What do you think?
Rate this book
Judi Westerholme #2
Dead and Gone
There's nothing more dangerous than revenge.
Judi Westerholme has been through it. Brave and strong-willed, she's just about coping in her new role as foster parent to her orphaned niece, taking a job at the local pub to help make ends meet. Then the pub's landlord and Judi's friend, army veteran Pete 'Macca' Maccasfield, is murdered, and her world is suddenly turned upside down.
Despite warnings from the city police to keep out of it, Judi can't help but get involved in the search for Macca's killer. But she soon becomes deeply entangled with some ruthlessly dangerous men. She must act fast and think smart to work out what they want - before anyone else gets hurt...
Long buried secrets resurface in Sherryl Clark's pacey crime novel that pushes Judi Westerholme to her limits to protect the people she loves most.
Judi Westerholme has been through it. Brave and strong-willed, she's just about coping in her new role as foster parent to her orphaned niece, taking a job at the local pub to help make ends meet. Then the pub's landlord and Judi's friend, army veteran Pete 'Macca' Maccasfield, is murdered, and her world is suddenly turned upside down.
Despite warnings from the city police to keep out of it, Judi can't help but get involved in the search for Macca's killer. But she soon becomes deeply entangled with some ruthlessly dangerous men. She must act fast and think smart to work out what they want - before anyone else gets hurt...
Long buried secrets resurface in Sherryl Clark's pacey crime novel that pushes Judi Westerholme to her limits to protect the people she loves most.
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2020
18 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Clark
78 books95 followersSome of my first short stories were crime fiction, and although in the last 20 years I have focused a lot more on writing children's and YA books, I've kept going with my crime writing. The first two novels are now stowed somewhere in the back of my filing cabinet!
But "Trust Me, I'm Dead", first draft written in 2009, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger and then published by Verve Books in the UK. What a journey with that novel. I love the character, a grumpy woman (secretly modelled on a young Judi Dench), and couldn't let go of the story. Nine drafts later ...
There are two more Judi novels ("Dead and Gone" and "Mad, Bad and Dead") - but my brand new character is PI Lou Alcott, with "Woman, Missing" published in 2024 by HQ/Harlequin.
More about my crime writing and books at www.sherrylclarkcrimewriter.com
I have been writing poems and stories for over twenty-five years, and have two collections of poetry published. Perseverance really does count, I think, for all kinds of writing.
In 1996 I wrote my first children’s book, "The Too-Tight Tutu", which was published in 1997 by Penguin Australia. I have since written over 60 children's and YA books, which are published around the world.
My verse novel "Farm Kid" won the 2005 NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Children’s Books. "Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!)" was a 2008 CBCA Honour Book. My YA novel "Dying to Tell Me", published in the USA by KaneMiller, has also been published in Australia by me.
My author website for children's books is at www.sherrylclark.com. I also work as a freelance editor, manuscript development editor and mentor - information on these at www.sherrylclarkwritingcoach.com.
But "Trust Me, I'm Dead", first draft written in 2009, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger and then published by Verve Books in the UK. What a journey with that novel. I love the character, a grumpy woman (secretly modelled on a young Judi Dench), and couldn't let go of the story. Nine drafts later ...
There are two more Judi novels ("Dead and Gone" and "Mad, Bad and Dead") - but my brand new character is PI Lou Alcott, with "Woman, Missing" published in 2024 by HQ/Harlequin.
More about my crime writing and books at www.sherrylclarkcrimewriter.com
I have been writing poems and stories for over twenty-five years, and have two collections of poetry published. Perseverance really does count, I think, for all kinds of writing.
In 1996 I wrote my first children’s book, "The Too-Tight Tutu", which was published in 1997 by Penguin Australia. I have since written over 60 children's and YA books, which are published around the world.
My verse novel "Farm Kid" won the 2005 NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Children’s Books. "Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!)" was a 2008 CBCA Honour Book. My YA novel "Dying to Tell Me", published in the USA by KaneMiller, has also been published in Australia by me.
My author website for children's books is at www.sherrylclark.com. I also work as a freelance editor, manuscript development editor and mentor - information on these at www.sherrylclarkwritingcoach.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 18, 2020
Judi Westerholme is brave, strong willed and just about coping as a foster parent to her orphaned niece. She's working in the local pub to help make ends meet. But the pub landlord, army veteran, Peter "Macca" Maccasfield has been murdered. The police warn Judi not to get involved but she has to try and find Macca's killer. It's not long before she's dealing with some ruthless dangerous men.
The story is set in Australia. I liked the main protagonist, Judi. She doesn't hold back when trying to find out who had murdered her boss. I liked the authors writing style. The pace was steady with plenty of twists. I found this a gripping rewd. This is my first book by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Verve Books and the author Sherryl Clark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in Australia. I liked the main protagonist, Judi. She doesn't hold back when trying to find out who had murdered her boss. I liked the authors writing style. The pace was steady with plenty of twists. I found this a gripping rewd. This is my first book by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Verve Books and the author Sherryl Clark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2021
When I requested this book I had no idea it was part of a series. But having said that, DEAD AND GONE can be quite easily read as a standalone without having read the first book, as I haven't, as the author gives the reader enough backstory to keep up. And believe me, you won't be disappointed.
Having had her life change completely after the death of her brother, Judi Westerholme is back in Candlebark struggling to make ends meet by managing the local pub and raise a toddler. Upon learning her brother had stipulated in his will that she become guardian of little Mia in the event of his death, Judi was reluctant to be lumbered with such a responsibility. After all, kids had never been on her radar. But after four months of caring for little Mia, she cannot imagine her life without her. Added to that, she has a fledgling long distance romance with a police detective back in Melbourne with no real idea where they both stand with each other.
And then, on one of the pub's busiest days everything changes.
A body has been discovered in the dumpster behind the pub. It's identified as Macca, the owner and landlord. And he's been murdered.
Now Judi finds herself having to juggle the running of the pub along with everything else. At least until the police find out who murdered Macca and they work out what to do now with the hotel. But then, Judi learns that she has inherited a third of the pub, alongside two of Macca's longest serving staff - Andre, the chef, and Suzy, the barmaid. But why would Macca leave them the pub when he has a daughter who has just turned up claiming the business is now hers? According to her, Macca had promised it to her. So what changed? On top of everything else, Judi did not want to deal with the woman's histrionics.
But something is definitely amiss and, unable to leave things alone, Judi begins her own investigation, talking to locals behind the bar and getting a feel for things, and ends up discovering more than she expected to. A search of Macca's room uncovers old service medals from Vietnam and a photo of a group of smiling soldiers identifying Macca as one of them and his friend Carl as another. Along with the photo, Judi also finds a couple of newspaper clippings detailing the deaths of two men in different circumstances. The names of the men are the same as two of those in the group photo with Macca and Carl. What has she uncovered?
Taking her new information to the police, Judi tells them her thoughts but is brushed off and told the circumstances in which the two men died are most probably unrelated and to leave the investigating to them. Of course it doesn't help that one of the homicide detectives up from Melbourne to investigate Macca's death is Heath, her fledgling romance. But despite being warned by the police to stay out of the investigation, she continues looking for answers. And when the pub comes under fire, Judi will stop at nothing to ensure it remains safe at all costs.
Although she is now the fulltime guardian of Mia, Judi must also ensure her safety as well. She has engaged childcare with a local woman to look after Mia during Judi's shifts at the pub, knowing Mia enjoys herself thoroughly at Joleen's house with her two young boys. But a part of her feels guilty that she is neglecting the little girl who has already lost her mummy and daddy by the time she was two years old while at the same time not wanting to put Mia in danger at the pub should danger come looking for them. Mia is quite used to being at the pub with Judi on occasion and has even got her own little play corner that Judi set up for her, that other parents with children have come to appreciate as well. But given all that she has learnt since Macca's death, Judi isn't sure the Candlebark Hotel is the safest place for little Mia.
And then comes the suckerpunch. Judi receives a phone call from her solicitor in Melbourne to inform her that Mia's maternal grandparents have applied for guardianship of their granddaughter. The granddaughter they never knew existed until their daughter's death because they had been estranged. And now Judi must deal with the threat of losing Mia, the little girl who has become her world. She finds herself torn between what is best for Mia and her promise to take care of her. She may not have wanted to take her on in the beginning but she has come to love that little girl who has brought such sunshine into her life.
Initially, I requested DEAD AND GONE purely for the fact that it is Australian and I like to support my fellow Aussies where I can, despite not knowing it was part of a series. However, it most definitely reads sufficiently as a standalone and readers won't find themselves lost having not read the first book. Set in rural Victoria, I am familiar with Bendigo and of course Melbourne but not much more beyond that. I knew right away what chop chop was before it was explained to Judi and I must say it was a welcome change to be immersed in an Australian mystery thriller once again.
My first book by Sherryl Clark, DEAD AND GONE is well written and addictive from the start. I found myself enjoying it immensely and I loved each of the characters from the pub locals to the detectives from Melbourne. I even loved little Mia. I found it a welcome change that, while still an important part of Judi's life, not everything revolved around Mia. She was there but she wasn't mollycoddled and pandered to at every whim. And Mia was okay with that. And that endeared her to me even more. She didn't demand every bit of attention at every minute of every day. She was happy to sit in the corner stacking blocks, drawing circles on scraps of paper or chasing the cat and pulling its tail. A child who provides her own entertainment as we did as kids and not relying on or demanding an adult's attention every second of the day. Mia was a sweet child and I look forward to seeing her bloom in future books.
Like Judi I had my suspects, but I had no idea really what was going on or why. So Sherryl had me pretty much hoodwinked throughout. DEAD AND GONE was one of those books that grabbed your attention and keeps you guessing until the end.
A nice easy read, I really enjoyed DEAD AND GONE and recommend it fans of crime fiction thrillers.
I would like to thank #SherrylClark, #NetGalley and #VerveBooks for an ARC of #DeadAndGone in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Having had her life change completely after the death of her brother, Judi Westerholme is back in Candlebark struggling to make ends meet by managing the local pub and raise a toddler. Upon learning her brother had stipulated in his will that she become guardian of little Mia in the event of his death, Judi was reluctant to be lumbered with such a responsibility. After all, kids had never been on her radar. But after four months of caring for little Mia, she cannot imagine her life without her. Added to that, she has a fledgling long distance romance with a police detective back in Melbourne with no real idea where they both stand with each other.
And then, on one of the pub's busiest days everything changes.
A body has been discovered in the dumpster behind the pub. It's identified as Macca, the owner and landlord. And he's been murdered.
Now Judi finds herself having to juggle the running of the pub along with everything else. At least until the police find out who murdered Macca and they work out what to do now with the hotel. But then, Judi learns that she has inherited a third of the pub, alongside two of Macca's longest serving staff - Andre, the chef, and Suzy, the barmaid. But why would Macca leave them the pub when he has a daughter who has just turned up claiming the business is now hers? According to her, Macca had promised it to her. So what changed? On top of everything else, Judi did not want to deal with the woman's histrionics.
But something is definitely amiss and, unable to leave things alone, Judi begins her own investigation, talking to locals behind the bar and getting a feel for things, and ends up discovering more than she expected to. A search of Macca's room uncovers old service medals from Vietnam and a photo of a group of smiling soldiers identifying Macca as one of them and his friend Carl as another. Along with the photo, Judi also finds a couple of newspaper clippings detailing the deaths of two men in different circumstances. The names of the men are the same as two of those in the group photo with Macca and Carl. What has she uncovered?
Taking her new information to the police, Judi tells them her thoughts but is brushed off and told the circumstances in which the two men died are most probably unrelated and to leave the investigating to them. Of course it doesn't help that one of the homicide detectives up from Melbourne to investigate Macca's death is Heath, her fledgling romance. But despite being warned by the police to stay out of the investigation, she continues looking for answers. And when the pub comes under fire, Judi will stop at nothing to ensure it remains safe at all costs.
Although she is now the fulltime guardian of Mia, Judi must also ensure her safety as well. She has engaged childcare with a local woman to look after Mia during Judi's shifts at the pub, knowing Mia enjoys herself thoroughly at Joleen's house with her two young boys. But a part of her feels guilty that she is neglecting the little girl who has already lost her mummy and daddy by the time she was two years old while at the same time not wanting to put Mia in danger at the pub should danger come looking for them. Mia is quite used to being at the pub with Judi on occasion and has even got her own little play corner that Judi set up for her, that other parents with children have come to appreciate as well. But given all that she has learnt since Macca's death, Judi isn't sure the Candlebark Hotel is the safest place for little Mia.
And then comes the suckerpunch. Judi receives a phone call from her solicitor in Melbourne to inform her that Mia's maternal grandparents have applied for guardianship of their granddaughter. The granddaughter they never knew existed until their daughter's death because they had been estranged. And now Judi must deal with the threat of losing Mia, the little girl who has become her world. She finds herself torn between what is best for Mia and her promise to take care of her. She may not have wanted to take her on in the beginning but she has come to love that little girl who has brought such sunshine into her life.
Initially, I requested DEAD AND GONE purely for the fact that it is Australian and I like to support my fellow Aussies where I can, despite not knowing it was part of a series. However, it most definitely reads sufficiently as a standalone and readers won't find themselves lost having not read the first book. Set in rural Victoria, I am familiar with Bendigo and of course Melbourne but not much more beyond that. I knew right away what chop chop was before it was explained to Judi and I must say it was a welcome change to be immersed in an Australian mystery thriller once again.
My first book by Sherryl Clark, DEAD AND GONE is well written and addictive from the start. I found myself enjoying it immensely and I loved each of the characters from the pub locals to the detectives from Melbourne. I even loved little Mia. I found it a welcome change that, while still an important part of Judi's life, not everything revolved around Mia. She was there but she wasn't mollycoddled and pandered to at every whim. And Mia was okay with that. And that endeared her to me even more. She didn't demand every bit of attention at every minute of every day. She was happy to sit in the corner stacking blocks, drawing circles on scraps of paper or chasing the cat and pulling its tail. A child who provides her own entertainment as we did as kids and not relying on or demanding an adult's attention every second of the day. Mia was a sweet child and I look forward to seeing her bloom in future books.
Like Judi I had my suspects, but I had no idea really what was going on or why. So Sherryl had me pretty much hoodwinked throughout. DEAD AND GONE was one of those books that grabbed your attention and keeps you guessing until the end.
A nice easy read, I really enjoyed DEAD AND GONE and recommend it fans of crime fiction thrillers.
I would like to thank #SherrylClark, #NetGalley and #VerveBooks for an ARC of #DeadAndGone in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 16, 2020
What an amazing crime thriller.
The story centres around Judi who finds herself wrapped up in another murder mystery, (turns out there's a first book that I need to read) after her boss Macca is murdered. Macca is a well loved memory of the community local pub owner and all round good guy which makes his murder all the more confusing. Alot unfolds as Judi has a feeling the police are missing something, ignoring all advice to stay out of it she starts her own investigation which sends her down many dangerous paths.
The story is told by Judi in first person, she is adjusting to life as a single paren,t after her brothers murder (apparently in book one), to the lovely Mia. They seem to have a good relationship but its great to see the real struggles of adjusting to motherhood. Judi seems to be unaware of how much she fiercely loves Mia. Their bound is so sweet and obvious throughout the story.
Her other love do it seems is a detective from Melbourne called Heath who she met during the investigation into her brothers murder. He's called up to candlebark to handle the murder of Macca and their paths cross again. Another well written relationship. It's not all sunsets and sex but rather real hard struggles. Honestly the love story was hit or miss for me but I can see the reason for building it into the storyline.
The other main characters; Andre, Suzie, Connor and Carl all have their own roles to play. Each character has a depth to them which is brought across well even with Judi narrating. Andre probably being my favourite with his obsessions around his home from home the pub bistro and it's menu.
Dead and gone is extremely suspenseful and other than the one link to the murder Judi discovers early on I honestly had no clue how it was going to end. I am normally really good at guessing killers and their reasons but I didn't have the foggiest and I think thats what got me turning the pages even faster. I honestly enjoyed the book from the begining even though its not full with action throughout, it still manages to build enough tension to keep you invested.
So it was an easy 5 stars and I have already purchased the first book to catch up on before hopefully the third book.....
If you enjoy a crime thriller this book will not let you down. Crime thrillers are my favourite and most read and this is up there with some of the best I've read. The story may be simple but that's what is so endearing about it! Highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley, old castles books and Sherryl Clark for the APC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The story centres around Judi who finds herself wrapped up in another murder mystery, (turns out there's a first book that I need to read) after her boss Macca is murdered. Macca is a well loved memory of the community local pub owner and all round good guy which makes his murder all the more confusing. Alot unfolds as Judi has a feeling the police are missing something, ignoring all advice to stay out of it she starts her own investigation which sends her down many dangerous paths.
The story is told by Judi in first person, she is adjusting to life as a single paren,t after her brothers murder (apparently in book one), to the lovely Mia. They seem to have a good relationship but its great to see the real struggles of adjusting to motherhood. Judi seems to be unaware of how much she fiercely loves Mia. Their bound is so sweet and obvious throughout the story.
Her other love do it seems is a detective from Melbourne called Heath who she met during the investigation into her brothers murder. He's called up to candlebark to handle the murder of Macca and their paths cross again. Another well written relationship. It's not all sunsets and sex but rather real hard struggles. Honestly the love story was hit or miss for me but I can see the reason for building it into the storyline.
The other main characters; Andre, Suzie, Connor and Carl all have their own roles to play. Each character has a depth to them which is brought across well even with Judi narrating. Andre probably being my favourite with his obsessions around his home from home the pub bistro and it's menu.
Dead and gone is extremely suspenseful and other than the one link to the murder Judi discovers early on I honestly had no clue how it was going to end. I am normally really good at guessing killers and their reasons but I didn't have the foggiest and I think thats what got me turning the pages even faster. I honestly enjoyed the book from the begining even though its not full with action throughout, it still manages to build enough tension to keep you invested.
So it was an easy 5 stars and I have already purchased the first book to catch up on before hopefully the third book.....
If you enjoy a crime thriller this book will not let you down. Crime thrillers are my favourite and most read and this is up there with some of the best I've read. The story may be simple but that's what is so endearing about it! Highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley, old castles books and Sherryl Clark for the APC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 22, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Oldcastle books for the arc of Dead and Gone by Sherryl Clark.
This follows Judi whom is a very strong and brave lady whom is coping and adjusting to being a foster parent to a relative of her niece whom unfortunately is an orphan... She's working in her local pub in which helps her to manage with her earnings and makes ends meet with what she has.. Peter whom is the pub landlord is an Army Veteran but sadly has been murdered... So she is determined to find whom it may but the police tell her not too as it may become dangerous whom she may deal with and it did ..
This is a 4 star read I throughly enjoyed this was such an amazing and gripping book I read this within one day ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend highly ❤️
This follows Judi whom is a very strong and brave lady whom is coping and adjusting to being a foster parent to a relative of her niece whom unfortunately is an orphan... She's working in her local pub in which helps her to manage with her earnings and makes ends meet with what she has.. Peter whom is the pub landlord is an Army Veteran but sadly has been murdered... So she is determined to find whom it may but the police tell her not too as it may become dangerous whom she may deal with and it did ..
This is a 4 star read I throughly enjoyed this was such an amazing and gripping book I read this within one day ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend highly ❤️
November 10, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 12, 2020
Dead and Gone is the sequel to Trust Me I'm Dead in Sherryl Clark's Judi Westerholme series but the first I have read. I certainly didn't find it difficult to join the series at this point and Judi's back story is seamlessly woven into the novel to bring new readers up to speed with what happened previously.
Judi has been left as guardian to her young niece, Mia following the death of the little girl's parents and as she is reluctant to sell her brother's house, she has taken on a job in the local pub. It doesn't seem to be a role she especially enjoys but she is obviously competent and understands how to handle both the locals and tourists who visit. However, everything changes when her boss, Macca is found murdered; Judi has make a number of difficult choices but now she has Mia to think about too.
Her past evidently still affects her but it's not all bad news as Heath, a police officer from the city whom she met previously and is in a tentative relationship with, is sent to the small town of Candlebark to investigate Macca's death. Being in such close proximity leads to new problems, particularly when Judi can't help but carry out her own investigation even though it may potentially put her in harm's way. Things are further complicated by an unexpected development which means she could be considered a possible suspect and which could have long term implications for her future, depending on what she decides to do.
I do enjoy crime fiction featuring an amateur detective and Judi is an excellent protagonist. She is resourceful and courageous but her headstrong, impetuous nature puts more than just her relationship at risk. Though not somebody who bears her emotions easily, she has a softer, more vulnerable side and I loved seeing how she has clearly changed since Mia entered her life. Small communities are always ripe settings for murder mysteries and Candlebark is awash with gossip and secrets. Though a fictional place, set not far from Melbourne, it authentically evokes the spirit of a typical small Australian town and its colourful inhabitants - from the kookaburras and galahs to the human residents, many of whom seem to have something to hide.
The engaging narrative flows naturally and the propulsive plot is suspenseful and pacy with a good dash of humour throughout. The mystery itself is intriguing with plenty of red herrings before an unexpected and tense conclusion. I very much enjoyed my visit to Candlebark and look forward to Judi Westerholme investigating more murders and irritating certain members of the local police force in the future.
Judi has been left as guardian to her young niece, Mia following the death of the little girl's parents and as she is reluctant to sell her brother's house, she has taken on a job in the local pub. It doesn't seem to be a role she especially enjoys but she is obviously competent and understands how to handle both the locals and tourists who visit. However, everything changes when her boss, Macca is found murdered; Judi has make a number of difficult choices but now she has Mia to think about too.
Her past evidently still affects her but it's not all bad news as Heath, a police officer from the city whom she met previously and is in a tentative relationship with, is sent to the small town of Candlebark to investigate Macca's death. Being in such close proximity leads to new problems, particularly when Judi can't help but carry out her own investigation even though it may potentially put her in harm's way. Things are further complicated by an unexpected development which means she could be considered a possible suspect and which could have long term implications for her future, depending on what she decides to do.
I do enjoy crime fiction featuring an amateur detective and Judi is an excellent protagonist. She is resourceful and courageous but her headstrong, impetuous nature puts more than just her relationship at risk. Though not somebody who bears her emotions easily, she has a softer, more vulnerable side and I loved seeing how she has clearly changed since Mia entered her life. Small communities are always ripe settings for murder mysteries and Candlebark is awash with gossip and secrets. Though a fictional place, set not far from Melbourne, it authentically evokes the spirit of a typical small Australian town and its colourful inhabitants - from the kookaburras and galahs to the human residents, many of whom seem to have something to hide.
The engaging narrative flows naturally and the propulsive plot is suspenseful and pacy with a good dash of humour throughout. The mystery itself is intriguing with plenty of red herrings before an unexpected and tense conclusion. I very much enjoyed my visit to Candlebark and look forward to Judi Westerholme investigating more murders and irritating certain members of the local police force in the future.
August 24, 2020
Just when Judi Westerholme thought she was getting back to a life of 'normal', our unwitting heroine suddenly finds herself embroiled, once again, again in unwanted drama. Except this time, as she unravels the mystery of the terrible death of her boss, she has more to protect than just herself...
Judi is one of my favourite characters because she is brave, she's fiesty and she's real. Clark weaves her characters with the most wonderful, true to life qualities and Judi's especially pull you in and take you on the ride.
The plot starts with care, building, and then before you know it you are racing along trying desperately to help Judi and her new pub partners solve it all.
A fantastic read!
Judi is one of my favourite characters because she is brave, she's fiesty and she's real. Clark weaves her characters with the most wonderful, true to life qualities and Judi's especially pull you in and take you on the ride.
The plot starts with care, building, and then before you know it you are racing along trying desperately to help Judi and her new pub partners solve it all.
A fantastic read!
July 11, 2020
'Dead & Gone' is the second book in the series featuring Judi Westerholme. The first book in the series is called 'Trust Me, I'm Dead'. I do have the first book on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually read it yet. What a mistake to make. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Dead & Gone' but more about that in a bit.
I liked the character of Judi Westerholme and took to her from the start. She is a young woman, who works in a bar where she does the books. Judi is a single parent to her niece. Judi had a brother but he was killed and Judi took in his daughter. She has a good relationship with her niece and there is a tight bond there. As I mention Judi works at a bar and her boss is found dead in the bin. Judi is certainly in the thick of it and she ends up doing her own little investigation. She talks to a lot of people and ends up finding out far more than she had ever expected to.
It didn't take me long at all to get into 'Dead & Gone'. In fact by the end of the first page or two, I knew that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I think I took to Judi so well that I cared about what happened to her and I was desperate to find out who killed Macca and why. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened just grew and grew. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book. If I had to put the book down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I soon got to the end of the story and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of the story.
'Dead & Gone' is well written. I was completely under this book's spell from the moment I first picked the book up until the moment I read the last word on the last page. Sherryl certainly grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story. This was one of those books that kept me guessing, kept me gripped and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's thanks to Sherryl's very vivid and realistic writing style.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'Dead & Gone' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Sherryl's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I liked the character of Judi Westerholme and took to her from the start. She is a young woman, who works in a bar where she does the books. Judi is a single parent to her niece. Judi had a brother but he was killed and Judi took in his daughter. She has a good relationship with her niece and there is a tight bond there. As I mention Judi works at a bar and her boss is found dead in the bin. Judi is certainly in the thick of it and she ends up doing her own little investigation. She talks to a lot of people and ends up finding out far more than she had ever expected to.
It didn't take me long at all to get into 'Dead & Gone'. In fact by the end of the first page or two, I knew that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I think I took to Judi so well that I cared about what happened to her and I was desperate to find out who killed Macca and why. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened just grew and grew. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book. If I had to put the book down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I soon got to the end of the story and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of the story.
'Dead & Gone' is well written. I was completely under this book's spell from the moment I first picked the book up until the moment I read the last word on the last page. Sherryl certainly grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story. This was one of those books that kept me guessing, kept me gripped and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's thanks to Sherryl's very vivid and realistic writing style.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'Dead & Gone' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Sherryl's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 8, 2020
Dead and Gone is the second book to feature Judi Westerholme and this one can most certainly be read as a standalone. As somewhat of a completionist when it comes to series I read and reviewed Trust Me, I'm Dead previously.
Life has just about returned to 'normal' for Judi following the death of her brother and now taking over the care of her niece. A routine has been established and things appear to be rubbing along. Judi is taking shifts in the local pub and trying to arrange and juggle childcare accordingly.
What Judi hadn't bargained for was the murder of Macca, her boss, pub landlord and friend. Once again Judi finds herself embroiled in a police investigation.
I previously mentioned that I really like the character of Judi. She is fiesty, fiery and forthright, I wouldn't want to argue with her. I did want to shout at her at times during this story though as she just seemed to put herself in positions without thinking through the consequences.
There is again the perfect amount of mystery and suspense and the pace builds well until the final reveals at the end. I certainly didn't guess the ending. I also really enjoyed the Australian setting is felt like a little escape from a dreary British day, but I don't think my heart could take a day in the life of Judi Westerholme.
A promising and enjoyable book and I really hope there is another one. I just need to know more about Judi and Heath.
Life has just about returned to 'normal' for Judi following the death of her brother and now taking over the care of her niece. A routine has been established and things appear to be rubbing along. Judi is taking shifts in the local pub and trying to arrange and juggle childcare accordingly.
What Judi hadn't bargained for was the murder of Macca, her boss, pub landlord and friend. Once again Judi finds herself embroiled in a police investigation.
I previously mentioned that I really like the character of Judi. She is fiesty, fiery and forthright, I wouldn't want to argue with her. I did want to shout at her at times during this story though as she just seemed to put herself in positions without thinking through the consequences.
There is again the perfect amount of mystery and suspense and the pace builds well until the final reveals at the end. I certainly didn't guess the ending. I also really enjoyed the Australian setting is felt like a little escape from a dreary British day, but I don't think my heart could take a day in the life of Judi Westerholme.
A promising and enjoyable book and I really hope there is another one. I just need to know more about Judi and Heath.
June 25, 2020
This is the sequel to Trust Me I'm Dead the first in the Judi Westerholme series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone novel.
Judi's boss Macca is murdered, which throws her for a loop, not only because they were great friends but also because the police think it was down to his involvement in something dodgy. His corpse hasn't even been buried before the first vultures arrive to pick at the bones.
Simultaneously Judi has to deal with the fact she might lose Mia. She is torn between it might be better for her niece to live with her maternal grandparents and wanting to keep her promise to take care of her. Mia has become a constant fixture in her life and can always be counted on to throw some light or reality into any serious situation. I respect any woman who thinks of cake in the most curious of moments.
Clark has a very specific style to both her writing and the tone of her work. It's not quite staccato or abrupt, but it is terse at times. Sharp corners and quick direction changes. I liked it. It gives the story this tough as old boots feel without resorting to misogyny or macho tropes. The same applies to the main character, Judi isn't a marshmallow fluff happy ever after girly type and yet also doesn't come off as wanting to be one of the guys. I really enjoyed the balance Clark found in both the plot and characters.
It's a jolly good read and a series with plenty of potential.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Judi's boss Macca is murdered, which throws her for a loop, not only because they were great friends but also because the police think it was down to his involvement in something dodgy. His corpse hasn't even been buried before the first vultures arrive to pick at the bones.
Simultaneously Judi has to deal with the fact she might lose Mia. She is torn between it might be better for her niece to live with her maternal grandparents and wanting to keep her promise to take care of her. Mia has become a constant fixture in her life and can always be counted on to throw some light or reality into any serious situation. I respect any woman who thinks of cake in the most curious of moments.
Clark has a very specific style to both her writing and the tone of her work. It's not quite staccato or abrupt, but it is terse at times. Sharp corners and quick direction changes. I liked it. It gives the story this tough as old boots feel without resorting to misogyny or macho tropes. The same applies to the main character, Judi isn't a marshmallow fluff happy ever after girly type and yet also doesn't come off as wanting to be one of the guys. I really enjoyed the balance Clark found in both the plot and characters.
It's a jolly good read and a series with plenty of potential.
*I received a courtesy copy*
December 29, 2020
After the total whirlwind life change she had following her brother’s death, Judi Westerholme is trying find her groove now she has a toddler to look after as well as a fledgling long distance romance and sorting out the books at the local public house. But one night changes that and oh what a pickle Judi has found herself in again.
The unexpected suspicious death of anyone can open a can of worms but the can of worms Macca leaves just seems to be like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. It’s that unwanted Christmas gift that keeps on giving. Judi can’t resist but do her own bit of investigation after what happened with her brother and as she talks to the locals, the more she finds out and the further she falls in to that carpet bag.
I’ll admit, I normally stick to murder mystery/crime thrillers that are UK based purely as I can visualise the locale and the British mannerism even if I’ve never been to an area. But… I rather like my trips to Australia with Sherryl Clark. I thoroughly enjoyed Trust Me, I’m Dead which can be totally read as a standalone. So to get a follow up with this unassuming amateur detective was a real treat!
Dead And Gone kept me guessing throughout. Despite the number of crime novels I’ve read (not as many as some but still a fair amount) I would never have predicted the ending in a million years. If there is more from Judi and Heath, count me in!!
The unexpected suspicious death of anyone can open a can of worms but the can of worms Macca leaves just seems to be like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. It’s that unwanted Christmas gift that keeps on giving. Judi can’t resist but do her own bit of investigation after what happened with her brother and as she talks to the locals, the more she finds out and the further she falls in to that carpet bag.
I’ll admit, I normally stick to murder mystery/crime thrillers that are UK based purely as I can visualise the locale and the British mannerism even if I’ve never been to an area. But… I rather like my trips to Australia with Sherryl Clark. I thoroughly enjoyed Trust Me, I’m Dead which can be totally read as a standalone. So to get a follow up with this unassuming amateur detective was a real treat!
Dead And Gone kept me guessing throughout. Despite the number of crime novels I’ve read (not as many as some but still a fair amount) I would never have predicted the ending in a million years. If there is more from Judi and Heath, count me in!!
January 31, 2021
Dead and gone is the sequel to Trust me I'm dead by Sherryl Clark. It follows Judi Westerholme's life, and in this instalment Judi is left as guardian to her young niece Mia, following the tragic death of her parents.
This situation is far from ideal for Judi as she has to navigate between not only what is best for her, but best for Mia too. As she is reluctant to sell her late brother's house, Judi finds herself taking on a job at the local pub, and everything seems to run smoothly - that is until her new boss Macca is found dead.
When Heath is sent to investigate the murder, things start to spiral, and Judi finds herself being named as a suspect.
This is an incredible read and really had me guessing right until the end. I loved the pace in which the suspense built up throughout the book, and the way in which the writing style really draws you in and fully immerses you in this story. A definite must read for lovers of crime/thriller fiction.
*Thank you to Verve Books and Netgalley for my copy of this book in return for my honest review.*
This situation is far from ideal for Judi as she has to navigate between not only what is best for her, but best for Mia too. As she is reluctant to sell her late brother's house, Judi finds herself taking on a job at the local pub, and everything seems to run smoothly - that is until her new boss Macca is found dead.
When Heath is sent to investigate the murder, things start to spiral, and Judi finds herself being named as a suspect.
This is an incredible read and really had me guessing right until the end. I loved the pace in which the suspense built up throughout the book, and the way in which the writing style really draws you in and fully immerses you in this story. A definite must read for lovers of crime/thriller fiction.
*Thank you to Verve Books and Netgalley for my copy of this book in return for my honest review.*
March 4, 2021
From Sherryl Clark, the author of Trust Me, I’m Dead, comes Judi Westerholme’s new adventure, Dead and Gone. Set in and around a pub in country Victoria, Judi is living on her farm, working at the local drinking hole, caring for her niece, and going about her daily business. That is, until a murder changes everything, and Judi’s past comes back to haunt her.
Sherryl seamlessly takes the reader into Judi’s new reality and her enduring relationship with Heath, and mixes romance and gritty crime in a clever and nuanced way. Realistic, relatable characters punctuate a fast-paced, thrilling plot, and the author keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages until the multi-layered end.
It would be great to see a third instalment in this fabulous crime story (and love story). Ready... and waiting, Sherryl Clark! Brava!
Sherryl seamlessly takes the reader into Judi’s new reality and her enduring relationship with Heath, and mixes romance and gritty crime in a clever and nuanced way. Realistic, relatable characters punctuate a fast-paced, thrilling plot, and the author keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages until the multi-layered end.
It would be great to see a third instalment in this fabulous crime story (and love story). Ready... and waiting, Sherryl Clark! Brava!
June 3, 2020
This is a nice easy read by this author. I loved the small town Australian setting and the interesting characters. Judi, the main character, has an interesting background and has custody of her niece. When her boss at the local hotel is murdered, she just can't stop herself from trying to find the killer. i liked the writing style, the pacey plot and the twists in the tale. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
July 4, 2020
Great series
This week, I’ve read both Dead and Gone and the first book in the series, Trust Me, I’m Dead this week. They are addictive and offer something new in the crime genre - a 40-something woman drawn reluctantly into murder investigations when people connected to her are killed. While she is out of her comfort zone in every way, she has skills she brings that make her a really great protagonist.
This week, I’ve read both Dead and Gone and the first book in the series, Trust Me, I’m Dead this week. They are addictive and offer something new in the crime genre - a 40-something woman drawn reluctantly into murder investigations when people connected to her are killed. While she is out of her comfort zone in every way, she has skills she brings that make her a really great protagonist.
August 16, 2021
DEAD AND GONE is the 2nd in the Judi Westerholme series, following on from TRUST ME, I'M DEAD. There are some events in the earlier book that would be useful to know about before starting this one, although it's not absolutely vital - there should be enough context to keep you moving forward with what's a really good plot, peopled by very real characters.
When I reviewed the first book I did say:
"There's a good, clever, plot at the heart of everything, and pace is never sacrificed to personal or character development. There's menace aplenty and it's a real page turner."
Could apply here as well really, when in this outing we move from inner Melbourne suburbs to her country town location in Victoria where Judi is now the manager of the local pub, and primary carer for her orphaned niece (how that came about is one of those things that the first book will explain fully). Life seemed to be settling into a nice routine for Judi and her niece relatively quickly as they sort out the major challenges life has dealt them, when along comes another one. This time tragedy strikes Judi's boss and pub owner, Macca, who is brutally murdered and dumped at the back of the pub on a busy night when they are all working there. As you'll quickly come to realise, Judi's not one for sitting back and letting the cops get on with it, particularly when she really questions whether the big-town cops know what they are doing. She does her own digging, and the more she digs the bigger the hole she's trapping herself in starts to become. Not helped when Melbourne homicide assistance turns out to be the same love-interest she encountered when her brother was killed in the first novel.
It's worth noting that the author has expressed a real fondness for the character she's created in Judi. Matter-of-fact to the point of brusque, as grumpy as some of us aspire to on a daily basis, she's bloody-minded, determined, and resourceful along with it. She's also gloriously, unashamedly flawed, loyal to a T, questioning herself constantly, and uncomfortably attracted to the same cop that she sort of hooked up with, but not really, getting closer to it here, from the first novel. Also, as with the first novel, the balance between character development and plot is nicely done, you learn more about Judi by following her investigations and the progress of the case than you do in by being told about Judi. You actually learn quite a bit about all the characters in the same way - and they are a good mix of believable, suspicious, incomers and locals, known quantities and absolute mysteries.
This is a series that has a lot of potential. It's really good, character based crime fiction, that doesn't stint on plot.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
When I reviewed the first book I did say:
"There's a good, clever, plot at the heart of everything, and pace is never sacrificed to personal or character development. There's menace aplenty and it's a real page turner."
Could apply here as well really, when in this outing we move from inner Melbourne suburbs to her country town location in Victoria where Judi is now the manager of the local pub, and primary carer for her orphaned niece (how that came about is one of those things that the first book will explain fully). Life seemed to be settling into a nice routine for Judi and her niece relatively quickly as they sort out the major challenges life has dealt them, when along comes another one. This time tragedy strikes Judi's boss and pub owner, Macca, who is brutally murdered and dumped at the back of the pub on a busy night when they are all working there. As you'll quickly come to realise, Judi's not one for sitting back and letting the cops get on with it, particularly when she really questions whether the big-town cops know what they are doing. She does her own digging, and the more she digs the bigger the hole she's trapping herself in starts to become. Not helped when Melbourne homicide assistance turns out to be the same love-interest she encountered when her brother was killed in the first novel.
It's worth noting that the author has expressed a real fondness for the character she's created in Judi. Matter-of-fact to the point of brusque, as grumpy as some of us aspire to on a daily basis, she's bloody-minded, determined, and resourceful along with it. She's also gloriously, unashamedly flawed, loyal to a T, questioning herself constantly, and uncomfortably attracted to the same cop that she sort of hooked up with, but not really, getting closer to it here, from the first novel. Also, as with the first novel, the balance between character development and plot is nicely done, you learn more about Judi by following her investigations and the progress of the case than you do in by being told about Judi. You actually learn quite a bit about all the characters in the same way - and they are a good mix of believable, suspicious, incomers and locals, known quantities and absolute mysteries.
This is a series that has a lot of potential. It's really good, character based crime fiction, that doesn't stint on plot.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
June 13, 2025
Dead and Gone is the second instalment in the Judi Westerholme series and whilst it can easily be read as a stand-alone, I think you would benefit more from reading book one, Trust Me I’m Dead, first. Sherryl does give the reader enough information from it to be able to follow along, but to really get the feel of the series and Judi, you should start at the beginning.
Dead and Gone, sees main protagonist Judi Westerholme now the primary caregiver to her orphaned niece after the death of her brother. Trying to make ends meet, she takes on a job at the local pub, but it isn’t long before tragedy strikes again when pub owner and Judi’s friend Macca is murdered. Not willing to take a back seat while the police investigate, Judi takes it upon herself to start searching for the killer, but the deeper she digs and uncovers, the more danger she finds herself in.
I enjoyed Judi’s character. She is bold, gutsy, takes no nonsense from anyone and is a very strong female lead. Well rounded and developed, she really does carry the story on her shoulders well and I look forward to getting to know her more in future books.
I loved the setting of the book and being an Aussie girl myself and from Melbourne, it was fun to read the book with places I know well and I could visualise as the story takes place. It really was the perfect setting.
Before I wrap it up, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledging the cover art for this book. It is eye catching, atmospheric and really fits in with the tone of this story. A great job has been done by the designer here.
Dead and Gone is a classic whodunnit that is fast paced, thrilling and exciting read that will keep you glued to the pages. With a strong plot, real and relatable characters, twists and turns, an ending I didn’t see coming, that all comes together through great writing, Dead and Gone is a very enjoyable read and I look forward forward to more in the series.
Thank you to Verve Books and Sherryl Clark for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Dead and Gone which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Dead and Gone, sees main protagonist Judi Westerholme now the primary caregiver to her orphaned niece after the death of her brother. Trying to make ends meet, she takes on a job at the local pub, but it isn’t long before tragedy strikes again when pub owner and Judi’s friend Macca is murdered. Not willing to take a back seat while the police investigate, Judi takes it upon herself to start searching for the killer, but the deeper she digs and uncovers, the more danger she finds herself in.
I enjoyed Judi’s character. She is bold, gutsy, takes no nonsense from anyone and is a very strong female lead. Well rounded and developed, she really does carry the story on her shoulders well and I look forward to getting to know her more in future books.
I loved the setting of the book and being an Aussie girl myself and from Melbourne, it was fun to read the book with places I know well and I could visualise as the story takes place. It really was the perfect setting.
Before I wrap it up, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledging the cover art for this book. It is eye catching, atmospheric and really fits in with the tone of this story. A great job has been done by the designer here.
Dead and Gone is a classic whodunnit that is fast paced, thrilling and exciting read that will keep you glued to the pages. With a strong plot, real and relatable characters, twists and turns, an ending I didn’t see coming, that all comes together through great writing, Dead and Gone is a very enjoyable read and I look forward forward to more in the series.
Thank you to Verve Books and Sherryl Clark for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Dead and Gone which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 23, 2021
The owner of a pub is killed. He was a well liked man, and as the investigation unfolds a connection to other deaths is noticed. There is something in his past that was only known by a few people.
He was a veteran from the Vietnam war, and others that fought with him had also died.
Judi who had been working at the pub is in her second hunt for a killer, although the police are investigating, without her the killer may not have been caught.
I really enjoyed this book.
He was a veteran from the Vietnam war, and others that fought with him had also died.
Judi who had been working at the pub is in her second hunt for a killer, although the police are investigating, without her the killer may not have been caught.
I really enjoyed this book.
August 27, 2021
I so enjoyed reading Sherryl Clark's second book in her Judi Westerholme series. It was entertaining, believable and the pacing was right. The on and off love relationship adds extra spice. Her books have been my introduction to the crime genre and I'm hoping she has a third planned.
June 26, 2023
This is part of series but the first I have read. I could easily follow it though without the need to have read the first book. . The main character Judi's brother is killed, and she takes up the guardianship of his young daughter. Book had enough twists and turns to hold my interest throughout.
July 7, 2021
Cool and scary
November 12, 2024
Judi should join the police force.
February 10, 2025
I really struggled to put this book down. The twist at the end felt like a bit of a stretch, but still a really good read.
March 6, 2025
I struggled. The plot was so infuriatingly slow.
February 17, 2021
🅜🅨 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦 🅞🅕
DEAD AND GONE
by Sherryl Clark
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thanks to @Netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Judi is making ends meet by managing the Candlebark Hotel. On one of their busiest days a body is found in the skip behind the hotel. It's identified as Big Macca, the owner. Murdered.
What follows is a roller coaster ride for Judi, who has to deal with the aftermath of the murder, frightening incidents which seem to indicate things are far from over, and the sudden appearance of a woman claiming she was Big Macca's long lost daughter and that the hotel is now her property. Despite being warned by police to stay out of the investigation, Judi keeps looking for answers, and finds herself in very real danger.
I enjoyed Dead and Gone immensely. Now, it is the second in the Judi Westerholme series, and while it performed admirably as a standalone book, I'm glad I had already read the first book Trust Me, I'm Dead. I found the characters easier to understand and empathise with because I knew their history and this enriched the whole book.
The characters are well thought out and I felt warmth, or occasionally sheer loathing, when appropriate. I think Judi could do with some counselling to help deal with her past, and her anger management issues. Sherryl Clark has written Judi's difficult past into her personality perfectly, and I'd like to see how she develops her in future books. I wasn't expecting the ending that came, and it neatly closed the story.
I think one or two incidents stretched my suspension of disbelief somewhat, but I'll leave that to you to agree or disagree as you encounter them.
Overall, Dead and Gone is a skilled piece of wordcraft that was a pleasure to read, and I recommend it to any crime fiction reader, although I would suggest reading Trust Me, I'm Dead first.
DEAD AND GONE
by Sherryl Clark
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thanks to @Netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Judi is making ends meet by managing the Candlebark Hotel. On one of their busiest days a body is found in the skip behind the hotel. It's identified as Big Macca, the owner. Murdered.
What follows is a roller coaster ride for Judi, who has to deal with the aftermath of the murder, frightening incidents which seem to indicate things are far from over, and the sudden appearance of a woman claiming she was Big Macca's long lost daughter and that the hotel is now her property. Despite being warned by police to stay out of the investigation, Judi keeps looking for answers, and finds herself in very real danger.
I enjoyed Dead and Gone immensely. Now, it is the second in the Judi Westerholme series, and while it performed admirably as a standalone book, I'm glad I had already read the first book Trust Me, I'm Dead. I found the characters easier to understand and empathise with because I knew their history and this enriched the whole book.
The characters are well thought out and I felt warmth, or occasionally sheer loathing, when appropriate. I think Judi could do with some counselling to help deal with her past, and her anger management issues. Sherryl Clark has written Judi's difficult past into her personality perfectly, and I'd like to see how she develops her in future books. I wasn't expecting the ending that came, and it neatly closed the story.
I think one or two incidents stretched my suspension of disbelief somewhat, but I'll leave that to you to agree or disagree as you encounter them.
Overall, Dead and Gone is a skilled piece of wordcraft that was a pleasure to read, and I recommend it to any crime fiction reader, although I would suggest reading Trust Me, I'm Dead first.
June 25, 2020
This is the first book I have read by author Sherryl Clark and I have to be honest I struggled with it.
The story begins with the discovery of a body. The body is Macca, who is the landlord of a pub where our main character Judi works, to make end meet, whilst she is fostering her niece after her brother died.
I think I struggled with it because as a reader I didn’t get to know anything about Macca before he died. Even when Judi discovered that her friend and boss had been found murdered and dumped in a bin at his own pub she didn’t seem to be that upset! As a result it was hard for me, as the reader, to carry on with the book to find out what had happened to him.
As the publisher had been so kind as to send me an advanced digital copy of this book to review I finished the book but had it been a book I paid for I don’t think I would have.
The story begins with the discovery of a body. The body is Macca, who is the landlord of a pub where our main character Judi works, to make end meet, whilst she is fostering her niece after her brother died.
I think I struggled with it because as a reader I didn’t get to know anything about Macca before he died. Even when Judi discovered that her friend and boss had been found murdered and dumped in a bin at his own pub she didn’t seem to be that upset! As a result it was hard for me, as the reader, to carry on with the book to find out what had happened to him.
As the publisher had been so kind as to send me an advanced digital copy of this book to review I finished the book but had it been a book I paid for I don’t think I would have.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews