What do you think?
Rate this book
Will Traynor #2
Devil in the Detail
A suspected car-jacking leads to something deeper and darker in the compelling new Will Traynor forensic mystery.
The emergency call comes in the early hours of the morning. A man and a woman found in a car in a rundown part of the city, both of them critically injured. A random, opportune attack by a stranger? Or were the pair deliberately targeted? Is there a connection to series of car-jackings which has been plaguing the area? Nothing about this case seems to add up.
As each theory as to what might have happened leads to yet more questions, Detective Inspector Bernard Watts decides to call on the help of criminologist Dr Will Traynor. Traynor knows that it's the small, easily missed details that will crack the case, but not even he could suspect just where those seemingly insignificant details will lead . . .
The emergency call comes in the early hours of the morning. A man and a woman found in a car in a rundown part of the city, both of them critically injured. A random, opportune attack by a stranger? Or were the pair deliberately targeted? Is there a connection to series of car-jackings which has been plaguing the area? Nothing about this case seems to add up.
As each theory as to what might have happened leads to yet more questions, Detective Inspector Bernard Watts decides to call on the help of criminologist Dr Will Traynor. Traynor knows that it's the small, easily missed details that will crack the case, but not even he could suspect just where those seemingly insignificant details will lead . . .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2021
371 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cross
20 books86 followersA.J. Cross is a forensic psychologist and frequent court-appointed expert witness. She obtained her Masters Degree and PhD at the University of Birmingham, the latter relating to children as witnesses within the criminal court system. Her professional experience has included consultancy work for the Probation Service within its sexual offender unit in her home city. She currently lives in the West Midlands with her musician husband.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 30, 2021
There have been 6 carjackings... all in the same area ... all cars driven by women. Windows are smashed, the victims are hit with something heavy. Until this last one.
DI Bernard Watts and his team are called to investigate when a call is received from a woman calling for help. When Watts arrives, the finds the male driver close to death. His wife, in the passenger seat. What makes this different? She's still alive for one thing ... and she says the man had a gun.
Is this another carjacking .. maybe gone wrong? Were they specifically targeted?
Watts calls in criminologist Will Traynor who has experience in geographical profiling. Watts and Traynor have worked together before ... but Traynor was not at his best. His wife had been murdered years before and her body has never been found. Will he be a help .. or a hindrance?
Traynor knows that it's the small, easily missed details that will crack the case, but not even he could suspect just where those seemingly insignificant details will lead,
This is a well-written police procedural, with outstanding characters The action is non-stop with suspense maintaining a high level from start to finish. The conclusion was totally unexpected. Although 2nd in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading the books in order. With the author's experience of over 20 years as a forensic psychologist, I was expecting no small amount of credibility ... I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DI Bernard Watts and his team are called to investigate when a call is received from a woman calling for help. When Watts arrives, the finds the male driver close to death. His wife, in the passenger seat. What makes this different? She's still alive for one thing ... and she says the man had a gun.
Is this another carjacking .. maybe gone wrong? Were they specifically targeted?
Watts calls in criminologist Will Traynor who has experience in geographical profiling. Watts and Traynor have worked together before ... but Traynor was not at his best. His wife had been murdered years before and her body has never been found. Will he be a help .. or a hindrance?
Traynor knows that it's the small, easily missed details that will crack the case, but not even he could suspect just where those seemingly insignificant details will lead,
This is a well-written police procedural, with outstanding characters The action is non-stop with suspense maintaining a high level from start to finish. The conclusion was totally unexpected. Although 2nd in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading the books in order. With the author's experience of over 20 years as a forensic psychologist, I was expecting no small amount of credibility ... I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 1, 2021
"Devil in the Detail" is the second book in the Will Traynor Forensic Mystery series. I read the first one, but it wouldn’t be necessary to enjoy this latest installment. One thing strange about this series is it’s named for Will Traynor but I think DI Bernard Watts plays just as large of a role in both books. I enjoyed the detailed, realistic police procedure that is described as Traynor, Watts, and the rest of the Inspector’s team investigate a series of carjackings in Birmingham, England. When a new carjacking results in murder, the pressure is on from the highest ranks to solve this case as soon as possible.
The investigation into the crimes are the main focus of the book, but there are still some tidbits about Will, Bernard, and DC Chloe Judd’s personal lives as well. There is a huge difference of opinion on whether the murder was committed by the same person responsible for the prior carjackings that continues throughout the investigation. I found it strange that Watts, who is an excellent detective and leader, called in Traynor to consult on the case as the expert in Criminology, but then resisted his findings. The fact they weren’t always working together to solve the case was frustrating to me and detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Overall, I really liked the book. It isn’t a thriller, but the intriguing case kept my interest throughout the book. This isn’t a thriller, but the intriguing case kept my interest throughout the book. I was able to figure out part of the solution, but the author still provided some surprises I hadn’t expected. Some unexpected developments at the end have me curious about what is in store for the main characters in the next book and I can’t wait to find out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The investigation into the crimes are the main focus of the book, but there are still some tidbits about Will, Bernard, and DC Chloe Judd’s personal lives as well. There is a huge difference of opinion on whether the murder was committed by the same person responsible for the prior carjackings that continues throughout the investigation. I found it strange that Watts, who is an excellent detective and leader, called in Traynor to consult on the case as the expert in Criminology, but then resisted his findings. The fact they weren’t always working together to solve the case was frustrating to me and detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Overall, I really liked the book. It isn’t a thriller, but the intriguing case kept my interest throughout the book. This isn’t a thriller, but the intriguing case kept my interest throughout the book. I was able to figure out part of the solution, but the author still provided some surprises I hadn’t expected. Some unexpected developments at the end have me curious about what is in store for the main characters in the next book and I can’t wait to find out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
February 23, 2021
I liked Will Traynor in this book, and would have liked to have more focus on his work and on his thought process. The conflict between him and DCI Watts cast a shadow on the book that made it feel more antagonistic than cooperative. That antagonism continued through the relationship of Watts with his supervisor, who seemed to be almost totally negative. There was also antagonism with his Detective Sergeant, Judd, although they seemed to have a more positive relationship particularly toward the end.
The investigation of a carjacking/murder of a young couple in a rundown area of town leads Watts' team through a frustrating investigation, trying to get information from the wife, who survived the attack. The atmosphere in the police station and throughout the investigation is one of heightened stress and frustration on the parts of all the central characters.
As the investigative team tries to piece together why the couple was in that area of town and what lead to the attack on them, information is provided in somewhat of a disjointed fashion. The solution offered something of a twist, although I had long suspected it as a result.
I would have liked to spend more time reading parts of the book where individuals were having some success, whether it was personal or professional. For me, this book was just a shade or two too dark, although it may appeal to readers who prefer more realistic, gritty police procedurals. My thanks to Canongate Books, Severn House for an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The investigation of a carjacking/murder of a young couple in a rundown area of town leads Watts' team through a frustrating investigation, trying to get information from the wife, who survived the attack. The atmosphere in the police station and throughout the investigation is one of heightened stress and frustration on the parts of all the central characters.
As the investigative team tries to piece together why the couple was in that area of town and what lead to the attack on them, information is provided in somewhat of a disjointed fashion. The solution offered something of a twist, although I had long suspected it as a result.
I would have liked to spend more time reading parts of the book where individuals were having some success, whether it was personal or professional. For me, this book was just a shade or two too dark, although it may appeal to readers who prefer more realistic, gritty police procedurals. My thanks to Canongate Books, Severn House for an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
January 21, 2021
This was a terrific read, with very detailed police work, good characterizations and a jaw-dropping ending.
DI Watts is tasked into investigating a spate of car jackings. Six drivers have been mugged in their cars by smash and grab and the last woman believed she saw a gun so it looks as if things are escalating. Then a young couple in an unfamiliar area are attacked in their car, both shot, with the husband eventually dying in hospital. The pregnant wife, Molly, is severely injured, and loses the baby. Totally traumatized she's unable to answer any questions, so Watts calls in Criminologist Will Traynor. Even he has difficulty getting the whole story from Molly and has to be extremely cautious so as not to cause her more anguish.
