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D.I. Dani Stephens #3
Echoes of Guilt
Victim, killer, or detective—you can’t outrun your past—in this nail-biting Dani Stephens crime thriller from the author of The Rules of Murder .
It looks like suicide to DI Dani Stephens.
A woman drowned in a bath; half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills. But then evidence suggests that the woman was murdered—and that solving this mystery will mean delving deep into the past.
Still haunted by the previous investigation that left her boyfriend in intensive care, Dani’s search takes her into the world of organized crime—people willing to kill for their secrets.
As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her her own twin brother. Even behind bars, it seems that Ben might just hold the key to everything.
But can she trust him enough to help her? And can Dani trust herself to catch a killer who will stop at nothing to keep her silent?
The gripping third installment in bestseller Rob Sinclair’s unputdownable crime series, Echoes of Guilt is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Stuart MacBride.
It looks like suicide to DI Dani Stephens.
A woman drowned in a bath; half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills. But then evidence suggests that the woman was murdered—and that solving this mystery will mean delving deep into the past.
Still haunted by the previous investigation that left her boyfriend in intensive care, Dani’s search takes her into the world of organized crime—people willing to kill for their secrets.
As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her her own twin brother. Even behind bars, it seems that Ben might just hold the key to everything.
But can she trust him enough to help her? And can Dani trust herself to catch a killer who will stop at nothing to keep her silent?
The gripping third installment in bestseller Rob Sinclair’s unputdownable crime series, Echoes of Guilt is perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Stuart MacBride.
Paperback
First published August 3, 2020
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174 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sinclair
34 books683 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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July 28, 2020
DI Dani Stephens #3
DI Dani Stephens and DS Easton are investigating the murder of a woman who had drowned in the bath with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her. Dani is still haunted by her previous case that left her boyfriend in intensive care. Their search takes them into the world of organised crime - people willing to kill for their secrets. As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her life: her own twin brother.
Dani thinks her brother is responsible for more than just one crime. This is a tense and creepy read. The case Dani is investigating takes them to people with secret identities, human trafficking, multiple murders and lots more. This is a well written book that's packed with action and twists. The pace is fast in this tense and atmospheric read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Rob Sinclair for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
DI Dani Stephens #3
DI Dani Stephens and DS Easton are investigating the murder of a woman who had drowned in the bath with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her. Dani is still haunted by her previous case that left her boyfriend in intensive care. Their search takes them into the world of organised crime - people willing to kill for their secrets. As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her life: her own twin brother.
Dani thinks her brother is responsible for more than just one crime. This is a tense and creepy read. The case Dani is investigating takes them to people with secret identities, human trafficking, multiple murders and lots more. This is a well written and book that's packed with action and twists. The pace is fast in this tense and atmospheric read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Rob Sinclair for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Dani Stephens and DS Easton are investigating the murder of a woman who had drowned in the bath with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her. Dani is still haunted by her previous case that left her boyfriend in intensive care. Their search takes them into the world of organised crime - people willing to kill for their secrets. As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her life: her own twin brother.
Dani thinks her brother is responsible for more than just one crime. This is a tense and creepy read. The case Dani is investigating takes them to people with secret identities, human trafficking, multiple murders and lots more. This is a well written book that's packed with action and twists. The pace is fast in this tense and atmospheric read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Rob Sinclair for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
DI Dani Stephens #3
DI Dani Stephens and DS Easton are investigating the murder of a woman who had drowned in the bath with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her. Dani is still haunted by her previous case that left her boyfriend in intensive care. Their search takes them into the world of organised crime - people willing to kill for their secrets. As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her life: her own twin brother.
Dani thinks her brother is responsible for more than just one crime. This is a tense and creepy read. The case Dani is investigating takes them to people with secret identities, human trafficking, multiple murders and lots more. This is a well written and book that's packed with action and twists. The pace is fast in this tense and atmospheric read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Rob Sinclair for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2020
DI Dani Stephens and her team are called on to investigate when a woman is found floating in her bathtub. Evidence points to a suicide, but when Dani discovers that the woman was using an alias, she starts looking at this as a murder.
Dani's investigation takes her through a maze of organized crime, prostitution, and human trafficking. These are people who are willing to kill to keep their secrets.
More bodies fall and Dani doesn't know who she can trust .. especially when she becomes the next target.
Highly suspenseful, this well written crime fiction spotlights the skillfully developed characters as they follow the crumbs to solve this mystery. There is a second story line .. of that with Dani and her twin brother. It would be best to read the books in this series in order..as there are many spoilers in this 3rd story.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo Hera / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 2, 2020
Echoes of Guilt marks the return of Detective Inspector (DI) Dani Stephens in the third instalment of this tense and shocking Midlands-based series. It isn't strictly necessary to have the preceding books as the bulk of the story is self-contained, however, Dani’s backstory is a fascinating part of each book and by reading in chronological order you watch as she evolves as well as discovering what interested her in police work in the first place. DI Stephens and DS Easton are called in to investigate a seemingly open and shut case of suicide. Clara Doyle was discovered deceased in the bathtub, having drowned, with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her corpse. But after further inspection, Dani’s gut tells her something isn't quite adding up and so she resolves to investigate the case fully despite pushback from colleagues and superiors. Their digging leads down unexpected paths and they uncover links to the murky and unsavoury world of the Romanian mafia, which is teeming with dodgy characters who wouldn't think twice about committing murder should it be "necessary", and a shocking connection to her twin brother, and convicted killer, Ben's past emerges.
This is a compulsive and complex case and as more bodies drop it becomes even more complicated with the level of dangerousness being ratcheted up to a maximum. It's a creepy, intense and action-packed police procedural and is full of twists and turns from the beginning. I never lost interest in the plot and there were no dull moments where I felt it dragged or the story petered out. The chapters simply flew by with enough included in each to propel the tale forward and the pacing was pretty spot on. The ripples and repercussions of the last case are still being strongly felt and the fact that the case is now at trial adds more pressure to Dani's situation; you really feel for her when, as often happens in court cases, the unexpected comes into play. Then, of course, we get to see how brother Ben's attempt to kill her some time ago is still weighing heavy on her mind. A page-turner with an interesting and well-developed cast, some powerful twists, a tense and often spine-chilling atmosphere and a satisfying conclusion. Roll on number four! Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo Hera for an ARC.
This is a compulsive and complex case and as more bodies drop it becomes even more complicated with the level of dangerousness being ratcheted up to a maximum. It's a creepy, intense and action-packed police procedural and is full of twists and turns from the beginning. I never lost interest in the plot and there were no dull moments where I felt it dragged or the story petered out. The chapters simply flew by with enough included in each to propel the tale forward and the pacing was pretty spot on. The ripples and repercussions of the last case are still being strongly felt and the fact that the case is now at trial adds more pressure to Dani's situation; you really feel for her when, as often happens in court cases, the unexpected comes into play. Then, of course, we get to see how brother Ben's attempt to kill her some time ago is still weighing heavy on her mind. A page-turner with an interesting and well-developed cast, some powerful twists, a tense and often spine-chilling atmosphere and a satisfying conclusion. Roll on number four! Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo Hera for an ARC.
July 15, 2020
When a woman is found drowned in a bath, DI Dani Stephens is called to investigate. Though it looks like suicide, evidence suggests that the woman was murdered.
Still haunted by the previous investigation that left her boyfriend in intensive care, Dani’s search takes her into the world of organised crime – people willing to kill for their secrets.
As more bodies are discovered, can Dani trust herself to catch a killer who will stop at nothing to keep her silent?
This was my first book in this series, but even though I haven't read the previous two books, it did not affect my reading at all since there are enough details about the past in this book that kept me covered.
This book was a well written complex murder investigation with hidden identities, missing persons and human trafficking involved. I liked the main character DI Dani as well as DS Easton, they both make a good team. The story progressed at a good pace and it all came together well at the end.
Overall an okay read!
Thank You to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC!!
Still haunted by the previous investigation that left her boyfriend in intensive care, Dani’s search takes her into the world of organised crime – people willing to kill for their secrets.
As more bodies are discovered, can Dani trust herself to catch a killer who will stop at nothing to keep her silent?
This was my first book in this series, but even though I haven't read the previous two books, it did not affect my reading at all since there are enough details about the past in this book that kept me covered.
This book was a well written complex murder investigation with hidden identities, missing persons and human trafficking involved. I liked the main character DI Dani as well as DS Easton, they both make a good team. The story progressed at a good pace and it all came together well at the end.
Overall an okay read!
Thank You to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC!!
July 23, 2020
Dani was back with Detective Easton investigating a made obvious suicide which was actually a murder.
Having read this series right from the first, I had a special connection with Dani. She was reckless yet determined. She made mistakes, yet stood up strong in the story. She was vulnerable due to her past, but she worked hard in those challenges. I have always had a soft corner for her.
The story had its twists, the plot turned. The author kept me invested in the book. Dani and her team soon brought the investigation to a flourishing finish, making this an entertaining read.
Having read this series right from the first, I had a special connection with Dani. She was reckless yet determined. She made mistakes, yet stood up strong in the story. She was vulnerable due to her past, but she worked hard in those challenges. I have always had a soft corner for her.
The story had its twists, the plot turned. The author kept me invested in the book. Dani and her team soon brought the investigation to a flourishing finish, making this an entertaining read.
July 15, 2020
Finished reading: July 13th 2020
"There were two parts of her job she really didn't like, and both involved standing over dead bodies: murder scenes, and post-mortems."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Canelo Hera in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 31, 2020
DI Dani Stephens still suffers the after-effects of traumatic brain injury that her twin brother caused when he tried to kill her. Now her boyfriend is also still in the hospital, slowly recovering from the attack by another serial killer (the cellmate of her brother Ben). She’s still convinced that it’s Ben who’s behind the whole thing. The trial against the serial killer isn’t going too well and she’s preoccupied with this.
Her partner DS Easton has a lot on his plate himself. Since his sister and her 2 children moved in with him 6 months ago, he’s become more and more the convenient babysitter while she goes off partying most nights. As a convinced bachelor, he misses his peace and quiet.
They’re called out to a suspicious death that’s made to look like a suicide; a glass of vodka and a cabinet full of (expired) anti-depressants and valium while she drowned in the bath. The friend who found her is adamant that someone was leaving through the back door when she came in but no traces of an intruder are to be found at first. Then they discover that the victim was living under a false name as well as investigating the disappearance of her brother 5 years earlier. Dani finds a possible link to a Romanian gangster working for the Romanian mafia. It’s a small, tight-knit community where no one wants or dares to talk to the police.
I strongly advise reading the previous 2 volumes in this series before starting this one. It can be read on its own, but I had the feeling that I missed out on a lot. The relationship between Dani and her twin brother play a major role in her behaviour and way of thinking and although we get a short version of the previous events, it will make things a lot more understandable. It’s also clear that this thread will continue in the next books as well.
The story is told mainly from Dani’s POV, but there are important chapters about Ana, a young Romanian woman who’s in dire straits. That gives the reader a better overview than the police has. The story is rather straight forward with a few surprises about the chronology and the chain of events. It’s suspenseful and well written by an established author who’s written 2 other series as well. He knows his job, that’s the least I can say. It’s a very agreeable read.
If I can moan about 1 thing than it is about the ‘grand finale’ when Dani and … go off on their own, following a hunch she has, just after the rest of the police stopped their combined searches. She could have asked for back-up as soon as she heard that she was on the right track. Only a fool would go there in the middle of the night, unarmed, and unprotected. That’s just asking for trouble. I don’t think that real police (wo)men would act in this way. But it makes a good and thrilling copy.
I thank Canelo Hera and Netgalley for the free ARC the provided me with; this is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Her partner DS Easton has a lot on his plate himself. Since his sister and her 2 children moved in with him 6 months ago, he’s become more and more the convenient babysitter while she goes off partying most nights. As a convinced bachelor, he misses his peace and quiet.
They’re called out to a suspicious death that’s made to look like a suicide; a glass of vodka and a cabinet full of (expired) anti-depressants and valium while she drowned in the bath. The friend who found her is adamant that someone was leaving through the back door when she came in but no traces of an intruder are to be found at first. Then they discover that the victim was living under a false name as well as investigating the disappearance of her brother 5 years earlier. Dani finds a possible link to a Romanian gangster working for the Romanian mafia. It’s a small, tight-knit community where no one wants or dares to talk to the police.
I strongly advise reading the previous 2 volumes in this series before starting this one. It can be read on its own, but I had the feeling that I missed out on a lot. The relationship between Dani and her twin brother play a major role in her behaviour and way of thinking and although we get a short version of the previous events, it will make things a lot more understandable. It’s also clear that this thread will continue in the next books as well.
The story is told mainly from Dani’s POV, but there are important chapters about Ana, a young Romanian woman who’s in dire straits. That gives the reader a better overview than the police has. The story is rather straight forward with a few surprises about the chronology and the chain of events. It’s suspenseful and well written by an established author who’s written 2 other series as well. He knows his job, that’s the least I can say. It’s a very agreeable read.
If I can moan about 1 thing than it is about the ‘grand finale’ when Dani and … go off on their own, following a hunch she has, just after the rest of the police stopped their combined searches. She could have asked for back-up as soon as she heard that she was on the right track. Only a fool would go there in the middle of the night, unarmed, and unprotected. That’s just asking for trouble. I don’t think that real police (wo)men would act in this way. But it makes a good and thrilling copy.
I thank Canelo Hera and Netgalley for the free ARC the provided me with; this is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
July 26, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Echoes of Guilt, the third novel to feature DI Dani Stephens of the Midlands Police.
Dani is called out to an apparent suicide. Clara Doyle has been found dead in the bath surrounded by pills and alcohol but there are details at the scene that push Dani to investigate further. This takes her into the world of Romanian organised crime and her murderer brother, Ben’s past. In the background her previous case is being tried in court.
I thoroughly enjoyed Echoes of Guilt which is a tense, creepy read, full of twists and turns. It is told in the third person, mostly from Dani’s point of view with other voices added as required. This gives the reader a bird’s eye view of how Dani is feeling and coping with the case and an idea (but not too much) of what she is up against.
The plot seems well paced with developments in every chapter and it held my interest throughout. I liked the hint of the supernatural and the fact that it could be explained away if the reader chooses. It adds a certain frisson to the read and I found myself caught up in the characters’ jumpiness. I also found myself caught up in the court trial which Dani has so much riding on and which doesn’t always go according to plan. It’s quite tense in parts. Then there is Ben. According to Dani he is a manipulative psychopath whose influence she finds in all her cases. Ok, he tried to kill her so she has the right to be obsessive but I’m beginning to feel that it has run its course as a plot device and it’s time to move on. Despite these ongoing threads the novel will work as a stand-alone.
I like Dani. She’s damaged, both physically and mentally, but she’s indomitable, charging forward with her cases regardless of obstacles.
Echoes of Guilt is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Dani is called out to an apparent suicide. Clara Doyle has been found dead in the bath surrounded by pills and alcohol but there are details at the scene that push Dani to investigate further. This takes her into the world of Romanian organised crime and her murderer brother, Ben’s past. In the background her previous case is being tried in court.
I thoroughly enjoyed Echoes of Guilt which is a tense, creepy read, full of twists and turns. It is told in the third person, mostly from Dani’s point of view with other voices added as required. This gives the reader a bird’s eye view of how Dani is feeling and coping with the case and an idea (but not too much) of what she is up against.
The plot seems well paced with developments in every chapter and it held my interest throughout. I liked the hint of the supernatural and the fact that it could be explained away if the reader chooses. It adds a certain frisson to the read and I found myself caught up in the characters’ jumpiness. I also found myself caught up in the court trial which Dani has so much riding on and which doesn’t always go according to plan. It’s quite tense in parts. Then there is Ben. According to Dani he is a manipulative psychopath whose influence she finds in all her cases. Ok, he tried to kill her so she has the right to be obsessive but I’m beginning to feel that it has run its course as a plot device and it’s time to move on. Despite these ongoing threads the novel will work as a stand-alone.
I like Dani. She’s damaged, both physically and mentally, but she’s indomitable, charging forward with her cases regardless of obstacles.
Echoes of Guilt is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 17, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Echoes of Guilt.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series so I was pleased when my request was approved.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
DI Dani Stephens is back. Some time has passed after the traumatic cliffhanger of the end of the second book.
Dani's kind and supportive boyfriend, Jason, is on the mend after being mortally wounded by a serial killer Dani is convinced was motivated to kill by her dastardly evil brother, Ben.
Dani has moved out of the home she once shared with Jason (bad memories) and into a new place closer to her disgruntled sister-in-law and the niece and nephew she wishes she had more time for.
As the trial of the serial murderer wraps up in court, the suspicious death of a woman pulls Dani into a dangerous world of human trafficking, sexual abuse and violence and new suspicions that her brother has his hand in a lot of pies.
I like Dani more and more in each book, and her rapport and professional rapport with her partner, Easton is developing well.
The plot wasn't bad, but I wasn't emotionally involved or connected because it sounded familiar from books I've read before.
I just enjoyed reading about Dani's crime solving skills, her competence and determination in doing a good job, protecting the innocent and saving as many people as she can.
The book did end on a positive note, which was great.
It's December and Dani and Jason attend mass where the vicar mentions in his sermon that regret is not something with negative connotations but an opportunity to do better, to look forward and learn from the past and be hopeful for the future.
This hopeful ending resonates more now than ever as we endure a global health crisis and strive for racial equality.
I enjoyed the first two books in the series so I was pleased when my request was approved.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
DI Dani Stephens is back. Some time has passed after the traumatic cliffhanger of the end of the second book.
Dani's kind and supportive boyfriend, Jason, is on the mend after being mortally wounded by a serial killer Dani is convinced was motivated to kill by her dastardly evil brother, Ben.
Dani has moved out of the home she once shared with Jason (bad memories) and into a new place closer to her disgruntled sister-in-law and the niece and nephew she wishes she had more time for.
As the trial of the serial murderer wraps up in court, the suspicious death of a woman pulls Dani into a dangerous world of human trafficking, sexual abuse and violence and new suspicions that her brother has his hand in a lot of pies.
I like Dani more and more in each book, and her rapport and professional rapport with her partner, Easton is developing well.
The plot wasn't bad, but I wasn't emotionally involved or connected because it sounded familiar from books I've read before.
I just enjoyed reading about Dani's crime solving skills, her competence and determination in doing a good job, protecting the innocent and saving as many people as she can.
The book did end on a positive note, which was great.
It's December and Dani and Jason attend mass where the vicar mentions in his sermon that regret is not something with negative connotations but an opportunity to do better, to look forward and learn from the past and be hopeful for the future.
This hopeful ending resonates more now than ever as we endure a global health crisis and strive for racial equality.
July 11, 2020
I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This is the third in the series with DI Dani Stephens. Previous books detailed some pretty horrific events in her life that are lingering in this book, but they are referred to in enough detail that you can conceivably read this without reading the first two. Currently Dani works with a DS Easton. Her husband is still in the hospital recuperating from a vicious attack. The book opens with Dani and Easton being called to what on the surface appears to be a suicide but there are just enough oddities about it to raise doubts.
The case Dani and Easton is investigating leads them on a dark path that weaves through secret identities, missing people, human trafficking, torture, and multiple murders. Easton deals with ongoing personal issues with his sister and her children throughout the book. Dani continues to deal with the repercussions in her personal life from the events in book 2.
This is well written, twisting turning plot. There are quite a few pieces that weave together here to reach the final outcome. A great fast paced thriller.
This is the third in the series with DI Dani Stephens. Previous books detailed some pretty horrific events in her life that are lingering in this book, but they are referred to in enough detail that you can conceivably read this without reading the first two. Currently Dani works with a DS Easton. Her husband is still in the hospital recuperating from a vicious attack. The book opens with Dani and Easton being called to what on the surface appears to be a suicide but there are just enough oddities about it to raise doubts.
The case Dani and Easton is investigating leads them on a dark path that weaves through secret identities, missing people, human trafficking, torture, and multiple murders. Easton deals with ongoing personal issues with his sister and her children throughout the book. Dani continues to deal with the repercussions in her personal life from the events in book 2.
This is well written, twisting turning plot. There are quite a few pieces that weave together here to reach the final outcome. A great fast paced thriller.
August 22, 2020
Great read!
Dani is called to a possible homicide, with her partner Easton. It appears to be suicide - until they uncover the woman's obsessive search for her missing brother. This leads Dani and Easton into the world of human trafficking.
Ana was brought to England years before and became the boss' personal pet. Can she escape? Will she help the police discover the truth?
Meanwhile Jason continues his recovery. Easton experiences some issues with his sister, who still lives him as well as her children.
Solid addition to the series.
Dani is called to a possible homicide, with her partner Easton. It appears to be suicide - until they uncover the woman's obsessive search for her missing brother. This leads Dani and Easton into the world of human trafficking.
Ana was brought to England years before and became the boss' personal pet. Can she escape? Will she help the police discover the truth?
Meanwhile Jason continues his recovery. Easton experiences some issues with his sister, who still lives him as well as her children.
Solid addition to the series.
August 15, 2022
Rob Sinclair is a Author I become aware of , when I was doing little book reviews , on Twitter, and the great man messaged me , about his first few books, recommending I give them a go , which I did ,and I’ve been a fan ever since
For those not in the know, Rob’s books span different genres , such as action / adventure - the Ryker series, and police procedural , which includes this Detective Dani Stevens series , all of which
This compelling and complex female main character is as good as anything out there in a crowded crime fiction marketplace
This is book is number 3 in this continuing story, and like all exciting TV series , on completion of this story, it leaves this reader thirsting for more
As with the previous books , this Dani story, is set in the Birmingham area , and this time examines the misery caused by people smuggling, illegal immigration, and the resulting abuse , violence, and exploitation, all very prescient, and written in an a compelling respectful way , with Rob having done a lot of background research for this story, following a visit, with his wife , to Romania
All the characters are 3 dimensional, and believable , whether they’re in the good or evil camp
I’m working my way through Rob Sinclair’s collection in Kindle form, where most of the books can be purchased very reasonably
Highly recommended for all crime fiction fans out there!
For those not in the know, Rob’s books span different genres , such as action / adventure - the Ryker series, and police procedural , which includes this Detective Dani Stevens series , all of which
This compelling and complex female main character is as good as anything out there in a crowded crime fiction marketplace
This is book is number 3 in this continuing story, and like all exciting TV series , on completion of this story, it leaves this reader thirsting for more
As with the previous books , this Dani story, is set in the Birmingham area , and this time examines the misery caused by people smuggling, illegal immigration, and the resulting abuse , violence, and exploitation, all very prescient, and written in an a compelling respectful way , with Rob having done a lot of background research for this story, following a visit, with his wife , to Romania
All the characters are 3 dimensional, and believable , whether they’re in the good or evil camp
I’m working my way through Rob Sinclair’s collection in Kindle form, where most of the books can be purchased very reasonably
Highly recommended for all crime fiction fans out there!
July 7, 2022
DI Dani Stephens is one of my favorite mystery leads. While it isn't REALLY necessary to read the previous books, I do think readers will benefit from seeing Dani's growth over the series. Authentic struggles and setbacks make Dani easy to root for.
The case on its own was gripping, a body found with questions of foul play or suicide quickly morphs into a gritty and tense hunt for an unknown subject. Stephens stumbles onto a human trafficking ring scheme, some exceedingly eerie talk of Strigoi, and some interesting coincidences that link Ben with a missing person. As much as I enjoyed the mystery, there was something about this installment that didn't sit right with me.
I don't know if my expectations were too high, if I was hoping for a different sort of growth with Dani, or if I just wasn't in a place to deal with the frustrating twists. Odds are, this was just a me problem and I was reading something I wasn't in the mood for. I will absolutely come back to this series the next time I need a gripping police procedural with a kickass female lead!
The case on its own was gripping, a body found with questions of foul play or suicide quickly morphs into a gritty and tense hunt for an unknown subject. Stephens stumbles onto a human trafficking ring scheme, some exceedingly eerie talk of Strigoi, and some interesting coincidences that link Ben with a missing person. As much as I enjoyed the mystery, there was something about this installment that didn't sit right with me.
I don't know if my expectations were too high, if I was hoping for a different sort of growth with Dani, or if I just wasn't in a place to deal with the frustrating twists. Odds are, this was just a me problem and I was reading something I wasn't in the mood for. I will absolutely come back to this series the next time I need a gripping police procedural with a kickass female lead!
July 23, 2020
3.5 rounded up. This is the third in the series but I feel like this one could stand alone. I had read the prior books and just did not enjoy this one as much. It’s a solid police procedural but offers nothing special. Two things are going on Police Scotland is investigating a major leak and the police are protecting a witness who is testifying against her husband. Clare's love interest is in the US and someone else comes into the picture.
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 7, 2020
The series just gets better and better!
DI Dani Stephens and her partner, DS Aaron Easton are leaving the court where the trial of Damian Curtis is underway. She’s angry because the CPS barrister Lloyd Barker is not challenging Iona O’Hare (Damian Curtis’ lawyer) about her twin brother’s possible encouragement for Curtis to commit the six murders for which he’s standing trial. Dani, thanks to her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is still unable to come to terms with her brother, who caused the injury.
Their plans for leaving the courthouse and returning to their station are scuppered when she receives a call asking them to attend a suspicious death—a woman found in a bath. The discovery will be the beginning of an extraordinarily complex case involving trafficked women, a man missing for five years and possibly even a link – to her brother Ben.
This was a challenging read from my point of view because it involves the trafficking of young girls. I have an intense loathing for traffickers. Even just reading about them in fiction makes my blood pressure rise. But that proves how astute the writing is. I HAD to continue to get to the end to find out whether Dani Stephens and her team can crack the case. The best way to describe the storyline is I felt that Dani Stephens and her team had been handed a jigsaw puzzle and they had to complete it to find all the pieces as quickly as possible.
There are plenty of police procedure authors for readers to choose from. However, Rob Sinclair’s DI Dani Stephens is fast becoming my favourite. The series brings us, the audience into aspects of crimes we would typically not hear or think about.
I’ve followed Rob Sinclair from the very beginning of his career and can highly recommend the Sleeper, Enemy and James Ryker series. When Dani Stephens first made her appearance, I was somewhat apprehensive. A woman detective after the international crime? Could any writer carry this off? Oh Yes! Rob Sinclair has a gift to write books across an extraordinarily broad spectrum. I can’t wait for the next book in this series – I’d like to see Dani solve even more horrific crimes – hopefully without her, her team or people she loves getting injured!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
DI Dani Stephens and her partner, DS Aaron Easton are leaving the court where the trial of Damian Curtis is underway. She’s angry because the CPS barrister Lloyd Barker is not challenging Iona O’Hare (Damian Curtis’ lawyer) about her twin brother’s possible encouragement for Curtis to commit the six murders for which he’s standing trial. Dani, thanks to her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is still unable to come to terms with her brother, who caused the injury.
Their plans for leaving the courthouse and returning to their station are scuppered when she receives a call asking them to attend a suspicious death—a woman found in a bath. The discovery will be the beginning of an extraordinarily complex case involving trafficked women, a man missing for five years and possibly even a link – to her brother Ben.
This was a challenging read from my point of view because it involves the trafficking of young girls. I have an intense loathing for traffickers. Even just reading about them in fiction makes my blood pressure rise. But that proves how astute the writing is. I HAD to continue to get to the end to find out whether Dani Stephens and her team can crack the case. The best way to describe the storyline is I felt that Dani Stephens and her team had been handed a jigsaw puzzle and they had to complete it to find all the pieces as quickly as possible.
There are plenty of police procedure authors for readers to choose from. However, Rob Sinclair’s DI Dani Stephens is fast becoming my favourite. The series brings us, the audience into aspects of crimes we would typically not hear or think about.
I’ve followed Rob Sinclair from the very beginning of his career and can highly recommend the Sleeper, Enemy and James Ryker series. When Dani Stephens first made her appearance, I was somewhat apprehensive. A woman detective after the international crime? Could any writer carry this off? Oh Yes! Rob Sinclair has a gift to write books across an extraordinarily broad spectrum. I can’t wait for the next book in this series – I’d like to see Dani solve even more horrific crimes – hopefully without her, her team or people she loves getting injured!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
June 13, 2025
Rob has done it again and delivered another fantastic addition to this series. I am always amazed when an author is able to take a series and make each book as fresh as the last, as well as making it one that you actually want to keep reading without it becoming a chore. This is definitely that series and in my opinion, it is one of the best out there!
As always Rob pulled me into the story through its tightly woven plot, that had me caught up in its clutches right from the get go. It is full of suspense, is dark, twisted and just demands your attention! It was so easy to be caught up in the drama of it all and with each chapter ending with you wanting more, it is was hard to put it down which made for such an enjoyable reading experience.
Dani is such a force to be reckoned with and she really is such a fascinating character to me. Her strength of resolve is second to none and how she still is able to put one foot in front of the other after all that Rob puts her through is nothing short of amazing. She really does make for a strong leading female protagonist and carries the series on her shoulders so well.
I also have to admit that the character of Ben really intrigues me on a psychological level and how himself and Dani as twins, can be so different from each other. I would love to get inside his head and as weird as it sounds, I am just waiting for a time that could see him released from jail, which would definitely kick things up a notch!
Whist Echoes of Guilt can be read as a stand-alone, I really don’t recommend you reading this until you have read The Essence of Evil and The Rules of Murder first. The two main reasons for this is number one the back story of Dani and Ben and number two, you would be missing out on two amazing reads!
Echoes of Guilt is a first class action packed read and I can’t wait to see what Rob is going to come up with in the next instalment. I do know one thing and that is I will be waiting very impatiently for it! It was a pleasure to read and review Echoes of Guilt which I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Rob Sinclair for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Echoes of Guilt which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
As always Rob pulled me into the story through its tightly woven plot, that had me caught up in its clutches right from the get go. It is full of suspense, is dark, twisted and just demands your attention! It was so easy to be caught up in the drama of it all and with each chapter ending with you wanting more, it is was hard to put it down which made for such an enjoyable reading experience.
Dani is such a force to be reckoned with and she really is such a fascinating character to me. Her strength of resolve is second to none and how she still is able to put one foot in front of the other after all that Rob puts her through is nothing short of amazing. She really does make for a strong leading female protagonist and carries the series on her shoulders so well.
I also have to admit that the character of Ben really intrigues me on a psychological level and how himself and Dani as twins, can be so different from each other. I would love to get inside his head and as weird as it sounds, I am just waiting for a time that could see him released from jail, which would definitely kick things up a notch!
Whist Echoes of Guilt can be read as a stand-alone, I really don’t recommend you reading this until you have read The Essence of Evil and The Rules of Murder first. The two main reasons for this is number one the back story of Dani and Ben and number two, you would be missing out on two amazing reads!
Echoes of Guilt is a first class action packed read and I can’t wait to see what Rob is going to come up with in the next instalment. I do know one thing and that is I will be waiting very impatiently for it! It was a pleasure to read and review Echoes of Guilt which I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Rob Sinclair for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Echoes of Guilt which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 8, 2020
My thoughts about this brilliant third part of the amazing police procedural DI Dani Stevens series, Echoes Of Guilt was fantastic. Author Rob Sinclair’s writing has always been brilliant since I’ve read his Sleeper 13 series. Rob writes a powerful thriller that not only its marvellous, but he does justice to the characters in this remarkable dark twisted thriller.what I loved about the story was when a body of woman gets discovered,what Dani finds out, she was drowned in a bath; with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills, and also to find out it wasn’t a suicide it was a murder,was brilliant and I loved when Dani investigate deep into the victims past that leads her into the dark secrets of the organise crime was fantastic. The killer who you want to catch is not easy as it seems was mindblowing, it had me turning the pages I did not want the story to end.The characters i loved the most were Dani Stevens character, a brilliant detective, who will not stop until she investigates and catches the killer, who is on a murdering spree of killing innocent people,was fantastic. I loved her evil twin brother Ben’s character as we all know who is also a brilliant a character from the first book he also returns. This book is on the same level as Silence Of The Lambs, highly recommended, a well written dark twisted police procedural which will take your breath away, I would like to say thank you to Rob Sinclair, and Hera Books for giving me a opportunity to read this outstanding thriller. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
July 17, 2020
My Review-
Rob Sinclair is the author and this is my first read from this author. He has done a great job in this third series of the book.
This book should be a definition of thriller and mystery. I bet loads of hardwork he had put into this book to make this book a masterpiece. He really gained my appreciation and I’m definitely gonna read his other books also.
While reading I find that Dani was really in complex situation in few of the times and the way she comes out from the situation or the way she handles the complex situation is really great to read and makes the book more engaging and interesting.
DS Easton also played a great role and there was a scene in the book where he engages into fight shows that everyone has their personally problems which sometimes make you a bad person but Dani always trusted his partner, and this is the one of the highlight of the story. (I haven’t explained the scenario properly because I don’t want to give any spoiler.)
Seriously I don’t know what happened in the first two part but this third part of the series have enough scenes which gives you a better idea to what might have happened in past.
The Character Ben, Dani’s brother seriously has some dark shades but in this book it’s hasn’t shown any.
Rob Sinclair is the author and this is my first read from this author. He has done a great job in this third series of the book.
This book should be a definition of thriller and mystery. I bet loads of hardwork he had put into this book to make this book a masterpiece. He really gained my appreciation and I’m definitely gonna read his other books also.
While reading I find that Dani was really in complex situation in few of the times and the way she comes out from the situation or the way she handles the complex situation is really great to read and makes the book more engaging and interesting.
DS Easton also played a great role and there was a scene in the book where he engages into fight shows that everyone has their personally problems which sometimes make you a bad person but Dani always trusted his partner, and this is the one of the highlight of the story. (I haven’t explained the scenario properly because I don’t want to give any spoiler.)
Seriously I don’t know what happened in the first two part but this third part of the series have enough scenes which gives you a better idea to what might have happened in past.
The Character Ben, Dani’s brother seriously has some dark shades but in this book it’s hasn’t shown any.
July 1, 2021
This, once again, was a very intense and exciting read from this prolific author. This time we see DI Dani Stephens return from the harrowing experiences of her previous case and trying to find out whether a woman who has been found dead in her bath is a suicide or a murder victim. Things hot up when leads are turned up that take them on a long exploration of missing people and sexual exploitation. This case is extremely complex and involved and it takes the team quite some time to solve due to the fact that certain implications start to take Dani in a different and somewhat misleading direction. Eventually, as usual, things start to make more sense and they get to the bottom of what has happened and why.
This story was gripping and a real page turner. There were a few editing errors with names being confused at one point, but other than that it was up to Mr Sinclair’s normal excellence and well worth the read.
This story was gripping and a real page turner. There were a few editing errors with names being confused at one point, but other than that it was up to Mr Sinclair’s normal excellence and well worth the read.
October 8, 2022
3.5 Stars
Mr. Sinclair certainly succeeded in ramping up the creepiness factor in this book, so if you're a fan of this Genre, then it might be something you want to check out. However, while gripping at times, other times it was plodding and obtuse, as the story arc was somewhat convoluted. That and the often overly graphic nature of his writing is difficult at times for someone like myself who feels there is more than enough violence in this world!
This issue hasn't been enough to dissuade me from reading this series as I am fan of the Logan/Ryker series of novels (even though they too can be overly graphic), and generally enjoy his writing. That being said, if you are a fan of Mr. Sinclair's works, you might want to give this series a try while waiting for the next novel in the Ryker Returns series (which has now been released).
Mr. Sinclair certainly succeeded in ramping up the creepiness factor in this book, so if you're a fan of this Genre, then it might be something you want to check out. However, while gripping at times, other times it was plodding and obtuse, as the story arc was somewhat convoluted. That and the often overly graphic nature of his writing is difficult at times for someone like myself who feels there is more than enough violence in this world!
This issue hasn't been enough to dissuade me from reading this series as I am fan of the Logan/Ryker series of novels (even though they too can be overly graphic), and generally enjoy his writing. That being said, if you are a fan of Mr. Sinclair's works, you might want to give this series a try while waiting for the next novel in the Ryker Returns series (which has now been released).
October 14, 2025
Great!
A great police procedural story. A gritty read set at a good pace. Although I've read the first two books in the series it can still be read as a stand alone. DI Dani Stephens is an exceptional character, bundles of energy, very motivated and has proven her worth many times, but she does get a bit obsessed about her twin brother...understandably! Her partner and friend DS Easton is a lovable character but has a few personal problems on the home front to contend with. Both detectives make a formidable team. A well written gripping storyline. Looking forward to reading the next book n the series.
A great police procedural story. A gritty read set at a good pace. Although I've read the first two books in the series it can still be read as a stand alone. DI Dani Stephens is an exceptional character, bundles of energy, very motivated and has proven her worth many times, but she does get a bit obsessed about her twin brother...understandably! Her partner and friend DS Easton is a lovable character but has a few personal problems on the home front to contend with. Both detectives make a formidable team. A well written gripping storyline. Looking forward to reading the next book n the series.
August 17, 2020
Echoes of Guilt. Rob Sinclair
Homicide DI Dani Stephens is slowly recovering from her near death encounter with her brother, who tried to kill her, her boyfriend and his own wife and daughter. Another murder investigation is taking place and DI Stephens thinks her brother had something to do with it. This turns out to be untrue. People are being murdered or gone missing and there is an Romanian crime connection. This is a non stop action filled page turner!! Enjoyed immensely!!
Homicide DI Dani Stephens is slowly recovering from her near death encounter with her brother, who tried to kill her, her boyfriend and his own wife and daughter. Another murder investigation is taking place and DI Stephens thinks her brother had something to do with it. This turns out to be untrue. People are being murdered or gone missing and there is an Romanian crime connection. This is a non stop action filled page turner!! Enjoyed immensely!!
September 2, 2020
A third outing for West Midlands murder squad detective Dani Stephens. This links previous storylines with what seems like a routine Romanian people trafficking plot that, in true Rob Sinclair style, turns out to be anything but. For those familiar with the author there's the usual blood and gore quota but this book is slightly less frenetic and more mysterious. There's also plenty to keep us waiting for DI Stephens’ next case. I’ve only given four stars, if available it would have been 4.5, simply because of the slightly slower pace.
August 5, 2020
This is the third book in the DI Dani Stephens book and it did not disappoint. Some excellent character development round a tense plot with some great twists. A complex murder investigation with human trafficking at the heart.I really enjoy this series of books and would recommend them. I hope book four comes soon. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 15, 2020
I love the Det Dani Stephens books. My only gripe is her brother Ben - can you please kill him off Rob he doesn’t add anything to the story. I’m glad Dani is no longer addicted to her meds that was annoying too lol.
What’s Jason’s new job? I know he’s not up to anything at the moment but if he does get better can he go back as a cop. Perhaps a bit like Ironside lol.
What’s Jason’s new job? I know he’s not up to anything at the moment but if he does get better can he go back as a cop. Perhaps a bit like Ironside lol.
October 8, 2020
I am not sure really what to think I didn't like the characters not even one of them. The writing style was great and the pace was great. Story was good for me but it wasn't necessarily well suited to me.
Don't get me wrong it was very well written and I think for most it would be amazing just maybe I wasn't in the mood for this style.
Don't get me wrong it was very well written and I think for most it would be amazing just maybe I wasn't in the mood for this style.
December 13, 2020
Excellent
Another excellent story from Rob Sinclair. I have enjoyed reading about DI Dani Stephens not only from the rollercoaster of a journey throughout her investigations, also the troubled personal life of Dani gave the books an interesting edge. If your unsure about whether to read these books i recommend you give them a go.
Another excellent story from Rob Sinclair. I have enjoyed reading about DI Dani Stephens not only from the rollercoaster of a journey throughout her investigations, also the troubled personal life of Dani gave the books an interesting edge. If your unsure about whether to read these books i recommend you give them a go.
December 5, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the D I Dani Stephen's series and it is as good as the other two . This was fast paced from the beginning and had such a good and realistic storyline that me hooked all the way through . I really love the character Dain Stephens and she is becoming one of my favourite characters . I am so glad I started this series and hope there is another book to come
February 6, 2025
Many a twist and turn
Another good instalment from author Rob Sinclair. A good plot with many a twist. I’m still not sure how the main protagonist, Dani, survives so many blows to the head especially having experienced such a traumatic brain injury to begin with. This is certainly a plot that keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next. It has my recommendation to read.
Another good instalment from author Rob Sinclair. A good plot with many a twist. I’m still not sure how the main protagonist, Dani, survives so many blows to the head especially having experienced such a traumatic brain injury to begin with. This is certainly a plot that keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next. It has my recommendation to read.
September 28, 2020
Dani courageous
Another tantalising read from master Sinclair,just when you think Dani's been through enough,bam she's sucker punched again,c'mon Rob are you going to give the poor girl a break,can't wait for the next instalment.
Another tantalising read from master Sinclair,just when you think Dani's been through enough,bam she's sucker punched again,c'mon Rob are you going to give the poor girl a break,can't wait for the next instalment.
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