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Your Life or Mine
There were only ever two choices - your life or mine.
Alana Loxton was part of the all-female team to take down Barratt, a notorious serial killer.
He is safely behind bars when one of the detectives goes missing.
Her disappearance, and the connection to the killer, could be a coincidence – but when her body is discovered days later, a link begins to form.
Then another detective from the team goes missing and the situation becomes horrifically clear.
Someone is picking them off one by one – and Alana’s name is next on the list . . .
From the author of Before I Say I Do comes a gripping psychological drama that has the twists of a psych-thriller with the layers of a police procedural.
Alana Loxton was part of the all-female team to take down Barratt, a notorious serial killer.
He is safely behind bars when one of the detectives goes missing.
Her disappearance, and the connection to the killer, could be a coincidence – but when her body is discovered days later, a link begins to form.
Then another detective from the team goes missing and the situation becomes horrifically clear.
Someone is picking them off one by one – and Alana’s name is next on the list . . .
From the author of Before I Say I Do comes a gripping psychological drama that has the twists of a psych-thriller with the layers of a police procedural.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2021
7 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Bradley
2 books40 followersVicki Bradley is a detective constable in the Metropolitan Police. She has had a varied career, as a uniformed response driver in Brent and then as a detective in Southwark CID. She has managed High Risk Sex Offenders and worked on the Serious Organised Crime Command. She is currently on a career break while she focuses on writing.
Her debut novel, Before I Say I Do, will be published on 28th May 2020 and won the Write Here Right Now competition, came 3rd place in the First Novel Prize, and was been shortlisted for the Virago New Crime Writer prize.
She enjoys travelling the world and climbing mountains. She lives in London with her husband.
Her debut novel, Before I Say I Do, will be published on 28th May 2020 and won the Write Here Right Now competition, came 3rd place in the First Novel Prize, and was been shortlisted for the Virago New Crime Writer prize.
She enjoys travelling the world and climbing mountains. She lives in London with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 19, 2021
This magnificent thriller is the 2nd volume in which we follow the adventures of DC Alana Loxton and her partner DC Dominik Kowalski.
Storytelling is once again of a superb quality, the storyline is very well structured, all figures come vividly to life in this great thriller, and not to forget due to the author's experience as a DC within the police force the procedures during and after the investigations, along with the competitiveness, collaboration and animosity between various police departments, all these conditions are described in an absolute believable way, and thus all these factors combined make this crime novel such a most splendid read.
The book is divided into five parts and each part is dedicated and seen from the perspective of one of the members of the murder squad that got the serial killer, Edward Barratt, tried and convicted, and these five are Emma Robins, Sarah Taylor, Gabriella Caselli, Jane Edison, and Alana Loxton.
The book starts with a short prologue with the murder of Emma, and DC Alana Loxton and her colleague DC Dominik Kowalski are put on this case, especially because Emma was Alana's former working colleague and friend.
While investigating Emma's murder they are assisted by a Polish profiler named, Lena Trawinska, and supervised by DCI Winter from Southwark CID at Walworth Police Station.
When after Emma also Sarah gets brutally killed followed quickly by Gabriella, Loxton and Kowalski will determine a pattern with the Barratt killings, because Barratt has claimed after his conviction that he will get his revenge on them somehow, but after a while another notorious killer comes into the frame and that's the Polish serial killer who goes by the name of, Krystian Szymanki, who's is an old adversary of Kowalski and Lena, because they have been working together in Poland to get Szymanski captured and convicted.
What is to follow is a fast-paced and action-packed gripping thriller, where false leads will be used to waylay the investigation, and sinister actions will be taken to trap the victims, and after some twists and turns and a very exciting plot the psycho killer will finally be revealed and dealt with.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific thriller from a very talented author who goes by the name of, Vicki Bradley, and I can assure you for certain that I look very much forward to her next instalment, but to come back to this great novel I like to call this exceptional exciting episode: "A Tremendous Psycho Thriller"!
Storytelling is once again of a superb quality, the storyline is very well structured, all figures come vividly to life in this great thriller, and not to forget due to the author's experience as a DC within the police force the procedures during and after the investigations, along with the competitiveness, collaboration and animosity between various police departments, all these conditions are described in an absolute believable way, and thus all these factors combined make this crime novel such a most splendid read.
The book is divided into five parts and each part is dedicated and seen from the perspective of one of the members of the murder squad that got the serial killer, Edward Barratt, tried and convicted, and these five are Emma Robins, Sarah Taylor, Gabriella Caselli, Jane Edison, and Alana Loxton.
The book starts with a short prologue with the murder of Emma, and DC Alana Loxton and her colleague DC Dominik Kowalski are put on this case, especially because Emma was Alana's former working colleague and friend.
While investigating Emma's murder they are assisted by a Polish profiler named, Lena Trawinska, and supervised by DCI Winter from Southwark CID at Walworth Police Station.
When after Emma also Sarah gets brutally killed followed quickly by Gabriella, Loxton and Kowalski will determine a pattern with the Barratt killings, because Barratt has claimed after his conviction that he will get his revenge on them somehow, but after a while another notorious killer comes into the frame and that's the Polish serial killer who goes by the name of, Krystian Szymanki, who's is an old adversary of Kowalski and Lena, because they have been working together in Poland to get Szymanski captured and convicted.
What is to follow is a fast-paced and action-packed gripping thriller, where false leads will be used to waylay the investigation, and sinister actions will be taken to trap the victims, and after some twists and turns and a very exciting plot the psycho killer will finally be revealed and dealt with.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific thriller from a very talented author who goes by the name of, Vicki Bradley, and I can assure you for certain that I look very much forward to her next instalment, but to come back to this great novel I like to call this exceptional exciting episode: "A Tremendous Psycho Thriller"!
June 3, 2021
5☆ A Gripping, Highly Engrossing Crime Thriller, That has Perfectly Plotted Twists and Turns! A Must Read!
Your Life or Mine is a gripping crime Thriller / Mystery that got under my skin from the first few chapters.
Alana Loxton was part of the all female murder squad who took down the notorious serial killer Edward Barratt.
It made such a nice change to know that a group of strong female officers took down serial killer. It's not often you read that in crime books.
No longer on the team, Loxton still meets up with the squad for drinks.
It just so happens that the main topic of conversation is Barratt's latest escape attempt from a supposedly secure place.
But he's back behind bars where he belongs and they can relax..... can't they?
However DC Emma Robins doesn't make it home that night! Neither does she make it to her next shift!
Is it a coincidence that she disappeared the night the squad were celebrating?
What has happened to Robins... are the others in danger?
Can Loxton find Emma before it's too late and before others get hurt!
Your Life or Mine was a Pacy, Engrossing and Twisty Crime Thriller, that was perfectly plotted.
The Authors vast experience within the force absolutely shines through making this an Authentic, Suspenseful and Gritty Read, that I couldn't put down.
I can't wait to read more from Author Vicki Bradley.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Your Life or Mine is a gripping crime Thriller / Mystery that got under my skin from the first few chapters.
Alana Loxton was part of the all female murder squad who took down the notorious serial killer Edward Barratt.
It made such a nice change to know that a group of strong female officers took down serial killer. It's not often you read that in crime books.
No longer on the team, Loxton still meets up with the squad for drinks.
It just so happens that the main topic of conversation is Barratt's latest escape attempt from a supposedly secure place.
But he's back behind bars where he belongs and they can relax..... can't they?
However DC Emma Robins doesn't make it home that night! Neither does she make it to her next shift!
Is it a coincidence that she disappeared the night the squad were celebrating?
What has happened to Robins... are the others in danger?
Can Loxton find Emma before it's too late and before others get hurt!
Your Life or Mine was a Pacy, Engrossing and Twisty Crime Thriller, that was perfectly plotted.
The Authors vast experience within the force absolutely shines through making this an Authentic, Suspenseful and Gritty Read, that I couldn't put down.
I can't wait to read more from Author Vicki Bradley.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Read
June 1, 2021Dnf
July 9, 2022
This was one of those starting promising, but unfortunately spiralled down quickly.
The plot didn't seem believable as it moved forward, and this was to a degree that the main character expressed the same "she couldn't belivede...this and that", and that was with good reason. The story didn't offer any good explanation to why it was in a way, both main character and me as a reader couldn't believe; naturally this ends up with too little explained and too many questions.
The charater development didn't really happen, and I became uninterested in the characters as they seems uninterested in all the terrible things going on in their 'backyard'. I felt a big disproportion between what was going on, and the characters emotional responses.
I feel there was too many characters, the author tried to give a little POV-part, but it just ended up with making it all shallow instead of focusing on one or two POV and then flesh it out.
The plot didn't seem believable as it moved forward, and this was to a degree that the main character expressed the same "she couldn't belivede...this and that", and that was with good reason. The story didn't offer any good explanation to why it was in a way, both main character and me as a reader couldn't believe; naturally this ends up with too little explained and too many questions.
The charater development didn't really happen, and I became uninterested in the characters as they seems uninterested in all the terrible things going on in their 'backyard'. I felt a big disproportion between what was going on, and the characters emotional responses.
I feel there was too many characters, the author tried to give a little POV-part, but it just ended up with making it all shallow instead of focusing on one or two POV and then flesh it out.
July 9, 2021
Hmmmm, it started off really well and I found it engaging. But at about half way through this novel I had guessed who the person was. Too many obvious clues for me. But I read to the end just incase there was a twist and I was wrong. Sadly no, I guessed right after all.
November 29, 2021
Not a bad thriller per say but I had issues getting invested in the story. It's a very hit and miss with !e with thrillers/crime books.
May 28, 2021
I read the synopsis for ‘Your Life Or Mine’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of genre I particularly enjoy – a gripping, fast paced crime thriller. This is the first of Vicki’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Although I do have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have Vicki’s first book (‘Before I Said I Do) on my mountainous ‘to be read’ pile, I haven’t actually got around to reading it yet. What a mistake to make. Having enjoyed reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ as much as I did, I am rather cross with myself that it has taken me until now to realise how flipping fantastic Vicki’s work is! I flipping well loved reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long to get into this story at all. In fact by the time I got to the end of the prologue, I knew that I was going to enjoy reading this book so much. To say that reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ became addictive is a massive understatement. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story that I read way more than I had initially intended. I couldn’t put the book down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see is I was on the right track or if I had wandered down another path entirely. I found ‘Your Life Or Mine’ to be an unputdownable page turner of a read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Your Life Or Mine’ is superbly written. Vicki certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a story. Her writing style uses such vivid and realistic language that the reader feels as though they are part of the story themselves. That’s how I felt at any rate. The fact that Vicki is a serving police officer makes the story seem that bit more authentic. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to reclaim your stomach, catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again.
In short, I flipping well adored reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Vicki’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long to get into this story at all. In fact by the time I got to the end of the prologue, I knew that I was going to enjoy reading this book so much. To say that reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ became addictive is a massive understatement. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story that I read way more than I had initially intended. I couldn’t put the book down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see is I was on the right track or if I had wandered down another path entirely. I found ‘Your Life Or Mine’ to be an unputdownable page turner of a read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Your Life Or Mine’ is superbly written. Vicki certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a story. Her writing style uses such vivid and realistic language that the reader feels as though they are part of the story themselves. That’s how I felt at any rate. The fact that Vicki is a serving police officer makes the story seem that bit more authentic. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a minute to reclaim your stomach, catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again.
In short, I flipping well adored reading ‘Your Life Or Mine’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Vicki’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
May 29, 2021
Ever since I can remember I always found interesting the crime shows, those that showed us the hard work police officers, detectives and everyone involved did to solve the crime. Now, I even listen to podcasts and learn about the victims as well, not just the criminals or the procedure. So, it's not really strange that I'm enjoying crime/mystery novels.
When I read the synopsis of "Your Life or Mine" I was intrigued. Then I learned that the author has a background in the police force, which gave me some confident in going into the story. I can say I was not disappointed.
As we follow Alana and the mystery around the disappearance of detectives of the team that took down a serial killer, we go on a rollercoaster journey. The grip the story had on my mind, I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know the truth and what was really going on.
The book had a fast pace that helped with the way my mind was racing to read the next page and the next chapter. I had some thoughts on what may be the reason behind everything, and as I read and was left hanging at some points, I also was wondering what Alana and all the other characters would do next. The curiosity the book left me with from beginning to end, combined with the fast pace was something that made me stay at the edge of my seat.
Overall, it was an exciting adventure, with the right amount of twists and turns. A story that was realistic and exciting, just what I was hoping when I started reading.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Vicki Bradley and Simon & Schuster for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
When I read the synopsis of "Your Life or Mine" I was intrigued. Then I learned that the author has a background in the police force, which gave me some confident in going into the story. I can say I was not disappointed.
As we follow Alana and the mystery around the disappearance of detectives of the team that took down a serial killer, we go on a rollercoaster journey. The grip the story had on my mind, I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know the truth and what was really going on.
The book had a fast pace that helped with the way my mind was racing to read the next page and the next chapter. I had some thoughts on what may be the reason behind everything, and as I read and was left hanging at some points, I also was wondering what Alana and all the other characters would do next. The curiosity the book left me with from beginning to end, combined with the fast pace was something that made me stay at the edge of my seat.
Overall, it was an exciting adventure, with the right amount of twists and turns. A story that was realistic and exciting, just what I was hoping when I started reading.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Vicki Bradley and Simon & Schuster for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
June 3, 2021
My review of Your Life or Mine is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
September 2, 2022
Three and a half really but not quite a 4
November 3, 2022
Wow. What a tense book. I couldn't put this book down, and liked it even more than the first one by this author. And what a twist at the end. Can't wait for book three.
July 3, 2025
Finally a very good story and writing! After The Silent patient I was struggling to find that feeling again of not wanting to put the book down and keep reading it. Loved the plot and the ending wasn't predictable at all (I've got the killer wrong so very good ).
September 14, 2021
5/5
We follow Alana Loxton a current detective and former member of the “Murder Squad”. She was one of five women to work on a massive case that saw serial killer Edward Barrett put behind bars, but he wants his revenge. Since the trial, these five have gone their separate ways in the field after the harrowing effects of their last case. After a late-night catch-up, one of them is reported missing, and not long after Barrett’s attempted escape from prison. Alana now needs to figure out is this a coincidence, or are her friends being picked off one by one in a measure of revenge from the deranged killer.
What a tremendously enthralling read start to finish, it had perfect balance and was written so well it felt smooth and consistent throughout. The story was super engaging and kept me hooked page after page. I must admit I thought I had the book all sussed out, but the author had lots of tricks up her sleeve to keep me guessing. The characters all have their desired effect on the reader, even while casting shadows of doubt in the reader's mind on what’s happening.
My only real issue with the book was a few loose ends that didn’t seem to be tied up. However, the book was so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter at all, and the ending without them is still great.
Overall this book exceeded all expectations, it was so much more than just a detective novel about her chasing down a killer. There were meaningful characters and interactions throughout, many small hints for the reader to pick up on, accompanied by elements of shock and surprise. This book is not flawless in every conceivable way, but everything good about this book is very good, making the faults so easily forgettable. I couldn’t have given this book anything less than a 5 for the way it kept me reading and entertained. I would 100% recommend this book if it sounds even remotely your cup of tea.
We follow Alana Loxton a current detective and former member of the “Murder Squad”. She was one of five women to work on a massive case that saw serial killer Edward Barrett put behind bars, but he wants his revenge. Since the trial, these five have gone their separate ways in the field after the harrowing effects of their last case. After a late-night catch-up, one of them is reported missing, and not long after Barrett’s attempted escape from prison. Alana now needs to figure out is this a coincidence, or are her friends being picked off one by one in a measure of revenge from the deranged killer.
What a tremendously enthralling read start to finish, it had perfect balance and was written so well it felt smooth and consistent throughout. The story was super engaging and kept me hooked page after page. I must admit I thought I had the book all sussed out, but the author had lots of tricks up her sleeve to keep me guessing. The characters all have their desired effect on the reader, even while casting shadows of doubt in the reader's mind on what’s happening.
My only real issue with the book was a few loose ends that didn’t seem to be tied up. However, the book was so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter at all, and the ending without them is still great.
Overall this book exceeded all expectations, it was so much more than just a detective novel about her chasing down a killer. There were meaningful characters and interactions throughout, many small hints for the reader to pick up on, accompanied by elements of shock and surprise. This book is not flawless in every conceivable way, but everything good about this book is very good, making the faults so easily forgettable. I couldn’t have given this book anything less than a 5 for the way it kept me reading and entertained. I would 100% recommend this book if it sounds even remotely your cup of tea.
May 27, 2021
3.5- This was a bit of a cross between a police procedural and a psychological thriller and blended both aspects quite well. I liked the characterisation and found the main character to be likeable and warmed to her. I found it started to get a little bit predictable as I made my way through and I did guess some of the twists before they were revealed, but not all of them! I was convinced I had worked out the major twist and the reveal threw me! I like a good twisty book and thought overall these were well thought out especially the ones I didn’t see coming. This is my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading others.
July 26, 2021
The book started off well but there was so much unexplained and I did think the conclusion was disappointing.
May 31, 2021
Your Life or Mine is framed as a police procedural which within a few pages grabs you by the labels and refuses to let go as you shadow Southwark's DC Alana Loxton. Loxton was part of an all-female group of detectives who had arrested Edward Barratt, a serial rapist and murderer a few years before. The women have drifted apart in the time since, and are introduced to the reader at a rare reunion pub night. There we meet Emma, Sarah, Jane, Gabriella, and Alana. These women are beautifully written characters, each living lives as real as yours and mine. The problems start when Emma doesn't show up to work and Alana and her fellow officers are assigned to look into her disappearance.
Alana is known for having "bad feelings" that are usually spot-on, and her alarm bells are warning her that something is terribly wrong. When Emma is discovered dead, in a way reminiscent of Barratt's MO; and both Sarah and Gabriella disappear, Alana knows that somehow Barratt is involved. Despite a recent escape attempt, Barratt is incarcerated at Broadmoor, and Alana's insistence of his involvement has her being censured by her peers and superiors. As her friends die, Alana is forced to rely on her partner Domminick Kowalski, profiler Lena Trawinska, and Sarah's SO, DS Anson.
It's well known amongst my friends and family that I can't stand most horror, but love psychological thrillers and suspense. Despite the fact that both genres tap into a need to scare ourselves silly, it's the combination of heart-racing anxiety paired with desperate hope and the reality-shifting revelations that ensnare my imagination. Vicki Bradley's Your Life or Mine delivers this and so much more! Told primarily through Alana Loxton's eyes with occasional vignettes from the other women, this book effortlessly builds layer upon layer of breathless terror and dogged determination with a painter's deft hand. What you are left with is a story that stays with you hours after reading.
Alana is known for having "bad feelings" that are usually spot-on, and her alarm bells are warning her that something is terribly wrong. When Emma is discovered dead, in a way reminiscent of Barratt's MO; and both Sarah and Gabriella disappear, Alana knows that somehow Barratt is involved. Despite a recent escape attempt, Barratt is incarcerated at Broadmoor, and Alana's insistence of his involvement has her being censured by her peers and superiors. As her friends die, Alana is forced to rely on her partner Domminick Kowalski, profiler Lena Trawinska, and Sarah's SO, DS Anson.
It's well known amongst my friends and family that I can't stand most horror, but love psychological thrillers and suspense. Despite the fact that both genres tap into a need to scare ourselves silly, it's the combination of heart-racing anxiety paired with desperate hope and the reality-shifting revelations that ensnare my imagination. Vicki Bradley's Your Life or Mine delivers this and so much more! Told primarily through Alana Loxton's eyes with occasional vignettes from the other women, this book effortlessly builds layer upon layer of breathless terror and dogged determination with a painter's deft hand. What you are left with is a story that stays with you hours after reading.
June 7, 2021
Anyone who knows me, knows I love nothing more than a good binging session of Criminal Minds and true crime series. It has been a fascination I have nurtured for years. I went though a phrase swearing I had the deduction skills of a profiler. Before this book maybe, but I only managed to unravel the clues just in time, only just before our main character did. Well, the handwriting gave it away.
Your Life or Mine follows detective Alana Loxton, one of the female detectives that was part of the team which brought a prolific serial killer to justice. But when another member of the team turns up dead and showing trademarks of the killer, a warning note in hand, Alana has to fight against the clock before the hunt starts for her.
This book felt like an evening thriller, worthy of the screentime and as addictive as the hunt. It hooked me from the prologue, it gave the atmosphere of a targeted attack without giving the game away. It was not until the body resurfaced and the game rules got set that then true sinister motives came to play.
What I loved most about the book was the fast paced writing, it refused to let you up for air and even as the end was nearer, it only held tighter, refusing to let go. It was gritty, did not shy away from the darkness of the crimes. The writing was fluid and I loved how the victims broke the book into acts, how each victim was given their own story to tell. So if you are like me and enjoy the darker joys of life, like the history of serial killers or helping the BAU solve crimes, this book is perfect for you. It has a game of cat and mouse with several rats hidden to trick you.
Your Life or Mine follows detective Alana Loxton, one of the female detectives that was part of the team which brought a prolific serial killer to justice. But when another member of the team turns up dead and showing trademarks of the killer, a warning note in hand, Alana has to fight against the clock before the hunt starts for her.
This book felt like an evening thriller, worthy of the screentime and as addictive as the hunt. It hooked me from the prologue, it gave the atmosphere of a targeted attack without giving the game away. It was not until the body resurfaced and the game rules got set that then true sinister motives came to play.
What I loved most about the book was the fast paced writing, it refused to let you up for air and even as the end was nearer, it only held tighter, refusing to let go. It was gritty, did not shy away from the darkness of the crimes. The writing was fluid and I loved how the victims broke the book into acts, how each victim was given their own story to tell. So if you are like me and enjoy the darker joys of life, like the history of serial killers or helping the BAU solve crimes, this book is perfect for you. It has a game of cat and mouse with several rats hidden to trick you.
August 11, 2021
A psychological roller coaster!
Phew!! ‘Your Life or Mine’ will certainly take you on a taut, psychological roller coaster!
Alana Loxton is work hard, play hard lady, who enjoys her police investigations. She is invited to a reunion with her previous all-female detective team who had successfully brought down Barratt, a heinous serial killer. Luckily, he is incarcerated in prison.
From the outset, I found myself totally immersed. Even after the ‘girls’ night out’ the tension started to build on the way home when one of the ladies was about to put her key in the door when disaster struck! Soon it becomes clear that not only is she missing, but her body is discovered, having suffered at the hands of her torturer.
Strangely enough, the horrific style of her murder seemed to fit in with the methods used by Barratt, but he’s in prison! Unfortunately, several days later, another body from the team is discovered, suggesting that they are all very vulnerable. Alana feels the alarm bells ringing and is on ‘red alert.’
I enjoyed her working relationships with her current team, which sent me veering in many directions as to who could be trusted. The pace is fast and furious and such a high octane read. Utterly shocked when I discovered who was the perpetrator, making me determined to read more from this author. Thank you, Vicki Bradley.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
Phew!! ‘Your Life or Mine’ will certainly take you on a taut, psychological roller coaster!
Alana Loxton is work hard, play hard lady, who enjoys her police investigations. She is invited to a reunion with her previous all-female detective team who had successfully brought down Barratt, a heinous serial killer. Luckily, he is incarcerated in prison.
From the outset, I found myself totally immersed. Even after the ‘girls’ night out’ the tension started to build on the way home when one of the ladies was about to put her key in the door when disaster struck! Soon it becomes clear that not only is she missing, but her body is discovered, having suffered at the hands of her torturer.
Strangely enough, the horrific style of her murder seemed to fit in with the methods used by Barratt, but he’s in prison! Unfortunately, several days later, another body from the team is discovered, suggesting that they are all very vulnerable. Alana feels the alarm bells ringing and is on ‘red alert.’
I enjoyed her working relationships with her current team, which sent me veering in many directions as to who could be trusted. The pace is fast and furious and such a high octane read. Utterly shocked when I discovered who was the perpetrator, making me determined to read more from this author. Thank you, Vicki Bradley.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
June 20, 2024
3.5/5 stars!
I read Vicki Bradley’s first book ‘Before I Say I Do’ and for some reason the unofficial yet official sequel this novel. The first half of this book I was so excited. I’m so happy I got more of Alana and Kowalski. There’s a serial killer, Alana is on their list of targets and the will they won’t they between Alana and Kowalski. But it sort of went off its path half way through. I guessed who the actual killer was almost as soon as the character was introduced. So it felt like an anticlimax and not a shock when the killer was revealed at the end. Also why did Vicki Bradley make Dominik such a man whore?! I was hoping we were going to actually experience their romance but no that was dead? Maybe at the end? And no sign of a sequel so yikes!
There’s no third book for this series and it’s been three years will there ever be one? I feel like I can get over the fact he has slept with most of the police force but he felt so absent in this book and Lena sort of took over. I wanted Kowalski and Alana fighting a long side each other like in the first book but it just didn’t feel that way he was either missing or what the book was hinting that he was the murderer so he was mostly absent. I just didn’t feel the need to turn the pages like crazy because I knew a certain character wasn’t a baddie and I knew who was!
I just felt a little let down by the sequel. I’m hoping and praying a third book will come out but I’m losing hope now!
I read Vicki Bradley’s first book ‘Before I Say I Do’ and for some reason the unofficial yet official sequel this novel. The first half of this book I was so excited. I’m so happy I got more of Alana and Kowalski. There’s a serial killer, Alana is on their list of targets and the will they won’t they between Alana and Kowalski. But it sort of went off its path half way through. I guessed who the actual killer was almost as soon as the character was introduced. So it felt like an anticlimax and not a shock when the killer was revealed at the end. Also why did Vicki Bradley make Dominik such a man whore?! I was hoping we were going to actually experience their romance but no that was dead? Maybe at the end? And no sign of a sequel so yikes!
There’s no third book for this series and it’s been three years will there ever be one? I feel like I can get over the fact he has slept with most of the police force but he felt so absent in this book and Lena sort of took over. I wanted Kowalski and Alana fighting a long side each other like in the first book but it just didn’t feel that way he was either missing or what the book was hinting that he was the murderer so he was mostly absent. I just didn’t feel the need to turn the pages like crazy because I knew a certain character wasn’t a baddie and I knew who was!
I just felt a little let down by the sequel. I’m hoping and praying a third book will come out but I’m losing hope now!
April 18, 2022
An incredibly well written, well plotted book, even I didn't spot the murderer until right at the very end.
A serial murderer was finally brought to justice by 5 women police officers, ironic that. Emma, Jane, Sarah, Gabriella and Alana. Then just when you think everything is safe, two years later the girls are being picked off one by one all with the same methods as used by Barrett, the serial murderer. Emma, Sarah, Gabriella, all dead, then Alana knows it's just her and Jane left, then Jane disappears.
There is a race against time for the team to find out who the murderer is, Barrett safely locked away, an ex SAS guy arrested but it seems as if he's a pawn to Barrett and then he ends up dead. Kowalski and Lena are polish police officers working the case with Alana, and Alana is put into police protection but the house is set on fire and the poor protection officer is killed trying to get Alana away. She escapes and the police aren't impressed and want her to go back into protection, but she thinks it's one of them.
It is a very tense ending and the details of the London underground sewage system is amazing! As I said I didn't spot the murderer until right at the very end. An incredibly good book! And I hope that there is even a happier ending!
A serial murderer was finally brought to justice by 5 women police officers, ironic that. Emma, Jane, Sarah, Gabriella and Alana. Then just when you think everything is safe, two years later the girls are being picked off one by one all with the same methods as used by Barrett, the serial murderer. Emma, Sarah, Gabriella, all dead, then Alana knows it's just her and Jane left, then Jane disappears.
There is a race against time for the team to find out who the murderer is, Barrett safely locked away, an ex SAS guy arrested but it seems as if he's a pawn to Barrett and then he ends up dead. Kowalski and Lena are polish police officers working the case with Alana, and Alana is put into police protection but the house is set on fire and the poor protection officer is killed trying to get Alana away. She escapes and the police aren't impressed and want her to go back into protection, but she thinks it's one of them.
It is a very tense ending and the details of the London underground sewage system is amazing! As I said I didn't spot the murderer until right at the very end. An incredibly good book! And I hope that there is even a happier ending!
May 31, 2021
Your Life Or Mine is a gripping psychological thriller and police Procedural novel. It is dramatic and has twist upon twist, that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
I was pretty hooked from the first page. I really liked the way the book was set into different parts, how each chapter had the date and time (so you can keep track of the investigation) and also that the personal accounts were italic to really differentiate from the main book.
I had one theory from the beginning to the middle, I then switched to another theory but in fact the bits I thought were clues were red herrings!
This is a really well written book, that makes you want to keep reading one more chapter!
I was pretty hooked from the first page. I really liked the way the book was set into different parts, how each chapter had the date and time (so you can keep track of the investigation) and also that the personal accounts were italic to really differentiate from the main book.
I had one theory from the beginning to the middle, I then switched to another theory but in fact the bits I thought were clues were red herrings!
This is a really well written book, that makes you want to keep reading one more chapter!
September 14, 2021
5 stars only because this book kept me up all night reading! It's been a while a book did that for me. Admittingly, it's also been a while since I read crime/mystery/thriller books.
The writing is fast-paced, simple, and really carries me through the action. It's hard to put the book down. Love a good, keep-me-up-all-night thriller and this is it.
P.s. At some point, I suspected that Kowalski was the killer due to some clue early on, and I was almost right when the killer tried to frame Kowalski. Damn I was close. Predictably unpredictable.
The writing is fast-paced, simple, and really carries me through the action. It's hard to put the book down. Love a good, keep-me-up-all-night thriller and this is it.
P.s. At some point, I suspected that Kowalski was the killer due to some clue early on, and I was almost right when the killer tried to frame Kowalski. Damn I was close. Predictably unpredictable.
December 23, 2024
This is the second book featuring police officer Alana Loxton and my favourite so far. I loved this! I really hope there will be a third. This was published in 2021, it seems awhile, but maybe Vicki Bradley's working on a third? She and the team are on the trail of a serial killer with an agenda and Alana herself is destined to be the final victim. It's a fast paced tense roller coaster with no let up in the action, lots of atmosphere (I'm thinking the sewers!) and I didn't guess the 'bad guy' until the final scenes.
September 2, 2021
What a second book from Vicki Bradley! For me it equals or even surpasses her brilliant debut 'Before I Say I Do' (emphatically recommend reading before 'Your Life Or Mine'!) and the connection with DC Loxton just gets stronger - an inspired and inspiring lead character in a plot that grips from the start and does not let go... Fantastic writing for intrigue and suspense, it's another thrill of a read. Thoroughly and unreservedly recommend. More from Vicki Bradley please...!
August 11, 2021
The author is beating you down with the red herring so much that you know the person is not the killer. I also guessed the killer quite early on again but it didn't take away the enjoyment from listening to it. I personally would appreciate a little bit more explanation because some things just don't add up properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2021
I was keen to read this second follow up novel to the authors debut release and was not disappointed. In fact I’d say I enjoyed this tale even more than the first.
The characters are really engaging and it’s great to see some strong female protagonists, not just one but several.
If you’re in to detective thrillers with several twists in the tale then this book is definitely one to read.
The characters are really engaging and it’s great to see some strong female protagonists, not just one but several.
If you’re in to detective thrillers with several twists in the tale then this book is definitely one to read.
November 24, 2021
A really good, fast paced, drama filled read. Likeable enough characters, especially DC Alana Loxton. The reason I didn't give full stars is that I had already long before guessed who the killer was, so it wasn't a surprise in the least. It was still good afterwards though, the killer themselves throwing a little twist in the tale.
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I thought I had the twist and the murderer figured out halfway through—but how wrong I was. The story completely gripped me from start to finish, full of suspense and unexpected turns. I hadn’t heard of Vicki Bradley before, but after this, I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. A great read for fans of twisty thrillers!
January 21, 2022
Having enjoyed Vicki Bradley’s first book, I moved on quickly to this, her second.
A compelling read that kept me reading into the small hours. Twists and red herrings along the way, lead to a dramatic ending. I won’t say more, except that I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
A compelling read that kept me reading into the small hours. Twists and red herrings along the way, lead to a dramatic ending. I won’t say more, except that I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
July 7, 2023
This is a tense, gripping and well written thriller. Particularly loved all the twists and there were quite a few to keep the reader on their toes.
DC Alana Loxton is a great character and I’m sure she will reappear soon!
DC Alana Loxton is a great character and I’m sure she will reappear soon!
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