The book covers domestic abuse, rape and violence so it wont sit everybody. Its a difficult story to read in places. The story is full of twist and turns. Theres not a lot more I can say about this book as I don't want to spoil it for potential readers. Katerina Diamond has truly did justice to this taboo subject matter. The final reveal shocked the socks off me. I do recommend this book but it's not for the faint hearted. Even if you are a fan.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Katerina Diamond for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2019
Woman in the Water is the sixth instalment in the riveting DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles series, based in Exeter. The long, exhausting working day has finally ended for Adrian Miles and he is on his way home for some rest and relaxation when he discovers something in the water. Eager to see what exactly it is he realises that it is a woman; she is in bad shape and barely hanging on but still very much alive. She is rushed to the hospital where she is questioned as to what happened to her and how she had gotten to the spot she was found in and she appears to have no recollection of any of it but more worryingly she can't remember her name or who she is but Imogen doesn't fully trust her word. When she is told that another body was found right next to her she suspiciously does a runner from her hospital bed. Has she herself got something to do with this or is she merely scared or in fear of someone? Only time will tell.
This is a riveting novel with a disturbing and unsettling subject matter which highlights the immense damage of domestic violence. As someone who has witnessed both the short-term and long-term effects of violence in the home, I can vouch for the authenticity of the portrayal; it is clear Ms Diamond has thoroughly researched the topic. It is an interesting and captivating story albeit an emotional, heart-wrenching one and the twists and turns are done superbly with a lot of surprises and reveals throughout. The ending was the very definition of explosive and one I certainly did not see coming. This series continues to go from strength to strength and this is up there with some of the most thrilling reads in the genre. If you enjoy dark, twisted and unputdownable crime thrillers then this is a must-read. I eagerly await book number six. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
This is a riveting novel with a disturbing and unsettling subject matter which highlights the immense damage of domestic violence. As someone who has witnessed both the short-term and long-term effects of violence in the home, I can vouch for the authenticity of the portrayal; it is clear Ms Diamond has thoroughly researched the topic. It is an interesting and captivating story albeit an emotional, heart-wrenching one and the twists and turns are done superbly with a lot of surprises and reveals throughout. The ending was the very definition of explosive and one I certainly did not see coming. This series continues to go from strength to strength and this is up there with some of the most thrilling reads in the genre. If you enjoy dark, twisted and unputdownable crime thrillers then this is a must-read. I eagerly await book number six. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
January 12, 2021
Firstly - I am DEVASTATED this is over! I'm going to be so lost not reading another book with Imogen and Adrian in! Does anyone know when the next one is out? It already feels too long!!
This book actually kind of broke me. The attack in this book was graphic, and to come through the rest of the books with Adrian and Imogen it felt even more heartbreaking. Seeing the relationship between them slowly break as Adrian tries to come to terms with what happened. This book shows a whole new side to him, it's so sad. I have so much hope in the next book he confides in Imogen.
The way this story ends, how Adrian is feeling and the 'excitement' at the thought of revenge makes me think that Parker might be back in one of the next books. Maybe Parker will help Adrian get his revenge, and help him figure out how to live life after something so awful.
Katerina has such a way with her books, they bring out so many emotions. After each book I'm gutted it's over, wanting to start the next straight away. I hope the next book is released soon, I need to know what is next for Adrian and Imogen.
This book actually kind of broke me. The attack in this book was graphic, and to come through the rest of the books with Adrian and Imogen it felt even more heartbreaking. Seeing the relationship between them slowly break as Adrian tries to come to terms with what happened. This book shows a whole new side to him, it's so sad. I have so much hope in the next book he confides in Imogen.
The way this story ends, how Adrian is feeling and the 'excitement' at the thought of revenge makes me think that Parker might be back in one of the next books. Maybe Parker will help Adrian get his revenge, and help him figure out how to live life after something so awful.
Katerina has such a way with her books, they bring out so many emotions. After each book I'm gutted it's over, wanting to start the next straight away. I hope the next book is released soon, I need to know what is next for Adrian and Imogen.
September 15, 2019
I found The Woman in the Water to be an engaging page turner for the most part- I probably suffered somewhat from only dipping in and out of this series but overall it was an intriguing plot with the dark heart that this author brings to all her novels and which appeals to me greatly.
In all honesty though I can't say this is my favourite of the books. I had a love hate relationship with it all the way through for reasons that are highly subjective.
On the huge plus side a subject is tackled here that is not given nearly enough of a voice in fiction- it is done with insight and sensitivity, giving an alternative view on an emotional and relevant subject. Huge points for that. I also enjoyed the "Will they catch him" rather than "whodunnit" central plot and the villain of the piece was truly villainous.
On the personal negative side for this reader, Adrian is irrationally irritating, I found myself feeling quite guilty for finding him so. In fact I found the whole romantic relationship between him and Imogen very irritating as well as their constant need to discuss it every two minutes. Their behaviour bordered on idiotic on several occasions. It did take away from the enjoyment of the rest for me because I spent a lot of time telling them to shut up. Out loud. Just me that does that?
Overall though the good outweighed the bad and the next book promises to shake things up a bit. I'll look forward to it.
In all honesty though I can't say this is my favourite of the books. I had a love hate relationship with it all the way through for reasons that are highly subjective.
On the huge plus side a subject is tackled here that is not given nearly enough of a voice in fiction- it is done with insight and sensitivity, giving an alternative view on an emotional and relevant subject. Huge points for that. I also enjoyed the "Will they catch him" rather than "whodunnit" central plot and the villain of the piece was truly villainous.
On the personal negative side for this reader, Adrian is irrationally irritating, I found myself feeling quite guilty for finding him so. In fact I found the whole romantic relationship between him and Imogen very irritating as well as their constant need to discuss it every two minutes. Their behaviour bordered on idiotic on several occasions. It did take away from the enjoyment of the rest for me because I spent a lot of time telling them to shut up. Out loud. Just me that does that?
Overall though the good outweighed the bad and the next book promises to shake things up a bit. I'll look forward to it.
February 10, 2020
I can't really say a lot about this book without spoiling it but what I can say is -- What a read!
While I had enjoying the last 5 books in this series, this one is a book I'm gonna be thinking (and having nightmares) about for a long time.
A truly horrifyingly heart-stopping read!
Sure, I've cried at books before, but never have I had a book that has affected me like this one.
Through this author's excellent writing and gripping storyline, I found myself emotionally invested in both the characters and with what was going on.
Yes I smiled at some moments, but I also was angry, disheartened, and even sick at many times throughout this book. I felt so much hatred for the villain of the story, while so much anger and empathy for the victim(s). Despite of this, I was unable to tear myself away from the book, I was desperate to get to the end. To get a happy ending. And I wasn't disappointed.
Overall a read that was so dark and violent, but also so addictive!
This one is gonna haunt me for a long time, but is just superbly written by the author! Bravo!
While I had enjoying the last 5 books in this series, this one is a book I'm gonna be thinking (and having nightmares) about for a long time.
A truly horrifyingly heart-stopping read!
Sure, I've cried at books before, but never have I had a book that has affected me like this one.
Through this author's excellent writing and gripping storyline, I found myself emotionally invested in both the characters and with what was going on.
Yes I smiled at some moments, but I also was angry, disheartened, and even sick at many times throughout this book. I felt so much hatred for the villain of the story, while so much anger and empathy for the victim(s). Despite of this, I was unable to tear myself away from the book, I was desperate to get to the end. To get a happy ending. And I wasn't disappointed.
Overall a read that was so dark and violent, but also so addictive!
This one is gonna haunt me for a long time, but is just superbly written by the author! Bravo!
December 18, 2019
I knew when I requested WOMAN IN THE WATER that was the sixth in the DS Imogen Grey series and, although I prefer to read a series in order and having only read the first book
"The Teacher"
, it didn't deter me from reading it in this case. Why? Because Katerina Diamond always knows how to pack a punch! And I knew it would be worth the read regardless...and I wasn't wrong.
TRIGGER WARNING:
Domestic violence and rape.
DS Adrian Miles was on his way home one evening when he was sequestered by a group of women standing by a bridge. Upon investigating he discovered the body of a woman who had been badly beaten partially submerged in the icy water. What is even more surprising is that she is still alive! She is taken directly to hospital where she remains under police guard but when questioned they discover that she has no recollection of who she is, what happened or how she ended up in the river. But the bruises and marks on her body tell the tale of a woman in an abusive relationship. Having been the one to initially pull her to safety, Adrian feels somewhat responsible for the young woman and pledges to find out who she is and what happened to her.
When the badly mutilated body of a dead male is discovered in the river close by to where their "Jane Doe" was found, Adrian and Imogen are then tasked with the investigation into his murder. The similarities of their wounds and the close proximity in which they were both found leads the pair to believe they are related. After questioning Jane Doe in the hospital once again with the photo of the male, she claims no knowledge as to his identity or how he got there. A short time later, Jane Doe absconds from the hospital and, with no idea who she is or where she has run to (or from), Adrian and Imogen have no way of tracking her down.
When the male is soon identified as missing man Simon Glover, investigations lead them to Leon Quick with whom Simon had worked alongside at a construction company in Exeter some six months previously. But when Adrian and Imogen arrive to question Leon, he is so clearly terrified that instead of revealing why, he picks up a knife and stabs himself in the chest, bleeding out in Imogen's arms. What had Leon so terrified that he would much rather die than tell them?
Deeper digging lead them to Corrigan Construction, where both men were previously employed, and initial questioning at the company point them in the direction of their founder and managing director, Reece Corrigan. When Adrian and Imogen knock on his door they didn't expect to recognise the woman coming down the staircase as their Jane Doe. All traces of her battered body covered by expensive designer clothing, Angela Corrigan pretends to have never seen the two police detectives before. Her face is a mask of stony indifference. Picking up her silent pleas, Adrian and Imogen play along with her charade knowing she must have a very good reason for her pretense.
It is clear from the outset that Angela is a battered wife so the pair know to tread carefully in cases such as these. However, it also strikes somewhat closer to home for Adrian with his own family past and this causes him to take the case personally...especially when it comes to Angela's safety. He still feels responsible for her. So watching the house, they wait for Reece to leave before returning to question Angela alone. But they are up against years of conditioning to even come close to breaking down the walls Angela has built up around herself. And no matter how much they question her, or their promises to keep her safe, Angela refuses to help...knowing that there is nothing anyone can do. This is her life. This is her fate. Helping her will only cost other people dearly...just as it had cost Simon his life.
It is clear from this point on that Reece Corrigan is guilty as sin but the question is how do they get him without putting Angela in harm's way? His obvious methods of abuse have kept her in line for years, he knows she won't step out of it now. The man is a narcissistic piece of work who knows no boundaries when it comes to protecting his status, his life and his position. He really believes he is untouchable...and what's more important is that Angela also believes he is untouchable. When deeper investigations reveal that anyone who tried to befriend or help Angela came off second best...by losing a limb, through an accident on site, or even losing their life. Angela knew this and refused to help police for fear of what that would mean for them.
But Adrian refuses to back down. He will not let a bully like Corrigan intimidate him or get away with abusing his wife. He resolves to find a way to get Corrigan one way or another and sets about digging into his financials, his business and his past. But Adrian has underestimated Corrigan's power, just as Angela had feared he would, and one night when walking home from the pub he senses someone following him. Too late, he is beaten and bundled into a van. Who are these people? What do they want with him? When realisation dawns, Adrian knows he must accept his fate if is to get out of this alive.
In the midst of everything is the relationship between Adrian and Imogen. They are partners, they are best friends and now they are lovers. But it is still secret. Or is it? It seems more than one person has cottoned on to thei "not-so-secret" relationship, so what does this mean for their partnership? Even more so, what does this for their relationship? I did get a little irritated with Imogen constantly second guessing and questioning their relationship. It just seemed to go in circles and never go anywhere. It was a little annoying. But on the other hand, I wish Adrian would confide in Imogen. I really don't see why he doesn't. I know I'm not a man and don't think like they do, but doesn't it go without saying? Especially when they resolved to keep no secrets from each other.
One of my favourite aspects with this series, as well as Diamond's writing style, is that she gives us all aspects of the story while still keeping just enough hidden from full view. I love how we get not only the police procedural side of the investigation but also the various other players in the story. I feel it gives the whole story more depth rather than just a wooden procedural that tells readers nothing else but the investigation. And I especially loved the "alternate" chapters from Angela's perspective as we got to catch a glimpse into her world and just how confining it really is.
While I haven't read any of the books in between I still found WOMAN IN THE WATER easy to follow and completely addictive. I may not have all the backstory of each of the characters and I honestly don't remember DS Adrian Miles had he featured in "The Teacher" , but even so, this did not deter my enjoyment of this compelling thriller at all. It has prompted me to try to find time to catch up on them.
A hard-hitting police procedural that pulls no punches, WOMAN IN THE WATER is gripping from the very start. It is fast-paced with short snappy chapters that leave you wanting more as you continue to turn pages long into the night.
It is incredibly difficult to review this book without giving away any spoilers and even though we know who the bad guy is throughout much of the story, we are still treated to a massive twist at the end with a surprise revelation most will not see coming! Admittedly, I had begun to piece it together...but only towards the end...and only through some weird coincidence in thinking that there had to be something else - something so shocking under normal circumstances that would seem right at home in a Katerina Diamond thriller. And she did not disappoint. That was a twist and it was shocking...but it was brilliant!
If you love your thrillers or police procedurals dark, disturbing and twisted, then you will love WOMAN IN THE WATER! It's Katerina Diamond at her best...even though I've only read one other. I loved this book, aside from the few flaws, as I think the rest of the book far outweighs them anyway. I look forward to seeing where her next book in this series takes us.
Highly recommend!!
I would like to thank #KaterinaDiamond, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #WomanInTheWater in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
TRIGGER WARNING:
Domestic violence and rape.
DS Adrian Miles was on his way home one evening when he was sequestered by a group of women standing by a bridge. Upon investigating he discovered the body of a woman who had been badly beaten partially submerged in the icy water. What is even more surprising is that she is still alive! She is taken directly to hospital where she remains under police guard but when questioned they discover that she has no recollection of who she is, what happened or how she ended up in the river. But the bruises and marks on her body tell the tale of a woman in an abusive relationship. Having been the one to initially pull her to safety, Adrian feels somewhat responsible for the young woman and pledges to find out who she is and what happened to her.
When the badly mutilated body of a dead male is discovered in the river close by to where their "Jane Doe" was found, Adrian and Imogen are then tasked with the investigation into his murder. The similarities of their wounds and the close proximity in which they were both found leads the pair to believe they are related. After questioning Jane Doe in the hospital once again with the photo of the male, she claims no knowledge as to his identity or how he got there. A short time later, Jane Doe absconds from the hospital and, with no idea who she is or where she has run to (or from), Adrian and Imogen have no way of tracking her down.
When the male is soon identified as missing man Simon Glover, investigations lead them to Leon Quick with whom Simon had worked alongside at a construction company in Exeter some six months previously. But when Adrian and Imogen arrive to question Leon, he is so clearly terrified that instead of revealing why, he picks up a knife and stabs himself in the chest, bleeding out in Imogen's arms. What had Leon so terrified that he would much rather die than tell them?
Deeper digging lead them to Corrigan Construction, where both men were previously employed, and initial questioning at the company point them in the direction of their founder and managing director, Reece Corrigan. When Adrian and Imogen knock on his door they didn't expect to recognise the woman coming down the staircase as their Jane Doe. All traces of her battered body covered by expensive designer clothing, Angela Corrigan pretends to have never seen the two police detectives before. Her face is a mask of stony indifference. Picking up her silent pleas, Adrian and Imogen play along with her charade knowing she must have a very good reason for her pretense.
It is clear from the outset that Angela is a battered wife so the pair know to tread carefully in cases such as these. However, it also strikes somewhat closer to home for Adrian with his own family past and this causes him to take the case personally...especially when it comes to Angela's safety. He still feels responsible for her. So watching the house, they wait for Reece to leave before returning to question Angela alone. But they are up against years of conditioning to even come close to breaking down the walls Angela has built up around herself. And no matter how much they question her, or their promises to keep her safe, Angela refuses to help...knowing that there is nothing anyone can do. This is her life. This is her fate. Helping her will only cost other people dearly...just as it had cost Simon his life.
It is clear from this point on that Reece Corrigan is guilty as sin but the question is how do they get him without putting Angela in harm's way? His obvious methods of abuse have kept her in line for years, he knows she won't step out of it now. The man is a narcissistic piece of work who knows no boundaries when it comes to protecting his status, his life and his position. He really believes he is untouchable...and what's more important is that Angela also believes he is untouchable. When deeper investigations reveal that anyone who tried to befriend or help Angela came off second best...by losing a limb, through an accident on site, or even losing their life. Angela knew this and refused to help police for fear of what that would mean for them.
But Adrian refuses to back down. He will not let a bully like Corrigan intimidate him or get away with abusing his wife. He resolves to find a way to get Corrigan one way or another and sets about digging into his financials, his business and his past. But Adrian has underestimated Corrigan's power, just as Angela had feared he would, and one night when walking home from the pub he senses someone following him. Too late, he is beaten and bundled into a van. Who are these people? What do they want with him? When realisation dawns, Adrian knows he must accept his fate if is to get out of this alive.
In the midst of everything is the relationship between Adrian and Imogen. They are partners, they are best friends and now they are lovers. But it is still secret. Or is it? It seems more than one person has cottoned on to thei "not-so-secret" relationship, so what does this mean for their partnership? Even more so, what does this for their relationship? I did get a little irritated with Imogen constantly second guessing and questioning their relationship. It just seemed to go in circles and never go anywhere. It was a little annoying. But on the other hand, I wish Adrian would confide in Imogen. I really don't see why he doesn't. I know I'm not a man and don't think like they do, but doesn't it go without saying? Especially when they resolved to keep no secrets from each other.
One of my favourite aspects with this series, as well as Diamond's writing style, is that she gives us all aspects of the story while still keeping just enough hidden from full view. I love how we get not only the police procedural side of the investigation but also the various other players in the story. I feel it gives the whole story more depth rather than just a wooden procedural that tells readers nothing else but the investigation. And I especially loved the "alternate" chapters from Angela's perspective as we got to catch a glimpse into her world and just how confining it really is.
While I haven't read any of the books in between I still found WOMAN IN THE WATER easy to follow and completely addictive. I may not have all the backstory of each of the characters and I honestly don't remember DS Adrian Miles had he featured in "The Teacher" , but even so, this did not deter my enjoyment of this compelling thriller at all. It has prompted me to try to find time to catch up on them.
A hard-hitting police procedural that pulls no punches, WOMAN IN THE WATER is gripping from the very start. It is fast-paced with short snappy chapters that leave you wanting more as you continue to turn pages long into the night.
It is incredibly difficult to review this book without giving away any spoilers and even though we know who the bad guy is throughout much of the story, we are still treated to a massive twist at the end with a surprise revelation most will not see coming! Admittedly, I had begun to piece it together...but only towards the end...and only through some weird coincidence in thinking that there had to be something else - something so shocking under normal circumstances that would seem right at home in a Katerina Diamond thriller. And she did not disappoint. That was a twist and it was shocking...but it was brilliant!
If you love your thrillers or police procedurals dark, disturbing and twisted, then you will love WOMAN IN THE WATER! It's Katerina Diamond at her best...even though I've only read one other. I loved this book, aside from the few flaws, as I think the rest of the book far outweighs them anyway. I look forward to seeing where her next book in this series takes us.
Highly recommend!!
I would like to thank #KaterinaDiamond, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #WomanInTheWater in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 9, 2019
Woman in the Water by Katerina Diamond is the 6th in the Imogen Grey detective series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, 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)
DS Imogen Grey, and her partner DS Adrian Miles don’t always play be the rules, but they are both top-notch detectives. They have learned to trust one another. Their relationship is complicated. Their boss, DCI Mira Kapoor is relatively new, but they have learned to trust her, but the jury is still out on DI Matt Walsh.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Adrian saves a woman who was half submerged in the icy river, but she is uncooperative, stating she doesn't know her name or know how she ended up in the water. Her body shows signs of abuse, and she seems terrified. The body of a dead man is found further down the river.
By identifying the man, they hope to identify the woman....who disappears from the hospital. When they find the man's old boss, they discover that his wife is their missing woman. They are sure that her husband is abusing her, but the woman still refuses to co-operate. It is starting to look like the husband is a bully, in both his work and home life, and thinks he is above the law.
Adrian is having problems with this case. All he wants to do is save this woman from any more harm. Reminiscent of his own home, where his mother was the abused woman, this case quickly becomes personal, and Adrian starts taunting the husband, just as he had taunted his father in hopes that his mother would be spared. This does not go exactly as planned.
Meanwhile, Adrian and Imogen have taken their relationship to the next level, but it is still secret. However, this case may put an end to many things. Secrets are never good.
My Opinions:
First, read these books in order, as the background of the characters is important.
Second, I think this is one of the police procedural series out there. I love the writing, and the author's descriptions are graphic and leave little to the imagination. I love the characters, who are gritty, and very "real". I still don't like relationships between co-workers. However, the author makes this work.
As I've noted before, the author has no problem dealing with difficult topics, but WOW. She really stunned me in this one, she has made a gutsy move. We went from spousal abuse, to bullying, to rape. It's a somewhat dark tale. Without giving anything away, to say that the twists surprised me is an understatement. To say it made the book even more interesting, well, that goes without saying. It was an emotional read.
I cannot wait to see where Katerina Diamond takes us next.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, 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)
DS Imogen Grey, and her partner DS Adrian Miles don’t always play be the rules, but they are both top-notch detectives. They have learned to trust one another. Their relationship is complicated. Their boss, DCI Mira Kapoor is relatively new, but they have learned to trust her, but the jury is still out on DI Matt Walsh.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Adrian saves a woman who was half submerged in the icy river, but she is uncooperative, stating she doesn't know her name or know how she ended up in the water. Her body shows signs of abuse, and she seems terrified. The body of a dead man is found further down the river.
By identifying the man, they hope to identify the woman....who disappears from the hospital. When they find the man's old boss, they discover that his wife is their missing woman. They are sure that her husband is abusing her, but the woman still refuses to co-operate. It is starting to look like the husband is a bully, in both his work and home life, and thinks he is above the law.
Adrian is having problems with this case. All he wants to do is save this woman from any more harm. Reminiscent of his own home, where his mother was the abused woman, this case quickly becomes personal, and Adrian starts taunting the husband, just as he had taunted his father in hopes that his mother would be spared. This does not go exactly as planned.
Meanwhile, Adrian and Imogen have taken their relationship to the next level, but it is still secret. However, this case may put an end to many things. Secrets are never good.
My Opinions:
First, read these books in order, as the background of the characters is important.
Second, I think this is one of the police procedural series out there. I love the writing, and the author's descriptions are graphic and leave little to the imagination. I love the characters, who are gritty, and very "real". I still don't like relationships between co-workers. However, the author makes this work.
As I've noted before, the author has no problem dealing with difficult topics, but WOW. She really stunned me in this one, she has made a gutsy move. We went from spousal abuse, to bullying, to rape. It's a somewhat dark tale. Without giving anything away, to say that the twists surprised me is an understatement. To say it made the book even more interesting, well, that goes without saying. It was an emotional read.
I cannot wait to see where Katerina Diamond takes us next.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 12, 2020
3.5 stars
Waffling on my rating as I do want to read the next book if one becomes available.
This is a good but disturbing read - spousal abuse, trauma, rape and PTSD. I have not read the previous books in the series that lead to the relationship between DSI partners Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. They have not made the relationship public - they have not made it to the point of ILYs or moving in with each other.
Adrian discovers a woman's body a river on his way home from work. As he was trying to retrieve the body, he finds out that the woman is still alive and brutally beaten. He takes the case personally because of his childhood. As the investigation into the case continues, Imogen and Adrian's relationship is tested
Unsure if there will be more books in the series. Wondering if we will see Adrian going off the rails, if the couple's relationship continues, and how Imogen handles a new partner.
Waffling on my rating as I do want to read the next book if one becomes available.
This is a good but disturbing read - spousal abuse, trauma, rape and PTSD. I have not read the previous books in the series that lead to the relationship between DSI partners Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. They have not made the relationship public - they have not made it to the point of ILYs or moving in with each other.
Adrian discovers a woman's body a river on his way home from work. As he was trying to retrieve the body, he finds out that the woman is still alive and brutally beaten. He takes the case personally because of his childhood. As the investigation into the case continues, Imogen and Adrian's relationship is tested
Unsure if there will be more books in the series. Wondering if we will see Adrian going off the rails, if the couple's relationship continues, and how Imogen handles a new partner.
November 6, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Katerina Diamond and Avon Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars
Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence and rape
Woman In The Water was an intriguing read. I really enjoyed Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. I felt an almost instant connection with this and it felt easy and light to do so. I could easily read this whole series about them. They are one of the more interesting duos in books such as these, that I've read in a while. You never really know which way the story will turn next. It keeps you on your toes and the ending felt satisfactory. I would definitely read more books written by this author, Katerina Diamond.
4 stars
Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence and rape
Woman In The Water was an intriguing read. I really enjoyed Detectives Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. I felt an almost instant connection with this and it felt easy and light to do so. I could easily read this whole series about them. They are one of the more interesting duos in books such as these, that I've read in a while. You never really know which way the story will turn next. It keeps you on your toes and the ending felt satisfactory. I would definitely read more books written by this author, Katerina Diamond.
October 23, 2019
A woman in the water by Katerina Diamond is the 6th Book in the Detective Miles and Grey series and I must confess that I have only read one other in the series. This book is a shocker of a book. So, it is not for the faint hearted. This can be read as a standalone.
Detective Adrian Miles is called to a Woman’s body in the water to only find out that she is still alive. Adrian pulls her out of the water in front of onlookers and is filmed and the footage is later found online. Another body is found later, also in the river but unfortunately the man is brutally murdered.
Detective Miles with Grey visits the woman in the hospital. She can’t remember what happened to her. She has clearly been beaten up by someone and left for dead. But they can’t believe that no one has come forward to find out who she is or reported her missing. She then gives them both the slip and disappears from the hospital.
The only lead they have on the pair is Reece Corrigan. So, when they visit, they are surprised when they find the woman from the water Angela Corrigan is there. Now all dressed up like nothing has happened and she doesn’t want to go any further with the investigation. But something is not right and when they delve into Reece Corrigan’s past. They find out that people on his pay role seem to go missing helping Angela and Corrigan seems to be getting away with it.
This is quite a violent, graphic novel of corruption, abuse and rape which wasn’t easy to read but, as this was a hard-hitting subject, I thought the author wrote this well and true to form. This is a great read.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this book.
Detective Adrian Miles is called to a Woman’s body in the water to only find out that she is still alive. Adrian pulls her out of the water in front of onlookers and is filmed and the footage is later found online. Another body is found later, also in the river but unfortunately the man is brutally murdered.
Detective Miles with Grey visits the woman in the hospital. She can’t remember what happened to her. She has clearly been beaten up by someone and left for dead. But they can’t believe that no one has come forward to find out who she is or reported her missing. She then gives them both the slip and disappears from the hospital.
The only lead they have on the pair is Reece Corrigan. So, when they visit, they are surprised when they find the woman from the water Angela Corrigan is there. Now all dressed up like nothing has happened and she doesn’t want to go any further with the investigation. But something is not right and when they delve into Reece Corrigan’s past. They find out that people on his pay role seem to go missing helping Angela and Corrigan seems to be getting away with it.
This is quite a violent, graphic novel of corruption, abuse and rape which wasn’t easy to read but, as this was a hard-hitting subject, I thought the author wrote this well and true to form. This is a great read.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this book.
August 24, 2019
Another amazing instalment in this dark and very violent crime series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly fast paced, well written and had lots of twists and turns.
It is incredibly dark and violent. This book series really isn't for the faint hearted because of the potentially triggering subject matter. They are definitely not thrillers that I recommend to everyone but if you can handle a dark messed up book, this series is a great read.
I really liked how this book dealt with mental health particularly PTSD. I think it did so in a very thoughtful and respectful way. Its nice to see mental health rep in thrillers.
This is the 6th book in this series and I'm now desperate for the next book. I don't know if or when the next book in the series will be released but the ending, omg, I need more.
Overall, if you can handle dark violent crime thrillers, I would really recommend this book and the rest of the series.
TW: graphic rape, graphic domestic abuse, violent, graphic suicide and incest
I really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly fast paced, well written and had lots of twists and turns.
It is incredibly dark and violent. This book series really isn't for the faint hearted because of the potentially triggering subject matter. They are definitely not thrillers that I recommend to everyone but if you can handle a dark messed up book, this series is a great read.
I really liked how this book dealt with mental health particularly PTSD. I think it did so in a very thoughtful and respectful way. Its nice to see mental health rep in thrillers.
This is the 6th book in this series and I'm now desperate for the next book. I don't know if or when the next book in the series will be released but the ending, omg, I need more.
Overall, if you can handle dark violent crime thrillers, I would really recommend this book and the rest of the series.
TW: graphic rape, graphic domestic abuse, violent, graphic suicide and incest
November 29, 2020
5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me but definitely not one for the faint hearted! This novel deals with male rape, domestic abuse and incest, all dark and harrowing themes which are not dealt with lightly (some of the details about the sexual assault were fairly graphic). This book made uncomfortable reading at times but nevertheless the plot grips you so that you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I was saddened to see DS Miles broken and a shell of himself after the violent sexual attack and hoped throughout the novel that he would speak to DS Grey about what had happened. Another dark but gripping instalment in the series and I look forward to seeing what happens next for DS Miles and DS Grey 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2019
Warning -- this is not a crime thriller for the sensitive and delicate as it deals with some extremely graphic material that I can't elucidate as to avoid big spoilers. This book was, at times, difficult to read.
"People warn you about strangers, but no one warns you about the people you love, the people who say they love you."
DS Adrian Miles is driving along Glasshouse Lane when he notices a crowd by the wall of the riverside. He pulls over only to discover a woman in the water -- she's alive. The beaten and bruised woman is taken to the hospital where she refuses to give her name and says that she doesn't remember what happened to her. Soon after, the body of a young male is pulled from the same river and the woman vanishes from her hospital bed. Miles and his partner and lover, DS Imogen Grey, are very concerned over the fate of the abused woman and the police investigation into the murdered man (once he's identified) takes them into a situation that will change their lives forever. Their first shock is when they arrive at the home of a man they want to question about the dead male and find that the woman Adrian rescued is no other than Reece Corrigan's wife. Adrian feels drawn to Angela Corrigan because of his own experience with domestic abuse growing up and his reactions and behavior indicate he's close to going off the rails with this case. Things escalate quickly as the detectives discover that people who cross Reece Corrigan end up broken or dead. Can they get the evidence they need if no one will speak up or testify against him?
Wow, this was quite the intense read and I was almost gasping aloud as I sat glued to this book reading it cover to cover in a single sitting. I had no idea going into this one that it was part of a series as it's not listed as such so I had no previous exposure to either Adrian or Imogen. I didn't know their history or how their romantic relationship developed so it was somewhat difficult to relate to them as a couple given all their worries and problems being work mates as well as lovers. They were actually kind of irritating as they danced around their issues and insecurities, but I just sort of let that go since there were other overwhelming events that occurred to take the focus off romance. I must say that I have never read a story that contained this particular...I wish I could actually talk about it here, but I won't. I don't think I'll ever quite look at some things in the same way again having really not considered them before. The bad guy is really evil and the climax and conclusion were spectacular even as the end left room for a follow-up that I definitely want to read. There's a lot of repair and healing that needs to happen and I hope for the best! If you like a gritty thriller that makes you squirm, this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I definitely wish I'd started the series from the beginning rather to come in at book #6.
"People warn you about strangers, but no one warns you about the people you love, the people who say they love you."
DS Adrian Miles is driving along Glasshouse Lane when he notices a crowd by the wall of the riverside. He pulls over only to discover a woman in the water -- she's alive. The beaten and bruised woman is taken to the hospital where she refuses to give her name and says that she doesn't remember what happened to her. Soon after, the body of a young male is pulled from the same river and the woman vanishes from her hospital bed. Miles and his partner and lover, DS Imogen Grey, are very concerned over the fate of the abused woman and the police investigation into the murdered man (once he's identified) takes them into a situation that will change their lives forever. Their first shock is when they arrive at the home of a man they want to question about the dead male and find that the woman Adrian rescued is no other than Reece Corrigan's wife. Adrian feels drawn to Angela Corrigan because of his own experience with domestic abuse growing up and his reactions and behavior indicate he's close to going off the rails with this case. Things escalate quickly as the detectives discover that people who cross Reece Corrigan end up broken or dead. Can they get the evidence they need if no one will speak up or testify against him?
Wow, this was quite the intense read and I was almost gasping aloud as I sat glued to this book reading it cover to cover in a single sitting. I had no idea going into this one that it was part of a series as it's not listed as such so I had no previous exposure to either Adrian or Imogen. I didn't know their history or how their romantic relationship developed so it was somewhat difficult to relate to them as a couple given all their worries and problems being work mates as well as lovers. They were actually kind of irritating as they danced around their issues and insecurities, but I just sort of let that go since there were other overwhelming events that occurred to take the focus off romance. I must say that I have never read a story that contained this particular...I wish I could actually talk about it here, but I won't. I don't think I'll ever quite look at some things in the same way again having really not considered them before. The bad guy is really evil and the climax and conclusion were spectacular even as the end left room for a follow-up that I definitely want to read. There's a lot of repair and healing that needs to happen and I hope for the best! If you like a gritty thriller that makes you squirm, this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I definitely wish I'd started the series from the beginning rather to come in at book #6.
October 21, 2019
I very eagerly anticipated the release of Truth or Die earlier this year and thought it would be another year before the next book in the series came out. I was super happy to discover that Woman in the Water was also publishing this year. While I did enjoy it, I have some mixed feelings about it, as well.
I don’t know if it’s because the book was maybe rushed to release this year or if it’s because of a new editor (in the Acknowledgments the author mentions a former editor, so I’m assuming the editor of this book was different than the others), but the quality didn’t seem quite as good as the other books in the series. The dialogue felt a little awkward sometimes, there was a lot of repetition, and the mystery left a little to be desired.
That said, I love Adrian and Imogen and I was just happy to spend time with them. I knew since they finally got together in the previous book that there would have to be something to throw a wrench into their relationship this time around. And there is. First, Adrian loses his head a bit during the investigation, as it brings up a lot of bad memories from his childhood. Then, he ends up having something very traumatic happen to him. It’s hard to talk about without having spoilers, but it was very hard to read and most the rest of the book focuses on him trying to come to terms with it. In true Adrian fashion, he deals with it in the least emotionally healthy way possible, which includes lying to Imogen and pushing her away. While that was frustrating, I do think Adrian’s reactions were authentic and it is definitely an important topic.
I thought the mystery was intriguing and had a lot of potential, but it kind of failed to reach it. We’re told over and over how evil Reece is and I kept expecting something big to be revealed, but he was kind of your run of the mill bad guy. We never really get the motivation behind his particular brand of villainy and the big reveal at the end seemed tacked on for shock value instead of being a satisfying or shocking twist.
Overall, I loved spending more time with Adrian and Imogen, but Woman in the Water was not my favorite book of the series. The subject matter of what happened with Adrian is important and I thought it was pretty well done, but I wish a little more development went into the central mystery. The story ends with some big changes going forward and I’m eager to see how those develop. Though I didn’t enjoy this book as much I hoped to, I’m still a big Katerina Diamond fan and can’t wait to read more from her.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
I don’t know if it’s because the book was maybe rushed to release this year or if it’s because of a new editor (in the Acknowledgments the author mentions a former editor, so I’m assuming the editor of this book was different than the others), but the quality didn’t seem quite as good as the other books in the series. The dialogue felt a little awkward sometimes, there was a lot of repetition, and the mystery left a little to be desired.
That said, I love Adrian and Imogen and I was just happy to spend time with them. I knew since they finally got together in the previous book that there would have to be something to throw a wrench into their relationship this time around. And there is. First, Adrian loses his head a bit during the investigation, as it brings up a lot of bad memories from his childhood. Then, he ends up having something very traumatic happen to him. It’s hard to talk about without having spoilers, but it was very hard to read and most the rest of the book focuses on him trying to come to terms with it. In true Adrian fashion, he deals with it in the least emotionally healthy way possible, which includes lying to Imogen and pushing her away. While that was frustrating, I do think Adrian’s reactions were authentic and it is definitely an important topic.
I thought the mystery was intriguing and had a lot of potential, but it kind of failed to reach it. We’re told over and over how evil Reece is and I kept expecting something big to be revealed, but he was kind of your run of the mill bad guy. We never really get the motivation behind his particular brand of villainy and the big reveal at the end seemed tacked on for shock value instead of being a satisfying or shocking twist.
Overall, I loved spending more time with Adrian and Imogen, but Woman in the Water was not my favorite book of the series. The subject matter of what happened with Adrian is important and I thought it was pretty well done, but I wish a little more development went into the central mystery. The story ends with some big changes going forward and I’m eager to see how those develop. Though I didn’t enjoy this book as much I hoped to, I’m still a big Katerina Diamond fan and can’t wait to read more from her.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
November 10, 2019
This was an excellent crime novel, that – apart from being a fast paced, riveting read – brings up some very disturbing subjects. You may forget the individual police characters (not that they are under-developed, or lacking in any way at all), but what happens in the book will remain with you a very long time.
A woman is found, severely beaten and nearly drowned in the water. Another body (not so lucky) is found nearby. She won’t tell the police who she is, who he is, or what occurred. She disappears from hospital – then pops up again, looking like nothing has happened.
You think you know what is going on – domestic abuse, bad husband, cop taking it all too personally – but that is not the half of it.
Throughout all the book is a pervading sense of fear. No-one will talk. The victims – and there are many – are broken by what they experienced (if they are still alive). They blame themselves: for not fighting back, for not taking warnings seriously, for not living up to expectations …. The horror of what the victims go through – not just the actual crime(s) which are thankfully not dwelt on so much, but the never-ending aftermath – is dealt with by the author with so much empathy, that you are forced to take part of it into your own being.
“Back then, I didn’t know the depths of R’s evil. I still had a rose-tinted view of him, as if somehow if I loved him enough that would change him, but it never did. All it did was change me into a person I can barely stand to look at. I am all but erased – changing a little each day to accommodate his demands but never being quite good enough”
The person behind the crime is one of the most evil people ever to appear in a crime novel. He believes himself to be invincible – and you feel that way too.
All though not everything is wrapped up at the end (could it ever be?), I could not have ever forgiven the author if she had not ended it the way she did.
An outstanding book – but a really distressing read.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
A woman is found, severely beaten and nearly drowned in the water. Another body (not so lucky) is found nearby. She won’t tell the police who she is, who he is, or what occurred. She disappears from hospital – then pops up again, looking like nothing has happened.
You think you know what is going on – domestic abuse, bad husband, cop taking it all too personally – but that is not the half of it.
Throughout all the book is a pervading sense of fear. No-one will talk. The victims – and there are many – are broken by what they experienced (if they are still alive). They blame themselves: for not fighting back, for not taking warnings seriously, for not living up to expectations …. The horror of what the victims go through – not just the actual crime(s) which are thankfully not dwelt on so much, but the never-ending aftermath – is dealt with by the author with so much empathy, that you are forced to take part of it into your own being.
“Back then, I didn’t know the depths of R’s evil. I still had a rose-tinted view of him, as if somehow if I loved him enough that would change him, but it never did. All it did was change me into a person I can barely stand to look at. I am all but erased – changing a little each day to accommodate his demands but never being quite good enough”
The person behind the crime is one of the most evil people ever to appear in a crime novel. He believes himself to be invincible – and you feel that way too.
All though not everything is wrapped up at the end (could it ever be?), I could not have ever forgiven the author if she had not ended it the way she did.
An outstanding book – but a really distressing read.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2020
This is a favourite series of mine but I have to say that Woman In The Water is one of the best additions to it so far! It’s very dark and shocking with an intriguing storyline that had an unexpected twist to it. I love the way Katerina Diamond balances the criminal element of her books with the personal lives of her characters. Adrian and Imogen have quite a backstory now but there was a comfortable atmosphere that felt relaxed and familiar…this is until the case of the woman in the water. When Adrian rescues a half dead woman from a freezing river he finds himself splashed all over social media. Finding a dead body further upstream means that they are now looking for a murderer and the unknown woman is the only one that can help them to solve the crime. Unfortunately, she disappears from her hospital bed before they have chance to question her further. So who is this mystery woman and how is she connected to the murder victim? Searching for the answers will put Adrian and Imogen in far more danger than they have ever faced before.
This case was one of the most disturbing that Adrian and Imogen have ever had to work on. One of the characters has to go through an unthinkable ordeal. This was a hard hitting and unexpected twist that had me gasping in horror at the rawness of the reactions of the people involved. It really did add a very different perspective to a crime that isn’t written or talked about often but beware as it really doesn’t pull any punches.
I raced through Woman In The Water, craving answers to all the questions I had. And that ending!! It just left me desperate for more Miles and Grey so I hope there is still more to come from them. I love this series and the relationship between the two main characters is constantly evolving, keeping it fresh and exciting.
This case was one of the most disturbing that Adrian and Imogen have ever had to work on. One of the characters has to go through an unthinkable ordeal. This was a hard hitting and unexpected twist that had me gasping in horror at the rawness of the reactions of the people involved. It really did add a very different perspective to a crime that isn’t written or talked about often but beware as it really doesn’t pull any punches.
I raced through Woman In The Water, craving answers to all the questions I had. And that ending!! It just left me desperate for more Miles and Grey so I hope there is still more to come from them. I love this series and the relationship between the two main characters is constantly evolving, keeping it fresh and exciting.
August 14, 2019
First of all, this book should come with a warning. It's graphic, violent and disturbing. It started as a normal detective mystery. Then it took a very dark disturbing turn. I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil anything.
This leads to the question of what makes a good book. Did I love this book? No. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a good book. I was uneasy, I was sad, and I am pretty sure I flinched or grimaced while reading it. I really want to discuss this book with someone else who has read it.
The writing was well done, and I was drawn into the story. I will remember this book for a while..it doesn't blend into the thousands I've read. I am really hoping there is a sequel and that this isn't the end. Based on this paragraph, it sounds like a good book. On the other hand, if I could go back and unread it, I might.
I would give this 4.5 stars. I'm rounding down because 5 stars is a really high recommendation which screams read me now. I want you to at least think before you read this.
I received an advance copy and want to thank the publisher and net galley. This obviously didn't affect my review. Read it and see for yourself.
This leads to the question of what makes a good book. Did I love this book? No. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a good book. I was uneasy, I was sad, and I am pretty sure I flinched or grimaced while reading it. I really want to discuss this book with someone else who has read it.
The writing was well done, and I was drawn into the story. I will remember this book for a while..it doesn't blend into the thousands I've read. I am really hoping there is a sequel and that this isn't the end. Based on this paragraph, it sounds like a good book. On the other hand, if I could go back and unread it, I might.
I would give this 4.5 stars. I'm rounding down because 5 stars is a really high recommendation which screams read me now. I want you to at least think before you read this.
I received an advance copy and want to thank the publisher and net galley. This obviously didn't affect my review. Read it and see for yourself.
January 4, 2020
Thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and the author for the ARC of this book.
I am a huge fan of Katerina Diamond. Tnere are some authors' books which make me stop whatever I'm reading and immediately devour them. Katerina Diamond's books definitely falls in that category.
This was a really really good book. It started off quite tame for a Katerina Diamond book. The body count was surprisingly low and there wasn't a lot of blood and gore. Do not let this fool you, this book will totally shock you to your core. This is especially true if you have been following this series from the first book. I do not want to say anything further for fear of giving too much away.
Hats off to Katerina for shining a spotlight on something which is not often spoken about in society but which we need to be made more aware of. It was difficult to read at times, but I think the author did an amazing job with how it was portrayed and written.
I highly reccommend this book as well as the rest of the books in the series.
I am a huge fan of Katerina Diamond. Tnere are some authors' books which make me stop whatever I'm reading and immediately devour them. Katerina Diamond's books definitely falls in that category.
This was a really really good book. It started off quite tame for a Katerina Diamond book. The body count was surprisingly low and there wasn't a lot of blood and gore. Do not let this fool you, this book will totally shock you to your core. This is especially true if you have been following this series from the first book. I do not want to say anything further for fear of giving too much away.
Hats off to Katerina for shining a spotlight on something which is not often spoken about in society but which we need to be made more aware of. It was difficult to read at times, but I think the author did an amazing job with how it was portrayed and written.
I highly reccommend this book as well as the rest of the books in the series.
November 23, 2019
Book review on www.snazzybooks.com
Woman in the Water is a really impactful novel that sees the return of much-loved detectives Adrial Miles and Imogen Grey. I feel like you can still enjoy this novel as a standalone read, though there are various references that you won’t get if you haven’t read the previous ones. I don’t think it would affect the enjoyment of this riveting read, though, as I haven’t read all the books before myself – including the first one – and I really enjoyed this book.
I love the characters in the police team – especially Imogen and Adrian. Although they’re very different, they’re both really interesting and likable, and the relationship between them as colleagues and people has really changed.
The plot is as gripping and well researched as previous novels in this series. It’s a little different to many other books in this genre, because you know who is to blame, but everyone is trying to prove it before someone else gets hurt – this takes a bit away from the usual suspense and mystery, but it’s a bit of a different twist!
There are some really dark parts to this novel – one scene in particular which you’ll know when you read it – and I found myself feeling really shocked, which doesn’t happen that often, but I feel like it was portrayed in a respectful, undramatised way by the author. It certainly draws attention to a type of assault that is perhaps not included as much in most books, including crime novels.
This series always appeals to me as it does a great job of blending police procedural elements with character-centred plots. It’s not just Imogen and Adrian (and the rest of the police team) that we follow and find out more about – we also delve into the lives of the characters involved in the case, and their backgrounds, and it all makes for hugely entertaining and addictive reading. I raced through this novel in no time and am already really looking forward to book number 7!
Many thanks to Avon Books for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review
Woman in the Water is a really impactful novel that sees the return of much-loved detectives Adrial Miles and Imogen Grey. I feel like you can still enjoy this novel as a standalone read, though there are various references that you won’t get if you haven’t read the previous ones. I don’t think it would affect the enjoyment of this riveting read, though, as I haven’t read all the books before myself – including the first one – and I really enjoyed this book.
I love the characters in the police team – especially Imogen and Adrian. Although they’re very different, they’re both really interesting and likable, and the relationship between them as colleagues and people has really changed.
The plot is as gripping and well researched as previous novels in this series. It’s a little different to many other books in this genre, because you know who is to blame, but everyone is trying to prove it before someone else gets hurt – this takes a bit away from the usual suspense and mystery, but it’s a bit of a different twist!
There are some really dark parts to this novel – one scene in particular which you’ll know when you read it – and I found myself feeling really shocked, which doesn’t happen that often, but I feel like it was portrayed in a respectful, undramatised way by the author. It certainly draws attention to a type of assault that is perhaps not included as much in most books, including crime novels.
This series always appeals to me as it does a great job of blending police procedural elements with character-centred plots. It’s not just Imogen and Adrian (and the rest of the police team) that we follow and find out more about – we also delve into the lives of the characters involved in the case, and their backgrounds, and it all makes for hugely entertaining and addictive reading. I raced through this novel in no time and am already really looking forward to book number 7!
Many thanks to Avon Books for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review
September 5, 2019
Woman in the Water by Katerina Diamond is the latest installation in the DS Grey/DS Miles series, and only the second that I've read, but I am adding all of the previous books to my TBR list immediately. This novel is fast-paced, uncomfortably graphic, and utterly addictive. The subject matter, including domestic abuse and sexual assault, are difficult to read, but the end result is a solid juggernaut that you will not want to put down.
A woman is found in the water, barely clinging to life. DS Adrian Miles makes the discovery, but before the woman's identity can be confirmed she flees the hospital. While tracking a lead, Miles and his partner, DS Imogen Grey, find their way to the Corrigan household where the case becomes not only multi-faceted, but perhaps one of the most dangerous that either has ever faced to date.
The author strikes a perfect balance between a compelling police procedural, and the complex personal relationship between Miles and Grey, which becomes tested by unimaginable and, possibly, insurmountable challenges. As difficult as much of the subject matter is to read, I appreciated the author's efforts to confront the issues head on, rather than to gloss them over. This is a powerful read that will linger long after you have turned the final page. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Miles and Grey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.
A woman is found in the water, barely clinging to life. DS Adrian Miles makes the discovery, but before the woman's identity can be confirmed she flees the hospital. While tracking a lead, Miles and his partner, DS Imogen Grey, find their way to the Corrigan household where the case becomes not only multi-faceted, but perhaps one of the most dangerous that either has ever faced to date.
The author strikes a perfect balance between a compelling police procedural, and the complex personal relationship between Miles and Grey, which becomes tested by unimaginable and, possibly, insurmountable challenges. As difficult as much of the subject matter is to read, I appreciated the author's efforts to confront the issues head on, rather than to gloss them over. This is a powerful read that will linger long after you have turned the final page. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Miles and Grey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.
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