I loved this book, it was an excellent forensic procedural; Chloe Judd and Will Traynor are highly likeable, but it sounds like Watts is retiring? I hope that's not the case...I want more Chloe and Will, especially now that Will has a new dog! Highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
DI Watts is tasked into investigating a spate of car jackings. Six drivers have been mugged in their cars by smash and grab and the last woman believed she saw a gun so it looks as if things are escalating. Then a young couple in an unfamiliar area are attacked in their car, both shot, with the husband eventually dying in hospital. The pregnant wife, Molly, is severely injured, and loses the baby. Totally traumatized she's unable to answer any questions, so Watts calls in Criminologist Will Traynor. Even he has difficulty getting the whole story from Molly and has to be extremely cautious so as not to cause her more anguish.
I loved this book, it was an excellent forensic procedural; Chloe Judd and Will Traynor are highly likeable, but it sounds like Watts is retiring? I hope that's not the case...I want more Chloe and Will, especially now that Will has a new dog! Highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
December 31, 2025
When I started Devil in the Detail, I was in the mood for a good police procedural. You know, the kind with a grumpy detective with an irate boss, lots of pressure, and several wildcard colleagues who do wacky things. This book delivered that.
This has all the elements of a terrific police procedural: a mysterious crime; an intriguing, scruffy setting; snappy dialogue; colorful characters (and in junior officer Chloe Judd’s case, colorful hair, too); and a zero-tolerance boss fearful of the press, who are breathing fire down the necks of law enforcement. Add to this the concerns from the inner city residents about the increasing police presence in their area, and the situation is fraught with tension. (I’ll note that this last source of conflict felt a little too easily dealt with and in an idealistic way, but I realize this story can’t explore with everything in depth.)
A carjacking happens on an isolated road. One victim is shot to death; his wife survives, but suffers post-trauma induced amnesia. There have been multiple carjackings near this area, but this case has some unusual features.
For example, the presence of the gun. This was a jolting reminder that this story takes place in the U.K., not America. In my area (the U.S.), the presence of a gun during a car theft would be business as usual, nothing out of the ordinary. Shootings are not unusual, unfortunately. But for these characters, the shooting of both Lawrences stops them in their tracks. What makes it more unusual, is that for the last decade, there have been no carjackings involving a firearm. So why these victims? For that matter, what were two well-off people doing in this area?
DI Bernard Watts is stumped. Because there have been multiple other carjackings in the vicinity, there’s a lot of pressure on the police to find the culprit. Yet despite his competent, though colorful, officers and many late hours, they can’t find the culprit. (Victim/eyewitness Molly Lawrence’s amnesia doesn’t help, either.) So he calls in criminologist Dr. Will Traynor to help.
Will Traynor has been an emotional mess, but he’s trying to keep it under control. Whenever stress arises, he shuts down his thinking. He doesn’t allow himself to feel emotions. He doesn’t cling to his wife’s memory. It works . . . for now. There’s a sense that Traynor might break at any moment if the stressors overpower his fragile ability to shut down.
It’s fascinating to see him put together the information about the geographical location of the attack. While Traynor doesn’t show up until relatively late (for a major character) in the story, it works because Watts is an engaging character in his own right, and because we need all the information from the earliest stages of the investigation to understand Traynor’s thoughts and methods.
The story was enjoyable, with plenty of surprises. The colorful characters and their relationships are engaging. The conflict between the police officers amused, rather than put off, me. I also found it kind of cute how sharp-tongued, uber-confident Chloe Judd becomes tongue-tied around a good-looking visitor.
But the most enjoyable part is seeing how Traynor’s work puts together the pieces of the mystery. There’s a sharp contrast and conflict between his job and Watts’ role as a police investigator, a divide between the theoretical and the practical, which is fascinating. I was more interested in that than in the actual mystery, which somehow felt a bit lackluster.
The book leaves room for sequels and further developments in these characters’ relationships.
This is an enjoyable mystery for fans of police procedurals and forensic mysteries. A solid 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
(This will appear on my blog on May 3, 2021.)
This has all the elements of a terrific police procedural: a mysterious crime; an intriguing, scruffy setting; snappy dialogue; colorful characters (and in junior officer Chloe Judd’s case, colorful hair, too); and a zero-tolerance boss fearful of the press, who are breathing fire down the necks of law enforcement. Add to this the concerns from the inner city residents about the increasing police presence in their area, and the situation is fraught with tension. (I’ll note that this last source of conflict felt a little too easily dealt with and in an idealistic way, but I realize this story can’t explore with everything in depth.)
A carjacking happens on an isolated road. One victim is shot to death; his wife survives, but suffers post-trauma induced amnesia. There have been multiple carjackings near this area, but this case has some unusual features.
For example, the presence of the gun. This was a jolting reminder that this story takes place in the U.K., not America. In my area (the U.S.), the presence of a gun during a car theft would be business as usual, nothing out of the ordinary. Shootings are not unusual, unfortunately. But for these characters, the shooting of both Lawrences stops them in their tracks. What makes it more unusual, is that for the last decade, there have been no carjackings involving a firearm. So why these victims? For that matter, what were two well-off people doing in this area?
DI Bernard Watts is stumped. Because there have been multiple other carjackings in the vicinity, there’s a lot of pressure on the police to find the culprit. Yet despite his competent, though colorful, officers and many late hours, they can’t find the culprit. (Victim/eyewitness Molly Lawrence’s amnesia doesn’t help, either.) So he calls in criminologist Dr. Will Traynor to help.
Will Traynor has been an emotional mess, but he’s trying to keep it under control. Whenever stress arises, he shuts down his thinking. He doesn’t allow himself to feel emotions. He doesn’t cling to his wife’s memory. It works . . . for now. There’s a sense that Traynor might break at any moment if the stressors overpower his fragile ability to shut down.
It’s fascinating to see him put together the information about the geographical location of the attack. While Traynor doesn’t show up until relatively late (for a major character) in the story, it works because Watts is an engaging character in his own right, and because we need all the information from the earliest stages of the investigation to understand Traynor’s thoughts and methods.
The story was enjoyable, with plenty of surprises. The colorful characters and their relationships are engaging. The conflict between the police officers amused, rather than put off, me. I also found it kind of cute how sharp-tongued, uber-confident Chloe Judd becomes tongue-tied around a good-looking visitor.
But the most enjoyable part is seeing how Traynor’s work puts together the pieces of the mystery. There’s a sharp contrast and conflict between his job and Watts’ role as a police investigator, a divide between the theoretical and the practical, which is fascinating. I was more interested in that than in the actual mystery, which somehow felt a bit lackluster.
The book leaves room for sequels and further developments in these characters’ relationships.
This is an enjoyable mystery for fans of police procedurals and forensic mysteries. A solid 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
(This will appear on my blog on May 3, 2021.)
May 11, 2021
I haven’t read the first in this series about criminologist Will Traynor, and to be honest I’m a bit puzzled about why it’s called the Will Traynor series at all, because the protagonist of this book seems to be Detective Inspector Watts, the senior investigating officer into a series of carjackings in Birmingham which appear to have escalated to murder. Watts calls Traynor in because he’s uncertain whether the carjackings and the murder are really connected, and then frankly, Traynor makes an absolute mess of questioning the crucial witness, not pressing her on anything and failing to see some massive clues glaring him in the face. It’s good old-fashioned police work which solves the case, questioning witnesses and following up on forensics.
It’s a reasonably solid police procedural but despite one dead body, the stakes feel pretty low. There’s no imminent peril to any of the protagonists and despite, in theory, a carjacker with a gun running around shooting people at random in order to steal their valuables, Traynor and the police officers he’s working with don’t seem to be remotely worried about potential future victims. Not once does anyone say “We have to catch this guy before he does it again!” It’s almost as though they know the eventual outcome, in which it transpires that there never was a significant threat to anyone else, in advance.
We spend much more time in Watts’ POV than in Traynor’s, and we still barely get to know Watts. He appears to be in a relationship with the forensic psychologist, but we never get to see them together. Another random character turns up in the middle of the book, observes the investigation for a bit, serves as an object of a crush for another character, and then leaves again without really affecting the story; they could and should have been cut entirely, and it wouldn’t have affected the story in the slightest.
Realistically, this needed a firm content edit to tighten things up, cut unnecessary characters and scenes, and to increase the stakes - or at least, increase what the characters THOUGHT the stakes were, even if the ending remains the same. The lack of any real tension meant the story struggled to retain my attention. I wouldn’t bother reading anything else in this series or by this author; I can only give it two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
It’s a reasonably solid police procedural but despite one dead body, the stakes feel pretty low. There’s no imminent peril to any of the protagonists and despite, in theory, a carjacker with a gun running around shooting people at random in order to steal their valuables, Traynor and the police officers he’s working with don’t seem to be remotely worried about potential future victims. Not once does anyone say “We have to catch this guy before he does it again!” It’s almost as though they know the eventual outcome, in which it transpires that there never was a significant threat to anyone else, in advance.
We spend much more time in Watts’ POV than in Traynor’s, and we still barely get to know Watts. He appears to be in a relationship with the forensic psychologist, but we never get to see them together. Another random character turns up in the middle of the book, observes the investigation for a bit, serves as an object of a crush for another character, and then leaves again without really affecting the story; they could and should have been cut entirely, and it wouldn’t have affected the story in the slightest.
Realistically, this needed a firm content edit to tighten things up, cut unnecessary characters and scenes, and to increase the stakes - or at least, increase what the characters THOUGHT the stakes were, even if the ending remains the same. The lack of any real tension meant the story struggled to retain my attention. I wouldn’t bother reading anything else in this series or by this author; I can only give it two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 22, 2025
Wow, this book really was a fascinating insight into the psychological mind of a killer. It was really interesting to see how even Will Traynor was mislead and it took him some time to piece together what had really happened in this car high-jacking and murder case. Learning how he eventually got himself into the killer’s mind and started to think the way they did was intriguing and very frightening. As usual, this plot was complex and engaging, with lots going on and plenty of suspects for DI Watt’s team to try and investigate. The motive, which seemed extremely clear from the offset was the most worrying because it didn’t seem to fit with the actual events, and trying to work out exactly what went on through a re-enactment of the crime was the only way that they could find answers. By the end, the number of twists and misdirection that took place was amazing and I commend the author for managing to keep my attention and yet totally surprise me with the final shock. Once more, it was good to see the team back in action, and when Julian makes an appearance, it seems just like the old times of the UCU (Unsolved Crimes Unit). The ending was totally gripping and yet, at the same time, a little sad and I’m just hoping that the next book will take us on to a new chapter of these stories.
November 15, 2021
#DevilintheDetail #NetGalley This is the second book in the Will Traynor series, although why it is called that I am unsure as he is definitely not the main character and quite frankly when he did appear he made a bit of a hash of things! In my opinion the main character is Di Watts. Even his young pc Chloe Judd has more of a presence than Traynor. Although the second in the series it is perfectly capable of being read as a standalone. I found this a bit slow to get started and although the storyline was good and interesting I guessed the culprit quite early on. An easy light read but not particularly thrilling.
September 22, 2022
This was a very slow book to start with and it took me several weeks to get to the point that I wanted to finish it. I would read a couple of pages a week and that was all and I was in two minds about giving up on it completely. For the first three quarters of the book it just went over and over the same information and the majority of this was based in the police station. It was only in the last quarter of the book that I got interested in the story and then I quickened my reading speed. I have only given it 3 stars because I really enjoyed the last quarter and the ending was a good one. I read the first Will Traynor novel and enjoyed it, but I am unsure about whether I will read any more!
November 28, 2024
When a married couple, Michael and Molly Lawrence, are found shot in their car, robbery appears to be the motive. Michael doesn't survive the attack, and the police are frustrated by Molly's inability to tell them very much about what happened. Bernard Watts calls in Will Traynor to see if he can help Molly provide more details of the shooting.
As in the previous book of this series, I found some of the detail repetitive, but nevertheless enjoyed the portrayal of the relationship between Watts and his feisty detective constable Chloe Judd. Will Traynor's character is further developed in this story, and I shall look forward to reading the next in the series - although whether Watts will feature remains to be seen. By the resolution of the investigation he was threatening to resign !
As in the previous book of this series, I found some of the detail repetitive, but nevertheless enjoyed the portrayal of the relationship between Watts and his feisty detective constable Chloe Judd. Will Traynor's character is further developed in this story, and I shall look forward to reading the next in the series - although whether Watts will feature remains to be seen. By the resolution of the investigation he was threatening to resign !
April 19, 2022
There were just too many holes in this story for me. I did like the premise and it kept me reading but I have a few questions. It was said early on that Mike’s phone was turned off at 9pm but this was never referred to again, it was earlier than the crime and a vital bit of information. The fact that the victims clothes were just bagged and left at the hospital and never sent to forensics was just ridiculous. This oversight just would not have happened. I also found it unbelievable that Molly could have kept her evil side so well hidden from everyone. Ludicrous. I do like Chloe Judd and Watts but not so keen on Trayner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
Birmingham. So far there have been six carjackings with no leads in the area. The seventh one results in a death. But why, is there a motive, are they all random attacks.
D.I. Bernard Watts leads the investigation.
A slow paced police procedural with input from criminologist Will Traynor. Though his input does seem to be ignored. I still didn't take to the character of PC Chloe Judd.
Overall an entertaining crime story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
D.I. Bernard Watts leads the investigation.
A slow paced police procedural with input from criminologist Will Traynor. Though his input does seem to be ignored. I still didn't take to the character of PC Chloe Judd.
Overall an entertaining crime story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
I was dismayed with this book. I expected a thrilling stimulating read, but what I got was a very slow-paced repetitive procedures book that did not include all the obvious evidence in their initial findings.
I expected more involvement from Will Traynor and more professionalism from the staff. The continuing bickering took away the essence of the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
I expected more involvement from Will Traynor and more professionalism from the staff. The continuing bickering took away the essence of the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
June 28, 2021
An evening emergency call brings the police to a remote area where they have two gunshot victims. Initially it seemed to be a carjacking or robbery gone wrong. But details kept coming up wrong for that to be the case. So Detective Inspector Watts and his team brought in a criminologist, Dr. Will Traynor. Eventually, a change of focus, and new details brought the cause of the crime into focus. A nice, twisty police procedural.
February 9, 2025
Another great read! I enjoyed this book more than the first. It was good to see Dr Will Traynor have more of a grip on himself as he works out the profile. Lots of police procedural in this. I love PC Chloe Judd. She says exactly what she's thinking lol. It is a bit unrealistic to give her so much responsibility when she is still training though.
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed all the aspects of it.
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed all the aspects of it.
February 4, 2023
Criminologist Will Traynor is back to help DI Watts investigate a series of carjackings and a recent murder that could be linked or could have other motives.
The pace of this book felt fast because each scene had slightly tense, clipped conversations about evidence or theories—and yet the pace was slow for the overall development of the mystery. I was a third of the way in before we got a strong lead (that still felt false) and the only witness still couldn’t be questioned thoroughly.
The plot picked up after that and offered several interesting twists, but by the end I felt that overall this story wasn’t as engaging or as well-written as the first book in series (which was 4 stars for me).
The pace of this book felt fast because each scene had slightly tense, clipped conversations about evidence or theories—and yet the pace was slow for the overall development of the mystery. I was a third of the way in before we got a strong lead (that still felt false) and the only witness still couldn’t be questioned thoroughly.
The plot picked up after that and offered several interesting twists, but by the end I felt that overall this story wasn’t as engaging or as well-written as the first book in series (which was 4 stars for me).
December 17, 2025
Enjoying the series overall but the author keeps pushing PC Judd into one's face. It takes away from the experience. Here's a quote: ".."yet he knew she was far sharper than her years, that her irreverent attitude hid a keen awareness of legal procedure." Huh? I like the other characters, and Judd would be fine without this irrational championing.
December 24, 2024
This is the second one in the series that I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed. it has a number of twists that kept me turning the pages.
I’m looking forward to getting onto the third one in the series I just love the characters and looking forward to seeing how it develops in the third story.
I’m looking forward to getting onto the third one in the series I just love the characters and looking forward to seeing how it develops in the third story.
December 21, 2021
Good read
February 12, 2022
It was fine. Nothing special. I like Will. I like Chloe. But there was nothing that made me just HAVE to read the next page.
April 3, 2022
Easy read, twists and turns, good police procedural.
April 5, 2022
had me fooled
May 3, 2022
Another good murder mystery from this author.
May 4, 2022
If she going until the very end. Quite a surprise
July 4, 2022
Meh. Reading stuff while stuck in quarantine that I would ordinarily abandon.
December 20, 2024
A book that takes you deep into the investigation and keeps you fully engaged until the final twist.
March 20, 2025
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I hope there are some more of them.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I hope there are some more of them.
April 10, 2025
Very good
I liked the character growth and I found the story engaging. I am very much looking forward to the next book. I am hoping for another great book .
I liked the character growth and I found the story engaging. I am very much looking forward to the next book. I am hoping for another great book .
December 22, 2025
I enjoy the extra forensic slant that A J Cross includes in her mysteries. Looking forward to reading number 3. Would recommend them to all mystery fans.
August 11, 2021
No Truer Novel Title—Don’t Miss Reading This Novel
The novel opens on a Friday with a woman in a hurry leaving her office building. She places a full briefcase on the passenger seat and departs for home. She is stuck at a traffic signal when the passenger window explodes and two gloved hands appear with one hand grabbing her briefcase. This is one of six recent smash and grabs in the same area. The next Monday as DI Watts arrives for work, his boss, Superintendent Brophy, under pressure from the chief constable tells Watts that as of ten minutes ago, he has all six cases. He has Jones and Kumar to work with him. Watts asks and also receives Judd.
Late that evening, Watts receives a call concerning another attack. When he arrives, a male driver is shot in the head and a female passenger, identified as Molly Lawrence, is mortally wounded. The paramedics are working on extracting and transporting the victims. Jones and Kumar arrive and prepare to secure the crime scene once the paramedics leave. The vehicle is literally in the middle of an ill lit industrial area. Molly survives but loses her pregnancy; her husband dies. The only witness is Molly who is so traumatized she can’t or won’t remember the crime in any detail. For this reason, Dr. Traynor, a forensic psychologist, is called in to help specifically with Molly Lawrence and with the whole case in general. The main storyline proceeds from here.
The main storyline unfolds in the voices primarily of Watts, Judd, and Traynor. Traynor primary focus at the start with traumatized wife, but makes little progress. Therefore, the investigation relies primarily with interviews of the family and coworkers. The information gathered and slim forensics really do not produce any substantial leads. The few promising leads pan out. This part of the main storyline is held together with strategy discussions between Watts and Traynor. While this part of the novel sounds boring, the author keeps the story moving, and kept my interest.
A major contributing factor for keeping my interest was the B-storyline threads. This novel was very rich with the continued character development of Watts, Traynor, and Judd. The author wove their personal lives quite seamlessly in with the main storyline providing much richness to the novel as a whole.
For aspects that some readers fine objectionable, there is very infrequent use of vulgar language, some of which is quite British. There are not any intimate scenes. There was only one significant incident of violence and most of it is described in the less edgy after the fact. Therefore, I believe that this novel can be read by all readers.
This is the second novel in the series. While I have read the first novel, I did not read any passage that required knowledge from the first novel that was not adequately explained in this one. You should not have any problem reading this novel first. This is a British author writing a British police procedural so there is frequent use of British informal language. My e-reader’s dictionary found more use than usual. The ability to highlight a word or phrase and jump right to a search of the Internet was used more frequently also.
For what I liked was how enjoyable reading this novel was. It was a quick and easy read. On many nights, this novel kept my interest and compelled me to continue reading until past midnight. An aspect that struck me as a little strange occurred in the first novel also. This novel series is titled, A Will Traynor Forensic Mystery. As in the first novel, the major voice in the novel is DI Watts. It is some time in each novel before Will Traynor enters the main storyline. The only aspect that I did not like is that this novel is advertised as second novel of a two novel series. I wish that this series would be longer as I liked the characters so much.
Based upon my complete enjoyment in reading this novel, I cannot rate this novel anything but with five stars. If the teaser for this novel interests you, I believe that you will enjoy it also.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Severn House with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The novel opens on a Friday with a woman in a hurry leaving her office building. She places a full briefcase on the passenger seat and departs for home. She is stuck at a traffic signal when the passenger window explodes and two gloved hands appear with one hand grabbing her briefcase. This is one of six recent smash and grabs in the same area. The next Monday as DI Watts arrives for work, his boss, Superintendent Brophy, under pressure from the chief constable tells Watts that as of ten minutes ago, he has all six cases. He has Jones and Kumar to work with him. Watts asks and also receives Judd.
Late that evening, Watts receives a call concerning another attack. When he arrives, a male driver is shot in the head and a female passenger, identified as Molly Lawrence, is mortally wounded. The paramedics are working on extracting and transporting the victims. Jones and Kumar arrive and prepare to secure the crime scene once the paramedics leave. The vehicle is literally in the middle of an ill lit industrial area. Molly survives but loses her pregnancy; her husband dies. The only witness is Molly who is so traumatized she can’t or won’t remember the crime in any detail. For this reason, Dr. Traynor, a forensic psychologist, is called in to help specifically with Molly Lawrence and with the whole case in general. The main storyline proceeds from here.
The main storyline unfolds in the voices primarily of Watts, Judd, and Traynor. Traynor primary focus at the start with traumatized wife, but makes little progress. Therefore, the investigation relies primarily with interviews of the family and coworkers. The information gathered and slim forensics really do not produce any substantial leads. The few promising leads pan out. This part of the main storyline is held together with strategy discussions between Watts and Traynor. While this part of the novel sounds boring, the author keeps the story moving, and kept my interest.
A major contributing factor for keeping my interest was the B-storyline threads. This novel was very rich with the continued character development of Watts, Traynor, and Judd. The author wove their personal lives quite seamlessly in with the main storyline providing much richness to the novel as a whole.
For aspects that some readers fine objectionable, there is very infrequent use of vulgar language, some of which is quite British. There are not any intimate scenes. There was only one significant incident of violence and most of it is described in the less edgy after the fact. Therefore, I believe that this novel can be read by all readers.
This is the second novel in the series. While I have read the first novel, I did not read any passage that required knowledge from the first novel that was not adequately explained in this one. You should not have any problem reading this novel first. This is a British author writing a British police procedural so there is frequent use of British informal language. My e-reader’s dictionary found more use than usual. The ability to highlight a word or phrase and jump right to a search of the Internet was used more frequently also.
For what I liked was how enjoyable reading this novel was. It was a quick and easy read. On many nights, this novel kept my interest and compelled me to continue reading until past midnight. An aspect that struck me as a little strange occurred in the first novel also. This novel series is titled, A Will Traynor Forensic Mystery. As in the first novel, the major voice in the novel is DI Watts. It is some time in each novel before Will Traynor enters the main storyline. The only aspect that I did not like is that this novel is advertised as second novel of a two novel series. I wish that this series would be longer as I liked the characters so much.
Based upon my complete enjoyment in reading this novel, I cannot rate this novel anything but with five stars. If the teaser for this novel interests you, I believe that you will enjoy it also.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Severn House with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews