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The Connection Trilogy #2
Code Blue
Five years after a couple’s life was shattered, the Connection Agency tries to bring them peace in a twist-filled mystery by the author of Blood Red . . .
Five years ago, John and Caroline Coates were happily expecting the birth of twin girls, until an intruder ended their hopes and dreams.
Now, John has come to the Connection Agency, asking for their help in tracking down the man who caused them such grief.
Back then, Tessa’s involvement was cut short when the cold case department quickly took over. This is the chance for her and Luke to follow the facts and finally lay this case to rest. With the rest of the Connection team busy with other jobs, Tessa and Luke, alongside DI Eileen Haughton, an old colleague of Tessa’s from her police days, steadily follow the clues to an ending they could never have imagined—revealing a truth that could either bring the Coateses the peace they crave or take them to further depths of despair . . .
Five years ago, John and Caroline Coates were happily expecting the birth of twin girls, until an intruder ended their hopes and dreams.
Now, John has come to the Connection Agency, asking for their help in tracking down the man who caused them such grief.
Back then, Tessa’s involvement was cut short when the cold case department quickly took over. This is the chance for her and Luke to follow the facts and finally lay this case to rest. With the rest of the Connection team busy with other jobs, Tessa and Luke, alongside DI Eileen Haughton, an old colleague of Tessa’s from her police days, steadily follow the clues to an ending they could never have imagined—revealing a truth that could either bring the Coateses the peace they crave or take them to further depths of despair . . .
266 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2021
63 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
48 books470 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 13, 2022
This book is the second in the connection trilogy but you can read as a stand alone. I loved her book Nine lives so was happy to pick up another book by this author.
In 2015 John Coates comes home from a day of playing golf only to have his world shattered. His wife Caroline was expecting twin girls to be born in two weeks only to be brutally attacked in her home. This is opening scene and it punches you in the gut as you think who could do such an awful crime? You will feel for Caroline as how do you recover from this?
John and Caroline adopt a baby girl Casey. They are trying to move forward in their lives. Caroline is having trouble sleeping as the person who organized the crime has never been caught. They hire the connection detective agency to find this person. Slows a bit in the middle but then quickly picks up speed. What a great ending!
In 2015 John Coates comes home from a day of playing golf only to have his world shattered. His wife Caroline was expecting twin girls to be born in two weeks only to be brutally attacked in her home. This is opening scene and it punches you in the gut as you think who could do such an awful crime? You will feel for Caroline as how do you recover from this?
John and Caroline adopt a baby girl Casey. They are trying to move forward in their lives. Caroline is having trouble sleeping as the person who organized the crime has never been caught. They hire the connection detective agency to find this person. Slows a bit in the middle but then quickly picks up speed. What a great ending!
December 11, 2021
Another cracking addition to the Connection Series from Anita. The prologue is attention grabbing and graphic - in just the right way and amount, to portray the horror of the events being described.
I liked how in this series, like the Kat and Mouse books before, how we get a glimpse into the personal lives of the team alongside the work they doing during their investigations.
Anita always manages to find the right balance between the investigations and finding a way to lighten the mood. I found myself smiling at the chats between Fred and Ken and was attempting 'proper Yorkshire' as I read their dialogue.
The Kat and Mouse books, and now this series, are always looked forward to and are read asap. I was a bit late reading this one, but it was worth the wait.
I liked how in this series, like the Kat and Mouse books before, how we get a glimpse into the personal lives of the team alongside the work they doing during their investigations.
Anita always manages to find the right balance between the investigations and finding a way to lighten the mood. I found myself smiling at the chats between Fred and Ken and was attempting 'proper Yorkshire' as I read their dialogue.
The Kat and Mouse books, and now this series, are always looked forward to and are read asap. I was a bit late reading this one, but it was worth the wait.
October 28, 2021
Wow! What a shocking and jaw dropping prologue. Best get the kettle on I thought, so I settled myself down for what turned out to be a terrific read.
The Connection Investigation Agency has been called upon by John Coates. A devastating and horrific incident five years ago has left it's mark on his troubled wife Caroline and they both need closure, and so the story begins. Tessa teams up with Luke and takes the case on. This is the main storyline of the book but we also follow the rest of the team at the agency with their own investigations. Old wounds are opened as enquires are made. Intriguing, twisty and always expect the unexpected. Enjoy the light hearted banter of the office over tea and compulsary chocolate biscuits before they get to the nitty gritty of a crime. Such endearing likeable characters that are easy to engage with. Throw in a small amount of romance and office gossip and you have yourself an exeptional entertaining read. There are plenty of characters in the book and I would recommend reading book one first (Blood Red) to get to know them, but this is not a necessity as the investigations are all new.
The ending? Ee ba gum Mrs Waller....yikes!
The Connection Investigation Agency has been called upon by John Coates. A devastating and horrific incident five years ago has left it's mark on his troubled wife Caroline and they both need closure, and so the story begins. Tessa teams up with Luke and takes the case on. This is the main storyline of the book but we also follow the rest of the team at the agency with their own investigations. Old wounds are opened as enquires are made. Intriguing, twisty and always expect the unexpected. Enjoy the light hearted banter of the office over tea and compulsary chocolate biscuits before they get to the nitty gritty of a crime. Such endearing likeable characters that are easy to engage with. Throw in a small amount of romance and office gossip and you have yourself an exeptional entertaining read. There are plenty of characters in the book and I would recommend reading book one first (Blood Red) to get to know them, but this is not a necessity as the investigations are all new.
The ending? Ee ba gum Mrs Waller....yikes!
November 14, 2021
Another great read from Anita Waller.
I’d recommend reading Blood Red before this one as this is book 2 of a trilogy.
Tessa and Luke take on a case for John Coates, who Tessa met five years ago when she was in the Police.
His wife was the victim of a brutal attack that left her fighting for her life. More devastating to the couple was the loss they suffered and John and Caroline want the killer found.
Tessa and Luke are keen to help and the investigations are soon underway, with the help of chocolate digestives!
The rest of the team have their own cases to work on but Tessa and Luke’s investigation takes centre stage.
There’s some great twists and turns in this book and it definitely keeps you on your toes.
A brilliant book that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
I’d recommend reading Blood Red before this one as this is book 2 of a trilogy.
Tessa and Luke take on a case for John Coates, who Tessa met five years ago when she was in the Police.
His wife was the victim of a brutal attack that left her fighting for her life. More devastating to the couple was the loss they suffered and John and Caroline want the killer found.
Tessa and Luke are keen to help and the investigations are soon underway, with the help of chocolate digestives!
The rest of the team have their own cases to work on but Tessa and Luke’s investigation takes centre stage.
There’s some great twists and turns in this book and it definitely keeps you on your toes.
A brilliant book that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
March 13, 2022
As always, Waller's books are brilliantly written with outstanding characterisation and a touch of dry humour. I defy anybody to guess the twist in this one! It literally knocked me sideways. A brilliant 5* read.
November 26, 2023
Very much the same and engaging as all the others. But why does every book set in 2020 have to include coronavirus so obviously? Annoying.
November 22, 2021
Set in February 2020, this story runs straight on from the end of book one, and some of the agency’s previous cases are finally being put to rest. The big fraud Simon and Beth uncovered is now in the hands of the police, Ernest Lounds seems to have his hands full with caring for his wife and no longer wants to pursue his case after the death of his son in law, and their police contact and Kat’s husband, DI Carl Heaton, calls in to inform them of them death of Martin Synyer. On the personal front, Fred has had his first date with Luke’s mum Naomi and things are stepping up a gear for the lovely Luke and Maria.
Tessa is reminded of an awful heart-breaking case from 2015 when John Coates, the owner of the company Code Blue and designer of the very popular game of the same name pays her a visit. She and Fred had worked the case when they were in the police and she has kept in touch with John and his wife Caroline since then. Caroline sold her car to a man for cash but the next day two other men forced their way into the house to steal back the money and brutally attacked the heavily pregnant woman, shattering the couple’s lives. Despite the two young thugs being caught and jailed, John tells Tessa that Caroline will never be at peace until the man behind the theft is brought to justice and despite their having an adopted daughter, now fifteen months old, his wife is fading before his eyes. Tessa and Luke take on the case, with fresh hope of finding the man as he appears to have struck several times since. Meanwhile Fred has an intriguing case of a mother who didn’t die when she was supposed to and local cafe owner Amanda is worried about a potential backer. One of the cases morphs into something of huge and potentially devastating proportions. Something that will knock the stuffing out of Connection.
The issue of Covid-19 is well handled and mentioned as increasing in China, spreading through Spain and Italy as the threat nears Britain and our favourite characters can only watch and wait to see the impact on the UK and their lives. There are some very emotive themes in this book and the author deals with them incredibly sensitively. The characters and their reasons for acting how they have are easy to understand and empathise with, nothing in life always being straight forward and some damage being irreparable. All the new team members are settled and fit together so well. It’s almost like having the old crew back but in a new and different way, with the same closeness and obviously caring attitude that they all share, and DI Eileen Haughton was a lovely addition to this storyline. There is a real warmth and humour between all of them which makes the book an absolute pleasure to read and balances out the grim nature of some of the discoveries they make during the course of their investigations. I quite often find myself chuckling away as I am reading the witty and caring dialogue between all the characters. I have a great affection for these wonderful characters and just wish someone would bring them to life on tv! 5*
Tessa is reminded of an awful heart-breaking case from 2015 when John Coates, the owner of the company Code Blue and designer of the very popular game of the same name pays her a visit. She and Fred had worked the case when they were in the police and she has kept in touch with John and his wife Caroline since then. Caroline sold her car to a man for cash but the next day two other men forced their way into the house to steal back the money and brutally attacked the heavily pregnant woman, shattering the couple’s lives. Despite the two young thugs being caught and jailed, John tells Tessa that Caroline will never be at peace until the man behind the theft is brought to justice and despite their having an adopted daughter, now fifteen months old, his wife is fading before his eyes. Tessa and Luke take on the case, with fresh hope of finding the man as he appears to have struck several times since. Meanwhile Fred has an intriguing case of a mother who didn’t die when she was supposed to and local cafe owner Amanda is worried about a potential backer. One of the cases morphs into something of huge and potentially devastating proportions. Something that will knock the stuffing out of Connection.
The issue of Covid-19 is well handled and mentioned as increasing in China, spreading through Spain and Italy as the threat nears Britain and our favourite characters can only watch and wait to see the impact on the UK and their lives. There are some very emotive themes in this book and the author deals with them incredibly sensitively. The characters and their reasons for acting how they have are easy to understand and empathise with, nothing in life always being straight forward and some damage being irreparable. All the new team members are settled and fit together so well. It’s almost like having the old crew back but in a new and different way, with the same closeness and obviously caring attitude that they all share, and DI Eileen Haughton was a lovely addition to this storyline. There is a real warmth and humour between all of them which makes the book an absolute pleasure to read and balances out the grim nature of some of the discoveries they make during the course of their investigations. I quite often find myself chuckling away as I am reading the witty and caring dialogue between all the characters. I have a great affection for these wonderful characters and just wish someone would bring them to life on tv! 5*
November 17, 2021
OMG - this book packs a punch!
This is the second book in the new connection series. It has moved on a few weeks and we get a lovely catch up of what went before which is a very helpful refresher.
Anita Waller, the beginning of “Code Blue” hit me like a sledgehammer! My heart seemed to stop beating and I was left reeling! You have certainly up the ante for the Connections Agency this time.
John and Caroline Coates lives were changed irrevocably five years ago and although people were apprehended and sent to prison, they know the real perpetrator is still out there. When Beth and her team are asked to try and solve the missing link in the hope that the Coates can finally find a bit of peace, it sets them on a road that leads to heartache, betrayal and more loss.
The essence of this book is the camaraderie between all the staff and the love and respect they have towards each other. There are no petty jealousies, no bitter battles, just a sense of belonging to an extended family.
Cheryl is still nagging everyone to make sure they fill in the diary so she knows their movements at all times. Young Luke is gaining confidence by the day but still keeps a close check on Tessa. Beth’s recruitment side is going from strength to strength. Fred is really settling in and has quickly become a stalwart of the company. He is always ready to give a helping hand when required whilst at the same time carrying out his own detective duties with the help of his long-lensed camera.
Mrs Waller is in her element when writing about romance for a couple of our colleagues. The two relationships are totally different, one is a fast moving feast and the other is a nice slow burner but both bring a touch of light relief against the dark and extremely tragic events which are building up.
This author adds so much depth and creativity to each chapter and it moves at such a cracking pace that I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. 4am was the time the clock showed when I finally turned the last page and I had all my answers. Sleep still alluded me though……the shocking and twisted ending saw to that!
5 stars seems pitiful for this immensely satisfying read.
This is the second book in the new connection series. It has moved on a few weeks and we get a lovely catch up of what went before which is a very helpful refresher.
Anita Waller, the beginning of “Code Blue” hit me like a sledgehammer! My heart seemed to stop beating and I was left reeling! You have certainly up the ante for the Connections Agency this time.
John and Caroline Coates lives were changed irrevocably five years ago and although people were apprehended and sent to prison, they know the real perpetrator is still out there. When Beth and her team are asked to try and solve the missing link in the hope that the Coates can finally find a bit of peace, it sets them on a road that leads to heartache, betrayal and more loss.
The essence of this book is the camaraderie between all the staff and the love and respect they have towards each other. There are no petty jealousies, no bitter battles, just a sense of belonging to an extended family.
Cheryl is still nagging everyone to make sure they fill in the diary so she knows their movements at all times. Young Luke is gaining confidence by the day but still keeps a close check on Tessa. Beth’s recruitment side is going from strength to strength. Fred is really settling in and has quickly become a stalwart of the company. He is always ready to give a helping hand when required whilst at the same time carrying out his own detective duties with the help of his long-lensed camera.
Mrs Waller is in her element when writing about romance for a couple of our colleagues. The two relationships are totally different, one is a fast moving feast and the other is a nice slow burner but both bring a touch of light relief against the dark and extremely tragic events which are building up.
This author adds so much depth and creativity to each chapter and it moves at such a cracking pace that I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. 4am was the time the clock showed when I finally turned the last page and I had all my answers. Sleep still alluded me though……the shocking and twisted ending saw to that!
5 stars seems pitiful for this immensely satisfying read.
September 12, 2023
I was in the mood for something familiar and a read with a smile but one that would keep me engrossed and this fitted the bill perfectly from the word go. The Connections agency is once again busy, this time with an old case that Tessa dealt with in her time with the police. A woman, Caroline, was attacked in her home for the sake of some cash and lost the twins she was shortly to give birth to. The attackers were quickly found and apprehended however the man behind it who came to the house the day before to buy her car was never caught and Caroline is still traumatised knowing he is possibly doing the same to others. Meanwhile Fred is tasked with finding a man’s mother- a woman he thought was dead when he was a child and it now transpires that she has recently left him a fortune. Can Fred find out what really happened and can the others find a man that the police have given up on?
This is not just a crime book, there are wonderful backstories to add into the mix which gives the characters a realistic feel so by a few chapters in they feel like old friends. This is part of a series and needs to be read in order ( Blood Red is book one, this is book two) for things to make sense. There are also the Kat & Mouse books which are the start of the Connections investigation agency but can be read as a separate series although technically comes first(with different characters). All are 5* reads from me as they have such cracking plots and lots of human interaction and smiles. Anita has such a skill, a way with words, that draws the reader in and gives them that connection to the characters. A truly brilliant read. Five huge stars.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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November 9, 2021
I always think of this authors novels as a bit on the cosy side, and that’s not a negative at all, I love her books. But the prologue for this, the 2nd in the Connections Series, was a real shocker. As always this is brilliantly written, with a number of different storylines all clear and, where appropriate, coming together in a seamless manner. There are quite a few characters in the book so I would recommend reading book 1 first but this reads well as a stand-alone.
Briefly, the main storyline revolves around John and Caroline Coates. 5 years after a terrible event in their lives Caroline is still struggling with the fact that the main perpetrator of the crime is still at large. The police have it as a cold case so John approaches Connections to ask them to investigate. Whilst Tessa and Luke are investigating this case other investigations are ongoing, run by other members of the team. As always we see how the team’s personal lives are progressing and there is more than a little romance in the air.
I just love this series, and the preceding series, Cat and Mouse. Despite the murders and mayhem they are, for me, feel good books. So curl up with tea and biscuits and get reading. You can’t help but enjoy it. As usual there are red herrings aplenty and a great plot twist. Just wonderful. Another great read Anita Waller. Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, the main storyline revolves around John and Caroline Coates. 5 years after a terrible event in their lives Caroline is still struggling with the fact that the main perpetrator of the crime is still at large. The police have it as a cold case so John approaches Connections to ask them to investigate. Whilst Tessa and Luke are investigating this case other investigations are ongoing, run by other members of the team. As always we see how the team’s personal lives are progressing and there is more than a little romance in the air.
I just love this series, and the preceding series, Cat and Mouse. Despite the murders and mayhem they are, for me, feel good books. So curl up with tea and biscuits and get reading. You can’t help but enjoy it. As usual there are red herrings aplenty and a great plot twist. Just wonderful. Another great read Anita Waller. Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 15, 2021
A nice easy read that all of a sudden became a thrilling, gripping read that kept me awake until I’d finished reading it in the early hours.
A story of a loving couple who has their whole world shattered when Caroline is attacked in her home. So severely it causes her to lose their unborn twin girls.
How does anyone come back from that?
John changes his business, which is even more successful than before, and he and Caroline have adopted a beautiful baby girl.
Nothing could make their life any more perfect.
But Caroline just can’t seem to move forward and get out of the dark despair of losing her babies. John thinks it will help for her to get her closure; to bring to justice the real culprit that’s caused her grief.
He enlists the help of Tess. Previously the policewoman who was attached to their case, but who now works for a detective agency.
But what she discovers may not bring john and Caroline the result and conclusion they’d hoped for.
This has some great characters, all of whom contribute something really great to the storyline. I also liked that the story wasn’t all about two of the main characters, John and Caroline.
When I started reading this, I didn’t know that this was the second part of a trilogy. But it can definitely be read as a standalone. I now want to go and read its predecessor, and I am looking forward to part three.
A story of a loving couple who has their whole world shattered when Caroline is attacked in her home. So severely it causes her to lose their unborn twin girls.
How does anyone come back from that?
John changes his business, which is even more successful than before, and he and Caroline have adopted a beautiful baby girl.
Nothing could make their life any more perfect.
But Caroline just can’t seem to move forward and get out of the dark despair of losing her babies. John thinks it will help for her to get her closure; to bring to justice the real culprit that’s caused her grief.
He enlists the help of Tess. Previously the policewoman who was attached to their case, but who now works for a detective agency.
But what she discovers may not bring john and Caroline the result and conclusion they’d hoped for.
This has some great characters, all of whom contribute something really great to the storyline. I also liked that the story wasn’t all about two of the main characters, John and Caroline.
When I started reading this, I didn’t know that this was the second part of a trilogy. But it can definitely be read as a standalone. I now want to go and read its predecessor, and I am looking forward to part three.
October 25, 2021
The Connections Investigations Agency is back again and I cannot rate it, or the previous books in the series highly enough. I have read all of the books and for me this is my favourite.
The main story centres on the tragedy of John and Caroline Coates who were expecting twin daughters. A home invasion resulted in tragedy and the team have been hired to find the man responsible.
The storyline is absolutely gripping and I could not read it fast enough. The ending was a real jaw dropping moment, one I was not expecting at all. The author has a knack for delivering a surprise and I naively thought I knew what was coming - how wrong I was.
As usual the author delivers twists and turns that you aren't expecting at all. I personally love reading about the staff at the agency, my personal favourite being Luke though I loved that Fred seemed to really shine in this book. The writing is so wonderfully descriptive that I feel I know these characters. I have previously said in another review that I feel this series could easily be adapted to tv and would be a real success, and after reading this I am absolutely certain it would be.
The main story centres on the tragedy of John and Caroline Coates who were expecting twin daughters. A home invasion resulted in tragedy and the team have been hired to find the man responsible.
The storyline is absolutely gripping and I could not read it fast enough. The ending was a real jaw dropping moment, one I was not expecting at all. The author has a knack for delivering a surprise and I naively thought I knew what was coming - how wrong I was.
As usual the author delivers twists and turns that you aren't expecting at all. I personally love reading about the staff at the agency, my personal favourite being Luke though I loved that Fred seemed to really shine in this book. The writing is so wonderfully descriptive that I feel I know these characters. I have previously said in another review that I feel this series could easily be adapted to tv and would be a real success, and after reading this I am absolutely certain it would be.
October 31, 2021
Wow! This is book 2 in a series and I was slightly anxious that I was going to struggle as I hadn’t read the first book but I shouldn’t have worried. I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in two sittings - it is incredible. Fast paced, with back references clearly included, I very quickly got to grips with the characters and their stories. Based around Connection, an investigation agency, the overarching story is Tessa & Luke have been appointed to find the perpetrator behind an horrific attack that happened in the first book. The youths who carried out the attack are behind bars, but John, the victim’s husband, approaches Connection to find the man who organised the crime as his wife, Caroline, can’t rest until he is behind bars. Little does John know the can of worms that he is opening. A fast paced investigation ensues and the results are catastrophic - leaving you wondering who you can really trust.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my review. I will buy a copy of this when it is out as it is superb and have already purchased the first to read now.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my review. I will buy a copy of this when it is out as it is superb and have already purchased the first to read now.
November 18, 2021
Wow what a start to a book !! This will grip you from the very start and not let go until the final page !! This is the second book in this series so if you haven’t read the first then definitely read that one first as you will be missing so much if not.
Five years ago John Coates came home to find his wife barely alive after being attacked in her son home. The police investigation found the two that attacked her but the ring leader was never found. Unable to get closure John hires the Connection Agency to find the main man. Tessa and Luke take on the case and their investigations begin.
As always we get to see what the other members of the connection team are up to and we also learn more about the individual characters - and what a brilliant bunch of characters they are !!
This latest instalment lives up to the high expectations you have when you read an Anita Waller book. One thing is for sure you will never be disappointed- full of brilliant characters, plenty of twists, you just won’t want the book to end. Can’t wait for the next one now !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Five years ago John Coates came home to find his wife barely alive after being attacked in her son home. The police investigation found the two that attacked her but the ring leader was never found. Unable to get closure John hires the Connection Agency to find the main man. Tessa and Luke take on the case and their investigations begin.
As always we get to see what the other members of the connection team are up to and we also learn more about the individual characters - and what a brilliant bunch of characters they are !!
This latest instalment lives up to the high expectations you have when you read an Anita Waller book. One thing is for sure you will never be disappointed- full of brilliant characters, plenty of twists, you just won’t want the book to end. Can’t wait for the next one now !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
November 11, 2021
John Coats arrives home after a game of golf to find his pregnant wife Caroline savagely attacked and his twins born but lying dead next to his wife who had miraculously survived, a DI Alex Mason and a DS Tessa Marsden had attended the scene. So appetites wetted we start the story. At The Connection Agency its Tessa Marsden who's memories are about to be stretched along with Luke helping her , Fred is busy with a new intriguing case , Beth and Simon have just concluded a big fraud case so it's all go . I won't say anymore about the storyline as I don't want to give any spoilers, what I will say is I really enjoyed the read as usual it goes off in several directions to keep you interested. Plenty of twist and turns to keep you guessing, and the ending you'll never guess. Then just when you think it's over you read the Epilogue and there's even a bigger shock . So if you like a book with plenty of twist and turns plus a few shocks try this one you won't be sorry
November 11, 2021
Code Blue is the second in the Connection trilogy and it’s one heck of a read! From a terrible crime committed in the past, it had me gripped right from the start. You get a real feel for the all the staff at the Connection Agency, from Tessa and Beth to the relatively new employees Frank and Cheryl, and the love, loyalty and friendship between them all. The various storylines blend seamlessly together with plenty of twists for me to think I never saw that coming.
The blossoming romances are wonderfully written with the lightheartedness needed to counteract the tension which grabs and pulls you in as the tragic story unfolds. And as with other books written by Anita Waller, there are plenty of twists to this story to make me wonder what was going to happen next.
This lady’s writing only get better with every book and I can’t wait to find out what she has next in store for the Connection Agency
The blossoming romances are wonderfully written with the lightheartedness needed to counteract the tension which grabs and pulls you in as the tragic story unfolds. And as with other books written by Anita Waller, there are plenty of twists to this story to make me wonder what was going to happen next.
This lady’s writing only get better with every book and I can’t wait to find out what she has next in store for the Connection Agency
November 23, 2021
This book is the second book in the Connection trilogy and there’s a lot you’ll miss in this book if you haven’t read the first installment, and I’m talking here by experience. There were whole dialogues and situations that I did not grasp and that made the reading of this book not such a great one for me.
The book starts with a real bang that makes your blood pressure go up and sets the tone for the whole book, unfortunately it starts lagging around the middle and takes away a whole lot of concentration on the part of the reader.
I felt that there was too much going on with so many cases going on at once between the members of the investigation agency, it was at times hard to follow, again, it may have been better if I read the first installment before.
I do appreciate the author’s writing and the way she builds up the plot and suspense, even with the lagging of the plot at times.
The book starts with a real bang that makes your blood pressure go up and sets the tone for the whole book, unfortunately it starts lagging around the middle and takes away a whole lot of concentration on the part of the reader.
I felt that there was too much going on with so many cases going on at once between the members of the investigation agency, it was at times hard to follow, again, it may have been better if I read the first installment before.
I do appreciate the author’s writing and the way she builds up the plot and suspense, even with the lagging of the plot at times.
November 11, 2021
When John Coates steps through the door of The Connections Agency to ask Tessa for her help , with all the other members of the team working on different cases ..its Luke who partners her on this case .Five years ago John and Caroline Coates went through an event that was both traumatic and devastating..Sonething that still haunts John to the point he just wants and needs closure .As Tessa and Luke dig deep into the past and look at the facts of the case from all angles, Fate , lies and consequences come into play ..Shocking , Unpredictable and Heartwrenching ..Code Blue knocks you for six ..Sometimes things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them ..A huge 5 stars ...A Fantastic read ...
November 11, 2021
So pleased not to have to wait too long to return to Connections and all the brilliantly portrayed characters working there.
The cases each are engaged on are so interesting and the dynamics between Beth, Luke, Hannah, Fred and Cheryl are a real joy to read. Add to that a particularly nasty cold case that Hannah and Luke are called in to review and this book had me gripped. Not only that Anita Waller has thrown two budding romances into the mix. So shocked by the ending that I may never recover. How could you Anita!!!
This is the second book in the Connections series and could be read as a stand alone book but why would you want to miss out on the first?
Thank you to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of Code Blue it’s a fantastic read.
The cases each are engaged on are so interesting and the dynamics between Beth, Luke, Hannah, Fred and Cheryl are a real joy to read. Add to that a particularly nasty cold case that Hannah and Luke are called in to review and this book had me gripped. Not only that Anita Waller has thrown two budding romances into the mix. So shocked by the ending that I may never recover. How could you Anita!!!
This is the second book in the Connections series and could be read as a stand alone book but why would you want to miss out on the first?
Thank you to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of Code Blue it’s a fantastic read.
November 14, 2021
I love Anita Waller's books. You know what you are getting and she doesn't disappoint. You get a story that is believable with great characters and a plot that keeps you interested all the way through.
I haven't read the first one in the trilogy but this didn't matter as the characters were well explained. I loved the growing romances - Maria and Luke taking their relationship to the next level, and Fred and Naomi starting to date and enjoy all that has to offer when they both thought they wouldn't find romance again!
Lots of twists again as is usual with Anita's books - I loved every minute of it.
I haven't read the first one in the trilogy but this didn't matter as the characters were well explained. I loved the growing romances - Maria and Luke taking their relationship to the next level, and Fred and Naomi starting to date and enjoy all that has to offer when they both thought they wouldn't find romance again!
Lots of twists again as is usual with Anita's books - I loved every minute of it.
November 19, 2021
Code Blue started with the most horrifying of prologues which sucks you in and has you baying for the blood of the bad guys!
We are then pulled into the familiar fold of the team at Connection and get to walk alongside them as they work on their various cases - their easy way with each other and the friendships that they have formed only serve to make their working relationships better. No matter the twists or turns, and there are many, they always seem to catch the right person.
This book ended with a bombshell and I am now eagerly anticipating the last book in the trilogy.
Another fabulous book from Anita Waller and a great addition to the Connection trilogy.
We are then pulled into the familiar fold of the team at Connection and get to walk alongside them as they work on their various cases - their easy way with each other and the friendships that they have formed only serve to make their working relationships better. No matter the twists or turns, and there are many, they always seem to catch the right person.
This book ended with a bombshell and I am now eagerly anticipating the last book in the trilogy.
Another fabulous book from Anita Waller and a great addition to the Connection trilogy.
February 19, 2022
This second in the series continues the day to day operations of the revamped Connections detective agency. Not your typical mystery series, the focus is truly on the daily minutia of detecting, which can come off as boring to some readers. Interactions between the detectives, their clients, and significant others are explored in detail, whether relevant to the mystery or not. The mysteries themselves can be gruesome at times but are dealt with in a calm manner. A different style, which I have also read in another genre, that focuses more on human interactions than action. Not for every reader but, once used to it, it is a calming break from the frenetic pace of our life.
November 21, 2021
Code Blue is the second installment in the Connection Agency series and a fantastic series it is too. A team of great characters who each have their own speciality. A brutal, shocking and tragic assault from 5 years ago brings John Coates to seek help from Tessa, who helped in the case while she was in the force. Questions are still unanswered . Tessa and Luke therefore take on this investigation. What unravels is so totally unexpected, but also very emotional. This author brings her magic to every book with the humour , the emotion and her wonderful characters . Looking forward to book 3
November 25, 2025
This is the second of the trilogy and it can be read as a standalone. The agency have various separate investigations ongoing but Tessa and Luke's one is the primary one with a horrific background and which brings us to the present day and some startling twists and reveals.
I loved how Fred's investigation had me trying to read in a proper Yorkshire accent in my head! The series feels very down to earth and real as the characters come across as normal people you would know in your own life. I like how their personal lives come into play in the book . It gives you more of an insight and makes me feel more connected to them , without it being overbearing. The ending of Tessa and Luke's investigation left me shocked. Not sure if this can be beaten in the third book but I intend to find out.
I loved how Fred's investigation had me trying to read in a proper Yorkshire accent in my head! The series feels very down to earth and real as the characters come across as normal people you would know in your own life. I like how their personal lives come into play in the book . It gives you more of an insight and makes me feel more connected to them , without it being overbearing. The ending of Tessa and Luke's investigation left me shocked. Not sure if this can be beaten in the third book but I intend to find out.
November 12, 2021
What another well written great read from this author, it’s lovely to catch up with the gang at Connection Agency and see where their lives are heading both personal and working, it feels like catching up with family. I won’t write too much about the storyline because if the blurb is enough to peak your interest then I can safely say you won’t be disappointed. A couple of lovely moment that’s made my eyes leak but basically it’s the agency doing what it does best.
November 17, 2021
Wow, this book really packs some punches.
It is not for the faint hearted but if you can stomach the first chapter then I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Thrills and spills galore, a rollercoaster of a ride which takes you from the pit of despair to the heights of extreme happiness.
I flew through this and it was a joy to read.
As always I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
It is not for the faint hearted but if you can stomach the first chapter then I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Thrills and spills galore, a rollercoaster of a ride which takes you from the pit of despair to the heights of extreme happiness.
I flew through this and it was a joy to read.
As always I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
November 21, 2021
WOW! This book starts as it means to go on so don't hold your breath as you will be holding it for sometime! Anita cleverly and neatly pulls together the various parts going on in the book to make for an explosive story.
Although it may be read as a standalone, I would strongly recommend reading book 1 - Blood Red - as it ensures then that you get the most from this story. Another great read from Anita.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Although it may be read as a standalone, I would strongly recommend reading book 1 - Blood Red - as it ensures then that you get the most from this story. Another great read from Anita.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
February 2, 2022
Another Excellent Story
Another Excellent Story in the Connections series. All the usual characters and a number of different cases they were working on. I read the book with some trepidation however when it referred to the corona virus that we have lived through reading that one of the main characters was going to be affected. And what an ending. Looking forward to reading more by Anita.
Another Excellent Story in the Connections series. All the usual characters and a number of different cases they were working on. I read the book with some trepidation however when it referred to the corona virus that we have lived through reading that one of the main characters was going to be affected. And what an ending. Looking forward to reading more by Anita.
November 2, 2021
I absolutely loved the Cat and Mouse series from Anita and the new team are just as enjoyable. The Connections agency handles some more intriguing cases this time with some gripping conclusions, riveting story lines and engaging characters. I really hope there are lots more to come from this author.
November 5, 2021
The prologue grabbed me instantly and I was totally hooked. The story has some great characters, I really felt for two of them.
The author has crammed so much excitement into this book and it is brilliant roller coaster of emotions. Despite this being book two of a series it works well as a stand alone.
The author has crammed so much excitement into this book and it is brilliant roller coaster of emotions. Despite this being book two of a series it works well as a stand alone.
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