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Butler & West #2
Under A Dark Cloud
One dead body. One witness. One answer.
Early one morning, DS Robin Butler is summoned to a crime scene. Not as a policeman, but as best friend to renowned meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason. The morning after studying an enormous storm, Finn has locked himself in a van. Bloodied, confused, and with no memory of how he came to be there. And alongside him – a dead body.
Butler sets out to prove Finn’s innocence, his friend now accused of murder. Meanwhile, DC Freya West is struggling to cope. She has been plagued by nightmares since the events of nine months ago. Freya assists her boss on his quest to clear Finn’s name, but while Butler becomes increasingly desperate to help his boyhood friend, Freya is crumbling under the weight of the secrets she is keeping.
As the past threatens to consume them both, do both detectives stand to lose more than they can bear?
Early one morning, DS Robin Butler is summoned to a crime scene. Not as a policeman, but as best friend to renowned meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason. The morning after studying an enormous storm, Finn has locked himself in a van. Bloodied, confused, and with no memory of how he came to be there. And alongside him – a dead body.
Butler sets out to prove Finn’s innocence, his friend now accused of murder. Meanwhile, DC Freya West is struggling to cope. She has been plagued by nightmares since the events of nine months ago. Freya assists her boss on his quest to clear Finn’s name, but while Butler becomes increasingly desperate to help his boyhood friend, Freya is crumbling under the weight of the secrets she is keeping.
As the past threatens to consume them both, do both detectives stand to lose more than they can bear?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
63 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Scarr
35 books193 followersLouisa Scarr studied psychology at the University of Southampton and has lived in and around the city ever since. She is a full time writer, and when she's not at her desk, she can be found pounding the streets in running shoes or swimming in muddy lakes.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 11, 2024
One sentence review: A literary-leaning slow burner that's worth the wait
SYNOPSIS
DS Butler is called to the scene of a murder, but wait! His bff is locked in the van with the dead body. Could Finn really be guilty of such a heinous and messy crime?
MY OPINION
Naturally I read the most recent book in this series first (Seen to Be Believed). I saw the rest of the series was an absolute bargain on Kindle (I'm talking $1.99) so of course I copped it. And ooohweee am I ever glad I did!!! I can't believe how few reviews her series has given the quality of writing. If you like Dervla McTiernan (minus The Murder Rule of course) I highly suggest you pick up this series too. The writing style and storytelling is very similar, but distinct enough.
Now we all know I have the patience of a toddler at a candy store, so it says something about the writing quality when I was able to stick with it and not feel bored. Yes, it's a bit of a scenic route (but not Karin Slaughter levels of scenic, don't get it twisted) but she is a technically gifted writer. I do have a hard time believing Freya is 37 though; her maturity level is closer to a 27-year-old (think Lacey Flint from Sharon Bolton's series) than pushing 40.
Yes, this is what the streets call "romantic suspense". I think in the romance community they call this trope "grumpy / sunshine". Although I wouldn't say Freya is an absolute beaming ball of fiery gas, she is just not "shake your fist at the kids on your lawn" type of grumpy Butler is. The romance plot is as thicc as the crime plot tbh, so I don't wanna see "there was too much romance" in your review. YOU'VE BEEN TOLD!!!!!
Another aspect I love about this series is they're well-researched. Plots are hardly innovative these days, but it's how you dress is up that makes all the difference. I love to read about something new: in this case it was storm chasing. In book #4 it was AI and ML. Scarr is like Sharon Bolton in this aspect; she sprinkles in some well-researched razzle dazzle to make the book more memorable than your average police procedural.
I did guess the twist early on, but again, the writing!!! That's all I have to say. If you're looking for a well-written romantic suspense, peep this. I love how UK writers carve out their characters instead of resorting to guns ablazing and mafia subplots to keep the reader's interest. I find that investing in the characters is how you get readers to invest in a series. Especially fickle readers like me who will bop around series like no one's business.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beautifully written, twist was properly foreshadowed (not random), ending yanked on my heart strings, romantic tension and criminal case were thicc
Cons: a bit on the slow side, Freya's perspective and emotional intelligence doesn't seem up to par with her age
SYNOPSIS
DS Butler is called to the scene of a murder, but wait! His bff is locked in the van with the dead body. Could Finn really be guilty of such a heinous and messy crime?
MY OPINION
Naturally I read the most recent book in this series first (Seen to Be Believed). I saw the rest of the series was an absolute bargain on Kindle (I'm talking $1.99) so of course I copped it. And ooohweee am I ever glad I did!!! I can't believe how few reviews her series has given the quality of writing. If you like Dervla McTiernan (minus The Murder Rule of course) I highly suggest you pick up this series too. The writing style and storytelling is very similar, but distinct enough.
Now we all know I have the patience of a toddler at a candy store, so it says something about the writing quality when I was able to stick with it and not feel bored. Yes, it's a bit of a scenic route (but not Karin Slaughter levels of scenic, don't get it twisted) but she is a technically gifted writer. I do have a hard time believing Freya is 37 though; her maturity level is closer to a 27-year-old (think Lacey Flint from Sharon Bolton's series) than pushing 40.
Yes, this is what the streets call "romantic suspense". I think in the romance community they call this trope "grumpy / sunshine". Although I wouldn't say Freya is an absolute beaming ball of fiery gas, she is just not "shake your fist at the kids on your lawn" type of grumpy Butler is. The romance plot is as thicc as the crime plot tbh, so I don't wanna see "there was too much romance" in your review. YOU'VE BEEN TOLD!!!!!
Another aspect I love about this series is they're well-researched. Plots are hardly innovative these days, but it's how you dress is up that makes all the difference. I love to read about something new: in this case it was storm chasing. In book #4 it was AI and ML. Scarr is like Sharon Bolton in this aspect; she sprinkles in some well-researched razzle dazzle to make the book more memorable than your average police procedural.
I did guess the twist early on, but again, the writing!!! That's all I have to say. If you're looking for a well-written romantic suspense, peep this. I love how UK writers carve out their characters instead of resorting to guns ablazing and mafia subplots to keep the reader's interest. I find that investing in the characters is how you get readers to invest in a series. Especially fickle readers like me who will bop around series like no one's business.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beautifully written, twist was properly foreshadowed (not random), ending yanked on my heart strings, romantic tension and criminal case were thicc
Cons: a bit on the slow side, Freya's perspective and emotional intelligence doesn't seem up to par with her age
September 8, 2021
Under a Dark Cloud is the second instalment in the DS Robin Butler & DC Freya West series, set in and around Reading, Berkshire. When meteorologist Dr Finn Mason wakes up in the back of a large van he has no recollection of how he had ended up inside the vehicle. Looking around he sees blood everywhere. Pools of it across the floor. Spatters across the cupboards and ceiling and windows. Covering his jeans and T-shirt and skin. Meanwhile, it has just struck 5:42 am and DS Butler has just received a rude awakening from DC Grey of Thames Police who informs him that he is needed as his long-term best friend Finn is asking for him, refusing to exit a vehicle that has been locked from the inside and that has been involved in an incident overnight. Robin heads to the top deck of The Oracle multistorey car park in Reading city centre where the van is parked. He and his team quickly ascertain that it is a crime scene when they discover Finn’s colleague and fellow storm chaser Dr Simon Sharp’s murdered body inside the van; Finn and Simon had been together surrounded by tonnes of high tech equipment in order to accurately study and measure the raging storm that happened the previous evening, so all fingers begin pointing towards Finn as the murderer. What happened last night for it to end in such tragedy? With Finn the only logical suspect, Butler has his work cut out if he is to prove his friend innocent as it seems very much like a slam dunk case.
Adamant about showing that Finn did not kill Simon, Butler begins to dig into his life and past history, but the things he uncovers make him question whether he ever really knew Finn after all. Elsewhere, meanwhile, DC West has been assigned to assist Acting DS Josh Smith with an investigation into the suspicious death of a vagrant and transient man whose body was discovered stuffed inside a chest freezer in the car park at Riverside Country Park the morning after the storm. One of the staff had gone to move the appliance when it had tipped over and revealed its sinister surprise. Yesterday evening, Norman, one of the train station office workers, had seen the tramp hanging around his old haunts, begging and searching for somewhere to take shelter out of the driving rain. While Butler and West have been assigned different cases, Freya still lends a hand gathering information on Finn and both of them are beset by demons still ever-present from their past with Freya still mourning the loss of her lover who was killed. This is a compulsive and exciting locked-room thriller that is packed full of dramatic turns, wicked twists and palpable tension, and its fast-paced, addictive narrative left me yearning for more. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters is made up of well developed and engaging individuals. Overall, a captivating, suspenseful and atmospheric page-turner with more than enough going on to keep you invested. Highly recommended.
Adamant about showing that Finn did not kill Simon, Butler begins to dig into his life and past history, but the things he uncovers make him question whether he ever really knew Finn after all. Elsewhere, meanwhile, DC West has been assigned to assist Acting DS Josh Smith with an investigation into the suspicious death of a vagrant and transient man whose body was discovered stuffed inside a chest freezer in the car park at Riverside Country Park the morning after the storm. One of the staff had gone to move the appliance when it had tipped over and revealed its sinister surprise. Yesterday evening, Norman, one of the train station office workers, had seen the tramp hanging around his old haunts, begging and searching for somewhere to take shelter out of the driving rain. While Butler and West have been assigned different cases, Freya still lends a hand gathering information on Finn and both of them are beset by demons still ever-present from their past with Freya still mourning the loss of her lover who was killed. This is a compulsive and exciting locked-room thriller that is packed full of dramatic turns, wicked twists and palpable tension, and its fast-paced, addictive narrative left me yearning for more. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters is made up of well developed and engaging individuals. Overall, a captivating, suspenseful and atmospheric page-turner with more than enough going on to keep you invested. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2021
Butler and West #2
Early one morning, DS Robin Blake is summoned to a crime scene. Not as a policeman, but as best friend to meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason. The morning after studying an enormous storm, Finn has locked himself inside a van. Bloodied, confused and with no memory of how he got there. Alongside him is a dead body. Butler sets out to prove Finn's innocence, his friend now accused of murder. Meanwhile DC Freya West is struggling to cope. She has been plagued by nightmares since the events of nine months ago.
Butler and West aren't working together, they are both working on separate cases. DC Freya West is having to get used to working with another partner. The cases that DC Freya West and DS Robin Butler are working on are complex. There are some characters from the previous book in this story. The characters are well developed and believable. I liked the authors style in writing this book which is captivating from the beginning. I do think the book can be read as a standalone, but I would read The Last Place You Look first. I think it's best to go into this book blind.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #LouisaScarr for my ARC of #UnderADarkCloud in exchange for an honest review.
Early one morning, DS Robin Blake is summoned to a crime scene. Not as a policeman, but as best friend to meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason. The morning after studying an enormous storm, Finn has locked himself inside a van. Bloodied, confused and with no memory of how he got there. Alongside him is a dead body. Butler sets out to prove Finn's innocence, his friend now accused of murder. Meanwhile DC Freya West is struggling to cope. She has been plagued by nightmares since the events of nine months ago.
Butler and West aren't working together, they are both working on separate cases. DC Freya West is having to get used to working with another partner. The cases that DC Freya West and DS Robin Butler are working on are complex. There are some characters from the previous book in this story. The characters are well developed and believable. I liked the authors style in writing this book which is captivating from the beginning. I do think the book can be read as a standalone, but I would read The Last Place You Look first. I think it's best to go into this book blind.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #LouisaScarr for my ARC of #UnderADarkCloud in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2024
I am loving this series--the plots are utterly gripping. Louisa Scarr has been added to my favorites list.
August 16, 2024
"Under a Dark Cloud" is Book #2 in Louisa Scarr's "Compulsive British Detective Crime Thriller" Butler and West series.
Although it's a standalone read, reading the books in sequence is strongly recommended.
This whip-smart police procedural is pacey and boasts strong characterizations.
I listened to the audiobook read by David Wayman, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
WHY NOT 5 STARS:
This 9-hour audiobook easily could have been 7 hours.
September 25, 2021
Under A Dark Cloud is the second instalment in Louisa Scarr's Butler and West series.
Dr Finn Mason is a meteorologist and one morning he finds himself locked in a van, covered in blood. There is somebody in the vehicle with him... someone dead, and it's storm chaser Dr Simon Sharp. DS Robin Butler is a very close friend of Mason and sets out to prove his innocence when Mason is accused of murder. DC Freya West assists though she has problems of her own to work through and has been assigned a different case.
Set in and around Reading, Berkshire, this compulsive thriller contains more than enough to keep the reader fully invested. With dramatic turns, wicked twists and oodles of tension, its addictive narrative rockets along. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters are engaging individuals. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Dr Finn Mason is a meteorologist and one morning he finds himself locked in a van, covered in blood. There is somebody in the vehicle with him... someone dead, and it's storm chaser Dr Simon Sharp. DS Robin Butler is a very close friend of Mason and sets out to prove his innocence when Mason is accused of murder. DC Freya West assists though she has problems of her own to work through and has been assigned a different case.
Set in and around Reading, Berkshire, this compulsive thriller contains more than enough to keep the reader fully invested. With dramatic turns, wicked twists and oodles of tension, its addictive narrative rockets along. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters are engaging individuals. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 29, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ loving this series… onto a winner!!
One dead body. One witness. Both locked in a van alone!!!
DS Robin Butler is called to a gruesome murder scene but not in his capacity as DS, as best friend to renowned meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason.
Finn is locked in a van after studying a storm, bloodied, confused and with no memory of how he came to be there especially with the dead body of his friend and colleague laying on the floor in front of him. Butler sets about proving Finn’s innocence no matter how difficult that seems to be.
Meanwhile, DC Freya West is struggling to cope, plagued by nightmares and crumbling under the pressure of hers and Butlers secrets. As the past threatens to consume them both, do both detectives stand to lose more than they can bear?
Well once again I need to thank my very good friend Lit with Leigh for her solid recommendation of this series. I am loving it. Surprising myself how into the romantic suspense part of these books I am but it makes a nice little change when I read about murder and mayhem every day of the year.
I really enjoyed this book, I will be honest though I wasn’t into the case as much as the first one and certainly not as much as the 3rd, but I still really enjoyed it. I like the banter and tension between Butler and West but I will say I always forget that West is not THAT much younger than Butler. The way it is written feels like Butler is 50 and West is 28… either way though that doesn’t matter.
What was a bit of a sad face on this one for me was that Butler and West were not detecting together throughout the whole book and we have Josh introduced… who by all accounts is a massive douche. I mean I am sure he’s fine… but he’s a bit of a wanker and he’s in the way… I just can’t get into his character but… you can see 100% why he’s there and I get it.
When B&W get back to detecting together that’s when this book gets better for me… I really enjoy their dynamic even when they are fighting. I also like how Scarr has written both their characters… yes they have no FN idea that they are in love… and they are meandering along like teenagers but I guess its part for the course. I mean if they don’t end up together that will be the real crime here not some dead guy in the van.
But I like how much they like each other… they spend time together, respect each other, care about each other and even though they fight or have disagreements they never decide no F you you’re dead to me. Freya genuinely worries about Robin and vice versa I like that. I also like how she picks on him.. very realistic.
The crime solving is also done really well and there is a procedure to their policing (see what I did there 🤭) but its not just blowing things up and going yeahhhh buddy solved!!! Suck on that… its got a process, there are forensics they get stuck on bits and struggle with evidence.
The author does a great job of tacking some of the more devastating topics like crime and homelessness in returned vets and troubled teenagers along with the more gruesome murder that is at hand as well.
Overall, I strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good Police Procedural with plenty of evidence trails, dead ends and process AND a bit of romantic suspense and tension. There is a tiny bit of closed door action as well.. but even I could handle it!!! I would recommend reading these in order because there is an underlying storyline that is worth the burn.
And as you can see I ripped through this one and started straight onto the next (and at this stage am already on book 4).
One dead body. One witness. Both locked in a van alone!!!
DS Robin Butler is called to a gruesome murder scene but not in his capacity as DS, as best friend to renowned meteorologist, Dr Finn Mason.
Finn is locked in a van after studying a storm, bloodied, confused and with no memory of how he came to be there especially with the dead body of his friend and colleague laying on the floor in front of him. Butler sets about proving Finn’s innocence no matter how difficult that seems to be.
Meanwhile, DC Freya West is struggling to cope, plagued by nightmares and crumbling under the pressure of hers and Butlers secrets. As the past threatens to consume them both, do both detectives stand to lose more than they can bear?
Well once again I need to thank my very good friend Lit with Leigh for her solid recommendation of this series. I am loving it. Surprising myself how into the romantic suspense part of these books I am but it makes a nice little change when I read about murder and mayhem every day of the year.
I really enjoyed this book, I will be honest though I wasn’t into the case as much as the first one and certainly not as much as the 3rd, but I still really enjoyed it. I like the banter and tension between Butler and West but I will say I always forget that West is not THAT much younger than Butler. The way it is written feels like Butler is 50 and West is 28… either way though that doesn’t matter.
What was a bit of a sad face on this one for me was that Butler and West were not detecting together throughout the whole book and we have Josh introduced… who by all accounts is a massive douche. I mean I am sure he’s fine… but he’s a bit of a wanker and he’s in the way… I just can’t get into his character but… you can see 100% why he’s there and I get it.
When B&W get back to detecting together that’s when this book gets better for me… I really enjoy their dynamic even when they are fighting. I also like how Scarr has written both their characters… yes they have no FN idea that they are in love… and they are meandering along like teenagers but I guess its part for the course. I mean if they don’t end up together that will be the real crime here not some dead guy in the van.
But I like how much they like each other… they spend time together, respect each other, care about each other and even though they fight or have disagreements they never decide no F you you’re dead to me. Freya genuinely worries about Robin and vice versa I like that. I also like how she picks on him.. very realistic.
The crime solving is also done really well and there is a procedure to their policing (see what I did there 🤭) but its not just blowing things up and going yeahhhh buddy solved!!! Suck on that… its got a process, there are forensics they get stuck on bits and struggle with evidence.
The author does a great job of tacking some of the more devastating topics like crime and homelessness in returned vets and troubled teenagers along with the more gruesome murder that is at hand as well.
Overall, I strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good Police Procedural with plenty of evidence trails, dead ends and process AND a bit of romantic suspense and tension. There is a tiny bit of closed door action as well.. but even I could handle it!!! I would recommend reading these in order because there is an underlying storyline that is worth the burn.
And as you can see I ripped through this one and started straight onto the next (and at this stage am already on book 4).
September 23, 2021
A police procedural with a couple of interesting cases. Robin becomes involved in a case concerning his best friend which has taken place in another area meanwhile his collegues are investigating the death of a homeless man found in a chest freezer.
I liked the characters the crimes were believable (but somewhat bloody) and the investigations logically put together . Being part of a series there are storylines which arise from earlier books but that is fine . I liked the characters and would definitely read more of the series
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I liked the characters the crimes were believable (but somewhat bloody) and the investigations logically put together . Being part of a series there are storylines which arise from earlier books but that is fine . I liked the characters and would definitely read more of the series
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 4, 2021
Loved the first book in this series and loved this one.
Highly entertaining and gripping, I was happy to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
The characters are fleshed out and the plot is well crafted.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly entertaining and gripping, I was happy to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
The characters are fleshed out and the plot is well crafted.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 13, 2025
Book 2 in the DS Butler & DC West series. I hadn’t heard of this author before I read book 1 of this series, but after reading book 1 I just wanted to continue reading !! Love this series, love the characters ! Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 7, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series. Looking forward to #3 which I have reserved at my library.
August 2, 2023
I enjoyed the first in the series so picked up the second one when it popped on on a Kindle Daily Deal. Butler and West are still fighting their demons, and in this instalment they end up on different cases. West investigates the death of a man found in a dumped freezer in a storm, while Butler is determined to prove the innocence of his best mate Finn, found in a van with a dead body and covered in blood. The strongest part of the novel is the characters and the relationships between them. And there are a lot of relationships of all sorts between the characters. Louisa Scarr has an uncomplicated writing style that is ideal for this type of story, and I enjoy spending time with Butler and West. What dragged it down from a potential 4 stars to 3 stars was how ridiculous the investigation was. In particular, it is mentioned at some point that there were cameras inside the van, but there is no urgency to find out what they recorded. The senior detective asks at some point if the cameras have been found, the answer is no, and she just says to keep looking. It's not a big van, and the crime scene specialists have been over it with a fine tooth comb. How has a fixed camera gone undiscovered? And why is it not given more importance when no one knows what happened inside the van? It isn't until over half way through the novel that the camera assumes any significance, when in reality it would have been the priority. It wasn't they only "Hmm" moment, but the one that grated. Even so, Under A Dark Cloud is an enjoyable read, with great characters, that I would rate 7/10, rounded down to 3 stars because of the issues I've mentioned.
November 22, 2022
Continuing my catch-up, we are now at book 2 and I think (know) I was right starting from the beginning. Butler and West's "relationship" is going from strength to strength but also getting way more complicated now both in and out of work...!
So... early one morning, Butler is woken by his phone. It appears there's an incident. Not in his patch though. He has been called to the scene of an "ongoing incident" as he has been asked for by one of the persons involved. That person being his long standing, childhood friend Dr Finn Mason. He is a storm chaser and together with a colleague had been holed up in a van overnight testing a new gadget. A night which has now taken a dark turn as Finn's colleague is now dead and Finn has absolutely no idea what has happened. With local police believing the obvious, it falls firmly to Butler to try and prove otherwise.
Meanwhile West is given a new partner acting DS Josh Smith and the two of them called to the suspicious death of a body found in an abandoned freezer. She is still very vulnerable and fragile after the shenanigans and aftermath of what happened in book one (see told you to read that first) but she is determined to try and put it all behind her...
This is a great follow up to the series opener. A series that looks like it's not afraid to mix things up rather than just plod along - which is a refreshing change. We have two cases herein, the body in the freezer is more of a standard plodder to solve, but it is important as it establishes Smith as a new character and also brings out changes in West. Then we have the main case which is the predominant focus of the book and, I might add, rather more interesting and intriguing!
And then there's the hangover from book one - which took Butler and West to a very dark place and which will have more repercussions as the series progresses.
Again it's a relatively quick read but it's also not without substance. It contains everything you'll want and need from the genre, you know the script by now, and again by the end, I was ready for book three.
So... early one morning, Butler is woken by his phone. It appears there's an incident. Not in his patch though. He has been called to the scene of an "ongoing incident" as he has been asked for by one of the persons involved. That person being his long standing, childhood friend Dr Finn Mason. He is a storm chaser and together with a colleague had been holed up in a van overnight testing a new gadget. A night which has now taken a dark turn as Finn's colleague is now dead and Finn has absolutely no idea what has happened. With local police believing the obvious, it falls firmly to Butler to try and prove otherwise.
Meanwhile West is given a new partner acting DS Josh Smith and the two of them called to the suspicious death of a body found in an abandoned freezer. She is still very vulnerable and fragile after the shenanigans and aftermath of what happened in book one (see told you to read that first) but she is determined to try and put it all behind her...
This is a great follow up to the series opener. A series that looks like it's not afraid to mix things up rather than just plod along - which is a refreshing change. We have two cases herein, the body in the freezer is more of a standard plodder to solve, but it is important as it establishes Smith as a new character and also brings out changes in West. Then we have the main case which is the predominant focus of the book and, I might add, rather more interesting and intriguing!
And then there's the hangover from book one - which took Butler and West to a very dark place and which will have more repercussions as the series progresses.
Again it's a relatively quick read but it's also not without substance. It contains everything you'll want and need from the genre, you know the script by now, and again by the end, I was ready for book three.
July 6, 2024
A solid read, though nothing that really jumped out at me. The mystery was sufficiently twisty without feeling too contrived, but what really makes the book is the characters.
February 13, 2025
Another good read from LS. Robins best friend, Finn, is found locked in a van with a work colleague, a dead work colleague. Finn is the only suspect. Robin tries to help but it is being investigated in another town. Good read 9/10.
January 27, 2024
Bok nr 2 i serien har samme spennende plot-twister som i første boka. Stigende spenning, men ikke skummel. Liker både storyline mellom etterforskerne og i saken(e).
December 4, 2024
Thanks to my good friend John who passed this on to me. You get your money’s worth with this book - a good find!
April 17, 2024
Just when I thought the first book in this series couldn't be topped...
This novel was utterly perfect. Scarr manages to craft such wonderful stories, and beautiful nuances that just make her characters so completely loveable. Every ounce of each plot line is so well researched, the level of knowledge and information gone into this book is just incredible - there's coding, weather jargon, medical analysis, and a crash course in blood spatter among other things. It's effortlessly fascinating, and a real credit to Scarr that she can make such technical information so enjoyable to read, whilst simultaneously fitting so naturally into the story. And I am a massive fangirl for Butler and West - they are just the perfect duo. It feels as if I'm right there with them throughout the whole book, like I'm chilling with my best pals and helping them crack the case.
There were no loose ends, no plot holes, no complaints whatsoever. This is just a perfectly written and wonderfully crafted story. My only concern is that I don't know how it can possibly be topped, but I can't wait to devour the next one!
This novel was utterly perfect. Scarr manages to craft such wonderful stories, and beautiful nuances that just make her characters so completely loveable. Every ounce of each plot line is so well researched, the level of knowledge and information gone into this book is just incredible - there's coding, weather jargon, medical analysis, and a crash course in blood spatter among other things. It's effortlessly fascinating, and a real credit to Scarr that she can make such technical information so enjoyable to read, whilst simultaneously fitting so naturally into the story. And I am a massive fangirl for Butler and West - they are just the perfect duo. It feels as if I'm right there with them throughout the whole book, like I'm chilling with my best pals and helping them crack the case.
There were no loose ends, no plot holes, no complaints whatsoever. This is just a perfectly written and wonderfully crafted story. My only concern is that I don't know how it can possibly be topped, but I can't wait to devour the next one!
August 14, 2021
After reading the first book in this series I was looking forward to seeing what this one brought for Robin and Freya. I was not disappointed.
In this book they are, however, not working together for most of it. Robin has his work cut out for him not only professionally but personally in this story, while Freya has to adapt to taking orders from someone new.
Both cases they are working on are difficult ones, and are written very well. We meet characters from the previous book also, and more than one loose end is finally tied up.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy. I look forward to seeing what the author brings us next.
In this book they are, however, not working together for most of it. Robin has his work cut out for him not only professionally but personally in this story, while Freya has to adapt to taking orders from someone new.
Both cases they are working on are difficult ones, and are written very well. We meet characters from the previous book also, and more than one loose end is finally tied up.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy. I look forward to seeing what the author brings us next.
September 24, 2023
2.5 stars
I read this before knowing there was a first in the series.
The one thing that threw me off was I found a lot of information was repeated within a page or two from each other. I didn’t love the writing style and I found it a bit bland. I found myself just wanting to get through it to find out what happened but wasn’t on the edge of my seat at all. Maybe it would have been better if I had read the first book, but the ending wasn’t satisfying at all.
Such a shame because this book has good reviews, just didn’t hit with me
I read this before knowing there was a first in the series.
The one thing that threw me off was I found a lot of information was repeated within a page or two from each other. I didn’t love the writing style and I found it a bit bland. I found myself just wanting to get through it to find out what happened but wasn’t on the edge of my seat at all. Maybe it would have been better if I had read the first book, but the ending wasn’t satisfying at all.
Such a shame because this book has good reviews, just didn’t hit with me
December 12, 2022
Sitting on it for a bit...j/k diving to the next book because why did she tease all the possible Freya x Robin just to "nope" it in the end? Sadness to this shipper, but I guess that's where the next book comes in.
The book ties up some of the loose thread in Book1, it's recommended to read these two back to back.
The mystery was nice. I enjoy reading the detective work and how information was passed between parties.
The book ties up some of the loose thread in Book1, it's recommended to read these two back to back.
The mystery was nice. I enjoy reading the detective work and how information was passed between parties.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
I read this not knowing it was the second in a series. Although seeing how much of the book is taken up with rehashing and recapping the previous instalment, there’s no reason to go back and read it. But that apart, generally, I found it quite lacking. Not one I’d come back to.
April 4, 2023
Dissapointing
The first book in this series was really good, but very little happened in this one. It was very repetitive and the characters were constantly moaning or crying.
The first book in this series was really good, but very little happened in this one. It was very repetitive and the characters were constantly moaning or crying.
July 17, 2023
You’ll like this book if you enjoy…
• Police procedure books
• Suspenseful reads
• Atmospheric page turners
About : Robin receives a phone call, that takes him on an investigation outside of his jurisdiction. His friend is locked in the van with a dead body, he won’t come out and nobody knows what happened. Robin refuses to believe this friend could be capable of something like this, but how can he prove it…
Thoughts : Another great read from the Butler and West series.
I love that as the series goes on we are learning more about Butler and his past. During this book we are introduced to a lot of different characters that he knew from childhood. Personally I love a book that delves into characters and builds up in depth back stories.
This book is quite dark, and atmospheric and takes on quite sad subjects. It also takes some dark twisty turns. However there is also a romantic aspect to it a “will they, won’t they” type scenario, which I find break up the darker aspects. Because of this, it makes it more of a comfortable read.
Under a dark cloud is the second in the Butler and West series. I look forward to reading the third book - Blink of an Eye!
• Police procedure books
• Suspenseful reads
• Atmospheric page turners
About : Robin receives a phone call, that takes him on an investigation outside of his jurisdiction. His friend is locked in the van with a dead body, he won’t come out and nobody knows what happened. Robin refuses to believe this friend could be capable of something like this, but how can he prove it…
Thoughts : Another great read from the Butler and West series.
I love that as the series goes on we are learning more about Butler and his past. During this book we are introduced to a lot of different characters that he knew from childhood. Personally I love a book that delves into characters and builds up in depth back stories.
This book is quite dark, and atmospheric and takes on quite sad subjects. It also takes some dark twisty turns. However there is also a romantic aspect to it a “will they, won’t they” type scenario, which I find break up the darker aspects. Because of this, it makes it more of a comfortable read.
Under a dark cloud is the second in the Butler and West series. I look forward to reading the third book - Blink of an Eye!
October 23, 2024
AAAAAKKKKKKKK NOOOOOOO!!!!
This is Luc and Ava all over again 😭😭😭
Robin and Freya should’ve been together.
Oh, my poor heart.
Oke, mengesampingkan salah fokusku yang nge-ship dua karakter dektetif di novel tentang pembunuhan, buku ini melebihi ekspektasiku. Aku suka sama plot twist-nya yang biasa-biasa aja, tapi ternyata gila juga. Dua kasus di buku ini sebenarnya nggak berhubungan, cuma melengkapi satu sama lain dan jadi kunci buat ngebongkar setiap misteri.
Aku nggak nyangka akan datang hari di mana aku lebih pilih om-om umur 42 tahun yang grumpy dan hidupnya merana, plus ada indikasi dia bunuh orang aka pelaku yang ngebunuh keluarganya 😭😭😭 habisnya gimana, hubungan Robin-Freya tuh sederhana plus nyaman. Mereka udah lihat bagian terburuk dari masing-masing, terus ngerasa bebas buat nunjukin diri sendiri (woiii ini bukan office romance, ingat ini lininya police procedural dan mungkin aja salah satunya mati di buku berikutnya).
This is Luc and Ava all over again 😭😭😭
Robin and Freya should’ve been together.
Oh, my poor heart.
Oke, mengesampingkan salah fokusku yang nge-ship dua karakter dektetif di novel tentang pembunuhan, buku ini melebihi ekspektasiku. Aku suka sama plot twist-nya yang biasa-biasa aja, tapi ternyata gila juga. Dua kasus di buku ini sebenarnya nggak berhubungan, cuma melengkapi satu sama lain dan jadi kunci buat ngebongkar setiap misteri.
Aku nggak nyangka akan datang hari di mana aku lebih pilih om-om umur 42 tahun yang grumpy dan hidupnya merana, plus ada indikasi dia bunuh orang aka pelaku yang ngebunuh keluarganya 😭😭😭 habisnya gimana, hubungan Robin-Freya tuh sederhana plus nyaman. Mereka udah lihat bagian terburuk dari masing-masing, terus ngerasa bebas buat nunjukin diri sendiri (woiii ini bukan office romance, ingat ini lininya police procedural dan mungkin aja salah satunya mati di buku berikutnya).
September 12, 2022
This book is part of the DS butler and DC West crime series. Book 2. This book is so far my favourite one. I like the idea of having two different crime scenes (at first I was thinking this is going to be boring) I was hooked and had many pauses thinking who did it. I’m currently watching criminal minds so yes my head is in the game 🤣. ANYWAYS!! We are also introduced with new characters. Freya is my favourite and I am interested to see what life will take her in the third and final book.
Honestly I enjoyed this book, after reading the first one I wanted to see the relationship between the main characters… obviously not what I expected.
The third and final book will be in my Nov/Dec TBR. So the journey is not over yet!
Honestly I enjoyed this book, after reading the first one I wanted to see the relationship between the main characters… obviously not what I expected.
The third and final book will be in my Nov/Dec TBR. So the journey is not over yet!
June 3, 2023
The second in the Butler and West series is a good police procedural. Butler is called when his childhood best friend is accused of murder. He, of course, doesn't believe the apparently solid case against him and sets out to solve the case himself. West meanwhile is working under a new temporary sergeant on the case of a man found dead in an abandoned freezer.
The two cases progress, and the relationship between the principles develops. But both have complicated pasts, to say the least, and there are professional and personal difficulties that get in the way.
The combination of two cases and several personal issues make this a complex novel with many strands. But it is will written and comes to a series of conclusions, while leaving several issues hanging for future books.
The two cases progress, and the relationship between the principles develops. But both have complicated pasts, to say the least, and there are professional and personal difficulties that get in the way.
The combination of two cases and several personal issues make this a complex novel with many strands. But it is will written and comes to a series of conclusions, while leaving several issues hanging for future books.
July 3, 2022
The second in the series and I feel more affinity with DS Robin Butler with each volume!
Another thoroughly enjoyable read from Louisa Scarf who portrays her characters with care and affection.
When Robin Butler's best friend is found inside a blood soaked, locked van with a corpse it seems a cut and dried case, but DS Butler struggles to believe his friend would be capable of such an act. As he discovers more about a friend he hasn't seen in a while he finds darkness he wasn't aware of. Could he possibly be guilty....?
A gripping, twisty read that will have you racing to find out what happens!
Another thoroughly enjoyable read from Louisa Scarf who portrays her characters with care and affection.
When Robin Butler's best friend is found inside a blood soaked, locked van with a corpse it seems a cut and dried case, but DS Butler struggles to believe his friend would be capable of such an act. As he discovers more about a friend he hasn't seen in a while he finds darkness he wasn't aware of. Could he possibly be guilty....?
A gripping, twisty read that will have you racing to find out what happens!
December 5, 2022
A Good Read
I am really enjoying this series. DS Robin Butler is called to a crime scene where a friend of his in a locked van covered in blood and with a dead body. Dr Finn Mason is unable to say what has happened and is suspected of murder. Rob is determined to prove Finn is innocent of charges but the odds are stacked against him. I would suggest these books are read in order not only to help clarify events which have happened before but also because they are good books. I was hoping that Robin and DC Freyer West would become romantically involved, but it seems someone else has caught her eye. Here's hoping anyway.
I am really enjoying this series. DS Robin Butler is called to a crime scene where a friend of his in a locked van covered in blood and with a dead body. Dr Finn Mason is unable to say what has happened and is suspected of murder. Rob is determined to prove Finn is innocent of charges but the odds are stacked against him. I would suggest these books are read in order not only to help clarify events which have happened before but also because they are good books. I was hoping that Robin and DC Freyer West would become romantically involved, but it seems someone else has caught her eye. Here's hoping anyway.
November 8, 2021
Book two in the Butler and West series, still recovering from the outcome of the previous case West is struggling to sleep and is wrapped in guilt. Butler on the other hand has been doing better that is until he gets a phone call saying his best friend won't get out of a van which is a blood bath, it's all there the dead body the weapon and dna but Butler is convinced he knows his best friend, there's no way he would kill anyone right? People change though how well do we really know our friends?
I enjoyed this installment in the the series. Espically with recurring characters and incomplete issues that happened in book one are brought to life again. We have two different cases in this book one with Butlers' friend and the second West is handling its a dead old man in a freezer that wasn't outside. It could be an accident but West believes in foul play.
I enjoyed both cases as they both were trying to prove they we correct but neither of them we the leads. Butler finds himself thinking back to a his recent encounters he has had with his best friend although they no longer live in the same town they have kept close. But it seems his friend has changed signixantly and Butler is dealing with the guilt of not noticing. He also hates his current girlfriend as when he knows she's a bad influence.
West has to work under a new DS as Robin isn't there to lead. She doesn't get on well with his leadership qualities however she still manages toto get her point across regarding the case. She knows she's right she just has to prove it she's almost obsessing she no longer sleeps and I'd over working.
Ofcourse there's the blooming relationship between Butler and West is talked about throughout, I just love their interaction.
The novel is a well written crime book, with correct police procedure throughout and am understanding of what is and isn't inside the lines of professionalism. I found it refreshing honestly how well the procedure is followed throughput and not in a repeating annoying way other authors can come across.
All in all I recommend this series and suggest starting with book one before grabbing this one I found it interesting and both of the cases I truly didn’t know who was guilty. Plus the return if characters really added to the story. 4 5 stars
I enjoyed this installment in the the series. Espically with recurring characters and incomplete issues that happened in book one are brought to life again. We have two different cases in this book one with Butlers' friend and the second West is handling its a dead old man in a freezer that wasn't outside. It could be an accident but West believes in foul play.
I enjoyed both cases as they both were trying to prove they we correct but neither of them we the leads. Butler finds himself thinking back to a his recent encounters he has had with his best friend although they no longer live in the same town they have kept close. But it seems his friend has changed signixantly and Butler is dealing with the guilt of not noticing. He also hates his current girlfriend as when he knows she's a bad influence.
West has to work under a new DS as Robin isn't there to lead. She doesn't get on well with his leadership qualities however she still manages toto get her point across regarding the case. She knows she's right she just has to prove it she's almost obsessing she no longer sleeps and I'd over working.
Ofcourse there's the blooming relationship between Butler and West is talked about throughout, I just love their interaction.
The novel is a well written crime book, with correct police procedure throughout and am understanding of what is and isn't inside the lines of professionalism. I found it refreshing honestly how well the procedure is followed throughput and not in a repeating annoying way other authors can come across.
All in all I recommend this series and suggest starting with book one before grabbing this one I found it interesting and both of the cases I truly didn’t know who was guilty. Plus the return if characters really added to the story. 4 5 stars
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