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DS Jenna Morgan #3
What She Saw
Why does someone want the Lawrence family dead?
The Lawrence’s were the perfect family; successful, beautiful, and happy until one night their whole world was ripped apart.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the suspected arson attack and death of the Lawrence family at the charred remains of their stunning home, Kimble Hall.
The case takes a sinister turn as the body count fails to tally.
Suspecting that someone may have survived the inferno, DS Morgan and her team need to discover whether they have a witness, or someone far more dangerous.
Who set the fire? Who wanted this family extinguished beyond recognition?
As the case progresses, DS Morgan realises she has a calculating, cold-blooded killer on her hands, and the race is on to track them down before they kill again...
The Lawrence’s were the perfect family; successful, beautiful, and happy until one night their whole world was ripped apart.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the suspected arson attack and death of the Lawrence family at the charred remains of their stunning home, Kimble Hall.
The case takes a sinister turn as the body count fails to tally.
Suspecting that someone may have survived the inferno, DS Morgan and her team need to discover whether they have a witness, or someone far more dangerous.
Who set the fire? Who wanted this family extinguished beyond recognition?
As the case progresses, DS Morgan realises she has a calculating, cold-blooded killer on her hands, and the race is on to track them down before they kill again...
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
177 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Diane Saxon
31 books373 followersDiane Saxon lives in the Shropshire countryside with her tall, dark, handsome husband. She has two gorgeous daughters, a Dalmatian, two cats, numerous rare breed chickens, and grandfurbabies too.
After working for years in a demanding job, Diane gave it up when her husband said, “Follow that dream.” She subsequently had 12 romances published for the U.S. market then turned to the dark side with her psychological thrillers published through Boldwood Books.
Nominated for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2024 and an International No 1 Amazon Bestseller, Diane never regrets living her second life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
September 29, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
If there was one thing Jenna had learnt in her career, it was don’t piss off the receptionist. They were the door-openers of life and they knew everything.
If there was one sound that would make her freeze her arse to the spot, it was that of Blue, a highly trained police search and drugs dog. He may not be one of their attack dogs, but that didn’t mean to say he didn’t have long, sharp teeth he’d willingly sink into human flesh should the need arise, and the command be given… Jenna held still as Blue moved past her, sniffed Lamonte from the ankles, all the way up the length of his legs, and ended up with his nose in the man’s crotch. Lamonte might have attitude, but he never twitched a muscle, didn’t so much as breathe as fear whipped through his eyes. She had to admire the dog’s style. There wasn’t a man on earth who would do anything different when his tackle was quite clearly at risk.
My Review:
I enjoyed this police procedural/thriller. It had an interesting premise and strong storylines, a strong female kickass main character, hits of humor, interesting and endearing secondary characters, a sociopath for a villain, wizened and amusing octogenarians, and clever animals. I adored the elderly retired farming couple best of all as the mister was my granddad all the way to the ground, but without the accent.
The storylines were engaging and throbbed with tension and impending peril as well as family drama and police unit banter and camaraderie. The writing was easy to follow and the plot was active and eventful on all fronts.
And it has been a good while since I have been able to add to my Brit Word List and I found a treasure with wassock, which can also be spelled as wazzock. The Oxford English Dictionary defined wazzock as “British slang, originating in the north, meaning a stupid or annoying person - basically an idiot.” I cannot wait to put this little nugget to good use.
If there was one thing Jenna had learnt in her career, it was don’t piss off the receptionist. They were the door-openers of life and they knew everything.
If there was one sound that would make her freeze her arse to the spot, it was that of Blue, a highly trained police search and drugs dog. He may not be one of their attack dogs, but that didn’t mean to say he didn’t have long, sharp teeth he’d willingly sink into human flesh should the need arise, and the command be given… Jenna held still as Blue moved past her, sniffed Lamonte from the ankles, all the way up the length of his legs, and ended up with his nose in the man’s crotch. Lamonte might have attitude, but he never twitched a muscle, didn’t so much as breathe as fear whipped through his eyes. She had to admire the dog’s style. There wasn’t a man on earth who would do anything different when his tackle was quite clearly at risk.
My Review:
I enjoyed this police procedural/thriller. It had an interesting premise and strong storylines, a strong female kickass main character, hits of humor, interesting and endearing secondary characters, a sociopath for a villain, wizened and amusing octogenarians, and clever animals. I adored the elderly retired farming couple best of all as the mister was my granddad all the way to the ground, but without the accent.
The storylines were engaging and throbbed with tension and impending peril as well as family drama and police unit banter and camaraderie. The writing was easy to follow and the plot was active and eventful on all fronts.
And it has been a good while since I have been able to add to my Brit Word List and I found a treasure with wassock, which can also be spelled as wazzock. The Oxford English Dictionary defined wazzock as “British slang, originating in the north, meaning a stupid or annoying person - basically an idiot.” I cannot wait to put this little nugget to good use.
January 19, 2021
It starts with a horrific shooting ... father, mother, twin girls, young son, teenage daughter. The house was then burned to the ground. But there's something strange .. th ebody count doesn't tally. Is the missing family member a victim... a witness ... or a murderer?
Who wanted this family extinguished beyond recognition?
It's a riveting cases for DS Jenna Morgan and her efficient team. There were no witnesses that they know of ... no motive ... and no clues as to why.
This is a fast-paced page-turner. Action and suspense starts on the very first page and holds steady until the unexpected conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn .. warts and all. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I do recommend reading in order ... just to pick up those nuggets that make this an intriguing series.
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Who wanted this family extinguished beyond recognition?
It's a riveting cases for DS Jenna Morgan and her efficient team. There were no witnesses that they know of ... no motive ... and no clues as to why.
This is a fast-paced page-turner. Action and suspense starts on the very first page and holds steady until the unexpected conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn .. warts and all. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I do recommend reading in order ... just to pick up those nuggets that make this an intriguing series.
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 22, 2020
What She Saw is the third instalment in the Detective Sargeant Jenna Morgan series, set in Shropshire, England. For all intents and purposes, the Lawrence family had seemingly picture-perfect lives. Highly successful and loaded with cash, they own a large estate known as Kimble Hall. It's the middle of the night and DS Morgan is called to the scene of an intensive blaze and suspected arson at Kimble Hall where shots had also been ringing out from a little earlier and not long before the fire was reported. When they finally get it under control they discover the ashes of what they presume to be Gordon Lawrence, his wife and four children but they soon find that the body count doesn't match. It seemed someone managed to escape. DS Morgan and her colleagues DC Mason Ellis and DC Ryan Downey quickly come to the realisation that they have a bold and cold-blooded serial killer on their hands. Who exactly is unaccounted for and where did they disappear to? Who is responsible for the killings and can they be apprehended before they kill again?
This is a compulsive and thoroughly captivating police procedural with ample twists and turns and good use of misdirection throughout. It begins with an almighty bang and continues to surprise as the thriller progresses. I really liked how Saxon strikes the perfect balance between the crimes and Jenna’s personal life and both are equally as compelling which is unusual. It’s exceptionally well written, plotted and paced and I found myself unable to tear myself away and as a consequence read it all in a single tense sitting. There is bags of suspense and action wrapped up in a thrillingly plotted story and the icing on the cake is our likeable and flawed protagonist who I certainly hope to see grow more in the future. There are two different threads to the plot and both held my interest throughout and both provide plenty of palpable tension and shocking revelations which have you gasping out loud. The conclusion was very emotional and quite heartbreaking and I certainly didn't expect to feel a little bit teary. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.
This is a compulsive and thoroughly captivating police procedural with ample twists and turns and good use of misdirection throughout. It begins with an almighty bang and continues to surprise as the thriller progresses. I really liked how Saxon strikes the perfect balance between the crimes and Jenna’s personal life and both are equally as compelling which is unusual. It’s exceptionally well written, plotted and paced and I found myself unable to tear myself away and as a consequence read it all in a single tense sitting. There is bags of suspense and action wrapped up in a thrillingly plotted story and the icing on the cake is our likeable and flawed protagonist who I certainly hope to see grow more in the future. There are two different threads to the plot and both held my interest throughout and both provide plenty of palpable tension and shocking revelations which have you gasping out loud. The conclusion was very emotional and quite heartbreaking and I certainly didn't expect to feel a little bit teary. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.
September 16, 2020
Gordon Lawrence kills his family and sets the house on fire, but Poppy, his teenage daughter, escapes.
Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the case and she is determined to find the killer. At some point, I lost interest in the story, but I want to continue to read Diane Saxons books.
Thanks, Netgalley for this book.
Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the case and she is determined to find the killer. At some point, I lost interest in the story, but I want to continue to read Diane Saxons books.
Thanks, Netgalley for this book.
August 22, 2020
The Lawrence’s were the perfect family; successful and beautiful until one night their whole world was ripped apart. Gordon Lawrence kills his entire family and sets the house on fire. But Poppy, his teenage daughter, escapes.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the suspected arson attack and death of the Lawrence family at the charred remains of their stunning home. As the case progresses, DS Morgan realises she has a calculating, cold-blooded killer on her hands, and the race is on to track them down before they kill again...
I was attracted to this book due to it's intriguing premise and attractive book cover.
The book begins with a bang, which had me excited but as the story progressed there were times when I lost interest and my attention wavered. The characters in the book were okay. While the twists and the action at the end of the book are good, I just wish that there was something more in the middle chapters.
Thank You to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the suspected arson attack and death of the Lawrence family at the charred remains of their stunning home. As the case progresses, DS Morgan realises she has a calculating, cold-blooded killer on her hands, and the race is on to track them down before they kill again...
I was attracted to this book due to it's intriguing premise and attractive book cover.
The book begins with a bang, which had me excited but as the story progressed there were times when I lost interest and my attention wavered. The characters in the book were okay. While the twists and the action at the end of the book are good, I just wish that there was something more in the middle chapters.
Thank You to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!
July 21, 2020
am a big fan of this author and she never disappoints . this is a must read . Gordon Lawrence is a bully and a controller of his wife and children his wife puts on a family 40th party for him . Poppy sneaks her boyfriend back in and Gordon catches them . he kills all his family and puts the house on fire but Poppy escapes detective sergeant jenna morgan and Mason are called out to the fire . .i so love Domino the dog he so funny . Ryan is such a good character the 2 of them together make a good team wont say no more parts give me the giggles and one part i cried in i so recommend this series a must read very gripping
December 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, the author really knows what a reader wants!
I've enjoyed the authors previous books and I think that they are getting better and better.
I love how the main characters are protective of each other, they're likeable and feel very real.
This had a great storyline that kept me gripped and a separate one that added even more to the story and I felt excited as to how it would all end.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to Boldwood Books via NetGalley
I've enjoyed the authors previous books and I think that they are getting better and better.
I love how the main characters are protective of each other, they're likeable and feel very real.
This had a great storyline that kept me gripped and a separate one that added even more to the story and I felt excited as to how it would all end.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to Boldwood Books via NetGalley
August 8, 2020
Wow! This is a roller coaster ride of a book!
It started off with an amazing opening chapter, completely hooking me in and grabbing my attention.
From there, we followed a great bit of police procedure, which I thought was ingenious, as sometimes the speed of these investigations in some books are just unbelievably quick. I loved the way they were linked together.
An excellently researched book which I was impressed with too.
All in all, a cracking book,one which I would highly recommend.
My first book by Diane Saxon
It started off with an amazing opening chapter, completely hooking me in and grabbing my attention.
From there, we followed a great bit of police procedure, which I thought was ingenious, as sometimes the speed of these investigations in some books are just unbelievably quick. I loved the way they were linked together.
An excellently researched book which I was impressed with too.
All in all, a cracking book,one which I would highly recommend.
My first book by Diane Saxon
May 24, 2022
*Fast paced Ending*
The occupants of the stunning home of Kimble Hall are in for a shocking night. They seemed like a happy family, but who knows what goes on behind closed doors.
On this fateful night a whole family is obliterated. The suspect is not content with that so they set the home alight to leave nothing to chance.
DS Jenner Morgan and her team are called in to investigate a suspected arson attack and possible death of the family.
As the bodies stack up the numbers do not add up…. Is the suspect still at large? Or have they made a mistake by leaving a vital piece of evidence…. What is the motivation?…
This was a slow build for me full of frustrations until the nail biting ending…
The only downside for me was understanding the full motivation and reasoning for this horrific crimes
The occupants of the stunning home of Kimble Hall are in for a shocking night. They seemed like a happy family, but who knows what goes on behind closed doors.
On this fateful night a whole family is obliterated. The suspect is not content with that so they set the home alight to leave nothing to chance.
DS Jenner Morgan and her team are called in to investigate a suspected arson attack and possible death of the family.
As the bodies stack up the numbers do not add up…. Is the suspect still at large? Or have they made a mistake by leaving a vital piece of evidence…. What is the motivation?…
This was a slow build for me full of frustrations until the nail biting ending…
The only downside for me was understanding the full motivation and reasoning for this horrific crimes
December 27, 2020
I liked parts of the book where the investigation was shown. The beginning was kickass and graphic and I really wanted the cops to find the truth.
Detective Jenna was called to investigate it. Certain moments were quite captivating. I liked how the team worked.
I would have liked more suspense and something which caused my heart to beat faster. The twists, in the end, were great.
Overall, it was a good read.
Detective Jenna was called to investigate it. Certain moments were quite captivating. I liked how the team worked.
I would have liked more suspense and something which caused my heart to beat faster. The twists, in the end, were great.
Overall, it was a good read.
May 18, 2023
DS Jenna Morgan #3
This book focuses on Jenna and her team, you spend a lot of time with them while the crime feels secondary. The crime in this book involves a family murder that leaves a young girl running for her life – all happening in the background while Jenna and the team face various other challenges.
If you have been following the series, this book leaves you with an insight into Jenna and her team. It’s an entertaining, quick read.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I was forced to spread my listening time out a little, I did not have enough time available to listen consistently. Unfortunately, that was not a good idea. I did not find myself hooked on this story, the crime felt secondary and there was a lot of other stuff going on. While I try not to be negative, this was not my favourite book in the Jenna Morgan series.
Jenna Morgan is called to a house fire – the fire is so bad it takes two days before the fire department will allow anyone access to the property. When the police finally manage to get into the house, they discover five bodies. It appears as if all but one of the family members died in the fire…. However, each body is found with a firearm left beside them. Could this be a robbery gone wrong? Jenna believes the missing family member has the answers she is looking for if only she could find her.
Jenna Morgan is her usual self in this story. Her love life is going well, her relationship with her sister is good and she enjoys working with her partners. She is still picking fights with junior officers and is determined to make sure everyone follows the rules – no matter how small.
If you have been following the series, you will enjoy getting to know Jenna and her team better in this book.
https://featzreviews.com/what-she-saw...
This book focuses on Jenna and her team, you spend a lot of time with them while the crime feels secondary. The crime in this book involves a family murder that leaves a young girl running for her life – all happening in the background while Jenna and the team face various other challenges.
If you have been following the series, this book leaves you with an insight into Jenna and her team. It’s an entertaining, quick read.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I was forced to spread my listening time out a little, I did not have enough time available to listen consistently. Unfortunately, that was not a good idea. I did not find myself hooked on this story, the crime felt secondary and there was a lot of other stuff going on. While I try not to be negative, this was not my favourite book in the Jenna Morgan series.
Jenna Morgan is called to a house fire – the fire is so bad it takes two days before the fire department will allow anyone access to the property. When the police finally manage to get into the house, they discover five bodies. It appears as if all but one of the family members died in the fire…. However, each body is found with a firearm left beside them. Could this be a robbery gone wrong? Jenna believes the missing family member has the answers she is looking for if only she could find her.
Jenna Morgan is her usual self in this story. Her love life is going well, her relationship with her sister is good and she enjoys working with her partners. She is still picking fights with junior officers and is determined to make sure everyone follows the rules – no matter how small.
If you have been following the series, you will enjoy getting to know Jenna and her team better in this book.
https://featzreviews.com/what-she-saw...
August 10, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of What She Saw, the third novel to feature DS Jenna Morgan of the Shropshire Police.
When the Alexander home goes up in flames Jenna is asked to investigate. The discovery of bodies in the ashes adds to the puzzle of what happened as the count doesn’t match. It seems that someone escaped.
What She Saw is a bit of a mixed bag. It starts with a bang, literally, as a whole family is wiped out. It certainly captures the reader’s attention but the downside to this is that from there on the reader is following Jenna’s catch up on events, rather than participating. And even then there isn’t much catch up with a major chunk of the novel devoted to unrelated investigations.
I think the novel is based on a true incident from a few years ago so I can understand the motive but for a novel billed as a psychological thriller it doesn’t dig into the motive or spend much time with the perpetrator. The novel concentrates on Jenna and her activities as a Detective Sergeant but isn’t really a police procedural either. I must admit I winced when she put her boot on a suspect’s neck.
Having said that I like Jenna on my first meeting with her. She is smart, tough and dedicated and yet, has a softer side with an ability to laugh at herself.
What She Saw is a solid read.
When the Alexander home goes up in flames Jenna is asked to investigate. The discovery of bodies in the ashes adds to the puzzle of what happened as the count doesn’t match. It seems that someone escaped.
What She Saw is a bit of a mixed bag. It starts with a bang, literally, as a whole family is wiped out. It certainly captures the reader’s attention but the downside to this is that from there on the reader is following Jenna’s catch up on events, rather than participating. And even then there isn’t much catch up with a major chunk of the novel devoted to unrelated investigations.
I think the novel is based on a true incident from a few years ago so I can understand the motive but for a novel billed as a psychological thriller it doesn’t dig into the motive or spend much time with the perpetrator. The novel concentrates on Jenna and her activities as a Detective Sergeant but isn’t really a police procedural either. I must admit I winced when she put her boot on a suspect’s neck.
Having said that I like Jenna on my first meeting with her. She is smart, tough and dedicated and yet, has a softer side with an ability to laugh at herself.
What She Saw is a solid read.
July 22, 2020
I’m torn on this one. I loved Copycat, the previous novel in this series I recently read, and was looking forward to another absorbing mystery for Detective Jenna Morgan and her team to solve. To be honest, I may not have finished it if I hadn’t committed to a review and my enjoyment of the earlier story. It had a lot of padding and really wasn’t as gripping or tense as I expected. Sorry.
September 27, 2020
What She Saw
is the third instalment in the Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan series, set in Shropshire, England. Even though I have yet to read the first two books, I jumped at the chance to read this one, and I'm so pleased I did!
The story opens with teenager, Poppy, lying on her bedroom floor along with her dead boyfriend, Aiden, looking at her father who has just shot them. As Poppy plays dead her father continues his mission to kill the rest of the Lawrence family before setting fire to their home - Kimble Hall.
This exciting start set the tone for the whole book and I was totally hooked. DS Jenna Morgan lives with her sister, Fliss, who is currently dating Jenna's work partner, DS Mason Ellis. As Jenna and Mason investigate, Diane Saxon strikes a great balance between the crimes and Jenna’s personal life and both are compelling to read. This captivating police procedural is very well plotted and paced and I found Jenna to be a likeable protagonist, though she was certainly not perfect.
With numerous twists and good use of misdirection throughout, What She Saw held my interest. As the tension levels peaked, the shocking revelations left me reeling. A magnificent very highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story opens with teenager, Poppy, lying on her bedroom floor along with her dead boyfriend, Aiden, looking at her father who has just shot them. As Poppy plays dead her father continues his mission to kill the rest of the Lawrence family before setting fire to their home - Kimble Hall.
This exciting start set the tone for the whole book and I was totally hooked. DS Jenna Morgan lives with her sister, Fliss, who is currently dating Jenna's work partner, DS Mason Ellis. As Jenna and Mason investigate, Diane Saxon strikes a great balance between the crimes and Jenna’s personal life and both are compelling to read. This captivating police procedural is very well plotted and paced and I found Jenna to be a likeable protagonist, though she was certainly not perfect.
With numerous twists and good use of misdirection throughout, What She Saw held my interest. As the tension levels peaked, the shocking revelations left me reeling. A magnificent very highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 2, 2020
4 Stars from me
A brutal description of the murder of the Lawrence family sets the tone for What She Saw, leaving the reader in no doubt that this book is going to be a pacy and gripping crime thriller.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan also sets her stall out early and it is easy to get sense of who she is and what makes her tick. Her strength and determination is apparent, as are her flaws, which makes her an easy character to like and feel on side with. She becomes a very real person very quickly - the author does an excellent job of making her feel like someone the readers knows inside and out.
I won't go into too much detail about the storyline itself as I don't want to give any spoilers but suffice it to say that this is as much a police procedural as it is a crime thriller and I found the whole thing to be thoroughly engaging.
As well as liking Jenna, I thought DC Mason Ellis was a great character and I really enjoyed their interactions. The side story with the dogs was fabulous! Also loved the little old lady.
A brutal description of the murder of the Lawrence family sets the tone for What She Saw, leaving the reader in no doubt that this book is going to be a pacy and gripping crime thriller.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan also sets her stall out early and it is easy to get sense of who she is and what makes her tick. Her strength and determination is apparent, as are her flaws, which makes her an easy character to like and feel on side with. She becomes a very real person very quickly - the author does an excellent job of making her feel like someone the readers knows inside and out.
I won't go into too much detail about the storyline itself as I don't want to give any spoilers but suffice it to say that this is as much a police procedural as it is a crime thriller and I found the whole thing to be thoroughly engaging.
As well as liking Jenna, I thought DC Mason Ellis was a great character and I really enjoyed their interactions. The side story with the dogs was fabulous! Also loved the little old lady.
July 27, 2020
I hate to leave negative reviews but I really did not enjoy this book. It starts off with a great deal of action- a father kills his entire family and sets the house on fire. Then the detective, Jenna; enters the book, and the story just gets boring. Though there is a culmination to the fire/murder story line at the end of the book it's not really surprising or mysterious, and the rest of the book focuses on mundane details and Jenna's interpersonal relationships that have little to do with that plot line.
This story had promise but so much of the book is spent on unnecessary details and/or tertiary plot lines that I found myself skimming pages in order to just get through the book. Sadly, the story never picked up the pace again.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review- I am sorry to say that I will not recommend this one to others.
This story had promise but so much of the book is spent on unnecessary details and/or tertiary plot lines that I found myself skimming pages in order to just get through the book. Sadly, the story never picked up the pace again.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review- I am sorry to say that I will not recommend this one to others.
September 20, 2020
First, I want to thank Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review!
WOW!! Diane Saxon’s latest book What She Saw reads like a story ripped from the headlines!! A headline that shocks you in disbelief and rocks you to your core. What She Saw as the title is spot on. What poor Poppy saw no child should see!!
The cover of this book originally caught my attention. The picture and the colors were spot on. The fact that a small stuffed doll was lying all alone in the road pulled on my heartstrings big time.
To my Aunty Letty, my dad’s youngest sibling. A lady I aspire to be when I grow up.
I Intently was submerged into the book with all the detailed graphics, description and the storyline. Diane did an unbelievable job drawing out all of the emotions of each of the characters. Polly especially I felt the strongest about this and felt for her the most.
This is not an easy read by any means. This is a tragic story with some graphic violent scenes in it. If this bothers you this may not be the best book to put on your TBR list. However, I loved it and couldn’t get enough of it.
I appreciated that Diane took the time to do a background and research check on weaponry, fires and police procedures. It made a difference in her book.
Diane has an incredible gift writing in this genre. This is my first time reading and reviewing for her and it won’t be my last. I was truly blown away by this mind blowing story.
WOW!! Diane Saxon’s latest book What She Saw reads like a story ripped from the headlines!! A headline that shocks you in disbelief and rocks you to your core. What She Saw as the title is spot on. What poor Poppy saw no child should see!!
The cover of this book originally caught my attention. The picture and the colors were spot on. The fact that a small stuffed doll was lying all alone in the road pulled on my heartstrings big time.
To my Aunty Letty, my dad’s youngest sibling. A lady I aspire to be when I grow up.
I Intently was submerged into the book with all the detailed graphics, description and the storyline. Diane did an unbelievable job drawing out all of the emotions of each of the characters. Polly especially I felt the strongest about this and felt for her the most.
This is not an easy read by any means. This is a tragic story with some graphic violent scenes in it. If this bothers you this may not be the best book to put on your TBR list. However, I loved it and couldn’t get enough of it.
I appreciated that Diane took the time to do a background and research check on weaponry, fires and police procedures. It made a difference in her book.
Diane has an incredible gift writing in this genre. This is my first time reading and reviewing for her and it won’t be my last. I was truly blown away by this mind blowing story.
July 22, 2022
Talking about a brutal start! The story begins with a man, Gordon Lawrence, talking to himself about how everything was carefully planned and thought through, and now, the time has come to execute his plan; after spending his birthday party with his family, he grabs his shotgun and guns, and starts killing every member of his family, his wife, his son, his twins girls, his older teenage daughter Poppy, and her boyfriend, who she sneaked in the house to have sex and he caught them, once that was completed, burn the house down, but then…
‘Daddy? Daddy shot me’ Poppy isn’t dead, laying still on the floor, listening how his father drags her boyfriend’s dead body out of her room, he doesn’t come back, and then, she hears another shot…
Detective Sargent Jenna Morgan, gets called at night to attend a horrible scene, a house on fire, a terrible fire that the fire department struggles to put it out, burning like an inferno they start to indagate who does it belong to, how lives there? Were the occupants inside the house? Was it premeditated?
This is a fast-moving story, kept me hooked from beginning to end, I like all the characters, the sequence of the story was easy to follow, I loved domino, the dog drug pusher, that cracked me up. I really enjoyed the story, it was ripping, thrilling, funny, sad, it had a bit of everything
‘Daddy? Daddy shot me’ Poppy isn’t dead, laying still on the floor, listening how his father drags her boyfriend’s dead body out of her room, he doesn’t come back, and then, she hears another shot…
Detective Sargent Jenna Morgan, gets called at night to attend a horrible scene, a house on fire, a terrible fire that the fire department struggles to put it out, burning like an inferno they start to indagate who does it belong to, how lives there? Were the occupants inside the house? Was it premeditated?
This is a fast-moving story, kept me hooked from beginning to end, I like all the characters, the sequence of the story was easy to follow, I loved domino, the dog drug pusher, that cracked me up. I really enjoyed the story, it was ripping, thrilling, funny, sad, it had a bit of everything
November 25, 2021
I hate to leave a bad review. I’ll leave an honest review though.
The story started off at a really fast pace, thrilling exciting and disturbing. Somehow though enter detective and it became a mundane day to day, peppered with a lot of bad puns. I listened to the audible, so perhaps it was the reading that was off? I’m unsure, sadly this bored me a bit, I wish it hadn’t.
The story started off at a really fast pace, thrilling exciting and disturbing. Somehow though enter detective and it became a mundane day to day, peppered with a lot of bad puns. I listened to the audible, so perhaps it was the reading that was off? I’m unsure, sadly this bored me a bit, I wish it hadn’t.
July 24, 2020
After a good opening and a great premise the story fizzled out. This is not a psychological thriller and fell short as a police procedural. The intervening part with the dogs was nice. Was skipping pages to complete it for a review on netgalley. Sorry to the author and the publisher.
August 12, 2021
I would like to thank Boldwood books and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book which is the third book in the series: "DS Jenna Morgan".
It seems that someone wants the Lawrence family dead.
We find the detective Jenna Morgan who investigates an arson where the Lawrence family has perished.
Except that the number of deaths in this fire is increasing. The police will immediately seek if someone could survive the fire or potential witnesses. They ask themselves a lot of questions, why was the fire set? Who wanted this family to die, making them unrecognizable? Detective Morgan will have to do everything to find this ruthless killer quickly.
A book read in one sitting, I was immediately hooked on the story, so moving in some parts, captivating, addictive, gripping, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. Can't wait to read the whole series.
It seems that someone wants the Lawrence family dead.
We find the detective Jenna Morgan who investigates an arson where the Lawrence family has perished.
Except that the number of deaths in this fire is increasing. The police will immediately seek if someone could survive the fire or potential witnesses. They ask themselves a lot of questions, why was the fire set? Who wanted this family to die, making them unrecognizable? Detective Morgan will have to do everything to find this ruthless killer quickly.
A book read in one sitting, I was immediately hooked on the story, so moving in some parts, captivating, addictive, gripping, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. Can't wait to read the whole series.
August 11, 2023
I really like this author and I love a good murder mystery. Since I know the many of the main and supporting characters it is easy to get into the book because there is not many additional characters to learn. There is always a nice little twist for most of her books but I could see where this was going for most of the book so there was not too much surprise. There was two different story lines but they do tie them up nicely in the end. Again, unlike her other books I would not call this as much of a mystery. The book open up dramatically but from there on you know who its going to end. I liked the book but I would have enjoyed more mystery. I felt like the author was reaching for a story line. Hoping #4 is much better n the mystery side of things.
October 31, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book by Diane Saxon.
This was a 5 star read for me as it was a well written amazing book to read, it made me want more as to why i read within 24 hours of reading so well done for this Diane Saxon, you really enthralled me into this book and I could imagine what it is like to be in the story so well done for this i really enjoyed it. Defintiely recommend to anyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a 5 star read for me as it was a well written amazing book to read, it made me want more as to why i read within 24 hours of reading so well done for this Diane Saxon, you really enthralled me into this book and I could imagine what it is like to be in the story so well done for this i really enjoyed it. Defintiely recommend to anyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 14, 2020
The new D.S. Jenna Morgan
set in Shropshire
what a brilliant start for this book. i had knots in my stomach reading.
Poppy Lawrence, and what she saw is harrowing, the oldest child of brutal Gordon Lawrence, going on a shooting spree through his family home Kimble Hall. Poppy is suffering a big loss and flees away escapes.
Jenna and Mason are called in after the house is up in flames and need to discover who are inside.
this is one nasty business, he wasnt a well liked man. this book will freak and grip you. so who did set the fire? so many twists and turns are in store.
its a race against time for Poppy is death only a step away and can she be saved?
oh my ive just about said it all about this book. highly recommend to all readers. the characters have been drawn into me from the author. it will definitely leave you on tenderhooks.
absolutely fabulous .
set in Shropshire
what a brilliant start for this book. i had knots in my stomach reading.
Poppy Lawrence, and what she saw is harrowing, the oldest child of brutal Gordon Lawrence, going on a shooting spree through his family home Kimble Hall. Poppy is suffering a big loss and flees away escapes.
Jenna and Mason are called in after the house is up in flames and need to discover who are inside.
this is one nasty business, he wasnt a well liked man. this book will freak and grip you. so who did set the fire? so many twists and turns are in store.
its a race against time for Poppy is death only a step away and can she be saved?
oh my ive just about said it all about this book. highly recommend to all readers. the characters have been drawn into me from the author. it will definitely leave you on tenderhooks.
absolutely fabulous .
October 15, 2022
Lettura piacevole però fa chiaramente parte di una serie di libri sulla protagonista Jenna Morgan. Infatti ci sono parecchi riferimenti a indagini precedenti e la fine del libro lascia in sospeso alcune situazioni. Mi piacerebbe leggere i libri della serie partendo dal primo.
November 24, 2022
Book 3 of the series. This was the one that took me less time to get through. I'm not sure if it was because there was two cases in this book, we weren't fully focused on the main crime and there was always something going on. I definitely enjoyed this story the most so far. I'm hoping we find out more about the drug side of this book, because that has left us with unanswered questions. However, all in all, a 4 star read.
December 21, 2021
The series gets better and better two stories in this one running together very good book now going to move onto the last in the series
July 21, 2022
It started a little bit slow, but after a few chapters it was getting better and better. This is one of those stories that you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Honestly, brilliantly written.
January 17, 2023
Bit tedious in places but a decent read overall. Loved the ending
October 1, 2020
TRIGGER: Murdering children in cold blood
This book is not for the faint hearted. It is quite brutal.
It had been Gordon's 45th birthday party and he needed to protect his family from a world without him in it. The only way he knew how to do this was to kill them. He started with his wife, then his 14 year old son, followed by his 8 year old sleeping twins and lastly his daughter Poppy and her boyfriend Aiden who were involved in a naked romantic tryst in her bed. However, the shot to Poppy wasnt a deadly shot and she proved harder for him to finish off.
The police are called when the house is reported as being on fire and the book follows the police investigation into the arsen attack. The discovery of the bodies means that there are people missing and they realise that they need to get the killer caught before he strikes again.
In the investigation a drugs ring is uncovered and the survival of Poppy is at stake.
A must read for fans of police crime and a book that had me invested.
This book is not for the faint hearted. It is quite brutal.
It had been Gordon's 45th birthday party and he needed to protect his family from a world without him in it. The only way he knew how to do this was to kill them. He started with his wife, then his 14 year old son, followed by his 8 year old sleeping twins and lastly his daughter Poppy and her boyfriend Aiden who were involved in a naked romantic tryst in her bed. However, the shot to Poppy wasnt a deadly shot and she proved harder for him to finish off.
The police are called when the house is reported as being on fire and the book follows the police investigation into the arsen attack. The discovery of the bodies means that there are people missing and they realise that they need to get the killer caught before he strikes again.
In the investigation a drugs ring is uncovered and the survival of Poppy is at stake.
A must read for fans of police crime and a book that had me invested.
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