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DS Lucy Golden #2
The Branded
During an unprecedented heatwave, the body of a young girl is found in a submerged suitcase in Loch Acorrymore on Achill Island. DS Lucy Golden is tasked with identifying her and returning her to her family. With the help of her team, they discover that the girl was a runaway, who had spent some time in a homeless shelter. She has been murdered and an investigation is launched.
Despite some promising leads, Lucy's enquiries seem to be going nowhere until another the body with connections to the homeless shelter is discovered in what initially appears to be a suicide. Lucy knows that there is no such thing as coincidence, but the race is on to find the link between the two victims before the trail goes cold.
As Lucy is drawn deeper into the case, she realises that these murders may be a whole lot more sinister than first thought. Can Lucy keep a clear emotional head and get to the truth before more girls end up dead?
Despite some promising leads, Lucy's enquiries seem to be going nowhere until another the body with connections to the homeless shelter is discovered in what initially appears to be a suicide. Lucy knows that there is no such thing as coincidence, but the race is on to find the link between the two victims before the trail goes cold.
As Lucy is drawn deeper into the case, she realises that these murders may be a whole lot more sinister than first thought. Can Lucy keep a clear emotional head and get to the truth before more girls end up dead?
432 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2022
26 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 14, 2024
Really enjoyed this book - liked the story line , work with a bit of home life mixed in. Would recommend
January 23, 2023
Set in and around County Mayo, Ireland, and featuring Detective Lucy Golden. The Branded is an engaging police procedural. That sees Lucy and her Garda colleagues search for a killer. When a young girl is found dumped in a suitcase, in a loch on Achill Island.
But as the team set out to identify this teenager. They soon learn she was never listed as missing and they want to know why. So they head to Dublin for answers.
Then another death occurs, but this one is suicide isn't it?
Only Lucy and her boss Cig William William aren't so sure, and Lucy is certain this death is linked to the body in the suitcase.
But why? And how is she supposed to prove it?
And with some nice twists, interesting characters and plenty of procedural detail. This was an enjoyable read. But it did take me a while to get into it and I did find the pace quite slow.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
But as the team set out to identify this teenager. They soon learn she was never listed as missing and they want to know why. So they head to Dublin for answers.
Then another death occurs, but this one is suicide isn't it?
Only Lucy and her boss Cig William William aren't so sure, and Lucy is certain this death is linked to the body in the suitcase.
But why? And how is she supposed to prove it?
And with some nice twists, interesting characters and plenty of procedural detail. This was an enjoyable read. But it did take me a while to get into it and I did find the pace quite slow.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
January 15, 2023
When the body of a young girl is discovered in a lake DS Lucy Golden is put in charge of finding out who she is and what happened to her. When it's concluded she was murdered Lucy and the team must find out who she was and how she ended up there.
This is a fast paced thriller that has plenty of twists to keep the pages turning. Great characters and a brilliant plot kept me hooked from start to finish.
I loved this book and I've added the previous book to my ever expanding tbr list.
This is a fast paced thriller that has plenty of twists to keep the pages turning. Great characters and a brilliant plot kept me hooked from start to finish.
I loved this book and I've added the previous book to my ever expanding tbr list.
January 24, 2023
Thank you so much for being approved by Little Brown Book Group UK Constable and NetGalley to read and review this book.
The second in the DS Lucy Golden series and it didn't disappoint!! The story is full of plot twists and turns that kept me gripped to the book!! It was lovely to revisit with the characters and to see them evolve. I love how Lucy gets along with her co-workers and to read more about the family. It was well written and I enjoyed the story. I will recommend this book.
The second in the DS Lucy Golden series and it didn't disappoint!! The story is full of plot twists and turns that kept me gripped to the book!! It was lovely to revisit with the characters and to see them evolve. I love how Lucy gets along with her co-workers and to read more about the family. It was well written and I enjoyed the story. I will recommend this book.
October 31, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The Branded, the second novel to feature DS Lucy Golden, set in County Mayo.
A suitcase containing the body of a teenager is found in Lough Acorrymore on Achill Island. Lucy is tasked with identifying her and soon discovers that she was a runaway with links to a Dublin homeless shelter. The investigation is slow until another body with links to the same shelter is found.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Branded, which is an absorbing read with some unexpected twists and turns. It has a linear timeline and is told mostly from Lucy’s point of view with the odd switch to a homeless teenager, Sarah, to provide context and background. This works well as it allows the reader to get immersed in the story and urges them to keep turning the pages, while getting a glimpse of the issues involved in homelessness.
The murder investigation is absorbing, but I also enjoyed the trials and tribulations of Lucy’s home life. The two mix well, offering a more rounded picture of Lucy and the modern family. I could be here all day explaining it, despite it not being anything too earth shattering, but it’s a fascinating slice of life. The other characters may not be as well developed but as an ensemble they are believable and relatable and their banter is fun.
The plot is interesting. At first it’s all about identifying the victim and finding suspects, but as the information comes in Lucy begins to think there is something darker behind the murders. It’s all done realistically and organically, with no happy coincidences or massive strokes of luck. I liked that and the procedural aspects which keep the investigation on point. It’s tautly written and fast moving. The resolution comes quickly, but, again, I think this is realistic, although I felt that the explanations weren’t quite as expansive as I would have liked. Still, it’s an absorbing read and deeper than many in the genre.
The Branded is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
A suitcase containing the body of a teenager is found in Lough Acorrymore on Achill Island. Lucy is tasked with identifying her and soon discovers that she was a runaway with links to a Dublin homeless shelter. The investigation is slow until another body with links to the same shelter is found.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Branded, which is an absorbing read with some unexpected twists and turns. It has a linear timeline and is told mostly from Lucy’s point of view with the odd switch to a homeless teenager, Sarah, to provide context and background. This works well as it allows the reader to get immersed in the story and urges them to keep turning the pages, while getting a glimpse of the issues involved in homelessness.
The murder investigation is absorbing, but I also enjoyed the trials and tribulations of Lucy’s home life. The two mix well, offering a more rounded picture of Lucy and the modern family. I could be here all day explaining it, despite it not being anything too earth shattering, but it’s a fascinating slice of life. The other characters may not be as well developed but as an ensemble they are believable and relatable and their banter is fun.
The plot is interesting. At first it’s all about identifying the victim and finding suspects, but as the information comes in Lucy begins to think there is something darker behind the murders. It’s all done realistically and organically, with no happy coincidences or massive strokes of luck. I liked that and the procedural aspects which keep the investigation on point. It’s tautly written and fast moving. The resolution comes quickly, but, again, I think this is realistic, although I felt that the explanations weren’t quite as expansive as I would have liked. Still, it’s an absorbing read and deeper than many in the genre.
The Branded is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 5, 2023
I'm really at a loss for words to describe how much I love this Irish crime series by Martina Murphy. "The Branded" is the second book in this series, again told from the perspective of DS Lucy Golden. And again, I was drawn into the plot right from the beginning and it was extremely hard for me to put the book down. There were so many plot twists and surprises, the characters were so complex and well developed that they became alive on the pages. It was like watching a film. I also adore the way Lucy and Dan interview their suspects, their gripping cat and mouse play constantly putting me at the edge of my seat. The downside is that I will have to wait until August 24 (when book 3 releases) to find out if Lucy's love life finally changes for the better. 😉
So, in a nutshell: For all those of you who love gripping crime novels/police procedurals, please put that fantastic series on your list. You won't regret it! 😊
So, in a nutshell: For all those of you who love gripping crime novels/police procedurals, please put that fantastic series on your list. You won't regret it! 😊
January 20, 2023
If you are thinking of reading The Branded by Martina Murphy then get ready for a gritty, exciting and original thriller set in the West coast of Ireland (with a few trips to Dublin in between), looking for the perpetrator of a horrific murder / body dump in a local reservoir.
