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DCI Gawn Girvin #1
The Perfume Killer
A murder in a public place, a victim who hides his killer’s intent…
A German citizen is murdered in Belfast Botanic Gardens. Investigating, DCI Gawn Girvin concludes it is a revenge killing . But she draws a blank from CCTV and forensics.
The only clue is the top of a perfume bottle found at the scene. As frustration sets in, Girvin develops a hunch that by tracing the victim’s criminal connections , they’ve followed the wrong scent.
A young female university student seen nearby may hold the only key to unlocking the case. And like a bloodhound , Girvin follows the new leads.
But being ex-army, her cold demeanour is a magnet for risk takers . It means she gets results, but also puts herself in danger. And she could be charging into her biggest challenge yet.
THE PERFUME KILLER is Linda Hagan’s debut novel.
A German citizen is murdered in Belfast Botanic Gardens. Investigating, DCI Gawn Girvin concludes it is a revenge killing . But she draws a blank from CCTV and forensics.
The only clue is the top of a perfume bottle found at the scene. As frustration sets in, Girvin develops a hunch that by tracing the victim’s criminal connections , they’ve followed the wrong scent.
A young female university student seen nearby may hold the only key to unlocking the case. And like a bloodhound , Girvin follows the new leads.
But being ex-army, her cold demeanour is a magnet for risk takers . It means she gets results, but also puts herself in danger. And she could be charging into her biggest challenge yet.
THE PERFUME KILLER is Linda Hagan’s debut novel.
274 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2021
546 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Linda Hagan
13 books27 followersLinda Hagan was born in Belfast. but for many years has lived in the town of Carrickfergus on the shores of Belfast Lough and overlooked by the magnificent Norman castle.
After a career in education and academic research, retirement has enabled her to indulge her passion for crime fiction. A lifelong reader of the genre, she has now turned writer and her first two novels, 'The Perfume Killer' and 'Murder Sky High' were well-received leading to a further six novels in the series .
The central character of all her novels is DCI Gawn Girvin, ex-army and now PSNI officer with the nickname "The Ice Queen". Gawn often battles her own demons from her past as well as the criminals she is investigating and her sense of duty can often lead her into dangerous situations.
When not reading or writing crime, Linda enjoys Formula 1, researching her family history and spending time with her grandchildren.
After a career in education and academic research, retirement has enabled her to indulge her passion for crime fiction. A lifelong reader of the genre, she has now turned writer and her first two novels, 'The Perfume Killer' and 'Murder Sky High' were well-received leading to a further six novels in the series .
The central character of all her novels is DCI Gawn Girvin, ex-army and now PSNI officer with the nickname "The Ice Queen". Gawn often battles her own demons from her past as well as the criminals she is investigating and her sense of duty can often lead her into dangerous situations.
When not reading or writing crime, Linda enjoys Formula 1, researching her family history and spending time with her grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 3, 2022
Excellent book 📖 I never heard of the author before so glad I found her work
Set In Belfast in present time
Murder but who done it and why
Chief Inspector Gawn Girvan Is someone I’m looking forward to reading more about
Have to say the name Gawn could have been better even Dawn would have been alright.
Set In Belfast in present time
Murder but who done it and why
Chief Inspector Gawn Girvan Is someone I’m looking forward to reading more about
Have to say the name Gawn could have been better even Dawn would have been alright.
August 8, 2021
Page turner
A compellingly written story with lots of twists and turns, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to more from this author!
A compellingly written story with lots of twists and turns, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to more from this author!
November 8, 2025
If you enjoyed the “Blue Lights” television series, you will enjoy this book too. DCI Gawn (pronounced “Gan”) Girvin is based in Belfast and she has a team of detectives under her command who I imagined were colleagues of the Blue Lights cast!
The story starts with the murder of Dieter Weil, a German tourist, who is found dead at dusk in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Gawn’s team head up the investigation but there are few clues as to who the mysterious murderer could be although the top of an expensive perfume bottle was found at the scene. The PSNI are helped by a German police officer, Norbert Schneider, who provides background on Dieter who turns out to be a criminal.
A suspicious package is left at the door of Gawn’s Carrickfergus apartment which contains an empty perfume bottle. She then realises that she is a target for the murderer. A few suspects emerge but through good old-fashioned police work, the identity of the killer emerges but he can’t be found!
I loved reading a book set in Northern Ireland because I know the locations. It’s a fast paced story with a very dramatic ending plus a touch of romance. The author, retired English teacher Linda Hagan, lives in Carrickfergus so her familiarity with the area is obvious as you read the book - but you don’t have to hail from Northern Ireland to enjoy it. This is the first book of the DCI Gawn Girvin series so I’m looking forward to reading the other seven.
The story starts with the murder of Dieter Weil, a German tourist, who is found dead at dusk in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Gawn’s team head up the investigation but there are few clues as to who the mysterious murderer could be although the top of an expensive perfume bottle was found at the scene. The PSNI are helped by a German police officer, Norbert Schneider, who provides background on Dieter who turns out to be a criminal.
A suspicious package is left at the door of Gawn’s Carrickfergus apartment which contains an empty perfume bottle. She then realises that she is a target for the murderer. A few suspects emerge but through good old-fashioned police work, the identity of the killer emerges but he can’t be found!
I loved reading a book set in Northern Ireland because I know the locations. It’s a fast paced story with a very dramatic ending plus a touch of romance. The author, retired English teacher Linda Hagan, lives in Carrickfergus so her familiarity with the area is obvious as you read the book - but you don’t have to hail from Northern Ireland to enjoy it. This is the first book of the DCI Gawn Girvin series so I’m looking forward to reading the other seven.
October 17, 2023
OVERLY DISCRIPTIVE (wordy). GAWN IS NOT A VERY OBSERVANT FOR A COP. I TRIED TO LIKE GAWN BUT I COULDN'TI DIDN'T LIK HER OR HER STRANGE NAME. IT WAS SLOW GOING BUT PICKED UP AROUND 65% I DID HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON BUT WASN'T SURE FOR AWHILE. ;<
October 15, 2022
Splendid murder mystery
I have no words to appreciate Author Linda Hagan for her edge-of-the-seat thriller. This book had me completely mesmerized with its powerful characters, fantastic narration, and completely devoid of unnecessary description. Wonderful, too good to be missed. I loved the location as well. It's set in Belfast, in Northern Ireland.
The story begins with a character, Lucy, enjoying her outing in an amusement park in Germany with the animatronic figures that fascinates kids. There's plenty of screams, shrieks of delight, unaware of a great tragedy. A dead pirot, with his throat slit and the subsequent fire tragedy, the next day.
Detective Chief Inspector Gawn Girvin is back home after a day's work and goes for a jog into the Botanic Gardens adjoining University PE Centre. She's unaware of a tragedy that's going to strike next. Just after her exit, a murderer lays hidden in a bush, waiting for his prey, a gorgeous girl in a yellow coat but his plan is thwarted when another man turns up. The murderer kills him instead as per his MO, kill the victims and pour the perfume. Sergeant Paul Maxwell informs her of the tragedy and mentions that the murder victim was a foreign national, Dieter Weil.
DCI and her team are under tremendous pressure to solve the case before the Organized Crime unit could take over the investigation. Weiter was a criminal belonging to Schwarzer Adler gang. Is this a murder for revenge or an internal gang war? Then why leave perfume? Besides, DCI Gawn receives a mysterious package that has her visibly shaken. There are shocking revelations and unexpected twists that would keep you guessing about the identity of the killer.
This is one of the most enjoyable reads and I highly recommend it for all the mystery lovers. Great work by Ms. Linda Hagan.
I have no words to appreciate Author Linda Hagan for her edge-of-the-seat thriller. This book had me completely mesmerized with its powerful characters, fantastic narration, and completely devoid of unnecessary description. Wonderful, too good to be missed. I loved the location as well. It's set in Belfast, in Northern Ireland.
The story begins with a character, Lucy, enjoying her outing in an amusement park in Germany with the animatronic figures that fascinates kids. There's plenty of screams, shrieks of delight, unaware of a great tragedy. A dead pirot, with his throat slit and the subsequent fire tragedy, the next day.
Detective Chief Inspector Gawn Girvin is back home after a day's work and goes for a jog into the Botanic Gardens adjoining University PE Centre. She's unaware of a tragedy that's going to strike next. Just after her exit, a murderer lays hidden in a bush, waiting for his prey, a gorgeous girl in a yellow coat but his plan is thwarted when another man turns up. The murderer kills him instead as per his MO, kill the victims and pour the perfume. Sergeant Paul Maxwell informs her of the tragedy and mentions that the murder victim was a foreign national, Dieter Weil.
DCI and her team are under tremendous pressure to solve the case before the Organized Crime unit could take over the investigation. Weiter was a criminal belonging to Schwarzer Adler gang. Is this a murder for revenge or an internal gang war? Then why leave perfume? Besides, DCI Gawn receives a mysterious package that has her visibly shaken. There are shocking revelations and unexpected twists that would keep you guessing about the identity of the killer.
This is one of the most enjoyable reads and I highly recommend it for all the mystery lovers. Great work by Ms. Linda Hagan.
October 11, 2023
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and even more so knowing it's the first in a series. The discovery of the body of a German man soon finds a link with murders across Europe and also with someone who seems to have Gawn in their sights.
I must admit the fascination with perfume was really weird and I wasn't sure where things were leading but there were several twists here that dispelled any doubts and the actual reveal took me by surprise. I didn't like Gawn for a lot of the book but warmed more to her by the end and I will read more in the series.
I must admit the fascination with perfume was really weird and I wasn't sure where things were leading but there were several twists here that dispelled any doubts and the actual reveal took me by surprise. I didn't like Gawn for a lot of the book but warmed more to her by the end and I will read more in the series.
March 7, 2024
An alright little thriller. There's not much else to say about it.
October 6, 2023
I like Belfast, and mysteries, I've been to the area of the crime scene in real life, I'm partial to tall women who like shoes (being one myself), so I expected this to be a great fit. But it was so poorly crafted that any joy I might have found in it was quashed. It seemed like what a highschooler might write, made up of cliches and fluff and kinda hokey on top of it. Every man in the heroine's vicinity is immediately obsessed with her despite her myriad flaws. Hardly any part of it felt genuinely buyable.
The audio was not helped by a narrator who, I'm not sure even actually *tried*, to do a Northern Irish accent, (much less a Belfast one), (it had only a hint of any Irishness of any sort at all!?). Northern Ireland is where 99% of the book takes place, and all but like 3 speaking characters are from there (and they were given accents, so it's not like the narrator was taking a zero-accent stance of some sort). Why hire someone who can't do even a decent stab at it? It was just a very strange choice.
The audio was not helped by a narrator who, I'm not sure even actually *tried*, to do a Northern Irish accent, (much less a Belfast one), (it had only a hint of any Irishness of any sort at all!?). Northern Ireland is where 99% of the book takes place, and all but like 3 speaking characters are from there (and they were given accents, so it's not like the narrator was taking a zero-accent stance of some sort). Why hire someone who can't do even a decent stab at it? It was just a very strange choice.
October 6, 2024
The first in a series of police procedural thrillers set in Northern Ireland, this story introduces DCI Gawn Girvin, the determined woman heading up the team investigating the murder of a German man in the Belfast Botanic Gardens.
The only clues are the cork from a perfume bottle left nearby, and a German student who passed by shortly before. Despite her own demons to face, Gawn is determined to negotiate the twists and turns of this case, even when it appears the killer has begun to pursue her.
This was a reasonably engaging read with a strong female lead. I probably should have read the blurb more closely as my preference when reading mysteries is to avoid the serial killer ones that create a sense of fear for women, and are somewhat disturbing. Unfortunately this one did fit that bill, and the glimpses into the mind of the killer were definitely disturbing. I also am not a fan of those blurry romances that involve police and potential suspects. 3.5 stars for me.
The only clues are the cork from a perfume bottle left nearby, and a German student who passed by shortly before. Despite her own demons to face, Gawn is determined to negotiate the twists and turns of this case, even when it appears the killer has begun to pursue her.
This was a reasonably engaging read with a strong female lead. I probably should have read the blurb more closely as my preference when reading mysteries is to avoid the serial killer ones that create a sense of fear for women, and are somewhat disturbing. Unfortunately this one did fit that bill, and the glimpses into the mind of the killer were definitely disturbing. I also am not a fan of those blurry romances that involve police and potential suspects. 3.5 stars for me.
September 25, 2023
DCI Gawn (pronounced Dan) Girvin;
Murder of German Citizen in Belfast Botanic Gardens (top to perfume bottle found at scene)
It appears Lucy, a student was the target.
DS Maxwell;
***Sebastian York****a professor and family friend of Lucy;
Ends up being a serial killer (different countries, including the US)
Ties to amusement park ride in Germany where a murder occurred;
Creepy medical examiner;
Schneider (acting as German law liaison) is the killer.
Stalking Gawn
Murder of German Citizen in Belfast Botanic Gardens (top to perfume bottle found at scene)
It appears Lucy, a student was the target.
DS Maxwell;
***Sebastian York****a professor and family friend of Lucy;
Ends up being a serial killer (different countries, including the US)
Ties to amusement park ride in Germany where a murder occurred;
Creepy medical examiner;
Schneider (acting as German law liaison) is the killer.
Stalking Gawn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
Excellent!
Great plot and wonderful development of it. Beginning is very slow and book could be condensed by moving action faster. The characters are a bit shallow so I did not care about them. Plenty of good suspects so time was necessary to work through them all. Finale was spectacular!
Great plot and wonderful development of it. Beginning is very slow and book could be condensed by moving action faster. The characters are a bit shallow so I did not care about them. Plenty of good suspects so time was necessary to work through them all. Finale was spectacular!
August 27, 2023
What a terrific book! An appealing, yet tortured lead investigator in DCI Gawn Girvin and a twisty engrossing plot. I love books that keep me guessing until the very end and this one did exactly that. Set in and around Belfast this is a solid, unputdownable police procedural. Great settings and atmosphere and a well-drawn, ensemble cast. A definite five star read.
September 27, 2023
3⭐️
The Perfume Killer by Linda Hagan was an enjoyable read that set up the mystery element very well with a number of potential suspects in the frame. It took a little while for the characters and plot to warm up, but once the author hit her stride, I was hooked. I will definitely be reading more by Linda Hagan.
The Perfume Killer by Linda Hagan was an enjoyable read that set up the mystery element very well with a number of potential suspects in the frame. It took a little while for the characters and plot to warm up, but once the author hit her stride, I was hooked. I will definitely be reading more by Linda Hagan.
November 21, 2024
2⭐️
This book is well written & I can see why people would like it, I just found it very boring & slow, only action was the last 10%
A slow burn detective work, it feels like you’re going along on a more realistic murder mystery, so I feel like some people would enjoy this very much, just unfortunately not me.
This book is well written & I can see why people would like it, I just found it very boring & slow, only action was the last 10%
A slow burn detective work, it feels like you’re going along on a more realistic murder mystery, so I feel like some people would enjoy this very much, just unfortunately not me.
December 22, 2021
Great Story
This is the first book that I have read by Linda Hagan but it won't be the last. Good story line with plenty of strong characters. The story moved at a fast pace and was difficult to put down. Looking forward to reading more.
This is the first book that I have read by Linda Hagan but it won't be the last. Good story line with plenty of strong characters. The story moved at a fast pace and was difficult to put down. Looking forward to reading more.
June 7, 2023
2.5*
How does this book have such a high rating?! it was soooo slow and SOOOOO boring... The ending is actually good, but by the time some action actually started happening - it was too little, too late.
How does this book have such a high rating?! it was soooo slow and SOOOOO boring... The ending is actually good, but by the time some action actually started happening - it was too little, too late.
August 17, 2023
It was hard to stay interested so finally I skipped to the end to find our who did it. The main character DCI Gawn Girvin was not very likable. Since I already own book 2 in the series I'll try again but doubt if I will continue after that one.
September 28, 2023
Anticipation
This book will keep you awake and reading. Many twists to keep you guessing, and you will think you have it figured. Huh uh! A very good read. Hope for a strong heart.
This book will keep you awake and reading. Many twists to keep you guessing, and you will think you have it figured. Huh uh! A very good read. Hope for a strong heart.
December 9, 2023
Absolutely Terrific
I loved the characters, the way they were written made me feel like I was welcome to be with them as the case unfolded. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read even if they're not a fan of crime stories.
I loved the characters, the way they were written made me feel like I was welcome to be with them as the case unfolded. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read even if they're not a fan of crime stories.
January 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I liked all the characters very much but figured out the murderer very early on. There was a moment of doubt as to my choosing but it quickly dissipated as I’m seldom wrong. He he.
June 26, 2024
Page turner
I read this book in 2 days I couldn't leave it down. Just came across this
Author by chance but I'm ready to read her series of books. loved every
Page excellent read.
I read this book in 2 days I couldn't leave it down. Just came across this
Author by chance but I'm ready to read her series of books. loved every
Page excellent read.
November 16, 2025
A good solid detective story with a strong female lead, I really enjoyed this thriller. The twists and turns are great, and I loved the ending. I also liked how the main character develops. Definitely a strong start to this series.
October 9, 2021
wonderful
Loved the story and it was great it was based in Carrickfergus and Belfast so many familiar places. Can’t wait to read her next book.
Loved the story and it was great it was based in Carrickfergus and Belfast so many familiar places. Can’t wait to read her next book.
March 5, 2022
Fantastic start to a series am new to this series and was hooked from the first page
April 10, 2022
Adventure
Exciting from the beginning. No way to tell whodunnit and great characters to help with the disguise. So much subterfuge with this take. Love the writing style
Exciting from the beginning. No way to tell whodunnit and great characters to help with the disguise. So much subterfuge with this take. Love the writing style
dnf
April 11, 2022I really could not get interested in the story or the characters so I stopped reading at about 28%
May 1, 2022
A mystery story
I choose that rating because the story was slow. All in all not bad. Could have had some more excitement
I choose that rating because the story was slow. All in all not bad. Could have had some more excitement
May 4, 2022
I enjoyed it
Good writer created real people and interesting setting I would recommend it. Will order book two and hope to enjoy it as much
Good writer created real people and interesting setting I would recommend it. Will order book two and hope to enjoy it as much
January 24, 2023
The start of a good series. Gwan is interesting and it will be good to see where she goes from here.
April 1, 2023
Slow start, but well worth sticking with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews