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DI Amy Winter #3
Left for Dead
10 hours, 4 minutes
A victim on display. A detective on the rails.
Shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace - until she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth.
This is no stunt. A post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die on her macabre throne for all to see. When a second victim is found, it emerges that both women were "Sugar Babes" arranging dates with older men online - and Amy finds herself hunting an accomplished psychopath.
As she tracks down the killer, Amy’s instincts go into overdrive when the charismatic head of the agency behind the display makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. What exactly does he want from Amy? With her own world in freefall as her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, appeals her conviction, Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure when a third "Sugar Babe" disappears...Is she as much at risk as the killer’s victims?
A victim on display. A detective on the rails.
Shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace - until she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth.
This is no stunt. A post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die on her macabre throne for all to see. When a second victim is found, it emerges that both women were "Sugar Babes" arranging dates with older men online - and Amy finds herself hunting an accomplished psychopath.
As she tracks down the killer, Amy’s instincts go into overdrive when the charismatic head of the agency behind the display makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. What exactly does he want from Amy? With her own world in freefall as her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, appeals her conviction, Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure when a third "Sugar Babe" disappears...Is she as much at risk as the killer’s victims?
Audible Audio
First published July 8, 2020
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About the author
Caroline Mitchell
41 books2,172 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
May 25, 2020
Third in the DI Amy Winter series, begins with Amy and her sister admiring a window display of a beautiful mannequin dressed in a lace wedding gown, encrusted with diamonds. The beauty and artistry of the display takes their breath away, until Amy notices a tinge of blue around the lips of the mannequin, and the grey pallor of the skin, and when blood begins to trickle from the mouth, she realises with horror that the mannequin is actually a dead body!
A post-mortem shows that the victim was alive when she was placed in the window, but was ‘Left for Dead’.
As more victims turn up, investigations reveal that they all have a connection to an online website named ‘Sugar Babes’, where older men arrange meetings with young women.
The perpetrator of these murders becomes known as The Love Heart killer, after all the victims are found to have had a heart carved into their chest. Amy and her team are clearly dealing with a psychopath here, and even though Amy has a suspect in her sights, the hunt will not only prove to be very difficult, but also dangerous for Amy herself, and tough and brave as she is, she may just have met her match this time.
It goes without saying, for those of us who are familiar with Caroline Mitchell’s DI Amy Winter series, that the dark and scary storylines are excellent and well executed, coming as they do with sub plots that always enhance one’s enjoyment, and in this particular storyline, some chapters are given over to the killer himself, so we know exactly what dark thoughts he’s entertaining, and who his next victim will be. Then there are the twists and turns, and interesting characters, not least Amy, who though very complex and not without her own issues, manages to get the reader onside.
It has to be said that this is another winner for Caroline Mitchell, and I look forward with great anticipation to the next in the series.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
A post-mortem shows that the victim was alive when she was placed in the window, but was ‘Left for Dead’.
As more victims turn up, investigations reveal that they all have a connection to an online website named ‘Sugar Babes’, where older men arrange meetings with young women.
The perpetrator of these murders becomes known as The Love Heart killer, after all the victims are found to have had a heart carved into their chest. Amy and her team are clearly dealing with a psychopath here, and even though Amy has a suspect in her sights, the hunt will not only prove to be very difficult, but also dangerous for Amy herself, and tough and brave as she is, she may just have met her match this time.
It goes without saying, for those of us who are familiar with Caroline Mitchell’s DI Amy Winter series, that the dark and scary storylines are excellent and well executed, coming as they do with sub plots that always enhance one’s enjoyment, and in this particular storyline, some chapters are given over to the killer himself, so we know exactly what dark thoughts he’s entertaining, and who his next victim will be. Then there are the twists and turns, and interesting characters, not least Amy, who though very complex and not without her own issues, manages to get the reader onside.
It has to be said that this is another winner for Caroline Mitchell, and I look forward with great anticipation to the next in the series.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
May 31, 2020
This is a case of it's me, not the book.
I think it is time for me to move on from this series. Onto the next!
I think it is time for me to move on from this series. Onto the next!
April 23, 2021
Left for Dead (DI Amy Winter #3) by Caroline Mitchell (Author), Elizabeth Knowelden (Narrator)
Book #3 of the DI Amy Winter series cements it in my mind that Amy has a death wish. With each book she has put herself in circumstances that no sane person would put themselves into. But Amy is suffering from the guilt of her serial killing family ties and thinking that she should have saved the victims all those years ago, despite only being four years old when she was saved from her birth family horrors. Obviously Amy needs therapy but she's too busy trying to find another killer and she doesn't want anyone to stop her from doing what she decides to do to save lives.
This is another entertaining read and I know I just have to accept that Amy is going to go charging into deadly situations with her work supplied bat at the ready. Other times she'll charge in with nothing at all to help her against the enemy. This time Amy and team are up against a killer who enjoys staging his killings for all the world to see. Possibly the crimes are linked to Sugar Babes, as escort service, and Amy has a gut feeling she knows the identity of the murderer. While Amy is going rogue despite admonitions by her new partner DCI Donovan, she is also very distracted by the ongoing retrial of her mother, who had been imprisoned for her role in killing many girls/women.
The crimes are horrific, the sense that no girl/woman is safe is very real, and Amy can't help feeling she doesn't know who is on her side and who she can trust. Now I'm on to book #4 and looking forward to seeing if Amy can reel in her tendency towards suicidal acts of heroism. It doesn't help that she is now seen as a super woman "serial killer whisperer" by the public and she often has a film crew following her on the job.
Published July 8th 2020
This was a Kindle Unlimited audio selection.
Book #3 of the DI Amy Winter series cements it in my mind that Amy has a death wish. With each book she has put herself in circumstances that no sane person would put themselves into. But Amy is suffering from the guilt of her serial killing family ties and thinking that she should have saved the victims all those years ago, despite only being four years old when she was saved from her birth family horrors. Obviously Amy needs therapy but she's too busy trying to find another killer and she doesn't want anyone to stop her from doing what she decides to do to save lives.
This is another entertaining read and I know I just have to accept that Amy is going to go charging into deadly situations with her work supplied bat at the ready. Other times she'll charge in with nothing at all to help her against the enemy. This time Amy and team are up against a killer who enjoys staging his killings for all the world to see. Possibly the crimes are linked to Sugar Babes, as escort service, and Amy has a gut feeling she knows the identity of the murderer. While Amy is going rogue despite admonitions by her new partner DCI Donovan, she is also very distracted by the ongoing retrial of her mother, who had been imprisoned for her role in killing many girls/women.
The crimes are horrific, the sense that no girl/woman is safe is very real, and Amy can't help feeling she doesn't know who is on her side and who she can trust. Now I'm on to book #4 and looking forward to seeing if Amy can reel in her tendency towards suicidal acts of heroism. It doesn't help that she is now seen as a super woman "serial killer whisperer" by the public and she often has a film crew following her on the job.
Published July 8th 2020
This was a Kindle Unlimited audio selection.
July 13, 2020
Left for Dead left me extremely impressed! This is the third book in the DI Amy Winter series but worked very well as a stand-alone book for me as I have not read the previous books (but desperately want to!)
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter notices something about the window display. Besides being riveting, the perfect bride encrusted with diamonds looks so real - because she is! Noticing blood dripping from the victim’s mouth, Amy jumps into action to secure the crime scene. Soon another body is found, a killer yearns to kill again, while Amy deals with her past, and goes toe to toe with a local businessman who is fascinated with Amy's serial killer parents.
This book had a strong plot along with interesting subplots. I enjoyed the twists and turns this book took along the way. While reading, one might think they know everything that is going on, but Mitchell had a few cards up her sleeve. Will you be shocked? Did you see that coming?
Amy's character is interesting as her biological parents were serial killers and she is an officer of the law. In her pursuit of criminals, she did fail to follow protocol and put herself into some dangerous situations. We do get to know the killer and I did not mind knowing his identity. In fact, I thought that made this book more interesting.
I found this to be a fast read. This was my first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one that comes out.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter notices something about the window display. Besides being riveting, the perfect bride encrusted with diamonds looks so real - because she is! Noticing blood dripping from the victim’s mouth, Amy jumps into action to secure the crime scene. Soon another body is found, a killer yearns to kill again, while Amy deals with her past, and goes toe to toe with a local businessman who is fascinated with Amy's serial killer parents.
This book had a strong plot along with interesting subplots. I enjoyed the twists and turns this book took along the way. While reading, one might think they know everything that is going on, but Mitchell had a few cards up her sleeve. Will you be shocked? Did you see that coming?
Amy's character is interesting as her biological parents were serial killers and she is an officer of the law. In her pursuit of criminals, she did fail to follow protocol and put herself into some dangerous situations. We do get to know the killer and I did not mind knowing his identity. In fact, I thought that made this book more interesting.
I found this to be a fast read. This was my first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one that comes out.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 30, 2020
This is the third in the Amy Winter series and it definitely does not work as a standalone. Luckily, I had read and enjoyed the prior two books.
This time around, Amy is window shopping with her sister when she realizes the mannequin is actually a dead woman.
Amy has a lot on her plate. A man she got to know as a friend in book two is now her boss and they are struggling to work together. Her biological mother’s guilty verdict for murder is being appealed and Amy is expected to testify.
The reader is exposed not just to Amy, but also the killer. He’s one twisted individual and Mitchell makes much of his dual life, executive and family man by day, killer by night.
I really appreciated Donovan being brought in as a main character. In his role as boss and friend, he’s a solid soul that doesn’t put up with Amy’s gruff.
This is an entertaining mystery that moves along at a good brisk pace. It has a very satisfying ending.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas &Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
This time around, Amy is window shopping with her sister when she realizes the mannequin is actually a dead woman.
Amy has a lot on her plate. A man she got to know as a friend in book two is now her boss and they are struggling to work together. Her biological mother’s guilty verdict for murder is being appealed and Amy is expected to testify.
The reader is exposed not just to Amy, but also the killer. He’s one twisted individual and Mitchell makes much of his dual life, executive and family man by day, killer by night.
I really appreciated Donovan being brought in as a main character. In his role as boss and friend, he’s a solid soul that doesn’t put up with Amy’s gruff.
This is an entertaining mystery that moves along at a good brisk pace. It has a very satisfying ending.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas &Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
May 17, 2020
Policing For Dummies
I was attracted to the premise of a dead woman posed as a mannequin in a store window.
Enter Amy, a somewhat rogue Detective Inspector who made the discovery and acts as a primary to the case. Written from several character's perspectives, we know who the culprit is, but will they be caught in time to save others from the same fate?
Some readers don't like beginning a book in the middle of a series but I'm usually okay with it. In this case, it would have helped because the parallel story dealing with Amy's family is convoluted. I was and still am a bit confused about her adoptive, foster, and birth families.
There's also a romantic element as a minor subplot but it's handled discreetly. No awkward play by play, steamy or not.
As a side note, I enjoy colloquialisms so when one of the characters asks a visitor if she wants a "chocolate digestive with a "cuppa", it made me smile.
Thank you to Caroline Mitchell, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for my advance electronic copy
I was attracted to the premise of a dead woman posed as a mannequin in a store window.
Enter Amy, a somewhat rogue Detective Inspector who made the discovery and acts as a primary to the case. Written from several character's perspectives, we know who the culprit is, but will they be caught in time to save others from the same fate?
Some readers don't like beginning a book in the middle of a series but I'm usually okay with it. In this case, it would have helped because the parallel story dealing with Amy's family is convoluted. I was and still am a bit confused about her adoptive, foster, and birth families.
There's also a romantic element as a minor subplot but it's handled discreetly. No awkward play by play, steamy or not.
As a side note, I enjoy colloquialisms so when one of the characters asks a visitor if she wants a "chocolate digestive with a "cuppa", it made me smile.
Thank you to Caroline Mitchell, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for my advance electronic copy
July 18, 2020
Phew! Where to start? I was so excited about reading book 3 in the Amy Winter series that I tried to pre-order it 3 separate times! I’d been trying to pace myself reading just a few short chapters at a time but it was no good - I couldn’t put it down and ignored everything around me until I’d devoured the whole book late last night. As ever the dark side of the psyche is explored in chilling and expert detail. The personal relationships explored here are brilliantly done and had me enthralled. The crimes were both twisted and dark and I’d expect nothing less from this author. I was captivated by the killer’s chapters - oh, this woman captures depravity well - but for me the star of the show is Amy and her relationships with her despicable, twisted serial killing mother which adds a dimension to this series of books that is unique. I barely breathed during the last 30% of the book and that final scene between Amy and her mother crackled with so much tension my heart was in my mouth. I can not wait for the next instalment in this outstanding crime series.
May 26, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
This is the 3rd in the DI Amy Winter series, I absolutely loved the first book, but was a little disappointed with the second, however the 3rd book is back up there.
This is a dark and scary story-line as always, that is well executed, with various sub plots. Lots of interesting characters, that are well developed. Plus having to deal with an arrogant, but charismatic protagonist. We also that the fact that Amy’s biological serial killer mother is appealing against her convictions. Which doesn’t help with her emotions!
A great addition to the series, I was pleased to read the author saying book 4 is under way, I can’t wait.
This is the 3rd in the DI Amy Winter series, I absolutely loved the first book, but was a little disappointed with the second, however the 3rd book is back up there.
This is a dark and scary story-line as always, that is well executed, with various sub plots. Lots of interesting characters, that are well developed. Plus having to deal with an arrogant, but charismatic protagonist. We also that the fact that Amy’s biological serial killer mother is appealing against her convictions. Which doesn’t help with her emotions!
A great addition to the series, I was pleased to read the author saying book 4 is under way, I can’t wait.
September 5, 2020
Left For Dead by Caroline Mitchell is a British murder mystery and police procedural and the third entry in the DI Amy Winter series. The lead character is a dedicated and strong-willed police detective whose past interferes with her work and personal life. In a store window a mannequin in a bridal gown turns out to be the corpse of a young woman. She was posed there in lace and diamonds while she bled to death. Soon another young woman is attacked and left for dead, posed again. The hunt is on for a serial killer who preys on women who are Sugar Babes, from a website promoting sex for hire. Having not read the two previous novels, I found it difficult to keep track of Amy’s life. I also found the storyline to be somewhat unrealistic. I stayed with the book till the end but I admit it was a long read for me. This is only my opinion and I am sure that most people enjoyed Left For Dead. Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Net Galley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
It started with obsession...and ended in murder.
This, the third book in the DI Amy Winter series, is the best one yet. Caroline Mitchell has been a bit hit or miss for me but this one is a winner. Amy is shopping with her sister one morning, they are looking at the window of a bridal boutique, admiring a Valentines Day themed display, especially the dummy attired in an amazing sparkly, lacy dress when Amy notices... a trickle of blood issuing from the dummy’s mouth. Oh wait, it’s not actually a dummy! And so begins the rather sinister case of the Love Heart killer, as the victim has a heart inscribed on the flesh of her chest. This killer is meticulous, the display has been carefully planned. Amy believes he will strike again. And she is right.
At the same time her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, is appealing her murder conviction of many years ago and the case is soon to be heard. Amy is horrified at the thought of her mother being released from custody and at the same time she feels she has somehow to ‘atone’ for her mother’s crimes, to expunge the taint of the blood that runs through her veins. Poor Amy has to deal with her mother’s impending release while trying to catch a deadly killer - is her mind on the job? Can she trust her instincts or will she find herself in terrible trouble?
In this particular book there’s no hiding it - we know who the killer is right from the start. Although it was still gripping and had dramatic moments, I think knowing this detracted a teensy bit from my enjoyment. Overall though - a very enjoyable thriller. I really liked the cover too, it set the tone really well. My thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Caroline Mitchell for providing this book for me to review.
This, the third book in the DI Amy Winter series, is the best one yet. Caroline Mitchell has been a bit hit or miss for me but this one is a winner. Amy is shopping with her sister one morning, they are looking at the window of a bridal boutique, admiring a Valentines Day themed display, especially the dummy attired in an amazing sparkly, lacy dress when Amy notices... a trickle of blood issuing from the dummy’s mouth. Oh wait, it’s not actually a dummy! And so begins the rather sinister case of the Love Heart killer, as the victim has a heart inscribed on the flesh of her chest. This killer is meticulous, the display has been carefully planned. Amy believes he will strike again. And she is right.
At the same time her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, is appealing her murder conviction of many years ago and the case is soon to be heard. Amy is horrified at the thought of her mother being released from custody and at the same time she feels she has somehow to ‘atone’ for her mother’s crimes, to expunge the taint of the blood that runs through her veins. Poor Amy has to deal with her mother’s impending release while trying to catch a deadly killer - is her mind on the job? Can she trust her instincts or will she find herself in terrible trouble?
In this particular book there’s no hiding it - we know who the killer is right from the start. Although it was still gripping and had dramatic moments, I think knowing this detracted a teensy bit from my enjoyment. Overall though - a very enjoyable thriller. I really liked the cover too, it set the tone really well. My thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Caroline Mitchell for providing this book for me to review.
July 7, 2020
This is the third book in the DI Amy Winter series and my first book by Caroline Mitchell and ...I'm hooked!
DI Winter has a lot of things on her plate. DCI Hazel Pike retires and is replaced by DCI Donovan. Once they shared a fleeting moment of understanding and camaraderie, but now Donovan is asked by the superiors to watch her every step and make sure she does things by the book. Amy is dealing with her father's devastating dealth, frail health condition of her mother Flora and her biological mother Lillian Grimes's court appeal. The public might see Amy as a serial killer hunter, 'psychopath whisperer', but the truth is a lot of her insight comes from growing alongside unimaginable darkness of her parents' horrific crimes.
On her shopping trip with her older sister Sally-Ann, Amy notices something is off with the beautiful mannequin in the shop window. Amy's instincts turn out to be right- the body of a drugged and tortured young woman was left there on public display for hours.
Thorough as usual, Amy has an interview with the owner of the company responsible for the display design. To Amy's shock, this turns out to be one of the most bizarre and disturbing conversations she's had. Amy is convinced she has her killer, but can she prove it? and can she save other young women from becoming victims of the Lover Heart Killer?
I loved the protagonist and the whole cast of secondary characters that were well-drawn. Amy's personal life struggles do not take away from the main plot, but rather enhance it as the killer is obsessed with Amy's biological parents and their crimes. I even learnt a new word from this book 'hybristophilia'- an attraction for people who have committed really dark crimes. Amy herself needs to accept where she comes from and who she is.
The book is a compulsive page-turner with its tight plot and relentless pace. There is something about Caroline Mitchell's writing style that keeps the reader's attention engaged throughout the book.
I will go back and re-read the previous two books, because I want to get a bit more perspective on Amy's family issues, but it is possible tostart following the series from this one as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
DI Winter has a lot of things on her plate. DCI Hazel Pike retires and is replaced by DCI Donovan. Once they shared a fleeting moment of understanding and camaraderie, but now Donovan is asked by the superiors to watch her every step and make sure she does things by the book. Amy is dealing with her father's devastating dealth, frail health condition of her mother Flora and her biological mother Lillian Grimes's court appeal. The public might see Amy as a serial killer hunter, 'psychopath whisperer', but the truth is a lot of her insight comes from growing alongside unimaginable darkness of her parents' horrific crimes.
On her shopping trip with her older sister Sally-Ann, Amy notices something is off with the beautiful mannequin in the shop window. Amy's instincts turn out to be right- the body of a drugged and tortured young woman was left there on public display for hours.
Thorough as usual, Amy has an interview with the owner of the company responsible for the display design. To Amy's shock, this turns out to be one of the most bizarre and disturbing conversations she's had. Amy is convinced she has her killer, but can she prove it? and can she save other young women from becoming victims of the Lover Heart Killer?
I loved the protagonist and the whole cast of secondary characters that were well-drawn. Amy's personal life struggles do not take away from the main plot, but rather enhance it as the killer is obsessed with Amy's biological parents and their crimes. I even learnt a new word from this book 'hybristophilia'- an attraction for people who have committed really dark crimes. Amy herself needs to accept where she comes from and who she is.
The book is a compulsive page-turner with its tight plot and relentless pace. There is something about Caroline Mitchell's writing style that keeps the reader's attention engaged throughout the book.
I will go back and re-read the previous two books, because I want to get a bit more perspective on Amy's family issues, but it is possible tostart following the series from this one as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 21, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
This is the 3rd in the DI Amy Winter series, I absolutely loved the first book, but was a little disappointed with the second, however the 3rd book is back up there.
This is a dark and scary story-line as always, that is well executed, with various sub plots. Lots of interesting characters, that are well developed. Plus having to deal with an arrogant, but charismatic protagonist. We also that the fact that Amy’s biological serial killer mother is appealing against her convictions. Which doesn’t help with her emotions!
A great addition to the series, I was pleased to read the author saying book 4 is under way, I can’t wait.
This is the 3rd in the DI Amy Winter series, I absolutely loved the first book, but was a little disappointed with the second, however the 3rd book is back up there.
This is a dark and scary story-line as always, that is well executed, with various sub plots. Lots of interesting characters, that are well developed. Plus having to deal with an arrogant, but charismatic protagonist. We also that the fact that Amy’s biological serial killer mother is appealing against her convictions. Which doesn’t help with her emotions!
A great addition to the series, I was pleased to read the author saying book 4 is under way, I can’t wait.
July 2, 2020
DI Amy Winter #3
Whilst out shopping with her sister, Amy stops to look at a mannequin display in a shop window. At first glance the bride looks perfect in her diamond and lace wedding dress. That's until Amy notices blood oozing from the mannequins mouth. Then a second body is found. It emerges that both women had been "sugar babes", women who arranged dates with older men online.
Thisnis a gripping, steady paced story with a cleverly written plotline. We do learn whodunnit quite early on but I do prefer to try and work it out for myself as I'm reading. I liked Amy. She's a strong character who's not afraid to stand up for what she believes. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this fantastic series when it comes out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing Group UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst out shopping with her sister, Amy stops to look at a mannequin display in a shop window. At first glance the bride looks perfect in her diamond and lace wedding dress. That's until Amy notices blood oozing from the mannequins mouth. Then a second body is found. It emerges that both women had been "sugar babes", women who arranged dates with older men online.
Thisnis a gripping, steady paced story with a cleverly written plotline. We do learn whodunnit quite early on but I do prefer to try and work it out for myself as I'm reading. I liked Amy. She's a strong character who's not afraid to stand up for what she believes. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this fantastic series when it comes out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing Group UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book was 8 July 2020
This was a really good British crime novel. The characters were well developed and the storyline was very interesting. I do find books regarding serial killers to be quite interesting and I love the take this author has with regards to her serial killer character. This has the potential to be a really great series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a really good British crime novel. The characters were well developed and the storyline was very interesting. I do find books regarding serial killers to be quite interesting and I love the take this author has with regards to her serial killer character. This has the potential to be a really great series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 20, 2020
4☆ A Gripping, Dark, Twisty, Crime Thriller.
Left for Dead is the third book in the series, I wish I had read the previous books as there is alot of references to previous storylines which I found hard to follow and felt I was missing out.
We meet Samuel straight away. Samuel is a family man, rich, successful but hides a dark & sinister side. In his locked drawer at work contains his 'murder list' But where does he fit into this Twisty story!
DI Amy Winter discovers a body of a young women, but not just any body, the body has been used as a mannequin in a wedding shop window. Unfortunately they get there too late as the woman is already dead.
But then another body turns up and DI Winter's is on a race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The only thing they both have in common is that they are 'Sugar Babes' dating older men. Could this be the link that helps Amy solve the case?
As I mentioned before this isn't a standalone story and had I read the previous books and had the connections this would have been a 5☆ review!
LEFT FOR DEAD is a fantastic crime Thriller it's dark, sinister, gripping, gritty, great police procedural, and there are some brilliantly plotted twists that kept me guessing.
So if you are looking for a new Crime Thriller Series, with a strong Female Detective, A Compulsive and Dark plot then I highly recommend you picking up LEFT FOR DEAD by Caroline Mitchell.
Thank you to Sarah at BOTBS Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :
My Blog
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
Left for Dead is the third book in the series, I wish I had read the previous books as there is alot of references to previous storylines which I found hard to follow and felt I was missing out.
We meet Samuel straight away. Samuel is a family man, rich, successful but hides a dark & sinister side. In his locked drawer at work contains his 'murder list' But where does he fit into this Twisty story!
DI Amy Winter discovers a body of a young women, but not just any body, the body has been used as a mannequin in a wedding shop window. Unfortunately they get there too late as the woman is already dead.
But then another body turns up and DI Winter's is on a race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The only thing they both have in common is that they are 'Sugar Babes' dating older men. Could this be the link that helps Amy solve the case?
As I mentioned before this isn't a standalone story and had I read the previous books and had the connections this would have been a 5☆ review!
LEFT FOR DEAD is a fantastic crime Thriller it's dark, sinister, gripping, gritty, great police procedural, and there are some brilliantly plotted twists that kept me guessing.
So if you are looking for a new Crime Thriller Series, with a strong Female Detective, A Compulsive and Dark plot then I highly recommend you picking up LEFT FOR DEAD by Caroline Mitchell.
Thank you to Sarah at BOTBS Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :
My Blog
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
May 6, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the DI Amy Winter series by author Caroline Mitchell and they just keep getting better.
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace. But then she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth. This is not a display but really is a dead body.
The subsequent post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die for all to see. A second victim is found shortly after and it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online.
DI Amy Winter is hunting for a psychopath and her radar is set off by the head of the agency behind the display who makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. Amy's biological mother, Lillian Grimes is currently appealing against her conviction, so her emotions are being pushed to the limits.
Once again the author presents an excellent plot while managing to deal with all the side issues from Amy's personal life without causing any confusion or distraction to the reader. Great plot, excellent characters and so well written.
Surely another successful novel for Caroline Mitchell.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace. But then she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth. This is not a display but really is a dead body.
The subsequent post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die for all to see. A second victim is found shortly after and it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online.
DI Amy Winter is hunting for a psychopath and her radar is set off by the head of the agency behind the display who makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. Amy's biological mother, Lillian Grimes is currently appealing against her conviction, so her emotions are being pushed to the limits.
Once again the author presents an excellent plot while managing to deal with all the side issues from Amy's personal life without causing any confusion or distraction to the reader. Great plot, excellent characters and so well written.
Surely another successful novel for Caroline Mitchell.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Left For Dead is the third book in the DI Amy Winter police procedural series by former Detective Caroline Mitchell, about the daughter of serial killers who was rescued and adopted out, and now hunts them herself as the head of a specialist police team. Each novel is a separate story but it would all make more sense if you read them in order, as there’s not quite enough recap of Amy’s backstory here. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the earlier two, but it’s still a well written and paced English thriller.
Amy is shopping with her older sister when she realises that the mannequin in a wedding dress in the Valentine’s Day window display is actually a dead woman. The killer is the well known head of a glamorous advertising company, who has been using an escort service to select his victims. Amy suspects him from the start but he’s too smart to leave any evidence and is setting someone else up as a suspect. Distracted by the very public appeal of her mother against her life sentence for murder, and her complicated relationship with her new DCI, Amy will do whatever it takes to stop the next murder...
While the premise of a dedicated police officer haunted by her parents’ guilt is interesting, Amy’s reckless arrogant stupidity really put me off her this time. While I don’t mind knowing in advance who the killer is, I don’t like spending so much time in their head - although learning his backstory made a nice change as at least we understand the reasons why Samuel is compelled to kill. The dual plots - unrelated - did keep the suspense up although the outcome of neither was a surprise - I had hoped for more of a twist. I didn’t mind the tiny bit of romance with the unbelievably tolerant Donovan, as it didn’t get in the way of the plot, nor are we subjected to any tedious sex scenes. We get to know the rest of the team a tiny bit more, but I would like the other characters to be developed more fully. 3.5 rounded up for a good if unoriginal story overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Left for Dead is published on July 7th.
Amy is shopping with her older sister when she realises that the mannequin in a wedding dress in the Valentine’s Day window display is actually a dead woman. The killer is the well known head of a glamorous advertising company, who has been using an escort service to select his victims. Amy suspects him from the start but he’s too smart to leave any evidence and is setting someone else up as a suspect. Distracted by the very public appeal of her mother against her life sentence for murder, and her complicated relationship with her new DCI, Amy will do whatever it takes to stop the next murder...
While the premise of a dedicated police officer haunted by her parents’ guilt is interesting, Amy’s reckless arrogant stupidity really put me off her this time. While I don’t mind knowing in advance who the killer is, I don’t like spending so much time in their head - although learning his backstory made a nice change as at least we understand the reasons why Samuel is compelled to kill. The dual plots - unrelated - did keep the suspense up although the outcome of neither was a surprise - I had hoped for more of a twist. I didn’t mind the tiny bit of romance with the unbelievably tolerant Donovan, as it didn’t get in the way of the plot, nor are we subjected to any tedious sex scenes. We get to know the rest of the team a tiny bit more, but I would like the other characters to be developed more fully. 3.5 rounded up for a good if unoriginal story overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Left for Dead is published on July 7th.
August 4, 2020
I want to give a big thanks to #NetGalley #CarolineMitchell and #AmazonPublishingUK
‘"It will never end. You’re so tied to me, I may as well be holding the umbilical cord in my hand."
#LeftForDead by Caroline Mitchell is the third in a series of books featuring DI Amy Winter. It is my first book I have read in the series and it works as a stand-alone seamlessly. I did not feel I missed any information. This book was definitely a quick paced page turner! I found it very well written.
I really enjoyed learning about how a psychopath thinks. The characters were fleshed out very well. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of serial killers. I found her very likeable as the heroine of the story. I had instant dislike for the villains of the story, Amy's mom Lillian and the killer in the current case Amy is working on. The plot was fascinating and had many twists and turns.
I had one small problem with the book in that I felt the ending lacking something, like maybe it could have been stronger.
Overall, I thought Left for Dead was a very entertaining story that hooked me from the beginning, I definitely could NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! I would very highly recommend this book to my fellow readers and to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller. This is the second book I have read by Caroline Mitchell and definitely won't be my last!!!
4.5 stars
‘"It will never end. You’re so tied to me, I may as well be holding the umbilical cord in my hand."
#LeftForDead by Caroline Mitchell is the third in a series of books featuring DI Amy Winter. It is my first book I have read in the series and it works as a stand-alone seamlessly. I did not feel I missed any information. This book was definitely a quick paced page turner! I found it very well written.
I really enjoyed learning about how a psychopath thinks. The characters were fleshed out very well. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of serial killers. I found her very likeable as the heroine of the story. I had instant dislike for the villains of the story, Amy's mom Lillian and the killer in the current case Amy is working on. The plot was fascinating and had many twists and turns.
I had one small problem with the book in that I felt the ending lacking something, like maybe it could have been stronger.
Overall, I thought Left for Dead was a very entertaining story that hooked me from the beginning, I definitely could NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! I would very highly recommend this book to my fellow readers and to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller. This is the second book I have read by Caroline Mitchell and definitely won't be my last!!!
4.5 stars
July 28, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ not perfect, but reliable and just what I needed!!!
A Victim on Display.
A Detective on the Rails.
Shopping with her sister on a rare day off, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace - until she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth.
This is no stunt. A post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die on her macabre throne for all to see.
When a second victim is found, it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online - and Amy finds herself hunting an accomplished psychopath. As she tracks down the killer, Amy’s instincts go into overdrive when the charismatic head of the agency behind the display makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents.
What does he want from Amy? With her own world in free fall as her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, appeals her conviction, Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure when a third ‘Sugar Babe’ disappears… is she as much at risk as the killer’s victims?
This is the third book in the series and I’ll be honest, you need to read the others to get a full sense of Amy’s backstory. The current storyline you will be fine with and can be read as a standalone but if you like Amy or are interested in her backstory you wont be able to really get a proper feel for her in this one. AND I will tell you the first two really set the sick scene of her childhood in a house of her killing duo parents… YES I SAID IT KILLING DUO PARENTS… so if you are keen on finding out more about that then get stuck in at book one.
Another thing I will be honest with is this is not high end literature, its not going to be the beautiful prose you might like in some other books, AND you will absolutely need to suspend your disbelief. BUT if you can do that and you like a bit of entertainment and a good reliable police procedural that is light on the procedure but heavy on the entertainment then this is for you. The writing is engaging and it does what it’s intended to do… it kind of reminds me a bit of the Louisa Scarr books, those aren’t without their issues and there is a bit of long winded descriptions however, they are fun, entertaining, a bit wild and sick AND we have the underlying romantic suspense. The Amy Winter books though the romance is more in your face its very clear that her and her DCI are full on into each other have already kissed and do have a night together in this book… so if you are here for that then again get stuck into it.
The story was pretty macabre, and I am always intrigued by a cop who has a killer background - her mother is a piece of work. And I don’t mean to overshare but the evilness of Lillian reminds me of my own mother (although my own mother is not a convicted serial killer) so I am hopeful that something awful comes to pass with Lillian 🤣
Overall, Was it perfect - no. Did it do what I hoped and what was intended - absolutely!!! I recommend this to anyone who likes an English Police Procedural with macabre storylines and who likes an easy read. There are so far 5 books in this series and again while I think they could be read standalone I wouldn’t do it… book one is actually quite twisted. I will be moving on to book 4 straight away.
A Victim on Display.
A Detective on the Rails.
Shopping with her sister on a rare day off, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace - until she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth.
This is no stunt. A post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die on her macabre throne for all to see.
When a second victim is found, it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online - and Amy finds herself hunting an accomplished psychopath. As she tracks down the killer, Amy’s instincts go into overdrive when the charismatic head of the agency behind the display makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents.
What does he want from Amy? With her own world in free fall as her biological mother, Lillian Grimes, appeals her conviction, Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure when a third ‘Sugar Babe’ disappears… is she as much at risk as the killer’s victims?
This is the third book in the series and I’ll be honest, you need to read the others to get a full sense of Amy’s backstory. The current storyline you will be fine with and can be read as a standalone but if you like Amy or are interested in her backstory you wont be able to really get a proper feel for her in this one. AND I will tell you the first two really set the sick scene of her childhood in a house of her killing duo parents… YES I SAID IT KILLING DUO PARENTS… so if you are keen on finding out more about that then get stuck in at book one.
Another thing I will be honest with is this is not high end literature, its not going to be the beautiful prose you might like in some other books, AND you will absolutely need to suspend your disbelief. BUT if you can do that and you like a bit of entertainment and a good reliable police procedural that is light on the procedure but heavy on the entertainment then this is for you. The writing is engaging and it does what it’s intended to do… it kind of reminds me a bit of the Louisa Scarr books, those aren’t without their issues and there is a bit of long winded descriptions however, they are fun, entertaining, a bit wild and sick AND we have the underlying romantic suspense. The Amy Winter books though the romance is more in your face its very clear that her and her DCI are full on into each other have already kissed and do have a night together in this book… so if you are here for that then again get stuck into it.
The story was pretty macabre, and I am always intrigued by a cop who has a killer background - her mother is a piece of work. And I don’t mean to overshare but the evilness of Lillian reminds me of my own mother (although my own mother is not a convicted serial killer) so I am hopeful that something awful comes to pass with Lillian 🤣
Overall, Was it perfect - no. Did it do what I hoped and what was intended - absolutely!!! I recommend this to anyone who likes an English Police Procedural with macabre storylines and who likes an easy read. There are so far 5 books in this series and again while I think they could be read standalone I wouldn’t do it… book one is actually quite twisted. I will be moving on to book 4 straight away.
July 13, 2020
This was a really good British crime novel. The characters were well developed and the storyline was very interesting. I do find books regarding serial killers to be quite interesting and I love the take this author has with regards to her serial killer character. This has the potential to be a really great series and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 27, 2020
This is one series of books that I absolutely love. A detective with a serial killer for a mother is always going to grab any crime thriller fans attention. Lillian Grimes as much as I hate her, is a brilliant character and along with Amy, keeps me rushing back for more.
In this story, we get to meet another killer who is very much a psychopath. I adore how this author creates such fantastic characters that keep the reader glued to the pages. The murders are horrific with the killer being extremely twisted. There is an almost cat and mouse feel not just with the killer and the police but with Amy and her biological mother also. It felt almost like a battle of minds.
Even though the story focuses on some of the investigative side of things, the author makes sure there is never a dull moment. We have two threads with Amy investigating her current case as well as having to deal with old ghosts that had me hanging on to every word.
Left For Dead is the perfect read for fans of serial killers. Not only do we get to see the evil that resides in these killers minds but also the affect it has on others that are to close for comfort. You can’t help feel for Amy who wants to put right what her parents have done by doing the job she does but also the inevitable lime light that comes with it which therein causes issues in itself. There were some nice little twists as well as great detective work that made this another winner in the series for me. An absolute must read!
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
In this story, we get to meet another killer who is very much a psychopath. I adore how this author creates such fantastic characters that keep the reader glued to the pages. The murders are horrific with the killer being extremely twisted. There is an almost cat and mouse feel not just with the killer and the police but with Amy and her biological mother also. It felt almost like a battle of minds.
Even though the story focuses on some of the investigative side of things, the author makes sure there is never a dull moment. We have two threads with Amy investigating her current case as well as having to deal with old ghosts that had me hanging on to every word.
Left For Dead is the perfect read for fans of serial killers. Not only do we get to see the evil that resides in these killers minds but also the affect it has on others that are to close for comfort. You can’t help feel for Amy who wants to put right what her parents have done by doing the job she does but also the inevitable lime light that comes with it which therein causes issues in itself. There were some nice little twists as well as great detective work that made this another winner in the series for me. An absolute must read!
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 18, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the third book in the DI Amy Winter series, and it’s been a hot minute since I have hung out with DI Amy Winter and the gang, so I figured it was high time for a catch-up session in Left For Dead. In my reunion with Amy and the gang, the time apart made reconnecting and bonding challenging.
Amy's still rocking that crazy, intriguing backstory with her unique background that adds complexity—being the offspring of serial killers while serving as a law enforcement officer. The family drama there makes for some juicy mother-daughter dynamics.
Our little break might have put a dent in our connection and the series dynamics that I found exciting in the other books, but the compelling case with exciting twists offered a satisfying payoff. So, even though Amy and I needed a minute to get our groove back, diving into this investigation made it one heck of a reunion.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
This is the third book in the DI Amy Winter series, and it’s been a hot minute since I have hung out with DI Amy Winter and the gang, so I figured it was high time for a catch-up session in Left For Dead. In my reunion with Amy and the gang, the time apart made reconnecting and bonding challenging.
Amy's still rocking that crazy, intriguing backstory with her unique background that adds complexity—being the offspring of serial killers while serving as a law enforcement officer. The family drama there makes for some juicy mother-daughter dynamics.
Our little break might have put a dent in our connection and the series dynamics that I found exciting in the other books, but the compelling case with exciting twists offered a satisfying payoff. So, even though Amy and I needed a minute to get our groove back, diving into this investigation made it one heck of a reunion.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
July 8, 2020
Left for Dead is the third instalment in the DI Amy Winter series by former detective Caroline Mitchell and is one of my favourite serial killer thrillers, not least because our protagonist Amy is a whole lot more fascinating than usual given she is the daughter of two notorious serial killers herself. Aged four years old she aided the police in putting both of her birth parents behind bars despite feeling conflicted and was adopted by a new family. But her interest in the motivations of those who kill more than a few times led her to where she is today; working as part of a specialist police unit hunting down serial killers, convicting and incarcerating them. I usually think that most instalments in a series can be read as standalone's without issue but due to Amy’s backstory being such a large, integral part of the plot I highly recommend reading the preceding books before this.
Amy is off duty and taking a leisurely stroll around the centre of town with her older sister when she stops to admire the display of a bridal shop; the mannequin wearing a stunning lace gown and sparkling jewels seems too lifelike to Amy. Taking a closer look she can see blood oozing from the woman's mouth and her eyes are taped open as if to force her to watch those walking by. They later discover a heart etched into her chest. Startled by the brazen and ruthless nature of the body placement in such a public place this is one killer who now has her full attention. The Love Heart Killer first struck 20 years ago locating his victims through a website called Sugar Babes that provides affluent men with ”the girlfriend experience”. On top of this case Smy has to deal with her personal stresses as her twisted birth mother Lillian Grimes has secured a trial to appeal her conviction.
I'll start by saying that this is an unmissable thriller for all those crime connoisseurs out there with each book just getting better and better. The plot is wholly original and inventive and is written in such a manner that the tension steadily builds over time resulting in an explosive ending. It's a real page-turner with a heroine who, due to the dark deeds her family perpetrated, feels even more strongly than her team about gaining justice for the victims and bringing the culprit to heel; she frequently goes rogue and disobeys the orders of her superiors making her an intriguing and engaging character from the get-go. The cat and mouse game between Amy and the killer gets your heart pumping double-time as she races to stop another victim being slain. All in all, this is a riveting thriller I can't recommend highly enough. Many thanks to Amazon for an ARC.
Amy is off duty and taking a leisurely stroll around the centre of town with her older sister when she stops to admire the display of a bridal shop; the mannequin wearing a stunning lace gown and sparkling jewels seems too lifelike to Amy. Taking a closer look she can see blood oozing from the woman's mouth and her eyes are taped open as if to force her to watch those walking by. They later discover a heart etched into her chest. Startled by the brazen and ruthless nature of the body placement in such a public place this is one killer who now has her full attention. The Love Heart Killer first struck 20 years ago locating his victims through a website called Sugar Babes that provides affluent men with ”the girlfriend experience”. On top of this case Smy has to deal with her personal stresses as her twisted birth mother Lillian Grimes has secured a trial to appeal her conviction.
I'll start by saying that this is an unmissable thriller for all those crime connoisseurs out there with each book just getting better and better. The plot is wholly original and inventive and is written in such a manner that the tension steadily builds over time resulting in an explosive ending. It's a real page-turner with a heroine who, due to the dark deeds her family perpetrated, feels even more strongly than her team about gaining justice for the victims and bringing the culprit to heel; she frequently goes rogue and disobeys the orders of her superiors making her an intriguing and engaging character from the get-go. The cat and mouse game between Amy and the killer gets your heart pumping double-time as she races to stop another victim being slain. All in all, this is a riveting thriller I can't recommend highly enough. Many thanks to Amazon for an ARC.
May 6, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the DI Amy Winter series by author Caroline Mitchell and they just keep getting better.
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace. But then she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth. This is not a display but really is a dead body.
The subsequent post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die for all to see. A second victim is found shortly after and it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online.
DI Amy Winter is hunting for a psychopath and her radar is set off by the head of the agency behind the display who makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. Amy's biological mother, Lillian Grimes is currently appealing against her conviction, so her emotions are being pushed to the limits.
Once again the author presents an excellent plot while managing to deal with all the side issues from Amy's personal life without causing any confusion or distraction to the reader. Great plot, excellent characters and so well written.
Surely another successful novel for Caroline Mitchell.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
While shopping with her sister, DI Amy Winter is admiring a Valentine’s Day window display of a perfect bride encrusted in diamonds and resplendent in lace. But then she notices blood oozing from the mannequin’s mouth. This is not a display but really is a dead body.
The subsequent post-mortem reveals the victim was left to die for all to see. A second victim is found shortly after and it emerges that both women were ‘Sugar Babes’ arranging dates with older men online.
DI Amy Winter is hunting for a psychopath and her radar is set off by the head of the agency behind the display who makes no attempt to hide his fascination with her serial-killer parents. Amy's biological mother, Lillian Grimes is currently appealing against her conviction, so her emotions are being pushed to the limits.
Once again the author presents an excellent plot while managing to deal with all the side issues from Amy's personal life without causing any confusion or distraction to the reader. Great plot, excellent characters and so well written.
Surely another successful novel for Caroline Mitchell.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2020
This is the third book in the DI Amy Winter series but it can be read as a stand-alone. It is set around London and Essex. DI Amy Winter stumbles across a stunning shop window display featuring a very lifelike mannequin. Then Amy spots blood dripping from it’s mouth. Get ready for another British crime thriller from Caroline Mitchell.
I thought Left For Dead got off to a very exciting start as the posing of the victim was unusual. I liked how there were chapters devoted to the point of view of the bad guy. The moods the bad guy shared with the reader were creepy and very dark. I still can’t get that song out of my head, Push the Button by the Sugababes.
I liked once again how Caroline captured the cultures within the police service, the interview techniques they use and the regulations they must consider like RIPA - Regulation of Investigatory Powers. Once again mention was made of Amy’s pet, Dotty the Pug.
Sadly Left For Dead follows the format of the second DI Amy Winter book, The Secret Child by switching backwards and forwards in time, letting the reader know a lot more than DI Amy Winter and her team. Yet again the story is bulked out by the appeal of Amy’s birth mother Lillian Grimes. This drags the story down and makes it become a soap opera. I found Left For Dead not as good as her previous books and simply a run of the mill crime drama. From an amazing start Left For Dead became an OKAY read, which I did not enjoy as much as her other books, so it gets a middle score of 3 stars from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
I thought Left For Dead got off to a very exciting start as the posing of the victim was unusual. I liked how there were chapters devoted to the point of view of the bad guy. The moods the bad guy shared with the reader were creepy and very dark. I still can’t get that song out of my head, Push the Button by the Sugababes.
I liked once again how Caroline captured the cultures within the police service, the interview techniques they use and the regulations they must consider like RIPA - Regulation of Investigatory Powers. Once again mention was made of Amy’s pet, Dotty the Pug.
Sadly Left For Dead follows the format of the second DI Amy Winter book, The Secret Child by switching backwards and forwards in time, letting the reader know a lot more than DI Amy Winter and her team. Yet again the story is bulked out by the appeal of Amy’s birth mother Lillian Grimes. This drags the story down and makes it become a soap opera. I found Left For Dead not as good as her previous books and simply a run of the mill crime drama. From an amazing start Left For Dead became an OKAY read, which I did not enjoy as much as her other books, so it gets a middle score of 3 stars from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
December 28, 2020
The writer has shown great storytelling abilities in her last two novels but for me this story just fell short. Mitchell has written strong character development with her main characters except in this book Amy seemed to suffer too many brain farts in the common sense department and Samuel Black came across as a prick and didn't quite seem to carry his role as the penultimate evil villain in the story. But then again I am in the midst of an Edgar Allan Poe marathon and when reading a master of the macabre psychological thriller I got spoiled and expect more from my thriller villains. This story just felt flat in comparison to the previous ones in the series. I did however, like the new side character of Mama Danielle and hope she is utilized in future stories, as well as Amy's relationship evolving with Donovan.
June 13, 2021
Well how do I start this review a 5 plus rating.That was some writing so gripping.The third book in this series and my opinion the best so far so many oh my God moments. This book starts with while shopping with her sister.Amy winter when she noticed a mannequin was a real person.shes on the case of this serial killer who's very cunning.Her life isnt going smoothly as her mother trial is near and to give evidence with her sisters.will she be set free is she evil,or innocent. The ending of this book was very gripping indeed and unexpected which makes it a fantastic read.please read this series if you live crime books.looking forward to book four..
August 31, 2020
Left For Dead is the third book and the first one I have read in the DI Amy Winter series. It can be read as a standalone as far as the main plot of this book is concerned but there is also an ongoing sub-plot which has to do with Amy and her biological parents who were seriel killers and her biological mother currently undergoing a trial to overturn her sentence, and even though there are slight hints at what must have happened in the previous books, I think reading the previous books will help me to better understand this back story in detail. The main plot of this book is about a killer who likes killing young women of a certain physical description and then displaying them as mannequins, a case that DI Amy Winter stumbles upon when she encounters the first body herself while window shopping with her sister and one that, during the investigation, her team discovers echoes a murder that happened almost 20 years ago.
Amy is known as a 'psychopath whisperer' and using her sharp instincts that haven't failed her yet, she figures out who the killer is very early on; however, it is another matter altogether trying to bring the person to justice. In a race against time, Amy needs to decide whether to follow procedures and protocols or to take a risk and venture on her own to catch the killer before it's too late for the latest victim.
This is a well written and plotted police procedural by the author who happens to be a former police detective herself. I liked Amy Winter. Even though being an offspring of seriel killers and criminals of the worse kind, she refuses to let that knowledge weight upon her present and instead uses her instinctive knowledge to her advantage in her role as a sharp, intelligent and fearless DI.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for the e-Arc of the book.
This book was published on 8th July, 2020.
Amy is known as a 'psychopath whisperer' and using her sharp instincts that haven't failed her yet, she figures out who the killer is very early on; however, it is another matter altogether trying to bring the person to justice. In a race against time, Amy needs to decide whether to follow procedures and protocols or to take a risk and venture on her own to catch the killer before it's too late for the latest victim.
This is a well written and plotted police procedural by the author who happens to be a former police detective herself. I liked Amy Winter. Even though being an offspring of seriel killers and criminals of the worse kind, she refuses to let that knowledge weight upon her present and instead uses her instinctive knowledge to her advantage in her role as a sharp, intelligent and fearless DI.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for the e-Arc of the book.
This book was published on 8th July, 2020.
September 20, 2020
This is the 3rd in the series of DI Amy Winters stories.
It made me grateful that I have a divan!
Absolutely chilling stuff a brilliantly written story.
This book needs to do well as it's so good. I would definitely recommend reading the previous 2 to catch up with the back story which is part of Amy's makeup.
You can't help but want to like Amy as she's a stalwart for doing the right thing, even if it means breaking the rules.
I am waiting in anticipation for the next chapter.
Highly recommended.
It made me grateful that I have a divan!
Absolutely chilling stuff a brilliantly written story.
This book needs to do well as it's so good. I would definitely recommend reading the previous 2 to catch up with the back story which is part of Amy's makeup.
You can't help but want to like Amy as she's a stalwart for doing the right thing, even if it means breaking the rules.
I am waiting in anticipation for the next chapter.
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2020
This is the third book in the Amy Winter series but the first I have read. I do have a few of Caroline’s books on my Kindle that I have previously bought – always with the intention of ‘catching up’! Although there is obviously some backstory going here on that I have missed out on, it didn’t stop me enjoying this story as a killer thriller, although I would have had a better understanding of certain aspects had I been been familiar with Amy’s history – just bear in mind if you decide to jump in with this one.
A detective with a biological mother (and deceased father) – both serial killers (known as ‘the Beasts of Brentwood’) – my old stomping ground! 😳 From the backstory given, Amy has a complex relationship with her birth mother, Lillian Grimes, which in turn impacts on her relationships with her two sisters. Amy is pre-occupied with Lillian’s appeal trial and that is a whole other strand to the story. Lillian came over as a despicable character, quite capable of manipulating people when it suited.
Going back to the crimes, the killer here is clever and inventive. Their identity is revealed to the reader early on however this doesn’t make the story any less thrilling; watching the investigation team try to put together pieces of the jigsaw, which includes going back to a historic murder case, and wondering what the killer will do next. Of course it doesn’t just stop at one killing, and the tension mounts as Amy and her colleagues attempt to find out the identity of ‘The Love Heart Killer’ (so called because a heart is carved into the chest of the victims) before the body count rises even further.
Amy has a reckless nature which causes conflict between her and her new boss, DCI Donovan, when at times she crosses the line where procedure is concerned. There is clearly history between the two, both personal and professional, and I enjoyed the way the sparks flew between them (and not always in a good way) when they were together. Amy wants to be left to run things her way and doesn’t want to be babysat however at times she seems to have scant regard for her own safety if it means getting justice for victims. Clearly having Lillian for a mother has far reaching consequences!
Left for Dead was a very enjoyable read which I raced through. Set between London and Essex, it had a well-paced plot, a twisted and devious killer and two very engaging detectives that I would like to meet again.
A detective with a biological mother (and deceased father) – both serial killers (known as ‘the Beasts of Brentwood’) – my old stomping ground! 😳 From the backstory given, Amy has a complex relationship with her birth mother, Lillian Grimes, which in turn impacts on her relationships with her two sisters. Amy is pre-occupied with Lillian’s appeal trial and that is a whole other strand to the story. Lillian came over as a despicable character, quite capable of manipulating people when it suited.
Going back to the crimes, the killer here is clever and inventive. Their identity is revealed to the reader early on however this doesn’t make the story any less thrilling; watching the investigation team try to put together pieces of the jigsaw, which includes going back to a historic murder case, and wondering what the killer will do next. Of course it doesn’t just stop at one killing, and the tension mounts as Amy and her colleagues attempt to find out the identity of ‘The Love Heart Killer’ (so called because a heart is carved into the chest of the victims) before the body count rises even further.
Amy has a reckless nature which causes conflict between her and her new boss, DCI Donovan, when at times she crosses the line where procedure is concerned. There is clearly history between the two, both personal and professional, and I enjoyed the way the sparks flew between them (and not always in a good way) when they were together. Amy wants to be left to run things her way and doesn’t want to be babysat however at times she seems to have scant regard for her own safety if it means getting justice for victims. Clearly having Lillian for a mother has far reaching consequences!
Left for Dead was a very enjoyable read which I raced through. Set between London and Essex, it had a well-paced plot, a twisted and devious killer and two very engaging detectives that I would like to meet again.
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