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DS Jenna Morgan #4
The Ex
Sometimes your past just won't let go...
As a heat wave grips the country, DS Jenna Morgan is called to a domestic incident at the home of a young family in Ironbridge.
Pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein has been found unconscious by her husband, Zak with serious head injuries.
When Jenna arrives on the scene, she discovers something even more disturbing – the couple's eleven-month-old son, Joshua, is missing and the race against time begins to find him.
Is this an accident or something more sinister?
Are the two incidents linked?
Or has something in the Cheetham-Epstein's past caught up with them?
As a heat wave grips the country, DS Jenna Morgan is called to a domestic incident at the home of a young family in Ironbridge.
Pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein has been found unconscious by her husband, Zak with serious head injuries.
When Jenna arrives on the scene, she discovers something even more disturbing – the couple's eleven-month-old son, Joshua, is missing and the race against time begins to find him.
Is this an accident or something more sinister?
Are the two incidents linked?
Or has something in the Cheetham-Epstein's past caught up with them?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2021
150 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Diane Saxon
31 books373 followersDiane Saxon lives in the Shropshire countryside with her tall, dark, handsome husband. She has two gorgeous daughters, a Dalmatian, two cats, numerous rare breed chickens, and grandfurbabies too.
After working for years in a demanding job, Diane gave it up when her husband said, “Follow that dream.” She subsequently had 12 romances published for the U.S. market then turned to the dark side with her psychological thrillers published through Boldwood Books.
Nominated for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2024 and an International No 1 Amazon Bestseller, Diane never regrets living her second life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
March 7, 2021
The Ex is the fourth book in Diane Saxon's gripping series of police procedurals centered around DS Jenna Morgan, her family and her dedicated team. The book can be read as a standalone, but I am really glad to have discovered a new series to follow.
DS Jenna Morgan is called to a scene of what appears at first glance a domestic accident. Well-meaning, gossipy neighbours waiting outside have already informed her that the newly married couple living in the house are very much in love with each other and are expecting a baby. Imelda must have had a horrifying fall. While paramedics are doing their job to save the young woman's life, Jenna discovers that the couple's eleven-month-old toddler Joshua is missing and the race against the clock begins...
I must say I was a bit apprehensive after reading the first chapter told from the ex's perspective. I knew dark and disturbing things lay ahead as Emily was clearly delusional. I have to say that it isn't easy to portray a character like her and make the reader ask the same question Jenna asks herself: how could it happen that a person with this kind of issues fell through the cracks in the system?
Jenna herself is a terrific police officer and you will sympathise with her and admire her. She has a great team and knows she can rely on them at all times to help her do the basic polic work, something the public rarely sees, keen as we are to focus on the results. The book successfully strikes the balance between the personal and professional, the balance that makes or breaks any police procedural.
I liked the narrative structure: we get to see the events from Emily's POV and also have to solve the mysteryby following Jenna and her team, so the reader is always 'in the know' and yet, there are a few twists that may surprise you. For me, the best thing was the level of detail: Diana Saxon really doesn't tell you, she shows and lets you draw your own conclusions and process the complex feelings this book is bound to stir.
A well-written, fast-paced police procedural /psycholigical thriller, The Ex is a gripping, addictive read, which I can wholeheartedly recommend to all the lovers of the genre. My first book by Diane Saxon and I am hooked. Count me in for all future instalments in the series!
Thank you to NetGalle, Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
DS Jenna Morgan is called to a scene of what appears at first glance a domestic accident. Well-meaning, gossipy neighbours waiting outside have already informed her that the newly married couple living in the house are very much in love with each other and are expecting a baby. Imelda must have had a horrifying fall. While paramedics are doing their job to save the young woman's life, Jenna discovers that the couple's eleven-month-old toddler Joshua is missing and the race against the clock begins...
I must say I was a bit apprehensive after reading the first chapter told from the ex's perspective. I knew dark and disturbing things lay ahead as Emily was clearly delusional. I have to say that it isn't easy to portray a character like her and make the reader ask the same question Jenna asks herself: how could it happen that a person with this kind of issues fell through the cracks in the system?
Jenna herself is a terrific police officer and you will sympathise with her and admire her. She has a great team and knows she can rely on them at all times to help her do the basic polic work, something the public rarely sees, keen as we are to focus on the results. The book successfully strikes the balance between the personal and professional, the balance that makes or breaks any police procedural.
I liked the narrative structure: we get to see the events from Emily's POV and also have to solve the mysteryby following Jenna and her team, so the reader is always 'in the know' and yet, there are a few twists that may surprise you. For me, the best thing was the level of detail: Diana Saxon really doesn't tell you, she shows and lets you draw your own conclusions and process the complex feelings this book is bound to stir.
A well-written, fast-paced police procedural /psycholigical thriller, The Ex is a gripping, addictive read, which I can wholeheartedly recommend to all the lovers of the genre. My first book by Diane Saxon and I am hooked. Count me in for all future instalments in the series!
Thank you to NetGalle, Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
February 7, 2021
The main character in this book is one I wont forget,you couldn’t get more of a deluded scary ex if you tried,she is unlikeable but portrayed brilliantly,she frightened me and felt very real
Enjoyed the setting of Ironbridge has had relatives that used to live very close and so spent quite a lot of time there
A good read and police procedural and I would now read the other 3 books in the series
8/10
4 Stars
Enjoyed the setting of Ironbridge has had relatives that used to live very close and so spent quite a lot of time there
A good read and police procedural and I would now read the other 3 books in the series
8/10
4 Stars
March 11, 2021
Man, this book was terrific from start to finish. It had me clenching my teeth the whole way through. One thing’s for sure, I am now a Diane Saxon fan.
A dark, mind-boggling story about the wrath of a scorned women that’s enough to leave you uncomfortable and unsettled with twists and turns that keeps the reader glued to the pages.
If you’re a fan of edge of your seat police procedural thrillers, this book is a must read.
A dark, mind-boggling story about the wrath of a scorned women that’s enough to leave you uncomfortable and unsettled with twists and turns that keeps the reader glued to the pages.
If you’re a fan of edge of your seat police procedural thrillers, this book is a must read.
May 29, 2022
*The Dangerous side of Love*
**4.5 Stars**
This for me was the best one yet. A young couple Zac and Imelda and their toddler are busy renovating their home.
Imelda takes a back seat as she is pregnant. One fateful day she answers the doorbell and finds more than she bargained for. The next thing she is violently attacked, due to using machinery upstairs Zac does not hear the commotion. He calls the police upon his discovery and Ds Jenna Morgan is called to investigate.
When she arrives she tries her best not to make assumptions, was this domestic violence? Or something else?
Jenna is in the process of getting Zac’s account of what happened. During their chat, Zac suddenly realises due to his shocked state and to his horror that he had forgotten about his child who he thought was sleeping. The shock intensifies because the front door was open when he found Imelda. Jenna asks him to stay in place while she takes a look. The child is not there on first glance so. she quietly calls in for more resources.
Jenna and her team realise this case is more complex than they first thought and things go from a steady pace to ramping up as they realise they are hunting for more than one person. The culprit is a blast from someone’s past coming back to reclaim the person who should rightfully be theirs, how far will they go to achieve this?……
I realised where the story was going but it did not spoil my enjoyment. A great thriller that heads towards a shocking twist…….
**4.5 Stars**
This for me was the best one yet. A young couple Zac and Imelda and their toddler are busy renovating their home.
Imelda takes a back seat as she is pregnant. One fateful day she answers the doorbell and finds more than she bargained for. The next thing she is violently attacked, due to using machinery upstairs Zac does not hear the commotion. He calls the police upon his discovery and Ds Jenna Morgan is called to investigate.
When she arrives she tries her best not to make assumptions, was this domestic violence? Or something else?
Jenna is in the process of getting Zac’s account of what happened. During their chat, Zac suddenly realises due to his shocked state and to his horror that he had forgotten about his child who he thought was sleeping. The shock intensifies because the front door was open when he found Imelda. Jenna asks him to stay in place while she takes a look. The child is not there on first glance so. she quietly calls in for more resources.
Jenna and her team realise this case is more complex than they first thought and things go from a steady pace to ramping up as they realise they are hunting for more than one person. The culprit is a blast from someone’s past coming back to reclaim the person who should rightfully be theirs, how far will they go to achieve this?……
I realised where the story was going but it did not spoil my enjoyment. A great thriller that heads towards a shocking twist…….
February 26, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BlogTour for Diane Saxon's addictive new thriller THE EX.
I didn't know this book was part of a series when I signed up for it but, admittedly, it doesn't matter because it works well as a standalone with just enough backstory from previous books to suffice. But what I really like about this book is that the procedural part is not the forefront of the story but rather is secondary to the main focus, which is the disappearance of a child and the woman who took her. THAT is what makes THE EX addictive reading.
The story begins with Emily at a work function when she overhears a conversation regarding her ex, the love of her life, Zak had remarried. She then locks herself in a toilet cubicle with a bottle of rose wine ruminating over where it all went wrong. Zak. She hadn't seen him in so long. She used to sit outside his house for hours at a time, watching, waiting to catch a glimpse of him. But she hadn't done that in so long now. But now...in a moment of clarity, Emily knows what she will do. She will go and see Zak. As soon as he sees her he'll realise his terrible mistake and they can be together again.
Zak Cheetham-Epstein (a bit of a mouthful) used to work at the accountants where Emily is still employed. The two had hooked up and had some fun together but then Emily started to get a little clingy. She moved into his flat and started questioning where he had been and who with. She accused him of seeing other women and became volatile. Zak was only having some fun but for Emily, he was her true love, her soulmate. So when he ended things with her and left the company, Emily is devastated. But Zak never saw her again and in the two years since has met and married Imelda who has given him a son, Joshua, and is pregnant with her their second child. They live in a beautiful Victorian house overlooking the gorge in Ironbridge that has been in his family for three generations and were in the process of renovating it.
When there is a knock at the door one Sunday morning, Zak is upstairs sanding a door ready to repaint while Imelda answers it with a smile in place. No one expects things to go so horribly wrong...not Zak, not Imelda and not Emily.
Despite being on her day off, DS Jenna Morgan is called to the home of a reported domestic incident. When she arrives, she finds pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein unconscious with serious head injuries. Her husband Zak stands nearby in shock, an obvious suspect despite reporting that his wife had fallen. The gash on her cheek and bruising to her face suggested something far more sinister as the team attempted to preserve what they could of the scene after the paramedics left with Imelda. It's not until she questions Zak further that Jenna discovers the couple have an 11 month old child that was apparently sleeping. Jenna and her team find it unlikely a child could have slept through the noise created by police and paramedics treating Imelda, but checks the rest of the house anyway. No child. So where was baby Joshua? Had Zak done something to the child and he and Imelda were arguing about it when he struck her and she fell?
Jenna and her team, DCs Morris King and Ryan Downey, search the bushland surrounding the house and into the gorge to no avail. They are about to call it a day when a woman approaches Jenna, a frantic expression on her face. She has been out all day and has only just returned to hear the news but feels she may have some information that will help. It seems her son insisted she have CCTV installed and on her camera was a figure carrying what appeared to be a child. The image was so blurry they weren't able to tell if it was male or female...but they very definitely were carrying a child. So who was this person? Did they attack Imelda? And why did they take baby Joshua?
Fern awakes to the sound of a baby crying believing it to be another dream, her subconscious torturing her with her desire for a child. But as she wakes properly she realises the cries are real. Tentatively, she pushes open the nursery door...the nursery her sister Emily decorated and that she has never entered. In the cot was a toddler screaming their little heart out. Fern rushes forward and picks up the screaming child and attempts to soothe it with a lullaby she makes up as she croons. Slowly, the child quietens and Fern wonders what on earth has Emily done? Then when Emily appears in the doorway she informs her that she wanted a child and now she has one. This child is her gift to Fern. There is only one problem...this child is a boy but Emily insists she is a girl and she is called Angel. To ensure the child's safety, Fern must think and treat the child as a girl.
While investigating Joshua's disappearance, Jenna is reminded of the time when her sister Fliss was kidnapped previously and their beloved dog Domino injured. It also brings back memories of when her partner was killed right in front of her eyes, the trauma of it haunting her for a long time after. Although these incidents took place in previous books, we are not left in the dark as the author gives us enough information to keep us informed without us being confused, making this one easily read as a standalone.
THE EX is a compelling mix of crime and psychological thriller that keeps us engaged from start to finish. And what better way than to give readers a psycho ex? And there is also something not quite right about sisters Emily and Fern...
I love all the characters in this book, even the ones you love to hate! Jenna and her team are not weighed down by rank and hierarchy pissing contests, but rather have a camaraderie that reflects on their ability to get the job done and to do it well. The support of her family and loved ones are also a refreshing touch, without the bid for attention between partner and job. It certainly makes a refreshing change.
And then there is Emily. How well she was portrayed. As much as as love to hate her, her depiction was memorable to say the least. I also felt a little sorry for her although I was also a tad scared of her and what she might do. It is clear she was unstable but what exactly the problem was is not made clear until the end. And the final twist was a spectacular turn of events I began to put together myself. But wow!
An addictive read from the beginning, THE EX was so much better than I anticipated it to be and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved meeting Jenna, Fliss, Morris, Ryan, Adrian and even the DI who was surprisingly personable, as is so usually not the case in crime fiction. A refreshing change which made the procedural aspects a pleasure to read. Although I really loved that that was only a part of the story with readers being privy to Emily and her twisted mind. Although we know what happens from the start, we still don't really know what is happening. It is a very clever ploy to lull readers into a false sense of security thinking we know what's going to happen...when we do and we don't.
Cleverly written with plenty of twists throughout, THE EX is ramps up the thriller aspect a notch with a real sense of fear and helplessness in the midst of a wild and emotional thrill-ride. The issues surrounding mental illness were sensitively navigated and in a way that the reader feels empathy for the guilty party. Diane Saxon is a new author for me but I will be hunting out her previous books in this series and add them to my never-ending TBR pile.
Absolutely addictive read that I could not devour quick enough, I have no hesitation recommending THE EX to fans of police procedurals with a difference as well domestic and psychological thriller fans. A solid 5 star read.
I would like to thank #DianeSaxon, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheEx in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I didn't know this book was part of a series when I signed up for it but, admittedly, it doesn't matter because it works well as a standalone with just enough backstory from previous books to suffice. But what I really like about this book is that the procedural part is not the forefront of the story but rather is secondary to the main focus, which is the disappearance of a child and the woman who took her. THAT is what makes THE EX addictive reading.
The story begins with Emily at a work function when she overhears a conversation regarding her ex, the love of her life, Zak had remarried. She then locks herself in a toilet cubicle with a bottle of rose wine ruminating over where it all went wrong. Zak. She hadn't seen him in so long. She used to sit outside his house for hours at a time, watching, waiting to catch a glimpse of him. But she hadn't done that in so long now. But now...in a moment of clarity, Emily knows what she will do. She will go and see Zak. As soon as he sees her he'll realise his terrible mistake and they can be together again.
Zak Cheetham-Epstein (a bit of a mouthful) used to work at the accountants where Emily is still employed. The two had hooked up and had some fun together but then Emily started to get a little clingy. She moved into his flat and started questioning where he had been and who with. She accused him of seeing other women and became volatile. Zak was only having some fun but for Emily, he was her true love, her soulmate. So when he ended things with her and left the company, Emily is devastated. But Zak never saw her again and in the two years since has met and married Imelda who has given him a son, Joshua, and is pregnant with her their second child. They live in a beautiful Victorian house overlooking the gorge in Ironbridge that has been in his family for three generations and were in the process of renovating it.
When there is a knock at the door one Sunday morning, Zak is upstairs sanding a door ready to repaint while Imelda answers it with a smile in place. No one expects things to go so horribly wrong...not Zak, not Imelda and not Emily.
Despite being on her day off, DS Jenna Morgan is called to the home of a reported domestic incident. When she arrives, she finds pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein unconscious with serious head injuries. Her husband Zak stands nearby in shock, an obvious suspect despite reporting that his wife had fallen. The gash on her cheek and bruising to her face suggested something far more sinister as the team attempted to preserve what they could of the scene after the paramedics left with Imelda. It's not until she questions Zak further that Jenna discovers the couple have an 11 month old child that was apparently sleeping. Jenna and her team find it unlikely a child could have slept through the noise created by police and paramedics treating Imelda, but checks the rest of the house anyway. No child. So where was baby Joshua? Had Zak done something to the child and he and Imelda were arguing about it when he struck her and she fell?
Jenna and her team, DCs Morris King and Ryan Downey, search the bushland surrounding the house and into the gorge to no avail. They are about to call it a day when a woman approaches Jenna, a frantic expression on her face. She has been out all day and has only just returned to hear the news but feels she may have some information that will help. It seems her son insisted she have CCTV installed and on her camera was a figure carrying what appeared to be a child. The image was so blurry they weren't able to tell if it was male or female...but they very definitely were carrying a child. So who was this person? Did they attack Imelda? And why did they take baby Joshua?
Fern awakes to the sound of a baby crying believing it to be another dream, her subconscious torturing her with her desire for a child. But as she wakes properly she realises the cries are real. Tentatively, she pushes open the nursery door...the nursery her sister Emily decorated and that she has never entered. In the cot was a toddler screaming their little heart out. Fern rushes forward and picks up the screaming child and attempts to soothe it with a lullaby she makes up as she croons. Slowly, the child quietens and Fern wonders what on earth has Emily done? Then when Emily appears in the doorway she informs her that she wanted a child and now she has one. This child is her gift to Fern. There is only one problem...this child is a boy but Emily insists she is a girl and she is called Angel. To ensure the child's safety, Fern must think and treat the child as a girl.
While investigating Joshua's disappearance, Jenna is reminded of the time when her sister Fliss was kidnapped previously and their beloved dog Domino injured. It also brings back memories of when her partner was killed right in front of her eyes, the trauma of it haunting her for a long time after. Although these incidents took place in previous books, we are not left in the dark as the author gives us enough information to keep us informed without us being confused, making this one easily read as a standalone.
THE EX is a compelling mix of crime and psychological thriller that keeps us engaged from start to finish. And what better way than to give readers a psycho ex? And there is also something not quite right about sisters Emily and Fern...
I love all the characters in this book, even the ones you love to hate! Jenna and her team are not weighed down by rank and hierarchy pissing contests, but rather have a camaraderie that reflects on their ability to get the job done and to do it well. The support of her family and loved ones are also a refreshing touch, without the bid for attention between partner and job. It certainly makes a refreshing change.
And then there is Emily. How well she was portrayed. As much as as love to hate her, her depiction was memorable to say the least. I also felt a little sorry for her although I was also a tad scared of her and what she might do. It is clear she was unstable but what exactly the problem was is not made clear until the end. And the final twist was a spectacular turn of events I began to put together myself. But wow!
An addictive read from the beginning, THE EX was so much better than I anticipated it to be and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved meeting Jenna, Fliss, Morris, Ryan, Adrian and even the DI who was surprisingly personable, as is so usually not the case in crime fiction. A refreshing change which made the procedural aspects a pleasure to read. Although I really loved that that was only a part of the story with readers being privy to Emily and her twisted mind. Although we know what happens from the start, we still don't really know what is happening. It is a very clever ploy to lull readers into a false sense of security thinking we know what's going to happen...when we do and we don't.
Cleverly written with plenty of twists throughout, THE EX is ramps up the thriller aspect a notch with a real sense of fear and helplessness in the midst of a wild and emotional thrill-ride. The issues surrounding mental illness were sensitively navigated and in a way that the reader feels empathy for the guilty party. Diane Saxon is a new author for me but I will be hunting out her previous books in this series and add them to my never-ending TBR pile.
Absolutely addictive read that I could not devour quick enough, I have no hesitation recommending THE EX to fans of police procedurals with a difference as well domestic and psychological thriller fans. A solid 5 star read.
I would like to thank #DianeSaxon, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheEx in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 2, 2021
First, I want to thank Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Rachel’s Random Resources for this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! Just WOW!! Never will I ever forget how obsessive and insanely crazy The Ex was in Diane Saxon’s latest novel! She was so sick, twisted and oh so demented! Nothing would stop her from seeking revenge! This is one read you must put on your TBR must read pile! It is just that amazing of a read!
A warning and heads up there are graphic, violent and traumatic scenes in this book. This may trigger some readers.
Diane showed us very early on Emily’s true colors when it came to her ex Zac! Man oh man was she obsessed with him and how badly she was jilted. It got so bad that it was sickening to hear!
Missing person cases storylines is one of my favorites! However, none have ever pulled on my heartstrings more than the disappearance of baby Joshua! The investigation of what could have happened to him really touched some buttons for me. Diane’s passion for this one storyline came out in her beautiful writing.
Reading this book I kept thinking this was something that I would watch on the Lifetime Channel! It had all the elements of the perfect movie!
I found it very interesting in Diane’s acknowledgements that Sami Epstein’s son’s name was mentioned as the main character. Sami paid a considerable amount to The Hope House charity and won that opportunity. Happy 18th Birthday Zac! What a great Birthday present this is!
WOW!! Just WOW!! Never will I ever forget how obsessive and insanely crazy The Ex was in Diane Saxon’s latest novel! She was so sick, twisted and oh so demented! Nothing would stop her from seeking revenge! This is one read you must put on your TBR must read pile! It is just that amazing of a read!
A warning and heads up there are graphic, violent and traumatic scenes in this book. This may trigger some readers.
Diane showed us very early on Emily’s true colors when it came to her ex Zac! Man oh man was she obsessed with him and how badly she was jilted. It got so bad that it was sickening to hear!
Missing person cases storylines is one of my favorites! However, none have ever pulled on my heartstrings more than the disappearance of baby Joshua! The investigation of what could have happened to him really touched some buttons for me. Diane’s passion for this one storyline came out in her beautiful writing.
Reading this book I kept thinking this was something that I would watch on the Lifetime Channel! It had all the elements of the perfect movie!
I found it very interesting in Diane’s acknowledgements that Sami Epstein’s son’s name was mentioned as the main character. Sami paid a considerable amount to The Hope House charity and won that opportunity. Happy 18th Birthday Zac! What a great Birthday present this is!
April 21, 2021
The Ex is the fourth in Diane Saxon's tremendous series featuring DS Jenna Morgan. In this cracking instalment, Jenna is suffering the effects of events from a previous case. She is called to Zak Cheetham-Epstein's plush three-storey Victorian home with the balcony overlooking stunning views of the River Severn. His new wife of three weeks, Imelda answered a knock at the front door and was subsequently attacked in a frenetic stabbing and then left for dead. Believing she is attending a domestic disturbance Jenna finds Imelda lying unconscious in the hallway with serious head injuries and bruising and cuts to her face. When Jenna interviews Zak about the situation he realises that his young son is missing from where he had been sleeping.
I really enjoyed reading The Ex and couldn't put it down! With its many twists, I was desperate to reach the end. Having previously read book three, What She Saw in the series I was praying that this one would be equally as good... and it was! Set in the village and locale of Ironbridge, Shropshire, England, Jenna is a fascinating character; she is clearly committed and driven though she has struggles of her own. Diane Saxon has cast all of her characters well and they all have something great to contribute to the story. The plot was enthralling and as the story progressed my enthusiasm levels rose proportionately. On balance, The Ex is an intense, wickedly good, tense, sharp read that I highly recommend and I can't wait for book number five. I also intend to read the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Boldwood Books via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed reading The Ex and couldn't put it down! With its many twists, I was desperate to reach the end. Having previously read book three, What She Saw in the series I was praying that this one would be equally as good... and it was! Set in the village and locale of Ironbridge, Shropshire, England, Jenna is a fascinating character; she is clearly committed and driven though she has struggles of her own. Diane Saxon has cast all of her characters well and they all have something great to contribute to the story. The plot was enthralling and as the story progressed my enthusiasm levels rose proportionately. On balance, The Ex is an intense, wickedly good, tense, sharp read that I highly recommend and I can't wait for book number five. I also intend to read the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Boldwood Books via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 23, 2021
This is my first DS Jenna Morgan read but definitely won't be the last. This thriller is set in beautiful Ironbridge. Emily is at a works party when she is devastated to find out her ex has got married. She goes to visit him to win him back but his wife answers the door. Jenna is called to a incident at the Cheetham-Epstein's family home. Pregnant Imelda is found unconscious with serious head injuries and their 11 month old son is missing. A great thriller of a ride.
March 8, 2021
Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on this Blog Tour.
This is my first book by Diane Saxon and what an excellent, thrilling and detailed read it was, with two incredibly written main characters.
The main theme of this book was generally how crazy an ex can make you feel but for me it was the mental health aspect that spoke to me. The main character Emily you could see was Mentally unwell from the offset and because this character was so incredibly well written and thought out – she had to have been my favourite, no matter how much I hated her at certain points.
This book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
This is my first book by Diane Saxon and what an excellent, thrilling and detailed read it was, with two incredibly written main characters.
The main theme of this book was generally how crazy an ex can make you feel but for me it was the mental health aspect that spoke to me. The main character Emily you could see was Mentally unwell from the offset and because this character was so incredibly well written and thought out – she had to have been my favourite, no matter how much I hated her at certain points.
This book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
January 13, 2021
I a big fan of this author and she never disappoints . and set not far from me .Emily Shenton is at the company summer ball. and she not really want to be there ,she had one true love who worked with her but when they broke up he left the company , then her boss announces Zak has got married it causes a chain of events that is lethal and upsetting for some of the characters . Jenna and her team are on the case and i so love some of the funniness in this book and is nice to catch up with the other characters in the book i love the Dalmatian Domino as always gripping and addictive cant wait for the next book in series
January 17, 2021
I knew I was in for a good read after having read 2 other books by this author, I didn't think that i was going to be blown away by it! It was one of those books that you are desperate to race through as you want to see how it goes, but you don't want to finish. I was gripped, as usual by this author's writing, by the first few pages, intrigued to know where it was headed. The author highlighted mental health in this book,and it was done so well! The police procedurals were described brilliantly and I love DS Morgan's team, they're a family who look out for each other. Strongly recommended if you like a edge of your seat police procedural/ thriller. Loved it!
Want to read
March 2, 2021The Ex is the fourth instalment in the DS Jenna Morgan series, set in and around the village of Ironbridge, Shropshire. Zac Cheetham-Epstein formerly worked at the accounting firm where his ex-girlfriend Emily Shenton is still employed. It's clear to many of her colleagues that she is far from over Zak. They hooked up several times but Zak began to distance himself from her when she became increasingly needy, jealous and possessive over him. While attending the company summer ball, drunken Chris Wittington had made a toast: ’Here’s to Zak Cheetham-Epstein and his new wife, Imelda.’ Emily then flees to the women’s loo accompanied by a bottle of rosé to drown her sorrows as she had no idea her ”soulmate” had gotten hitched. She still drives past his three-storey Victorian home with the balcony overlooking stunning views of the River Severn multiple times in the hope she would catch a glimpse of him and would even sit outside just watching the house for hours at a time. In the two years since they parted, Zak has not only gotten married but has a son, 11-month-old Joshua, and Imelda is now pregnant with their second child. On a scorching hot Sunday morning the Cheetham-Epstein’s receive a knock at the door. Zak is preoccupied with DIY upstairs so Imelda answers it. She is swiftly attacked in a frenetic stabbing and then left for dead. Somehow Emily manages to abduct toddler Josh without Zak ever noticing. She is long gone before he discovers his wife’s body and calls the police.
Enter DS Morgan who believes she is attending a domestic disturbance but gets a lot more than she bargained for when she shows up at the address. Imelda is lying unconscious in the hallway with serious head injuries and the front door is left wide open. She also has bruising to the face and a cut on her cheek. It's not until Jenna interviews the husband about the situation that he realises, much to his horror, that his young son is missing from where he was previously napping. What are the possible motives behind Emily attacking Imelda and kidnapping Joshua, and will it be possible for Imelda, her unborn baby, Zak and Joshua to all be brought back together again? This is a riveting and compulsive procedural that has a really original take on the reason why the crimes were committed; I don't want to spoil it for anyone but Saxon handles the issue of mental illness with aplomb, and I loved that not only was this an enthralling read but it was emotional too and had added depth to it when compared to other books in the genre. Emily is an unlikeable character but it's a testament to Saxon’s skill at crafting complex, multilayered personalities that I felt sympathy towards her situation as it can't be easy living with such a condition. There are plenty of twists, many of them I expected to see coming but it was a pleasant surprise that most of them came completely out of the blue, and the rapid-fire narrative gives more than enough drama and heart thumpingly tense moments to keep you reading through until dawn. Highly recommended.
Enter DS Morgan who believes she is attending a domestic disturbance but gets a lot more than she bargained for when she shows up at the address. Imelda is lying unconscious in the hallway with serious head injuries and the front door is left wide open. She also has bruising to the face and a cut on her cheek. It's not until Jenna interviews the husband about the situation that he realises, much to his horror, that his young son is missing from where he was previously napping. What are the possible motives behind Emily attacking Imelda and kidnapping Joshua, and will it be possible for Imelda, her unborn baby, Zak and Joshua to all be brought back together again? This is a riveting and compulsive procedural that has a really original take on the reason why the crimes were committed; I don't want to spoil it for anyone but Saxon handles the issue of mental illness with aplomb, and I loved that not only was this an enthralling read but it was emotional too and had added depth to it when compared to other books in the genre. Emily is an unlikeable character but it's a testament to Saxon’s skill at crafting complex, multilayered personalities that I felt sympathy towards her situation as it can't be easy living with such a condition. There are plenty of twists, many of them I expected to see coming but it was a pleasant surprise that most of them came completely out of the blue, and the rapid-fire narrative gives more than enough drama and heart thumpingly tense moments to keep you reading through until dawn. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2023
DS Jenna Morgan #4
I did not give book three in the series enough time, listening on and off for over a week which made it hard for me to truly appreciate the book. With book four, I set aside enough time to allow myself to listen to the entire book in two sittings – allowing myself to focus and give the book the attention it deserves. While the third book was not my favourite – I can say that book four was again a brilliant read / listen. I enjoyed the story and raced through it.
With The Ex there was less focus on Jenna and her time, allowing you to get caught up in the crime and the new characters. The author keeps you engrossed with a creative crime that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. With a fantastic final twist. I cannot wait to see what Jenna is due to face next. Domino – the Dalmatian - still makes an appearance which adds a gentle touch and brings a smile to your face.
DS Jenna Morgan is called to a domestic incident when Zak Cheetham-Epstein finds his wife unconscious in the hallway of their home. Upon arrival, paramedics on the scene advised that Imelda’s injuries are most likely not the result of an accidental fall. As Jenna starts questioning Zak, he suddenly remembers that he has not checked on Joshua, the couple's eleven-month-old son. When the toddler cannot be found in the house, a search is undertaken but the little boy is nowhere to be found. The heatwave means that Joshua will not survive for long on his own. Jenna and her team must find him quickly if they hope to find him alive. But there is no sign of the toddler anywhere. Could his disappearance be linked to Imelda’s injury?
This book had me glued to my seat, eager to see how the story would end. I loved the characters and did not predict the ending until the last minute. I enjoyed this book and look forward to spending more time with Jenna and her team. The author allows you to spend time with the criminal and victim – moving between the two from chapter to chapter making her writing intriguing as she keeps you curious right to the end.
DS Jenna Morgan has settled down in this book. Despite her previous bad experiences, she is stronger than before. I love the way she is not afraid to show her emotions. She has had some horrific experiences and manages to keep them at bay while focusing on the job at hand. Her bond with Domino, her sister’s dog, adds to her appeal.
Emilia was a fanatic character – I loved her obsession and crazy behaviour. This woman will leave the hair on your neck standing on end. The author did a brilliant job with this character.
Another book has been added to my loved list for 2023 – a brilliantly creative, entertaining read. If you have been following the DS Jenna Morgan you will love this book.
Readers who enjoy twisty crime thrillers will love this series and The Ex is a fantastic read you do not want to miss. You do not have to read the books in order but be prepared to want to. This series will have you hooked and eager for more. I highly recommend you add this series to your TBR.
https://featzreviews.com/the-ex-book-...
I did not give book three in the series enough time, listening on and off for over a week which made it hard for me to truly appreciate the book. With book four, I set aside enough time to allow myself to listen to the entire book in two sittings – allowing myself to focus and give the book the attention it deserves. While the third book was not my favourite – I can say that book four was again a brilliant read / listen. I enjoyed the story and raced through it.
With The Ex there was less focus on Jenna and her time, allowing you to get caught up in the crime and the new characters. The author keeps you engrossed with a creative crime that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. With a fantastic final twist. I cannot wait to see what Jenna is due to face next. Domino – the Dalmatian - still makes an appearance which adds a gentle touch and brings a smile to your face.
DS Jenna Morgan is called to a domestic incident when Zak Cheetham-Epstein finds his wife unconscious in the hallway of their home. Upon arrival, paramedics on the scene advised that Imelda’s injuries are most likely not the result of an accidental fall. As Jenna starts questioning Zak, he suddenly remembers that he has not checked on Joshua, the couple's eleven-month-old son. When the toddler cannot be found in the house, a search is undertaken but the little boy is nowhere to be found. The heatwave means that Joshua will not survive for long on his own. Jenna and her team must find him quickly if they hope to find him alive. But there is no sign of the toddler anywhere. Could his disappearance be linked to Imelda’s injury?
This book had me glued to my seat, eager to see how the story would end. I loved the characters and did not predict the ending until the last minute. I enjoyed this book and look forward to spending more time with Jenna and her team. The author allows you to spend time with the criminal and victim – moving between the two from chapter to chapter making her writing intriguing as she keeps you curious right to the end.
DS Jenna Morgan has settled down in this book. Despite her previous bad experiences, she is stronger than before. I love the way she is not afraid to show her emotions. She has had some horrific experiences and manages to keep them at bay while focusing on the job at hand. Her bond with Domino, her sister’s dog, adds to her appeal.
Emilia was a fanatic character – I loved her obsession and crazy behaviour. This woman will leave the hair on your neck standing on end. The author did a brilliant job with this character.
Another book has been added to my loved list for 2023 – a brilliantly creative, entertaining read. If you have been following the DS Jenna Morgan you will love this book.
Readers who enjoy twisty crime thrillers will love this series and The Ex is a fantastic read you do not want to miss. You do not have to read the books in order but be prepared to want to. This series will have you hooked and eager for more. I highly recommend you add this series to your TBR.
https://featzreviews.com/the-ex-book-...
March 4, 2021
The Ex by Diane Saxon is a fast-paced, rollercoaster ride, that is very difficult to set down once you start reading. Diane Saxon’s writing is intelligent and compelling.
This is the story of a missing child, but the underlying obsession and sinister acts are downright chilling. It definitely pulled at my heart, and as I said, the writing is tight.
The characters are expertly crafted to feel real. Which is great in some aspects and scary in others, because there are some characters I just wouldn’t want to meet!
Overall, this was a compelling read that I would recommend giving a go.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
This is the story of a missing child, but the underlying obsession and sinister acts are downright chilling. It definitely pulled at my heart, and as I said, the writing is tight.
The characters are expertly crafted to feel real. Which is great in some aspects and scary in others, because there are some characters I just wouldn’t want to meet!
Overall, this was a compelling read that I would recommend giving a go.
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
January 13, 2021
The Ex by Diane Saxon is a crime thriller with DS Jenna Morgan at its centre. I read this novel as a standalone, unaware that it is part of a series, and my enjoyment was not at all diminished by this fact. I am left wanting more, scrambling to find other books in this series.
DS Morgan is called to a home in response to a report of a domestic incident. What she finds is a pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein unconscious with serious head injuries. Further adding to the traumatic scene, Imelda and husband Zak's eleven month old son has gone missing. Clearly, something about the scene in Ironbridge is not right, and it falls to Jenna to find out exactly how foul the state of play.
While I very much enjoyed this novel, I was slightly disappointed that I was blindly entering an already established series. That being said, the book does hold up as a standalone, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
DS Morgan is called to a home in response to a report of a domestic incident. What she finds is a pregnant Imelda Cheetham-Epstein unconscious with serious head injuries. Further adding to the traumatic scene, Imelda and husband Zak's eleven month old son has gone missing. Clearly, something about the scene in Ironbridge is not right, and it falls to Jenna to find out exactly how foul the state of play.
While I very much enjoyed this novel, I was slightly disappointed that I was blindly entering an already established series. That being said, the book does hold up as a standalone, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
January 12, 2021
This crime series has a fresh feel to it with engaging characters and a good dose of humour despite the dark nature of the cases.
The author deals with complex mental health issues with sensitivity too
The author deals with complex mental health issues with sensitivity too
March 2, 2021
Emily has loved Zak for many years. They used to work together and then she moved into his apartment. Not long after, he quit his job and made her move out due to her obsession with him. Now, Zak is married to Imelda and they are the parents of 11-month-old, Joshua. In addition, Imelda is pregnant again. Zak is busy fixing up his family’s old Victorian home and they are a happy family. Ah, but Emily has gone off her medication and is determined to get Zak back no matter what it takes.
DS Jenna Morgan lives with her sister, Fliss, who is a teacher. They also have a Dalmation named Domino. Fliss’s boyfriend is Jenna’s work partner, DC Mason Ellis. Jenna has a new boyfriend Chief Crown Prosecutor Adrian Hall. Both Hall and Ellis spend a lot of time at Jenna and Fliss’s home.
One morning, Emily visits Zak’s home when he is upstairs sanding floors. Imelda answers the door with Joshua in her arms. Emily aks to see Zak but Imelda tells her he is busy. That’s when she realizes who Emily is and asks her to leave. Instead, Emily punches her and bashes her head repeatedly on the floor, leaving her for dead.
When Jenna and Mason get a call to what is thought to be a domestic disturbance, they are shocked at what they find. Zak is in shock and it isn’t known if Imelda is even alive. That’s when they realize that Joshua is missing too. Thus begins a rush against time to find out who beat Imelda and took Joshua. Jenna and her team work long, hard hours in the middle of a heat wave that has devastated everyone making their work even harder. Will they find Joshua in time and the person who harmed Imelda?
This is a very good edge-of-the-seat detective story that describes in detail some very horrible events. It shows what the mind of a seriously disturbed person can make them do. The book is very well done and I admire the author for her talent.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
DS Jenna Morgan lives with her sister, Fliss, who is a teacher. They also have a Dalmation named Domino. Fliss’s boyfriend is Jenna’s work partner, DC Mason Ellis. Jenna has a new boyfriend Chief Crown Prosecutor Adrian Hall. Both Hall and Ellis spend a lot of time at Jenna and Fliss’s home.
One morning, Emily visits Zak’s home when he is upstairs sanding floors. Imelda answers the door with Joshua in her arms. Emily aks to see Zak but Imelda tells her he is busy. That’s when she realizes who Emily is and asks her to leave. Instead, Emily punches her and bashes her head repeatedly on the floor, leaving her for dead.
When Jenna and Mason get a call to what is thought to be a domestic disturbance, they are shocked at what they find. Zak is in shock and it isn’t known if Imelda is even alive. That’s when they realize that Joshua is missing too. Thus begins a rush against time to find out who beat Imelda and took Joshua. Jenna and her team work long, hard hours in the middle of a heat wave that has devastated everyone making their work even harder. Will they find Joshua in time and the person who harmed Imelda?
This is a very good edge-of-the-seat detective story that describes in detail some very horrible events. It shows what the mind of a seriously disturbed person can make them do. The book is very well done and I admire the author for her talent.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 30, 2021
Love this whole series!
January 24, 2021
What looks from the synopsis a great police procedural with heart stopping action is not what happens when read.
I could only get as far as chapter 10. The slow and very over descriptive writing prolongs the story and doesn’t captivate you from the onset.
Police procedurals are fast and engaging. This is not.
The main suspect is shocking and you feel like you just want to shout and say “get over yourself and move on”. Having the story in reverse does not do it just. I rather work out who is responsible than know from the onset.
Chapters at times are long and laborious with hints of old fashion style.
I had and felt great expectations but this fell way short. I don’t think I would read the previous ones either.
Overall not for me.
I could only get as far as chapter 10. The slow and very over descriptive writing prolongs the story and doesn’t captivate you from the onset.
Police procedurals are fast and engaging. This is not.
The main suspect is shocking and you feel like you just want to shout and say “get over yourself and move on”. Having the story in reverse does not do it just. I rather work out who is responsible than know from the onset.
Chapters at times are long and laborious with hints of old fashion style.
I had and felt great expectations but this fell way short. I don’t think I would read the previous ones either.
Overall not for me.
February 16, 2021
This was better than I thought it was going to be and at some points I thought it was going to be predictable. Glad I was wrong. The two main female characters were strong and at times disturbing AF. Plenty of suspense and twists though out this book. What a mess! A solid recommended read for a thriller/suspense.
Thanks to Netgalley, Diane Saxon and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Available: 3/2/21
Thanks to Netgalley, Diane Saxon and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Available: 3/2/21
March 23, 2024
3.75. Not my favourite in the series so far, but it was still good, and I loved the twist. I saw something coming, but I didn’t totally guess this, so that was good too.
February 7, 2021
The Ex, Diane Saxon’s latest thriller in the Jenny Morgan series is almost self explanatory given the title. Emily Shenton is Zac Cheetam Epstein’s ex girlfriend and as we are all aware, “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Still desperately in love with this man despite the fact he has most definitely moved on, married to Imelda with an 11 month son Joshua and another one on the way, Emily believes she should be the significant other in his life. When Zac finds his wife unconscious in their own home, Jenna Morgan of West Mercia police and her team begin their investigation into what at first glance is a tragic accident. However in the ensuing melee it is discovered that Joshua is missing and that Imelda’s ‘accident’ may actually be the result of foul play. Who could want Zac’s wife dead and who would steal their child?
To the reader, fingers can only point in one direction, with only Zac and the police blind to the obvious answers. So for me there is very little suspense in this thriller, presumably because we know straightaway who the guilty party is and the kind of person they are. In that sense The Ex is not the most thrilling of thrillers. Clearly it is the author’s intentions to divulge this information within the first couple of pages but I wondered if the clues to the exact nature of this woman’s problems could have been more well hidden? Instead the storyline is more focused on the police investigation and the race against time to apprehend the culprit and locate the whereabouts of the missing boy. It is the search for this innocent little boy that had my heart racing and my fingers itching to turn the pages as quickly as possible, feeling that if only I could read fast enough all would be ok! However this is a storyline in which I felt the author held back, not wishing to cross over a self imposed boundary beyond which too much harm would befall these characters which does make some of this storyline unrealistic. It hardly takes any guesswork to envisage where events will take us to but the storyline does manage to retain an element of shock value.
Yet despite these criticisms and having never read the rest of the series I really liked Jenna Morgan and the rest of her team. Jenna is a real team player and a down to earth character;there are no airs and graces about this woman and her warmth and empathy towards her fellow human beings, colleagues and victims alike shines through. That she commands the respect of the rest of her team is evident, lucky to be surrounded by capable and efficient colleagues. I loved the banter and the camaraderie with no big egos fighting for supremacy. Jenna’s close relationship with her sister Fliss and her love of Domino, their Dalmatian, leaves you in no doubt that she is an all round good egg. A tiny part of me was swooning over Mason Ellis and I would like to see where Jenna’s new relationship with crown prosecutor Adrian will lead. Naturally I would have benefited from a better understanding of her backstory and those of her colleagues since there are plenty of references to a past storyline involving Jenna’s sister Fliss but I didn’t feel it was imperative in order to enjoy this thriller. All it means is I’ve discovered a series I’m more than happy to follow in the future and in the meantime I can catch up with the previous three books in preparation for book number five hitting the shelves. With a huge hint about a new character of whom we are only afforded a glimpse of, featuring in a future book this is a clever way to maintain and pique reader interest. How long will I have to wait??
Although The Ex isn’t in my opinion an edge of your seat thriller I enjoyed it immensely. When deciding how to award a star rating, I would suggest the plot line falls into the average category of 3 stars. The strength of this thriller lies in the author’s sensitive handling of mental health issues and how individuals in need of help are let down by a system whose infrastructure is unstable. I finished this novel, saddened by the fact that every single one of these characters is a victim. I definitely recommend if you are the kind of reader drawn towards characterisation over plot as the dynamics between Jenna and her team plus their personal histories make his highly readable. For that reason I’ve settled on a very commendable 4 stars. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.
To the reader, fingers can only point in one direction, with only Zac and the police blind to the obvious answers. So for me there is very little suspense in this thriller, presumably because we know straightaway who the guilty party is and the kind of person they are. In that sense The Ex is not the most thrilling of thrillers. Clearly it is the author’s intentions to divulge this information within the first couple of pages but I wondered if the clues to the exact nature of this woman’s problems could have been more well hidden? Instead the storyline is more focused on the police investigation and the race against time to apprehend the culprit and locate the whereabouts of the missing boy. It is the search for this innocent little boy that had my heart racing and my fingers itching to turn the pages as quickly as possible, feeling that if only I could read fast enough all would be ok! However this is a storyline in which I felt the author held back, not wishing to cross over a self imposed boundary beyond which too much harm would befall these characters which does make some of this storyline unrealistic. It hardly takes any guesswork to envisage where events will take us to but the storyline does manage to retain an element of shock value.
Yet despite these criticisms and having never read the rest of the series I really liked Jenna Morgan and the rest of her team. Jenna is a real team player and a down to earth character;there are no airs and graces about this woman and her warmth and empathy towards her fellow human beings, colleagues and victims alike shines through. That she commands the respect of the rest of her team is evident, lucky to be surrounded by capable and efficient colleagues. I loved the banter and the camaraderie with no big egos fighting for supremacy. Jenna’s close relationship with her sister Fliss and her love of Domino, their Dalmatian, leaves you in no doubt that she is an all round good egg. A tiny part of me was swooning over Mason Ellis and I would like to see where Jenna’s new relationship with crown prosecutor Adrian will lead. Naturally I would have benefited from a better understanding of her backstory and those of her colleagues since there are plenty of references to a past storyline involving Jenna’s sister Fliss but I didn’t feel it was imperative in order to enjoy this thriller. All it means is I’ve discovered a series I’m more than happy to follow in the future and in the meantime I can catch up with the previous three books in preparation for book number five hitting the shelves. With a huge hint about a new character of whom we are only afforded a glimpse of, featuring in a future book this is a clever way to maintain and pique reader interest. How long will I have to wait??
Although The Ex isn’t in my opinion an edge of your seat thriller I enjoyed it immensely. When deciding how to award a star rating, I would suggest the plot line falls into the average category of 3 stars. The strength of this thriller lies in the author’s sensitive handling of mental health issues and how individuals in need of help are let down by a system whose infrastructure is unstable. I finished this novel, saddened by the fact that every single one of these characters is a victim. I definitely recommend if you are the kind of reader drawn towards characterisation over plot as the dynamics between Jenna and her team plus their personal histories make his highly readable. For that reason I’ve settled on a very commendable 4 stars. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.
February 27, 2021
Oh my, did I love this book! Loved it!!
This is a genius plot: though we know from the start who the felon is, how she perpetrates the crime, when and why, it doesn't matter, because what really matters is the way we've brought through a journey into Emily's mind, the scary ex.
And SCARY she is! The part of the book narrated from Emily or her sister's point of view where absolutely gripping, I couldn't stop reading! And though I could guess some twists, I was hooked anyway.
I loved the fact that the story is not about police investigation, but it's mostly a psychological thriller.
I wasn't aware of the fact that the book is part of a series, and that explains my sensation that there were too many characters that I didn't find fundamental to the plot, but who probably were in the previous books and I guess readers of the series might enjoy to reconnect with them. Anyway it is a great book even as a stand alone, but now I definitely want to go back to reading the previous ones!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a genius plot: though we know from the start who the felon is, how she perpetrates the crime, when and why, it doesn't matter, because what really matters is the way we've brought through a journey into Emily's mind, the scary ex.
And SCARY she is! The part of the book narrated from Emily or her sister's point of view where absolutely gripping, I couldn't stop reading! And though I could guess some twists, I was hooked anyway.
I loved the fact that the story is not about police investigation, but it's mostly a psychological thriller.
I wasn't aware of the fact that the book is part of a series, and that explains my sensation that there were too many characters that I didn't find fundamental to the plot, but who probably were in the previous books and I guess readers of the series might enjoy to reconnect with them. Anyway it is a great book even as a stand alone, but now I definitely want to go back to reading the previous ones!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2021
A great read. On one side was a sweet family of father, expecting wife, and their toddler. On the other was THE EX. This was a battle of ego combined with mental illness culminating into rash decisions and devastating actions.
The author Diane Saxon’s writing prowess had the ability to hold my interest as the story heightened in emotions. There was an energy palpable in the prose, more when the author spoke about THE EX
All the characters were in place in this book and the only thing missing was linking them. The author did a brilliant job in etching their characters. Each one leaned credibility to their role. Emotions at their actions thrust their waves at me, even the ones who were on the other side.
Fast paced with a missing child arc, the story went down lanes expected yet explosive in their own way. The investigation had DI Jenna at the help with her trusted team of Mason and Ryan. A surprise at the end pulled me up short and had me smiling at the evil intelligence of the author.
As said before, quite a compelling read.
The author Diane Saxon’s writing prowess had the ability to hold my interest as the story heightened in emotions. There was an energy palpable in the prose, more when the author spoke about THE EX
All the characters were in place in this book and the only thing missing was linking them. The author did a brilliant job in etching their characters. Each one leaned credibility to their role. Emotions at their actions thrust their waves at me, even the ones who were on the other side.
Fast paced with a missing child arc, the story went down lanes expected yet explosive in their own way. The investigation had DI Jenna at the help with her trusted team of Mason and Ryan. A surprise at the end pulled me up short and had me smiling at the evil intelligence of the author.
As said before, quite a compelling read.
January 8, 2021
A missing child an unconscious pregnant woman with head injuries in Coalbrookdale. D S Jenna Morgan is at Malinsgate Police Station Ironbridge and becomes involved with the case is this an accident for the woman or something more, The husband and father Zak Cheetham-Eptein is frantic is his wife
Imelda going to survive and where is Joshua his son who has taking him. Emily Shenton is The Ex and Zak is the love of her life she will never forgive him for leaving her and now the voice has spoken it was back and knew where her heart lay what was she going to do. Jenna and her sister Fliss and trusty dog Domino still lived together Fliss a teacher at Coalbrookdale Ironbridge school were both in relationships dating. Fliss and DC Mason Ellis Jennas partner at work and Jenna with Adrian Hall a crown prosecutor and relationships are hitting off but they still both enjoyed girlie times alone together, Getting back to the story its in the middle of a heat wave and Eleven months old Joshua is out there somewhere and needs to be found they have no idea if he just wandered off or was taking from the house. Oh what can I say this book is gripping and gave me shivers I found myself feeling very emotional in parts I love this authors style and this book is brilliant to read from start to finish they just get better and better and I am loving the whole series. I give this so the worthy stars but deserve more.
Imelda going to survive and where is Joshua his son who has taking him. Emily Shenton is The Ex and Zak is the love of her life she will never forgive him for leaving her and now the voice has spoken it was back and knew where her heart lay what was she going to do. Jenna and her sister Fliss and trusty dog Domino still lived together Fliss a teacher at Coalbrookdale Ironbridge school were both in relationships dating. Fliss and DC Mason Ellis Jennas partner at work and Jenna with Adrian Hall a crown prosecutor and relationships are hitting off but they still both enjoyed girlie times alone together, Getting back to the story its in the middle of a heat wave and Eleven months old Joshua is out there somewhere and needs to be found they have no idea if he just wandered off or was taking from the house. Oh what can I say this book is gripping and gave me shivers I found myself feeling very emotional in parts I love this authors style and this book is brilliant to read from start to finish they just get better and better and I am loving the whole series. I give this so the worthy stars but deserve more.
January 31, 2021
I've learnt that this is part of a series and it's one I've added to my tbr list.
DS Jenna Morgan is in charge of a domestic incident, trying to solve it in time to prevent further tragedy. There is an interesting slant to this story . I loved the police procedure, with all the police wanting to get this case solved.
DS Jenna Morgan is in charge of a domestic incident, trying to solve it in time to prevent further tragedy. There is an interesting slant to this story . I loved the police procedure, with all the police wanting to get this case solved.
January 14, 2021
Emily is furious. She has just learnt that her ex has recently got married. She feels that if he only could see her again he would change his mind and be with her. She tracks him down and comes face to face with his wife. Jenna is on duty as a detective Sergeant when a call comes in of a sudden death. She arrives at the scene to find the paramedics doing all they can for the victim who is still alive. This brings back memories of when her police partner was shot right next to her. She also has a trauma of the disappearance of her sister a few years ago. She pulls herself together and speaks to the husband and he suddenly yells about their little boy of eighteen months Joshua. Jenna searches the house and the husband is the only one there- the little boy is either missing or has wandered off. I enjoyed this. I like Jenna and her tenacity and the fast pace of the read. We know whom the protagonist is but there are twists and turns along the way.
I didn't know that this was part of a series and although it stands alone I did feel I was missing out on what had previously happened with Jennas partner and her sister and most importantly the dog. Other than that, yes it stands on its own, maybe just my curiosity. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I didn't know that this was part of a series and although it stands alone I did feel I was missing out on what had previously happened with Jennas partner and her sister and most importantly the dog. Other than that, yes it stands on its own, maybe just my curiosity. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 16, 2021
Zak Cheetham-Epstein lives in a beautiful house with wife (of three weeks) Imelda, and their beautiful 11 month old son, Joshua. They're enjoying a typical Sunday at home together before their world is turned upside down.
Emily is distraught. Well that's an understatement. My first thoughts were: "This is one crazy individual." Then, "I really feel sorry for this woman."
I have thoroughly enjoyed Diane Saxon's books so far and this was yet another gripping and fantastic read.
This book is the fourth in the DS Jenna Morgan series and is slightly different to the authors other books, in that we know who the antagonist is from the start, but it isn't as clear cut as it seems. No, I was gobsmacked with how the story unfolded and I had a huge shock near the end!
This story shows how one can become obsessed, feel as low as one can possibly get, how the past defines our future...
I love how well Jenna and Mason get along together, both in and out of work. They have respect for each other plus light banter, which I love.
Any case involving a child is very heart-wrenching and I feel that Jenna and Morgan couldn't have been better Police officers assigned to dealing with this case even though it is hard for Jenna as she has had a tough time in the past on previous cases. Mason grows on me more and more and after this case I just love him! Bad things happen every day in real life, there is no getting away from it and this story was so well plotted that it also felt real.
I love how much Fliss and Jenna care for Fliss's Dog, Domino. Each time I read a Diane Saxon book I can't wait to hear about Domino.
I look forward to reading more from this author, her books are always very enjoyable, hard to put down, and I love to spend time with these wonderful main characters.
Well worth more than 5 stars!
My thanks to Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Emily is distraught. Well that's an understatement. My first thoughts were: "This is one crazy individual." Then, "I really feel sorry for this woman."
I have thoroughly enjoyed Diane Saxon's books so far and this was yet another gripping and fantastic read.
This book is the fourth in the DS Jenna Morgan series and is slightly different to the authors other books, in that we know who the antagonist is from the start, but it isn't as clear cut as it seems. No, I was gobsmacked with how the story unfolded and I had a huge shock near the end!
This story shows how one can become obsessed, feel as low as one can possibly get, how the past defines our future...
I love how well Jenna and Mason get along together, both in and out of work. They have respect for each other plus light banter, which I love.
Any case involving a child is very heart-wrenching and I feel that Jenna and Morgan couldn't have been better Police officers assigned to dealing with this case even though it is hard for Jenna as she has had a tough time in the past on previous cases. Mason grows on me more and more and after this case I just love him! Bad things happen every day in real life, there is no getting away from it and this story was so well plotted that it also felt real.
I love how much Fliss and Jenna care for Fliss's Dog, Domino. Each time I read a Diane Saxon book I can't wait to hear about Domino.
I look forward to reading more from this author, her books are always very enjoyable, hard to put down, and I love to spend time with these wonderful main characters.
Well worth more than 5 stars!
My thanks to Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 16, 2022
Wow!!
Wow diane! What a twist! Certainly something I didn't see coming!
Another brilliant follow on in the Jenna Morgan series.
I highly recommend this series too anyone who has not read it yet, you won't be disappointed.
5* again from me, if I could rate higher I would!
Well done Diane, superb!
Wow diane! What a twist! Certainly something I didn't see coming!
Another brilliant follow on in the Jenna Morgan series.
I highly recommend this series too anyone who has not read it yet, you won't be disappointed.
5* again from me, if I could rate higher I would!
Well done Diane, superb!
March 4, 2021
I first met DS Jenna Morgan on the blog tour for What She Saw and loved it before realising it was part of a larger story. It didn’t take long for me to hunt down the other stories and catch up. So when I saw The Ex, I knew fate was playing a cruel game. A game involving unpredictable player who will do anything to win the game of like.
The book starts at the Cheetham-Epstein’s household. A happy family. The perfect life. But even the perfect family can have monsters in their past. DS Morgan receives a call to attend the Cheetham-Epstein’s property after a 911 call. She arrives to discover a pregnant mother assaulted and fighting for her life in the passage, her husband barely keeping it together and soon to discover things are more complicated than the seem. Especially when she discovers young Joshua is missing, their 11 month old son. As Imelda fights for her’s and her baby’s life, the clock is ticking on finding young Joshua alive.
So what did I think?
This book was fast paced, I enjoyed the high speed race to find the truth. It gripped me from the start, from the first point Emily comes in to play. You could not help but to enjoy the tension the investigation had to offer. It had more drama than a midweek soap opera, pulling you down the rabbit hole with little promises of more clues. I loved it. I love my crime and would happily binge watch Bones or Criminal Minds, and I would happily binge watch a whole series with a female detective as strong, complex and determined as DS Morgan. I also find Diane’s writing to be easy to get on with, quick, punchy and interesting.
I loved the cast of characters she brought to life on the pages. DS Morgan was always going be a favourite, she is such a strong willed personality, but not indestructible. She still comes across as flawed, damaged and relatable. The Cheetham-Epstein family are not as perfect as they seemed, but they are an honest and real family you could find on your street. Whilst Emily, the villian to our DS Hero, is scary. She could be that woman working on the computer a few doors down. I enjoyed the impact and unpredictability that Emily brought the stage. She is the cinder that started inferno of the story.
But most of all I enjoyed the story. I loved the twists and turns. The zigzags and false turns. It ragged you through the bushes, as you stalked the story trying to piece together the clues. The clues that always left you two steps behind. It had everything I love about a thriller and that it was not too predictable, even for a serial-killer fangirl who learnt her behavioural analysis skills from too much Criminal minds. So all I can say is that if you are like me and enjoy a side dish of crime with your dollop of crazed stalker; then this is the book for you. So check it out, add it to your TBR. Or better yet, give the first book a try as you may find your new, Crime filled addiction. I know I did.
The book starts at the Cheetham-Epstein’s household. A happy family. The perfect life. But even the perfect family can have monsters in their past. DS Morgan receives a call to attend the Cheetham-Epstein’s property after a 911 call. She arrives to discover a pregnant mother assaulted and fighting for her life in the passage, her husband barely keeping it together and soon to discover things are more complicated than the seem. Especially when she discovers young Joshua is missing, their 11 month old son. As Imelda fights for her’s and her baby’s life, the clock is ticking on finding young Joshua alive.
So what did I think?
This book was fast paced, I enjoyed the high speed race to find the truth. It gripped me from the start, from the first point Emily comes in to play. You could not help but to enjoy the tension the investigation had to offer. It had more drama than a midweek soap opera, pulling you down the rabbit hole with little promises of more clues. I loved it. I love my crime and would happily binge watch Bones or Criminal Minds, and I would happily binge watch a whole series with a female detective as strong, complex and determined as DS Morgan. I also find Diane’s writing to be easy to get on with, quick, punchy and interesting.
I loved the cast of characters she brought to life on the pages. DS Morgan was always going be a favourite, she is such a strong willed personality, but not indestructible. She still comes across as flawed, damaged and relatable. The Cheetham-Epstein family are not as perfect as they seemed, but they are an honest and real family you could find on your street. Whilst Emily, the villian to our DS Hero, is scary. She could be that woman working on the computer a few doors down. I enjoyed the impact and unpredictability that Emily brought the stage. She is the cinder that started inferno of the story.
But most of all I enjoyed the story. I loved the twists and turns. The zigzags and false turns. It ragged you through the bushes, as you stalked the story trying to piece together the clues. The clues that always left you two steps behind. It had everything I love about a thriller and that it was not too predictable, even for a serial-killer fangirl who learnt her behavioural analysis skills from too much Criminal minds. So all I can say is that if you are like me and enjoy a side dish of crime with your dollop of crazed stalker; then this is the book for you. So check it out, add it to your TBR. Or better yet, give the first book a try as you may find your new, Crime filled addiction. I know I did.
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