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Daughters of Eve
When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia Hart sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless succession of domestic violence matters she is forced to investigate. But this is no simple investigation.
Another body turns up, then another. Then more - a lot more. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. It's not until a manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by a group calling themselves Daughters of Eve that Hart confirms a link between the victims: all of them had been perpetrators themselves. All had offended against women or children. Few had been charged with those crimes - and none convicted.
As panic sets in and chaos rules the streets, the police draw ever closer to the Daughters of Eve, but the serial killer continues to elude them. Again, Hart sees something that everyone else has missed. And what that is, she cannot believe.
Another body turns up, then another. Then more - a lot more. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. It's not until a manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by a group calling themselves Daughters of Eve that Hart confirms a link between the victims: all of them had been perpetrators themselves. All had offended against women or children. Few had been charged with those crimes - and none convicted.
As panic sets in and chaos rules the streets, the police draw ever closer to the Daughters of Eve, but the serial killer continues to elude them. Again, Hart sees something that everyone else has missed. And what that is, she cannot believe.
376 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 11, 2022
Walking among other pedestrians near Sydney’s Darlinghurst Courthouse, Detective Emilia Hart was shocked to have a man fall at her feet. When she saw the blood and heard the gasps around her, she swung into action, calling an ambulance. The man was a defence barrister, one of the most important men to grace the courts – and much hated. And so it began. As more and more men died, with the same MO, Hart and Robbo, along with the rest of the team, were at their wits’ end. What was going on? Why were these people being targeted?
Hart had her suspicions and it pointed to the horrors of domestic violence. So many women suffered from the rape and abuse – in silence – when it proved that they weren’t believed, or it was their fault for the way they dressed, or they lead the perpetrator on. But when a group appeared online, calling themselves Daughters of Eve, with lists of people who were perpetrators, including those already killed, the city of Sydney – and across Australia – was in shock. Would they find the Daughters of Eve? But Hart was in for more shocking news…
Daughters of Eve is the debut novel by Aussie author Nina D. Campbell and WOW! What a debut!! Set in Sydney, Detective Emilia Hart is as natural as they come – a great character. While Robbo, although initially against Hart, turned out to be one of the good guys. With plenty of tension, twists and turns, and chilling, unputdownable pages, Daughters of Eve is one I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next! Bravo!!
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Hart had her suspicions and it pointed to the horrors of domestic violence. So many women suffered from the rape and abuse – in silence – when it proved that they weren’t believed, or it was their fault for the way they dressed, or they lead the perpetrator on. But when a group appeared online, calling themselves Daughters of Eve, with lists of people who were perpetrators, including those already killed, the city of Sydney – and across Australia – was in shock. Would they find the Daughters of Eve? But Hart was in for more shocking news…
Daughters of Eve is the debut novel by Aussie author Nina D. Campbell and WOW! What a debut!! Set in Sydney, Detective Emilia Hart is as natural as they come – a great character. While Robbo, although initially against Hart, turned out to be one of the good guys. With plenty of tension, twists and turns, and chilling, unputdownable pages, Daughters of Eve is one I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next! Bravo!!
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
The suspense and thrill of this book is outstanding. For a debut novel, this is incredible, what a wonderfully talented writer.
Detective Sergeant Hart is a foster mother to two young teenage girls, whom she discovered living on the streets. Her daughters Rose and Grace have had a tough life on the streets, earning money whichever way they could, just to survive.
The very first scene from this book is Detective Hart is exiting the court house with the crowd, after a court case has ended, shots are fired, people are scrambling and right in front of her a judge is shot dead by a sniper, Hart tends to the victim, takes of her coat and puts pressure on the wound, whilst the ambulance arrives.
Hart begs to be assigned the homicide case, and uses her leverage as being a witness to the murder to get assigned the case. The case takes many twists and turns and ends up possibly becoming a serial murder case.
I absolutely loved loved loved this book, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is suspenseful, thought provoking, well researched and entertaining. I will definitely be keeping a copy of this in my home library and will be recommending to others.
There is topics of rape and sex crimes so may not be suitable for all readers.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
5 stars from me :)
Detective Sergeant Hart is a foster mother to two young teenage girls, whom she discovered living on the streets. Her daughters Rose and Grace have had a tough life on the streets, earning money whichever way they could, just to survive.
The very first scene from this book is Detective Hart is exiting the court house with the crowd, after a court case has ended, shots are fired, people are scrambling and right in front of her a judge is shot dead by a sniper, Hart tends to the victim, takes of her coat and puts pressure on the wound, whilst the ambulance arrives.
Hart begs to be assigned the homicide case, and uses her leverage as being a witness to the murder to get assigned the case. The case takes many twists and turns and ends up possibly becoming a serial murder case.
I absolutely loved loved loved this book, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is suspenseful, thought provoking, well researched and entertaining. I will definitely be keeping a copy of this in my home library and will be recommending to others.
There is topics of rape and sex crimes so may not be suitable for all readers.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
5 stars from me :)
May 10, 2022
The novel opens with the dramatic shooting of defence barrister Thomas Griffith-Jones on the steps of a Sydney courthouse. DS Emilia Hart had just left the courthouse where Griffith-Jones was defending a man whose two children drowned when he lost control of his car on a cliffside road. That he had long been abusing and intimidating his wife and the car crash was no accident was evident to the police, but Griffith-Jones was doing his utmost to convince the jury otherwise. When an outbreak of further shootings of men occur in Sydney and in other towns and cities the police are puzzled. The only connection between the victims is that they have committed domestic or sexual abuse of women or children.
This thrilling tale of revenge against male violence tackles a very topical issue of why women and children continue to be on the receiving end of male aggression and why our judicial system can't do more to protect them. Having worked previously with victims of domestic or sexual abuse and having adopted two abused children, Emilia is the perfect defender of women and children. Emilia is also surrounded by some good men in the police force, including her partner Robbo and Matt, a Melbourne detective who becomes involved in the case as the shootings spread across Australia. The author cleverly makes her point that more than fifty women are killed by abusive men in Australia every year and not much is done to address this, but when abusive men become targeted, a national task force is immediately set up to find the killer. An impressive and thought provoking debut!
This thrilling tale of revenge against male violence tackles a very topical issue of why women and children continue to be on the receiving end of male aggression and why our judicial system can't do more to protect them. Having worked previously with victims of domestic or sexual abuse and having adopted two abused children, Emilia is the perfect defender of women and children. Emilia is also surrounded by some good men in the police force, including her partner Robbo and Matt, a Melbourne detective who becomes involved in the case as the shootings spread across Australia. The author cleverly makes her point that more than fifty women are killed by abusive men in Australia every year and not much is done to address this, but when abusive men become targeted, a national task force is immediately set up to find the killer. An impressive and thought provoking debut!
April 30, 2022
3.5 Stars
An impressive debut for this Australian author. I thought the case was incredibly intriguing and Detective Emelia Hart was a great narrator. I can't say too much but I wish Nina had gone in a different direction with how the case broke. It felt a bit sad and anticlimactic given the shocking nature of the revelation. A good novel that highlighted the devastating issue of
CW:
An impressive debut for this Australian author. I thought the case was incredibly intriguing and Detective Emelia Hart was a great narrator. I can't say too much but I wish Nina had gone in a different direction with how the case broke. It felt a bit sad and anticlimactic given the shocking nature of the revelation. A good novel that highlighted the devastating issue of
CW:
November 10, 2022
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT.
Aussie author Nina D. Campbell has written a fantastic debut novel. Mystery, thriller, crime and let’s not forget page-turner this book is one with the lot and more.
Daughters of Eve is one of those books that once you’ve read it you want to recommend to anyone and everyone. Yes, it is that good and if you read it or have read it you’ll understand why I loved it as much as I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read and review.
Aussie author Nina D. Campbell has written a fantastic debut novel. Mystery, thriller, crime and let’s not forget page-turner this book is one with the lot and more.
Daughters of Eve is one of those books that once you’ve read it you want to recommend to anyone and everyone. Yes, it is that good and if you read it or have read it you’ll understand why I loved it as much as I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read and review.
March 29, 2022
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell is an impressive debut and a revenge thriller!
The opening pages are dramatic, this is intriguing Aussie crime fiction with a strong female protagonist.
When a succession of male sexual predators turn up dead, shot in the chest in a unique way panic erupts in the streets but not in the way you would expect.
The serial killer continues to elude the police and a group who have named themselves Daughters of Eve claim responsibility.
Detective Emilia Hart is keen to get on the case and is an eye witness to the killing of the first victim.
As the case moves forward Emilia discovers a shocking truth. The climax is explosive and the plot thought-provoking and well thought out!
Wow this is a story with a valuable message to today’s heart crushing issues of domestic violence, I hope there’s more to follow from this new author who is one to watch out for.
Publication Date 29th March 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book.
Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell is an impressive debut and a revenge thriller!
The opening pages are dramatic, this is intriguing Aussie crime fiction with a strong female protagonist.
When a succession of male sexual predators turn up dead, shot in the chest in a unique way panic erupts in the streets but not in the way you would expect.
The serial killer continues to elude the police and a group who have named themselves Daughters of Eve claim responsibility.
Detective Emilia Hart is keen to get on the case and is an eye witness to the killing of the first victim.
As the case moves forward Emilia discovers a shocking truth. The climax is explosive and the plot thought-provoking and well thought out!
Wow this is a story with a valuable message to today’s heart crushing issues of domestic violence, I hope there’s more to follow from this new author who is one to watch out for.
Publication Date 29th March 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book.
March 31, 2022
Daughters of Eve is a book that crime fiction readers are just going to devour. I read it in 2 sittings, so beware, once you pick it up it will be very hard to put it down. I cannot believe that this is a debut novel! I am excited to see what Nina Campbell has for us next - hopefully more from Emilia?! When there is a murder on the first page I knew that it was a book for me!
A serial killer taking out men who have gotten away with crimes against women and children. The body count in the book is just insane - they keep coming. The police really have their work cut out for them in this book, set mostly in Sydney. Emilia Hart has a massive murder case literally land at her feet. She knows if she can get onto the team for this her days of cold cases might be over. She has to fight for everything, a woman in a man's world. She won't give up though, she is a badass copper! When the Daughters of Eve take credit for the killings and the murders increase, the country is scared and under threat.
It is a pager turner and and ending that I really didn't see coming. I thought I had it worked out but no... I was way off! I love that.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. Out now in Australia.
A serial killer taking out men who have gotten away with crimes against women and children. The body count in the book is just insane - they keep coming. The police really have their work cut out for them in this book, set mostly in Sydney. Emilia Hart has a massive murder case literally land at her feet. She knows if she can get onto the team for this her days of cold cases might be over. She has to fight for everything, a woman in a man's world. She won't give up though, she is a badass copper! When the Daughters of Eve take credit for the killings and the murders increase, the country is scared and under threat.
It is a pager turner and and ending that I really didn't see coming. I thought I had it worked out but no... I was way off! I love that.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. Out now in Australia.
May 21, 2022
What an awesome debut, this book is fabulous, a real page turner, so well written anyone who enjoys a good crime story that has so much emotion in it as well then you need to get out and buy, or borrow this book and read it, I could barely put it down, getting to know Detective Emilia Hart was the best, I was cheering her on, what a woman.
Detective Emilia Hart is in front of the court house in Sydney when a top barrister is shot dead, the case should fall into her hands taking her away from the domestic violence cases that she is always given, but her DCI decides to make her share it with another Detective her friend Robbo, but when more bodies keep turning up this case escalates making it a huge investigation.
The victims are all men and all shot in the same way there has to be a link and Em is feeling that somehow it is linked to the abuse of woman and children and her feelings are warranted when a manifesto appears on line published by a group calling themselves The Daughters of Eve and things start heating up in the bunker.
Hart has some issues from her past that never leave her and she is the adopted mother of two girls Rose and Grace whom have been through hell in their younger years, so supporting abused woman and children is something that she cares deeply about but she is also an officer of the law and finding the perpetrator is a must. The streets of Sydney are hit with panic and the killings keep going but Em and Robbo seem to be closing in and the things they are discovering will shock.
I highly recommend this book fabulously written with care and a lot of heart, Em is such a strong person she will stand up for anyone who needs help and herself, working in a male world is hard but she never gives in, truly you must read this book and I can’t wait for more books from Nina Campbell, huge congrats on such a brilliant debut.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
Detective Emilia Hart is in front of the court house in Sydney when a top barrister is shot dead, the case should fall into her hands taking her away from the domestic violence cases that she is always given, but her DCI decides to make her share it with another Detective her friend Robbo, but when more bodies keep turning up this case escalates making it a huge investigation.
The victims are all men and all shot in the same way there has to be a link and Em is feeling that somehow it is linked to the abuse of woman and children and her feelings are warranted when a manifesto appears on line published by a group calling themselves The Daughters of Eve and things start heating up in the bunker.
Hart has some issues from her past that never leave her and she is the adopted mother of two girls Rose and Grace whom have been through hell in their younger years, so supporting abused woman and children is something that she cares deeply about but she is also an officer of the law and finding the perpetrator is a must. The streets of Sydney are hit with panic and the killings keep going but Em and Robbo seem to be closing in and the things they are discovering will shock.
I highly recommend this book fabulously written with care and a lot of heart, Em is such a strong person she will stand up for anyone who needs help and herself, working in a male world is hard but she never gives in, truly you must read this book and I can’t wait for more books from Nina Campbell, huge congrats on such a brilliant debut.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
August 10, 2022
I have had a strange crisis of confidence with my ratings of late. This would be four stars as my first thought, but not quite as good as other four star reads I’ve had lately, so I will go for 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Another outstanding debut Australian author, The premise of a ‘feminist revenge thriller’ was very appealing; I can’t say I have read this genre, or even considered it.
Detective Emelia Hart is a strong lead, making it tough in the (again a common them) the seemingly man’s world of the Australian police force. Women need to prove themselves more, they are damn good at their job but there is always simmering tension. Here it is done well with some superiors and one particular colleague displaying definite machoistic tendencies. Makes me want to strangle those arrogant characters, which is a good sign being invested in the story. Emelia can handle everything they throw at her.
This is a story of women and girls being treated poorly by men, this issue is commonplace in many books I’ve read recently, but this one is bitey and full of revenge. The Daughters of Eve takes a step further than ruminating and observation; the male perpetrators are being killed off, one by one.
Emelia have taken in two girls she encountered during her time on the force, they are her daughters that she loves with an intensity. These girls have been damaged, although we aren’t privy to these exact issues until their involvement in this movement becomes obvious.
Emelia is a strong woman, she’s faced her own abuse as a child, but she is a fierce competitor that knows her way around a gun and is well able to take care of herself.
This is an original and strong storyline, a little neat in portions with a lot of ‘Christ on a cricket-bat’ (don’t quote me) type sayings. It fit the tone of Sydney and I’ve found myself reading about local settings, Penrith and Parramatta got a mention this time around.
This vigilantism has become so alarming that soldiers armed with semi-automatic weapons are stationed on the streets of Sydney, riots are in full swing. Emelia seems able to handle anything, even with a busted ankle. Funny, witty, selfdeprecatingly honest, she was a great character to lead this brutal case. Again, another strong hefty Australian debut.
With many thanks to Allen & Unwin for my physical copy to read and review.
Another outstanding debut Australian author, The premise of a ‘feminist revenge thriller’ was very appealing; I can’t say I have read this genre, or even considered it.
Detective Emelia Hart is a strong lead, making it tough in the (again a common them) the seemingly man’s world of the Australian police force. Women need to prove themselves more, they are damn good at their job but there is always simmering tension. Here it is done well with some superiors and one particular colleague displaying definite machoistic tendencies. Makes me want to strangle those arrogant characters, which is a good sign being invested in the story. Emelia can handle everything they throw at her.
This is a story of women and girls being treated poorly by men, this issue is commonplace in many books I’ve read recently, but this one is bitey and full of revenge. The Daughters of Eve takes a step further than ruminating and observation; the male perpetrators are being killed off, one by one.
Emelia have taken in two girls she encountered during her time on the force, they are her daughters that she loves with an intensity. These girls have been damaged, although we aren’t privy to these exact issues until their involvement in this movement becomes obvious.
Emelia is a strong woman, she’s faced her own abuse as a child, but she is a fierce competitor that knows her way around a gun and is well able to take care of herself.
This is an original and strong storyline, a little neat in portions with a lot of ‘Christ on a cricket-bat’ (don’t quote me) type sayings. It fit the tone of Sydney and I’ve found myself reading about local settings, Penrith and Parramatta got a mention this time around.
This vigilantism has become so alarming that soldiers armed with semi-automatic weapons are stationed on the streets of Sydney, riots are in full swing. Emelia seems able to handle anything, even with a busted ankle. Funny, witty, selfdeprecatingly honest, she was a great character to lead this brutal case. Again, another strong hefty Australian debut.
With many thanks to Allen & Unwin for my physical copy to read and review.
March 31, 2022
Daughters of Eve is the first novel by Australian author, Nina D. Campbell. After she has been dropped from a potentially career-making case, the public shooting of a notorious defence barrister, DS Emilia Hart is sent to deal with a floater. Her intention is to return to the cold cases she can’t dismiss, once she has sorted this one, but there is a surprise link to the barrister’s murder. Her floater may have been a poor, hoarding pensioner but he, too, was shot by a skilled marksman.
It doesn’t end there: more shootings, with the same MO, one in Melbourne. Emilia travels down to liaise with a Victoria Police Homicide detective she met on a conference, to check if this is their sniper. DS Matt Hayes may be distracting, but not so much that Emilia doesn’t note a subtle sign about the victim’s widow.
By the time there have been four shootings in Sydney and two in Melbourne, with no apparent connection between the victims, Emilia’s experience with domestic violence cases suggests a tenuous link. While Emilia and her partner, Robbo investigate the seventh murder, an alleged domestic abuser, CCTV indicates the sniper could be a woman.
It’s then that the Daughters of Eve launch their campaign against “abusers, oppressors, killers and child rapists”. The list on their website seems to claim responsibility for eight executions, and offers an app with which victims can name abusers. A manifesto from a vigilante group that stimulates a massive response, both positive and negative: around the country, more men die, protest rallies devolve into riots, and the army is called in.
Once Emilia connects the victims through their past (and so far, unpunished) misdeeds, the puzzle is to work out how the shooter discovers this: could there be a connection via police, or social workers, or church-run support groups? The shocking answer, it turns out, is much closer to home…
Campbell takes a topic that is very much in the media and adds an easily believable twist. Her protagonist is smart and resourceful, but carries damage from her own childhood trauma, something that can help or hinder her work performance and her personal life.
Campbell surrounds her protagonist with characters that are easy to love or despise, as required, and gives them a wealth of wise words and insightful observations. Emilia remarks on the disproportionate response to the killings: “Fourteen men die and it’s terrorism. More than fifty women and children die every year and what to we call that? Domestic violence, that’s what we call it. And we’re not mobilising the army to stop it!”
Very little suspension of disbelief is required for any aspect of this novel, including the characters and their behaviour, the plot and the setting. Topical, relevant and thought-provoking, this fast-paced thriller is a powerful debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
It doesn’t end there: more shootings, with the same MO, one in Melbourne. Emilia travels down to liaise with a Victoria Police Homicide detective she met on a conference, to check if this is their sniper. DS Matt Hayes may be distracting, but not so much that Emilia doesn’t note a subtle sign about the victim’s widow.
By the time there have been four shootings in Sydney and two in Melbourne, with no apparent connection between the victims, Emilia’s experience with domestic violence cases suggests a tenuous link. While Emilia and her partner, Robbo investigate the seventh murder, an alleged domestic abuser, CCTV indicates the sniper could be a woman.
It’s then that the Daughters of Eve launch their campaign against “abusers, oppressors, killers and child rapists”. The list on their website seems to claim responsibility for eight executions, and offers an app with which victims can name abusers. A manifesto from a vigilante group that stimulates a massive response, both positive and negative: around the country, more men die, protest rallies devolve into riots, and the army is called in.
Once Emilia connects the victims through their past (and so far, unpunished) misdeeds, the puzzle is to work out how the shooter discovers this: could there be a connection via police, or social workers, or church-run support groups? The shocking answer, it turns out, is much closer to home…
Campbell takes a topic that is very much in the media and adds an easily believable twist. Her protagonist is smart and resourceful, but carries damage from her own childhood trauma, something that can help or hinder her work performance and her personal life.
Campbell surrounds her protagonist with characters that are easy to love or despise, as required, and gives them a wealth of wise words and insightful observations. Emilia remarks on the disproportionate response to the killings: “Fourteen men die and it’s terrorism. More than fifty women and children die every year and what to we call that? Domestic violence, that’s what we call it. And we’re not mobilising the army to stop it!”
Very little suspension of disbelief is required for any aspect of this novel, including the characters and their behaviour, the plot and the setting. Topical, relevant and thought-provoking, this fast-paced thriller is a powerful debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
September 6, 2022
Daughters of Eve is a gripping crime thriller, and a fabulous debut by Australian author Nina D. Campbell.
From the explosive opening scene, we follow Sydney homicide Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart as she's drawn into the complex investigation of a series of sniper shootings. The targets are all men who have a history, public or hidden, of perpetrating physical and/or sexual violence against women and children. As the bodies mount up, an online group calling itself the "Daughters of Eve" takes responsibility for the crimes, promising more deaths and creating a groundswell of toxic masculinity on the streets. D.S. Hart draws on her considerable experience in investigating domestic violence, as she and her colleague D.S. "Robbo" Roberts follow up scant leads to find the common link between the victims.
Meanwhile, Emilia's personal life seems to be no less complex than her work. Both her teenaged foster daughters are survivors of child sexual exploitation, and while they're a tight-knit unit, some cracks are starting to show. Emilia reignites what had been a one night stand with Melbourne detective Matt Hayes, a relationship that becomes more complicated when Hayes arrives unexpectedly to consult with the Sydney team.
On one level, it's deliciously satisfying to consider male perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence receiving a fatal comeuppance, but this "feminist revenge thriller" has an unexpected heart of gold. Emilia is a complex and engaging character, one who I hope we may see more of in the future. Nina D. Campbell's depiction of the casual misogyny Hart experiences in the workplace provides a sadly realistic backdrop to the overt violence of the case, as do the interractions she has with a succession of violated women over the course of her enquiries.
I'd wholeheartedly recommend Daughters of Eve to any reader who enjoys quality contemporary crime-thrillers. Those with an interest in gendered violence will find this a particularly stimulating read.
From the explosive opening scene, we follow Sydney homicide Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart as she's drawn into the complex investigation of a series of sniper shootings. The targets are all men who have a history, public or hidden, of perpetrating physical and/or sexual violence against women and children. As the bodies mount up, an online group calling itself the "Daughters of Eve" takes responsibility for the crimes, promising more deaths and creating a groundswell of toxic masculinity on the streets. D.S. Hart draws on her considerable experience in investigating domestic violence, as she and her colleague D.S. "Robbo" Roberts follow up scant leads to find the common link between the victims.
Meanwhile, Emilia's personal life seems to be no less complex than her work. Both her teenaged foster daughters are survivors of child sexual exploitation, and while they're a tight-knit unit, some cracks are starting to show. Emilia reignites what had been a one night stand with Melbourne detective Matt Hayes, a relationship that becomes more complicated when Hayes arrives unexpectedly to consult with the Sydney team.
On one level, it's deliciously satisfying to consider male perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence receiving a fatal comeuppance, but this "feminist revenge thriller" has an unexpected heart of gold. Emilia is a complex and engaging character, one who I hope we may see more of in the future. Nina D. Campbell's depiction of the casual misogyny Hart experiences in the workplace provides a sadly realistic backdrop to the overt violence of the case, as do the interractions she has with a succession of violated women over the course of her enquiries.
I'd wholeheartedly recommend Daughters of Eve to any reader who enjoys quality contemporary crime-thrillers. Those with an interest in gendered violence will find this a particularly stimulating read.
April 16, 2022
This is a book that will stay with me for some time. DS Emilia Hart is leaving court when a man is shot right in front of her. He turns out to be a high-profile lawyer, a favourite for organised crime and despised by police. Hart is determined to lead the investigation on this case, but hits a wall with her DCI who favours the lads for 'serious policing'.
The story from there deals with shootings, severe child abuse, rape, child trafficking and many other issues that are disturbing but also a frightening reality.
Given that this is a debut novel, it quite explodes off the pages and this author is someone to watch out for. A brilliant story shining a very bright light on the tragic reality of domestic violence and sexual abuse, as well as the often misogynistic handling of victims by those in authority.
This book will make you cry but more importantly it will make you angry.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected proof that I won.
The story from there deals with shootings, severe child abuse, rape, child trafficking and many other issues that are disturbing but also a frightening reality.
Given that this is a debut novel, it quite explodes off the pages and this author is someone to watch out for. A brilliant story shining a very bright light on the tragic reality of domestic violence and sexual abuse, as well as the often misogynistic handling of victims by those in authority.
This book will make you cry but more importantly it will make you angry.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected proof that I won.
July 12, 2022
Nina D Campbell is a new Aussie author with her recently released Daughters of Eve. Set in Sydney, a defence barrister is shot dead on the steps of the Court steps. DS Emilia Hart steps in to take the case and moves beyond the domestic violence she is given to investigate. A warning: there are sensitive issues and sex crimes that may trigger some readers. As more murders occur, public concern heightens and yet there are no apparent links between the cases, despite identical shooting characteristics. The narrative also includes the personal life of Emilia, her family and relationship which become complicated as she juggles life and work. As leads go nowhere and the body count mounts, the military end up patrolling the streets of Sydney as panic sets in. A most enjoyable tale with a serial killer revenge motif and a shocking unexpected ending. So, a four star read rating, despite the somewhat unrealistic and inappropriate family violence theme. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
September 12, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell. (2022).
When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless domestic violence. But then more bodies start turning up - all men, all shot. A manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by an unknown group called 'Daughters of Eve' states all the men were perpetrators against women or children. Few were charged, none convicted. As panic and chaos sets in, the police draw closer to the group but the killer eludes them. Until Hart sees something that everyone has missed...
What a fantastic debut crime fiction novel for this author! I loved this thought-provoking and very topical story. The concept is intriguing, and one that I think many readers will find themselves on the fence about. If horrifically violent perpetrators are getting away with their crimes, does that give vigilantes the right to take justice into their own hands? This fast-paced novel takes a look at just that, and it certainly was food for thought. I quite liked the lead character of Emilia, and her rapports with both her colleague Robbo and colleague/love interest Matt.
Overall: a well-written and engaging Australian crime fiction, I hope to see more books featuring Detective Emilia in the future.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell. (2022).
When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless domestic violence. But then more bodies start turning up - all men, all shot. A manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by an unknown group called 'Daughters of Eve' states all the men were perpetrators against women or children. Few were charged, none convicted. As panic and chaos sets in, the police draw closer to the group but the killer eludes them. Until Hart sees something that everyone has missed...
What a fantastic debut crime fiction novel for this author! I loved this thought-provoking and very topical story. The concept is intriguing, and one that I think many readers will find themselves on the fence about. If horrifically violent perpetrators are getting away with their crimes, does that give vigilantes the right to take justice into their own hands? This fast-paced novel takes a look at just that, and it certainly was food for thought. I quite liked the lead character of Emilia, and her rapports with both her colleague Robbo and colleague/love interest Matt.
Overall: a well-written and engaging Australian crime fiction, I hope to see more books featuring Detective Emilia in the future.
March 10, 2023
Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell
Synopsis /
When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia Hart sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless succession of domestic violence matters she is forced to investigate. But this is no simple investigation.
Another body turns up, then another. Then more - a lot more. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. It's not until a manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by a group calling themselves Daughters of Eve that Hart confirms a link between the victims: all of them had been perpetrators themselves. All had offended against women or children. Few had been charged with those crimes - and none convicted.
As panic sets in and chaos rules the streets, the police draw ever closer to the Daughters of Eve, but the serial killer continues to elude them. Again, Hart sees something that everyone else has missed. And what that is, she cannot believe.
My Thoughts /
Rounding up to 3.5⭐
The conclusion of Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell marks the third debut novel I've read this year which has been written by a female Aussie author. The calibre of these new authors is outstanding.
Protagonist, Emilia Hart works within a male dominated workforce. She's a Detective Sergeant in the New South Wales Police and currently working out of Surry Hills Police Station.
Leaving Sydney's Darlinghurst Courthouse after a day in court, DS Hart is stunned when the sounds of gunshots rang out into the afternoon sunshine. With so many people exiting the courthouse it's mayhem, people are scrambling, pushing and shoving - they have no idea where the shots are coming from. But when a man falls to the ground right at her feet Hart's training kicks into action. There's blood. Lots and lots of blood. He's been shot. Hart begins first aid and yells for someone to call an ambulance. Hart recognises the man lying on the ground in front of her as defence barrister Thomas Griffith-Jones - The man you hired when you were guilty. But this shooting is just the beginning. There are dead bodies turning up all over the country, all with the same MO - a tightly grouped three shot combination to the chest. With little to no apparent connection to each of the shootings, Hart and her partner, Detective Sergeant Roberts ('Robbo') begin to investigate what at first glance is an insurmountable case.
Is this a serial killer? Are they looking at copy-cat killers? As the detectives go about their investigation, they unearth some disturbing finds. Rape, domestic and sexual violence against women and young girls; violence and abuse towards women and children. As more and more killings occur, something called Daughters of Eve makes an appearance online, claiming those killed all deserved to die. They (whoever they are) - the Daughters of Eve claim to have a 'list' of people who were perpetrators of domestic, sexual and violent abuse and were being killed by the Group as a sort of retribution on behalf of their victims.
As the case moves forward, we are gifted with more of the backstory into Detective Emilia Hart, and it's not pretty. She's a female trying to make her way in a male dominated field. It's difficult - she's got to work twice as hard as her male counterparts, for little or no recognition of her work. But Emilia's a stayer and she can handle herself in this sea of arrogant, masochist, self-serving male colleagues. [Caveat: They're not all bad!]
I found some of the reading tough going due to the combination of dark themed content and a fairly complex plot. The middle was a bit loosey-goosey, and I found myself getting bored. However, the writing tightened towards the end and with that, so did my reading, I was running through pages. And that ending? Totally unexpected!
All in all, a solid, reliable debut.
Synopsis /
When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia Hart sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless succession of domestic violence matters she is forced to investigate. But this is no simple investigation.
Another body turns up, then another. Then more - a lot more. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. It's not until a manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by a group calling themselves Daughters of Eve that Hart confirms a link between the victims: all of them had been perpetrators themselves. All had offended against women or children. Few had been charged with those crimes - and none convicted.
As panic sets in and chaos rules the streets, the police draw ever closer to the Daughters of Eve, but the serial killer continues to elude them. Again, Hart sees something that everyone else has missed. And what that is, she cannot believe.
My Thoughts /
Rounding up to 3.5⭐
The conclusion of Daughters of Eve by Nina D. Campbell marks the third debut novel I've read this year which has been written by a female Aussie author. The calibre of these new authors is outstanding.
Protagonist, Emilia Hart works within a male dominated workforce. She's a Detective Sergeant in the New South Wales Police and currently working out of Surry Hills Police Station.
Leaving Sydney's Darlinghurst Courthouse after a day in court, DS Hart is stunned when the sounds of gunshots rang out into the afternoon sunshine. With so many people exiting the courthouse it's mayhem, people are scrambling, pushing and shoving - they have no idea where the shots are coming from. But when a man falls to the ground right at her feet Hart's training kicks into action. There's blood. Lots and lots of blood. He's been shot. Hart begins first aid and yells for someone to call an ambulance. Hart recognises the man lying on the ground in front of her as defence barrister Thomas Griffith-Jones - The man you hired when you were guilty. But this shooting is just the beginning. There are dead bodies turning up all over the country, all with the same MO - a tightly grouped three shot combination to the chest. With little to no apparent connection to each of the shootings, Hart and her partner, Detective Sergeant Roberts ('Robbo') begin to investigate what at first glance is an insurmountable case.
Is this a serial killer? Are they looking at copy-cat killers? As the detectives go about their investigation, they unearth some disturbing finds. Rape, domestic and sexual violence against women and young girls; violence and abuse towards women and children. As more and more killings occur, something called Daughters of Eve makes an appearance online, claiming those killed all deserved to die. They (whoever they are) - the Daughters of Eve claim to have a 'list' of people who were perpetrators of domestic, sexual and violent abuse and were being killed by the Group as a sort of retribution on behalf of their victims.
As the case moves forward, we are gifted with more of the backstory into Detective Emilia Hart, and it's not pretty. She's a female trying to make her way in a male dominated field. It's difficult - she's got to work twice as hard as her male counterparts, for little or no recognition of her work. But Emilia's a stayer and she can handle herself in this sea of arrogant, masochist, self-serving male colleagues. [Caveat: They're not all bad!]
I found some of the reading tough going due to the combination of dark themed content and a fairly complex plot. The middle was a bit loosey-goosey, and I found myself getting bored. However, the writing tightened towards the end and with that, so did my reading, I was running through pages. And that ending? Totally unexpected!
All in all, a solid, reliable debut.
April 1, 2022
Imperious defence barrister Thomas Griffith-Jones, the brief the guilty hire, lies bleeding from gunshot wounds outside Sydney’s Darlinghurst Courthouse. He’s just defended a man whose 2 children didn’t survive when the car he lost control of drove off a bridge. Accident? Yeah, right. DS Emilia Hart of the Homicide Squad is first on scene. She swiftly takes control of the operation. As a witness Emilia should be a prime contender for the murder investigation team, but her chauvinist DCI thinks otherwise – the old boy network is full of Robbos & Thommos. A complaint by the barrister’s widow sees Emilia assigned to the case of a Sydney Harbour floater instead.
But that autopsy reveals the same 3 bullet spread as the barrister. This victim’s daughters have both changed their surnames, don’t want to talk to the cops and are very pleased he’s dead. Years ago he had been linked to the death of his wife but there’d been insufficient evidence for a murder charge. When a 3rd body with the same bullet configuration presents, a connection is conspicuous but elusive.
The next victim appears in Melbourne, the same bullet spread but not quite as tight. The same sharp-shooter or a copycat? Emilia contacts VicPol detective Matt Hayes, with whom she has a lusty history, to confer. One thing leads to another and ... (yeah that too) Matt ends up in Sydney as liaison.
Further victims, same MO. No cash withdrawals or transfers from accounts of those who might have wanted the victims dead rules out vigilantism. It takes a newspaper asking for police comment about the Daughters of Eve website which lists all the victims, including those yet to be identified, for the investigation to accept Emilia’s assertion that it’s all related to domestic violence. The website invites users to add names of unpunished perpetrators to the execution list. This is the lightning rod of the storm to come – regional towns and major cities see the body count rise. Tensions escalate, far Right misogynists coalesce and march in protest, the army deploys for the national emergency.
Who is behind the website? Social services, therapists, a nun with a gun? Or is Emilia’s hunch going to break her heart?
The story highlights the imbalance of power between the sexes, how those who lack it might be forced to take drastic steps, and those who lose it will retaliate with tyrannical force. When a suspect is taken into custody all the medias demonstrate frenzied responses, baying for blood and exacerbating the lynch mob mindset.
A taut thriller with a very topical theme, lightened with droll and vivid turns of phrase (Sydney traffic moving like claggy custard) . A first class debut! Looking forward to reading more from Nina D. Campbell.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for an advanced reading copy.
But that autopsy reveals the same 3 bullet spread as the barrister. This victim’s daughters have both changed their surnames, don’t want to talk to the cops and are very pleased he’s dead. Years ago he had been linked to the death of his wife but there’d been insufficient evidence for a murder charge. When a 3rd body with the same bullet configuration presents, a connection is conspicuous but elusive.
The next victim appears in Melbourne, the same bullet spread but not quite as tight. The same sharp-shooter or a copycat? Emilia contacts VicPol detective Matt Hayes, with whom she has a lusty history, to confer. One thing leads to another and ... (yeah that too) Matt ends up in Sydney as liaison.
Further victims, same MO. No cash withdrawals or transfers from accounts of those who might have wanted the victims dead rules out vigilantism. It takes a newspaper asking for police comment about the Daughters of Eve website which lists all the victims, including those yet to be identified, for the investigation to accept Emilia’s assertion that it’s all related to domestic violence. The website invites users to add names of unpunished perpetrators to the execution list. This is the lightning rod of the storm to come – regional towns and major cities see the body count rise. Tensions escalate, far Right misogynists coalesce and march in protest, the army deploys for the national emergency.
Who is behind the website? Social services, therapists, a nun with a gun? Or is Emilia’s hunch going to break her heart?
The story highlights the imbalance of power between the sexes, how those who lack it might be forced to take drastic steps, and those who lose it will retaliate with tyrannical force. When a suspect is taken into custody all the medias demonstrate frenzied responses, baying for blood and exacerbating the lynch mob mindset.
A taut thriller with a very topical theme, lightened with droll and vivid turns of phrase (Sydney traffic moving like claggy custard) . A first class debut! Looking forward to reading more from Nina D. Campbell.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for an advanced reading copy.
April 26, 2022
Daughters of Eve is the first novel by Australian author, Nina D. Campbell. The audio version is narrated by Felicity Jurd. After she has been dropped from a potentially career-making case, the public shooting of a notorious defence barrister, DS Emilia Hart is sent to deal with a floater. Her intention is to return to the cold cases she can’t dismiss, once she has sorted this one, but there is a surprise link to the barrister’s murder. Her floater may have been a poor, hoarding pensioner but he, too, was shot by a skilled marksman.
It doesn’t end there: more shootings, with the same MO, one in Melbourne. Emilia travels down to liaise with a Victoria Police Homicide detective she met on a conference, to check if this is their sniper. DS Matt Hayes may be distracting, but not so much that Emilia doesn’t note a subtle sign about the victim’s widow.
By the time there have been four shootings in Sydney and two in Melbourne, with no apparent connection between the victims, Emilia’s experience with domestic violence cases suggests a tenuous link. While Emilia and her partner, Robbo investigate the seventh murder, an alleged domestic abuser, CCTV indicates the sniper could be a woman.
It’s then that the Daughters of Eve launch their campaign against “abusers, oppressors, killers and child rapists”. The list on their website seems to claim responsibility for eight executions, and offers an app with which victims can name abusers. A manifesto from a vigilante group that stimulates a massive response, both positive and negative: around the country, more men die, protest rallies devolve into riots, and the army is called in.
Once Emilia connects the victims through their past (and so far, unpunished) misdeeds, the puzzle is to work out how the shooter discovers this: could there be a connection via police, or social workers, or church-run support groups? The shocking answer, it turns out, is much closer to home…
Campbell takes a topic that is very much in the media and adds an easily believable twist. Her protagonist is smart and resourceful, but carries damage from her own childhood trauma, something that can help or hinder her work performance and her personal life.
Campbell surrounds her protagonist with characters that are easy to love or despise, as required, and gives them a wealth of wise words and insightful observations. Emilia remarks on the disproportionate response to the killings: “Fourteen men die and it’s terrorism. More than fifty women and children die every year and what to we call that? Domestic violence, that’s what we call it. And we’re not mobilising the army to stop it!”
Very little suspension of disbelief is required for any aspect of this novel, including the characters and their behaviour, the plot and the setting. Topical, relevant and thought-provoking, this fast-paced thriller is a powerful debut.
It doesn’t end there: more shootings, with the same MO, one in Melbourne. Emilia travels down to liaise with a Victoria Police Homicide detective she met on a conference, to check if this is their sniper. DS Matt Hayes may be distracting, but not so much that Emilia doesn’t note a subtle sign about the victim’s widow.
By the time there have been four shootings in Sydney and two in Melbourne, with no apparent connection between the victims, Emilia’s experience with domestic violence cases suggests a tenuous link. While Emilia and her partner, Robbo investigate the seventh murder, an alleged domestic abuser, CCTV indicates the sniper could be a woman.
It’s then that the Daughters of Eve launch their campaign against “abusers, oppressors, killers and child rapists”. The list on their website seems to claim responsibility for eight executions, and offers an app with which victims can name abusers. A manifesto from a vigilante group that stimulates a massive response, both positive and negative: around the country, more men die, protest rallies devolve into riots, and the army is called in.
Once Emilia connects the victims through their past (and so far, unpunished) misdeeds, the puzzle is to work out how the shooter discovers this: could there be a connection via police, or social workers, or church-run support groups? The shocking answer, it turns out, is much closer to home…
Campbell takes a topic that is very much in the media and adds an easily believable twist. Her protagonist is smart and resourceful, but carries damage from her own childhood trauma, something that can help or hinder her work performance and her personal life.
Campbell surrounds her protagonist with characters that are easy to love or despise, as required, and gives them a wealth of wise words and insightful observations. Emilia remarks on the disproportionate response to the killings: “Fourteen men die and it’s terrorism. More than fifty women and children die every year and what to we call that? Domestic violence, that’s what we call it. And we’re not mobilising the army to stop it!”
Very little suspension of disbelief is required for any aspect of this novel, including the characters and their behaviour, the plot and the setting. Topical, relevant and thought-provoking, this fast-paced thriller is a powerful debut.
May 20, 2022
My review is published in the June edition of goodREADING.
April 7, 2022
Daughters of Eve is a spectacularly provocative thriller from debut author Nina D. Campbell.
When a high profile defence barrister is shot dead by a sniper on the courthouse steps in front of her, Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart is eager to take the lead on the investigation, but instead finds herself sidelined, and assigned a ‘floater’ discovered in the Sydney Harbour. It surprises everyone when an autopsy reveals the man in the water was shot by the same weapon that killed the barrister. There doesn’t seem to be any obvious connection between the two, but as a third, and then a fourth man are killed, each from a sniper shot with the same grouping, Emilia sees a pattern her colleagues prefer to ignore, until the Daughters of Eve, and their manifesto, makes it impossible.
A thrilling tale of revenge, I raced through Daughters of Eve. The mystery is intriguing as Emilia tries to piece together the motive and the identity of the vigilante sniper, chasing leads that seem to go nowhere. It’s Emilia who identifies the link between the victims, all too familiar with the violence men wreak on women and children, like that she, the two girls she claims as daughters, and the names listed on her refrigerator, have endured. Emilia is painfully aware as to how rarely these men are held accountable for their behaviour, but as a police officer she can’t condone vigilantism and commits herself to solving the case, no matter where it leads.
I can’t deny that it was somewhat satisfying to imagine the tables turned, for abusive men to be afraid as the Daughters of Eve reveal themselves, launching an app that invites women to name their unpunished tormentors, sparking a wave of copycat murders across the nation. Campbell imagines a response that seems infuriatingly plausible-of a government mobilising every resource available to put an end to the killings, despite its failures to provide even the bare minimum to ensure the protection women and children victimised by domestic abusers and rapists. Exploring themes such as justice vs vengeance, prevention vs protection, the plot is as thought-provoking as it is sensational.
I thought the author deftly balanced the professional and personal aspects of Emilia’s life, ensuring a well rounded character who engenders both affection and respect. As rabidly anti-male as the story may seem to be, Campbell acknowledges good men too. Emilia’s investigative partner, Robbo, is, by and large, a decent guy. So too is Melbourne detective Matt Hayes with whom Emilia becomes involved despite her wariness.
Gripping, bold and sharp, I’ve rarely been so impressed by a debut novel, and recommend Daughters of Eve without hesitation.
When a high profile defence barrister is shot dead by a sniper on the courthouse steps in front of her, Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart is eager to take the lead on the investigation, but instead finds herself sidelined, and assigned a ‘floater’ discovered in the Sydney Harbour. It surprises everyone when an autopsy reveals the man in the water was shot by the same weapon that killed the barrister. There doesn’t seem to be any obvious connection between the two, but as a third, and then a fourth man are killed, each from a sniper shot with the same grouping, Emilia sees a pattern her colleagues prefer to ignore, until the Daughters of Eve, and their manifesto, makes it impossible.
A thrilling tale of revenge, I raced through Daughters of Eve. The mystery is intriguing as Emilia tries to piece together the motive and the identity of the vigilante sniper, chasing leads that seem to go nowhere. It’s Emilia who identifies the link between the victims, all too familiar with the violence men wreak on women and children, like that she, the two girls she claims as daughters, and the names listed on her refrigerator, have endured. Emilia is painfully aware as to how rarely these men are held accountable for their behaviour, but as a police officer she can’t condone vigilantism and commits herself to solving the case, no matter where it leads.
I can’t deny that it was somewhat satisfying to imagine the tables turned, for abusive men to be afraid as the Daughters of Eve reveal themselves, launching an app that invites women to name their unpunished tormentors, sparking a wave of copycat murders across the nation. Campbell imagines a response that seems infuriatingly plausible-of a government mobilising every resource available to put an end to the killings, despite its failures to provide even the bare minimum to ensure the protection women and children victimised by domestic abusers and rapists. Exploring themes such as justice vs vengeance, prevention vs protection, the plot is as thought-provoking as it is sensational.
I thought the author deftly balanced the professional and personal aspects of Emilia’s life, ensuring a well rounded character who engenders both affection and respect. As rabidly anti-male as the story may seem to be, Campbell acknowledges good men too. Emilia’s investigative partner, Robbo, is, by and large, a decent guy. So too is Melbourne detective Matt Hayes with whom Emilia becomes involved despite her wariness.
Gripping, bold and sharp, I’ve rarely been so impressed by a debut novel, and recommend Daughters of Eve without hesitation.
Read
March 19, 2022One of the best debuts I've read in ages! This story starts at an excellent pace and doesn't let up. In fact, I'd only planned a few pages before adding to my TBR pile but I was immediately hooked and couldn't put it down. Really strong characterisation, sharp and articulate description throughout and a gripping premise that delivers a nail-biting, often confronting, and captivating read.
I really enjoyed the lead character's romantic subplot too, and can't wait to read what Ms Campbell writes next. Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me an early copy of this novel.
Trigger warning - this novel addresses domestic violence and child abuse.
I really enjoyed the lead character's romantic subplot too, and can't wait to read what Ms Campbell writes next. Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me an early copy of this novel.
Trigger warning - this novel addresses domestic violence and child abuse.
July 3, 2022
‘He folded like a cheap suit after church on Sunday …’
Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart was walking near Sydney’s Darlinghurst Courthouse when a man fell at her feet. She saw blood and called for an ambulance. The man, a well-known defence barrister, had a high profile. His murder was the first of several. Who was killing these men, and why? In each case, the same modus operandi was involved.
DS Hart sees this case as an opportunity to move beyond the domestic violence cases which are usually assigned to her, but this case will prove far from simple. While thinking that the murders may be connected to domestic violence, DS Hart doesn’t have much opportunity to explore these connections before a new development threatens to derail her investigation. An online group, calling themselves Daughters of Eve has a list of perpetrators of domestic violence, including those already killed. A vigilante group is at work.
There are plenty of twists and turns is this story, which moves far too close to home for DS Hart, who is the foster mother of two young women, Rose and Grace, she discovered living on the streets.
I don’t want to write more for fear of spoiling the story. Suffice to say that several difficult and confronting issues are faced head on as the story unfolds.
A highly recommended debut novel. I look forward to reading more from Ms Campbell in future.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Detective Sergeant Emilia Hart was walking near Sydney’s Darlinghurst Courthouse when a man fell at her feet. She saw blood and called for an ambulance. The man, a well-known defence barrister, had a high profile. His murder was the first of several. Who was killing these men, and why? In each case, the same modus operandi was involved.
DS Hart sees this case as an opportunity to move beyond the domestic violence cases which are usually assigned to her, but this case will prove far from simple. While thinking that the murders may be connected to domestic violence, DS Hart doesn’t have much opportunity to explore these connections before a new development threatens to derail her investigation. An online group, calling themselves Daughters of Eve has a list of perpetrators of domestic violence, including those already killed. A vigilante group is at work.
There are plenty of twists and turns is this story, which moves far too close to home for DS Hart, who is the foster mother of two young women, Rose and Grace, she discovered living on the streets.
I don’t want to write more for fear of spoiling the story. Suffice to say that several difficult and confronting issues are faced head on as the story unfolds.
A highly recommended debut novel. I look forward to reading more from Ms Campbell in future.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 11, 2022
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Violence is unacceptable period.
Domestic violence against women and children is evil and unforgivable and sadly far too common.
A debut criminal suspense that will leave fans wanting more, faces this issue head on.
The death of a high profile lawyer literally at her feet sparks an investigation and a string of male murders for Detective Hart.
The common thread of domestic violence and abuse reflecting the work of a vigilante.
A network of protagonists seeking retribution and sweet revenge make their presence felt as more and more bodies turn up around the country.
The Detective already facing the perils of a male dominated police force discovers links and threads that implicate a number of suspects.
Situations and events spiral at a rapid speed as she confronts the truth behind the Daughters of Eve.
The pace, the plot and the focus on a major social issue all contribute to making this a great read.
Told in the first person it evokes the emotional factor and heightens the level of fear. A new voice in crime and tribe member of the ever growing talented author pool we have in this country.
Violence is unacceptable period.
Domestic violence against women and children is evil and unforgivable and sadly far too common.
A debut criminal suspense that will leave fans wanting more, faces this issue head on.
The death of a high profile lawyer literally at her feet sparks an investigation and a string of male murders for Detective Hart.
The common thread of domestic violence and abuse reflecting the work of a vigilante.
A network of protagonists seeking retribution and sweet revenge make their presence felt as more and more bodies turn up around the country.
The Detective already facing the perils of a male dominated police force discovers links and threads that implicate a number of suspects.
Situations and events spiral at a rapid speed as she confronts the truth behind the Daughters of Eve.
The pace, the plot and the focus on a major social issue all contribute to making this a great read.
Told in the first person it evokes the emotional factor and heightens the level of fear. A new voice in crime and tribe member of the ever growing talented author pool we have in this country.
March 29, 2022
Daughters of Eve by Nina D Campbell opens with a bang and continues from there. I actually chuckled at the opening line and was hopeful the novel might continue in that droll cliché-ridden gumshoe style of voice (cos I miss Robert B Parker!).
It doesn't but Campbell's written the novel from the point of view of Detective Emilia Hart, who's an engaging and likeable lead. She's not perfect but not overly flawed so certainly relatable and the perfect host for this debut outing.
Although this is (hopefully) the first in a series, Campbell gives us texture and backstory so it's not as if Emilia, her colleagues and family have been dropped on an unsuspecting world. And in that backstory Campbell strikes a balance between giving us a sense of who Em is but without belabouring her history in a way that some series do - in which an overarching story arc featuring some past wrong simmers along in the background, sometimes overpowering the plot of the novel itself.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
It doesn't but Campbell's written the novel from the point of view of Detective Emilia Hart, who's an engaging and likeable lead. She's not perfect but not overly flawed so certainly relatable and the perfect host for this debut outing.
Although this is (hopefully) the first in a series, Campbell gives us texture and backstory so it's not as if Emilia, her colleagues and family have been dropped on an unsuspecting world. And in that backstory Campbell strikes a balance between giving us a sense of who Em is but without belabouring her history in a way that some series do - in which an overarching story arc featuring some past wrong simmers along in the background, sometimes overpowering the plot of the novel itself.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 17, 2022
Thanks A&U for sending me a copy of this book to review.
This book was at times really difficult to read, anything dealing with violence against woman and children is. Campbell handles a really tough subject with care and compassion, that I never felt the urge to put the book down.
The characters are so believable and relateable that you will feel their pain and frustration every step of the way. What Campbell gives us with their novel is a sense of what victims feel. The story itself is also totally believable (sadly so).
I won't five any spoilers but this is a book that everyone should read. Remember if you see something say something.
This book was at times really difficult to read, anything dealing with violence against woman and children is. Campbell handles a really tough subject with care and compassion, that I never felt the urge to put the book down.
The characters are so believable and relateable that you will feel their pain and frustration every step of the way. What Campbell gives us with their novel is a sense of what victims feel. The story itself is also totally believable (sadly so).
I won't five any spoilers but this is a book that everyone should read. Remember if you see something say something.
December 13, 2022
I received a copy of Daughters of Even from Allen & Unwin Australia to review.
Rating of 4.5.
Impressive debuting Australian author Nina D. Campbell presents one of the most intense, captivating, and thought-provoking thrillers of 2022 so far, with the outstanding Daughters of Eve.
Detective Emilia Hart is a dedicated New South Wales homicide detective whose gender and experience often sees her regulated the domestic violence murders. When a prominent defence attorney is expertly shot in front of her, Hart jumps at the opportunity to investigate a high-profile case, despite opposition from her superiors. However, this proves to be no simple investigation, especially when a second dead man with similar bullet wounds is also found.
As Hart and her colleagues investigate, they struggle to find any connection between the two victims until more men start dying and the killer releases a brazen manifesto to the world. Claiming to be part of an organisation known as The Daughters of Eve, determined to tip the scales of justice once and for all, the killers reveal that their victims have been abusive men responsible for terrible acts against women. They also claim that they are only just getting started, and they soon ask the public to identify more violent men for them to hunt down.
As more bodies start to drop, chaos starts to reign across Sydney, especially when a series of copycat murders begin around Australia. Facing immense pressure from all around, Hart doggedly pursues the case, trying to find a link between the victims and the women they hurt. However, with angry male protestors storming the city and soldiers deployed on the street, Hart is unprepared for how much her world is about to change, especially as the killer may be closer than she ever realised.
Daughters of Eve was an exceptional and outstanding first novel from Campbell that really sticks out. Featuring a particularly powerful narrative that combines a terrific and clever mystery with some of the darkest elements of modern society, Daughters of Eve proves to be extremely addictive, and I actually ended up reading it in just one day once I got hooked on its powerful events.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/03/23/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 31 March 2022:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/12/13/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.5.
Impressive debuting Australian author Nina D. Campbell presents one of the most intense, captivating, and thought-provoking thrillers of 2022 so far, with the outstanding Daughters of Eve.
Detective Emilia Hart is a dedicated New South Wales homicide detective whose gender and experience often sees her regulated the domestic violence murders. When a prominent defence attorney is expertly shot in front of her, Hart jumps at the opportunity to investigate a high-profile case, despite opposition from her superiors. However, this proves to be no simple investigation, especially when a second dead man with similar bullet wounds is also found.
As Hart and her colleagues investigate, they struggle to find any connection between the two victims until more men start dying and the killer releases a brazen manifesto to the world. Claiming to be part of an organisation known as The Daughters of Eve, determined to tip the scales of justice once and for all, the killers reveal that their victims have been abusive men responsible for terrible acts against women. They also claim that they are only just getting started, and they soon ask the public to identify more violent men for them to hunt down.
As more bodies start to drop, chaos starts to reign across Sydney, especially when a series of copycat murders begin around Australia. Facing immense pressure from all around, Hart doggedly pursues the case, trying to find a link between the victims and the women they hurt. However, with angry male protestors storming the city and soldiers deployed on the street, Hart is unprepared for how much her world is about to change, especially as the killer may be closer than she ever realised.
Daughters of Eve was an exceptional and outstanding first novel from Campbell that really sticks out. Featuring a particularly powerful narrative that combines a terrific and clever mystery with some of the darkest elements of modern society, Daughters of Eve proves to be extremely addictive, and I actually ended up reading it in just one day once I got hooked on its powerful events.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/03/23/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 31 March 2022:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/12/13/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
April 24, 2022
A great read.
May 2, 2022
i loved this book. i really did.
someone going around and murdering rapists and abusers who managed to get away with their crimes? sign me up!
now, i get that we aren’t supposed to support the villain in this way, but how often do you read a book where you agree with the “bad guy”? it’s not very common. i found it refreshing and an interesting take. while i don’t condone violence, i couldn’t help but appreciate that these monsters got what they deserved. sometimes the law fails to protect those in need. (admittedly, it wasn’t the right way to go about it, but it’s fictional so we can be a little lenient).
daughters of eve was a fast paced read from start to finish. the author didn’t skimp on details, making some scenes difficult to read (with regards to the sexual assault towards young children).
the plot twist at the end was very out of the blue for me. i didn’t suspect it until a few moments before the reveal. i loved how it played out.
i particularly liked how the characters were complex and interesting. certain stereotypes were used initially to introduce characters, which were then turned backwards. no one was what i was expecting. (except emilia’s boss. he as a creep and a bad employer).
overall, this book is a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat type of read. i couldn’t recommend it enough.
someone going around and murdering rapists and abusers who managed to get away with their crimes? sign me up!
now, i get that we aren’t supposed to support the villain in this way, but how often do you read a book where you agree with the “bad guy”? it’s not very common. i found it refreshing and an interesting take. while i don’t condone violence, i couldn’t help but appreciate that these monsters got what they deserved. sometimes the law fails to protect those in need. (admittedly, it wasn’t the right way to go about it, but it’s fictional so we can be a little lenient).
daughters of eve was a fast paced read from start to finish. the author didn’t skimp on details, making some scenes difficult to read (with regards to the sexual assault towards young children).
the plot twist at the end was very out of the blue for me. i didn’t suspect it until a few moments before the reveal. i loved how it played out.
i particularly liked how the characters were complex and interesting. certain stereotypes were used initially to introduce characters, which were then turned backwards. no one was what i was expecting. (except emilia’s boss. he as a creep and a bad employer).
overall, this book is a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat type of read. i couldn’t recommend it enough.
May 22, 2022
Nina D. Campbell is a new name to Australian crime fiction, and one to watch! If her future works are as impressive as her debut, there's no doubt that she'll eventually be amongst the best.
𝙳𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙴𝚟𝚎 opens with the murder of a defense barrister, and Detective Emelia Hart is not only first on scene- she witnessed the shooting. Working in a predominantly male industry, ruthless and relentless Em forces her way to be part of the case.
But it's not going to be an open and shut case. Soon, there's another victim with the same wounds, then another... And another. And the count keeps growing as the story progresses.
Emilia is certainly one that fights for her gender, even fostering two girls that's had a traumatic start to life. But, can she protect her girls this time around? Especially when there's conflicts of interest in the case.
I really enjoyed the dynamics between Emilia, her partner John 'Robbo' Roberts and love interest Matt Hayes. I really hope that there's more of this team, especially with an open ending! As for Peterson and Willoughby, talk about testerone loaded pigs! The way they treat Em would give HR a field day.
As for who's killing all these people? Prepared to be shocked.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
𝙳𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙴𝚟𝚎 opens with the murder of a defense barrister, and Detective Emelia Hart is not only first on scene- she witnessed the shooting. Working in a predominantly male industry, ruthless and relentless Em forces her way to be part of the case.
But it's not going to be an open and shut case. Soon, there's another victim with the same wounds, then another... And another. And the count keeps growing as the story progresses.
Emilia is certainly one that fights for her gender, even fostering two girls that's had a traumatic start to life. But, can she protect her girls this time around? Especially when there's conflicts of interest in the case.
I really enjoyed the dynamics between Emilia, her partner John 'Robbo' Roberts and love interest Matt Hayes. I really hope that there's more of this team, especially with an open ending! As for Peterson and Willoughby, talk about testerone loaded pigs! The way they treat Em would give HR a field day.
As for who's killing all these people? Prepared to be shocked.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
June 19, 2022
A good story and mostly well written, but for book with such a strong feminist subject matter, I was bothered by the "no means yes" subplot.
June 1, 2022
A gripping police procedural focusing on child and spousal abuse with a surprising ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews