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I Will Make You Pay
DISCOVER THE MOST ADDICTIVE NEW CRIME FICTION WRITER THIS YEAR
Meet Detective Ellen McClure as she takes on a vicious killer who loves playing games. He is watching Connie Taylor in the café. He has befriended the waitress over the previous months and gained her confidence. Her coarseness disgusts him and he muses to himself about pouring acid on her face. He is going to torture Connie that evening to get the final information he needs and then he will kill her.
Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house in upmarket Heworth Green in York. DI Ellen McClure finds herself embroiled in a complicated murder investigation that pits her against colleagues and family. Her boss thinks that ex-prostitute Connie was killed by one of her former clients, but Ellen thinks there is more to it. Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger.
ELLEN MUST FIND HER BEFORE HE DOES.
Desperate to save Vicky, Ellen drags her own young daughter Zoe into the path of a deadly psychopath who will stop at nothing on his murderous rampage. A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION
An absolutely gripping mystery with a massive twist. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Mark Billingham.
THE DETECTIVE DI Ellen McClure is a 38-year-old detective with an outstanding record who will stop at nothing to protect the innocent. She has recently left her cheating husband, Anthony, and is making a new start for her and her 13 year old daughter Zoe in York, the city she grew up in. She is arriving at her new posting on the North Yorkshire Serious Crimes Team under a cloud having given evidence against a superior in her previous posting. Her tenacious approach and confrontational style often work against her, pitting her against colleagues and family. In contrast, her DC, Sarika Kaur is an empathic, thoughtful officer, who tries, often without success, to be the voice of reason.
THE SETTING York has been occupied by everyone from the Romans to the Vikings which shows in the city’s cobblestone streets, half timbered houses and 18th-century flat-fronted townhouses. Diagon Alley where Harry Potter buys his wand was inspired by the Shambles, a medieval butcher’s street visited by the film’s set designers and which is now thronged with tourists. Six hundred years ago, bloody hunks of meat hung on shopfronts, dripping into the gutter that still runs along the middle of the lane. Then, of course, there is the magnificent York Minster, Europe’s largest gothic cathedral which looms over a warren of streets running down to the River Ouse with its many colourful barges and tour boats. The river cuts the city in two and flows eastwards into majestic countryside and onwards towards the North Sea.
Meet Detective Ellen McClure as she takes on a vicious killer who loves playing games. He is watching Connie Taylor in the café. He has befriended the waitress over the previous months and gained her confidence. Her coarseness disgusts him and he muses to himself about pouring acid on her face. He is going to torture Connie that evening to get the final information he needs and then he will kill her.
Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house in upmarket Heworth Green in York. DI Ellen McClure finds herself embroiled in a complicated murder investigation that pits her against colleagues and family. Her boss thinks that ex-prostitute Connie was killed by one of her former clients, but Ellen thinks there is more to it. Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger.
ELLEN MUST FIND HER BEFORE HE DOES.
Desperate to save Vicky, Ellen drags her own young daughter Zoe into the path of a deadly psychopath who will stop at nothing on his murderous rampage. A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION
An absolutely gripping mystery with a massive twist. Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Mark Billingham.
THE DETECTIVE DI Ellen McClure is a 38-year-old detective with an outstanding record who will stop at nothing to protect the innocent. She has recently left her cheating husband, Anthony, and is making a new start for her and her 13 year old daughter Zoe in York, the city she grew up in. She is arriving at her new posting on the North Yorkshire Serious Crimes Team under a cloud having given evidence against a superior in her previous posting. Her tenacious approach and confrontational style often work against her, pitting her against colleagues and family. In contrast, her DC, Sarika Kaur is an empathic, thoughtful officer, who tries, often without success, to be the voice of reason.
THE SETTING York has been occupied by everyone from the Romans to the Vikings which shows in the city’s cobblestone streets, half timbered houses and 18th-century flat-fronted townhouses. Diagon Alley where Harry Potter buys his wand was inspired by the Shambles, a medieval butcher’s street visited by the film’s set designers and which is now thronged with tourists. Six hundred years ago, bloody hunks of meat hung on shopfronts, dripping into the gutter that still runs along the middle of the lane. Then, of course, there is the magnificent York Minster, Europe’s largest gothic cathedral which looms over a warren of streets running down to the River Ouse with its many colourful barges and tour boats. The river cuts the city in two and flows eastwards into majestic countryside and onwards towards the North Sea.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
777 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Bale
4 books15 followersCaroline Bale was born and lives in Dublin, Ireland. She writes what she loves to read, fast paced crime fiction with a psychological twist and strives to create complex plots and engaging characters. She is a practicing psychotherapist and has always been interested in people and what makes them feel, think and act the way they do. The dark side of human nature in particular fascinates her and the tangled web of emotions and motivations that drive a person to kill another.
Caroline has spent a lot of time in North Yorkshire and was so taken with the strong character of the people, the brooding landscape and the rich history of the city of York itself that she set her first novel here. It gives her an excuse to keep visiting the area. In 2018 she was selected as a finalist in the Irish Writer’s Centre Novel Fair for her novel “I will make you pay", the first in the DI Ellen McClure series.
In October 2018 her short story, "Vainglorious Bastard” was published in a collection of new crimes stories from Ireland, “Sins”. In autumn 2019 her short story, "Sessions with Elena" will be published in a new collection of crime short stories.
She studied Philosophy and Classical studies at Trinity College Dublin and more recently completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy. She lives in Blackrock in Dublin and most enjoys the simple things in life, cups of tea and chats with family and walking on Killiney Hill or on the beach with her partner and their two dogs.
Caroline has spent a lot of time in North Yorkshire and was so taken with the strong character of the people, the brooding landscape and the rich history of the city of York itself that she set her first novel here. It gives her an excuse to keep visiting the area. In 2018 she was selected as a finalist in the Irish Writer’s Centre Novel Fair for her novel “I will make you pay", the first in the DI Ellen McClure series.
In October 2018 her short story, "Vainglorious Bastard” was published in a collection of new crimes stories from Ireland, “Sins”. In autumn 2019 her short story, "Sessions with Elena" will be published in a new collection of crime short stories.
She studied Philosophy and Classical studies at Trinity College Dublin and more recently completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy. She lives in Blackrock in Dublin and most enjoys the simple things in life, cups of tea and chats with family and walking on Killiney Hill or on the beach with her partner and their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 28, 2019
Detective Ellen McClure, along with her young teenage daughter, Zoe are starting over. At her last post, Ellen gave evidence against her superior, causing her fellow colleagues to not trust her. Admittedly, Ellen can be a little confrontational, a little in your face ... but she's got an outstanding record for taking down the bad guys.
A killer goes out of his way to meet Connie Taylor... but she is not his target. Her friend, VIcky and Vicky's young daughter are the actual targets of his rage.
Connie's head is found on the doorstep of an upscale home with her face unrecognizable after being destroyed by acid. The remainder of her body is found in her home. And she's not the only person who will wind up losing their head ... or their face.
A newspaper reporter reaches out to Ellen with a story that was told to him by Connie .... now it's up to Ellen to prove to her supervisor that one of their own is eyes and ears for a man filled with rage.
Vicky and her daughter are in hiding and the killer is turning his attention to Ellen .. and her daughter.
This is a well written debut crime thriller by an author who is a practicing Psychotherapist. She brings her experience to create believable plots and characters that are outstanding. In her words ... she deals with the psychopaths amongst us with the killer smiles.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 30, 2019
Ellen McClure had had to take a new job with the Yorkshire Serious Crime Team. Ellen had given evidence against a superior in her last job making her fellow teammates not trust her. She is appointed SIO on a brutal murder case. A woman's severed head was found on the step of a large house.
This is quite an interesting story about corruption and historical sexual abuse. I liked Ellen, she's a strong character in a career that can be dominated by men. It's a very well written debut novel. It has a gripping plot line. Why was the severe head put on the step? You will need to read this police procedural to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Caroline Bale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is quite an interesting story about corruption and historical sexual abuse. I liked Ellen, she's a strong character in a career that can be dominated by men. It's a very well written debut novel. It has a gripping plot line. Why was the severe head put on the step? You will need to read this police procedural to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Caroline Bale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2019
A solid, fast paced and well written police procedurial/ crime fiction with well etched out characters, which deals with child sexual abuse, corrupt police officers and a raging psychopath out on a revenge spree which leads to gruesome murders.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books and the author Caroline Bale for providing me with an e-ARC of the book. The author is a psychotherapist by profession and she uses her expertise well in this book to create a believable plotline and characters.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books and the author Caroline Bale for providing me with an e-ARC of the book. The author is a psychotherapist by profession and she uses her expertise well in this book to create a believable plotline and characters.
June 25, 2019
This is the first time that i have read a book by Caroline Bale and now i cannot wait to read more. Absolutely enjoyed 'I will make you pay' from from beginning to end. So many twists and turns which kept me turning the pages. I rarely write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
An excitingly paced murder tome that hooked me from the outset, however, it lost ½ a star for having an extremely unlikeable main character. What a bitch!!
An excitingly paced murder tome that hooked me from the outset, however, it lost ½ a star for having an extremely unlikeable main character. What a bitch!!
September 23, 2024
Caroline Bale is talented- seriously, undeniably talented- and she'll get you hooked from the first page.
I WILL MAKE YOU PAY is a fast-paced read that detective crime lovers will devour. It follows Ellen McClure, a 38-year-old detective taking on a new job within the North Yorkshire Serious Crimes Team. Due to her super-impressive track record, she's appointed SIO (senior investigating officer) on a brutal murder, which leads her into a chaotic and dangerous game with the murderer, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
When Connie Taylor's decapitated head shows up on a couple's doorstep, Ellen's colleagues are quick to blame her old sex-work job, but Ellen's not quite sure an old john is the culprit. That leads her to Vicky and Kallie, a mother and young daughter on the run for their lives. Will she be able to save them?
Unlike most of the detective crime books I've read, we get to hear the killer's POV in this one. This glimpse- this opportunity to see what makes him tick and knowing just how apathetic he is towards other people- is absolutely chilling. The majority of the book, however, is written from Ellen's perspective.
I enjoyed the characters, although I found some far too naive, and others far too bold. There are a few parts that are just unbelievable, and that might make it feel a tad cheesy to some.
Overall, this is a solid read, and one that I recommend! If you love hard-working, clever detective novels, you'll eat this one right up.
Thank you, NetGalley, for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I WILL MAKE YOU PAY is a fast-paced read that detective crime lovers will devour. It follows Ellen McClure, a 38-year-old detective taking on a new job within the North Yorkshire Serious Crimes Team. Due to her super-impressive track record, she's appointed SIO (senior investigating officer) on a brutal murder, which leads her into a chaotic and dangerous game with the murderer, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
When Connie Taylor's decapitated head shows up on a couple's doorstep, Ellen's colleagues are quick to blame her old sex-work job, but Ellen's not quite sure an old john is the culprit. That leads her to Vicky and Kallie, a mother and young daughter on the run for their lives. Will she be able to save them?
Unlike most of the detective crime books I've read, we get to hear the killer's POV in this one. This glimpse- this opportunity to see what makes him tick and knowing just how apathetic he is towards other people- is absolutely chilling. The majority of the book, however, is written from Ellen's perspective.
I enjoyed the characters, although I found some far too naive, and others far too bold. There are a few parts that are just unbelievable, and that might make it feel a tad cheesy to some.
Overall, this is a solid read, and one that I recommend! If you love hard-working, clever detective novels, you'll eat this one right up.
Thank you, NetGalley, for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2019
This is a debut by a new author to me but I do love to find new authors there is always a bitter sweet moment: 'will I like it or not?'
The book begins steadily but it is worth bearing with it as we learn the background to a very complex story.
Ellie is a feisty character willing to be outcast by her colleagues in her quest to see justice done. She has moved to York and is trying to put the pieces of her life back together after the breakdown of her marriage and the aftermath of a very difficult case. She is trying to juggle a demanding job with being a single parent when the call comes in that makes her life a whole lot worse.
Although there are several other characters it is Ellie that the story focuses on as the reader is taken on a journey through a story with corruption, abuse, psychopaths, lies, jealousy and murder that is not for the faint hearted. This is an intriguing story that builds in pace gradually all the way to an ending I certainly didn't see coming.
The story begins way back with 2 girls who are groomed by a rich businessman. This sets in motion a string of events that sees a woman running for her life and begs the question: 'what wouldn't you do to save your child?'
I am looking forward to more from Caroline.
Thank you to Joffe Books & Netgalley for the digital ARC. These are my own, unbiased thoughts and opinions.
The book begins steadily but it is worth bearing with it as we learn the background to a very complex story.
Ellie is a feisty character willing to be outcast by her colleagues in her quest to see justice done. She has moved to York and is trying to put the pieces of her life back together after the breakdown of her marriage and the aftermath of a very difficult case. She is trying to juggle a demanding job with being a single parent when the call comes in that makes her life a whole lot worse.
Although there are several other characters it is Ellie that the story focuses on as the reader is taken on a journey through a story with corruption, abuse, psychopaths, lies, jealousy and murder that is not for the faint hearted. This is an intriguing story that builds in pace gradually all the way to an ending I certainly didn't see coming.
The story begins way back with 2 girls who are groomed by a rich businessman. This sets in motion a string of events that sees a woman running for her life and begs the question: 'what wouldn't you do to save your child?'
I am looking forward to more from Caroline.
Thank you to Joffe Books & Netgalley for the digital ARC. These are my own, unbiased thoughts and opinions.
September 22, 2019
This story starts off with a bang! and continues on that path using characters that are well written as flawed individuals trying to do their best and make some mistakes along the way. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot along with one surprise ending! I will be on the lookout for other books from this author.
June 25, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of I Will Make You Pay, a thriller featuring DI Ellen McClure set in York.
When Connie Taylor is murdered and her head left on the doorstep of a posh house DI Ellen McClure is made SIO but only as long as she sticks to procedure. Her hunt for Connie’s killer soon takes her in unsanctioned directions and into personal danger.
I Will Make You Pay is a solid thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Mostly it is told from Ellen’s point of view with the odd excursion into the almost obligatory italicised thoughts and history of the unnamed killer. I will admit that his motive is more unusual than normal and that his character is well portrayed in its anger and twisted thought process but it didn’t hold my attention as I’m not particularly interested in fictional killers’ psychology. I’d rather read about the efforts to catch them. The author is not particularly interested in this either, preferring to write a thriller with several big action set pieces leading up to a tense denouement.
Unfortunately the novel did not capture my attention and it took me days to finish. There was just too much unlikeliness in it for me to take it seriously. The murder, the murderer and his motive are outlandish but believable and that’s about it. There is nothing about DI Ellen McClure or her investigation that I could believe. She charges around without putting any thought into her actions and justifies it by her need for justice and fairness. Detective Inspector is a senior post and you don’t get there without the ability to see clearly and evaluate the consequences of your actions but she seems incapable of either.
I Will Make You Pay is a solid read, just not to my taste.
When Connie Taylor is murdered and her head left on the doorstep of a posh house DI Ellen McClure is made SIO but only as long as she sticks to procedure. Her hunt for Connie’s killer soon takes her in unsanctioned directions and into personal danger.
I Will Make You Pay is a solid thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Mostly it is told from Ellen’s point of view with the odd excursion into the almost obligatory italicised thoughts and history of the unnamed killer. I will admit that his motive is more unusual than normal and that his character is well portrayed in its anger and twisted thought process but it didn’t hold my attention as I’m not particularly interested in fictional killers’ psychology. I’d rather read about the efforts to catch them. The author is not particularly interested in this either, preferring to write a thriller with several big action set pieces leading up to a tense denouement.
Unfortunately the novel did not capture my attention and it took me days to finish. There was just too much unlikeliness in it for me to take it seriously. The murder, the murderer and his motive are outlandish but believable and that’s about it. There is nothing about DI Ellen McClure or her investigation that I could believe. She charges around without putting any thought into her actions and justifies it by her need for justice and fairness. Detective Inspector is a senior post and you don’t get there without the ability to see clearly and evaluate the consequences of your actions but she seems incapable of either.
I Will Make You Pay is a solid read, just not to my taste.
July 1, 2019
Caroline Bale is a new author to Joffe publishers, so I was eager to read this first novel. The detective, Ellen McClure has moved to North Yorkshire to work in the Serious Crimes Team. In her last position, she had shown that a senior police officer was corrupt, so her new colleagues are wary of her. However, she has a good relationship with her partner, Sarika, and is immediately put in charge of a murder where a woman's head is left on the doorstep of a house in York. The woman, Connie Taylor, had been a sex worker and Ellen is sure that the label makes the police less likely to put the necessary effort into the investigation.
As the novel progresses, we learn that the killer is searching for Connie's friend, Vicki, who is keeping one step ahead of the killer by repeatedly moving around the city. Vicki has a daughter and Ellen can empathise with her panic and her pain as she is worried about her own daughter.
This is a good story, well-written and with plenty of action and excitement. My only quibble is that the ending is exceptionally quick and left me disappointed, but that was probably because I had been enjoying it so much. I look forward to Caroline's next book.
As the novel progresses, we learn that the killer is searching for Connie's friend, Vicki, who is keeping one step ahead of the killer by repeatedly moving around the city. Vicki has a daughter and Ellen can empathise with her panic and her pain as she is worried about her own daughter.
This is a good story, well-written and with plenty of action and excitement. My only quibble is that the ending is exceptionally quick and left me disappointed, but that was probably because I had been enjoying it so much. I look forward to Caroline's next book.
September 19, 2019
This was the author's debut novel although you wouldn't guess that from the polished product that resulted. I'm really hoping there is a sequel. This was a great story.
May 14, 2021
So, I did find that I spent much of this book knowing exactly what was going on and how it would all play out...until I didn't. There were some definite and much-appreciated surprises here.
I did know the who pretty quickly, but I was wrong about so much more.
It's a quick moving story and, while the plot is not original, there are things about it that aren't quite the ordinary.
I enjoyed this one!
I did know the who pretty quickly, but I was wrong about so much more.
It's a quick moving story and, while the plot is not original, there are things about it that aren't quite the ordinary.
I enjoyed this one!
June 30, 2019
DI Ellen McClure is a 38-year-old talented detective recently moved to York with her teenage daughter Zoe to make a fresh start, Not only has she left her husband who cheated with her best friend, she also caused outrage at her previous station by giving evidence against a corrupt senior officer when cracking open a huge case. Now posted to the North Yorkshire Serious Crime Team she is on duty as senior investigating officer based at Harrogate HQ when a particularly nasty case comes through. Connie Taylor's head has been left on the steps of a house in Heworth Green. It has been badly disfigured with acid. Connie is an ex-prostitute and some of Ellen's colleagues, including DI Matt Jackson who clearly hates her because of her whistle blowing past, believe that she must have been killed by a client. However Ellen thinks there is more to it, and when the rest of Connie turns up having been badly tortured the hunt is on for a vicious killer on a mission of his own. Some parts of the story are narrated by the killer himself, giving little insights into his twisted reasoning, but the most part follows Ellen and the rest of the team. Thankfully in this team Ellen has DC Sarika Kaur as the voice of reason who keeps her grounded to a certain extent as Ellen is very reckless as times, often acting before thinking without considering the consequences. It is admirable that she will stop at nothing to protect the innocent and get justice, but as a DI it makes her character just a little hard to credit at times, and alienates her with colleagues and senior officers. And with this killer to stop, she will need all the help she can get as the dramatic conclusion plays out. The book is well written and extremely easy to become absorbed in. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to see what this author gives us next. 4.5*
June 28, 2019
I WILL MAKE YOU PAY
By : CAROLINE BALE
The first thing that drew me to pick this novel up was the title, and then I read the blurb and was intrigued. I’m really glad I read it because now I have a new author to follow.
Detective Ellen McClure takes on a vicious killer who loves playing games.
First Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house . Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger. The killer takes Ellen,s 13 year old daughter Zoe and says I will give your child back if you give me Vickys daughter. Then A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION begins. Bodies start dropping and there is alot of gore !!! Can Ellen figure out who the killer is in time to save her daughter ? Or after finding 2 more bodies with missing heads and intestines hanging will she cave and give another woman's child up to save her own ?
Have i Caught your attention yet ?
This was so good with just the right amount of gore! Wow , what an amazing very well written story. I loved it so much that i honestly never wanted it to end. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I will make you pay is an expertly crafted story .The plot is suspenseful and thrilling at all times. It really is a roller coaster of a ride.All of the characters were very well developed, and done in such a way you really care about most of them. Bale’s writing style is engaging and fearless .It blew me away that this was the authors first book.There is alot of twist and turns, and it kept me interested from the first page til the last. I want to read all the books she writes. I look forward to reading more of her work.Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the e ARC.
By : CAROLINE BALE
The first thing that drew me to pick this novel up was the title, and then I read the blurb and was intrigued. I’m really glad I read it because now I have a new author to follow.
Detective Ellen McClure takes on a vicious killer who loves playing games.
First Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house . Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger. The killer takes Ellen,s 13 year old daughter Zoe and says I will give your child back if you give me Vickys daughter. Then A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION begins. Bodies start dropping and there is alot of gore !!! Can Ellen figure out who the killer is in time to save her daughter ? Or after finding 2 more bodies with missing heads and intestines hanging will she cave and give another woman's child up to save her own ?
Have i Caught your attention yet ?
This was so good with just the right amount of gore! Wow , what an amazing very well written story. I loved it so much that i honestly never wanted it to end. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I will make you pay is an expertly crafted story .The plot is suspenseful and thrilling at all times. It really is a roller coaster of a ride.All of the characters were very well developed, and done in such a way you really care about most of them. Bale’s writing style is engaging and fearless .It blew me away that this was the authors first book.There is alot of twist and turns, and it kept me interested from the first page til the last. I want to read all the books she writes. I look forward to reading more of her work.Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the e ARC.
June 27, 2019
Exciting read but…..
I started reading this book and was very excited as it hit the ground running and really made me want to keep turning the page to find out what was going to happen next. The idea behind the story was a good one, although not unique, and as it went on I found myself getting deeper into it and really enjoying it. Then, suddenly towards the end, the pace started to become frenzied and very rushed – I found the words were hastily found rather than the tight, professional writing of the earlier part of the story. It seemed to me that we were in a rush to get to the end as the author had started to get bored with writing and wanted to move on to her next novel.
The ending, in itself, was a good one and tied up the loose ends of the story but at the same time leaving us open to the next in the series. For the most part, the characters were believable and leant themselves to becoming familiar to the reader. However, I don’t necessarily feel an urgency to start on the next one as it was very much like a million other crime novels that I have read. In all honesty I can’t give this book 5 stars but am more than happy to give it 4. Thank you to Joffe Books for sending me a copy to read and review.
I started reading this book and was very excited as it hit the ground running and really made me want to keep turning the page to find out what was going to happen next. The idea behind the story was a good one, although not unique, and as it went on I found myself getting deeper into it and really enjoying it. Then, suddenly towards the end, the pace started to become frenzied and very rushed – I found the words were hastily found rather than the tight, professional writing of the earlier part of the story. It seemed to me that we were in a rush to get to the end as the author had started to get bored with writing and wanted to move on to her next novel.
The ending, in itself, was a good one and tied up the loose ends of the story but at the same time leaving us open to the next in the series. For the most part, the characters were believable and leant themselves to becoming familiar to the reader. However, I don’t necessarily feel an urgency to start on the next one as it was very much like a million other crime novels that I have read. In all honesty I can’t give this book 5 stars but am more than happy to give it 4. Thank you to Joffe Books for sending me a copy to read and review.
June 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This book held my interest very well. There were so many twists and turns, the suspense stayed high . When I first saw the cover of this book I knew that I had to read it and upon reading the synopsis it had me completely invested. The action was never ending and the guessing never stopped. I found myself thinking about the characters while doing other things anxiously awaiting to pick this book up again and flip those pages . I tried to go slow and savor every word but I found myself rushing through those pages because I had to know more and more. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. All thriller and suspense readers this is a must read. I recommend this book for sure. #Netgalley
June 17, 2019
I got this as a arc e book for my ipad from Net Galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It is a well written book. I hope to read more books by this author.
July 2, 2019
Interesting characters, plenty of twists and turns, good story line. Great read. Looking forward to reading the next one.
June 23, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book! It was a suspenseful police procedural, in very good taste. The main character was a strong, no nonsense, straight forward female detective who stands her ground and keeps her morals high.
I am delighted that this is the first book in a series, I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. Caroline Bell has great potential, and I loved her writing style.
The plot was unpredictable and I was caught off guard when the whodunit was answered. Lots of twists and turns, and flow of the story was super smooth.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#iwillmakeyoupay
I am delighted that this is the first book in a series, I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. Caroline Bell has great potential, and I loved her writing style.
The plot was unpredictable and I was caught off guard when the whodunit was answered. Lots of twists and turns, and flow of the story was super smooth.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#iwillmakeyoupay
July 14, 2019
Meet Detective Ellen McClure as she takes on a vicious killer who loves playing games.
He is watching Connie Taylor in the café. He has befriended the waitress over the previous months and gained her confidence. Her coarseness disgusts him and he muses to himself about pouring acid on her face. He is going to torture Connie that evening to get the final information he needs and then he will kill her.
Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house in upmarket Heworth Green in York.
DI Ellen McClure finds herself embroiled in a complicated murder investigation that pits her against colleagues and family. Her boss thinks that ex-prostitute Connie was killed by one of her former clients, but Ellen thinks there is more to it.
Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger.
ELLEN MUST FIND HER BEFORE HE DOES.
Desperate to save Vicky, Ellen drags her own young daughter, Zoe into the path of a deadly psychopath who will stop at nothing on his murderous rampage.
A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION...
This was a gripping thriller debut novel.
Filled with suspense and a massive twist I didn't see coming.
Wonderfuuly written plot and story line.
Loved the characters created for this and hope to see more of them in future.
If following books keep this great writing up will be reading them all.
Recommend reading!
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy . I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He is watching Connie Taylor in the café. He has befriended the waitress over the previous months and gained her confidence. Her coarseness disgusts him and he muses to himself about pouring acid on her face. He is going to torture Connie that evening to get the final information he needs and then he will kill her.
Connie Taylor’s head is found on the doorstep of a house in upmarket Heworth Green in York.
DI Ellen McClure finds herself embroiled in a complicated murder investigation that pits her against colleagues and family. Her boss thinks that ex-prostitute Connie was killed by one of her former clients, but Ellen thinks there is more to it.
Vicky is on the run with her five-year-old daughter, Kallie. Her life is in danger.
ELLEN MUST FIND HER BEFORE HE DOES.
Desperate to save Vicky, Ellen drags her own young daughter, Zoe into the path of a deadly psychopath who will stop at nothing on his murderous rampage.
A RACE AGAINST TIME TO STOP A PSYCHOPATH ON A MISSION...
This was a gripping thriller debut novel.
Filled with suspense and a massive twist I didn't see coming.
Wonderfuuly written plot and story line.
Loved the characters created for this and hope to see more of them in future.
If following books keep this great writing up will be reading them all.
Recommend reading!
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy . I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 25, 2019
When a decapitated head is found on the steps of an imposing house, Detective Ellen McClure who has been recently transferred to this patch is made Senior Investigating Officer. Her appointment is not particularly welcomed by her senior officers, or in fact the rest of the team, as she had previously been involved as a whistle-blower in her previous position. The only exception if Sarika who is very supportive of Ellen. Ellen has a daughter, Zoe and she relies on her father’s friend and her sister, to help with childcare arrangements: she is particularly aware of her ex’s criticism of her care of Zoe.
Very much a police procedural but as with most books of this type, Ellen must battle against prejudice against her within the police force, corruption and the attempts of her senior officers and colleagues to hamper her investigation. Like many fictional detectives, Ellen is a rogue – she follows her own path, ignoring commands of her superior officer and acts on a higher moral imperative to resolve the case – a brutal murder of a vulnerable, ex-sexworker and the threat of even more violence to come.
In a way, this is a bit predictable but only inasmuch as it has to be. I was engrossed in the book and in the characters and all in all, I particularly liked Ellen and her side-kick Sarika. I shall look forward to more of Ellen’s antics.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Very much a police procedural but as with most books of this type, Ellen must battle against prejudice against her within the police force, corruption and the attempts of her senior officers and colleagues to hamper her investigation. Like many fictional detectives, Ellen is a rogue – she follows her own path, ignoring commands of her superior officer and acts on a higher moral imperative to resolve the case – a brutal murder of a vulnerable, ex-sexworker and the threat of even more violence to come.
In a way, this is a bit predictable but only inasmuch as it has to be. I was engrossed in the book and in the characters and all in all, I particularly liked Ellen and her side-kick Sarika. I shall look forward to more of Ellen’s antics.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
June 19, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Detective Ellen has just started her new job when her boss Morgan made her lead SIO of case of woman who head was found on the step of large house that use to be called Lockton House.
When they learn the identity of the woman they learn her name is Connie and that she was killed to get her best friend Vicky out of hiding because when they were young children they were force into doing sexual activity by a powerful man name Gascoyne.
I like Ellen I think she a strong character with flaws she does everything in her power to bring justice even when she was at her old job she had turn in a fellow officer and because of this at her new job some doesn't trust her the only who she seem to trust is Sarika who gives her benefit of doubt. Even though I like her she did seem a bit reckless when it came to her and her daughter Zoe that she have to fight for custody of her daughter with her ex who cheated on her with her best friend.
The book was good and I get that the doctor can't tell you much but if Ellen had all the facts and her boss listen to her I believe the case would've solve without anyone else getting hurt.
I hope this is a series because I will love to follow Ellen and her team as they solve crimes.
Detective Ellen has just started her new job when her boss Morgan made her lead SIO of case of woman who head was found on the step of large house that use to be called Lockton House.
When they learn the identity of the woman they learn her name is Connie and that she was killed to get her best friend Vicky out of hiding because when they were young children they were force into doing sexual activity by a powerful man name Gascoyne.
I like Ellen I think she a strong character with flaws she does everything in her power to bring justice even when she was at her old job she had turn in a fellow officer and because of this at her new job some doesn't trust her the only who she seem to trust is Sarika who gives her benefit of doubt. Even though I like her she did seem a bit reckless when it came to her and her daughter Zoe that she have to fight for custody of her daughter with her ex who cheated on her with her best friend.
The book was good and I get that the doctor can't tell you much but if Ellen had all the facts and her boss listen to her I believe the case would've solve without anyone else getting hurt.
I hope this is a series because I will love to follow Ellen and her team as they solve crimes.
June 29, 2019
Detective Ellen Mclure has just transferred to the North Yorkshire Serious Crime team.
She and her daughter Zoey are having to start over in a new location following the breakdown of her marriage and Ellens exposure of corruption at a high level in her last post.
For all that she is a good detective and whilst her new colleagues may not fully trust her or be too welcoming she is appointed SIO when a murder is called in.
Connie Taylors decapitated head is discovered on the doorstep of a house in an upmarket area of York.
Connie was a former sex worker and part time waitress in a cafe.
Who would kill her,subject her to a lengthy period of torture, pour acid on her face and decapitate her?
What is the connection to the house where her head was left?
Although it seems Ellens superiors would be happy for it to be accepted that Connie was killed by one of her former clients there is no way Ellen is going to settle for the easy option.
Assisted by the only officer to support her, Sarika,she is determined to get justice for Connie.
The more Ellen discovers the more dangerous the situation becomes for herself and her daughter Zoe.
A fast moving plot, plenty of action and enough gore, bodies and twists to make me want to read more books featuring Detective Ellen Mclure.
An easy recommend from me and thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC
She and her daughter Zoey are having to start over in a new location following the breakdown of her marriage and Ellens exposure of corruption at a high level in her last post.
For all that she is a good detective and whilst her new colleagues may not fully trust her or be too welcoming she is appointed SIO when a murder is called in.
Connie Taylors decapitated head is discovered on the doorstep of a house in an upmarket area of York.
Connie was a former sex worker and part time waitress in a cafe.
Who would kill her,subject her to a lengthy period of torture, pour acid on her face and decapitate her?
What is the connection to the house where her head was left?
Although it seems Ellens superiors would be happy for it to be accepted that Connie was killed by one of her former clients there is no way Ellen is going to settle for the easy option.
Assisted by the only officer to support her, Sarika,she is determined to get justice for Connie.
The more Ellen discovers the more dangerous the situation becomes for herself and her daughter Zoe.
A fast moving plot, plenty of action and enough gore, bodies and twists to make me want to read more books featuring Detective Ellen Mclure.
An easy recommend from me and thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC
June 18, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Detective Ellen McClure has started her new job and is made SIO of the horrific case of the head of a woman found on the steps of a large home. The rest of her body is found shortly thereafter and it's obvious she was severely tortured. The victim's best friend is on the run with her little girl, knowing she's next on the list of murderer.
Ellen is helped by Sarika, the only member of her team who she can trust...she is distrustful of the others, fearing one of them may even be the killer.
I enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and suspenseful and I was shocked at the denouement, didn't see that coming!
However, I couldn't like Ellen; she was careless when it came to her daughter's well-being and jeopardized Sarika's career, being so
pigheaded and acting without thinking first. If this is going to be a series, I hope she'll be more thoughtful and sympathetic.
Detective Ellen McClure has started her new job and is made SIO of the horrific case of the head of a woman found on the steps of a large home. The rest of her body is found shortly thereafter and it's obvious she was severely tortured. The victim's best friend is on the run with her little girl, knowing she's next on the list of murderer.
Ellen is helped by Sarika, the only member of her team who she can trust...she is distrustful of the others, fearing one of them may even be the killer.
I enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and suspenseful and I was shocked at the denouement, didn't see that coming!
However, I couldn't like Ellen; she was careless when it came to her daughter's well-being and jeopardized Sarika's career, being so
pigheaded and acting without thinking first. If this is going to be a series, I hope she'll be more thoughtful and sympathetic.
July 5, 2019
This is a gripping thriller from a new author. DI Ellen McClure is appointed Senior Investigating Officer on the case of a decapitated woman. But all is not as it first appears. We are led on her journey of discovery and given glimpses into the mindset of the killer right from the start. Strong characters are introduced and just when you think you may know 'who done it?', there is another twist in the tale. It all leads to a nail-biting finish when the true identity of the killer is revealed and we ask ourselves "why didn't we see that coming?'. The quality of storytelling is excellent and the procedural protocol first class. It's a great first book from this author and I look forward to many more.
July 18, 2019
Oh my, never in a million years did I guess the ending of this book. I usually try to figure out who the culprit is and I was way off. I kept this book with me always reading here and there because it was a fascinating story.
A female detective, Ellen McClure, gets herself involved in a murder investigation of an ex-prostitute. Her boss thinks it's the victims former clients but Ellen feels different. Being female also doesnt help her in a predominantly male precinct.
Now the predator is after Vicky and her daughter and it is up to Ellen to save them. But who does she trust? This is a page turner and you will not be disappointed in the story but you will be surprised with the ending. Definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
A female detective, Ellen McClure, gets herself involved in a murder investigation of an ex-prostitute. Her boss thinks it's the victims former clients but Ellen feels different. Being female also doesnt help her in a predominantly male precinct.
Now the predator is after Vicky and her daughter and it is up to Ellen to save them. But who does she trust? This is a page turner and you will not be disappointed in the story but you will be surprised with the ending. Definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
July 3, 2019
I thought this book was quite enjoyable if a bit slow to start. I liked both of the female cops but thought the description of some of the older male officers was a bit clichéd. Surely all the misogynistic dinosaurs have been weeded out of the service by now. How Ellen managed to control her temper in the face of such chauvinism escapes me.
All the excitement and tension in the story only really got going in around the last 20% of the book and I thought the case was wrapped up a little quickly. However, I will watch out for any future work by this author, hopefully featuring the main characters from this story.
Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon.
All the excitement and tension in the story only really got going in around the last 20% of the book and I thought the case was wrapped up a little quickly. However, I will watch out for any future work by this author, hopefully featuring the main characters from this story.
Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon.
June 21, 2019
REVIEW:
If this is a debut novel by the author, it’s one of the best I’ve read. Its fast paced, exciting and I didn’t see the end coming!
I liked the characters, loved Ellen, she tries her best in a difficult situation marred by a male dominated environment and bent officers. I could have swung for them. I wonder how much of this still goes on.
Having said that I was gripped with this book, the murders were grisly but I still enjoyed it. I hope there are more from this author. The setting was fabulous too.
My thanks to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
If this is a debut novel by the author, it’s one of the best I’ve read. Its fast paced, exciting and I didn’t see the end coming!
I liked the characters, loved Ellen, she tries her best in a difficult situation marred by a male dominated environment and bent officers. I could have swung for them. I wonder how much of this still goes on.
Having said that I was gripped with this book, the murders were grisly but I still enjoyed it. I hope there are more from this author. The setting was fabulous too.
My thanks to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
June 23, 2019
4.5 stars
A very fast paced read, with a great female character that won't step back from finding the truth and solve the case even if her superiors are trying to make her quite the loose ends that she is following, a crime investigation very well written with enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to find out the truth and what happens next.
There are many things happening that probably won’t be for everyone to read as it treats children abuse of all kind and a gruesome death but it’s so worthy of your time.
Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more stories from the author.
A very fast paced read, with a great female character that won't step back from finding the truth and solve the case even if her superiors are trying to make her quite the loose ends that she is following, a crime investigation very well written with enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to find out the truth and what happens next.
There are many things happening that probably won’t be for everyone to read as it treats children abuse of all kind and a gruesome death but it’s so worthy of your time.
Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more stories from the author.
June 18, 2019
A police enquiry into a woman's head that had been left outside a stranger's house, leads to a much larger problem for DI Ellen McClure. Having moved station after being labelled a whistleblower she finds herself SIO of the case, much to the chagrin of others on the same team. Her daughter Zoe is also struggling and when Zoe becomes involved in the case Ellen knows that time is running out.
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read
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