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Detective Hazel Todd #1
Death Rite
Their next breath will be their last
Forty years ago, the name Rachel McMahon was synonymous with evil. After killing four men in the most brutal of ways, the world rejoiced as she was locked up.
Now Rachel has done her time, repented for her crimes, and is ready to live a quiet life back in Scotland under a new name.
But then the killings start again. As the bodies of fathers and sons appear on the streets of Perth, their deaths echoing those from Rachel’s murder spree four decades ago, DCI Hazel Todd and her squad are called in to track down a murderer taunting them at every step.
Could Rachel really have reformed – or is a copycat killer trying to finish what she started? And as the murders get closer to Hazel, it’s a race against time to stop a psychopath with their own twisted agenda…
Forty years ago, the name Rachel McMahon was synonymous with evil. After killing four men in the most brutal of ways, the world rejoiced as she was locked up.
Now Rachel has done her time, repented for her crimes, and is ready to live a quiet life back in Scotland under a new name.
But then the killings start again. As the bodies of fathers and sons appear on the streets of Perth, their deaths echoing those from Rachel’s murder spree four decades ago, DCI Hazel Todd and her squad are called in to track down a murderer taunting them at every step.
Could Rachel really have reformed – or is a copycat killer trying to finish what she started? And as the murders get closer to Hazel, it’s a race against time to stop a psychopath with their own twisted agenda…
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2021
19 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Watts
21 books84 followers.Kerry Watts was born and grew up in a small town in the East of Scotland where she still lives today. She is always writing and carries a little notebook and pen with her wherever she goes because at her age ideas need to be captured before they disappear.
Kerry specialises in crime fiction because she enjoys pushing the boundaries of what it is to be human. The nature versus nurture debate fascinates her. She loves to put her characters in impossible situations just to see what happens. Her experience as a psychiatric nurse heavily influences her writing. She also wants to create characters that people can relate to who might be facing the same struggles as anyone else.
Authors who inspire her are anyone capable of creating a character who lives inside her head long after she has closed the book. Her favourite fictional character's are Dexter Morgan, created by Jeff Lindsay as well as Hannibal Lechter created by Thomas Harris. She doesn't have a favourite genre as a reader. Kerry will read anything. Written by anyone. If the blurb has a good feel about it she's hooked.
When she's not writing she loves to spend time following her other passions - dogs, particularly rescue mutts and horse racing. The sight of a thoroughbred race horse at full stretch has been known to move her to tears, not just lump in the throat stuff but full on blubbing. And for that she is unashamed. One day she's going to buy a racehorse filly and call her Into Darkness.
She also had a small role in a film called The Rocket Post but decided acting wasn't for her. She would rather create a character than play one.
Kerry specialises in crime fiction because she enjoys pushing the boundaries of what it is to be human. The nature versus nurture debate fascinates her. She loves to put her characters in impossible situations just to see what happens. Her experience as a psychiatric nurse heavily influences her writing. She also wants to create characters that people can relate to who might be facing the same struggles as anyone else.
Authors who inspire her are anyone capable of creating a character who lives inside her head long after she has closed the book. Her favourite fictional character's are Dexter Morgan, created by Jeff Lindsay as well as Hannibal Lechter created by Thomas Harris. She doesn't have a favourite genre as a reader. Kerry will read anything. Written by anyone. If the blurb has a good feel about it she's hooked.
When she's not writing she loves to spend time following her other passions - dogs, particularly rescue mutts and horse racing. The sight of a thoroughbred race horse at full stretch has been known to move her to tears, not just lump in the throat stuff but full on blubbing. And for that she is unashamed. One day she's going to buy a racehorse filly and call her Into Darkness.
She also had a small role in a film called The Rocket Post but decided acting wasn't for her. She would rather create a character than play one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 28, 2021
Eagerly awaited new book/series by this author and it didn’t disappoint
Introducing Detective Hazel Todd to readers, it is the start of a gritty Scottish crime series set in Perth
Men are being murdered, in a very gruesome and specific way, the same way men were murdered decades before by a notorious killer, the killer is now ‘reformed’ and out of prison…so is it just coincidence these killings have started or is there a copycat on the loose
Intriguing and whodunitish with good and unformal ( ie not boring ) police procedural this book starts with a massive bang and carries on with the momentum all the way through until the killer is eventually found
I enjoyed the writing, the story ( although gruesome at times ) and the sub stories throughout of the victims, the Police and those under suspicion
It is a really good book to start a new series with and I liked Hazell and look forward to reading more about her, her life and her career as the series progresses
9/10
5 Stars
Introducing Detective Hazel Todd to readers, it is the start of a gritty Scottish crime series set in Perth
Men are being murdered, in a very gruesome and specific way, the same way men were murdered decades before by a notorious killer, the killer is now ‘reformed’ and out of prison…so is it just coincidence these killings have started or is there a copycat on the loose
Intriguing and whodunitish with good and unformal ( ie not boring ) police procedural this book starts with a massive bang and carries on with the momentum all the way through until the killer is eventually found
I enjoyed the writing, the story ( although gruesome at times ) and the sub stories throughout of the victims, the Police and those under suspicion
It is a really good book to start a new series with and I liked Hazell and look forward to reading more about her, her life and her career as the series progresses
9/10
5 Stars
July 1, 2022
This book wasn’t entirely satisfactory for me but I would guess it would be fine for many others. It falls somewhere between Scottish noir and cozy and it’s the cozy areas that don’t interest me. I started to count how many times characters said “erm…” and how many times tearful girls are patted on the back of their hands but gave up. The young women characters are too much alike and need distinguishing characteristics.
Kerry Watts grew up and still lives in the area she describes here and has a background in psychiatric nursing. Those are plusses.
Kerry Watts grew up and still lives in the area she describes here and has a background in psychiatric nursing. Those are plusses.
November 7, 2021
This isn't going to be one of those gushing reviews.
If you want a brilliant police procedural that will keep you awake until silly o clock and make you reread sections as you were gobsmacked by the tension in the story, and speed read it, then this is the book!
Just go get it! You'll not be sorry!
If you want a brilliant police procedural that will keep you awake until silly o clock and make you reread sections as you were gobsmacked by the tension in the story, and speed read it, then this is the book!
Just go get it! You'll not be sorry!
April 7, 2023
A good introduction to Detective Hazel Todd and her team. They leave no stone unturned no matter how much danger they put themselves in.
A murderer is released and wants to live just a quite life. The murders then start. Is she back to her old ways or is there a copycat? Things also get a bit too close to home for Hazel.
I enjoyed this, lots of twists and turns and some red herrings along the way. Once finding out who it was I didn't expect the plot twist that came. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this series.
A murderer is released and wants to live just a quite life. The murders then start. Is she back to her old ways or is there a copycat? Things also get a bit too close to home for Hazel.
I enjoyed this, lots of twists and turns and some red herrings along the way. Once finding out who it was I didn't expect the plot twist that came. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this series.
September 10, 2021
i am a big fan of this author and waited patiently waited for new one and was not disappointed very addictive and pull you in from page one very fast paced and i love the new character in this new series DCI Hazel Todd . Hazel is called out on a chilly October morning to a red fiesta where a young man has been murdered its a regular spot for sex workers his name is Sam Kennedy who was a medical student , Rachel helps the young women who sell themselves makes sure they are fed and well her best friend s daughter Molly has gone on the streets for her drug addiction and has a temper . Kelly was the women that Sam was seeing and paying her for sex but he liked the dark stuff ,DCI Hazel Todd husband left her for her bestfriend Cara and she contacts Hazel and she wants nothing to do with her ,Craig Douglas has befriended the girls and helps them when he can . this book is very very twist i so recommend
August 28, 2021
Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Death Rite by Kerry Watts is the first book in a new police procedural series focused on Detective Hazel Todd. The story revolves around Hazel as she investigates a series of murders that are very similar to a series of murders that happened 40 years ago. Back then, Rachel McMahon brutally murdered four men. Now, she's been released from prison. A 60 year-old who volunteers as a soup kitchen - there's no way that she would return to her evil ways, is there? When a new series of murders happened with connections to Rachel, Detective Hazel Todd and her colleagues will need to use all of their resources find out who the killer is.
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"Watching them breathe their last never gets old. He’s not quite there yet, but soon, yes, soon his existence will be extinguished. As it should be. If he hadn’t been so arrogant, so aggressive, he might have lived. We all make choices every day, every minute. Crossing the road, buying those groceries, stopping to talk to friends. They’re all decisions every person makes to survive. One wrong move could be your last.
She understood that. She didn’t grieve their loss. Why should I?"
Overall, Death Rite is a gripping police procedural that makes me interested in reading the rest of the series. One highlight of this book is the seriously creepy text messages that are sent during the investigation. The blue bubbles around the texts were a nice and realistic touch. I did take off 1 star because of the large cast of characters with generic names, which made it hard to keep track of the characters. I took off another star because it was hard for me to maintain my interest in this book. The police officers do a lot of interrogating, but for a large portion of the plot, nothing exciting happens. Nevertheless, I was interested in the outcome of the book, and I did end up finishing the book in a day. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of police procedurals, you can check out this book when it comes out in October!
Death Rite by Kerry Watts is the first book in a new police procedural series focused on Detective Hazel Todd. The story revolves around Hazel as she investigates a series of murders that are very similar to a series of murders that happened 40 years ago. Back then, Rachel McMahon brutally murdered four men. Now, she's been released from prison. A 60 year-old who volunteers as a soup kitchen - there's no way that she would return to her evil ways, is there? When a new series of murders happened with connections to Rachel, Detective Hazel Todd and her colleagues will need to use all of their resources find out who the killer is.
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"Watching them breathe their last never gets old. He’s not quite there yet, but soon, yes, soon his existence will be extinguished. As it should be. If he hadn’t been so arrogant, so aggressive, he might have lived. We all make choices every day, every minute. Crossing the road, buying those groceries, stopping to talk to friends. They’re all decisions every person makes to survive. One wrong move could be your last.
She understood that. She didn’t grieve their loss. Why should I?"
Overall, Death Rite is a gripping police procedural that makes me interested in reading the rest of the series. One highlight of this book is the seriously creepy text messages that are sent during the investigation. The blue bubbles around the texts were a nice and realistic touch. I did take off 1 star because of the large cast of characters with generic names, which made it hard to keep track of the characters. I took off another star because it was hard for me to maintain my interest in this book. The police officers do a lot of interrogating, but for a large portion of the plot, nothing exciting happens. Nevertheless, I was interested in the outcome of the book, and I did end up finishing the book in a day. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of police procedurals, you can check out this book when it comes out in October!
November 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this book! Loved the story and the characters. Can’t wait to read more of DCI Todd’s investigations. Enjoy!
October 11, 2021
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭
Death Rite - Kerry Watts
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐜𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩.
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥’𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐃𝐂𝐈 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 – 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚…
I was sucked into this one straight away, it grabbed me and I was gripped from start to finish!
I feel like I’ve discovered a new favourite series. DCI Hazel Todd is fabulous. I immediately liked her, no nonsense and solid at her job. I loved the interplay with her team too and there are a few relationships that are clearly going to build moving forward in the series. I really want Rachel to feature in future books too, I feel like there is more to find out about her, I hope it’s not the last we see of her.
It’s pacy, tense and a perfect autumn crime read. There are gruesome murders, a serial killer, twists and turns, but the pieces all fall into place with a satisfying conclusion.
I zipped through this so quickly, a brilliant and gripping start to a new series I can’t wait to read more!
✩✩✩✩
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With thanks to Hera Books for my copy of this ebook and spot on the blog tour
Death Rite - Kerry Watts
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐜𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩.
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥’𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐃𝐂𝐈 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 – 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚…
I was sucked into this one straight away, it grabbed me and I was gripped from start to finish!
I feel like I’ve discovered a new favourite series. DCI Hazel Todd is fabulous. I immediately liked her, no nonsense and solid at her job. I loved the interplay with her team too and there are a few relationships that are clearly going to build moving forward in the series. I really want Rachel to feature in future books too, I feel like there is more to find out about her, I hope it’s not the last we see of her.
It’s pacy, tense and a perfect autumn crime read. There are gruesome murders, a serial killer, twists and turns, but the pieces all fall into place with a satisfying conclusion.
I zipped through this so quickly, a brilliant and gripping start to a new series I can’t wait to read more!
✩✩✩✩
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With thanks to Hera Books for my copy of this ebook and spot on the blog tour
August 30, 2021
Perth, Scotland isn't a place you would expect to find a murderer taunting the local police force but unfortunately for DCI Hazel Todd it seems that's exactly what she's got. With her small team she sets about trying to find out who could have killed a young medical student leaving almost no clues.
As they begin to dig deeper and links to a local shelter come to light the comparison between this new killing and ones solved four decades earlier become clearer. Could the same person be responsible or is there another reason for the similarities?
This is the first in the new series by Kerry Watts set in Scotland, and I enjoyed it very much. Hazel is a sympathetically written and successful main protagonist, showing a compassion which made her approachable and likeable but as the story progressed her strength of will definitely took centre stage. Her relationship with her team does still need to come together a little more, especially with her second in command, DI Tom Newton, which seemed just a little less convincing than with the others.
The storyline was as complex as one would expect from a Kerry Watts novel and showed the parts of society generally treated with far less respect and kindness than they deserve or need in a sympathetic way. There was no pontificating however, just a storyline successfully shown from both sides containing well rounded and entertaining characters.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent first story in what promises to be a very good series.
As they begin to dig deeper and links to a local shelter come to light the comparison between this new killing and ones solved four decades earlier become clearer. Could the same person be responsible or is there another reason for the similarities?
This is the first in the new series by Kerry Watts set in Scotland, and I enjoyed it very much. Hazel is a sympathetically written and successful main protagonist, showing a compassion which made her approachable and likeable but as the story progressed her strength of will definitely took centre stage. Her relationship with her team does still need to come together a little more, especially with her second in command, DI Tom Newton, which seemed just a little less convincing than with the others.
The storyline was as complex as one would expect from a Kerry Watts novel and showed the parts of society generally treated with far less respect and kindness than they deserve or need in a sympathetic way. There was no pontificating however, just a storyline successfully shown from both sides containing well rounded and entertaining characters.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent first story in what promises to be a very good series.
September 12, 2021
When DCI Hazel Todd is called to a homicide out on the Harbour to find a young man dead in his car, she has no idea that this is the start of the most horrifying event of her career. This is much more terrifying than murder.
Forty years before, Rachel became a sex worker in the same Harbour. But it wasn't just a job for her, it was a way to follow her true passion - murder. Now, she's served her time and is living in quiet anonymity in Scotland. But recent events seem all too familiar to the terror that Rachel had caused all those decades ago ... could she be back to finish what she started, or is someone even worse hiding out there?
The first in a new series, this crime thriller is packed full of dark turns and turns set against a remote Scottish backdrop. You couldn't help but be morbidly curious about Rachel and how she ended up on the bloody path she did, maybe even feeling empathy at some point as we learn more about her. I was quite uncomfortable with the way many characters referred to sex work in general, calling the entire industry sleazy amongst other things, and while I'm sure this is because they've seen the darker side to the industry it definitely didn't sit right with me at times.
There was a thick tension all the way through, with plenty of misdirection and tricks that kept you unsure of who to trust or what to think. I couldn't fully connect with Hazel and her mission to solve this mystery, I found her a bit detatched from the reader, but I definitely think I'll be back for the next installment to find out more.
Forty years before, Rachel became a sex worker in the same Harbour. But it wasn't just a job for her, it was a way to follow her true passion - murder. Now, she's served her time and is living in quiet anonymity in Scotland. But recent events seem all too familiar to the terror that Rachel had caused all those decades ago ... could she be back to finish what she started, or is someone even worse hiding out there?
The first in a new series, this crime thriller is packed full of dark turns and turns set against a remote Scottish backdrop. You couldn't help but be morbidly curious about Rachel and how she ended up on the bloody path she did, maybe even feeling empathy at some point as we learn more about her. I was quite uncomfortable with the way many characters referred to sex work in general, calling the entire industry sleazy amongst other things, and while I'm sure this is because they've seen the darker side to the industry it definitely didn't sit right with me at times.
There was a thick tension all the way through, with plenty of misdirection and tricks that kept you unsure of who to trust or what to think. I couldn't fully connect with Hazel and her mission to solve this mystery, I found her a bit detatched from the reader, but I definitely think I'll be back for the next installment to find out more.
October 4, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hera Books for an advance copy of Death Rite, the first novel to feature Perth based DCI Hazel Todd.
When Sam Kennedy is found stabbed to death in his car it doesn’t take Hazel and the team long to uncover his secrets. It takes a bit longer to uncover links to the crimes Rachel McMahon committed forty years ago and by then Sam isn’t the only victim.
I enjoyed Death Rite, which is a very readable novel with all the requisite twists and turns. I admit to being baffled by the switching timeline at the beginning of the novel, but that’s my fault because, wanting no preconceptions, I didn’t read the blurb before starting the novel. Everything soon becomes clear as the novel settles in to a more regular police procedural.
I further admit to guessing the perpetrator’s identity early in the novel, mostly because they don’t fit. This did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel as it is told in a lively and inviting manner and throws in enough mystery about the various characters to make the reader want to find out more and the there are plenty of twists to further tease the reader. If I have one niggle it’s the number of threads that start and go nowhere. I understand that this is a touch of realism in an otherwise fictional tale, but as a reader I found it a bit pointless.
I like DCI Hazel Todd already. She’s not young and has recently suffered major heartache, but she’s down to earth, dedicated and very normal. She’s refreshingly uncynical and not jaded by the job.
Death Rite is a good read that I can recommend.
When Sam Kennedy is found stabbed to death in his car it doesn’t take Hazel and the team long to uncover his secrets. It takes a bit longer to uncover links to the crimes Rachel McMahon committed forty years ago and by then Sam isn’t the only victim.
I enjoyed Death Rite, which is a very readable novel with all the requisite twists and turns. I admit to being baffled by the switching timeline at the beginning of the novel, but that’s my fault because, wanting no preconceptions, I didn’t read the blurb before starting the novel. Everything soon becomes clear as the novel settles in to a more regular police procedural.
I further admit to guessing the perpetrator’s identity early in the novel, mostly because they don’t fit. This did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel as it is told in a lively and inviting manner and throws in enough mystery about the various characters to make the reader want to find out more and the there are plenty of twists to further tease the reader. If I have one niggle it’s the number of threads that start and go nowhere. I understand that this is a touch of realism in an otherwise fictional tale, but as a reader I found it a bit pointless.
I like DCI Hazel Todd already. She’s not young and has recently suffered major heartache, but she’s down to earth, dedicated and very normal. She’s refreshingly uncynical and not jaded by the job.
Death Rite is a good read that I can recommend.
April 6, 2022
Forty Years, Yet Not Forgotten--Scottish serial killer Rachel McMahon, back in Perth after serving a 40-year sentence for aggravated multiple murders, is suspected when a young doctor’s mutilated body is found inside his car near the tenderloin district in “Death Rite” by Kerry Watts.
Upon release, Rachel works in a soup kitchen that assists ‘working girls.’ She professes to have made amends for her past sins while pursuing a quiet life of anonymity. However, can a serial killer’s urges stop—even after a 40-year hiatus?
Detective Inspector Hazel Todd and her team face a crisis as men's deaths increase, and all clues point to Rachel. Could Rachel be the killer? Or is an exceptionally skilled copycat seeking vengeance and retribution by casting blame on Rachel?
Kerry Watts does a terrific job weaving intersecting plot twists to keep avid mystery sleuths off-kilter. The final reveal at the police station is my favorite aspect of the novel. I found it unexpected and a brilliant ending to an intriguing psychological thriller.
========================///=======================
The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Title: “Death Rite”
Author: Kerry Watts
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers |
Publication Date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Hera Books
Sincere thanks and appreciation go to NetGalley, Author Kerry Watts, and Publisher Hera Books for this Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) for review
Upon release, Rachel works in a soup kitchen that assists ‘working girls.’ She professes to have made amends for her past sins while pursuing a quiet life of anonymity. However, can a serial killer’s urges stop—even after a 40-year hiatus?
Detective Inspector Hazel Todd and her team face a crisis as men's deaths increase, and all clues point to Rachel. Could Rachel be the killer? Or is an exceptionally skilled copycat seeking vengeance and retribution by casting blame on Rachel?
Kerry Watts does a terrific job weaving intersecting plot twists to keep avid mystery sleuths off-kilter. The final reveal at the police station is my favorite aspect of the novel. I found it unexpected and a brilliant ending to an intriguing psychological thriller.
========================///=======================
The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Title: “Death Rite”
Author: Kerry Watts
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers |
Publication Date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Hera Books
Sincere thanks and appreciation go to NetGalley, Author Kerry Watts, and Publisher Hera Books for this Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) for review
October 27, 2024
I love it when the leading detective is a woman and I do realise, when I think about all the crime books I have been reading, quite a lot ot authors opt for this. They star a female detective, assisted by her loyal and often good friend, lover or husband, male side kick. There are of course a lot of books with the opposite combination, but I can not remember having read a lot of books with same sex duos. Do tey exist? I suppose they do.
Back to this book. I loved the team the author created. They work so well together and you feel the friendship or even love between them. And people always achieve better results when they are part of a good group they feel at ease in.
As per usual, the author points the finger in a certain direction and the readers have to follow because they don't have enough details yet. The question is though, as the story develops, is it still a good idea to follow the lead or is it time to put your own thinking cap on? Time will tell...
What did I learn here? Wanting to help others, can turn against you. Never befriend the green eyed monster and never let your personal feelings get in the way.
I had a great time reading this book and I loved the surprise the author left us in a juicy twist. 5 stars
Thank you
Back to this book. I loved the team the author created. They work so well together and you feel the friendship or even love between them. And people always achieve better results when they are part of a good group they feel at ease in.
As per usual, the author points the finger in a certain direction and the readers have to follow because they don't have enough details yet. The question is though, as the story develops, is it still a good idea to follow the lead or is it time to put your own thinking cap on? Time will tell...
What did I learn here? Wanting to help others, can turn against you. Never befriend the green eyed monster and never let your personal feelings get in the way.
I had a great time reading this book and I loved the surprise the author left us in a juicy twist. 5 stars
Thank you
October 6, 2021
🗡Good start to a new series set in Scotland🌄
I found this first DCI Hazel Todd murder investigation a good, solid whodunit that overwhelmingly concentrates on the victims and suspects and mostly skates over the details of the detectives' lives. There are just a few brief scenes that bring in Hazel's family and a subplot regarding the bitter end to her marriage. That worked for me in a series introduction. But I would have liked a bit more character development and backstory for some of the protagonists especially ex-con Rachel, her friend and the victims.
Watts gives us lots of suspects and I really liked the twists regarding the timeline for the murders and discovery of the victims. She also kept me guessing by including a good supply of possible suspects with odd behavior and things to hide. The writing is concise and easy to follow and I love a mystery or thriller with a strong female lead character like DCI Todd. This is a series I will be following, not least of which due to the Scottish setting.
Thanks to Hera and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I found this first DCI Hazel Todd murder investigation a good, solid whodunit that overwhelmingly concentrates on the victims and suspects and mostly skates over the details of the detectives' lives. There are just a few brief scenes that bring in Hazel's family and a subplot regarding the bitter end to her marriage. That worked for me in a series introduction. But I would have liked a bit more character development and backstory for some of the protagonists especially ex-con Rachel, her friend and the victims.
Watts gives us lots of suspects and I really liked the twists regarding the timeline for the murders and discovery of the victims. She also kept me guessing by including a good supply of possible suspects with odd behavior and things to hide. The writing is concise and easy to follow and I love a mystery or thriller with a strong female lead character like DCI Todd. This is a series I will be following, not least of which due to the Scottish setting.
Thanks to Hera and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Wow, I found this to be a deliciously good read and think this a great start to a new series. The book got off to a good start in the opening chapter with a gory murder. When more deaths follow that have similarities to old cases from 40 years ago Detective Hazel Todd knows she and her colleagues have their work cut out to find the murderer. I thought this was a very well written and chilling read at times and I was drawn in from the first page and the author held my attention right to the end. I really liked the main character and her work colleagues and enjoyed following their investigation. There were a lot of twists here that I loved and as for the ending .... I did not expect that! The little glimpses into Hazel’s personal and home life were lovely additions and I will definitely want to read the next in the series to see how Hazel develops as a character. If I had one gripe it is that I thought there were too many characters in the story and it took me a while for them to slot into place in my mind. Otherwise a great police procedural and one I would recommend.
Wow, I found this to be a deliciously good read and think this a great start to a new series. The book got off to a good start in the opening chapter with a gory murder. When more deaths follow that have similarities to old cases from 40 years ago Detective Hazel Todd knows she and her colleagues have their work cut out to find the murderer. I thought this was a very well written and chilling read at times and I was drawn in from the first page and the author held my attention right to the end. I really liked the main character and her work colleagues and enjoyed following their investigation. There were a lot of twists here that I loved and as for the ending .... I did not expect that! The little glimpses into Hazel’s personal and home life were lovely additions and I will definitely want to read the next in the series to see how Hazel develops as a character. If I had one gripe it is that I thought there were too many characters in the story and it took me a while for them to slot into place in my mind. Otherwise a great police procedural and one I would recommend.
October 15, 2021
I love a new detective series so I jumped at the chance to be part of the tour for Kerry watts’ new series featuring Detective Hazel Todd and it as such a fantastic start. Kerry Watts is a new author to me and I definitely need to go and track down some of her other work now.
I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and really enjoyed how the case and clues were revealed throughout the book; fast enough to keep the reader hooked and not lose pace whilst creating intensity and tension. I couldn’t stop reading!
It has a great balance of police procedural and character development, laying the foundations and backstory for future novels. I enjoyed how events from the past and present came together and how the different leads were investigated. There is lots of insight into a variety of social class issues and how they are perceived which was quite thought provoking.
Hazel is a great lead character, and I am hoping we continue to learn more about her in future instalments. I’m looking forward to reading more.
I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and really enjoyed how the case and clues were revealed throughout the book; fast enough to keep the reader hooked and not lose pace whilst creating intensity and tension. I couldn’t stop reading!
It has a great balance of police procedural and character development, laying the foundations and backstory for future novels. I enjoyed how events from the past and present came together and how the different leads were investigated. There is lots of insight into a variety of social class issues and how they are perceived which was quite thought provoking.
Hazel is a great lead character, and I am hoping we continue to learn more about her in future instalments. I’m looking forward to reading more.
December 15, 2021
When a young medical student is found murdered, DCI Hazel Todd is brought in to investigate, and quickly uncovers a link between the new murder and a series solved forty years before. That murderer, Rachel McMahon, has served her time, and now is residing in quiet anonymity in the local area. But she swears she's innocent of the newest crime. Is Rachel truly as innocent as she claims, or is she picking up where she left off?
I enjoyed this well written and fast paced police procedural. It's not always my favourite genre as I feel like it's difficult to strike the right balance between sometimes between the crime element of the story and the lives of the recurring characters, but when it's done well, it makes me as a reader even more invested. I liked the multiple angles in this, and the different layers of the story. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher who provided me with a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this well written and fast paced police procedural. It's not always my favourite genre as I feel like it's difficult to strike the right balance between sometimes between the crime element of the story and the lives of the recurring characters, but when it's done well, it makes me as a reader even more invested. I liked the multiple angles in this, and the different layers of the story. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher who provided me with a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2021
My first reading of Scottish crime thriller.
The bodies of two men have been found at the regular spot for sex workers. They were stabbed and suffocated inside their vehicles. When third victim was found alive, Hazel Todd and her team has listed a person of interest. It seems the killer was being careless or is it just a copycat on the loose?
I enjoyed Death Rite, which is a very readable novel with all the requisite twists and turns. Who love a great police procedural and psychological thriller, this is for you.
The moment when Tom Newton being stabbed by the suspect make a jaw dropped. The plot thicken begin.
Obviously, the truth hurts but lies are worse. Rachel and Craig deserve a second chance. I love both characters.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Watch out for the release on this October 14th.
My rating 4 ⭐
The bodies of two men have been found at the regular spot for sex workers. They were stabbed and suffocated inside their vehicles. When third victim was found alive, Hazel Todd and her team has listed a person of interest. It seems the killer was being careless or is it just a copycat on the loose?
I enjoyed Death Rite, which is a very readable novel with all the requisite twists and turns. Who love a great police procedural and psychological thriller, this is for you.
The moment when Tom Newton being stabbed by the suspect make a jaw dropped. The plot thicken begin.
Obviously, the truth hurts but lies are worse. Rachel and Craig deserve a second chance. I love both characters.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Watch out for the release on this October 14th.
My rating 4 ⭐
October 22, 2021
First in a new series by this talented author and it did not disappoint. Detective Hazel Todd is already by the end of this novel a well developed and interesting character who I can’t wait to hear more about in the future series.
This novel is very gritty and set in Scotland where we as readers are spared no detail of the crimes committed and the lives that some of the residents of the city are surviving, as opposed to living. As more men are brutally murdered Hazel and her team fight to discover the connection between them before more men die. How do these crimes link to those of 40 years ago and who is the mysterious guardian angel Rachel?
Looking forward to reading the next in this series and recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written, fast paced and gritty police procedural novel.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is very gritty and set in Scotland where we as readers are spared no detail of the crimes committed and the lives that some of the residents of the city are surviving, as opposed to living. As more men are brutally murdered Hazel and her team fight to discover the connection between them before more men die. How do these crimes link to those of 40 years ago and who is the mysterious guardian angel Rachel?
Looking forward to reading the next in this series and recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written, fast paced and gritty police procedural novel.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2021
It's October in Perth Scotland, as the seasons change and the temperatures drop , DCI Hazel Todd and her team , DC Andrea Graham and DI Tom Newton are called out to a murder scene ..where a young man has been found ..As another murder follows soon after Hazel fears they have a serial killer on the streets ...but she and the team have no inkling of where this case will lead them ..The clues point to a homeless centre ..and a heinous spate of murders that happened many years before ...As the team probe deep into the past whilst focusing on the present ..Hazel Todd finds herself taunted by a killer, as she wanders can a leopard change its spots ? ..Once suspicion is aroused ..everything feeds it ...but no one can foresee what is yet to come ...Scottish crime queen Kerry Watts is back ...5 stars A Clever Cold Cutting Read ...I look forward to book 2 ...
September 1, 2021
This was my first book by the author, but won’t be my last.
An outstanding book will always get my attention from the beginning and this one started with a bang and so much mystery around a murder that DC Hazel Todd has to uncover.
The setting is Scotland, and it was interesting to see how it’s depicted within the story.
A murder that took place fourth years ago, might be connected to these new ones and the secrets and mystery was well done, so much so that I really did not know who to trust or think that it’s the actual killer til the last chapter.
This was the first book in a new series, so I am looking forward to read more in the future and see where the author is taking me next.
An outstanding book will always get my attention from the beginning and this one started with a bang and so much mystery around a murder that DC Hazel Todd has to uncover.
The setting is Scotland, and it was interesting to see how it’s depicted within the story.
A murder that took place fourth years ago, might be connected to these new ones and the secrets and mystery was well done, so much so that I really did not know who to trust or think that it’s the actual killer til the last chapter.
This was the first book in a new series, so I am looking forward to read more in the future and see where the author is taking me next.
September 14, 2021
A real eye opener
An edge of your seat read
Exceptional all the way through
Their next breath will be their last
Brand new Scottish crime series set in Perth with DCI Hazel Todd and team
Rachel McMahon is pulled over after they have found a body in a car beside the Harbour Cafe a place where sex workers are picked up the body is named by his ID as Sam Kennedy a young medical student and Rachel if only they know what kind of monster they have found after confessing to Four murders claims of rape and self defence she faces three life sentences, doing her time she is released under a different name and the killings start again, Hazel and the crew have a big job on their hands.
Oh My what a book chapter after chapter it will chill you so fast pace in places I really enjoyed it all.
An edge of your seat read
Exceptional all the way through
Their next breath will be their last
Brand new Scottish crime series set in Perth with DCI Hazel Todd and team
Rachel McMahon is pulled over after they have found a body in a car beside the Harbour Cafe a place where sex workers are picked up the body is named by his ID as Sam Kennedy a young medical student and Rachel if only they know what kind of monster they have found after confessing to Four murders claims of rape and self defence she faces three life sentences, doing her time she is released under a different name and the killings start again, Hazel and the crew have a big job on their hands.
Oh My what a book chapter after chapter it will chill you so fast pace in places I really enjoyed it all.
August 30, 2021
After killing four men in a brutal way 40 years ago Rachel McMahon was branded evil,now she's out,she's done her time and is happy living the quite life with new name in Scotland.
But it's started again men are being murdered and they have her trademark.
D.C.I Hazel Todd and her team are on the case but would Rachel be that silly or is someone copying her murderous ways?
As the team race to find the killer things get to close to home for Hazel can the murderer be stopped?
My first book by Kerry Watts and it won't be my last I loved it.
Plenty to keep you engaged with the story and I highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC
But it's started again men are being murdered and they have her trademark.
D.C.I Hazel Todd and her team are on the case but would Rachel be that silly or is someone copying her murderous ways?
As the team race to find the killer things get to close to home for Hazel can the murderer be stopped?
My first book by Kerry Watts and it won't be my last I loved it.
Plenty to keep you engaged with the story and I highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC
September 11, 2021
I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author and now Death Rite has reached a fantastic new high. This is my favourite book to date. The series, set in Scotland, featuring DCI Hazel Todd is a gripping murder mystery. Its not just DCI Todd as main character of the book but the team she works with are superb, the blend of caring, humour and work ethics. A clever and intriguing plot . There are several suspects in for the murders of men who are murdered in copycat killings of a couple of decades previous. I'm sure this is going to be a very successful and brilliant series and I look forward to reading further investigations in this series.
December 10, 2021
When picking up the first book in a new crime fiction series, I like to really get to know the lead detective on the case, learn how they interact with their team & watch the process of tracking down the criminals unfold. This is a thriller that delivers on all points, with imperfect, yet totally capable, Hazel Todd leading three seemingly unconnected murder investigations, one a little closer to home than expected. The setting, in Perth, Scotland, is both atmospheric & realistic, giving the reader a real taste of what life is like for those less fortunate. Watts has brought her ‘A’ game once again, an unwavering five stars.
December 20, 2021
A new series of police procedural crime thrillers from Kerry Watts featuring a new cast of characters headed up by DI Heather Todd set in Perth, Scotland is refreshing and full of twists.
The novel was focused on a series of gruesome murders and the many characters that could have been persons of interest and its up to Todd and her small but able team to whittle it down and catch their serial killer.
Not much personal details yet of the lives of the main characters but just enough to make you look forward to learning more from the little snippets that were given.
I enjoyed Death Rite and recommend it to my fellow crime lovers.
The novel was focused on a series of gruesome murders and the many characters that could have been persons of interest and its up to Todd and her small but able team to whittle it down and catch their serial killer.
Not much personal details yet of the lives of the main characters but just enough to make you look forward to learning more from the little snippets that were given.
I enjoyed Death Rite and recommend it to my fellow crime lovers.
November 20, 2021
Clever and twisty
Having been a fan of this lady's previous work, it was always going to be a difficult task to go into a new series without making comparisons. Yet, by page 10, I already loved Hazel Todd, a tough talking but very human character who wears her heart on her sleeve.
The murder of a young man leads Todd and her team to a homeless refuge, but also to secrets within his family that will make your toes curl. The deceased man's parents are well drawn, but flawed characters who are difficult to really grieve with.
The writing is right, the plot intricate and full of those twists and turns we've come to know from Watt. A spiders web of a thriller that calls to mind the early works of Minette Walters. The way she delves into the complexities of the characters and relationships is thrilling and impressive. Dripping in atmosphere, full of relatable characters I would say this was her best work thus far.
Having been a fan of this lady's previous work, it was always going to be a difficult task to go into a new series without making comparisons. Yet, by page 10, I already loved Hazel Todd, a tough talking but very human character who wears her heart on her sleeve.
The murder of a young man leads Todd and her team to a homeless refuge, but also to secrets within his family that will make your toes curl. The deceased man's parents are well drawn, but flawed characters who are difficult to really grieve with.
The writing is right, the plot intricate and full of those twists and turns we've come to know from Watt. A spiders web of a thriller that calls to mind the early works of Minette Walters. The way she delves into the complexities of the characters and relationships is thrilling and impressive. Dripping in atmosphere, full of relatable characters I would say this was her best work thus far.
January 6, 2022
Forty years ago Rachel McMahon murdered 4 men and was sent to prison, she's done her time and is trying to rebuild her life but then men start being murdered in exactly the same way as Rachel had committed her crimes. Does Rachel really want a quiet life or is this a copy cat? Call in DCI Hazel Todd and her team.
This is a weird one because I didn't enjoy the book but I didn't hate it either, it was readable and I got through it, I did enjoy some of the characters and there are some twists but I felt like I knew they were coming. I might consider reading another book and seeing what happens.
This is a weird one because I didn't enjoy the book but I didn't hate it either, it was readable and I got through it, I did enjoy some of the characters and there are some twists but I felt like I knew they were coming. I might consider reading another book and seeing what happens.
September 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that DCI Hazel Todd & her team were well-written, and I'm looking forward to reading about them again. There's lots of twists & turns that make you want to keep turning the page to find out what happens next. While I did guess who the killer was, the way that this was revealed had my jaw dropping. I can't wait to read more!
Thanks to Hera Books & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Hera Books & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
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