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DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal #1-6
The Complete Merry & Neal Mysteries
Included in this six-book box set:
BOOK 1: DEAD SECRET
Who killed Amy Hill? Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on open ground in the city. New police partners, DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry are called in to investigate this brutal crime. The last person to see Amy alive was Simon, the son of a family friend, but before he can be properly questioned he disappears.
BOOK 2: DARK SECRET
Gray Mitchell’s body is found buried under fresh snowfall in the early hours of the morning outside Stromford Cathedral. DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry are called in to investigate. It seems that a number of people had motives to kill him, including his partner.
BOOK 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET
Two children sneak out on a freezing winter night, hoping to see a ghost. But instead they witness something far more terrifying. A man dumping a body . . .
BOOK 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS
At the end of a drunken night out two students see something strange in the river: a young woman’s body. Hours later, a second woman washes up on the banks of the same river.
BOOK 5: DIRTY SECRETS
Val Marsh gets home to find her husband Russell shot through the head. Russell’s ‘angel investment’ company had made him many enemies. Business was bad, and his family and friends weren’t all on his side. But did any of them really want him dead?
BOOK 6: MURDEROUS SECRETS
Detective Ava Merry goes to a forties-themed dance at Northfields Farm on Valentine’s Day. But it soon becomes the scene of two brutal slayings. A young couple, Nick and Samantha are found stabbed multiple times.
THE DETECTIVES
DS Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. DI Jim Neal is single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son.
BOOK 1: DEAD SECRET
Who killed Amy Hill? Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, is strangled and her body dumped on open ground in the city. New police partners, DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry are called in to investigate this brutal crime. The last person to see Amy alive was Simon, the son of a family friend, but before he can be properly questioned he disappears.
BOOK 2: DARK SECRET
Gray Mitchell’s body is found buried under fresh snowfall in the early hours of the morning outside Stromford Cathedral. DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry are called in to investigate. It seems that a number of people had motives to kill him, including his partner.
BOOK 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET
Two children sneak out on a freezing winter night, hoping to see a ghost. But instead they witness something far more terrifying. A man dumping a body . . .
BOOK 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS
At the end of a drunken night out two students see something strange in the river: a young woman’s body. Hours later, a second woman washes up on the banks of the same river.
BOOK 5: DIRTY SECRETS
Val Marsh gets home to find her husband Russell shot through the head. Russell’s ‘angel investment’ company had made him many enemies. Business was bad, and his family and friends weren’t all on his side. But did any of them really want him dead?
BOOK 6: MURDEROUS SECRETS
Detective Ava Merry goes to a forties-themed dance at Northfields Farm on Valentine’s Day. But it soon becomes the scene of two brutal slayings. A young couple, Nick and Samantha are found stabbed multiple times.
THE DETECTIVES
DS Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. DI Jim Neal is single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son.
1205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2020
1676 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Janice Frost
15 books158 followersJanice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. Her love of writing began when she was given a notebook by a primary school teacher and told to write ‘Just Imagine,’ on the cover. She enjoyed writing stories in the notebook so much that she decided she'd like to be an author. Due to life, work and children, It took a little longer than she imagined.
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 12, 2023
Este es un compendio de los seis libros que corresponden a la serie DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal, incluye los títulos:
Dead Secret, Dark Secret, Her Husband's Secret, Their Fatal Secrets, Dirty Secrets, Murderous Secrets
Aqui conocemos a los detectives Ava Merry (Sargento) y Jin Neal (Supervisor), mientras aprenden a trabajar juntos resolviendo los casos mas extraños, sangrientos e imposibles que se pueden ver en esa parte de Inglaterra.
Además conocemos a algunos de sus "ayudantes" pertenecientes al equipo de Investigación bajo la supervisión de Jim Neal. Incluso, conocemos los pasados, secretos y esperanzas de los protas con respecto a sus familias y futuro.
Pero lo que mas me gusto del libro, fue la forma como se abordaron las investigaciones, profesionalmente y realísticamente. Vemos que los protas no son super-humanos, sino personas de carne y hueso que cometen errores, al igual que muchos de los involucrados en los crímenes (no obstante hay un par de psicópatas, que ni modo). Además que el "romance" es casi inexistente, es mas una atracción que va creciendo con el tiempo y que termina en un "vamos a intentarlo".
En fin, me gusto bastante este compendio, y es seguro que leeré otras cosas de ese autor mas adelante.
Dead Secret, Dark Secret, Her Husband's Secret, Their Fatal Secrets, Dirty Secrets, Murderous Secrets
Aqui conocemos a los detectives Ava Merry (Sargento) y Jin Neal (Supervisor), mientras aprenden a trabajar juntos resolviendo los casos mas extraños, sangrientos e imposibles que se pueden ver en esa parte de Inglaterra.
Además conocemos a algunos de sus "ayudantes" pertenecientes al equipo de Investigación bajo la supervisión de Jim Neal. Incluso, conocemos los pasados, secretos y esperanzas de los protas con respecto a sus familias y futuro.
Pero lo que mas me gusto del libro, fue la forma como se abordaron las investigaciones, profesionalmente y realísticamente. Vemos que los protas no son super-humanos, sino personas de carne y hueso que cometen errores, al igual que muchos de los involucrados en los crímenes (no obstante hay un par de psicópatas, que ni modo). Además que el "romance" es casi inexistente, es mas una atracción que va creciendo con el tiempo y que termina en un "vamos a intentarlo".
En fin, me gusto bastante este compendio, y es seguro que leeré otras cosas de ese autor mas adelante.
September 13, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable from the first to the last page
Being able to read these books straight through gave me the opportunity to fall in love with the characters just a little bit. So likeable and understandable in their devotion to the job and so human in their ability to relate to each other and the characters they came across in the line of duty. Top read!!
Being able to read these books straight through gave me the opportunity to fall in love with the characters just a little bit. So likeable and understandable in their devotion to the job and so human in their ability to relate to each other and the characters they came across in the line of duty. Top read!!
June 2, 2021
A good series
I enjoyed the different characters and their interactions. I thought Neal could have been a little less stuffy and more likeable
I enjoyed the different characters and their interactions. I thought Neal could have been a little less stuffy and more likeable
August 7, 2021
Love these books .
I wish merry & Neil got together before end of all the books
I wish merry & Neil got together before end of all the books
July 30, 2021
Wonderfully crafted mystery and suspense
Clever plots and character development play out with a well-balanced pace. Readers will be entertained and kept guessing until the final twists. I appreciate the author’s resolutions of all of her conflicts.
Clever plots and character development play out with a well-balanced pace. Readers will be entertained and kept guessing until the final twists. I appreciate the author’s resolutions of all of her conflicts.
July 27, 2021
The Complete Merry & Neal Mysteries.
An enjoyable read with each book a complete story, though at times, they do refer to the previous cases . Would recommend to a couple of my friends.
An enjoyable read with each book a complete story, though at times, they do refer to the previous cases . Would recommend to a couple of my friends.
July 26, 2021
Good
Well written,but it's a shame about the bad grammar and Ava becoming Ada, and why do detective novels have to be more romance than detective
Well written,but it's a shame about the bad grammar and Ava becoming Ada, and why do detective novels have to be more romance than detective
August 30, 2020
Loved them
Great books, well worth the read, will be recommending to family and friends. Thanks go to the author for an amazing series
Great books, well worth the read, will be recommending to family and friends. Thanks go to the author for an amazing series
July 24, 2021
Good read
I character’s are interesting. I the hidden desire is kept under wraps. The story villain is hidden very well right yo to the end . All in all a very believable and exciting story
I character’s are interesting. I the hidden desire is kept under wraps. The story villain is hidden very well right yo to the end . All in all a very believable and exciting story
October 20, 2020
DEAD. SECRETS
As Ava was thinking looking at the young dead girl, it was the living that gave up the secrets, to solving a case. Secrets from the past came to the present as murder. There were many who had secrets and lies and you have blackmail. How this ties in with college kids, a professor, made for an interesting case. I like Detective Neal, calm and concern for his son Archie and sister. As for Ava she has a lot to learn when her gut instinct questions rather he is a good guy or bad it fails her.
DARK SECRETS
Detective Neal, wants to say something to Ava on the last case of how poor judgment led her to be injured. Working together again was a little uncomfortable till a new case began. The murder in the early hours , what called him out, that was so urgent. The secrets the people had in this small town, began to uncover that some people knew one another before.
A pact that had turned deadly, and how they were still disillusioned as adults led to more anger and murder. Complex plot of hiw murders were
connected..
HER HUSBAND’S SECRET
When her husband had been murdered, the wife seems unfazed by his death. At college there was the four of them that was close, open relationships for several years changed that for Laura and Ewan. She has acquainted now after ten years with the couple and their three children.Finding all the lies and secrets her husband had. Steph he loved more than life he told this couple, and after she went missing he asked Laura in marriage. The pieces are falling in place of why he was distant and moody. What secrets does her friends have with the missing girl, and now murder. What they thought was right when they were young, now has destroyed many families. A twisted tale of the past, Laura wasn’t aware of.
THEIR FATAL SECRET
Once again a murder to solve,by the river two women, a list at home, who did it. We meet a new detective, Tom, along with Neal and Merry to solve. Good plot and characters. Readers will definitely enjoy, can be read separate, though series is good.
DIRTY SECRETS
Grief is grief no matter how much money one has. A call made by the wife, telling Inspector Neal and Ava, it was not suicide. Yes, he was bothered by something to do with the business , or investors, or a son in law he didn’t approve of. The daughter Ruth, they had an argument,when she found out what Dad had done, telling him, they all had secrets. What a plot for the readers, it is a twisted game of power, a sycopath, lovers, and all that deal in lies. Till the chain is broken, and murder now takes place, a thrilling plot to the end
MURDEROUS.SECRETS..
Ava and PJ go to a barn dance for charity with boughten tickets. Ava getting fresh air, and seeing the antics of some young kids. An ambulance was it a prop and she had jump to her usually action that it was more. Two murders are found, and the connection is puzzling. Narrowing down to revenge of an eye for an eye, The mistakes one who couldn’t do it. caused lives to end to soon. A chilling story of secrets within a family.
This last one was not one I could get into. Maybe because Ava and Neal were head of. Seemed to ramble and not flowing.
The series and this box was excellent, with good characters, well done.
As Ava was thinking looking at the young dead girl, it was the living that gave up the secrets, to solving a case. Secrets from the past came to the present as murder. There were many who had secrets and lies and you have blackmail. How this ties in with college kids, a professor, made for an interesting case. I like Detective Neal, calm and concern for his son Archie and sister. As for Ava she has a lot to learn when her gut instinct questions rather he is a good guy or bad it fails her.
DARK SECRETS
Detective Neal, wants to say something to Ava on the last case of how poor judgment led her to be injured. Working together again was a little uncomfortable till a new case began. The murder in the early hours , what called him out, that was so urgent. The secrets the people had in this small town, began to uncover that some people knew one another before.
A pact that had turned deadly, and how they were still disillusioned as adults led to more anger and murder. Complex plot of hiw murders were
connected..
HER HUSBAND’S SECRET
When her husband had been murdered, the wife seems unfazed by his death. At college there was the four of them that was close, open relationships for several years changed that for Laura and Ewan. She has acquainted now after ten years with the couple and their three children.Finding all the lies and secrets her husband had. Steph he loved more than life he told this couple, and after she went missing he asked Laura in marriage. The pieces are falling in place of why he was distant and moody. What secrets does her friends have with the missing girl, and now murder. What they thought was right when they were young, now has destroyed many families. A twisted tale of the past, Laura wasn’t aware of.
THEIR FATAL SECRET
Once again a murder to solve,by the river two women, a list at home, who did it. We meet a new detective, Tom, along with Neal and Merry to solve. Good plot and characters. Readers will definitely enjoy, can be read separate, though series is good.
DIRTY SECRETS
Grief is grief no matter how much money one has. A call made by the wife, telling Inspector Neal and Ava, it was not suicide. Yes, he was bothered by something to do with the business , or investors, or a son in law he didn’t approve of. The daughter Ruth, they had an argument,when she found out what Dad had done, telling him, they all had secrets. What a plot for the readers, it is a twisted game of power, a sycopath, lovers, and all that deal in lies. Till the chain is broken, and murder now takes place, a thrilling plot to the end
MURDEROUS.SECRETS..
Ava and PJ go to a barn dance for charity with boughten tickets. Ava getting fresh air, and seeing the antics of some young kids. An ambulance was it a prop and she had jump to her usually action that it was more. Two murders are found, and the connection is puzzling. Narrowing down to revenge of an eye for an eye, The mistakes one who couldn’t do it. caused lives to end to soon. A chilling story of secrets within a family.
This last one was not one I could get into. Maybe because Ava and Neal were head of. Seemed to ramble and not flowing.
The series and this box was excellent, with good characters, well done.
August 20, 2020
Each book is a standalone case but you get to know characters in the series of 6 books. Would recommend to anyone who likes Whodunnits/ Crime novels.
Each book is a standalone case but you get to know the characters in the series of 6 books. Would recommend to anyone who likes Whodunnits/Crime novels.
Each book is a standalone case but you get to know the characters in the series of 6 books. Would recommend to anyone who likes Whodunnits/Crime novels.
August 12, 2020
I enjoyed every book in this collection. Each book is a separate story but with the same police officers. Lot of action in each book. Great characters and good plots
August 6, 2020
This book is actually 6 novels with Scottish police inspector Jim Neal and his DI Ava Merry navigating their way through murder and intrigue. The police characters and their families and friends are likable and human. Their investigations provide insights into the people they meet and the situations they face in the course of their duties. Fans of other British detective series will like this one.
June 4, 2021
well I really didn't expect to enjoy this series quite so much. Considering I got the whole 6 books free with my Kindle Unlimited membership they were a mega bargain. Liked the two main characters and the way they developed throughout the series, and all the stories we well thought out and engaging. I am going to see if Janice Frost has written any more books about these two, and if so I will definitely be getting them. The fact that I took so long to read this box set doesn't reflect on the quality, I like to read one book then move on to something else before I come back to the next in series.
January 8, 2021
Always on Call
I have enjoyed the Merry & Neal series, stories were well written and followed Neal & Merry through a number of cases in and around "Stromford" which they were tasked with investigation. Joined by PJ and Tom the DS & DI investigate a number of cases, in some cases putting themselves at risk, which also develops their working and personal relationship. Very enjoyable read
I have enjoyed the Merry & Neal series, stories were well written and followed Neal & Merry through a number of cases in and around "Stromford" which they were tasked with investigation. Joined by PJ and Tom the DS & DI investigate a number of cases, in some cases putting themselves at risk, which also develops their working and personal relationship. Very enjoyable read
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February 13, 2021Keeps you guessing
Extremely well written with believable characters. Each story will have you change your mind more than once thinking you know who did it. Most of the main characters ended up in ER or hospital in one story or another. Over several stories Neal's best friend and sister finally get married after being sweet on each other since childhood. It wasn't till the final story that Neal finally asked Merry out so leaves us hanging on where they end up.
Extremely well written with believable characters. Each story will have you change your mind more than once thinking you know who did it. Most of the main characters ended up in ER or hospital in one story or another. Over several stories Neal's best friend and sister finally get married after being sweet on each other since childhood. It wasn't till the final story that Neal finally asked Merry out so leaves us hanging on where they end up.
October 11, 2020
Frustrating
I have enjoyed these books but also intensely irritated at times. I liked the Neal character but Ava became a little cliched somehow. Also I got really fed up with anyone rich etc is almost bound to be unpleasant, motives tended to be a bit cliched too. I don't know, these stories were so good in many ways but spoilt by being predictable.
I have enjoyed these books but also intensely irritated at times. I liked the Neal character but Ava became a little cliched somehow. Also I got really fed up with anyone rich etc is almost bound to be unpleasant, motives tended to be a bit cliched too. I don't know, these stories were so good in many ways but spoilt by being predictable.
November 27, 2020
An excellent box set
These six stories map Ava Merry and Neal's relationship through a series of crimes and murders. I haven't read them ' back to Jack's but the suspense in each and the history from each has been enthralling..
Good stories with complex solutions to the crimes. I hope there will be more!
These six stories map Ava Merry and Neal's relationship through a series of crimes and murders. I haven't read them ' back to Jack's but the suspense in each and the history from each has been enthralling..
Good stories with complex solutions to the crimes. I hope there will be more!
March 26, 2021
Brilliant
Absolutely loved this set of 6 books, the turns and twists kept me enthralled till the end, loved the way the characters developed through out the stories, have read 18 books this year but these 6 have been the best that I have read for along time. Just brilliant, can we have some more soon please.
Absolutely loved this set of 6 books, the turns and twists kept me enthralled till the end, loved the way the characters developed through out the stories, have read 18 books this year but these 6 have been the best that I have read for along time. Just brilliant, can we have some more soon please.
June 23, 2021
Murders Revealed
Intriguing cast of characters, impossible murders, devious murderers, realistic settings and twisted plots all are interwoven into this series by J. Frost.
Intriguing cast of characters, impossible murders, devious murderers, realistic settings and twisted plots all are interwoven into this series by J. Frost.
July 11, 2020
Action packed crime thriller box set.
Loved the characters. Found them realistic and relatable. Well written a with each storyline having plenty of twists and turns. Can't wait to read follow-up.
Loved the characters. Found them realistic and relatable. Well written a with each storyline having plenty of twists and turns. Can't wait to read follow-up.
September 17, 2020
Lots of drama with these 2detective s
All of the books had puzzles , plots and twists. Great detective stories, with a gentle hint of developing relationship s in the team. Fans of Karin Slaughter would like these
All of the books had puzzles , plots and twists. Great detective stories, with a gentle hint of developing relationship s in the team. Fans of Karin Slaughter would like these
October 9, 2020
Great series, I really like how she keeps you guessing until the end. Sometimes I solve the mystery before she reveals everything, but usually I stay in suspense until the big reveals. Can't put them down.
October 25, 2020
Six very good British Detective Mysteries
The series is a very enjoyable set of books featuring Scottish Born DCI Neal and the younger, prettier and fitter Sgt. Merry. The are partners, but will they become lovers at the risk of their continued joint careers?
The series is a very enjoyable set of books featuring Scottish Born DCI Neal and the younger, prettier and fitter Sgt. Merry. The are partners, but will they become lovers at the risk of their continued joint careers?
November 11, 2020
What a lovely and thrilling set of stories, !akes an fan wish for more of the same
excellent characters, that ate so easy o become fond of. Just need more of the same, and a follow
up asap.
excellent characters, that ate so easy o become fond of. Just need more of the same, and a follow
up asap.
December 6, 2020
A familiar setting.
From start to finish I could picture where all the scenes were in my mind. Murders taking place in and around the city where I grew up. Likeable, believable characters with good stories and enough twists to keep you guessing.
From start to finish I could picture where all the scenes were in my mind. Murders taking place in and around the city where I grew up. Likeable, believable characters with good stories and enough twists to keep you guessing.
January 16, 2021
Written with feeling!!!
I simply could not stop turning the pages, the realism, the characters and the p!it simply grip you,, and then suddenly I had read all the books!!!! More please and soon!
I simply could not stop turning the pages, the realism, the characters and the p!it simply grip you,, and then suddenly I had read all the books!!!! More please and soon!
February 8, 2021
Merry&Neal
I found to enjoy the complete mystery box. An would continue reading on with these constable characters. The storyline and the killers weren't easy to figure out. Which make it a worthy read.
I found to enjoy the complete mystery box. An would continue reading on with these constable characters. The storyline and the killers weren't easy to figure out. Which make it a worthy read.
March 4, 2021
Gripping unputdownable stories
Janice Frost’s Merry and Neal Mysteries are brilliantly crafted, dark and suspenseful tales of the deep human evil that resides in all of us.
Full of remarkable twists and turns, I was unable to stop until I had to sleep.
Janice Frost’s Merry and Neal Mysteries are brilliantly crafted, dark and suspenseful tales of the deep human evil that resides in all of us.
Full of remarkable twists and turns, I was unable to stop until I had to sleep.
May 29, 2021
Put on the pot of coffee
I bought the block of these books. Engaging characters, great story lines. As with all excellent books they leave you both disappointed they have finished and anticipating the next one. Worth every second spent reading them. Thank you Janice.
I bought the block of these books. Engaging characters, great story lines. As with all excellent books they leave you both disappointed they have finished and anticipating the next one. Worth every second spent reading them. Thank you Janice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews