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Detective Arla Baker #4
The Nail Collector
HOW DO YOU CATCH A KILLER ALREADY BEHIND BARS?
A woman lies dead in the green grass of the Common. A woman Detective Arla Baker used to know....
The finger points to a sadistic maniac from many years ago. A killer that Arla Baker put behind bars. He swore revenge back then.
As women around Arla begin to die, she knows time is running out. She has to act soon, to stop the past from destroying her life. Because this time, it seems the killer is back for her.
But there's one puzzle she can't solve. How can she get to a criminal who's already in prison?
A woman lies dead in the green grass of the Common. A woman Detective Arla Baker used to know....
The finger points to a sadistic maniac from many years ago. A killer that Arla Baker put behind bars. He swore revenge back then.
As women around Arla begin to die, she knows time is running out. She has to act soon, to stop the past from destroying her life. Because this time, it seems the killer is back for her.
But there's one puzzle she can't solve. How can she get to a criminal who's already in prison?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2019
808 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 24, 2019
Amazing new adventure with the incredible Detective Arla Baker!!! The look of the new investigation is familiar to Arla, but it Can't be the same man, she put him away for life as a serial killer Years ago! Could he have had a partner that she did not pick up? The new murders are Completely the same,down to removing the pinkie nails and little toe nails, driving Detective Arla crazy, making her question everything she thought she knew...
The action does not stop, with twists you do Not see coming! Arla finds herself beaten, and not being believed by other officers. Can she prove who is doing these murders, before the killer ends Her!?
A great read with awesome characters, explosive action and surprises around Every corner..
The action does not stop, with twists you do Not see coming! Arla finds herself beaten, and not being believed by other officers. Can she prove who is doing these murders, before the killer ends Her!?
A great read with awesome characters, explosive action and surprises around Every corner..
June 1, 2019
Arla Baker is a cop who has a past that causes her pain and a temper that gets her into trouble with her bosses,but she is brilliant at what she does.A womans body is found which bares the hallmarks of a killer from 10yrs ago a killer Arla caught and put away.The team are hard at work going through the evidence so far and learn that the victim worked at their station,then another body is found and when Arla looks at her face she is shocked to recognise the woman.I have really been been gripped by this book and i can highly recommend it 5*
June 7, 2019
Clapham PD HQ. DCI Arla Baker listened as DS Lisa Moran, DS Robert Pickering (SCU), & DI Harry Mehta gave her the latest crime reports.
Olive Garden restaurant, Clapham Common (London, England). Debbie Jones (Lambeth) body had been found.
DCI Baker, & DI Mehta arrived on the crime scene.
Sergeant Darren Maddy, & Dr. Banerjee (aka Colombo, pathologist) greeted the 2 of them.
Yrs. ago the press had named the killer Nail Collector (Kevin Anderson, High Sutton prison inmate, Yorkshire).
DCS Wayne Johnson (boss) was checking with DCI Baker to see how the case was going.
Asst. Commissioner Deakins, & the police board had made up their mind who DCS Johnson replacement would be.
Jane Crouch (40+, Arla’s BFF media liaison officer, Clapham) was the next victim.
Governor Ross Piggot (Full Sutton Prison) had OK’d Dr. Rochelle Griffith (MD, psychiatrist) to see Kevin.
She was having him transferred to Rampton Secure Hospital (Nottinghamshire).
Category B prison (Shorehampton CSU). Governor Justin Beasley (Rampton) OK’d DCI Baker to see Kevin Anderson (brutal serial killer, inmate).
Dr. Rochelle Griffiths was on her way to meet with DCI Baker.
DI Mehta, Warren, Lisa, Rob, DC Pamela Das (Asian), Jason Beauregard, Cora, Toby, & Darren were helping piece the murder cases together.
Dr. Banerjee (Pathologist) gave them his report.
Mike Robert’s work laptop had been seized by SOCO & the Cyber Crime team was going over it.
Johnson wanted to know how the murder cases were.
Would the murder mysteries be solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Hard Wire Publication; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Olive Garden restaurant, Clapham Common (London, England). Debbie Jones (Lambeth) body had been found.
DCI Baker, & DI Mehta arrived on the crime scene.
Sergeant Darren Maddy, & Dr. Banerjee (aka Colombo, pathologist) greeted the 2 of them.
Yrs. ago the press had named the killer Nail Collector (Kevin Anderson, High Sutton prison inmate, Yorkshire).
DCS Wayne Johnson (boss) was checking with DCI Baker to see how the case was going.
Asst. Commissioner Deakins, & the police board had made up their mind who DCS Johnson replacement would be.
Jane Crouch (40+, Arla’s BFF media liaison officer, Clapham) was the next victim.
Governor Ross Piggot (Full Sutton Prison) had OK’d Dr. Rochelle Griffith (MD, psychiatrist) to see Kevin.
She was having him transferred to Rampton Secure Hospital (Nottinghamshire).
Category B prison (Shorehampton CSU). Governor Justin Beasley (Rampton) OK’d DCI Baker to see Kevin Anderson (brutal serial killer, inmate).
Dr. Rochelle Griffiths was on her way to meet with DCI Baker.
DI Mehta, Warren, Lisa, Rob, DC Pamela Das (Asian), Jason Beauregard, Cora, Toby, & Darren were helping piece the murder cases together.
Dr. Banerjee (Pathologist) gave them his report.
Mike Robert’s work laptop had been seized by SOCO & the Cyber Crime team was going over it.
Johnson wanted to know how the murder cases were.
Would the murder mysteries be solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Hard Wire Publication; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 24, 2019
This is a superb addition to the DI Arla Baker series .. and it's a real bobby-dazzler!
Arla and her team are used to dealing with gritty crime, especially murder. The latest murder, however, is far too close to home; one of their own now lying dead on the Common. As another body turns up, also known to the squad, the stakes are high to solve this one quickly - and Arla is under the expected pressure from above, but the details tug at a memory. Hasn't she been here before?
Wow, this is some roller-coaster ride! Just when you think you've got to grips with it, you realise that you're on the periphery of events and there is so much more to come! The author has very cleverly creating a twisted tale which unwinds slowly, providing more clues as each section unravels just that little bit more. The descriptive vocabulary is quite exquisite; I really enjoyed getting my teeth into the mystery and didn't work out what was going on until I was led there. A totally gripping read, and a page-turning addition to this suspenseful series. The characters really come alive and their emotions are perfectly in tune with mine. A heart-thudding read, and one I closed with a very satisfying click at a story well enjoyed. Five golden stars!
Arla and her team are used to dealing with gritty crime, especially murder. The latest murder, however, is far too close to home; one of their own now lying dead on the Common. As another body turns up, also known to the squad, the stakes are high to solve this one quickly - and Arla is under the expected pressure from above, but the details tug at a memory. Hasn't she been here before?
Wow, this is some roller-coaster ride! Just when you think you've got to grips with it, you realise that you're on the periphery of events and there is so much more to come! The author has very cleverly creating a twisted tale which unwinds slowly, providing more clues as each section unravels just that little bit more. The descriptive vocabulary is quite exquisite; I really enjoyed getting my teeth into the mystery and didn't work out what was going on until I was led there. A totally gripping read, and a page-turning addition to this suspenseful series. The characters really come alive and their emotions are perfectly in tune with mine. A heart-thudding read, and one I closed with a very satisfying click at a story well enjoyed. Five golden stars!
May 24, 2019
The Nail Collector is another story in the Arla Baker series but all can read as standalones. This one starts with a murder on the common and for Arla a bit too near home as she finds out it was a colleague. She has been laid out on the Common for all to see and also the killer takes trophies, and the first thoughts to Arla are that it resembles a 10yr old case and the culprit is already in prison, he has always protested his innocence but overwhelming evidence says otherwise., but now, has Arla made a mistake? then to make matters worse there is another murder, now Arla does feel a bit insecure at this stage as this was another colleague and she has always said we got the right person but has she? Arla is of a strong character can be rash but there is also this lost and vulnerable person, and along with Harry her sidekick partner (and lover behind closed doors) is able to calm her and he also knows about her past and what makes her tick. A great story worth the 5*s. It's a winner well worth the read, hope ML Rose/aka Bose can keep up with different plots, and not like a lot of others that keep repeating the same plot different country. Keep it Up.
January 1, 2025
Arla Baker Mystery Series Books 4-6
The Nail Collector, #4 of the Arla Baker Mystery Series is a compelling mystery that will keep you reading into the early hours unless you start it at breakfast. That is my new routine now that I'm retired with books by M. L. Rose. Arla is involved in a case that is so familiar she will begin to doubt herself. Ten years ago she put away serial killer Kevin Anderson for life with this exact same MO - and he is accounted for at his high-security prison. So who has killed and posed Debbie Jones, telephone switchboard operator for her own police station in South London, her body found in Clapham Commons had been the previous victims? She had been sure Kevin was that killer. Had she been wrong? He had always proclaimed his innocence of the killings, but couldn't deny his relationship with the victims. DNA, of course, doesn't lie. Still, a lot of work ahead, for Arla and Harry. And a fascinating mystery. As always.
REVIEWED on December 30, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. ALSO REVIEWED on but not counted as book read at Arla Baker Series Books 4-6 on Goodreads,
The Nail Collector, #4 of the Arla Baker Mystery Series is a compelling mystery that will keep you reading into the early hours unless you start it at breakfast. That is my new routine now that I'm retired with books by M. L. Rose. Arla is involved in a case that is so familiar she will begin to doubt herself. Ten years ago she put away serial killer Kevin Anderson for life with this exact same MO - and he is accounted for at his high-security prison. So who has killed and posed Debbie Jones, telephone switchboard operator for her own police station in South London, her body found in Clapham Commons had been the previous victims? She had been sure Kevin was that killer. Had she been wrong? He had always proclaimed his innocence of the killings, but couldn't deny his relationship with the victims. DNA, of course, doesn't lie. Still, a lot of work ahead, for Arla and Harry. And a fascinating mystery. As always.
REVIEWED on December 30, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. ALSO REVIEWED on but not counted as book read at Arla Baker Series Books 4-6 on Goodreads,
August 13, 2019
While this fourth in the series of Arla Baker detective tales can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the series from the beginning. Each book has a primary crime to be solved so they dont depend on each other, but Arla is a hard person to get to know, so reading from the inception will make her more a friend of yours. I'm sure there'll be a followup to this one too. Throughout the story, Arla has to work hard to control her temper and put extra effort into a quick solution of a complicated set of murders because she's really aiming for a promotion that is dependent on her best behavior. The accomplishment of this aim is the perfect background for book number five. I love mysteries and I prefer British settings, so I'm eagerly looking forward to Rose's next book.
June 29, 2022
A few concerns
Chapter 27
Arla's investigation technique got sloppy when she didn't follow up on questioning the farmer who rescued Rochelle. Even the attacker was worried about it because the farmer was a reliable eye witness. Guess Arla dropped the ball.
Chapter 28
Gov. Beasley pays a very friendly visit to Kevin, suggesting an involvement with this murderer's machinations. Was his involvement a thread in the crime scenarios that was just dropped? If it was an effort to implicate someone in order to throw the reader off because of the rohypnol connection, it was not developed enough to be effective.
I don't attempt to keep track of the spelling and grammar errors in this series. There are many.
Even though the plots are convoluted on whole the police work and characters are interesting, enough so that I will stick with it.
Chapter 27
Arla's investigation technique got sloppy when she didn't follow up on questioning the farmer who rescued Rochelle. Even the attacker was worried about it because the farmer was a reliable eye witness. Guess Arla dropped the ball.
Chapter 28
Gov. Beasley pays a very friendly visit to Kevin, suggesting an involvement with this murderer's machinations. Was his involvement a thread in the crime scenarios that was just dropped? If it was an effort to implicate someone in order to throw the reader off because of the rohypnol connection, it was not developed enough to be effective.
I don't attempt to keep track of the spelling and grammar errors in this series. There are many.
Even though the plots are convoluted on whole the police work and characters are interesting, enough so that I will stick with it.
June 4, 2019
I've been reading the series....
Rose is a good writer and the plots are well written, but the main character having an emotional break down every other chapter gets old to the point I find myself thinking "suck it up, buttercup" . I'm not unsympathetic but I read to escape and not be consumed by the seemingly unending, drawn out wallowing of the protagonist. I thought, with each book, she'd be a little more together but she's not. To be fair I quit the book 30% in, so maybe she did pull out of it
Rose is a good writer and the plots are well written, but the main character having an emotional break down every other chapter gets old to the point I find myself thinking "suck it up, buttercup" . I'm not unsympathetic but I read to escape and not be consumed by the seemingly unending, drawn out wallowing of the protagonist. I thought, with each book, she'd be a little more together but she's not. To be fair I quit the book 30% in, so maybe she did pull out of it
January 17, 2024
This is really a 3.5 rounded up purely because of the irritating editing . Names changed during the book, the seconds victim name was used instead of the first victim at the very start, and it carried on from there. Even some of the officers have had their names changed between books.
Also, the pathologist was mentioned as having no children in an earlier book but suddenly in this one he had 2 grown up daughters.
I also wonder how a DCI with obvious psychological issues, including what seems an eating disorder, is allowed to run cases when she is clearly unwell.
Also, the pathologist was mentioned as having no children in an earlier book but suddenly in this one he had 2 grown up daughters.
I also wonder how a DCI with obvious psychological issues, including what seems an eating disorder, is allowed to run cases when she is clearly unwell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
The Nail Collector is a good read with a great ending. Detective Arla Baker returns and this time it's personal as she soon realises the killer is coming for her. However the serial killer she is hunting is the same man she caught years ago .. and he is definitely still in a maximum security prison. This book will keep you reading right to the end.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 27, 2019
A GREAT READ
I enjoyed reading “The Nail Collector” by M.L. Rose. The plot was in the serial killer, police procedural venue. The characters were interesting & realistic. There was mystery, suspense & a surprise ending.
Once again we meet DCI Arla Baker & her co-worker, paramour Harry Mehta. They solve the case with their unique brand of inquiry & investigation.
This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, & I plan on reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed reading “The Nail Collector” by M.L. Rose. The plot was in the serial killer, police procedural venue. The characters were interesting & realistic. There was mystery, suspense & a surprise ending.
Once again we meet DCI Arla Baker & her co-worker, paramour Harry Mehta. They solve the case with their unique brand of inquiry & investigation.
This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, & I plan on reading the rest of the series.
September 23, 2020
Psychopathic captivating murder mystery. Great read.
In the authors own words, "A book germinates and flowers in isolation, but it’s only revealed in full glory." You just really don't know the 'other' person, do? You can't tell from another's looks or even from conversation. It's when you feel safe that you should begin to wonder and perhaps ponder. Life threatening situations can happen when least expected. Eye's wide open? PottsvillePA_09232020.
In the authors own words, "A book germinates and flowers in isolation, but it’s only revealed in full glory." You just really don't know the 'other' person, do? You can't tell from another's looks or even from conversation. It's when you feel safe that you should begin to wonder and perhaps ponder. Life threatening situations can happen when least expected. Eye's wide open? PottsvillePA_09232020.
October 27, 2025
5/5
Wow. I think this is her best book to date (in the series order) she keeps getting better and better. Still some editing mistakes, but story-wise. Amazing. I was gonna give this a 4.5/5 but then the ending just blew me away. It was so good and she wrapped everything up in a nice little bow. I was like what about this..and what about that...well ifni would just wait and read on, she would answer me lol. Great book! Looking forward to the next in the series.
Wow. I think this is her best book to date (in the series order) she keeps getting better and better. Still some editing mistakes, but story-wise. Amazing. I was gonna give this a 4.5/5 but then the ending just blew me away. It was so good and she wrapped everything up in a nice little bow. I was like what about this..and what about that...well ifni would just wait and read on, she would answer me lol. Great book! Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 9, 2019
Arla Baker put Kevin Anderson away for life in prison for serial killings where the victims were positioned and their nails removed. !0 years after Kevin is put away, the killings of a copy cat killer start with the same MO. This is a thriller that will lead you to a surprise conclusion. It is hard to put this novel down.
May 26, 2019
Wow, a fast moving story with lots of twists and turns. The meeting of the heroine, Detective Arla Baker and her team. The story takes the reader on various journeys only to find out there were a lot of criminals and the hatred for Detective Baker. Will continue following this author to keep reading to find more cases and mysteries solved.
January 9, 2022
Good story but a few criticisms.
Nottingham is not West Midlands Police. This mistake is repeated multiple times throughout the book.
The editing is getting better but still too many silly mistakes that should have been spotted.
The series is quite repetitive in that I think in every book so far, Arla has had the SIO role taken off her, then given back to her when she was proved right.
Nottingham is not West Midlands Police. This mistake is repeated multiple times throughout the book.
The editing is getting better but still too many silly mistakes that should have been spotted.
The series is quite repetitive in that I think in every book so far, Arla has had the SIO role taken off her, then given back to her when she was proved right.
August 21, 2023
Series gets better & better
I have read the previous books in this series & they get Better & Better. I think the author is now freed of the background story that made the Heroin what she is. The pace is amazing and we are kept guessing to what we think is the end and the a final twist. A great read. 5* at least.
I have read the previous books in this series & they get Better & Better. I think the author is now freed of the background story that made the Heroin what she is. The pace is amazing and we are kept guessing to what we think is the end and the a final twist. A great read. 5* at least.
May 26, 2019
This was a good book. It was full of suspense. I like the lead character Arla Baker. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion. This is my true and honest opinion of this book.
May 31, 2019
The head-strong Baker solves another impossible case. New murders that mimic ones from ten years ago appear to be aimed at Baker. The murderer is always one step ahead. Great police procedural with lots of possible perpetrators. I was gifted this from the author.
June 2, 2019
Another great Arla Baker novel which I thoroughly enjoyed (despite a few minor grammatical and publishing errors).
I haven't read all the books in the series - but you don't need to - as you can read them standalone.
I haven't read all the books in the series - but you don't need to - as you can read them standalone.
April 17, 2020
Arla
This book is about serial killer or killers. It takes many pieces to solve a puzzle. Arla baker has made many enemies and some want to kill her. This author continues to improve in their writing and each book is more interesting.
This book is about serial killer or killers. It takes many pieces to solve a puzzle. Arla baker has made many enemies and some want to kill her. This author continues to improve in their writing and each book is more interesting.
October 29, 2020
A modest attempt at a psychological thriller.
Not impressed with the prose, cliche ridden or the plot. Admire though the author’s love of writing and persistence. Liked The Lost Sister much better.
Not impressed with the prose, cliche ridden or the plot. Admire though the author’s love of writing and persistence. Liked The Lost Sister much better.
March 18, 2021
Couldn’t put it down. Read in two days. A twist to the very end. A must read with still the romance and thriller plot. Love the series of Detective Arla Baker. Chapters leave you wanting to continue to read.
May 1, 2021
Another good one!
While shorter than the previous books, this one was very thrilling! The only reason for 4 stars is bc i feel the end was just very quickly thrown together. It maybe could have been a little more detailed.
While shorter than the previous books, this one was very thrilling! The only reason for 4 stars is bc i feel the end was just very quickly thrown together. It maybe could have been a little more detailed.
July 7, 2022
Gripping from beginning to surprising end
A brutal murder, a copycat to a killer Arla Baker out behind bars 10 years ago. How can this be happening, and why now. Full of surprises and a few red herrings
A brutal murder, a copycat to a killer Arla Baker out behind bars 10 years ago. How can this be happening, and why now. Full of surprises and a few red herrings
August 7, 2022
A well-written suspenseful police procedural, I enjoyed the read. The way the author throws out clues that might be red herrings, the sly killer who avoids detection, all leading to a great story. Getting to know Arla Baker adds to the adventure.
May 28, 2019
Fast lane
Arla has her hands full. Twisted clues. Second guesses leading to wild goose chases. In the end Arla outsmart's the murderers. Great read.
Arla has her hands full. Twisted clues. Second guesses leading to wild goose chases. In the end Arla outsmart's the murderers. Great read.
May 28, 2019
A fast paced, procedural police story with a twisty plot and good characters to keep you guessing.
June 2, 2019
Gripping to the end Detective Arla has her work cut out for her. A killer from a long time ago, is back. Don’t miss out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews