What do you think?
Warwick & Bell #2
Murder Across the Lines
At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. A man in leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights.
He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away.
The girl falls to the floor. She’s been stabbed.
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the girl and hears her last word: ‘Nate’.
Now Jane is a witness in DI Steph Warwick’s investigation into local drug-related murders — and the disappearance of a missing boy.
A twelve-year-old called Nate Price.
Jane and Steph had hoped their paths would not cross again. But now there’s a child in danger. The only question is . . . can they find him in time?
He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away.
The girl falls to the floor. She’s been stabbed.
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the girl and hears her last word: ‘Nate’.
Now Jane is a witness in DI Steph Warwick’s investigation into local drug-related murders — and the disappearance of a missing boy.
A twelve-year-old called Nate Price.
Jane and Steph had hoped their paths would not cross again. But now there’s a child in danger. The only question is . . . can they find him in time?
282 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2021
About the author
Janice Frost
16 books159 followersJanice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. Her love of writing began when she was given a notebook by a primary school teacher and told to write ‘Just Imagine,’ on the cover. She enjoyed writing stories in the notebook so much that she decided she'd like to be an author. Due to life, work and children, It took a little longer than she imagined.
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.
Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.
All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.
The Merry & Neal series
1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets
Warwick & Bell series
1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk
Standalone novel
The Woman on the Cliff
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 13, 2023
Jane Bell continues to be a bit of a pain for DI Steph Warwick, and vice versa. This time the Lincoln police are up to their necks in drugs being sold using stolen or lost children as the couriers. The children are befriended and groomed by someone older than passed on to a keeper who hides them in cuckoo houses. Houses that are owned by someone who might be a loner and who’s easy to entrap into using their premises.
Special Constable Jane Bell is standing at traffic lights when a bike zips by, someone hops off, hugs a girl and hops back on. Only the girl has been stabbed. Jane tries to save her. The girl says one word, “Nate.”
Another interesting story. The usual characters are there and there just maybe a little softening in Warwick and Bell’s relationship.
Sure, like DI Warwick, I feel there’s one coincidence too many where Janes concerned, but it all makes for a good story.
Special Constable Jane Bell is standing at traffic lights when a bike zips by, someone hops off, hugs a girl and hops back on. Only the girl has been stabbed. Jane tries to save her. The girl says one word, “Nate.”
Another interesting story. The usual characters are there and there just maybe a little softening in Warwick and Bell’s relationship.
Sure, like DI Warwick, I feel there’s one coincidence too many where Janes concerned, but it all makes for a good story.
December 13, 2021
Warwick and Bell Book 2
At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. Aman in leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights. He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away. The girl falls to the floor. She's been stabbed. Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the girl and hears her last word: "Nate".
DI Steph Warwick is leading the investigation into the young girls murder. Steph and Jane don't have a good relationship. A young boy called Nate is missing. This story revolves around gangland crime and drug dealing.
Filled with twists, this is an action packed read from beginning to end. I like the authors style in writing this book. The pace is steady throughout. It's an easy book to read and the characters are well developed and believable. Will they find Nate? You'll have to read this book to find out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JaniceFrost for my ARC of #MurderAcrossTheLines in exchange for an honest review.
At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. Aman in leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights. He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away. The girl falls to the floor. She's been stabbed. Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the girl and hears her last word: "Nate".
DI Steph Warwick is leading the investigation into the young girls murder. Steph and Jane don't have a good relationship. A young boy called Nate is missing. This story revolves around gangland crime and drug dealing.
Filled with twists, this is an action packed read from beginning to end. I like the authors style in writing this book. The pace is steady throughout. It's an easy book to read and the characters are well developed and believable. Will they find Nate? You'll have to read this book to find out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JaniceFrost for my ARC of #MurderAcrossTheLines in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2021
Across the lines refers to the practice that drug dealers do to continue their business with little chance of being caught. They target young children, groom them by giving them money, clothes, and mostly attention and the feeling that someone cares for them. After a while, the drug dealers put the kids to do favors for them ... delivering packets and picking up the money for them. The dealers are usually away from the larger cities and they send the kids to the small boroughs. After all ... who would suspect a 10-year-old girl or boy of delivering illegal drugs?
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses a crime ... a passenger jumps off the back of a motorcycle, runs over to a young girl standing outside a cafe and is stabbed. Jane rushes to the girl and hears her last word ... "Nate".
