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Detective Natalie Ward #7
Somebody's Daughter
One by one the girls disappeared…
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered strangled in a parking lot, shards of ice form in Detective Natalie Ward’s veins. As Natalie looks at the freckles scattered on her cheeks and the pale pink lips tinged with blue, she remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter…
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. Natalie’s heart sinks further when it becomes clear that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another vulnerable girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these scared and lonely girls.
But when a wealthy young woman is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘guilty’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realises that the case is more complex than she first thought. Determined to establish a connection between her three victims, Natalie wastes no time in chasing down the evidence, tracing everyone who crossed their paths. Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal, a mole in Natalie’s department leaks vital information and everything seems to be against her. Can Natalie stop this clever and manipulative killer before they strike again?
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered strangled in a parking lot, shards of ice form in Detective Natalie Ward’s veins. As Natalie looks at the freckles scattered on her cheeks and the pale pink lips tinged with blue, she remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter…
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. Natalie’s heart sinks further when it becomes clear that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another vulnerable girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these scared and lonely girls.
But when a wealthy young woman is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘guilty’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realises that the case is more complex than she first thought. Determined to establish a connection between her three victims, Natalie wastes no time in chasing down the evidence, tracing everyone who crossed their paths. Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal, a mole in Natalie’s department leaks vital information and everything seems to be against her. Can Natalie stop this clever and manipulative killer before they strike again?
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2020
1122 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,236 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
June 8, 2020
The death toll mounts in Samford, including two runaway teenage daughters. This is s very difficult case in a multitude of ways for DCI Natalie Ward and DI Lucy Carmichael. The deaths initially seem unrelated so is it one killer or two? The race is on to find the perpetrator(s) before the death toll rises further. This is Lucy’s first case in charge of an investigation and she wants to solve it as soon as possible.
The book starts really well and hooks you in. The tensions between the investigating team are clear and captured well due to Lucy’s promotion rather than DS Murray Anderson. The characters are good especially those in the police force as these now seem like ‘old friends’! The less desirable characters are well described and easy to imagine. This is a dark and brutal tale with girls being dragged into an horrific nether world. The author conveys their feeling very effectively and it makes you feel sad that they are so duped. The case becomes twisty and twistier and very dark as time goes on and what emerges as the truth is not a pretty tale. I like how Natalie’s past and that of others is brought into the storytelling and this works effectively.
My only reservations lie in the slowing of the pace from time to time because of the inclusion of unnecessary details which takes your attention away from the main event. I think some dialogue doesn’t ring quite true and although the ending is plausible and ties things up neatly it could have been more exciting.
Overall, a good police procedural with a gritty storyline.
3-4 stars rounded up
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
The book starts really well and hooks you in. The tensions between the investigating team are clear and captured well due to Lucy’s promotion rather than DS Murray Anderson. The characters are good especially those in the police force as these now seem like ‘old friends’! The less desirable characters are well described and easy to imagine. This is a dark and brutal tale with girls being dragged into an horrific nether world. The author conveys their feeling very effectively and it makes you feel sad that they are so duped. The case becomes twisty and twistier and very dark as time goes on and what emerges as the truth is not a pretty tale. I like how Natalie’s past and that of others is brought into the storytelling and this works effectively.
My only reservations lie in the slowing of the pace from time to time because of the inclusion of unnecessary details which takes your attention away from the main event. I think some dialogue doesn’t ring quite true and although the ending is plausible and ties things up neatly it could have been more exciting.
Overall, a good police procedural with a gritty storyline.
3-4 stars rounded up
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
May 31, 2020
I was very happy to receive this book for review. I have read most, if not all, of the previous books. This is number seven. Natalie Ward is now a DCI and Lucy Carmichael has been promoted to Natalie’s old DI position. The first case for the new team is the depressing murder of a teenage girl, most likely working as a prostitute. On the next day the body of another teenage girl is found, also strangled. The only person that may know anything about these deaths is the girl’s boyfriend (or pimp), Tommy, who is known to be rough with them. Bit Tommy is nowhere to be found.
On the next day another woman is found murdered. But this one is different. She is older, in her 20s, well dressed an wealthy. Oh...and she had the word GUILTY written on her forehead.. The police are now struggling with this case. There are similarities between all the deaths but a few differences too. And what is the woman guilty of? Are there two killers out there? Or is one just escalating? More deaths follow. There are no obvious motives. How are these deaths linked? Are they linked?
It was complicated, which I love, and messy and twisty but Lucy is in danger of being taken off her first case as SIO if she doesn’t solve this soon. Painstaking work finally delivers a glimmer of hope and a rather sordid and tragic tale emerges. In the end it all makes a kind of twisted sense. I didn’t think this was the author’s best book but it was still a seriously good read.
On the next day another woman is found murdered. But this one is different. She is older, in her 20s, well dressed an wealthy. Oh...and she had the word GUILTY written on her forehead.. The police are now struggling with this case. There are similarities between all the deaths but a few differences too. And what is the woman guilty of? Are there two killers out there? Or is one just escalating? More deaths follow. There are no obvious motives. How are these deaths linked? Are they linked?
It was complicated, which I love, and messy and twisty but Lucy is in danger of being taken off her first case as SIO if she doesn’t solve this soon. Painstaking work finally delivers a glimmer of hope and a rather sordid and tragic tale emerges. In the end it all makes a kind of twisted sense. I didn’t think this was the author’s best book but it was still a seriously good read.
July 7, 2020
I could not put this down! I was meant to be reading something else but I couldn't wait to pick this up. Carol Wyer never disappoints with her police procedurals and I do love Natalie. She is just a fantastic character and we are still learning so much about her and seeing a different side to her in Somebody's Daughter. If you haven't met her yet you need to go back and start at the beginning, this is book 7. You definitely need to do this series in order.
This time Natalie has been promoted to DCI and Lucy is running the teams first investigation. She is under pressure to perform from all angles and this is a complicated case. The bodies are piling up, and quickly and there does not seem to be a real connection. The victims are being strangled and it is messy. Just when they think they have a handle on it another body is found, throwing a spanner in the works. At the same time Natalie is trying to manage her new life with her new partner and his daughter, and her past is coming back into her life - but does she want to let it in?
An absolute must read. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
This time Natalie has been promoted to DCI and Lucy is running the teams first investigation. She is under pressure to perform from all angles and this is a complicated case. The bodies are piling up, and quickly and there does not seem to be a real connection. The victims are being strangled and it is messy. Just when they think they have a handle on it another body is found, throwing a spanner in the works. At the same time Natalie is trying to manage her new life with her new partner and his daughter, and her past is coming back into her life - but does she want to let it in?
An absolute must read. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
August 4, 2020
Detective Natalie Ward has been given a new promotion that will supposedly be taking her off the streets and hoping this new position will give her more time with her new family. Lucy Carmichael has also been promoted to Natalie's old position of DCI and has big boots to fill as the new leader of the investigative team. When the body of a young teenager who may have been a prostitute and addict is found in a seedy pad of town it seems an easy to close case until another body of a young woman is found from a completely different background but with similar signs of the same killer except this time GUILTY is written across her forehead. The pressure is now on because the team may have a serial killer on their hands and no suspects and the rush is on because this is only the beginning of a brutal murder spree that will take a dramatic toll on each of the team
members and especially for Natalie whose life will be put on the line working this harrowing case.I
This series continues to keep growing and getting better with every new book. The stories revolves around police procedures that intertwine with the personal lives of the team of detectives keeping a more realistic and interesting view to all the stories. I can't get enough of this series and I am always looking forward to reading the next book when it hasn't even happened to have been written yet. I enjoyed how this book delved more into Lucy's character and learning more of her background and struggles that she was having in her personal life and the hardship of being promoted from within a department to becoming a leader of her workmates who have always been her peers and friends and now she is their boss. This was another dark and gritty book that was very satisfying to read and I can't wait to read the next one. Please, Carol Wyer, please continue to write more books for this series.I
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 Darkly Gritty 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars!!
members and especially for Natalie whose life will be put on the line working this harrowing case.I
This series continues to keep growing and getting better with every new book. The stories revolves around police procedures that intertwine with the personal lives of the team of detectives keeping a more realistic and interesting view to all the stories. I can't get enough of this series and I am always looking forward to reading the next book when it hasn't even happened to have been written yet. I enjoyed how this book delved more into Lucy's character and learning more of her background and struggles that she was having in her personal life and the hardship of being promoted from within a department to becoming a leader of her workmates who have always been her peers and friends and now she is their boss. This was another dark and gritty book that was very satisfying to read and I can't wait to read the next one. Please, Carol Wyer, please continue to write more books for this series.I
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 Darkly Gritty 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars!!
June 9, 2020
Somebody’s daughter by Carol Wyer is the 7th book in the Natalie Ward series and it does not disappoint.
When a girl is found dead in a car park newly promoted DI Lucy Carmichael is at the helm. Natalie is now promoted to DCI is overseeing the case as she wants them to succeed as a team but also because they have moved into Holborn house which is a state-of-the-art facility. When another body is found, the women both Prostitutes are linked and to a pimp called Tommy. At first, they think that this is an open and shut case. But when a body of the daughter of a wealthy local businessman ends up dead. All is not as straightforward as it seems, and they have got to find the killer before they strike again.
Carol Wyer has done it again with another great episode in this series. This is cleverly written, compelling thriller. There were so many bodies that kept turning up in this episode you could not quite guess right who the real killer was right up to the end. I liked how the author shows us the relationships and the ups and downs of each character it makes the story more realistic. And I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the new team with Lucy at the helm. Will she cope? And what is next for Natalie?
When a girl is found dead in a car park newly promoted DI Lucy Carmichael is at the helm. Natalie is now promoted to DCI is overseeing the case as she wants them to succeed as a team but also because they have moved into Holborn house which is a state-of-the-art facility. When another body is found, the women both Prostitutes are linked and to a pimp called Tommy. At first, they think that this is an open and shut case. But when a body of the daughter of a wealthy local businessman ends up dead. All is not as straightforward as it seems, and they have got to find the killer before they strike again.
Carol Wyer has done it again with another great episode in this series. This is cleverly written, compelling thriller. There were so many bodies that kept turning up in this episode you could not quite guess right who the real killer was right up to the end. I liked how the author shows us the relationships and the ups and downs of each character it makes the story more realistic. And I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the new team with Lucy at the helm. Will she cope? And what is next for Natalie?
March 7, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author Carol Wyer.
Firstly with a collection of favourite authors and serial books to read, it is great to say I have read all seven in the Detective Natalia Ward books, as well as the Robyn Carter books.
One by one the girls disappeared…
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered strangled in a parking lot, shards of ice form in Detective Natalie Ward’s veins. As Natalie looks at the freckles scattered on her cheeks and the pale pink lips tinged with blue, she remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter…
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. Natalie’s heart sinks further when it becomes clear that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another vulnerable girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these scared and lonely girls.
But when a wealthy young woman is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘guilty’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realises that the case is more complex than she first thought. Determined to establish a connection between her three victims, Natalie wastes no time in chasing down the evidence, tracing everyone who crossed their paths. Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal, a mole in Natalie’s department leaks vital information and everything seems to be against her. Can Natalie stop this clever and manipulative killer before they strike again?
A plus and a minus for the new DCI Natalia Ward, Natalia has to make a little of a back seat and more time is given to new DI Lucy Carmichael, yes I understand a fact of life in the police is promotions, but I missed Natalie being fully involved, but pleased for Lucy to gain a larger role.
One thing for sure, reading many police dramas, I would not like to be in their shoes, not sure I will like their hours, long hours.
As a reader I become frustrated at the case becoming slow and stalling, it brings the pace of the book down a little, as in real life I am sure frustrated the police doing the job.
A realistic, shocking, thriller, that although slow in the middle becomes well paced for the last few chapters as things start to come together.
New characters with old characters, and new personalities that have to grow with the series, good additions to the private lives that interest to the stories, and I hope in the future Murray gains more exposure and credit...
But now I know best for me to go back to my favourite action thriller, with a more gripping and paced book, a different style of book i know, but my favourite.
3.5 to 4 stars for me.
Firstly with a collection of favourite authors and serial books to read, it is great to say I have read all seven in the Detective Natalia Ward books, as well as the Robyn Carter books.
One by one the girls disappeared…
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered strangled in a parking lot, shards of ice form in Detective Natalie Ward’s veins. As Natalie looks at the freckles scattered on her cheeks and the pale pink lips tinged with blue, she remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter…
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. Natalie’s heart sinks further when it becomes clear that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another vulnerable girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these scared and lonely girls.
But when a wealthy young woman is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘guilty’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realises that the case is more complex than she first thought. Determined to establish a connection between her three victims, Natalie wastes no time in chasing down the evidence, tracing everyone who crossed their paths. Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal, a mole in Natalie’s department leaks vital information and everything seems to be against her. Can Natalie stop this clever and manipulative killer before they strike again?
A plus and a minus for the new DCI Natalia Ward, Natalia has to make a little of a back seat and more time is given to new DI Lucy Carmichael, yes I understand a fact of life in the police is promotions, but I missed Natalie being fully involved, but pleased for Lucy to gain a larger role.
One thing for sure, reading many police dramas, I would not like to be in their shoes, not sure I will like their hours, long hours.
As a reader I become frustrated at the case becoming slow and stalling, it brings the pace of the book down a little, as in real life I am sure frustrated the police doing the job.
A realistic, shocking, thriller, that although slow in the middle becomes well paced for the last few chapters as things start to come together.
New characters with old characters, and new personalities that have to grow with the series, good additions to the private lives that interest to the stories, and I hope in the future Murray gains more exposure and credit...
But now I know best for me to go back to my favourite action thriller, with a more gripping and paced book, a different style of book i know, but my favourite.
3.5 to 4 stars for me.
August 1, 2020
SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER is the Seventh novel in the Detective Natalie Ward Series, based in in the small, fictional town of Samford in the Midlands, UK., a riveting crime-thriller by Carol Wyer. Her books keep getting better and better! I have read them all. I would recommend you read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones. This series keeps getting better and better!
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Book 6-The Secret Admirer
Book 7- Somebody’s Daughter
In this story Natalie Ward is now a DCI and Lucy Carmichael has been promoted to Natalie’s old DI position. This is Lucy’s first case in charge of an investigation and she wants to handle it properly.
One by one the girls disappeared…
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered attacked and strangled in a parking lot, DCI Natalie Ward, remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter… Every time Natalie was called to a crime scene involving a young woman or child, it would be her own daughter she thought of first, Leigh and her best friend Zoe.
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. There was no identification found on the body, no wallet, no purse or mobile phone. It soon becomes apparent that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these girls.
But when a wealthy young woman, Rachel Hardy, is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘GUILTY’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realizes that the case is more complex than she first thought. What are the connections between all the victims? Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal.
With this heavy caseload, and bodies piling up at an increasing rate, both Lucy and Natalie are under extreme pressure to perform and catch the killer, while juggling their personal lives. Natalie is trying to manage her new life with her partner, Mike Sullivan, Head of Forensics and his seven-year-old daughter, Thea, along with her son Josh. Thea resents Natalie in the picture and feels Natalie is stealing her father away from her mother and her. Lucy’s partner, Bethany, was drifting away from her, only focused on their daughter, Aurora.
Really enjoyed this crime thriller and many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Book 6-The Secret Admirer
Book 7- Somebody’s Daughter
In this story Natalie Ward is now a DCI and Lucy Carmichael has been promoted to Natalie’s old DI position. This is Lucy’s first case in charge of an investigation and she wants to handle it properly.
One by one the girls disappeared…
When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered attacked and strangled in a parking lot, DCI Natalie Ward, remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter… Every time Natalie was called to a crime scene involving a young woman or child, it would be her own daughter she thought of first, Leigh and her best friend Zoe.
The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. There was no identification found on the body, no wallet, no purse or mobile phone. It soon becomes apparent that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.
A day later, another girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these girls.
But when a wealthy young woman, Rachel Hardy, is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘GUILTY’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realizes that the case is more complex than she first thought. What are the connections between all the victims? Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal.
With this heavy caseload, and bodies piling up at an increasing rate, both Lucy and Natalie are under extreme pressure to perform and catch the killer, while juggling their personal lives. Natalie is trying to manage her new life with her partner, Mike Sullivan, Head of Forensics and his seven-year-old daughter, Thea, along with her son Josh. Thea resents Natalie in the picture and feels Natalie is stealing her father away from her mother and her. Lucy’s partner, Bethany, was drifting away from her, only focused on their daughter, Aurora.
Really enjoyed this crime thriller and many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
July 13, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This is Carol Wyer’s seventh book in her amazing “Detective Natalie Ward” British police procedural mystery series. Many changes both professionally and personally have happened to the recurring cast of characters since the end of the sixth book in the series. This was a solid story, but I liked it just a tad less than the other earlier books in the series.
There is a lot going on in this book. In the opening pages, we learn about the changes that have happened since the end of the last book. The changes are related to the personal lives of the recurring cast of police officers, the police unit and the headquarters of this newly formed police unit. For example, newly promoted DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) Natalie Ward has more of a management role now. Then teenaged girls start dying. More specifically teenaged girls start being murdered.
The body count quickly explodes. Natalie Ward, Lucy Carmichael and the rest of the police crew struggle to figure out a possible connection between the victims. They are of different ages, genders and belong to different levels of society. Amelia is the first victim. Katie Bray, another teen prostitute, is found dead the next day. Then when a prominent member of the business community turns up dead, the course of the investigation changes and the scope widens. The search for the pimp of the Amelia and Katie continues. He is the prime suspect in their deaths. The police also try track down any leads to who might have killed the third. There seems to be no connection between this victim and the dead prostitutes.
It took me longer than usual warm up to this mystery. Quite a bit of detail was provided about Amelia and Katie’s backstories. The murders of more and more people led to the plot’s focus bouncing around a lot. Eventually I had the areas straight in my mind, and the happenings in the book were easier to follow.
The book detailed exploitation of the richer or more powerful over those who were and less powerful. This aspect is highlighted more than in the earlier books in the series. There are a couple of graphic scenes of sexual abuse and rape. I exploitation happens all the time. However, that doesn’t make it comfortable to read about. The way that the story made me feel uncomfortable actually makes me praise Carol Wyer’s writing skills. She painted the picture of the victim’s lives, and made me care about how some of them had to live and suffer. In the end, there are not any real winners in this story. However, it is a murder mystery. Based on the book’s genre you already know there will be loss involved.
By the last half of the book, I had solidly reconnected with the police officers and the change in their personal and professional circumstances. The investigation was progressing on many fronts. I was as puzzled as the cops were as to who the suspect(s) might be. The ending of the mystery was socially relevant, and more than a bit depressing. This book is not just mindless escapism. It’s a murder story with a social a message. That is a good thing in my opinion.
Here’s hoping volume number eight in the series is published soon. I always look forward to the next installment in the “Detective Natalie Ward” series. For the richest reading experience, start at the beginning of the series and read it in order. You can certainly read this as a standalone book, but you will miss the nuances or significance of why the recurring characters act on a personal and professional level.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is Carol Wyer’s seventh book in her amazing “Detective Natalie Ward” British police procedural mystery series. Many changes both professionally and personally have happened to the recurring cast of characters since the end of the sixth book in the series. This was a solid story, but I liked it just a tad less than the other earlier books in the series.
There is a lot going on in this book. In the opening pages, we learn about the changes that have happened since the end of the last book. The changes are related to the personal lives of the recurring cast of police officers, the police unit and the headquarters of this newly formed police unit. For example, newly promoted DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) Natalie Ward has more of a management role now. Then teenaged girls start dying. More specifically teenaged girls start being murdered.
The body count quickly explodes. Natalie Ward, Lucy Carmichael and the rest of the police crew struggle to figure out a possible connection between the victims. They are of different ages, genders and belong to different levels of society. Amelia is the first victim. Katie Bray, another teen prostitute, is found dead the next day. Then when a prominent member of the business community turns up dead, the course of the investigation changes and the scope widens. The search for the pimp of the Amelia and Katie continues. He is the prime suspect in their deaths. The police also try track down any leads to who might have killed the third. There seems to be no connection between this victim and the dead prostitutes.
It took me longer than usual warm up to this mystery. Quite a bit of detail was provided about Amelia and Katie’s backstories. The murders of more and more people led to the plot’s focus bouncing around a lot. Eventually I had the areas straight in my mind, and the happenings in the book were easier to follow.
The book detailed exploitation of the richer or more powerful over those who were and less powerful. This aspect is highlighted more than in the earlier books in the series. There are a couple of graphic scenes of sexual abuse and rape. I exploitation happens all the time. However, that doesn’t make it comfortable to read about. The way that the story made me feel uncomfortable actually makes me praise Carol Wyer’s writing skills. She painted the picture of the victim’s lives, and made me care about how some of them had to live and suffer. In the end, there are not any real winners in this story. However, it is a murder mystery. Based on the book’s genre you already know there will be loss involved.
By the last half of the book, I had solidly reconnected with the police officers and the change in their personal and professional circumstances. The investigation was progressing on many fronts. I was as puzzled as the cops were as to who the suspect(s) might be. The ending of the mystery was socially relevant, and more than a bit depressing. This book is not just mindless escapism. It’s a murder story with a social a message. That is a good thing in my opinion.
Here’s hoping volume number eight in the series is published soon. I always look forward to the next installment in the “Detective Natalie Ward” series. For the richest reading experience, start at the beginning of the series and read it in order. You can certainly read this as a standalone book, but you will miss the nuances or significance of why the recurring characters act on a personal and professional level.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
Somebody’s Daughter is the seventh book from Carol Wyer in the Natalie Ward series.
This came as a good surprise as the series widens in scope, feeling like the start of something new.
A year has passed since the events of The Secret Admirer. A new, expanded, elite crime unit has been created and given new housings and means. Nathalie Ward, promoted to DCI, oversees the Unit while newly promoted DI, Lucy Carmichael, is the officer in charge.
The new unit is under much scrutiny, and is going to be tested right away as a teenager is found strangled. The team has only begun to organize the investigation when a second body, of a similar young girl, drops the very next day. Pressure builds up, the press evokes a serial killer, and the new crime unit, and her newly minted OIC, gets the higher-ups breathing on its collective necks. No expenses have been spared to create it, and a return on investment is paramount to the powers in charge.
Of course, as if they were jinxed, a third body drops, different from the other victims and high profile, because the unit wasn’t already under enough pressure and scrutiny. The fourth murder in as many days then derails all theories, and the team grows in desperation, feeling they have no clear direction. The suspects come and go, and the investigation keeps slamming into walls. DCI Ward doesn’t get to enjoy her new position, as it’s all hands on deck to prove the value of the new unit, and she has to do her share of field work again.
The team now being larger, new characters are introduced, and others take in importance. The focus of the book takes a step back from DCI Ward, and whole chapters, narrated in the third person, follow diverse members of the team, be it in the investigation or in their personal lives. This ensemble cast, and the manner in which it’s presented, is favorably reminiscent of Ed McBain, often considered as the true creator of the ensemble cop genre.
Last we rode along Nathalie Ward, she had two equally valuable detectives on her old team, Lucy and Murray. However, only one promotion to DI was available and Lucy Carmichael got it. The changing dynamics between Lucy, with her beginner’s doubts, and Murray, with his eagerness to ensure his place as next in line, make for an interesting part of the story, among a lot more of the same.
We learn a lot about Natalie Ward’s past, and what brought her to join the force, just in time for parts of this past to come and haunt her again. At the same time, the professional and personal lives of other members of the team now get equal attention. Of course, the surprise thrilling last acts of the previous book are also addressed but, it appears that this, and the revelations on Ward’s early life, serve as an introduction to what’s to come in the next installments.
Beware, as this book offers a window into a reality hidden in plain sight, people and events largely invisible to most. No punches are pulled, we get into the perpetrator’s psyche, and the story is heart wrenching at times, as much as eye opening. Carol Wyer did a lot of field research for this new entry in her series, and it shows through its authenticity.
The depth of the story, the complex mystery, the constant turns in the investigation, and the new direction towards a well balanced following of an ensemble cast, rise this novel up one star from the previous one, to the maximum rating.
And that’s not even considering the quality of the writing and the care given to the most minute details.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
This came as a good surprise as the series widens in scope, feeling like the start of something new.
A year has passed since the events of The Secret Admirer. A new, expanded, elite crime unit has been created and given new housings and means. Nathalie Ward, promoted to DCI, oversees the Unit while newly promoted DI, Lucy Carmichael, is the officer in charge.
The new unit is under much scrutiny, and is going to be tested right away as a teenager is found strangled. The team has only begun to organize the investigation when a second body, of a similar young girl, drops the very next day. Pressure builds up, the press evokes a serial killer, and the new crime unit, and her newly minted OIC, gets the higher-ups breathing on its collective necks. No expenses have been spared to create it, and a return on investment is paramount to the powers in charge.
Of course, as if they were jinxed, a third body drops, different from the other victims and high profile, because the unit wasn’t already under enough pressure and scrutiny. The fourth murder in as many days then derails all theories, and the team grows in desperation, feeling they have no clear direction. The suspects come and go, and the investigation keeps slamming into walls. DCI Ward doesn’t get to enjoy her new position, as it’s all hands on deck to prove the value of the new unit, and she has to do her share of field work again.
The team now being larger, new characters are introduced, and others take in importance. The focus of the book takes a step back from DCI Ward, and whole chapters, narrated in the third person, follow diverse members of the team, be it in the investigation or in their personal lives. This ensemble cast, and the manner in which it’s presented, is favorably reminiscent of Ed McBain, often considered as the true creator of the ensemble cop genre.
Last we rode along Nathalie Ward, she had two equally valuable detectives on her old team, Lucy and Murray. However, only one promotion to DI was available and Lucy Carmichael got it. The changing dynamics between Lucy, with her beginner’s doubts, and Murray, with his eagerness to ensure his place as next in line, make for an interesting part of the story, among a lot more of the same.
We learn a lot about Natalie Ward’s past, and what brought her to join the force, just in time for parts of this past to come and haunt her again. At the same time, the professional and personal lives of other members of the team now get equal attention. Of course, the surprise thrilling last acts of the previous book are also addressed but, it appears that this, and the revelations on Ward’s early life, serve as an introduction to what’s to come in the next installments.
Beware, as this book offers a window into a reality hidden in plain sight, people and events largely invisible to most. No punches are pulled, we get into the perpetrator’s psyche, and the story is heart wrenching at times, as much as eye opening. Carol Wyer did a lot of field research for this new entry in her series, and it shows through its authenticity.
The depth of the story, the complex mystery, the constant turns in the investigation, and the new direction towards a well balanced following of an ensemble cast, rise this novel up one star from the previous one, to the maximum rating.
And that’s not even considering the quality of the writing and the care given to the most minute details.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
July 2, 2020
Carol Wyer has done it again! "Somebody's daughter" is a fast police procedural you won't be able to put down.
Natalie's been promoted to DCI and Lucy is now the leader of the new crew as DI.Although with her new promotion Natalie should be taking a step back from the investigation she's still heavily involved in as she wants the team to succeed. There are some new team members but they take more of a secondary role although I'm guessing we will learn more about them in next instalments.
I liked that Natalie hast left behind all her family drama and is now happy with Mike and in a good place with her son and ex-husband. I also loved the glimpse we got into her past and can't wait to see how that evolves.
Although the investigation kept me on the edge of my seat for the most part I felt the ending was a bit anticlimatic but the social issues it arises were pretty spot on.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie's been promoted to DCI and Lucy is now the leader of the new crew as DI.Although with her new promotion Natalie should be taking a step back from the investigation she's still heavily involved in as she wants the team to succeed. There are some new team members but they take more of a secondary role although I'm guessing we will learn more about them in next instalments.
I liked that Natalie hast left behind all her family drama and is now happy with Mike and in a good place with her son and ex-husband. I also loved the glimpse we got into her past and can't wait to see how that evolves.
Although the investigation kept me on the edge of my seat for the most part I felt the ending was a bit anticlimatic but the social issues it arises were pretty spot on.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2020
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
This is my first book of Detective Natalie Ward series and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
The investigation takes some time to get momentum but that's good since it gives the reader a chance to get an idea of the plot and the characters involved. The case was so twisted I could not even guess which way it was going or who was the culprit. And the ending was so intense!!
I loved the fact that when I thought that the book was coming to an end, the author threw up a hint that the story isn't over yet and there's still more to come. I cant wait to know when is the next book coming!!
A really gripping read. Highly recommended to mystery lovers!!
This is my first book of Detective Natalie Ward series and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
The investigation takes some time to get momentum but that's good since it gives the reader a chance to get an idea of the plot and the characters involved. The case was so twisted I could not even guess which way it was going or who was the culprit. And the ending was so intense!!
I loved the fact that when I thought that the book was coming to an end, the author threw up a hint that the story isn't over yet and there's still more to come. I cant wait to know when is the next book coming!!
A really gripping read. Highly recommended to mystery lovers!!
August 25, 2021
I received a free e-copy of Somebody's Daughter (Detective Natalie Ward #7) by Carol Wyer from NetGalley for my honest review.
Another brilliant and thrilling book in this action packed series. There is a serial killer on the loose in Samford and Detective Natalie Ward and her team are racing against time to stop the killer before he strikes again. Natalie is also dealing with issues in regards to her estranged sister. The new team that is working might have a mole amongst them. Can they work together in time to stop the killer?
Another brilliant and thrilling book in this action packed series. There is a serial killer on the loose in Samford and Detective Natalie Ward and her team are racing against time to stop the killer before he strikes again. Natalie is also dealing with issues in regards to her estranged sister. The new team that is working might have a mole amongst them. Can they work together in time to stop the killer?
October 19, 2020
Two teenage girls who were street workers and under the protection of Tommy are found on consecutive days. Both had been strangled and left in the same area.
On the third day, a wealthy young woman was also found strangled ... the word "guilty" written on her forehead. And then a man is found outside the school where he worked ..also strangled, also with the word "guilty" written on his forehead.
DCI Natalie Ward has assigned the investigation to the newest Di .. Lucy. She's never led an investigation before and it seems like her self confidence has flown and she's relying more and more on Natalie to help her out. Natalie is under the gun and threatened that her team might be dismembered if these cases aren't solved ... and soon.
The team races desperately to solve these crimes .. and when the prime suspect is also found murdered, they suspect a mole in their department. Whoever the killer is .... he is always at least one step ahead.
It's an action-packed page-turner full of twists and turns which rival a good old fashioned roller coaster ride. Suspects are many and varied. The characters are deftly drawn with the main characters leading the charge. Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I recommend starting with the first book and reading in order. It's been a terrific series and I enjoy how the personal lives are blended with the professional. Each book seems better than the last.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
On the third day, a wealthy young woman was also found strangled ... the word "guilty" written on her forehead. And then a man is found outside the school where he worked ..also strangled, also with the word "guilty" written on his forehead.
DCI Natalie Ward has assigned the investigation to the newest Di .. Lucy. She's never led an investigation before and it seems like her self confidence has flown and she's relying more and more on Natalie to help her out. Natalie is under the gun and threatened that her team might be dismembered if these cases aren't solved ... and soon.
The team races desperately to solve these crimes .. and when the prime suspect is also found murdered, they suspect a mole in their department. Whoever the killer is .... he is always at least one step ahead.
It's an action-packed page-turner full of twists and turns which rival a good old fashioned roller coaster ride. Suspects are many and varied. The characters are deftly drawn with the main characters leading the charge. Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I recommend starting with the first book and reading in order. It's been a terrific series and I enjoy how the personal lives are blended with the professional. Each book seems better than the last.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 8, 2020
Somebody’s Daughter by Carol Wyer is the seventh in the Detective Natalie Ward series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, who has had a rough time. Her husband's gambling and lies finally destroyed their marriage, but the loss of their daughter was the final straw. Things are finally settling down now that she's back at work. Natalie's team consists of: Lucy Carmichael, Murray Anderson and Ian Jarvis. Her boss is Dan Trasker, and she is in love with Mike Sullivan, her husband's one-time best friend.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A lot of has changed for Natalie. She is now a DCI, has moved in with Mike Sullivan (Head of Forensics), and she and her ex-husband David are now on speaking terms. Her biggest problem is getting Mike's 7-year old daughter to like her.
Lucy has now become a DI, and is leading the team (under Natalie). When the body of a young girl is found, and then another, both showing signs that they were prostitutes, the race is on to find the unknown "Tommy" who knew them both. But then other bodies turn up, and their connection to Tommy is questionable. Are they dealing with two murderers, or is there something they can't see. Lucy suddenly doesn't feel qualified, and it is all that Natalie can do to assure her, and everyone else, that she is.
Meanwhile, a voice from Natalie's past reaches out, but she may not be ready to handle that yet.
My Opinions:
This was interesting, as the author has put Natalie in a more supervisory role, and Lucy has stepped up to manage day-to-day activities. Their personal lives continue to evolve within the books, giving the characters more depth.
The plot was interesting, and a little complicated, which is always good. It seemed so straight-forward....until it wasn't. The writing, as always is good, and the pace fine.
One of the topics of the book deals with homelessness and teenagers, and I felt the author had a good look at why this can happen, and how devastating it can be. As well, the book looked at mental illness and how one horrific act can result in a lifetime of misery if it isn't dealt with at the time. In one way, it was so sad. In another, there was a perpetrator who didn't get what he deserved, and I wish this had not been left out.
This series really needs to be read in order, as there is a lot of background that is needed to really get the feel of the characters.
Overall, this series is a must for those who like police procedurals.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 18, 2020
Author Carol Wyer loves shaking us up each time we get to read a new book of the series. DCI Natalie Ward is one of the best there is.
Girls were found strangled to death at a car park, soon the body count increased with a slight change in the MO of the killer. With DI Lucy at the helm and Natalie being the boss more in a supervisory role, until things escalated, then it was all hands on deck as pressures mounted with no sustainable leads.
Another winner by the author, this was a solid police procedural but with a difference. The dynamics of the team had changed in subtle ways, both at work and home. I loved seeing how the team managed to find a balance. Vulberabily with memories along with twists in Natalie’s past made me curious about what was in store with this gal.
The investigation was thorough with cohesive work done by all, barring a twist in the group. The author did throw all the cards in the air. The story had its suspenseful moments, the team had a puzzle of a case with multiple bodies, forensics backing them completely. It was completely a race against time, where each team member had something to prove. Everything was same, yet they had changed.
It was fun to see Natalie trying to find her work-life balance along with dealing with shocks of her past. There were still a lot of skeletons hidden in her closet.
A fun read, indeed.
Girls were found strangled to death at a car park, soon the body count increased with a slight change in the MO of the killer. With DI Lucy at the helm and Natalie being the boss more in a supervisory role, until things escalated, then it was all hands on deck as pressures mounted with no sustainable leads.
Another winner by the author, this was a solid police procedural but with a difference. The dynamics of the team had changed in subtle ways, both at work and home. I loved seeing how the team managed to find a balance. Vulberabily with memories along with twists in Natalie’s past made me curious about what was in store with this gal.
The investigation was thorough with cohesive work done by all, barring a twist in the group. The author did throw all the cards in the air. The story had its suspenseful moments, the team had a puzzle of a case with multiple bodies, forensics backing them completely. It was completely a race against time, where each team member had something to prove. Everything was same, yet they had changed.
It was fun to see Natalie trying to find her work-life balance along with dealing with shocks of her past. There were still a lot of skeletons hidden in her closet.
A fun read, indeed.
May 28, 2020
Natalie Ward's life has had a lot of changes, including a tragedy that causes her grief and pain more often than not. She has been promoted to DCI and has moved in with Mike Sullivan, who his head of Forensics. Though she might spend more time behind her desk, when she gets a call about the body of a teenage girl being found, she immediately goes to the scene.
Oh how this reminds her of her daughter Leigh...but, no, she cannot think of Leigh at this time, she must begin looking for any clues that will lead to the killer. As per usual, the family of a murdered victim is always questioned, and so when Natalie talks to the girl's father, she begins to see that the pain of the girl's death goes even deeper when it is quickly discovered where the girl had been living and the activities that she was involved in, which no doubt led to her murder.
When another girl is found murdered, Natalie and her team immediately see an undeniable connection. But then another woman is found murdered, and the MO is different. Meanwhile, Lucy Carmichael has also been promoted and she is Natalie's DI, and plays a huge role in helping to solve the murders.
Throughout this engaging story by Carol Wyer, readers are given interest to Natalie's private life, including her relationship with Mark, while trying to get close to his daughter, Natalie's teenage son Josh and also how she feels about her promotion. In addition, there is another hidden element to Natalie's life that has become revealed, and no doubt readers will see more of that in the next book in the series. Again, this is another thrilling book in the DI Natalie Ward series. Book 8 cannot come soon enough!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Oh how this reminds her of her daughter Leigh...but, no, she cannot think of Leigh at this time, she must begin looking for any clues that will lead to the killer. As per usual, the family of a murdered victim is always questioned, and so when Natalie talks to the girl's father, she begins to see that the pain of the girl's death goes even deeper when it is quickly discovered where the girl had been living and the activities that she was involved in, which no doubt led to her murder.
When another girl is found murdered, Natalie and her team immediately see an undeniable connection. But then another woman is found murdered, and the MO is different. Meanwhile, Lucy Carmichael has also been promoted and she is Natalie's DI, and plays a huge role in helping to solve the murders.
Throughout this engaging story by Carol Wyer, readers are given interest to Natalie's private life, including her relationship with Mark, while trying to get close to his daughter, Natalie's teenage son Josh and also how she feels about her promotion. In addition, there is another hidden element to Natalie's life that has become revealed, and no doubt readers will see more of that in the next book in the series. Again, this is another thrilling book in the DI Natalie Ward series. Book 8 cannot come soon enough!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 16, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Somebody’s Daughter, the seventh novel to feature DCI Natalie Wood, set in the fictional Midlands town of Samford.
With promotion Natalie is taking a more hands off approach, leaving DI Lucy Carmichael to lead but when a couple of teenagers, suspected of being lured into the sex trade by boyfriend Tommy, are brutally murdered she is asked to take a more active role. When more bodies are found the pressure on the new unit increases from all sides.
I enjoyed Somebody’s Daughter which is an engrossing read with plenty of twists and turns. It is mostly told from the investigative point of view with the odd change of voice to elaborate on some events and some chapters with the characters’ backstories. On the whole it works well and I wouldn’t be surprised if the series takes a turn away from Natalie in future to concentrate on the other members of the team who all have stories to tell.
The plot held my attention throughout with a couple of suspects pursued over the course of the novel. I did, however, find the solution rather unconvincing. One minute there’s no hint of it and then suddenly it’s all over. This may be the way it is in real investigations but I was hoping for more of a twist. Nevertheless this is just a whimper and the journey to it is full of events, red herrings and bodies.
As ever Natalie has an eventful personal life. She’s struggling to connect with her new partner Mike’s seven year old daughter while remembering her daughter, Leah and thinking about her estranged sister, Frances as family troubles led the dead teenagers into a life they didn’t want and certainly didn’t expect.
Somebody’s Daughter is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
With promotion Natalie is taking a more hands off approach, leaving DI Lucy Carmichael to lead but when a couple of teenagers, suspected of being lured into the sex trade by boyfriend Tommy, are brutally murdered she is asked to take a more active role. When more bodies are found the pressure on the new unit increases from all sides.
I enjoyed Somebody’s Daughter which is an engrossing read with plenty of twists and turns. It is mostly told from the investigative point of view with the odd change of voice to elaborate on some events and some chapters with the characters’ backstories. On the whole it works well and I wouldn’t be surprised if the series takes a turn away from Natalie in future to concentrate on the other members of the team who all have stories to tell.
The plot held my attention throughout with a couple of suspects pursued over the course of the novel. I did, however, find the solution rather unconvincing. One minute there’s no hint of it and then suddenly it’s all over. This may be the way it is in real investigations but I was hoping for more of a twist. Nevertheless this is just a whimper and the journey to it is full of events, red herrings and bodies.
As ever Natalie has an eventful personal life. She’s struggling to connect with her new partner Mike’s seven year old daughter while remembering her daughter, Leah and thinking about her estranged sister, Frances as family troubles led the dead teenagers into a life they didn’t want and certainly didn’t expect.
Somebody’s Daughter is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 9, 2020
Somebody’s Daughter is the seventh instalment in the Detective Natalie Ward series set in the small, fictional town of Samford in the Midlands. Newly promoted to DCI Natalie has been chosen to lead a new unit and colleague Lucy Carmichael has become a DI giving her a larger role in the plot. When the body of teenager Amelia Saunders is discovered in West Gate car park the team have their first case after their rearrangement. The following day another young girl’s corpse is found on a park bench and not a million miles from the first victim; this second victim is Katie Bray. Both girls have links to a local pimp and drug dealer named Tommy who the team believe lured these two vulnerable runaways into prostitution. The case becomes more complicated when the third victim targeted is an affluent older woman who had the word GUILTY emblazoned across her forehead in ink. The seemingly random victimology makes it difficult to work out the motives behind the killings so the team get to work.
This is a stonker of a thriller as Wyer shows her prowess when it comes to penning a story that'll get under your skin. It's tense from the outset and it continues to grow ever more so until turning every page is a daunting tasks of what-ifs and the team are chasing down every possible lead in their desperation to bring the killings to a close. The team is made up of intelligent, interesting characters whose only thought is getting justice for what has happened. Natalie's promotion means she is now supposed to be more managerial than hands-on but that doesn't work for too long as she can't seem to help herself despite the criticism from other colleagues. The narrative never lets up and is not only packed with intense action it is full of suspense, drama and lots of intrigue too. There are some clever and unpredictable twists and turns and the well conceived plot makes this an absorbing, immersive and addictive page-turner. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a stonker of a thriller as Wyer shows her prowess when it comes to penning a story that'll get under your skin. It's tense from the outset and it continues to grow ever more so until turning every page is a daunting tasks of what-ifs and the team are chasing down every possible lead in their desperation to bring the killings to a close. The team is made up of intelligent, interesting characters whose only thought is getting justice for what has happened. Natalie's promotion means she is now supposed to be more managerial than hands-on but that doesn't work for too long as she can't seem to help herself despite the criticism from other colleagues. The narrative never lets up and is not only packed with intense action it is full of suspense, drama and lots of intrigue too. There are some clever and unpredictable twists and turns and the well conceived plot makes this an absorbing, immersive and addictive page-turner. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
May 18, 2020
Another fantastic read in this gripping crime series.
Natalie is now DCI and I was pleased to see she stayed involved in the case that Lucy was leading on.
And what a case it is! I’ve never known so many murders in one book and it really ramped up the tension within the new team.
Tasker didn’t help by putting the pressure on them too, but with bodies turning up left, right and centre I really did feel for Lucy.
With the victims ranging from young girls who’ve got tangled up with a pimp, to a department store manager and also a teacher - what is the motive behind these killings?
We also get a few flashback chapters which become clear later in the book and create a fantastic conclusion to the book.
This is a real page turner that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
As always, if you’ve not read this series, I can highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Natalie is now DCI and I was pleased to see she stayed involved in the case that Lucy was leading on.
And what a case it is! I’ve never known so many murders in one book and it really ramped up the tension within the new team.
Tasker didn’t help by putting the pressure on them too, but with bodies turning up left, right and centre I really did feel for Lucy.
With the victims ranging from young girls who’ve got tangled up with a pimp, to a department store manager and also a teacher - what is the motive behind these killings?
We also get a few flashback chapters which become clear later in the book and create a fantastic conclusion to the book.
This is a real page turner that will have you hooked from the first few pages.
As always, if you’ve not read this series, I can highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 25, 2023
so much unanswered
If this is indeed the last Natalie award book, then I’m disappointed. The story itself was good, however I’m left with questions.
Did the army rapist just get away with his sins or was he brought to justice?
Why on earth would Natalie ever want to see her sister again?
What happens with Mike and Natalie?
If this is indeed the last Natalie award book, then I’m disappointed. The story itself was good, however I’m left with questions.
Did the army rapist just get away with his sins or was he brought to justice?
Why on earth would Natalie ever want to see her sister again?
What happens with Mike and Natalie?
June 4, 2020
Some serious changes took place in DI Natalie Ward’s life since the last book. She’s been promoted to DCI and now heads a larger, multi-professional team with some new people from other areas. She and her son Josh now live with her boyfriend Mike. His 7-year-old daughter Thea takes her time warming to her, although she does like Josh. On the night she arranged a party for the girl, she’s called to a murder scene in a multi-storey car park. A teenager is found strangled and her phone, handbag, and ID are gone. The place is also known as a hotspot for sex-workers. The girl is later identified as a runaway from Nottingham. A day later, another runaway is murdered in similar circumstances. Both girls are tied to a mysterious boyfriend ‘Tommy’ that no-one seems to know. By then, the reader knows that he is a cruel and brutal pimp that preys on teenage girls, whom he entices to run from their homes and later blackmails and forces them to work as prostitutes for him.
As a DCI, Natalie can’t be as hands-on as she’s used to and it takes time to get used to that. In this case, she’s again confronted with murdered young girls. Every time this happens, she can’t but remember her own daughter. This fuels her need to solve this case more than anything.
It’s newly-promoted DI Lucy Carmichael that heads the investigation. She’s being scrutinised and harassed by Bev Gardner, a journalist that used to be on Natalie’s back all the time. At home, she feels a growing gap between her and her partner, Bethany, since they had a baby.
DS Murray the usual partner of Lucy before she got promoted has a lot of adjusting to do. It isn’t easy for him to get orders from his former best friend and certainly doesn’t begrudge her well-earned new position but he’ll do everything he can to prove that he deserves to be promoted just as well.
The case takes centre stage of course, but there’s also a lot of attention for the home lives of the officers on the team, and not only the 3 above mentioned. That’s nice and makes the book more realistic and engaging. These are real people, not just cardboard cut-outs that come and do their lines to disappear after. Seeing that this is the 7th book in the series, I can understand that the main characters start to feel like family. For me, this is only the second one I read and I must confess that I’m starting to feel that way. They are so likeable because none of them is perfect or right at all times. It’s also interesting to see how the characters evolve and get promotions, divorces, babies, … as happens in real life. Especially promotions, you don’t see often in a police series. But it’s great to find out how everyone settles in their new roles. If you haven’t read any previous book, don’t worry, you can step right into the story.
The author gives also already a clue to what her next book may involve, with Natalie’s sister suddenly reaching out. I feel sorry for this woman as her live travels from crisis to crisis and doesn’t seem to ease down.
It’s a suspenseful story, with many twists and turns. The body count is extremely high, with a new killing every day. I didn’t guess the killer this time. But the end was plausible but also sad and tragic.
I thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the free ARC they gave me and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
As a DCI, Natalie can’t be as hands-on as she’s used to and it takes time to get used to that. In this case, she’s again confronted with murdered young girls. Every time this happens, she can’t but remember her own daughter. This fuels her need to solve this case more than anything.
It’s newly-promoted DI Lucy Carmichael that heads the investigation. She’s being scrutinised and harassed by Bev Gardner, a journalist that used to be on Natalie’s back all the time. At home, she feels a growing gap between her and her partner, Bethany, since they had a baby.
DS Murray the usual partner of Lucy before she got promoted has a lot of adjusting to do. It isn’t easy for him to get orders from his former best friend and certainly doesn’t begrudge her well-earned new position but he’ll do everything he can to prove that he deserves to be promoted just as well.
The case takes centre stage of course, but there’s also a lot of attention for the home lives of the officers on the team, and not only the 3 above mentioned. That’s nice and makes the book more realistic and engaging. These are real people, not just cardboard cut-outs that come and do their lines to disappear after. Seeing that this is the 7th book in the series, I can understand that the main characters start to feel like family. For me, this is only the second one I read and I must confess that I’m starting to feel that way. They are so likeable because none of them is perfect or right at all times. It’s also interesting to see how the characters evolve and get promotions, divorces, babies, … as happens in real life. Especially promotions, you don’t see often in a police series. But it’s great to find out how everyone settles in their new roles. If you haven’t read any previous book, don’t worry, you can step right into the story.
The author gives also already a clue to what her next book may involve, with Natalie’s sister suddenly reaching out. I feel sorry for this woman as her live travels from crisis to crisis and doesn’t seem to ease down.
It’s a suspenseful story, with many twists and turns. The body count is extremely high, with a new killing every day. I didn’t guess the killer this time. But the end was plausible but also sad and tragic.
I thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the free ARC they gave me and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
August 11, 2020
Well, that is how you temporarily end the series! All these changes going on! I can’t cope!
Natalie now a DCI, Lucy now a DI and the first case with a brand new team! This book again is set with a different tone. When Natalie is in charge of a case it’s interview after interview with different suspects. With Lucy in charge, we hardly interviewed anyone. Instead, we were out hunting down clues, trying to work out how all these deaths fitted.
The reasoning behind it, for me, was a tough one. The stories I have heard and what you generally see portrayed, I always struggle with and it’s a constant worry. We don’t actually see the killers mind until late in the game and it’s one filled with sorrow and heartbreak. Elements of this story were dark and quite grim, everyone harbouring a secret and the fallout here is just filled with so much sorrow. There are just too many wronged and scared people out there.
Again, with Lucy in charge, the resolution of the case is nowhere near the same as if Natalie was dealing and thankfully this case was nowhere near as dark as it has been in the past. All these changes just show us the differences between these two women and how far they have come.
Natalie is still active in the case, but she is trying to take a step back and settle in her new personal life. We still have unfinished business so I do hope we get another book because we have a spanner in the world completely.
This now being the Lucy show, we see more into her personal and how she is struggling. At odds with her partner, trying to be a mum and step up into her role as DI. She has some big shoes to feel. I do see in the future that the series will be more about Lucy than Natalie. I would be open to that, but I don’t want to lose sight of Natalie, I’ve become a huge fan of hers.
I can’t believe I am at the end of Natalie’s story for now. It’s been one heck of a journey. Way too much heartbreak, I’ve been there every step of the way with Natalie and Carol. I felt all the pain, I’ve cried the tears, got angry and now while I feel quite bereft, I also feel quite content. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride when you pick up one of Carols books. You are never quite sure of the journey, but she always makes sure we are buckled up for the adventure.
Natalie now a DCI, Lucy now a DI and the first case with a brand new team! This book again is set with a different tone. When Natalie is in charge of a case it’s interview after interview with different suspects. With Lucy in charge, we hardly interviewed anyone. Instead, we were out hunting down clues, trying to work out how all these deaths fitted.
The reasoning behind it, for me, was a tough one. The stories I have heard and what you generally see portrayed, I always struggle with and it’s a constant worry. We don’t actually see the killers mind until late in the game and it’s one filled with sorrow and heartbreak. Elements of this story were dark and quite grim, everyone harbouring a secret and the fallout here is just filled with so much sorrow. There are just too many wronged and scared people out there.
Again, with Lucy in charge, the resolution of the case is nowhere near the same as if Natalie was dealing and thankfully this case was nowhere near as dark as it has been in the past. All these changes just show us the differences between these two women and how far they have come.
Natalie is still active in the case, but she is trying to take a step back and settle in her new personal life. We still have unfinished business so I do hope we get another book because we have a spanner in the world completely.
This now being the Lucy show, we see more into her personal and how she is struggling. At odds with her partner, trying to be a mum and step up into her role as DI. She has some big shoes to feel. I do see in the future that the series will be more about Lucy than Natalie. I would be open to that, but I don’t want to lose sight of Natalie, I’ve become a huge fan of hers.
I can’t believe I am at the end of Natalie’s story for now. It’s been one heck of a journey. Way too much heartbreak, I’ve been there every step of the way with Natalie and Carol. I felt all the pain, I’ve cried the tears, got angry and now while I feel quite bereft, I also feel quite content. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride when you pick up one of Carols books. You are never quite sure of the journey, but she always makes sure we are buckled up for the adventure.
June 22, 2020
Somebody’s Daughter is the seventh book in Carol Wyer’s Natalie Ward series and the first one I have read. I’m a big fan of Wyer’s DI Robyn Carter police procedurals and am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this Natalie Ward novel. I would highly recommend starting the series from the beginning as there are potential spoilers from previous books in this novel.
DCI Natalie Ward is overseeing the team now led by newly promoted DI Lucy Carmichael. It’s clear that not all members of the team are happy with this promotion but they must put aside their differences when one murder investigation becomes two then three in three days. The pressure is on for this new crime fighting unit to perform. As the body count climbs, Lucy faces pressure from her supervisor along with a team member leaking information to the press. This is a complex case involving runaway teens caught up in prostitution and a young wealthy woman found dead with “guilty” written on her forehead. Is there one killer or two? Are the multiple murders connected somehow or is it a coincidence that all have been strangled?
I enjoyed this dark and challenging investigation and found this book difficult to put down. I liked how Natalie’s past impacts her view of the cases to be solved and will be picking up The Birthday, book one in the series. Lucy doubts her skills and does make some rookie leadership mistakes. I’m sure she will find her feet as the series continues.
DCI Natalie Ward is overseeing the team now led by newly promoted DI Lucy Carmichael. It’s clear that not all members of the team are happy with this promotion but they must put aside their differences when one murder investigation becomes two then three in three days. The pressure is on for this new crime fighting unit to perform. As the body count climbs, Lucy faces pressure from her supervisor along with a team member leaking information to the press. This is a complex case involving runaway teens caught up in prostitution and a young wealthy woman found dead with “guilty” written on her forehead. Is there one killer or two? Are the multiple murders connected somehow or is it a coincidence that all have been strangled?
I enjoyed this dark and challenging investigation and found this book difficult to put down. I liked how Natalie’s past impacts her view of the cases to be solved and will be picking up The Birthday, book one in the series. Lucy doubts her skills and does make some rookie leadership mistakes. I’m sure she will find her feet as the series continues.
June 9, 2020
Review for 'Somebody's Daughter' by Carol Wyer
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers
You can preorder this book ready for release on 9th July.
This is the third book that I have read by this author. The first being 'The Blossom Twins' which was the 5th book in the 'Detective Natalie Ward' series. The second book was 'The secret admirer' which was the 6th and this is the 7th. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these and look forward to reading this (written before I started reading).
Although this book is the 7th in a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are parts where events from previous books are mentioned but it gives any sufficient details needed, including in flashbacks which I enjoyed reading even though I have read the book the event happened in. I won't say much more in case readers wish to read the previous books, I don't want to spoil it for them.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the author and the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture or Carol Wyer that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 37 chapters and a prologue which are medium in length so not too bad for 'just one more chapter', like that ever happens for me, more like 3 or 4 more!!
This book is set in England which is always a bonus for me. I'm from Wales but visit England regularly on trips and holidays so have visited quite a few areas. This helps me picture places if they are mentioned in books and I have visited them.
This series has a strong female lead which is also a bonus, being female myself it's always great to see some strong females in books.
I enjoy being able to see from several of the detectives perspectives as you can read more about more of what is going on with the case, what various witnesses and suspects say and make your own decisions on their innocence or guilt.
The writing is smooth and very easy to read. The descriptions are EXCELLENT as always and I really felt that I was in the novel. I even got teary at the end!! I enjoy the fact that flashbacks are also used to show what characters had previously done that isn't part of previous books but used to complete a picture of what was going through their heads when they were doing something, E.g. what the victim was doing at certain times. It helps to show us what led to certain events.
The characters all have fantastic personalities and I love how realistic they are. Murray made me laugh on several occasions with their attitude. Lucy seemed much more serious in this book which would be a realistic description of her as she is now DI. Its good to read more about her including more of her personal life. Natalie is as strong as ever and it's great to see more of her and Mike's relationship since she has also been promoted to DCI and I'm very happy for her. Although I'll be gutted if this means the last of Natalie Ward!! You don't 'see' Ian as much in this book but there are other characters from other departments which it was nice to 'meet', all with their own querky personalities. I also love the fact that the superintendent Dan Tasker is Welsh, being Welsh myself of course. Although it's a crime book I love that there are several parts that are more light hearted and made me laugh as it mixes it up a bit, which is something else I love about Carol's books.
The storyline was fast paced, intriguing and filled with mystery, murder, red herrings, suspense, crime and deceit. A true page turning thriller.
I didn't guess what was going to happen which is always a bonus when it comes to crime novels.... Nothing worse than working it all out before your even half way through! I was completely shocked and gutted really by what happened.... Won't say more as not to give it away. My heart also did a little flip right at the end when Natalie sees someone in the car, again won't say anymore.
Overall what a heart racing, page turning roller-coaster of a book but PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST OF NATALIE!!!!!!
I would recommend this book to fans of murder, crime, thrillers, suspense, fans of Carol Wyer and just anyone looking for a fantastic read!! I also recommend Carol's books to fans of Angela Marsons, C.L TAYLOR and M. J. ARLIDGE.
379 pages
£2.99 to purchase on kindle. I think this is an absolute bargain for this book by a very talented author!
Rated 5/5 ( I LOVED 😍 IT) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#SomebodysDaughter#CarolWyer #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview
@CarolWyer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers
You can preorder this book ready for release on 9th July.
This is the third book that I have read by this author. The first being 'The Blossom Twins' which was the 5th book in the 'Detective Natalie Ward' series. The second book was 'The secret admirer' which was the 6th and this is the 7th. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these and look forward to reading this (written before I started reading).
Although this book is the 7th in a series it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are parts where events from previous books are mentioned but it gives any sufficient details needed, including in flashbacks which I enjoyed reading even though I have read the book the event happened in. I won't say much more in case readers wish to read the previous books, I don't want to spoil it for them.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the author and the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture or Carol Wyer that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 37 chapters and a prologue which are medium in length so not too bad for 'just one more chapter', like that ever happens for me, more like 3 or 4 more!!
This book is set in England which is always a bonus for me. I'm from Wales but visit England regularly on trips and holidays so have visited quite a few areas. This helps me picture places if they are mentioned in books and I have visited them.
This series has a strong female lead which is also a bonus, being female myself it's always great to see some strong females in books.
I enjoy being able to see from several of the detectives perspectives as you can read more about more of what is going on with the case, what various witnesses and suspects say and make your own decisions on their innocence or guilt.
The writing is smooth and very easy to read. The descriptions are EXCELLENT as always and I really felt that I was in the novel. I even got teary at the end!! I enjoy the fact that flashbacks are also used to show what characters had previously done that isn't part of previous books but used to complete a picture of what was going through their heads when they were doing something, E.g. what the victim was doing at certain times. It helps to show us what led to certain events.
The characters all have fantastic personalities and I love how realistic they are. Murray made me laugh on several occasions with their attitude. Lucy seemed much more serious in this book which would be a realistic description of her as she is now DI. Its good to read more about her including more of her personal life. Natalie is as strong as ever and it's great to see more of her and Mike's relationship since she has also been promoted to DCI and I'm very happy for her. Although I'll be gutted if this means the last of Natalie Ward!! You don't 'see' Ian as much in this book but there are other characters from other departments which it was nice to 'meet', all with their own querky personalities. I also love the fact that the superintendent Dan Tasker is Welsh, being Welsh myself of course. Although it's a crime book I love that there are several parts that are more light hearted and made me laugh as it mixes it up a bit, which is something else I love about Carol's books.
The storyline was fast paced, intriguing and filled with mystery, murder, red herrings, suspense, crime and deceit. A true page turning thriller.
I didn't guess what was going to happen which is always a bonus when it comes to crime novels.... Nothing worse than working it all out before your even half way through! I was completely shocked and gutted really by what happened.... Won't say more as not to give it away. My heart also did a little flip right at the end when Natalie sees someone in the car, again won't say anymore.
Overall what a heart racing, page turning roller-coaster of a book but PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE THE LAST OF NATALIE!!!!!!
I would recommend this book to fans of murder, crime, thrillers, suspense, fans of Carol Wyer and just anyone looking for a fantastic read!! I also recommend Carol's books to fans of Angela Marsons, C.L TAYLOR and M. J. ARLIDGE.
379 pages
£2.99 to purchase on kindle. I think this is an absolute bargain for this book by a very talented author!
Rated 5/5 ( I LOVED 😍 IT) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#SomebodysDaughter#CarolWyer #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview
@CarolWyer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
January 6, 2021
Finished reading: June 4th 2020
"Victims of physical and mental abuse are strangled by their own inability to break free. They believe, for some bizarre reason, they actually deserve the hatred, the beatings and the sexual degradation. They lose their self-worth to the point they firmly believe they are worthless and they deserve to suffer."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 26, 2020
Carol Wyer is one of my favourite authors so I was very excited to read this. I was not disappointed it was a stonkingly good read! It had a really twisty plot that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I love the characters in this series and it felt good to catch up with their lives. And relationships. The story was fast paced with many OMG and wow moments that kept my interest. Loved this book it was great and totally deserves five stars.
May 31, 2020
Review coming soon.
July 9, 2020
A riveting and remarkable read!
Somebody’s Daughter is my fourth encounter with Detective Natalie Ward and her team. In this seventh instalment of the superb crime/mystery series by Carol Wyer, Natalie Ward's life has seen a lot of changes. She has been promoted to DCI and has moved in with Head of Forensics, Mike Sullivan. Though she now spends more time behind her desk, when she gets a call about the discovery of dead teenage girl Amelia Saunders, she immediately goes to the scene. When another girl, Katie Bray is found murdered, Natalie and her team immediately spot an indisputable link. But when a third woman is found murdered, the MO is inconsistent. Meanwhile, Lucy Carmichael has also been promoted to the role of DI, and she plays a massive part in helping to solve the murders.
Readers are privy to Natalie's private life, including her relationship with Mark, and her attempts to bond with his daughter, Thea. Also under scrutiny is Natalie's teenage son, Josh.
The pace was relentless, the narrative riveting and as the story unfolded, I was submerged in a tangled web of lies, secrets and deceit, suffering from tension and shocks that held me in a vice-like grip of just-one-more-page syndrome! I loved that Carol Wyer has created the perfect balance between developing really solid characters and such a complex, multi-layered mystery. I've read a fair few thrillers and this one is right up there with my other favourites. I have no hesitation in giving this first-rate thriller five wonderful stars and I really must make it my mission to read the first three books of the series. Any reader who favours complex police procedural thrillers will absolutely delight in this book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Somebody’s Daughter is my fourth encounter with Detective Natalie Ward and her team. In this seventh instalment of the superb crime/mystery series by Carol Wyer, Natalie Ward's life has seen a lot of changes. She has been promoted to DCI and has moved in with Head of Forensics, Mike Sullivan. Though she now spends more time behind her desk, when she gets a call about the discovery of dead teenage girl Amelia Saunders, she immediately goes to the scene. When another girl, Katie Bray is found murdered, Natalie and her team immediately spot an indisputable link. But when a third woman is found murdered, the MO is inconsistent. Meanwhile, Lucy Carmichael has also been promoted to the role of DI, and she plays a massive part in helping to solve the murders.
Readers are privy to Natalie's private life, including her relationship with Mark, and her attempts to bond with his daughter, Thea. Also under scrutiny is Natalie's teenage son, Josh.
The pace was relentless, the narrative riveting and as the story unfolded, I was submerged in a tangled web of lies, secrets and deceit, suffering from tension and shocks that held me in a vice-like grip of just-one-more-page syndrome! I loved that Carol Wyer has created the perfect balance between developing really solid characters and such a complex, multi-layered mystery. I've read a fair few thrillers and this one is right up there with my other favourites. I have no hesitation in giving this first-rate thriller five wonderful stars and I really must make it my mission to read the first three books of the series. Any reader who favours complex police procedural thrillers will absolutely delight in this book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 21, 2020
Somebody's Daughter by Carol Wyer is the seventh installment of the Detective Natalie Ward series and it is, quite possibly, the best one yet.
Detective Natalie Ward, now promoted to DCI, is called to investigate the murder of a young woman found in a car park, one who is potentially linked to a local prostitution ring. Taking up Natalie's vacated DI position is Lucy Carmichael, who has also been promoted, and is heading up the case, albeit under the watchful eye of DCI Ward. As always, Ms Wyer has given us a solid, page-turning police procedural but for me, the real appeal and strength of the series lies within the character development of not only Natalie herself, but of those who collectively comprise her inner circle. Natalie is slowly moving forward following the devastating loss of her daughter. As she and colleague Mike Sullivan advance their relationship, it seems that Natalie might have a new adversary in Mike's seven year old daughter, Thea. I look forward to seeing what is in store for DCI Ward both professionally, and within this new family dynamic. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Detective Natalie Ward, now promoted to DCI, is called to investigate the murder of a young woman found in a car park, one who is potentially linked to a local prostitution ring. Taking up Natalie's vacated DI position is Lucy Carmichael, who has also been promoted, and is heading up the case, albeit under the watchful eye of DCI Ward. As always, Ms Wyer has given us a solid, page-turning police procedural but for me, the real appeal and strength of the series lies within the character development of not only Natalie herself, but of those who collectively comprise her inner circle. Natalie is slowly moving forward following the devastating loss of her daughter. As she and colleague Mike Sullivan advance their relationship, it seems that Natalie might have a new adversary in Mike's seven year old daughter, Thea. I look forward to seeing what is in store for DCI Ward both professionally, and within this new family dynamic. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
May 22, 2020
Well you did it again Carol Wyer and gave us another winner !!
This is the seventh instalment of the superb Natalie Ward series and well what can I say it’s just brilliant and I have said this about all of the last six books and I can honestly say this is a series that is hard to fault. We are back with the fabulous team of characters and in this book Detective Natalie Ward has been promoted to DCI and we have Lucy Carmichael taken the position of DI and this works really well.
I love the character of Natalie she has grown throughout the series and it’s been hard, if you haven’t read the previous books I would urge you do do so as it’s been one heck of a journey and so well written. This is as always an excellent police procedural with a well thought out plot line that keeps you guessing to the end and yup it’s a great read and one I can highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the seventh instalment of the superb Natalie Ward series and well what can I say it’s just brilliant and I have said this about all of the last six books and I can honestly say this is a series that is hard to fault. We are back with the fabulous team of characters and in this book Detective Natalie Ward has been promoted to DCI and we have Lucy Carmichael taken the position of DI and this works really well.
I love the character of Natalie she has grown throughout the series and it’s been hard, if you haven’t read the previous books I would urge you do do so as it’s been one heck of a journey and so well written. This is as always an excellent police procedural with a well thought out plot line that keeps you guessing to the end and yup it’s a great read and one I can highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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