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Helen Grace #6
De-a v-ați ascunselea
Inspectoarea Helen Grace e închisă în penitenciarul Holloway pentru o crimă pe care n-a comis-o. De-a lungul timpului, şi-a făcut o listă lungă de duşmani, iar unii dintre ei se află chiar între zidurile acestei închisori. Când una dintre deținute e găsită moartă şi mutilată în celula ei încuiată, este clar că ucigaşul e cineva din interior.
Helen îşi aşteaptă procesul, încrezătoare că îşi va putea dovedi nevinovăţia, însă timpul se scurge prea încet, iar numărul victimelor începe să crească. Aşa că trebuie să-și pună la lucru instinctele şi talentul de detectiv ca să descopere ucigaşul în serie care pare să umble nestingherit prin Holloway. Înainte ca ea însăşi să devină următoarea victimă.
Helen îşi aşteaptă procesul, încrezătoare că îşi va putea dovedi nevinovăţia, însă timpul se scurge prea încet, iar numărul victimelor începe să crească. Aşa că trebuie să-și pună la lucru instinctele şi talentul de detectiv ca să descopere ucigaşul în serie care pare să umble nestingherit prin Holloway. Înainte ca ea însăşi să devină următoarea victimă.
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First published January 1, 2016
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About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,278 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,321 reviews
September 25, 2019
4.5 Stars* (rounded up)
My Oh My! “Hide and Seek” is One Heck of a Heart Stopping Mystery/Suspense Novel!
M. J. Arlidge knocked my socks off with this one guys and gals. Detective Inspector Helen Grace is trapped. In the worst way possible. She’s imprisoned, actually. And believe it or not, she’s actually innocent. The real culprit? Her own nephew. He framed her. If that doesn’t suck, I don’t know what does.
For DI Grace, being imprisoned in Holloway is pretty bad. After all, almost everyone is against her and she knows that if she doesn’t get out of there, she won’t live to see to see the light of day. Her only hope is to escape or win the case against her at trial, neither of which seem very likely. Thank goodness her former DS, Charlie Brooks, is still on her side.
While waiting things out, the cellmate next door to DI Grace is found dead and boy does it look suspicious. Suspicious, and gruesome, if you must know. Grace, of course, can’t help but investigate the case on her own even though she doesn’t actually have any evidence. Heck, it’s what she does. Then the murderer strikes again and DI Grace has to figure out who is out to get rid of the female prisoners before she’s next. Either way, the outcome for DI Grace doesn’t look good.
“Hide and Seek” is one crazy, insane and wildly impressive read. I was glued to the novel like a radio stuck on a single station. M.J. Arlidge sure caught my attention with this wickedly suspenseful novel and I am glad she did.
I am ashamed to admit that I requested this novel from NetGalley, not realizing that it was part of a series and not having read the prior books in the series. That being said, “Hide and Seek” read extremely well as a standalone - M.J. Arlidge provides a stellar amount of background about the prior book(s) so I understood what happened previously and felt immediately invested. While I don’t normally read a series out of order (and plan to read the other books in the series in order from start to finish), I am so glad I read this one, as the character of DI Grace got under my skin. She was dynamic and gutsy and is one heck of a detective. Charlie Brooks was a little spit-fire. All I can say is, if I ever get myself into trouble, I want these two on the case.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and M.J. Arlidge for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 11.22.17.
My Oh My! “Hide and Seek” is One Heck of a Heart Stopping Mystery/Suspense Novel!
M. J. Arlidge knocked my socks off with this one guys and gals. Detective Inspector Helen Grace is trapped. In the worst way possible. She’s imprisoned, actually. And believe it or not, she’s actually innocent. The real culprit? Her own nephew. He framed her. If that doesn’t suck, I don’t know what does.
For DI Grace, being imprisoned in Holloway is pretty bad. After all, almost everyone is against her and she knows that if she doesn’t get out of there, she won’t live to see to see the light of day. Her only hope is to escape or win the case against her at trial, neither of which seem very likely. Thank goodness her former DS, Charlie Brooks, is still on her side.
While waiting things out, the cellmate next door to DI Grace is found dead and boy does it look suspicious. Suspicious, and gruesome, if you must know. Grace, of course, can’t help but investigate the case on her own even though she doesn’t actually have any evidence. Heck, it’s what she does. Then the murderer strikes again and DI Grace has to figure out who is out to get rid of the female prisoners before she’s next. Either way, the outcome for DI Grace doesn’t look good.
“Hide and Seek” is one crazy, insane and wildly impressive read. I was glued to the novel like a radio stuck on a single station. M.J. Arlidge sure caught my attention with this wickedly suspenseful novel and I am glad she did.
I am ashamed to admit that I requested this novel from NetGalley, not realizing that it was part of a series and not having read the prior books in the series. That being said, “Hide and Seek” read extremely well as a standalone - M.J. Arlidge provides a stellar amount of background about the prior book(s) so I understood what happened previously and felt immediately invested. While I don’t normally read a series out of order (and plan to read the other books in the series in order from start to finish), I am so glad I read this one, as the character of DI Grace got under my skin. She was dynamic and gutsy and is one heck of a detective. Charlie Brooks was a little spit-fire. All I can say is, if I ever get myself into trouble, I want these two on the case.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and M.J. Arlidge for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 11.22.17.
March 23, 2018
4.5*
A fall from Grace.......
Helen is fighting for her reputation, her freedom and oh yes…her life!
Her immediate dilemma? How exactly is she supposed to find a killer from within prison walls?
This was a fast paced addition to what is now one of my favorite series.
All your favorite characters are back, including Helen and Charlie. As well as some of your not so favorites.
It’s up to Charlie to find Helen’s nephew before it’s too late. Now without Helen leading the way, it’s Charlie’s turn to go rogue! Can she pull this off without any support from her department or her family?
Love this series! All have gripped me and left me reaching for the next. But this one stood head and shoulders above the others for me! I was drawn in from page one and held tight straight to the end!
This is book six, which at this point leaves me just one last book in the series, Love Me Not.
Susanne and Crumb will be joining Brenda and myself for this last (for now) installment.
A traveling sister read with Brenda!
A fall from Grace.......
Helen is fighting for her reputation, her freedom and oh yes…her life!
Her immediate dilemma? How exactly is she supposed to find a killer from within prison walls?
This was a fast paced addition to what is now one of my favorite series.
All your favorite characters are back, including Helen and Charlie. As well as some of your not so favorites.
It’s up to Charlie to find Helen’s nephew before it’s too late. Now without Helen leading the way, it’s Charlie’s turn to go rogue! Can she pull this off without any support from her department or her family?
Love this series! All have gripped me and left me reaching for the next. But this one stood head and shoulders above the others for me! I was drawn in from page one and held tight straight to the end!
This is book six, which at this point leaves me just one last book in the series, Love Me Not.
Susanne and Crumb will be joining Brenda and myself for this last (for now) installment.
A traveling sister read with Brenda!
July 19, 2023
It takes a bold author to place his main character, and a respected Detective Inspector at that, into prison for a whole book. No quick reprieve and out she comes for our Helen. She is in Holloway Prison with all the other women who are accused and guilty of murder and worse.
There are crooked prison officers, a weak Governor, and the usual problems of survival in such an awful situation. Of course Helen has what it takes to stand up to bullies and she does it in style. There is a lot of brutality and many unpleasant situations but this is a prison after all.
There are murders too, carried out at night in locked cells when the women are alone and defenceless. Helen mentally puts on her D.I. hat and carries out her own investigation, putting herself in danger at the same time. Luckily on the outside one person is still attempting to prove Helen's innocence, but it is a race against time and she is risking her own career.
This turned out to be a very tense book which had me on the edge of my seat many times. I was a million miles away from guessing the murderer but so was Helen so that's okay. It will be every interesting to see where the author takes it from here.
There are crooked prison officers, a weak Governor, and the usual problems of survival in such an awful situation. Of course Helen has what it takes to stand up to bullies and she does it in style. There is a lot of brutality and many unpleasant situations but this is a prison after all.
There are murders too, carried out at night in locked cells when the women are alone and defenceless. Helen mentally puts on her D.I. hat and carries out her own investigation, putting herself in danger at the same time. Luckily on the outside one person is still attempting to prove Helen's innocence, but it is a race against time and she is risking her own career.
This turned out to be a very tense book which had me on the edge of my seat many times. I was a million miles away from guessing the murderer but so was Helen so that's okay. It will be every interesting to see where the author takes it from here.
August 25, 2016
This is the 6th book in the DI Helen Grace series by author M.J. Arlidge and having already read the previous five I was quickly into it.
This novel follows on from the previous book 'Little Boy Blue' with Helen Grace getting to grips with life in Holloway Prison.. There is strong evidence to convict Helen Grace but she still insists her innocence. When Helen Grace's neighbouring cell mate is found dead with every orifice sewn up suspicion falls on her. She is determined to find out who the murderer is and begins to ask questions which in itself can be a very dangerous pastime. Outside of prison friend and colleague DS Charlie Brooks who is the only one from her ex team still trying to find out the truth and prove Grace's innocence. Working on her own time Brooks works away secretly trying to find the real serial killer which will ultimately free DI Helen Grace.
If I am completely honest I did not find this book as riveting as the previous ones but nevertheless made a very good read. I felt that with DI Helen Grace locked away from the other regular characters it meant that the novel lacked some of the banter etc that is evident in the previous ones. These books need to be read in order to really appreciate this series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
This novel follows on from the previous book 'Little Boy Blue' with Helen Grace getting to grips with life in Holloway Prison.. There is strong evidence to convict Helen Grace but she still insists her innocence. When Helen Grace's neighbouring cell mate is found dead with every orifice sewn up suspicion falls on her. She is determined to find out who the murderer is and begins to ask questions which in itself can be a very dangerous pastime. Outside of prison friend and colleague DS Charlie Brooks who is the only one from her ex team still trying to find out the truth and prove Grace's innocence. Working on her own time Brooks works away secretly trying to find the real serial killer which will ultimately free DI Helen Grace.
If I am completely honest I did not find this book as riveting as the previous ones but nevertheless made a very good read. I felt that with DI Helen Grace locked away from the other regular characters it meant that the novel lacked some of the banter etc that is evident in the previous ones. These books need to be read in order to really appreciate this series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
February 21, 2020
I can't get enough of this series Charlie believes Helen grace was innocent and set out to prove it she could lose her job,Helen in prison and gains a few friends but murders starts to happen was she safe from the guards or was it an inmate shes not standing by to become a victim this book was gripping.brilliant writing.looking forward to the next book.Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
5 Stars
If Little Boy Blue was Helen Graces fall then Hide and Seek is her redemption. After the events of the previous novel we find Helen Grace behind bars serving a prison sentence after being framed by her own nephew for a crime she did not commit. My favourite detective meets Orange is The New Black as she attempts to keep her head down and just survive the days leading up to her trial date where she hopes she will be able to prove her innocence. Easier said then done when it soon becomes apparent that there is a killer on loose within the prison walls. Old habits die hard as Helen takes it upon herself to find the murderer before they strike again but when every suspect and victim is a killer themselves it's hard to know who to truly trust.
This novel was just what I needed after reading Little Boy Blue, after watching my favourite detective's name be dragged in the mud and then watching those that gleefully prospered from betraying Helen go on to success. I wanted, NO! Needed this novel to right the wrongs and dole out the justice to those stupid enough to cross my favourite badass heroine.
The start of the novel was hard, Helen Grace was at the lowest point in her life. Forced behind bars with her reputation tarnished she was neither liked by the cops or the inmates. She was alone and constantly fighting for her life as sadistic prison guards like Campbell took joy giving her the lowest of all jobs and the prisoners spent the majority of the novel attempting to kill her or putting cockroaches in her oatmeal. Luckily Helen is made of stronger material then that and gave it as good as she took it.
Hide and Seek took us within the prison walls to the outside world where DCI Charlie's unwavering faith in her mentor and friend Helen has her all over town attempting to track down the true perpetrator of the murders portrayed in Little Boy Blue, Robert Stonehill. Charlie is the kind of friend that would brave being hit by a car for you. Meaning at one point she literally got hit by car, shakes it off and gets on with the task at hand. Charlie's inability to drop Helen's case and willingness to risk her job, her well-being, and personal relationships to save her friend has honestly given me unrealistic expectations for female friendships. I need a Charlie in my life right now!!
This novel was everything I needed in the follow up to the earth shattering conclusion of it's predecessor Little Boy Blue. Every time I want to describe the awesomeness of this novel I am tempted to start yelling think of Helen as a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Cheesy yes, but for me its the perfect description of this book. If you love detective novels get on this series but expect a long book hangover afterwards.
If Little Boy Blue was Helen Graces fall then Hide and Seek is her redemption. After the events of the previous novel we find Helen Grace behind bars serving a prison sentence after being framed by her own nephew for a crime she did not commit. My favourite detective meets Orange is The New Black as she attempts to keep her head down and just survive the days leading up to her trial date where she hopes she will be able to prove her innocence. Easier said then done when it soon becomes apparent that there is a killer on loose within the prison walls. Old habits die hard as Helen takes it upon herself to find the murderer before they strike again but when every suspect and victim is a killer themselves it's hard to know who to truly trust.
This novel was just what I needed after reading Little Boy Blue, after watching my favourite detective's name be dragged in the mud and then watching those that gleefully prospered from betraying Helen go on to success. I wanted, NO! Needed this novel to right the wrongs and dole out the justice to those stupid enough to cross my favourite badass heroine.
The start of the novel was hard, Helen Grace was at the lowest point in her life. Forced behind bars with her reputation tarnished she was neither liked by the cops or the inmates. She was alone and constantly fighting for her life as sadistic prison guards like Campbell took joy giving her the lowest of all jobs and the prisoners spent the majority of the novel attempting to kill her or putting cockroaches in her oatmeal. Luckily Helen is made of stronger material then that and gave it as good as she took it.
Hide and Seek took us within the prison walls to the outside world where DCI Charlie's unwavering faith in her mentor and friend Helen has her all over town attempting to track down the true perpetrator of the murders portrayed in Little Boy Blue, Robert Stonehill. Charlie is the kind of friend that would brave being hit by a car for you. Meaning at one point she literally got hit by car, shakes it off and gets on with the task at hand. Charlie's inability to drop Helen's case and willingness to risk her job, her well-being, and personal relationships to save her friend has honestly given me unrealistic expectations for female friendships. I need a Charlie in my life right now!!
This novel was everything I needed in the follow up to the earth shattering conclusion of it's predecessor Little Boy Blue. Every time I want to describe the awesomeness of this novel I am tempted to start yelling think of Helen as a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Cheesy yes, but for me its the perfect description of this book. If you love detective novels get on this series but expect a long book hangover afterwards.
August 13, 2024
Amazing
February 2, 2019
'Somehow, Helen felt she was already involved in a twisted game of hide and seek with a killer who appeared able to commit murder, then vanish without a trace.'
She felt their eyes boring into her.
It had been like this ever since her arrival. Police officers sit somewhere between snitches and child killers in the prison pecking order, objects of morbid curiosity and derision. So from the gantries, the cell doorways, the serving hatches, they watched her. Former detective inspector Helen Grace was still awaiting trial, but she’d already been convicted by her fellow prisoners, who’d labeled her a murderer and a pervert while doling out some old-fashioned Holloway punishment. At the front of the queue were the handful of violent offenders whom Helen had put away herself—for them, getting even with the disgraced police officer was a duty as well as a pleasure.
She had survived thus far, but how long could her luck hold? She was surrounded on all sides by women who’d slit her throat as soon as look at her, yet the authorities seemed determined to turn a blind eye to her predicament. There was nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide, so Helen could never let her guard down, never relax.
In Holloway, danger was only a heartbeat away.
********
Hide and Seek by M.J. Arlidge is another gripping and compelling instalment in the Helen Grace series! Arlidge is a master at creating horrifying, shocking, and intense stories!
As he has done with each cliff hanging conclusion, he's, once again, left me craving to discover what Helen will be doing next! As a result, I've been listening to these audiobooks very closely together, books four, five, and six have been nearly back to back and I've already started book seven, Love Me Not.
Narrator Elizabeth Bower continues to thrill listeners with her impressive and brilliant performance as she hightens each story to another level of intensity and emotion.
The Helen Grace series on audiobook sit at the top of my favourite series and are a must for fans who enjoy thrilling, compelling, and riveting reads!
She felt their eyes boring into her.
It had been like this ever since her arrival. Police officers sit somewhere between snitches and child killers in the prison pecking order, objects of morbid curiosity and derision. So from the gantries, the cell doorways, the serving hatches, they watched her. Former detective inspector Helen Grace was still awaiting trial, but she’d already been convicted by her fellow prisoners, who’d labeled her a murderer and a pervert while doling out some old-fashioned Holloway punishment. At the front of the queue were the handful of violent offenders whom Helen had put away herself—for them, getting even with the disgraced police officer was a duty as well as a pleasure.
She had survived thus far, but how long could her luck hold? She was surrounded on all sides by women who’d slit her throat as soon as look at her, yet the authorities seemed determined to turn a blind eye to her predicament. There was nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide, so Helen could never let her guard down, never relax.
In Holloway, danger was only a heartbeat away.
********
Hide and Seek by M.J. Arlidge is another gripping and compelling instalment in the Helen Grace series! Arlidge is a master at creating horrifying, shocking, and intense stories!
As he has done with each cliff hanging conclusion, he's, once again, left me craving to discover what Helen will be doing next! As a result, I've been listening to these audiobooks very closely together, books four, five, and six have been nearly back to back and I've already started book seven, Love Me Not.
Narrator Elizabeth Bower continues to thrill listeners with her impressive and brilliant performance as she hightens each story to another level of intensity and emotion.
The Helen Grace series on audiobook sit at the top of my favourite series and are a must for fans who enjoy thrilling, compelling, and riveting reads!
February 9, 2017
This crime thriller was much better than Little Boy Blue, and it is a sequel of it. Helen Grace is in unfamiliar environment. She is part detective and part trying to find a way out.
I enjoyed how the Helen Grace is in one setting. It was a fast thriller but contained within 4 large walls.
The same old gang of Charlie and Sanderson trying to find a way to get Helen out and she is oblivious of their efforts ...
Really enjoyable and totally would recommend this series.
I enjoyed how the Helen Grace is in one setting. It was a fast thriller but contained within 4 large walls.
The same old gang of Charlie and Sanderson trying to find a way to get Helen out and she is oblivious of their efforts ...
Really enjoyable and totally would recommend this series.
August 13, 2016
After leaving readers hanging at the end of the previous novel, Arlidge offers some answers in his latest thriller. Set weeks after the events of Little Boy Blue, Helen Grace must acclimate to life behind bars in Holloway Prison, the same institution in which her sister spent years for murder. Grace professes her innocence to anyone who will listen, though the evidence is strong to convict her as a serial killer. During a routine bed-check, Grace's cell neighbour is found dead, her lips and eyes sewn shut and orifices plugged with an unknown substance. Grace is the presumed culprit, but without any evidence, all anyone can do it keep an eye on high-profile prisoner. Making the best of her time, Grace is drawn into a loose clique, a collection of ladies who seek to help one another out during their daily tasks. They find themselves butting heads with a more sinister group who to marginalise Grace for sending many of the inmates to Hollowy. Left to fend for herself on a daily basis, Grace trying to poke around and solve the murder of her neighbour, eliciting the assistance of a pliable guard. Working with piecemeal information, Grace behinds to put together some potential leads, following them as best she can. Meanwhile, on the outside, DS Charlie Brooks is the only one from Grace's team still advocating on her behalf. Sure the murderer is still on the loose and has a close connection to Grace, Brooks must work off the books and in complete defiance of her superiors. Using antics that would have pleased her former DCI, Brooks follows a paper trail until she comes face to face with the murderer. While Holloway continues to reel with news of the murder, another inmate is found killed, again stitched and stuffed. Signs of sexual activity between the killer and both victims turns eyes away from Grace and onto one of the guards, though the Governor refuse to allow her staff to be pulled into the middle. Grace may not be a part of Major Crimes at present, but her sleuthing skills soon reveal a likely candidate, someone with motive and opportunity. No one will listen to her, leaving a killer on the loose and Grace that much closer to her own legal demise. Can Brooks and Grace convince their respective superiors to take action, or will the body counts rise while everyone plays ostrich a while longer? Arlidge delivers a wonderful novel to keep fans somewhat sated, though any definite resolution is far from certain.
While this novel did not have the same impact as some of the previous five, there are rational explanations. Helen Grace is away from the rest of her team, working solo and without the resources to which she is accustomed. While there is a serial killer on the loose, with a victim pool that is much larger and contained, the suspect list is significantly smaller in this microcosm. Additionally, it seems only DS Brooks is following up on the leads related to the killer on the outside, keeping the 'team' from working as a cohesive unit. All of these factors limit the ability for any successful and explosive novel to develop. However, working with what tools are on hand, Arlidge delivers a wonderfully paced novel that keeps the reader involved from the outset. More a cat-and-mouse game on the outside and a confined whodunit inside Holloway, the two plots work in tandem, coming to a climax around the same time. Arlidge successfully navigates through this with a cast of characters reminiscent of Orange is the New Black: UK Version (if such a show were to exist). There is much to be said of this novel, which taunts the reader, begging them to wait as Helen Grace counts down her final days before trial.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for this wonderful novel that kept me hooked until the very end. You are a master at your craft and ought to be praised for it.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While this novel did not have the same impact as some of the previous five, there are rational explanations. Helen Grace is away from the rest of her team, working solo and without the resources to which she is accustomed. While there is a serial killer on the loose, with a victim pool that is much larger and contained, the suspect list is significantly smaller in this microcosm. Additionally, it seems only DS Brooks is following up on the leads related to the killer on the outside, keeping the 'team' from working as a cohesive unit. All of these factors limit the ability for any successful and explosive novel to develop. However, working with what tools are on hand, Arlidge delivers a wonderfully paced novel that keeps the reader involved from the outset. More a cat-and-mouse game on the outside and a confined whodunit inside Holloway, the two plots work in tandem, coming to a climax around the same time. Arlidge successfully navigates through this with a cast of characters reminiscent of Orange is the New Black: UK Version (if such a show were to exist). There is much to be said of this novel, which taunts the reader, begging them to wait as Helen Grace counts down her final days before trial.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for this wonderful novel that kept me hooked until the very end. You are a master at your craft and ought to be praised for it.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 15, 2017
4/5 ⭐️
*This review, and others, can also be found on my blog: https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
This book was actually kind of hard for me to rate because of an oopsies on my part. I was completely unaware that this book was part of a series when I requested it from NetGalley, and I have not read the five books before it. That may not have been a big deal, except book 5 (Little Boy Blue) was probably a pretty major piece to the majority of the plotline to this book considering this was the sequel to it... That being said I still really enjoyed the book, but I wish I had read the other books, especially Little Boy Blue, first.
I think M.J. Arlidge does a good job of giving you enough background that this book is OK as a standalone. I would still recommend reading the other books first, but I was pretty impressed at how well it did by itself. I will have to see if I still think that after reading the other books in this series. Again, my fault, not the author's fault.
The prison mystery aspect was great and I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so sure of who was doing it, but I was completely wrong, more than once! I wished I had more background on the relationship between Helen and Robert while reading this book, but I will get that when I read the first 5 books to this series.
I liked that even though there were a lot of viewpoints, the author made sure that you knew who the person was and how they were connected to the story each time there was a switch. I know some people didn't like the (sometimes incredibly) short chapters, but I actually enjoyed that. For some reason it always feels like a book goes faster for me when the chapters are shorter.
Overall I was really happy with this book, and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sending me an electronic ARC of this book. My review is completely honest and unbiased
*This review, and others, can also be found on my blog: https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
This book was actually kind of hard for me to rate because of an oopsies on my part. I was completely unaware that this book was part of a series when I requested it from NetGalley, and I have not read the five books before it. That may not have been a big deal, except book 5 (Little Boy Blue) was probably a pretty major piece to the majority of the plotline to this book considering this was the sequel to it... That being said I still really enjoyed the book, but I wish I had read the other books, especially Little Boy Blue, first.
I think M.J. Arlidge does a good job of giving you enough background that this book is OK as a standalone. I would still recommend reading the other books first, but I was pretty impressed at how well it did by itself. I will have to see if I still think that after reading the other books in this series. Again, my fault, not the author's fault.
The prison mystery aspect was great and I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so sure of who was doing it, but I was completely wrong, more than once! I wished I had more background on the relationship between Helen and Robert while reading this book, but I will get that when I read the first 5 books to this series.
I liked that even though there were a lot of viewpoints, the author made sure that you knew who the person was and how they were connected to the story each time there was a switch. I know some people didn't like the (sometimes incredibly) short chapters, but I actually enjoyed that. For some reason it always feels like a book goes faster for me when the chapters are shorter.
Overall I was really happy with this book, and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sending me an electronic ARC of this book. My review is completely honest and unbiased
September 21, 2017
4.5/5 stars for this fantastic series installment!! Read my full review here: http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2017/9...
WOW this book has an awesome plot twist. The beginning didn't grab me quite as much, but once the story picked up, it completely took off and I was hooked!!
WOW this book has an awesome plot twist. The beginning didn't grab me quite as much, but once the story picked up, it completely took off and I was hooked!!
July 7, 2023
3,5 Lumea închisorii e dură, dar imaginea generală se referă în mod special la bărbați. Îmi place nota feministă a autorului. În închisoarea de femei unde ajunge inspectorul de poliție Grace se petrec abuzuri, trafic cu diverse bunuri și chiar crime sadice. Nu există nicio diferență între bărbați și femei atunci când vine vorba de infracțiuni, aș zice că femeile au chiar mai multă fantezie.
September 23, 2017
This is the sixth book in the Helen Grace series, but it is the first one that I have read. Former detective inspector Helen Grace is in prison awaiting trial for three murders that she did not commit. She was framed by her nephew Robert Stonehill. The book follows two plot lines, the first is a serial killer murdering inmates in the women's prison and the second is the investigation by Helen's friend Charlie to track down Stonehill and exonerate Helen. I preferred the prison plot.
I had three major problems with this book. First, the Stonehill story doesn't really make sense unless you have read the 5th book in the series "Little Boy Blue". The blurb needs to warn people that this book is not a standalone. My second problem is unique to me, I hate serial killer stories. My third problem with the book was the writing style. The author uses very short chapters, sometimes only two pages. This makes the book very choppy. After I reached the 50% point of the book I started to skim because I wanted to find out what the conclusion was but I wasn't really engaged by the writing. Frankly, if you read only the first two and last two paragraphs of each chapter you'll pretty much find out everything you need to know about this book. I have two of the early books of this series but I don't know whether I will be reading them.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I had three major problems with this book. First, the Stonehill story doesn't really make sense unless you have read the 5th book in the series "Little Boy Blue". The blurb needs to warn people that this book is not a standalone. My second problem is unique to me, I hate serial killer stories. My third problem with the book was the writing style. The author uses very short chapters, sometimes only two pages. This makes the book very choppy. After I reached the 50% point of the book I started to skim because I wanted to find out what the conclusion was but I wasn't really engaged by the writing. Frankly, if you read only the first two and last two paragraphs of each chapter you'll pretty much find out everything you need to know about this book. I have two of the early books of this series but I don't know whether I will be reading them.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 5, 2018
This is the very best of M. J. Arlidge. I have read a few of his books and Hide and Seek sits at the very top of my favourite so far. I am so impressed with M. J. Arlidge that I am now following him goodreads. Detective Inspector Helen Grace is sent to Holloway, she's been set up by Robert Stonehill he planted her DNA at a murder scene. How can Helen survive in Holloway when she is surrounded by crazy woman who may slit her throat? There is a monster In the high profile prison killing women in their cells. Helen police intelligence kicks in and in secret she sets out to find out who killed these women and why? Highly recommended Hide and Seek with nail biting tension through out every page.
February 10, 2017
Incredibly fast-paced, not quite as impactful as Little Boy Blue (must be read in order), parts of it became a bit unbelievable, but still highly entertaining.
October 14, 2016
The sixth book in the series and this one follows directly on from the previous book. With Grace now in Holloway prison she is up against it as she tries to defend herself of her supposed crimes and deal with the fact that she is a police officer amongst inmates. A heady and violent mix. Her presence is not wanted by the other prisoners and Grace faces some hard times as conflict after conflict keeps coming her way. Grace's cellmate is found dead which leaves Grace determined to find out who could have committed such an atrocious crime. Her cellmate was murdered and sewn up in every possible way. *shudder*
Fortunately Grace's sergeant, Charlie Brooks, is absolutely determined to prove that Grace is innocent of her alleged crimes. Working in her own time and going against the wishes of her superiors, she works tirelessly to gain much needed evidence that could free Grace.
Two stories are present here working alongside each other and they work really well. On the one hand we meet a great cast of characters within the prison, from the inmates to the prison officers and we also have some interaction with Grace's team on the outside.
I found this to be a brilliant book. It kept me captivated throughout at a fairly frenetic pace and Arlidge totally caught me out until near the end as to who the killer in prison was. For me, this is my favourite so far and was glad some loose ends were tied up here. It paves way for some fresh storylines in future books. Bring on the next instalment!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Loved it!
Fortunately Grace's sergeant, Charlie Brooks, is absolutely determined to prove that Grace is innocent of her alleged crimes. Working in her own time and going against the wishes of her superiors, she works tirelessly to gain much needed evidence that could free Grace.
Two stories are present here working alongside each other and they work really well. On the one hand we meet a great cast of characters within the prison, from the inmates to the prison officers and we also have some interaction with Grace's team on the outside.
I found this to be a brilliant book. It kept me captivated throughout at a fairly frenetic pace and Arlidge totally caught me out until near the end as to who the killer in prison was. For me, this is my favourite so far and was glad some loose ends were tied up here. It paves way for some fresh storylines in future books. Bring on the next instalment!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Loved it!
August 31, 2016
Oh my goodness, I literally do NOT know where to start. I think the first thing I need to point out is that although some people will say this can be read as a stand alone I COMPLETELY DISAGREE! You really do need the previous book and in my opinion the whole series to really feel the impact of this latest release. We rejoin Helen Grace, except this time she is behind bars and awaiting her trial in Holloway Prison for murders that she didn't commit. That's the first thing that set my teeth on edge, it almost gave me a bad taste in my mouth...but in a good way if you know what I mean.
I was just gobsmacked, here she is the leading character and formidable DI Helen Grace and she is living alongside some of those she has put behind bars herself. The whole setting is enough to make you squirm with the feeling of hopelessness at Helen's situation. However nothing is as easy or straightforward as that where Helen is concerned and being in prison only highlights that. Helen's stay is far from easy and we see her battle to just stay alive as there are plenty of people who would like to finish her once and for all.
Thankfully there is one person left batting for Helen and that's her colleague Charlie Brooks. While Helen is trying to stay alive Charlie is desperately trying to find the proof that Helen is innocent. Meanwhile a grisly murder happens within Holloway and it's definitely on the inside. With so much going on there is no time for the reader to do anything (such as work or other important things) other than turn the pages. This was so well written I could almost feel myself getting claustrophobic from the time inside those prison walls. The ante is upped as more and more story threads are pulled at and there is no let up in this until the very last page.
Relentless in pace and a real nail biter, M J Arlidge has outdone himself with this terrifying and gripping book. I certainly didn't want to put it down and think fans will be delighted with this latest instalment. My only question now is..."what next for Helen Grace?". Whatever comes next whether it be more of Helen or a new character I will be itching to read it as M J Arlidge has just shot to the top of my 'Must Read' authors. An outstanding book, and an amazing series that I really think if you haven't already you should read!
I was just gobsmacked, here she is the leading character and formidable DI Helen Grace and she is living alongside some of those she has put behind bars herself. The whole setting is enough to make you squirm with the feeling of hopelessness at Helen's situation. However nothing is as easy or straightforward as that where Helen is concerned and being in prison only highlights that. Helen's stay is far from easy and we see her battle to just stay alive as there are plenty of people who would like to finish her once and for all.
Thankfully there is one person left batting for Helen and that's her colleague Charlie Brooks. While Helen is trying to stay alive Charlie is desperately trying to find the proof that Helen is innocent. Meanwhile a grisly murder happens within Holloway and it's definitely on the inside. With so much going on there is no time for the reader to do anything (such as work or other important things) other than turn the pages. This was so well written I could almost feel myself getting claustrophobic from the time inside those prison walls. The ante is upped as more and more story threads are pulled at and there is no let up in this until the very last page.
Relentless in pace and a real nail biter, M J Arlidge has outdone himself with this terrifying and gripping book. I certainly didn't want to put it down and think fans will be delighted with this latest instalment. My only question now is..."what next for Helen Grace?". Whatever comes next whether it be more of Helen or a new character I will be itching to read it as M J Arlidge has just shot to the top of my 'Must Read' authors. An outstanding book, and an amazing series that I really think if you haven't already you should read!
October 10, 2017
I think this was the best yet!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One thing that stands out about the writing style of M.J. Arlidge is you are very quickly connected to the story. I think this is because you actually have a series of mini chapters so the story can be can told from multiple points of view.
By using this technique, the author can keep you on your toes. A little suspense here. A little suspense there. Twists and turns all over that walk you right into the final conclusion at the very end of the book.
Arlidge is very good at building an exciting story even through a series of books. And this is a series that you definitely want to start at book one so you can completely know and understand the main characters, Helen Grace and her team.
Hide and Seek is a dark and twisted tale with a bit of gore factor to it. The prison life is depicted in a very raw and gritty manner that makes you thankful that’s not your life. The desperation, the uncaring attitude, the violence, and the bleak outlook is real and daunting. You almost can’t wait until the book ends so you can not have to live that anymore.
Murder, mystery, suspense, who done it, intrigue, investigation, police action, thriller – all of these descriptors apply in this book and in the entire series. Whatever your favorite genre, you’re sure to find it in this book.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - http://amidlifewife.com/hide-and-seek...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One thing that stands out about the writing style of M.J. Arlidge is you are very quickly connected to the story. I think this is because you actually have a series of mini chapters so the story can be can told from multiple points of view.
By using this technique, the author can keep you on your toes. A little suspense here. A little suspense there. Twists and turns all over that walk you right into the final conclusion at the very end of the book.
Arlidge is very good at building an exciting story even through a series of books. And this is a series that you definitely want to start at book one so you can completely know and understand the main characters, Helen Grace and her team.
Hide and Seek is a dark and twisted tale with a bit of gore factor to it. The prison life is depicted in a very raw and gritty manner that makes you thankful that’s not your life. The desperation, the uncaring attitude, the violence, and the bleak outlook is real and daunting. You almost can’t wait until the book ends so you can not have to live that anymore.
Murder, mystery, suspense, who done it, intrigue, investigation, police action, thriller – all of these descriptors apply in this book and in the entire series. Whatever your favorite genre, you’re sure to find it in this book.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - http://amidlifewife.com/hide-and-seek...
January 14, 2025
#perskaičiau
M.J.Arlidge "Slėpynės"
Tai jau šeštoji serijos knyga, kuri nepaliko manęs abejingos 🖤
"Įkalinta. Persekiojama. Nepalaužiama.
Detektyvė inspektorė Helena Greis visą gyvenimą bėgo – nuo savo praeities, nuo savęs, nuo visų, mėginusių bent truputį prie jos priartėti. Tačiau dabar ji neturi kur bėgti, o daug kartų gelbėjęs detektyvės ženklelis nebegali jos apsaugoti."
Ši serijos dalis yra neabejotinas knygos" Šešėlis" tęsinys. Tad baigusi ją čiupau sekančią serijos dalį, kurios veiksmas šį kartą vyko įkalinimo įstaigoje. Labai įdomi serijos knyga. Arlidge mane tikrai maloniai stebina sukurdamas puikius knygos siužetus 👌 Buvo tikrai smagu skaityti, kaip Helenai seksis dorotis su nauja aplinka ir apsisaugoti nuo senų priešių. Knyga tikrai įtraukė ir skaitydama ne kartą sakiau sau, kad va jau žinau kas atsakingas už žiaurius nusikaltimus, tačiau net 2 kartus suklydau 🤭 Ir tai puiku, nes knygos visai nenuspėjau ir likau tikrai sužavėta.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Na ką, beliko paskutinė serijos knyga "Myliu nemyliu" 🤭
M.J.Arlidge "Slėpynės"
Tai jau šeštoji serijos knyga, kuri nepaliko manęs abejingos 🖤
"Įkalinta. Persekiojama. Nepalaužiama.
Detektyvė inspektorė Helena Greis visą gyvenimą bėgo – nuo savo praeities, nuo savęs, nuo visų, mėginusių bent truputį prie jos priartėti. Tačiau dabar ji neturi kur bėgti, o daug kartų gelbėjęs detektyvės ženklelis nebegali jos apsaugoti."
Ši serijos dalis yra neabejotinas knygos" Šešėlis" tęsinys. Tad baigusi ją čiupau sekančią serijos dalį, kurios veiksmas šį kartą vyko įkalinimo įstaigoje. Labai įdomi serijos knyga. Arlidge mane tikrai maloniai stebina sukurdamas puikius knygos siužetus 👌 Buvo tikrai smagu skaityti, kaip Helenai seksis dorotis su nauja aplinka ir apsisaugoti nuo senų priešių. Knyga tikrai įtraukė ir skaitydama ne kartą sakiau sau, kad va jau žinau kas atsakingas už žiaurius nusikaltimus, tačiau net 2 kartus suklydau 🤭 Ir tai puiku, nes knygos visai nenuspėjau ir likau tikrai sužavėta.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Na ką, beliko paskutinė serijos knyga "Myliu nemyliu" 🤭
September 24, 2017
4.5 stars
Helen Grace, detective inspector, has found herself incarcerated in Holloway prison in the U.K. She is awaiting trial for the murder of three people. However, it was Robert Stonehill, who murdered those people in order to frame Helen. Robert Stonehill was after revenge. Helen had killed his mother, Marianne. Marianne was Helen's sister. He is Helen’s only living relative. She is his aunt.
This novel moves back and forth between Helen's incarceration and her one remaining ally, DS Charlie Brooks, who is working to find Robert Stonehill and secure her release. Within the prison there has been 3 murders and Helen is trying to determine who the murderer is.
M. J Arlidge is a good writer. His stories tend to have a number of plot twists and turns. You think you have solved the mystery only to be fooled. His work is gritty and unapologetic. An author to keep your eye on.
Thank you First to Read and Berkley Books for this ARC. Publication expected on Oct 10, 2017.
Helen Grace, detective inspector, has found herself incarcerated in Holloway prison in the U.K. She is awaiting trial for the murder of three people. However, it was Robert Stonehill, who murdered those people in order to frame Helen. Robert Stonehill was after revenge. Helen had killed his mother, Marianne. Marianne was Helen's sister. He is Helen’s only living relative. She is his aunt.
This novel moves back and forth between Helen's incarceration and her one remaining ally, DS Charlie Brooks, who is working to find Robert Stonehill and secure her release. Within the prison there has been 3 murders and Helen is trying to determine who the murderer is.
M. J Arlidge is a good writer. His stories tend to have a number of plot twists and turns. You think you have solved the mystery only to be fooled. His work is gritty and unapologetic. An author to keep your eye on.
Thank you First to Read and Berkley Books for this ARC. Publication expected on Oct 10, 2017.
January 2, 2022
Nu e deloc surprinzător să dau iar 5 stele la o carte din seria Helen Grace:))
Dar cartea asta a fost altcevaaaa.
Avem acțiune din plin
Avem mai multe planuri care se îmbină în final
Avem introspectie asupra personajelor (criminalul e inclus, desigur)
Avem villains dar și eroi
E un volum cum ne a obișnuit domnul Arlidge și încă pe atât.
Dacă nu i-ați dat o șansa seriei până acum, TREBUIE să o faceți. E un crime taaaare bun.
Dar cartea asta a fost altcevaaaa.
Avem acțiune din plin
Avem mai multe planuri care se îmbină în final
Avem introspectie asupra personajelor (criminalul e inclus, desigur)
Avem villains dar și eroi
E un volum cum ne a obișnuit domnul Arlidge și încă pe atât.
Dacă nu i-ați dat o șansa seriei până acum, TREBUIE să o faceți. E un crime taaaare bun.
August 20, 2022
La fiecare carte a seriei spun "asta e cartea mea preferata" .
Absolut minunata cartea asta. De 3 ori "am ghicit" criminalul și la sfârșit era cine ma așteptam mai puțin.
Concluzia după ce am citit-o... Mulți oameni săriți de pe fix! 😁
Absolut minunata cartea asta. De 3 ori "am ghicit" criminalul și la sfârșit era cine ma așteptam mai puțin.
Concluzia după ce am citit-o... Mulți oameni săriți de pe fix! 😁
April 10, 2025
În sfârșit ceva nou și palpitant! După două volume care m-au lăsat cu un gust amar și cu senzația că seria și-a pierdut din intensitate, “De-a v-ați ascunselea” a venit ca o gură de aer proaspăt. Mi-a fost aproape imposibil să las cartea din mână – suspansul e bine dozat, acțiunea curge rapid, iar ritmul alert te ține în priză până la ultima pagină.
Chiar dacă premisa e ușor forțată – crimele încep în timp ce Helen se află în închisoare, ceea ce ridică niște semne de întrebare legate de verosimilitate – povestea este atât de bine scrisă încât îți vine să treci cu vederea aceste detalii. Arlidge face din nou ceea ce știe cel mai bine: construiește tensiunea în jurul unui mister captivant și lansează piste false care te pun pe gânduri. De trei ori am fost convinsă că am descoperit criminalul, și tot de atâtea ori am fost păcălită – ceea ce, pentru mine, este un semn clar al unei scriituri inteligente.
Inițial, am fost sigură că preotul este vinovatul, dar Arlidge reușește să se joace foarte bine cu așteptările cititorului, oferindu-i indicii care par convingătoare, doar pentru a-l deturna subtil spre altă direcție. Asta face lectura incitantă și plină de ADRENALINĂ. 🤭
Crimele din închisoare au fost, poate surprinzător, mai intense și mai captivante decât ancheta desfășurată în afara ei, de către echipa lui Brooks. Tensiunea de acolo, claustrofobia și lipsa de control a lui Helen adaugă o dimensiune nouă poveștii și o vulnerabilitate rar întâlnită la personajul principal.
Un aspect care mi-a stârnit nedumerirea a fost relația dintre Brooks și Sanderson. În volumele anterioare, cele două păreau prinse într-o competiție tăcută pentru influență și recunoaștere profesională, cu tensiuni evidente între ele. În schimb, în acest volum, interacțiunea lor reflectă o prietenie deja bine închegată – prietenie pe care Arlidge o menționează în mod clar pe parcursul poveștii. Această schimbare de dinamică, venită fără o tranziție coerentă sau o explicație, lasă o senzație de ruptură în continuitatea personajelor.
Iar da, Helen din nou este resuscitată. Încă un moment în care îți dai seama că protagonista pare să aibă mai multe vieți decât o pisică. Deși deja devine o constantă în serie, trebuie să recunosc că m-a ținut cu sufletul la gură.
Un alt detaliu care se repetă – și pe care sper să nu-l mai regăsesc în volumele următoare – este antagonismul constant cu superiorii săi. Parcă mereu cineva “de sus” complotează împotriva ei, ceea ce începe să devină un laitmotiv obositor. Îmi doresc ca în volumele viitoare Helen să preia, în sfârșit, conducerea și să nu mai fie mereu ținta intrigilor interne.
În concluzie, “De-a v-ați ascunselea” este un volum reușit, care readuce în prim-plan forța narativă a seriei și demonstrează că Arlidge încă mai are povești bune de spus. Mi-a redat încrederea în această serie și sunt curioasă cum vor evolua personajele, mai ales având în vedere cât de multe cariere au fost distruse în urma acuzațiilor false din volumele anterioare – excepție făcând, bineînțeles, Helen Grace.
Chiar dacă premisa e ușor forțată – crimele încep în timp ce Helen se află în închisoare, ceea ce ridică niște semne de întrebare legate de verosimilitate – povestea este atât de bine scrisă încât îți vine să treci cu vederea aceste detalii. Arlidge face din nou ceea ce știe cel mai bine: construiește tensiunea în jurul unui mister captivant și lansează piste false care te pun pe gânduri. De trei ori am fost convinsă că am descoperit criminalul, și tot de atâtea ori am fost păcălită – ceea ce, pentru mine, este un semn clar al unei scriituri inteligente.
Inițial, am fost sigură că preotul este vinovatul, dar Arlidge reușește să se joace foarte bine cu așteptările cititorului, oferindu-i indicii care par convingătoare, doar pentru a-l deturna subtil spre altă direcție. Asta face lectura incitantă și plină de ADRENALINĂ. 🤭
Crimele din închisoare au fost, poate surprinzător, mai intense și mai captivante decât ancheta desfășurată în afara ei, de către echipa lui Brooks. Tensiunea de acolo, claustrofobia și lipsa de control a lui Helen adaugă o dimensiune nouă poveștii și o vulnerabilitate rar întâlnită la personajul principal.
Un aspect care mi-a stârnit nedumerirea a fost relația dintre Brooks și Sanderson. În volumele anterioare, cele două păreau prinse într-o competiție tăcută pentru influență și recunoaștere profesională, cu tensiuni evidente între ele. În schimb, în acest volum, interacțiunea lor reflectă o prietenie deja bine închegată – prietenie pe care Arlidge o menționează în mod clar pe parcursul poveștii. Această schimbare de dinamică, venită fără o tranziție coerentă sau o explicație, lasă o senzație de ruptură în continuitatea personajelor.
Iar da, Helen din nou este resuscitată. Încă un moment în care îți dai seama că protagonista pare să aibă mai multe vieți decât o pisică. Deși deja devine o constantă în serie, trebuie să recunosc că m-a ținut cu sufletul la gură.
Un alt detaliu care se repetă – și pe care sper să nu-l mai regăsesc în volumele următoare – este antagonismul constant cu superiorii săi. Parcă mereu cineva “de sus” complotează împotriva ei, ceea ce începe să devină un laitmotiv obositor. Îmi doresc ca în volumele viitoare Helen să preia, în sfârșit, conducerea și să nu mai fie mereu ținta intrigilor interne.
În concluzie, “De-a v-ați ascunselea” este un volum reușit, care readuce în prim-plan forța narativă a seriei și demonstrează că Arlidge încă mai are povești bune de spus. Mi-a redat încrederea în această serie și sunt curioasă cum vor evolua personajele, mai ales având în vedere cât de multe cariere au fost distruse în urma acuzațiilor false din volumele anterioare – excepție făcând, bineînțeles, Helen Grace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2018
Well I really enjoyed that! Wasn't sure how it was going to work with Helen Grace being inside but Hide & Seek was probably one of my favourite books of the series. Yes, maybe a stretch of the imagination at times but isn't fact stranger than fiction so they say! Great story, interesting characters even the ones you don't like. Looking forwards to reading the next one.
March 26, 2023
Labai patiko nuo pirmų puslapių ir džiaugiuosi perskaičiusi tęsinį , įtampos tiek, nors vežimu vežk, žudiko nenuspėjau ir buvau autorės suklaidinta, nes įtarimų šešėlis krito ant kalėjimo darbuotojo ir kapeliono, o pasirodo oi kaip klydau, kai paaiškėjo kas už viso to slėpėsi.
May 5, 2020
Με το «Φτου και βγαίνω» ο M. J. Arlidge κορυφώνει όχι μόνο την προσωπική ιστορία της επιθεωρήτριας Έλεν Γκρέις, αλλά και την αγωνία των αναγνωστών του, που περιμένουν με ανυπομονησία πια κάθε καινούρια περιπέτεια της αγαπημένης ηρωίδας.
Μετά τα συγκλονιστικά γεγονότα που συνέβησαν στις τελευταίες σελίδες του προηγούμενου –πέμπτου κατά σειρά– βιβλίου, το «Στο στόμα του λύκου», στο έκτο της σειράς βρίσκουμε την Έλεν Γκρέις κρατούμενη στις φυλακές του Χολογουέι, κατηγορούμενη για εγκλήματα που δεν διέπραξε. Η ζωή της έχει έρθει τα πάνω κάτω και οι δύσκολες μέρες που την περιμένουν φαντάζουν ατέλειωτες.
Η Έλεν έχει πολλά θέματα να διαχειριστεί: το άτομο ��ου την παγίδευσε είναι κάποιος για τον οποίο εκείνη πάντα νοιαζόταν, αλλά ποτέ δεν κατάφερε να βοηθήσει· αντίθετα κέρδισε το αιώνιο μίσος του, που τον οδήγησε ακόμα και στο έγκλημα προκειμένου να πάρει την εκδίκησή του. Επιπλέον, περιτριγυρίζεται από γυναίκες που έχουν καταδικαστεί για τα ειδεχθέστερα εγκλήματα – μάλιστα, αρκετές από αυτές τις είχε συλλάβει η ίδια, και τώρα όλες χαίρονται με την ‘πτώση’ της. Κάθε καινούρια μέρα είναι μια ακόμα μέρα πάλης για επιβίωση για την Έλεν. Και σαν να μην έφταναν όλα αυτά, μια κρατούμενη δολοφονείται με έναν φρικτό τρόπο μέσα στο κελί της· και δεν θα είναι το μοναδικό θύμα.
Οι κρατούμενες τρομοκρατούνται και ψάχνουν τρόπους να προστατευθούν από τον άγνωστο δολοφόνο, που έχει πρόσβαση στα κελιά τους και κινείται εντελώς αθόρυβα. Και η Έλεν, με το αστυνομικό της ένστικτο πάντα οξυμένο και την επιμονή που τις περισσότερες φορές δεν της βγαίνει σε καλό, προσπαθεί να ανακαλύψει την ταυτότητά του, πριν εκείνος χτυπήσει ξανά. Ταυτόχρονα, κάποια εκεί έξω ψάχνει μανιωδώς στοιχεία για την υπεράσπισή της στο δικαστήριο: η αρχιφύλακας Τσάρλι Μπράουν, η μόνη σύμμαχος που της έχει απομείνει στο αστυνομικό τμήμα του Σαουθάμπτον…
Ο συγγραφέας κινείται στο γνώριμο και αγαπημένο μοτίβο που συναντούμε και στα υπόλοιπα βιβλία της σειράς. Η δράση κινείται σε δύο επίπεδα –η Έλεν αναζητά έναν δολοφόνο μέσα στη φυλακή και η Τσάρλι έναν απ’ έξω– όμως και οι δύο υποθέσεις, που εξελίσσονται παράλληλα, έχουν η καθεμιά το δικό της ξεχωριστό ενδιαφέρον. Όπως σ’ έναν αγώνα σκυταλοδρομίας με δύο παίκτριες, έτσι και εδώ οι δύο ηρωίδες παραχωρούν με αβρότητα λογοτεχνικό χώρο και χρόνο η μία στην άλλη, ενώ ταυτόχρονα παραμένουν προσηλωμένες στον στόχο τους, έχοντας ως κυριότερο αντίπαλο τον χρόνο, που μετρά για όλους αντίστροφα. Οι δολοφονίες πληθαίνουν και η δίκη της Έλεν πλησιάζει.
Αυτό που έχει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το πόσο καλά, ολοκληρωμένα και γλαφυρά έχει στήσει ο Arlidge το περιβάλλον της φυλακής. Παρόλο που είναι ένας χώρος που δεν επιτρέπει ελευθερία κινήσεων (μιλάμε μεν για ένα μεγάλο οίκημα, παραμένει δε ένας ‘κλειστός’ χώρος δράσης) οι εξελίξεις και οι ανατροπές διαδέχονται η μία την άλλη με κινηματογραφική ταχύτητα. Ουσιαστικά, πρόκειται για μια μικρή κοινωνία· με τους καλούς, τους κακούς, τους αδιάφορους και τους προβληματικούς τύπους ανθρώπων να αναγκάζονται όχι μόνο να συνυπάρχουν, αλλά και να καταπολεμούν τα βίαια ένστικτά τους, να συγκρατούν τις παρορμήσεις τους και να καταφέρνουν να αντεπεξέρχονται στις δοκιμασίες που φέρνει ακόμα μια μέρα εγκλεισμού.
Οι φανατικοί αναγνώστες του Arlidge γνωρίζουν καλά πόσο πετυχημένα είναι τα ψυχογραφήματα των χαρακτήρων σε κάθε του βιβλίο. Αυτή τη φορά δεν καλείται να δημιουργήσει το προφίλ ενός μονάχα καθ’ έξη δολοφόνου· αυτή τη φορά μάλλον βρίσκεται στην… προσωπική του παιδική χαρά, μιας και καλείται να πλάσει πολλές και διαφορετικές προσωπικότητες για τις κρατούμενες. Κάθε μία κουβαλά τη δική της ιστορία, ένα βαρύ παρελθόν και ένα ζοφερό μέλλον. Οι γυναίκες αυτές είναι τραγικές φιγούρες· οι περισσότερες είναι ένοχες, δεν έχουν μετανιώσει στιγμή για τα εγκλήματά τους και δεν θα δίσταζαν να παρανομήσουν ξανά, όμως δεν παύουν να είναι άνθρωποι – με αδυναμίες, φόβους και στιγμές που μοιάζουν να έχουν χάσει τα πάντα.
Και, φυσικά, ανάμεσά τους ξεχωρίζει η Έλεν Γκρέις. Μια γυναίκα που μπορεί ένας αναγνώστης να συμπαθεί ή όχι, αλλά οπωσδήποτε δεν μπορεί να αδιαφορήσει για την ιστορία της. Εδώ βρίσκεται στη χειρότερη στιγμή της· σε μια καμπή της ζωής της όπου μοιάζει να χάνει εντελώς τον έλεγχο που τόσο απεγνωσμένα προσπαθούσε ανέκαθεν να διατηρήσει. Η προσωπική της ζωή έχει γίνει βορά του Τύπου, έχει χάσει τη δουλειά της και τον σεβασμό των συναδέλφων της, βρίσκεται σε ένα περιβάλλον άκρως εχθρικό και κάθε μέρα καραδοκεί για εκείνη ένας κίνδυνος, στο πρόσωπο των άλλων κρατουμένων. Και, μέσα σ’ όλα αυτά, κυνηγάει κι έναν επικίνδυνο δολοφόνο, που δεν θα διστάσει να βγάλει από τη μέση όποιον νομίζει πως μπαίνει εμπόδιο στον δρόμο του.
Μια συναρπαστική ιστορία, που οπωσδήποτε θα καθηλώσει τους φανατικούς του Arlidge και της Έλεν Γκρέις, οι οποίοι περιμένουν με αγωνία τη δικαίωσή της. Οι καινούριοι αναγνώστες που τώρα γνωρίζουν τον συγγραφέα και τη συγκεκριμένη σειρά βιβλίων οπωσδήποτε θα σπεύσουν να προμηθευτούν και τα προηγούμενα. Δεν γίνεται αλλιώς· η σειρά αυτή είναι απλά εθιστική!
Μετά τα συγκλονιστικά γεγονότα που συνέβησαν στις τελευταίες σελίδες του προηγούμενου –πέμπτου κατά σειρά– βιβλίου, το «Στο στόμα του λύκου», στο έκτο της σειράς βρίσκουμε την Έλεν Γκρέις κρατούμενη στις φυλακές του Χολογουέι, κατηγορούμενη για εγκλήματα που δεν διέπραξε. Η ζωή της έχει έρθει τα πάνω κάτω και οι δύσκολες μέρες που την περιμένουν φαντάζουν ατέλειωτες.
Η Έλεν έχει πολλά θέματα να διαχειριστεί: το άτομο ��ου την παγίδευσε είναι κάποιος για τον οποίο εκείνη πάντα νοιαζόταν, αλλά ποτέ δεν κατάφερε να βοηθήσει· αντίθετα κέρδισε το αιώνιο μίσος του, που τον οδήγησε ακόμα και στο έγκλημα προκειμένου να πάρει την εκδίκησή του. Επιπλέον, περιτριγυρίζεται από γυναίκες που έχουν καταδικαστεί για τα ειδεχθέστερα εγκλήματα – μάλιστα, αρκετές από αυτές τις είχε συλλάβει η ίδια, και τώρα όλες χαίρονται με την ‘πτώση’ της. Κάθε καινούρια μέρα είναι μια ακόμα μέρα πάλης για επιβίωση για την Έλεν. Και σαν να μην έφταναν όλα αυτά, μια κρατούμενη δολοφονείται με έναν φρικτό τρόπο μέσα στο κελί της· και δεν θα είναι το μοναδικό θύμα.
Οι κρατούμενες τρομοκρατούνται και ψάχνουν τρόπους να προστατευθούν από τον άγνωστο δολοφόνο, που έχει πρόσβαση στα κελιά τους και κινείται εντελώς αθόρυβα. Και η Έλεν, με το αστυνομικό της ένστικτο πάντα οξυμένο και την επιμονή που τις περισσότερες φορές δεν της βγαίνει σε καλό, προσπαθεί να ανακαλύψει την ταυτότητά του, πριν εκείνος χτυπήσει ξανά. Ταυτόχρονα, κάποια εκεί έξω ψάχνει μανιωδώς στοιχεία για την υπεράσπισή της στο δικαστήριο: η αρχιφύλακας Τσάρλι Μπράουν, η μόνη σύμμαχος που της έχει απομείνει στο αστυνομικό τμήμα του Σαουθάμπτον…
Ο συγγραφέας κινείται στο γνώριμο και αγαπημένο μοτίβο που συναντούμε και στα υπόλοιπα βιβλία της σειράς. Η δράση κινείται σε δύο επίπεδα –η Έλεν αναζητά έναν δολοφόνο μέσα στη φυλακή και η Τσάρλι έναν απ’ έξω– όμως και οι δύο υποθέσεις, που εξελίσσονται παράλληλα, έχουν η καθεμιά το δικό της ξεχωριστό ενδιαφέρον. Όπως σ’ έναν αγώνα σκυταλοδρομίας με δύο παίκτριες, έτσι και εδώ οι δύο ηρωίδες παραχωρούν με αβρότητα λογοτεχνικό χώρο και χρόνο η μία στην άλλη, ενώ ταυτόχρονα παραμένουν προσηλωμένες στον στόχο τους, έχοντας ως κυριότερο αντίπαλο τον χρόνο, που μετρά για όλους αντίστροφα. Οι δολοφονίες πληθαίνουν και η δίκη της Έλεν πλησιάζει.
Αυτό που έχει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το πόσο καλά, ολοκληρωμένα και γλαφυρά έχει στήσει ο Arlidge το περιβάλλον της φυλακής. Παρόλο που είναι ένας χώρος που δεν επιτρέπει ελευθερία κινήσεων (μιλάμε μεν για ένα μεγάλο οίκημα, παραμένει δε ένας ‘κλειστός’ χώρος δράσης) οι εξελίξεις και οι ανατροπές διαδέχονται η μία την άλλη με κινηματογραφική ταχύτητα. Ουσιαστικά, πρόκειται για μια μικρή κοινωνία· με τους καλούς, τους κακούς, τους αδιάφορους και τους προβληματικούς τύπους ανθρώπων να αναγκάζονται όχι μόνο να συνυπάρχουν, αλλά και να καταπολεμούν τα βίαια ένστικτά τους, να συγκρατούν τις παρορμήσεις τους και να καταφέρνουν να αντεπεξέρχονται στις δοκιμασίες που φέρνει ακόμα μια μέρα εγκλεισμού.
Οι φανατικοί αναγνώστες του Arlidge γνωρίζουν καλά πόσο πετυχημένα είναι τα ψυχογραφήματα των χαρακτήρων σε κάθε του βιβλίο. Αυτή τη φορά δεν καλείται να δημιουργήσει το προφίλ ενός μονάχα καθ’ έξη δολοφόνου· αυτή τη φορά μάλλον βρίσκεται στην… προσωπική του παιδική χαρά, μιας και καλείται να πλάσει πολλές και διαφορετικές προσωπικότητες για τις κρατούμενες. Κάθε μία κουβαλά τη δική της ιστορία, ένα βαρύ παρελθόν και ένα ζοφερό μέλλον. Οι γυναίκες αυτές είναι τραγικές φιγούρες· οι περισσότερες είναι ένοχες, δεν έχουν μετανιώσει στιγμή για τα εγκλήματά τους και δεν θα δίσταζαν να παρανομήσουν ξανά, όμως δεν παύουν να είναι άνθρωποι – με αδυναμίες, φόβους και στιγμές που μοιάζουν να έχουν χάσει τα πάντα.
Και, φυσικά, ανάμεσά τους ξεχωρίζει η Έλεν Γκρέις. Μια γυναίκα που μπορεί ένας αναγνώστης να συμπαθεί ή όχι, αλλά οπωσδήποτε δεν μπορεί να αδιαφορήσει για την ιστορία της. Εδώ βρίσκεται στη χειρότερη στιγμή της· σε μια καμπή της ζωής της όπου μοιάζει να χάνει εντελώς τον έλεγχο που τόσο απεγνωσμένα προσπαθούσε ανέκαθεν να διατηρήσει. Η προσωπική της ζωή έχει γίνει βορά του Τύπου, έχει χάσει τη δουλειά της και τον σεβασμό των συναδέλφων της, βρίσκεται σε ένα περιβάλλον άκρως εχθρικό και κάθε μέρα καραδοκεί για εκείνη ένας κίνδυνος, στο πρόσωπο των άλλων κρατουμένων. Και, μέσα σ’ όλα αυτά, κυνηγάει κι έναν επικίνδυνο δολοφόνο, που δεν θα διστάσει να βγάλει από τη μέση όποιον νομίζει πως μπαίνει εμπόδιο στον δρόμο του.
Μια συναρπαστική ιστορία, που οπωσδήποτε θα καθηλώσει τους φανατικούς του Arlidge και της Έλεν Γκρέις, οι οποίοι περιμένουν με αγωνία τη δικαίωσή της. Οι καινούριοι αναγνώστες που τώρα γνωρίζουν τον συγγραφέα και τη συγκεκριμένη σειρά βιβλίων οπωσδήποτε θα σπεύσουν να προμηθευτούν και τα προηγούμενα. Δεν γίνεται αλλιώς· η σειρά αυτή είναι απλά εθιστική!
September 26, 2016
This is the sixth book in the Helen Grace series and for me it was by far the best one yet, it’s a cracker and one I devoured in a day (yes it really was THAT good). In Hide And Seek the reader meets DI Helen Grace who is now an inmate of Holloway Prison, wrongly accused of murder, she finds herself behind bars along side women she has previously put away for their crimes. Despite Helen being on the wrong side of the law it doesn’t stop her investigating a series of gruesome murders that take place within the prison.
M. J. Arlidge does a very convincing job of portraying life in prison, dismal, dangerous and fraught with tension, it certainly sounded horrifyingly realistic. Hide And Seek shows a very different side to Helen’s character, she’s as vulnerable as the next person in an environment where there’s danger at every turn. A detective serving a prison sentence isn’t going to have an easy time of it as Helen soon learns, she has to fight to exist along side violent inmates who would like nothing better than to see Helen get her comeuppance. I had some real nail biting moments as Helen came up against some of the more hardened inmates, and seeing her at her most vulnerable made for a riveting read. Once the body count starts rising we see the determined and tenacious Helen at her best, one who isn’t afraid to kick ass to find the killer. I must admit I did miss Helen’s interaction with her colleagues when I first started reading Hide And Seek, but this soon passed.
There is one person left battling for Helen and that’s her work colleague Charlie Brooks, and she is like a dog with a bone trying to get her bosses name cleared, she’s stubborn and determined which results in her putting both her job and her personal relationship in jeopardy. There are a few red herrings thrown in to keep the reader guessing, which certainly added suspense to the plot.
This latest book is fast paced, gritty and just when you think you’ve worked out who the perpetrator is, the author throws in another suspect. I think the author has yet again added another fabulous read to this excellent series, and I would certainly recommend this book to crime lovers, and for readers who are looking for something new to read I would highly recommend the Helen Grace series.
M. J. Arlidge does a very convincing job of portraying life in prison, dismal, dangerous and fraught with tension, it certainly sounded horrifyingly realistic. Hide And Seek shows a very different side to Helen’s character, she’s as vulnerable as the next person in an environment where there’s danger at every turn. A detective serving a prison sentence isn’t going to have an easy time of it as Helen soon learns, she has to fight to exist along side violent inmates who would like nothing better than to see Helen get her comeuppance. I had some real nail biting moments as Helen came up against some of the more hardened inmates, and seeing her at her most vulnerable made for a riveting read. Once the body count starts rising we see the determined and tenacious Helen at her best, one who isn’t afraid to kick ass to find the killer. I must admit I did miss Helen’s interaction with her colleagues when I first started reading Hide And Seek, but this soon passed.
There is one person left battling for Helen and that’s her work colleague Charlie Brooks, and she is like a dog with a bone trying to get her bosses name cleared, she’s stubborn and determined which results in her putting both her job and her personal relationship in jeopardy. There are a few red herrings thrown in to keep the reader guessing, which certainly added suspense to the plot.
This latest book is fast paced, gritty and just when you think you’ve worked out who the perpetrator is, the author throws in another suspect. I think the author has yet again added another fabulous read to this excellent series, and I would certainly recommend this book to crime lovers, and for readers who are looking for something new to read I would highly recommend the Helen Grace series.
July 25, 2018
4.5/5 rounded up to a 5! I have praised this series so much lately. I finished the fifth installment, Little Boy Blue, last week and immediately had to read the sixth. Good thing it was already on my shelf! I dove into Hide and Seek expecting not to put it down until I knew exactly what happened to DI Helen Grace - and this book delivers! Hide and Seek provides the suspense of a police procedural with it's own twist, making the conclusion in this book shocking yet satisfying. This book is a great installment to the series and keeps readers fully invested in DI Grace and the rest of Southampton's police department. Full review at https://booked4lifereviews.wordpress.com.
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