What do you think?
Rate this book
Billie Wilde #2
The Devil's Line
A cop targets those who shatter the innocence of the young in this novel by the author of The Magpie, finalist for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction.
DSI Billie Wilde is back at work after a shocking case that saw her life thrown into utter turmoil. But she refuses to let the past drag her down.
When a teenage girl is killed, her body discovered on train tracks, Billie sets about focusing all her attention on finding out who is responsible and why. As Billie and the police find a link between the girl's murder and a County Lines gang--traffickers notorious for exploiting the vulnerable--the case takes a sinister turn.
Someone has been using children to peddle drugs. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. Someone who is closer to home than Billie can imagine . . .
DSI Billie Wilde is back at work after a shocking case that saw her life thrown into utter turmoil. But she refuses to let the past drag her down.
When a teenage girl is killed, her body discovered on train tracks, Billie sets about focusing all her attention on finding out who is responsible and why. As Billie and the police find a link between the girl's murder and a County Lines gang--traffickers notorious for exploiting the vulnerable--the case takes a sinister turn.
Someone has been using children to peddle drugs. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. Someone who is closer to home than Billie can imagine . . .
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2021
13 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Marrisse Whittaker
8 books27 followersMarrisse Whittaker has been creating characters for all of her working life, first as a TV and Film Make-Up Artist, where she might have been called upon to construct a corpse, age an actor by a hundred years, or make a real-life drug-raddled rock star look desirable.
Next as a TV Scriptwriter, creating stories for popular series such as CBBC’S Byker Grove, BBC’s Doctors and Channel 4 Hollyoaks.
But plenty of drama takes place in real-life too and when Marrisse joined forces with her husband, former TV Journalist Bob Whittaker, to establish Orion TV, they produced a fascinating range of factual programmes for major broadcasters.
Now creating a scene has taken on a new meaning for Marrisse since 2020, when she launched a new career as a novelist, writing crime fiction.
Living by the sea in rural Northumberland, Marrisse likes to invent murder and mayhem whilst travelling far and wide or walking through the surf and turf landscape on her doorstep, whilst eating lots of chocolate.
Next as a TV Scriptwriter, creating stories for popular series such as CBBC’S Byker Grove, BBC’s Doctors and Channel 4 Hollyoaks.
But plenty of drama takes place in real-life too and when Marrisse joined forces with her husband, former TV Journalist Bob Whittaker, to establish Orion TV, they produced a fascinating range of factual programmes for major broadcasters.
Now creating a scene has taken on a new meaning for Marrisse since 2020, when she launched a new career as a novelist, writing crime fiction.
Living by the sea in rural Northumberland, Marrisse likes to invent murder and mayhem whilst travelling far and wide or walking through the surf and turf landscape on her doorstep, whilst eating lots of chocolate.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 31, 2021
The Devil’s Line is Book 2 in the Billie Wilde Crime Series, by Marrisse Whittaker. Here a cop goes after those that target the young and innocent, in this novel by the author of The Magpie, finalist for the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction. While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone book, but I recommend starting with book one in order to appreciate the development of the characters and their relationships to one another.
The books in the Billie Wilde Crime Series Include:
The Magpie (Book 1)
The Devil’s Line (Book 2)
Sophie Grey, a thirteen-year-old teenager is waiting on the train platform, maintaining a low profile while loaded up with enough drugs to buy a house. Then suddenly someone attacked her grabbing her bag of goods and hurling her through the air onto the train track and straight into the path of the rapidly approaching train. It was all over for Sophie.
At the same time, there was another murder… a strip-club owner and gangland boss by the name of Christy Callaghan. Only the dead skull had been recovered.
DSI Billie Wilde is back at work after a shocking traumatic case and is now faced with solving two murders.
When a teenage girl is killed, her body discovered on train tracks, Billie sets about focusing all her attention on finding out who is responsible and why. As Billie and the police find a link between the girl’s murder and a County Lines gang, the investigation continues, the evidence points to a connection to the murders and a violent drug cartel operating in the community.
It appears that someone has been using children to peddle drugs. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
This was a great crime story with a gripping plot with well-developed likeable and relatable characters, involved in solving several horrific murders. It also has a bit of romance thrown in for balance. I couldn’t put this book down!
Many thanks to the author and bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
The books in the Billie Wilde Crime Series Include:
The Magpie (Book 1)
The Devil’s Line (Book 2)
Sophie Grey, a thirteen-year-old teenager is waiting on the train platform, maintaining a low profile while loaded up with enough drugs to buy a house. Then suddenly someone attacked her grabbing her bag of goods and hurling her through the air onto the train track and straight into the path of the rapidly approaching train. It was all over for Sophie.
At the same time, there was another murder… a strip-club owner and gangland boss by the name of Christy Callaghan. Only the dead skull had been recovered.
DSI Billie Wilde is back at work after a shocking traumatic case and is now faced with solving two murders.
When a teenage girl is killed, her body discovered on train tracks, Billie sets about focusing all her attention on finding out who is responsible and why. As Billie and the police find a link between the girl’s murder and a County Lines gang, the investigation continues, the evidence points to a connection to the murders and a violent drug cartel operating in the community.
It appears that someone has been using children to peddle drugs. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
This was a great crime story with a gripping plot with well-developed likeable and relatable characters, involved in solving several horrific murders. It also has a bit of romance thrown in for balance. I couldn’t put this book down!
Many thanks to the author and bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
November 10, 2021
DSI Billie Wilde is back to work following a previous damaging case and immediately is called in to investigate 2 horrendous murders.
The first is a 13-year-old girl who was shoved in front of a train. The second is that of a well-known drug trafficker ... but only his head has been recovered. What ties these cases together? Who would have wanted them both dead?
Billie and her partner, after much scrutinizing discover a County Lines gang, a violent drug operation, using young children in their quest for more money. This gang will go to great lengths to get what they want. And Billie has acquired a stalker ... someone from the gang ...or someone closer to her personally?
This is a dark look at the way children can be used in the drug operations that do exist in our world today. The plot is well-written, containing lots of action. The author has created characters that are solidly drawn and lend credibility to the story line. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand lone, however, I do recommend reading in order, as this is a compelling series.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The first is a 13-year-old girl who was shoved in front of a train. The second is that of a well-known drug trafficker ... but only his head has been recovered. What ties these cases together? Who would have wanted them both dead?
Billie and her partner, after much scrutinizing discover a County Lines gang, a violent drug operation, using young children in their quest for more money. This gang will go to great lengths to get what they want. And Billie has acquired a stalker ... someone from the gang ...or someone closer to her personally?
This is a dark look at the way children can be used in the drug operations that do exist in our world today. The plot is well-written, containing lots of action. The author has created characters that are solidly drawn and lend credibility to the story line. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand lone, however, I do recommend reading in order, as this is a compelling series.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 16, 2021
Well what can I say - this was intense and really made me think. Such a well researched plot line and very well developed characters.
I have just spent the last few hours reading this as I just had to finish and know what happened as I was so blown away by the story.
This author is so talented - loved her last book but this is even better.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
I have just spent the last few hours reading this as I just had to finish and know what happened as I was so blown away by the story.
This author is so talented - loved her last book but this is even better.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
July 4, 2024
I loved Marrisse Whittaker’s first novel in the series, The Magpie, and have been eagerly awaiting this. I wasn’t disappointed. Fast paced from the start this was one of those books I didn’t want to put down. Well written with plenty of suspense, lots of action, and a good police procedural. What more could you want?
Briefly, DSI Billie Wilde is investigating the case of a young girl who was seemingly pushed in front of a moving train. She was carrying large amounts of drugs and was clearly a mule. As the body count mounts it is clear that a County Line Gang are targeting vulnerable youngsters. Alongside this Billie seems to have a stalker, but a rather sinister one. Can Billie and her team solve the case before anyone else is killed and who is her mysterious stalker?
Although the second in the series it could be read as a stand-alone but I would definitely say read the first. You will want to anyway after reading this. Some fabulous characters and the romantic tension between Billie and Max is reaching boiling point. A great read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, DSI Billie Wilde is investigating the case of a young girl who was seemingly pushed in front of a moving train. She was carrying large amounts of drugs and was clearly a mule. As the body count mounts it is clear that a County Line Gang are targeting vulnerable youngsters. Alongside this Billie seems to have a stalker, but a rather sinister one. Can Billie and her team solve the case before anyone else is killed and who is her mysterious stalker?
Although the second in the series it could be read as a stand-alone but I would definitely say read the first. You will want to anyway after reading this. Some fabulous characters and the romantic tension between Billie and Max is reaching boiling point. A great read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 1, 2022
This story follows straight on from the end of book one where crime boss Christy Callaghan’s head (body still missing) has just been discovered on a platter surrounded by seafood. After the harrowing events and shocking details about her family history, Billie has had time off and counselling, and has moved into her mother’s house in Alnmouth. She still hankers after forensic pathologist Josta and her wife Lola’s son Max Strong, who is also her therapist, but wonders if any reciprocated attraction from him is just wishful thinking on her part.
The team is sadly still missing Billie’s wingman DS Ash Sanghera who is getting over his injuries sustained in the last case, not to mention the turmoil it has caused in his home life, and with DS Derek Blythe due to retire any day, has gained three murders to investigate in a short time – and it looks like they could all be linked. At least Billie still has Jo Green, now promoted to DS, and there’s a great working relationship between the two women after Jo’s family history revelations in book one. Remember Glenn Baxter from the first story, the undercover officer who helped Billie? He’s back in his true identity as Ellis Darque, and is Billie’s requested expert on county lines operations. Her friend and office manager Boo for one does not appear happy to see him. As the detectives hear about how the criminals operate, it makes for very uncomfortable listening for all, especially those with children. Added to all this, Billie seems to have picked up a stalker who leaves her wild roses and strange messages, and also someone seems to be drugging adults and stealing photos. So can Billie stay out of danger and solve these murders before anyone else gets hurt?
Billie is a complex character. She is very young to be a Detective Superintendent but is clearly a strong woman at work and it now looks like her personal life is on the up too. I really liked some characters like Ash and Josta, who brought some great gallows humour to the story. It’s an excellent story, so much more than a simple murder investigation with an exciting and very relevant plot, loads of red herrings and false trails, and a shock ending which kept me gripped right to the very last page which also gives a clue as to the start of book 3. 5*
The team is sadly still missing Billie’s wingman DS Ash Sanghera who is getting over his injuries sustained in the last case, not to mention the turmoil it has caused in his home life, and with DS Derek Blythe due to retire any day, has gained three murders to investigate in a short time – and it looks like they could all be linked. At least Billie still has Jo Green, now promoted to DS, and there’s a great working relationship between the two women after Jo’s family history revelations in book one. Remember Glenn Baxter from the first story, the undercover officer who helped Billie? He’s back in his true identity as Ellis Darque, and is Billie’s requested expert on county lines operations. Her friend and office manager Boo for one does not appear happy to see him. As the detectives hear about how the criminals operate, it makes for very uncomfortable listening for all, especially those with children. Added to all this, Billie seems to have picked up a stalker who leaves her wild roses and strange messages, and also someone seems to be drugging adults and stealing photos. So can Billie stay out of danger and solve these murders before anyone else gets hurt?
Billie is a complex character. She is very young to be a Detective Superintendent but is clearly a strong woman at work and it now looks like her personal life is on the up too. I really liked some characters like Ash and Josta, who brought some great gallows humour to the story. It’s an excellent story, so much more than a simple murder investigation with an exciting and very relevant plot, loads of red herrings and false trails, and a shock ending which kept me gripped right to the very last page which also gives a clue as to the start of book 3. 5*
November 1, 2021
DSI Billie Wilde is back at work after a shocking case that really rocked her world and made her question everything about her life. I couldn't wait to read this sequel to The Magpie and I was gripped from the start. Billie returns to work, probably much too soon, to investigate the death of a teenager pushed to her death at a railway station. It soon becomes clear that the case involves teenagers and children working for a County Lines gang and to complicate matters further, Billie has a stalker. As the team try to solve the growing number of murders connected with the case Billie starts to question how well she knows the people around her.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of The Devil's Line I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, definitely a book you won't want to put down!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound books for an ARC of The Devil's Line I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, definitely a book you won't want to put down!
November 10, 2021
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and can't wait to see what is next for her. This is a suspenseful story that has twists and turns that not only had me sitting on the edge of my seat but also brought the story to life. It is a story full of action and was hard to put down. It is engaging and fast paced. This is a story of children selling drugs, a story where things may not be as they seem. A young teenage girl is found murdered on a train and DSI Billie will stop at nothing to find her killer. I really enjoyed the plot and character growth and what they brought they brought to the story. The characters are supportive of each other and made it entertaining to read. This really is a great suspense story that pulled me in from the beginning and I highly recommend it.
October 26, 2021
This book has all the elements needed to make it a great crime story. It has interesting and likeable characters, several gruesome murders, a very persistent stalker and to round things out, it also has a bit of romance.
When DSI Billie Wilde returns to work after a traumatic incident, she is faced with solving what initially seem to be unresolved murders. As the investigation continues, the evidence points to a connection to the murders and a violent drug cartel operating in the community.
The story line is well developed and believable. While this is the second book in a series, it can (and was) easily enjoyed as a standalone book. However, the story did make me want to find and read the first Billie Wilder book.
When DSI Billie Wilde returns to work after a traumatic incident, she is faced with solving what initially seem to be unresolved murders. As the investigation continues, the evidence points to a connection to the murders and a violent drug cartel operating in the community.
The story line is well developed and believable. While this is the second book in a series, it can (and was) easily enjoyed as a standalone book. However, the story did make me want to find and read the first Billie Wilder book.
December 29, 2022
This is my honest and non biased review of an arc copy of this book, I was pleased to receive . Although this is book 2 of DCI Billie Wilde it's a stand alone book in its own right. Mind after reading this one I most definitely want to read book 1. From the very start I was completely engrossed, it's one of those books you just don't want to put down. This book is full of twists and turns and shocking revelations. It's a cleverly written story line, well put together and I loved the descriptive of the story, characters and the area in which the story is set. All in all a brilliant book.
October 19, 2021
Absolutely brilliant as we follow Billie Wilde's career as a DCI. Lots of twists and turns as she tackles the drug chains and the county line gangs. Well written and gives a good insight as to how these gangs involve children which then affects the lives of those around.This is the 2nd in the series and I for one can't wait fingers crossed for number three
November 10, 2021
Absolutely loved this book.
A fast paced, gripping thriller with plenty of mystery and suspense. Twists and turns galore with a healthy dose of excitement and thrills.
Plenty of blood and gore which, for me, always makes a great read.
Great to read about the same characters and get a further glimpse into their lives.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
A fast paced, gripping thriller with plenty of mystery and suspense. Twists and turns galore with a healthy dose of excitement and thrills.
Plenty of blood and gore which, for me, always makes a great read.
Great to read about the same characters and get a further glimpse into their lives.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
November 14, 2021
I had not read the first book, so came to this fresh - it can certainly stand on its own. At times I felt annoyed by Billie, as I felt a senior police detective would not be so easily sidetracked. That aside it is a good read and has a few dead ends and twists on its way.
All in all a good read.
All in all a good read.
April 28, 2022
This is a roller coaster police procedural set in England with psycho stalkers, international drug cartels, damaged investigator, corrupt cops, bodies dropping like flies.I was surprised to find anyone left alive by the last chapter.
A love interest with her therapist, first unrequited gives the heroine some depth, but the shock factors rather overwhelmed, she is raped, her police colleague (and new friend) has her throat cut, a young boy dies in her arms thrown from a bridge, the new nanny has a secret, on every page it seemed there was yet another revelation, as this went on it actually became less and less believable, but it is fiction, so what did I expect.Billie Wilde is your somewhat cliched damaged police officer, Max the shrink is ex SAS now going off on rescue missions in deepest South America , his two mums are interesting characters, yet it all seemed too much, numerous involved sub plots and mysterious revenge drugs from South American flowers that 'zombify ' their victims etc, etc.
Marrisse Whitaker can tell a thrilling tale, but it seems to me she wants to cram the book with plots and sub plots that become ridiculous and this detracts from her storytelling and the story itself.
A love interest with her therapist, first unrequited gives the heroine some depth, but the shock factors rather overwhelmed, she is raped, her police colleague (and new friend) has her throat cut, a young boy dies in her arms thrown from a bridge, the new nanny has a secret, on every page it seemed there was yet another revelation, as this went on it actually became less and less believable, but it is fiction, so what did I expect.Billie Wilde is your somewhat cliched damaged police officer, Max the shrink is ex SAS now going off on rescue missions in deepest South America , his two mums are interesting characters, yet it all seemed too much, numerous involved sub plots and mysterious revenge drugs from South American flowers that 'zombify ' their victims etc, etc.
Marrisse Whitaker can tell a thrilling tale, but it seems to me she wants to cram the book with plots and sub plots that become ridiculous and this detracts from her storytelling and the story itself.
February 18, 2022
Such a good read, Billie Wilde is back in this second instalment of her career as DSI Wilde. The author
Has a real talent for crime writing that you can understand as a reader even if you have no idea on the topic, the amount of research that must have been done and in-depth knowledge into County lines drug trafficking is evident in every page, combined with a good knowledge of the Northumberland area the story is brought to life and very poignant to what is actually happening. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Has a real talent for crime writing that you can understand as a reader even if you have no idea on the topic, the amount of research that must have been done and in-depth knowledge into County lines drug trafficking is evident in every page, combined with a good knowledge of the Northumberland area the story is brought to life and very poignant to what is actually happening. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
November 3, 2022
A great read!
I really enjoyed this book and you can tell that the author did her research. I have to admit, I was a little lost at the beginning even though I did read book one but as soon as I got a little further in it started to make sense. I love how the book left no loose ends and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the near future. Well done.
I really enjoyed this book and you can tell that the author did her research. I have to admit, I was a little lost at the beginning even though I did read book one but as soon as I got a little further in it started to make sense. I love how the book left no loose ends and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the near future. Well done.
April 4, 2023
Loved the first book and loved this even more. An absolute rollercoaster of a story. Gripping, intense and I am just loving Billie more and more. On a serious note this book does bring home the realities of the county lines drug problem - brilliantly researched I have to say and a touch sad in places too. This author has me seriously hooked on this series. A cracker of a book
July 24, 2023
Not my favourite topic in crime and how much trauma can one detective have. A bit OTT.
September 30, 2024
Oh my I need book 3 now.
November 7, 2021
If you like your crime thrillers fast paced, action packed and with characters that are strong and gritty then you'll love this book!
The book is the second in the DSI Billie Wilde series, following on from The Magpie, but can be read easily as a standalone.
Billie Wilde returns to work after a traumatic case straight into a double murder scenario. As one killing is of a crime lord and the other a child used for drug running they don't initially seem connected however evidence starts to indicate otherwise. The death toll rises and to add to her troubles Billie has a stalker and fears her very life is in danger.
The author delves into areas that are sometimes taboo and does it so very well. The book is very descriptive and wonderfully scripted. With every page you turn there is more drama and mystery.
This is a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
The book is the second in the DSI Billie Wilde series, following on from The Magpie, but can be read easily as a standalone.
Billie Wilde returns to work after a traumatic case straight into a double murder scenario. As one killing is of a crime lord and the other a child used for drug running they don't initially seem connected however evidence starts to indicate otherwise. The death toll rises and to add to her troubles Billie has a stalker and fears her very life is in danger.
The author delves into areas that are sometimes taboo and does it so very well. The book is very descriptive and wonderfully scripted. With every page you turn there is more drama and mystery.
This is a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
November 15, 2021
This is a really great novel - clearly well researched and with really likeable characters. I actually found it quite educational as well! The investigation itself keeps you on your toes and turning those pages, and then added to that there’s the drama of the issues going on in everyone’s lives plus some politics at play.
There are references back to the first book in the series and no doubt if you’ve read that you’ll have a better understanding of the characters’ back stories. That said, I haven’t read the first book and don’t think that affected my enjoyment of this one (I will be reading it now though!).
Would definitely recommend, although I may never let my kids out unsupervised now…
There are references back to the first book in the series and no doubt if you’ve read that you’ll have a better understanding of the characters’ back stories. That said, I haven’t read the first book and don’t think that affected my enjoyment of this one (I will be reading it now though!).
Would definitely recommend, although I may never let my kids out unsupervised now…
November 24, 2021
This was the second book about DSI Billie Wilde and her team of police trying to stop young kids from selling drugs. When several young people’s bodies begin turning up after carrying drugs a whole world is opened up to Billie. She feels she is becoming more involved with Max but not sure if he reciprocates. The closer she gets to finding out who “The Beast” is, she starts getting disturbing notes. She does not listen to the forewarning of danger and the unthinkable happens. As the reader reaches the conclusion of the book, the reader finds out about all the dots so they can be connected. When she finds out who the “Beast” is, Billies is rocked to her core. When things finally start to wind down, Billie gets a call and she is reminded why shy became an inspector— to save others.
November 16, 2021
This story is out November 10, 2021. This is a series with 1st book called The Magpie and now The Devil's Line with Billie Wilde a DSI. This story start off with a young teenage girl pushed with on coming train. She was listen to music as she waiting but the detail are so much more inside this story. I can't do it justice. That how good the Author Marrisse Whittaker have you entrance with the storyline of The Devil's Line. The cover and the plot have you want to read more of Billie Wilde. It makes you wonder who is sending Billie Letters with a deep red rose? Who is the killer? And why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2022
This is the second book for me by this author and I can see she is going to be up there with my favourite authors. Second of the series featuring our leading lady DCI Billie Wilde and her cracking team of police officers. The bodies are piling up thick and fast in this police procedural, we meet a few familiar faces who we are rooting for and we meet some new faces, some good some not so good. This was a really well written book with a storyline that pulls you in from the start.
November 12, 2021
I am invested emotionally in this series and this book has definitely captured my emotions and taken them for a rollercoaster ride. The main character, Billie Wilde, is quite the gritty strong woman while at the same time revealing the typical woman desire for love and happiness. I hated to have to put down this book when I was reading it but life got in the way and I had to. A thrilling read! I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
November 10, 2021
I read The Magpie, the first in the Billie Wilder series, a while back and loved it, so was really pleased to be given access to read an arc of this second book. Even though this is part of a series it reads really well as a stand-alone. I loved this second instalment, in my opinion even better than the first one. Just brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews