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Detective Kate Young #3
A Life For a Life
Nobody can get into the mind of an erratic killer—except an unpredictable detective.
When a young man is found lying on a station platform with a hole in his head, DI Kate Young is called in to investigate the grisly murder. But the killing is no one-off. As bodies start to pile up, she is faced with what might be an impossible task—to hunt down a ruthless killer on a seemingly random rampage.
Meanwhile, Kate has her own demons to battle as she struggles to come to terms with her husband’s death. And she is hell-bent on exposing corruption within the force and bringing Superintendent John Dickson to justice. But with the trail of deception running deeper—and closer to home—than she could ever have imagined, she no longer knows who she can trust.
With her grip on reality slipping, Kate realises that maybe she and the killer are not so different after all. But time is running out and Kate is low on options. Can she catch the killer before she loses everything?
When a young man is found lying on a station platform with a hole in his head, DI Kate Young is called in to investigate the grisly murder. But the killing is no one-off. As bodies start to pile up, she is faced with what might be an impossible task—to hunt down a ruthless killer on a seemingly random rampage.
Meanwhile, Kate has her own demons to battle as she struggles to come to terms with her husband’s death. And she is hell-bent on exposing corruption within the force and bringing Superintendent John Dickson to justice. But with the trail of deception running deeper—and closer to home—than she could ever have imagined, she no longer knows who she can trust.
With her grip on reality slipping, Kate realises that maybe she and the killer are not so different after all. But time is running out and Kate is low on options. Can she catch the killer before she loses everything?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
740 people are currently reading
3955 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
March 9, 2023
Edit: It’s 1 year later and I’m still thinking of this book and although I gave it a middle of the road rating, I feel it deserves a bump up considering I have had favorable thoughts of it since. I’m also reading book 4 right now and I remember why I enjoyed this series.
As with most detective stories, you can pick up in the middle of a series and understand what’s going on. Although that was a big win, the drawback is approximately 15 characters in the first three chapters and sometimes they are called by their first names and sometimes they are called by their last names which adds to the confusion of characters. I got the hang of it after a while and realized who was more important to the storyline and who wasn’t.
I didn’t feel as though the story really picked up until about 70% and it wasn’t a whodunnit as the killer is very obvious and forthright from the start of the book.
I really appreciated the double storyline with two different cases present at the same time. That added a bit more depth to the book and helped me learn more about the main character.
If you’re looking for a mild and relatively short detective and police work type of book, this could be right up your alley!
A big thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book.
4⭐️
As with most detective stories, you can pick up in the middle of a series and understand what’s going on. Although that was a big win, the drawback is approximately 15 characters in the first three chapters and sometimes they are called by their first names and sometimes they are called by their last names which adds to the confusion of characters. I got the hang of it after a while and realized who was more important to the storyline and who wasn’t.
I didn’t feel as though the story really picked up until about 70% and it wasn’t a whodunnit as the killer is very obvious and forthright from the start of the book.
I really appreciated the double storyline with two different cases present at the same time. That added a bit more depth to the book and helped me learn more about the main character.
If you’re looking for a mild and relatively short detective and police work type of book, this could be right up your alley!
A big thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book.
4⭐️
March 15, 2022
Publishing Date: March 15, 2022
Carol Wyer is setting this one down with a heavy grip. Although it can be read as a standalone, your best bet is to have read the prior two novels to get a sense of the characters and the happenings thus far.
D.I. Kate Young experiences life in split views. She works in the Special Crimes Unit of the Stoke-on-Trent Police Station. She's fully aware of the challenges of the here and now as an officer of the law. But she also has a back vision as well into the past. And her past has not been kind.....
Kate's husband, Chris, was found dead after pursuing an investigative lead into the disappearances of underage sex workers. Kate's grief was so deep that she swore she could hear Chris' voice even after his death. Somehow it gave her comfort. Somehow it would be the last thing that she would share with others. It was just too personal.
So Kate now travels two highways. One is the demands of her daily work load and the other is to try and find more information on Chris' death. She's climbing the highest of mountains as she suspects Superintendent John Dickson of being involved and orchestrating events at the Maddox Club. Dickson is keeping his eye on Kate. She's stepping closer and closer to a bad end.
Back at the station.....There's been a body found at the Blythe Bridge train station. Have mercy! There are shades of No Country for Old Men happening here. The unfortunate victim had been shot dead with a dead bolt pistol in the forehead just like in that movie. And soon more tones of death set in. Kate and her partners, DS Emma Donaldson and DS Morgan Meredith, are on the hot trail. Are these random deaths or is there a magnetic personality pulling the strings? And is this connected to Chris' death?
Wyer has presented another fast-paced edition to her Kate Young Series. Prepare yourself for the first chapter that entails quite the car crash. Wyer doesn't shy away from explicit descriptors. But this series reflects real life crime in real time. These perpetrators don't attend Sunday School on the weekends. And after this third book, I wonder where she'll take Kate Young next. You can bet it will be with high impact crime. Check it out.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Carol Wyer for the opportunity.
Carol Wyer is setting this one down with a heavy grip. Although it can be read as a standalone, your best bet is to have read the prior two novels to get a sense of the characters and the happenings thus far.
D.I. Kate Young experiences life in split views. She works in the Special Crimes Unit of the Stoke-on-Trent Police Station. She's fully aware of the challenges of the here and now as an officer of the law. But she also has a back vision as well into the past. And her past has not been kind.....
Kate's husband, Chris, was found dead after pursuing an investigative lead into the disappearances of underage sex workers. Kate's grief was so deep that she swore she could hear Chris' voice even after his death. Somehow it gave her comfort. Somehow it would be the last thing that she would share with others. It was just too personal.
So Kate now travels two highways. One is the demands of her daily work load and the other is to try and find more information on Chris' death. She's climbing the highest of mountains as she suspects Superintendent John Dickson of being involved and orchestrating events at the Maddox Club. Dickson is keeping his eye on Kate. She's stepping closer and closer to a bad end.
Back at the station.....There's been a body found at the Blythe Bridge train station. Have mercy! There are shades of No Country for Old Men happening here. The unfortunate victim had been shot dead with a dead bolt pistol in the forehead just like in that movie. And soon more tones of death set in. Kate and her partners, DS Emma Donaldson and DS Morgan Meredith, are on the hot trail. Are these random deaths or is there a magnetic personality pulling the strings? And is this connected to Chris' death?
Wyer has presented another fast-paced edition to her Kate Young Series. Prepare yourself for the first chapter that entails quite the car crash. Wyer doesn't shy away from explicit descriptors. But this series reflects real life crime in real time. These perpetrators don't attend Sunday School on the weekends. And after this third book, I wonder where she'll take Kate Young next. You can bet it will be with high impact crime. Check it out.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Carol Wyer for the opportunity.
February 20, 2022
DI Kate Young #3
3.5 rounded up
Happy family group heading to the airport, then a horrifying car crash. Meanwhile, DI Kate Young is seeking the proof she needs to bring down corrupt superintendent John Dickson any way she can and especially desperately for the death of her husband Chris for which she holds Dickson responsible. This runs covertly alongside the hunt for the killer of Tobias Abrahams, swiftly followed by more deaths.
I enjoyed the last book in the series and although this one is good, I don’t think it’s quite as good as that. Kate is a very interesting central character, she comes across as enigmatic, understandably a bit withdrawn after Chris‘s death but she’s still a good police officer, very determined and hard-working. In this the author conveys her many emotions, fury, grief and desperation for revenge and justice, this is done extremely well. You also sense her looking over her shoulder as who can she trust? There’s quite a sinister feel at times, are there eyes everywhere on her? The characters in the team are also very good, some are flawed and carrying baggage but that makes them feel authentic. Emma and Morgan are especially likeable. I like the addition of Samuel the profiler who seems fascinating and he adds an extra dimension.
The case really challenges the team as they try to figure out the identity of the perpetrator before someone else loses their life. There are plenty of shocks to be uncovered along the way with moments of tension and suspense. The ending is really good and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
However, the start feels a bit disjointed and maybe a bit messy before it gets into its stride and it also becomes quite psychological in tone which causes the pace to rise and then fall on occasions. Despite this, I do still enjoy it as I really like the series and I find Kate fascinating.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing UK for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up
Happy family group heading to the airport, then a horrifying car crash. Meanwhile, DI Kate Young is seeking the proof she needs to bring down corrupt superintendent John Dickson any way she can and especially desperately for the death of her husband Chris for which she holds Dickson responsible. This runs covertly alongside the hunt for the killer of Tobias Abrahams, swiftly followed by more deaths.
I enjoyed the last book in the series and although this one is good, I don’t think it’s quite as good as that. Kate is a very interesting central character, she comes across as enigmatic, understandably a bit withdrawn after Chris‘s death but she’s still a good police officer, very determined and hard-working. In this the author conveys her many emotions, fury, grief and desperation for revenge and justice, this is done extremely well. You also sense her looking over her shoulder as who can she trust? There’s quite a sinister feel at times, are there eyes everywhere on her? The characters in the team are also very good, some are flawed and carrying baggage but that makes them feel authentic. Emma and Morgan are especially likeable. I like the addition of Samuel the profiler who seems fascinating and he adds an extra dimension.
The case really challenges the team as they try to figure out the identity of the perpetrator before someone else loses their life. There are plenty of shocks to be uncovered along the way with moments of tension and suspense. The ending is really good and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
However, the start feels a bit disjointed and maybe a bit messy before it gets into its stride and it also becomes quite psychological in tone which causes the pace to rise and then fall on occasions. Despite this, I do still enjoy it as I really like the series and I find Kate fascinating.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing UK for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 6, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
Unfortunately this is not a whodunit or even a whydunit as it is pretty obvious from very early in the book. Of course the police, specifically DI Kate Young’s small team, don’t know these things so you have to watch them flounder around trying to find a link between the victims when there really isn’t one!
A random series of people are being killed by a captive bolt stun gun like the ones often used in abattoirs. The deaths seem to have nothing in common except that they all occur in the early evening in kind of public places (but at this time these places are not very crowded). Soon a profiler is called in and eventually Kate starts to realise that maybe the killer is feeling a similar grief to her own.
Luckily this story had another plot line. Since Kate’s husband, Chris, died around a year ago she has been determined to seek justice for him and unmask the people behind a sex trafficking ring. Unfortunately she suspects that a senior officer, Superintendent John Dickson, is behind Chris’s death and a number of others. She suspects Dickson of being very corrupt and of killing anyone who gets close to exposing him. So of course she must proceed with the utmost caution. By now she is pretty strung out - trying to do her day job while secretly collecting information to unmask Dickson and his cronies. She doesn’t know who she can trust.
She has also been relying on Chris’s ‘voice’ to guide her actions but he has been silent of late. Is this because she is close to crossing a line she may not be able to uncross? Even though Kate is becoming slightly unhinged, the members of her small team are just delightful characters and try to look out for her. DS Morgan Meredith is a gentle giant and DS Emma Donaldson has her own demons so she understands grief. But it is young DC Jamie Webster that Kate suspects is reporting to Dickson so she must be careful around him.
Kate’s constant imploring Chris to ‘speak’ to her got a bit tiring. What saved the book for me was Wyer’s excellent writing, the cohesiveness of the plot and the excellent pacing. The characters also behaved logically and there were none of the silly heroics we see in some crime thrillers. It will be interesting to see where the author takes DI Young from here - if, indeed, the series is continued. Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Unfortunately this is not a whodunit or even a whydunit as it is pretty obvious from very early in the book. Of course the police, specifically DI Kate Young’s small team, don’t know these things so you have to watch them flounder around trying to find a link between the victims when there really isn’t one!
A random series of people are being killed by a captive bolt stun gun like the ones often used in abattoirs. The deaths seem to have nothing in common except that they all occur in the early evening in kind of public places (but at this time these places are not very crowded). Soon a profiler is called in and eventually Kate starts to realise that maybe the killer is feeling a similar grief to her own.
Luckily this story had another plot line. Since Kate’s husband, Chris, died around a year ago she has been determined to seek justice for him and unmask the people behind a sex trafficking ring. Unfortunately she suspects that a senior officer, Superintendent John Dickson, is behind Chris’s death and a number of others. She suspects Dickson of being very corrupt and of killing anyone who gets close to exposing him. So of course she must proceed with the utmost caution. By now she is pretty strung out - trying to do her day job while secretly collecting information to unmask Dickson and his cronies. She doesn’t know who she can trust.
She has also been relying on Chris’s ‘voice’ to guide her actions but he has been silent of late. Is this because she is close to crossing a line she may not be able to uncross? Even though Kate is becoming slightly unhinged, the members of her small team are just delightful characters and try to look out for her. DS Morgan Meredith is a gentle giant and DS Emma Donaldson has her own demons so she understands grief. But it is young DC Jamie Webster that Kate suspects is reporting to Dickson so she must be careful around him.
Kate’s constant imploring Chris to ‘speak’ to her got a bit tiring. What saved the book for me was Wyer’s excellent writing, the cohesiveness of the plot and the excellent pacing. The characters also behaved logically and there were none of the silly heroics we see in some crime thrillers. It will be interesting to see where the author takes DI Young from here - if, indeed, the series is continued. Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
January 12, 2023
A little over a year ago I read Book 2 in this series and I remember that I complained about the main character carrying on conversations with her dead husband (a journalist prior to his demise). Well, her husband is still dead and she's still talking to him but he doesn't seem to be responding now so maybe she'll take the hint.
Detective Kate Young is called in to investigate when the body of a young man is found on the platform of a train station, shot in the head with a captive bolt pistol. And just what is a captive bolt pistol you may ask? It turns out it's a gun used to stun animals before they are slaughtered but that's all I'll tell you about that. Kate is also still trying to find evidence that Superintendent John Dickson is corrupt as she suspects he had something to do with her husband's death .
Kate is a very strong character and a good detective but I still worry about her mental health, more so than in the previous book. She doesn't seem to rest or eat properly so you feel like something's gotta give sooner or later. The members of her team are mostly likeable and we learn more about Emma's background in this installment. Samuel, a profiler, is a new addition to the team and even though he's a little bit of an oddball, I hope he has a continuing role. The story is told from different perspectives, including the killer's. I think this book would be tough to read as a standalone and I recommend reading at least Book 2 first. The ending was a bit of a shocker so it'll be interesting to see where we go from here.
Some of the chapters in this book are far too long and to be honest I lost sight of how the book started and had to re-read the prologue when I was about 65% done. Oddly enough, mention is made of the discipline of Krav Maga which is an Israeli martial art and which is also mentioned in "The Devil You Know" which I finished recently. What're the chances?! This is a good addition to the series despite my quibbles and another lovely cover too. I'd give the book 3.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and my apologies for how late my review is. The author has Book 4 coming out in April so at least this one will be fresh in my mind (sorta) should I choose to read #4! All opinions expressed are my own.
UPDATE: Book 4 in this series - "A Truth for a Truth" just became available as Read Now on Netgalley and guess who was at the front of the line saying gimme, gimme?!
Detective Kate Young is called in to investigate when the body of a young man is found on the platform of a train station, shot in the head with a captive bolt pistol. And just what is a captive bolt pistol you may ask? It turns out it's a gun used to stun animals before they are slaughtered but that's all I'll tell you about that. Kate is also still trying to find evidence that Superintendent John Dickson is corrupt as she suspects he had something to do with her husband's death .
Kate is a very strong character and a good detective but I still worry about her mental health, more so than in the previous book. She doesn't seem to rest or eat properly so you feel like something's gotta give sooner or later. The members of her team are mostly likeable and we learn more about Emma's background in this installment. Samuel, a profiler, is a new addition to the team and even though he's a little bit of an oddball, I hope he has a continuing role. The story is told from different perspectives, including the killer's. I think this book would be tough to read as a standalone and I recommend reading at least Book 2 first. The ending was a bit of a shocker so it'll be interesting to see where we go from here.
Some of the chapters in this book are far too long and to be honest I lost sight of how the book started and had to re-read the prologue when I was about 65% done. Oddly enough, mention is made of the discipline of Krav Maga which is an Israeli martial art and which is also mentioned in "The Devil You Know" which I finished recently. What're the chances?! This is a good addition to the series despite my quibbles and another lovely cover too. I'd give the book 3.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and my apologies for how late my review is. The author has Book 4 coming out in April so at least this one will be fresh in my mind (sorta) should I choose to read #4! All opinions expressed are my own.
UPDATE: Book 4 in this series - "A Truth for a Truth" just became available as Read Now on Netgalley and guess who was at the front of the line saying gimme, gimme?!
March 19, 2022
A LIFE FOR A LIFE is the third book in the Detective Kate Young Series by award-winning author of mystery and romance novels, Carol Wyer. Having enjoyed reading some of her other series; Detective Robyn Carter and Detective Natalie Ward, I was looking forward to continuing with this new detective series. This book can be read as a standalone, but these books are better read in order for clarity in the storyline of the continuing personal investigation by Kate into her investigative journalist husband, Chris’ murder. This is the review of A Life For A Life.
The novels in the Detective Kate Young Series Include:
Book 1-An Eye For An Eye (2021)
Book 2-A Cut For A Cut (June 2021)
Book 3-A Life For A Life (Publication: March 15th 2022)
In Book 1 DI Kate Young had been on leave after suffering a traumatic experience. She’s the force’s best detective, but suffered from nightmares and her bosses knew she was under pressure, on medication and booze to overcome the trauma. Kate was still grieving the loss of her husband, Chris, who was murdered by a hitman. Her boss, Superintendent John Dickson placed her on mandatory sick leave, after a breakdown on a train.
A few months later, Kate’s friend and friend of her late father, DCI William Chase comes to tell her that her boss wants her back at work, to hunt down a serial killer. Kate accepted the offer and chose two of her fellow officers from her old team, DS Morgan Meredith (dedicated worker that had worked closely on several tough cases in the past) and DS Emma Donaldson (an expert in marital arts).
Then in Book 2, A Cut For A Cut, DI Kate Young and her team are called to a crime scene where a woman had been brutally raped, and dumped. There are few clues and no suspects.
Nobody can get into the mind of an erratic killer—except an unpredictable detective.
Prison guard Tom Champion, under torture admits to killing Cooper Monroe and was paid to make it look like a suicide, by Kate’s corrupt boss, superintendent John Dickson. Kate also believed he was behind the murder of her husband, Chris.
Bradley Chapman (SAS), ex-military, and friend of Cooper, job was to watch over a murderer, but Champion after supplying Kate with the confession video, had disappeared…or Dickson had already got to him. Now Kate was trying to gather evidence to bring down her boss.
When a young man is found lying at the train station, shot in the head, DI Kate Young is called in to investigate the murder. Then further bodies start to pile up.
With time ticking away, Kate must catch the killer before it is too late.
This was a fast paced, well-written novel full of action, mystery and suspense, with a major cliffhanger at the end. Can’t wait for the next book!
Many thanks to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my digital copy.
The novels in the Detective Kate Young Series Include:
Book 1-An Eye For An Eye (2021)
Book 2-A Cut For A Cut (June 2021)
Book 3-A Life For A Life (Publication: March 15th 2022)
In Book 1 DI Kate Young had been on leave after suffering a traumatic experience. She’s the force’s best detective, but suffered from nightmares and her bosses knew she was under pressure, on medication and booze to overcome the trauma. Kate was still grieving the loss of her husband, Chris, who was murdered by a hitman. Her boss, Superintendent John Dickson placed her on mandatory sick leave, after a breakdown on a train.
A few months later, Kate’s friend and friend of her late father, DCI William Chase comes to tell her that her boss wants her back at work, to hunt down a serial killer. Kate accepted the offer and chose two of her fellow officers from her old team, DS Morgan Meredith (dedicated worker that had worked closely on several tough cases in the past) and DS Emma Donaldson (an expert in marital arts).
Then in Book 2, A Cut For A Cut, DI Kate Young and her team are called to a crime scene where a woman had been brutally raped, and dumped. There are few clues and no suspects.
Nobody can get into the mind of an erratic killer—except an unpredictable detective.
Prison guard Tom Champion, under torture admits to killing Cooper Monroe and was paid to make it look like a suicide, by Kate’s corrupt boss, superintendent John Dickson. Kate also believed he was behind the murder of her husband, Chris.
Bradley Chapman (SAS), ex-military, and friend of Cooper, job was to watch over a murderer, but Champion after supplying Kate with the confession video, had disappeared…or Dickson had already got to him. Now Kate was trying to gather evidence to bring down her boss.
When a young man is found lying at the train station, shot in the head, DI Kate Young is called in to investigate the murder. Then further bodies start to pile up.
With time ticking away, Kate must catch the killer before it is too late.
This was a fast paced, well-written novel full of action, mystery and suspense, with a major cliffhanger at the end. Can’t wait for the next book!
Many thanks to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my digital copy.
March 31, 2022
Have I told you how much I love Carol Wyer's crime fiction? So good!! This is book 3 in the Detective Kate Young series and it might just be the best one yet! You have to read this series, and the Robyn Carter and Natalie Ward books as well. She really knows how to write a great police procedural. They are all available on Kindle Unlimited so no excuses.
Kate is still grieving the death of her husband and running the major crimes department. This case is testing them all, there doesn't appear to be any links to the victims and no witnesses. All the while she is trying to finish the work that her husband was doing to take down corruption in the force. All in a days work really.
With an ending that really shocked me, I am already looking forward to book 4.
Kate is still grieving the death of her husband and running the major crimes department. This case is testing them all, there doesn't appear to be any links to the victims and no witnesses. All the while she is trying to finish the work that her husband was doing to take down corruption in the force. All in a days work really.
With an ending that really shocked me, I am already looking forward to book 4.
March 11, 2022
Superintendent John Dickson, superintendent is corrupt. Detective Inspector Kate Young finally has just enough proof. Just a little bit more and Kate is certain she will prove just who Dickson is. More importantly, Kate is convinced that he is responsible for the murder of her husband. She will not rest until justice is served.
Despite her determination when it comes to Dickson, Kate has another case. When a body is found on a train flatform, after evidently being shot, Kate has to find focus in order to find his killer. Before long, however, even more murders occur, and the clock is ticking. Kate must find a way to stop this killeer.
Meanwhile, Kate begins missing something, the husband the voice of her deceased husband has quieted. He had been with her since his passing keeping her strong in her endeavors. However, the closer she gets to finding out what happened to him the less she hears his voice. There is no doubt that her personal investigation is at conflict with the murder investigation. Kate becomes more and more distant from her team, and at least a few of them begin to get worried.
What a riveting story! From beginning to end the tension never once let up. Compassion and concern for Kate equalled pride her determination shone through time and again. She is a fabulous protagonist and Carol Wyer has developed her character just right - no doubt leaving every reader in her corner. A Life for a Life ended with a bang, leaving me more than eager to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Despite her determination when it comes to Dickson, Kate has another case. When a body is found on a train flatform, after evidently being shot, Kate has to find focus in order to find his killer. Before long, however, even more murders occur, and the clock is ticking. Kate must find a way to stop this killeer.
Meanwhile, Kate begins missing something, the husband the voice of her deceased husband has quieted. He had been with her since his passing keeping her strong in her endeavors. However, the closer she gets to finding out what happened to him the less she hears his voice. There is no doubt that her personal investigation is at conflict with the murder investigation. Kate becomes more and more distant from her team, and at least a few of them begin to get worried.
What a riveting story! From beginning to end the tension never once let up. Compassion and concern for Kate equalled pride her determination shone through time and again. She is a fabulous protagonist and Carol Wyer has developed her character just right - no doubt leaving every reader in her corner. A Life for a Life ended with a bang, leaving me more than eager to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Read
March 29, 2022This book is a DNF in my library. I read and reread the beginning chapters several times and cannot make heads or tails of it. I’m sure this is a fine novel that most readers would enjoy but it just did not appeal to me. I will not rate or review.
March 20, 2022
Even though this book was the third in the series it read as a stand alone book. I enjoyed this one with its twists and turns but, I wouldn’t say it was the best crime novel I’ve ever read. I would consider reading another one of hers in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2022
I received a free e-copy of A Life for a Life by Carol Wyer from NetGalley for my honest review. I always look forward to anything from Carol Wyer. Another, absolutely amazing police procedural. Such an amazing talent at writing and keeping the reader hooked from the beginning.
March 14, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Carol Wyer having read her DC Robyn Carter series in part, most of her DI Natalie Ward series and now following DI Kate Young on her quest for justice whilst simultaneously fighting crime on a daily basis. While every book follows a standalone investigation, each one follows on from the previous outlining a much bigger picture. Therefore it is highly recommended that readers begin the journey with Kate from the beginning in
"An Eye for an Eye"
and then
"A Cut for a Cut"
, as each book is another important piece of the puzzle that Kate is piecing together. Without them, I fear the reader will flounder for the most part.
This third book continues to pack a punch in conjunction with the first two as it opens with a devastating prologue with only one possible outcome. The result is crime that falls on DI Kate Young's patch as she juggles her personal and professional investigations. This time, to the reader, the crime is not really a whodunnit as it is pretty obvious from early on who is behind the random attacks. The question is WHY? I mean really WHY?!
Kate is heading the investigation into what appears to be random attacks on random people at random places, killing them with a captive bolt gun (the kind of stun gun that is often used in abattoirs). The deaths have nothing in common, the victims have nothing in common leaving Kate and her team stumped. The only commonality is that the killer strikes in the early evening during the same window of time in public places that are winding down for the day, leaving them virtually empty and ripe for the picking.
Then a witness comes forward from the site of the third murder, little realising how narrowly she herself escaped the attentions of the killer, with her observations of someone she thought was the victim. Kate's antennae went up. Could this be their killer? Or could it be another witness? Either way, the team needed to track them down...and fast, before anymore innocent people died. But when a profiler is called in sharing his thoughts on the perpetrator, Kate starts to realise that she might have something in common with this killer, uniting them grief.
It's been over a year since Kate's husband Chris was killed and ever since she has been determined to seek justice for him and the many others who have died as a result of this domino effect. Her determination to unmask those behind the underage sex ring, and the deaths that followed, lead her to a corruption that extended high into a senior officer under whom she works - Superintendent John Dickson, who she believes was behind the death of her husband as well as many others. But if the corruption has gone that high, who knows how much higher is has reached...and will Kate be safe to go after those responsible? She must tread carefully and proceed with the utmost caution if she is to come out of this unscathed.
Parallel to her day job at hand, Kate has also been stealthily collating information to unmask Dickson and the corruption that has followed him. Her secret investigations have alienated her from everyone as she is unable to know who she trust. To date, her only ally upon whom she relies for the covert operation is a former SAS officer who has his own axe to grind in seeking justice for his friend who was murdered upon orders from Dickson. But is this a step too far for Kate? Has she crossed a line in taking the law into her own hands to garner information and find the witnesses she needs before it's too late? Is this why she no longer hears Chris' soothing voice? For so long he has been her voice of reason, her conscience, but for months now he has grown silent and Kate yearns to hear his voice once again.
Kate's behaviour has not gone unnoticed by her team. DS Emma Donaldson, who has her own demons to battle, watches her and understands her grief but is concerned she may be in over her head. DS Morgan Meredith follows her lead but is quietly observant. Young DC Jamie Webster, the newest member of her small team, sees and hears all and Kate suspects that he is a mole planted by Dickson and reporting back to her senior officer, therefore she watches everything she says and does around him ensuring nothing untoward could be communicated in any event. But is it enough? Dickson has eyes and ears everywhere...therefore, Kate can trust no one.
The case at hand challenges the team as they try to figure out who is killing innocent people and why. It is clear to the reader his identity but is there something else we're missing? This riveting installment delivers plenty of shocks and a few twists along the way filled with just the right amount of tension. But it's the ending that delivers the final shock...which I certainly did not see coming! And I eagerly await the fourth book to see what happens next.
While I had barely begun the Robyn Carter series and grew to enjoy Natalie Ward, Kate Young is a different kettle of fish altogether and the issues she finds herself up against are a whole other ball game. I can't compare this book to the previous two as they each offer something different to the story and give us yet another piece of the puzzle that Kate has worked hard to piece together. I barely have the words to express the flood of emotions I feel when reading Kate's journey. But I do know each story, as well as A LIFE FOR A LIFE, is addictive reading from beginning to end.
Carol Wyer's expert writing and skillful storytelling weaves together a tale that draws us in from the beginning and leaves us wanting more by the end. It's engaging, enthralling and completely absorbing. Bring on book 4!
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #Netgalley, #AmazonPublishingUK and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ALifeForALife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This third book continues to pack a punch in conjunction with the first two as it opens with a devastating prologue with only one possible outcome. The result is crime that falls on DI Kate Young's patch as she juggles her personal and professional investigations. This time, to the reader, the crime is not really a whodunnit as it is pretty obvious from early on who is behind the random attacks. The question is WHY? I mean really WHY?!
Kate is heading the investigation into what appears to be random attacks on random people at random places, killing them with a captive bolt gun (the kind of stun gun that is often used in abattoirs). The deaths have nothing in common, the victims have nothing in common leaving Kate and her team stumped. The only commonality is that the killer strikes in the early evening during the same window of time in public places that are winding down for the day, leaving them virtually empty and ripe for the picking.
Then a witness comes forward from the site of the third murder, little realising how narrowly she herself escaped the attentions of the killer, with her observations of someone she thought was the victim. Kate's antennae went up. Could this be their killer? Or could it be another witness? Either way, the team needed to track them down...and fast, before anymore innocent people died. But when a profiler is called in sharing his thoughts on the perpetrator, Kate starts to realise that she might have something in common with this killer, uniting them grief.
It's been over a year since Kate's husband Chris was killed and ever since she has been determined to seek justice for him and the many others who have died as a result of this domino effect. Her determination to unmask those behind the underage sex ring, and the deaths that followed, lead her to a corruption that extended high into a senior officer under whom she works - Superintendent John Dickson, who she believes was behind the death of her husband as well as many others. But if the corruption has gone that high, who knows how much higher is has reached...and will Kate be safe to go after those responsible? She must tread carefully and proceed with the utmost caution if she is to come out of this unscathed.
Parallel to her day job at hand, Kate has also been stealthily collating information to unmask Dickson and the corruption that has followed him. Her secret investigations have alienated her from everyone as she is unable to know who she trust. To date, her only ally upon whom she relies for the covert operation is a former SAS officer who has his own axe to grind in seeking justice for his friend who was murdered upon orders from Dickson. But is this a step too far for Kate? Has she crossed a line in taking the law into her own hands to garner information and find the witnesses she needs before it's too late? Is this why she no longer hears Chris' soothing voice? For so long he has been her voice of reason, her conscience, but for months now he has grown silent and Kate yearns to hear his voice once again.
Kate's behaviour has not gone unnoticed by her team. DS Emma Donaldson, who has her own demons to battle, watches her and understands her grief but is concerned she may be in over her head. DS Morgan Meredith follows her lead but is quietly observant. Young DC Jamie Webster, the newest member of her small team, sees and hears all and Kate suspects that he is a mole planted by Dickson and reporting back to her senior officer, therefore she watches everything she says and does around him ensuring nothing untoward could be communicated in any event. But is it enough? Dickson has eyes and ears everywhere...therefore, Kate can trust no one.
The case at hand challenges the team as they try to figure out who is killing innocent people and why. It is clear to the reader his identity but is there something else we're missing? This riveting installment delivers plenty of shocks and a few twists along the way filled with just the right amount of tension. But it's the ending that delivers the final shock...which I certainly did not see coming! And I eagerly await the fourth book to see what happens next.
While I had barely begun the Robyn Carter series and grew to enjoy Natalie Ward, Kate Young is a different kettle of fish altogether and the issues she finds herself up against are a whole other ball game. I can't compare this book to the previous two as they each offer something different to the story and give us yet another piece of the puzzle that Kate has worked hard to piece together. I barely have the words to express the flood of emotions I feel when reading Kate's journey. But I do know each story, as well as A LIFE FOR A LIFE, is addictive reading from beginning to end.
Carol Wyer's expert writing and skillful storytelling weaves together a tale that draws us in from the beginning and leaves us wanting more by the end. It's engaging, enthralling and completely absorbing. Bring on book 4!
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #Netgalley, #AmazonPublishingUK and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ALifeForALife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 24, 2022
Another brilliant book from Carol Wyer.
Kate and the team are called when a man is shot in the head at a train station using a bolt gun.
Kate and the team start the investigation but cannot find a motive for the killing.
Soon another person is found dead and was killed in the same way, but they can’t link the two people together.
Kate is also still grieving for her husband and trying to bring his killer to justice, but starts to doubt herself.
There’s a great dynamic in the team and with chapters from the killer’s perspective, this is a great crime thriller.
There’s a cliff hanger ending which means I’m desperate to read the next book in the series, but know I’ll have to be patient and wait.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Kate and the team are called when a man is shot in the head at a train station using a bolt gun.
Kate and the team start the investigation but cannot find a motive for the killing.
Soon another person is found dead and was killed in the same way, but they can’t link the two people together.
Kate is also still grieving for her husband and trying to bring his killer to justice, but starts to doubt herself.
There’s a great dynamic in the team and with chapters from the killer’s perspective, this is a great crime thriller.
There’s a cliff hanger ending which means I’m desperate to read the next book in the series, but know I’ll have to be patient and wait.
Thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 24, 2022
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Another brilliant read from Carol Wyer.
A Life for a Life is the third book in the Detective Kate Young series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading An Eye for an Eye and A Cut for a Cut first, as the backstory is the thread that binds them together.
Wonderfully written and gripping as always with an intriguing, tense storyline. Kate and her supporting cast of characters are so well developed, their dialogue is authentic and I absolutely love the banter between the team.
Overall, an excellent crime thriller/police procedural. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Many thanks to Carol Wyer for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Another brilliant read from Carol Wyer.
A Life for a Life is the third book in the Detective Kate Young series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading An Eye for an Eye and A Cut for a Cut first, as the backstory is the thread that binds them together.
Wonderfully written and gripping as always with an intriguing, tense storyline. Kate and her supporting cast of characters are so well developed, their dialogue is authentic and I absolutely love the banter between the team.
Overall, an excellent crime thriller/police procedural. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Many thanks to Carol Wyer for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 14, 2022
Book 3 I'm the DC Kate Young series by Carol Wyer.
I really like Carol Wyer and enjoy another of her series so didn't hesitate when I requested A Life for a Life. I wish inhad read books 1 and 2 as it clearly lays the foundations for the secondary plot. I will be going back to read.
Kate and her team are called to the scene of a dead body found at local train station under suspicious circumstances. It looks as if the person had been stunned and killed. With no witnesses no motives and a range of different options on the victim the team are at a loss as to who would of killed him! So when another body turns up the team are desperately trying to find a link between them. Meanwhile Kate is still searching for answers on the murder of her husband Chris.
I really enjoyed the way this book has been written. The way Kate is portrayed shows a woman who is desperately searching for answers , The juxtaposition Between her search for the killer of the victim and the killer of husband is fascinating to read. As you can tell she takes both very personally it's amazing but one she works within the law and the other is clearly slightly outside of the law.
What I found really difficult with this book was getting to grips with Kate's character because I really didn't know her well, as I hadn't read the previous books so I found it really difficult to interact with her search for her husband's murderer. However as the book progressed I found myself wanting to know more and understanding how the case a bit better. It sounds so good I'm almost sad I know so much about it already.It clearly has a big impact on Kate and how she works as a detective.
I really liked how the killer's voice was intwined throughout the story how they were selecting their victims, it was nice to know a but more than the actual police. Plus I found it really fascinating the psychological elements that sat behind thiscrime. Also the author added a profiler, it was interesting the way in which the author imagines they work, getting into the mind of a killer! Plus his character he added little something to the story.
The prose is written very well going between different characters POV and giving us the a full experience of the whole crew. Not much repetitiveness and it's written with a clear understanding dialogue the reader, kept me engaged throughout! Loved it.
All in all I did really enjoy this book and I will be starting with but one so that I can find Out more in regards to the case that got Chris killed and Yeah get to locate character a bit more. I think if I do this I will enjoy the series very much. I do wish I had done that before I read this book because it meant I was lost quite a lot throughbut I am glad that I read it. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend to anyone who enjoys english crime novels.
Thanks netgalley, Carol Wyer and the publishers for the free digital reviewers copy of A Life for a Life in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
I really like Carol Wyer and enjoy another of her series so didn't hesitate when I requested A Life for a Life. I wish inhad read books 1 and 2 as it clearly lays the foundations for the secondary plot. I will be going back to read.
Kate and her team are called to the scene of a dead body found at local train station under suspicious circumstances. It looks as if the person had been stunned and killed. With no witnesses no motives and a range of different options on the victim the team are at a loss as to who would of killed him! So when another body turns up the team are desperately trying to find a link between them. Meanwhile Kate is still searching for answers on the murder of her husband Chris.
I really enjoyed the way this book has been written. The way Kate is portrayed shows a woman who is desperately searching for answers , The juxtaposition Between her search for the killer of the victim and the killer of husband is fascinating to read. As you can tell she takes both very personally it's amazing but one she works within the law and the other is clearly slightly outside of the law.
What I found really difficult with this book was getting to grips with Kate's character because I really didn't know her well, as I hadn't read the previous books so I found it really difficult to interact with her search for her husband's murderer. However as the book progressed I found myself wanting to know more and understanding how the case a bit better. It sounds so good I'm almost sad I know so much about it already.It clearly has a big impact on Kate and how she works as a detective.
I really liked how the killer's voice was intwined throughout the story how they were selecting their victims, it was nice to know a but more than the actual police. Plus I found it really fascinating the psychological elements that sat behind thiscrime. Also the author added a profiler, it was interesting the way in which the author imagines they work, getting into the mind of a killer! Plus his character he added little something to the story.
The prose is written very well going between different characters POV and giving us the a full experience of the whole crew. Not much repetitiveness and it's written with a clear understanding dialogue the reader, kept me engaged throughout! Loved it.
All in all I did really enjoy this book and I will be starting with but one so that I can find Out more in regards to the case that got Chris killed and Yeah get to locate character a bit more. I think if I do this I will enjoy the series very much. I do wish I had done that before I read this book because it meant I was lost quite a lot throughbut I am glad that I read it. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend to anyone who enjoys english crime novels.
Thanks netgalley, Carol Wyer and the publishers for the free digital reviewers copy of A Life for a Life in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
March 12, 2022
Kate is investigating two different crimes. One is linked to the previous book, her husband’s death and corruption in the force. The other is the random killings happening locally. There are parallels drawn between he response to trauma and its effect on her behaviour and that of the killer. I did find how far she was willing to go really disturbing and it spoiled my enjoyment of the book. The police work is described well and at pace but not my favourite. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
March 4, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Life For A Life ' by Carol Wyer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Carol Wyer and Thomas & Mercer publishers.
Publication date 15th March 2022.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'DI Kate Young' series and although I have read the first book called 'An Eye For An Eye' and the second book called 'A Cut For A Cut' and highly recommended both, they can also be read as a standalone. I have also previously Carol's 'Detective Natalie Ward' series which I would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a huge fan of Carol and if this is half as good as any of her previous books it is sure to be a fantastic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Aberration Press Books. I have yet to read a book published by Thomas & Mercer that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Staffordshire, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Staffordshire on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is DI Kate Young and DS EMMA Donaldson. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
OMG!!!! ANOTHER ABSOLUTE PAGE TURNER!!! What are you doing to me!!!!! Seriously!!!!! I hope you are writing your next book as I write this!!! I'm talking to you Mrs Wyer!!!!! Right, yes, well anyway let's give you my review....
Carol Wyer does it Yet again!!! ABSOLUTELY Fantastically written as always ensuring a smooth and easy read that sucks you straight into the pages. Vivid descriptions put me in the middle of the action looking at everything going on in High definition. The cover and synopsis works perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself was very fast paced, rammed full of action, murder, mystery, suspense, tension and twists and turns. OMG the bombshells and unexpected twists which I was not expecting (a rarity to surprise me after the amount of crime books I've read but Carol does it without fail every time!!!) and a major cliffhanger at the end!!! I CANNOT WAIT for the next in this series. The storyline was realistic so easily imagined and the killings themselves were unique which is definitely a positive when you have read the same ones over and over again!! An absolutely addictive and compelling page turner!!! If your going to start reading this then clear your schedules because it is absolutely unputdownable!!!! It is filled with crime, loss, some romance, excitement, tension, suspense and so so much more!! You could NOT get any better than this. This is the best book I have read this year. I have loved all Carol's books but she just keeps getting better and better!! How do you do it?!?! The research Carol has put in absolutely shines through as does all her trips to the Blithfield reservoir. The descriptions are perfect as is the atmosphere. The storyline is also unique in the fact that the killer chooses at random and the why he is doing it too. It is so rare to find a unique storyline when it comes to crime as there are so many out there but yet again Carol has absolutely blown my mind and slamdunked it. The ending was just WHAT THE HELL SHUT THE THE FRONT DOOR!!! I literally shouted when I read it which earned a few strange looks from my partner lol. Seriously I NEED to know what happens next!!!!!
IF YOU LOVE A GOOD BOOK THEN THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST!!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!!!!
I absolutely loved meeting all the characters again!! Kate is just amazing, an extremely strong female lead who didn't hold back the punches while going through hell herself after the trauma she had been through. I always love it when an author brings in strong women. I also liked Kate's personality and really felt for her on several occasions. I wasn't sure about Morgan in the first two books on this epic series but he has definitely grown on me and it is nice to see how much he has developed and grown from book to book. Morgan had me on stitches laughing on several occasions and his headbutting with Jamie was certainly entertaining. Jamie is a character who I'm still not sure about even after three books, sometimes he seemed OK and then he gave me a bit of a funny feeling and not in a good way so it'll be interesting to see what he is up to. Jamie did surprise me towards the end but he hasn't gained my trust just yet so watch this space. Emma is another strong woman who I really enjoyed meeting again and getting to know more abut her. I really felt for her, especially on this book, with everything she went through with her mum. I loved watching Emma and Morgan growing closer in this book and I definitely sense a spark of, dare I say, romance. I would love to see them pair up as a couple so am looking forward to see where this is going. I'm still not sure what I thought of William either, I thought I liked him in the first bookbut I have a strange feeling about him. My feelings keep swaying with him and yet again in this book he seems to be growing on me more but, again, whether I trust him is yet to be seen. I absolutely adored Ervin who made me laugh on several occasions!!! He is such a unique character and one you won't forget for a while. I enjoyed meeting Bradley again and although he is a very secretive man I enjoy meeting him in the books and he definitely brings some dark mystery to the novel. Samuel was a new and intriguing character who was definitely unique in a strange way. I actually enjoyed watching how he worked and it will be interesting to see if we meet him again. The other main character is superintendent John Dickson. I'm not going to say much about him as not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read any books in this amazing series but just to say that his name suits him perfectly!! Regardless of who I did or didn't like they were all very strong and well defined characters who I'm looking forward to meet in the next 'episode'. A great team who have definitely become friends that I look forward to meeting every time and have really come to life for me. I cannot wait to meet them all again.
I am really looking forward to the next book and would LOVE to see this made into a movie!!! It would definitely be a best seller along with this amazing novel which kept me up late at night (early in the morning) as I just could not put it down!!!!
Congratulations Carol on another absolutely blooming page turning success!! This is exactly why you are my favourite crime author and this is my favourite series because you lady have talent!!! Keep up the amazing work and here is to your next success 🥂
Overall a not to be missed, must read addictive, explosive page turner with a BOMBSHELL ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Angela Marsons, Tess Gerritsen, anyone looking for a good book and YOU, your friends, your neighbours, just everyone!!
363 pages.
This book is just £3.99 to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited via Amazon (during time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ALifeForALife #Thomas&Mercer #CarolWyer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@CarolWyer @Thomas&Mercer @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'A Life For A Life ' by Carol Wyer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Carol Wyer and Thomas & Mercer publishers.
Publication date 15th March 2022.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'DI Kate Young' series and although I have read the first book called 'An Eye For An Eye' and the second book called 'A Cut For A Cut' and highly recommended both, they can also be read as a standalone. I have also previously Carol's 'Detective Natalie Ward' series which I would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a huge fan of Carol and if this is half as good as any of her previous books it is sure to be a fantastic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Aberration Press Books. I have yet to read a book published by Thomas & Mercer that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Staffordshire, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Staffordshire on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is DI Kate Young and DS EMMA Donaldson. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
OMG!!!! ANOTHER ABSOLUTE PAGE TURNER!!! What are you doing to me!!!!! Seriously!!!!! I hope you are writing your next book as I write this!!! I'm talking to you Mrs Wyer!!!!! Right, yes, well anyway let's give you my review....
Carol Wyer does it Yet again!!! ABSOLUTELY Fantastically written as always ensuring a smooth and easy read that sucks you straight into the pages. Vivid descriptions put me in the middle of the action looking at everything going on in High definition. The cover and synopsis works perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself was very fast paced, rammed full of action, murder, mystery, suspense, tension and twists and turns. OMG the bombshells and unexpected twists which I was not expecting (a rarity to surprise me after the amount of crime books I've read but Carol does it without fail every time!!!) and a major cliffhanger at the end!!! I CANNOT WAIT for the next in this series. The storyline was realistic so easily imagined and the killings themselves were unique which is definitely a positive when you have read the same ones over and over again!! An absolutely addictive and compelling page turner!!! If your going to start reading this then clear your schedules because it is absolutely unputdownable!!!! It is filled with crime, loss, some romance, excitement, tension, suspense and so so much more!! You could NOT get any better than this. This is the best book I have read this year. I have loved all Carol's books but she just keeps getting better and better!! How do you do it?!?! The research Carol has put in absolutely shines through as does all her trips to the Blithfield reservoir. The descriptions are perfect as is the atmosphere. The storyline is also unique in the fact that the killer chooses at random and the why he is doing it too. It is so rare to find a unique storyline when it comes to crime as there are so many out there but yet again Carol has absolutely blown my mind and slamdunked it. The ending was just WHAT THE HELL SHUT THE THE FRONT DOOR!!! I literally shouted when I read it which earned a few strange looks from my partner lol. Seriously I NEED to know what happens next!!!!!
IF YOU LOVE A GOOD BOOK THEN THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST!!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!!!!
I absolutely loved meeting all the characters again!! Kate is just amazing, an extremely strong female lead who didn't hold back the punches while going through hell herself after the trauma she had been through. I always love it when an author brings in strong women. I also liked Kate's personality and really felt for her on several occasions. I wasn't sure about Morgan in the first two books on this epic series but he has definitely grown on me and it is nice to see how much he has developed and grown from book to book. Morgan had me on stitches laughing on several occasions and his headbutting with Jamie was certainly entertaining. Jamie is a character who I'm still not sure about even after three books, sometimes he seemed OK and then he gave me a bit of a funny feeling and not in a good way so it'll be interesting to see what he is up to. Jamie did surprise me towards the end but he hasn't gained my trust just yet so watch this space. Emma is another strong woman who I really enjoyed meeting again and getting to know more abut her. I really felt for her, especially on this book, with everything she went through with her mum. I loved watching Emma and Morgan growing closer in this book and I definitely sense a spark of, dare I say, romance. I would love to see them pair up as a couple so am looking forward to see where this is going. I'm still not sure what I thought of William either, I thought I liked him in the first bookbut I have a strange feeling about him. My feelings keep swaying with him and yet again in this book he seems to be growing on me more but, again, whether I trust him is yet to be seen. I absolutely adored Ervin who made me laugh on several occasions!!! He is such a unique character and one you won't forget for a while. I enjoyed meeting Bradley again and although he is a very secretive man I enjoy meeting him in the books and he definitely brings some dark mystery to the novel. Samuel was a new and intriguing character who was definitely unique in a strange way. I actually enjoyed watching how he worked and it will be interesting to see if we meet him again. The other main character is superintendent John Dickson. I'm not going to say much about him as not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read any books in this amazing series but just to say that his name suits him perfectly!! Regardless of who I did or didn't like they were all very strong and well defined characters who I'm looking forward to meet in the next 'episode'. A great team who have definitely become friends that I look forward to meeting every time and have really come to life for me. I cannot wait to meet them all again.
I am really looking forward to the next book and would LOVE to see this made into a movie!!! It would definitely be a best seller along with this amazing novel which kept me up late at night (early in the morning) as I just could not put it down!!!!
Congratulations Carol on another absolutely blooming page turning success!! This is exactly why you are my favourite crime author and this is my favourite series because you lady have talent!!! Keep up the amazing work and here is to your next success 🥂
Overall a not to be missed, must read addictive, explosive page turner with a BOMBSHELL ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Angela Marsons, Tess Gerritsen, anyone looking for a good book and YOU, your friends, your neighbours, just everyone!!
363 pages.
This book is just £3.99 to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited via Amazon (during time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ALifeForALife #Thomas&Mercer #CarolWyer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@CarolWyer @Thomas&Mercer @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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April 19, 2022
*Kate and her Nemesis*
✨4.5 Stars✨
This third instalment of the Di Kate Young Series has the continual personal theme running where Kate is dealing with a personal loss and still trying to maintain her job. Albeit now having a small team of great officers, while she is proving herself up to the job.
This case is about a people who are being shot point blank to the head which appears to be motiveless random killings.
Kate is in a race against time because she is under pressure from a senior officer that she knows is not as white as can be who would want nothing more than to see her fail.
Will she get the culprit before more bodies pile up and the reason behind the shootings is like a reality check for her because she senses one thing in common with the suspect.
The ending is supercharged which could mean another book…..
✨4.5 Stars✨
This third instalment of the Di Kate Young Series has the continual personal theme running where Kate is dealing with a personal loss and still trying to maintain her job. Albeit now having a small team of great officers, while she is proving herself up to the job.
This case is about a people who are being shot point blank to the head which appears to be motiveless random killings.
Kate is in a race against time because she is under pressure from a senior officer that she knows is not as white as can be who would want nothing more than to see her fail.
Will she get the culprit before more bodies pile up and the reason behind the shootings is like a reality check for her because she senses one thing in common with the suspect.
The ending is supercharged which could mean another book…..
February 23, 2022
Another gripping instalment in the rolling series of detective Kate Young books.
3 stars.
3 stars.
March 24, 2022
⚠️ TW: torture, drug use, addiction, PTSD, murder/serial killer, mentions of sex trafficking of minors ⚠️ Carol has yet again produced an incredibly thrilling page turner in this great series! 👏🏼 This book is the third installment in the DI Kate Young series and follows her as she continues to dig deep on her mission to expose corruption within the force whilst also hunting an erratic serial killer with very little to go on as the bodies begin to pile up. However the closer her team get to cracking the case the more similarities she notices she has with their illusive predator. Honestly this book was so gripping I never wanted to put it down and if time was on my side I could have easily read it in one sitting! It is everything you could possibly want from this genre and I loved how this book lead us to new avenues in terms of how deep the corruption is as well as leaving you begging for the fourth book immediately. I also loved how Carol makes you question every character you encounter and if they are part of the ever developing web of corruption that Kate is exposing. Overall, I cannot recommend this book highly enough and I'm going to be counting down the days until I can get my hands on book 4 🙈
April 2, 2022
Barely Two Stars for this one... I really enjoyed the first two books in this series. They were well written and the plots were tightly focused. However, A Life for a Life opened with a scene featuring water torture, yes, exactly like that done at Black Ops sites and considered war crimes. It is revealed that "good cop" Kate is watching a video of man being tortured by someone she is working with to retrieve information on a "bad cop" who may or may not have murdered her husband. The murder of Kate's husband is a long riding story arc going back to book one so you don't want to read these books out of order. The plot of this book, however, aside from torturing people, is a serial killer. Kate and her team are having a tough time with this one so, I don't know, maybe they could torture some innocent witnesses and come up with something. Nah, eventually they solve the crime and Kate goes on to murder someone else in the end. Great cop story, right? Now, tell me again, who is the good cop and who is the bad one? Yeah, I don't know either. What I DO know is that I won't read any more of Wyer's books. Yes, I know there are crooked cops in this world. Trust me, I know this. What I don't have abide is fiction that makes the bad cop the good guy. Nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
*4 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This one was a little slow for me. We know from the beginning who the culprit is, and pretty much can figure out why they're doing what they're doing. A couple of little nuances I didn't work out until things progressed, but for the most part we're seeing the police side versus the culprits side until they come together. The thing with this storyline in the book is that we see Kate's team working together and we learn more about them. I quite like Emma and Morgan, still unsure about Jamie.
The second storyline that runs through this has been going since the first book, and we're getting closer (I think) to the conclusion of that. The ending left us with a big cliffhanger for this part though, so I'm curious to see what happens in the next book.
Not my favourite in this series, but still a good read, and I will continue this series.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This one was a little slow for me. We know from the beginning who the culprit is, and pretty much can figure out why they're doing what they're doing. A couple of little nuances I didn't work out until things progressed, but for the most part we're seeing the police side versus the culprits side until they come together. The thing with this storyline in the book is that we see Kate's team working together and we learn more about them. I quite like Emma and Morgan, still unsure about Jamie.
The second storyline that runs through this has been going since the first book, and we're getting closer (I think) to the conclusion of that. The ending left us with a big cliffhanger for this part though, so I'm curious to see what happens in the next book.
Not my favourite in this series, but still a good read, and I will continue this series.
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April 15, 2022
DI Kate Young does worry me! She hovers constantly on the edge of her sanity although in A Life for A Life she seems to be veering back towards the more stable side of the path.
Here she is faced with an apparently random series of crimes - albeit all sharing the same MO - yet with no other obvious connections.
I loved the addition of fruity mcfruitloop the profiler! He was a brilliantly unsettling character to drop into the mix.
I also enjoyed hearing the killer's voice throughout and witnessing first hand what was going on with them and how/why they were choosing their victims.
DI Kate Young, although tenacious and determined to catch the killer - and quickly before the Superintendent (who she suspects had a hand in her husband's death) takes great delight in passing the case over to a bigger team - is dangerously focused on revenge for her husband's death. Will this be her downfall?
Battling a variety of demons, including the slurs against her father's good name, Kate fights to keep hold of her mind and her focus to catch the killer before it is too late. But has just jeopardised the safety of the team in the process?
Here she is faced with an apparently random series of crimes - albeit all sharing the same MO - yet with no other obvious connections.
I loved the addition of fruity mcfruitloop the profiler! He was a brilliantly unsettling character to drop into the mix.
I also enjoyed hearing the killer's voice throughout and witnessing first hand what was going on with them and how/why they were choosing their victims.
DI Kate Young, although tenacious and determined to catch the killer - and quickly before the Superintendent (who she suspects had a hand in her husband's death) takes great delight in passing the case over to a bigger team - is dangerously focused on revenge for her husband's death. Will this be her downfall?
Battling a variety of demons, including the slurs against her father's good name, Kate fights to keep hold of her mind and her focus to catch the killer before it is too late. But has just jeopardised the safety of the team in the process?
June 16, 2022
This one deserves the all five stars. Great finale with a cliffhanger. Well done, Ms Wyer!
March 16, 2022
Highly recommended if you liked the popular police television series ‘Line of Duty’ and are into psychological thrillers. It was my first Carol Wyer's book and it will not be my last. I had a good time with ‘A life for a Life’ and the strife of detective Kate Young and her team. Halfway through the book it turned into an absorbing and compulsive reading. Once finished, it left me with a sense of awe and appetite for more Kate stories ;)
A plot fueled by intrigue, incertitude and confusion that eventually became an entertaining page-turner. And though it is not a flawlessly outlined crime story, and despite some briefly repetitive expositions, the author finally persuaded me with what seems a well-researched analysis of trauma. So it's a 3,7 rounded up.
Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK, and of course Carol Wyer, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A plot fueled by intrigue, incertitude and confusion that eventually became an entertaining page-turner. And though it is not a flawlessly outlined crime story, and despite some briefly repetitive expositions, the author finally persuaded me with what seems a well-researched analysis of trauma. So it's a 3,7 rounded up.
Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK, and of course Carol Wyer, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2022
So much going on with this chilling story. I did not read the previous two books - the backstory provided by author was precise and well done; did not drag the plot while providing enough I did not feel lost in the plot.
A young man is found dead on a train platform - Kate and her small team are tasked with the homicide. They discover a very unique weapon was used - and used again when another body is discovered.
These victims have no connection - other than found in a public place, seemingly random targets.
While desperately searching for any leads, Kate still copes with the devastating loss of her husband. Resolving Chris' murder remains Kate's purpose, leading her on a dangerous path to uncover the duplicity of her Superintendent and boss.
Suspense. Love these characters. Great writing. Humanity and vulnerability. Just a great read!
Highly recommend.
A young man is found dead on a train platform - Kate and her small team are tasked with the homicide. They discover a very unique weapon was used - and used again when another body is discovered.
These victims have no connection - other than found in a public place, seemingly random targets.
While desperately searching for any leads, Kate still copes with the devastating loss of her husband. Resolving Chris' murder remains Kate's purpose, leading her on a dangerous path to uncover the duplicity of her Superintendent and boss.
Suspense. Love these characters. Great writing. Humanity and vulnerability. Just a great read!
Highly recommend.
June 4, 2022
I find it hard to believe sometimes that Carol Wyer started off writing light and humorous books as her style has certainly gone quite far over to the dark side since then! But I’ve been thoroughly enjoying her change in genre and the Kate Young series in particular has been a real favourite of mine!
I will start by saying that A Life for a Life is a series so obviously you may have missed out on character and small plot developments from the previous 2 books-this doesn’t mean you can’t read it as a stand-alone as you certainly can, but you may not get the best of Kates person life if you come straight in at book 3. This means if you have read the previous books you are going to love book 3 and if you haven’t then it’s a good excuse to go on a spending spree!
The opening pages were incredibly harrowing as a family event comes to a very dramatic conclusion. But it isn’t immediately clear how and why this relates to what happens later. DI Kate Young has been struggling with her personal difficulties but she needs to put them to one side when she’s called to the discovery of a body. This and the murders that follow are very gruesome and I found myself really struggling with some of the victims too as, without saying too much, it was heartbreaking to watch them going about their normal lives right up until the second they realised their time was up. This case is devastating for those left behind due to the manner in which the victims are killed. Who could be responsible for such heinous crimes and why? Kate has the unenviable task of find out…
A Life for a Life is a gripping read that’s not for the faint hearted! It’s a dark, nightmare of a book that made me feel uncomfortable throughout but unable to put it down! Kate is a great character creation and so well developed but written in such a way as to leave you feeling you still don’t really know her at times! This left me unsure sometimes of how she would react during certain situations adding an added thrill to the storyline. This series still has lots of give!
Although disturbing at times I absolutely loved A Life for a Life and can’t wait until the next time we meet Kate Young! Such a good read!
I will start by saying that A Life for a Life is a series so obviously you may have missed out on character and small plot developments from the previous 2 books-this doesn’t mean you can’t read it as a stand-alone as you certainly can, but you may not get the best of Kates person life if you come straight in at book 3. This means if you have read the previous books you are going to love book 3 and if you haven’t then it’s a good excuse to go on a spending spree!
The opening pages were incredibly harrowing as a family event comes to a very dramatic conclusion. But it isn’t immediately clear how and why this relates to what happens later. DI Kate Young has been struggling with her personal difficulties but she needs to put them to one side when she’s called to the discovery of a body. This and the murders that follow are very gruesome and I found myself really struggling with some of the victims too as, without saying too much, it was heartbreaking to watch them going about their normal lives right up until the second they realised their time was up. This case is devastating for those left behind due to the manner in which the victims are killed. Who could be responsible for such heinous crimes and why? Kate has the unenviable task of find out…
A Life for a Life is a gripping read that’s not for the faint hearted! It’s a dark, nightmare of a book that made me feel uncomfortable throughout but unable to put it down! Kate is a great character creation and so well developed but written in such a way as to leave you feeling you still don’t really know her at times! This left me unsure sometimes of how she would react during certain situations adding an added thrill to the storyline. This series still has lots of give!
Although disturbing at times I absolutely loved A Life for a Life and can’t wait until the next time we meet Kate Young! Such a good read!
February 27, 2022
A Life for a Life is book 3 in the Detective Kate Young series. In this novel we have a Erika killer on the loose with seemingly no links between the victims. It’s a random rampage that leaves Kate and her team with very little evidence as they race against the clock before more bodies turn up. Meanwhile Kate is still battling her own demons struggling with her husband’s death and still trying to bring a senior police officer to justice. This book, like the previous two, had me hooked. It moves at a fast pace with plenty of action and you feel with this instalment that you can really experience Kate’s suffering. A great read that is hard to put down. I would rate it 4.5*. Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author for the chance to review.
March 20, 2022
I loved this book so much. I’ve read the previous books in the series and was looking forward to see where the author will take Kate’s character and her strong but also vulnerable heart and mind. And what a ride! So many twists, so many turns, so many more dead ends and intriguing puzzles that made me question myself if we ever going to get an end to the story because as the bodies would pile up, so the secrets and mismatched clues.
Brilliantly done and such an addictive story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
Brilliantly done and such an addictive story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
October 12, 2025
I have come to really enjoy this police procedural series set mainly in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire. The protagonist, Kate Young is a very complex character. Recently widowed, she still tries valiantly to communicate with her dead husband, Chris. She feels certain that her superior, Superintendent John Dickson is corrupt and is largely responsible for Chris's murder. So, while she has a very serious and complicated case to solve, she always has that on her mind. She is determined to bring Superintendent John Dickson to justice and avenge her husband's murder.
The present case is a very perplexing one indeed. There have been several murders that have recently taken place using a captive bolt pistol. A weapon used to humanely put animals down. The victims were killed instantly. They were unknown to one another and the cases seem to have very little to link them, other than the weapon that killed them. Kate is leading a very small team, and they are pushed to their utmost limits in this particular murder investigation. Also, Kate is wary that one of her team might be reporting back to Dickson, which makes her team communication a real challenge. The team, for the most part, seem to get along well and I enjoyed the camaraderie and teamwork. The addition of a criminal profiler, Samuel, puts an extra spin on the team's framework.
Though the subplot of Kate's obsession with bringing Dickson to justice is integral to the plot, I'll admit that I found it both frustrating and a tad annoying. I wished that he would be found guilty so that Kate could devote her entire concentrated efforts on the case in hand.
With an intense and climatic ending, this instalment in the series makes for riveting reading. The story ends with a cliffhanger, so that I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the Kate Young series. I feel it is a series that very much needs to be read in order, so that Kate's personality is more easily understood.
"A Life For A Life" was a twisty serial killer thriller that incorporates themes of retribution, police corruption, and devastating loss. A police procedural series that I heartily recommend.
The present case is a very perplexing one indeed. There have been several murders that have recently taken place using a captive bolt pistol. A weapon used to humanely put animals down. The victims were killed instantly. They were unknown to one another and the cases seem to have very little to link them, other than the weapon that killed them. Kate is leading a very small team, and they are pushed to their utmost limits in this particular murder investigation. Also, Kate is wary that one of her team might be reporting back to Dickson, which makes her team communication a real challenge. The team, for the most part, seem to get along well and I enjoyed the camaraderie and teamwork. The addition of a criminal profiler, Samuel, puts an extra spin on the team's framework.
Though the subplot of Kate's obsession with bringing Dickson to justice is integral to the plot, I'll admit that I found it both frustrating and a tad annoying. I wished that he would be found guilty so that Kate could devote her entire concentrated efforts on the case in hand.
With an intense and climatic ending, this instalment in the series makes for riveting reading. The story ends with a cliffhanger, so that I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the Kate Young series. I feel it is a series that very much needs to be read in order, so that Kate's personality is more easily understood.
"A Life For A Life" was a twisty serial killer thriller that incorporates themes of retribution, police corruption, and devastating loss. A police procedural series that I heartily recommend.
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