What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Karen Hart #3
Don't Turn Back
You can cover up the truth but it won’t stay buried forever.
A man is found bludgeoned to death in woodland by the village of Canwick, and the close-knit community is sent into shock. Detective Karen Hart, still haunted by the tragic loss of her husband and daughter nearby, is brought in to investigate the horrific murder.
It soon becomes clear that dark secrets lie behind Canwick’s unspoiled appearance. When Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers, she faces a race to find proof before the culprits slip from her grasp. But when key witnesses start disappearing, it’s obvious that there’s a deep-rooted conspiracy to keep prying eyes away from the truth.
But in a village where everyone knows everyone, who knows more than they are letting on—and who can Hart really trust? She’s in deep and she’s never been more alone. She must confront the tragedy of her own past if she wants to catch the killers before it’s too late. Because one thing’s for certain—there’s no turning back…
A man is found bludgeoned to death in woodland by the village of Canwick, and the close-knit community is sent into shock. Detective Karen Hart, still haunted by the tragic loss of her husband and daughter nearby, is brought in to investigate the horrific murder.
It soon becomes clear that dark secrets lie behind Canwick’s unspoiled appearance. When Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers, she faces a race to find proof before the culprits slip from her grasp. But when key witnesses start disappearing, it’s obvious that there’s a deep-rooted conspiracy to keep prying eyes away from the truth.
But in a village where everyone knows everyone, who knows more than they are letting on—and who can Hart really trust? She’s in deep and she’s never been more alone. She must confront the tragedy of her own past if she wants to catch the killers before it’s too late. Because one thing’s for certain—there’s no turning back…
332 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2020
2439 people are currently reading
2464 people want to read
About the author
D.S. Butler
35 books909 followersAuthor of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
March 10, 2020
Don’t Turn Back, by D.S. Butler, is the third book in her series featuring DS Karen Hart.
A man is found bludgeoned to dead. In his pocket, a scribbled beer mat from a pub. Buried not too far from the body, a mysterious ledger. Investigating the Red Lion pub, DS Karen Hart and her boss, DI Scott Morgan, discover undocumented workers hidden in a garage.
What begins as two seemingly separate cases, one allowing DS Hart to prove old suspicions against the Red Lion’s owners, turn into a nationwide investigation in human trafficking. An investigation, quite different from the previous ones, that will bring back ghosts from both DS Hart and DI Morgan’s pasts, and lead to shocking revelations.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, it can only be fully appreciated if you have read the previous entries in the series. D.S. Butler subtly seeded several plot points in her first two novels that all come together in quite a thrilling way in the course of this story.
The author keeps to her usual style of a third person narration alternating the point of views of the multiple characters featured in the story. It’s particularly efficient this time around, as events bring back DS Hart’s paranoia with a vengeance, and push DI Morgan back to keeping to himself. The outside POV of the team’s two young DCs, and of other protagonists (and antagonists), bring us to doubt the two main characters, and ourselves, as to what is really going up with the investigation. Multiple narrators means some, if not all, have to be unreliable.
This time around, more time is spent on the investigation itself, and less on the personal lives of the team. That is, until those personal lives come crashing into the story, all the way to a very satisfying payoff.
Not much more can be written without spoiling anything. Unexpectedly, the three books finally end up forming a trilogy, rewarding the constant reader. Do not worry, however, as a door is left open to more books in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Amazon Publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
Review of book one : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of book two : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A man is found bludgeoned to dead. In his pocket, a scribbled beer mat from a pub. Buried not too far from the body, a mysterious ledger. Investigating the Red Lion pub, DS Karen Hart and her boss, DI Scott Morgan, discover undocumented workers hidden in a garage.
What begins as two seemingly separate cases, one allowing DS Hart to prove old suspicions against the Red Lion’s owners, turn into a nationwide investigation in human trafficking. An investigation, quite different from the previous ones, that will bring back ghosts from both DS Hart and DI Morgan’s pasts, and lead to shocking revelations.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, it can only be fully appreciated if you have read the previous entries in the series. D.S. Butler subtly seeded several plot points in her first two novels that all come together in quite a thrilling way in the course of this story.
The author keeps to her usual style of a third person narration alternating the point of views of the multiple characters featured in the story. It’s particularly efficient this time around, as events bring back DS Hart’s paranoia with a vengeance, and push DI Morgan back to keeping to himself. The outside POV of the team’s two young DCs, and of other protagonists (and antagonists), bring us to doubt the two main characters, and ourselves, as to what is really going up with the investigation. Multiple narrators means some, if not all, have to be unreliable.
This time around, more time is spent on the investigation itself, and less on the personal lives of the team. That is, until those personal lives come crashing into the story, all the way to a very satisfying payoff.
Not much more can be written without spoiling anything. Unexpectedly, the three books finally end up forming a trilogy, rewarding the constant reader. Do not worry, however, as a door is left open to more books in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Amazon Publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
Review of book one : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of book two : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 26, 2020
The body of a man has been discovered in the woods. He had been bludgeoned to death and left unrecognisable. The only thing he had on his person was a beer mat from a local pub with a time and date written on it. Karen had had dealings in the past with the landlords of the pub. Karen is teamed up with DI Morgan who was at her family bbq when the call came in.
This is a complex plot that covers people smuggling, slavery and police corruption. The pace is fast in this well written and gripping police procedural. There is quite a lot of characters to follow. This is a suspense packed and full of twists. There is enough backstory to keep you up to speed so the book could be read as a standalone. But it's always best to read a series 8n the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author D.S. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complex plot that covers people smuggling, slavery and police corruption. The pace is fast in this well written and gripping police procedural. There is quite a lot of characters to follow. This is a suspense packed and full of twists. There is enough backstory to keep you up to speed so the book could be read as a standalone. But it's always best to read a series 8n the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author D.S. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2020
Don't Turn Back is the 3rd book in the D. S. Karen Hart series in which investigating a crime leads to old, personal wounds being reopened for our female lead.
A bludgeoned body of a man is found in the woods around Canwick with a beer mat of a local pub, the Red Lion, in his pocket. The mat has a date and time scribbled on it. Not far from the body, a ledger is uncovered which consists of dates, codenames and payment figures. D. S. Karen Hart already has had a run in with the owners of the Red Lion in the past. 5 years ago, she had investigated the owners on the suspicion of them being involved in human trafficking and modern day slavery. However, she had to let her investigation go because of a personal tragedy involving an accident and deaths of her husband and daughter. When she and her boss D. I. Morgan investigate the pub, her suspicions prove to be correct as they discover three undocumented workers living in undesirable conditions in the garage.
What starts off as two separate investigations, a murder case and a small town modern slavery case takes a turn when it comes to light that both these seemingly separate cases are part of one huge puzzle involving a nation wide human trafficking business. While investigating D. S. Karen begins to suspect that a few members of the police force might be part of this problem too and she can't help but wonder if her initial inkling was correct about her family's death not being an accident but a murder, because of her involvement with the case and the fact that it was hushed up as an accident.
This is a complex and taut plot which covers human trafficking, modern day slavery and corruption within the police department. The pacing is fast and taut and the police procedural is gripping with a couple of shocking revelations in the end. Although, this is the 3rd book in the series, it has enough backstory to be read as a standalone.
I like how the author is moving forward with the series with an emphasis on police corruption. Towards the end, the author also introduces a new character, an ex police officer, who could play an important role in helping D. S. Karen Hart uncover the root of the police corruption issue in future installments.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing and the author D. S. Butler for an e-Arc of the book.
A bludgeoned body of a man is found in the woods around Canwick with a beer mat of a local pub, the Red Lion, in his pocket. The mat has a date and time scribbled on it. Not far from the body, a ledger is uncovered which consists of dates, codenames and payment figures. D. S. Karen Hart already has had a run in with the owners of the Red Lion in the past. 5 years ago, she had investigated the owners on the suspicion of them being involved in human trafficking and modern day slavery. However, she had to let her investigation go because of a personal tragedy involving an accident and deaths of her husband and daughter. When she and her boss D. I. Morgan investigate the pub, her suspicions prove to be correct as they discover three undocumented workers living in undesirable conditions in the garage.
What starts off as two separate investigations, a murder case and a small town modern slavery case takes a turn when it comes to light that both these seemingly separate cases are part of one huge puzzle involving a nation wide human trafficking business. While investigating D. S. Karen begins to suspect that a few members of the police force might be part of this problem too and she can't help but wonder if her initial inkling was correct about her family's death not being an accident but a murder, because of her involvement with the case and the fact that it was hushed up as an accident.
This is a complex and taut plot which covers human trafficking, modern day slavery and corruption within the police department. The pacing is fast and taut and the police procedural is gripping with a couple of shocking revelations in the end. Although, this is the 3rd book in the series, it has enough backstory to be read as a standalone.
I like how the author is moving forward with the series with an emphasis on police corruption. Towards the end, the author also introduces a new character, an ex police officer, who could play an important role in helping D. S. Karen Hart uncover the root of the police corruption issue in future installments.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing and the author D. S. Butler for an e-Arc of the book.
March 26, 2020
Detective Karen Hart, still grieving the deaths of her husband and daughter, is called to investigate the horrific beating and murder of an unidentified man.
When investigating, Karen and her team find a tenuous link to a possible modern day slave operation. Key witnesses start to disappear ... and their prime suspects were killed in a house fire .. the victims of arson.
It's a small village where everyone knows everyone else ... but there are also dark secrets that are firmly buried. And someone doesn't want those secrets exposed. Karen doesn't know who to trust ... someone close to her may be at the heart of these crimes.
This is a page-turner, lots of twists and turns, and plenty of suspects to watch out for. Not everyone is who they say they are. The characters are deftly drawn and remain memorable even after reaching the unexpected conclusion. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When investigating, Karen and her team find a tenuous link to a possible modern day slave operation. Key witnesses start to disappear ... and their prime suspects were killed in a house fire .. the victims of arson.
It's a small village where everyone knows everyone else ... but there are also dark secrets that are firmly buried. And someone doesn't want those secrets exposed. Karen doesn't know who to trust ... someone close to her may be at the heart of these crimes.
This is a page-turner, lots of twists and turns, and plenty of suspects to watch out for. Not everyone is who they say they are. The characters are deftly drawn and remain memorable even after reaching the unexpected conclusion. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 26, 2020
Don't Turn Back is the third instalment in the Detective Superintendent Karen Hart series, based in Lincolnshire. Although perhaps preferable it certainly isn't essential to have read the preceding books before jumping into this one as Ms Butler provides plenty of backstory to catch new readers up with important prior developments. When the bludgeoned body of a man is discovered in the woodland that surrounds the stunning and seemingly picture-perfect village of Canwick, local residents are shocked to their core. DS Hart is immediately assigned to investigate the brutal murder and swiftly uncovers evidence that the victim had ostensibly been involved in what was a modern slavery ring hiding in plain sight under villagers noses. Despite her still being deeply affected by the tragic loss of both her husband and young daughter in a fatal accident five years earlier, Karen knows she must set aside her personal feelings in order to think clearly in what becomes a complex case. It complicates things further when she finds a possible link between this thriving small-town criminal fraternity and the accident that had taken away all she loved.
This is a thoroughly riveting, action-packed and absorbing thriller and from the opening pages, it had me hook, line and sinker. Based around a criminal conspiracy and the topical issues of people trafficking, slavery and police corruption I must admit I was on the edge of my seat, despite it being cliche, but I really found it tense and brilliantly twisty. It moves at a rapid-fire pace and proves that no matter the size of the local community population despicable criminals can be using it as a hub for their nefarious operations without a single resident batting an eyelid. It's an impeccably crafted story and I thought beginning the narrative with what seems like two separate strands to the plot and then proceeding to merge the two as the plot unravelled was cleverly done. An immensely gripping and highly entertaining police procedural with an engrossing high stakes race against time. Strap yourself in and enjoy the nail-biting ride. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for an ARC.
This is a thoroughly riveting, action-packed and absorbing thriller and from the opening pages, it had me hook, line and sinker. Based around a criminal conspiracy and the topical issues of people trafficking, slavery and police corruption I must admit I was on the edge of my seat, despite it being cliche, but I really found it tense and brilliantly twisty. It moves at a rapid-fire pace and proves that no matter the size of the local community population despicable criminals can be using it as a hub for their nefarious operations without a single resident batting an eyelid. It's an impeccably crafted story and I thought beginning the narrative with what seems like two separate strands to the plot and then proceeding to merge the two as the plot unravelled was cleverly done. An immensely gripping and highly entertaining police procedural with an engrossing high stakes race against time. Strap yourself in and enjoy the nail-biting ride. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for an ARC.
March 29, 2020
Don’t Turn Back by D.S. Butler is the third in the Detective Karen Hart series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DS Karen Hart lost her husband Josh and her daughter Tilly in a car accident. Years later, she struggles to move on, living in the same large house, afraid to move lest her memories of them weaken. She pours her energy into her work. Hart, who relies heavily on her instincts and hunches, has a new boss, DI Scott Morgan, who takes a very logical/fact-based approach to the job (and his life), leaving little room for emotional thoughts. Hart is trying to keep her own emotions in line, while also trying to keep her constables reigned in. DC Sophie Jones is fairly new, ambitious, and prone to mistakes. DC Rick Cooper is a talkative, more experienced man, but dealing with an aging mother. The two constables are constantly bickering.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The body of a man is found in an area popular with dog walkers. A beer mat from a local pub is in his pocket. When Karen and her partner investigate the pub, they find three men living in the garage, in poor conditions. Karen has had a run-in with the owners of the pub before, and their attitude is still obnoxious. Karen is sure they have found an illegal slavery ring, but the men won't talk.
When the powers that be separate the two cases, Karen finds herself struggling to get information that will definitively link them. She is sure the dead man is linked to the pub. When they start to look into a haulage firm that regularly visited the pub after hours, another police team from Thames Valley are called in to assist, as they already have an on-going investigation into the owner. Unfortunately, the pair that arrive are Scott's old boss, and his arrogant DC. Karen and her team struggle to work with these officers, who quickly step in and take over.
Meanwhile, the case is bringing back memories of the accident that claimed the lives of Karen's husband and child. Again, she thinks there was a police cover-up. The case is also bringing back bad memories to Scott, whose old partner is determined to remind him and everyone else why Scott left Thames Valley.
My Opinions:
Although these books are an easy and entertaining read, I found this one really long. It wasn't boring, but some parts did drag. This story could be read on its own, but reading the books in order definitely has advantages.
I am really enjoying the characters, and although we don't learn a lot new about any of them, what we do learn is surprising. When the topic of police corruption came up, I realized that it was going to be difficult to figure out who to trust, as there are a lot of characters, and a few red herrings. That was well done.
Even though my mind wandered off occasionally, it was a good book, and I will definitely be looking for the next in the series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
January 21, 2022
And there goes 3
This is the third "episode" into Karen's story. Finally some bit of the past start getting unveiled.
I liked the fact that cases are of different nature and again a view more realistic of the job.
This books always keep me hooked, so I'm not surprised to find me reading another one in just a few days.
So far I'm looking forward to reading what else comes up. So book 4 here I come!
This is the third "episode" into Karen's story. Finally some bit of the past start getting unveiled.
I liked the fact that cases are of different nature and again a view more realistic of the job.
This books always keep me hooked, so I'm not surprised to find me reading another one in just a few days.
So far I'm looking forward to reading what else comes up. So book 4 here I come!
March 26, 2020
DS Kate Hart #3
The ody of a man has been discovered in the woods. He has been bludgeoned to death and left unrecognisable. The only thing he had on his person was a beer matfrom a local pub with a date and time written on it. Karen had had dealings in the past with the landlords of the pub. Karen is teamed up with DI Morgan who was at her family bbq when the call came in.
This is a complex plot that revolves around people smuggling, slavery and police corruption. The pace is fast in this well written and gripping police procedural. There is quite a lot of characters to follow. This is suspense packed and full of twists. There is enough backstory to keep you up to speed so the book could be read as a standalone. But it is always best to read a series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author D.S. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The ody of a man has been discovered in the woods. He has been bludgeoned to death and left unrecognisable. The only thing he had on his person was a beer matfrom a local pub with a date and time written on it. Karen had had dealings in the past with the landlords of the pub. Karen is teamed up with DI Morgan who was at her family bbq when the call came in.
This is a complex plot that revolves around people smuggling, slavery and police corruption. The pace is fast in this well written and gripping police procedural. There is quite a lot of characters to follow. This is suspense packed and full of twists. There is enough backstory to keep you up to speed so the book could be read as a standalone. But it is always best to read a series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author D.S. Butler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the excellent Detective Karen Hart series by author D.S. Butler and is another entertaining read. The books have great characters and clever plots that make these books an exciting read.
Detective Karen Hart is called on to investigate the death of a man found bludgeoned to death in woodland by the village of Canwick. The village of Canwick has some dark secrets and it’s not long before Detective Karen Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers. The race is on to find the evidence before the guilty parties escape. But things are not easy for Hart as witnesses start disappearing and it becomes obvious that people are trying to keep the truth hidden.
Another fast paced crime novel with lots of action and plenty of back stories that help make this series such a success.
Detective Karen Hart is called on to investigate the death of a man found bludgeoned to death in woodland by the village of Canwick. The village of Canwick has some dark secrets and it’s not long before Detective Karen Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers. The race is on to find the evidence before the guilty parties escape. But things are not easy for Hart as witnesses start disappearing and it becomes obvious that people are trying to keep the truth hidden.
Another fast paced crime novel with lots of action and plenty of back stories that help make this series such a success.
June 7, 2020
#NetGalley #D.S.Butler
Don't Turn Back is a fast moving, un-putdown-able book that i really enjoyed. The main protagonist DS Karen Hart, was a smart, empathetic and likeable character. The story began with a man being chased and then bludgeoned to death. DS Hart is called to the murder scene and finds a beer mat in the deceased's pants pocket with the name of a local bar, The Red Lion. Following that lead, she discovers three men in a building on The Red Lion's property who she suspects are living there in squalor and working for petty wages. Thus begins the investigation into what they suspect is human "slave" trafficking and whether the two cases are related is just speculation at this point.
The case has allot of twists and surprised me all the way till the end. I did not see it coming. I found this book very entertaining and would definitely recommend it. This was my first book by the author and even though it was the 3rd in the DS Karen Hart series it definitely worked as a stand-alone. I look forward to reading other books by D.S. Butler and also more about Karen Hart!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Don't Turn Back is a fast moving, un-putdown-able book that i really enjoyed. The main protagonist DS Karen Hart, was a smart, empathetic and likeable character. The story began with a man being chased and then bludgeoned to death. DS Hart is called to the murder scene and finds a beer mat in the deceased's pants pocket with the name of a local bar, The Red Lion. Following that lead, she discovers three men in a building on The Red Lion's property who she suspects are living there in squalor and working for petty wages. Thus begins the investigation into what they suspect is human "slave" trafficking and whether the two cases are related is just speculation at this point.
The case has allot of twists and surprised me all the way till the end. I did not see it coming. I found this book very entertaining and would definitely recommend it. This was my first book by the author and even though it was the 3rd in the DS Karen Hart series it definitely worked as a stand-alone. I look forward to reading other books by D.S. Butler and also more about Karen Hart!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2022
A tale of modern day slavery and so much more. Detective Hart is gradually putting her life back together again after a devastating car accident that took the lives of her husband and their hound daughter. A body is found beaten to death on the common and a visit to a local pub uncovers three men in a bad way. They are filthy, dehydrated, scared and have been locked in a garage and this is only the start. Atmospheric, chilling and it beggars belief what we as a human race can do to each other. It is upto Detective Hart ,her team and her new boss to uncover the truth. Hooked from the first to the last I found this book impossible to put down. Constantly holding my breath and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. I can't wait to read more in this gripping series as Karen Hart, Morgan her boss and her hard working team have unfinished business. A very happy reader.
November 7, 2020
DC Karen Hart is still getting over the death of her husband and daughter when she’s brought in to investigate the death of a man found in the woodlands near the picturesque village of Canwick. But as Karen digs deeper into the village and its inhabitants she uncovers secrets including slavery, people trafficking and police corruption. Karen will have to put aside her own grief for the time being and find the answers with the help of her loyal team.
The novel basically follows two threads, the murder/slavery angle and Karen’s re-awakening belief that it was not an accident that killed her family. I liked the way these two gradually came together. It should be noted that this novel is entertainment so there is not much detail on the way these people are treated, in fact they seem remarkably healthy, given their living conditions. This is not a criticism as I prefer to get this kind of information from the news rather than in my lighter moments when I’m seeking escapism.
I thoroughly enjoyed Don’t Turn Back which is a gripping read with plenty of twists and turns. It is mostly told from the investigative point of view so the reader knows as much as the detectives throughout the course of the novel. This is my favourite approach as it allows me to try and work out the solution alongside the detectives, not that I had much room for reflection as it is one big reveal after another with twists thrown in for good measure. There is never a dull moment.
The novel basically follows two threads, the murder/slavery angle and Karen’s re-awakening belief that it was not an accident that killed her family. I liked the way these two gradually came together. It should be noted that this novel is entertainment so there is not much detail on the way these people are treated, in fact they seem remarkably healthy, given their living conditions. This is not a criticism as I prefer to get this kind of information from the news rather than in my lighter moments when I’m seeking escapism.
I thoroughly enjoyed Don’t Turn Back which is a gripping read with plenty of twists and turns. It is mostly told from the investigative point of view so the reader knows as much as the detectives throughout the course of the novel. This is my favourite approach as it allows me to try and work out the solution alongside the detectives, not that I had much room for reflection as it is one big reveal after another with twists thrown in for good measure. There is never a dull moment.
May 17, 2020
Apparently this is 3rd in a series so I was worried that I would be lost as there are a LOT of characters, but Butler does fill us in so by the end of the novel I was clear. DI Karen is still haunted by the accidental death of her husband and daughter five years ago and when a murder occurs that involves some of the shady suspects related to their deaths, of course it re-awakens those memories and spurs her on in the investigation. There are lots of investigators, red herrings, jealousies, suspicions, and all the things you probably have come to expect and enjoy in a police procedural. This won't be the last of Butler's books I read as it was captivating from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 24, 2020
Enjoyed this book and would read more in this series.
February 15, 2021
4.5 stars
I am so happy to have discovered this series. The books in the series are well-written procedurals and are very suspenseful. This books starts with the body of an unidentified man being found but ends up tying into a much more complex issue that puts DS Karen Hart's career and life in danger. There are some slow parts in the middle, but the dramatic ending is very satisfying and makes up for it. I really like Karen's character, as well as DI Scott Morgan. I will definitely be reading the next book in this excellent series.
I am so happy to have discovered this series. The books in the series are well-written procedurals and are very suspenseful. This books starts with the body of an unidentified man being found but ends up tying into a much more complex issue that puts DS Karen Hart's career and life in danger. There are some slow parts in the middle, but the dramatic ending is very satisfying and makes up for it. I really like Karen's character, as well as DI Scott Morgan. I will definitely be reading the next book in this excellent series.
June 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! Good story line and a few unexpected corrupt officers!!
January 27, 2023
Book 3 in the brilliant Karen Hart series.
When a man is found beaten to death in a local beauty spot Karen and the team are brought in to investigate. When a link is found to a local pub that Karen knows well she has no idea of what can of worms she is facing.
Full of twists and turns this fantastic police procedural will keep you reading late into the night.
When a man is found beaten to death in a local beauty spot Karen and the team are brought in to investigate. When a link is found to a local pub that Karen knows well she has no idea of what can of worms she is facing.
Full of twists and turns this fantastic police procedural will keep you reading late into the night.
January 6, 2022
Fantastic! I can't fault the storyline in my eyes. The plot and characters were clearly defined and easy to keep up with, despite the numerous twists! I would definitely recommend this book, even if crime fiction isn't your usual genre, try it, I doubt you will be disappointed.
January 27, 2024
Forgot how good this series is! I had only read book 1 & 2 but back to it now.
It’s very line of duty!!
It’s very line of duty!!
May 31, 2025
Very close to WTF but just stayed in limits. Wavered about half way though but the book rallied. Not sure if I want to read more as it appears to be falling into the trap some series do by becoming more outlandish as the books add up, private and work life colliding. I hope I’m proved wrong.
March 28, 2020
This is the first book I've read from D.S. Butler and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The story had enough meat to it to keep me entertained till the end. Some clues were very obvious and some creep up on you like a thief in the night!
I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley Amazon publishing UK and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley Amazon publishing UK and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 18, 2025
Starts off with a murder and ends up tying up loose ends the reader wasn’t even sure were loose! Great writing and likeable main characters which we learn more about with each book. This storyline develops in a few directions making it a really good read.
April 10, 2020
The investigation didn't start well, they had a badly beaten unrecognisable man, who had no identification and might have been homeless. They had no details about the man and didn't even interview the person who found the body, yet because they found a beer mat from a local pub they immediately dashed off to interview the police hating publicans. By sheer chance they stumble on a possible crime, but it definitely wasn't by good police work
The author then makes a big hint that they might also have had something to do with the death of Karen's family. At this point I was beginning to have doubts about this book. It doesn't help the story that Karen isn’t the lead on the case and has to work as a DI's 'bagman'.
I thought the criminal investigation in the previous book was the weakest part of that story, but for a while this one was even more of a mess. In the end the strands are pulled together and there is a satisfactory conclusion.
I liked the previous book, but right from the start I struggled with this one, if possible I would have give 2.5 stars.
The author then makes a big hint that they might also have had something to do with the death of Karen's family. At this point I was beginning to have doubts about this book. It doesn't help the story that Karen isn’t the lead on the case and has to work as a DI's 'bagman'.
I thought the criminal investigation in the previous book was the weakest part of that story, but for a while this one was even more of a mess. In the end the strands are pulled together and there is a satisfactory conclusion.
I liked the previous book, but right from the start I struggled with this one, if possible I would have give 2.5 stars.
March 14, 2020
A man is found bludgeoned to death in woodland by the village of Canwick, and the close-knit community is sent into shock. Detective Karen Hart, still haunted by the tragic loss of her husband and daughter nearby, is brought in to investigate the horrific murder.
It soon becomes clear that dark secrets lie behind Canwick’s unspoiled appearance. When Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers, she faces a race to find proof before the culprits slip from her grasp. But when key witnesses start disappearing, it’s obvious that there’s a deep-rooted conspiracy to keep prying eyes away from the truth.
This is the third book in the series & can be read on its own. I haven’t read the earlier books but after being totally caught up in this book I’ll certainly be reading them now. A fast paced story, well defined characters all made for a read that I was loathe to put down & I read it in two sittings. There are plenty of twists, turns & red herrings also some revelations that had me gasping & made the pages fly by. I liked that it was written from the point of view of the investigators so I was able to see if I could work out the solution before the team
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
It soon becomes clear that dark secrets lie behind Canwick’s unspoiled appearance. When Hart begins to suspect that a modern-day slavery ring has been hiding in plain sight among the villagers, she faces a race to find proof before the culprits slip from her grasp. But when key witnesses start disappearing, it’s obvious that there’s a deep-rooted conspiracy to keep prying eyes away from the truth.
This is the third book in the series & can be read on its own. I haven’t read the earlier books but after being totally caught up in this book I’ll certainly be reading them now. A fast paced story, well defined characters all made for a read that I was loathe to put down & I read it in two sittings. There are plenty of twists, turns & red herrings also some revelations that had me gasping & made the pages fly by. I liked that it was written from the point of view of the investigators so I was able to see if I could work out the solution before the team
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 4, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author, need to read the first two in the series now. I loved this book & couldn't put it down, kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what was going to happen next. Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this ARC in return for an honest review.
February 6, 2020
I have loved getting to know DC Karen Hart a workaholic since the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter but she gets right into a case and see's then through to the end.When a mans battered body is found in woodland Karen has to try and discover who he is.This is a case that will grip you and keep you wanting more i have really loved it Thank you D S Butler for being a great writer 5*
March 26, 2020
The investigation of a man found beaten to death leads DS Karen Hart back to suspects who have unpleasant memories for her. She investigated them for human trafficking right before her world was upended by the death of her husband and daughter in a car accident. Now paired with DI Scott Morgan, who has his own
The third in the series, this is the first Karen Hart novel I have read. I enjoyed it. Fast paced, with tight writing and likable protagonists, fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this story.
The third in the series, this is the first Karen Hart novel I have read. I enjoyed it. Fast paced, with tight writing and likable protagonists, fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this story.
March 31, 2020
Don't Turn Back
by D.S. Butler was a fabulous read that had me totally gripped from the start.
This is the third book in her series featuring DS Karen Hart, set in Lincolnshire. With a fantastic plot-line and brilliant characters, it was a superb and compelling tale that held me captive throughout. Although this book was very enjoyable as a standalone, in my view it would be beneficial to read the instalments of the series in order.
The battered body of a man is discovered in woodland that surrounds the stunning and picture-perfect village of Canwick, shocking the local residents. He had a pub beer mat in his pocket, with a note scribbled on it. Whilst checking out the Red Lion pub, DS Hart and her boss, DI Scott Morgan, uncover evidence that the victim was involved in a modern slavery ring. As the team investigates, they soon realise there may be a great deal more to the case than they originally imagined, including links to a fatal accident involving Karen’s husband and daughter five years ago.
With its fair share of twists and turns, Don't Turn Back is mostly told from an investigative point of view so the reader has the same level of information as the detectives throughout the course of the novel. With the swift pacing, there was no room for boredom or tedium, here. It's an impeccably crafted story, and beginning the narrative with seemingly isolated plot threads, then combining the two as the plot unravelled was cannily done by D.S. Butler. This gripping and highly entertaining police procedural should not be missed!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is the third book in her series featuring DS Karen Hart, set in Lincolnshire. With a fantastic plot-line and brilliant characters, it was a superb and compelling tale that held me captive throughout. Although this book was very enjoyable as a standalone, in my view it would be beneficial to read the instalments of the series in order.
The battered body of a man is discovered in woodland that surrounds the stunning and picture-perfect village of Canwick, shocking the local residents. He had a pub beer mat in his pocket, with a note scribbled on it. Whilst checking out the Red Lion pub, DS Hart and her boss, DI Scott Morgan, uncover evidence that the victim was involved in a modern slavery ring. As the team investigates, they soon realise there may be a great deal more to the case than they originally imagined, including links to a fatal accident involving Karen’s husband and daughter five years ago.
With its fair share of twists and turns, Don't Turn Back is mostly told from an investigative point of view so the reader has the same level of information as the detectives throughout the course of the novel. With the swift pacing, there was no room for boredom or tedium, here. It's an impeccably crafted story, and beginning the narrative with seemingly isolated plot threads, then combining the two as the plot unravelled was cannily done by D.S. Butler. This gripping and highly entertaining police procedural should not be missed!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 23, 2020
Five years ago Detective Sergeant Karen Hart's life came crashing down with the death of her beloved husband and daughter in a car accident. This occurs shortly after she began investigating an exploiting worker claim against the Red Lion Pub. She has always been suspicious of the circumstances shrouding the so-called accident and suspected foul play and even possibly a police cover-up .... but why? She could not prove anything, but yet a smothering cloud hovered over her work and everyday life.
This third tale of D.S. Hart begins with a man running for his life with dogs and men close on his heels. He momentarily stops and with his hands hastily digs a hole and buries a ledger and continues his flight. He is found brutally bludgeoned to death with his face completely obliterated in the woods by a passing woman with her dog. Karen is tasked with the investigation of his murder ... with the only clue being a bar coaster found in his back pocket containing a date and time. Surprisingly it is from the infamous Red Lion Pub. She and her partner follow up at the pub and are met with a chilling reception by the surly woman owner ... her husband is supposedly not available to talk. Not giving up, they explore the adjacent garage and find it inhabited by three disheveled men ... are they homeless or the result of a trafficking operation? Further deaths occur in their attempt to make sense of the situation.
D.S. Butler weaves a compelling narrative in this suspenseful British police procedural packed with twists and turns and unexpected revelations. This can be enjoyed as a standalone because of the seamless expert insertion of relevant back story. Throughout this gem percolates the possibility of police corruption. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publications UK for providing an Electronic Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Excuse me while I go download the first two books in this thoroughly enjoyable series.
This third tale of D.S. Hart begins with a man running for his life with dogs and men close on his heels. He momentarily stops and with his hands hastily digs a hole and buries a ledger and continues his flight. He is found brutally bludgeoned to death with his face completely obliterated in the woods by a passing woman with her dog. Karen is tasked with the investigation of his murder ... with the only clue being a bar coaster found in his back pocket containing a date and time. Surprisingly it is from the infamous Red Lion Pub. She and her partner follow up at the pub and are met with a chilling reception by the surly woman owner ... her husband is supposedly not available to talk. Not giving up, they explore the adjacent garage and find it inhabited by three disheveled men ... are they homeless or the result of a trafficking operation? Further deaths occur in their attempt to make sense of the situation.
D.S. Butler weaves a compelling narrative in this suspenseful British police procedural packed with twists and turns and unexpected revelations. This can be enjoyed as a standalone because of the seamless expert insertion of relevant back story. Throughout this gem percolates the possibility of police corruption. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publications UK for providing an Electronic Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Excuse me while I go download the first two books in this thoroughly enjoyable series.
April 7, 2020
Detective Karen Hart is a police officer in a small hamlet in Great Britain. She is drawn into a murder case when a body is found in a local park. Karen is a widow and is still haunted by the traffic accident that took her husband and daughter. There are people in the department that make her job easier and some that make it harder. Dealing with personal grief, departmental politics and interference from the outside she still manages to do a good job of solving the crime.
The location is fun (UK), the characters are interesting and the mystery stays a mystery until the end. I recommend this to mystery fans and police story fans everywhere.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The location is fun (UK), the characters are interesting and the mystery stays a mystery until the end. I recommend this to mystery fans and police story fans everywhere.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews