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Dr. Callie Hughes #3
Guilty Party
Curiosity about a strangled lawyer leads police doctor Callie Hughes along a bumpy road to the truth
When a lawyer is found dead in his home, the circumstances are indeed strange, if not wholly suspicious. An act of auto-eroticisation has gone terribly wrong, leading to an unintended climax to his life.
It is only after another lawyer is found dead in his former boss’s pool that Dr Callie Hughes begins to suspect there is more to the deaths. But she can’t act on her instincts until the pathology reports are filed.
What she can do is explore the men’s respective backgrounds. Both having worked in the justice system, there are more than a few disgruntled individuals who could have wanted them dead. The challenge will be finding one connected to both men.
Juggling her work as a forensic pathologist and part-time GP, Callie risks overstepping the mark when it comes to investigating the case. But her instincts have been proven right in the past. And when another lawyer is publicly humiliated, she begins to develop a theory.
Whilst the police may have seen her meddling as a hindrance in the past, when the strange antics in the coastal town of Hastings continue, in more ways than one they’ll be grateful that through her sleuthing, she has closed in on the killer.
GUILTY PARTY is the third Dr Callie Hughes murder mystery. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or alongside the other books: DEAD PRETTY and BODY HEAT.
Combining forensic work with private investigation and some police procedure, Candy Denman’s books will delight fans of Kendra Elliot and Patricia Cornwell and are a must for serious crime fiction readers.
When a lawyer is found dead in his home, the circumstances are indeed strange, if not wholly suspicious. An act of auto-eroticisation has gone terribly wrong, leading to an unintended climax to his life.
It is only after another lawyer is found dead in his former boss’s pool that Dr Callie Hughes begins to suspect there is more to the deaths. But she can’t act on her instincts until the pathology reports are filed.
What she can do is explore the men’s respective backgrounds. Both having worked in the justice system, there are more than a few disgruntled individuals who could have wanted them dead. The challenge will be finding one connected to both men.
Juggling her work as a forensic pathologist and part-time GP, Callie risks overstepping the mark when it comes to investigating the case. But her instincts have been proven right in the past. And when another lawyer is publicly humiliated, she begins to develop a theory.
Whilst the police may have seen her meddling as a hindrance in the past, when the strange antics in the coastal town of Hastings continue, in more ways than one they’ll be grateful that through her sleuthing, she has closed in on the killer.
GUILTY PARTY is the third Dr Callie Hughes murder mystery. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or alongside the other books: DEAD PRETTY and BODY HEAT.
Combining forensic work with private investigation and some police procedure, Candy Denman’s books will delight fans of Kendra Elliot and Patricia Cornwell and are a must for serious crime fiction readers.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2019
275 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 30, 2019
This is #3 in the Dr Jocasta Hughes series, but I found it easy to read as a stand-alone.
Jo is a GP in Hastings, but also works as a Forensic Physician for the police. She is called to a sudden death and finds the man dead as the result of auto-erotic asphyxiation……
There are soon other instances of being caught in embarrassing situations and sudden deaths…..all seemingly related to their sexual proclivities…….Jo suggests there is more to these events and the investigations begin….is someone setting them up ?
Jo is a really likeable, relatable character, busy in her life as a GP, has a wild friend in Kate, and a love interest in Dr Billy Iqbal…..( she also rather fancies the married DI Steve Miller)…..
This is a very engaging thriller with a nice twist. A nice mix of crime thriller and life as a GP……thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review
Jo is a GP in Hastings, but also works as a Forensic Physician for the police. She is called to a sudden death and finds the man dead as the result of auto-erotic asphyxiation……
There are soon other instances of being caught in embarrassing situations and sudden deaths…..all seemingly related to their sexual proclivities…….Jo suggests there is more to these events and the investigations begin….is someone setting them up ?
Jo is a really likeable, relatable character, busy in her life as a GP, has a wild friend in Kate, and a love interest in Dr Billy Iqbal…..( she also rather fancies the married DI Steve Miller)…..
This is a very engaging thriller with a nice twist. A nice mix of crime thriller and life as a GP……thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review
January 16, 2023
One of those books where you have to suspend belief as Callie, a police doctor is better at solving crimes than the police. An odd book, where the most of the time it is light and fluffy but takes a darker tone as Denman describes the various deaths contained within the novel.
A decent read where at times you don't have to concentrate too hard.
A decent read where at times you don't have to concentrate too hard.
July 24, 2019
A Jocasta Hughes mystery is always well worth a read, and this third in the series is an excellent, if slightly lighter in tone. Despite being in a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone crime novel. Yes, there are unexplained deaths, some in very unsavoury circumstances, but Jo herself is revelling in her life between being a G.P. and on call doctor to the local police station. In this novel she has to deal with some patients that are challenging in her main job, and realises that she sometimes stretches herself a little thinly, but it is her drive to discover the truth that means that she will not let some mysteries rest. Jo has to deal with the pressure of a mother who
is hoping she will find a husband, but she accepts that some relationships have more potential than others. The element of perfectly normal behaviour makes this a fascinating novel, as Jo drinks a little too much with her friend Kate, she eats easy to cook food, and she is sometimes aware that others are not really pulling their weight. There are some difficult scenes near the beginning, but it soon relaxes into the territory of finding out who is inflicting such embarrassing circumstances on certain people and why. This is not a standard police procedural, but there are lots of carefully researched elements of realistic situations where the police must act in certain ways to satisfy the law and financial restrictions. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book begins with Jo being called to the scene of a death which has apparently occurred as a result of a sexual practice. While the reactions vary from the strictly factual to the crude, there seems to be a lot of publicity very quickly. Jo as an experienced forensic practitioner is not satisfied that the death is accidental or a complicated suicide, and quickly begins to see links with another embarrasing discovery. Other strange events occur, but Jo’s detective work must run alongside her work as a G.P, especially as certain patients prove demanding. Can Jo avoid professional mishaps while making sure that there are no more victims of the person who seems to have their own agenda?
I found this a really gripping read, yet the setting and the very real character of Jo and her friends and colleagues mean that it did not proceed at a breakneck thriller speed. This is a well researched book with some depth, and manages to hit some contemporary points as well as being simply a good read. Gender issues, the problems of publicity and the nature of crime fit neatly alongside the problems of strange dogs, self medication and everyday life in Hastings. Jo is certainly an engaging character, whose persistence and quick wits solves several situations. This is a series of books which is definitely worth discovering, especially as each novel is really good. I recommend this as a particularly timely read with lots of interesting issues.
is hoping she will find a husband, but she accepts that some relationships have more potential than others. The element of perfectly normal behaviour makes this a fascinating novel, as Jo drinks a little too much with her friend Kate, she eats easy to cook food, and she is sometimes aware that others are not really pulling their weight. There are some difficult scenes near the beginning, but it soon relaxes into the territory of finding out who is inflicting such embarrassing circumstances on certain people and why. This is not a standard police procedural, but there are lots of carefully researched elements of realistic situations where the police must act in certain ways to satisfy the law and financial restrictions. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book begins with Jo being called to the scene of a death which has apparently occurred as a result of a sexual practice. While the reactions vary from the strictly factual to the crude, there seems to be a lot of publicity very quickly. Jo as an experienced forensic practitioner is not satisfied that the death is accidental or a complicated suicide, and quickly begins to see links with another embarrasing discovery. Other strange events occur, but Jo’s detective work must run alongside her work as a G.P, especially as certain patients prove demanding. Can Jo avoid professional mishaps while making sure that there are no more victims of the person who seems to have their own agenda?
I found this a really gripping read, yet the setting and the very real character of Jo and her friends and colleagues mean that it did not proceed at a breakneck thriller speed. This is a well researched book with some depth, and manages to hit some contemporary points as well as being simply a good read. Gender issues, the problems of publicity and the nature of crime fit neatly alongside the problems of strange dogs, self medication and everyday life in Hastings. Jo is certainly an engaging character, whose persistence and quick wits solves several situations. This is a series of books which is definitely worth discovering, especially as each novel is really good. I recommend this as a particularly timely read with lots of interesting issues.
July 4, 2019
As a former scriptwriter, Candy Denman is well versed in setting a scene quickly, as seen in popular dramas like The Bill and Heartbeat. Her books are no different, well drawn, tightly plotted and fast-paced. In #YouToo, the third outing for protagonist Dr Jocasta Hughes, we are immersed in her world from the very first pages when, in her role as forensic medical practitioner to Hastings police force, she’s called out to examine a victim of apparent sexual asphyxiation. And she’s not at all happy about it.
‘There was little room for dignity particularly if it was during an unnatural or unusual sexual act. … The last actions of this poor man were going to headline for weeks to come. … His surviving relatives, friends and colleagues were going to have a very difficult time ahead.’
The victim is a criminal defence lawyer and it’s not an isolated incident, the bodies soon piling up, all found in similarly sexually compromising circumstances. It’s up to the good doctor to try to connect the dots between them.
Set in the real-life English coastal towns of Hastings and St Leonards, the Jocasta Hughes books are extremely visual, Denman a mistress of detail, mixing real and fictional locations with ease.
The subject matter of the book couldn’t be more timely, the title referencing the #MeToo movement, supporting survivors of sexual violence. Denman says her novel ‘highlights how much more needs to be done to prevent sexual misconduct and harassment by those in positions of power’, adding, ‘we all need #MeToo to make a difference’.
And, really, ain’t that the truth. …
Highly recommended.
Full review see: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...
This review is based on one written as part of a virtual book tour. Thanks so the publisher for a review copy. All opinions our own; all rights reserved.
‘There was little room for dignity particularly if it was during an unnatural or unusual sexual act. … The last actions of this poor man were going to headline for weeks to come. … His surviving relatives, friends and colleagues were going to have a very difficult time ahead.’
The victim is a criminal defence lawyer and it’s not an isolated incident, the bodies soon piling up, all found in similarly sexually compromising circumstances. It’s up to the good doctor to try to connect the dots between them.
Set in the real-life English coastal towns of Hastings and St Leonards, the Jocasta Hughes books are extremely visual, Denman a mistress of detail, mixing real and fictional locations with ease.
The subject matter of the book couldn’t be more timely, the title referencing the #MeToo movement, supporting survivors of sexual violence. Denman says her novel ‘highlights how much more needs to be done to prevent sexual misconduct and harassment by those in positions of power’, adding, ‘we all need #MeToo to make a difference’.
And, really, ain’t that the truth. …
Highly recommended.
Full review see: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...
This review is based on one written as part of a virtual book tour. Thanks so the publisher for a review copy. All opinions our own; all rights reserved.
June 27, 2019
I read this book in one sit; the case is interesting and the characters made me want to know more; this is the book you’ll need this weekend!
Dr Jo Hughes loves working at the hospital and taking care of her patients, but she has a hobby, being a forensic practitioner from time to time. This time the case she is involved seems an accident, a very delicate sexual situation, but an accident, until they start to appear accidents and suicides and Jo thinks they are all connected. So when she talks with the detectives of the case and don’t think they are connected, she will start investigating by her own. She is brave, resourceful and doesn’t like a bit when someone is abused; so she will do whatever she can to discover the truth, ready?
The title of the book is not accidental, the campaign #YouToo has a big part of this story; how the people use sex to manipulate, abuse and force the ones around them to do whatever they want. Maybe it’s time that women stop looking to the other side if we suspect of any type of abuse by someone we know, if we don’t help each other it’s clear that men will not!
The story is not only based on the case but the day to day of the Dr Jo Hughes at the hospital; her patients, friends and love life… that is a little bit complicated. But I will not tell you anything more, simply start reading, you’ll want to know the next Jo case right now!
This is the third book of the series Jocasta Hughes but you can read it as standalone.
Ready?
Dr Jo Hughes loves working at the hospital and taking care of her patients, but she has a hobby, being a forensic practitioner from time to time. This time the case she is involved seems an accident, a very delicate sexual situation, but an accident, until they start to appear accidents and suicides and Jo thinks they are all connected. So when she talks with the detectives of the case and don’t think they are connected, she will start investigating by her own. She is brave, resourceful and doesn’t like a bit when someone is abused; so she will do whatever she can to discover the truth, ready?
The title of the book is not accidental, the campaign #YouToo has a big part of this story; how the people use sex to manipulate, abuse and force the ones around them to do whatever they want. Maybe it’s time that women stop looking to the other side if we suspect of any type of abuse by someone we know, if we don’t help each other it’s clear that men will not!
The story is not only based on the case but the day to day of the Dr Jo Hughes at the hospital; her patients, friends and love life… that is a little bit complicated. But I will not tell you anything more, simply start reading, you’ll want to know the next Jo case right now!
This is the third book of the series Jocasta Hughes but you can read it as standalone.
Ready?
July 3, 2019
When a lawyer is found dead, in what is an extremely compromising situation, it appears a sordid accident has taken place, with Jocasta Hughes looking into things, it soon becomes apparent that further accidents or suicides are indeed linked, these deaths involving people in the legal profession, or positions of power.
Working with the married DI Steve Miller, who Jocasta seems to carry a torch for, which is also reciprocated, the team begins their investigations..
Jocasta meanwhile, a GP as her day job, is juggling both her job, and part-time forensic work, she’s a strong stubborn determined character and is extremely likeable as the main protagonist.
The book also follows Jocasta with the trials and tribulations of day to day life as a GP, in particular a couple of quite troublesome patients, so as much as this is a crime thriller it’s also a look at the life of a GP, which is quite an interesting premise, and Jocasta certainly has her hands full, but you can see this character would not have it any other way!
Some good twists , and a story of power and sexual abuse is never a comfortable read but Candy Denman writes an intriguing and compelling thriller , with an easy to read writing style,I really liked this one.
Highly recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
Working with the married DI Steve Miller, who Jocasta seems to carry a torch for, which is also reciprocated, the team begins their investigations..
Jocasta meanwhile, a GP as her day job, is juggling both her job, and part-time forensic work, she’s a strong stubborn determined character and is extremely likeable as the main protagonist.
The book also follows Jocasta with the trials and tribulations of day to day life as a GP, in particular a couple of quite troublesome patients, so as much as this is a crime thriller it’s also a look at the life of a GP, which is quite an interesting premise, and Jocasta certainly has her hands full, but you can see this character would not have it any other way!
Some good twists , and a story of power and sexual abuse is never a comfortable read but Candy Denman writes an intriguing and compelling thriller , with an easy to read writing style,I really liked this one.
Highly recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
July 27, 2019
This is the third book in the author’s Jocasta Hughes series. Jocasta Hughes works as a GP in a thriving practice but she splits her time working as a forensic officer assisting the police with their cases.
This book concentrates on high profile legal professionals that are found dead or drunk in comprising situations. Jo Hughes believes there is a link but the police aren’t so sure.
The theme of the book revolves around the recent #MeToo movement of the last few years. A good and well researched book, the highlights the concerns of the campaign.
This book concentrates on high profile legal professionals that are found dead or drunk in comprising situations. Jo Hughes believes there is a link but the police aren’t so sure.
The theme of the book revolves around the recent #MeToo movement of the last few years. A good and well researched book, the highlights the concerns of the campaign.
July 12, 2019
#YouToo is a gripping mystery with likable characters. If you’re a fan of British crime fiction, I’d recommend giving this one a go – it’s 4 stars from me and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more Dr Jocasta Hughes mysteries in the future.
My full review is on my blog here: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review is on my blog here: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
August 28, 2020
Enjoyable Mysteries
I just finished the three existing books in this series by Denman. Each had distinctly different mysteries, and I enjoyed guessing the outcomes without guessing entirely correctly. I prefer stories sans sexual sequences, and Denman manages to write for adults without resorting to textual porn. I wish more mystery writers exercised this talent.
I just finished the three existing books in this series by Denman. Each had distinctly different mysteries, and I enjoyed guessing the outcomes without guessing entirely correctly. I prefer stories sans sexual sequences, and Denman manages to write for adults without resorting to textual porn. I wish more mystery writers exercised this talent.
September 14, 2021
Well it must have something because I finished it….
A GP who is also a doctor on call to the Police and a private investigator of crimes she comes across….. oh, and a similar need to Patricia Cornwall I.e. to give great focus to every meal. Nonono
Just too unbelievable for me to take the plot seriously- and yet, there is something about the writing I enjoyed.
A GP who is also a doctor on call to the Police and a private investigator of crimes she comes across….. oh, and a similar need to Patricia Cornwall I.e. to give great focus to every meal. Nonono
Just too unbelievable for me to take the plot seriously- and yet, there is something about the writing I enjoyed.
October 2, 2022
Someone is killing lawyers and setting up others for embarrassing exposures. Callie is determined to find the connection. In the meantime she actually has a relationship.
This was a good read. The perp is devious but also sympathetic. Callie is still annoying but less so than in earlier outings. Worth a read.
This was a good read. The perp is devious but also sympathetic. Callie is still annoying but less so than in earlier outings. Worth a read.
November 8, 2021
I really enjoy reading about Callie and how determined she is to help others and make things right. This was another great read about such an intelligent woman and I was very pleased. Starting the next in the series because I just can't get enough of these great stories!
April 5, 2022
Another great story
Another great story in the Doctor Callie Hughes series. Great characters and a well crafted story line with plenty of different strands which eventually merged into an exciting ending.
Another great story in the Doctor Callie Hughes series. Great characters and a well crafted story line with plenty of different strands which eventually merged into an exciting ending.
February 6, 2023
I've enjoyed all of the Dr Callie Hughes books, they've all got 5 stars from me, but this book is my favourite so far! Guilty Party was a really good mystery, that kept me turning the page wanting to know what happened next. A fantastic book and series, I would happily recommend to fellow readers.
April 23, 2023
Guilty Party
Well written story. The Doctor gets called out to check the vitals of the victims. She starts to put the puzzles together. Shocking ending to see how the systems really work when female victims are not believed.
Good read.
Well written story. The Doctor gets called out to check the vitals of the victims. She starts to put the puzzles together. Shocking ending to see how the systems really work when female victims are not believed.
Good read.
July 1, 2020
The protagonist of this series was renamed (from Jocasta Hughes to Callie Hughes) with the republication of this series for mysterious reasons.
Great book. More sleuthing please.
Great book. More sleuthing please.
January 12, 2021
What a horrid crime to unravel into reading. I love thrillers, crime books, mystery, and suspense. This will be your ticket if you like those books too.
June 24, 2021
Can be read as a standalone, based in coastal town of Hastings. Dr Callie Hughes forensic physician and part time GP. Murder and twists and turns sling the way. Gripping read.
February 28, 2022
Great unfolding story line
Great read loved the way it.unrolled would enjoy more of same style.
Look forward to reading more with these characters.
Great read loved the way it.unrolled would enjoy more of same style.
Look forward to reading more with these characters.
June 12, 2022
Good
For the most part, I liked the book and the author's method of writing. It pretty much held my interest throughout. I would recommend.
For the most part, I liked the book and the author's method of writing. It pretty much held my interest throughout. I would recommend.
July 1, 2022
Another excellent story - virtually binge read this.
October 23, 2022
Twists
Wonderful to the very last page. The characters are so well developed that I was right there with them. I think I found smother her favorite author.
Wonderful to the very last page. The characters are so well developed that I was right there with them. I think I found smother her favorite author.
November 28, 2022
Another good read
These books grab my immediate attention and continue to be a good read. The plot keeps one guessing and the characters continue to develop interestingly.
These books grab my immediate attention and continue to be a good read. The plot keeps one guessing and the characters continue to develop interestingly.
December 26, 2022
Another good book with Dr Callie Hughes sleuthing around with a good result that police are unable to come up with
May 16, 2023
Yes .A good Story but surely She would be sacked from Her job or at least go part time ...I do enjoy the Stories though and I see them more as "Cozy ' Mysteries.. I could well read Book 4 one day
January 7, 2021
Talk about your twists and turns. This is a book not recommended for the faint hearted and Definetly definetly for those 18 plus. Did not see that coming.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews