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Detective Dove Milson #1
Glass Dolls
A teenage girl is found murdered, encased in glass.
Detective Dove Milson is called out to the chilling crime scene by the Devon coast. The murder is a replica of the work of serial killer Peter Hayworth, known as the Glass Doll murderer. He would be the prime suspect . . . but he’s already dead.
Four years ago Detective Dove Milson’s niece was killed by the glass doll murderer
Now Dove leads the case. It’s her first job as part of the Major Crimes Team. She is recovering from a breakdown a few months earlier.
Then another Glass Doll is found in an isolated cove.
Dove finds her family is at the heart of this new case. The latest Glass Doll victims both worked at her sister Gaia’s strip club.
The club’s manager found the second Glass Doll. He claims to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Dove doesn’t believe in coincidences.
Then Dove’s surviving niece disappears
Will she become the next Glass Doll?
Time is running out for her niece. Dove must race to catch a killer before it’s too late. Then a new lead tears a hole in the case.
Detective Dove Milson is called out to the chilling crime scene by the Devon coast. The murder is a replica of the work of serial killer Peter Hayworth, known as the Glass Doll murderer. He would be the prime suspect . . . but he’s already dead.
Four years ago Detective Dove Milson’s niece was killed by the glass doll murderer
Now Dove leads the case. It’s her first job as part of the Major Crimes Team. She is recovering from a breakdown a few months earlier.
Then another Glass Doll is found in an isolated cove.
Dove finds her family is at the heart of this new case. The latest Glass Doll victims both worked at her sister Gaia’s strip club.
The club’s manager found the second Glass Doll. He claims to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Dove doesn’t believe in coincidences.
Then Dove’s surviving niece disappears
Will she become the next Glass Doll?
Time is running out for her niece. Dove must race to catch a killer before it’s too late. Then a new lead tears a hole in the case.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
893 people are currently reading
3841 people want to read
About the author
D.E. White
24 books97 followersPseudonym for author Daisy White
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 31, 2020
I love reading British mysteries/thrillers. I think it started when I first read Agatha Christie and I have loved a well written British mystery/thriller ever sense. Glass Dolls is definitely a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. There’s lots of twists and turns and just when you think you figured everything out another twist is added in. This was a fun read that left me very satisfied at the end. The story is woven through perfectly and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great thriller.
June 30, 2020
Glass Dolls by D. E. White is a mystery thriller novel based in the UK. The plot is rich in twists and turns, and kept the reader in me on the edge of my seat ever since I began. The family angle and fragile relationships between the sisters is a beautiful addition to the theatrical plot. That last twist was totally unexpected - a welcome move.
The story is addictive, and moves at a steady pace. And even though it involves a limited number of characters, it never gets boring.
This is now my first five star read of 2020 Not any more, I am taking away a star so that it is not unfair to other books I review. It is the kind of book I wish to read whenever I am going through a reading slump. I am definitely picking up more books written by Daisy.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
The story is addictive, and moves at a steady pace. And even though it involves a limited number of characters, it never gets boring.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
June 2, 2021
'Glass Dolls' is the first book in the series featuring Detective Constable Dove Milson and it is written by D. E. White, who also writes under the name of Daisy White
A word of advice, don’t try and start this before you go to bed or have to do something, saying just one or two chapters to get started. I did this and ended up going to bed quite late. I was always trying to sneak a chapter in whenever I though I had 5 minutes, including during meetings. (That’s the beauty of online meetings, so long as the camera is not on). I would have loved to read in one go, but weird things like work and sleep got in the way. I quickly got to the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Not that I was disappointed in the ending, but I was enjoying the author's writing style, so much that I didn't want the story to end.
'Glass Dolls' is very well written. She has a great knack of grabbing your attention with an eye-catching synopsis and then she pulls you into the story. You really feel part of the team. Just when you think, yes, I know where this going, the action picks up again and takes you an unpredictable and scary roller coaster ride.
This was my first book by the author, it won’t be my last. I have already bought another of her books and very much look forward to reading it. Can’t wait for book 2 in DC Dove Milson series.
A word of advice, don’t try and start this before you go to bed or have to do something, saying just one or two chapters to get started. I did this and ended up going to bed quite late. I was always trying to sneak a chapter in whenever I though I had 5 minutes, including during meetings. (That’s the beauty of online meetings, so long as the camera is not on). I would have loved to read in one go, but weird things like work and sleep got in the way. I quickly got to the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Not that I was disappointed in the ending, but I was enjoying the author's writing style, so much that I didn't want the story to end.
'Glass Dolls' is very well written. She has a great knack of grabbing your attention with an eye-catching synopsis and then she pulls you into the story. You really feel part of the team. Just when you think, yes, I know where this going, the action picks up again and takes you an unpredictable and scary roller coaster ride.
This was my first book by the author, it won’t be my last. I have already bought another of her books and very much look forward to reading it. Can’t wait for book 2 in DC Dove Milson series.
December 10, 2023
Detective Dove Milton attends a case of a teenage girl who has been found murdered, encased in glass. Serial killer Peter Hayworth known as the Glass Doll murderer would’ve been the first suspect, but he was already dead.
Detective Dove and her team must work quickly to identify the victim and gather enough information that will hopefully lead them to the murderer before there is another victim.
This book was a gripping read right from the start and I love books that get straight into it and the plot moves along at a good pace that keeps you intrigued and you want to know how it’s going to end. This book is the first book in the Detective Dove Milton series and what a great start it was. Highly recommended.
Detective Dove and her team must work quickly to identify the victim and gather enough information that will hopefully lead them to the murderer before there is another victim.
This book was a gripping read right from the start and I love books that get straight into it and the plot moves along at a good pace that keeps you intrigued and you want to know how it’s going to end. This book is the first book in the Detective Dove Milton series and what a great start it was. Highly recommended.
April 6, 2020
It's always exciting to discover new authors, those whose works we've never read before, and this week I did exactly that. D.E. White has been writing books for quite a while but took a turn in style and genres with their latest book, Glass Dolls. From the very first page until the shocking conclusion, I was hooked!
Detective Dove Milson is no stranger to horror. Four years ago her niece was abducted and believed to be killed by the infamous Glass Doll Killer. Dove was held captive and gravely injured in the pursuit. Now she has transferred to a new unit, the Major Crimes Team, where her first case appears to be a copycat of the glass doll murders. As crimes begin mounting, they all point toward Dove and her family. Dove knows that she has to solve the crimes before her family all lies dead or goes missing.
When I read the synopsis for the book my first thought was this was going to be so "over the top." I mean, seriously, her first case is a replica of the one that she just left behind? Her family is the target of every single crime that crops up? But nooooo, I was wrong. White's deft and creative writing skills anchor the story line solidly in reality and the plot itself is absolutely believable. The characters are very real; their thoughts throughout the book often mirrored my own. The plot twist is touted as being "shocking" and it absolutely is but, as you know, I despise twists that are ridiculous. This one was not. There were signs throughout the book that hinted at this twist if the reader pays attention - which apparently I did not!! I definitely was surprised by this one. Bottom line - this is a terrific piece of crime fiction and a great thriller as well.
Detective Dove Milson is no stranger to horror. Four years ago her niece was abducted and believed to be killed by the infamous Glass Doll Killer. Dove was held captive and gravely injured in the pursuit. Now she has transferred to a new unit, the Major Crimes Team, where her first case appears to be a copycat of the glass doll murders. As crimes begin mounting, they all point toward Dove and her family. Dove knows that she has to solve the crimes before her family all lies dead or goes missing.
When I read the synopsis for the book my first thought was this was going to be so "over the top." I mean, seriously, her first case is a replica of the one that she just left behind? Her family is the target of every single crime that crops up? But nooooo, I was wrong. White's deft and creative writing skills anchor the story line solidly in reality and the plot itself is absolutely believable. The characters are very real; their thoughts throughout the book often mirrored my own. The plot twist is touted as being "shocking" and it absolutely is but, as you know, I despise twists that are ridiculous. This one was not. There were signs throughout the book that hinted at this twist if the reader pays attention - which apparently I did not!! I definitely was surprised by this one. Bottom line - this is a terrific piece of crime fiction and a great thriller as well.
March 29, 2020
DC Dove Milson is working on a new murder that has similarities to a previous case where the victims were bodies were put into glass cases. Ut the person responsible for the previous killings, Peter Hayworth died in prison. Dove's niece went missing while the killings were taking place. Her body has never been found. DI Jon Blackman is in charge of this case and along with Dove, they have to work fast to prevent other girls from going missing.
There is quite a ,ot going on in this story involving Dove and her family. Dove is also having boyfriend issues. Her family were greatly involved in the previous case. The pace is fast and the case is complex. The ending was a surprise I never saw coming.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author D.E. White for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is quite a ,ot going on in this story involving Dove and her family. Dove is also having boyfriend issues. Her family were greatly involved in the previous case. The pace is fast and the case is complex. The ending was a surprise I never saw coming.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author D.E. White for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2020
Genre-wise this is a police procedural but with a heavy dash of family dynamics thrown into the mix.
It was a very easy read that instantly captured my attention and I read this in one sitting.
I was initially drawn towards reading this on account of enjoying Cara Hunter and as this was described as in a similar vein I was interested to see if it would live up to the label attached.
I can confirm that if you like that particular author this book will be right up your street.
Here we have Dove a D.C. starting a new job after some previous traumatic events have impacted her life.
This first job after the fact brings the past right to the forefront as Dove is faced with an apparent copycat to the glass doll killer who was eventually apprehended and later died in prison, her niece was also one of his victims.
Now someone is killing girls and using the exact same MO, picking and poking at old trauma and hidden wounds.
This focuses heavily on family dynamics exploring all the hidden issues and intricacies involved in dysfunctional relationships and normal everyday interactions.
What's on the surface isn't always apparent till you dig the claws in deep exposing the rotten underbelly.
This one contained some major shockers and knocked me for a loop.
It was well written and absorbing and utterly addictive and I enjoyed it much more than I initially thought I would.
In fact, it would have been a full house but I would have liked to have delved beyond the mask when we get to the final conclusion here.
There just wasn't enough reasoning and aftermath for me to give me that closure I was after.
The whys and whatnots were missing and that bothered me somewhat.
it was anti-climactic after shocking revelations, making me feel something was missing slightly.
Still, I enjoyed this a lot and it kept my attention right to the finish and bar the above everything else for me was grand.
My first experience with this author but certainly not my last this one gets a thumbs up from me.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Glass Dolls.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 30, 2020
Glass Dolls is outstanding, an incredible, gripping read and my reading mojo has now been rekindled!😃
I didn't know what to expect from this, having never read any of the authors work before (that will now be rectified!). I was not disappointed!
DC Dove Milton's life was ruined whilst working as an elite source handler and she is now slowly putting the pieces of her life back together.
Dove is working for the Major Crime Team and her first case is shocking and opens up a box of terrible memories from an earlier case in 2016.
The MO's from both crimes look identical - is it a Copycat killer? If so, why?
Dove has so much going on, her busy workload, keeping her work and family separate - not easy when her family was at the heart of the 2016 killings - and her personal life with boyfriend Quinn. I wondered how she was going to cope as she has been through so much, and which has left her with life-changing mental and physical scars.
As Dove and her partner DS Steve Parker investigate further, I became suspicious of everyone. Who was the killer really targeting and why?
Running alongside the main storyline, another story runs and as the story progresses we have the odd suspect, but then more evidence comes to light and we're back on another track looking for more leads. I didn't know who to trust nor what was going to spring up next. I didn't even know if people were who they said they were! The pieces of each story came together perfectly and it is written and plotted very well.
I liked the pace of the book, there is plenty going on, not too many characters and as well as being a brilliant story which was tense at times,
it deals with some sensitive issues very well.
At its climax, we have not one, but two shocks, and they really are huge and so unexpected!
Secrets, lies, obsession, revenge; this book and its characters are skilfully crafted to make a thrilling and captivating read.
I enjoyed it, a lot.
I highly recommend and I am definitely going to read more books by this author.
Thank you very much to Joffe Books via Netgalley and Books 'n' All Promotions
I didn't know what to expect from this, having never read any of the authors work before (that will now be rectified!). I was not disappointed!
DC Dove Milton's life was ruined whilst working as an elite source handler and she is now slowly putting the pieces of her life back together.
Dove is working for the Major Crime Team and her first case is shocking and opens up a box of terrible memories from an earlier case in 2016.
The MO's from both crimes look identical - is it a Copycat killer? If so, why?
Dove has so much going on, her busy workload, keeping her work and family separate - not easy when her family was at the heart of the 2016 killings - and her personal life with boyfriend Quinn. I wondered how she was going to cope as she has been through so much, and which has left her with life-changing mental and physical scars.
As Dove and her partner DS Steve Parker investigate further, I became suspicious of everyone. Who was the killer really targeting and why?
Running alongside the main storyline, another story runs and as the story progresses we have the odd suspect, but then more evidence comes to light and we're back on another track looking for more leads. I didn't know who to trust nor what was going to spring up next. I didn't even know if people were who they said they were! The pieces of each story came together perfectly and it is written and plotted very well.
I liked the pace of the book, there is plenty going on, not too many characters and as well as being a brilliant story which was tense at times,
it deals with some sensitive issues very well.
At its climax, we have not one, but two shocks, and they really are huge and so unexpected!
Secrets, lies, obsession, revenge; this book and its characters are skilfully crafted to make a thrilling and captivating read.
I enjoyed it, a lot.
I highly recommend and I am definitely going to read more books by this author.
Thank you very much to Joffe Books via Netgalley and Books 'n' All Promotions
March 31, 2020
Detective Dove Milson is investigating a murder that is identical to the serial killer, Peter Hayworth. He would be the prime suspect, but there's a problem ... he's dead.
Did Hayworth have an associate? Is this a copy-cat?
When the second death occurs, they find that the two women worked at a strip club ... one that is owned by Dove's sister. It's not the first time this family has had dealings with all things Hayworth. He abducted and killed the daughter of another of Dove's sisters 4 years ago. Her body has never been found.
The club's manager is the one who found the second victim ... encased in glass. Again..another link to the Milson family.
And then Dove's youngest niece goes missing. Dove is worried that her niece will become the next victim
This book spotlights a family beset by tragedy after tragedy. Dove has just returned to work after having a breakdown. She's having to learn how to balance her private life with her police work .. and this case isn't helping.
It's well written with skillfully drawn characters. There are a few bobbles along the way ..leading to a surprising, unexpected, explosive conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this excellent crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 27, 2020
DI Jackman books are more of an ensemble than is usual with detective stories, especially murder investigations. It's good to feel that everyone does their bit and everyone is human.
Loved it
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
February 27, 2025
A really solid first book in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing the character development throughout the series and getting stuck into the second book!
March 28, 2020
D.C. Dove Milson is still holding onto the past, D.S. Steve Parker is one solid bloke, and they are a team working together. A female has been found dead on Gibbons Copse off North Shore Road, she is only young, and the body is encased in glass and brings back horrifying memories for Dove big time. This is her first case with the M.C.T. and its not the first Glass Doll murder. The killer Peter Hayworth died in prison in 2016, so this has to be a copycat killer, and it brings everything back especially for Dove and her sister. This is such an addictive, compulsive, gripping read. I became engrossed from the start. It gave me big goosebumps in places that are not for the faint hearted, but this author does that to her readers every time, before you know it instead of just one more chapter you end up reading more, but I most certainly was not complaining, I don't think I have any faults with this book, but I do ask all the reader's to pick it up and read. Definitely made me happy was sorry to see THE END.
April 9, 2020
Wellll I did not see that end coming! This book definitely ticked all the boxes for me! A brilliant psychological thriller!
The pace is fast and it is very well written. I like the style of writing and the story is multifaceted. The characters are well-developed and I can't wait to read more from this author.
"Where have all the pretty girls gone? In a mind where perfection is everything, he has his eye on the ultimate prize. You."
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The pace is fast and it is very well written. I like the style of writing and the story is multifaceted. The characters are well-developed and I can't wait to read more from this author.
"Where have all the pretty girls gone? In a mind where perfection is everything, he has his eye on the ultimate prize. You."
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 22, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Glass Dolls is a fast paced, twisting and chilling story.
Dove Milson is on the case of a possible copy cat killer of the Glass Doll murderer. But the killings seem targeted towards her family but is this just coincidence or something more sinister.
This book makes you on edge and eager to discover who the killer is and the mystery behind the killings.
This book was very cleverly written and had me reading way into the night.
Glass Dolls is a fast paced, twisting and chilling story.
Dove Milson is on the case of a possible copy cat killer of the Glass Doll murderer. But the killings seem targeted towards her family but is this just coincidence or something more sinister.
This book makes you on edge and eager to discover who the killer is and the mystery behind the killings.
This book was very cleverly written and had me reading way into the night.
October 24, 2022
Glass Dolls by D.E. White is the first in the DC Dove Milson crime series.
First, the publisher Joffe Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
DC Dove Milson has recently transferred to the Major Crimes Team, after an attack and subsequent breakdown. She used to be a handler of police informants. Her partner is DS Steve Parker, their boss is DI Jon Blackman, all under the rule of DCI Kevin Franklin. Her friend, Jess Meadows is a CSM, and one of the few who knows her background. Dove's boyfriend is a paramedic named Quinn. She has two sisters, Ren (whose eldest daughter Eden was murdered by a serial killer, although no body was found) and Gaia (who owns a strip club). They grew up on a commune. Dove has a photographic memory,
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Dove is called to scene of a teenage girl, murdered, and encased in glass. Dove is sure this is a copycat killer, reproducing the crimes of serial killer Peter Hayworth (known as the Glass Doll murderer). It has to be a copycat, as Hayworth is dead.
Dove's sister Ren and her husband Alex are still struggling with the death of their daughter Eden, especially since Hayworth admitted killing her, but would not say where her body could be found.
Dove finds her family is at the heart of this new case. The latest Glass Doll victim worked at her sister Gaia’s strip club, and when another is found, she too worked for Gaia.
Meanwhile, Dove's surviving niece disappears, and everyone fears she will become the newest victim of the serial killer.
My Opinions:
This was quite good, although I felt it was a little long. I'm not quite sure why. It entertained me, but it didn't thrill. It was complex, with a lot of little side-plots. It didn't confuse, but some of it seemed a little unrealistic. I can't believe Dove was allowed to continue to investigate as long as she was.
I liked Dove, and her new team. However, sometimes I did question her judgement and actions. I didn't particularly like her old job or colleagues, or the hold it seemed to have over her. I wasn't that fond of her sisters either. So, part of my complaints might just be getting to know the characters in this new series.
The actual plot was good, and I definitely didn't see that end coming.
Anyway, I already have the next one (thanks to the publisher), so I will be reading it soon.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and the reason I chose to read/review this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2020
Glass Dolls is an extremely creepy thriller set on the Devon Coast. Detective Dove Milson moves from the city to the small town of Lymington-On-Sea after sustaining horrific injuries while on duty. After only two months working with her new team she is thrown in to a chilling investigation. Teenage girls are disappearing and turning up dead in remote places. The girls are displayed in glass coffins just like in a previous crime Dove investigated back in the city. Soon Dove's whole family are drawn into the horror. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my digital copy.
March 31, 2020
I just couldn't put it down! Glass Dolls by D.E. White was fantastic and the twist at the end...took me by surprise!
June 2, 2020
Glass Dolls is a good start to the Dove Milson series. There are many interesting characters & the story itself is something new, but the delivery was all over the place for me & I found it very difficult to 'get into' the book. I found the book to be confusing & there were times I couldn't place the events so that threw me off a bit. The ending, however, was really good.
When former CHIS handler Det. Dove Milson is called to the scene of a murder, the last thing she expects to see is a girl lying dead in a glass coffin. Shocked & reeling from the similarities the case has to the previous 'Glass Doll murders' Dove struggles to keep her emotions in check while remaining professional. Peter Hayworth, the man accused of being the Glass Dolls murderer was sentenced to prison & spent his last breath gloating over ending the lives of so many girls including Dove's niece Eden whose body was never recovered. Struggling with memories of her own attack & Dove decides to follow the leads while doing her best to stay professional & contribute towards catching the seemingly copy-cat murderer. But when Eden's sister, Dove's other niece Delta goes missing, everyone starts wondering if someone is targetting the Milson family this time around. Time is running out for Delta & Dove must race to catch a killer before it’s too late.
The characters in this book are good. The plot too is good. I did have trouble believing some scenes & some of Dove's responses to certain events don't seem realistic. For example, after Delta goes missing Dove contemplates joining her fiance Quinn on a mini vacation. Since this case was too close to home, I expected a lot more emotion & drama that was simply missing. This felt a bit off to me. I also expected to eased into sub-plot of Dove's past of a CHIS handler. But that part was just introduced in abruptly, & then built on from there with very little history mentioned. I also like my crime thrillers to be descriptive - when a murder scene is described as having a girl lying dead in a glass coffin. I want to know the why's, who's & mostly the how's. The book was not very descriptive & the how was never answered. My interest in this quickly waned but I kept going because I wanted who killed those girls. Despite this, I liked Dove & her dysfunctional family. I'll probably pick up the next in the series just to see what case Dove takes on next.
Thank you, NetGalley, Joffe Books & D. E. White for an arc!
When former CHIS handler Det. Dove Milson is called to the scene of a murder, the last thing she expects to see is a girl lying dead in a glass coffin. Shocked & reeling from the similarities the case has to the previous 'Glass Doll murders' Dove struggles to keep her emotions in check while remaining professional. Peter Hayworth, the man accused of being the Glass Dolls murderer was sentenced to prison & spent his last breath gloating over ending the lives of so many girls including Dove's niece Eden whose body was never recovered. Struggling with memories of her own attack & Dove decides to follow the leads while doing her best to stay professional & contribute towards catching the seemingly copy-cat murderer. But when Eden's sister, Dove's other niece Delta goes missing, everyone starts wondering if someone is targetting the Milson family this time around. Time is running out for Delta & Dove must race to catch a killer before it’s too late.
The characters in this book are good. The plot too is good. I did have trouble believing some scenes & some of Dove's responses to certain events don't seem realistic. For example, after Delta goes missing Dove contemplates joining her fiance Quinn on a mini vacation. Since this case was too close to home, I expected a lot more emotion & drama that was simply missing. This felt a bit off to me. I also expected to eased into sub-plot of Dove's past of a CHIS handler. But that part was just introduced in abruptly, & then built on from there with very little history mentioned. I also like my crime thrillers to be descriptive - when a murder scene is described as having a girl lying dead in a glass coffin. I want to know the why's, who's & mostly the how's. The book was not very descriptive & the how was never answered. My interest in this quickly waned but I kept going because I wanted who killed those girls. Despite this, I liked Dove & her dysfunctional family. I'll probably pick up the next in the series just to see what case Dove takes on next.
Thank you, NetGalley, Joffe Books & D. E. White for an arc!
March 27, 2020
Wow Daisy (D.E. White) has really knocked the ball out of the park with this one. Adrenaline pumping, interesting characters that gain depth and complexity throughout the book, a unique story and one hell of a heart stopping ending.
Dove and her family have suffered so much loss and are picking up the pieces with courage. Dove suffered life changing injuries which resulted in her relationship with Quin breaking down. She has moved to MCT for a fresh start. The call comes in; her very first case...... And her past comes back to hit her like a 40 ton truck. How can this be? The Glass Doll murderer is back from the dead or it looks that way. As the story continues it forks into 2 cases both are linked by Dove and her family both with their share of twists, curves, false leads and shocks.
Dove and her sisters had an unconventional upbringing and I think that comes accross in their personalities. It makes them more unique and different in a very good way.
I absolutely loved this book but finding it really difficult to review without spoilers. It pulls your emotions, gets the adrenaline pumping from the beginning to the end and that ending WOW. I have loved all this author's books but this one is so absolutely brilliant I am crossing my fingers hoping it is the start of a loonnnggg series.
5 Golden Stars from me
Dove and her family have suffered so much loss and are picking up the pieces with courage. Dove suffered life changing injuries which resulted in her relationship with Quin breaking down. She has moved to MCT for a fresh start. The call comes in; her very first case...... And her past comes back to hit her like a 40 ton truck. How can this be? The Glass Doll murderer is back from the dead or it looks that way. As the story continues it forks into 2 cases both are linked by Dove and her family both with their share of twists, curves, false leads and shocks.
Dove and her sisters had an unconventional upbringing and I think that comes accross in their personalities. It makes them more unique and different in a very good way.
I absolutely loved this book but finding it really difficult to review without spoilers. It pulls your emotions, gets the adrenaline pumping from the beginning to the end and that ending WOW. I have loved all this author's books but this one is so absolutely brilliant I am crossing my fingers hoping it is the start of a loonnnggg series.
5 Golden Stars from me
April 20, 2020
When a young girl’s body, perfectly encased in glass is found, fear ripples through the community. This MO is a perfect replica of the Glass Doll Serial Killer, only this serial killer was caught and prosecuted years ago. Is he back? Is this the work of a copycat? Or is it something more personal and sinister?
I love British thrillers and police procedurals, they are always a delight to read, and this one’s no different. The plot especially is so intriguing, I had to dig in. The story mainly revolves around one of the detectives, her struggle to balance pressures of her career and personal life, all the while trying to solve this series of grisly murders, as things keep on hitting too close to home. I think the plot was very well crafted and the story was wrapped up pretty good with a few characters, and the twist when it came definitely surprised me. The insight into various police procedures was very interesting and I really appreciate that the details of the sufferings of the victims were only implied and not told in great in detail. My only problem was the central character’s self-absorption verging on psychotic, I mean I’d understand the hurt but it was a bit too much imo. Also, I’d have appreciated a bit of an insight into why the villain decided to go so close to home. But all in all it was fairly good ride and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I love British thrillers and police procedurals, they are always a delight to read, and this one’s no different. The plot especially is so intriguing, I had to dig in. The story mainly revolves around one of the detectives, her struggle to balance pressures of her career and personal life, all the while trying to solve this series of grisly murders, as things keep on hitting too close to home. I think the plot was very well crafted and the story was wrapped up pretty good with a few characters, and the twist when it came definitely surprised me. The insight into various police procedures was very interesting and I really appreciate that the details of the sufferings of the victims were only implied and not told in great in detail. My only problem was the central character’s self-absorption verging on psychotic, I mean I’d understand the hurt but it was a bit too much imo. Also, I’d have appreciated a bit of an insight into why the villain decided to go so close to home. But all in all it was fairly good ride and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
March 28, 2020
WOW this book is a Brilliant read it grips you and you cannot put the book down.Dove Milson is called out to a crime scene thats a replica of Murderer Peter Hayworth's but he can't be responsible as he is dead.A young girl lies dead encased in a glass coffin,naked and with no visible injuries. Can Dove and the team identify her and stop another murder or will this killer continue to copy Hayworths crimes.I have to say that this book had me hooked from the start loved the way it took me on a rollercoaster of a ride to hell and back.EXCELLENT 5*
March 28, 2020
this book should come with a warning once you start you wont be able to stop reading so addictive .did not want it to end .this author is on of my favourites she never lets readers down and i think this is a must read . detective Dove Milson has her own demons to fight and is called out to a crime scene of a copycat killer Dove has two sisters and her one niece was murdered i not saying no more .how this story unfold is just brilliant this book is like a roller coaster ride. its very gripping and twisty so recommend this book
March 25, 2020
This was a good start to a new series. I had not read anything written anything previously written by this author. The back story was good, though I did have to look and see if there was a prior book that had described it all. The case was interesting. My only criticism is sometimes the author told us things rather than showed us. But overall it was a good quick read and I will read the next one in the series if there is one.
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 12, 2021
4.5 stars
This is such a great mystery/thriller and a wild rude right from the beginning! It's very well written and had me guessing until the end which is rare for me. I loved the strong MC in Dove and found her very likeable. I read this book in one sitting n I just couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more of the authors work.
Thanks to netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to review this book
This is such a great mystery/thriller and a wild rude right from the beginning! It's very well written and had me guessing until the end which is rare for me. I loved the strong MC in Dove and found her very likeable. I read this book in one sitting n I just couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more of the authors work.
Thanks to netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to review this book
March 29, 2020
DC Dove Milson has been abducted and attacked 6 years ago when she went to a meeting with a confidential informant. She’s not completely over it but she copes as best she can and hardly anyone in her new unit knows about her ordeal
DC Dove Milson is called in for her first case with the Major Crimes Team. A young woman is murdered and left in a glass casing as if she is a human statue. It’s not a Snow white-like coffin, but it appears to be moulded around the victim. The setting is identical to those of a serial killer who died in prison a few years ago. It looks as if there’s a sick copy-cat on the loose.
Eden, Dove’s niece (her sister’s daughter) was the last victim of serial killer Peter Hayworth. He never told where her body was and it feels like a failure for Dove that she couldn’t do anything to help find the girl. At the time of her disappearance, her family kept the pressure on her despite her not even working in the same district.
.The dead girl is a Swedish backpacker whose parents thought her still in Paris. But Dove’s sister owns a strip club and that’s where the victim worked for the last 3 weeks. Than Delta, Eden’s sister goes missing. Is someone targeting Dove’s family? Not an option to discard lightly as the next victim is found by Colin Creaver, the manager of the strip club. The dead girl was also a dancer in that club.
There’s a storyline about Though Justice, a vigilante group that fishes on the internet to catch paedophiles. They pretend to be underage kids and use young looking girls and boys as bait and post the videos of those they catch on YouTube.
The suspense is very real in this book. There are so many unanswered questions: who’s the copy-cat, why is Dove’s family targeted and what happened to Delta, is she involved with the pedo-busters? It’s easy to read with short chapters that alternate between the investigation into the serial killer and the subplot about the girl in the vigilante group and what happens to her. But she may not be the one you think she is. It’s a great spin-off and contains some interesting twists.
Dove is very much the main character in this story, we get more information about her sisters and their family relations (ok, a large part of the story is about that family) than that there’s a personal interaction with her colleagues. Maybe we get more of that in later stories as I understand that this is a first in this series. The only other person that feels and relates as real is Adrik, an informant. Even Quinn, the boyfriend is only casually mentioned but doesn’t play a real role in the book.
Also, the story-line focuses solely on the investigation and we’re left without a clue as to whom and why until the police finds out more. No clever profilers here that dissect the crime and explain the psyche of the killer before he’s caught.
I thought I had figured it all out, but when the real killer and his /her motives were revealed I was truly gobsmacked. The whole story has several unlikely and unrealistic elements, but this last twist was well found.
For those not acquainted with British English, there’s an extensive glossary at the end of the book.
I thank NetGalley and Joffe books for a free copy of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
DC Dove Milson is called in for her first case with the Major Crimes Team. A young woman is murdered and left in a glass casing as if she is a human statue. It’s not a Snow white-like coffin, but it appears to be moulded around the victim. The setting is identical to those of a serial killer who died in prison a few years ago. It looks as if there’s a sick copy-cat on the loose.
Eden, Dove’s niece (her sister’s daughter) was the last victim of serial killer Peter Hayworth. He never told where her body was and it feels like a failure for Dove that she couldn’t do anything to help find the girl. At the time of her disappearance, her family kept the pressure on her despite her not even working in the same district.
.The dead girl is a Swedish backpacker whose parents thought her still in Paris. But Dove’s sister owns a strip club and that’s where the victim worked for the last 3 weeks. Than Delta, Eden’s sister goes missing. Is someone targeting Dove’s family? Not an option to discard lightly as the next victim is found by Colin Creaver, the manager of the strip club. The dead girl was also a dancer in that club.
There’s a storyline about Though Justice, a vigilante group that fishes on the internet to catch paedophiles. They pretend to be underage kids and use young looking girls and boys as bait and post the videos of those they catch on YouTube.
The suspense is very real in this book. There are so many unanswered questions: who’s the copy-cat, why is Dove’s family targeted and what happened to Delta, is she involved with the pedo-busters? It’s easy to read with short chapters that alternate between the investigation into the serial killer and the subplot about the girl in the vigilante group and what happens to her. But she may not be the one you think she is. It’s a great spin-off and contains some interesting twists.
Dove is very much the main character in this story, we get more information about her sisters and their family relations (ok, a large part of the story is about that family) than that there’s a personal interaction with her colleagues. Maybe we get more of that in later stories as I understand that this is a first in this series. The only other person that feels and relates as real is Adrik, an informant. Even Quinn, the boyfriend is only casually mentioned but doesn’t play a real role in the book.
Also, the story-line focuses solely on the investigation and we’re left without a clue as to whom and why until the police finds out more. No clever profilers here that dissect the crime and explain the psyche of the killer before he’s caught.
I thought I had figured it all out, but when the real killer and his /her motives were revealed I was truly gobsmacked. The whole story has several unlikely and unrealistic elements, but this last twist was well found.
For those not acquainted with British English, there’s an extensive glossary at the end of the book.
I thank NetGalley and Joffe books for a free copy of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
March 28, 2020
Glass Dolls # Netgallery
OMG I was totally blown away with this book. Dove took a call from her partner Steve to meet her at the location of the site of where a dead body had been founf. Dove was nervous being a newbie with the particular force after her last case.Where Dove was repeatedly stabbed in her stomach where it was tough and go is she survived but she was left with no possibility of having children and a case that led to the death of her niece Eden she moved force and house she arrived at the sight of the body to find the young girl was encased in a glad coffin as soon as Steve arrived he looked at Dove she said yes he's dead..there was a case a few years ago where the perpetrator admitted to the murders he also admit to Killing Eden. Only the ones ones who he thought was perfect ended up in a glass coffin he said where have all the pretty girl's gone her refused to tell Dove where he had disposed of Eden and another girl who were not perfect enough for the gods coffin so it looked like a copycat murder. The twists and turns in the book just keep you gripped its a absolutely awesome book book with each twist taken you near to the person who as conditional you you think then it turns again taking you in another direction another murder is then committed only this time the girl is not in a glass cage Dove begins phone call from her sister Gila who told Dove she knew the girl she worked in her strip club for the past 3 months she told her sister someone would be over to take a statement Gila asked Dove to go over Dovevsaid she could not because when they found the person who did this could make it so difficult for us to get a conviction. So no I can't two other officers will attend honestly I could tell you the whole book however I will not footballers in any big for it to be ruined for other readers it's extremely well written. Addictive, brilliant storyline, no way did I expect that little extra twist right at the end quite a few twist had really taken me back including the person they had charged for the crimes. However I definitely didn't see the last one coming I genuinely don't think anyone would. This is one brilliant book you will struggle to put down I finished the book early hours of yesterday I had literally finished just had my kindle died on me it's one bloody brilliant book this is most definitely a must fead. Being a advanced copy and the first by this author I have every intention of getting then all to read . I am assuming it's a xerjesr. Either way I am not ok bothered I was so impressed with this one book I do know have to read the others
OMG I was totally blown away with this book. Dove took a call from her partner Steve to meet her at the location of the site of where a dead body had been founf. Dove was nervous being a newbie with the particular force after her last case.Where Dove was repeatedly stabbed in her stomach where it was tough and go is she survived but she was left with no possibility of having children and a case that led to the death of her niece Eden she moved force and house she arrived at the sight of the body to find the young girl was encased in a glad coffin as soon as Steve arrived he looked at Dove she said yes he's dead..there was a case a few years ago where the perpetrator admitted to the murders he also admit to Killing Eden. Only the ones ones who he thought was perfect ended up in a glass coffin he said where have all the pretty girl's gone her refused to tell Dove where he had disposed of Eden and another girl who were not perfect enough for the gods coffin so it looked like a copycat murder. The twists and turns in the book just keep you gripped its a absolutely awesome book book with each twist taken you near to the person who as conditional you you think then it turns again taking you in another direction another murder is then committed only this time the girl is not in a glass cage Dove begins phone call from her sister Gila who told Dove she knew the girl she worked in her strip club for the past 3 months she told her sister someone would be over to take a statement Gila asked Dove to go over Dovevsaid she could not because when they found the person who did this could make it so difficult for us to get a conviction. So no I can't two other officers will attend honestly I could tell you the whole book however I will not footballers in any big for it to be ruined for other readers it's extremely well written. Addictive, brilliant storyline, no way did I expect that little extra twist right at the end quite a few twist had really taken me back including the person they had charged for the crimes. However I definitely didn't see the last one coming I genuinely don't think anyone would. This is one brilliant book you will struggle to put down I finished the book early hours of yesterday I had literally finished just had my kindle died on me it's one bloody brilliant book this is most definitely a must fead. Being a advanced copy and the first by this author I have every intention of getting then all to read . I am assuming it's a xerjesr. Either way I am not ok bothered I was so impressed with this one book I do know have to read the others
April 4, 2020
In 2014 a serial killer by the name of Peter Hayworth was convicted of killing four girls and encasing them in glass display coffins. He was nicknamed The Glass Doll Murderer. He took two more girls but they were not good enough for him, not "perfect" and "pristine" as he put it. He admitted to murdering them but they were never found. One of those girls was Eden, the daughter of DC Dove Milson's sister Ren. Hayworth died two years later, still in prison. So when, four year later, a new victim is found in a copse near the Devon coast once again sealed in glass, the detectives, including her partner DS Steve Parker, naturally believe they are looking for a copycat. Or might Hayworth have had an accomplice? And if it is a copycat will they also be aiming for a series of kills? Dove has recently moved to the Major Crimes Team after suffering life changing injuries during her last posting handling confidential informants but is allowed to stay on the team by DI Jon Blackman and DCI Kevin Franklin despite the discovery that the victim worked in her other sister Gaia's strip club. Hopes are high as they find cctv of the victims movements the night she disappeared and learn more about how she spent her last few weeks on earth. The new case is deeply upsetting for Ren, husband Alex and other daughter Delta, so when Delta suddenly goes missing Dove prays that it is just a case of everything getting too much for her and she has thoughtlessly run off for some time out. A second glass shrouded victim is found shortly afterwards, although thankfully for Dove it is not her niece. Strangely though, this young woman also worked at Gaia's club and even stranger, she was found on the shoreline by the club's new manager. Could it really be coincidence, after all, the club is where you'd expect to find the perfectly pretty girls. Or could it be something connected to Dove's family or even Gaia's shady past? With two murders and a missing teenager, the pace becomes relentless as the detectives strive to prevent any further disappearances and deaths. The characters are well drawn and easy to get to know, and with a clever storyline the whole book is very hard to put down once started. The ending was shocking, including a surprise I really didn't see coming. Definitely recommended! 5*
April 7, 2020
A captivating story and a brilliant read!
Daisy White has delighted me with this clever and gripping crime thriller. I was not prepared for the exciting and intense roller-coaster experience this book unleashed on me, nor was I in the least disappointed with this superb action-packed story.
When a teenage girl is found murdered and encased in glass, DC Dove Milson is called to the chilling crime scene to investigate. This is Dove's first case with the Major Crimes Team and the scene is a replica of the 'Glass Doll' murders by serial killer Peter Hayworth... who is now dead. Eden, Dove's niece was one of his victims, although her body was never found. But then Delta, Dove's only surviving niece vanishes, and it is a race against time to find her before she emerges as the next Glass Doll.
Set on the Devon Coast, DI Dove Milson moves from the city to the small town of Lymington-on-Sea after sustaining horrific injuries while on duty, and then suffering a breakdown. I found myself warming to protagonist Dove from very early on in the novel, and I liked her enough to root for her throughout the story. The deft and masterful writing skills of D.E. White anchored the story line solidly in reality and the plot itself was very believable. Glass Dolls was so full of drama and suspense that it had my heart racing. Daisy White gave the reader a mixture of excellent characters, all of whom came across as being real. Some of them had appeal despite their flaws, though others were slightly less palatable and were meant to be scorned.
The book was a commanding read and the author’s talent made this a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated for the entertainment it was. The ending, complete with inevitable thrills, was something of a surprise to me as I did not anticipate the conclusion. This is a little gem and a book that I'm so pleased to have read!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Joffe via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Daisy White has delighted me with this clever and gripping crime thriller. I was not prepared for the exciting and intense roller-coaster experience this book unleashed on me, nor was I in the least disappointed with this superb action-packed story.
When a teenage girl is found murdered and encased in glass, DC Dove Milson is called to the chilling crime scene to investigate. This is Dove's first case with the Major Crimes Team and the scene is a replica of the 'Glass Doll' murders by serial killer Peter Hayworth... who is now dead. Eden, Dove's niece was one of his victims, although her body was never found. But then Delta, Dove's only surviving niece vanishes, and it is a race against time to find her before she emerges as the next Glass Doll.
Set on the Devon Coast, DI Dove Milson moves from the city to the small town of Lymington-on-Sea after sustaining horrific injuries while on duty, and then suffering a breakdown. I found myself warming to protagonist Dove from very early on in the novel, and I liked her enough to root for her throughout the story. The deft and masterful writing skills of D.E. White anchored the story line solidly in reality and the plot itself was very believable. Glass Dolls was so full of drama and suspense that it had my heart racing. Daisy White gave the reader a mixture of excellent characters, all of whom came across as being real. Some of them had appeal despite their flaws, though others were slightly less palatable and were meant to be scorned.
The book was a commanding read and the author’s talent made this a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated for the entertainment it was. The ending, complete with inevitable thrills, was something of a surprise to me as I did not anticipate the conclusion. This is a little gem and a book that I'm so pleased to have read!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Joffe via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 1, 2020
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts. Having just finished, my head is spinning. There are a lot of coincidences in this book, and it’s painful to think such evil could go under the radar so easily, but this was a story that really never let up.
The main focus for our story is Dove, a police officer who has clearly experienced some trauma in the line of duty. We first encounter her as she is called in to examine a body. This body is of a young woman, found entombed in a solid glass case. Immediately we are told that this killing bears many of the hallmarks of a previous case - that has been solved, and the guy responsible is dead. So, who is responsible for this copycat?
It’s important to not have too much detail before reading this. The glass doll case and the links to earlier events are clearly important, and feature heavily. As does the background information about Dove and her family.
It doesn’t take long before we start to realise that Dove and her family are more deeply involved in these events than you might expect. As more and more details are unearthed, we are let into some of the past of the family. Each new revelation ramps up the tension we feel for the current situation. By the end I wasn’t surprised by anything we learned, but I was left with a deep sense of admiration for these women...
The main focus for our story is Dove, a police officer who has clearly experienced some trauma in the line of duty. We first encounter her as she is called in to examine a body. This body is of a young woman, found entombed in a solid glass case. Immediately we are told that this killing bears many of the hallmarks of a previous case - that has been solved, and the guy responsible is dead. So, who is responsible for this copycat?
It’s important to not have too much detail before reading this. The glass doll case and the links to earlier events are clearly important, and feature heavily. As does the background information about Dove and her family.
It doesn’t take long before we start to realise that Dove and her family are more deeply involved in these events than you might expect. As more and more details are unearthed, we are let into some of the past of the family. Each new revelation ramps up the tension we feel for the current situation. By the end I wasn’t surprised by anything we learned, but I was left with a deep sense of admiration for these women...
March 22, 2020
A body has been found encased in glass and Detective Dove Milson is on the case. Years before another killer had the same m.o and her niece went missing, never to be found. The original serial killer Peter Hayworth known as the “glass doll murderer” admitted to her death and died two years ago, so who is the copycat and why? Things are a little close to home already and when her surviving niece disappears this is getting personal. Meanwhile a young girl is using the dark web along with some friends to expose men posing as teenagers. They meet up, with the backing of the friends and then take pictures to expose them. When one meet goes pear shaped could she be in danger? I really enjoyed this, it had a little of everything a good crime book maybe should have! An excellent plot and a strong likeable lead character, a little humour and even a little romance along the way. a few twists and turns to keep the grey matter active, just as I enjoy. This is my first book by this author and I very much look forward to the next Dove adventure- there’s never a dull moment!
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