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DS Ronnie Delmar #1
Stop at Nothing
The chilling break out thriller, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Fiona Barton and Gillian Flynn.
How far would you go to get what you want?
Amie Slade's sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.
But everyone's got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman's body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hides a sinister reality.
Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?
How far would you go to get what you want?
Amie Slade's sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.
But everyone's got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman's body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hides a sinister reality.
Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2021
3 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 10, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Stop at Nothing concerns the Slade family, consisting of Amie, our lead character and voice who is a vulnerable teenage girl who appears to be rather neglected and ignored. Her older brother Andrew, a stereotypical teenager. Maeve, the mother who is obsessively tidy and has her worries and concerns of her own, and Stuart, the father who is not that much of a father, though he is ridiculously good-looking and full of charm. At first, I thought these characters, this dysfunctional family, were too much of a cliché to hold my interest for long, but my mind was changed as I read on.
Amie attends an all-girls school, where she feels she does not fit in and is bullied by some of the girls. There is also a handyman who gets too handy with her and causes her life to dramatically change. I spent a lot of my reading time feeling very sorry for poor Amie as an awful lot of change happened in her young life all at once.
We also meet Detective Sergeant Ronnie (Veronica) Delmar who is very personable and plays a major role. She is a divorced woman with teenage children, and a sister. She also has a story to be told hidden in her past. Her police sidekick Baz is a bit of an unknown entity to start with, but as the story develops we come to know him better. We also meet social and psychiatric workers and one school teacher, in particular, has an important role.
The prose flows and keeps the story moving at just the right pace. The nearer to the end I got, the faster I found I was reading as I wanted to find out what happened next. This is a compulsive and twisted thriller that kept me guessing till the very end. It is a completely enjoyable read, though shocking at times, which reflected modern life and pressures within families.
Stop at Nothing concerns the Slade family, consisting of Amie, our lead character and voice who is a vulnerable teenage girl who appears to be rather neglected and ignored. Her older brother Andrew, a stereotypical teenager. Maeve, the mother who is obsessively tidy and has her worries and concerns of her own, and Stuart, the father who is not that much of a father, though he is ridiculously good-looking and full of charm. At first, I thought these characters, this dysfunctional family, were too much of a cliché to hold my interest for long, but my mind was changed as I read on.
Amie attends an all-girls school, where she feels she does not fit in and is bullied by some of the girls. There is also a handyman who gets too handy with her and causes her life to dramatically change. I spent a lot of my reading time feeling very sorry for poor Amie as an awful lot of change happened in her young life all at once.
We also meet Detective Sergeant Ronnie (Veronica) Delmar who is very personable and plays a major role. She is a divorced woman with teenage children, and a sister. She also has a story to be told hidden in her past. Her police sidekick Baz is a bit of an unknown entity to start with, but as the story develops we come to know him better. We also meet social and psychiatric workers and one school teacher, in particular, has an important role.
The prose flows and keeps the story moving at just the right pace. The nearer to the end I got, the faster I found I was reading as I wanted to find out what happened next. This is a compulsive and twisted thriller that kept me guessing till the very end. It is a completely enjoyable read, though shocking at times, which reflected modern life and pressures within families.
October 20, 2021
Stop At Nothing isn't really a thriller - at least until its final section. Most of the novel is a family drama told from the point of view of a troubled teen.
The pace is slow, with repeated episodes of teen angst and little plot development. The police involvement is minimal, and DS Delmar plays a peripheral role through most of the novel. The procedural elements are unconvincing: Delmar is suspended on flimsy grounds with no process at all, yet retains her warrant card and continues to investigate cases.
The final section sees the pace suddenly accelerate towards the ending, although the plot twists are very obvious. Overall, this is a well written but ultimately unsatisfying read.
The pace is slow, with repeated episodes of teen angst and little plot development. The police involvement is minimal, and DS Delmar plays a peripheral role through most of the novel. The procedural elements are unconvincing: Delmar is suspended on flimsy grounds with no process at all, yet retains her warrant card and continues to investigate cases.
The final section sees the pace suddenly accelerate towards the ending, although the plot twists are very obvious. Overall, this is a well written but ultimately unsatisfying read.
February 8, 2024
This is the first book in the DS Ronnie DElmas series and what an amazing introduction this book is to Ronnie. The book focuses on the Slade family and in particular Amie Slade. She lives with her older brother Andrew, her mum and dad Maeve and Stuart. The family is broken with Maeve being obsessive about having an orderly and tidy house, Andrew is always in his room and getting ready to go to university and Stuart is about to drop a bombshell.
Amie is a young teen who has had trouble in past. She was the victim of sexual abuse and this is something that hangs over her constantly as you would expect. She moves schools and has only one friend.
Ronnie (Veronica) is a hard-working single mum and also a Detective Sergeant, she has split from her husband and has two children. She has a secret from her past. Her second in command so to speak is Baz, he is someone whom she is not totally sure about and when an accusation is made about Ronnie she is not sure who made it. Ronnie has some very close friends and she will rely on these as this complex case gradually unfolds.
What is the case? Well, that is not really revealed as such until much later when the body of a woman is discovered. The author cleverly lays out the story and gives a lot of information leading up to the discovery of the body which occurs when a child goes missing.
This story will have you second-guessing yourself, well it did me for sure. I like it when an author can twist me around like this. One moment feeling sorry then suspicious and then guilty for feeling suspicious. This is something that I love in a psychological thriller and this definitely has a psychological theme to it.
The story starts out well and there was something about it that just kept me hooked and I found myself just reading one more chapter, and another until I got to the end. There were many twists and revelations to be had.
Seeing this is the start of the series I am looking forward to getting to know Ronnie a bit more. She is definitely a female lead that I like. If you are a fan of very devious and twisted psychological crime thrillers then this is one that will keep you on your toes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book.
Amie is a young teen who has had trouble in past. She was the victim of sexual abuse and this is something that hangs over her constantly as you would expect. She moves schools and has only one friend.
Ronnie (Veronica) is a hard-working single mum and also a Detective Sergeant, she has split from her husband and has two children. She has a secret from her past. Her second in command so to speak is Baz, he is someone whom she is not totally sure about and when an accusation is made about Ronnie she is not sure who made it. Ronnie has some very close friends and she will rely on these as this complex case gradually unfolds.
What is the case? Well, that is not really revealed as such until much later when the body of a woman is discovered. The author cleverly lays out the story and gives a lot of information leading up to the discovery of the body which occurs when a child goes missing.
This story will have you second-guessing yourself, well it did me for sure. I like it when an author can twist me around like this. One moment feeling sorry then suspicious and then guilty for feeling suspicious. This is something that I love in a psychological thriller and this definitely has a psychological theme to it.
The story starts out well and there was something about it that just kept me hooked and I found myself just reading one more chapter, and another until I got to the end. There were many twists and revelations to be had.
Seeing this is the start of the series I am looking forward to getting to know Ronnie a bit more. She is definitely a female lead that I like. If you are a fan of very devious and twisted psychological crime thrillers then this is one that will keep you on your toes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book.
March 28, 2022
Teenager Amie Slade is isolated at school and has a distant relationship with her mother and brother, though hero-worships her dad. Someone says at one point, "This is a complicated family", and that about sums it up - indeed, it's putting it mildly.
When Amie makes an allegation of sexual assault against a member of staff at her school, DS Veronica (Ronnie) Delmar gets involved - but that's just the start of the story.
I liked Ronnie, but I wasn't sure of the point of a storyline whereby she is suspended following an anonymous complaint, of which I don't think we ever learn the actual substance. This didn't really seem to go anywhere, unless the author plans to pick it up in a future book. The blurb talks about "uncanny parallels to her [Ronnie's] own life" in the case- but if they're there, I must have missed them.
The story is well written and felt quite original, and it definitely did keep my interest throughout. Amie is an interesting character. The twists however are not hugely surprising (I can't imagine anyone was shocked by the Elisa one).
An enjoyable read. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy.
When Amie makes an allegation of sexual assault against a member of staff at her school, DS Veronica (Ronnie) Delmar gets involved - but that's just the start of the story.
I liked Ronnie, but I wasn't sure of the point of a storyline whereby she is suspended following an anonymous complaint, of which I don't think we ever learn the actual substance. This didn't really seem to go anywhere, unless the author plans to pick it up in a future book. The blurb talks about "uncanny parallels to her [Ronnie's] own life" in the case- but if they're there, I must have missed them.
The story is well written and felt quite original, and it definitely did keep my interest throughout. Amie is an interesting character. The twists however are not hugely surprising (I can't imagine anyone was shocked by the Elisa one).
An enjoyable read. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy.
October 15, 2021
Stop at nothing by Lucy Martin.
A detective sargeant is called to investigate the case of Amie Slade, a young teenage girl abused by a caretaker at her leafy suburban school. But in this middle-class town, manicured lawns and picket fences disguise a very different reality. As DS Veronica Delmar digs deeper into the complex case and gets closer to the teenage victim and her family, she begins to discover some uncanny parallels to her own life.
But something isn't quite right, and with Amie's family life crumbling and DS Delmar's desperate attempt to juggle work, single motherhood and what remains of her life post-marriage splitting at the seams, it isn't long before the foundations of their lives begin to collapse. Whilst Amie races to protect her dark and shrinking world, DS Delmar must confront her own demons and the part they have to play in the case before her.
A very good read with some good characters. I did like the cover. 4*.
A detective sargeant is called to investigate the case of Amie Slade, a young teenage girl abused by a caretaker at her leafy suburban school. But in this middle-class town, manicured lawns and picket fences disguise a very different reality. As DS Veronica Delmar digs deeper into the complex case and gets closer to the teenage victim and her family, she begins to discover some uncanny parallels to her own life.
But something isn't quite right, and with Amie's family life crumbling and DS Delmar's desperate attempt to juggle work, single motherhood and what remains of her life post-marriage splitting at the seams, it isn't long before the foundations of their lives begin to collapse. Whilst Amie races to protect her dark and shrinking world, DS Delmar must confront her own demons and the part they have to play in the case before her.
A very good read with some good characters. I did like the cover. 4*.
November 28, 2024
This is a cracking crime novel. The main protagonist is Detective Sergeant Ronnie (Veronica) Delmar. A DS rather than a Detective Inspector (as in Vera), a Chief Inspector (Morse) or Detective Superintendent (Wycliffe), Ronnie is not catapulted in to lead a murder inquiry. Instead, she is involved with the case of a teenager Amie, who was sexually assaulted by the school caretaker, Daniel. This however turns out to be a rather more complex and dangerous case than first anticipated.
The second protagonist is the victimised girl, Amie, who seems extremely isolated at home and school. Her parents apparently favour her brilliant but reclusive brother, Andrew, destined for Oxbridge. Her mother is obsessional about cleanliness and order, while her father is equally obsessed with his new girlfriend. Meanwhile, Amie finds it difficult to relate to other girls at her school, until one called Elisa befriends her. Although friendly, Elisa is controlling and seemingly gleeful about getting Amie into trouble.
Much of the novel explores relationships. As well as Amie’s with her family and school, there are others that directly impact on Ronnie. The DS has an ex-husband, and is a single mother to teenage twins, as well as a support for her sister, Serena. Her father also disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Work is equally tense, with Ronnie unsure whether she can trust the ambitious, new DC Baz Munro, whereas her senior colleagues are unsupportive.
A psychological thriller, there is a body, there is danger, there is excitement. And above all there is a brilliant twist. This is a real page turner. It is the first of the Ronnie Delmar series, and I am looking forward to reading the second, The Choice.
The second protagonist is the victimised girl, Amie, who seems extremely isolated at home and school. Her parents apparently favour her brilliant but reclusive brother, Andrew, destined for Oxbridge. Her mother is obsessional about cleanliness and order, while her father is equally obsessed with his new girlfriend. Meanwhile, Amie finds it difficult to relate to other girls at her school, until one called Elisa befriends her. Although friendly, Elisa is controlling and seemingly gleeful about getting Amie into trouble.
Much of the novel explores relationships. As well as Amie’s with her family and school, there are others that directly impact on Ronnie. The DS has an ex-husband, and is a single mother to teenage twins, as well as a support for her sister, Serena. Her father also disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Work is equally tense, with Ronnie unsure whether she can trust the ambitious, new DC Baz Munro, whereas her senior colleagues are unsupportive.
A psychological thriller, there is a body, there is danger, there is excitement. And above all there is a brilliant twist. This is a real page turner. It is the first of the Ronnie Delmar series, and I am looking forward to reading the second, The Choice.
November 26, 2021
This is a very character driven book that provides a refreshing take on a detective that also has her own home life problems, as well as a disturbing insight into a young teenager’s world that believes she is looking out for her family and therefore her actions are justifiable.
The narrative also challenges our flawed misconceptions and assumptions at the outset which may not be as they seem and can lead to dangerous outcomes.
The story is quite unassuming and flows at a relatively slow pace initially as the reader starts to form a picture of Ronnie and Amie and their respective family lives and situation. The revelations that come near the second half of the book makes them surprising and provides a really good psychological twist that initial impressions and conclusions are deceptive. I definitely got caught out!
This is a perfect read for crime thriller fans that enjoy the psychological and character driven aspects of a storyline.
The narrative also challenges our flawed misconceptions and assumptions at the outset which may not be as they seem and can lead to dangerous outcomes.
The story is quite unassuming and flows at a relatively slow pace initially as the reader starts to form a picture of Ronnie and Amie and their respective family lives and situation. The revelations that come near the second half of the book makes them surprising and provides a really good psychological twist that initial impressions and conclusions are deceptive. I definitely got caught out!
This is a perfect read for crime thriller fans that enjoy the psychological and character driven aspects of a storyline.
December 8, 2021
4 1/2 ⭐️
Stop at nothing is an absolutely mind blowing (and impressive) debut thriller and also the first instalment of the series about DS Ronnie Delmar.
This was such an enjoyable read. The story flowed really well and the writing style was easy to read. I liked that we started to get to know Ronnie and her Family alongside what was a very big and confusing case for her to investigate. I thought that I had it all sussed, but the twist of the ending really shocked me as I didn’t see it coming at all.
I am looking forward to more in this series and hope that they continue to have the suspense filled plots like this one did!
Stop at nothing is an absolutely mind blowing (and impressive) debut thriller and also the first instalment of the series about DS Ronnie Delmar.
This was such an enjoyable read. The story flowed really well and the writing style was easy to read. I liked that we started to get to know Ronnie and her Family alongside what was a very big and confusing case for her to investigate. I thought that I had it all sussed, but the twist of the ending really shocked me as I didn’t see it coming at all.
I am looking forward to more in this series and hope that they continue to have the suspense filled plots like this one did!
November 4, 2021
A young teenager Aimie Slade is abused by the caretaker at her school.
D.S Delmar will do all she can to help,and as she digs deeper and gets closer to both Aimie and her family she realises something is not right within the family.
As Aimie races to protect her dark secrets can D.S Delmar crack the case.
The pace of the story was to slow for me and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Wellbeck Publishing UK for the ARC
D.S Delmar will do all she can to help,and as she digs deeper and gets closer to both Aimie and her family she realises something is not right within the family.
As Aimie races to protect her dark secrets can D.S Delmar crack the case.
The pace of the story was to slow for me and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Wellbeck Publishing UK for the ARC
January 2, 2022
I enjoyed getting to know the characters in Stop At Nothing. It’s well written and the plot twists and turns.
I liked how the pace built slowly through the book and then accelerated towards the end when all the loose ends were tied up.
The only thing I didn’t like or feel was convincing was when Delmar is suspended on unclear grounds with little obvious process and is then reinstated just at the critical moment.
I liked how the pace built slowly through the book and then accelerated towards the end when all the loose ends were tied up.
The only thing I didn’t like or feel was convincing was when Delmar is suspended on unclear grounds with little obvious process and is then reinstated just at the critical moment.
January 9, 2022
The kind of thriller I really enjoy - a well-written, satisfying crime story, with plenty of action but focusing on character with developments and plot twists that have you changing your thinking right up to an ending where it all drops into place. The psychology was fascinating and domestic interactions and dialogue all spot-on. A great new writer and hope to read more!
November 30, 2021
An engaging read that had me transfixed a relatable read of family lives and the drama that faces so many
I thought I had this one figured out many times but was proven wrong and outwitted by this fabulous author.
I thought I had this one figured out many times but was proven wrong and outwitted by this fabulous author.
January 2, 2024
Took me a long time to get into this/finish it! Thankfully I stuck with it - I enjoyed this book once it got going. Loved the twist in the last 3rd of the book. Looking forward to seeing what DS Delmar brings next
July 22, 2025
Not for me, predictable, inaccurate stereotypes of mental illness usually seen in the media which are not true to life and create fear and misunderstanding of people with mental health issues. It came across as confused and the poor understanding of the subject matter was incredibly jarring.
December 10, 2021
Brilliant book! Such a series of plot twists! I thought I knew, then I didn’t, and then I did!
Riveting read and hope there are more where this came from.
Riveting read and hope there are more where this came from.
August 5, 2022
An easy read, but sadly the twists were very predictable.
August 8, 2024
This sucked, and i’m entertained by everything. I knew what was happening quite early on and I hate that
September 7, 2024
Excellent read, well worth the time spent on it.
August 21, 2025
DNF, just wasnt for me
October 9, 2025
Wasn't quite expecting that. Was getting hints about half way through that something was up
October 1, 2022
Twists and Turns!!
Loved this, as a regular reader of crime fiction this was not the normal detective novel I expected. It keeps you thinking and guessing until the end… looking forward to the next one!!
Loved this, as a regular reader of crime fiction this was not the normal detective novel I expected. It keeps you thinking and guessing until the end… looking forward to the next one!!
November 12, 2021
How far would you go to get what you want?
Amie Slade's sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.
But everyone's got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman's body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hides a sinister reality.
Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?
This is a brilliant and twisty read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Amie Slade's sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.
But everyone's got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman's body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hides a sinister reality.
Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?
This is a brilliant and twisty read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
November 2, 2021
Aimie Slade's life is turned upside-down when she is assaulted by the school caretaker. Knowing how such things can take a toll on the victim & family DS Ronnie Delmar is determined to do all she can. However these smart suburban houses have their secrets & when a child disappears & a body is found Ronnie wonders if she is up to the job.
This was a story with many different strands & it kept me on my toes. I liked Ronnie, she seemed a caring soul with her own demons. Aime was a fascinating character too. Overall it was a good read & I hope this isn't the last we see of Ronnie Delmar. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This was a story with many different strands & it kept me on my toes. I liked Ronnie, she seemed a caring soul with her own demons. Aime was a fascinating character too. Overall it was a good read & I hope this isn't the last we see of Ronnie Delmar. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
October 20, 2021
Thank you to the author and publisher for this advance reading of Stop At Nothing. I finished Lucy’s book last night and absolutely loved it!! the writing was absolutely stellar and each character was so beautifully 3-dimensional. the author has created the perfect cat and mouse game in this sharp and suspenseful novel. An absolutely storming debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
November 16, 2021
I read this thinking I knew what was happening and who was the the villain, but I was wrong! It is so cleverly thought out, and I was completely outwitted by the author. I ended up reading this cover to cover and nearly missing my stops on the train. I challenge anyone to work out what the ending will be! I loved it, and I believe there is a book 2 in progress. Can't wait.
November 23, 2021
This is a great book for escaping the humdrum of a daily commute. The characters are recognisable, yet surprising and the plot keeps you guessing. As you get deeper into the book, the questions only increase until the story finally surprisingly unfolds. Keep your eye out for your final destination - this is a page turner, and you just might miss your stop!
November 13, 2021
Watch this space I have a feeling this is just the beginning for debut novelist Lucy Martin. The twists and turns in this book make it an unputdownable thrill ride. Definitely recommend Stop At Nothing and secretly hoping there’s a sequel…
November 14, 2021
A page-turning thriller with interesting characters and a plot to keep you guessing
November 14, 2021
The story engaged me from the off. A treasure trove of gripping twists and turns. Intrigue, conflict, questions bursting off the page. Flawless pace and characterisation, an absolute must-read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews