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(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B096HHVGWM.)
An early morning run. An abandoned child. A dead family.
Did John Edwards slaughter his wife and daughters, then kill himself? Why did the little boy survive the massacre? What are the hippies next door hiding?
DI Daniel Owen needs to be on top form for this one, but his last case won’t leave him alone. His boyfriend’s past won’t leave either of them alone. Daniel and Mal need to talk, because not talking will tear them apart.
Then they find the next body.
An early morning run. An abandoned child. A dead family.
Did John Edwards slaughter his wife and daughters, then kill himself? Why did the little boy survive the massacre? What are the hippies next door hiding?
DI Daniel Owen needs to be on top form for this one, but his last case won’t leave him alone. His boyfriend’s past won’t leave either of them alone. Daniel and Mal need to talk, because not talking will tear them apart.
Then they find the next body.
188 pages, ebook
First published July 2, 2021
99 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 16, 2021
With so many bodies and so many suspects it was truly hard keeping track on who what doing what with/to whom ... so quite a complex mystery actually. I'm so glad the author did not take the easy road with the abandoned child (Dan and Mal are nowhere near ready to have a family!); our MC duo seriously have issues to work through. Easily one of the better books in this series - 4.5 stars.
August 22, 2022
This mystery was extra sad. It took me awhile to realize who was speaking at the beginning of each chapter.
Daniel and Mal sink further into their relationship and come to a crossroad of sorts.
Things are changing for them both professionally and personally. A turning point.
Off to read book 5…
Daniel and Mal sink further into their relationship and come to a crossroad of sorts.
Things are changing for them both professionally and personally. A turning point.
Off to read book 5…
April 11, 2022
Tangled and Frustrating
The mystery in this one was tangled and left a lot to be desired at the end there is terms of resolution. It was also quite an easy solve! That being said I have no regrets because a lot of time was spent dealing with the emotional fallout of the last book in the series. Mal and Daniel struggle to deal with the consequences of their time in Manchester and while I got their individual struggles I spent a lot of time wishing they would just talk to each other! It’s so crazy to think you can be with someone and want completely different things and this is the book in the series where a lot of that came to a head. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next!
The mystery in this one was tangled and left a lot to be desired at the end there is terms of resolution. It was also quite an easy solve! That being said I have no regrets because a lot of time was spent dealing with the emotional fallout of the last book in the series. Mal and Daniel struggle to deal with the consequences of their time in Manchester and while I got their individual struggles I spent a lot of time wishing they would just talk to each other! It’s so crazy to think you can be with someone and want completely different things and this is the book in the series where a lot of that came to a head. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next!
September 3, 2021
** 3.5 Stars **
May 13, 2024
These are like potato chip books for me, and I'll just keep reading.
September 14, 2024
This was the best mystery and case so far, but I like the romance less with each installment. Those two are not very well matched and I think they both would be better off alone 😔
October 28, 2021
Great Series
This entire series has been wonderful. The plots are riveting. The characters engaging and the two main characters, Daniel and Mal are completely believable as a couple. I want more.
This entire series has been wonderful. The plots are riveting. The characters engaging and the two main characters, Daniel and Mal are completely believable as a couple. I want more.
June 26, 2023
I am happy to say that this installment is a real step up for this series – a solid 3+ stars.
First, the good stuff - and there's a lot of good stuff. In fact, there isn't any bad stuff except for Daniel and Mal's relationship hitting the iceberg of Daniel-won't-gave-an-inch.
One of my previous issues with these books was the quality of the writing, the wonky punctuation, and even wonkier formatting. These issues have been almost completely resolved. There are still a few punctuation wobbles and I still have difficulty at times knowing who is talking when there are two potential "he's" involved in a single paragraph/verbal exchange, but on the other hand, the author has really moved away from the uber-terseness of the previous books and is now giving the readers settings and details. There's no longer much about the writing style/format that irks me, which means I don't get pulled out of the story. This author’s writing has definitely evolved and leveled up.
Good stuff #2 - the plots continue to be really twisty and complex (which I love) and would make the series worth reading even w/out the romance aspect . . .
Good stuff #3 - . . . speaking of the romance aspect, it is actually evident now. Yes, these books are still first and foremost really deeply quirky police procedurals, but there is now a significant amount of effort and representation with the relationship aspect as well. It’s a nicely balanced combination of genres, where the romance aspect feels crucial to the resolution of solving the crime without being shoehorned into the plot. It’s really nice to have a more in-depth view of what Daniel and Mal are feeling and doing when they are alone.
Good stuff #4 (note: I have already read the next book in the series) is that this has quickly become a series I am invested in and despite (or perhaps because of?) all their dramatic hoo-hah, I am loving Daniel and Mal. These books have gone from being somewhat interesting to “can’t wait to read the next one.”
Good stuff #5: There is one bit in this book that I have to quote because it just so damned funny and spot-on. A young man is talking to Mal and this guy is very attracted to Mal, then sees Daniel talk to Mal and intuits that Daniel and Mal are together.
“Is everyone here gay?” Jamie asked without thinking, because come on, rural police station in north Wales?
THAT? Is hilarious and so apt. Kudos to the author for including it.
Now, on to the actual story. This tone of this book can best be captured by these thoughts of Daniel's:
As he lost control, his mind took him back under the stage in the Burns and Wood Building, knowing that the only way out was to hurt Andy Carter as badly as he could. He’d done it, and then Andy Carter was killed. He heard the gunfire, over and over again, smelled the blood, saw the body collapse onto the dirty floor. The failure was his. The moment he should have acted, and didn’t. Because of his failure, Mal had been shot. He couldn’t get past it.
Daniel is an absolute train wreck by book's end. He is struggling with anxiety, mental illness (let's call it what it is, and I appreciate it being part of Daniel's psyche) and reacts to everything like a plucked tuning fork. He cannot see that Mal is the person who brings him relief from/a way out of this inner torture he (Daniel) is putting himself through. This whole book is a documentation of a classic SNAFU situation due to numerous aborted attempts at Real Communication, mainly on Daniel's side. Here's what Daniel thinks regarding talking to Mal:
If we could just let our bodies talk, everything would be OK.
Yep, sex can surely solve all of your problems, Daniel 🫤
Fortunately, one female character sets him straight:
The difference is that women talk about stuff rather than just emoting all over the place and then having make-up sex.”.
Nailed. It!!!
There is one step forward in the whole mess that is Daniel and Mal's relationship, and that is the fact that Megan's husband has called her out on the unhealthy amount of intimacy that Megan shares with Daniel (and vice versa) regarding every thought and every feeling either is experiencing. Both Megan and Daniel’s standard default is ‘if something happens, I need to tell my sibling NOW’. This includes things where it is surely a better idea to confer with one’s partner first. Fortunately, the nudge from Megan’s husband results in Megan talking to Daniel about having a more healthy version of sibling closeness.
“It’s not healthy, always you and me against the world. I’m married. I have kids and a serious job.” Daniel said nothing. “You have Mal, you don’t need me to be the big sister all the time. And like I say, we have to learn to, well, grow up. Both of us.”
I definitely applaud this decision, especially if it means Megan will back off about directing Daniel’s love life and, quite honestly, am impressed that the author deliberately addressed the siblings' relationship in such detail.
In this book we also learn details about Mal’s family and how they treat him and it is . . . ugly. These are the details that Daniel wants to know about, that Daniel thinks Mal is “withholding” (??), but you can certainly see why Mal would be hesitant/resistant/unwilling to talk about them.
Ultimately this particular book ends on a low note and that was (for me) distressing. If this were the last book in the series, I would say that Daniel does not deserve a guy like Mal, period, end sentence. Fortunately, there are more books to come . . .
Highly recommended, especially from this book onward, for those who like police procedurals with UK flavor and lots of twisty psychological components.
First, the good stuff - and there's a lot of good stuff. In fact, there isn't any bad stuff except for Daniel and Mal's relationship hitting the iceberg of Daniel-won't-gave-an-inch.
One of my previous issues with these books was the quality of the writing, the wonky punctuation, and even wonkier formatting. These issues have been almost completely resolved. There are still a few punctuation wobbles and I still have difficulty at times knowing who is talking when there are two potential "he's" involved in a single paragraph/verbal exchange, but on the other hand, the author has really moved away from the uber-terseness of the previous books and is now giving the readers settings and details. There's no longer much about the writing style/format that irks me, which means I don't get pulled out of the story. This author’s writing has definitely evolved and leveled up.
Good stuff #2 - the plots continue to be really twisty and complex (which I love) and would make the series worth reading even w/out the romance aspect . . .
Good stuff #3 - . . . speaking of the romance aspect, it is actually evident now. Yes, these books are still first and foremost really deeply quirky police procedurals, but there is now a significant amount of effort and representation with the relationship aspect as well. It’s a nicely balanced combination of genres, where the romance aspect feels crucial to the resolution of solving the crime without being shoehorned into the plot. It’s really nice to have a more in-depth view of what Daniel and Mal are feeling and doing when they are alone.
Good stuff #4 (note: I have already read the next book in the series) is that this has quickly become a series I am invested in and despite (or perhaps because of?) all their dramatic hoo-hah, I am loving Daniel and Mal. These books have gone from being somewhat interesting to “can’t wait to read the next one.”
Good stuff #5: There is one bit in this book that I have to quote because it just so damned funny and spot-on. A young man is talking to Mal and this guy is very attracted to Mal, then sees Daniel talk to Mal and intuits that Daniel and Mal are together.
“Is everyone here gay?” Jamie asked without thinking, because come on, rural police station in north Wales?
THAT? Is hilarious and so apt. Kudos to the author for including it.
Now, on to the actual story. This tone of this book can best be captured by these thoughts of Daniel's:
As he lost control, his mind took him back under the stage in the Burns and Wood Building, knowing that the only way out was to hurt Andy Carter as badly as he could. He’d done it, and then Andy Carter was killed. He heard the gunfire, over and over again, smelled the blood, saw the body collapse onto the dirty floor. The failure was his. The moment he should have acted, and didn’t. Because of his failure, Mal had been shot. He couldn’t get past it.
Daniel is an absolute train wreck by book's end. He is struggling with anxiety, mental illness (let's call it what it is, and I appreciate it being part of Daniel's psyche) and reacts to everything like a plucked tuning fork. He cannot see that Mal is the person who brings him relief from/a way out of this inner torture he (Daniel) is putting himself through. This whole book is a documentation of a classic SNAFU situation due to numerous aborted attempts at Real Communication, mainly on Daniel's side. Here's what Daniel thinks regarding talking to Mal:
If we could just let our bodies talk, everything would be OK.
Yep, sex can surely solve all of your problems, Daniel 🫤
Fortunately, one female character sets him straight:
The difference is that women talk about stuff rather than just emoting all over the place and then having make-up sex.”.
Nailed. It!!!
There is one step forward in the whole mess that is Daniel and Mal's relationship, and that is the fact that Megan's husband has called her out on the unhealthy amount of intimacy that Megan shares with Daniel (and vice versa) regarding every thought and every feeling either is experiencing. Both Megan and Daniel’s standard default is ‘if something happens, I need to tell my sibling NOW’. This includes things where it is surely a better idea to confer with one’s partner first. Fortunately, the nudge from Megan’s husband results in Megan talking to Daniel about having a more healthy version of sibling closeness.
“It’s not healthy, always you and me against the world. I’m married. I have kids and a serious job.” Daniel said nothing. “You have Mal, you don’t need me to be the big sister all the time. And like I say, we have to learn to, well, grow up. Both of us.”
I definitely applaud this decision, especially if it means Megan will back off about directing Daniel’s love life and, quite honestly, am impressed that the author deliberately addressed the siblings' relationship in such detail.
In this book we also learn details about Mal’s family and how they treat him and it is . . . ugly. These are the details that Daniel wants to know about, that Daniel thinks Mal is “withholding” (??), but you can certainly see why Mal would be hesitant/resistant/unwilling to talk about them.
Ultimately this particular book ends on a low note and that was (for me) distressing. If this were the last book in the series, I would say that Daniel does not deserve a guy like Mal, period, end sentence. Fortunately, there are more books to come . . .
Highly recommended, especially from this book onward, for those who like police procedurals with UK flavor and lots of twisty psychological components.
August 30, 2024
A book that manages to be better than the last
This book should come with a warning, “do not start to read this book unless you have a completely free 24 hours ahead of you” because once you start reading, it will be very difficult to put this book down. After a very emotional start to the book, Ripley Hayes starts to layer up the story with new character threads, new social and work dramas and of course a new series of deaths to investigate. Police investigation procedures are brilliantly interwoven with page turning drama, making the details of police work flow effortlessly across the page.
When the book opens we pick up months after book 3, with Mal and Daniel settling into normality, neither speaking about their fears and concerns and a simmering pot of emotion on the verge of boiling over. Most of the tension in this book is around Daniel’s PTSD following the events of book 3. But he is also worried about Mal wanting to return to the big city, which stirs up feelings of abandonment. As the story progresses these fears begin to surface in an unhealthy way, as personal and work issues ratchet up the pressure.
As always Ripley Hayes handles this beautifully, occasionally skirting on the boarder of “contrived angst” due to the lack of communication between the two leads. But she always grounds their actions in the “complexity of the human human condition” and the reality of investigating horrific crimes. But through all of this she produces more of her great character writing, and introduces us to some new characters. She even manages to breath life into a 1 year old toddler who can only speak a few words, providing us with a rich array of emotions while still tugging at the heartstrings in a very believable way.
One of the highlights though is an exciting mountain rescue amidst a rapidly spreading wild fire. The whole time the author focuses on the characters’ interactions, occasionally drawing in the growing threat of the fire through the periphery of her writing. You feel the tension build without realising it, as the characters banter back and forth trying to distract an injured party during their mountain descent.
All in all this is a great book, the best in the series so far, feeling just as fresh and original as the first book did. And it’s such a delight to read an author who can so effortlessly bring characters and scenes to life and this book really showcases that. It still suffers the same “pacing jump” at the end where the author dumps lots of information and plot in quick succession, as we had previously seen in book 3. But she wraps things up quite neatly, so you can easily forgive her for it. What is much harder to forgive is the hunger she leaves you with for the next book in the series. But thank goodness it’s already written and you only have to wait for it to be loaded onto your kindle… and for another “free 24 hours” before you dare start reading it.
4.5 Stars
This book should come with a warning, “do not start to read this book unless you have a completely free 24 hours ahead of you” because once you start reading, it will be very difficult to put this book down. After a very emotional start to the book, Ripley Hayes starts to layer up the story with new character threads, new social and work dramas and of course a new series of deaths to investigate. Police investigation procedures are brilliantly interwoven with page turning drama, making the details of police work flow effortlessly across the page.
When the book opens we pick up months after book 3, with Mal and Daniel settling into normality, neither speaking about their fears and concerns and a simmering pot of emotion on the verge of boiling over. Most of the tension in this book is around Daniel’s PTSD following the events of book 3. But he is also worried about Mal wanting to return to the big city, which stirs up feelings of abandonment. As the story progresses these fears begin to surface in an unhealthy way, as personal and work issues ratchet up the pressure.
As always Ripley Hayes handles this beautifully, occasionally skirting on the boarder of “contrived angst” due to the lack of communication between the two leads. But she always grounds their actions in the “complexity of the human human condition” and the reality of investigating horrific crimes. But through all of this she produces more of her great character writing, and introduces us to some new characters. She even manages to breath life into a 1 year old toddler who can only speak a few words, providing us with a rich array of emotions while still tugging at the heartstrings in a very believable way.
One of the highlights though is an exciting mountain rescue amidst a rapidly spreading wild fire. The whole time the author focuses on the characters’ interactions, occasionally drawing in the growing threat of the fire through the periphery of her writing. You feel the tension build without realising it, as the characters banter back and forth trying to distract an injured party during their mountain descent.
All in all this is a great book, the best in the series so far, feeling just as fresh and original as the first book did. And it’s such a delight to read an author who can so effortlessly bring characters and scenes to life and this book really showcases that. It still suffers the same “pacing jump” at the end where the author dumps lots of information and plot in quick succession, as we had previously seen in book 3. But she wraps things up quite neatly, so you can easily forgive her for it. What is much harder to forgive is the hunger she leaves you with for the next book in the series. But thank goodness it’s already written and you only have to wait for it to be loaded onto your kindle… and for another “free 24 hours” before you dare start reading it.
4.5 Stars
October 16, 2022
I have read the books up to this point and I have begun to like the characters less and less. I no longer feel like the writer wants them together. The mystery is is so not a mystery but the clues are not laid out so that you know what is happening in the mystery. Even worse I did not care what was happening. There was no character to pull me into this mystery. I feel like very little time was given to anything, however all the characters were used in ways that made sense for the main characters. For me a good mystery gives me what I need to know to possibly solve the crime this did and didn't because, without too many spoilers the crime is solved and yet the book continues. And in the last 3 books when the problems between the main characters could be solved by them communicating with each other it seems pretty lazy to fall back on the lack of communication again.
The reason I did not give it one star is because I liked the characters, not loved or really cared for but it is more of a checking on them every once in a while kind of relationship with them.
The reason I did not give it one star is because I liked the characters, not loved or really cared for but it is more of a checking on them every once in a while kind of relationship with them.
November 15, 2023
Confusion and lies
There seems to be a lack of law in these towns in whales. Nothing that can stick and a lot gets over looked. This plot of murder suicide, the whole community thing , all the lies that really led no where. It doesn't make sense that John would kill the girls, that would be more like Mel then John and Josh said that she killed them. Mel went after he own son Josh with knife intending to kill him in front of the all But nothing came of it. Daniel complains that Mal doesn't talk to him or share what's bothering him but Daniel is worse as he refuses to tell Mal what is happening within him. Hector was worried about his Mother meeting Sasha and Arwen but she was absolutely amazing with both of them. She was a wonderful and very gracious character. I happened to like her a lot. Mal is now off to London to take down the cops who rape those in their custody so lets see how this goes for Daniel..
There seems to be a lack of law in these towns in whales. Nothing that can stick and a lot gets over looked. This plot of murder suicide, the whole community thing , all the lies that really led no where. It doesn't make sense that John would kill the girls, that would be more like Mel then John and Josh said that she killed them. Mel went after he own son Josh with knife intending to kill him in front of the all But nothing came of it. Daniel complains that Mal doesn't talk to him or share what's bothering him but Daniel is worse as he refuses to tell Mal what is happening within him. Hector was worried about his Mother meeting Sasha and Arwen but she was absolutely amazing with both of them. She was a wonderful and very gracious character. I happened to like her a lot. Mal is now off to London to take down the cops who rape those in their custody so lets see how this goes for Daniel..
September 29, 2025
A pleasure returning to the Daniel Owen mysteries. I tried to remember why I did not plow straight on to A Man after reading Leavings. But as I read I remembered how devastating the ending of Leavings was and how I decided to take a break. Well I am glad I am back in Wales for these great stories. This one seen Mal and Daniel dealing with a murder suicide and an obstructive bunch of hippies. The story unfolds slowly but surely with Daniel being in the lead of finding clues and putting it all together.
The style of writing for these stories is fantastic. Each chapter explores a facet of the mystery with multiple perspectives from different characters in short chapter sections. A great device for those of us with short attention spans!
The style of writing for these stories is fantastic. Each chapter explores a facet of the mystery with multiple perspectives from different characters in short chapter sections. A great device for those of us with short attention spans!
April 30, 2022
I would give this 3.5 stars rounded up (because I love Daniel and Mal) -- but the mystery here, though intense and compelling, frustrated me to no end because
Plus, Daniel and Mal really struggled in this one, and although I found it compelling, the balance of angst and resolution wasn't quite strong enough for my personal taste. Still, when I look at this one as part of the whole series, it's a necessary step. :)
Plus, Daniel and Mal really struggled in this one, and although I found it compelling, the balance of angst and resolution wasn't quite strong enough for my personal taste. Still, when I look at this one as part of the whole series, it's a necessary step. :)
April 18, 2023
I am enjoying this series more with each installment. The story is both a police procedural and a mystery which I appreciate. I love an engaging mystery, but I start getting bored when law enforcement procedure is completely unrealistic or poorly crafted. Ripley Hayes creates a nice middle ground between being realistic, but also entertaining. The crime committed is impactful on the community and law enforcement. I almost couldn't read it because I struggle with stories that involve children as victims, but the author handled the subject matter delicately.
The underlying story involving the romance between Mal and Daniel is evolving slowly. I prefer this approach to their relationship. They have quite a few obstacles to overcome if they want a chance to have a solid relationship. Being in law enforcement and in a small town are serious challenges.
Overall a great read that has me hunting for the next book before I have finished the one I am reading.
The underlying story involving the romance between Mal and Daniel is evolving slowly. I prefer this approach to their relationship. They have quite a few obstacles to overcome if they want a chance to have a solid relationship. Being in law enforcement and in a small town are serious challenges.
Overall a great read that has me hunting for the next book before I have finished the one I am reading.
July 29, 2023
Mal continues to be a dick. Fantasy baby? Wow wow wow.
This case though and the execution of solving it has me on the edge of my seat! So far the best mystery in the series.
One thing I’m not understanding is the focus story wise on Hector. I like Hector and I did want to see if he talked to a counselor about his abusive prior relationship. But I’m not interested in the details of a secondary character’s heterosexual relationship in an m/m mystery. I don’t care about Sasha or her kid. Strange pairing and focus in my opinion.
Poor Daniel. No relatives left in town and his boyfriend is moving back to the city.
This case though and the execution of solving it has me on the edge of my seat! So far the best mystery in the series.
One thing I’m not understanding is the focus story wise on Hector. I like Hector and I did want to see if he talked to a counselor about his abusive prior relationship. But I’m not interested in the details of a secondary character’s heterosexual relationship in an m/m mystery. I don’t care about Sasha or her kid. Strange pairing and focus in my opinion.
Poor Daniel. No relatives left in town and his boyfriend is moving back to the city.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
In the meantime I've devoured the whole series. And I love it. I wish there were more books. The author creates interesting, complex crimes, well interwoven in the whole setting. In addition the MCs go through several personal developments, each on their own and as a couple. The writing is excellent, the atmosphere is spot on, the people are all real individual characters, each side character well fleshed out. Even the fact that sometimes not all crimes get punished as you wish as a reader fits perfectly in the whole setting.
Very satisfying read, love the romance as well as the crime plots. Higly recommended series.
Very satisfying read, love the romance as well as the crime plots. Higly recommended series.
July 3, 2021
Not sure why I keep reading these, I always end up unsatisfied in the end. As for the romance - Mal and Daniel have never really felt like a believable couple to me so the fact the author keeps finding new unnecessary ways to break them up or separate them is beyond tedious to me now.
We are 4 books in and I'm not sure how as a reader I'm supposed to invest in them when it's so stop start. I skipped book 3 and this was my final attempt to get on board with the series. The romance isn't a romance and the resolution of the mystery was a let down.
We are 4 books in and I'm not sure how as a reader I'm supposed to invest in them when it's so stop start. I skipped book 3 and this was my final attempt to get on board with the series. The romance isn't a romance and the resolution of the mystery was a let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
3.5*
I am enjoying this series, Daniel and Mal definitely like to put us through the wringer. This instalment starts with all being well between our two policemen.
The mystery and murder element see-saw'd a bit for me - some bits gruesomely grisly and at other times, a bit confusing and questions not asked that I had.
But also as time went on, both Mal and Daniel start getting news thrown at them that they keep secret and we build to previous behaviours of running away - we end on a couple of questions for both of them - lucky I have the next book handy!
I am enjoying this series, Daniel and Mal definitely like to put us through the wringer. This instalment starts with all being well between our two policemen.
The mystery and murder element see-saw'd a bit for me - some bits gruesomely grisly and at other times, a bit confusing and questions not asked that I had.
But also as time went on, both Mal and Daniel start getting news thrown at them that they keep secret and we build to previous behaviours of running away - we end on a couple of questions for both of them - lucky I have the next book handy!
September 2, 2022
Life Just Happens
Ripley Hayes writes the best mysteries set in Wales. Daniel and Mal work together to solve what appears to be a routine murder/suicide. But was it really what it seems? Members of an alternative style commune are evasive and at times suspected of telling outright lies when questioned. The case gets curiouser and curiouser. Daniel and Mal differ about details of the case. Hayes comes up with totally different scenarios and great characters. This 4th book in the series will not disappoint!
Ripley Hayes writes the best mysteries set in Wales. Daniel and Mal work together to solve what appears to be a routine murder/suicide. But was it really what it seems? Members of an alternative style commune are evasive and at times suspected of telling outright lies when questioned. The case gets curiouser and curiouser. Daniel and Mal differ about details of the case. Hayes comes up with totally different scenarios and great characters. This 4th book in the series will not disappoint!
April 8, 2024
After the high-octane thrills and spills of the last two stories, there's a change of pace in A Man, which lends itself to thoughtful character development and the deepening of Mal and Daniel's relationship.
The mystery is complex and emotionally convoluted in its impact on the two men, especially Daniel. The lush Welsh summer countryside added an extra poignancy as the two men untangle the threads of the investigation and try to work out their future direction at a personal level. A beautifully crafted and reflective story with an emotional punch.
The mystery is complex and emotionally convoluted in its impact on the two men, especially Daniel. The lush Welsh summer countryside added an extra poignancy as the two men untangle the threads of the investigation and try to work out their future direction at a personal level. A beautifully crafted and reflective story with an emotional punch.
November 18, 2021
ugh. there’s this line in fight club about how you only hurt the ones you live, and how that actually goes both ways and that’s all I can think of to describe this. which… isn’t fair, seeing as this is actually one of the more hopeful ones on the romance side of things. it’s true tho. gods, my poor Daniel. I really need him to get help for the PTSD and I really need him to talk to Mal about it and and and…
can’t wait to read more. loved the way the meta bits were woven together with the story.
can’t wait to read more. loved the way the meta bits were woven together with the story.
January 21, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. The midgets are rather brutal, but I love how the author uses multiple POV, depending on who's important at the moment. Lovely plotting overall -- no wonder I liked their cozy No Accident at Abergwyn even though I'm not wild about cozies.
August 16, 2022
The book was well paced and well plotted, though ultimately I feel kind of let down by the ending. It's not a bad ending, it just doesn't satisfy one's desire for justice, a fact that even the characters lament. There's excellent character development for Daniel and Mal as well as for Hector and Sasha. Some new characters are introduced and some old issues reintroduced.
March 6, 2022
Flying through these books
There is nothing better than finding a great mystery series with an ongoing love story mixed in. This one focuses on Daniel and Mal figuring out why a family is dead while they negotiate how to make it work together.
There is nothing better than finding a great mystery series with an ongoing love story mixed in. This one focuses on Daniel and Mal figuring out why a family is dead while they negotiate how to make it work together.
July 24, 2022
Good writing
I’m really enjoying this series. I like the mysteries and the characters. Although I have to admit I get lost sometimes because there are so many people. It’s a good read though.
I’m really enjoying this series. I like the mysteries and the characters. Although I have to admit I get lost sometimes because there are so many people. It’s a good read though.
August 10, 2022
convoluted, but good
So I like the characters. I like the development. The plot in this one was not for me. The resolution was also a bit of a let down. The good part was the ending. The conflict it leaves off on. I also liked the love scenes.
So I like the characters. I like the development. The plot in this one was not for me. The resolution was also a bit of a let down. The good part was the ending. The conflict it leaves off on. I also liked the love scenes.
November 10, 2023
I want to like these more than I do. The mysteries are decent, it is the characters that I can't connect with. Daniel is a good main character but I dislike Mal too much to enjoy these. Maybe you'll like them better. give me DCI Charlie Reece any day!
July 8, 2021
Complex mystery--hard to figure out who did what. Enjoyed reading even though I am not happy with Mal. I hope it turns out better than I think it will.
December 27, 2021
Another great instalment. Out running Daniel and Mal find a small child in the middle of the street and then Mal finds 4 bodies.
Another story which kept me guessing til the end
Another story which kept me guessing til the end
April 12, 2022
A little bit better than prior books in this series. Filled with typos.
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