Jane is not the only one who wants to know who he is. DI Steph Warwick is also looking for Nate, as well as looking for the gang members who seem to be moving into the area and ridding themselves of other drug gangs. It seems to be either shut your business down and work for me ,... or suffer the permanent consequences.
Jane and Steph had hoped their paths would not cross again. But now there’s a child in danger. The only question is . . . can they find him in time?
The suspense starts on the very first page in this story of the desperate search for a young boy. The action is all-consuming as the voices of law enforcement alternate with the voice of the child. Bodies start falling and no one knows when it will end... or if it will end. The relationship between Bell and Warwick is not an easy one (their history is in the first book of the series -- MURDER AMONG FRIENDS. Although 2nd in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, however, I would recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author /Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this British crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses a crime ... a passenger jumps off the back of a motorcycle, runs over to a young girl standing outside a cafe and is stabbed. Jane rushes to the girl and hears her last word ... "Nate".
Jane is not the only one who wants to know who he is. DI Steph Warwick is also looking for Nate, as well as looking for the gang members who seem to be moving into the area and ridding themselves of other drug gangs. It seems to be either shut your business down and work for me ,... or suffer the permanent consequences.
Jane and Steph had hoped their paths would not cross again. But now there’s a child in danger. The only question is . . . can they find him in time?
The suspense starts on the very first page in this story of the desperate search for a young boy. The action is all-consuming as the voices of law enforcement alternate with the voice of the child. Bodies start falling and no one knows when it will end... or if it will end. The relationship between Bell and Warwick is not an easy one (their history is in the first book of the series -- MURDER AMONG FRIENDS. Although 2nd in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, however, I would recommend reading in order.
Many thanks to the author /Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this British crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 8, 2021
Warwick and Bell Book two. PC Jane Bell.off duty witnesses a teenage girl been stabbed, it happened so fast on the crossing on Burton Road Lincoln. A motorbike with two males in leather then they spred off. There's a lot of knife crimes and drug related cases going on around , DI Steph Warwick is the senior investigating officer on the case Jane and her still have their moment. As we read on more comes to surface with known characters. Wow I enjoyed the first in the series and the second is brilliant, Full of twists Full of action Full of wholesome goodness From the author who has once again fulfilled a happy Booklover. Enjoyed every page
December 9, 2021
This is book 2 in the Warwick and Bell series. It will work as stand alone but I would recommend reading book 1 first to appreciate the relationship between the two women (or lack of one).
DI Steph Warwick is a no nonsense type of police officer but she does have baggage that affects how she thinks and acts at times. She has very little time for Jane Bell who is a Special Constable so not 'proper police' However, Jane is a naturally inquisitive person and can't help looking for answers which usually lands her in trouble with Steph Warwick.
The story begins with Jane Bell going about her day when a young girl she is standing next to is stabbed as Jane tries to stop the bleeding the girl utters one last word: Nate. It is soon clear that Jane has stumbled unknowingly into the middle of a highly complex case involving Police Force teams from up and down the country.
The book moves back and forwards telling the story from the point of view of different characters at different times. Nate is just a young boy dragged away from his friends to live in Lincoln with his alcoholic mother. Alone, hungry and neglected he is a sitting target for the evil people using children to run drugs. When Nate is forced to see the violence and cruelty of the life he has become trapped within he has one plan - to escape as soon as he can.
This is a very fast moving book full to the brim with suspense. Any parent will find it a very emotional read, I certainly did. Children who have lost their childhood, who nobody cares about exploited by gangs.
However, it is a very intriguing read and I kept turning page after page. The ending where we find out who is actually running this gang was a real shock and made for an explosive finish.
An absolutely brilliant read that I highly recommend to anyone who likes Crime Fiction.
5 stars from me. Thank you to Joffe Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
DI Steph Warwick is a no nonsense type of police officer but she does have baggage that affects how she thinks and acts at times. She has very little time for Jane Bell who is a Special Constable so not 'proper police' However, Jane is a naturally inquisitive person and can't help looking for answers which usually lands her in trouble with Steph Warwick.
The story begins with Jane Bell going about her day when a young girl she is standing next to is stabbed as Jane tries to stop the bleeding the girl utters one last word: Nate. It is soon clear that Jane has stumbled unknowingly into the middle of a highly complex case involving Police Force teams from up and down the country.
The book moves back and forwards telling the story from the point of view of different characters at different times. Nate is just a young boy dragged away from his friends to live in Lincoln with his alcoholic mother. Alone, hungry and neglected he is a sitting target for the evil people using children to run drugs. When Nate is forced to see the violence and cruelty of the life he has become trapped within he has one plan - to escape as soon as he can.
This is a very fast moving book full to the brim with suspense. Any parent will find it a very emotional read, I certainly did. Children who have lost their childhood, who nobody cares about exploited by gangs.
However, it is a very intriguing read and I kept turning page after page. The ending where we find out who is actually running this gang was a real shock and made for an explosive finish.
An absolutely brilliant read that I highly recommend to anyone who likes Crime Fiction.
5 stars from me. Thank you to Joffe Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
December 7, 2021
An SC is standing at a crossing when a motor bike climbs the pavements and stabs a girl next to her. Special constable Jane, although voluntary, decides she wants to find out more and do whatever she can. Then her adversary DI Warwick appears and warns her off- they have never really seen eye to eye despite Jane's heroics in the past. Jane is a witness in DI Warwicks drug investigation- she saw the whole thing and heard the girl's last word “ Nate” who turns out to be a missing boy. Can they find Nate in time before he becomes yet another victim of drug crime?
This is the second in the series (Murder amongst Friends being the first) but would probably stand alone. I really enjoy these- despite the subject matter (this is a crime book after all!) this is a nice easy read and I have really taken to Jane and her tenacity. Di Warwick has her own demons to deal with and hence the frosty knickers type personality. A book that gives an insight into county lines for those not in the know. A very interesting and well researched read that I would highly recommend.
This is the second in the series (Murder amongst Friends being the first) but would probably stand alone. I really enjoy these- despite the subject matter (this is a crime book after all!) this is a nice easy read and I have really taken to Jane and her tenacity. Di Warwick has her own demons to deal with and hence the frosty knickers type personality. A book that gives an insight into county lines for those not in the know. A very interesting and well researched read that I would highly recommend.
December 21, 2021
I have been a fan of Janice’s work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has released. When I heard that Janice was due to release another book, I knew that I had to read it as soon as I could get a copy. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because ‘Murder Across The Lines’ was released on the 12th December 2021. It’s another corker of a read and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of ‘Murder Across The Lines’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Murder Across The Lines’. In fact seeing Janice’s name on the cover of a book that I hadn’t read was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. ‘Murder Across The Lines’ is the second book in the series featuring Detectives Warwick and Bell. As soon as I started to read the book, I felt like I had reunited with an old friend in the shape of Bell but I kept wanting to slap Warwick across the face with a wet fish a few times because her attitude stinks. To say that reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ became addictive is an understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading several chapters later. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Murder Across The Lines’ and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Warwick and Bell. I found ‘Murder Across The Lines’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read and then some. The story certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Murder Across The Lines’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Janice Frost. Janice has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Janice certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. The story is told using two timelines- one timeline focuses on events as they happened slightly in the past and shows how a certain character develops and what made them the way they are and the second timeline focuses on events as they happen in the present day. One character is central to the story in both timelines. The chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. Reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ felt like being on an unpredictable and at times scary rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Janice makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Janice’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Murder Across The Lines’. In fact seeing Janice’s name on the cover of a book that I hadn’t read was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. ‘Murder Across The Lines’ is the second book in the series featuring Detectives Warwick and Bell. As soon as I started to read the book, I felt like I had reunited with an old friend in the shape of Bell but I kept wanting to slap Warwick across the face with a wet fish a few times because her attitude stinks. To say that reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ became addictive is an understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading several chapters later. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Murder Across The Lines’ and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Warwick and Bell. I found ‘Murder Across The Lines’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read and then some. The story certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Murder Across The Lines’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Janice Frost. Janice has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Janice certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. The story is told using two timelines- one timeline focuses on events as they happened slightly in the past and shows how a certain character develops and what made them the way they are and the second timeline focuses on events as they happen in the present day. One character is central to the story in both timelines. The chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. Reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ felt like being on an unpredictable and at times scary rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Janice makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Murder Across The Lines’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Janice’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 13, 2022
“His killers had cut off four of his fingers and beaten his face to a pulp before suffocating him using a plastic bag.”
✮✮✮✮
After a teenage girl is stabbed, in what seems like a targeted and drugs-related attack, her dying breath came with one word: “Nate”. A child is in danger, can DI Warwick and Jane Bell find him in time?
Omg yes. This book was incredible, the storyline was so intriguing right from page one. I hard about county lines drug gangs a few months back, happening in my small town with children as young as ten! So, I was definitely engrossed in this book! It was well researched and written, and I think not only can it be a great thriller, to keep you turning the pages, but also great for clueing people up!
The only thing that really disappointed me in book two of the Warwick and Bell series is that the writing style was so different. Book one was written from multiple POVs as like in this one, but book two was running on different timelines, which really threw me. Although it was incredibly written, it just annoyed me that there was so much jumping back and forth!
Thank you to Joffe Books, Janice Frost and @netgalley for providing me with a copy!
✮✮✮✮
After a teenage girl is stabbed, in what seems like a targeted and drugs-related attack, her dying breath came with one word: “Nate”. A child is in danger, can DI Warwick and Jane Bell find him in time?
Omg yes. This book was incredible, the storyline was so intriguing right from page one. I hard about county lines drug gangs a few months back, happening in my small town with children as young as ten! So, I was definitely engrossed in this book! It was well researched and written, and I think not only can it be a great thriller, to keep you turning the pages, but also great for clueing people up!
The only thing that really disappointed me in book two of the Warwick and Bell series is that the writing style was so different. Book one was written from multiple POVs as like in this one, but book two was running on different timelines, which really threw me. Although it was incredibly written, it just annoyed me that there was so much jumping back and forth!
Thank you to Joffe Books, Janice Frost and @netgalley for providing me with a copy!
December 25, 2021
Explosive from start to finish!
Murder Across the Lines was action packed, gripping and opened up a world of the Country Lines. It’s a very hard hitting subject, especially for a parent, seeing a child being mistreated by those who are supposed to love, nurture and protect them, I had a lump in my throat on a couple of occasions.
I enjoyed how to story was told, past and present and by different characters, it had a different feel to some of the books I’ve read of late and I think that’s another thing that kept me as hooked as I was with this story.
I did feel that I had missed something in the first book between Bell and Warwick (totally my fault, I just like to know all the details, big or small!) but other than that this can be read as a standalone book
It’s the first book I have read by Janice Frost but it definitely will not be my last!
Murder Across the Lines was action packed, gripping and opened up a world of the Country Lines. It’s a very hard hitting subject, especially for a parent, seeing a child being mistreated by those who are supposed to love, nurture and protect them, I had a lump in my throat on a couple of occasions.
I enjoyed how to story was told, past and present and by different characters, it had a different feel to some of the books I’ve read of late and I think that’s another thing that kept me as hooked as I was with this story.
I did feel that I had missed something in the first book between Bell and Warwick (totally my fault, I just like to know all the details, big or small!) but other than that this can be read as a standalone book
It’s the first book I have read by Janice Frost but it definitely will not be my last!
December 17, 2021
Rather depressing.
I enjoyed the Merry/Neal series and all of the books. I struggled with the second book in this series. The storyline concerns the grooming of children for the purpose of distributing drugs for the County Lines organization and the depths of cruelty the dealers go to to maintain control over their network. This is yet another book where the lead character is dealing with PTSD (seems to be a popular and overused theme). DI Warwick is impossible to like and this makes for a difficult read especially given the subject matter.
I enjoyed the Merry/Neal series and all of the books. I struggled with the second book in this series. The storyline concerns the grooming of children for the purpose of distributing drugs for the County Lines organization and the depths of cruelty the dealers go to to maintain control over their network. This is yet another book where the lead character is dealing with PTSD (seems to be a popular and overused theme). DI Warwick is impossible to like and this makes for a difficult read especially given the subject matter.
December 23, 2021
This book gets off to a bang with the murder of a twelve year-old girl. One of the witnesses is a special constable, who, for reasons apparently explained in Book 1 really doesn’t get on with the DI who’s investigating. I’m sure I’m at a disadvantage in not having read the first book. This one largely deals with county lines drug dealing, with the effective enslavement of young and vulnerable children to act as couriers. I found it slow to get going, but the ending is exciting and satisfying. A jolly good 4* from me.
December 13, 2021
Constable Jane in London city center, sees what happens
Yet, how it was so timed, a girl waiting on a light, murdered
Jane is a curious person by nature, and case intriguing
Different views are give. Children who get mixed into gangs
Well written plot, a stand alone or # 2 in series
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
for Net Galley and. Joffe
Yet, how it was so timed, a girl waiting on a light, murdered
Jane is a curious person by nature, and case intriguing
Different views are give. Children who get mixed into gangs
Well written plot, a stand alone or # 2 in series
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
for Net Galley and. Joffe
December 16, 2021
Grim. Too real. Yes, that's what it's like to live with an alcoholic parent. Yes, knife crimes are horrible. Yes, The Job can make hash of your mind.
I'm sure this is an excellent book, but hardly escapist reading. More like Stephen King.
Not for me, but good for some.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
I'm sure this is an excellent book, but hardly escapist reading. More like Stephen King.
Not for me, but good for some.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
December 12, 2021
This is the second book in this series and although it can be read as a standalone it is advisable to read the first one.This is a fast paced book, moving backwards and forwards between characters and is so well researched and bang up to date on today's criminal drugs world. Highly recommended. Thanks to the author and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
December 19, 2021
This is the second book in the Warwick and Bell series.
SC Jane Bell witnesses a motorbike skidding to a halt and the passenger on the back leaping off and grabbing a young girl in front of her at the crossing.
She drops to the ground and the biker remounts and they roar away.
The youngster has been stabbed.
Jane holds her gently as they await an ambulance, the girl moans a name "Nate" just as help arrives.
Di Steph Warwick arrives, she is looking for a boy called Nate in connection with another case.
Jane and Steph`s paths have crossed before and that didn`t go too well.
Now they need to work together again to find Nate before he too becomes a victim.
This is a fast paced story, the subject matter is bang up to date.
An exciting and informative read, thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more books in this series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this.
SC Jane Bell witnesses a motorbike skidding to a halt and the passenger on the back leaping off and grabbing a young girl in front of her at the crossing.
She drops to the ground and the biker remounts and they roar away.
The youngster has been stabbed.
Jane holds her gently as they await an ambulance, the girl moans a name "Nate" just as help arrives.
Di Steph Warwick arrives, she is looking for a boy called Nate in connection with another case.
Jane and Steph`s paths have crossed before and that didn`t go too well.
Now they need to work together again to find Nate before he too becomes a victim.
This is a fast paced story, the subject matter is bang up to date.
An exciting and informative read, thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more books in this series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this.
December 21, 2021
Murder Across the Lines by Janice Frost is the first book I have read by this author. I did not read the first book in this series, but I do not feel I missed anything. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, and the storyline and mystery were solid.
The book's pace is steady. The story has twists and some good action. An overall enjoyable read.
#MURDERACROSSTHELINES #NetGalley
The book's pace is steady. The story has twists and some good action. An overall enjoyable read.
#MURDERACROSSTHELINES #NetGalley
December 7, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
A young girl in Lincoln City is knifed by a biker and Special Officer Jane Bell is there, horrified, as she holds the girl, who dies on her way to the hospital.
DI Steph Warwick gets the case and Jane is nervous about being interrogated by her...they have a bad history.
A young boy, Nate, has gone missing, his name the last word on the dying girl's lips.
The whole book is about gangs who groom youngsters to distribute drugs and the viciousness with which they treat the kids, plus the bad relationship between Jane and Steph. I found myself getting bored and gave up about 3/4 into the book. Sorry!
A young girl in Lincoln City is knifed by a biker and Special Officer Jane Bell is there, horrified, as she holds the girl, who dies on her way to the hospital.
DI Steph Warwick gets the case and Jane is nervous about being interrogated by her...they have a bad history.
A young boy, Nate, has gone missing, his name the last word on the dying girl's lips.
The whole book is about gangs who groom youngsters to distribute drugs and the viciousness with which they treat the kids, plus the bad relationship between Jane and Steph. I found myself getting bored and gave up about 3/4 into the book. Sorry!
December 16, 2021
Best book I have read in a long time
This is a brilliant book. Fast paced and very well written. Full of intrigue and action. I really recommend you read it.
This is a brilliant book. Fast paced and very well written. Full of intrigue and action. I really recommend you read it.
December 18, 2021
Murder across the lines by Janice Frost.
Warwick & Bell Crime Mysteries Book 2.
At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. A man in leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights.
He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away.
The girl falls to the ground. She’s been stabbed.
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the dying girl and hears the last word on her lips: the name of a missing local boy, a twelve-year-old called Nate Price.
DI Steph Warwick is also looking for Nate. Jane had hoped their paths would never cross again . . .
Now they need to work together to find Nate before he too is executed in broad daylight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a good mystery. I loved Janes character. I haven't read book 1 but I will be looking at it. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
Warwick & Bell Crime Mysteries Book 2.
At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. A man in leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights.
He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away.
The girl falls to the ground. She’s been stabbed.
Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the dying girl and hears the last word on her lips: the name of a missing local boy, a twelve-year-old called Nate Price.
DI Steph Warwick is also looking for Nate. Jane had hoped their paths would never cross again . . .
Now they need to work together to find Nate before he too is executed in broad daylight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a good mystery. I loved Janes character. I haven't read book 1 but I will be looking at it. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
December 11, 2021
An enjoyable hard hitting drama giving an insight into the world of drugs and county lines. It seems frighteningly real when children are involved. Looking forward to seeing how the series develops.
December 10, 2021
If you’re not exactly sure about the intricacies of the much talked about ‘county lines’, then this is the book which will explain it all!
Special Constable Jane Bell is waiting at a bus stop when a girl is stabbed – fatally, it turns out. It all happened so quickly that even she hadn’t realised what had just taken place. With her last breath, the attacked girl utters the name ‘Nate’, and Jane can’t let it go. As luck would have it, the investigating officer is Di Steph Warwick, and she and Jane have crossed swords before. Finding Nate would be so much easier if they could work together . . .
The mystery part of this book is excellent; I sort of understood the basics of the county lines thing, but never really got the full picture – well, I have it all worked out now. There is plenty to investigate in this one, and with two sharp women on the case, there was no doubt in my mind that there would be a successful outcome. I liked the characters and can see plenty of future books with this team. However, at times this lapses into a history of Lincoln and it’s laws and I felt the information could have been absorbed into the story in another way – less like a pamphlet from the local Visitor Centre. It kept throwing me off, and I found it irritating. A good mystery, but I felt it could have been just that little bit better. For me, four stars.
Special Constable Jane Bell is waiting at a bus stop when a girl is stabbed – fatally, it turns out. It all happened so quickly that even she hadn’t realised what had just taken place. With her last breath, the attacked girl utters the name ‘Nate’, and Jane can’t let it go. As luck would have it, the investigating officer is Di Steph Warwick, and she and Jane have crossed swords before. Finding Nate would be so much easier if they could work together . . .
The mystery part of this book is excellent; I sort of understood the basics of the county lines thing, but never really got the full picture – well, I have it all worked out now. There is plenty to investigate in this one, and with two sharp women on the case, there was no doubt in my mind that there would be a successful outcome. I liked the characters and can see plenty of future books with this team. However, at times this lapses into a history of Lincoln and it’s laws and I felt the information could have been absorbed into the story in another way – less like a pamphlet from the local Visitor Centre. It kept throwing me off, and I found it irritating. A good mystery, but I felt it could have been just that little bit better. For me, four stars.
January 25, 2022
Loved this book
I really enjoy reading this series and all the characters. I find it easy reading and loved this story which was excellent at highlighting the drug problem and how children are used in country lines. Five star reading.
I really enjoy reading this series and all the characters. I find it easy reading and loved this story which was excellent at highlighting the drug problem and how children are used in country lines. Five star reading.
December 9, 2021
MURDER ACROSS THE LINES kicks off with a horrific incident. In addition, there's a gruesome discovery. Disturbing, perplexing mystery, gritty realism and breath-holding intrigue is engrossing from the start. Harrowing suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat as pages fly by leading to a dynamite finish.
January 12, 2022
County lines
I only give 3 stars because I found the structure of his story disjointed and resulting in repetition. The circumstances of the plot were intriguing and horrifying and the message about the retail end of drug running came through. Jane and Steph continue their differences, but Jane's unofficial detective work cut the mustard.
I only give 3 stars because I found the structure of his story disjointed and resulting in repetition. The circumstances of the plot were intriguing and horrifying and the message about the retail end of drug running came through. Jane and Steph continue their differences, but Jane's unofficial detective work cut the mustard.
December 28, 2021
This is book 2 in the Warwick and Bell series and another great read. Told in dual timeline with one person central to both times, and from the POV of various characters. The lines refer to County Lines drug trafficking; the practice of trafficking drugs into rural areas and smaller towns, and using vulnerable children to move and sell the drugs.
Briefly, Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses a teenage girl being stabbed by a pillion bike rider. Before the girl dies she mentions a name, Nate. It is soon clear that Jane and Steph need to put their previous history aside. DI Steph Warwick is investigating the disappearance of a boy called Nate Price, a boy connected to drug dealing. Can they find him? Alive?
Very well written and fast paced book. A great storyline with excellent characterisations and a heart rending portrayal of how young children are treated by the drug dealers, I can imagine some parents may find this extremely emotional. A good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses a teenage girl being stabbed by a pillion bike rider. Before the girl dies she mentions a name, Nate. It is soon clear that Jane and Steph need to put their previous history aside. DI Steph Warwick is investigating the disappearance of a boy called Nate Price, a boy connected to drug dealing. Can they find him? Alive?
Very well written and fast paced book. A great storyline with excellent characterisations and a heart rending portrayal of how young children are treated by the drug dealers, I can imagine some parents may find this extremely emotional. A good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2021
Murder Across the Lines by Janice Frost is the second book in the Warwick & Bell Series. This book was fast paced and excellently written. I was hooked within the first chapter. I have not read the first book called
Murder Among Friends in this series but it did not ruin this great storyline regarding Special Constable Jane Bell
I highly recommend this book and will go back and read the first book.
Looking forward to the next book within this series.
Big thank you to the author and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book exchange for a review.
Murder Among Friends in this series but it did not ruin this great storyline regarding Special Constable Jane Bell
I highly recommend this book and will go back and read the first book.
Looking forward to the next book within this series.
Big thank you to the author and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book exchange for a review.
December 29, 2021
This is the second book in the Warwick and Bell series, and I'm still not convinced by this unlikely relationship.
It was ok as an undemanding holiday read, but there is something about the style of writing that grates. It comes across as slightly 'preachy' when describing the underlying social issues and also as slightly patronising in tone - as if we may not be bright enough to grasp what is being said unless it's explained in the simplest of terms.
I much prefer the Ava Merry series by the same author.
It was ok as an undemanding holiday read, but there is something about the style of writing that grates. It comes across as slightly 'preachy' when describing the underlying social issues and also as slightly patronising in tone - as if we may not be bright enough to grasp what is being said unless it's explained in the simplest of terms.
I much prefer the Ava Merry series by the same author.
December 30, 2021
Good story
Good story but it needs better editing. Glaring inconsistencies are distracting. The back and forth timeline took some getting used to, but seemed to work. The characters are interesting, but I would like more of Jane Bell.
Good story but it needs better editing. Glaring inconsistencies are distracting. The back and forth timeline took some getting used to, but seemed to work. The characters are interesting, but I would like more of Jane Bell.
February 12, 2022
Janice Frost continues her Warwick & Bell series with a gritty action-packed crime thriller that will get the blood pumping: Murder Across the Lines.
It’s a typical day at a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre when a motorbike screeches to a halt and a man in leathers jumps off and grabs a young girl at the traffic lights. The biker pushes her roughly to the side, stabs her and roars off leaving his victim to fall to the ground. Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the horrific scene and rushes to the rescue. Jane does everything she can for the young girl in her arms, but it’s too late and she dies with the last words on her lips being the name of a missing twelve year old boy, Nate Price. Still shocked by what she had witnessed, Jane is willing to do whatever it takes to find out who is behind this atrocious attack – even if it means having to work alongside the last person she wants to collaborate with: Detective Inspector Steph Warwick.
Steph and Jane are not exactly the best of friends. They come from different worlds and rub each other up the wrong way. Brusque and abrasive Steph doesn’t get along with maternal Jane, however, the two will need to put aside their differences and cooperate if they want to catch an evil criminal determined to cause havoc on the city’s streets. With Nate still missing, Steph and Jane have got no time to lose and as the pressure piles up on their shoulders, they find themselves needing to work fast, think on their feet and trust their instincts – or else somebody else is going to end up brutally killed in broad daylight!
Can Steph and Jane get to the bottom of this case? Or will a dangerous killer end up getting away with murder?
Janice Frost’s Murder Across the Lines is a a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride full of pulse-pounding suspense, nail-biting intrigue and plenty of jaw-dropping twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. Janice Frost knows how to plot a top-notch crime thriller that keeps readers glued to its pages and in Murder Across the Line has deftly written a page-turning chiller readers will struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s a typical day at a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre when a motorbike screeches to a halt and a man in leathers jumps off and grabs a young girl at the traffic lights. The biker pushes her roughly to the side, stabs her and roars off leaving his victim to fall to the ground. Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the horrific scene and rushes to the rescue. Jane does everything she can for the young girl in her arms, but it’s too late and she dies with the last words on her lips being the name of a missing twelve year old boy, Nate Price. Still shocked by what she had witnessed, Jane is willing to do whatever it takes to find out who is behind this atrocious attack – even if it means having to work alongside the last person she wants to collaborate with: Detective Inspector Steph Warwick.
Steph and Jane are not exactly the best of friends. They come from different worlds and rub each other up the wrong way. Brusque and abrasive Steph doesn’t get along with maternal Jane, however, the two will need to put aside their differences and cooperate if they want to catch an evil criminal determined to cause havoc on the city’s streets. With Nate still missing, Steph and Jane have got no time to lose and as the pressure piles up on their shoulders, they find themselves needing to work fast, think on their feet and trust their instincts – or else somebody else is going to end up brutally killed in broad daylight!
Can Steph and Jane get to the bottom of this case? Or will a dangerous killer end up getting away with murder?
Janice Frost’s Murder Across the Lines is a a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride full of pulse-pounding suspense, nail-biting intrigue and plenty of jaw-dropping twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. Janice Frost knows how to plot a top-notch crime thriller that keeps readers glued to its pages and in Murder Across the Line has deftly written a page-turning chiller readers will struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Murder across the Lines, the second novel to feature DI Steph Warwick and Special Police Constable Jane Bell of the Lincoln Police.
Jane witnesses a young girl being stabbed at a busy intersection and holds the girl as she mutters the name Nate. Steph is investigating another murder when the name of a young boy, Nate Price comes up. Linking the two cases it becomes imperative to find Nate, who has gone missing.
I read for entertainment and I can’t say that this novel is that. I found it dreary and depressing. For a start Jane and Steph pick up where they left off in the last novel, full of inexplicable dislike and antagonism. I can’t be bothered with the aggravation involved, but by the end of the novel there may be green shoots of a truce, so that’s something to look forward to.
The plot is extremely dreary, revolving around county drug lines and child exploitation. I understand that this is an important social issue and that the issues of poverty and neglect feature prominently in it, but I do not agree that fiction can do it justice. Fair dos that the author has taken it on and done a very credible job with it, it simply doesn’t interest me as entertainment as my social activism days are long gone.
The novel is told from Jane and Steph’s points of view obviously, but it gives equal time to the grooming of Nate. I don’t have any experience of this so I can’t judge, but it seems realistic and, not to put too fine a point on it, horrible.
Murder across the Lines will be of interest to many readers as it is informative and obviously well researched, but the subject matter is not for me, so it took me days rather than hours to finish the novel.
Jane witnesses a young girl being stabbed at a busy intersection and holds the girl as she mutters the name Nate. Steph is investigating another murder when the name of a young boy, Nate Price comes up. Linking the two cases it becomes imperative to find Nate, who has gone missing.
I read for entertainment and I can’t say that this novel is that. I found it dreary and depressing. For a start Jane and Steph pick up where they left off in the last novel, full of inexplicable dislike and antagonism. I can’t be bothered with the aggravation involved, but by the end of the novel there may be green shoots of a truce, so that’s something to look forward to.
The plot is extremely dreary, revolving around county drug lines and child exploitation. I understand that this is an important social issue and that the issues of poverty and neglect feature prominently in it, but I do not agree that fiction can do it justice. Fair dos that the author has taken it on and done a very credible job with it, it simply doesn’t interest me as entertainment as my social activism days are long gone.
The novel is told from Jane and Steph’s points of view obviously, but it gives equal time to the grooming of Nate. I don’t have any experience of this so I can’t judge, but it seems realistic and, not to put too fine a point on it, horrible.
Murder across the Lines will be of interest to many readers as it is informative and obviously well researched, but the subject matter is not for me, so it took me days rather than hours to finish the novel.
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