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DC Maggie Jamieson #4
Dead Secret
‘Enthralling from the first page to the last. Devoured in one sitting. Noelle Holten has become one of my must-read authors’ Angela Marsons, bestselling author of the Detective Kim Stone series
Psychopaths can take root in the unlikeliest soil…
DC Maggie Jamieson crosses paths once again with Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor stumbles into her new refuge, unable to speak, desperate for help.
Then another case hits Maggie’s desk. A young man has been murdered, and a curious constellation of black dots has been inked onto his cheek.
That’s when DCI Hastings goes missing and Maggie uncovers a shocking connection that turns the case on its head.
Every family may hide secrets, but not every family buries them…
Psychopaths can take root in the unlikeliest soil…
DC Maggie Jamieson crosses paths once again with Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor stumbles into her new refuge, unable to speak, desperate for help.
Then another case hits Maggie’s desk. A young man has been murdered, and a curious constellation of black dots has been inked onto his cheek.
That’s when DCI Hastings goes missing and Maggie uncovers a shocking connection that turns the case on its head.
Every family may hide secrets, but not every family buries them…
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2021
34 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Holten
8 books288 followersNoelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She is the PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of risk cases as well as working in a multi agency setting. She has three Hons BA's - Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice - and a Masters in Criminology. Noelle's hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog.
Dead Inside - her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson.
Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:
Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholten...
Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjun...
Instagram: @author_noelleholten
Dead Inside - her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson.
Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:
Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholten...
Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjun...
Instagram: @author_noelleholten
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
May 4, 2021
DC Maggie Jamieson is back! Love this crime thriller series and this might be the best book yet! Each book is a self-contained case and can be read as a standalone, but once you’ve read one you’re going to want to read them all! Maggie is working on a seemingly innocuous murder case until a photograph is discovered that changes it’s trajectory. Lucy Sherwood plays a bigger role in this story then she did in the previous two. I have to say I was really thrilled to see more of her character after getting to know her so well in the first book. Lucy is opening up a home for victims of domestic abuse and her first resident is a bit of an enigma. Now I knew somehow these two storylines had something to do with one another, and I had so much fun trying to puzzle it out. I also really liked getting to no Maggie a bit better and enjoyed her flirty banter with reporter Julie. As always I was completely fascinated by the politics and inner workings of the police department and enjoyed that aspect of the story. This was such a well told fast paced thriller that had me completely invested! I did figure out who the culprit was slightly before the reveal in this book, but wow so well executed! And that ending?!?! That ending has me salivating for the next story in this excellent series!
April 20, 2021
Book 4’in the series and sometimes I have probz remembering lead ( and other characters ) after a break and it takes me a while until I am at the ‘aha that’s it’ moment, not so with Maggie, as soon as she is back, I am back with her and her life, her ‘ways’ and her new case
This time we have a murder in the woods and a case that affects her work place, are the two linked? and is there a psychopath on the loose?, there certainly is but will say no more on them except to say they are as dark as night
I felt Maggie’s anger with everything and everyone as mentioned in my review for Book 3 had dissipated in this read and I liked seeing her gentle flirting and humour and more of her human side, the police procedural and references to Probation ( and domestic abuse services ) were as always spot on and you cannot beat an authors experience in these fields when writing these books
Again as always there were twists and turns and was kept on my toes until the horrifying ending!
A good solid read and look forward to Book 5 and catching up with Maggie who once again I liked in this book
8/10
4 Stars
This time we have a murder in the woods and a case that affects her work place, are the two linked? and is there a psychopath on the loose?, there certainly is but will say no more on them except to say they are as dark as night
I felt Maggie’s anger with everything and everyone as mentioned in my review for Book 3 had dissipated in this read and I liked seeing her gentle flirting and humour and more of her human side, the police procedural and references to Probation ( and domestic abuse services ) were as always spot on and you cannot beat an authors experience in these fields when writing these books
Again as always there were twists and turns and was kept on my toes until the horrifying ending!
A good solid read and look forward to Book 5 and catching up with Maggie who once again I liked in this book
8/10
4 Stars
February 13, 2021
I read the previous novel in this series and wasn’t fully drawn to the series although I sensed there was a lot more to come from both this series and author Noelle Holten. Well I am glad I decided to read another book in this series as after getting introduced to the characters in the previous book I was now ready to dig deeper into the characters. DC Maggie Jamieson is an exciting character and is growing on me so I fully intend to read the other books in this series.
DC Maggie Jamieson crosses paths once again with Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor stumbles into her new refuge, unable to speak, desperate for help. Then another case hits Maggie’s desk. A young man has been murdered, and a curious constellation of black dots has been inked onto his cheek. That’s when DCI Hastings goes missing and Maggie uncovers a shocking connection that turns the case on its head.
Fast paced thriller that is exciting from the start with excellent twists and turns.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DC Maggie Jamieson crosses paths once again with Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor stumbles into her new refuge, unable to speak, desperate for help. Then another case hits Maggie’s desk. A young man has been murdered, and a curious constellation of black dots has been inked onto his cheek. That’s when DCI Hastings goes missing and Maggie uncovers a shocking connection that turns the case on its head.
Fast paced thriller that is exciting from the start with excellent twists and turns.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2024
There are few things more rewarding as a book blogger than seeing someone you’ve worked with before follow their passion for writing and create truly fantastic books! I have worked with Noelle a few times in her role as the PR and Social Media Manager for Bookouture, and I’ve been reading her Maggie Jamieson series as she added author to her already impressive resume! While some series seem to struggle after book 2, I have to say that after finishing book 4, Dead Secret, Noelle Holten’s books are getting even stronger as they go! This was personally my favorite so far from the series, and I’m excited to keep reading them!
As always with a series, it is great if you can read them in order, but I also would say that since each book contains its own case, you truly can jump into this series at any point without feeling at all like you missed something. Noelle has a great skill with character building, and she makes sure to develop Maggie in each book which definitely makes me feel connected to the story!
In Dead Secret, DC Maggie Jamieson is feeling a bit burnt out in her career after closing a particularly difficult case. She is brought in with her colleague Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor who is unable to speak seeks help. When the murder of a young man with a curious ink marking on his face comes across her desk, Maggie finds herself in the middle of another troubling case. The case gets more complicated when one of her colleagues DCI Hastings goes missing and some evidence points to him as a prime suspect. Are the cases truly linked? Could DCI Hastings really be behind such a terrible crime? And how does the other victim fit into this?
This is a tensely wound story of several seemingly unconnected cases that definitely have a shocking link. I don’t want to give anything away from the mystery so I won’t say much more about the plot. I do want to call out the great characters Noelle has built in this series and in this book. Maggie truly gives her all to every case she works, which is why she runs the risk of burn out. There is no quit in Maggie—she will do everything she can to solve cases and get justice for the victims, to her own detriment at times. Maggie is easy to connect with as a character. We also get to see even more of her personal life which enhanced her as a character. Kate Maloney who had been central in previous books is still present, but she is much more separate from the story than before. I was glad we still saw Kate as a support in Maggie’s life and career. Meanwhile we see Lucy come back in this book (she made an appearance earlier in the series) and I think she adds something different but valuable to the story. The other characters from the team are all present and well-developed in their unique ways.
And of course, a small teaser to say that as usual, Noelle left us with a total WOW ending that definitely has me desperate for the next book to come out!
As always with a series, it is great if you can read them in order, but I also would say that since each book contains its own case, you truly can jump into this series at any point without feeling at all like you missed something. Noelle has a great skill with character building, and she makes sure to develop Maggie in each book which definitely makes me feel connected to the story!
In Dead Secret, DC Maggie Jamieson is feeling a bit burnt out in her career after closing a particularly difficult case. She is brought in with her colleague Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor who is unable to speak seeks help. When the murder of a young man with a curious ink marking on his face comes across her desk, Maggie finds herself in the middle of another troubling case. The case gets more complicated when one of her colleagues DCI Hastings goes missing and some evidence points to him as a prime suspect. Are the cases truly linked? Could DCI Hastings really be behind such a terrible crime? And how does the other victim fit into this?
This is a tensely wound story of several seemingly unconnected cases that definitely have a shocking link. I don’t want to give anything away from the mystery so I won’t say much more about the plot. I do want to call out the great characters Noelle has built in this series and in this book. Maggie truly gives her all to every case she works, which is why she runs the risk of burn out. There is no quit in Maggie—she will do everything she can to solve cases and get justice for the victims, to her own detriment at times. Maggie is easy to connect with as a character. We also get to see even more of her personal life which enhanced her as a character. Kate Maloney who had been central in previous books is still present, but she is much more separate from the story than before. I was glad we still saw Kate as a support in Maggie’s life and career. Meanwhile we see Lucy come back in this book (she made an appearance earlier in the series) and I think she adds something different but valuable to the story. The other characters from the team are all present and well-developed in their unique ways.
And of course, a small teaser to say that as usual, Noelle left us with a total WOW ending that definitely has me desperate for the next book to come out!
July 21, 2021
DC Maggie Jamieson is thrust into the case of the murder of a young man. While first noticing that DCI Hastings hasn't been seen at the station for days. It soon becomes apparent that he, his wife and their daughter, are missing. While Maggie and her team begin the process of notifying the young man's family and looking for suspects, Maggie also begins to vigorously try and determine where Hastings and his family could possibly be.
Meanwhile, Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood has come a long way from being a victim of domestic violence to establishing a safe place that will prove to be a safe haven. Even before the doors are opened to those in need, a young woman knocks on the door and is in desperate need of help. She refuses to go to the hospital and also refuses to provide many details as to who hurt her and other factors that might aid Lucy and the police when it comes to protecting her.
Are any or all of these three situations connected in any way? Maggie, along with her new partner, Kat, leave no stone unturned when it comes to seeking answers. While all of this is going on, Maggie is contending with other issues. For one thing, her dear friend, Dr. Kate Moloney, had a very difficult time during a previous case, and is no longer working with Maggie, causing Maggie to miss her dearly. Then there is the nagging reporter, Julie Noble, determined to ruffle Maggie's feathers any way possible. To say Maggie has her hands full is a true understatement.
What a thrilling book in this fourth book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series. The twists and turns in this exciting book kept my interest from beginning to end, and also kept me planted in my recliner until I reached the very last page. I have read and loved each previous book in the series, Dead Inside, Dead Wrong and Dead Perfect, all previously reviewed on my blog. This is a fabulous series and this entry shows how Maggie excels when it comes to solving crimes, no matter how complicated. I love seeing Maggie grow as a detective, but also as a woman managing changes in her life. I definitely look forward to continuing further books in this series.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile, Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood has come a long way from being a victim of domestic violence to establishing a safe place that will prove to be a safe haven. Even before the doors are opened to those in need, a young woman knocks on the door and is in desperate need of help. She refuses to go to the hospital and also refuses to provide many details as to who hurt her and other factors that might aid Lucy and the police when it comes to protecting her.
Are any or all of these three situations connected in any way? Maggie, along with her new partner, Kat, leave no stone unturned when it comes to seeking answers. While all of this is going on, Maggie is contending with other issues. For one thing, her dear friend, Dr. Kate Moloney, had a very difficult time during a previous case, and is no longer working with Maggie, causing Maggie to miss her dearly. Then there is the nagging reporter, Julie Noble, determined to ruffle Maggie's feathers any way possible. To say Maggie has her hands full is a true understatement.
What a thrilling book in this fourth book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series. The twists and turns in this exciting book kept my interest from beginning to end, and also kept me planted in my recliner until I reached the very last page. I have read and loved each previous book in the series, Dead Inside, Dead Wrong and Dead Perfect, all previously reviewed on my blog. This is a fabulous series and this entry shows how Maggie excels when it comes to solving crimes, no matter how complicated. I love seeing Maggie grow as a detective, but also as a woman managing changes in her life. I definitely look forward to continuing further books in this series.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
April 26, 2021
DC Jamieson has her hands full. She meets Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood again when a domestic violence survivor is once again in need of help. Another case ... a man has been murdered and he's found with a multitude of black dots inked on his chest. And then her DCI goes missing.
This one is full of action ... twists and turns around every corner. It's a well-plotted police procedural with surprise after surprise. There are suspects roaming everywhere .. some more evil than others. As the book blurb says ... Every family may hide secrets, but not every family buries them. Although 4th in the series, this is easily read as a stand-alone, however, I do recommend reading in order. DC Jamieson is a unique character to follow.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This one is full of action ... twists and turns around every corner. It's a well-plotted police procedural with surprise after surprise. There are suspects roaming everywhere .. some more evil than others. As the book blurb says ... Every family may hide secrets, but not every family buries them. Although 4th in the series, this is easily read as a stand-alone, however, I do recommend reading in order. DC Jamieson is a unique character to follow.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 30, 2023
This is a great police procedural, featuring DC Maggie Jamison. This is the fourth book in the series, and here we are trying to solve different plots/cases, which are all connected somehow to Maggie. I didn't feel like I needed to read the previous three books in order to understand this one. A young man and a woman are found dead, and then Maggie's colleague goes missing. Will she be able to solve the cases?
I really enjoyed this fast paced police thriller, and I look forward to reading more books by this author soon. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this fast paced police thriller, and I look forward to reading more books by this author soon. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
April 23, 2021
This is the fourth in the DC Maggie Jamieson series; it is the second I have read.
Maggie is a somewhat complex character who has shown some emotional growth since the prior novel; she is beginning to understand and accept herself.
This is a solid police procedural. It did not seem particularly fast paced, but it held my interest. The plot line had twists and turns that were fairly easy to foretell; but it still made for a decent read.
Just as in the prior novel the ending is a set up for a sequel. While Maggie is not my favorite female protagonist, I will certainly read the next in the series.
Maggie is a somewhat complex character who has shown some emotional growth since the prior novel; she is beginning to understand and accept herself.
This is a solid police procedural. It did not seem particularly fast paced, but it held my interest. The plot line had twists and turns that were fairly easy to foretell; but it still made for a decent read.
Just as in the prior novel the ending is a set up for a sequel. While Maggie is not my favorite female protagonist, I will certainly read the next in the series.
September 7, 2021
This book was missing for me a lot of the background of the characters but it’s only the beginning and it doesn’t affect the story.
A good suspense story.
Maggie and the team have a messy case on their hands it does get weirder but eventually it’s solved. A good fat read.
I do recommend this book.
A good suspense story.
Maggie and the team have a messy case on their hands it does get weirder but eventually it’s solved. A good fat read.
I do recommend this book.
February 12, 2021
When's the next book out in this series? I need it faster than it can be written. That last chapter I did not see coming and I can't believe I have to wait an unknown amount of time, just so that this incredibly talented author has time to write the next book!! I'd love to implant myself in her brain just to see what on earth she was thinking.
And to see just how on earth she came up with the plot of Dead Secret - omg that was insane. It started sedately, with a murder that just seemed slightly mundane to be honest, up until certain information was uncovered and a possible unexpected connection was made.
From which point I couldn't get enough of the book, and just had to keep reading at any given moment I could spare, and I was racing through the pages. About half way through, I had a weird inkling about one aspect of the story and well I'm going to be happy, because for once I guess one small snippet correctly.
And even then I was guessing other things so wildly wrongly, that I knew it was a very rare instance!
But even guessing that snippet, and I wasn't entirely sure my thought was correct, I had to see how it played out and I had no clue about what the possible motivation was, or just what lengths this mastermind of a villain has gone to.
I am absolutely loving this series so much, from Maggie's continual exchange with journalist Julie who she seems to enjoy verbally sparring with, to the work Lucy is doing at her refuge. And all the various departments of the police that are used (although so many acronyms I keep forgetting what they actually stand for!), and various interactions with Maggie's team.
There are various changes in the team personnel and dynamics with this book, which helps to give a fresh perspective on many members of the team.
This may be the fourth book in this incredibly amazing series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, at least in terms of the case being investigated.
This is such a cleverly plotted novel, an a superb addition to the Maggie Jamieson series. But please please please, don't make us wait too long for the next one!
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
And to see just how on earth she came up with the plot of Dead Secret - omg that was insane. It started sedately, with a murder that just seemed slightly mundane to be honest, up until certain information was uncovered and a possible unexpected connection was made.
From which point I couldn't get enough of the book, and just had to keep reading at any given moment I could spare, and I was racing through the pages. About half way through, I had a weird inkling about one aspect of the story and well I'm going to be happy, because for once I guess one small snippet correctly.
And even then I was guessing other things so wildly wrongly, that I knew it was a very rare instance!
But even guessing that snippet, and I wasn't entirely sure my thought was correct, I had to see how it played out and I had no clue about what the possible motivation was, or just what lengths this mastermind of a villain has gone to.
I am absolutely loving this series so much, from Maggie's continual exchange with journalist Julie who she seems to enjoy verbally sparring with, to the work Lucy is doing at her refuge. And all the various departments of the police that are used (although so many acronyms I keep forgetting what they actually stand for!), and various interactions with Maggie's team.
There are various changes in the team personnel and dynamics with this book, which helps to give a fresh perspective on many members of the team.
This may be the fourth book in this incredibly amazing series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, at least in terms of the case being investigated.
This is such a cleverly plotted novel, an a superb addition to the Maggie Jamieson series. But please please please, don't make us wait too long for the next one!
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
May 3, 2021
Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey, could DCI Hastings actually be guilty of murder?
The investigation into the murder of a young man who's body had been discovered at the edge of a wooded area near a office complex takes a unexpected shocking turn after evidence is uncovered that links DCI Hastings to the crime. Maggie Jamieson, Nathan and the team don't want to accept that their DCI was capable of committing any form of violence let alone murder. But as the investigation progresses and the evidence against him becomes increasingly more incriminating, the team are forced to confront the shocking truth that maybe DCI Hastings had a hidden dark side. The investigation is made even more complicated by the disappearance of Hastings, his wife Sophia and their teenage daughter Olivia and that there was signs of a struggle at their home. Maggie would have loved to have had Dr Kate Maloney to help her figure out the complexities of the case but Kate had been mentally exhausted after the horrific events of the living doll case and had returned to Ireland with her parents. Maggie could still get her input over the phone and using the Skype app but it wasn't the same as working side by side with her friend. Hasting's disappearance and the possibility that he is a dangerous man causes mixed emotions and tension amongst the members of the close knit team. A situation that is made worse especially for DI Rutherford when a new DCI is brought in to oversee the investigation. Maggie admits that sometimes a fresh set of eyes can be good for a investigation but it can also cause the case to be more complicated than it should be.
In the personal front, apart from missing Kate, Maggie finds herself struggling with her conflicting feelings about a certain irritating journalist. Fans of this series know all about the problems that Julie Noble has caused Maggie during previous investigations and were probably, like me, screaming no Maggie, stay away from her at their kindle's. Maggie knew that she shouldn't get involved with Julie, that she would be in serious trouble if anyone at work ever found out. But there was just something about the woman that Maggie found irresistible and hard to resist.
Meanwhile Lucy Sherwood, a character who reader's had been introduced to in the first book in the series Dead Inside had discovered the battered and semi-conscious body of a young girl on the doorstop of the refuge that Lucy was preparing to open. After her unexpected guest makes it clear that she doesn't want to go to the hospital, Lucy allows her to stay at the refuge and assures the mystery girl who refuses to speak that she is perfectly safe and protected. But who is the young girl? Is she really mute or just pretending to be? The point of a refuge is to keep victims safe from the of outside the gates but there be a possibility that Lucy has invited danger over the threshold and into her sanctuary?
You can always rely on Noelle's killers being twisted individuals and the antagonist in Dead Secret is no exception. A seriously spine chilling character who was very intelligent, cunning, conniving and manipulative. A incarnation of pure evil in the form of a human who didn't show even the tiniest speck of remorse for their actions.
As with the previous books in this incredible series Dead Secret is a extremely well written, intricately plotted, addictive thriller that hooks the reader in with a intense opening chapter. It's a tightly plotted, intelligently written page turner that keeps the reader guessing and glued to your kindle. There was some very fascinating information explaining the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath which is something that has always confounded me and still does if I'm honest. As always the author uses her background in the probation series to its full potential, including in her plot some very informative information about the behind the scenes workings of the probation service. Although this is the forth book in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I wouldn't hesitate in recommended this brilliant series to readers who enjoy reading dark and gritty thrillers that always leave you wanting more. This gripping addition to the series has another jaw dropping ending and I can't wait to find out what happens in book 5.
The investigation into the murder of a young man who's body had been discovered at the edge of a wooded area near a office complex takes a unexpected shocking turn after evidence is uncovered that links DCI Hastings to the crime. Maggie Jamieson, Nathan and the team don't want to accept that their DCI was capable of committing any form of violence let alone murder. But as the investigation progresses and the evidence against him becomes increasingly more incriminating, the team are forced to confront the shocking truth that maybe DCI Hastings had a hidden dark side. The investigation is made even more complicated by the disappearance of Hastings, his wife Sophia and their teenage daughter Olivia and that there was signs of a struggle at their home. Maggie would have loved to have had Dr Kate Maloney to help her figure out the complexities of the case but Kate had been mentally exhausted after the horrific events of the living doll case and had returned to Ireland with her parents. Maggie could still get her input over the phone and using the Skype app but it wasn't the same as working side by side with her friend. Hasting's disappearance and the possibility that he is a dangerous man causes mixed emotions and tension amongst the members of the close knit team. A situation that is made worse especially for DI Rutherford when a new DCI is brought in to oversee the investigation. Maggie admits that sometimes a fresh set of eyes can be good for a investigation but it can also cause the case to be more complicated than it should be.
In the personal front, apart from missing Kate, Maggie finds herself struggling with her conflicting feelings about a certain irritating journalist. Fans of this series know all about the problems that Julie Noble has caused Maggie during previous investigations and were probably, like me, screaming no Maggie, stay away from her at their kindle's. Maggie knew that she shouldn't get involved with Julie, that she would be in serious trouble if anyone at work ever found out. But there was just something about the woman that Maggie found irresistible and hard to resist.
Meanwhile Lucy Sherwood, a character who reader's had been introduced to in the first book in the series Dead Inside had discovered the battered and semi-conscious body of a young girl on the doorstop of the refuge that Lucy was preparing to open. After her unexpected guest makes it clear that she doesn't want to go to the hospital, Lucy allows her to stay at the refuge and assures the mystery girl who refuses to speak that she is perfectly safe and protected. But who is the young girl? Is she really mute or just pretending to be? The point of a refuge is to keep victims safe from the of outside the gates but there be a possibility that Lucy has invited danger over the threshold and into her sanctuary?
You can always rely on Noelle's killers being twisted individuals and the antagonist in Dead Secret is no exception. A seriously spine chilling character who was very intelligent, cunning, conniving and manipulative. A incarnation of pure evil in the form of a human who didn't show even the tiniest speck of remorse for their actions.
As with the previous books in this incredible series Dead Secret is a extremely well written, intricately plotted, addictive thriller that hooks the reader in with a intense opening chapter. It's a tightly plotted, intelligently written page turner that keeps the reader guessing and glued to your kindle. There was some very fascinating information explaining the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath which is something that has always confounded me and still does if I'm honest. As always the author uses her background in the probation series to its full potential, including in her plot some very informative information about the behind the scenes workings of the probation service. Although this is the forth book in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I wouldn't hesitate in recommended this brilliant series to readers who enjoy reading dark and gritty thrillers that always leave you wanting more. This gripping addition to the series has another jaw dropping ending and I can't wait to find out what happens in book 5.
April 22, 2021
This is an absolutely stunning read, one that had me totally engrossed from the very first page and unwilling to go to bed until I'd finished it. It is a riveting story, sharing the behind the scenes investigations and life of DC Maggie Jamieson and the team she works with. It starts with her first weekend off after a harrowing case, but the discovery of a brutally murdered young man prevents that happening as she's called to investigate. When boss, DCI Hastings, and his family go missing the race is on to discover any connections and identify the perpetrator . . .
The author has a superb way of writing that draws you into the story, engaging you with the characters and bringing the scenarios to life in your imagination - too vividly at times!! It is great to explore the main character's interactions, realise her worries and see events and those she meets through her probing eyes and different ways of looking at things. It is a roller coaster ride, with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing - I definitely didn't want to put it down until I'd finished it and that last chapter, I really didn't see coming - and I need the next book in this series to discover what happens next now, please!!
If you enjoy police procedurals, crime thrillers, suspense filled mysteries or any combination of these genres, make sure you get to read this book (and the series). It does work as a standalone but you'll want to read the other books after reading this one - and I definitely need the sequels as soon as possible!
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed . . . . Please can I give it more than 5*???
The author has a superb way of writing that draws you into the story, engaging you with the characters and bringing the scenarios to life in your imagination - too vividly at times!! It is great to explore the main character's interactions, realise her worries and see events and those she meets through her probing eyes and different ways of looking at things. It is a roller coaster ride, with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing - I definitely didn't want to put it down until I'd finished it and that last chapter, I really didn't see coming - and I need the next book in this series to discover what happens next now, please!!
If you enjoy police procedurals, crime thrillers, suspense filled mysteries or any combination of these genres, make sure you get to read this book (and the series). It does work as a standalone but you'll want to read the other books after reading this one - and I definitely need the sequels as soon as possible!
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed . . . . Please can I give it more than 5*???
April 25, 2021
DC Maggie Jamison is a great heroine that has a lot to go through while solving crimes and dealing with personal issues.
For as meticulous and rewarding as her job is, there’s always something new to discover and unveil in the cases she has to find what happened with the victims or criminals.
Having to face a new challenge, won’t stop her to enjoy her personal love life and I’m so happy that the author has included parts of it in here because I’m always intrigued by strong characters and what’s happening behind the curtains and after the working hours.
I knew the journalist would be trouble for her cases, and it proves that I was right. The disappearances had all been for an unexpected reason for me and that ending surely left me speechless and with so many questions and willingness to read the next books as soon as they become available.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
For as meticulous and rewarding as her job is, there’s always something new to discover and unveil in the cases she has to find what happened with the victims or criminals.
Having to face a new challenge, won’t stop her to enjoy her personal love life and I’m so happy that the author has included parts of it in here because I’m always intrigued by strong characters and what’s happening behind the curtains and after the working hours.
I knew the journalist would be trouble for her cases, and it proves that I was right. The disappearances had all been for an unexpected reason for me and that ending surely left me speechless and with so many questions and willingness to read the next books as soon as they become available.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
June 6, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the ebook, I was so excited to get a spot on this tour and I’m thrilled to be able to present to your my review of this amazing thriller.
This is the fourth book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and the best one yet. I was hooked from the moment I read the blurb and was delved deeper and deeper into this rollercoaster of mystery with each turn of the page.
This book was filled with incredible writing, from the amazing plot, to the twists that hit you slap bang in the face, but it doesn’t stop there – not with how brilliantly the characters are written or thought out. Needles to say this book was very hard to put down and has pulled me right out of my reading slump.
This is the fourth book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and the best one yet. I was hooked from the moment I read the blurb and was delved deeper and deeper into this rollercoaster of mystery with each turn of the page.
This book was filled with incredible writing, from the amazing plot, to the twists that hit you slap bang in the face, but it doesn’t stop there – not with how brilliantly the characters are written or thought out. Needles to say this book was very hard to put down and has pulled me right out of my reading slump.
March 17, 2021
Interesting story that is book 4 in a series, however I haven’t read any of the others and had no issue so it can stand alone. It follows DC Maggie Jamieson and her team as they investigate the brutal murder of a man who the killer left with dots on his face. Soon after this discovery the DCI and his family appear to have been abducted and the team has to solve both cases simultaneously and figure out if they’re connected before anything happens to the family.
Maggie’s friend Lucy is opening a shelter for abused women and someone turns up looking for help so she takes her in. She won’t say anything about that happened to her so one of the officers tries to work with her to see if he can convince her to talk so they can help her. But if she won’t talk, how can they help? Is her trauma connected as well?
After Maggie discovered a record device in her home, they start to put the piece together once it’s fingerprinted and all they storylines get wrapped up.
I liked the authors writing style, however there were parts that were a bit clinical for lack of a better word that kind of took me out of the story but I think that maybe it’s just me, I think the clinical aspect was intentional. And I like that there were several strong female characters, especially DC Jamieson.
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Maggie’s friend Lucy is opening a shelter for abused women and someone turns up looking for help so she takes her in. She won’t say anything about that happened to her so one of the officers tries to work with her to see if he can convince her to talk so they can help her. But if she won’t talk, how can they help? Is her trauma connected as well?
After Maggie discovered a record device in her home, they start to put the piece together once it’s fingerprinted and all they storylines get wrapped up.
I liked the authors writing style, however there were parts that were a bit clinical for lack of a better word that kind of took me out of the story but I think that maybe it’s just me, I think the clinical aspect was intentional. And I like that there were several strong female characters, especially DC Jamieson.
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
April 23, 2021
Another great read from Noelle Holten.
I love this series and this book is a great addition to it.
A man’s body is found and it looks like he dragged himself to the nearby industrial estate before he died.
It’s unclear what the motive was but there are some strange dots found on the body.
Soon a woman’s body is found at an allotment and the dots have been left on a piece of paper found inside her.
Maggie and Nathan then receive some shocking news about a colleague and his family and realise they need to do everything they can to find them.
At first it’s unclear how the murders and disappearance of Hastings and his family tie up, but all becomes clear near the end of the book.
This is a fast paced crime thriller with lots happening during the investigation.
The last couple of chapters set the scene for the next book which I can’t wait to read.
Thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I love this series and this book is a great addition to it.
A man’s body is found and it looks like he dragged himself to the nearby industrial estate before he died.
It’s unclear what the motive was but there are some strange dots found on the body.
Soon a woman’s body is found at an allotment and the dots have been left on a piece of paper found inside her.
Maggie and Nathan then receive some shocking news about a colleague and his family and realise they need to do everything they can to find them.
At first it’s unclear how the murders and disappearance of Hastings and his family tie up, but all becomes clear near the end of the book.
This is a fast paced crime thriller with lots happening during the investigation.
The last couple of chapters set the scene for the next book which I can’t wait to read.
Thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 10, 2021
I love a good police procedural, especially one with a strong female lead so I was excited to delve into this one, even if it was book 4 in the series. I will say that while not reading the previous three books didn’t hinder me or prohibit me from fully enjoying this one, I usually like to have the build-up in history from a series such as this. Which means I need to read the other books now.
There as a lot going on here with multiple plot lines in play. It all definitely kept me turning the pages quickly because I wanted to see where it was all headed and if my suspicions were correct. DC Maggie Jamieson had her hands full with multiple murders, a missing boss and a possible blossoming love interest!
I love how well crafted the story was and how Holten throws in some red herrings while carefully peeling back the layers, revealing an intricately plotted thriller. Be forewarned, this ends in a mouth open kind of cliffhanger, making you want to jump right into book 5 which sadly we can’t do. We can only hope Noelle Holten is furiously writing so we get to see what happens next soon.
There as a lot going on here with multiple plot lines in play. It all definitely kept me turning the pages quickly because I wanted to see where it was all headed and if my suspicions were correct. DC Maggie Jamieson had her hands full with multiple murders, a missing boss and a possible blossoming love interest!
I love how well crafted the story was and how Holten throws in some red herrings while carefully peeling back the layers, revealing an intricately plotted thriller. Be forewarned, this ends in a mouth open kind of cliffhanger, making you want to jump right into book 5 which sadly we can’t do. We can only hope Noelle Holten is furiously writing so we get to see what happens next soon.
October 10, 2021
I'm playing catchup with Noelle's fabulous serious, not enough hours in the day at the moment. :-)
Maggie teams up with a new partner, Kat as Nathan has just obtained a new promotion. Sad to see Kate has moved to Ireland, but totally understandable after her stalking incident in the last book. Will Kat's inexperience cause Maggie headaches? Or will her desire to learn make Magie warm to her? All in all, i thought they made a great team.
A shocker in this one is the disappearance of DCI Hastings and his family. I loved how the team handled the case, the outpouring of emotions of every page. Was DCI Hastings behind the murders of two young victims? Will that change Maggie's perception of him.
I enjoyed seeing more of Lucy in this book, she's a great character, starting out on a new venture, will the refuge succeed?
Another great read in this series, a battle of good versus evil and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Maggie teams up with a new partner, Kat as Nathan has just obtained a new promotion. Sad to see Kate has moved to Ireland, but totally understandable after her stalking incident in the last book. Will Kat's inexperience cause Maggie headaches? Or will her desire to learn make Magie warm to her? All in all, i thought they made a great team.
A shocker in this one is the disappearance of DCI Hastings and his family. I loved how the team handled the case, the outpouring of emotions of every page. Was DCI Hastings behind the murders of two young victims? Will that change Maggie's perception of him.
I enjoyed seeing more of Lucy in this book, she's a great character, starting out on a new venture, will the refuge succeed?
Another great read in this series, a battle of good versus evil and I can't wait for the next instalment.
February 28, 2021
Noelle Holten has done it again. Such a strong story with an amazing character. Maggie is one of the strongest female characters that I have seen in a long time. She is fast becoming one of my favourites.
April 30, 2021
The DCI Maggie Jamieson series just keeps getting stronger with each new addition! Dead Secret is the fourth book and as always I’d recommend you read them all (Dead Inside, Dead Wrong and Dead Perfect precede Dead Secret).
I think it’s great to see the characters develop with each new novel and also observe the author’s style growing.
Dead Perfect ended on the cliffhanger of a young woman arriving on the doorstep of Lucy Sherwood (probation office and domestic abuse survivor who has set up a refuge for women in the same situation). The traumatised victim can’t even bring herself to speak to Lucy about what has happened to her.
On top of this a young man has been found murdered with strange markings on his face and one of the DCIs and his family have gone missing in what looks like violent circumstances! DCI Jamieson certainly has a lot on her plate and I definitely think she could give Steve Arnott a run for his money in the stressful situation stakes!
I like the fact that these characters are so rounded; the don’t feel forced or two dimensional. I’m totally invested in their lives and relationships and have loved watching them develop over the series so far. It was great to see Maggie finally let her guard down a little and open up to a little fun and flirting although it appears she still has a lot of work to do on her trust issues.
I expect the cliffhanger at the end of each book now so I’m always a little nervous about those last few chapters which then leave me desperate for more. NOW!
A fantastic addition to the series and one I’d highly recommend.
I think it’s great to see the characters develop with each new novel and also observe the author’s style growing.
Dead Perfect ended on the cliffhanger of a young woman arriving on the doorstep of Lucy Sherwood (probation office and domestic abuse survivor who has set up a refuge for women in the same situation). The traumatised victim can’t even bring herself to speak to Lucy about what has happened to her.
On top of this a young man has been found murdered with strange markings on his face and one of the DCIs and his family have gone missing in what looks like violent circumstances! DCI Jamieson certainly has a lot on her plate and I definitely think she could give Steve Arnott a run for his money in the stressful situation stakes!
I like the fact that these characters are so rounded; the don’t feel forced or two dimensional. I’m totally invested in their lives and relationships and have loved watching them develop over the series so far. It was great to see Maggie finally let her guard down a little and open up to a little fun and flirting although it appears she still has a lot of work to do on her trust issues.
I expect the cliffhanger at the end of each book now so I’m always a little nervous about those last few chapters which then leave me desperate for more. NOW!
A fantastic addition to the series and one I’d highly recommend.
April 19, 2021
How on earth is this book 4 already?! Although I feel as though I’ve known Maggie Jamieson forever as she has really become a favourite character of mine now and I do feel as though I know her personally now! Yes, she is that well brought to life by crime author Noelle Holten who has once again delivered a dark, shocking and thoroughly gripping read!
Maggie never seems to get a break does she?! Not only does she have the death of a young man to solve but she also finds out that one of the DCIs and his family have gone missing. And if she’s not busy enough, her friend Lucy also calls upon her for help when a terrified woman lands on her doorstep unable to speak or hear but who has obviously had a very traumatic experience! But Maggie is one of the hardest working police characters around and she packs a lot into this one book as she tries to solve crime and handle her complicated personal life at the same time. And it’s definitely a cast of likeable and relatable supporting characters who make this police procedural for me. Everyone feels authentic and the criminal acts themselves and those who commit them are perfectly described. Noelle has a keen eye for the darker side of the criminal justice system and her experience within that world means that you really do feel like you’re in a real police station watching events unfold in real time much like those who are working there. And the post-mortem examinations also feel very real so be prepared and maybe don’t read this while you’re eating! Although to be honest, you may have to as you probably won’t want to put Dead Secret down once you start it. I picked it up and then read the whole book in one session-desperately turning the pages to find out if my theories were correct-they weren’t!!
This is a brilliant crime thriller that’s part of a brilliant crime series! I absolutely love Maggie Jamieson! What I don’t like is being left hanging and I can’t believe that Noelle Holten finishes this book on such a massive cliffhanger for the next book!! I was like “WHAT?! You can’t leave it there!! I want more!” Yes, I’m now on countdown for DC Maggie Jamieson #5 and know I will be in for a thrilling ride if the last few pages of Dead Secret are anything to go by! If you’ve not read the previous books then do as you’ll get a much rounded picture of one of the best fictional detectives around at the moment and by then you’ll be ready for more…just like me!
Maggie never seems to get a break does she?! Not only does she have the death of a young man to solve but she also finds out that one of the DCIs and his family have gone missing. And if she’s not busy enough, her friend Lucy also calls upon her for help when a terrified woman lands on her doorstep unable to speak or hear but who has obviously had a very traumatic experience! But Maggie is one of the hardest working police characters around and she packs a lot into this one book as she tries to solve crime and handle her complicated personal life at the same time. And it’s definitely a cast of likeable and relatable supporting characters who make this police procedural for me. Everyone feels authentic and the criminal acts themselves and those who commit them are perfectly described. Noelle has a keen eye for the darker side of the criminal justice system and her experience within that world means that you really do feel like you’re in a real police station watching events unfold in real time much like those who are working there. And the post-mortem examinations also feel very real so be prepared and maybe don’t read this while you’re eating! Although to be honest, you may have to as you probably won’t want to put Dead Secret down once you start it. I picked it up and then read the whole book in one session-desperately turning the pages to find out if my theories were correct-they weren’t!!
This is a brilliant crime thriller that’s part of a brilliant crime series! I absolutely love Maggie Jamieson! What I don’t like is being left hanging and I can’t believe that Noelle Holten finishes this book on such a massive cliffhanger for the next book!! I was like “WHAT?! You can’t leave it there!! I want more!” Yes, I’m now on countdown for DC Maggie Jamieson #5 and know I will be in for a thrilling ride if the last few pages of Dead Secret are anything to go by! If you’ve not read the previous books then do as you’ll get a much rounded picture of one of the best fictional detectives around at the moment and by then you’ll be ready for more…just like me!
October 22, 2021
Finished reading: October 22nd 2021
"A new case would be just the thing to focus on so that she didn't have to deal with her own feelings - everything else would have to take a backseat for the time being."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 26, 2021
This book follows DC Maggie Jamieson and her team after a young man has been murdered and found with some mysterious black dots on his arm and soon after DCI Hastings goes missing. Meanwhile, probation officer Lucy helps a domestic violence survivor who is so traumatised she is unable to speak.
This book is the fourth in the DC Maggie Jamieson series which I hadn't initially realised however, this had no impact on my ability to follow the plot or the characters as I was quickly immersed into the storyline.
I liked Holten's writing style and found the book easy to follow but I did find at times I needed to re-read certain parts to prevent me from missing important details of the case. I enjoyed the characters, in particular the strong female lead, Maggie, as well as the dynamics between the police team. Holten definitely kept me guessing until the very end and I didn't want to put down this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime thriller and I am planning to read the rest of the series including the earlier books.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This book is the fourth in the DC Maggie Jamieson series which I hadn't initially realised however, this had no impact on my ability to follow the plot or the characters as I was quickly immersed into the storyline.
I liked Holten's writing style and found the book easy to follow but I did find at times I needed to re-read certain parts to prevent me from missing important details of the case. I enjoyed the characters, in particular the strong female lead, Maggie, as well as the dynamics between the police team. Holten definitely kept me guessing until the very end and I didn't want to put down this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime thriller and I am planning to read the rest of the series including the earlier books.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
April 30, 2021
This is a thriller I loved following DC Maggie Jamieson investigating a murder case with a constellation on his cheeks and a domestic violence survivor shows up unable to speak. Balancing the cases is always a consuming challenge and let me tell you this book consumed me!
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There is not a lot I want to say but family secrets never stay buried for long, and the ending of this was absolutely perfect even though I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book!
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Thank you @letstalkbookspromo and #netgalley and #OneMoreChapter for granting me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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There is not a lot I want to say but family secrets never stay buried for long, and the ending of this was absolutely perfect even though I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book!
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Thank you @letstalkbookspromo and #netgalley and #OneMoreChapter for granting me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2021
The fourth book in the series and an old favorite character, Lucy, is back! She has set up her shelter but isn't quite ready to open when she comes across an injured young woman in need of help. This storyline seems to run quite separate from the main storyline of Maggie and team dealing with some murders and the apparently related absence of their DCI. That disconnection was a bit jarring but I was glad to see Lucy back. I really like her character! The other new thing was the increase in swearing. I don't recall their being so much in previous books. This could be attributed to the new DC, Kat, who has quite the potty mouth. Needless to say, the story came together quite nicely and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, old and new, better. I like that even though we are in the fourth book, we are still learning and they are still growing. This keeps the series feeling fresh.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
April 24, 2021
Thank the gods for Noelle Holten, Encase her in bubble wrap. Buy her books as gifts and random acts of kindness. Email her hundreds of titles beginning with Dead. Keep her busy cos she writes such great mysteries with incredible characters and I want to keep reading them when I’m in a rocking chair. This one was even better then the last and I think I said that last time.
April 21, 2021
Noelle Holten has a hit with Dead Secret! A tight, tense and thrilling roller coaster ride of a police procedural. There are so many twists and turns as well as bombs being dropped here and there - you will guess all the way to the end! And speaking of the end, Wow Wow Wow!
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for this ARC!
February 15, 2021
This series just gets better and better. I love Maggie as a character and everything she represents.
Shes strong, but doesn't lack compassion for others. She's courageous, but isn't afraid to show her faults. She isn't ashamed of who she is and embraces her sexuality rather than hides it, apart from her parents.
I come back to this series not just for the fabulous writing style or the brilliant storylines but for Maggie herself. It's just like checking on on a friend, seeing what's new in her life.
This book produces so may questions while you are reading. And you find yourself thinking like a detective trying to piece everything together. I may have guessed this perpetrator quite early on this time, but that didn't detract from everything coming together. I cant wait for the next book as once again Noelle has left the book on a massive cliffhanger!!!
Shes strong, but doesn't lack compassion for others. She's courageous, but isn't afraid to show her faults. She isn't ashamed of who she is and embraces her sexuality rather than hides it, apart from her parents.
I come back to this series not just for the fabulous writing style or the brilliant storylines but for Maggie herself. It's just like checking on on a friend, seeing what's new in her life.
This book produces so may questions while you are reading. And you find yourself thinking like a detective trying to piece everything together. I may have guessed this perpetrator quite early on this time, but that didn't detract from everything coming together. I cant wait for the next book as once again Noelle has left the book on a massive cliffhanger!!!
July 4, 2021
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dead Secret by Noelle Holten.
I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to get to grips with the story/characters, as I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but that wasn’t the case at all.
I enjoyed the characters and warmed to Maggie more and more as the book progressed.
A well written book, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I now plan on reading the previous books to find out more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dead Secret by Noelle Holten.
I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to get to grips with the story/characters, as I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but that wasn’t the case at all.
I enjoyed the characters and warmed to Maggie more and more as the book progressed.
A well written book, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I now plan on reading the previous books to find out more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 11, 2021
Great fast paced thriller.
Keeps you interested until the end. Great author who doesn't disappoint.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Keeps you interested until the end. Great author who doesn't disappoint.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
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