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DS Allie Shenton #4
Broken Promises
A haunted man. A loyalty tested. A serial killer in town.
The Limekiln Estate has witnessed many a dark crime over the years. When DI Allie Shenton is called out to a suspicious death, she isn’t surprised to see it’s a local she knows only too well.
While the slaying of Billy Whitmore is on everyone’s lips, a woman is stabbed in her home. A day later and a third victim turns up.
Three known associates brutally murdered - the bodies are piling up quicker than the forensic evidence is coming back. Yet Allie senses there’s something more disturbing going on. She’s sure Fiona Abbott, Billy’s partner, is involved too.
With enemies from her past rearing their ugly heads, and the press and public up in arms, Allie has her work cut out to get to the shocking truth. Can she and her loyal team stop the killer who has a close-knit community living in fear?
And by raking up secrets from the past, has she made the Abbott family the next target, especially fourteen-year-old Kelsey?
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
Broken Promises is the fourth novel in the Allie Shenton series of crime thrillers from the million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of DS Butler, LJ Ross, Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis, Rachel McClean, Caroline Mitchell and Meg Jolly.
The Limekiln Estate has witnessed many a dark crime over the years. When DI Allie Shenton is called out to a suspicious death, she isn’t surprised to see it’s a local she knows only too well.
While the slaying of Billy Whitmore is on everyone’s lips, a woman is stabbed in her home. A day later and a third victim turns up.
Three known associates brutally murdered - the bodies are piling up quicker than the forensic evidence is coming back. Yet Allie senses there’s something more disturbing going on. She’s sure Fiona Abbott, Billy’s partner, is involved too.
With enemies from her past rearing their ugly heads, and the press and public up in arms, Allie has her work cut out to get to the shocking truth. Can she and her loyal team stop the killer who has a close-knit community living in fear?
And by raking up secrets from the past, has she made the Abbott family the next target, especially fourteen-year-old Kelsey?
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
Broken Promises is the fourth novel in the Allie Shenton series of crime thrillers from the million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of DS Butler, LJ Ross, Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis, Rachel McClean, Caroline Mitchell and Meg Jolly.
- GenresProceduralFiction
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2022
138 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Mel Sherratt
44 books534 followersI write police procedurals, psychological suspense and women's fiction with a punch - or grit-lit, as I call it.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 21, 2022
The LimeKiln Estate has witnessed many a crime over the years. When DI Allie Shenton is called out to a suspicious death, she isn't surprised to see that it's a local she knows only too well. While the slaying of Billy Whitmore is on everyone's lips, a woman is stabbed in her home. A day later, and a third victim turns up. Three known associates brutally murdered - the bodies are piling up quicker than the forensic evidence is coming back. Yet Allie senses something else is going on. She's sure Fiona Abbott, Billy's partner, is involved too.
This is another brilliant, page turning, gripping read by Mel Sherratt. When Billy Whitmore was found stabbed to death, DI Allie Shenton has to workout if it's drug related. When the next body is discovered, she then has to work out if the deaths are connected. This is a well written, fast pace read. I was pulled in from the first page. I couldn't get through it fast enough. this book could be read as a standalone but, if I was you, and I hadn't read any of the books in this series, I would start reading them in the order they were written in. In fact I recommend all the books the author has written. You won't be disappointed.
#KindlePurchase
This is another brilliant, page turning, gripping read by Mel Sherratt. When Billy Whitmore was found stabbed to death, DI Allie Shenton has to workout if it's drug related. When the next body is discovered, she then has to work out if the deaths are connected. This is a well written, fast pace read. I was pulled in from the first page. I couldn't get through it fast enough. this book could be read as a standalone but, if I was you, and I hadn't read any of the books in this series, I would start reading them in the order they were written in. In fact I recommend all the books the author has written. You won't be disappointed.
#KindlePurchase
February 28, 2022
Allie Shenton is back with a bang! I'm a huge fan of Mel's writing and Allie Shenton is one of my favourite characters, so I was delighted to learn that she was making a return.
Broken Promises did not disappoint. I loved the gritty storylines, the realistic characters, many of which seem all too similar with people I dealt with during my days in the police. This book has everything you want in a thriller and more. An authentic, heart wrenching, fast paced read.
Broken Promises did not disappoint. I loved the gritty storylines, the realistic characters, many of which seem all too similar with people I dealt with during my days in the police. This book has everything you want in a thriller and more. An authentic, heart wrenching, fast paced read.
January 30, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series featuring Detective Allie Shenton.
As the book description states, the story centres on the grittier part of Stoke-on-Trent. The victims are all known to the police for various crimes so in some respects you would be forgiven for it crossing your mind if it was any real loss to society. Of course, murder is a crime and no matter what, no one should take that decision to end someone else’s life.
There is some compassion throughout this story. More so in the way of loved ones of the victims. As always, I didn’t envy Allie and her team having to inform the next of kin. You can see how much it mentally drains the police and not just the families. We also get to see how the pressure of the job affects Allie in her home life although these are just small glimpses as the the story mainly focuses on the case.
I was so sure I had it all worked out as well as to who the killer was only to have it totally wrong. It certainly came as a shock to me as well as the reasoning of why these people had been murdered.
Broken Promises was a much anticipated read that didn’t disappoint. The storyline had me hooked from the first page and holding on tight until the very end. The pacing was spot on and had me racing towards the end to see what the outcome would be. A grippingly tense, crime thriller that you won’t be able to put down!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
As the book description states, the story centres on the grittier part of Stoke-on-Trent. The victims are all known to the police for various crimes so in some respects you would be forgiven for it crossing your mind if it was any real loss to society. Of course, murder is a crime and no matter what, no one should take that decision to end someone else’s life.
There is some compassion throughout this story. More so in the way of loved ones of the victims. As always, I didn’t envy Allie and her team having to inform the next of kin. You can see how much it mentally drains the police and not just the families. We also get to see how the pressure of the job affects Allie in her home life although these are just small glimpses as the the story mainly focuses on the case.
I was so sure I had it all worked out as well as to who the killer was only to have it totally wrong. It certainly came as a shock to me as well as the reasoning of why these people had been murdered.
Broken Promises was a much anticipated read that didn’t disappoint. The storyline had me hooked from the first page and holding on tight until the very end. The pacing was spot on and had me racing towards the end to see what the outcome would be. A grippingly tense, crime thriller that you won’t be able to put down!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 14, 2025
In the previous three books in this series, Allie had been dealing with a stalker, the man who attacked her sister years ago and left her with brain damage. That storyline ended with the previous book, so I find that Broken Promises can easily be read without having read the previous three. Allie is called out to the Limekiln Estate when a dead local is found. When Allie arrives she isn't surprised that she knows the victim well. Billy Whitmore was not a nice person and had come to the attention of the police many times. Before that crime's investigation begins, a woman is found stabbed in her home and a day later, a third victim is found. The victims are all known to one another, but Allie is sure there has to be another connection. She is sure that Billy's wife, Fiona knows more than she is telling and when their 14 YO daughter, Kelsey seems to be in danger, Allie and her team ramp up the investigation before someone else ends up dead.
I have read a lot of British police procedurals/crime thrillers and it seems that these estates are rife with crime. I always feel a bit of a chill go down my spine when they enter these places and put themselves at risk. This time it is also the residents that are in danger. I found this book a fast paced thriller with a lot happening and the police trying to catch up to the killer/killers. This is a dark story with some twists and when the killer is revealed, it really makes you think. Is revenge the way to get criminals off the street? So we (humans) have the right to decide if someone has the right to live? A great story with well developed characters, an interesting crime and well written investigation and solution.
I have read a lot of British police procedurals/crime thrillers and it seems that these estates are rife with crime. I always feel a bit of a chill go down my spine when they enter these places and put themselves at risk. This time it is also the residents that are in danger. I found this book a fast paced thriller with a lot happening and the police trying to catch up to the killer/killers. This is a dark story with some twists and when the killer is revealed, it really makes you think. Is revenge the way to get criminals off the street? So we (humans) have the right to decide if someone has the right to live? A great story with well developed characters, an interesting crime and well written investigation and solution.
February 25, 2022
Allie Shenton is back!!
It has been a while, but it was so worth the wait! What an amazing return to an awesome series.
Having read and loved the first three books in this series I was so excited when Mel Sherratt announced she was releasing book four. Anyone who knows me well will know I am a huge Mel Sherratt fan. I have read and loved every book she has published, and Allie Shenton is one of my favourite detectives.
In Broken Promises Allie and the team find themselves dealing with three murders in as many days. Three locals well known to them, and all connected by their dodgy lifestyles. With barely enough time to breathe between murders they have their work cut out trying to piece together evidence and bring their killer, or killers, to justice before any other bodies turn up.
