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The Cold Case Mysteries #2
The Family Man
Utterly gripping crime fiction…
A householder who is clearing out the loft comes across a carefully concealed box containing a video camera.
When he plugs it in, unsure due to its age that it will even play, what he sees there has him immediately calling the police.
Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and her team in the Special Crime Squad study the footage of the torture of four individuals held captive, all physically and mentally abused.
Assured this is no hoax, although all indications are that this happened long in the past, the team races to trace the identity of the victims.
Someone got away with murder once, will Sergeant Pope permit them to do so again?
A householder who is clearing out the loft comes across a carefully concealed box containing a video camera.
When he plugs it in, unsure due to its age that it will even play, what he sees there has him immediately calling the police.
Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and her team in the Special Crime Squad study the footage of the torture of four individuals held captive, all physically and mentally abused.
Assured this is no hoax, although all indications are that this happened long in the past, the team races to trace the identity of the victims.
Someone got away with murder once, will Sergeant Pope permit them to do so again?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
346 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 11, 2022
Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and her Special Crime Squad team were horrified as they viewed the vision of scenes videoed many years prior. The cold case was immediately activated, with the house the evidence had been discovered at, a crime scene. But the original owners of the house were who was in the spotlight, and while Veronika and her team could see the evil involved, finding more evidence would be a challenge.
As it came out that several women had been abducted and abused over the years, slowly with painstaking diligence the team found answers. But it was like a jigsaw puzzle - could they put all the pieces together?
The Family Man is an intense, chilling and gripping thriller by Aussie author Anna Willett and I couldn't put it down. Set in and around Perth in WA with a police team who worked well together, and their camaraderie (apart from Veronika's boss) was great to see. I always enjoy Ms Willett's novels and this one is one of her best. Highly recommended.
As it came out that several women had been abducted and abused over the years, slowly with painstaking diligence the team found answers. But it was like a jigsaw puzzle - could they put all the pieces together?
The Family Man is an intense, chilling and gripping thriller by Aussie author Anna Willett and I couldn't put it down. Set in and around Perth in WA with a police team who worked well together, and their camaraderie (apart from Veronika's boss) was great to see. I always enjoy Ms Willett's novels and this one is one of her best. Highly recommended.
June 15, 2022
Creepy Criminal Vibes!
Backstory:
Dustin and his wife, Marcy decided they wanted to do some renovations on their two story house but while Dustin was cleaning out the attic he came upon a box that had an old video camera inside. Thinking nothing of it he checked it out because he was curious of what could be on the camera but what he found was beyond his imagination which was so horrific that him and his wife called the police.
In steps, Sgt. Veronika Pope and her crime team as they try to figure out who would commit such crimes as what is on the video tape leads them to believe they could be dealing with a serial killer.
Pope and her team go on an extensive search trying to track down leads and they will not rest till they have turned the city upside down looking for answers!
That is about all I can give on a backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to delve deep into this serial killer mystery then you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book starts out right away with the mysterious video camera and the crimes found within! From that point on the story just takes off as the lead character, Sgt. Pope is constantly working the case and the more I delved deep into the story the more twists and turns appeared which kept me glued to my kindle.
I have read a few books by author, Anna Willett and she always keeps me on the edge of my seat with her books. So now I have one more that I can add to my "Willett" collection of crime thriller tension stories! Giving this book four "Serial Killer Thriller"stars!
Backstory:
Dustin and his wife, Marcy decided they wanted to do some renovations on their two story house but while Dustin was cleaning out the attic he came upon a box that had an old video camera inside. Thinking nothing of it he checked it out because he was curious of what could be on the camera but what he found was beyond his imagination which was so horrific that him and his wife called the police.
In steps, Sgt. Veronika Pope and her crime team as they try to figure out who would commit such crimes as what is on the video tape leads them to believe they could be dealing with a serial killer.
Pope and her team go on an extensive search trying to track down leads and they will not rest till they have turned the city upside down looking for answers!
That is about all I can give on a backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to delve deep into this serial killer mystery then you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book starts out right away with the mysterious video camera and the crimes found within! From that point on the story just takes off as the lead character, Sgt. Pope is constantly working the case and the more I delved deep into the story the more twists and turns appeared which kept me glued to my kindle.
I have read a few books by author, Anna Willett and she always keeps me on the edge of my seat with her books. So now I have one more that I can add to my "Willett" collection of crime thriller tension stories! Giving this book four "Serial Killer Thriller"stars!
November 18, 2021
First off I want to thank Rotheleo Dixon and Anna Willett for reaching out to me and sending me a copy of The Family Man.
Since I started my book blogging journey a year ago I didn't expect beforehand how many new and amazing authors I would get to know and get to read their books. The same goes for The Family Man. I rarely read thrillers, but when I read the blurb of this book, I got intrigued straight away.
The book starts off with Dustin and Marcy who are renovating their attic. When Dustin climbs into the attic he finds a box that contains a camera. He think it probably will be broken due to the heat. But when he plugs it in and sees what is on it. He instantly calls the police.
Then we get to know Detective Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope from the Special Crime Squad. On the video there are two man and two woman in their underwear with a hood on their heads. They are forced to say: 'I deserve this.' and 'I am nothing.' The third victim a woman, flings the hood of her head and screams F**K YOU.
Together with Jim Drommel, Stacey Newport and Brian Costa they are studying the tape and trying to find out who the victims are.
The tape is from the 90's or the early 2000's.
The third victim is identified first. Her name is Marley Roads and she was 22 when she disappeared. She gets identified by her mother who hears the tape play, and recognizes the voice of her daughter.
That scene was written so vunerable. I loved every second of it, while my heart ached and broke for the mother.
Veronika and her team first start to dig into the home owners, who lived there when the victimes disappeared. Thomas Malicourt, his wife April and their daughter Hannah lived there.
I don't want to spoil to much about the story. But I loved the entire journey the author took us on. I love how in every chapter they discover a tiny hint that brings them forward.
I also love the writing style. I got completely swept away in the mystery and I just couldn't put the book down. It truly felt like I was in the head of the cops.
There are also a few chapters through the eyes of victim. And that really added to the story.
The book is excting, heartbreaking and engaging from the first chapter to the last. It is a really good book. And I am definitely gonna read more of this author!
5 well deserved stars from me!
Since I started my book blogging journey a year ago I didn't expect beforehand how many new and amazing authors I would get to know and get to read their books. The same goes for The Family Man. I rarely read thrillers, but when I read the blurb of this book, I got intrigued straight away.
The book starts off with Dustin and Marcy who are renovating their attic. When Dustin climbs into the attic he finds a box that contains a camera. He think it probably will be broken due to the heat. But when he plugs it in and sees what is on it. He instantly calls the police.
Then we get to know Detective Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope from the Special Crime Squad. On the video there are two man and two woman in their underwear with a hood on their heads. They are forced to say: 'I deserve this.' and 'I am nothing.' The third victim a woman, flings the hood of her head and screams F**K YOU.
Together with Jim Drommel, Stacey Newport and Brian Costa they are studying the tape and trying to find out who the victims are.
The tape is from the 90's or the early 2000's.
The third victim is identified first. Her name is Marley Roads and she was 22 when she disappeared. She gets identified by her mother who hears the tape play, and recognizes the voice of her daughter.
That scene was written so vunerable. I loved every second of it, while my heart ached and broke for the mother.
Veronika and her team first start to dig into the home owners, who lived there when the victimes disappeared. Thomas Malicourt, his wife April and their daughter Hannah lived there.
I don't want to spoil to much about the story. But I loved the entire journey the author took us on. I love how in every chapter they discover a tiny hint that brings them forward.
I also love the writing style. I got completely swept away in the mystery and I just couldn't put the book down. It truly felt like I was in the head of the cops.
There are also a few chapters through the eyes of victim. And that really added to the story.
The book is excting, heartbreaking and engaging from the first chapter to the last. It is a really good book. And I am definitely gonna read more of this author!
5 well deserved stars from me!
September 21, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
I didn't think I had the stomach to finish this novel. The story is swathed in a shroud of creepiness, and I enjoyed it. I sure hope I never meet a serial killer, and if there's anything this story taught me, it's a reminder never to judge a book by its cover.
Confession: I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading the first page because everything seemed nonchalant initially to a point, I was even asking myself, "Where are we going with this scene?" And then, wham!
The novel centers around Veronika Pope, a police detective who is given a short time frame and a small team to investigate a cold case in lieu of new evidence. As the stress of her job intensifies, she finds herself juggling personal life, trying to rid a traumatic past, and managing a difficult superior who is constantly breathing down her neck.
Emotionally intelligent with a cast of believable characters, this is one book you don't want to miss...
I didn't think I had the stomach to finish this novel. The story is swathed in a shroud of creepiness, and I enjoyed it. I sure hope I never meet a serial killer, and if there's anything this story taught me, it's a reminder never to judge a book by its cover.
Confession: I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading the first page because everything seemed nonchalant initially to a point, I was even asking myself, "Where are we going with this scene?" And then, wham!
The novel centers around Veronika Pope, a police detective who is given a short time frame and a small team to investigate a cold case in lieu of new evidence. As the stress of her job intensifies, she finds herself juggling personal life, trying to rid a traumatic past, and managing a difficult superior who is constantly breathing down her neck.
Emotionally intelligent with a cast of believable characters, this is one book you don't want to miss...
August 17, 2021
Probably a 3.5 from me.
The story was good and intriguing, with multiple potential culprits for the reader to choose from as it progresses. I did feel it kind of dragged towards the middle but it soon picked up again as it headed towards the conclusion.
The writing was also good, but i did feel it was bogged down by unnecessary details, sometimes there was just too much. Some things were explained to the reader as well, as opposed to letting the reader join the dots themselves. They could have done that anyway, but it was then written to confirm. Maybe that's just a personal preference on my part.
I like answers to a book like this, and although i got most, i was still left wondering what actual happened to Thomas on that night (did he bite off more than he could chew?) and why did he decide to hide what he did? For what reason?
Overall, it was a decent read.
The story was good and intriguing, with multiple potential culprits for the reader to choose from as it progresses. I did feel it kind of dragged towards the middle but it soon picked up again as it headed towards the conclusion.
The writing was also good, but i did feel it was bogged down by unnecessary details, sometimes there was just too much. Some things were explained to the reader as well, as opposed to letting the reader join the dots themselves. They could have done that anyway, but it was then written to confirm. Maybe that's just a personal preference on my part.
I like answers to a book like this, and although i got most, i was still left wondering what actual happened to Thomas on that night (did he bite off more than he could chew?) and why did he decide to hide what he did? For what reason?
Overall, it was a decent read.
August 8, 2021
I always look forward to every new book by this author. I really enjoyed Dear Neighbour, so I was looking forward to the latest release - and I was certainly not disappointed! This is a somewhat scary tale, with lots of tension and mystery, and a very compelling read. Willett's usual care in crafting the tale makes it hard to put down.
Highly recommended for all the right reasons.
Highly recommended for all the right reasons.
September 24, 2021
This novel was such a fun read!
After a married couple purchase a new home - they find a grisly tape in the attic. Detective Veronika Pope and her team now have the evidence they need to pursue a long cold case involving many missing persons.
Chasing the evidence for atrocious crimes that twist throughout the years - Veronika hunts a long dead killer who can still threaten her from beyond the grave. As more and more abuse is suspected, the team realizes they are dealing with a truly corrupt breed of evil.
In this tense novel that unwinds rapidly - the reader will find themself absorbed into a high energy plot that thrums with anxiety and suspense. This highly satisfying crime thriller is lovingly crafted with passion poured into the characters and the engaging descriptions.
After a married couple purchase a new home - they find a grisly tape in the attic. Detective Veronika Pope and her team now have the evidence they need to pursue a long cold case involving many missing persons.
Chasing the evidence for atrocious crimes that twist throughout the years - Veronika hunts a long dead killer who can still threaten her from beyond the grave. As more and more abuse is suspected, the team realizes they are dealing with a truly corrupt breed of evil.
In this tense novel that unwinds rapidly - the reader will find themself absorbed into a high energy plot that thrums with anxiety and suspense. This highly satisfying crime thriller is lovingly crafted with passion poured into the characters and the engaging descriptions.
September 21, 2021
First book in this genre for me. I enjoyed it!
July 22, 2022
*Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of review.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the writing was great, the story was well-thought-out and the characters were well-developed. It was a real page-turner which was evidenced by the fact that it took me less than a week to read it! She seems to have a good handle on how police procedure works and why certain things are done. I really like how she explained why things were done but not to the point that it felt like she didn't trust her reader enough to figure some things out on their own. I would definitely read something by this author again, she writes a good Thriller.
That said, there were a few things I didn't love: I found there were a couple of times where conclusions were drawn without a lot of evidence to back things up - this might have just been me missing things, though. There is also a frequent mention of a past attack which did lend itself to the story in a minor way but not enough to be brought up as many times as it was. I didn't really understand that.
All in all, if you're looking for a fast-paced page turner, I would recommend this book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and I hope she turns it into a series so I can enjoy the characters again!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the writing was great, the story was well-thought-out and the characters were well-developed. It was a real page-turner which was evidenced by the fact that it took me less than a week to read it! She seems to have a good handle on how police procedure works and why certain things are done. I really like how she explained why things were done but not to the point that it felt like she didn't trust her reader enough to figure some things out on their own. I would definitely read something by this author again, she writes a good Thriller.
That said, there were a few things I didn't love: I found there were a couple of times where conclusions were drawn without a lot of evidence to back things up - this might have just been me missing things, though. There is also a frequent mention of a past attack which did lend itself to the story in a minor way but not enough to be brought up as many times as it was. I didn't really understand that.
All in all, if you're looking for a fast-paced page turner, I would recommend this book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and I hope she turns it into a series so I can enjoy the characters again!
November 12, 2021
As this author is new to me, I was not sure what to expect when I reached for this book and what a brilliant read it was. A dark, twisty tale about a cold case that will leave the hairs on your neck standing on edge.
Anna Willett dives straight into the story, hooking you on the very first page and making it extremely hard to turn away from these characters. This book is fast-paced, with new information flooding your senses, never leaving you will a moment to breathe. Very often police procedurals can drag as the characters put the pieces together – not in The Family Man. I loved the flow of constant new information. Reading this book during the start of the South African summer was perfect – the author talks about the Australian heat and I could relate.
A couple is renovating a house when they discover a video recorder sealed in plastic in the attic. Watching the recording leaves them shaken and a call is placed to the police. Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope, from the Special Crime Squad, is given the lead on the case.
This cold case reveals brutality for several victims at the hands of a monster. But was he working alone? Is someone still out there savaging innocent victims? Can Pope fit the pieces together and make sense of this brutal monster?
I was hooked right from the start and I flew through this book in two sittings. Every time I was convinced I had it figured out a new twist was thrown my way. I loved this dark twisty tale and my heart broke for the characters. The things these poor victims endured. While the author hints at extreme brutality, and animal cruelty she is never overly graphic making this a book that even slightly more sensitive readers could enjoy.
Veronika Pope is back on duty after months spent recovering from an on-duty attack. She is determined to fight her demons and obtain justice for the victims. The character is a strong woman who has been wounded, but at the same time, she has learnt from her mistakes and thinks things through before acting. As for Thomas Malicourt, I have no idea how anyone can dream up a man like this. This man can easily leave you with sleepless nights. The author did a marvellously creative job with this guy.
This book was dark and sad, I loved it. While a horrible crime is uncovered I was heartbroken thinking about what Hannah and April went through. There is a balance between the dark and sad making this a gripping read I did not want to put down.
Crime and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this title. This fast-paced, dark and twisty tale will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Be warned, you will not want to put this book down. If you enjoy a police procedural that features a serial killer, you will not go wrong reaching for The Family Man. I absolutely recommend this book.
Anna Willett dives straight into the story, hooking you on the very first page and making it extremely hard to turn away from these characters. This book is fast-paced, with new information flooding your senses, never leaving you will a moment to breathe. Very often police procedurals can drag as the characters put the pieces together – not in The Family Man. I loved the flow of constant new information. Reading this book during the start of the South African summer was perfect – the author talks about the Australian heat and I could relate.
A couple is renovating a house when they discover a video recorder sealed in plastic in the attic. Watching the recording leaves them shaken and a call is placed to the police. Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope, from the Special Crime Squad, is given the lead on the case.
This cold case reveals brutality for several victims at the hands of a monster. But was he working alone? Is someone still out there savaging innocent victims? Can Pope fit the pieces together and make sense of this brutal monster?
I was hooked right from the start and I flew through this book in two sittings. Every time I was convinced I had it figured out a new twist was thrown my way. I loved this dark twisty tale and my heart broke for the characters. The things these poor victims endured. While the author hints at extreme brutality, and animal cruelty she is never overly graphic making this a book that even slightly more sensitive readers could enjoy.
Veronika Pope is back on duty after months spent recovering from an on-duty attack. She is determined to fight her demons and obtain justice for the victims. The character is a strong woman who has been wounded, but at the same time, she has learnt from her mistakes and thinks things through before acting. As for Thomas Malicourt, I have no idea how anyone can dream up a man like this. This man can easily leave you with sleepless nights. The author did a marvellously creative job with this guy.
This book was dark and sad, I loved it. While a horrible crime is uncovered I was heartbroken thinking about what Hannah and April went through. There is a balance between the dark and sad making this a gripping read I did not want to put down.
Crime and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this title. This fast-paced, dark and twisty tale will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Be warned, you will not want to put this book down. If you enjoy a police procedural that features a serial killer, you will not go wrong reaching for The Family Man. I absolutely recommend this book.
November 13, 2021
The Story:
Dustin is cleaning up the attic of his newly bought house, and he stumbles upon a toaster box with an old camcorder inside. What he saw in the video footage had him calling the police. When Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and her team in the Special Crime Squad study the disturbing video footages, they believed that someone may have gotten away with murder.
My thoughts: Holy guacamole! I went into this book blind and oh boy, it was a wild one! It was my first time reading this author's book and she can really write a heart-pounding, suspenseful novel! It was unputdownable and I had to keep turning the pages!
The author weaves a pretty complex plot but the investigation conducted by the team was easy to follow and it feels like you're part of the investigation team too. What I really liked about this book is that it didn't really focus on Veronika Pope, but rather focus equally on all the team members. I think this makes it easy to connect with them. But heads up! There are quite a lot of characters in this story. I had to keep my notebook handy!
Overall, this was one gripping read and I can't say much without spoiling it! All I can say is that this book has a bit of everything - police procedural, profiling, mystery and suspense. If this is something you like, give this book a go!
***Thank you HRPR Book Tours and author Anna Willett for this gifted copy to read and review and for having me on this tour. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: Holy guacamole! I went into this book blind and oh boy, it was a wild one! It was my first time reading this author's book and she can really write a heart-pounding, suspenseful novel! It was unputdownable and I had to keep turning the pages!
The author weaves a pretty complex plot but the investigation conducted by the team was easy to follow and it feels like you're part of the investigation team too. What I really liked about this book is that it didn't really focus on Veronika Pope, but rather focus equally on all the team members. I think this makes it easy to connect with them. But heads up! There are quite a lot of characters in this story. I had to keep my notebook handy!
Overall, this was one gripping read and I can't say much without spoiling it! All I can say is that this book has a bit of everything - police procedural, profiling, mystery and suspense. If this is something you like, give this book a go!
***Thank you HRPR Book Tours and author Anna Willett for this gifted copy to read and review and for having me on this tour. All opinions expressed are my own.***
November 9, 2021
The story starts off at a steady pace while the characters are introduced but soon starts building the tension as the video recording is investigated. As the story develops it gets more exciting and faster paced so that by the final section it is racing along.
The characters are strong and easy to recall and the revelation of the killer was unexpected.
A compelling thriller with some creepy elements.
The characters are strong and easy to recall and the revelation of the killer was unexpected.
A compelling thriller with some creepy elements.
Read
November 11, 2021Refreshing
I stick with stories from my favorite authors but this time I thought I would venture out of my box a bit. What a refreshing surprise. I loved the entire book. Easy read. Be sure to take the time to venture into more authors. I'm Glad I did. I will be reading more from Anna Willett
I stick with stories from my favorite authors but this time I thought I would venture out of my box a bit. What a refreshing surprise. I loved the entire book. Easy read. Be sure to take the time to venture into more authors. I'm Glad I did. I will be reading more from Anna Willett
January 11, 2022
Anna Willett has crafted an absolutely cracking mystery/thriller. The tension's dynamite. With her lean, hard-hitting, and atmospheric prose, she knows how to pull a reader along, seeding dread and suspense along the way. I was glued to this one, folks.
Ms. Willett definitely has a new fan here.
Ms. Willett definitely has a new fan here.
September 23, 2021
Exceptional
This book started out fast and kept going. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend it as a read.
This book started out fast and kept going. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend it as a read.
August 19, 2021
The Family Man
Very good story! It was hard to put down once I started reading. Really liked all the characters and the way they worked together. Veronika was a special kind of hero. The story was creepy, scary and very well written. Loved it!
Very good story! It was hard to put down once I started reading. Really liked all the characters and the way they worked together. Veronika was a special kind of hero. The story was creepy, scary and very well written. Loved it!
September 9, 2021
I was kindly given an ARC of The Family Man by the author Anna Willett in return for an honest review.
I have not read any of Anna’s work before, but from the first pages I was gripped and impressed by the quality of her writing. The Family Man is a great tale and I was soon connected to the wonderful character that is DS Pope; tough, gentle, perfect and flawed: the perfect glue to hold this great story together. The book follows her dogged investigation into the most heinous of killers. I do love a bad baddy, and this baddy is truly bad.
But as awful as the killer is, his actions are not glorified or luridly described; less is always more for me in these instances which is a skilful balance pulled off perfectly by Anna.
The tension rises nicely as you reach the denouement which will surprise and satisfy in equal measure. Highly recommended.
I have not read any of Anna’s work before, but from the first pages I was gripped and impressed by the quality of her writing. The Family Man is a great tale and I was soon connected to the wonderful character that is DS Pope; tough, gentle, perfect and flawed: the perfect glue to hold this great story together. The book follows her dogged investigation into the most heinous of killers. I do love a bad baddy, and this baddy is truly bad.
But as awful as the killer is, his actions are not glorified or luridly described; less is always more for me in these instances which is a skilful balance pulled off perfectly by Anna.
The tension rises nicely as you reach the denouement which will surprise and satisfy in equal measure. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2021
My favourite author has stepped into the world of a police procedural storyline and has nailed it! I loved how Anna has a character from a previous book (Detective Veronika Pope) return as the main character. I felt like I was there with Veronika uncovering the grisly past of a serial killer. This book is so well written, I felt so submerged in the storyline like I was there living it. As always, there are twists and turns that you will not see coming.
I highly recommend this book and author if you love a good edge of your seat thriller.
I highly recommend this book and author if you love a good edge of your seat thriller.
September 12, 2021
Real page turner
I couldn't put it down book was amazing I read it from from front to back all the way through couldn't put it down and it was a real page-turner from the moment I turned the first page to the end.
I couldn't put it down book was amazing I read it from from front to back all the way through couldn't put it down and it was a real page-turner from the moment I turned the first page to the end.
August 11, 2021
Incredible
Anna Willet
Has always been my favorite author. Her books just keep getting better.
This book has it all. I could not put it down
.2021 me A bad case of COVID and Anna Willet.
This book made a miserable day so much better!!!! Highly recommend
Anna Willet
Has always been my favorite author. Her books just keep getting better.
This book has it all. I could not put it down
.2021 me A bad case of COVID and Anna Willet.
This book made a miserable day so much better!!!! Highly recommend
August 30, 2021
This is a gritty, scary thriller! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
The story begins when an old video tape is found during renovations on a house in an affluent area. There are four victims on the tape and when Detective Veronika Pope and her team investigate the house’s former owner’s history, they uncover some terrifying and bizarre happenings. How could someone get away with multiple murders and go unnoticed.
Detective Pope is a fantastic main character, she’s smart but also sensitive and authentically human. I enjoyed the cast of characters and their relationships, unlikely friendships, and some very sweet moments, not to mention the twists and shocking surprises.
A must read!
The story begins when an old video tape is found during renovations on a house in an affluent area. There are four victims on the tape and when Detective Veronika Pope and her team investigate the house’s former owner’s history, they uncover some terrifying and bizarre happenings. How could someone get away with multiple murders and go unnoticed.
Detective Pope is a fantastic main character, she’s smart but also sensitive and authentically human. I enjoyed the cast of characters and their relationships, unlikely friendships, and some very sweet moments, not to mention the twists and shocking surprises.
A must read!
September 1, 2021
Found a new author!
This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this great story. A little dark and creepy and murder should be. Excellent characters with believable dialogue and enough glimpses into their personal lives to make them real and interesting.
This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this great story. A little dark and creepy and murder should be. Excellent characters with believable dialogue and enough glimpses into their personal lives to make them real and interesting.
August 30, 2021
Great story! Loved the Detective Pope as she tracked down a serial killer. It was creepy and realistic. Everything I want in a crime thriller.
November 16, 2021
I chose to read this novel as part of the Blackthorn Book Tour. I was intrigued as soon as I started reading it.
Within just a few pages the story starts to grab you. The next thing you know, you are side by side with a determined detective trying to unravel a complicated case. At first it seems as though the case will end up with so many others in the Cold Case files, but then things start to change. Interviews provide answers. And more questions. Questions produce leads. Leads form an investigation, pulling you down a path of personal, psychological and diabolical secrets, lies and atrocities that, in their ripple effect, happen to leave just the kind of clues that our detective will need to follow to solve her case.
This was an excellent novel to read. It was gripping but highly detailed and carefully woven together. This means that the reader really needs to be able to pay attention (at least for me). This would not have been a novel I could read while reading another fully engaging story. This story was so attentively entwined that every little detail counts for a full understanding of the story at its real value. If you just breeze through it, yeah, you’ll still probably enjoy it. But if you really take the time to read it you could actually almost escape into the story and characters and experience the investigation and the investigator’s life, up close and personal.
For anyone who loves crime stories, especially murder mysteries, this is right up your alley. At an average length it’s not a book that’s going to take months of time investment and with some kind of important detail of piece of information coming at you at a very constant pace, this book reads fairly quickly.
There were certainly parts that had me more enthralled than others but the whole novel was interesting and captivating. And I thought it was an excellent and refreshing take on the murder mystery plot line. So, this was definitely worth the read. I also have a feeling that if I were to read it again I would catch even more detail, experience, links, emotion and like it just that much more. It seems to me that this could very well be the kind of novel that even though you know the ending, you can still read it again and be entertained.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
Within just a few pages the story starts to grab you. The next thing you know, you are side by side with a determined detective trying to unravel a complicated case. At first it seems as though the case will end up with so many others in the Cold Case files, but then things start to change. Interviews provide answers. And more questions. Questions produce leads. Leads form an investigation, pulling you down a path of personal, psychological and diabolical secrets, lies and atrocities that, in their ripple effect, happen to leave just the kind of clues that our detective will need to follow to solve her case.
This was an excellent novel to read. It was gripping but highly detailed and carefully woven together. This means that the reader really needs to be able to pay attention (at least for me). This would not have been a novel I could read while reading another fully engaging story. This story was so attentively entwined that every little detail counts for a full understanding of the story at its real value. If you just breeze through it, yeah, you’ll still probably enjoy it. But if you really take the time to read it you could actually almost escape into the story and characters and experience the investigation and the investigator’s life, up close and personal.
For anyone who loves crime stories, especially murder mysteries, this is right up your alley. At an average length it’s not a book that’s going to take months of time investment and with some kind of important detail of piece of information coming at you at a very constant pace, this book reads fairly quickly.
There were certainly parts that had me more enthralled than others but the whole novel was interesting and captivating. And I thought it was an excellent and refreshing take on the murder mystery plot line. So, this was definitely worth the read. I also have a feeling that if I were to read it again I would catch even more detail, experience, links, emotion and like it just that much more. It seems to me that this could very well be the kind of novel that even though you know the ending, you can still read it again and be entertained.
RATINGS
5/5 Stars
November 12, 2021
"When she hung up, Veronika had a sense of deja vu. Everything kept coming back to the same thing. People who knew (him) outside of work were afraid of him and damaged by knowing him. Those that worked with him knew nothing about him. A ghost to some and a monster to others."
A dark police procedural suspense thriller, The Family Man by Anna Willet, is filled with intense realizations of the best and worst in humans.
Told in an almost movie like script with detailed crime location descriptions, rich dialogue and uncomfortable creepy vibes reading this crime drama was a visual experience. The way the author told this story my mind saw it all playing out very clearly.
In one of the best opening chapters of a thriller we follow Dustin cleaning up the attic of his new home when he finds an old video camera. After he charges it up he can't explain the sense of dread he feels about playing it. The scene shifts to his wife finding him visibly shaken up and quietly saying, " We need to call the police." I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to the next chapter.
What was on the tape was sinister and leads Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and the Special Crime Squad chasing down clues from a 15 year old cold case and a serial killer who may be dead but has left a legacy of his crimes and maybe a follower or two.
I need this to be a TV series. Veronica is a flawed heroine who needs to be fully developed through time and I just want more of her. This gripping gruesome book should be devoured by all crime thriller fans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A dark police procedural suspense thriller, The Family Man by Anna Willet, is filled with intense realizations of the best and worst in humans.
Told in an almost movie like script with detailed crime location descriptions, rich dialogue and uncomfortable creepy vibes reading this crime drama was a visual experience. The way the author told this story my mind saw it all playing out very clearly.
In one of the best opening chapters of a thriller we follow Dustin cleaning up the attic of his new home when he finds an old video camera. After he charges it up he can't explain the sense of dread he feels about playing it. The scene shifts to his wife finding him visibly shaken up and quietly saying, " We need to call the police." I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to the next chapter.
What was on the tape was sinister and leads Senior Sergeant Veronika Pope and the Special Crime Squad chasing down clues from a 15 year old cold case and a serial killer who may be dead but has left a legacy of his crimes and maybe a follower or two.
I need this to be a TV series. Veronica is a flawed heroine who needs to be fully developed through time and I just want more of her. This gripping gruesome book should be devoured by all crime thriller fans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2021
The Family Man is a suspenseful crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat as you fly through the pages, eager to see if DS Pope and her team will figure out the mystery of a 15+ year old cold case. It's definitely a nail-biter, and I quite enjoyed this one.
This is my first book by Anna Willett, but it won't be the last. I found myself immediately drawn in with the discovery of a videotape, and from there, the rest of the story was a rush to discover the truth.
I loved how there were clues that made it seem like it could be any one of the characters who was behind the horrific scenes on the videotape. A few red herrings, of course, but that just made it all the more intriguing.
The characters were all really likeable, even the ones who came across as standoffish. There was only one person who was absolutely appalling, but that's to be expected.
The plot is engaging and fast-paced, sucking you in and holding you hostage until the very end. A definitely thrill-ride.
The only thing that kind of threw me off was, there were a few descriptions that made it seem like the one character may be something they're not, and along with the biting, I thought this might go in a more supernatural direction. Maybe I just read more into it because it was late when I was reading and my brain went in a spookier direction. That's just me, though.
Overall, though, this is a really intense book that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, definitely check this one out.
4.5 stars!
This is my first book by Anna Willett, but it won't be the last. I found myself immediately drawn in with the discovery of a videotape, and from there, the rest of the story was a rush to discover the truth.
I loved how there were clues that made it seem like it could be any one of the characters who was behind the horrific scenes on the videotape. A few red herrings, of course, but that just made it all the more intriguing.
The characters were all really likeable, even the ones who came across as standoffish. There was only one person who was absolutely appalling, but that's to be expected.
The plot is engaging and fast-paced, sucking you in and holding you hostage until the very end. A definitely thrill-ride.
The only thing that kind of threw me off was, there were a few descriptions that made it seem like the one character may be something they're not, and along with the biting, I thought this might go in a more supernatural direction. Maybe I just read more into it because it was late when I was reading and my brain went in a spookier direction. That's just me, though.
Overall, though, this is a really intense book that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, definitely check this one out.
4.5 stars!
October 9, 2021
Top notch – a hot, cold case that thrills to the very end
I am not a real fan of police procedural. For me they have to have an edge, and a 15 year old cold case that becomes a live thriller did the trick. Combine this with pithy, laconic writing, and well-formed characters, this book had all that I look for in a thriller.
Easing herself back from injury during her work as a police detective, Veronika Pope is consigned to the cold case unit. What could go wrong?
A young couple buy an old house and while carrying out renovations, they find an old video camera and on the camera is a snuff film; 4 victims, 2 women and 2 men.
What follows is an intense search to identify the victims and, if possible, nail the murderer and this develops into the search for a serial killer. But, the killer is long dead? Then who is carrying on the brutal killing spree?
Simple – but, it is not, and a well woven tale unravels that I found particularly engaging. Essential for me also, is the narrative not losing pace as characters and their lives are merged, giving real depth and enjoyment to the story, And, finally, a tremendous climax with, surprises.
This was a masterfully written story that had me enthralled from beginning to the end – I shall be reading more by this author. I wholeheartedly recommend it – 5 stars.
I am not a real fan of police procedural. For me they have to have an edge, and a 15 year old cold case that becomes a live thriller did the trick. Combine this with pithy, laconic writing, and well-formed characters, this book had all that I look for in a thriller.
Easing herself back from injury during her work as a police detective, Veronika Pope is consigned to the cold case unit. What could go wrong?
A young couple buy an old house and while carrying out renovations, they find an old video camera and on the camera is a snuff film; 4 victims, 2 women and 2 men.
What follows is an intense search to identify the victims and, if possible, nail the murderer and this develops into the search for a serial killer. But, the killer is long dead? Then who is carrying on the brutal killing spree?
Simple – but, it is not, and a well woven tale unravels that I found particularly engaging. Essential for me also, is the narrative not losing pace as characters and their lives are merged, giving real depth and enjoyment to the story, And, finally, a tremendous climax with, surprises.
This was a masterfully written story that had me enthralled from beginning to the end – I shall be reading more by this author. I wholeheartedly recommend it – 5 stars.
November 12, 2021
A fun little mystery-thriller.
A few little things in particular that I liked – I liked that our hero Pope lives in a multi-generational household, I think we should see more of these families in fiction. I liked the details that reminded me I was reading a book set in Australia – for example, mention of peppermint trees, which sound lovely. I was a bit disconcerted to read what struck me as a ridiculously low number of missing young people within a certain time frame in Western Australia is described by the police officers in this book as “a large number of missing people,” – is Western Australia so much safer, in general, than western Canada?!
I was able to read this book quickly, over a few hours and two days, the pace is good and quick and (my possible missing of some minor details aside) easy to follow and read. It is a “fun” book – while it has it’s violent, icky, grimacing moments, it’s not a serious book – it’s a book to enjoy, for example, as I did, over a rainy weekend in November.
I received a free copy of this book in expectation of an honest review in return. Here it is!
You can read my full review on my blog. https://vtdorch.wordpress.com/2021/11...
A few little things in particular that I liked – I liked that our hero Pope lives in a multi-generational household, I think we should see more of these families in fiction. I liked the details that reminded me I was reading a book set in Australia – for example, mention of peppermint trees, which sound lovely. I was a bit disconcerted to read what struck me as a ridiculously low number of missing young people within a certain time frame in Western Australia is described by the police officers in this book as “a large number of missing people,” – is Western Australia so much safer, in general, than western Canada?!
I was able to read this book quickly, over a few hours and two days, the pace is good and quick and (my possible missing of some minor details aside) easy to follow and read. It is a “fun” book – while it has it’s violent, icky, grimacing moments, it’s not a serious book – it’s a book to enjoy, for example, as I did, over a rainy weekend in November.
I received a free copy of this book in expectation of an honest review in return. Here it is!
You can read my full review on my blog. https://vtdorch.wordpress.com/2021/11...
Read
November 19, 2021The Family Man by Anna Willett is a fantastic novel following the story of an Australian police detective Veronika Pope as she and her team do their best to solve a case that has been cold for years after a video containing the torture of four people in found in a couples attic while the renovate thier new home.
The story focuses mainly on Veronika and her peers as she tries to pull the pieces of a complicated and dark, cold case. The villain they are after, while dead, was a very deranged man who seemed to have very little issue treating those around him with the foulest of intentions. I will not go further in to the story to avoid spoilers, but some it is a dark tale.
The characters of The Family Man are all well written with backgrounds that fit well in to the story as a whole. The main character, Veronika, is a well developed female character. While described in an attractive person, there is no forced love story to take away from the police work. And while there is some implied romance, it is a strictly background story. This gives more focus on the characters intelligence, leading to an impressive female lead, which can be fairly difficult in darker novels.
So is The Family man worth reading? Most certainly. Pick up this novel to get your cold case mystery thrill and so much more.
The story focuses mainly on Veronika and her peers as she tries to pull the pieces of a complicated and dark, cold case. The villain they are after, while dead, was a very deranged man who seemed to have very little issue treating those around him with the foulest of intentions. I will not go further in to the story to avoid spoilers, but some it is a dark tale.
The characters of The Family Man are all well written with backgrounds that fit well in to the story as a whole. The main character, Veronika, is a well developed female character. While described in an attractive person, there is no forced love story to take away from the police work. And while there is some implied romance, it is a strictly background story. This gives more focus on the characters intelligence, leading to an impressive female lead, which can be fairly difficult in darker novels.
So is The Family man worth reading? Most certainly. Pick up this novel to get your cold case mystery thrill and so much more.
November 15, 2021
Book tour stop and review of The Family Man by Anna Willett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my stop on the book tour for The Family Man and a big thank you to @blackthornbooktours and @henryroi for letting me read and review this one. This was a great police procedural thriller and I enjoyed every second of it. It was fast paced and I read it in 2 days. I loved the main character Veronika especially and some of the scenes made my heart pound!
Quick synopsis: a new home owner finds an old video tape in the attic and is horrified to find it contains several murder victims being tortured. He immediately contacts the police and Veronika is the detective who take charge. She painstakingly starts to identify the victims as well as suspects and it needs to a shocking, scary conclusion.
I’ve never been more happy when a killer was caught I don’t think.
If you like police procedurals you will love this one. It’s out now.
Trigger warning: vague mention of animal abuse in the past without major detailing. As well as violence and murder.
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