What do you think?
Rate this book
Kate Power #1
Murder the Boys
Please note this book was first published as Power on Her Own.
THE DETECTIVE
Introducing Birmingham Detective Sergeant Kate Power, exiled from London's Metropolitan Police by personal tragedy and making a new start in the distant outpost of Birmingham CID. Many of her new colleagues are good men but some won’t leave their new female colleague alone long enough to get on with her job. Kate is anxious to lose herself in her work, and before too long a case comes along that will consume her in a way she could never have imagined.
THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
SHE WON’T LET THE BULLIES STOP HER. KATE WILL RISK HER CAREER AND HER LIFE TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE VICTIMS.
Set in the late 90s in England’s second city, this is the first in a series of compulsively readable crime thrillers.
THE DETECTIVE
Introducing Birmingham Detective Sergeant Kate Power, exiled from London's Metropolitan Police by personal tragedy and making a new start in the distant outpost of Birmingham CID. Many of her new colleagues are good men but some won’t leave their new female colleague alone long enough to get on with her job. Kate is anxious to lose herself in her work, and before too long a case comes along that will consume her in a way she could never have imagined.
THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
SHE WON’T LET THE BULLIES STOP HER. KATE WILL RISK HER CAREER AND HER LIFE TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE VICTIMS.
Set in the late 90s in England’s second city, this is the first in a series of compulsively readable crime thrillers.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
1659 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Judith Cutler
87 books93 followersJudith Cutler was born and bred in the Midlands, and revels in using her birthplace, with its rich cultural life, as a background for her novels. After a long stint as an English lecturer at a run-down college of further education, Judith, a prize-winning short-story writer, has taught Creative Writing at Birmingham University, has run occasional writing course elsewhere (from a maximum security prison to an idyltic Greek island) and ministered to needy colleagues in her role as Secretary of the Crime Writers' Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 6, 2020
Please note this book was first published as “POWER ON HER OWN”
DS Kate Power has suffered a personal tragedy in the death of her lover and subsequently has left London's Metropolitan Police and transferred to Birmingham CID.
Being a new female in the field of mostly men, while most of them treat her as an equal, there are a slim few that seem to be determined to undermine her at every chance.
They've put her on computers when she longs to be 'out there' where she can lose herself in her work ... and make a difference.
A new case has presented itself ... young boys are being abducted, abused, and killed and so far there are no suspects, no clues. What Power finds is that some of her colleagues may not be doing their job .... are they simply unable to investigate due to ignorance or lack of training ... or are they deliberately stalling this case?
While the work bullying continues, Power will risk her career ... and possibly her life .. to bring the killers to justice.
This is a carefully crafted crime fiction with skillfully defined characters. Power is determined and unafraid to tackle whatever she comes across. I enjoyed the mix of her personal and professional lives. There's a lot of action ... a lot of twists and turns that lead to an unexpected ending.
I'm looking forward to further cases that involve this most interesting detective.
Many thanks to Jill Burkinshaw / Books 'n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 7, 2021
I felt that Judith Cutler did a great job introducing a strong female police sergeant under pressure in her new home as a returnee to Birmingham where she had grown up. The men are not the most welcoming and do their best to give her a rocky orientation. She is still grieving the loss of her partner and recovering from the accident that killed him.
A relative has given Kate a house with somewhat good bones but in need of extensive rehabilitation before she can live in it. Stop gap she is sheltering at the manse connected to the church where she was recruited to play the organ.
The first crime that greets her entry to Birmingham is a rape that she does her best to stop and gets stabbed in the process. From that frantic start to her new job the harassment by male co-workers is harsh and unjustifiable. Nevertheless, she keeps her head down and manages to solve a crime that had been ongoing for ten years in the area of pedophilia.
A bright spot is Kate's willingness to coach a soccer team of young boys where she achieves success. This is a strong start, and I look forward to the next book.
Kindle Unlimited
A relative has given Kate a house with somewhat good bones but in need of extensive rehabilitation before she can live in it. Stop gap she is sheltering at the manse connected to the church where she was recruited to play the organ.
The first crime that greets her entry to Birmingham is a rape that she does her best to stop and gets stabbed in the process. From that frantic start to her new job the harassment by male co-workers is harsh and unjustifiable. Nevertheless, she keeps her head down and manages to solve a crime that had been ongoing for ten years in the area of pedophilia.
A bright spot is Kate's willingness to coach a soccer team of young boys where she achieves success. This is a strong start, and I look forward to the next book.
Kindle Unlimited
August 30, 2020
I don't know what part of this story I had more trouble with - the blatant sexual harassment and bullying from her colleagues or the overwhelming stupidity of DS Powers.
To begin with, I understand that this book takes place in the late 90s and that things weren't exactly as they are nowadays when it comes to females in the workplace (especially when said workplace is predominantly male) - however purposely unplugging her laptop in an effort to make it crash so she loses the work she's been doing for a case? Sending her on a 300 mile trip for no purpose? Or how about her first day when someone bends her forcefully over a desk, pinches her nose and mouth shut and humps her rear end? And just the way one of her commanding officers spoke to her (or about her) in general had me seeing red. Both at them for doing it, and for her as she chose time and again not to report it (even after decided to gather evidence to prove what was going on).
And can I ask just what the heck was up with Harvey's wife? The poor man is so completely under her thumb that not only does he have to warn DS Powers if she calls him (about the case they are investigating) that she needs to not only block her number before she does so, but when they hang up, if her phone immediately rings again she shouldn't answer it as it will most likely be his wife? To the point where he gets MAD at her when she can't reach him any other way (AGAIN ABOUT THE CASE THEY ARE WORKING ON) and she leaves him a message on his answering machine. Talk about going overboard.
Although I can't say I blame his wife considering DS Powers seems to be something of a homewrecker. And speaking of dear DS Powers....
I can see there are two more books that have been published in this series, and perhaps one day I will pick another one up to see if they have gotten any better. Just not anytime soon.
To begin with, I understand that this book takes place in the late 90s and that things weren't exactly as they are nowadays when it comes to females in the workplace (especially when said workplace is predominantly male) - however purposely unplugging her laptop in an effort to make it crash so she loses the work she's been doing for a case? Sending her on a 300 mile trip for no purpose? Or how about her first day when someone bends her forcefully over a desk, pinches her nose and mouth shut and humps her rear end? And just the way one of her commanding officers spoke to her (or about her) in general had me seeing red. Both at them for doing it, and for her as she chose time and again not to report it (even after decided to gather evidence to prove what was going on).
And can I ask just what the heck was up with Harvey's wife? The poor man is so completely under her thumb that not only does he have to warn DS Powers if she calls him (about the case they are investigating) that she needs to not only block her number before she does so, but when they hang up, if her phone immediately rings again she shouldn't answer it as it will most likely be his wife? To the point where he gets MAD at her when she can't reach him any other way (AGAIN ABOUT THE CASE THEY ARE WORKING ON) and she leaves him a message on his answering machine. Talk about going overboard.
Although I can't say I blame his wife considering DS Powers seems to be something of a homewrecker. And speaking of dear DS Powers....
I can see there are two more books that have been published in this series, and perhaps one day I will pick another one up to see if they have gotten any better. Just not anytime soon.
October 8, 2020
I started the book because living in Birmingham I thought it might be interesting to follow a story in an area I might know. However the prologue gave me some concerns as Kate was obviously ‘damaged’ and I wasn’t sure how this would affect the story. I needn’t have worried, because the first chapter was so appalling I just gave up. What happened to Kate on her first day wasn’t sexual harassment, it was sexual assault and appeared to be condoned by the whole department. I really didn’t want to read this book.
June 17, 2024
I think it’s always tricky to get started into a new series but from the outset Kate’s character is one to be admired. From the trauma of her previous policing and romance experience, the sexism she experiences in the workplace and the imminent betrayal that only increases as the boom continues, I was gripped. At times the narrative felt somewhat slow, her relationship to aunt Cassie featuring as a vital yet rather subsidiary character to Power’s narrative could have perhaps been elaborated. Nevertheless, I look forward to continuing the series!
October 5, 2020
"Off to a great start"
I love finding a thriller series that I know I can follow for ages. Kate Power is my kind of Detective. This series opener has everything. Setting, story line, plenty of action, twists and turns, and a detective squad room with a wide array of characters that will keep things bubbling. I'm a happy bunny.
I love finding a thriller series that I know I can follow for ages. Kate Power is my kind of Detective. This series opener has everything. Setting, story line, plenty of action, twists and turns, and a detective squad room with a wide array of characters that will keep things bubbling. I'm a happy bunny.
September 8, 2025
2020 52 Book Challenge - 7) An Author Local To You
I was quite excited to read this because I live in Birmingham, and it's always cool to read a book set in the place you know, because it's so much easier to picture the area and you just know that area.
That's pretty much where my enjoyment of this book ends. The main character is so poor. The fact that the book really focuses more on her renovating her aunts house rather than the police case that she's involved in - which includes abused and murdered children - is written more as background things, which to me, would be much more interesting as a plot than the house renovation. If I wanted to know about house renovations, I'd watch Homes Under The Hammer rather than read a detective novel.
Aside from that, what is with all of the casual racism and sexism in this book? I know it's set in the 1990s, but that is no excuse for everything in this book. I started highlighting the racism and sexism with different coloured highlighters (which is the first time I've used that function on my kindle) but there was so much of it that I gave up after the first 25%.
I was quite excited to read this because I live in Birmingham, and it's always cool to read a book set in the place you know, because it's so much easier to picture the area and you just know that area.
That's pretty much where my enjoyment of this book ends. The main character is so poor. The fact that the book really focuses more on her renovating her aunts house rather than the police case that she's involved in - which includes abused and murdered children - is written more as background things, which to me, would be much more interesting as a plot than the house renovation. If I wanted to know about house renovations, I'd watch Homes Under The Hammer rather than read a detective novel.
Aside from that, what is with all of the casual racism and sexism in this book? I know it's set in the 1990s, but that is no excuse for everything in this book. I started highlighting the racism and sexism with different coloured highlighters (which is the first time I've used that function on my kindle) but there was so much of it that I gave up after the first 25%.
April 29, 2025
This was the first story in the box set I have and it was disturbing to see how women were treated in the 90s...though I am not sure how much has changed decades later.
Kate is grieving the loss of her life partner and moves into her aunt's house for a fresh start. On the first day of her new job she was 'pretend raped' and humiliated; by police offers at her place of work. The toxic atmosphere was disgusting and continued regardless...one of her bosses was part of it. Kate carries on, determined to do her job.
Young boys are being targeted...
The writing style was unusual in that it was threaded with humour, sarcasm and irony - this highlighted Kate's personality. I liked her energy. I also thought her grief was portrayed well. I didn't like the working conditions or attitudes of the majority of males.
To me, the villains were obvious but the overall story was well done - engaging for sure.
Worth a look.
Kate is grieving the loss of her life partner and moves into her aunt's house for a fresh start. On the first day of her new job she was 'pretend raped' and humiliated; by police offers at her place of work. The toxic atmosphere was disgusting and continued regardless...one of her bosses was part of it. Kate carries on, determined to do her job.
Young boys are being targeted...
The writing style was unusual in that it was threaded with humour, sarcasm and irony - this highlighted Kate's personality. I liked her energy. I also thought her grief was portrayed well. I didn't like the working conditions or attitudes of the majority of males.
To me, the villains were obvious but the overall story was well done - engaging for sure.
Worth a look.
August 4, 2024
Well written
What a change to read a well written novel, with a decent and pertinent subject as the plot. Well done, there is hope for good British authors yet.
What a change to read a well written novel, with a decent and pertinent subject as the plot. Well done, there is hope for good British authors yet.
September 11, 2024
deleting this from my kindle library so i don’t accidentally read it again
October 8, 2020
Kate Power a Detective Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police, has moved to Birmingham following the death of her partner. She has taken over her elderly aunt’s house because Cassie has gone into a home.
In between renovating her new house and dealing with the small group of work colleagues who decide to bully her, Kate has to try and get on with her job of catching criminals. Her team are working to catch a paedophile who is abusing small boys and Kate finds herself much more personally involved in the case than she might have expected to be.
I found this book well written and a gripping story. I liked the way the author weaves Kate’s everyday life into her work and gradually builds up the tension as the main investigation develops. I felt the way day to day life – shopping, cooking, cleaning, visiting friends and relatives – was woven into Kate’s working life enhanced the feeling that crime isn’t something that happens to someone else.
Crime is an everyday occurrence and isn’t something which is far removed from everyday life. Police and criminals still have to cook and shop and get the car serviced. Some may feel everyday life intruded too much but to me it made the crime element all the more chilling.
I liked Kate as a character and I thought the author brought all the characters to life and created a believable background for Kate. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the rest.
In between renovating her new house and dealing with the small group of work colleagues who decide to bully her, Kate has to try and get on with her job of catching criminals. Her team are working to catch a paedophile who is abusing small boys and Kate finds herself much more personally involved in the case than she might have expected to be.
I found this book well written and a gripping story. I liked the way the author weaves Kate’s everyday life into her work and gradually builds up the tension as the main investigation develops. I felt the way day to day life – shopping, cooking, cleaning, visiting friends and relatives – was woven into Kate’s working life enhanced the feeling that crime isn’t something that happens to someone else.
Crime is an everyday occurrence and isn’t something which is far removed from everyday life. Police and criminals still have to cook and shop and get the car serviced. Some may feel everyday life intruded too much but to me it made the crime element all the more chilling.
I liked Kate as a character and I thought the author brought all the characters to life and created a believable background for Kate. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the rest.
June 27, 2020
Be warned, this has been reissued as ‘Murder the Boys’, still set in the 1990’s. Thankfully, Amazon acknowledge this original version in the blurb for the new edition, so I was able to go back and reread my original (Power on Her Own) I found this uncomfortable reading on a number of levels including:
- the subject matter of child abuse/murder
- the unadulterated macho chauvinism of the Police in the 90’s.
However, the writing is pretty strong and I loved some of the 90’s references.
I admit I didn’t really like the MC, Kate Power that much. I’m quite happy for her to have her faults but I can’t empathise when she switches from grieving so badly for her dead police boyfriend(so much so that she is sick at the thought of the work incident which caused his death), to crushing on her married boss in her new team, particularly as I can’t see what attracts her about him! I also can’t believe that such a strong inventive woman, who has reached the level of sergeant, would put up with a lot of very unpleasant ‘pranks’ because she is new and a woman, without some retribution.
Some areas of the plot are dealt with in a pretty heavy handed way, whilst other issues are skated over and the conclusion is a little neat. It would be interesting to know if the latest version has been updated at all.
- the subject matter of child abuse/murder
- the unadulterated macho chauvinism of the Police in the 90’s.
However, the writing is pretty strong and I loved some of the 90’s references.
I admit I didn’t really like the MC, Kate Power that much. I’m quite happy for her to have her faults but I can’t empathise when she switches from grieving so badly for her dead police boyfriend(so much so that she is sick at the thought of the work incident which caused his death), to crushing on her married boss in her new team, particularly as I can’t see what attracts her about him! I also can’t believe that such a strong inventive woman, who has reached the level of sergeant, would put up with a lot of very unpleasant ‘pranks’ because she is new and a woman, without some retribution.
Some areas of the plot are dealt with in a pretty heavy handed way, whilst other issues are skated over and the conclusion is a little neat. It would be interesting to know if the latest version has been updated at all.
January 4, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book as the story unravels rather slowly, however once it got going I got very involved and realized that all of the seemingly unimportant details of the detectives personal life related in the first part of the book, played a role in the solving of the case involving the sexual molestation of small boys.
December 22, 2020
Strange
Very odd style of writing. Questions asked but not answered.
Hard to follow who is talking to who! The whole book is more about the detective then the actual crime.
I found this so hard to follow.
Very odd style of writing. Questions asked but not answered.
Hard to follow who is talking to who! The whole book is more about the detective then the actual crime.
I found this so hard to follow.
August 2, 2020
Read this recently and forgot the plot already.
August 22, 2020
I've been reading a series by Judith Cutler that has engaged me (and are free on Kindle Unlimited) and kept me moving from book to book. The protagonist, Kate Powers has recently joined the Birmingham CID after a personal tragedy.
From the description: THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
Set in the 90's in Birmingham. Kate is being subjected to bullying by a member of her new team. She isn't exactly surprised, but is reluctant to take it to her superiors. When her new boss realizes the problem, he wants to do something about it, but Kate realizes that there are better ways than lodging a complaint. She wants proof that won't look as if she is a weak woman. She wants to get on with finding the culprit abusing the young boys.
The main problem with the first books is the format. They don't allow for chapter separation, so there were some abrupt changes of setting and characters that require adjustment.
I liked Kate and had questions about her boss. He seems genuine, but his interest in Kate is a little too personal.
Kindle Unlimited
Police Procedural. 1998/2020.
From the description: THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
Set in the 90's in Birmingham. Kate is being subjected to bullying by a member of her new team. She isn't exactly surprised, but is reluctant to take it to her superiors. When her new boss realizes the problem, he wants to do something about it, but Kate realizes that there are better ways than lodging a complaint. She wants proof that won't look as if she is a weak woman. She wants to get on with finding the culprit abusing the young boys.
The main problem with the first books is the format. They don't allow for chapter separation, so there were some abrupt changes of setting and characters that require adjustment.
I liked Kate and had questions about her boss. He seems genuine, but his interest in Kate is a little too personal.
Kindle Unlimited
Police Procedural. 1998/2020.
Read
October 8, 2020THE DETECTIVE
Introducing Birmingham Detective Sergeant Kate Power, exiled from London's Metropolitan Police by personal tragedy and making a new start in the distant outpost of Birmingham CID. Many of her new colleagues are good men but some won’t leave their new female colleague alone long enough to get on with her job. Kate is anxious to lose herself in her work, and before too long a case comes along that will consume her in a way she could never have imagined.
THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
SHE WON’T LET THE BULLIES STOP HER. KATE WILL RISK HER CAREER AND HER LIFE TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE VICTIMS.
Set in the late 90s in England’s second city, this is the first in a series of compulsively readable crime thrillers.
Good. Paul and Reg are guilty.
Introducing Birmingham Detective Sergeant Kate Power, exiled from London's Metropolitan Police by personal tragedy and making a new start in the distant outpost of Birmingham CID. Many of her new colleagues are good men but some won’t leave their new female colleague alone long enough to get on with her job. Kate is anxious to lose herself in her work, and before too long a case comes along that will consume her in a way she could never have imagined.
THE CASE
Boys are being abducted, abused, and murdered on her patch, and Kate feels intense personal and professional pressure to catch those responsible. Are her colleagues being deliberately obstructive or simply dragging their feet? Who is behind the vile crimes?
SHE WON’T LET THE BULLIES STOP HER. KATE WILL RISK HER CAREER AND HER LIFE TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE VICTIMS.
Set in the late 90s in England’s second city, this is the first in a series of compulsively readable crime thrillers.
Good. Paul and Reg are guilty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
I quite enjoyed this book with a strong ish female lead, but why oh why! didn't she slap those awful men who kept harrassing her? She just let them get away with all the Alpha male antics they pulled on her. Then Graham who I really liked to start with got on my nerves. Weak & hen pecked beyond belief. I'm surprised she was even allowed to do her job as they thought she was so incompetent. I guessed straight away who the culprit was which was annoying. If I could see it why couldn't a whole load of so called qualified detectives? The 3 stars I gave were because the storyline was actually really good, but the sexist men & the lack of retaliation from the female detective spoilt the whole thing.
January 11, 2021
Not well written
I didn't hate this, but it just isn't well written. The protagonist is difficult to really care about, the supporting characters are two-dimensional and the story just isn't logical. There's very little actual detective work in here and everything is resolved through a series of improbable coincidences. For a book that claims to be full of twists and turns there's precisely one and it isn't even difficult to see it coming due to clumsy shoehorning.
I honestly don't care enough about Kate Power to find out what happens to her next, so I won't be bothering with the rest.
I didn't hate this, but it just isn't well written. The protagonist is difficult to really care about, the supporting characters are two-dimensional and the story just isn't logical. There's very little actual detective work in here and everything is resolved through a series of improbable coincidences. For a book that claims to be full of twists and turns there's precisely one and it isn't even difficult to see it coming due to clumsy shoehorning.
I honestly don't care enough about Kate Power to find out what happens to her next, so I won't be bothering with the rest.
December 5, 2024
A mystery with an interesting cast
In a quiet area of England, after a personal tragedy, a detective sargent tries to settle in. She has to deal with harassment and an old house. The major problem is the murder of a young boy. Why? Who? People trying to help, people getting in the way, and people keeping secrets add complications to her confused life.
I will admit that the ending is a little to abrupt. It leaves you to tie things up and finish the logic, but you are part of the squad too. So pull out your note pad and follow the clues to deduce the final solution. Enjoy the book.
In a quiet area of England, after a personal tragedy, a detective sargent tries to settle in. She has to deal with harassment and an old house. The major problem is the murder of a young boy. Why? Who? People trying to help, people getting in the way, and people keeping secrets add complications to her confused life.
I will admit that the ending is a little to abrupt. It leaves you to tie things up and finish the logic, but you are part of the squad too. So pull out your note pad and follow the clues to deduce the final solution. Enjoy the book.
June 27, 2020
Murder the Boys
Kate Powers has moved to Birmingham, from the Met in London following the death of her partner. Her first case involves the abduction and abuse of boys. Not sure when the abductor is going to strike again , Kate must fit in with a new team to find and stop the perpetrator.
This is a brilliant book by Judith Cutler. The characters, especially Kate, are well defined and the story well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Recommended.
Kate Powers has moved to Birmingham, from the Met in London following the death of her partner. Her first case involves the abduction and abuse of boys. Not sure when the abductor is going to strike again , Kate must fit in with a new team to find and stop the perpetrator.
This is a brilliant book by Judith Cutler. The characters, especially Kate, are well defined and the story well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Recommended.
July 25, 2020
Crimes against persons and a horrific reveal
Read a later book in the series before this introductory novel. I expected more of what happened to Kate Power prior to her move, but didn’t get as much background as I expected.
The procedural is engaging, and the revelation of the predator-perpetrators is chilling.
The one unanswered question was what had taken place with Royston at BB in the past, unless I missed a bit. I don’t know if Kate’s neighbors reappear in subsequent books.
Read a later book in the series before this introductory novel. I expected more of what happened to Kate Power prior to her move, but didn’t get as much background as I expected.
The procedural is engaging, and the revelation of the predator-perpetrators is chilling.
The one unanswered question was what had taken place with Royston at BB in the past, unless I missed a bit. I don’t know if Kate’s neighbors reappear in subsequent books.
February 23, 2025
I Couldn't Put It Down
After the death of her partner DS Kate Power leaves the met police and moves to Birmingham, although some of her new colleagues are not happy to have her join them. (Never really worked out why, but never mind). When small boys are found to have been assaulted, and at least one has died, Kate is keen to find the assailant and quickly. I felt it was quite easy to guess who was involved there was a twist at the end which I did not see coming. Even though the subject matter was grim I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down.
After the death of her partner DS Kate Power leaves the met police and moves to Birmingham, although some of her new colleagues are not happy to have her join them. (Never really worked out why, but never mind). When small boys are found to have been assaulted, and at least one has died, Kate is keen to find the assailant and quickly. I felt it was quite easy to guess who was involved there was a twist at the end which I did not see coming. Even though the subject matter was grim I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down.
August 19, 2020
Another Author I Recently Discovered
An interesting book. In many ways I am not sure I would call it a mystery - I thought it was pretty obvious who the criminal was although I have to admit there was quite a twist at the end. I found it a quick read and the story held my interest although I can’t say I cared for a number of the personnel working in the police station. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series.
An interesting book. In many ways I am not sure I would call it a mystery - I thought it was pretty obvious who the criminal was although I have to admit there was quite a twist at the end. I found it a quick read and the story held my interest although I can’t say I cared for a number of the personnel working in the police station. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series.
June 7, 2020
Excellent!
Kate Powers is a member of CID in Birmingham in the 1990’s, when women are discriminated excessively. A recent transfer from London, due to personal issues, she works hard to do her part and be accepted. Interesting, unusual case of abused young boys defies solution. Great mystery and good descriptions of this time period!
Kate Powers is a member of CID in Birmingham in the 1990’s, when women are discriminated excessively. A recent transfer from London, due to personal issues, she works hard to do her part and be accepted. Interesting, unusual case of abused young boys defies solution. Great mystery and good descriptions of this time period!
June 8, 2020
Mr Nasty
Wow read this in 3 days. Superb story teller and twists and turns aplenty, .I suspected the me nasty early on on but it's difficult when he is so helpful throughout the book! The heroine is just that and put on the spot so many times over helpful puts her in danger when pleasing most people. Mr Nasty gets his come uplands but it's not what you think
Wow read this in 3 days. Superb story teller and twists and turns aplenty, .I suspected the me nasty early on on but it's difficult when he is so helpful throughout the book! The heroine is just that and put on the spot so many times over helpful puts her in danger when pleasing most people. Mr Nasty gets his come uplands but it's not what you think
July 10, 2020
I've enjoyed recognising all the locations mentioned as I've lived in & around them myself. However it took me a while to really get into the book format. I liked the characters & the police storyline, but I'm still not exactly sure if I enjoyed the writing style.
Saying that, I have the next one lined up so I'll see!
Saying that, I have the next one lined up so I'll see!
July 15, 2020
I very nearly gave up this book about 40% in , it seemed to me like it was to much about kate and her personal problems than any crime and police work
I carried on and I’m so glad I did it was a slow burner but I now see that the beginning was the way it was to make this a good book, it messed with my head a little which is good in a book
On to book 2 now
I carried on and I’m so glad I did it was a slow burner but I now see that the beginning was the way it was to make this a good book, it messed with my head a little which is good in a book
On to book 2 now
July 23, 2020
Murder the boys
This book was a refreshing change.
This book had an interesting story it was well put together.i enjoyed reading it and would read this author again.
The usual police stories are full of the team meetings and and all have the best coroners.they are getting so repetitive.
This book was a good read.
This book was a refreshing change.
This book had an interesting story it was well put together.i enjoyed reading it and would read this author again.
The usual police stories are full of the team meetings and and all have the best coroners.they are getting so repetitive.
This book was a good read.
November 22, 2020
Gave up
I have read many series like this and was pleased to find a new one from a different author, however I just kept find myself lost it seemed to randomly just from one bit to another, I have never given up on a series on normally find myself hooked in the characters lives, Nick Dixon series, DCI Ryan series all brilliant.
I have read many series like this and was pleased to find a new one from a different author, however I just kept find myself lost it seemed to randomly just from one bit to another, I have never given up on a series on normally find myself hooked in the characters lives, Nick Dixon series, DCI Ryan series all brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews