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DI Amy Winter #4
Flesh and Blood
A string of suicides. A community in terror. And a chilling conspiracy only DI Amy Winter can crack.
A wave of apparent suicides hits a string of seaside resorts, but when a police officer is named as the latest to die, DI Amy Winter suspects there may be more than mere coincidence to these tragic deaths. But what dark motive could cause someone to throw themselves into the cold depths of the North Sea?
Someone in the community knows more than they are letting on, but Amy’s questions are met with resistance. A group of mysterious teenagers might hold the key, but why are they so afraid to talk? Meanwhile, after the release from prison of her serial killer mother, Amy is fighting her own demons.
In her toughest investigation yet, Amy must confront her dark past if she is to put an end to the carnage. What secret is so terrible that it’s worth killing a police officer for? Amy needs to find the answer, before the sea washes up any more bodies.
A wave of apparent suicides hits a string of seaside resorts, but when a police officer is named as the latest to die, DI Amy Winter suspects there may be more than mere coincidence to these tragic deaths. But what dark motive could cause someone to throw themselves into the cold depths of the North Sea?
Someone in the community knows more than they are letting on, but Amy’s questions are met with resistance. A group of mysterious teenagers might hold the key, but why are they so afraid to talk? Meanwhile, after the release from prison of her serial killer mother, Amy is fighting her own demons.
In her toughest investigation yet, Amy must confront her dark past if she is to put an end to the carnage. What secret is so terrible that it’s worth killing a police officer for? Amy needs to find the answer, before the sea washes up any more bodies.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
854 people are currently reading
2526 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
40 books2,156 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
May 6, 2021
Flesh and Blood (DI Amy Winter #4) by Caroline Mitchell
In book #4 of the DI Amy Winter series, Winter and team leave their usual haunts for the former work location of DCI Donovan. After a series of "suicide by ocean" of several men, Donovan's former partner, Carla, commits suicide in the same way. Donovan knows Carla wouldn't/didn't commit suicide and her death leads to suspicions that the men didn't commit suicide either. Soon it's obvious the deaths of the men are connected and things are much darker than just possible murders.
Winter has promised to not go rogue and to constrain herself to doing things by the book. It's here, in Donavan's old Clayton-on-Sea station, that we learn what has led him to be such a stickler for following procedure and making sure everything is done just so. Young DC Molly is worried that she isn't pulling her weight with the team and could lose her coveted place to others with more skill and time on the job. Just as Winter is vowing to toe the line, Molly takes the initiative to do "more" and manages to befriend some young people who may know a lot more about the deaths than they are willing to reveal.
Even though all of the Winter books are dark, this one may be the darkest one of all as we get the sordid details of the exploitation of children. Having to work this case that has parallels so closely to Winter's family past is hard on Amy at a time when Donavan is dealing with his own struggles with the past. Baggage follows almost all the team to this seaside resort. I look forward to the next entry in this series as I've become very fond of Winter and her team.
Published April 22, 2021
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
In book #4 of the DI Amy Winter series, Winter and team leave their usual haunts for the former work location of DCI Donovan. After a series of "suicide by ocean" of several men, Donovan's former partner, Carla, commits suicide in the same way. Donovan knows Carla wouldn't/didn't commit suicide and her death leads to suspicions that the men didn't commit suicide either. Soon it's obvious the deaths of the men are connected and things are much darker than just possible murders.
Winter has promised to not go rogue and to constrain herself to doing things by the book. It's here, in Donavan's old Clayton-on-Sea station, that we learn what has led him to be such a stickler for following procedure and making sure everything is done just so. Young DC Molly is worried that she isn't pulling her weight with the team and could lose her coveted place to others with more skill and time on the job. Just as Winter is vowing to toe the line, Molly takes the initiative to do "more" and manages to befriend some young people who may know a lot more about the deaths than they are willing to reveal.
Even though all of the Winter books are dark, this one may be the darkest one of all as we get the sordid details of the exploitation of children. Having to work this case that has parallels so closely to Winter's family past is hard on Amy at a time when Donavan is dealing with his own struggles with the past. Baggage follows almost all the team to this seaside resort. I look forward to the next entry in this series as I've become very fond of Winter and her team.
Published April 22, 2021
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
April 2, 2021
Flesh and Blood is the fourth in the Amy Winters series by Caroline Mitchell. Mitchell is a favorite author of mine,
This time, Winters and her team are investigating a string of suicides in seaside resorts. The latest to die was a police officer, and her death is suspicious, which brought all the deaths to their attention. A group of teenagers might hold the answers to these deaths.
Meanwhile, Amy’s sister asks for her help in tracking down her baby, who was “given up for adoption” years ago.
The book is a nice blend of Amy’s personal and professional lives. There’s a great underlying thread of how the women on the team feel additional pressure, no matter what their position on the team.
Because of Amy’s background, this is one series that needs to be read in order.
It’s a well done, police procedural with an interesting team of characters. It’s got a fabulous ending that really worked for me.
Mitchell was previously a police officer, so her stories are realistic and don’t beggar belief the way some do.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
This time, Winters and her team are investigating a string of suicides in seaside resorts. The latest to die was a police officer, and her death is suspicious, which brought all the deaths to their attention. A group of teenagers might hold the answers to these deaths.
Meanwhile, Amy’s sister asks for her help in tracking down her baby, who was “given up for adoption” years ago.
The book is a nice blend of Amy’s personal and professional lives. There’s a great underlying thread of how the women on the team feel additional pressure, no matter what their position on the team.
Because of Amy’s background, this is one series that needs to be read in order.
It’s a well done, police procedural with an interesting team of characters. It’s got a fabulous ending that really worked for me.
Mitchell was previously a police officer, so her stories are realistic and don’t beggar belief the way some do.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
May 4, 2021
I chose to spend my bank holiday afternoon with DI Amy Winter and the team and I am so glad I did. I can't get enough of this series and Amy Winter is one of my all time favourite kick ass detectives. The storyline was flawless, emotive and captured me from the very first page. The tension and intrigue was non stop right until the last page. Whenever I pick up a Caroline Mitchell book I always feel safe in the knowledge that she is going to take me on a tense, thrilling, twisty ride with an impeccable story and relatable characters that I can really get behind. I am already eager for the next book in the series and hope we see much more of DI Amy Winter and her team.
April 4, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
The book opens with DC Carla Burke from the Clayton-on-Sea station off to meet an informant late one night on the Brighton pier. On the way to the meet she starts having misgivings but talks herself into continuing. She should have listened to those misgivings as she is thrown off the pier and drowns. It is assumed that she killed herself.
DCI Donovan is devastated by the news as he worked with Carla years ago. He insists that she wouldn’t have jumped, she has a family. But deep down he feels guilty as Carla had tried to ring him that night and left a message indicating her concern. Besides there has been a spate of drownings in recent weeks at seaside resorts and Donovan wonders if there is a link. So he packs up DI Amy Winter and her specialist team and they head to Clacton to dig into the case. Carla had been meeting with some young street kids so that is one of the avenues that the team explores. Young DC Molly Baxter is making progress on that front.
Soon Winter starts to have some very disturbing suspicions about what is actually going on. It also seems that the drowning victims were not so innocent after all. But who killed Carla? And where do the street kids come in? It’s a good police procedural that builds on the characters that we have come to know. Molly is particularly endearing and a cheerful counterpoint to the glaring Winter! This is book four in the series and I think it would better to read the earlier ones first (which I had done) as the background given is not complete. This is a more thoughtful entry in the series, there is less action and suspense but i suppose it reflects the reality of police work really well. After all, the author is a former detective. Rather it is more of a whodunit and I couldn’t pick it this time. The mystery aspect was very well plotted. All in all another enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Caroline Mitchell for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
The book opens with DC Carla Burke from the Clayton-on-Sea station off to meet an informant late one night on the Brighton pier. On the way to the meet she starts having misgivings but talks herself into continuing. She should have listened to those misgivings as she is thrown off the pier and drowns. It is assumed that she killed herself.
DCI Donovan is devastated by the news as he worked with Carla years ago. He insists that she wouldn’t have jumped, she has a family. But deep down he feels guilty as Carla had tried to ring him that night and left a message indicating her concern. Besides there has been a spate of drownings in recent weeks at seaside resorts and Donovan wonders if there is a link. So he packs up DI Amy Winter and her specialist team and they head to Clacton to dig into the case. Carla had been meeting with some young street kids so that is one of the avenues that the team explores. Young DC Molly Baxter is making progress on that front.
Soon Winter starts to have some very disturbing suspicions about what is actually going on. It also seems that the drowning victims were not so innocent after all. But who killed Carla? And where do the street kids come in? It’s a good police procedural that builds on the characters that we have come to know. Molly is particularly endearing and a cheerful counterpoint to the glaring Winter! This is book four in the series and I think it would better to read the earlier ones first (which I had done) as the background given is not complete. This is a more thoughtful entry in the series, there is less action and suspense but i suppose it reflects the reality of police work really well. After all, the author is a former detective. Rather it is more of a whodunit and I couldn’t pick it this time. The mystery aspect was very well plotted. All in all another enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Caroline Mitchell for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
March 17, 2024
Audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden 9 hours 11 minutes
The DI Amy Winter mystery thrillers are one of my favorite series. I definitely enjoyed the cliffhanger at the end of this book that will certainly impact Amy's personal and professional life. I highly recommend that new readers explore the series from the very beginning. Yes, Caroline Mitchell does provide some background details but to get the full picture of characters that run through the series chronological order is best.
The audiobooks are fantastic and the way that I have enjoyed the series thus far.
Goodreads review published 10/03/23
The DI Amy Winter mystery thrillers are one of my favorite series. I definitely enjoyed the cliffhanger at the end of this book that will certainly impact Amy's personal and professional life. I highly recommend that new readers explore the series from the very beginning. Yes, Caroline Mitchell does provide some background details but to get the full picture of characters that run through the series chronological order is best.
The audiobooks are fantastic and the way that I have enjoyed the series thus far.
Goodreads review published 10/03/23
April 22, 2021
Flesh and Blood is the fourth instalment in Caroline Mitchell's series of police procedurals featuring DI Amy Winter. If you have been following the series, you know quite a lot about Amy's family of origin and why her background makes her an outstanding police officer. If you are planning to start the series from this book, it is possible to read and enjoy it as a standalone.
DI Amy Winter and her team are enjoying a brief respite after their last case, when Donovan gets bad news from the police station in Clacton where he used to work before coming to the Met. One of his colleagues committed suicide by jumping off the pier. The weird thing is that she had called Donovan just a few minutes before it and left a voice message asking for his advice on a case.If only he'd answered his phone... A closer look at what has been happening in the area reveals a strange spate of suicides with victims apparently having nothing in common. Amy's super team decide to investigate what has really been going on in this seaside community and what mysterious case Carla had been looking into before her death.
One of the things I like so much about this series is the author's personal experience of a police officer which shines through in the level of realistic detail. Caroline Mitchell knows how to engage her reader with an interesting case, as well as giving us a glimpse into what it's really like to do this job on a daily basis. The members of Amy's team are all strong characters with their own unique voices. I was particularly happy to get to know Molly and discover her secret. While Amy's horrific past is and always will be there in her life, she isn't defined by it, and we see how she is finally allowing herself to believe in the possibility of her own personal happiness. This case has less focus on Amy, although it turns out to be quite personal for Donovan.
Caroline Mitchell masterfuly weaves together several threads and throws in a few red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the end. The pace is really good - the story isn't rushed at any point, but the chapters are quite snappy and leave you wanting to read more. The ending opens up new possibilities and new dilemmas Amy will have to face up in the next book.
A well-written, intriguing, and gripping read from page one to the last page, Flesh and Blood is a great addition to an excellent seriesand I can definitely recommend it to all the readers who enjoy the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 9, 2021
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the author for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth in the DI Amy Winter series, and after having loved the previous 3 books, I had high hopes for this one. However I was disappointed, with this one. For some reason it just didn’t grab me and pull me like the previous books, there was just something missing.
Part of the problem was I felt that the investigation was secondary to the team’s personal lives. Quite a few reviewers have said there wasn’t as much of Lillian, in this, but I felt there was too much of her. Amy seemed to spend a lot of time with her sister or in coffee shops, rather than investigating.
The pace of this was a lot slower than before and I just wasn’t gripped by the story, until almost the end, when things picked up. But even then, it felt like where on earth had that come from, almost as if there were a lot of chapters cut out at the final editing and no rewrites to put relevant information forward.
Overall it wasn’t a bad book, and if this was your first one you read, would be acceptable. If it was read the first 3 then you are in for a treat. I am hoping this was just a blip and I would give book 5 a chance, if there is one.
This is the fourth in the DI Amy Winter series, and after having loved the previous 3 books, I had high hopes for this one. However I was disappointed, with this one. For some reason it just didn’t grab me and pull me like the previous books, there was just something missing.
Part of the problem was I felt that the investigation was secondary to the team’s personal lives. Quite a few reviewers have said there wasn’t as much of Lillian, in this, but I felt there was too much of her. Amy seemed to spend a lot of time with her sister or in coffee shops, rather than investigating.
The pace of this was a lot slower than before and I just wasn’t gripped by the story, until almost the end, when things picked up. But even then, it felt like where on earth had that come from, almost as if there were a lot of chapters cut out at the final editing and no rewrites to put relevant information forward.
Overall it wasn’t a bad book, and if this was your first one you read, would be acceptable. If it was read the first 3 then you are in for a treat. I am hoping this was just a blip and I would give book 5 a chance, if there is one.
January 29, 2021
This is the 4th book in the DI Amy Winter series by author Caroline Mitchell. This is such a great series, well developed characters, exciting plots and interesting back stories. I really do recommend you start from the very beginning of the series for maximum enjoyment.
Several suicides in the seaside resorts rock the community but DI Amy Winter suspects foul play may be involved rather than a series of self inflicted deaths. The investigations are heightened when a police officer is named as the latest to die and DI Amy Winter suspects there may be a link to the tragic deaths. This is going to be a very tough investigation and Amy may need to confront her dark past while trying to solve the crimes. As is normal in these situations, people are reluctant to share their knowledge and it will take all the skills Amy possesses to uncover the truth before more bodies show up.
This is another exciting, gripping novel in this exciting series which had me turning the pages at speed wanting to find out more. Great colourful characters and twists and turns that will surprise. Another excellent read by Caroline Mitchell who calls on all her knowledge and experience from her previous life as a police detective.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Several suicides in the seaside resorts rock the community but DI Amy Winter suspects foul play may be involved rather than a series of self inflicted deaths. The investigations are heightened when a police officer is named as the latest to die and DI Amy Winter suspects there may be a link to the tragic deaths. This is going to be a very tough investigation and Amy may need to confront her dark past while trying to solve the crimes. As is normal in these situations, people are reluctant to share their knowledge and it will take all the skills Amy possesses to uncover the truth before more bodies show up.
This is another exciting, gripping novel in this exciting series which had me turning the pages at speed wanting to find out more. Great colourful characters and twists and turns that will surprise. Another excellent read by Caroline Mitchell who calls on all her knowledge and experience from her previous life as a police detective.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
Growing up I often found my parents to be real pains in the neck. I mean serious pains; curfews, chores, questions about where I was going and with whom. After reading the terrific Flesh and Blood (Amy Winter #4) at least I can be reminded and consoled that I wasn’t raised by a pair of abusive serial killers until age five. This is the background D.I. Amy Winters contends with ever since her adoptive father died a few years ago and her past came to light. A past she had managed to totally forget, until it started to forcefully emerge in book one of the outstanding Amy Winter series.
In the third book, Left for Dead, Amy and her team became well-known after DCI Donovan’s daughter made a TV documentary about them. With the fame came a lot more pressure, and the tendency of the brass to give Amy and her team high profile cases.
Amy and her team move to Clacton-by the–Sea to investigate the death of one of DCI Donovan’s former co-workers, Carla Burke. Carla’s death has been ruled a suicide, but Donovan knows without a doubt that Carla has been murdered. Amy is quickly able to tie Carla’s death to other seaside deaths that have been ruled suicides.
As always Mitchell, a former CID officer, has made the actual police work, sound mostly interesting, yet at times truthfully boring –ay-yi-yi all that paperwork and documentation of every action, not to mention the most boring job of all, surveillance.
Mitchell skillfully ties Amy’s nightmare mother and family into the present book without stretching the imagination. Amy is forced into maintaining connections to her newly found family because there are children involved, plus Amy’s sister-whom she actually loves- is married to one of her co-workers.
The subplot of Amy looking for her sister’s child, given up for adoption immediately after birth, has a surprising twist. Flesh and Blood has more than one surprising twist; surprising, but not from left field without any foundation.
Sadly, the only non-twist is figuring out the killer(s). Don’t worry, watching Amy and team come to the same conclusion is well worth the ride, Flesh and Blood, has great depth to it
I also think Mitchell did a great job handling the tender love story of Donovan and Amy. No great drama, just two grownups coming to terms with their feelings and the complications of Donovan being her boss.
Flesh and Blood explores more of the backgrounds of Amy’s co-workers. They have always been a part of the stories, but most have been a bit of a blank state, with Mitchell only slowly revealing their backgrounds and their sins.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC for review purposes.
In the third book, Left for Dead, Amy and her team became well-known after DCI Donovan’s daughter made a TV documentary about them. With the fame came a lot more pressure, and the tendency of the brass to give Amy and her team high profile cases.
Amy and her team move to Clacton-by the–Sea to investigate the death of one of DCI Donovan’s former co-workers, Carla Burke. Carla’s death has been ruled a suicide, but Donovan knows without a doubt that Carla has been murdered. Amy is quickly able to tie Carla’s death to other seaside deaths that have been ruled suicides.
As always Mitchell, a former CID officer, has made the actual police work, sound mostly interesting, yet at times truthfully boring –ay-yi-yi all that paperwork and documentation of every action, not to mention the most boring job of all, surveillance.
Mitchell skillfully ties Amy’s nightmare mother and family into the present book without stretching the imagination. Amy is forced into maintaining connections to her newly found family because there are children involved, plus Amy’s sister-whom she actually loves- is married to one of her co-workers.
The subplot of Amy looking for her sister’s child, given up for adoption immediately after birth, has a surprising twist. Flesh and Blood has more than one surprising twist; surprising, but not from left field without any foundation.
Sadly, the only non-twist is figuring out the killer(s). Don’t worry, watching Amy and team come to the same conclusion is well worth the ride, Flesh and Blood, has great depth to it
I also think Mitchell did a great job handling the tender love story of Donovan and Amy. No great drama, just two grownups coming to terms with their feelings and the complications of Donovan being her boss.
Flesh and Blood explores more of the backgrounds of Amy’s co-workers. They have always been a part of the stories, but most have been a bit of a blank state, with Mitchell only slowly revealing their backgrounds and their sins.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC for review purposes.
April 22, 2021
Flesh and Blood is the fourth instalment in the Detective Inspector Amy Winter series, set in and around the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea on Essex’s Sunshine Coast. As part of the Specialist Crime Team out of Notting Hill in the borough of Kensington, London, DI Amy Winters and her superior DCI Donovan are called to Clacton when one of Donovan’s former colleagues, a Detective Constable who used to work under him, turns up dead. DC Carla Burke had been working a case in her free time and had gone to Clacton to meet a teenage police informant one evening on the nearby pier at 11:15 pm, and both Winter and Donovan have been seconded to help the local police force to investigate. She had told her husband, Shaun, that she had back up and not to worry and slipped out into the night leaving him to look after their two young daughters. She knew this was a chance she had to take but why did the ringleader want to meet in such an isolated place in the dead of night? Feeling apprehensive she picks up her phone and decides to call her ex-DCI, Donovan’s number; well, at least the number he used to use when they worked together a while ago, but it goes right to voicemail. She leaves a message saying she had just been looking for his solid, trustworthy advice on a situation. She exits her car and heads towards the pier. Although closed to the public she finds the entrance has been jemmied open. She walks through the newly renovated doors as everything stands blanketed in darkness but she still can't see the girl. Then a silent lurker steps out from the shadows, and it was then Carla knew she had walked into a trap. Her attacker was wearing a balaclava and didn't say a word initially.
They drag her kicking and screaming towards the end of the pier and lift her from the wooden boards. She recognises one of their voices as they said: ‘Sorry. But you know a secret worth killing for’. Then she's flailing in slow motion as she falls through the air before hitting the frigid sea below. When Carla later washes ashore on the incoming tides the overwhelmed local police, led by DS Bickerstaff, are quick to believe it to be suicide, but Donovan is adamant that the person he knew while they worked together was not the type to kill herself leaving behind her beloved children and husband. Winter, Donovan and team discover that there has been a spate of attacks of late with the victim having been drowned at coastal resorts all along the west coast region, including Brighton and Blackpool. Everyone feels that the group of teenagers who are new in town and hard to track down hold the key to unlocking who is behind these sinister killings and what their motives are. This is a riveting and compulsive addition to an excellent series and in this extra fast-paced instalment, we are thrown into the middle of all of the action and suspense from word go. We continue to learn more about Amy and her complicated and unique personal life as the daughter of a brutal serial killer, her biological mother Lillian Grimes. Among her police work, Amy is also trying to help her sister to find the child that evil Lillian forced her to put up for adoption. It is an enthralling, mystery-laden and engrossing read made all the more terrifying and realistic by Mitchell’s previous career as a detective for CID. Highly recommended.
They drag her kicking and screaming towards the end of the pier and lift her from the wooden boards. She recognises one of their voices as they said: ‘Sorry. But you know a secret worth killing for’. Then she's flailing in slow motion as she falls through the air before hitting the frigid sea below. When Carla later washes ashore on the incoming tides the overwhelmed local police, led by DS Bickerstaff, are quick to believe it to be suicide, but Donovan is adamant that the person he knew while they worked together was not the type to kill herself leaving behind her beloved children and husband. Winter, Donovan and team discover that there has been a spate of attacks of late with the victim having been drowned at coastal resorts all along the west coast region, including Brighton and Blackpool. Everyone feels that the group of teenagers who are new in town and hard to track down hold the key to unlocking who is behind these sinister killings and what their motives are. This is a riveting and compulsive addition to an excellent series and in this extra fast-paced instalment, we are thrown into the middle of all of the action and suspense from word go. We continue to learn more about Amy and her complicated and unique personal life as the daughter of a brutal serial killer, her biological mother Lillian Grimes. Among her police work, Amy is also trying to help her sister to find the child that evil Lillian forced her to put up for adoption. It is an enthralling, mystery-laden and engrossing read made all the more terrifying and realistic by Mitchell’s previous career as a detective for CID. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2021
Flesh And Blood is the fourth book in a new series by bestselling author Caroline Mitchell, a police procedural, featuring DI Amy Winter, the daughter of a serial killer. Another winner!
The books in the DI Amy Winter Series include:
Truth and Lies (Book 1)
The Secret Child (Book 2)
Left For Dead (Book 3)
Flesh And Blood (Book 4)
I would recommend that you read the novels in the series in sequence, as there is a lot of references to previous storylines, and it would be easier to follow, and understand Amy and her background. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of a serial killer, Lillian Grime, a serial killer who has just been released from prison. Amy had grown up in a dysfunctional family under neglect and abuse in the household. Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure.
A string of suicides at local seaside towns. A community in terror. It had been five years since DCI Donovan had worked in Clacton, living in London, with a new position of DCI of a specialist crime team, and in a relationship with his partner, DI Amy Winter. Now Donovan and his team were off to Clacton to hunt down a killer, who had killed his former colleague, Carla Burke, a detective.
Carla would never have committed suicide. She was terrified of the sea. DI Amy Winter suspects things are not what they seem, possible foul play may be involved. Something is wrong.
No one in the community is willing to talk. Someone knows more than they are letting on, but Amy’s questions are met with resistance. A group of mysterious teenagers might hold the answer, but they are afraid to talk.
Amy must confront her dark past if she is to solve the crimes, before more bodies are washed up.
This was another fast-paced police procedural novel with complex plot, lots of twists and turns and well-developed characters. The author’s previous experience as a police detective enriches the overall quality of the novel.
Many thanks to the author, Amazon Publishing and Net Galley for my digital copy.
The books in the DI Amy Winter Series include:
Truth and Lies (Book 1)
The Secret Child (Book 2)
Left For Dead (Book 3)
Flesh And Blood (Book 4)
I would recommend that you read the novels in the series in sequence, as there is a lot of references to previous storylines, and it would be easier to follow, and understand Amy and her background. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of a serial killer, Lillian Grime, a serial killer who has just been released from prison. Amy had grown up in a dysfunctional family under neglect and abuse in the household. Amy pushes the boundaries of police procedure.
A string of suicides at local seaside towns. A community in terror. It had been five years since DCI Donovan had worked in Clacton, living in London, with a new position of DCI of a specialist crime team, and in a relationship with his partner, DI Amy Winter. Now Donovan and his team were off to Clacton to hunt down a killer, who had killed his former colleague, Carla Burke, a detective.
Carla would never have committed suicide. She was terrified of the sea. DI Amy Winter suspects things are not what they seem, possible foul play may be involved. Something is wrong.
No one in the community is willing to talk. Someone knows more than they are letting on, but Amy’s questions are met with resistance. A group of mysterious teenagers might hold the answer, but they are afraid to talk.
Amy must confront her dark past if she is to solve the crimes, before more bodies are washed up.
This was another fast-paced police procedural novel with complex plot, lots of twists and turns and well-developed characters. The author’s previous experience as a police detective enriches the overall quality of the novel.
Many thanks to the author, Amazon Publishing and Net Galley for my digital copy.
September 15, 2024
Wow just wow! My favourite book so far and the ending 😮😮😮😮😮
Read this series and read it from the beginning! Drop everything!
Read this series and read it from the beginning! Drop everything!
March 24, 2025
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
July 16, 2021
This is the fourth book in the DI Amy Winter series and the second one I have read after reading the third book in the series. This one is more dark and gritty than the previous one and I believe it will only get darker and grittier as the series progresses.
In this book DI Amy Winter and her team, led by DCI Donovan (who Amy is romantically involved with now) are investigating a series of male suicides that have occurred at different seaside resorts and when the latest victim turns out to be DC Carla, DCI Donovan's previous police partner, the team head to Clacton-on-Sea and Donovan's previous work station to try and solve the case. Donovan is certain that Carla did not commit suicide and very soon they find clues that point towards all the suicides being murders. These clues also point towards a group of teenagers with a connection to a child sex ring and the fact that Carla had made contact with them and was very close to finding out who the ring leader was which led to her being murdered. Besides this track, we have chapters where a woman called Mo, who with the help of a therapist, slowly pieces together the reasons she is the person she has become and as this plotline progresses we come to know that Mo has deep connections to the same sex ring which the team are investigating--and to Amy as well. The team eventually manage to close in on the investigation and solve it but not before experiencing a few shock waves first--of betrayal by one of their own.
All in all a gritty and taut thriller written very well by the author who also happens to be a former police detective for CID.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for the e-Arc of the book.
In this book DI Amy Winter and her team, led by DCI Donovan (who Amy is romantically involved with now) are investigating a series of male suicides that have occurred at different seaside resorts and when the latest victim turns out to be DC Carla, DCI Donovan's previous police partner, the team head to Clacton-on-Sea and Donovan's previous work station to try and solve the case. Donovan is certain that Carla did not commit suicide and very soon they find clues that point towards all the suicides being murders. These clues also point towards a group of teenagers with a connection to a child sex ring and the fact that Carla had made contact with them and was very close to finding out who the ring leader was which led to her being murdered. Besides this track, we have chapters where a woman called Mo, who with the help of a therapist, slowly pieces together the reasons she is the person she has become and as this plotline progresses we come to know that Mo has deep connections to the same sex ring which the team are investigating--and to Amy as well. The team eventually manage to close in on the investigation and solve it but not before experiencing a few shock waves first--of betrayal by one of their own.
All in all a gritty and taut thriller written very well by the author who also happens to be a former police detective for CID.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing UK and the author Caroline Mitchell for the e-Arc of the book.
October 22, 2021
I think somewhere in the past I might have called this series a gold standard. I still absolutely stand by that & feel Caroline Mitchell's Amy Winters series may be one amongst the top ones out there. Having served in the police force Mitchell knows her stuff & that's reflected in this series making it look & sound very authentic. Add to that serial killer roots & this is a book & series you can just never put down. Flesh & Blood was a highly addictive read. The plot of the book was so good & compelling. The twists towards the end were simply great! And after that jaw-dropping cliffhanger at the end, i can't wait to read the next one in this series!
Thank you NetGalley, Caroline Mitchell , Thomas and Mercer for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Caroline Mitchell , Thomas and Mercer for the arc!
March 16, 2021
In the fourth book in the DI Amy Winter series, the author takes us to the seaside where crime it seems is just as rife.
Caroline Mitchell is without a doubt one of my go to authors when it comes to crime thrillers. I am loving this series and yet again she delivers a must read story with a case that had me going through an array of emotions. The characterisation is brilliant with some characters I began to care about whilst others I didn’t trust and some I ended up taking a great dislike to!
I loved the setting of the seaside and at first the story has an almost relaxed feel to it until things take a sterner course and got a lot darker. I liked getting to know Molly better who is part of Amy’s team. She has some demons of her own to face and seems to be in a constant battle with herself in trying to prove herself to her boss.
Flesh and Blood is another brilliant read that I dived into and didn’t come up for air until I turned the last page. It is a tense and gritty read that in part is quite harrowing due to the nature of the story. It had me eager for the case to be solved before anyone else got hurt and I wasn’t prepared for the shocking revelations that came thick and fast. When a story has you going WTAF! and has your jaw dropping in shock, well in my eyes it deserves five shiny gold stars if not more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Caroline Mitchell is without a doubt one of my go to authors when it comes to crime thrillers. I am loving this series and yet again she delivers a must read story with a case that had me going through an array of emotions. The characterisation is brilliant with some characters I began to care about whilst others I didn’t trust and some I ended up taking a great dislike to!
I loved the setting of the seaside and at first the story has an almost relaxed feel to it until things take a sterner course and got a lot darker. I liked getting to know Molly better who is part of Amy’s team. She has some demons of her own to face and seems to be in a constant battle with herself in trying to prove herself to her boss.
Flesh and Blood is another brilliant read that I dived into and didn’t come up for air until I turned the last page. It is a tense and gritty read that in part is quite harrowing due to the nature of the story. It had me eager for the case to be solved before anyone else got hurt and I wasn’t prepared for the shocking revelations that came thick and fast. When a story has you going WTAF! and has your jaw dropping in shock, well in my eyes it deserves five shiny gold stars if not more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 24, 2021
Flesh and Blood is the fourth book in the DI Amy Winter series by former CID detective Caroline Mitchell, about the daughter of notorious serial killers who now hunts them herself as part of a specialist police team. I’ve read them all in order and think you do need to know the characters’ background to get the most out of this one. It’s a great series but I found this one hard going because it’s about the organised sexual exploitation of children, although the acts themselves are not described.
Amy is still getting used to her new secret relationship with her DCI, Donovan, when they are sent to the coastal town of Clacton in Essex, to investigate the apparent suicide of his former CID colleague Carla. They discover that she had been working off the books on a case involving a group of homeless teenagers, with links to a series of similar deaths by drowning in different seaside locations - was Carla getting too close to the truth?
This was another meticulously plotted police procedural with a large cast of characters - it was difficult to keep track of who was who at times, as many had similar names eg Denny, Damien & Darren, Mo & Molly. The scenes with Mo’s therapist are particularly harrowing as she recounts her history of systematic grooming as a young teenager, but it was unclear who Mo actually was until a shocking reveal that turns the book upside down - well played Ms Mitchell!
There are further twists and turns that I did not see coming including one which will shape the rest of the series. It’s well written and while it deals with a very dark subject, there’s no gore or descriptive violence. The ongoing dramas in Amy’s family did slow the pace a bit, but are integral to the series as are the relationships with her colleagues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Flesh and Blood is available now.
Amy is still getting used to her new secret relationship with her DCI, Donovan, when they are sent to the coastal town of Clacton in Essex, to investigate the apparent suicide of his former CID colleague Carla. They discover that she had been working off the books on a case involving a group of homeless teenagers, with links to a series of similar deaths by drowning in different seaside locations - was Carla getting too close to the truth?
This was another meticulously plotted police procedural with a large cast of characters - it was difficult to keep track of who was who at times, as many had similar names eg Denny, Damien & Darren, Mo & Molly. The scenes with Mo’s therapist are particularly harrowing as she recounts her history of systematic grooming as a young teenager, but it was unclear who Mo actually was until a shocking reveal that turns the book upside down - well played Ms Mitchell!
There are further twists and turns that I did not see coming including one which will shape the rest of the series. It’s well written and while it deals with a very dark subject, there’s no gore or descriptive violence. The ongoing dramas in Amy’s family did slow the pace a bit, but are integral to the series as are the relationships with her colleagues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Flesh and Blood is available now.
March 13, 2021
DI Amy Winter is back and I so happy! I love Caroline Mitchell's police procedurals and have been eagerly awaiting this one. As a former police officer, Caroline knows her stuff, and her stories are always so exciting, dark and surprising. Flesh and Blood was no different and as always the last few pages left me wanting more already.
This is book 4 in this series and the books are just so binge worthy. Strongly suggest reading these ones in order as the character development is so important to really understand Amy and her background. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of a serial killer, a serial killer who has just been released from prison. On top of that, her team have just been the subject of a fly on the wall documentary making them somewhat famous and recognisable. She is a character like no other and you need to meet her.
This time the team move away from their area and move down to Clacton, DCI Donovan's old stomping ground. A former colleague has just been found dead of a apparent suicide. But Donovan knows that she wouldn't do it, and there has been a spate of these deaths made to look like suicide in the area. This time it is personal, and nothing can get in the way of the teams pursuit to find the killer.
A big thank you to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
This is book 4 in this series and the books are just so binge worthy. Strongly suggest reading these ones in order as the character development is so important to really understand Amy and her background. DI Amy Winter is the daughter of a serial killer, a serial killer who has just been released from prison. On top of that, her team have just been the subject of a fly on the wall documentary making them somewhat famous and recognisable. She is a character like no other and you need to meet her.
This time the team move away from their area and move down to Clacton, DCI Donovan's old stomping ground. A former colleague has just been found dead of a apparent suicide. But Donovan knows that she wouldn't do it, and there has been a spate of these deaths made to look like suicide in the area. This time it is personal, and nothing can get in the way of the teams pursuit to find the killer.
A big thank you to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
May 25, 2021
What an amazing and intensely satisfying read Caroline Mitchell’s new thriller was! An addition to the DI Amy Winter thriller series, I really enjoyed reading Flesh and Blood.
While this book is the fourth instalment of the series, it would work as a stand-alone novel as the author provided enough contextual information to pick up the series without interrupting the flow of the story. I find the author's writing style very solid, as is the plot development. Her characters are all strong and dynamic and I particularly like the way she makes them believable and likeable. Also very commendable is her gift for revealing the subtleties of their personalities and relationships.
The plot itself was extremely engrossing and intriguing and I didn’t want to put down my e-reader for even a minute once I had started reading Flesh and Blood. Its dark, menacing and ominous story had me enthralled until the very fulfilling and fabulous conclusion. Packed with loads of action, thrilling suspense and heavy on emotion, this was definitely a very worthwhile read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
While this book is the fourth instalment of the series, it would work as a stand-alone novel as the author provided enough contextual information to pick up the series without interrupting the flow of the story. I find the author's writing style very solid, as is the plot development. Her characters are all strong and dynamic and I particularly like the way she makes them believable and likeable. Also very commendable is her gift for revealing the subtleties of their personalities and relationships.
The plot itself was extremely engrossing and intriguing and I didn’t want to put down my e-reader for even a minute once I had started reading Flesh and Blood. Its dark, menacing and ominous story had me enthralled until the very fulfilling and fabulous conclusion. Packed with loads of action, thrilling suspense and heavy on emotion, this was definitely a very worthwhile read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 26, 2025
*This Time It’s Personal*
In this instalment and hopefully there will be more in this series. A call that DCI Donavon didn’t take comes with a heavy price. The aftermath of the call sees him returning back to Clacton his old stomping ground with his old team. He brings DI Amy Winter and her team which he now overseas and the victim is one of their own.
There are things that Amy sees which mean keeping her DCI out of the loop. As the story progresses the case is about to take a shocking turn, if Amy is wrong there will be serious repercussions…. Who is behind the murder of one of their own? Will Amy get to the truth and Amy has a secret of her own….
In this instalment and hopefully there will be more in this series. A call that DCI Donavon didn’t take comes with a heavy price. The aftermath of the call sees him returning back to Clacton his old stomping ground with his old team. He brings DI Amy Winter and her team which he now overseas and the victim is one of their own.
There are things that Amy sees which mean keeping her DCI out of the loop. As the story progresses the case is about to take a shocking turn, if Amy is wrong there will be serious repercussions…. Who is behind the murder of one of their own? Will Amy get to the truth and Amy has a secret of her own….
April 22, 2021
Flesh and Blood by Caroline Mitchell is the fourth in the DI Amy Winter mystery series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, 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 Amy Winter is a strong, rather competitive, and independent woman. Although Amy was fostered by wonderful people, her biological parents (Jack and Lillian Grimes) were serial killers. Jack is dead, but Lillian is now out of jail, having gained the public's support and sympathy, as well as testimony from her other children, but not Amy. Perhaps Jack and Lillian are the reason Amy can get inside the heads of murderers. She is responsible for running a team to handle high profile cases. Her team includes DS Paddy Byrne, DC Molly Baxter and DC Steve Moss. The newest addition is DC Gary Wilkes. Her boss is DCI Donovan.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When DCI Donovan hears about the suicide of a former colleague at his last post in Clacton, he is sure they are wrong. Clara had just called him the night before, leaving a message saying she wanted some advice on a case. She sounded fine then.
Donovan pulls some strings, and the team heads to Clacton. His old team is not thrilled with the "interference". Everyone there is still grieving, and are somewhat convinced that Clara committed suicide.
However, there have ben a string of suicides in seaside towns, and Amy is starting to see a pattern. There have been a group of teenagers hanging around the piers every time someone died, and she thinks they may hold the key.
Meanwhile, Amy hired a PI and former detective, to track Lillian's moves. She will never trust her birth mother.
My Opinions:
This continues to be a really good series.
I liked how the story was told from the different perspectives of Donovan, Amy and Molly, as well as a young woman talking to her therapist about her past. Although I had guessed who that woman was, I was not 100% sure until the reveal.
The characters, as always, are the ones that pull the story along. Even the criminals have interesting tales. I was surprised by one perpetrator, but not the other. There were a number of personal issues that the characters were dealing with, and it made the reader feel closer to them, but at the same time, it sort of took away from the plot.
The topics of bullying and child trafficking were rather dark, but handled well.
Everything flowed well, and most things got tied up nicely. However, the ending had an interesting twist that should come into play in the next book. I'm looking forward to it!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 12, 2021
Book 4 in the DI Amy Winter series.
Flesh and blood is quite different to the the first three books as they aren't investigating a London crime. When Carla goes to meet her CHIS she is ambushed and left to die. Carla had rang Donovan asking for his advice bur it went to voicemail. He knows she didn't commit suicide and with a few other sea side suicides he's starting to think there's a link. So the team pack up and got Southend the problem is this case is far more complicated than anyone could've expected .
As all the books in the series we have a second point of view which is Donovan and Amy plus this series has Molly's point of view.
This case is probably the most harrowing out of them. With a possible pedophile ring somehow involved within the case. All the detectives find themselves completely emerged in the case. Donovan realises that his former colleague Carla was onto something and it seems that her investigation is shst got her killed.
Meanwhile Molly finds herself taking risks she wouldn't usually wouldn't. As we follow her story we realise that she has her very own I've always loved Molly she was one of my favourite secondary characters and heating her voice was great. I feel it was used to further our understanding of her, plus she's halitosis!
As always Amy is dealing with her past and present with Lillian out of prison she is on edge she also had a very tough decision to make during the the case. I love how we have a front row seat to the blossoming relationship between Amy and Donovan. There are a lot of speed bumps that need to be addressed but it's great to read.
Amy is trying very hard to follow the rules this time not get into trouble but it's Amy and it's hard.
Along with the case we also have therapy sessions by a woman called Mo who wants to find out why she enjoys murder. I found this side storyline very fascinating. However it is also extremely sad as well..
I love this series and I recommend it! If you haven't read the first 3 do and do so before you read this one. It slightly differ from the writing styles from the first three books. I couldn't put this book down I felt more connected to each character than I have with the before. Plus the side characters espically chatty Matty. Plus sallyanne has some heart breaking storyline as we honestly I can't wait for book 5.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
Flesh and blood is quite different to the the first three books as they aren't investigating a London crime. When Carla goes to meet her CHIS she is ambushed and left to die. Carla had rang Donovan asking for his advice bur it went to voicemail. He knows she didn't commit suicide and with a few other sea side suicides he's starting to think there's a link. So the team pack up and got Southend the problem is this case is far more complicated than anyone could've expected .
As all the books in the series we have a second point of view which is Donovan and Amy plus this series has Molly's point of view.
This case is probably the most harrowing out of them. With a possible pedophile ring somehow involved within the case. All the detectives find themselves completely emerged in the case. Donovan realises that his former colleague Carla was onto something and it seems that her investigation is shst got her killed.
Meanwhile Molly finds herself taking risks she wouldn't usually wouldn't. As we follow her story we realise that she has her very own I've always loved Molly she was one of my favourite secondary characters and heating her voice was great. I feel it was used to further our understanding of her, plus she's halitosis!
As always Amy is dealing with her past and present with Lillian out of prison she is on edge she also had a very tough decision to make during the the case. I love how we have a front row seat to the blossoming relationship between Amy and Donovan. There are a lot of speed bumps that need to be addressed but it's great to read.
Amy is trying very hard to follow the rules this time not get into trouble but it's Amy and it's hard.
Along with the case we also have therapy sessions by a woman called Mo who wants to find out why she enjoys murder. I found this side storyline very fascinating. However it is also extremely sad as well..
I love this series and I recommend it! If you haven't read the first 3 do and do so before you read this one. It slightly differ from the writing styles from the first three books. I couldn't put this book down I felt more connected to each character than I have with the before. Plus the side characters espically chatty Matty. Plus sallyanne has some heart breaking storyline as we honestly I can't wait for book 5.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
April 14, 2021
Finished reading: April 12th 2021
"We've all done things we regret. It's part of being human. We either learn from our mistakes or let them consume us."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 22, 2024
I’ve had a hard time finishing books lately, but this one was perfectly paced. Nothing too gruesome or gory. I enjoyed the chapters between “Mo” and her psychologist (the most chilling part of the book, really). And because it is British, guns are not part of the plot, which feels like a vacation all by itself.
File Under: A Good Police Procedural
File Under: A Good Police Procedural
March 6, 2021
This is the fourth book in the DI Amy Winter series. Amy is the biological child of people who let's just say didn't care for their children and were quite evil. I will leave it at that in case you haven't read the earlier books. There has been quite a lot explained about Amy's upbringing, her adoptive parents, and what went on in the house of horrors she came from. She has had an uneasy relationship with her past, and the prior books provide a lot of detail on how Amy came to be, well, Amy.
The case is a real puzzler. One of DCI Donovan's old colleagues committed what appears to be suicide. Knowing her personality, he believes she must have been murdered and takes over the investigation in Clacton. Other suicides come to light, but what is the connection, if any between them? When all the pieces are revealed, not only is a murderer exposed but some truly terrible crimes.
In Flesh and Blood, we start to see Amy becoming more of her own person and less controlled by the past. She has a relationship with DCI Donovan, her team is becoming more defined and capable, and the ending implies that there might be big changes in store for Amy.
It is always good to spend some quality time with Amy. There were enough red herrings to have me guessing whodunnit and why throughout the book. Oddly enough, I actually kind of missed the interactions between Amy and her biological mother Lilian. She was present in the story, but not nearly as much a thorn in Amy's side. After thinking about it for a bit, I guess she will have to play a smaller role if Amy is going to get a shot at happiness. Still, I am sure Lilian has some more tricks up her sleeve. An enjoyable read and fingers crossed that things work out for Amy in the next book!
The case is a real puzzler. One of DCI Donovan's old colleagues committed what appears to be suicide. Knowing her personality, he believes she must have been murdered and takes over the investigation in Clacton. Other suicides come to light, but what is the connection, if any between them? When all the pieces are revealed, not only is a murderer exposed but some truly terrible crimes.
In Flesh and Blood, we start to see Amy becoming more of her own person and less controlled by the past. She has a relationship with DCI Donovan, her team is becoming more defined and capable, and the ending implies that there might be big changes in store for Amy.
It is always good to spend some quality time with Amy. There were enough red herrings to have me guessing whodunnit and why throughout the book. Oddly enough, I actually kind of missed the interactions between Amy and her biological mother Lilian. She was present in the story, but not nearly as much a thorn in Amy's side. After thinking about it for a bit, I guess she will have to play a smaller role if Amy is going to get a shot at happiness. Still, I am sure Lilian has some more tricks up her sleeve. An enjoyable read and fingers crossed that things work out for Amy in the next book!
March 30, 2021
Flesh and blood is the 4th book in DI Amy Winter series and what a fantastic edition to the series.
This time the team have been sent to Clacton to help with a case of suicides, including an old police colleague Carla that was secretly undercover investigating some homeless teenagers. Amy who knew Carla and the rest of the Police team that Carla would not take her own life including the Senior officer on the case. The same night he received a voicemail from her.
This is another great episode in the series and Caroline Mitchell’s quality of her writing never falters. I have been reading her books from the start and they never disappoint. This is a gritty and realistic account on what happens to young teenagers today. Not every kid is born into a loving family unfortunately. I love the camaraderie between her team and the on and off relationship with Donovan it makes the story more personal and realistic. This is another uptown able story that everyone will enjoy. 5 stars from me.
This time the team have been sent to Clacton to help with a case of suicides, including an old police colleague Carla that was secretly undercover investigating some homeless teenagers. Amy who knew Carla and the rest of the Police team that Carla would not take her own life including the Senior officer on the case. The same night he received a voicemail from her.
This is another great episode in the series and Caroline Mitchell’s quality of her writing never falters. I have been reading her books from the start and they never disappoint. This is a gritty and realistic account on what happens to young teenagers today. Not every kid is born into a loving family unfortunately. I love the camaraderie between her team and the on and off relationship with Donovan it makes the story more personal and realistic. This is another uptown able story that everyone will enjoy. 5 stars from me.
May 13, 2021
I absolutely love this series and the character of DI Amy Winter. Flesh and Blood is the 4th installment of the series. While solving a crime, once thought to be a suicide, we learn more about Donovan and his past. In fact, the largest portion of the book is centered around Donovan. Flesh and Blood was much slower paced than the previous books primarily because we getting so much back story. This is a turning point for Donovan and Amy, their professional and personal lives, and a bit of closure regarding Lillian as well. It was all very interesting - just different. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. This is not a stand alone and should be read only after you've completed the first three.
October 17, 2021
Once again we are drawn into a dark and, potentially, very deadly investigation with DI Amy Winter at the heart. This time the case is very personal for one of the team - a suspected suicide in some very suspicious circumstances of a member of DCI Donovan's former team back in Essex. As readers we are privy to the truth - present even on that very fateful night - and so we know that there is more to the death of Donovan's former colleague than meets the eye. As the team are called in to assist and to investigate the series of suicides that the officer had been obsessed with prior to her death, it becomes clear to them as well that something very dark is happening in and around the shadows of the pier, and with an investigation that will take them well off their normal patch, as readers we are all set for one heck of a thrilling, and somewhat surprising, journey.
I have loved reading this series and getting to know more about Amy Winter as each of the books unfolds. She has a very complicated history, brought to life very skilfully by the author, elements of her past informing each of the investigations and stories in turn. This time around her family are more on the periphery, but there are parts of her life which do impact upon her concentration in the present, and some very unexpected revelation which definitely have the ability to take you by surprise. Amy is a great character, shaped but no longer dominated by her past, and whilst she still shows some reticence in her relationships you can see she is changing and she has really grown on me over the course of the four books. She has a unique perspective on life and the investigations, but a determination to see justice done that makes her compelling to read about.
The team around her are equally fascinating and it was great this time around to see DC Molly Baxter getting some extra action, desperate to prove herself to her boss and to make real mark in the investigation. I like Molly and like her enthusiasm. It contrasts well with the confidence of her colleague, Steve Moss or the slightly less focused contribution of Gary Wilkes. Then we have DS Paddy Byrne. He's a real source of support to Amy and with his odd collection of ties and steady style of working, he really balances out the team perfectly. They're a great bunch I am enjoying spending time with but it's fair to say that there are a few shocks in store throughout the book that will keep them all nicely unsettled.
Interspersed amongst the investigation we have some chapters which seem a little detached from the main story and yet inform the action, and the series, in a truly perfect way. We learn more about one of the key characters throughout this book, not just Amy, and whilst it may not lead to any kind of empathy, that level of understanding does give the story context and is another part to the series which is both believable and almost draws on real life.
There are some complex subjects covered in this book, in a non exploitative way, but which draw attention to some of the most abhorrent situations of modern life. Abuse, murder and an element of exploitation, the story is emotive but draws you in rather than repels you. It is in this kind of investigation that the author's knowledge and experience really come to the fore. Caroline Mitchell manages to convey the very dark reality of the investigation without taking readers too far into the shadows. It is perfect balance of compelling storytelling, uncomfortable truths and well hidden perpetrators which wrap into a perfect mystery.
The tension, and the stakes, are high and the pacing just perfect. If you have enjoyed the previous books in the series, you are going to love this. Just be prepared for some big revelations in amongst the shocks and the banter. It's another fab read from a very skilled author and a great series of books.
I have loved reading this series and getting to know more about Amy Winter as each of the books unfolds. She has a very complicated history, brought to life very skilfully by the author, elements of her past informing each of the investigations and stories in turn. This time around her family are more on the periphery, but there are parts of her life which do impact upon her concentration in the present, and some very unexpected revelation which definitely have the ability to take you by surprise. Amy is a great character, shaped but no longer dominated by her past, and whilst she still shows some reticence in her relationships you can see she is changing and she has really grown on me over the course of the four books. She has a unique perspective on life and the investigations, but a determination to see justice done that makes her compelling to read about.
The team around her are equally fascinating and it was great this time around to see DC Molly Baxter getting some extra action, desperate to prove herself to her boss and to make real mark in the investigation. I like Molly and like her enthusiasm. It contrasts well with the confidence of her colleague, Steve Moss or the slightly less focused contribution of Gary Wilkes. Then we have DS Paddy Byrne. He's a real source of support to Amy and with his odd collection of ties and steady style of working, he really balances out the team perfectly. They're a great bunch I am enjoying spending time with but it's fair to say that there are a few shocks in store throughout the book that will keep them all nicely unsettled.
Interspersed amongst the investigation we have some chapters which seem a little detached from the main story and yet inform the action, and the series, in a truly perfect way. We learn more about one of the key characters throughout this book, not just Amy, and whilst it may not lead to any kind of empathy, that level of understanding does give the story context and is another part to the series which is both believable and almost draws on real life.
There are some complex subjects covered in this book, in a non exploitative way, but which draw attention to some of the most abhorrent situations of modern life. Abuse, murder and an element of exploitation, the story is emotive but draws you in rather than repels you. It is in this kind of investigation that the author's knowledge and experience really come to the fore. Caroline Mitchell manages to convey the very dark reality of the investigation without taking readers too far into the shadows. It is perfect balance of compelling storytelling, uncomfortable truths and well hidden perpetrators which wrap into a perfect mystery.
The tension, and the stakes, are high and the pacing just perfect. If you have enjoyed the previous books in the series, you are going to love this. Just be prepared for some big revelations in amongst the shocks and the banter. It's another fab read from a very skilled author and a great series of books.
February 16, 2021
Another great addition in the DI Amy Winter series! I am really enjoying this series and happy to know there will be more to come. DI Amy Winter is a very fascinating character with a very sordid past. Flesh and Blood by Caroline Mitchell is the fourth in the series and I highly suggest you read them in order. Did I mention Amy's parents were serial killers?! Need I say more?!
Amy and her team are looking into recent deaths at the seaside originally thought to be suicides. Then one of the bodies ends up being one of their own and they now know there is something more sinister at work here. What follows is a suspenseful story with twists along the way that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Amy’s mother Lilian also makes an appearance having recently been released from prison and still claiming her innocence. A thorn in Amy's side, an evil woman who had done so much harm to so many. She sure does keep things interesting though! Can't wait to read more!
A big thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Amy and her team are looking into recent deaths at the seaside originally thought to be suicides. Then one of the bodies ends up being one of their own and they now know there is something more sinister at work here. What follows is a suspenseful story with twists along the way that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Amy’s mother Lilian also makes an appearance having recently been released from prison and still claiming her innocence. A thorn in Amy's side, an evil woman who had done so much harm to so many. She sure does keep things interesting though! Can't wait to read more!
A big thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the gifted ALC.
This is the fourth book in Caroline Mitchell's latest series featuring DI Amy Winters and I really love these books! This is such a gripping series - the books really grab you and hold your interest, though I will say, they are dark and a bit disturbing, so be forewarned!
As I have stated in each of my reviews of this series, I really believe in order to fully understand DI Amy Winters and all that she has gone though and continues to deal with, it is best to read these books in order. Her backstory really is a strong component of this series and a lot of that is set up in the first book and then is slowly built upon with each subsequent book. But that is of course just my opinion.
As is typical with these books, this latest one jumps right into the action and never lets up. I loved that this one really kept me guessing all the way through and had just the right amount of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat, wondering if I had guessed the murderer or not.
There is still the balance of personal life and work for Amy. While there aren't as many appearances of Amy's crazy biological mother, Lillian, in this installment, she still manages to wreak some havoc nonetheless. And Amy is left to pick up the pieces, so to speak.
There are a few things set up for the next book and I cannot wait to see what happens. What I love about this series is that Caroline Mitchell so cleverly raises the tension at just the right moments. The book is fast-paced and the mini-cliffhangers at the end of some chapters just beg you to keep reading or listening. This is a series that just keeps getting better and I will be counting down the days until book 5 is released!
Audio thoughts: I was very happy to see that Elizabeth Knowelden was back to narrate book this latest book in the series. I am a big fan of consistency, whenever possible, in series. I feel it brings continuity to the story and Elizabeth Knowelden certainly did that, as she was consistent with the voices and her tone. As dark and gritty as this story was, Elizabeth Knowelden really brought it to life with her narration and I hope she continues to be the narrator for as long as the series goes on.
You can see all my reviews at: https://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com
This is the fourth book in Caroline Mitchell's latest series featuring DI Amy Winters and I really love these books! This is such a gripping series - the books really grab you and hold your interest, though I will say, they are dark and a bit disturbing, so be forewarned!
As I have stated in each of my reviews of this series, I really believe in order to fully understand DI Amy Winters and all that she has gone though and continues to deal with, it is best to read these books in order. Her backstory really is a strong component of this series and a lot of that is set up in the first book and then is slowly built upon with each subsequent book. But that is of course just my opinion.
As is typical with these books, this latest one jumps right into the action and never lets up. I loved that this one really kept me guessing all the way through and had just the right amount of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat, wondering if I had guessed the murderer or not.
There is still the balance of personal life and work for Amy. While there aren't as many appearances of Amy's crazy biological mother, Lillian, in this installment, she still manages to wreak some havoc nonetheless. And Amy is left to pick up the pieces, so to speak.
There are a few things set up for the next book and I cannot wait to see what happens. What I love about this series is that Caroline Mitchell so cleverly raises the tension at just the right moments. The book is fast-paced and the mini-cliffhangers at the end of some chapters just beg you to keep reading or listening. This is a series that just keeps getting better and I will be counting down the days until book 5 is released!
Audio thoughts: I was very happy to see that Elizabeth Knowelden was back to narrate book this latest book in the series. I am a big fan of consistency, whenever possible, in series. I feel it brings continuity to the story and Elizabeth Knowelden certainly did that, as she was consistent with the voices and her tone. As dark and gritty as this story was, Elizabeth Knowelden really brought it to life with her narration and I hope she continues to be the narrator for as long as the series goes on.
You can see all my reviews at: https://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com
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