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Butler & West #3
Blink of an Eye
Five friends meet. Only four come home.
On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He'll be glad to get back to work - a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital.
DC Freya West is less than pleased when the romantic day with her boyfriend is scuppered, but duty calls. As she and Butler speak to those involved, it's clear something is being left unsaid. They claim they are friends, and that they don't know how one of the group was killed. But why are they so cagey?
A cold case investigation unlocks some answers about the history between the beach-going gang, yet they're tight-lipped about what prompted them to meet on Christmas Eve. Butler and West are getting nowhere, and their partnership is about to face another test. When Freya wants to come clean about events in her past, it's not just her neck on the line, but Robin's too. Can their relationship survive if their pact of silence is broken?
The thrilling new instalment from policing's most dauntless duo. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Jane Casey and Susie Steiner.
On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He'll be glad to get back to work - a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital.
DC Freya West is less than pleased when the romantic day with her boyfriend is scuppered, but duty calls. As she and Butler speak to those involved, it's clear something is being left unsaid. They claim they are friends, and that they don't know how one of the group was killed. But why are they so cagey?
A cold case investigation unlocks some answers about the history between the beach-going gang, yet they're tight-lipped about what prompted them to meet on Christmas Eve. Butler and West are getting nowhere, and their partnership is about to face another test. When Freya wants to come clean about events in her past, it's not just her neck on the line, but Robin's too. Can their relationship survive if their pact of silence is broken?
The thrilling new instalment from policing's most dauntless duo. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Jane Casey and Susie Steiner.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2022
45 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Scarr
13 books208 followersLouisa Scarr studied psychology at the University of Southampton and has lived in and around the city ever since. She is a full time writer, and when she's not at her desk, she can be found pounding the streets in running shoes or swimming in muddy lakes.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
She is the author of the Butler and West crime series, published by Canelo Crime, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. The second and third books, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
She also writes as Sam Holland and is the author of the award-winning Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. The latest, The Countdown Killer, is out now.
Her DS Kate Munro series, Ask Me No Questions and Nowhere to be Found, have been republished by Canelo Crime and are out now. (They were originally published as Louisa de Lange, under the same name.)
You can follow her on Twitter @paperclipgirl and on Instagram @louisascarrwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 4, 2023
On EP.8 "I Must Confess..." of Novels & Nonsense we discuss under hyped authors like Louisa Scarr and bookish confessions. Streaming on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube💖
4.5 rounded down
One sentence review: A nearly perfect romantic police procedural
SYNOPSIS
5 friends gather at a dreary beach on Christmas Eve. 1 ends up dead. And 1 ends up severely frostbitten in the hospital. Who is the killer? And why?? Not very bright and merry of them.
MY OPINION
It actually pains me that this book only has 168 ratings and 20 reviews, meanwhile straight pieces of unnamed flaming garbage are in the hundreds of thousands. Whether you think this book is "boring" or not, the prose (not to be confused with storytelling) is ON PIZZOINT. Here's a sample of how sentence fragments and the rule of threes can snatch a reader up vs. melodramatic run-on sentences. Also a masterclass of showing a character's emotional mindset vs saying "she's sad."
I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine – she went upstairs to the bathroom. She turned the shower on to full heat and stepped inside. The water scalded her skin, steam rising. She scrubbed until her body was raw. Eliminating him. His fingers. His smell. His DNA, coating her like paint, suffocating every pore.
I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, she thought, taking a pair of scissors and holding them next to her face. Handfuls of wet blonde hair in her hand, she hacked away, leaving piles discarded on the floor.
I’m fine, I’m fine, she repeated as she dried herself with her fluffy towel, the white turning pink with blood. I’m fine.
I could honestly talk about her writing all day, but I'm gonna force myself to move on. It's no secret I hate an "outta left field" shock value twisty twist. I NEED to be able to reflect on the book and tally the clues that equaled the twist. A good twist is expertly foreshadowed but well-hidden. One of my fave is Other People's Lives or Dead Woman Walking by Sharon Bolton. Once you reach the end, you should be able to retrace the steps. You should be able to see how the smallest, seemingly innocuous mentions - a job, a hair colour, an off-hand comment - actually allude to the big reveal. If you can't do this, that's lazy storytelling. That's yolo vibes. And I love a good yolo vibe, but not when it comes to twisty twists.
Anyways. This really had it all. I liked the psychological insights. I liked the themes. I liked the ending. The only reason I rounded down is because Butler and West were on another level of denial and quite repetitive about it. Freya and 37 and Robin is on the other side of 40, but these two repeatedly wonder "why am I so comfortable around x?? Do I LIKE like them?? Romantic stylez???". Once or twice is fine, I get that you don't want to jeopardize your working relationship, but damn. Just realize you wanna smash emotionally and physically and let's move on. I also think Josh is a wanker and don't ask me why.
I'll say it again for the people in the back: If you fks with Dervla McTiernan (minus The Murder Rule) then pick this series up. I haven't read book #1, so if it's ass, tell yo mama. But I can vouch for books 2-4.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beautiful writing, well-executed plot and expertly foreshadowed twisty twist, the case was juicy
Cons: Butler & West went full on middle school with their emotional maturity in this one
4.5 rounded down
One sentence review: A nearly perfect romantic police procedural
SYNOPSIS
5 friends gather at a dreary beach on Christmas Eve. 1 ends up dead. And 1 ends up severely frostbitten in the hospital. Who is the killer? And why?? Not very bright and merry of them.
MY OPINION
It actually pains me that this book only has 168 ratings and 20 reviews, meanwhile straight pieces of unnamed flaming garbage are in the hundreds of thousands. Whether you think this book is "boring" or not, the prose (not to be confused with storytelling) is ON PIZZOINT. Here's a sample of how sentence fragments and the rule of threes can snatch a reader up vs. melodramatic run-on sentences. Also a masterclass of showing a character's emotional mindset vs saying "she's sad."
I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine – she went upstairs to the bathroom. She turned the shower on to full heat and stepped inside. The water scalded her skin, steam rising. She scrubbed until her body was raw. Eliminating him. His fingers. His smell. His DNA, coating her like paint, suffocating every pore.
I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, she thought, taking a pair of scissors and holding them next to her face. Handfuls of wet blonde hair in her hand, she hacked away, leaving piles discarded on the floor.
I’m fine, I’m fine, she repeated as she dried herself with her fluffy towel, the white turning pink with blood. I’m fine.
I could honestly talk about her writing all day, but I'm gonna force myself to move on. It's no secret I hate an "outta left field" shock value twisty twist. I NEED to be able to reflect on the book and tally the clues that equaled the twist. A good twist is expertly foreshadowed but well-hidden. One of my fave is Other People's Lives or Dead Woman Walking by Sharon Bolton. Once you reach the end, you should be able to retrace the steps. You should be able to see how the smallest, seemingly innocuous mentions - a job, a hair colour, an off-hand comment - actually allude to the big reveal. If you can't do this, that's lazy storytelling. That's yolo vibes. And I love a good yolo vibe, but not when it comes to twisty twists.
Anyways. This really had it all. I liked the psychological insights. I liked the themes. I liked the ending. The only reason I rounded down is because Butler and West were on another level of denial and quite repetitive about it. Freya and 37 and Robin is on the other side of 40, but these two repeatedly wonder "why am I so comfortable around x?? Do I LIKE like them?? Romantic stylez???". Once or twice is fine, I get that you don't want to jeopardize your working relationship, but damn. Just realize you wanna smash emotionally and physically and let's move on. I also think Josh is a wanker and don't ask me why.
I'll say it again for the people in the back: If you fks with Dervla McTiernan (minus The Murder Rule) then pick this series up. I haven't read book #1, so if it's ass, tell yo mama. But I can vouch for books 2-4.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beautiful writing, well-executed plot and expertly foreshadowed twisty twist, the case was juicy
Cons: Butler & West went full on middle school with their emotional maturity in this one
May 29, 2024
My rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was it perfect… no but did I love it HELL YES!!!
Five friends meet. Four come home…
Christmas morning DS Butler has no plans and no one to spend it with, Freya has her new boyfriend and everyone else he knows has family or friends to spend it with. He can’t get back to work quick enough… a wish that is granted in record time.
Five people are discovered unresponsive on the beach on a freezing Christmas morning and one is pronounced dead on the scene. What on earth are they doing there…
The friends have secrets, BIG secrets and no one is talking… it is becoming clearer and clearer that DS Butler will need to disturb DC Wests plans with her new boyfriend.
Everyone is keeping secrets even the detectives… can they get through the case without all their lives being blown apart by the lies and deception?
Well so far this has been my favourite of all the Butler and West books, I read into the wee hours of the night and I could not put it down. Loved it!!!
Again the tension between Butler and West is palpable but its even ramped up further in this one. They are both massive dummies when it comes to their underlying feelings and are in the land of denial … but again once you know this it makes sense why the author is writing it this way.
And just when one of them might finally realise… well something else happens just like in those RomCom sitcoms… we all know the deal. Honestly I’m here for it.
I thought the case was interesting and weird and I liked the way the author handled the topics and the the writing is on point.
I really don’t have anything bad to say about it… and even though this was my favourite I think this will be short because what else is there to say…
📚 Great story
💁♀️ Great characters
✍️ Great writing
🚨 Great mystery
👩❤️👨 Great romantic suspense
Overall it was just super enjoyable and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened so I could keep reading on to the next one. I already know I am going to be in book mourning when this series finishes and Sam Holland’s (Louisa Scarr’s other pen name) other books do not hold a candle to this series… so if you are reading this review Louisa (yeah right) please I will need more and more and more books like these ones please!!!
Again I blasted through this one a record speed and straight onto the next…
If you like all the things I mentioned then what are you waiting for… start at book one if you want the full effect though.
Five friends meet. Four come home…
Christmas morning DS Butler has no plans and no one to spend it with, Freya has her new boyfriend and everyone else he knows has family or friends to spend it with. He can’t get back to work quick enough… a wish that is granted in record time.
Five people are discovered unresponsive on the beach on a freezing Christmas morning and one is pronounced dead on the scene. What on earth are they doing there…
The friends have secrets, BIG secrets and no one is talking… it is becoming clearer and clearer that DS Butler will need to disturb DC Wests plans with her new boyfriend.
Everyone is keeping secrets even the detectives… can they get through the case without all their lives being blown apart by the lies and deception?
Well so far this has been my favourite of all the Butler and West books, I read into the wee hours of the night and I could not put it down. Loved it!!!
Again the tension between Butler and West is palpable but its even ramped up further in this one. They are both massive dummies when it comes to their underlying feelings and are in the land of denial … but again once you know this it makes sense why the author is writing it this way.
And just when one of them might finally realise… well something else happens just like in those RomCom sitcoms… we all know the deal. Honestly I’m here for it.
I thought the case was interesting and weird and I liked the way the author handled the topics and the the writing is on point.
I really don’t have anything bad to say about it… and even though this was my favourite I think this will be short because what else is there to say…
📚 Great story
💁♀️ Great characters
✍️ Great writing
🚨 Great mystery
👩❤️👨 Great romantic suspense
Overall it was just super enjoyable and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened so I could keep reading on to the next one. I already know I am going to be in book mourning when this series finishes and Sam Holland’s (Louisa Scarr’s other pen name) other books do not hold a candle to this series… so if you are reading this review Louisa (yeah right) please I will need more and more and more books like these ones please!!!
Again I blasted through this one a record speed and straight onto the next…
If you like all the things I mentioned then what are you waiting for… start at book one if you want the full effect though.
September 19, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series. #4 is reserved at my library.
May 25, 2022
It's Yuletide but it's not a happy Christmas for five people found on the beach, one of whom is dead. DS Robin Butler is a called to the scene. DC Freya West assists though she has to alter the plans she made for herself and boyfriend, Josh.
Set in Southern England, this compulsive thriller contains more than enough to keep the reader fully invested. With dramatic turns, wicked twists and oodles of tension, its addictive narrative rockets along. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters are engaging individuals. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set in Southern England, this compulsive thriller contains more than enough to keep the reader fully invested. With dramatic turns, wicked twists and oodles of tension, its addictive narrative rockets along. The plot is original, superbly woven and the cast of characters are engaging individuals. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 6, 2022
Scrumdiddlyumptious! 😳😯😳🤯🤯
Cotton tails & tutus! Wholy Toledo torpedo! Frick-frackin'-what?! I always love a good police procedure thrilling suspense novel and this has to be one of the best ones I've read in a while. The entire plot was so delish & the suspense kept amping up. The unveiling of secrets, deceit, the characters involved were so well executed and thought out. I have to say during the entire novel I really couldn't guess who because of the four suspects and when all was revealed I was shocked! An excellent delivery of it all!
It's Christmas morning and DS Robin gets a call of a case involving five people having been found on the beach, one of them dead. DS Robin brings in the help of DC Freya, with the case. As they start to question and investigate, they realize none of the four friends are saying mum about anything, yet haven't seen each other since university and decided to have a party Christmas Eve all together. As suspicions increase and more digging ensues, they realize a cold case comes to light involving this same gang years ago. If that's not enough, DC Freya has something she wants to come clean about which could jeopardize not only her job, but also DS Robin as well. What could have possibly happened that night on the beach, none of the friends claim to remember?
I loved how I didn't need to read the two previous books in this series. It can totally be read as a stand-alone!
This novel was so perfectly paced and boy do the jaw-dropping moments never cease. Superbly done. Wonderfully fantastic. You won't be disappointed. Now excuse me while I try to re-energize myself with a lovely iced coffee after this brilliant mind fluffer!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for this ARC.
Release Date: May 19, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Lily's! 🪷
Cotton tails & tutus! Wholy Toledo torpedo! Frick-frackin'-what?! I always love a good police procedure thrilling suspense novel and this has to be one of the best ones I've read in a while. The entire plot was so delish & the suspense kept amping up. The unveiling of secrets, deceit, the characters involved were so well executed and thought out. I have to say during the entire novel I really couldn't guess who because of the four suspects and when all was revealed I was shocked! An excellent delivery of it all!
It's Christmas morning and DS Robin gets a call of a case involving five people having been found on the beach, one of them dead. DS Robin brings in the help of DC Freya, with the case. As they start to question and investigate, they realize none of the four friends are saying mum about anything, yet haven't seen each other since university and decided to have a party Christmas Eve all together. As suspicions increase and more digging ensues, they realize a cold case comes to light involving this same gang years ago. If that's not enough, DC Freya has something she wants to come clean about which could jeopardize not only her job, but also DS Robin as well. What could have possibly happened that night on the beach, none of the friends claim to remember?
I loved how I didn't need to read the two previous books in this series. It can totally be read as a stand-alone!
This novel was so perfectly paced and boy do the jaw-dropping moments never cease. Superbly done. Wonderfully fantastic. You won't be disappointed. Now excuse me while I try to re-energize myself with a lovely iced coffee after this brilliant mind fluffer!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for this ARC.
Release Date: May 19, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Lily's! 🪷
December 11, 2024
Third book in this series featuring Robin Butler and Freya West. Highly recommended and especially good i’d say if you read them in sequence. Looking forward to the fourth in the collection
March 2, 2025
I loved the murder mystery and police proceedings in Louisa Scarr's books.
Shhh... I think I am... ADDICTED.
Shhh... I think I am... ADDICTED.
June 3, 2023
The ending was only so-so. Too much personal drama this time, but still pretty good
November 2, 2022
Butler and West are back investigating yet another suspicious death in the third book of the series. This one seems unsolvable, until a lucky coincidence is discovered.
Freya finds herself having to learn to allow others into her heart, but will secrets from the past threaten her happiness?
Robin struggles on a daily basis to cope with his past, and he finds himself in danger of losing everything more than once.
Another great book in the series, bring on book 4!
Freya finds herself having to learn to allow others into her heart, but will secrets from the past threaten her happiness?
Robin struggles on a daily basis to cope with his past, and he finds himself in danger of losing everything more than once.
Another great book in the series, bring on book 4!
January 29, 2024
Litt spennende og litt forutsigbar om hverandre. Siste halvdel føltes litt «gitt».
February 16, 2024
Really enjoying this series so far.
December 31, 2024
Hard to put down!
March 30, 2025
4.5 stars! Just found this in a used bookstore and loved it! Great mystery and I really enjoyed the characters. I will have to track down the rest of the series so I can go back and read in order.
November 22, 2022
Ok... if you haven't read books one and two, firstly go back and do that. Secondly stop reading this review as it might contain character spoilers.
It's Christmas and our duo are celebrating in different ways. West is now with Smith and have plans to go to West's family for dinner. Butler however is billy-no-mates and working through. He is called to a rather strange scene early doors. Five people have been found in various states of health. Three just appear woozy, one is in need of hospitalisation, but the fifth is dead. Upon investigation Butler knows the deceased as he worked as a duty solicitor and their paths have crossed only recently. The three less injured parties are not conducive to talking though. Even though you'd think they'd want to find out what happened being as they have no memory - or say they don't. But they won't even fess up to how they know each other, let alone what they were doing out in the freezing cold on Christmas Eve. So... Butler calls in West to help him. Much to the chagrin of Smith I hasten to add...!
And so begins a veritable cat and mouse game of trying every which way to get to the truth. First to work out whether suicide, accident or indeed, murder! They really do have their work cut out for them in this one.
As with the previous two books, this follows the usual rules of the genre nicely. But it does stamp its individuality also quite well. This series is a bit heavy on the interpersonal relationships thing but I would imagine this to be a thing in some stations and also it is not done without adding something to the crimes being solved so the balance is there.
The crime is also quite interesting and actually follows the theme of "relationships". More than that I'm not saying! Suffice to say it help my attention nicely, kept me guessing throughout and spat me out at the end wholly satisfied. So much so, I am now ready to start book four. The book I originally got my hands on before realising I had to play catch-up. But... blooming happy I did! Serendipity indeed!
It's Christmas and our duo are celebrating in different ways. West is now with Smith and have plans to go to West's family for dinner. Butler however is billy-no-mates and working through. He is called to a rather strange scene early doors. Five people have been found in various states of health. Three just appear woozy, one is in need of hospitalisation, but the fifth is dead. Upon investigation Butler knows the deceased as he worked as a duty solicitor and their paths have crossed only recently. The three less injured parties are not conducive to talking though. Even though you'd think they'd want to find out what happened being as they have no memory - or say they don't. But they won't even fess up to how they know each other, let alone what they were doing out in the freezing cold on Christmas Eve. So... Butler calls in West to help him. Much to the chagrin of Smith I hasten to add...!
And so begins a veritable cat and mouse game of trying every which way to get to the truth. First to work out whether suicide, accident or indeed, murder! They really do have their work cut out for them in this one.
As with the previous two books, this follows the usual rules of the genre nicely. But it does stamp its individuality also quite well. This series is a bit heavy on the interpersonal relationships thing but I would imagine this to be a thing in some stations and also it is not done without adding something to the crimes being solved so the balance is there.
The crime is also quite interesting and actually follows the theme of "relationships". More than that I'm not saying! Suffice to say it help my attention nicely, kept me guessing throughout and spat me out at the end wholly satisfied. So much so, I am now ready to start book four. The book I originally got my hands on before realising I had to play catch-up. But... blooming happy I did! Serendipity indeed!
January 14, 2023
This is an interesting story of something so awful that happened to five friends at university that kept them apart for twenty years. Then they come together for a reunion because one of the friends is dying. But the five are found on the sandy beach in the bitter cold winter at Christmas all of them near death from hypothermia—one is dead and another frost bitten. While the truth gets sorted out by the end of the book, there is a long involved investigation, interrogations, and a lot of speculation. What I didn’t like was the on-again, off-again friendship/romance of the four police officers. It got totally annoying after awhile.
June 20, 2024
More of the same really. Louisa Scarr has found a winning formula and people obviously like it. It's nothing new really; two cops, each with their personal issues, have a complicated relationship but work well together - one a bit of a loose cannon, the other his guiding hand. The story is a typical crime thriller with readers being drip fed information and often left hanging with teasers of hints. The plot is a decent one, but the big story here is Butler and West. Blink of an Eye shouldn't really be a 4 star rating, but ultimately it is because it's an enjoyable and entertaining read, and Scarr's style suits it perfectly.
May 20, 2022
Five friends meet. Only four come home. On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He’ll be glad to get back to work – a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital. DC Freya West is less than pleased when the romantic day with her boyfriend is scuppered, but duty calls. As she and Butler speak to those involved, it’s clear something is being left unsaid. They claim they are friends, and that they don’t know how one of the group was killed. But why are they so cagey? A cold case investigation unlocks some answers about the history between the beach-going gang, yet they’re tight-lipped about what prompted them to meet on Christmas Eve. Butler and West are getting nowhere, and their partnership is about to face another test. When Freya wants to come clean about events in her past, it’s not just her neck on the line, but Robin’s too. Can their relationship survive if their pact of silence is broken?
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary
September 4, 2023
You’ll enjoy this book if you like:
•Engaging Storylines
•Good Mixture of Suspense & Action
•Flickers of Romance
About : Five people are found unconscious on a beach Christmas morning. One of them doesn’t wake up and another is critically injured. Butler & West are tasked with solving this mystery, but it’s difficult to do so when the four remaining survivors refuse to assist them. Robin and Freya start to question what they could possibly be hiding…
Thoughts : Another great read from the Butler & West series! There is of course some carry on from the previous two books, but honestly this book could do as a stand alone.
It does deal with some dark themes, so please be mindful of this. It goes into a relative amount of detail, which some people could find triggering.
Louisa does a wonderful job with her characters, they are so detailed and well fleshed out. I love Robin and Freya. They have a lot of history, and compliment each others personalities very well. In this book their secrets threaten to be exposed, I was on tenterhooks as this part of the story played out.
The overall storyline is the perfect balance of suspense and action. It moves along at just the right pace, and the ending wraps up in a satisfying way. I loved the mystery of this one, there’s four clear suspects and us more of a whodunnit.
Overall, it was a thrilling read and I would definitely recommend. This series is one of my absolute favourites.
•Engaging Storylines
•Good Mixture of Suspense & Action
•Flickers of Romance
About : Five people are found unconscious on a beach Christmas morning. One of them doesn’t wake up and another is critically injured. Butler & West are tasked with solving this mystery, but it’s difficult to do so when the four remaining survivors refuse to assist them. Robin and Freya start to question what they could possibly be hiding…
Thoughts : Another great read from the Butler & West series! There is of course some carry on from the previous two books, but honestly this book could do as a stand alone.
It does deal with some dark themes, so please be mindful of this. It goes into a relative amount of detail, which some people could find triggering.
Louisa does a wonderful job with her characters, they are so detailed and well fleshed out. I love Robin and Freya. They have a lot of history, and compliment each others personalities very well. In this book their secrets threaten to be exposed, I was on tenterhooks as this part of the story played out.
The overall storyline is the perfect balance of suspense and action. It moves along at just the right pace, and the ending wraps up in a satisfying way. I loved the mystery of this one, there’s four clear suspects and us more of a whodunnit.
Overall, it was a thrilling read and I would definitely recommend. This series is one of my absolute favourites.
October 26, 2024
Wow. Okay. Where should I begin? I swear, this series just getting better and better! I don’t like the whole stupid denials nothing-between-us from Robin and Freya, but the cases were awesome.
So, 5 friends meet, but only 4 come home. One of them is dead and no one seems to know anything. Sam, Sara, Mike, Meg, and Alex (the victim) were bestfriends at university until something happened 20 years ago that made them drifted apart. Surprise! Yes, it was (another) murder case. A skeleton was found and turns out one of them (if not all of them) killed someone 20 years ago. Alex got murdered because he wanted to come clean to the police.
The funny thing is, I don’t really care about the victim from 20 years ago. He deserved to be killed or maybe mutilated for what he’s done. I stay with this book for the dramaaaa wkwkwk, but my heart breaks for Sam and Sara. Especially when Sam said, he became therapist so he could help Sara. He just wanted them to be happy together, even after all these years 😭 I’m not supposed to feel any sympathy for two people who’s having an affair, but life was just too cruel and they deserves better.
As for Freya and Robin, I’m gonna be so pissed if they don’t end up together at the end of book 5.
So, 5 friends meet, but only 4 come home. One of them is dead and no one seems to know anything. Sam, Sara, Mike, Meg, and Alex (the victim) were bestfriends at university until something happened 20 years ago that made them drifted apart. Surprise! Yes, it was (another) murder case. A skeleton was found and turns out one of them (if not all of them) killed someone 20 years ago. Alex got murdered because he wanted to come clean to the police.
The funny thing is, I don’t really care about the victim from 20 years ago. He deserved to be killed or maybe mutilated for what he’s done. I stay with this book for the dramaaaa wkwkwk, but my heart breaks for Sam and Sara. Especially when Sam said, he became therapist so he could help Sara. He just wanted them to be happy together, even after all these years 😭 I’m not supposed to feel any sympathy for two people who’s having an affair, but life was just too cruel and they deserves better.
As for Freya and Robin, I’m gonna be so pissed if they don’t end up together at the end of book 5.
July 2, 2022
Book 3 in the Butler and West series and read well as a stand-alone. Reading the previous books may have helped with one thread to the story relating to something in the past of the detectives that could destroy their careers, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
Briefly, when 5 people are found unconscious on a beach on Christmas morning DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West are called away from their celebrations. With one of the five dead and one in hospital the survivors, friends from university days, were unwilling to tell the police why they had been targeted. Investigations into a cold case provide some clues but can the detectives break down the wall of silence?
Very clever tale where everyone has a secret from their past but without breaking the code of silence the detectives are struggling to find motives and suspects. Enjoyable police procedural thriller, fast paced with lots of twists and a bit of romance thrown in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when 5 people are found unconscious on a beach on Christmas morning DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West are called away from their celebrations. With one of the five dead and one in hospital the survivors, friends from university days, were unwilling to tell the police why they had been targeted. Investigations into a cold case provide some clues but can the detectives break down the wall of silence?
Very clever tale where everyone has a secret from their past but without breaking the code of silence the detectives are struggling to find motives and suspects. Enjoyable police procedural thriller, fast paced with lots of twists and a bit of romance thrown in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 17, 2023
Literally chilling!
4.5*
This book is set during the Christmas season and boy was it cold. Unresponsive bodies found on the beach by a dog walker on Christmas Day did nothing for my Raynauds! It sets the scene brilliantly. Not the best day of the year to drag Butler and West out of their sleepy slumber but crime doesn't take vacations.
A twisty and intriguing story that had two threads, the group of friends on the beach and a cold case.
Scarr focusses heavily on the relationship between Butler and West, it padded out the book and was interesting, but was a little overdone for my liking hence the half star drop in my rating. Nevertheless, it has a well crafted storyline that once again had me reading into the early hours. Exciting, creative and utterly gripping. Book four downloaded.
4.5*
This book is set during the Christmas season and boy was it cold. Unresponsive bodies found on the beach by a dog walker on Christmas Day did nothing for my Raynauds! It sets the scene brilliantly. Not the best day of the year to drag Butler and West out of their sleepy slumber but crime doesn't take vacations.
A twisty and intriguing story that had two threads, the group of friends on the beach and a cold case.
Scarr focusses heavily on the relationship between Butler and West, it padded out the book and was interesting, but was a little overdone for my liking hence the half star drop in my rating. Nevertheless, it has a well crafted storyline that once again had me reading into the early hours. Exciting, creative and utterly gripping. Book four downloaded.
April 18, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Blink of an Eye by Lousia Scarr. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for providing an ARC to review.
Five friends go to a beach in the middle of winter, and only four leave. It is up to DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West to find out if this was an accident or murder.
Blink of an Eye is the first book I have read by this author, and it will not be the last. I will be going back to read the first two in the series sooner than later. I found the mystery to be well crafted. Add in the intricate emotional connection between our two detectives, and I was hooked from start to end. My only complaint is that the last chapter felt a bit rushed but that only makes me want to read the next book ASAP.
Five friends go to a beach in the middle of winter, and only four leave. It is up to DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West to find out if this was an accident or murder.
Blink of an Eye is the first book I have read by this author, and it will not be the last. I will be going back to read the first two in the series sooner than later. I found the mystery to be well crafted. Add in the intricate emotional connection between our two detectives, and I was hooked from start to end. My only complaint is that the last chapter felt a bit rushed but that only makes me want to read the next book ASAP.
May 30, 2022
DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West are called to a scene on Christmas Day where they find 1 dead body and 4 other people passed out from hyperthermia. 5 friends gathered but not explain why. Meanwhile, Freya’s boyfriend, and colleague, Josh is looking at a cold case of a missing pub owner and the team realise there is a connection with the current investigation. The group of friends try to keep past secrets, but forensic evidence starts to pain a different picture. Freya is smitten with Josh and wants to tell him everything of her past but Butler has grave reservations over revealing their own past actions. A turbulent time for Butler and West.
This can be read as a standalone but much more beneficial to read as a series. Another gripping instalment and can’t wait for the next.
This can be read as a standalone but much more beneficial to read as a series. Another gripping instalment and can’t wait for the next.
June 6, 2022
Another episode in the series of Detectives Butler and West. A group of previously estranged university friends are found mostly unconcious on a beach in sub zero temperatures on christmas day, early in the morning. One is found to be dead. Nobody knows what happened, but all are cagey about the evening and shared history. The story is revealed gradually and there is lots of personal stuff going on too, in the lives of the detectives and the suspects. I like the characters and the two main detctives are well portrayed. The plot was slow going at times but all in all a good read and the plot is well thought out.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 7, 2022
I Couldn't Put It Down
5 people are found unconscious on the beach on Christmas morning. DS Robin Butler and DC Freyer West are called to investigate. One person is dead and another is seriously ill but the remaining friends refuse to cooperate with the police. What are they hiding? This is another really good book in the series which kept me gripped from beginning to end. I also liked that more places in Hampshire are mentioned than have been in the first two books. I like to be able to picture where they are. Now reading book 4 and am sad this might be the end. I do hope there are more books to come.
5 people are found unconscious on the beach on Christmas morning. DS Robin Butler and DC Freyer West are called to investigate. One person is dead and another is seriously ill but the remaining friends refuse to cooperate with the police. What are they hiding? This is another really good book in the series which kept me gripped from beginning to end. I also liked that more places in Hampshire are mentioned than have been in the first two books. I like to be able to picture where they are. Now reading book 4 and am sad this might be the end. I do hope there are more books to come.
April 17, 2022
Blink of an eye by Louisa Scarr.
Butler and West book 3.
Five friends meet. Only four come home.
On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He'll be glad to get back to work - a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital.
I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I had no clue it was who it was. I had a guess but I was wrong. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
Butler and West book 3.
Five friends meet. Only four come home.
On Christmas morning, DS Robin Butler has no plans to celebrate. He'll be glad to get back to work - a wish that comes true sooner than he anticipates. A dog walker at a local beach has discovered five unresponsive people strewn across the shingle. By the time Robin arrives, one is pronounced dead, and the other four are being treated in hospital.
I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I had no clue it was who it was. I had a guess but I was wrong. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
May 15, 2024
The Five lives together while at Southampton Uni. Their close friendship suddenly ends when they leave uni. 20 years later Alex summons them all to a drink on Christmas Eve on a beach, and there are severe consequences. Robin and Freya I investigate and the Five's history slowly unravels. Compelling read about the Five and Robin's and Freya's relationships. A true page turner.
Would love a TV detective series of Robin & Freya.
Would love a TV detective series of Robin & Freya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
Wow!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2022
What a book! Gripped from start to finish. This is the third instalment of Butler and West and it just gets better and better. The storyline of trying to find the killer is superb but what makes all of Louisa’s books so amazing is the relationship between Robin and Freya. Top class writing can’t wait for the next instalment
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2022
What a book! Gripped from start to finish. This is the third instalment of Butler and West and it just gets better and better. The storyline of trying to find the killer is superb but what makes all of Louisa’s books so amazing is the relationship between Robin and Freya. Top class writing can’t wait for the next instalment
May 28, 2022
A gripping and compelling thriller that kept me on the edge and guessing. It's set around Christmas and the festive atmosphere is not part of the story, quite dark and twisty.
I loved the solid plot and the fleshed out characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the solid plot and the fleshed out characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this, although it wasn't quite as compelling as the previous two. I guessed the revelation early on, but that doesn't bother me much. I'm more bothered by the dragging out of certain obvious relationships and the endless insertion of new love interests.
But I remain a Louisa Scarr fan!
But I remain a Louisa Scarr fan!
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