These murders are brutal and personal. One person connects them all, but would they be capable of such violence? Despite hoping not, they can never assume. It’s quite scary what some people find themselves capable of when pushed to their limits.
This is a fast-paced police procedural crime thriller set in my hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, which I love. It kept me glued to my kindle as I was desperate to find out who was committing these horrific crimes. I was holding my breath in the hope they would crack the case before anyone else became a victim.
I think the team were as shocked as I was when the truth starts to reveal itself. Wow! Such a shocking and tragic conclusion. Brilliant writing!
There are some fascinating characters throughout this story, likeable or not. I know I’ve said it before, but Mel Sherratt knows how to write people. I am always instantly invested in the people she writes about.
I love the banter and friendships shared amongst the team. They have each other’s backs and get the job done as efficiently as they can. They find time for a bacon and cheese oatcake, or two, occasionally also. They are only human after all!
I love that we always see a softer side to Allie and learn a little more about her as the series progresses. I was worried for her as she faces the potential breakdown of her marriage. It can’t be easy being married to a police officer and she knows her husband struggles with her absence, especially when high profile cases mean even longer working hours than usual. I’m sure many people would relate.
Some people don’t like hearing about the personal lives of police in books like this, but I love it. It gives depth to their character and keeps them human.
I LOVED this book. It ticks all the boxes for me. An easy five stars (I’d give it more if I could). I highly recommend!
If you haven’t read this series yet you are seriously missing out.
I can’t wait for book five!
#TeamSherratt
**Many, many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my ARC of Broken Promises. The above review is my honest opinion**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/02/2...
It has been a while, but it was so worth the wait! What an amazing return to an awesome series.
Having read and loved the first three books in this series I was so excited when Mel Sherratt announced she was releasing book four. Anyone who knows me well will know I am a huge Mel Sherratt fan. I have read and loved every book she has published, and Allie Shenton is one of my favourite detectives.
In Broken Promises Allie and the team find themselves dealing with three murders in as many days. Three locals well known to them, and all connected by their dodgy lifestyles. With barely enough time to breathe between murders they have their work cut out trying to piece together evidence and bring their killer, or killers, to justice before any other bodies turn up.
These murders are brutal and personal. One person connects them all, but would they be capable of such violence? Despite hoping not, they can never assume. It’s quite scary what some people find themselves capable of when pushed to their limits.
This is a fast-paced police procedural crime thriller set in my hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, which I love. It kept me glued to my kindle as I was desperate to find out who was committing these horrific crimes. I was holding my breath in the hope they would crack the case before anyone else became a victim.
I think the team were as shocked as I was when the truth starts to reveal itself. Wow! Such a shocking and tragic conclusion. Brilliant writing!
There are some fascinating characters throughout this story, likeable or not. I know I’ve said it before, but Mel Sherratt knows how to write people. I am always instantly invested in the people she writes about.
I love the banter and friendships shared amongst the team. They have each other’s backs and get the job done as efficiently as they can. They find time for a bacon and cheese oatcake, or two, occasionally also. They are only human after all!
I love that we always see a softer side to Allie and learn a little more about her as the series progresses. I was worried for her as she faces the potential breakdown of her marriage. It can’t be easy being married to a police officer and she knows her husband struggles with her absence, especially when high profile cases mean even longer working hours than usual. I’m sure many people would relate.
Some people don’t like hearing about the personal lives of police in books like this, but I love it. It gives depth to their character and keeps them human.
I LOVED this book. It ticks all the boxes for me. An easy five stars (I’d give it more if I could). I highly recommend!
If you haven’t read this series yet you are seriously missing out.
I can’t wait for book five!
#TeamSherratt
**Many, many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my ARC of Broken Promises. The above review is my honest opinion**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/02/2...
June 28, 2022
Another great book in the Allie Shenton series
Was so good just kept reading 📚
Going to start book 5 now.
Fanastic writer Mel Sherratt sure knows how to pull you in.
Was so good just kept reading 📚
Going to start book 5 now.
Fanastic writer Mel Sherratt sure knows how to pull you in.
February 25, 2022
Whoop whoop Allie Shenton is back and she’s back with a bang! She’s got the murder of a drug dealer to investigate. Yes he was a criminal and a nasty one at that but he was a human being and someone stabbed him to death. No one should get away with murder!
As the story went on, more bodies appear same MO but are they linked? With limited forensics and leads, Allie has her work cut out for her! But with the team behind her and the tenacity I know she has, I willed her to locate the culprit!
I loved returning the character that introduced me to Mel Sherratt’s writing 6 years. The return of Allie Shenton brought a leap of joy to my reading pile. I escaped to Allie’s Stoke, following the investigation avidly but also watching the personal lives of both Allie and and her team. Having the personal touch to the characters made them oh-so-more real, the friction in the marriage, building Lego with offspring, contemplating personal experiences.
Broken Promises is a stand-alone read in my book, despite being book four in the Allie Shenton journey. If you haven’t met Allie yet and you love a cracking police procedural, I implore you to give this series a try. But Mel…. Please can I have book five???
As the story went on, more bodies appear same MO but are they linked? With limited forensics and leads, Allie has her work cut out for her! But with the team behind her and the tenacity I know she has, I willed her to locate the culprit!
I loved returning the character that introduced me to Mel Sherratt’s writing 6 years. The return of Allie Shenton brought a leap of joy to my reading pile. I escaped to Allie’s Stoke, following the investigation avidly but also watching the personal lives of both Allie and and her team. Having the personal touch to the characters made them oh-so-more real, the friction in the marriage, building Lego with offspring, contemplating personal experiences.
Broken Promises is a stand-alone read in my book, despite being book four in the Allie Shenton journey. If you haven’t met Allie yet and you love a cracking police procedural, I implore you to give this series a try. But Mel…. Please can I have book five???
February 26, 2022
I have nagged Mel so often for more Allie books, and she has delivered!!! I even have to admit it was worth the wait, with one hell of a story. I now just have to nag for the next one (or 5)!!
February 20, 2022
If, like me, you haven't read the first books in the Allie Shenton series, and you are wondering if it's possible to drop into the mix now at book four, let me reassure you. You can. Mel Sherratt has done a great job in not only introducing the major characters into the mix without overloading readers who are already in the know, but she has also managed to lay the foundations of back story without really dropping any major spoilers for what has come before. Inevitably there are some moments which relate back to Allie's earlier life so if you are a purist, you may want to go back to book one and start there. I, however, am a contrary sort of reader, happy to drop into a series part way through and then travelling back to fill in all the moments I have missed before. With Broken Promises, I didn't feel at a disadvantage, got into step with the team really quickly and this standalone story really did flow, keeping me gripped to the very last page.
The book opens in quite dramatic fashion with the murder of a local drug user and pusher. He's only a very minor player in the scene, probably not even meant to be a part of it at all, but. he's well known enough amongst the assembled police officers to raise a few eyebrows. Is this the start of a turf war, a new player trying to move in on Stoke's drug business, or something far more sinister? That is what Allie and her Major Investigations Team have to try and determine in a case that brings her face to face with some people from her past.
I really like the way in which Mel Sherratt has used the characters pasts to muddy the waters of this investigation and keep the mystery going right to the last page. When you are dealing with people whose very existence puts them in the middle of the crime world, you expect a kind of inherent danger. And with more victims stacking up, all liking back to drugs in some way, it really does make you wonder if this is someone within, or outside of, their contacts who is trying to send a message. There are a number of suspects, a whole host of possible motives, but no evidence that the team can tie down. The reveal, when it comes, is unexpected and yet fitting and really does tie in with the other underlying themes of the novel.
I enjoyed getting to know Allie and the team much better through the course of the book. I've been aware of her as a character, met her a few times in other series and investigations, but this is the first time I've learned more about. her and her backstory. It's a challenging case for her, not least because it comes at a time when she is at somewhat of a crossroads on a personal level. She's a great character, tenacious, motivated and a great leader, with a clear compassion for her team and the people she comes into contact with during case. Beneath her the team of Sam, Perry and Frankie, are equally as engaging, a good mix of banter, focus and determination that makes them a great team to spend time with. There does seem to be an unhealthy obsession with oatcakes, even if they are a Stoke delicacy, but hey. Diet is the least of their concerns when dealing with a merciless killers 😉
There is a great deal of emotion ties up into the story, alongside a pacy and twisting investigation. Touching on themes of abuse, neglect, domestic violence and drugs, all topics are handled in a sensitive way, used to support and inform the story rather than as a gratuitous plot device. There are quiet moments in which you can feel the emotions that build up in Allie in response to one of the characters she comes into contact with, a tug that serves as motivation to solve the case, assuming three bodies aren't enough. The pacing is spot on, reflecting the ebb and flow of an investigation, the why and wherefore kept to the last moment. And the author's love of her home town really shows through, Stoke acting almost as an additional character in its prominence in the story. Some of the locations may be fictional, but the essence of the place is all there.
If you love the Allie Shenton series, this will be a welcome return. If you've read and loved any of the Eden Berrisford or Grace Allendale books then I think you'll love this too. Another cracking police investigation in a case packed with suspects and misdirection.
The book opens in quite dramatic fashion with the murder of a local drug user and pusher. He's only a very minor player in the scene, probably not even meant to be a part of it at all, but. he's well known enough amongst the assembled police officers to raise a few eyebrows. Is this the start of a turf war, a new player trying to move in on Stoke's drug business, or something far more sinister? That is what Allie and her Major Investigations Team have to try and determine in a case that brings her face to face with some people from her past.
I really like the way in which Mel Sherratt has used the characters pasts to muddy the waters of this investigation and keep the mystery going right to the last page. When you are dealing with people whose very existence puts them in the middle of the crime world, you expect a kind of inherent danger. And with more victims stacking up, all liking back to drugs in some way, it really does make you wonder if this is someone within, or outside of, their contacts who is trying to send a message. There are a number of suspects, a whole host of possible motives, but no evidence that the team can tie down. The reveal, when it comes, is unexpected and yet fitting and really does tie in with the other underlying themes of the novel.
I enjoyed getting to know Allie and the team much better through the course of the book. I've been aware of her as a character, met her a few times in other series and investigations, but this is the first time I've learned more about. her and her backstory. It's a challenging case for her, not least because it comes at a time when she is at somewhat of a crossroads on a personal level. She's a great character, tenacious, motivated and a great leader, with a clear compassion for her team and the people she comes into contact with during case. Beneath her the team of Sam, Perry and Frankie, are equally as engaging, a good mix of banter, focus and determination that makes them a great team to spend time with. There does seem to be an unhealthy obsession with oatcakes, even if they are a Stoke delicacy, but hey. Diet is the least of their concerns when dealing with a merciless killers 😉
There is a great deal of emotion ties up into the story, alongside a pacy and twisting investigation. Touching on themes of abuse, neglect, domestic violence and drugs, all topics are handled in a sensitive way, used to support and inform the story rather than as a gratuitous plot device. There are quiet moments in which you can feel the emotions that build up in Allie in response to one of the characters she comes into contact with, a tug that serves as motivation to solve the case, assuming three bodies aren't enough. The pacing is spot on, reflecting the ebb and flow of an investigation, the why and wherefore kept to the last moment. And the author's love of her home town really shows through, Stoke acting almost as an additional character in its prominence in the story. Some of the locations may be fictional, but the essence of the place is all there.
If you love the Allie Shenton series, this will be a welcome return. If you've read and loved any of the Eden Berrisford or Grace Allendale books then I think you'll love this too. Another cracking police investigation in a case packed with suspects and misdirection.
February 22, 2022
A haunted man. A loyalty tested. A serial killer in town.
This story begins with a fatal stabbing on the notorious Limekiln Estate in Stoke and DI Allie Shenton has been called to investigate, she is not surprised to see that the victim is well known local, Billy Whitmore. Word of his demise travels fast around the estate and it's not too long before they have a second victim, a woman stabbed in her own home, the next day provides them with their third, and all of them are known to each other. It's now up to Allie and her team to determine the motive for these murders and find the person responsible before there's any more lives lost. When they discover the truth, it's a shock to them all.
Broken Promises is an action packed police procedural by this extremely talented author, who knows how to draw the reader into her books, each one as fresh and exciting as the last, and keep you hooked till the very end. This latest is testament to that as it hits the ground running from the first page, with lots of shady, undesirable characters gracing the streets of the Limekiln Estate, not the sort of place you'd want to be out walking after dark, although nowhere is these days! The plot is well crafted, with many twists along the way, all leading to a great conclusion. This is the fourth in this series and can easily be read as a standalone, I've met Allie in another series by this author but this is the first I've read in this one, although I do have the first three on my kindle and I'm now looking forward to catching up on these and getting to know Allie and the team better.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
This story begins with a fatal stabbing on the notorious Limekiln Estate in Stoke and DI Allie Shenton has been called to investigate, she is not surprised to see that the victim is well known local, Billy Whitmore. Word of his demise travels fast around the estate and it's not too long before they have a second victim, a woman stabbed in her own home, the next day provides them with their third, and all of them are known to each other. It's now up to Allie and her team to determine the motive for these murders and find the person responsible before there's any more lives lost. When they discover the truth, it's a shock to them all.
Broken Promises is an action packed police procedural by this extremely talented author, who knows how to draw the reader into her books, each one as fresh and exciting as the last, and keep you hooked till the very end. This latest is testament to that as it hits the ground running from the first page, with lots of shady, undesirable characters gracing the streets of the Limekiln Estate, not the sort of place you'd want to be out walking after dark, although nowhere is these days! The plot is well crafted, with many twists along the way, all leading to a great conclusion. This is the fourth in this series and can easily be read as a standalone, I've met Allie in another series by this author but this is the first I've read in this one, although I do have the first three on my kindle and I'm now looking forward to catching up on these and getting to know Allie and the team better.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
March 4, 2022
Mel Sherratt is back with a bang with Broken Promises which is the forth book in the Detective Allie Shenton series. I say series because this was a trilogy. Those of you that follow my reviews will know I am a massive fan of Mel’s so with her writing more books featuring Allie makes me really happy! I love this character. It made me feel like I was catching up with old friends.
Like all of Mel’s books she draws you in from the start and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. From start to finish this story is a action packed page turner. This story is grit lit mixed with police procedure. Set on an estate in Stoke on Trent. A drug dealer is murdered. We follow Allie on a roller coaster ride to find the killer has the body count rises!
Holly smoke what a book…I love Mel’s style of writing it is fast paced, easy to read and visualise. Each chapter leaves you wanting more. I couldn’t read it fast enough trying to work out who the killer was. I loved everything about it and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
This can be read has a stand alone but it is to good a series not to miss….This book ticked all the boxes for me giving it all the stars.
Like all of Mel’s books she draws you in from the start and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. From start to finish this story is a action packed page turner. This story is grit lit mixed with police procedure. Set on an estate in Stoke on Trent. A drug dealer is murdered. We follow Allie on a roller coaster ride to find the killer has the body count rises!
Holly smoke what a book…I love Mel’s style of writing it is fast paced, easy to read and visualise. Each chapter leaves you wanting more. I couldn’t read it fast enough trying to work out who the killer was. I loved everything about it and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
This can be read has a stand alone but it is to good a series not to miss….This book ticked all the boxes for me giving it all the stars.
February 25, 2022
I've read and loved all of Mel's books except The Estate Series which for some reason is still on my Amazon shelf, I will one day get around to reading it too.
Allie Shenton has ALWAYS been my favourite Sherratt character and like several readers I've asked her countless times on social media to bring her back so I'm delighted that she finally has!
And Allie is back with a bang!!! Mel's characterisation is amazing as always and to meet up with so many characters after so long is just brilliant. Her writing style makes every character human and the tight plotting just draws the reader straight to the heart of the storyline.
It might be 7 years since we last met Allie and co but this book is so well written that it really works in every way.
While I'd highly recommend reading the 3 previous books there's more than enough of a recap that it makes for an ideal standalone too.
I just hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one!
(With thanks to the author for an early review copy of Broken Promises in exchange for this honest review)
Allie Shenton has ALWAYS been my favourite Sherratt character and like several readers I've asked her countless times on social media to bring her back so I'm delighted that she finally has!
And Allie is back with a bang!!! Mel's characterisation is amazing as always and to meet up with so many characters after so long is just brilliant. Her writing style makes every character human and the tight plotting just draws the reader straight to the heart of the storyline.
It might be 7 years since we last met Allie and co but this book is so well written that it really works in every way.
While I'd highly recommend reading the 3 previous books there's more than enough of a recap that it makes for an ideal standalone too.
I just hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one!
(With thanks to the author for an early review copy of Broken Promises in exchange for this honest review)
February 28, 2022
brilliant
I transfixed by this book within the first chapter. I am so pleased that Mel Sherratt as resurrected Allie Shenton series of book. It like a favourite slipper you had not had long was suddenly lost. Particularly as they where fairly new but had become the favourites. Mel Sherrat certainly knows how to tell a damnd good story. I love the fact that Allie doesn’t just get the job done. She as that caring nature to her. Allie can be a little too caring as she is towards Kelsey in this book….
3 murders in 4 days 2 on the estate that’s gone down in such a short time. It used to be a nice estate to live on as many of the older folk would tell you. Once they started putting drug addicts on tbe their estates but it wasn’t just druggies it was drug pushers single mothers there are quite a few twists and turns. In this book. However as many twists there are. When they have finally got the suspect ti arrest in the book certainly knows how to really pact a punch. This is a fabulous fantastic read abs it’s a book that packs a punch a must must read
I transfixed by this book within the first chapter. I am so pleased that Mel Sherratt as resurrected Allie Shenton series of book. It like a favourite slipper you had not had long was suddenly lost. Particularly as they where fairly new but had become the favourites. Mel Sherrat certainly knows how to tell a damnd good story. I love the fact that Allie doesn’t just get the job done. She as that caring nature to her. Allie can be a little too caring as she is towards Kelsey in this book….
3 murders in 4 days 2 on the estate that’s gone down in such a short time. It used to be a nice estate to live on as many of the older folk would tell you. Once they started putting drug addicts on tbe their estates but it wasn’t just druggies it was drug pushers single mothers there are quite a few twists and turns. In this book. However as many twists there are. When they have finally got the suspect ti arrest in the book certainly knows how to really pact a punch. This is a fabulous fantastic read abs it’s a book that packs a punch a must must read
August 21, 2022
Back, and with a promotion to Detective Inspector, but still working above her pay grade and with too few troops. She’s running a triple murder investigation as SIO (senior investigating officer) whilst, all too realistically, the person who should be doing that is DCI Jenny who is well hands off, but happy to do press conferences and liaison with the SMT (senior management team). She doesn’t, seemingly, even attend a team briefing session until murder three! An excellent book Mel, right up to dealing with the suspect when all ten of my notes come in. Some of the procedures are a bit wonky and the psychological approach is pretty well ignored. Murder squad detectives are the best! Perhaps a bit of liaison would have helped? Anyway, an excellent book and Mel also explores the family background of at least two of the officers who I can empathise with. The DC with a new born baby who gets to spend little time with the family and the damaged DI who avoids going home by throwing extra effort into The Job. Nice one Mel. Keep them coming!
February 13, 2022
A big worthy five star rating, a gripping detective crime thriller.
Book Four and we are back on the Limekiln estate, Stoke On Trent joining DS Allie Shenton and the team at Bethesda police station. This book left me holding my breathe.
Three suspicious deaths all linked and move in the same circle could this be another crew involved?
This book is so easy to get into and can be read as a stand alone, with this author having writing out insights from the previous books in the series.
It's full of action with some massive twists and wow I loved it with a heart pounding end that I never saw coming, and hope it won't be so long to await a book five.
Book Four and we are back on the Limekiln estate, Stoke On Trent joining DS Allie Shenton and the team at Bethesda police station. This book left me holding my breathe.
Three suspicious deaths all linked and move in the same circle could this be another crew involved?
This book is so easy to get into and can be read as a stand alone, with this author having writing out insights from the previous books in the series.
It's full of action with some massive twists and wow I loved it with a heart pounding end that I never saw coming, and hope it won't be so long to await a book five.
April 27, 2022
Disappointing...
I think over the years, I've read, or close to, all of her books. I was initially introduced to her when I happened upon "The Estate" series. I really enjoyed them and they are by far my favorites still. I must say too that I've been very disappointed in the last few. Ultimately, the plot for this book was just too ridiculous. It just made no sense to me. Sometimes you never see a twist coming, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a good thing. It was disappointing.
I think over the years, I've read, or close to, all of her books. I was initially introduced to her when I happened upon "The Estate" series. I really enjoyed them and they are by far my favorites still. I must say too that I've been very disappointed in the last few. Ultimately, the plot for this book was just too ridiculous. It just made no sense to me. Sometimes you never see a twist coming, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a good thing. It was disappointing.
February 21, 2022
When Billy, a local drug pusher and user is found stabbed to death, Allie and the team need to find the killer. Followed soon by more murders, the Major Investigations Team have a lot of work to do.
This is the fourth book in the series but you don’t have to have read the first three as the author covers enough about the main characters.
As usual, the author doesn’t disappoint. She brought out emotions in me that I really did not expect.
I was confident I had worked out who the killer was, only to be completely wrong! The characters were interesting and I really didn’t like Kenny! Overall, this is a well written and enjoyable story that had me gripped from the very first page.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the fourth book in the series but you don’t have to have read the first three as the author covers enough about the main characters.
As usual, the author doesn’t disappoint. She brought out emotions in me that I really did not expect.
I was confident I had worked out who the killer was, only to be completely wrong! The characters were interesting and I really didn’t like Kenny! Overall, this is a well written and enjoyable story that had me gripped from the very first page.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2024
How great to be back with Allie Shenton, Perry and the gang. Sherratt has delivered again with Broken Promises, combining the seedy underbelly of Stoke-on-Trent with her hardworking police detectives. I loved the twist - how to deliver a serial killer that you feel empathy for... I don't know how Sherratt managed it. My only complaint is that this book didn't come with a regular delivery of Staffordshire oatcakes (with sauce, of course, because no matter what Simon says, he's wrong).
October 31, 2025
Brilliant
I’ve read a lot of Mel Sherratt’s book’s and enjoyed them all . So I thought I’d catch up with the Allie Shenton series, and I’m glad I did we start off with a murder so that’s good and more murders to follow so that’s even better. Anyway I won’t give any spoilers I’ll just say I really enjoyed the read and as it’s already written I’m now going on to book 5 . So thank you Mel Sherratt for writing this series and I hope there is many more to come
I’ve read a lot of Mel Sherratt’s book’s and enjoyed them all . So I thought I’d catch up with the Allie Shenton series, and I’m glad I did we start off with a murder so that’s good and more murders to follow so that’s even better. Anyway I won’t give any spoilers I’ll just say I really enjoyed the read and as it’s already written I’m now going on to book 5 . So thank you Mel Sherratt for writing this series and I hope there is many more to come
October 23, 2024
good book
Another good book from Mel Sherratt , I have read a lot of Mel’s books and not been disappointed with any of them. Allie Shenton has got solve three murders that happen in a matter of days, as always Allie and her team go at it full pelt with lots of action happening throughout this book it’s well worth a read
Another good book from Mel Sherratt , I have read a lot of Mel’s books and not been disappointed with any of them. Allie Shenton has got solve three murders that happen in a matter of days, as always Allie and her team go at it full pelt with lots of action happening throughout this book it’s well worth a read
February 26, 2022
Nothing like reading the fourth in a series that you don't know existed. Anyway, this is very good and now I'll go back and start at the first book. A police procedural with great characters and a very different crime.
February 27, 2022
Wow...... i love this series, glad to see it making a comeback. I like the way mel writes at the start a bit about her main characters. Its exciting, gritty, easy to get back into after a break in the series, i devoured this in one sitting glad to see di allie shenton has it covered.....
March 12, 2022
Broken Promises DetectiveAlli Shenton series book 4⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another good book the series,Mel Sherratt is so good at writing believable storylines and I enjoy getting to know the characters better.I won't ruin it for anyone but I definitely recommend this whole series of books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another good book the series,Mel Sherratt is so good at writing believable storylines and I enjoy getting to know the characters better.I won't ruin it for anyone but I definitely recommend this whole series of books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 31, 2022
Good read
Another crime novel with a familiar lead character. This one didn't seem as gritty than previous and seemed rushed. Not the usual thriller Mel Sherratt usually writes. It was readable but there was something missing. Hopefully the next book will be back to standard
Another crime novel with a familiar lead character. This one didn't seem as gritty than previous and seemed rushed. Not the usual thriller Mel Sherratt usually writes. It was readable but there was something missing. Hopefully the next book will be back to standard
May 26, 2022
Broken Promises
Wonderful character studies. You really get to know the main characters especially Allie Shenton. You really have to read on to find out who and how. Lots of twists and hidden clues.
Wonderful character studies. You really get to know the main characters especially Allie Shenton. You really have to read on to find out who and how. Lots of twists and hidden clues.
August 23, 2025
Allie is leading her team as DI now and they’re all called to task when a local drug dealer gets a stabbed. Is a new gang moving in or another dealer trying to move into this territory? The pieces don’t come together quickly enough as two more murders occur.
March 4, 2022
very good book
Good storyline, action, bit of intrigue and fast paced at times. Very enjoyable read. All Mel Sherratt books are extremely good.
Good storyline, action, bit of intrigue and fast paced at times. Very enjoyable read. All Mel Sherratt books are extremely good.
March 11, 2022
Brilliant as always from this author. Love the familiar characters in this series.
March 18, 2022
Another triumph
Mel Sherratt, has hit the jackpot again. She handles the human of Allie Shenton qualities so well, I cannot wait for the next one.
Mel Sherratt, has hit the jackpot again. She handles the human of Allie Shenton qualities so well, I cannot wait for the next one.
April 12, 2022
Broken Promises
I have to say, another winner for Mel Sharratt. I love the way she writes, she makes you feel a part of the story. I look forward to the next book. Thank you Mel.
I have to say, another winner for Mel Sharratt. I love the way she writes, she makes you feel a part of the story. I look forward to the next book. Thank you Mel.
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