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Detective Annie Delamere #2
Lost Hours
A vicious murder is committed, but who has blood on their hands?
On a hot summer’s afternoon, Michelle Wentworth enjoys a rare few hours of relaxation. Sunning herself by her pool, she sends her lazy teenage son to fetch her a drink. But instead of a refreshment, Michelle is given a nasty shock when shortly after her child’s bludgeoned body is discovered on the doorstep.
DI Annie Delamere attends the scene, joined by DS Zoe Everett. There is nothing to suggest a motive or perpetrator. They dig into Michelle’s life and come to suspect she may have been the target. Her ruthless pursuit of profit has won her few friends, and relying on her lawyer’s questionable advice could mean she’s in over her head.
When another battered body is found, Annie finds that every clue leads back to a dispute at Michelle’s business. But with so many people with reason to seek revenge, will Annie and her team look in the right places – or will it be too late?
A tense and gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page! Perfect for fans of Stephen Booth and Ann Cleeves.
On a hot summer’s afternoon, Michelle Wentworth enjoys a rare few hours of relaxation. Sunning herself by her pool, she sends her lazy teenage son to fetch her a drink. But instead of a refreshment, Michelle is given a nasty shock when shortly after her child’s bludgeoned body is discovered on the doorstep.
DI Annie Delamere attends the scene, joined by DS Zoe Everett. There is nothing to suggest a motive or perpetrator. They dig into Michelle’s life and come to suspect she may have been the target. Her ruthless pursuit of profit has won her few friends, and relying on her lawyer’s questionable advice could mean she’s in over her head.
When another battered body is found, Annie finds that every clue leads back to a dispute at Michelle’s business. But with so many people with reason to seek revenge, will Annie and her team look in the right places – or will it be too late?
A tense and gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page! Perfect for fans of Stephen Booth and Ann Cleeves.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2020
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141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 17, 2020
LOST HOURS by Alex Walters is second book in the Detective Annie Delamere British crime / police procedural and is set in England. Detective Inspector Annie Delamere and a co-worker, Detective Sergeant Zoe Everett are called to Michelle Wentworth’s home. Michelle has found her son dead in the front parking area. Annie is put in charge of the case. Soon, other story lines are introduced; one of which involves Annie’s partner, MP Sheena Pearson. Are the cases related? Was Michelle the intended victim? Is it personal or business?
While the main characters were individuals you could root for, they didn’t have as much depth as I expected and the secondary characters definitely needed more depth. The reader does not get a good feel for Annie and Zoe. They are competent in their jobs, but there was not any growth. They were not dynamic or unique. Michelle was actually a complex, but unlikeable character. The plot is complex, and the pace picked up in the last 30 percent of the book.
However, the stakes were high and that kept me interested in what was going to happen next and the ending is very dramatic. A lot of themes ran through this novel including family relationships, business ethics, revenge, greed and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that was a police procedural, not a thriller. There is mystery and twists and turns, but it is not a page-turner until near the end. However, it is easy to get caught up in the story and you definitely want to find out what is really happening. If you enjoy this type of book, then I recommend checking out the series.
Canelo and Alex Walters provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 5, 2020.
While the main characters were individuals you could root for, they didn’t have as much depth as I expected and the secondary characters definitely needed more depth. The reader does not get a good feel for Annie and Zoe. They are competent in their jobs, but there was not any growth. They were not dynamic or unique. Michelle was actually a complex, but unlikeable character. The plot is complex, and the pace picked up in the last 30 percent of the book.
However, the stakes were high and that kept me interested in what was going to happen next and the ending is very dramatic. A lot of themes ran through this novel including family relationships, business ethics, revenge, greed and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that was a police procedural, not a thriller. There is mystery and twists and turns, but it is not a page-turner until near the end. However, it is easy to get caught up in the story and you definitely want to find out what is really happening. If you enjoy this type of book, then I recommend checking out the series.
Canelo and Alex Walters provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 5, 2020.
December 26, 2020
This is the 2nd book in the DI Annie Delamere series by author Alex Walters but my first which didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. Good characters that I am sure with further books in the series will develop further.
While successful business woman Michelle Wentworth relaxes by the pool her teenage son is bludgeoned to death outside the house. DI Annie Delamere and DS Zoe Everett re called on to investigate and at first inspection there is little to go on. But Michelle is never going to win a popularity contest and the police suspect she may have been the target. Her ruthless pursuit of profit has won her few friends, and relying on her lawyer’s questionable advice could mean she’s in over her head. When another brutally murdered body is discovered DI Annie Delamere uncovers that every clue leads back to a dispute at Michelle’s business. Michelle's lack of popularity leaves plenty of people with reasons to seek revenge and the race is on to discover the truth before further people die.
This was an easy book to get into and I was turning the pages the pages rapidly trying to find out what was going to happen. Good characters, fast moving plot and another series for me to follow.
I would like to thank like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
While successful business woman Michelle Wentworth relaxes by the pool her teenage son is bludgeoned to death outside the house. DI Annie Delamere and DS Zoe Everett re called on to investigate and at first inspection there is little to go on. But Michelle is never going to win a popularity contest and the police suspect she may have been the target. Her ruthless pursuit of profit has won her few friends, and relying on her lawyer’s questionable advice could mean she’s in over her head. When another brutally murdered body is discovered DI Annie Delamere uncovers that every clue leads back to a dispute at Michelle’s business. Michelle's lack of popularity leaves plenty of people with reasons to seek revenge and the race is on to discover the truth before further people die.
This was an easy book to get into and I was turning the pages the pages rapidly trying to find out what was going to happen. Good characters, fast moving plot and another series for me to follow.
I would like to thank like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
Lost Hours is the second instalment in the Detective Inspector (DI) Annie Delamere, set in the Peak District. It isn't necessary to have read the opening book, Small Mercies, before diving into this as each story is self-contained. DI Delamere and colleague DS Zoe Everett are called to the plush home of successful businesswoman Michelle Wentworth, which sits in its own expansive grounds in the rural countryside. Parched, Michelle had sent her son, nineteen-year-old Justin, to grab her a drink but discovered his battered and bruised corpse on the ground between two vehicles on their driveway before he has a chance to return to her. With little evidence to be found Annie soon believes that Michelle was the intended target; she is notorious for her ruthless, unethical business dealings, a cutthroat attitude and priority on profit over all else, which has not only earned her a bad reputation but countless enemies too. When head of the trade union, Keith Chalmers, is brutally slain and dumped outside the gates of Michelle's country estate, closely followed by Sammy Nolan, a business acquaintance and eventually her lawyer, Peter Hardy, this all but validates Annie’s theory.
This is a captivating, convoluted and exciting police procedural with one of the most immoral and hateworthy characters I've encountered recently in the disgusting narcissistic Michelle, who I came to despise, as even after losing her son and close associates to a killer hellbent on revenge she puts herself and wealth first. Despite the police having just about clarified that Justin was a misstep, it remains to be seen whether the police have enough solid evidence to prove this is related to shady business ventures as opposed to more personal. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists so to be treated to the great dynamic between TWO fierce women detectives is a treat. Walters makes excellent use of twists, turns and misdirection throughout bringing some surprises to the narrative and the whole thing moves at a pretty brisk pace. It's a refreshingly original thriller with plenty of intrigue surrounding current business practices and social issues, including wealth, power and politics. An entertaining and compulsive, clever and engrossing story, which is an easy read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
This is a captivating, convoluted and exciting police procedural with one of the most immoral and hateworthy characters I've encountered recently in the disgusting narcissistic Michelle, who I came to despise, as even after losing her son and close associates to a killer hellbent on revenge she puts herself and wealth first. Despite the police having just about clarified that Justin was a misstep, it remains to be seen whether the police have enough solid evidence to prove this is related to shady business ventures as opposed to more personal. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists so to be treated to the great dynamic between TWO fierce women detectives is a treat. Walters makes excellent use of twists, turns and misdirection throughout bringing some surprises to the narrative and the whole thing moves at a pretty brisk pace. It's a refreshingly original thriller with plenty of intrigue surrounding current business practices and social issues, including wealth, power and politics. An entertaining and compulsive, clever and engrossing story, which is an easy read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
November 10, 2020
DI Annie Delemare, along with her DS Zoe Everett are called to investigate when a call is received from Michelle Wentworth, regarding her son.
When Annie and Zoe arrive, they find her son lying outside next to the cars, having been brutally beaten. The mother, and her attorney, don't seem to be bothered by the fact that her son has been murdered.
Upon investigation, Annie and Zoe find that the mother was not a well-like business woman. Annie's gut feeling is telling her that not only is his mother being secretive about 'something' but that the mother maybe the true target.
Another battered body is found on Wentworth's property ... they discover that this victim also has ties to Wentworth and a dispute along the lines of a possible strike. Many people are threatened with the loss of their jobs, benefits, etc., it's hard to know who to question, and to determine the ecaxt motive.
This is a well written police procedural with outstanding characters involved in this intricate plot. There are many suspects to follow ... all who have an interior motive to want to see Wentworth suffering. The action starts on the very first page and the suspense maintains a steady pace throughout. Although 2nd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, although I do recommend starting with the first book. There's a lot of backstory in the first book making the second book much more interesting.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When Annie and Zoe arrive, they find her son lying outside next to the cars, having been brutally beaten. The mother, and her attorney, don't seem to be bothered by the fact that her son has been murdered.
Upon investigation, Annie and Zoe find that the mother was not a well-like business woman. Annie's gut feeling is telling her that not only is his mother being secretive about 'something' but that the mother maybe the true target.
Another battered body is found on Wentworth's property ... they discover that this victim also has ties to Wentworth and a dispute along the lines of a possible strike. Many people are threatened with the loss of their jobs, benefits, etc., it's hard to know who to question, and to determine the ecaxt motive.
This is a well written police procedural with outstanding characters involved in this intricate plot. There are many suspects to follow ... all who have an interior motive to want to see Wentworth suffering. The action starts on the very first page and the suspense maintains a steady pace throughout. Although 2nd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, although I do recommend starting with the first book. There's a lot of backstory in the first book making the second book much more interesting.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 18, 2020
Michelle Wentworth, a ruthless and rather infamous businesswoman finds her son Justin clubbed death in their driveway, in between their both cars. He’s described a quiet student without many friends while his mother is at least controversial. DI Annie Delamere and DS Zoe Everett turn their investigation into that direction.
Annie’s partner, the MP Sheena Parson is involved with a protest and strike against an employer that outsourced its support processes to a company that leaves them no option than zero-hours contracts. This means that they’re not guaranteed minimum hours or wages any longer. This company belongs to Michelle Wentworth. The police get involved when the manager’s car gets vandalised.
A week later, the union rep is also murdered.
Michelle, the mother of the victim is the main character in this story, more so even than the lead detectives. She’s a very unpleasant person without any ethics. Her life revolves around money and power. She’d give Montgomery Burns (of the Simpsons) a hard day. Within the first pages, just prior to his murder she tells how much she loathes her own son. Her ex-husband describes her as a nasty, conniving bitch that doesn’t care who she threads on or hurts as long as she gets what she wants. She wants to be in control everywhere and at all times.
Where Michelle is ruthless, her employee/friend/lawyer Peter Hardy sounds a creepy manipulator and not someone I’d put my trust in.
This story paints a bleak picture of what’s wrong with the current labour and business practices. Those unsavoury practices described in this book, are unfortunately imposed in more and more sectors and countries around the globe. The collateral damage of extreme capitalism erodes the fabric of the social welfare our fathers and mothers fought for, not all that long ago. If some CEO’s of well-known multinationals have their way, we return to forced slave labour.
Small criticism: sometimes the writer uses such deliberately official language that you have to read a sentence more than once to understand what’s intended. It can be my imperfect English or an illustration of how unintelligible contracts and documents are.
The author very cleverly mixes genuine social problems and thriller elements into the intrigue of this police procedural and creates a unique brand. The story is well-written and reads very easy. Because of this social context and the lengthy introduction of the characters, the story starts out rather slowly and gains its momentum only in the second half..
Small criticism: sometimes the writer uses such deliberately official language that you have to read a sentence more than once to understand what’s intended. It can be my imperfect English or an illustration of how unintelligible contracts and documents are.
It’s also a bit unlikely that the police will so early on in an investigation stop looking at the background of the victim and move on to the mother’s enemies.
I thank Netgalley and Canelo for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it
Annie’s partner, the MP Sheena Parson is involved with a protest and strike against an employer that outsourced its support processes to a company that leaves them no option than zero-hours contracts. This means that they’re not guaranteed minimum hours or wages any longer. This company belongs to Michelle Wentworth. The police get involved when the manager’s car gets vandalised.
A week later, the union rep is also murdered.
Michelle, the mother of the victim is the main character in this story, more so even than the lead detectives. She’s a very unpleasant person without any ethics. Her life revolves around money and power. She’d give Montgomery Burns (of the Simpsons) a hard day. Within the first pages, just prior to his murder she tells how much she loathes her own son. Her ex-husband describes her as a nasty, conniving bitch that doesn’t care who she threads on or hurts as long as she gets what she wants. She wants to be in control everywhere and at all times.
Where Michelle is ruthless, her employee/friend/lawyer Peter Hardy sounds a creepy manipulator and not someone I’d put my trust in.
This story paints a bleak picture of what’s wrong with the current labour and business practices. Those unsavoury practices described in this book, are unfortunately imposed in more and more sectors and countries around the globe. The collateral damage of extreme capitalism erodes the fabric of the social welfare our fathers and mothers fought for, not all that long ago. If some CEO’s of well-known multinationals have their way, we return to forced slave labour.
Small criticism: sometimes the writer uses such deliberately official language that you have to read a sentence more than once to understand what’s intended. It can be my imperfect English or an illustration of how unintelligible contracts and documents are.
The author very cleverly mixes genuine social problems and thriller elements into the intrigue of this police procedural and creates a unique brand. The story is well-written and reads very easy. Because of this social context and the lengthy introduction of the characters, the story starts out rather slowly and gains its momentum only in the second half..
Small criticism: sometimes the writer uses such deliberately official language that you have to read a sentence more than once to understand what’s intended. It can be my imperfect English or an illustration of how unintelligible contracts and documents are.
It’s also a bit unlikely that the police will so early on in an investigation stop looking at the background of the victim and move on to the mother’s enemies.
I thank Netgalley and Canelo for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest, unbiased review of it
October 9, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Lost Hours, the second novel to feature DI Annie Delamere of the Derbyshire Police.
Annie and her partner, DS Zoe Everett, are called out to a remote house in the Peak District where Justin Wentworth has been bludgeoned to death in the front garden while his mother, Michelle, sunbathes in the back. Michelle is a ruthless businesswoman and it soon becomes apparent that Justin’s death is related to her business dealings when there is a second death.
I enjoyed Lost Hours which is full of twists and turns that make for compulsive reading. I must admit that I was truly baffled about what was going on and how the victims linked together so I kept going until I had my answers and read it in one sitting. The solution is quite convoluted so I had to read it twice to read all the ins and outs, and even then there is room for ambiguity. It’s clever. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the first novel in the series, Small Mercies, but this a step up with a more engrossing plot line, more tension and more settled characters.
I like Annie Delamire who is settling in as a smart, sensible detective, well able to handle both her boss, who is prone to panic, and her interviewees, who tend to lie, keep secrets and be generally awkward. I’ve yet to work out the point of DS Zoe Everett, even though she has a prominent role. She just seems to be there and hint at trouble in her personal life. She’s insubstantial.
Lost Hours is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Annie and her partner, DS Zoe Everett, are called out to a remote house in the Peak District where Justin Wentworth has been bludgeoned to death in the front garden while his mother, Michelle, sunbathes in the back. Michelle is a ruthless businesswoman and it soon becomes apparent that Justin’s death is related to her business dealings when there is a second death.
I enjoyed Lost Hours which is full of twists and turns that make for compulsive reading. I must admit that I was truly baffled about what was going on and how the victims linked together so I kept going until I had my answers and read it in one sitting. The solution is quite convoluted so I had to read it twice to read all the ins and outs, and even then there is room for ambiguity. It’s clever. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the first novel in the series, Small Mercies, but this a step up with a more engrossing plot line, more tension and more settled characters.
I like Annie Delamire who is settling in as a smart, sensible detective, well able to handle both her boss, who is prone to panic, and her interviewees, who tend to lie, keep secrets and be generally awkward. I’ve yet to work out the point of DS Zoe Everett, even though she has a prominent role. She just seems to be there and hint at trouble in her personal life. She’s insubstantial.
Lost Hours is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 11, 2021
This is the second book in the Detective Annie Delemere series and unfortunately I just couldn’t get into it at all. The storyline was really slow and just didn’t hold my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an review
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an review
September 21, 2020
237 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
DS Zoe Everett and DI Annie Delamere respond to the call of a dead body at a lush home in the country. The victim, Justin was a nineteen-year old young man whose mother is Michelle Wentworth. She is controversial, relentless, hard driving and just skits the line between legal and illegal in her business dealings. Justin was beaten to death.
Michelle and a “friend,” attorney Peter Hardy, say that there is no one they can think of that disliked Justin. But, all is not well, Zoe and Annie feel that there is something they are not saying. And Michelle's response to her son's death seems off.
Meanwhile, there are labor problems afoot at a local company that Michelle is trying to take over. Sheena, Annie's life partner, was at a meeting where one of the bosses was hit in the head by a bottle thrown by a demonstrator. Later, the boss' car is badly vandalized.
Annie, Zoe and the team are getting heat from their immediate boss DCI Stuart Jennings. Who, of course, is being micro-managed by his own bosses. They basically have no leads. They are attempting to learn more about Michelle's business deceptive practices, but it is hard going. There are many rumors to track down.
More people are dying, and the police can find little to link them. The pressure increases. Annie's position is in danger for one of the murdered men met with Sheena just prior to his murder. She offers to step down, but is told to carry on..
Through dedicated police work and following all clues, some progress is made.
In an exciting scene, Zoe and Michelle come face to face with the killer. Annie and other officers arrive just as the scene comes to a conclusion. Or, does it?
This is a well written and plotted novel. I must admit that I was disappointed in the ending. It seemed too anti-climatic somehow. It was not satisfying. The story didn't seem to hang together all that well. I didn't like Michelle, but then I don't believe I was supposed to. I did appreciate Annie's increasing trust in her boss Stuart. I liked the previous Annie Delamere novels better.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
DS Zoe Everett and DI Annie Delamere respond to the call of a dead body at a lush home in the country. The victim, Justin was a nineteen-year old young man whose mother is Michelle Wentworth. She is controversial, relentless, hard driving and just skits the line between legal and illegal in her business dealings. Justin was beaten to death.
Michelle and a “friend,” attorney Peter Hardy, say that there is no one they can think of that disliked Justin. But, all is not well, Zoe and Annie feel that there is something they are not saying. And Michelle's response to her son's death seems off.
Meanwhile, there are labor problems afoot at a local company that Michelle is trying to take over. Sheena, Annie's life partner, was at a meeting where one of the bosses was hit in the head by a bottle thrown by a demonstrator. Later, the boss' car is badly vandalized.
Annie, Zoe and the team are getting heat from their immediate boss DCI Stuart Jennings. Who, of course, is being micro-managed by his own bosses. They basically have no leads. They are attempting to learn more about Michelle's business deceptive practices, but it is hard going. There are many rumors to track down.
More people are dying, and the police can find little to link them. The pressure increases. Annie's position is in danger for one of the murdered men met with Sheena just prior to his murder. She offers to step down, but is told to carry on..
Through dedicated police work and following all clues, some progress is made.
In an exciting scene, Zoe and Michelle come face to face with the killer. Annie and other officers arrive just as the scene comes to a conclusion. Or, does it?
This is a well written and plotted novel. I must admit that I was disappointed in the ending. It seemed too anti-climatic somehow. It was not satisfying. The story didn't seem to hang together all that well. I didn't like Michelle, but then I don't believe I was supposed to. I did appreciate Annie's increasing trust in her boss Stuart. I liked the previous Annie Delamere novels better.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
October 28, 2020
Is it political or is it personal?
When you are a ruthless business woman, you know you will have enemies, but who has Michelle Wentworth crossed this time?
The first victim her son Justin, who is brutally murdered right on her own “doorstep” is only the beginning.
Michelle’s right hand man, Peter Hardy may not be all he appears, nor could her estranged husband, who said about Justin, “I’ve never thought of him as my son”.
The list of those with a grudge against her just keeps getting longer.
Annie Delamere is on the case, and she is not convinced that Michelle is all that she appears and she is hiding much more than she is letting on. Putting in DS Zoe Everett as Michelle’s PLO, they hope that she can get close enough to get through to the woman of steel and uncover some of the truths behind what Michelle is hiding. But has Zoe taken on more than she realises!
This took me a little while to get into, but with some great twists and some a fast-paced action this became a really gripping read. The ending I was expecting didn’t happen and it created a much better ending.
When you are a ruthless business woman, you know you will have enemies, but who has Michelle Wentworth crossed this time?
The first victim her son Justin, who is brutally murdered right on her own “doorstep” is only the beginning.
Michelle’s right hand man, Peter Hardy may not be all he appears, nor could her estranged husband, who said about Justin, “I’ve never thought of him as my son”.
The list of those with a grudge against her just keeps getting longer.
Annie Delamere is on the case, and she is not convinced that Michelle is all that she appears and she is hiding much more than she is letting on. Putting in DS Zoe Everett as Michelle’s PLO, they hope that she can get close enough to get through to the woman of steel and uncover some of the truths behind what Michelle is hiding. But has Zoe taken on more than she realises!
This took me a little while to get into, but with some great twists and some a fast-paced action this became a really gripping read. The ending I was expecting didn’t happen and it created a much better ending.
November 6, 2020
Just as in real life, the investigators in Lost Hours must search for clues and build a possible case while checking off names on a suspect list provided by the victim's mother. Michelle Wentworth's son has been murdered in the driveway of their home. DI Delamere and DS Everett soon come to the logical conclusion that the mother was most likely the target and the son was collateral damage. Wentworth's character is a ruthless example of today's empire builders. Nothing comes between them and their money. As more murder victims connected to Wentworth appear, the investigators are pulled in many directions before the clues start to line up.
This was a very good police procedural with a very dislikeable character at the center of the crimes. While she was dislikeable, it was definitely different to see a woman portrayed as the villainess at the center. Alex Walters is flexing the rules to give us a really good read.
This was a very good police procedural with a very dislikeable character at the center of the crimes. While she was dislikeable, it was definitely different to see a woman portrayed as the villainess at the center. Alex Walters is flexing the rules to give us a really good read.
September 21, 2020
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
3.5* rounded up. I have not read the first in this series; events from it were referred to, but it was fine to start with this one. It was a competently written police procedural, with competent female detectives investigating, but somehow it fell a bit flat for me. The character of the woman whose son was the first victim was perhaps the most clearly drawn; the others were more superficial.
The conclusion made sense, although it came a little out of left field, and Zoe, one of the police detectives, made a huge error, which no one seemed that bothered about.
3.5* rounded up. I have not read the first in this series; events from it were referred to, but it was fine to start with this one. It was a competently written police procedural, with competent female detectives investigating, but somehow it fell a bit flat for me. The character of the woman whose son was the first victim was perhaps the most clearly drawn; the others were more superficial.
The conclusion made sense, although it came a little out of left field, and Zoe, one of the police detectives, made a huge error, which no one seemed that bothered about.
May 29, 2022
I never write reviews but this really is a shocker. Poor grammar, spelling errors. I skipped huge chunks because it was so tedious to read and still knew exactly what was going on.
June 28, 2022
I did enjoy this book, although I found the plot quite involved and confusing, with maybe far too much going on. We begin with the murder of the son of a local, well established and ruthless businesswoman. Then we move on into the world of trade unions and the unrest of the staff who work for said businesswoman. Is this a clue as to who could have murdered her son? Two more, unexpected deaths follow on, with the probability that this could be the same murderer, but why, what is the relationship between them all?
This is one of those books that keeps you on your toes, making you concentrate and has you guessing all the way through until the very end. We see Detective Annie Delamere struggling to connect the dots on this and it’s quite obvious why. This is a mystery that would keep even Poirot puzzled for a long time. Even when we reach the end, although it does not come as a surprise to those involved, it certainly never occurred to me who the murder could be. There isn’t a great deal of thrilling action, just plodding detective work – even at the end the pace does not seem to hot up that much.
I am a huge fan of the DCI Murrain and DI McKay series, but I find this series quite tame in comparison, and although I enjoy reading them as the author is a good writer, I must confess that I won’t make a concerted rush to read the next one just yet.
This is one of those books that keeps you on your toes, making you concentrate and has you guessing all the way through until the very end. We see Detective Annie Delamere struggling to connect the dots on this and it’s quite obvious why. This is a mystery that would keep even Poirot puzzled for a long time. Even when we reach the end, although it does not come as a surprise to those involved, it certainly never occurred to me who the murder could be. There isn’t a great deal of thrilling action, just plodding detective work – even at the end the pace does not seem to hot up that much.
I am a huge fan of the DCI Murrain and DI McKay series, but I find this series quite tame in comparison, and although I enjoy reading them as the author is a good writer, I must confess that I won’t make a concerted rush to read the next one just yet.
August 31, 2023
This is the second investigation involving DI Annie Delamere. Annie investigates the murder of university student Justin Wentworth, who has been bludgeoned to death at the family home in the Peak District. Justin's mother Michelle is a high-powered and not especially likeable businesswoman, and it transpires that her ruthless ideology may have led to the fatal attack on her son.
A dispute at one of the businesses Michelle is taking over leads to another murder and Annie realises the two victims are connected - but how?
It is a difficult case to crack and Annie struggles initially, but the pieces gradually come together and the denouement is suitably dramatic.
This is a fast-moving read and further develops the central relationships between Annie and her police colleagues and partner Sheena. Dialogue is realistic and it isn't obvious who the murderer might be until very near the end.
I have read several police procedurals by Alex Walters and whilst preferring the Alec McKay and Kenny Murrain series, this is still very good. It will be interesting to see where Alex Walters takes DI Annie Delamere next.
A dispute at one of the businesses Michelle is taking over leads to another murder and Annie realises the two victims are connected - but how?
It is a difficult case to crack and Annie struggles initially, but the pieces gradually come together and the denouement is suitably dramatic.
This is a fast-moving read and further develops the central relationships between Annie and her police colleagues and partner Sheena. Dialogue is realistic and it isn't obvious who the murderer might be until very near the end.
I have read several police procedurals by Alex Walters and whilst preferring the Alec McKay and Kenny Murrain series, this is still very good. It will be interesting to see where Alex Walters takes DI Annie Delamere next.
May 24, 2023
From the Goodreads Blurb: A vicious murder is committed, but who has blood on their hands? On a hot summer’s afternoon, Michelle Wentworth enjoys a rare few hours of relaxation. Sunning herself by her pool, she sends her lazy teenage son to fetch her a drink. But instead of a refreshment, Michelle is given a nasty shock when shortly after her child’s bludgeoned body is discovered on the doorstep.
We are never sure who the real villain of the piece is... right up to the end. I found the "up to the end" thing a bit unsatisfying, but Maggee and Lutrecia both voted the book a solid 4...
This was book #26 on our 2023 Read-alouds List, and book #23 on our 2023 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List.
We are never sure who the real villain of the piece is... right up to the end. I found the "up to the end" thing a bit unsatisfying, but Maggee and Lutrecia both voted the book a solid 4...
This was book #26 on our 2023 Read-alouds List, and book #23 on our 2023 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List.
May 1, 2022
Michelle Wentworth, a successful and ruthless businesswoman, find her son brutally murdered just outside her own front door. Annie and her team investigate. This story had another link, to a trade unionist, whose members were striking because of Wentworth’s treatment of them, after a takeover. The more we discovered about her, the more people could be in the frame. But why target others and leave them for her to find? Was she in danger too? I enjoyed the mystery in this story, the suspense and the excitement, and the setting of the Peak District. Brought up in south Manchester, this was an area I walked in my teens. I also loved the great writing. I’m already on Book 3.
October 3, 2021
I have loved all the DCI Murrain and the DI McKay series so was looking forward to meeting Annie Delamere. However it has been disappointing. The story seemed very long and drawn out and I really couldn't gather any sympathy or even liking for any of the characters. I am not even sure if I was supposed to have any sympathy for any of them. The ending seemed to be a case of the author thinking "enough of this, I'll just end it". It seems that I have read the first book in this series before but I have no memory of it, if I had remembered. maybe I wouldn't have read this one.
July 7, 2023
DI Delamere investigates the murder of a business woman's son at her home in rural Derbyshire. Is the mother hiding something from the police and is it about her or her son. As the bodies pile up the police are struggle to find a motive or link between the victims until the violent finale. Even then is all as it seems? Walters has set these books around Derby and Nottingham and the quaint villages and mining communities of the Peak District. A good steady read, and the second in the series I am looking forward to reading book 3 and the latest installment which is published this month.
August 24, 2023
I’d have given 3.5 stars or 4 if there was less repartition, less long conversions, more action . I wanted to skip pages a few times . I didn’t warm to Detective Annie Delamere or DS Zoe Everett, this could be a deliberate ploy of the author. The plot was good , I put 2&2 together regarding the 2nd body. It was unbelievable Zoe venturing out alone , unarmed- I was surprised she had her phone on her .
Having read Small Mercies previously I’m of the opinion these books would make a great tv series. Some books are best left alone but I think these would benefit being televised.
Having read Small Mercies previously I’m of the opinion these books would make a great tv series. Some books are best left alone but I think these would benefit being televised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
This is the 2nd book in this series and I really enjoyed it. I found it way more enjoyable than the 1st.
The non-police characters were mainly very unlikeable particularly the main character Michelle Wentworth and I didn't really care what happened to her. However I didn't see the ending coming until just before that point and that kept me intrigued throughout. I look forward to reading the next one.
The non-police characters were mainly very unlikeable particularly the main character Michelle Wentworth and I didn't really care what happened to her. However I didn't see the ending coming until just before that point and that kept me intrigued throughout. I look forward to reading the next one.
March 7, 2023
Another great story
Another great story by Alex Walters featuring Detective Annie Delamere and her team. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading more.
Another great story by Alex Walters featuring Detective Annie Delamere and her team. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading more.
June 15, 2021
This had a very clever plot. Excellent characters.
March 29, 2022
I enjoyed it
Like the characters I still would like to read more about the main characters relationship It was a good weed I will definitely read the next book
Like the characters I still would like to read more about the main characters relationship It was a good weed I will definitely read the next book
June 19, 2022
A not too bad murder mystery. Good for a holiday read or when not wanting to be too challenged. Slightly unsatisfactory ending perhaps but still well crafted
September 28, 2023
Not sure if I’ll read the next in the series.
December 6, 2023
This was a great book and it was hard to put down. It kept me guessing throughout the book with suspense on every page. I loved it.
February 3, 2025
Thought this was a little boring and found myself reading it quickly just to get it over with.
July 16, 2025
Another corker, loving Alex Walters books.
June 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, struggled to put it down!
October 14, 2020
This is the second in the DI Annie Delamere series and it is every bit as good as its predecessor, Small Mercies. If you like an engrossing police procedural where the bodies come thick and fast then this is really for you.
When successful but controversial business woman Michelle Wentworth’s son, Justin, is beaten to death Annie Delamere is charged with leading the investigation. It is clear from the outset that, although Michelle wants to know who murdered her son, there are some aspects of her life that she would really rather not have examined. Delamere has only just commenced her enquiries when the body of trade union leader, Keith Chalmers, is dumped outside the gates of Michelle’s remote home. Then Sammy Nolan, an employee with a firm that Michelle has dealings with, is found murdered at his home and finally her lawyer, Peter Hardy, is bludgeoned to death by Michelle’s swimming pool. How are all these killings linked and what is the motive behind them? Amidst rumours of dodgy business deals, protests and strikes by workers in businesses connected to Wentworth, drug dealing and suspicious financial transactions; Delamere begins to uncover a number of suspects and some past affiliations which might connect all the victims.
This is a fast paced, clever and gripping read. It explores the themes of money, power, revenge, the changing nature of trade unions and the treatment of workers on zero hour contracts. The characters are very authentic and the author avoids the danger of caricatures. Set during an Indian summer in the Peak District which adds to the febrile atmosphere of hunting for the killer this is a terrific novel with an ending that will raise your eyebrows.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
When successful but controversial business woman Michelle Wentworth’s son, Justin, is beaten to death Annie Delamere is charged with leading the investigation. It is clear from the outset that, although Michelle wants to know who murdered her son, there are some aspects of her life that she would really rather not have examined. Delamere has only just commenced her enquiries when the body of trade union leader, Keith Chalmers, is dumped outside the gates of Michelle’s remote home. Then Sammy Nolan, an employee with a firm that Michelle has dealings with, is found murdered at his home and finally her lawyer, Peter Hardy, is bludgeoned to death by Michelle’s swimming pool. How are all these killings linked and what is the motive behind them? Amidst rumours of dodgy business deals, protests and strikes by workers in businesses connected to Wentworth, drug dealing and suspicious financial transactions; Delamere begins to uncover a number of suspects and some past affiliations which might connect all the victims.
This is a fast paced, clever and gripping read. It explores the themes of money, power, revenge, the changing nature of trade unions and the treatment of workers on zero hour contracts. The characters are very authentic and the author avoids the danger of caricatures. Set during an Indian summer in the Peak District which adds to the febrile atmosphere of hunting for the killer this is a terrific novel with an ending that will raise your eyebrows.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
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