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DS Grace Allendale #4
Good Girl
‘I love all Mel Sherratt’s books’ IAN RANKIN ‘An absolute masterpiece’ ANGELA MARSONS ‘Twists and turns and delivers a satisfying shot of tension’ RACHEL ABBOTT When sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked, she dies in the arms of her best friend Molly, just metres from her home. Molly is the surviving girl but says she easily could have been the victim – it was a random mugging gone wrong.
With inconclusive evidence, DS Grace Allendale must dig deep within the tight-knit Stoke community for leads. And she soon finds that someone had a motive to kill Erin.
As the investigation unfolds, Grace is reminded of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career.
Is the past coming back to haunt her? And can she push through her fear to catch Erin’s killer before it’s too late? ** The million-copy bestseller Mel Sherratt is back with her most gripping and gritty novel yet! **
With inconclusive evidence, DS Grace Allendale must dig deep within the tight-knit Stoke community for leads. And she soon finds that someone had a motive to kill Erin.
As the investigation unfolds, Grace is reminded of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career.
Is the past coming back to haunt her? And can she push through her fear to catch Erin’s killer before it’s too late? ** The million-copy bestseller Mel Sherratt is back with her most gripping and gritty novel yet! **
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2020
135 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Mel Sherratt
44 books534 followersI write police procedurals, psychological suspense and women's fiction with a punch - or grit-lit, as I call it.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 30, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Mel Sherratt through both the Allie Shenton and Grace Allendale series. This, book four for Grace’s series, deals with the murder of a 16 year old girl. Walking home with a friend, Erin is stabbed. Everyone thinks it’s a random stabbing in an attempted phone theft, but her friend is not telling the police everything.
Grace is a fully fleshed out, developed character. Unlike most police officers, she struggles with her emotions. “Their grief was rubbing off on her and she needed to compartmentalize it before going back into work. She couldn’t help being emotional; would never apologize for it, but she didn’t like showing it.”
The book moves quickly. I loved how we get to see the emotions of the four parents as the book progresses - the shame, the anger, the confusion. I kept picturing myself in each of their shoes. This is much a family drama as it is a typical police procedural. I was completely invested in this story and raced through it.
This series has a lot of backstory between Grace and her half siblings, the Steeles. It’s touched on here but one needs to have the earlier books to get the full grasp. Still, this book would work as a standalone.
My thanks to netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of this book.
Grace is a fully fleshed out, developed character. Unlike most police officers, she struggles with her emotions. “Their grief was rubbing off on her and she needed to compartmentalize it before going back into work. She couldn’t help being emotional; would never apologize for it, but she didn’t like showing it.”
The book moves quickly. I loved how we get to see the emotions of the four parents as the book progresses - the shame, the anger, the confusion. I kept picturing myself in each of their shoes. This is much a family drama as it is a typical police procedural. I was completely invested in this story and raced through it.
This series has a lot of backstory between Grace and her half siblings, the Steeles. It’s touched on here but one needs to have the earlier books to get the full grasp. Still, this book would work as a standalone.
My thanks to netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of this book.
November 10, 2020
GOOD GIRL by Mel Sherratt is the fourth book in the DS Grace Allendale British crime and police procedural series set in England. The author brought this reader an intense and intriguing story. Sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked on her way home with her best friend Molly. Despite the paramedics’ efforts, Erin dies and the mugging becomes a murder investigation. DS Grace Allendale works the case with several others and is also assigned to liaise with Erin’s family. Was this simply a mugging gone wrong or was Erin targeted? How could this happen when she was only a short distance from home in a quiet neighborhood? Is else is going on in the community? With few clues, Grace and the team do extensive interviews as the crime scene team look for evidence.
Grace is a great protagonist. She has a family history that haunts her, but is hardworking and dedicated to justice and protecting the innocent. She continues to gain more depth in each book and is a compelling character with clear goals. The secondary characters were well-rounded and enhanced the story, but the reader doesn’t get a lot of background on Grace’s co-workers. There are several familiar characters from book three of the series, making the large cast more manageable.
The plot switches back and forth between current times and events that occurred during the past year. While this could have been a distraction or interrupted the overall flow, the author managed the transitions smoothly. It was an excellent way to provide needed data using showing versus telling.
This is a slow-build story but it flows well and the edginess kept me engaged. There are lots of twists and turns in this engrossing and shocking book. There was a good pace from scene to scene. The tension was high and this reader was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout most of the story making it a page-turner. The subplots tied together well. While I was not surprised by who the killer was, I was caught off-guard by other events that occurred in the book. Themes explored include murder, assault, family, friendship, coerciveness, grief, exploitation, drugs, alcohol and much more that is withheld due to spoilers.
Overall, I enjoyed this well-written and gripping novel and recommend the series to those that enjoy crime dramas and police procedurals. It is the second book that I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the first two in the series. This is an amazing “new to me” author and GOOD GIRL did not disappoint me. This author delivered on the promise of the novel’s premise and opening scenes.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Mel Sherratt for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 10, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Grace is a great protagonist. She has a family history that haunts her, but is hardworking and dedicated to justice and protecting the innocent. She continues to gain more depth in each book and is a compelling character with clear goals. The secondary characters were well-rounded and enhanced the story, but the reader doesn’t get a lot of background on Grace’s co-workers. There are several familiar characters from book three of the series, making the large cast more manageable.
The plot switches back and forth between current times and events that occurred during the past year. While this could have been a distraction or interrupted the overall flow, the author managed the transitions smoothly. It was an excellent way to provide needed data using showing versus telling.
This is a slow-build story but it flows well and the edginess kept me engaged. There are lots of twists and turns in this engrossing and shocking book. There was a good pace from scene to scene. The tension was high and this reader was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout most of the story making it a page-turner. The subplots tied together well. While I was not surprised by who the killer was, I was caught off-guard by other events that occurred in the book. Themes explored include murder, assault, family, friendship, coerciveness, grief, exploitation, drugs, alcohol and much more that is withheld due to spoilers.
Overall, I enjoyed this well-written and gripping novel and recommend the series to those that enjoy crime dramas and police procedurals. It is the second book that I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the first two in the series. This is an amazing “new to me” author and GOOD GIRL did not disappoint me. This author delivered on the promise of the novel’s premise and opening scenes.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Mel Sherratt for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 10, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
November 1, 2020
3-4 stars
Sixteen year old Erin Ellis is murdered whilst walking home with best friend Molly Redfern. Is it a case of wrong place, wrong time or does it go deeper? DS Grace Allendale investigates. The story is told from several perspectives in the present and backtracks a year.
This is the fourth in this series but can easily be read as a stand-alone as past events are explained, there are links to previous cases but it all makes sense to a first time reader, especially in relation to Grace's estranged half brothers Eddie and Leon Steele. The premise is good although by no means unique as the girls are mixing with things they most definitely shouldn’t. The topic is dark and although the reader knows what’s happening it is never gratuitous in tone and sadly, after much publicised actual cases I have no trouble believing the storyline. The plot unfolds well and the pace is good as the place team try to extract the truth from a multitude of lies and buried secrets. The family dynamics of grief and shock are conveyed well. The ending is quite dramatic and although I did guess the truth that does not spoil the read.
My negative is that at times the style is rather flat in tone especially at the beginning although this does improve significantly as the novel progresses.
Overall, this is an easy to read police procedural. I like the character of Grace and her background makes her a bit more interesting than some other lead characters and I would certainly want to read books more featuring her.
With thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the arc.
Sixteen year old Erin Ellis is murdered whilst walking home with best friend Molly Redfern. Is it a case of wrong place, wrong time or does it go deeper? DS Grace Allendale investigates. The story is told from several perspectives in the present and backtracks a year.
This is the fourth in this series but can easily be read as a stand-alone as past events are explained, there are links to previous cases but it all makes sense to a first time reader, especially in relation to Grace's estranged half brothers Eddie and Leon Steele. The premise is good although by no means unique as the girls are mixing with things they most definitely shouldn’t. The topic is dark and although the reader knows what’s happening it is never gratuitous in tone and sadly, after much publicised actual cases I have no trouble believing the storyline. The plot unfolds well and the pace is good as the place team try to extract the truth from a multitude of lies and buried secrets. The family dynamics of grief and shock are conveyed well. The ending is quite dramatic and although I did guess the truth that does not spoil the read.
My negative is that at times the style is rather flat in tone especially at the beginning although this does improve significantly as the novel progresses.
Overall, this is an easy to read police procedural. I like the character of Grace and her background makes her a bit more interesting than some other lead characters and I would certainly want to read books more featuring her.
With thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the arc.
December 10, 2020
The fourth DS Grave Allendale novel is a fast-reading police thriller that starts with a shocking knife murder of a sixteen year old girl walking the path to home with her best friend. The murder makes no sense at least until Grace starts digging into the dark underbelly of the city and the secret lives these young girls led. The story is a fast paced easy read despite to shocking subject matter.
October 3, 2020
This is the 4th book in the DS Grace Allendale series by author Mel Sherratt but works perfectly well as a standalone.
Sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked and murdered close to her home and dies in the arms of her best friend Molly. There is no significant evidence so it is up to DS Grace Allendale to try to uncover the truth from the tight knit Stoke community for leads.
This is a fast paced novel which makes good reading. Some interesting characters along the way. I have read several books by this author previously and she never fails to deliver. Good police procedurals which is just up my street.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked and murdered close to her home and dies in the arms of her best friend Molly. There is no significant evidence so it is up to DS Grace Allendale to try to uncover the truth from the tight knit Stoke community for leads.
This is a fast paced novel which makes good reading. Some interesting characters along the way. I have read several books by this author previously and she never fails to deliver. Good police procedurals which is just up my street.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
This is the 4th installment of the DS Grace Allendale series, but I confess I have not read 1 and 2.
Having said that I still really enjoyed this story. In this book Grace is faced with an investigation into the possible grooming of teenage girls for a prostitution ring. For some this may be quite a turn off as the young girls in the book are paired up with much older men who are sometimes abusive.
Grace herself is in an awkward position being the girlfriend of a reporter and the half sister of a local criminal gang leader.
This was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded with a few unforeseen twists.
Thank you Avon Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having said that I still really enjoyed this story. In this book Grace is faced with an investigation into the possible grooming of teenage girls for a prostitution ring. For some this may be quite a turn off as the young girls in the book are paired up with much older men who are sometimes abusive.
Grace herself is in an awkward position being the girlfriend of a reporter and the half sister of a local criminal gang leader.
This was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded with a few unforeseen twists.
Thank you Avon Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
Grace Allandale #4
Erin and Molly are best friends. They were born just days apart. They had been close since they were born. That was, until Erin was murdered.
The story centres around the two girls. There mother's were also best friends. Erin's death shocked the close knit community. It had first appeared to be a mugging that went wrong. Erin and Molly had been up to things their families knew nothing about. Grace Allandale and her team are on the case. This is a dark and in places it's difficult to read . This is the last but the best book in the series. The gripping storyline is filled with shocks, secrets and it's a thrilling read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MelSherratt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Erin and Molly are best friends. They were born just days apart. They had been close since they were born. That was, until Erin was murdered.
The story centres around the two girls. There mother's were also best friends. Erin's death shocked the close knit community. It had first appeared to be a mugging that went wrong. Erin and Molly had been up to things their families knew nothing about. Grace Allandale and her team are on the case. This is a dark and in places it's difficult to read . This is the last but the best book in the series. The gripping storyline is filled with shocks, secrets and it's a thrilling read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MelSherratt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2020
Good Girl is the fourth instalment in the Detective Sergeant Grace Allendale series, set in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis and her best friend and neighbour, of 8 doors down, Molly Redfern, have been close friends since their birth merely days apart, and their mothers, 38-year-old single parent Sara Ellis, who also has a younger son, Nat, aged 10, and Lucy Redfern, are also long-term besties. Having taken a wander together to the local cafe one Wednesday evening, Erin and Molly are making their way home when Molly returns to the Ellis’s house crying, shaking uncontrollably and covered in blood. Sara Ellis runs down the street to where her daughter has dropped to her knees, with blood seeping through her jacket. She cradles her daughter in her arms and calls an ambulance but it may be too late to save her. DS Allendale gets a call from her DI, Allie Shenton, who informs her she's needed to liaise with a distraught family after an apparent mugging-turned-stabbing across the street from the Bennett Estate. Erin is in critical condition and has been taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital and Molly tells them that a man ran up to them and attempted to grab Erin's mobile before brandishing a knife and stabbing her in the chest. She later dies of her injuries as the paramedics are unable to save her.
The team begin house-to-house enquiries on Sampson Street, the cul-de-sac in close proximity to the walkway in which the two girls were attacked. Neither the residents nor the local police can believe what has happened, but as evidence is initially thin on the ground, Allendale must resort to good old fashioned police work for answers. She soon discovers that the deeper she digs the more complex and disturbing it becomes... why are those close to the investigation, in particular the only witness, Molly, seemingly hindering the police's ability to get to the truth? This is a riveting and compulsive thriller and is much more sinister and profound than it may initially appear. The two teens were mixed up with some bad people and as the story unravels there really were some shocks in store, which I certainly wasn't expecting. It's a fast-paced, expertly plotted crime novel with enough action, drama and tension to keep you turning the pages long into the night. I enjoyed that we were treated to more character development and to do this Sherratt cleverly ties Erin's murder to our intriguing protagonist Grace and her estranged family. It all makes for a cracking read liberally sprinkled with twists, surprises and a dynamite conclusion. Highly recommended.
The team begin house-to-house enquiries on Sampson Street, the cul-de-sac in close proximity to the walkway in which the two girls were attacked. Neither the residents nor the local police can believe what has happened, but as evidence is initially thin on the ground, Allendale must resort to good old fashioned police work for answers. She soon discovers that the deeper she digs the more complex and disturbing it becomes... why are those close to the investigation, in particular the only witness, Molly, seemingly hindering the police's ability to get to the truth? This is a riveting and compulsive thriller and is much more sinister and profound than it may initially appear. The two teens were mixed up with some bad people and as the story unravels there really were some shocks in store, which I certainly wasn't expecting. It's a fast-paced, expertly plotted crime novel with enough action, drama and tension to keep you turning the pages long into the night. I enjoyed that we were treated to more character development and to do this Sherratt cleverly ties Erin's murder to our intriguing protagonist Grace and her estranged family. It all makes for a cracking read liberally sprinkled with twists, surprises and a dynamite conclusion. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2020
Although I have not read the first two books of this series, I don’t think it is entirely essential to understand the complete back story. However, I did feel something was missing as Sherratt frequently refers to previous cases that Grace has worked on. Instead of disappointing, this just fired me up to want to get my hands on the other two books!
This story is rather dark and I did find it a little uncomfortable to read. Focusing on two teenagers, Erin ends up stabbed in an alleyway close to her home. Her best friend, Molly, was there at the scene and describes a male attacker who committed the crime. Molly and Erin, both considered as ‘good girls’, are seen as victims of a bigger crime and, as the details emerge, I found this part difficult to read. The theme of the crime in this book is sex rings and the exploitation of young, teenage girls, offering them up for prostitution. As a mother of two girls myself, I found it impossible not to project onto the story, imagining the worst scenarios. Crazy, right?! However, I think this reflects how well Sherratt creates this dark story and how believable this crime is.
As the novel delves deeper into this secret, readers are taken on flashbacks into the nine months leading up to Erin’s death. It becomes clear that Molly and Erin’s reputation is not accurate and the descriptions offered are pretty harrowing. Therefore, when the novel closes on a positive conclusion, I felt satisfied that the perpetrators were appropriately punished; justice had been served.
This police procedural novel is really pacey and I think this reinforced by the punchy chapters. Despite involving a flashback, events move pretty quickly. There was not a lot of discussion by the police force, deciding what move to make next. Sometimes I find crime books of a similar genre have too much of this, which lessens the impact of the investigation. Instead, the novel is also driven by Grace’s connections to the local criminals who roam free, and this helps to make this series stand out from the rest. Sherratt reveals more about the family that haunt Grace and the local police. I really like the fact that Grace has distanced herself from her family, whilst also using them as informants when things get really tough.
Characterisation is intense in this book and you do get a true understanding of the conflicted teens in the centre of this plot. Whilst the exploitation is uncomfortable, I think this is because Sherratt has created such an atmosphere in her writing. It’s another good read from this writer and I hope this is a series that she continues.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is rather dark and I did find it a little uncomfortable to read. Focusing on two teenagers, Erin ends up stabbed in an alleyway close to her home. Her best friend, Molly, was there at the scene and describes a male attacker who committed the crime. Molly and Erin, both considered as ‘good girls’, are seen as victims of a bigger crime and, as the details emerge, I found this part difficult to read. The theme of the crime in this book is sex rings and the exploitation of young, teenage girls, offering them up for prostitution. As a mother of two girls myself, I found it impossible not to project onto the story, imagining the worst scenarios. Crazy, right?! However, I think this reflects how well Sherratt creates this dark story and how believable this crime is.
As the novel delves deeper into this secret, readers are taken on flashbacks into the nine months leading up to Erin’s death. It becomes clear that Molly and Erin’s reputation is not accurate and the descriptions offered are pretty harrowing. Therefore, when the novel closes on a positive conclusion, I felt satisfied that the perpetrators were appropriately punished; justice had been served.
This police procedural novel is really pacey and I think this reinforced by the punchy chapters. Despite involving a flashback, events move pretty quickly. There was not a lot of discussion by the police force, deciding what move to make next. Sometimes I find crime books of a similar genre have too much of this, which lessens the impact of the investigation. Instead, the novel is also driven by Grace’s connections to the local criminals who roam free, and this helps to make this series stand out from the rest. Sherratt reveals more about the family that haunt Grace and the local police. I really like the fact that Grace has distanced herself from her family, whilst also using them as informants when things get really tough.
Characterisation is intense in this book and you do get a true understanding of the conflicted teens in the centre of this plot. Whilst the exploitation is uncomfortable, I think this is because Sherratt has created such an atmosphere in her writing. It’s another good read from this writer and I hope this is a series that she continues.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
Another great episode in the series. Good girl by Mel Sherratt is the fourth in the Grace Allendale series but you can read it as a standalone.
Sixteen-year-old girls Erin Ellis and Molly Redfern have been best friends since they were little and so has their mothers. They are close and tell each other everything. On the way home Erin is mugged and stabbed and left for dead. Molly first tries to help her but leaves her and goes to get help. Only when the paramedics arrive that Erin dies from her wounds.
DS Grace Allendale oversees the investigation, without much evidence and not much being said by Molly Redfern. She is keeping silent of what happened that evening. The story backtracks to the time before Erin dies and what happened between the two girls that lead up to that fatal time.
This is another excellent but gritty read by the author. I couldn’t put this down. It had an excellent storyline which was sensitively written considering the subject and the usual characters that we have got know and love. I also wasn’t suspecting the twist at the end.
Sixteen-year-old girls Erin Ellis and Molly Redfern have been best friends since they were little and so has their mothers. They are close and tell each other everything. On the way home Erin is mugged and stabbed and left for dead. Molly first tries to help her but leaves her and goes to get help. Only when the paramedics arrive that Erin dies from her wounds.
DS Grace Allendale oversees the investigation, without much evidence and not much being said by Molly Redfern. She is keeping silent of what happened that evening. The story backtracks to the time before Erin dies and what happened between the two girls that lead up to that fatal time.
This is another excellent but gritty read by the author. I couldn’t put this down. It had an excellent storyline which was sensitively written considering the subject and the usual characters that we have got know and love. I also wasn’t suspecting the twist at the end.
November 7, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, The publishers and the author.
I apologise for the delay as a huge demand of books from publishers and authors.
When sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked, she dies in the arms of her best friend Molly, just metres from her home. Molly is the surviving girl but says she easily could have been the victim – it was a random mugging gone wrong.
With inconclusive evidence, DS Grace Allendale must dig deep within the tight-knit Stoke community for leads. And she soon finds that someone had a motive to kill Erin.
So many things were unearthed, many secrets. Erin and Molly were up to things that their families knew nothing about, feeling the despair of Erin’s family and the way it affected them, especially her little brother, the friendship of the two mothers?
As the investigation unfolds, Grace is reminded of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, and as her team dig deep and find out more secrets, more shocks, where does this story lead to, is the past coming back to haunt Grace Allendale?
Graces’ vulnerability with regard to being a member of the Steele family is evident throughout, and whilst they are villains they are still flesh and blood, but are they behind the shocking death of a sixteen year old girl and what were the girls involved in?
And can Grace push through her fear to catch Erin’s killer before it’s too late?
A well placed, strong crime thriller.
I apologise for the delay as a huge demand of books from publishers and authors.
When sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked, she dies in the arms of her best friend Molly, just metres from her home. Molly is the surviving girl but says she easily could have been the victim – it was a random mugging gone wrong.
With inconclusive evidence, DS Grace Allendale must dig deep within the tight-knit Stoke community for leads. And she soon finds that someone had a motive to kill Erin.
So many things were unearthed, many secrets. Erin and Molly were up to things that their families knew nothing about, feeling the despair of Erin’s family and the way it affected them, especially her little brother, the friendship of the two mothers?
As the investigation unfolds, Grace is reminded of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, and as her team dig deep and find out more secrets, more shocks, where does this story lead to, is the past coming back to haunt Grace Allendale?
Graces’ vulnerability with regard to being a member of the Steele family is evident throughout, and whilst they are villains they are still flesh and blood, but are they behind the shocking death of a sixteen year old girl and what were the girls involved in?
And can Grace push through her fear to catch Erin’s killer before it’s too late?
A well placed, strong crime thriller.
October 22, 2022
What an explosive finale for such an incredible series! I'm going to miss DS Grace Allendale quite a lot!
The past turns into the present when sixteen year old Erin Ellis is attacked then dies in her best friends arms. Assumed to be a mugging gone wrong, her friend Molly is lucky to survive. So why is this teenager reluctant to provide vital information that could lead to Erin's killer?
With no evidence to go on, Grace starts digging for leads. As the investigation continues, Grace soon discovers that the two teens have found themselves in a very dangerous and disturbing situation. Even more shockingly, it becomes apparent that there was a motive to kill Erin.
So what exactly had Erin and Molly been up to? And why is it connected to the very first case that Grace solved in Stoke? There's no doubt that Grace will have to pull out the stops in order to bring the baddies down for the final time...
I made some predictions for this last outing. Whilst one was 100% accurate, the others were borderline correct. Go me! 😊
Thankyou Mel Sherratt for introducing me to your wonderful writing with this series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
The past turns into the present when sixteen year old Erin Ellis is attacked then dies in her best friends arms. Assumed to be a mugging gone wrong, her friend Molly is lucky to survive. So why is this teenager reluctant to provide vital information that could lead to Erin's killer?
With no evidence to go on, Grace starts digging for leads. As the investigation continues, Grace soon discovers that the two teens have found themselves in a very dangerous and disturbing situation. Even more shockingly, it becomes apparent that there was a motive to kill Erin.
So what exactly had Erin and Molly been up to? And why is it connected to the very first case that Grace solved in Stoke? There's no doubt that Grace will have to pull out the stops in order to bring the baddies down for the final time...
I made some predictions for this last outing. Whilst one was 100% accurate, the others were borderline correct. Go me! 😊
Thankyou Mel Sherratt for introducing me to your wonderful writing with this series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
September 30, 2020
Mel Sherratt certainly knows how to write a gritty crime novel and Good Girl did not disappoint. I love an authentic thriller and Mel's experience as a former housing officer shines through. Her characters are real, down to earth people caught up in a whirlwind of despair as sixteen year old Erin dies in the arms of her best friend. But what led up to this awful set of circumstances? That's something Grace Allendale has vowed to find out. I love the authenticity which seeps through this book as you get to know each characters personally. Watch out though, it's not all sweetness and light - Good Girl will drag you through the wringer as you discover the tragic set of circumstances which lead to Erin's death. I won't spoil the ending, just to say that if you love a wicked crime thriller then grab this book today!
December 8, 2020
Quite a good police procedural where the atmosphere was quite tension-filled with a stabbing of a young girl. This was my second book by this author, and I found it quite immersive.
The prose showed me the investigation conducted by Grace along with the life of the young girl leading to the days of her her death. Emotions were absorbed into the story and Grace too was affected.
The story clutched by the throat by the power of the author's writing, there were quite a few harrowing scenes. Twists and turns along with a nail biting finish. Whew.
The prose showed me the investigation conducted by Grace along with the life of the young girl leading to the days of her her death. Emotions were absorbed into the story and Grace too was affected.
The story clutched by the throat by the power of the author's writing, there were quite a few harrowing scenes. Twists and turns along with a nail biting finish. Whew.
April 20, 2021
Mel Sheratt's Grace Allendale series is a unique and compelling series. With a complicated history & upbringing Grace's story always makes for a very interesting read. Good Girl is only the fourth book in series but is every bit as captivating & suspenseful. The case is brings back memories of her very first case/book Hush Hush. Its nice to see the minor points of the previous case finally come full circle. The plot was good & characters were great! The opening chapter was gripping & every new twist made the book unputdownable. I was able to guess to guess the outcome of this twisted complex book but that didn't take away any fun. The book had a lot of emotional moments for many characters & it was executed with great finesse by Mel Sherratt. A police procedural through & through my interest in her current case kept increasing with every twist. I'd love to see what Grace get's up to with her next case!
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Mel Sherratt for an arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Mel Sherratt for an arc!
January 22, 2021
"A life of grime"
Tough going in parts, due to the subject matter. As this wrapped up the series I suppose the author felt they needed to throw everything into it. Maybe that's why it felt so long, despite the quality of the writing.
Tough going in parts, due to the subject matter. As this wrapped up the series I suppose the author felt they needed to throw everything into it. Maybe that's why it felt so long, despite the quality of the writing.
October 23, 2020
A good crime novel .I like the detective , Grace and the setting (Stoke-on-Trent) .One of a series , I have read others but on the whole it is fine to read it as a stand alone book. The book follows the stories of the girls over the last year so you come to understand how they became involved and howtheirrelationship chanaged. The investigation and interviews were also pieced together . Sadly, given the subject matter which is sexual grooming of young girls, the book is all too believable. You read how young teenagers are reeled in through flattery and attention and who end up almost as prostitutes. The viewpoints are well written , the teenage girls exhibit reckless behaviour , albeit to an extreme extent which is typical of that age group.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARCin exchange for an honest review .
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARCin exchange for an honest review .
December 12, 2020
I don’t know how she does it but Mel Sherratt manages to grab my attention from the off in every book of hers that I’ve read whether it’s her crime fiction or her lighter side as Marcie Steele. With Good Girl, I’m thrown in with a bang and the stabbing of a sixteen year old with her whole life ahead of her.
The detective on the case is the tenacious DS Grace Allendale and I had faith her to find the culprit. What I didn’t expect was to go on a bumpy ride packed with twists and turns, a bit like the Corkscrew at Alton Towers. I had to hold on tight to this fast paced crime thriller, trying to keep pace with the team as they investigated the crime in hand.
I loved the sporadic chapters set in the year before Erin’s death where the girls’ antics are outlined, getting closer to that fateful day. Nothing is quite what it seems in Erin and Molly’s lives and Sherratt kept me on tenterhooks right to the end.
Good Girl is another cracker of a novel in the Grace Allendale series and in the library of Sherratt novels. Not only does she pack in the tension and intrigue that is mandatory in any good crime thriller but she slips in pockets of emotion that take you by surprise as you read.
The detective on the case is the tenacious DS Grace Allendale and I had faith her to find the culprit. What I didn’t expect was to go on a bumpy ride packed with twists and turns, a bit like the Corkscrew at Alton Towers. I had to hold on tight to this fast paced crime thriller, trying to keep pace with the team as they investigated the crime in hand.
I loved the sporadic chapters set in the year before Erin’s death where the girls’ antics are outlined, getting closer to that fateful day. Nothing is quite what it seems in Erin and Molly’s lives and Sherratt kept me on tenterhooks right to the end.
Good Girl is another cracker of a novel in the Grace Allendale series and in the library of Sherratt novels. Not only does she pack in the tension and intrigue that is mandatory in any good crime thriller but she slips in pockets of emotion that take you by surprise as you read.
December 8, 2020
Another great book in the Grace Allendale series.
Grace is called out after a teenage girl has been stabbed down an alley in a residential area.
Her life is hanging in the balance and her best friend is in shock after the attack.
Sadly, Erin loses her fight for life and a murder investigation is underway.
Grace asks her best friend Molly for information about the attack but when she changes her story, Grace knows she knows more than she’s telling her.
The discovery of Erin’s diary shows her that the girls were being groomed and being paid to have sex at parties organised by a gang of men and women.
Soon the link goes back to the Steele family and Grace is shocked when Eddie gives her information on his brother, Leon.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a few twists and turns along the way, and I loved it.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Grace is called out after a teenage girl has been stabbed down an alley in a residential area.
Her life is hanging in the balance and her best friend is in shock after the attack.
Sadly, Erin loses her fight for life and a murder investigation is underway.
Grace asks her best friend Molly for information about the attack but when she changes her story, Grace knows she knows more than she’s telling her.
The discovery of Erin’s diary shows her that the girls were being groomed and being paid to have sex at parties organised by a gang of men and women.
Soon the link goes back to the Steele family and Grace is shocked when Eddie gives her information on his brother, Leon.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a few twists and turns along the way, and I loved it.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 6, 2020
One word ... excellent! Mel Sherratt never fails to deliver a fast-paced, page turning mystery. Love DS Grace Allendale.
Thank you #netgalley and #avonbooks for another great eARC in this series.
Thank you #netgalley and #avonbooks for another great eARC in this series.
December 5, 2020
Erin was a good girl. But someone wanted her dead…
Sixteen year olds Molly and Erin have been best friends since they were two and are inseperable, their mums, Lucy and Sara, are lifelong best friends too and live across the road from each other. When Molly bangs on Sara's door one night, screaming that Erin has been attacked in the alleyway minutes from their home, so begins every parent's worst nightmare, sadly Erin doesn't make it and dies on the way to hospital. Molly insists it was a random mugging gone wrong, DS Grace Allendale is convinced there's more to her story, but what is she keeping from them and who is she trying to protect? When they start digging they uncover some horrifying evidence that could explain a motive for Erin's murder. Her death and the events that follow sends shockwaves throughout the community and has a devastating effect on both families concerned. Grace and the team endeavour to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.
This latest crime thriller by Sherratt is told from various perspectives and switches between the current day with the team investigating the murder, and the events leading up to that day. What I love about this authors books is that her characters are real, down to earth people that you would be associated with every day in your own life, you connect with them like you're actually living alongside them and this makes them authentic. There are some very dark topics covered in this book, but they are done so with sensitivity and integrity, the plot is well crafted and seamless, with so many twists along the way that I gave up guessing in the end and just went with the flow, and what a cracking ending! This is the fourth in the DS Grace Allendale series and whilst it can be read as a standalone it's better to read them in order, to enable you to understand the background of Grace and her relationship with the Steele family. I've loved all the books in this series and this latest one is no exception.
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Sixteen year olds Molly and Erin have been best friends since they were two and are inseperable, their mums, Lucy and Sara, are lifelong best friends too and live across the road from each other. When Molly bangs on Sara's door one night, screaming that Erin has been attacked in the alleyway minutes from their home, so begins every parent's worst nightmare, sadly Erin doesn't make it and dies on the way to hospital. Molly insists it was a random mugging gone wrong, DS Grace Allendale is convinced there's more to her story, but what is she keeping from them and who is she trying to protect? When they start digging they uncover some horrifying evidence that could explain a motive for Erin's murder. Her death and the events that follow sends shockwaves throughout the community and has a devastating effect on both families concerned. Grace and the team endeavour to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.
This latest crime thriller by Sherratt is told from various perspectives and switches between the current day with the team investigating the murder, and the events leading up to that day. What I love about this authors books is that her characters are real, down to earth people that you would be associated with every day in your own life, you connect with them like you're actually living alongside them and this makes them authentic. There are some very dark topics covered in this book, but they are done so with sensitivity and integrity, the plot is well crafted and seamless, with so many twists along the way that I gave up guessing in the end and just went with the flow, and what a cracking ending! This is the fourth in the DS Grace Allendale series and whilst it can be read as a standalone it's better to read them in order, to enable you to understand the background of Grace and her relationship with the Steele family. I've loved all the books in this series and this latest one is no exception.
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
March 20, 2021
“Good Girl” by Mel Sherratt is packed with emotional turmoil. It starts with the death of sixteen-year-old, and the investigation of that tragedy reveals a very nasty, distasteful, and tragic social problem. Lives and families are fragmented, perhaps beyond repair. With that caution, the book is well written, compelling, and filled with twists.
The narrative opens with a mugging gone wrong; Erin, a sixteen-year old girl, was stabbed while walking home with her friend, Molly, Unfortunately it is now a murder investigation. The story is structured in conversations that reflect everyday activities and events as well as personal trauma, emotions, and reality. Separate points of view allow readers to understand how events influence each person, and to learn what people want to hide from others. Readers are also taken back in time one year to gradually learn what brought Erin and Molly to that fateful evening walk. The two separate accounts continue slowly and purposefully; readers watch the precise detailed murder investigation on one hand and the coming trauma and disaster on the other, waiting for the inevitable point In time when the paths cross.
“Good Girl” is powerful and gripping. What started as a “mugging gone wrong” evolves into a complicated and dark story of exploitation and abuse. It is book four in the “DS Grace Allendale” series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books to appreciate this book, but first-time readers will appreciate Sherratt’s organized and disciplined writing style and will be inspired to read prior books. I received a review copy of “Good Girl” from Mel Sherratt and Avon Books. It is a cautionary tale of fabricated stories and deceitful promises. I highly recommend it with a caution for the shocking but sadly genuine social problem. This is my first time reading a “Grace Allendale” book; I will be going back to read the previous books and am awaiting the next in the series.
The narrative opens with a mugging gone wrong; Erin, a sixteen-year old girl, was stabbed while walking home with her friend, Molly, Unfortunately it is now a murder investigation. The story is structured in conversations that reflect everyday activities and events as well as personal trauma, emotions, and reality. Separate points of view allow readers to understand how events influence each person, and to learn what people want to hide from others. Readers are also taken back in time one year to gradually learn what brought Erin and Molly to that fateful evening walk. The two separate accounts continue slowly and purposefully; readers watch the precise detailed murder investigation on one hand and the coming trauma and disaster on the other, waiting for the inevitable point In time when the paths cross.
“Good Girl” is powerful and gripping. What started as a “mugging gone wrong” evolves into a complicated and dark story of exploitation and abuse. It is book four in the “DS Grace Allendale” series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books to appreciate this book, but first-time readers will appreciate Sherratt’s organized and disciplined writing style and will be inspired to read prior books. I received a review copy of “Good Girl” from Mel Sherratt and Avon Books. It is a cautionary tale of fabricated stories and deceitful promises. I highly recommend it with a caution for the shocking but sadly genuine social problem. This is my first time reading a “Grace Allendale” book; I will be going back to read the previous books and am awaiting the next in the series.
April 3, 2021
This is the fourth book in the series featuring DS Grace Allendale but reads well as a stand-alone. Teenagers Erin and Molly are best friends and on their way home Erin is stabbed just yards away from her house. She is taken to hospital but sadly dies from her wounds. Grace is called out to investigate the murder and is puzzled that this crime seems more than a mugging that has gone wrong. When she begins to investigate the girls’ backgrounds it soon becomes apparent that the girls have been hiding secrets from their families. As the book delves into these secrets we are taken back to events leading up to Erin’s death and discover that they were involved with bad people. Grace realises that certain aspects of the case seem to be familiar and it looks like her estranged family could be involved. This is a gripping read, with a fantastic storyline. A book I couldn’t put down, highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 10, 2020
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this novel before it’s 12/10 release date!
Good Girl is the fourth book in a series following Detective Grace Allendale. In this one we follow the murder for a 16-year-old girl Erin.
When I requested this, I had no idea it’s was the fourth in a series. Luckily it was able to be read as a stand alone with some family relationships that carry from the earlier books. This book was A LOT darker than I was expecting!
I loved watching the mystery unfold and it kept me guessing until the end about who killed Erin. The story was pretty intricate and our author does an outstanding job of weaving through the web she has created in this story!
My only complaint is that it was hard to understand when POV’s would change. I hope that when this book is finally released, that detail is edited because it was quite confusing at times.
Overall a solid 4 star read!
Good Girl is the fourth book in a series following Detective Grace Allendale. In this one we follow the murder for a 16-year-old girl Erin.
When I requested this, I had no idea it’s was the fourth in a series. Luckily it was able to be read as a stand alone with some family relationships that carry from the earlier books. This book was A LOT darker than I was expecting!
I loved watching the mystery unfold and it kept me guessing until the end about who killed Erin. The story was pretty intricate and our author does an outstanding job of weaving through the web she has created in this story!
My only complaint is that it was hard to understand when POV’s would change. I hope that when this book is finally released, that detail is edited because it was quite confusing at times.
Overall a solid 4 star read!
October 10, 2020
Book 4
Another corker of a read.
Oh my, what a read this was. Absolutely loved it. Another gritty page turner part of an equally gritty series. If you have not read this authors work then now would be as good a time as any to start it.
It's tough but I think this is my favourite one of the series so far and this is book 4.
Best friends, teenagers Erin and Molly are on their way home, so close to home when Erin is mugged. A fatal stab wound leaves Erin to die in the arms of her best friend. Life is never going to be the same for Molly.
We have Erin's family in turmoil yet as the girls mothers are also best friends it hit's Molly's family just as hard.
DS Grace Allendale is called in to investigate. As Molly was with Erin when it happened Grace needs to get as much info as she possibly can from Molly but clearly the friend is traumatised and grieving.
Grace and her team have to dig deep to get clues, and as the story unfolds we learn just what the girls had been doing before the fatal incident. Could this be linked to why Erin died or is this totally seperate?.
I could not put this book down, I wanted and needed to know what had happened and believe the author did a fantastic job with the twists and finally letting us know who and why. An ending I really don't think I was expecting. Families in this book who I wanted to console, I felt very much a part of it all. Brilliant characters and brilliant story line. I soooooo can't wait for the next one.
Well done Mel, you never fail. This book has been added to my 2020 Must Reads list.
Another corker of a read.
Oh my, what a read this was. Absolutely loved it. Another gritty page turner part of an equally gritty series. If you have not read this authors work then now would be as good a time as any to start it.
It's tough but I think this is my favourite one of the series so far and this is book 4.
Best friends, teenagers Erin and Molly are on their way home, so close to home when Erin is mugged. A fatal stab wound leaves Erin to die in the arms of her best friend. Life is never going to be the same for Molly.
We have Erin's family in turmoil yet as the girls mothers are also best friends it hit's Molly's family just as hard.
DS Grace Allendale is called in to investigate. As Molly was with Erin when it happened Grace needs to get as much info as she possibly can from Molly but clearly the friend is traumatised and grieving.
Grace and her team have to dig deep to get clues, and as the story unfolds we learn just what the girls had been doing before the fatal incident. Could this be linked to why Erin died or is this totally seperate?.
I could not put this book down, I wanted and needed to know what had happened and believe the author did a fantastic job with the twists and finally letting us know who and why. An ending I really don't think I was expecting. Families in this book who I wanted to console, I felt very much a part of it all. Brilliant characters and brilliant story line. I soooooo can't wait for the next one.
Well done Mel, you never fail. This book has been added to my 2020 Must Reads list.
January 3, 2021
Molly and Erin are the best of friends
They are always together
They started to go to party.s and have A great time
Erin had an accident at the party and Molly had to help her
I had an ARC
They are always together
They started to go to party.s and have A great time
Erin had an accident at the party and Molly had to help her
I had an ARC
February 13, 2021
Good Girl is the fourth book in the ‘DS Grace Allendale’ thriller series by best-seller author Mel Sherratt and it was a thoroughly enjoyable and first-class read. The instalments work perfectly well on their own so you can dive in here should you wish to.
The book kicks off with the stabbing of teenager, Erin Ellis in the street just a few yards from her home. Erin's mother Sara, a single parent, is finishing the ironing when there's loud knocking on the front door. Erin's best friend Molly Redfern is on the doorstep, sobbing hysterically with blood dripping from her hands. It's Erin's blood...
As Grace and her team begin investigating, starting with house-to-house enquiries on Sampson Street, the cul-de-sac near the walkway in which the attack took place, it is apparent that those close to the investigation, in particular the only witness, Molly, are seemingly hindering the police's ability to get to the truth. But Grace is determined to bring the perpetrator to justice, however difficult that will be.
Mel Sherratt does a fantastic job of instilling feelings of foreboding underneath the blanket of silence. Set in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the reader gains the perspective of different characters, from Grace on the investigative side and also from the relatives, friends and acquaintances of the two teenagers, Erin and Molly. In addition, the narrative goes back in time every so often to chart Erin’s life over the past year. It all helps to move the story along at a nimble pace, as well as providing insights that Grace isn't privy to. The characters are superbly drawn by the author and I particularly like Grace who is very down-to-earth. Her boss and partner in this investigation, DI Allie Shenton, is someone I grew to like. All of the characters are compelling, multi-dimensional, well-rounded and enhance the story. The stakes and tension are high throughout most of the novel which is full of mystery and drama.
Mel Sherratt’s fantastic writing style wowed me again and helped to make Good Girl enthralling and exciting and this was particularly true towards the end for the dramatic and tense conclusion. I've been inspired to begin her DS Allie Shenton series starting with Taunting the Dead and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next time around.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request, from Avon Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The book kicks off with the stabbing of teenager, Erin Ellis in the street just a few yards from her home. Erin's mother Sara, a single parent, is finishing the ironing when there's loud knocking on the front door. Erin's best friend Molly Redfern is on the doorstep, sobbing hysterically with blood dripping from her hands. It's Erin's blood...
As Grace and her team begin investigating, starting with house-to-house enquiries on Sampson Street, the cul-de-sac near the walkway in which the attack took place, it is apparent that those close to the investigation, in particular the only witness, Molly, are seemingly hindering the police's ability to get to the truth. But Grace is determined to bring the perpetrator to justice, however difficult that will be.
Mel Sherratt does a fantastic job of instilling feelings of foreboding underneath the blanket of silence. Set in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the reader gains the perspective of different characters, from Grace on the investigative side and also from the relatives, friends and acquaintances of the two teenagers, Erin and Molly. In addition, the narrative goes back in time every so often to chart Erin’s life over the past year. It all helps to move the story along at a nimble pace, as well as providing insights that Grace isn't privy to. The characters are superbly drawn by the author and I particularly like Grace who is very down-to-earth. Her boss and partner in this investigation, DI Allie Shenton, is someone I grew to like. All of the characters are compelling, multi-dimensional, well-rounded and enhance the story. The stakes and tension are high throughout most of the novel which is full of mystery and drama.
Mel Sherratt’s fantastic writing style wowed me again and helped to make Good Girl enthralling and exciting and this was particularly true towards the end for the dramatic and tense conclusion. I've been inspired to begin her DS Allie Shenton series starting with Taunting the Dead and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next time around.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request, from Avon Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 12, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of Good Girl, the fourth novel to feature Stoke based DS Grace Allendale.
When 16 year old Erin Ellis is murdered in an apparent random mugging her best friend Molly is terrified because she was with Erin and it could have been her. Grace thinks Molly isn’t telling the whole truth and starts digging into Erin’s personality and life.
I enjoyed Good Girl which is a gripping police procedural but which also takes a hard, realistic look at the ramifications of murder on the family. The novel is told from various points of view, Grace on the investigative side and the relatives and friends/acquaintances of the two girls on the other. It also slips back in time on a regular basis to chronicle Erin’s life over the past year. It’s not hard to keep up but I prefer a more one dimensional narrative.
I’m not a big fan of domestic noir, so some of the wailing got on my nerves and I kind of skim read some of Erin’s history as it’s quite distressing and, again, not one of my favourite subjects. I haven’t read this series before so I didn’t know what to expect but, the preceding comments aside, I think it is powerful and realistic writing. The depiction of the families and their grief seems natural and the criminal elements involved are suitably disgusting, selfish, greedy and all too believable. There is little sentiment in any of it and while it’s gritty and unflinching it comes to life.
The investigation by contrast is businesslike. Equally unsentimental the team are hard and unprepared to let anything stand in their way. I thoroughly enjoyed their drive, commitment and professionalism. Grace is the exception who lets things get to her and is more emotional in her drive.
Good Girl is a strong novel that I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
When 16 year old Erin Ellis is murdered in an apparent random mugging her best friend Molly is terrified because she was with Erin and it could have been her. Grace thinks Molly isn’t telling the whole truth and starts digging into Erin’s personality and life.
I enjoyed Good Girl which is a gripping police procedural but which also takes a hard, realistic look at the ramifications of murder on the family. The novel is told from various points of view, Grace on the investigative side and the relatives and friends/acquaintances of the two girls on the other. It also slips back in time on a regular basis to chronicle Erin’s life over the past year. It’s not hard to keep up but I prefer a more one dimensional narrative.
I’m not a big fan of domestic noir, so some of the wailing got on my nerves and I kind of skim read some of Erin’s history as it’s quite distressing and, again, not one of my favourite subjects. I haven’t read this series before so I didn’t know what to expect but, the preceding comments aside, I think it is powerful and realistic writing. The depiction of the families and their grief seems natural and the criminal elements involved are suitably disgusting, selfish, greedy and all too believable. There is little sentiment in any of it and while it’s gritty and unflinching it comes to life.
The investigation by contrast is businesslike. Equally unsentimental the team are hard and unprepared to let anything stand in their way. I thoroughly enjoyed their drive, commitment and professionalism. Grace is the exception who lets things get to her and is more emotional in her drive.
Good Girl is a strong novel that I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
June 21, 2021
I was anticipating and dreading this book in equal measures. This is the fourth and last book in this series featuring Grace Allendale. This final book sees Erin Ellis dying in her best friend Molly's arms. It's certainly a dramatic opening and one that had me engrossed from the very beginning. It happened just yards away from Erin's home and it appears at first glance to be a mugging gone wrong. As with any Mel Sherratt book you know it's never going to be that simple.
The story progresses with the usual door knocking and delving into Erin's life and things slowly are uncovered that make it clear it isn't necessarily cut and dried. Grace's involvement with the Steele family once again creeps into the investigation. There are a lot of twists and turns and it's certainly a book that will keep you engaged and totally absorbed. I absolutely loved this final book and the series. Highly recommended
The story progresses with the usual door knocking and delving into Erin's life and things slowly are uncovered that make it clear it isn't necessarily cut and dried. Grace's involvement with the Steele family once again creeps into the investigation. There are a lot of twists and turns and it's certainly a book that will keep you engaged and totally absorbed. I absolutely loved this final book and the series. Highly recommended
April 27, 2021
For the last year or so, I've been proudly saying that my home town, which is situated on the border between the West Midlands and Staffordshire, is slap bang between Angela Marsons' and Noelle Holten's writing territories. And that this is a very nice place to be. But if I widen that net just a little bit further, I become even more spoilt for choice. I've very much enjoyed the books I've read by Carol Wyer (also based in Staffordshire), Rachel McLean (Birmingham) and Carla Kovach (Worcestershire). But I've also been aware that, lurking on the northern fringes of my home county in Stoke-on-Trent, there has been another author whose books I had still to read. I'm talking about Mel Sherratt.
So when I came across Good Girl in my local supermarket, you can guess what happened as soon as I saw the author's name on the spine. It was only when I got home and emptied the shopping bags that I looked more closely at the cover, and saw that Angela Marsons - who, as I may have mentioned once or twice, is probably my single current favourite author - had called this book "an absolute masterpiece". I may have actually dribbled with excitement at this.
Before that rather repulsive image gets stuck in your mind, I'll move on quickly to my thoughts on the book. Firstly, let's deal with what it isn't. It's not a complicated whodunnit. The main theme is one that has been done several times before by other authors, and I saw it coming a mile off. I also guessed the solution not much later.
It's not really a police procedural either. Yes, the main character is a police detective - DS Grace Allendale - and yes, she has a boss and colleagues. But the police briefings, and conferences, and case details really don't take up a great deal of the book.
This is in no way meant as a criticism. Because if you want a complicated whodunnit, or a detailed police procedural, other authors can cater just nicely for your needs. Sophie Hannah and Peter James respectively immediately come to mind. However, if you're happy to read a domestic, or family drama that just happens to feature a police detective as its main character and includes the added spice of a murder, then this is the book for you. Because, oh blimey, it's good.
Mel Sherratt seems to have an uncanny knack of drawing you in to the lives of every single character she features. Following the stabbing to death of sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis, my heart broke for her mum Sara, dad Rob, younger brother Nat and best friend Molly. When Grace has to confront a part of her past and deal with an estranged member of her family, I was silently and yet resolutely cheering her on. And I hope it's not too much of a spoiler, or too off-putting to anyone to say that there's one chapter which features an attempted suicide, and that I read almost the whole chapter whilst holding my breath. I almost couldn't bear to continue reading, and yet the thought of skipping a few pages was somehow even worse. It's really, properly powerful.
My only real problem with this book is one that's entirely of my own making. I knew full well before starting it that it's the latest in a series. The fact that I didn't wait to read the series in order is in no way the author's fault. However, because the storyline harks back to a previous case that Grace has worked on, as well as some incidents in her own past, I felt as though I was missing something. And I'd be lying if I said that this didn't - albeit only slightly - affect my enjoyment of the book. I suppose it’s a bit like going for a meal at an Indian restaurant and deciding not to make a start on the poppadoms until after finishing the main course. There’s nothing to stop you doing that. But they probably won’t taste quite as good as if you’d eaten them first.
So here's the deal. It's four stars for now. But that rating comes with a promise to read the rest of the series just as soon as I can. I really hope that this gives me the extra bit of knowledge I need to be able to appreciate this latest instalment properly, And if that happens, make no mistake. This rating will rise.
So when I came across Good Girl in my local supermarket, you can guess what happened as soon as I saw the author's name on the spine. It was only when I got home and emptied the shopping bags that I looked more closely at the cover, and saw that Angela Marsons - who, as I may have mentioned once or twice, is probably my single current favourite author - had called this book "an absolute masterpiece". I may have actually dribbled with excitement at this.
Before that rather repulsive image gets stuck in your mind, I'll move on quickly to my thoughts on the book. Firstly, let's deal with what it isn't. It's not a complicated whodunnit. The main theme is one that has been done several times before by other authors, and I saw it coming a mile off. I also guessed the solution not much later.
It's not really a police procedural either. Yes, the main character is a police detective - DS Grace Allendale - and yes, she has a boss and colleagues. But the police briefings, and conferences, and case details really don't take up a great deal of the book.
This is in no way meant as a criticism. Because if you want a complicated whodunnit, or a detailed police procedural, other authors can cater just nicely for your needs. Sophie Hannah and Peter James respectively immediately come to mind. However, if you're happy to read a domestic, or family drama that just happens to feature a police detective as its main character and includes the added spice of a murder, then this is the book for you. Because, oh blimey, it's good.
Mel Sherratt seems to have an uncanny knack of drawing you in to the lives of every single character she features. Following the stabbing to death of sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis, my heart broke for her mum Sara, dad Rob, younger brother Nat and best friend Molly. When Grace has to confront a part of her past and deal with an estranged member of her family, I was silently and yet resolutely cheering her on. And I hope it's not too much of a spoiler, or too off-putting to anyone to say that there's one chapter which features an attempted suicide, and that I read almost the whole chapter whilst holding my breath. I almost couldn't bear to continue reading, and yet the thought of skipping a few pages was somehow even worse. It's really, properly powerful.
My only real problem with this book is one that's entirely of my own making. I knew full well before starting it that it's the latest in a series. The fact that I didn't wait to read the series in order is in no way the author's fault. However, because the storyline harks back to a previous case that Grace has worked on, as well as some incidents in her own past, I felt as though I was missing something. And I'd be lying if I said that this didn't - albeit only slightly - affect my enjoyment of the book. I suppose it’s a bit like going for a meal at an Indian restaurant and deciding not to make a start on the poppadoms until after finishing the main course. There’s nothing to stop you doing that. But they probably won’t taste quite as good as if you’d eaten them first.
So here's the deal. It's four stars for now. But that rating comes with a promise to read the rest of the series just as soon as I can. I really hope that this gives me the extra bit of knowledge I need to be able to appreciate this latest instalment properly, And if that happens, make no mistake. This rating will rise.
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