Detective Lucy Golden who works closely with detective Dan, but has a turbulent relationship with her boss DI William Williams, which seems to motivate her all more to discover who and more importantly why would someone commit such a crime.
All the detectives on the team get a chance to show their skills as the investigation proceeds, but Lucy seems to connect everything together.
I really enjoyed reading The Branded, the story was well constructed, moved along at a good pace and finished with a clever conclusion. I will make a point to look out for more from this author.
Detective Lucy Golden who works closely with detective Dan, but has a turbulent relationship with her boss DI William Williams, which seems to motivate her all more to discover who and more importantly why would someone commit such a crime.
All the detectives on the team get a chance to show their skills as the investigation proceeds, but Lucy seems to connect everything together.
I really enjoyed reading The Branded, the story was well constructed, moved along at a good pace and finished with a clever conclusion. I will make a point to look out for more from this author.
January 23, 2025
Not sure why but the second instalment in this series didn’t light my fire as much as the first. The writing was just as good, the detective’s personal lives are still engaging, the crime itself was well-conceived, but there was something a little lacking overall. I can think of at least two other crime novels which follow a similar homeless-people-being-trafficked trajectory and honestly it’s been done and felt feeble to begin with. I’d like to get more of a sense of character in book three, and preferably a crime I can puzzle over rather than one that makes me yawn (brandings? Really? For any reason other than to link all the victims together or??)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
Another belter.
Lisa McMahon’s narration is a treat to listen to. Martina Murphy has written another belter. It’s good that she has taken on this subject, and treated the victims with the respect they deserve. The images of how uncaring these kids on the margins are treated by many in society is heartbreaking, but a sad fact of life. The excitement and tension of ‘the raid’ is paced so well, I’m sure my heart was racing. Recommended by me, I look forward to the next novel and more adventures with DS Lucy Golden et al.
Lisa McMahon’s narration is a treat to listen to. Martina Murphy has written another belter. It’s good that she has taken on this subject, and treated the victims with the respect they deserve. The images of how uncaring these kids on the margins are treated by many in society is heartbreaking, but a sad fact of life. The excitement and tension of ‘the raid’ is paced so well, I’m sure my heart was racing. Recommended by me, I look forward to the next novel and more adventures with DS Lucy Golden et al.
November 14, 2022
Thank you as always for the advanced copy.
Another new author for me and I have not read the first in this series.
I struggled at first but persevered and glad I did, I enjoyed it, very well written and full of twists and turns, a plot that felt real with explanations when needed. Lucy is a great character and I liked the fact that we also got to see the other side to her life.
I will go back and read the previous book now!
Highly recommended
Another new author for me and I have not read the first in this series.
I struggled at first but persevered and glad I did, I enjoyed it, very well written and full of twists and turns, a plot that felt real with explanations when needed. Lucy is a great character and I liked the fact that we also got to see the other side to her life.
I will go back and read the previous book now!
Highly recommended
April 5, 2023
*Audiobook* 2nd in the series with DS Lucy Golden & I should have started with the 1st one. A protagonist (Golden) with an unusual back story is accompanied by interesting colleagues and minor characters in this police procedural. I’m enjoying Irish crime fiction at the moment & this is superbly read by Aiofe McMahon. Not everything is explained away which I like & the storyline is realistic rather than rose-tinted. Enjoyable.
September 24, 2022
I read this (and book one) on audio book and seriously loved it. Narrated by Aoife MacMahon who is my absolute favourite narrator. I’m in love with this series and it desperately makes me want to go to Achill island. Highly highly recommended Garda procedural in a market full of excellent Irish crime writers. We are so spoilt!
March 16, 2023
This is the second book in the series (The Night Caller is the first) and I recommend both books. There are multiple plot lines throughout that connect and resolve in the end. A unique Irish crime novel. I live in the USA and had to purchase the book via Waterstones website from the UK because it apparently is not sold here. It was worth it, though!
November 7, 2022
At first I found it really hard to get into this book and kept putting it down and picking it up, but I am so glad I persevered because I ended up loving it. The writing was good and the mystery was intense and kept me guessing. Overall an enjoyable read.
March 5, 2023
Great book. I'm loving this series. DS Lucy Golden is a great character. Conflicted, overworked and undervalued, she pulls you into her world. The story is fast-paced, gritty, and well-written. I could not put it down. It is the second in the series and I can't wait for the third.
November 23, 2023
Another great DS Lucy Golden story. As she solves the crime we find out more about her character and her personal life. So happy there’s a third book waiting for me! As always, terrific narration by Aoife McMahon.
February 11, 2025
4.5 up to a 5. I'm so enjoying this series featuring Lucy Golden. I love the Irish setting, the countryside contrasting with the odd visits to Dublin. The family connections are so well crafted, especially letting go of your now adult child.
May 25, 2025
Probably more like 3.5 🌟 but am happy to round up. Love the methodical way this little Irish detective band solve their crimes. Book 2 of the series and probably worth reading them in order for the references that give context.
August 18, 2022
An excellent read - great follow-up from "The Night Caller".
September 12, 2022
I read Murphys *Night Caller* last Christmas first book id seen from her, unreal I loved it. Had to pick up her latest release.
I love her writing. I'll read anything by her especially if Lucy Golden is involved
I love her writing. I'll read anything by her especially if Lucy Golden is involved
October 17, 2022
The plot is a little flat until the final 20% of the book.
Overall it’s a decent read - not one you’d pick up for a second time but worth its place on the shelf.
Overall it’s a decent read - not one you’d pick up for a second time but worth its place on the shelf.
December 28, 2022
Really really good 👍
May 3, 2023
Good read
May 28, 2023
Fantastic! Can’t wait for book 3!
November 20, 2023
Als Hörbuch gehört. Deshalb gibt es gleich Extrapunkte für irischen Dialekt. Und für den Handlungsort Achill. Wie schon beim ersten Teil gefiel mir die detaillierte Beschreibung der Polizeiarbeit und dass das ganze Buch aus den Ich-Erzählungen der Hauptfigur und einer Nebenfigur besteht. Es gab mehr Humor und die Heldin Lucy Golden ist mir sehr sympathisch. Der Fall selbst bekommt 3 von 5 Punkten, etwas arg konstruiert aber immerhin keine Psychopathen mehr. Es geht darum, wie Menschen andere, die ihnen vertrauen, benutzen.
Wetterbeschreibungen: Tadellose Beschreibung einer Hitzewelle mit finalem Gewitter.
Wetterbeschreibungen: Tadellose Beschreibung einer Hitzewelle mit finalem Gewitter.
August 13, 2024
Engaging and the characters are developing into some future sub plots i have no doubt, looking foward to next case 😀
March 9, 2025
Good solid police mystery set in Ireland
October 18, 2025
Luettu suomeksi.
July 25, 2023
In The Branded by Martina Murphy, we return to Achill and DS Lucy Golden. Another great thriller and already looking forward to book #3 in the series, out in August.
The body of a girl is found in a suitcase in a lake on Achill island. Investigation reveals the girl was considered missing, and had spent time in a homeless shelter, and now she has been murdered. Another body, with connections to the same homeless shelters is discovered in an apparent suicide. Lucy, her partner Dan, boss Cig and the team are drawn into a gritty investigation.
This is a hard to put down book, just like The Night Caller. The characters are what draw you in, and their relationships and interactions. If you enjoy police procedural / crime books, then this series is definitely for you. Irish crime fiction at it’s best.
The body of a girl is found in a suitcase in a lake on Achill island. Investigation reveals the girl was considered missing, and had spent time in a homeless shelter, and now she has been murdered. Another body, with connections to the same homeless shelters is discovered in an apparent suicide. Lucy, her partner Dan, boss Cig and the team are drawn into a gritty investigation.
This is a hard to put down book, just like The Night Caller. The characters are what draw you in, and their relationships and interactions. If you enjoy police procedural / crime books, then this series is definitely for you. Irish crime fiction at it’s best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews