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Hazel Best & Gabriel Ash #8
China Roses
A brutal attack on a family friend leads to something darker and deeper for DC Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash.
No one ever said: "See Norbold and die." So why would a man from DC Hazel Best's past cross England in order to get himself beaten senseless in this uninspiring Midlands town? Everyone assumes he was looking for Hazel. She can't think why he would; and when David Sperrin wakes up, he can't think why he would either. Amnesia - or something to hide?
Flashbacks as Sperrin's battered brain recovers only make the case more troubling. His sharpest memory is of a girl dying in his arms. But who, and how? And why is there no body, no witnesses, no missing persons report?
Struggling to make sense of the situation, Hazel turns to her close friend Gabriel Ash for help. But Ash has problems of his own: one of his own ghosts has returned to haunt him. And the stakes are so high there's no one, not even Hazel, he can confide in . . .
No one ever said: "See Norbold and die." So why would a man from DC Hazel Best's past cross England in order to get himself beaten senseless in this uninspiring Midlands town? Everyone assumes he was looking for Hazel. She can't think why he would; and when David Sperrin wakes up, he can't think why he would either. Amnesia - or something to hide?
Flashbacks as Sperrin's battered brain recovers only make the case more troubling. His sharpest memory is of a girl dying in his arms. But who, and how? And why is there no body, no witnesses, no missing persons report?
Struggling to make sense of the situation, Hazel turns to her close friend Gabriel Ash for help. But Ash has problems of his own: one of his own ghosts has returned to haunt him. And the stakes are so high there's no one, not even Hazel, he can confide in . . .
236 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jo Bannister
73 books96 followersJo Bannister lives in Northern Ireland, where she worked as a journalist and editor on local newspapers. Since giving up the day job, her books have been shortlisted for a number of awards. Most of her spare time is spent with her horse and dog, or clambering over archaeological sites. She is currently working on a new series of psychological crime/thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 11, 2021
China Roses may be the 8th outing in Jo Bannister’s Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash series, but I found that I could jump into this story and enjoy it completely even though it’s my first book. While there is obvious back story, enough is provided to make the plot fully understandable.
The plot is complicated, beginning with the discovery of an unidentified man, found on a Norbold side street, who appears to have been severely beaten and to have suffered a head injury. Hazel is one of the detectives investigating this case and, upon seeing the unconscious man, realizes she knows him. When he awakens, David has no recall of what happened to him.
From there events spiral out of control. There are major ups and downs in the lives of all the major characters over the course of this story, along with some very bittersweet moments. The characters are well drawn and I liked the interactions between DCI Dave Gorman and Hazel. As for Hazel and Gabriel, it will take reading more than one book in this series to understand their complicated relationship. So I think I am now committed to a new series.
Recommended, a procedural with a heavy emphasis on relationships and characters.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is complicated, beginning with the discovery of an unidentified man, found on a Norbold side street, who appears to have been severely beaten and to have suffered a head injury. Hazel is one of the detectives investigating this case and, upon seeing the unconscious man, realizes she knows him. When he awakens, David has no recall of what happened to him.
From there events spiral out of control. There are major ups and downs in the lives of all the major characters over the course of this story, along with some very bittersweet moments. The characters are well drawn and I liked the interactions between DCI Dave Gorman and Hazel. As for Hazel and Gabriel, it will take reading more than one book in this series to understand their complicated relationship. So I think I am now committed to a new series.
Recommended, a procedural with a heavy emphasis on relationships and characters.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
DC Hazel Best is called to investigate the savage attack on man. Hazel is surprised to see that she knows the victim. Who would have wanted to attack this man.. and why?
David Sperrin is someone from Hazel's past .. and the only reason he could be here is to see Hazel.
Sperrin's battered brain is creating problems. His last memory is of a girl dying in his arms. But who, and how? And why is there no body, no witnesses, no missing persons report?
He has no memory of the attack, or what led up to it and doesn't know why he'd come looking for Hazel. is it amnesia .. or is he hiding something?
Struggling to make sense of the situation, Hazel turns to her close friend Gabriel Ash for help. But Ash has problems of his own: one of his own ghosts has returned to haunt him. And the stakes are so high there’s no one, not even Hazel, he can confide in . . .
Suspenseful the start, it's fast-paced, with returning intriguing characters, as well as introducing new characters in the small town, that is usually so peaceful. It's a page turning story line leading to a surprising conclusion. Although 8th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However I do recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery / crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
David Sperrin is someone from Hazel's past .. and the only reason he could be here is to see Hazel.
Sperrin's battered brain is creating problems. His last memory is of a girl dying in his arms. But who, and how? And why is there no body, no witnesses, no missing persons report?
He has no memory of the attack, or what led up to it and doesn't know why he'd come looking for Hazel. is it amnesia .. or is he hiding something?
Struggling to make sense of the situation, Hazel turns to her close friend Gabriel Ash for help. But Ash has problems of his own: one of his own ghosts has returned to haunt him. And the stakes are so high there’s no one, not even Hazel, he can confide in . . .
Suspenseful the start, it's fast-paced, with returning intriguing characters, as well as introducing new characters in the small town, that is usually so peaceful. It's a page turning story line leading to a surprising conclusion. Although 8th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However I do recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery / crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 5, 2021
Reading this novel broke one of my cardinal rules of reading. If I am reading a series of books with recurring characters, I try as much as possible to read them in order.
China Roses is the 8th in the Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash series and I have only previously read the 5th book, Kindred Spirits. Like most series such as this one, each book is a standalone story and can be read without any knowledge of the previous books however an understanding of the back story is always beneficial.
Here, an acquaintance of Hazel is found badly beaten and with no memory of being attacked or why he ended up in her home town. Slowly, his memory returns in small flashes and Hazel must try and piece together why he was attacked, by whom and whether this is linked to a larger crime.
Alongside, this Gabriel Ash must deal with the reappearance of someone from his past which affects his relationship with Hazel.
After reading Kindred Spirits, my intention was to go back to the start and read through the series in order however the opportunity to read this novel in advance of publication was too good an opportunity to miss.
After reading this, my intention is NOW to go back and read the series from the start. This was an excellent novel from Bannister and even more enjoyable than the previous one I read which is saying something. What I love about this series is that it is not all action on every page. It could be described by some as something of a slow burner however I think this better represents a true police procedural.
In addition to a really enjoyable story, the complex relationship between Best and Ash is played out even more and I can't wait for the next book (please tell me there is a next one!) to see how this turns out.
I would recommend this book to anyone however learn from my mistake and enjoy the series from the start - that is what I intend to do now!
Thanks to Severn House/Cannongate Books and Netgalley for an advance review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
China Roses is the 8th in the Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash series and I have only previously read the 5th book, Kindred Spirits. Like most series such as this one, each book is a standalone story and can be read without any knowledge of the previous books however an understanding of the back story is always beneficial.
Here, an acquaintance of Hazel is found badly beaten and with no memory of being attacked or why he ended up in her home town. Slowly, his memory returns in small flashes and Hazel must try and piece together why he was attacked, by whom and whether this is linked to a larger crime.
Alongside, this Gabriel Ash must deal with the reappearance of someone from his past which affects his relationship with Hazel.
After reading Kindred Spirits, my intention was to go back to the start and read through the series in order however the opportunity to read this novel in advance of publication was too good an opportunity to miss.
After reading this, my intention is NOW to go back and read the series from the start. This was an excellent novel from Bannister and even more enjoyable than the previous one I read which is saying something. What I love about this series is that it is not all action on every page. It could be described by some as something of a slow burner however I think this better represents a true police procedural.
In addition to a really enjoyable story, the complex relationship between Best and Ash is played out even more and I can't wait for the next book (please tell me there is a next one!) to see how this turns out.
I would recommend this book to anyone however learn from my mistake and enjoy the series from the start - that is what I intend to do now!
Thanks to Severn House/Cannongate Books and Netgalley for an advance review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
May 31, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Canongate/Severn House for the eARC.
DC Hazel Best is called in to investigate the severe beating of a man, when she realizes she reconizes him. His name is David Sparrin and she's known him since childhood, but has no idea why he would be in her area. When he finally comes to, he has no idea why he's there and what happened, but eventually he remembers a dying girl in his arms, but that's about it. But who was she and what happened to her body?
In the meantime Gabriel has his own problems and unfortunately these cause a rift between him and Hazel.
This was a twisty mystery involving people smuggling and a dangerous killer. I love the 'conversations' between Gabriel and Patience, his lurcher. More of those please!
The ending was disturbing to me and I hope things will be cleared up in the next book! It's part of a great series and definitely recommended,
DC Hazel Best is called in to investigate the severe beating of a man, when she realizes she reconizes him. His name is David Sparrin and she's known him since childhood, but has no idea why he would be in her area. When he finally comes to, he has no idea why he's there and what happened, but eventually he remembers a dying girl in his arms, but that's about it. But who was she and what happened to her body?
In the meantime Gabriel has his own problems and unfortunately these cause a rift between him and Hazel.
This was a twisty mystery involving people smuggling and a dangerous killer. I love the 'conversations' between Gabriel and Patience, his lurcher. More of those please!
The ending was disturbing to me and I hope things will be cleared up in the next book! It's part of a great series and definitely recommended,
February 18, 2022
Although I really like Gabriel Ash and Hazel Best, I did not particularly like this book in the series. First, I am appalled that Ash lets Cathy even close to him. If it were me, I'd take her firmly by the arm and shove her out the door, with a promise to immediately call the police. But Gabe is as weak-kneed about Cathy as he always was, and the plot then teems with consequences. Second, I don't like characters acting stupid just to propel the plot. Hazel also has her lapses, but generally corrects them in a timely manner. He major fault here is a lapse in taking care of a friend, but the friend is impulsive and driven, so the consequences mostly belong to him. The plot is not that interesting and the culprit is pretty obvious, though Bannister can't help herself and places Cathy in the mix. This reappearance of Gabe's wife has consequences for the relationship between Gabe and Hazel, a relationship that seems afraid to speaks its name out loud, but which now might be in dire circumstances. I really disliked this book for placing two of my favorite characters in stress that could have been avoided. Who knows if a different plot would have been as good, but I think it would have been better on my nerves!
June 23, 2021
Jo Bannister writes in the mystery subgenre British Police Procedurals. They focus on one or more police officers solving crimes, with lots of reference to terms like DCI (Detective Chief Inspector), SOCO (scenes of crime officer), and WPC (woman police constable, thankfully not as common as it used to be). If you’ve watched and enjoyed the TV series Broadchurch or Inspector Morse, you are already a fan.
Bannister tends to focus on one series, then move on to another. (I’m still hoping she’ll revisit her Castlemere series one day). Her current series is about a police officer, Hazel Best, and her complicated relationship with her friend Gabriel Ash. Ash is a man suffering from severe PTSTD, and Hazel first met him during the course of an investigation. They’ve long moved past being officer and witness, but haven’t quite crossed into girlfriend and boyfriend. Hazel is passionate about life, her friends, and her job; Ash is highly intelligent and extremely loyal.
I like both Best and Ash, and I particularly like reading a series that presents PTSTD in an empathetic way. Ash’s therapist suggested he get a dog. He talks to the dog, a white lurcher, and she talks back telepathically. Does she really, or is that his way of coping with his stress and anxiety? It doesn’t really matter – the dog is one of the best parts of the series.
Bannister is great at presenting both characters of depth and interesting mysteries. She also excels at drawing emotional relationships between members of the opposite sex who are not romantic pairs.
China Roses is the eighth book in the Best and Ash series and it’s the best one since book four. Bannister tackles human trafficking and ups the tension between Hazel and Gabriel. (Cliffhanger! Long wait for the next book!) There’s not enough of the dog Patience in the series – there never is – but we finally see a little more of Gabriel’s young sons. I highly recommend this series to lovers of police procedurals and all things British. The first book in the series is Deadly Virtues.
I read an advance reader copy of China Roses from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published in early September.
Bannister tends to focus on one series, then move on to another. (I’m still hoping she’ll revisit her Castlemere series one day). Her current series is about a police officer, Hazel Best, and her complicated relationship with her friend Gabriel Ash. Ash is a man suffering from severe PTSTD, and Hazel first met him during the course of an investigation. They’ve long moved past being officer and witness, but haven’t quite crossed into girlfriend and boyfriend. Hazel is passionate about life, her friends, and her job; Ash is highly intelligent and extremely loyal.
I like both Best and Ash, and I particularly like reading a series that presents PTSTD in an empathetic way. Ash’s therapist suggested he get a dog. He talks to the dog, a white lurcher, and she talks back telepathically. Does she really, or is that his way of coping with his stress and anxiety? It doesn’t really matter – the dog is one of the best parts of the series.
Bannister is great at presenting both characters of depth and interesting mysteries. She also excels at drawing emotional relationships between members of the opposite sex who are not romantic pairs.
China Roses is the eighth book in the Best and Ash series and it’s the best one since book four. Bannister tackles human trafficking and ups the tension between Hazel and Gabriel. (Cliffhanger! Long wait for the next book!) There’s not enough of the dog Patience in the series – there never is – but we finally see a little more of Gabriel’s young sons. I highly recommend this series to lovers of police procedurals and all things British. The first book in the series is Deadly Virtues.
I read an advance reader copy of China Roses from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published in early September.
January 18, 2022
#8 in a mystery series does it right: enough but not too much backstory, developing characterizations, some plot twists in the movement forward, excellent writing, flashes of humor, and a windup that leaves the reader eager for #9. DC Hazel Best is coming into her own; recovering Daniel Ash is put in an impossible situation; DCI David Gorman's mentoring is seasoned with exasperation. And Patience the lurcher is as wise as ever. The plot is meaty, raising important issues-- this series does not disappoint!
"He had left for university before her idea of masculine perfection stopped involving a flowing mane and twinkling hooves...he'd had his eye blackened by a farmer's son who didn't now what Crypto Hominid meant but knew it wasn't a compliment." p.6
"Her glance scythed across his face like a whip." p.175
"Songs have been written about the world's great highways. Very few of them are about the M1. For much of its length it is singularly charmless--which is perhaps just as well, because the last thing a motorist surrounded by thundering juggernauts ought to be doing is admiring the scenery." p. 209
"He had left for university before her idea of masculine perfection stopped involving a flowing mane and twinkling hooves...he'd had his eye blackened by a farmer's son who didn't now what Crypto Hominid meant but knew it wasn't a compliment." p.6
"Her glance scythed across his face like a whip." p.175
"Songs have been written about the world's great highways. Very few of them are about the M1. For much of its length it is singularly charmless--which is perhaps just as well, because the last thing a motorist surrounded by thundering juggernauts ought to be doing is admiring the scenery." p. 209
August 26, 2021
DC Hazel Best has a real mystery on her hands- and some heartache- when David Sperrin, a friend (sort of) is found beaten in the street near her home. He has no idea how or why he was there but he's convinced he had something to do with the death of a young Asian woman. Unforunately, her BFF Gabriel can't serve as her sounding board because he's consumed with his own problem- the return of his evil ex-wife- that he can't share with Hazel. This is a nicely complex topical procedural with the clues laid down along the way, although the reader, like Hazel and her colleagues, well, no spoilers from me. I'm a fan of this series, which has a gentle tilt in many ways but is also quite gritty. I suspect a new reader might not find it as rewarding as those who have followed along wit Hazel, Gabriel, and Patience (although she's not as important in this installment) but do give it a try. The characters are good and the plots twist back and forth. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great read- fans will be pleased and like me very interested in what comes next.
September 9, 2021
This is the third book I read in this series and always found them gripping and entertaining.
This one is no exception and kept me guessing and hooked.
It's a complex plot, full of twists and turns. It starts with a beaten man found on the street and evolves into a murder mystery. Problem is that the possible killer/main witness suffered from a concussion and his memories are spotty.
I think that Gabriel and Hazel are two very interesting and complex characters. I like them and I'm curious what will be next.
The author is a good storyteller, delivers a well plotted story that never drags and I like the character development.
I had a lot of fun in reading this book because, even if it's gritty at times, there's also plenty of humour.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one is no exception and kept me guessing and hooked.
It's a complex plot, full of twists and turns. It starts with a beaten man found on the street and evolves into a murder mystery. Problem is that the possible killer/main witness suffered from a concussion and his memories are spotty.
I think that Gabriel and Hazel are two very interesting and complex characters. I like them and I'm curious what will be next.
The author is a good storyteller, delivers a well plotted story that never drags and I like the character development.
I had a lot of fun in reading this book because, even if it's gritty at times, there's also plenty of humour.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 12, 2021
This book is part of a series which on this occasion l believe you would benefit from having read the previous books. DC Hazel Best has history with a man found beaten up in Norbold. When he comes round in hospital he has amnesia they must retrace his steps to find a possible crime. Helping DC Hazel is Gabriel Ash who has helped her in past investigations. This relationship is put under severe strain in this investigation. Can it survive? This is an unusual police investigation that relays in part on retracing steps of an amnesiac but leads to so much more at a fast pace. The personal relationships are more difficult to follow and care about if you have not read previous stories.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
Hazel’s friend, David Sperrin, is found in an alley in Norbold severely beaten. When he wakes up from his concussion, he has problems remembering what happened to him and how he got to Norbold. His memory comes back in bits and pieces causing Hazel to try and put the puzzle together as David feels that he either saw a girl get murdered or he murdered the girl. In the meantime, Gabriel’s wife returns putting many demands on Gabriel. Gabriel’s character is one that is a puzzle to this reader, in that, his loyalties appear to be out of order with the way he’s been treated by his wife over the years. I’m not sure what is coming for the future for Hazel and Gabriel as this book left it bleak to say the least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2021
I found this book in my local library and I thought I'd read some previous titles in the series. I was mistaken. But although there are several previous titles I found it easy to jump into the story and follow who was who. I enjoyed the story and the character development and I'd read another if I came across one. I would guess that the writer is probably of an older generation than the lead female character, Hazel, and occasionally I found Hazel's cultural references or language slightly jarring as they felt out of synch with the character's age....but that's a bit nit picky.
February 3, 2022
As I read this book, I realized I'd read at least one of the prior book, which helped me with some but not all of the backstory references. It stands pretty well on its own, except for the storyline of Ash and his ex-wife. For that subplot, it helps to have read some of the previous books. It started out well enough for me, but about halfway through I was ready to get to the end of the main storyline. I was tired of the ex-wife subplot, although I thought the teaser with Cathy and China Roses would be a more significant part of the story. It was just a setup for a future book.
September 16, 2021
This is the 8th book in the Best and Ash series but can easily be read as a stand alone. It's a complicated plot with plenty twists and interesting characters. The conclusion was surprising, leaving me wanting to read the next installment. A strong emphasis on the relationships between the characters and an intriguing plot, makes this a worthwhile read which I would recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
January 18, 2025
Boring. Such a short book and I was still skimming it
It might of moved if it wa a a short story .but this just dragged .
Hazel is NOT anywhere as smart asvshe thinks she is ..and the way she selfishly leaves Ash at the end is the "poor me" dramatic stupid way' Not what a true friend would sp.
And Ash is just pathetic .
I see zero chemistry between these 2
.will not be trying this,series again
It might of moved if it wa a a short story .but this just dragged .
Hazel is NOT anywhere as smart asvshe thinks she is ..and the way she selfishly leaves Ash at the end is the "poor me" dramatic stupid way' Not what a true friend would sp.
And Ash is just pathetic .
I see zero chemistry between these 2
.will not be trying this,series again
April 5, 2022
A friend from Hazel’s past is found beaten and when he wakes up he can’t remember anything at first, as pieces of his memory comes back Hazel goes on the look out for more details. Gabriel is also dealing with problems with his ex wife that also cause problems for Hazel. Nice twist the last couple of chapters.
December 6, 2021
The misery is everywhere if only we choose to see it. Jo Bannister makes a strong case for an increase in policing and legal action against **spoiler. A well set-up mystery, strong characters who can't figure out their romantic interests but understand determined investigation.
December 30, 2021
This is a pretty solid series with Gabriel being a steady side kick and Hazel the cop. The ongoing issues with Gabe and his wife, who is an internationally wanted criminal who shot him, stole his kids and had him locked up, are kind of annoying, but every series has it's limitations.
October 19, 2021
It was a first read of this author. I wasn't as impressed as others. The story was slow and predictable.I may not read another by Bannister.
November 9, 2021
Hazel and Ash will get it right one day. Though I figured out some of the who done it, I didn't get it all right!
January 14, 2022
Quirky police procedural with a lot of attention paid to relationships
November 27, 2021
This isn't the first in the series, and although I enjoyed it as a stand-alone crime thriller, based around people trafficking, I felt the back-story between Gabriel and Hazel was key to understanding their relationship and how it played a key part in the plot line. Plenty of sarcastic one- liners from the taciturn Gorman, and interesting characters who brought the story to life. Recommend reading the previous books on the series first.
May 22, 2022
The problem with the plot device where the character has amnesia who knows all the stuff the detectives want to find out is that it's glaringly obvious that we're just turning pages, waiting until the author decides it's time for the character to share some more information. It is all too artificial.
The difficult interaction between Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash, who from the subtitle we expect to be the lead investigators, possibly makes more sense plot-wise and emotion-wise to a reader who has read the previous seven books. It was part of a long story arc that didn't have anything to do with the investigation at hand and so, for a reader like me who is meeting these characters for the first time, seemed little more than useless and distracting. Mr. Ash did not seem to do any investigating at all.
Hazel was a appealing character, and the prose style was good enough.
The difficult interaction between Hazel Best and Gabriel Ash, who from the subtitle we expect to be the lead investigators, possibly makes more sense plot-wise and emotion-wise to a reader who has read the previous seven books. It was part of a long story arc that didn't have anything to do with the investigation at hand and so, for a reader like me who is meeting these characters for the first time, seemed little more than useless and distracting. Mr. Ash did not seem to do any investigating at all.
Hazel was a appealing character, and the prose style was good enough.
September 13, 2021
As a new reader of this series, I was continuingly baffled why a police officer has to enlist an ordinary book shop owner for backup and help with her investigations. There was no in-depth understanding or physical attributes on his part that I was able to see that would enable her in solving the case. In order to enjoy this book is not to question the obvious wrongs, but to treat it as it is a cozy mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and Canongate/Severn House for the eARC
Thank you Netgalley and Canongate/Severn House for the eARC
August 4, 2021
Such a disappointment.
I honestly can't remember the last time a book was such a disappointment to me. I was really looking forward to reading this. I have bought and read all in the series. I can't say much without spoilers but it feels like we're right back at the beginning again. Any progress made in past books is gone. Not sure I'll bother with next one. Sad.
I honestly can't remember the last time a book was such a disappointment to me. I was really looking forward to reading this. I have bought and read all in the series. I can't say much without spoilers but it feels like we're right back at the beginning again. Any progress made in past books is gone. Not sure I'll bother with next one. Sad.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews