Deadly Harm

Mackenzie Darroch #2

by Owen Mullen

Five years ago Mackenzie Darroch was abducted and held captive in a derelict house. She thought she'd found her way out of the darkness. She was wrong…

When Mackenzie witnesses a car crash and saves the driver’s life, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter both their futures. The two women get involved in a high-profile police case which draws the attention of a ruthless reporter. Gina Calvi is convinced Mackenzie is not who she appears and is prepared to do anything to prove it.

Meanwhile, across the city, Kirsty McBride, a young single mother, is persuaded to leave a violent relationship. Her partner, Malkie Boyle a Glasgow hardman, is due to be released from prison. Once back on the street and bent on revenge, Boyle is determined to find the people responsible for stealing his family from him.

Can Mackenzie save them or will Boyle get his revenge?

Owen Mullen is a best-selling author of psychological and gangland thrillers. His fast-paced, twist-aplenty stories are perfect for all fans of Robert Galbraith, Ian Rankin and Ann Cleeves.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Scotland, Fiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2019

About the author

Bestselling author Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist.

Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.

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Copyright

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT: A breeze rustled the branches of the trees above them. Mackenzie felt sweat drying on her brow. She closed her eyes, savouring the sensation. Panic was the enemy. No good lay down that road. Whatever story they gave the police wouldn't save them now. Digging was their only hope.

She let her breath out slowly, forcing herself to stay calm. 'We had that chance. It's gone.'

'But it's the truth.'

'Is it?'

'You know it is.'

Mackenzie leaned on the spade, struggling to keep hold of her impatience. 'I'll tell you what I know. There's a man with half a face lying in our garden. Explain that.'

'I'll tell them he attacked me.'

'We discussed this. The way he died... they'll never believe you.' Mackenzie pointed to the trench at her feet. 'And what about this?'

Caitlyn didn't answer.

'That's what I thought.' She stepped out of the grave. 'Your turn to dig.'

ABOUT THIS BOOK: It's been five years since Mackenzie Darroch was abducted and held captive in a derelict house.

She thought she'd found her way out of the darkness. She was wrong.

When she witnesses a car crash and saves the driver's life, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter both their futures.

The two women get involved in a high profile police case and draw the attention of a ruthless reporter. Gina Calvi is convinced Mackenzie is not what she appears and is prepared to do anything to prove it.

Meanwhile, across the city, Kirsty McBride, a young single mother, is persuaded to leave a violent relationship. Her partner, Malkie Boyle a Glasgow hardman, is due to be released from prison. Once back on the street and bent on revenge, Boyle is determined to find the people responsible for stealing his family from him.

Can Mackenzie save them or will Boyle get his revenge?

MY THOUGHTS: I didn't want to put this down. I didn't want to go to work. I wanted to stay home and read. I was late for work (just one more chapter....), and I dared not take Deadly Harm to work with me....

Mullen has a fairly unique writing style, a seamless blend of frantic and flowing. His prose is terse, but he leaves nothing out, and sweeps the reader along to a breathtaking finale - one that I never saw coming.

It was great to see some characters from Mullen's previous books back - Charlie Cameron puts in a brief appearance, but the book belongs to the characters of Mackenzie Darroch, an abduction survivor whom we first met in In Harm's Way, and DI Andrew Geddes, whose methods aren't always in line with law enforcement norms, an aetheist, and who likes a drink. Well, maybe more than one. He made regular appearance's in Mullen's Charlie Cameron series.

Mullen tackles the subject of domestic abuse head on. There is no side-stepping issues, no oblique references. He calls a spade a space, but does so with finesse.

I simply galloped through this read, swept along by Mullen's passion, both for his craft and his subject. I will be giving this a second, slower, more considered read to fully enjoy his little snippets of humour and the finer nuances of the plot.

My favourite quote: Some people don't have relationships, they take hostages.

5 absolutely brilliant stars!

#DeadlyHarm

THE AUTHOR: Bestselling author Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist.

Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where the Charlie Cameron and Delaney series', and the In Harm's Way psychological thriller were created.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to author Owen Mullen for providing a digital ARC of his book Deadly Harm for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

for an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others also appear on Twitter, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Mackenzie Darroch runs a Women’s refuge. She starting helping women who have been subjected to domestic abuse after she was held captive and abused herself five years ago. You can find out more about her story in the book, ‘In Harm’s Way’.

The plot of the book features the refuge heavily which is threatened when Mackenzie helps a woman out of a burning car and takes her to the refuge. She is also racked with guilt when a woman turns up at the refuge but they are full and can’t take her in. She is determined not to let this happen again and may just have to cross over the line of right and wrong to keep her promise to the women and herself.

Deadly harm had me hooked from the synopsis and believe me this book did not disappoint. It deals with some difficult issues in a very accessible way. I haven’t read the first book featuring Mackenzie and there was enough information in this book that I never felt like I was missing out or any pieces of the plot were hard to understand.

This is a book I savoured. I could have rushed through it, but I found myself so engrossed that I didn’t want to. The role of right and wrong, decisions, morals kept me intrigued and it does make you think what you would do in the circumstances in the book.

The writing is superb and the characters are a real mixture, some you will love, others you will despise. This is a hard-hitting domestic noir that lives up to its reputation of being gripping. There is a lot of emotions going on in this book, most transfer to the reader, so be reading to feel a mixture of things from sorrow and hurt to full-blown anger whilst reading.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Mullen does it again with another book that focuses on a subject that is topical and probably would be easier not to write about!
This time the book is about domestic abuse, the women who suffer it and their partners who do it, and how circumstances draw these women together to a safe haven/refuge that a survivor ( of kidnap and abuse ) runs, she also helps them move on and gives them hope for a future.......Mackenzie is a wonderful character and I warmed
to her instantly
The actual story is based around Mackenzie finding a woman, Caitlin, in a burning car and rescuing her and taking her to the refuge
But this book is more than Caitlin’s story and/or a group of other victims stories ( although these feature ) this is also about a real moral dilemma and what can happen when you take the law into your own hands....rightly or wrongly, thats for you to judge when you read it and weigh it all up!
A subject rarely tackled by male authors and as with all the authors books handled with great empathy, tact and compassion BUT with a rawness and reality that is poignant
A really good book with ‘thinking’ time in the book, and after needed
10/10
5 Stars

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts with two women burying a body in the garden. The aftermath of that one act will take these women places they don't want to go.

It’s been five years since Mackenzie Darroch was abducted and held captive in a derelict house. Since that time she has built a refuge for abused women. When her friend, a policeman, comes to her and asks that she take in a young woman who has been horribly abused by her husband. But the house is full and she regretfully tells him there is no room. Social Services is contacted and a safe house is found for her.

Meanwhile Mackenzie witnesses a car crash and saves the driver's life. It sets in motion a chain of events that will alter both their futures.

Days later when the body of a young woman is found beaten and battered to death, she is identified by the policeman who had asked Mackenzie to take her in. So much for safe houses.

Mackenzie vows this will never happen again.

This is the follow up to In Harm's Way, and although second of this series, this one is easily read as a stand alone. Suspense starts at the very first and increases until the final page. The characters are finely drawn. A hard subject to write about, I did like how the women interacted with each other.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hum - I really enjoyed the first 30/50% of this. Edgy and tense, interesting characters and well written. However after about 50% something changed for me and I guess I didn't like it as much. I don't do spoiler type stuff so I won't put anything in here but aspects of this didn't work for me. Well written - yes, enjoyable - less so.

[Owen Mullen]

Deadly Harm...This was such a great book to write - so much scope for drama and strong female characters.
Research for this kind of book can be difficult, but I can honestly say I came away humbled by the power of the human spirit.
Mackenzie has overcome her own situation by helping people who can't help themselves. Never realising the moral dilemmas this will bring to her door.
I wanted to write a cracking, insightful crime thriller that
dared us to re-think right and wrong - I hope I have and that you enjoy it.

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars audio
3 stars story. Ok,,, so,,, I think I would've rated the story higher if I didn't allow my self to get distracted while listening to it. I had to keep rewinding when scenes and characters changed but still felt lost. I don't know if it's me or the author so I'm settling for the middle by rating it 3 stars.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strangely compelling read which haunted me from the first line of the book till I wrote this review, pulling at the imaginary strings that connected the book to me.

My first book by author Owen Mullen was a different experience altogether. I went in expecting to read a crime thriller, but I came out completely enthralled, victorious in the power of his words. Domestic abuse, a refuge for women run by MacKenzie, taking back control, vigilantism, along with a couple of stories running parallel.

The story may not be the one I would normally read, but man, would I have missed a gem, had I not. Owen Mullen has that something magical in his prose. I became addicted to this book to the point that the scenes appeared in my dreams. This felt more like a slice of time where I got to meet MacKenzie who ran the refuge, dating a detective, helping other women to take control of their lives till the final sacrifice. A complete circle was the book.

The story was written in an earnest, endearing manner, connecting with me, and at the same time it was hard-hitting keeping to the plot of the story. Domestic abuse was well written telling me the truth of the matter but without triggering my nightmares. Believe me, I was so thankful about that.

This book was about hope too as it was weaved subtly, keeping in the tangential periphery. I may not have the words to do justice to the book, but I could honestly say that the book sent out transparent threads pulling me into the story with each page. I couldn't stop reading it as I was eager to know what would happen next.

A strange evocative read this was. It would touch every woman who has see abuse and know how helpless those moments feel.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s only fairly recently that I read my first book by Owen Mullen. Since then I have tried to keep pace with his new releases as well as reading his previous books. Owen’s latest book is called ‘Deadly Harm’ and the paperback was released on 8th October 2019 and the e-book is due for release on 15th October 2019. I was lucky enough to be able to have a sneaky peek at a review copy and blimey, it was certainly one hell of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I warmed to the character of Mackenzie over the course of the story. She is a woman, who has been through emotional, mental and physical trauma as she was the victim of a kidnapping and she was held captive. Mackenzie came into a sum of money and she decided that she would help women, who are fleeing from abuse or who just need a safe place. She bought a big house which is a fair distance from other houses and turned it into a women’s refuge. Since then she has helped loads of women escape trauma and/ or to feel safe. Mackenzie witnesses a car accident and she helps the woman inside to escape before the car later explodes. This incident affects her more than she would care to admit. The two ladies become involve in a criminal case, which attracts media attention. One rather persistent reporter doesn’t believe that Mackenzie is the person that she pretends to be. I was unsure who or what to believe. I wanted to believe that Mackenzie is the person she seems to be and not the sort of person that the reporter thinks that she is. Mackenzie helps another woman escape an abusive relationship and things get scary because the woman Mackenzie helps in this case just happens to be one of the hardest gangsters in Glasgow, who vows to find his girlfriend and bring her back. This spells increasing danger for Mackenzie and the women that she has already helped. I just kept my fingers crossed that things would work out well in the end. Does this happen? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I got into this book from the first word and I just knew that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down. I wasn’t wrong either. For me, ‘Deadly Harm’ is the definition of an unputdownable pageturner. It’s fair to say that I was addicted to this story and that the book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. I couldn’t bear to put the book down even for just a nanosecond. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. It was as if I feared missing out on some vital clue as to what was going to happen or I was going to miss a twist or two. Whilst I was reading ‘Deadly Harm’ I lost all track of time and I was able to shut out all other distractions. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case. There was a lot going on in the book and I didn’t want to miss a single second of it. The first time I looked up to see how long I had been reading I was staggered to realise that I had been reading for a good couple of hours. I soon reached the end of the story which I was disappointed about. I don’t mean that in a negative sense but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
Owen Mullen is one heck of a fantastic writer. He certainly knows how to start a book with a shocking incident that grabs your attention from the start and once he has your attention he won’t let it go. He has written one hell of a psychological and domestic thriller and reading it felt as though I was on one scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists to the tale than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I did guess some of the twists but other twists crept up on me, tapped me on the shoulder and scared the living daylights out of me.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Harm’ and I will wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Owen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Mullen has again tackled important and relevant issues with insight and realism. The story, split into three parts comes from several perspectives, centring around Mackenzie Darroch and the refuge she runs for women who have suffered mental and physical abuse at the hands of men. Five years ago Mackenzie had been abducted, held captive and sexually abused. It was a long haul to get her life back on track and finding the perfect house to turn into a refuge for women like herself seemed like fate. Three years later many women had benefitted from time spent there.

'Most of the women in the refuge had gone through the same emotions. Finally finding the courage to break free came at a price.'

Late one night while driving home, Mackenzie became aware of the wreckage of a car on the side of the road. It was the car that had raced past her minutes before. Half dragging the female out of the driver’s seat, they both stumbled across to Mackenzie’s car with no time to spare before the crashed vehicle burst into flames. The woman, Caitlin, was fleeing an abusive husband. Eventually Mackenzie was able to persuade Caitlin to go with her to the refuge.

Meanwhile Mackenzie received a call from DI Andrew Geddes, who was directly involved in her rescue from the derelict house where she was being held during her abduction, asking for a favour. She very reluctantly had to decline. Since Caitlin’s arrival the refuge was full.

'Mackenzie hated to let him down — with all he’d done for her it felt wrong to not be more helpful; he deserved better. ‘I could speak to her if you’d like. Maybe convince her to let the system step in and take care of both of them.’'

Mackenzie couldn’t have foreseen the knock on effect of these two events, which also precipitated her being hounded by hard hearted reporter, Gina Calvi. Calvi was prepared to go to any lengths to prove Mackenzie isn’t what she appears to be.

This is the sequel to In Harm’s Way, which is Mackenzie’s story. Deadly Harm could easily be read as a stand alone although having read the first book would give a greater grasp of the characters of Mackenzie and Andrew Geddes. I enjoy the way characters from other novels pop up and loved the inclusion of Andrew Geddes and the part he played. It really fleshed out his personality and gave him a realistic quality.

A short and suspenseful prologue gives a glimpse of what is to come, and was the hook that drew me in, not letting go until the totally unexpected and poignant ending. And, like the characters in Out Of The Silence, also by this author, they will stay with me. Owen Mullen is able to write exceptionally well from a woman’s perspective, specifically a victim, with sincerity and understanding. The story brings home the true horror of domestic violence and the lengths some women have to go to in order to escape the abuse. And even then the fear is still with them.

Deadly Harm is peopled by strong, courageous and likeable women, heart stopping moments, unexpected twists and lots of drama.

I chose to read and review Deadly Harm based on a digital copy of the book kindly supplied by the author.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It’s hard hitting & rough & is a grabbing style that Owen Mullen writes so well.

From domestic abuse to murder and building relationships & really good characters.

You really don’t want to miss this book. I was rooting for the characters and especially Mackenzie, she’s got a backbone and a half. Just excellent

[Jackie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book can't wait for the next one

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie Darroch is a survivor,five years have passed since she was the victim of an horrific abduction and she is now running her own refuge for victims of domestic abuse. Helping others to escape their lives of abuse and move on. She hasn't forgotten the horrors of the past but she is doing everything she can to move on and is even trying to rebuild her relationship with her sister.

Then,one dark night,Mackenzie rescues a woman from the wreckage of her car and persuades her to return to the refuge with her,even if it is just for the night. This simple act of kindness has repercussions that could cost Mackenzie the refuge and both the women their freedom and possibly their lives.

Throw into the mix a young mum who is on the run from her violent gangster partner,incompetent police and a hardnosed ruthless reporter who doesn't believe that Mackenzie is all she appears to be and you have the ingredients for a thrilling domestic noir that causes the reader to experience a wide range of emotions and keeps you hooked on and frantically turning the pages.

The story is split into three sections the chapters of this compelling page turner are voiced by numerous characters including Mackenzie,Caitlin,DI Amazing Andrew Geddes and the obnoxious reporter Gina Calvi. The woman who were residing at the refuge were a bunch of likeable,diverse characters who had each been subjected too and survived their own personal versions of living hell. The attitudes of some of the male characters towards women were horrifically realistic and at times hard to read. I cannot,for the life of me understand the mentality and thinking of men and women who think that it is perfectly ok to beat the hell out of another human being. And I know this is going to be rather controversial but I also don't understand why victims who have escaped a violent relationship go back to their abuser just because the violent bully has apologised and said that the abuse will never happen again,especially when there is children involved. I also think that it is an absolute disgrace that despite the fact that we are living in the 21at century,many cases of domestic abuse and stalking are not investigated properly by the police and that very often victims are treated with disdain and even in some cases like they are wasting police time and resources. Fortunately DI Geddes was prepared to go to any lengths to ensure that they investigation was conducted properly including incurring the wrath of his superiors and even losing his job And how can reporters like horrible Gina treat victims with so much disrespect and be prepared to cause them more suffering just to get a story?

This unfortunately too realistic domestic noir is the sequel to In Harms Way,although there was references to events from the previous book,this one can still be read as a stand alone. The characters were vivid and realistic,some were likeable,some were not so likeable. I loved Mackenzie,she was a wonderful,complex character,I also liked Caitlin and DI Geddes. Despite the hard hitting subject matter this is an enjoyable read that holds the readers attention from the first page,right through to the bittersweet, shocking conclusion. This is the first book that I have read that was written by this author and it most definitely will not be my last.

Many thanks Owen Mullen and BloodHound Books for the opportunity to read and review this gripping thriller

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly descriptive book about a group of women drawn together, due to all forms of abuse from their partners and also from various backgrounds too. The woman who runs the refuge, MacKenzie Darroch, is the survivor of an horrific abduction some 5 years previous and now tries to help others ‘escape’ their abusive lives and move on. One dark night she rescues Caitlin from a burning car and that is the catalyst for a number of future events outwith her control.
Also she is now dating a detective and when circumstances throw her a couple of curved balls, she is placed in a dilemma and it's a question of what to do and how. Add to this a female journalist who is determined to get a great scoop at any cost to these already vulnerable women and you have a tense story line which makes for a great read. Plus an ending that you won’t see coming either!!!
The Book is very well written and detailed (possible for some too detailed where abuse is concerned) and highlights an ongoing issue which doesn't appear to be be abating at all. Owen also writes with great empathy.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what the first thing that stands out after reading this book? It’s not just how good the book is but also how good the author is in linking his books while at the same time allowing you to read as standalones… for an avid fan like myself I loved the name drop of Charlie Cameron :).. (If you’ve not read the Charlie Cameron series yet you should do!)

So we’ve met Mackenzie previously in a tale called In Harm’s Way..a thriller that packed a punch. To give you a bit of a background without spoilers Mackenzie is a survivor after she was abducted and held captive.. it’s been around 5 years and she’s trying to rebuild her life by supporting others who have suffered domestic abuse… she will never forget and the scars run deep but inside she knows just how lucky she was and she’s willing to pay it forward.

Little does Mackenzie know her life will take a sharp turn after a chance meeting at the scene of a car crash..can she save this woman?

The worst happens when Mackenzie must turn away another in need.. she simply can’t help everyone and this has deadly results and sends her life into a spiral downhill fast!

Racked with guilt Mackenzie won’t let this happen again so when she’s asked to help by a concerned mother will she step over the line to get the job done? You bet she will! The issue is she’s came so far in her life that there’s a chance of love on the cards… but can she hide the truth of recent events?

Deadly Harm has a gripping plot that’s packed full of detail..There’s no holes in the tale.. it’s simply perfect and paced so that you are just hooked.

For me there’s quite an important message within the tale and that’s the whole domestic abuse angle..while the physical scars may heal the emotional ones will never truly heal and it’s important we all remember this.

I felt for Mackenzie.. she’s so strong and to have her as the female lead was an excellent choice.. she’s also backed up by an amazing ensemble of characters, each play their part to perfection.

The addition of DI Andrew Geddes into the mix was the perfect move. Deadly Harm really give him a chance to develop as a character and his struggles made him human and relatable.. I think it’s one of the real reasons I get sucked into Owen’s work..he gives you characters you can’t help but get invested in… you actually care what happens to them.

As thrillers go this has to be one of the best and Owen knows how to ramp up the action just when it’s needed… he never fails to give you hard-hitting thrillers that have moments that will stay with me forever.. If ever a tale needed to hit the small screen then this is it.. Get on it Netflix!

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every domestic victim of abuse, there is, of course, a domestic abuser and Owen Mullen brings out the worst in them to the extent that the more I read and smaller I felt and the bigger they became. I could feel the rage in these men, the anger that had to be vented on their partners because they were the cause of it. OMG, he made it feel so real, so unstoppable, so warranted in these men's thoughts. Their property, their right, their power.
Mackenzie Darroch understood what these women went through, she had been there and now ran her own safe house but there was never enough room and sometimes she had to say no. A chance meeting of a new victim in Mackenzie's life would take her on a path she couldn't turn back on. Did what happened just happen? I re-read the last couple of pages again and didn't know what I felt, but as the story unfolds more I got to know what evil looks like.
This is a cracking story, an uneasy read that snowballed, intense and violent. Could the past ever be laid to rest and a future even thought about? A line had been crossed, was it impossible to go back?
There was no build to the intensity of this story it was revved up to the top from the first page and it stayed there. It has everything, revenge, fear, lots of fear and an exclusive story. When is justice served and crime, a crime?
Owen Mullens made my head spin. A fabulous book, perfect ending.

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freedom, at any cost?

Mackenzie witnesses a car crash and pulls a woman free. This starts a thrilling chain of events where revenge and freedom become entwined.

Mackenzie is running a women’s refuge, where the fear of violence from men, whether past or present, is always there. She is providing a place of healing, not only for the women, but also for herself. Meanwhile she is falling for DI Andrew Geddes, but could her secrets destroy their chance of happiness?

As with all Owen Mullen books, this thriller has plenty of action and interesting characters. This is a novel about making a difference in other people’s lives; indeed there are times when the reader may question what they would have done in similar circumstances.

Though Mackenzie and DI Geddes feature in previous thrillers by this author, Deadly Harm can be read as a “stand alone” book – though why you would not want to read all the other books by this author beats me.

4*s from me for this thriller, as I found the dark realism of domestic abuse hard to read about. Domestic noir is not a preferred genre for me; if it was this would definitely have merited 5*s.

[Alfred Nobile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book. All the stars from me

[Colin Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years after being abducted and held captive, Mackenzie Darroch is making a difference in the world. Running a refuge for abused women, things are going well. Then she’s thrown into a bizarre situation when she saves the life of a car-crash victim. But offering the woman a place to stay, has consequences – consequences that could put both their lives in danger. And then there’s that nosy reporter who thinks Mackenzie isn’t telling the truth about a mysterious death.

Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Andrew Geddes seeks Mackenzie’s help to persuade young single mother Kirsty McBride to leave her violent partner, Malkie Boyle. However, Boyle isn’t happy with other folk poking their noses into his business and sets out to take revenge. With one murder under his belt, a few more won’t make any difference…

One of the things that irritates me about reading several books by the same author, is that sometimes the author loses their hold on the characters, the plot or even their ability to actually tell a decent story (you know who I’m talking about, Jeffery Deaver). Owen Mullen isn’t one of those authors. Instead, he’s the sort whose writing improves in leaps and bounds with each new book, telling ever-more imaginative and heart-thumping tales with each one.

Rather stupidly, I forgot I haven’t yet read ‘In Harm’s Way’, which introduces the character of Mackenzie Darroch, making ‘Deadly Harm’ that book’s sequel, sort of. However, this one works very well as a standalone, so you don’t need to read the first one to make sense of it (though I have just ordered it!)

Bringing in some of the characters from his Charlie Cameron series, Mullen focuses on a women’s refuge, revealing a talent for sensitive and thoughtful storytelling that has become increasingly apparent with his recent books. The quality of the writing is a sheer delight and the plot nothing short of brilliant, keeping me on edge the whole way through as Mr Mullen ramped up the tension, throwing his heroes into ever-greater peril. I read the second half of this book in one go, unable to put it down, and the ending left me speechless, which can’t be bad.

A thrilling, heart-thumping, twisty-turning stonker of a book.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I mentioned in my review of Mullen's Out of Silence, he has a penchant for tackling the topics of abuse, victimisation and domestic violence, as they pertain to women. Where others mansplain and fail to hit the mark, Mullen approaches said topics from the victim's perspective.

This is the follow-up to In Harm's Way, which also features DS Geddes and Mackenzie. The story starts with two women burying a body then the reader gets swooped up into the world Mackenzie inhabits now. She runs a refuge for abused women. Geddes gets in touch with her to try and convince a young woman to leave her abusive husband, which is where the story actually does start.

I have to be honest I got so wrapped up in the story that I completely forgot about anyone burying a body. (The story does return to that moment)

Fear lives on...

No truer words can be spoken when it comes to domestic violence. Even if someone does manage to extricate themselves from a domestic violence situation it doesn't mean the fear magically disappears. It doesn't, partly because victims comprehend the very harsh and real fact that society and the rule of law has not built in enough measures to keep victims safe. That is just the stone cold truth.

The reality of escaping is a financial and emotional imbalance created by society and the perpetrator. The victim can only be safe if they leave everything behind and start afresh. It sounds so easy to anyone not in that situation. It isn't, and it is part of the reason victims find it so hard to leave. There isn't sufficient support to stay safe or start anew.

It's a domestic noir thriller that tackles difficult topics with the realism and honesty it deserves. Just one more thing, I have to give a shout out to my favourite character, Grandpa Boyle. Don't ever mess with his Liquorice Allsorts - ever.
*I received a courtesy copy*

[Mary Snaddon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone once said to me on writing reviews, " just write about how a book made you feel."In fact, it was the great man himself, Owen Mullen! (yes I am a big fan, having read all his books) So here goes. Deadly Harm is a book which drew me in from the first page and got my interest straight away, and kept it. I know sometimes with a book if you persevere it can be brilliant, but with so many books and so little time, I want a book to suck me in fast. The story just flows making the book very easy to read too , and as usual, the characters are very believable, if not always likeable. I also love when I can really visualise the setting of a book, which wasn't difficult to do in this case, me coming from Alloa in Clackmannanshire where a lot of the action is set.

Deadly Harm picks up five years on from In Harm's Way which I'd urge you to read first to pick up the thread. We catch up with Mackenzie Darroch who is now a woman with a mission, on a mission. I love the fact that she is now romantically involved with DCI Geddes! What can possibly go wrong??? We are also teased with the appearance of some of the characters from the author's Charlie Cameron series. It's as if we are being told " don't worry, we've not gone away and we WILL be back!" Hurry up then Owen!!!

This is a story of domestic abuse, bad men and strong women, turned bad or perfectly justified? It is the story of revenge by more than one person, against more than one person. It's a delight! It's also wide open for the next book. There's still a body out there waiting to be found and a policeman with a new girlfriend OR a possible serial killer on his hands??? What next? I for one can't wait.

If you haven't read anything by Owen Mullen, you a really missing out because this is an author on the UP UP UP!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate the strength of a woman.

A gripping read, that will have you gritting your teeth and holding your breath.

The author has you walking in each of the characters shoes, even those that you really don’t like!

You are completely drawn in to their emerging and intertwining lives; and become part of what they have to do just to get by; literally for their own survival and for that of those around them.
In the midst of much sadness, courage and strength of the characters; the bonds that are created between those involved; are brilliantly captured in the writing of the author.

When things take a very surprising turn; even though you know its completely wrong and goes against everything you know to be lawful and right; you find yourself willing them on; hoping that they don’t get caught.

The last thing I expected was how the ending quite literally hit me like a freight train; my heart was pounding and realised I had been holding my breath. I even shed a tear.
I didn’t want it to end as I was eager for more and would love to have seen it carry on for longer.

This book is so cleverly written. Its written in three different parts and as you reach the end of the first one you find yourself openly saying “noooo, I’m not ready to leave this bit yet”, to then be taken in a new direction and then you realise why the author has done it this way. Brilliant!

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) as it has introduced me to a brilliant author; This is my first book by this author and can honestly say it won’t be my last.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Mullen has done it again!

The author has very cleverly given us a fancinating story which can be read as a standalone novel. However for those who have read other books from Owen Mullen you will enjoy the name drops and woven links to the Charlie Cameron series!

Deadly Harm picks up Mackenzie’s story around five years after her horrendous abduction which was the thriller released a year ago, In Harm’s Way. Mackenzie’s way of moving on is to dedicate her life, and home, to support women who have suffered domestic abuse however her safe refuge is in for a bit of turbulance as a chance encounter brings a new resident and once again the house is full of women supporting other women. This is all good until someone else needs help but Mackenzie feels unable to help and must turn away due to the house being full. However this then leads to a very quick downward spiral of events which leave Mackenzie broken vowing to help whatever the circumstances!

Deadly Harm is a gripping tale packed full of action, twists and a dash of the unexpected all perfectly paced to keep you hooked page after page.

Thank you to Owen Mullen for the opportunity to read and review this awesome five star intriguing read.

Review can be viewed on my book blog www.momobookdiary.com

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie is back and now running a refuge from the inheritance she received. Caitlin is in an abusive relationship and flees before she is killed, she then crashes her car in front of Mackenzies. She takes her back to the refuge and the next day she introduces her to all the other women who are living there, Sylvia, Irene, Norma, Doreen and Sylvias dog, Juliette. All of these women have different reasons for why they are living there. It’s not long before we meet DI Andrew Geddes again as he tries to pursue a relationship with Mackenzie.
This is a difficult subject to read about due to the abuse but the author has written the book well and managed to put across the fear these women feel without too much detail. He has put just the right amount of emotions into the story without it being too much to read. I was hooked from the first page and found myself going through a vast range of emotions. The ending of this book left me with my mouth agape from the intensity of the situation. This book really will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars as in my opinion, it deserves many more.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to say I did not read In Harm's Way. I am not sure it was needed for this book. There is a small part that the writer put in this book about In Harm's Way, more of a way to connect the two books I believe. Mackenzie was just trying to help an accident victim. In doing so it involves them in the police case and a reporter doesn't believe too much in Mackenzie and is out to get her. Then there is another woman who is leaving a domestic situation before her partner gets out of jail, this again puts Mackenzie in the thick of things. I understand her wanting to help, but after being held captive and getting her freedom back, I am not so sure I would do this. Not a bad story from this author, whom I have never read before. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bloodhound Books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled when I finished this book. Not because I wanted it to end, but because I had just had an out-standing and satisfying read. I had a BIG smile. This is the first book I have read by Owen Mullen and many thanks to Bloodhound Books for the advanced copy in return for an honest and unbiased review. A young man wanting revenge, a detective on the hunt...and not just for criminals, a damaged woman (among many), who puts others before herself. Brutal senseless murders...and when the tabloid get involved, well that may well put people over the edge. One life saved, maybe another life lost.
Fantastic storytelling, Owen Mullen certainly weaves a brilliant web and brings everything together...stitch by stitch. Loved it and highly recommended.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that keeps the suspense and thrills right up to the very last page. Deadly Harm had absolutely everything you could look for in a crime thriller. From abhorrent crime to a love story with no end of mystery and thrills. As the body count goes up a massive manhunt is under way for the murderer who is known to the authorities. DI Andrew Geddes was at the heart of it and for him it was personal. Would he get his man? You'll also ask yourself if any killings are acceptable.
The story is set around Glasgow, an area I know very well so was able to picture the scene when reading the book. I will certainly keep my eyes open for further books from Owen Mullen.
Thank you to bloodhound books for the ARC which I read voluntarily and willingly left this review.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great noirish thriller from Owen Mullen - I feel that it would help if you read the first book in those series before this one although this can be standalone you would understand the characters better if you’d immersed yourself in book 1 first. Featuring Charlie Cameron as a side character this has all you’ve come to expect from Owen Mullen, it’s tightly plotted with rich characters and an interesting twist. I thoroughly enjoyed it a solid 4*read for me

[June Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a book by this author before but it certainly won't be the last.
I loved how the characters were so different but blended together so well.
Some pages made me laugh and some left me wanting to cry.
Definitely a book you need to read
Brilliant book by a brilliant author.

[Craig Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, plenty twists and turns. Gripped all the way through