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D.I. Lottie Parker #4
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Durante un funerale, mentre la folla piange in silenzio nel cimitero di Ragmullin, un grido assordante risuona nell’aria: in una tomba aperta c’è il corpo insanguinato di una giovane donna. La detective Lottie Parker è chiamata a indagare sul fatto.
Quel corpo non può essere lì da molto, e così Lottie comincia a sospettare che possa trattarsi di Elizabeth Byrne, una ragazza scomparsa nel nulla pochi giorni prima. Come se non bastasse, il nuovo capo sembra avercela con lei… Lottie deve fare di tutto per risolvere al più presto entrambi i casi.
Quando altre due donne scompaiono da Ragmullin, la detective e il suo team cominciano a temere che ci sia un serial killer in circolazione. Inoltre, queste sparizioni sono terribilmente simili a quelle di un caso irrisolto risalente a dieci anni prima. Possibile che la storia si stia ripetendo?
Mentre i giornalisti iniziano a interferire con il suo lavoro, Lottie teme che l’assassino potrebbe presto colpire di nuovo. Comincia così una corsa contro il tempo per trovare le donne scomparse, ma il killer è più vicino di quanto lei creda. Che sia proprio Lottie il prossimo bersaglio?
Quel corpo non può essere lì da molto, e così Lottie comincia a sospettare che possa trattarsi di Elizabeth Byrne, una ragazza scomparsa nel nulla pochi giorni prima. Come se non bastasse, il nuovo capo sembra avercela con lei… Lottie deve fare di tutto per risolvere al più presto entrambi i casi.
Quando altre due donne scompaiono da Ragmullin, la detective e il suo team cominciano a temere che ci sia un serial killer in circolazione. Inoltre, queste sparizioni sono terribilmente simili a quelle di un caso irrisolto risalente a dieci anni prima. Possibile che la storia si stia ripetendo?
Mentre i giornalisti iniziano a interferire con il suo lavoro, Lottie teme che l’assassino potrebbe presto colpire di nuovo. Comincia così una corsa contro il tempo per trovare le donne scomparse, ma il killer è più vicino di quanto lei creda. Che sia proprio Lottie il prossimo bersaglio?
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2018
3104 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Gibney
31 books1,346 followersMy name is Patricia Gibney and I’m from Mullingar, County Westmeath. Right in the heart of Ireland. Surrounded by lakes, Mullingar is damp and wet most of the year but when the sun shines it is a little piece of heaven on earth. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m widowed, seven years in May, but was married to Aidan since 1982. I’ve three children who keep me sane, or maybe keep the madness at bay, just a little bit! I say that because I am an artist and a writer. I started writing, for therapy, when Aidan died.
I secured an agent in January 2016 and she is fighting my corner in an effort to get my debut novel published.
Three years ago, I decided to get serious about it. I joined The Irish Writers Centre. Started doing courses. I love reading crime thrillers so it was obvious to me to start writing in the crime genre. And let me tell you, it is not easy. A crime novel needs to be tightly plotted and plotting is the bane of my life. I prefer to write straight off the top of my head. Oh, Oh. Feels good when writing but then comes the editing. I lost 20,000 words in the process. But at least I am proud to say I got it done.
I am now writing the second novel in the series, featuring Lottie Parker and a host of credible characters. They are all part of my extended family, you know the kind – people you love one minute and want to kill the next!
So join me on this journey and lets see where it leads us.
I secured an agent in January 2016 and she is fighting my corner in an effort to get my debut novel published.
Three years ago, I decided to get serious about it. I joined The Irish Writers Centre. Started doing courses. I love reading crime thrillers so it was obvious to me to start writing in the crime genre. And let me tell you, it is not easy. A crime novel needs to be tightly plotted and plotting is the bane of my life. I prefer to write straight off the top of my head. Oh, Oh. Feels good when writing but then comes the editing. I lost 20,000 words in the process. But at least I am proud to say I got it done.
I am now writing the second novel in the series, featuring Lottie Parker and a host of credible characters. They are all part of my extended family, you know the kind – people you love one minute and want to kill the next!
So join me on this journey and lets see where it leads us.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
March 7, 2018
Dark, creepy, and intense!
Women are being abducted from the train station in Ragmullin. A body of a young woman is found buried in the cemetery. Cries of a banshee are heard late at night. These are just a few of the events that DetectiveLottie Parker and team investigate in No Safe Place.
This installment is a little different from the other books in the series. The case plays a larger role than it has in past--in other books, it has been a pretty even split between the case and Lottie’s personal life, but in No Safe Place the case gets more attention than Lottie’s drama. Lottie’s children usually play a huge role, but they were more in the background this time around vs. adding to the mess that has become Lottie Parker’s life. With that being said, I didn’t find the case to be as compelling as some of the ones that take place in previous books. There’s actually fewer graphically violent scenes which was refreshing (but there are still some horrible moments, as the violence hasn’t gone away completely). Also different is rather than the focus be on Lottie’s family dynamics, there’s a focus on Boyd and his relationship with his sister, Grace.
Lottie Parker’s character is the reason to read this series. She is once again a hot mess, and while I love her, I am starting to get frustrated with her. I also would like to the will they/won’t they with Lottie and Boyd to be resolved one way or the other. I would love for her character to grow, even just a little bit. In addition to her usual demons, Lottie’s boss is out on medical leave and she must contend with his stand-in who has it out for her.
Overall, No Safe Place is another satisfying installment in the Lottie Parker series. I especially loved learning more about Boyd. The ending leaves room for some interesting possibilities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lottie--I can’t imagine that she won’t make stupid mistakes, but I do hope that she gets to experience a little bit of happiness!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookoutre in exchange for an honest review.
Women are being abducted from the train station in Ragmullin. A body of a young woman is found buried in the cemetery. Cries of a banshee are heard late at night. These are just a few of the events that DetectiveLottie Parker and team investigate in No Safe Place.
This installment is a little different from the other books in the series. The case plays a larger role than it has in past--in other books, it has been a pretty even split between the case and Lottie’s personal life, but in No Safe Place the case gets more attention than Lottie’s drama. Lottie’s children usually play a huge role, but they were more in the background this time around vs. adding to the mess that has become Lottie Parker’s life. With that being said, I didn’t find the case to be as compelling as some of the ones that take place in previous books. There’s actually fewer graphically violent scenes which was refreshing (but there are still some horrible moments, as the violence hasn’t gone away completely). Also different is rather than the focus be on Lottie’s family dynamics, there’s a focus on Boyd and his relationship with his sister, Grace.
Lottie Parker’s character is the reason to read this series. She is once again a hot mess, and while I love her, I am starting to get frustrated with her. I also would like to the will they/won’t they with Lottie and Boyd to be resolved one way or the other. I would love for her character to grow, even just a little bit. In addition to her usual demons, Lottie’s boss is out on medical leave and she must contend with his stand-in who has it out for her.
Overall, No Safe Place is another satisfying installment in the Lottie Parker series. I especially loved learning more about Boyd. The ending leaves room for some interesting possibilities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lottie--I can’t imagine that she won’t make stupid mistakes, but I do hope that she gets to experience a little bit of happiness!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookoutre in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2018
4.5 stars!
A Woman's body is found in a cemetery in an open grave and Lottie and her team are investigating it. Lottie wonders if it might be Elizabeth Byrne, a young woman who vanished without a trace.
Other girls disappear from a train station. They find out that a ten year old cold case may have something to do with the disappearances. Lottie and her team gear there is a serial killer on the loose. There are loud screams in the middle of the night. A young woman believes it to be a wail of a banshee.
Potter's boss is on medical leave and the boss that takes his place is Lottie's enemy and makes her life miserable.
We also get to know about Lottie's personal life and get to know more about her children and Boyd.
This is the fourth book in the Lottie Parker Series. The books seem to be getting better and better. This series is excellent. I feel that this book is the best one. I would read these in order. I really loved this book. It hooked me in from the very beginning and didn't let go until the very end. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and has some great twists and turns. It kept me guessing. It is a very gripping read.
I love the characters. They all are very well developed. Lottie has flaws and her family is dysfunctional. I just love her children.
I also love Lottie and Boyd and they would make a great romantic couple. The other members of the team are great also. I did not care for her new boss. He just made Lottie's life miserable.
I thought the book was very well written and I am looking forward to reading book 5. This series is one of my favorite series. I highly recommend it.
I want to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Patricia Gibney for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Woman's body is found in a cemetery in an open grave and Lottie and her team are investigating it. Lottie wonders if it might be Elizabeth Byrne, a young woman who vanished without a trace.
Other girls disappear from a train station. They find out that a ten year old cold case may have something to do with the disappearances. Lottie and her team gear there is a serial killer on the loose. There are loud screams in the middle of the night. A young woman believes it to be a wail of a banshee.
Potter's boss is on medical leave and the boss that takes his place is Lottie's enemy and makes her life miserable.
We also get to know about Lottie's personal life and get to know more about her children and Boyd.
This is the fourth book in the Lottie Parker Series. The books seem to be getting better and better. This series is excellent. I feel that this book is the best one. I would read these in order. I really loved this book. It hooked me in from the very beginning and didn't let go until the very end. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and has some great twists and turns. It kept me guessing. It is a very gripping read.
I love the characters. They all are very well developed. Lottie has flaws and her family is dysfunctional. I just love her children.
I also love Lottie and Boyd and they would make a great romantic couple. The other members of the team are great also. I did not care for her new boss. He just made Lottie's life miserable.
I thought the book was very well written and I am looking forward to reading book 5. This series is one of my favorite series. I highly recommend it.
I want to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Patricia Gibney for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2018
4 Killer Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the fourth book in the Lottie Parker series... and confession time I didn’t read the three previous books, but the good news is I still really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read the previous three.... police procedurals are kind of a hit or miss with me and this was an absolute hit! What I believe made the difference was Lottie herself.... I absolutely adored her flaws and all.... she kind of reminded me of a female Harry Bosch my favorite flawed detective of all time..... they also have some very similar flaws as well.... so other than the female/male thing and Los Angeles/Ireland thing they’re practically the same person.... OK well maybe not, but close enough that I became an instant fan of this series as well....
Young women are disappearing with their last known location the train.... people are hearing loud banshee screens in the middle of the night.... after several bodies have been discovered and there is a Erie similarity to a murder/disappearance that happened 10 years ago.... people begin to wonder do we have a serial killer on our hands? The case in this book was very intriguing and quite dark.... even though you know who done it pretty early on, how everything unraveled was super compelling and kept me turning those pages quickly.... I was extremely satisfied with how things tied up in the end.... however there are some loose ends that definitely leave room for some interesting things in the next book.... I realize that’s a little cryptic and a little contradictory, but you’ll understand when you finish this book....
From what I understand from reading some reviews the previous books focus a lot more on Lotties personal life.... I would have really enjoyed that, I loved all the parts of this book where there was interaction between her and her children.... there was some focus on Boyd and his relationship with his sister Grace that I loved... I had a bit of a soft spot for Grace and I loved how protective and loving Boyd was towards her.... also there was Boyd and Lotties relationship, and from what I gather this has been on again off again throughout the series.... at least it’s not a love triangle, and I’m rooting for them I always love the HEA.....
Absolutely recommend to fans of the series, fans of police procedurals, and fans of fabulously flawed characters...
*** thank you too Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
This is the fourth book in the Lottie Parker series... and confession time I didn’t read the three previous books, but the good news is I still really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read the previous three.... police procedurals are kind of a hit or miss with me and this was an absolute hit! What I believe made the difference was Lottie herself.... I absolutely adored her flaws and all.... she kind of reminded me of a female Harry Bosch my favorite flawed detective of all time..... they also have some very similar flaws as well.... so other than the female/male thing and Los Angeles/Ireland thing they’re practically the same person.... OK well maybe not, but close enough that I became an instant fan of this series as well....
Young women are disappearing with their last known location the train.... people are hearing loud banshee screens in the middle of the night.... after several bodies have been discovered and there is a Erie similarity to a murder/disappearance that happened 10 years ago.... people begin to wonder do we have a serial killer on our hands? The case in this book was very intriguing and quite dark.... even though you know who done it pretty early on, how everything unraveled was super compelling and kept me turning those pages quickly.... I was extremely satisfied with how things tied up in the end.... however there are some loose ends that definitely leave room for some interesting things in the next book.... I realize that’s a little cryptic and a little contradictory, but you’ll understand when you finish this book....
From what I understand from reading some reviews the previous books focus a lot more on Lotties personal life.... I would have really enjoyed that, I loved all the parts of this book where there was interaction between her and her children.... there was some focus on Boyd and his relationship with his sister Grace that I loved... I had a bit of a soft spot for Grace and I loved how protective and loving Boyd was towards her.... also there was Boyd and Lotties relationship, and from what I gather this has been on again off again throughout the series.... at least it’s not a love triangle, and I’m rooting for them I always love the HEA.....
Absolutely recommend to fans of the series, fans of police procedurals, and fans of fabulously flawed characters...
*** thank you too Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
May 13, 2018
4.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars)
Another winner from Irish author Patricia Gibney! Over the last four years Bookouture has amassed a huge stable of crime fiction/ thriller authors. Of this large pool of writers, Patricia Gibney, in my opinion, is in the top 3 of the very best. She’s that good.
DI Lottie Parker and her team return intact. This time they take on a complex assignment involving numerous (one being a cold case) women disappearing off trains, two deaths by fire, and rape. Lottie is juggling all this with a nasty piece of work boss who is out to get her, an aggressive crime reporter, fractious family relationships (and I’m not talking about Lottie’s family), and crimes of prejudice. I liked that there was less angst involving her children in this one. But Lottie is still struggling with her relationship with Boyd. (Note to Lottie: Open your eyes, woman!!!)
She is also dealing with several residual issues stemming from the last book, The Lost Child.
I like Lottie a lot. She is a drinking, pill-popping mess of a woman who has no social skills whatsoever. But she still has me cheering like crazy for her. And I really love her right hand man Boyd. The other members of her team, Lynch and Kirby, are developed a tad more this time out, but I would love to see their characters really step out so I could enthusiastically cheer for them too.
The other players in this installment are well written. I enjoyed the fact that several of them (most notably Donal and Queenie) are elderly. There is a big cast to stay on top of and I did have to use the search button a few times to remind myself who was who.
The book starts out with a chilling prologue that ensnared me immediately. The book and I were off and running from that point on. Let me just say that the ending left me thrilled that there is obviously much more fodder for many more books, but at the same time saddened as it will be many months until I can see what Lottie and Boyd are up against next.
I am pleased that the author keeps a few irons in the fire from book to book. This is bad news for those who like to skip around when reading a series, but whose fault is that? Not Ms. Gibney’s!
I do beg Bookouture to change up the covers in this series. Does Ms. Gibney have to forever and ever have a girl in a coat running away from the reader? This cover has been used a bajillion times. I am attracted to the unique and original these days. These tired covers that you see so often today are no longer eye catchers, at least not to my eyes. And I think it’s an injustice for an elite writer to have such mundane book covers. She deserves something new that will grab a reader’s attention.
Please send the backwards girl in a coat to book cover heaven.
If you are a thriller reader, you must try Patricia Gibney’s Lottie Parker series. It’s one of the best contemporary series out there. Trust me.
Another winner from Irish author Patricia Gibney! Over the last four years Bookouture has amassed a huge stable of crime fiction/ thriller authors. Of this large pool of writers, Patricia Gibney, in my opinion, is in the top 3 of the very best. She’s that good.
DI Lottie Parker and her team return intact. This time they take on a complex assignment involving numerous (one being a cold case) women disappearing off trains, two deaths by fire, and rape. Lottie is juggling all this with a nasty piece of work boss who is out to get her, an aggressive crime reporter, fractious family relationships (and I’m not talking about Lottie’s family), and crimes of prejudice. I liked that there was less angst involving her children in this one. But Lottie is still struggling with her relationship with Boyd. (Note to Lottie: Open your eyes, woman!!!)
She is also dealing with several residual issues stemming from the last book, The Lost Child.
I like Lottie a lot. She is a drinking, pill-popping mess of a woman who has no social skills whatsoever. But she still has me cheering like crazy for her. And I really love her right hand man Boyd. The other members of her team, Lynch and Kirby, are developed a tad more this time out, but I would love to see their characters really step out so I could enthusiastically cheer for them too.
The other players in this installment are well written. I enjoyed the fact that several of them (most notably Donal and Queenie) are elderly. There is a big cast to stay on top of and I did have to use the search button a few times to remind myself who was who.
The book starts out with a chilling prologue that ensnared me immediately. The book and I were off and running from that point on. Let me just say that the ending left me thrilled that there is obviously much more fodder for many more books, but at the same time saddened as it will be many months until I can see what Lottie and Boyd are up against next.
I am pleased that the author keeps a few irons in the fire from book to book. This is bad news for those who like to skip around when reading a series, but whose fault is that? Not Ms. Gibney’s!
I do beg Bookouture to change up the covers in this series. Does Ms. Gibney have to forever and ever have a girl in a coat running away from the reader? This cover has been used a bajillion times. I am attracted to the unique and original these days. These tired covers that you see so often today are no longer eye catchers, at least not to my eyes. And I think it’s an injustice for an elite writer to have such mundane book covers. She deserves something new that will grab a reader’s attention.
Please send the backwards girl in a coat to book cover heaven.
If you are a thriller reader, you must try Patricia Gibney’s Lottie Parker series. It’s one of the best contemporary series out there. Trust me.
March 18, 2018
Book four in the series begins with a young woman’s body found in an open grave. Lottie is back at work after recovering from a knife wound. But her boss had just gone out on medical leave. The powers that be don’t trust Lottie to run things in his absence and have brought in someone she can’t stand. Not that Lottie can stand many people. She’s struggling with some of her staff. Things do appear slightly calmer on the home front, other than dealing with her mother, but she’s still drinking and popping pills. And things are up in the air with Boyd.
This is a depressing book. Everyone’s life is for sh*t. The new boss, McMahon, is truly a piece of work and I felt every bit of Lottie’s tension when she was forced to interact with him. And she’s not doing much better with a new tv reporter. In fact, part of the real bonding I do with Lottie is over her attempts not to kill people like these two.
I’ve truly loved the previous three books in the series. This one is good, but it lacked something that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s not as suspenseful as the others. You’re given a fairly good inkling early on about who’s the villain.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
March 10, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. As well a big shout out to author, Patricia Gibney for creating a feisty protagonist like Lottie Parker.
Highly dramatic, expertly written, and so difficult to put down. In fact, I didn't! Irish detective Lottie Parker and her crackerjack team of Boyd, Lynch, and Kirby have to solve a baffling case of murder of one woman and disappearances of two others, with a pushy interim commanding officer and an annoying journalist breathing down their necks. As always, the team has problems in their personal lives which also make the story interesting, but never eclipses or distract from the fact that these men and women are working hard to solve their cases.
Lottie's relationships seem to be less angsty in this one, perhaps the two most concerning are the ones she has with her mother, Rose, and Boyd. Of the latter, I am just so concerned about him. Mark Boyd is always supportive of Lottie Parker and I think it's time this woman realizes what all us female readers recognize- "Don't let this beautiful man walk out the door." Can you tell how much I care???
Honestly, I count myself fortunate because every book in this series, I have read via NetGalley and I have absolutely devoured with a level of reading enjoyment that has never been matched by any of my other ARCs. Seriously, this series should NEVER end!
Highly dramatic, expertly written, and so difficult to put down. In fact, I didn't! Irish detective Lottie Parker and her crackerjack team of Boyd, Lynch, and Kirby have to solve a baffling case of murder of one woman and disappearances of two others, with a pushy interim commanding officer and an annoying journalist breathing down their necks. As always, the team has problems in their personal lives which also make the story interesting, but never eclipses or distract from the fact that these men and women are working hard to solve their cases.
Lottie's relationships seem to be less angsty in this one, perhaps the two most concerning are the ones she has with her mother, Rose, and Boyd. Of the latter, I am just so concerned about him. Mark Boyd is always supportive of Lottie Parker and I think it's time this woman realizes what all us female readers recognize- "Don't let this beautiful man walk out the door." Can you tell how much I care???
Honestly, I count myself fortunate because every book in this series, I have read via NetGalley and I have absolutely devoured with a level of reading enjoyment that has never been matched by any of my other ARCs. Seriously, this series should NEVER end!
August 23, 2018
NO SAFE PLACE is the fourth book in the Lottie Detective Parker Series, by Irish author Patricia Gibney. I found this was the best book in the series to date. While I think it probably works fine as a stand-alone, I recommend starting with book one for clarity and context. A fabulous read!
Set in Lottie’s home town of Ragmullin, Lottie has returned to work after recovering from a knife attack. We are immediately involved in Lottie’s personal and professional life, still drinking and popping pills, her boss is off on medical leave, and the replacement is not well liked. The opening scene is of a girl gone missing and a body found in a dug grave. Could this be the same person?
Is there a serial killer on the loose?
Time will tell…
This book was a pleasure to read, with its intrinsic plot and believable well- developed characters.
Give yourself a treat and read this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Set in Lottie’s home town of Ragmullin, Lottie has returned to work after recovering from a knife attack. We are immediately involved in Lottie’s personal and professional life, still drinking and popping pills, her boss is off on medical leave, and the replacement is not well liked. The opening scene is of a girl gone missing and a body found in a dug grave. Could this be the same person?
Is there a serial killer on the loose?
Time will tell…
This book was a pleasure to read, with its intrinsic plot and believable well- developed characters.
Give yourself a treat and read this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
June 2, 2024
This is book four in this series,another five star read.a woman body is found in a grave was it the missing woman Elizabeth Bane missing recently, more girls disappeared at a train station is there more murders.Lottie and her team investigate,Lottie boss is sick and goes on leave now her temporary boss is someone she doesn't like..lottie has so much on her plate her mother,her kids and a romance with Boyd can she cope with it all.cant wait to read book 5 got all her books on my kindle to read...another intense exciting love guessing who was behind the killings..one of my favourite authors,highly recommend this series.....
March 25, 2018
Another excellent instalment in what is proving to be a very good series. In this episode a body is found in a freshly dug grave and girl are going missing after catching the commuter train home to Ragmullin from Dublin. Detective Lottie Parker remembers a similar case from ten years ago, a missing girl, never found but last seen on the train, and wonders if a serial killer is at work. But why has he waited ten years to take another girl?
I liked that there was less focus on Lottie's family and her problems and more on the cases she and her team are investigating. Detective Lottie Parker's team of Boyd, Lynch and Kirby are as reliable as ever and their personal lives do feature without dominating the plot, although Boyd's younger sister Grace does play a major role. Lottie has a new temporary boss to deal with who she can't stand and the feeling is mutual so that's causing a lot of friction. Lottie herself seems to be a bit more stable than previously, still popping pills and drinking but not so out of control. Her relationship with her kids seems to have improved, although that with her mother is still unresolved. Her on again/off again feelings for Boyd are starting to drag and it would be good to see a resolution one way or other soon as there is danger of Boyd's (and the reader's) patience wearing thin.
The plot moves at a good pace as Lottie's team investigates the cold case and the current disappearances all while trying to avoid the new boss. The ending is very tense as they race the clock to slot all the pieces of the puzzle into place.
With thanks to Netgalley and he publisher Bookouture for a digital copy of the book.
I liked that there was less focus on Lottie's family and her problems and more on the cases she and her team are investigating. Detective Lottie Parker's team of Boyd, Lynch and Kirby are as reliable as ever and their personal lives do feature without dominating the plot, although Boyd's younger sister Grace does play a major role. Lottie has a new temporary boss to deal with who she can't stand and the feeling is mutual so that's causing a lot of friction. Lottie herself seems to be a bit more stable than previously, still popping pills and drinking but not so out of control. Her relationship with her kids seems to have improved, although that with her mother is still unresolved. Her on again/off again feelings for Boyd are starting to drag and it would be good to see a resolution one way or other soon as there is danger of Boyd's (and the reader's) patience wearing thin.
The plot moves at a good pace as Lottie's team investigates the cold case and the current disappearances all while trying to avoid the new boss. The ending is very tense as they race the clock to slot all the pieces of the puzzle into place.
With thanks to Netgalley and he publisher Bookouture for a digital copy of the book.
March 7, 2018
The fourth outing for Lottie Parker and I honestly think this one is the strongest in an already strong series. A brilliant, captivating read.
We are back with Lottie in her home town of Ragmullin. A girl has gone missing and a body is found in a freshly dug grave just as a funeral is about to take place. Could this be the missing girl? As another girl goes missing and the cases shows similarities to events that happened in the town a decade ago Lottie realizes she may have a serial killer on her hands. Under immense pressure from a new boss who has it in for her can she find out what is happening to these girls and what, if any connection it has to a cold case from a decade ago. A case her outgoing boss told her to look into before leaving.
Well, this was a brilliant read. Utterly captivating from the first page to the last. There is so much to take in and enjoy in this story. The main story arc of course but also Lottie’s family life, her professional and personal relationships with her team, creepy locals and families, colleagues families and stories... it’s a multilayered novel. A big cast of characters, I’m usually one for losing track of who’s who easily if there are a lot of characters but not once did I have to backtrack my reading to check who a certain character was. Everyone was so well and clearly written that I knew exactly who I was dealing with at every stage when they reappeared in the story. A real mark of excellent and captivating character writing.
The main story itself is great with a very satisfying conclusion and a brilliant journey in between. I love the character Lottie. She’s narky, can be short with people, pops pills and drinks too much as she struggles to juggle all the aspects of her life with her all consuming job. Perhaps some might find her abrasive and unlikeable but I’ve had total empathy for her since the first novel and find her a really likeable character who I’m always rooting for.
These books are on the longer side for this genre I’d say, at around or just under 500 pages per novel where 300-350 pages seems the standard. They don’t feel long though and need those pages to paint the world that you are drawn into fully. I flew through this one and actually slowed down for the last few chapters as I didn’t want it to end such was my enjoyment.
I can’t over emphasize how much I enjoyed this book. The strongest for me in an already very strong series, it’s my read of the year so far and I think it will take some beating. The only downside is now I will have a wait for book five!
Five of the strongest stars. If you have read this series up until this one then you are in for a real treat here. If you haven’t read any of the series then I strongly advise you to get invested in the world of Detective Lottie Parker and the town for Ragmullin. You will be venturing into one of, if not the strongest series out there at the moment in this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Patricia Gibney for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are back with Lottie in her home town of Ragmullin. A girl has gone missing and a body is found in a freshly dug grave just as a funeral is about to take place. Could this be the missing girl? As another girl goes missing and the cases shows similarities to events that happened in the town a decade ago Lottie realizes she may have a serial killer on her hands. Under immense pressure from a new boss who has it in for her can she find out what is happening to these girls and what, if any connection it has to a cold case from a decade ago. A case her outgoing boss told her to look into before leaving.
Well, this was a brilliant read. Utterly captivating from the first page to the last. There is so much to take in and enjoy in this story. The main story arc of course but also Lottie’s family life, her professional and personal relationships with her team, creepy locals and families, colleagues families and stories... it’s a multilayered novel. A big cast of characters, I’m usually one for losing track of who’s who easily if there are a lot of characters but not once did I have to backtrack my reading to check who a certain character was. Everyone was so well and clearly written that I knew exactly who I was dealing with at every stage when they reappeared in the story. A real mark of excellent and captivating character writing.
The main story itself is great with a very satisfying conclusion and a brilliant journey in between. I love the character Lottie. She’s narky, can be short with people, pops pills and drinks too much as she struggles to juggle all the aspects of her life with her all consuming job. Perhaps some might find her abrasive and unlikeable but I’ve had total empathy for her since the first novel and find her a really likeable character who I’m always rooting for.
These books are on the longer side for this genre I’d say, at around or just under 500 pages per novel where 300-350 pages seems the standard. They don’t feel long though and need those pages to paint the world that you are drawn into fully. I flew through this one and actually slowed down for the last few chapters as I didn’t want it to end such was my enjoyment.
I can’t over emphasize how much I enjoyed this book. The strongest for me in an already very strong series, it’s my read of the year so far and I think it will take some beating. The only downside is now I will have a wait for book five!
Five of the strongest stars. If you have read this series up until this one then you are in for a real treat here. If you haven’t read any of the series then I strongly advise you to get invested in the world of Detective Lottie Parker and the town for Ragmullin. You will be venturing into one of, if not the strongest series out there at the moment in this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Patricia Gibney for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2018
I am a big a fan of this series and Detective Lottie Parker. Books 4 and still going strong. Just keeps getting better... and the endings - my goodness... give the woman a break!
This time we see Lottie and her team investigating a missing person case... that is until a body is found in a newly dug grave for a funeral the next day. This body has been dead for a while so it can't be their missing person. So who is it? At the same time there are women going missing on the trains, just like a woman went missing almost 10 years ago to the day. It is all happening. Of course while these cases are going on Lottie is dealing with her family and the revelations from the previous book. Life just isn't meant to be easy for poor Lottie.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the relationships of the team as well and the families, it makes it all more real that these police have lives too. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy in exchange for my honest opinions
This time we see Lottie and her team investigating a missing person case... that is until a body is found in a newly dug grave for a funeral the next day. This body has been dead for a while so it can't be their missing person. So who is it? At the same time there are women going missing on the trains, just like a woman went missing almost 10 years ago to the day. It is all happening. Of course while these cases are going on Lottie is dealing with her family and the revelations from the previous book. Life just isn't meant to be easy for poor Lottie.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the relationships of the team as well and the families, it makes it all more real that these police have lives too. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy in exchange for my honest opinions
November 27, 2023
Labai mėgstu šią seriją ir mėgavausi skaitydama ketvirtą dalį, tačiau pastaroji buvo silpnaiusia iš visų. Nesakau, kad bloga, bet kai žinau ką autorė gali - norėjosi daugiau staigmenų, daugiau nenuspėjamų siužeto posūkių ir daugiau detalių iš asmeninio Lotės Parker gyvenimo. Trečiojoje dalyje buvo numesta TOKIA bomba, o ketvirtojoje apie ją vos keli sakiniai...
Detektyvai vėl tiria žmogžudystes ir gaudo gudrų nusikaltėlį. Jis grobia jaunas merginas traukiniuose, stotyse ir žiauriai su jomis susidoroja. Dar yra galimybė vieną jų išgelbėti, tad veikti reikia greitai. Šalia nusikaltimo gyvename Lotės, jos vaikų ir partnerio Boido gyvenimus. Būtent apie Boidą Gibney čia leidžia sužinoti daugiau ir net supažindina su jo seserimi.
Detektyvas tikrai įtraukiantis ir lengvai skaitosi, tad vargt tikrai nevargsit. Vis lyginu šią seriją su Tess Gerritsen - abi turi tiek stipresnių, tiek paprastesnių knygų, tačiau abi jas skaityt visad smagu ir gera sugrįžti į prisijaukintų veikėjų gyvenimus. Abejose serijose dažnai pagaunu save galvojant kas man įdomiau - skaityt kaip seksis Lotei, Ricoli, Moirai ar vis dėlto tie nusikaltimai. Ir tas, ir tas įdomu, tad natūralu, kad vis laukiu naujų dalių. Ir šios penktosios labai lauksiu - tikiuosi ten daugiau paslapčių bus atskleista.
Detektyvai vėl tiria žmogžudystes ir gaudo gudrų nusikaltėlį. Jis grobia jaunas merginas traukiniuose, stotyse ir žiauriai su jomis susidoroja. Dar yra galimybė vieną jų išgelbėti, tad veikti reikia greitai. Šalia nusikaltimo gyvename Lotės, jos vaikų ir partnerio Boido gyvenimus. Būtent apie Boidą Gibney čia leidžia sužinoti daugiau ir net supažindina su jo seserimi.
Detektyvas tikrai įtraukiantis ir lengvai skaitosi, tad vargt tikrai nevargsit. Vis lyginu šią seriją su Tess Gerritsen - abi turi tiek stipresnių, tiek paprastesnių knygų, tačiau abi jas skaityt visad smagu ir gera sugrįžti į prisijaukintų veikėjų gyvenimus. Abejose serijose dažnai pagaunu save galvojant kas man įdomiau - skaityt kaip seksis Lotei, Ricoli, Moirai ar vis dėlto tie nusikaltimai. Ir tas, ir tas įdomu, tad natūralu, kad vis laukiu naujų dalių. Ir šios penktosios labai lauksiu - tikiuosi ten daugiau paslapčių bus atskleista.
March 9, 2018
Gibney does it again! After reading the 3rd book in the series I couldn't wait to read the next one. Only problem with that is now I have to wait for the 5th book!! I have no patience! These last two books have been spot on. The mystery starts off with the disappearance of a young lady that is eventually found half buried beneath a waiting grave. (Not a spoiler--happens straight away) When another young lady goes missing, tensions arise. Especially since McMahon is back as Lottie's new boss--no love lost between them! Lottie is still balancing home life and work and still struggling with it all. I am glad that her kids aren't the main focus of her investigations anymore. I think that's why I'm loving the last two books. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2018
If you’re a regular reader of my little blog you’re probably well aware that I’m a huge fan of the Lottie Parker series and I can’t believe this is already book four! While technically you definitely could read this as a standalone I don’t recommend it as it’s such a great mix of police procedural and thriller with deeply drawn characters and you would truly be missing out on pertinent background information.
Lottie feels like an old friend at this point albeit one that’s a bit of a mess, but a lovable mess. Her personal life is as crazy as ever and her work life isn’t much better. This series has the perfect blend of personal and professional, I’m equally invested in both and I really feel like I know Lottie as a character. Her and Boyd are one of my favorite duos, they just have such a wonderful rapport that leans to the sarcastic side which is right up my alley.
This spans the course of five days as Lottie and team work relentlessly to find missing women and a killer. It all seems like it could be related to a cold case but per usual there are more questions than answers which always keeps things fresh and exciting. There’s a large cast of supporting characters and various interesting subplots that keep things intriguing and impossible to predict where things are headed.
Strong, sharp writing, highly complex plotting and characters that I truly care about combine together to make a recipe for success for me! I’m a firm fan of these books and the author, if you haven’t started them yet, get cracking!
No Safe Place in three words: Intricate, Sharp and Gritty.
Lottie feels like an old friend at this point albeit one that’s a bit of a mess, but a lovable mess. Her personal life is as crazy as ever and her work life isn’t much better. This series has the perfect blend of personal and professional, I’m equally invested in both and I really feel like I know Lottie as a character. Her and Boyd are one of my favorite duos, they just have such a wonderful rapport that leans to the sarcastic side which is right up my alley.
This spans the course of five days as Lottie and team work relentlessly to find missing women and a killer. It all seems like it could be related to a cold case but per usual there are more questions than answers which always keeps things fresh and exciting. There’s a large cast of supporting characters and various interesting subplots that keep things intriguing and impossible to predict where things are headed.
Strong, sharp writing, highly complex plotting and characters that I truly care about combine together to make a recipe for success for me! I’m a firm fan of these books and the author, if you haven’t started them yet, get cracking!
No Safe Place in three words: Intricate, Sharp and Gritty.
March 3, 2018
I am a huge fan of the Lottie Parker series by Patricia Gibney and have been eagerly awaiting No Safe Place and it didn’t disappoint. Whilst it wasn’t as strong storyline wise as The Lost Child, it was still another gripping and complex tale from a very talented author. The Lost Child will take some beating just because of the emotional response it drew from me and how well the overall story was told.
Lottie really is a fantastic character. I love following along with her complicated home life as she attempts to hold down her job and her trio of teenagers. Her personal life is always as enjoyable to read about as her work life and I’ve enjoyed following her across these four books and seeing her character develop. I like that she’s a strong character, she isn’t perfect, she makes mistakes and she doesn’t miraculously solve every case easily and move on to the next one. She lives each of them and you get a true sense of just what solving crime means to her. This time around she really has her work cut out for her with a new (but familiar boss) and a news hungry journalist. These are cliches present in almost every crime novel but they don’t feel repetitive here. Her relationship with Boyd has always been intriguing and tottered on the edge of will they won’t they and that is explored further here. Given how this book ended, I am massively excited to see where book five takes us.
In terms of the storyline in No Safe Place I felt it was incredibly strong. There’s a sad undercurrent to the tale the whole way through. A story of what ifs and how family jealousy can spawn some incredible evils onto the world. The mystery element certainly kept me guessing and given that the storyline involved woman going missing from trains, I am so relieved that the publisher didn’t include the words girl or train in the title of this book. I was oblivious to how everything connected right up until the very end so must award points to Patricia for that. When the reveal came I felt it was a realistic resolution and everything was then tied up nicely. These books have a great flow to them and I just really enjoy reading them. This is a series that is going from strength to strength and if Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza are the crime Queen and King of Bookouture, Patricia Gibney is hot on their heels. Highly recommend this series.
Lottie really is a fantastic character. I love following along with her complicated home life as she attempts to hold down her job and her trio of teenagers. Her personal life is always as enjoyable to read about as her work life and I’ve enjoyed following her across these four books and seeing her character develop. I like that she’s a strong character, she isn’t perfect, she makes mistakes and she doesn’t miraculously solve every case easily and move on to the next one. She lives each of them and you get a true sense of just what solving crime means to her. This time around she really has her work cut out for her with a new (but familiar boss) and a news hungry journalist. These are cliches present in almost every crime novel but they don’t feel repetitive here. Her relationship with Boyd has always been intriguing and tottered on the edge of will they won’t they and that is explored further here. Given how this book ended, I am massively excited to see where book five takes us.
In terms of the storyline in No Safe Place I felt it was incredibly strong. There’s a sad undercurrent to the tale the whole way through. A story of what ifs and how family jealousy can spawn some incredible evils onto the world. The mystery element certainly kept me guessing and given that the storyline involved woman going missing from trains, I am so relieved that the publisher didn’t include the words girl or train in the title of this book. I was oblivious to how everything connected right up until the very end so must award points to Patricia for that. When the reveal came I felt it was a realistic resolution and everything was then tied up nicely. These books have a great flow to them and I just really enjoy reading them. This is a series that is going from strength to strength and if Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza are the crime Queen and King of Bookouture, Patricia Gibney is hot on their heels. Highly recommend this series.
June 22, 2024
Otra gran novela de la serie Lottie Parker, me ha gustado mucho, es algo predecible, pero aún así ha estado interesante, aunque me gustaron más sus anteriores novelas de la serie.
En cuanto a los personajes, he odiado al comisario sustituto McMahon y a Cinthia Rhodes, la periodista.
Me gusta como escribe Patricia Gibney, enseguida te metes en las tramas de sus libros, y te tiene en un sinvivir hasta el final.
En cuanto a los personajes, he odiado al comisario sustituto McMahon y a Cinthia Rhodes, la periodista.
Me gusta como escribe Patricia Gibney, enseguida te metes en las tramas de sus libros, y te tiene en un sinvivir hasta el final.
December 12, 2018
If you like a fast paced police thriller story than the Lottie Parker series by Patricia Gibney might be right up your street.
The Story.
Things are going wrong in Ragmullin, again.
Girls are disappearing from the train station. Ten years have passed since the first girl went missing, could these cases be connected or is it mere coincidence? And what was the noise that came from the graveyard in the early hours of the morning, was it a banshee that Bridie McWard heard or something even more dangerous for Bridie and her young son Tommy. Lottie and her team need to piece things together before even more young girls go missing.
My Thoughts.
I really love this series of books. Lottie Parker is a very messy character. She works too hard, she hardly has any time for her family, she is still grieving for her beloved husband, her relationship with her mother is dysfunctional, she relies on zanex pills, has trouble respecting authority and uses poor old Boyd but somehow I still like her! I feel her struggle keeping that family going and I can just picture the scene as she wearily sorts her laundry out at the end of an evening when she is so desperately tired. Mixed up as she is, Lottie is someone who gets the job done, I just wish she would let Boyd into her life instead of constantly pushing him away. C'mon Lottie, give Boyd a proper chance! Highly recommended.
The Story.
Things are going wrong in Ragmullin, again.
Girls are disappearing from the train station. Ten years have passed since the first girl went missing, could these cases be connected or is it mere coincidence? And what was the noise that came from the graveyard in the early hours of the morning, was it a banshee that Bridie McWard heard or something even more dangerous for Bridie and her young son Tommy. Lottie and her team need to piece things together before even more young girls go missing.
My Thoughts.
I really love this series of books. Lottie Parker is a very messy character. She works too hard, she hardly has any time for her family, she is still grieving for her beloved husband, her relationship with her mother is dysfunctional, she relies on zanex pills, has trouble respecting authority and uses poor old Boyd but somehow I still like her! I feel her struggle keeping that family going and I can just picture the scene as she wearily sorts her laundry out at the end of an evening when she is so desperately tired. Mixed up as she is, Lottie is someone who gets the job done, I just wish she would let Boyd into her life instead of constantly pushing him away. C'mon Lottie, give Boyd a proper chance! Highly recommended.
Read
March 21, 2018"Love can do strange things to people."
DI Lottie Parker has her hands full. A recently dead body found in an open grave, a missing girl and a stand-in boss who won't let her chase her cases in her own way. Not to mention the usual havoc on the home front -- it's not easy working full stop when you're a widow with 3 children and a new grandson. Lottie's life is very complicated and she doesn't always handle things..."a past master at burying emotional turmoil deep beneath the mundanity of everyday life." Some of those events have led her to pills and drink but she's trying hard to get a handle on that even while holding her partner, (and maybe a new love) DS Boyd, at arm's length.
During the course of the investigations, a ten years old missing persons case looks to have some similarity to the current situation. It's coming up on the anniversary date of when Lynn O'Donnell got off the train in Ragmullin and was never seen again. It seems that the girl in the grave, Elizabeth, and the missing girl, Mollie, were also on the train before they went missing. DON'T TAKE THE TRAIN FROM DUBLIN TO RAGMULLIN...
This is so much more than a hunt for missing girls or to solve a murder. The investigation by Lottie and her team is complicated and tedious. There is definitely something rotten in Ragmullin and the menace is probably in their midst. Although you may figure out where this is going, the process is excellent police procedural.
I note that others have said that this can be read as a standalone, but I disagree. There is too much of Lottie's backstory that gives history for her behaviors both professionally and personally. I have read #1, #3 and unfortunately missed #2 -- which I need to rectify. I want to know ALL about Lottie. Can't wait for the next in this great series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
DI Lottie Parker has her hands full. A recently dead body found in an open grave, a missing girl and a stand-in boss who won't let her chase her cases in her own way. Not to mention the usual havoc on the home front -- it's not easy working full stop when you're a widow with 3 children and a new grandson. Lottie's life is very complicated and she doesn't always handle things..."a past master at burying emotional turmoil deep beneath the mundanity of everyday life." Some of those events have led her to pills and drink but she's trying hard to get a handle on that even while holding her partner, (and maybe a new love) DS Boyd, at arm's length.
During the course of the investigations, a ten years old missing persons case looks to have some similarity to the current situation. It's coming up on the anniversary date of when Lynn O'Donnell got off the train in Ragmullin and was never seen again. It seems that the girl in the grave, Elizabeth, and the missing girl, Mollie, were also on the train before they went missing. DON'T TAKE THE TRAIN FROM DUBLIN TO RAGMULLIN...
This is so much more than a hunt for missing girls or to solve a murder. The investigation by Lottie and her team is complicated and tedious. There is definitely something rotten in Ragmullin and the menace is probably in their midst. Although you may figure out where this is going, the process is excellent police procedural.
I note that others have said that this can be read as a standalone, but I disagree. There is too much of Lottie's backstory that gives history for her behaviors both professionally and personally. I have read #1, #3 and unfortunately missed #2 -- which I need to rectify. I want to know ALL about Lottie. Can't wait for the next in this great series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
March 6, 2018
This book was an unusual read for me as it is book 4 in a series and so I was not sure if this would spoil the book as I was unaware of previous events surrounding the main character, it didn’t......but it did make me want to read the previous 3 books!!!
I really enjoyed this book, one of those books you pick up and feel at peace with as you know its well written, you love the writing and characters and you settle down to a fine read
The book is all about a murder, 2 women going missing, a 10 year disappearance of a daughter that was unsolvable and a family with secrets..... all is it set in Ireland and is based around Lottie who is a detective, there are many sub stories cleverly woven into the main story that all ‘fit in’ and all make the book even more dramatic and riveting
The writing flows well and the style
of writing is easy to follow and enjoy, the characters are a wonderful array of everything human life has to offer from the sassy gypsy grandmother to the violent nasty pair of brothers who feature as main characters
Although the book is great to read it is dark, very dark in parts and there are sensitive subjects that are covered, it is to the authors credit how the book handles these topics
I really loved every page and the ending was as horrific as it was surprising!!!
I have found a new author andI look forward to reading previous books by her
A superb read that transports you over to Ireland and makes you realise why you love reading
10/10 5 stars
June 7, 2018
Argh, I'm in full catch up mode now, so short reviews for books I read a while ago. We've had a house full of people including 2 very young grandchildren so its been a bit chaotic.
This book was enjoyable although I agree with some other reviewers that it wasn't quite as suspenseful as the earlier books. Apart from the case (intriguing), Lottie's personal life is the usual train wreck and I wish she'd get it together. Nevertheless, all the characters are great and its a great series. Roll on book 5.
This book was enjoyable although I agree with some other reviewers that it wasn't quite as suspenseful as the earlier books. Apart from the case (intriguing), Lottie's personal life is the usual train wreck and I wish she'd get it together. Nevertheless, all the characters are great and its a great series. Roll on book 5.
March 22, 2018
Hoo boy, can Patricia Gibney spin a tale or what?!
The body of a young woman is found in a grave that was most definitely not meant for her. Could this be Elizabeth Byrne, who never made it home after a day's work in Dublin? DI Lottie Parker is called in to investigate. It soon looks as if there may be a connection to a ten year old cold case. But with a new boss, who clearly has it in for her, breathing down her neck and a journalist on a mission, will Lottie Parker be able to focus enough to solve these cases?
On top of all of that, Lottie has quite a lot going on at home as well. Katie would like to take her son to see his grandfather in New York and Chloe is being your typical teenager. There is Lottie's complicated relationship with Rose and someone she didn't expect to see again returns to the village. Quite frankly, with a few secret vices as well, it's a miracle she's functioning at all.
This is one of those series that hooked me right from the start and with each new addition, it just keeps getting better and better. The investigations are always fascinating and gripping with realistic and incredibly well-developed characters all around. This case here is a rather disturbing tale of jealousy, prejudice and forbidden love with its roots fixed firmly in the past, as I've come to expect from Patricia Gibney.
There is so much going on in this story, my head was spinning. There are various layers and threads that may or may not be connected. I couldn't figure it out at all, especially as there is a rather long list of despicable characters I'd quite happily have throttled myself and each and every one of them makes for a viable suspect. Very little pleases me more than a story that keeps me guessing until the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping instalment and I can't wait for the next book! If you're not reading these, you definitely should be. Now if only Lottie could just get her act together, that'd be grand.
The body of a young woman is found in a grave that was most definitely not meant for her. Could this be Elizabeth Byrne, who never made it home after a day's work in Dublin? DI Lottie Parker is called in to investigate. It soon looks as if there may be a connection to a ten year old cold case. But with a new boss, who clearly has it in for her, breathing down her neck and a journalist on a mission, will Lottie Parker be able to focus enough to solve these cases?
On top of all of that, Lottie has quite a lot going on at home as well. Katie would like to take her son to see his grandfather in New York and Chloe is being your typical teenager. There is Lottie's complicated relationship with Rose and someone she didn't expect to see again returns to the village. Quite frankly, with a few secret vices as well, it's a miracle she's functioning at all.
This is one of those series that hooked me right from the start and with each new addition, it just keeps getting better and better. The investigations are always fascinating and gripping with realistic and incredibly well-developed characters all around. This case here is a rather disturbing tale of jealousy, prejudice and forbidden love with its roots fixed firmly in the past, as I've come to expect from Patricia Gibney.
There is so much going on in this story, my head was spinning. There are various layers and threads that may or may not be connected. I couldn't figure it out at all, especially as there is a rather long list of despicable characters I'd quite happily have throttled myself and each and every one of them makes for a viable suspect. Very little pleases me more than a story that keeps me guessing until the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping instalment and I can't wait for the next book! If you're not reading these, you definitely should be. Now if only Lottie could just get her act together, that'd be grand.
January 17, 2022
I love the Lottie Parker series!
I started to read this a few years ago, when I had received an ARC from Netgalley (Sorry Bookouture and NetGalley!), but about halfway through the book, life happened… I had set it down for too long, I needed to start the book over and kept putting it off. While I still have my netgalley copy, I actually ended up deciding to purchase the audiobook!
I’m so glad I FINALLY picked it back up again!
Lottie is a mess and Boyd is so sweet… 😁 The mystery in the book was well thought out and well written… I love that part of it takes place in a cemetery… Ragmullan is an amazing fictional town that has an eerie creepy vibe to it, so including the cemetery just amplified that.
There wasn’t as much about Lottie’s family in this book as there had been in books past, but the ending of this book leaves me wanting to dive further into her story!
I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the books in the series, finally!!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture - I’m sorry this was such a late one! But I ended up buying the book too, so hopefully that makes up for it. 😉
I started to read this a few years ago, when I had received an ARC from Netgalley (Sorry Bookouture and NetGalley!), but about halfway through the book, life happened… I had set it down for too long, I needed to start the book over and kept putting it off. While I still have my netgalley copy, I actually ended up deciding to purchase the audiobook!
I’m so glad I FINALLY picked it back up again!
Lottie is a mess and Boyd is so sweet… 😁 The mystery in the book was well thought out and well written… I love that part of it takes place in a cemetery… Ragmullan is an amazing fictional town that has an eerie creepy vibe to it, so including the cemetery just amplified that.
There wasn’t as much about Lottie’s family in this book as there had been in books past, but the ending of this book leaves me wanting to dive further into her story!
I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the books in the series, finally!!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture - I’m sorry this was such a late one! But I ended up buying the book too, so hopefully that makes up for it. 😉
August 13, 2025
Dar viena puiki dalis apie Lotę Parker👌 Tikrai ši serija jau tapo viena iš mėgstamiausių.
March 16, 2018
Lottie Parker is not someone I would like to sit down over coffee and chat. That's OK because she wouldn't want to visit with me either. She has time for two things, work and her kids, and that's it. A widow with three teenagers and a young grandson barely give her time to breathe let alone eat. She also helps with her mom and has recently uncovered a mess of family secrets. She is a prescription pill popper and struggles with alcohol. To her credit she is one darn fine Detective Inspector who you would really want to investigate your case.
This one involves missing women who have one thing thing in common. They all ride the early commuter train from Ragmullin to Dublin. As the investigation unwinds, there is a tie to a disappearance of a woman ten years ago. It is almost the anniversary of that event which may have triggered current events.
Nothing goes easy for Lottie. Her commanding officer goes on sick leave and is replaced by an arch enemy from Dublin. Her mother won't get out of bed. Her daughter and grandson are off to NYC to visit the rich grandfather of the baby and Lottie worries they won't return. Her personal
relationship with her partner, Boyd, heats up. I worry about Boyd because he is such a great guy.
She uncovers a connection to a local Tinker family which turns up a storm of discrimination. A very unpleasant family becomes central to the investigation. There is just layer after layer to this character and the story. I get almost breathless with the unrelenting action.
Although this is #4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy nuanced characters and action, this series would be great for you. I could barely out it down and almost wept with frustration when it was over. I wanted more. Thank you to Net Galley and the author for a copy of this excellent book. It was my pleasure to read it.
Merged review:
Lottie Parker is not someone I would like to sit down over coffee and chat. That's OK because she wouldn't want to visit with me either. She has time for two things, work and her kids, and that's it. A widow with three teenagers and a young grandson barely give her time to breathe let alone eat. She also helps with her mom and has recently uncovered a mess of family secrets. She is a prescription pill popper and struggles with alcohol. To her credit she is one darn fine Detective Inspector who you would really want to investigate your case.
This one involves missing women who have one thing thing in common. They all ride the early commuter train from Ragmullin to Dublin. As the investigation unwinds, there is a tie to a disappearance of a woman ten years ago. It is almost the anniversary of that event which may have triggered current events.
Nothing goes easy for Lottie. Her commanding officer goes on sick leave and is replaced by an arch enemy from Dublin. Her mother won't get out of bed. Her daughter and grandson are off to NYC to visit the rich grandfather of the baby and Lottie worries they won't return. Her personal
relationship with her partner, Boyd, heats up. I worry about Boyd because he is such a great guy.
She uncovers a connection to a local Tinker family which turns up a storm of discrimination. A very unpleasant family becomes central to the investigation. There is just layer after layer to this character and the story. I get almost breathless with the unrelenting action.
Although this is #4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy nuanced characters and action, this series would be great for you. I could barely out it down and almost wept with frustration when it was over. I wanted more. Thank you to Net Galley and the author for a copy of this excellent book. It was my pleasure to read it.
This one involves missing women who have one thing thing in common. They all ride the early commuter train from Ragmullin to Dublin. As the investigation unwinds, there is a tie to a disappearance of a woman ten years ago. It is almost the anniversary of that event which may have triggered current events.
Nothing goes easy for Lottie. Her commanding officer goes on sick leave and is replaced by an arch enemy from Dublin. Her mother won't get out of bed. Her daughter and grandson are off to NYC to visit the rich grandfather of the baby and Lottie worries they won't return. Her personal
relationship with her partner, Boyd, heats up. I worry about Boyd because he is such a great guy.
She uncovers a connection to a local Tinker family which turns up a storm of discrimination. A very unpleasant family becomes central to the investigation. There is just layer after layer to this character and the story. I get almost breathless with the unrelenting action.
Although this is #4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy nuanced characters and action, this series would be great for you. I could barely out it down and almost wept with frustration when it was over. I wanted more. Thank you to Net Galley and the author for a copy of this excellent book. It was my pleasure to read it.
Merged review:
Lottie Parker is not someone I would like to sit down over coffee and chat. That's OK because she wouldn't want to visit with me either. She has time for two things, work and her kids, and that's it. A widow with three teenagers and a young grandson barely give her time to breathe let alone eat. She also helps with her mom and has recently uncovered a mess of family secrets. She is a prescription pill popper and struggles with alcohol. To her credit she is one darn fine Detective Inspector who you would really want to investigate your case.
This one involves missing women who have one thing thing in common. They all ride the early commuter train from Ragmullin to Dublin. As the investigation unwinds, there is a tie to a disappearance of a woman ten years ago. It is almost the anniversary of that event which may have triggered current events.
Nothing goes easy for Lottie. Her commanding officer goes on sick leave and is replaced by an arch enemy from Dublin. Her mother won't get out of bed. Her daughter and grandson are off to NYC to visit the rich grandfather of the baby and Lottie worries they won't return. Her personal
relationship with her partner, Boyd, heats up. I worry about Boyd because he is such a great guy.
She uncovers a connection to a local Tinker family which turns up a storm of discrimination. A very unpleasant family becomes central to the investigation. There is just layer after layer to this character and the story. I get almost breathless with the unrelenting action.
Although this is #4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy nuanced characters and action, this series would be great for you. I could barely out it down and almost wept with frustration when it was over. I wanted more. Thank you to Net Galley and the author for a copy of this excellent book. It was my pleasure to read it.
March 4, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of No Safe Place, the fourth novel to feature DI Lottie Parker of the Ragmullin Gardaí.
Lottie and the team are thinking about looking for 25 year old Elizabeth Byrne who may have disappeared from the train station when Bridie McWard reports hearing screams from the graveyard two nights before. Lottie is the only one taking it seriously but even she doesn't expect to find an extra dead body in a grave, just as they are lowering the coffin. When more young women go missing Lottie is drawn to look at the cold case of Lynn O'Driscoll who disappeared in similar circumstances 10 years previously.
I thoroughly enjoyed No Safe Place which is a fast paced procedural with plenty of twists and turns. The plot is convoluted with Lottie and the team going down several blind alleys before reaching a solution but it is all well explained and logical so I never felt lost or out of my depth. The reveals come slowly but at a steady pace so I was gripped from start to finish. The unknown perpetrator makes the occasional appearance but without any hints to his identity it whets the appetite to better understand his motivation. It's all very well done.
It is Lottie Parker, however, who makes this series so special. She is a widow with three teenage children and a grandson living with her so with that and the job there are never enough hours in the day. Her life is fairly disorganised and chaotic at times but she never stops caring or trying her best and it makes her recognisably human. She is a wonderful creation and one of the best characters in crime fiction for it. I would really like to see things go her way for a change.
No Safe Place is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lottie and the team are thinking about looking for 25 year old Elizabeth Byrne who may have disappeared from the train station when Bridie McWard reports hearing screams from the graveyard two nights before. Lottie is the only one taking it seriously but even she doesn't expect to find an extra dead body in a grave, just as they are lowering the coffin. When more young women go missing Lottie is drawn to look at the cold case of Lynn O'Driscoll who disappeared in similar circumstances 10 years previously.
I thoroughly enjoyed No Safe Place which is a fast paced procedural with plenty of twists and turns. The plot is convoluted with Lottie and the team going down several blind alleys before reaching a solution but it is all well explained and logical so I never felt lost or out of my depth. The reveals come slowly but at a steady pace so I was gripped from start to finish. The unknown perpetrator makes the occasional appearance but without any hints to his identity it whets the appetite to better understand his motivation. It's all very well done.
It is Lottie Parker, however, who makes this series so special. She is a widow with three teenage children and a grandson living with her so with that and the job there are never enough hours in the day. Her life is fairly disorganised and chaotic at times but she never stops caring or trying her best and it makes her recognisably human. She is a wonderful creation and one of the best characters in crime fiction for it. I would really like to see things go her way for a change.
No Safe Place is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 30, 2024
3,5/5 🌟
Žinau, kad ši serija tikrai turi savo gerbėjų būrį. Aš perskaičiau tik šią vieną - ketvirtą dalį, bet likau nesužavėta.
Man knyga pasirodė nuobodoka, ištempta ir nekelianti daug emocijų. Detektyvės asmeninis gyvenimas itin sausai pateiktas, jos bendravimas su kolegomis netgi erzinantis.
Šios dalies detektyvas - pagrobiamos ir žudomos moterys. Jau maždaug knygos viduryje žinojau, kas bus kaltas, tad priėjus knygos pabaigą visai pasidarė nebeįdomu. Siužete buvo keletas staigių vingių, kurie užkūrė kibirkštėlę, bet juos suskaičiuoti užtektų penkių rankos pirštų (dar liktų laisvų).
Tiesiog istorija man tekėjo per lėtai ir be didelių kalnelių, kuriuos aš mėgstu.
Žinau, kad ši serija tikrai turi savo gerbėjų būrį. Aš perskaičiau tik šią vieną - ketvirtą dalį, bet likau nesužavėta.
Man knyga pasirodė nuobodoka, ištempta ir nekelianti daug emocijų. Detektyvės asmeninis gyvenimas itin sausai pateiktas, jos bendravimas su kolegomis netgi erzinantis.
Šios dalies detektyvas - pagrobiamos ir žudomos moterys. Jau maždaug knygos viduryje žinojau, kas bus kaltas, tad priėjus knygos pabaigą visai pasidarė nebeįdomu. Siužete buvo keletas staigių vingių, kurie užkūrė kibirkštėlę, bet juos suskaičiuoti užtektų penkių rankos pirštų (dar liktų laisvų).
Tiesiog istorija man tekėjo per lėtai ir be didelių kalnelių, kuriuos aš mėgstu.
November 18, 2023
#perskaičiau
Patricia Gibney "Pavojingos vietos"
Nesumeluosiu sakydama, kad Patricia Gibney turi puikų talentą. Tai jau ketvirtoji serijos knyga su detektyve Lote Parker. Ankstesnėse knygose vis išlysdavo Lotės praeities paslaptys, o šioje knygoje gyvename šia diena ir pagaliau (tikrai pagaliau!) plačiau panagrinėjama Lotės ir jos partnerio Boido santykių tema 😍
O siužetas čia labai įdomus 👌 Kapinėse vykstant laidotuvėms aptinkamas negyvas moters kūnas svetimame kape. Paaiškėja, kad tai prieš pora dienų dingusios merginos palaikai. Kai tuo pat metu dingsta ir kita mergina, kyla įtarimas, kad pradėjo siautėti serijinis žudikas. Merginų dingimo aplinkybės labai panašios į prieš 10 metų dingusios be žinios Linos atvejį. Ar prieš 10 metų siautėjo serijinis žudikas ir jis vėl sugrįžo, o gal tai visiškas atsistiktinumas? Knygoje tiesiog pažyra mirtys ir pasikėsinimai, tuo pat metu ilgai slėptos paslaptys ima kilti į dienos šviesą. Tikrai savęs ne kartą paklausite, kiek kvailysčių žmogus gali padaryti iš meilės? Net neabejoju, kad skaitant šią knygą tiesiog mėgausitės siužetu ir Lotės Parker atkaklumu, nes man knyga visai neprailgo ir buvo begalo įdomu 👏 Labai laukiu tęsinio, nes kaip visada, knygos pabaigoje, autorė pametėjo naują užuominą į Lotės gyvenime laukiančias permainas 👌 Labai patiko 👏
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Patricia Gibney "Pavojingos vietos"
Nesumeluosiu sakydama, kad Patricia Gibney turi puikų talentą. Tai jau ketvirtoji serijos knyga su detektyve Lote Parker. Ankstesnėse knygose vis išlysdavo Lotės praeities paslaptys, o šioje knygoje gyvename šia diena ir pagaliau (tikrai pagaliau!) plačiau panagrinėjama Lotės ir jos partnerio Boido santykių tema 😍
O siužetas čia labai įdomus 👌 Kapinėse vykstant laidotuvėms aptinkamas negyvas moters kūnas svetimame kape. Paaiškėja, kad tai prieš pora dienų dingusios merginos palaikai. Kai tuo pat metu dingsta ir kita mergina, kyla įtarimas, kad pradėjo siautėti serijinis žudikas. Merginų dingimo aplinkybės labai panašios į prieš 10 metų dingusios be žinios Linos atvejį. Ar prieš 10 metų siautėjo serijinis žudikas ir jis vėl sugrįžo, o gal tai visiškas atsistiktinumas? Knygoje tiesiog pažyra mirtys ir pasikėsinimai, tuo pat metu ilgai slėptos paslaptys ima kilti į dienos šviesą. Tikrai savęs ne kartą paklausite, kiek kvailysčių žmogus gali padaryti iš meilės? Net neabejoju, kad skaitant šią knygą tiesiog mėgausitės siužetu ir Lotės Parker atkaklumu, nes man knyga visai neprailgo ir buvo begalo įdomu 👏 Labai laukiu tęsinio, nes kaip visada, knygos pabaigoje, autorė pametėjo naują užuominą į Lotės gyvenime laukiančias permainas 👌 Labai patiko 👏
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
March 15, 2018
I have to admit to a soft spot for Lottie Parker. She is a mother to three teens/young adults, she has a difficult mother and a demanding job. She is also very real and in each book, the author lets us know that Lottie has hardly had an easy time of it in the past and she battles her demons every day. That makes me like her character even more.
There is so much going on in this book, I don't even know where to start. It can easily be read as a standalone but it is much better when the series is read in order.
Thanks to an eagle-eyed mourner at a funeral, a young woman's body is discovered at the bottom of an open grave. Who is she, how did she get there and what of the woman who heard screams in the middle of the night? This is far from an easy case and there are a lot of family dynamics which come into play as well, with both victims and suspects. Inbetween trying to solve this case, Lottie has to contend with a hostile supervisor, her mother's odd behaviour and some devastating developments for her family.
This was a real page-turner of a book and I swear my heart stopped on several occasions.
5 well deserved stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is so much going on in this book, I don't even know where to start. It can easily be read as a standalone but it is much better when the series is read in order.
Thanks to an eagle-eyed mourner at a funeral, a young woman's body is discovered at the bottom of an open grave. Who is she, how did she get there and what of the woman who heard screams in the middle of the night? This is far from an easy case and there are a lot of family dynamics which come into play as well, with both victims and suspects. Inbetween trying to solve this case, Lottie has to contend with a hostile supervisor, her mother's odd behaviour and some devastating developments for her family.
This was a real page-turner of a book and I swear my heart stopped on several occasions.
5 well deserved stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 12, 2018
Another heart-racing, nail biting, suspenseful crime thriller from this incredible author! She never fails to deliver and with each book gets better and better. She is definitely one of the best crime writers of today and one of my personal favourites. Loved this page turning, stupendously plotted, fast paced story and I am waiting impatiently for the next in this brilliant series.
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