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Detective Alice Rossi #1
The Ash Lake Murders
A female serial killer with a deadly agenda. The detective who must stop her. Luxury holiday lodges in the stunning Peak District. The game begins . . .
Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him out with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, “You’re a sprat to catch a mackerel.”
Surrounded by hills and lakes, Still Waters is home to a close-knit community of wealthy retirees. It’s an unlikely setting for violence. The police don’t take Callum’s disappearance seriously: he’s 24-years-old, after all. But Callum’s mother, a Still Waters resident, knows that something is very wrong.
Then a body is discovered floating in the lake. Head bashed in. But it’s not Callum.
And someone tweets:Come out to play one last time, Alice. Still Waters run deep. #MadHatter.
That’s when DCI Alice Rossi is called in. She’s back.
IT’S A CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME BETWEEN AN OBSESSED KILLER AND A DETERMINED DETECTIVE IN THIS GRIPPING MYSTERY FULL OF STUNNING TWISTS.
Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him out with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, “You’re a sprat to catch a mackerel.”
Surrounded by hills and lakes, Still Waters is home to a close-knit community of wealthy retirees. It’s an unlikely setting for violence. The police don’t take Callum’s disappearance seriously: he’s 24-years-old, after all. But Callum’s mother, a Still Waters resident, knows that something is very wrong.
Then a body is discovered floating in the lake. Head bashed in. But it’s not Callum.
And someone tweets:Come out to play one last time, Alice. Still Waters run deep. #MadHatter.
That’s when DCI Alice Rossi is called in. She’s back.
IT’S A CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME BETWEEN AN OBSESSED KILLER AND A DETERMINED DETECTIVE IN THIS GRIPPING MYSTERY FULL OF STUNNING TWISTS.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2022
936 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Helen H. Durrant
46 books623 followersI'm a woman of a certain age with a vocabulary addiction and no plans to recover.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
April 5, 2022
EXCERPT: 'I bet I feature in your dreams, don't I?' She laughed. 'And don't think I'll just slip away out of your life, either. I have a task to complete and I will see it through.'
'More people to kill?' Alice spat the words out.
'This time the focus is on you, Alice. You see, I want you dead, out of my head for good. Sorry to be a spoilsport but I'm calling time on our little game.'
The line went dead.
ABOUT 'THE ASH LAKE MURDERS': A female serial killer with a deadly agenda. The detective who must stop her. Luxury holiday lodges in the stunning Peak District. The game begins . . .
Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him out with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, “You’re a sprat to catch a mackerel.”
Surrounded by hills and lakes, Still Waters is home to a close-knit community of wealthy retirees. It’s an unlikely setting for violence. The police don’t take Callum’s disappearance seriously: he’s 24-years-old, after all. But Callum’s mother, a Still Waters resident, knows that something is very wrong.
Then a body is discovered floating in the lake. Head bashed in. But it’s not Callum.
And someone tweets:Come out to play one last time, Alice. Still Waters run deep. #MadHatter.
That’s when DCI Alice Rossi is called in. She’s back.
MY THOUGHTS: I mostly enjoyed this, the first book in a new series by an author I admire. The book is well written and the characters interesting and well portrayed. My problem is with Alice herself. Her boss has every confidence in her, but Alice doesn't see this and often withholds vital information from him thinking that he won't believe her. This is going to cause problems, but I can see that it is going to add to the tension and suspense in the next book.
And, yes, I will definitely be first in line for that.
An interesting beginning to a new series which, I believe, is going to go from strength to strength.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#THEASHLAKEMURDERS #NetGalley
I: @hhdurrant_author @joffebooks
T: @hhdurrant @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #policeprocedural #serialkillerthriller #series
THE AUTHOR: Helen H. Durrant is a British author who sets her novels in the area she has lived for many years, the towns and villages that sit in the shelter of the Pennine hills. The area offers an interesting mix of the industrial and the countryside and makes for a great setting for a crime novel. (OrderofBooks.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Ash Lake Murders by Helen H. Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'More people to kill?' Alice spat the words out.
'This time the focus is on you, Alice. You see, I want you dead, out of my head for good. Sorry to be a spoilsport but I'm calling time on our little game.'
The line went dead.
ABOUT 'THE ASH LAKE MURDERS': A female serial killer with a deadly agenda. The detective who must stop her. Luxury holiday lodges in the stunning Peak District. The game begins . . .
Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him out with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, “You’re a sprat to catch a mackerel.”
Surrounded by hills and lakes, Still Waters is home to a close-knit community of wealthy retirees. It’s an unlikely setting for violence. The police don’t take Callum’s disappearance seriously: he’s 24-years-old, after all. But Callum’s mother, a Still Waters resident, knows that something is very wrong.
Then a body is discovered floating in the lake. Head bashed in. But it’s not Callum.
And someone tweets:Come out to play one last time, Alice. Still Waters run deep. #MadHatter.
That’s when DCI Alice Rossi is called in. She’s back.
MY THOUGHTS: I mostly enjoyed this, the first book in a new series by an author I admire. The book is well written and the characters interesting and well portrayed. My problem is with Alice herself. Her boss has every confidence in her, but Alice doesn't see this and often withholds vital information from him thinking that he won't believe her. This is going to cause problems, but I can see that it is going to add to the tension and suspense in the next book.
And, yes, I will definitely be first in line for that.
An interesting beginning to a new series which, I believe, is going to go from strength to strength.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#THEASHLAKEMURDERS #NetGalley
I: @hhdurrant_author @joffebooks
T: @hhdurrant @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #policeprocedural #serialkillerthriller #series
THE AUTHOR: Helen H. Durrant is a British author who sets her novels in the area she has lived for many years, the towns and villages that sit in the shelter of the Pennine hills. The area offers an interesting mix of the industrial and the countryside and makes for a great setting for a crime novel. (OrderofBooks.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Ash Lake Murders by Helen H. Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 24, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE ASH LAKE MURDERS (Detective Alice Rossi Book #1) by Helen H. Durrant is the first book in a new British police procedural mystery series featuring a more mature female lead character, DCI Alice Rossi.
A serial murderer known as the Mad Hatter has once again returned to taunt DCI Alice Rossi. Over the last six years, when a tweet is sent with the killer’s hashtag dead bodies begin to appear. This time the murders occur in a luxury holiday resort in the Peak District were Alice lost her husband to a climbing accident.
Once again, the obsessed killer has Alice in her sites, and she is determined to end the game this time with Alice’s death.
I am always excited to read Ms. Durrant’s books, but this story was a letdown for me. The police procedural plot kept me turning the pages more from wanting to know the killer’s motive than who she was because her identity was easily deduced early on in the book. I was expecting a plot twist that would shock me as Ms. Durant is very good at surprising me, but it did not happen. The surprise twist was just not believable. Alice’s experience and expertise are set up for use in future books in this series and I will be interested in reading more.
A good, quick read with an interesting protagonist, but not my favorite from this author.
THE ASH LAKE MURDERS (Detective Alice Rossi Book #1) by Helen H. Durrant is the first book in a new British police procedural mystery series featuring a more mature female lead character, DCI Alice Rossi.
A serial murderer known as the Mad Hatter has once again returned to taunt DCI Alice Rossi. Over the last six years, when a tweet is sent with the killer’s hashtag dead bodies begin to appear. This time the murders occur in a luxury holiday resort in the Peak District were Alice lost her husband to a climbing accident.
Once again, the obsessed killer has Alice in her sites, and she is determined to end the game this time with Alice’s death.
I am always excited to read Ms. Durrant’s books, but this story was a letdown for me. The police procedural plot kept me turning the pages more from wanting to know the killer’s motive than who she was because her identity was easily deduced early on in the book. I was expecting a plot twist that would shock me as Ms. Durant is very good at surprising me, but it did not happen. The surprise twist was just not believable. Alice’s experience and expertise are set up for use in future books in this series and I will be interested in reading more.
A good, quick read with an interesting protagonist, but not my favorite from this author.
Read
March 24, 20223.5 stars
The Ash Lake Murders by Helen H. Durrant is the first in the Detective Alice Rossi series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
DCI Alice Rossi works in the Greater Manchester Serious Crime Squad. She is 50 years old, and her abusive husband Paul died six years ago. She has a son, Michael. Alice has plans to retire shortly. Her boss is Superintendent Frank Osbourne.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
It's been two years since a female serial killer known as "Mad Hatter" has struck. But when a tweet appears with her trademark hashtag, Detective Alice Rossi is called.
A body is found, and another man is missing in the wealthy retirement community of Still Waters. Although arrests have been made, Alice knows they are not the perpetrators. She knows the woman behind these murders is Mad Hatter.
The killer has her own agenda, and it is only to draw Alice into her game. When she is done playing, Alice is to die. There is a link between the two women that no one knows.
My Opinions:
I really enjoyed this. It looks like it will be a good series. It is well written, and the characters are interesting. I really like Alice, although sometimes I didn't like her actions. I loved her boss.
Although I had an idea what was going on early in the book, this did not take away any of the enjoyment as the story unfolded. It was a very fast read.
My biggest problem was the ending. I like a clean ending, and this book left Alice open to future problems.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and contact details, as well as a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2022
This is the first book in the Detective Alice Rossi series by author Helen H Durrant. I have previously enjoyed quite a few series written by this prolific crime story writer so I was looking forward to reading her latest offering.
DCI Alice Rossi is a long standing member of the Greater Manchester’s Serious Crime Squad having served the last twenty-nine years. Her husband Paul died six years ago and now lives alone on the outskirts of Manchester. With retirement just around the corner she is starting to dread trying to find something else to occupy her now that her husband is gone. The thing is she does not miss Paul because he was such a good husband, in fact he was far from it.
Everything was set up for another exciting novel but something just didn’t quite click for me. Hopefully further books in the series will develop the characters more and be more enjoyable . A decent read but not the author’s best work.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Alice Rossi is a long standing member of the Greater Manchester’s Serious Crime Squad having served the last twenty-nine years. Her husband Paul died six years ago and now lives alone on the outskirts of Manchester. With retirement just around the corner she is starting to dread trying to find something else to occupy her now that her husband is gone. The thing is she does not miss Paul because he was such a good husband, in fact he was far from it.
Everything was set up for another exciting novel but something just didn’t quite click for me. Hopefully further books in the series will develop the characters more and be more enjoyable . A decent read but not the author’s best work.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him put with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, "You're a sprat to catch a mackerel". The police don't take Callum's disappearance seriously. But Callum's mother knows that something is very wrong.
DCI Alice Rossi has a nemesis who has been on a killing spree. For years it has been like a game of cat and mouse. Alice is due to retire soon from the police force but she gets a message telling her that she will be the Hatters last victim. This is quite a suspense filled read. With a missing person person and a body is discovered on the lake, Alice needs to keep her wits about her to ensure she is not the Hatters last victim as she tries to solve the other cases.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #HelenHDurrant for my ARC of #TheAshLakeMurders in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Alice Rossi has a nemesis who has been on a killing spree. For years it has been like a game of cat and mouse. Alice is due to retire soon from the police force but she gets a message telling her that she will be the Hatters last victim. This is quite a suspense filled read. With a missing person person and a body is discovered on the lake, Alice needs to keep her wits about her to ensure she is not the Hatters last victim as she tries to solve the other cases.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #HelenHDurrant for my ARC of #TheAshLakeMurders in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This read features an about-to-retire DCI and her nemesis, a female serial killer. As a longtime reader of Ms. Durrant's books, I was disappointed. I didn't particularly like the detective or the story itself, so couldn't get into the book. It was familiar, tired and frankly, boring. Sorry!
This read features an about-to-retire DCI and her nemesis, a female serial killer. As a longtime reader of Ms. Durrant's books, I was disappointed. I didn't particularly like the detective or the story itself, so couldn't get into the book. It was familiar, tired and frankly, boring. Sorry!
March 28, 2022
A fantastic first read in a new series!
In the Peak District, off the beaten track, is a luxury resort where those of considerable means can ‘get away from it all’ in their own cabin on a site with it’s own private golf course and not one, but three, fishing lakes. When a body is found, it’s fair to say that everyone is alarmed and none more so than Detective Alice Rossi when it’s passed to her along with the knowledge that the murder was accompanied by a tweet which, both she and her superiors know, is for her. The game is on . . .
There is nothing better than being in at the beginning of a new series, and Helen Durrant is the author of some of the best crime books around. From the very start, I took to Alice Rossi. She is not without her worries, but she loves her job and now her nemesis has reared up again, she is committed to making an arrest. However, this time the stakes are higher than ever as she puts Alice’s life firmly on the line. There is a lot going on and this novel demands the readers full attention. The tension is palpable throughout and there is no way I could have predicted where it was headed! Did I have suspects? Oh yes – and they changed every five minutes! We also get to know just a tad about Alice’s private life, which adds to her character. A gripping read from beginning to end and one which shocked me when I finally found out ‘whodunnit’. This is definitely a series I want to follow and I’m very happy to recommend it and give it all five glowing stars.
In the Peak District, off the beaten track, is a luxury resort where those of considerable means can ‘get away from it all’ in their own cabin on a site with it’s own private golf course and not one, but three, fishing lakes. When a body is found, it’s fair to say that everyone is alarmed and none more so than Detective Alice Rossi when it’s passed to her along with the knowledge that the murder was accompanied by a tweet which, both she and her superiors know, is for her. The game is on . . .
There is nothing better than being in at the beginning of a new series, and Helen Durrant is the author of some of the best crime books around. From the very start, I took to Alice Rossi. She is not without her worries, but she loves her job and now her nemesis has reared up again, she is committed to making an arrest. However, this time the stakes are higher than ever as she puts Alice’s life firmly on the line. There is a lot going on and this novel demands the readers full attention. The tension is palpable throughout and there is no way I could have predicted where it was headed! Did I have suspects? Oh yes – and they changed every five minutes! We also get to know just a tad about Alice’s private life, which adds to her character. A gripping read from beginning to end and one which shocked me when I finally found out ‘whodunnit’. This is definitely a series I want to follow and I’m very happy to recommend it and give it all five glowing stars.
October 29, 2024
This was okay, but I probably won't read the rest of the series.
March 19, 2022
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Um, sorry, but this book was not it for me at all. The mystery was super compelling which is why I requested an ARC, but it was super underwhelming. It was slow and the characters were all flat. And although this book is the first in its series, it read as if it was one in the middle. There was lots of information that seemed like it happened in a previous book and I would’ve loved some backstory, especially on the dynamic between Alice and Mad Hatter.
Um, sorry, but this book was not it for me at all. The mystery was super compelling which is why I requested an ARC, but it was super underwhelming. It was slow and the characters were all flat. And although this book is the first in its series, it read as if it was one in the middle. There was lots of information that seemed like it happened in a previous book and I would’ve loved some backstory, especially on the dynamic between Alice and Mad Hatter.
September 21, 2025
3.5⭐
I was enjoying the book right up until the end. I guessed Paul was still alive at about the halfway point but was okay with that as long as he got what he deserved, but he did not. I was expecting a twist of some kind but there wasn't one. Despite those disappointments I enjoyed the writing and was engaged throughout. This was my first time reading this author, I will read more.
I was enjoying the book right up until the end. I guessed Paul was still alive at about the halfway point but was okay with that as long as he got what he deserved, but he did not. I was expecting a twist of some kind but there wasn't one. Despite those disappointments I enjoyed the writing and was engaged throughout. This was my first time reading this author, I will read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2022
This is my honest opinion on this book. Once I started reading it could not put it down until i had finished reading it. Had twists and turns I never saw coming. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me
March 1, 2022
Overall 4.5*
An interesting part to this story is that Detective Rossi's nemesis has been on a killing spree for a number of years and always manages to draw her back into the hunt for them. The killer seems to be one step ahead yet again and although the team find the bodies, they are no closer to finding who did it. The story is interwoven with Alice's personal life and as her two worlds collide, we are given an even greater shock as readers. The only reason for the 4.5* is that I did guess a little of what was going on - no spoilers though!!
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
An interesting part to this story is that Detective Rossi's nemesis has been on a killing spree for a number of years and always manages to draw her back into the hunt for them. The killer seems to be one step ahead yet again and although the team find the bodies, they are no closer to finding who did it. The story is interwoven with Alice's personal life and as her two worlds collide, we are given an even greater shock as readers. The only reason for the 4.5* is that I did guess a little of what was going on - no spoilers though!!
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
March 7, 2022
Alice Rossi's nemesis the 'Mad Hatter' is back. Rossi is called out to the Still Waters Country Retreat because of the death of one of the lodge owners and the disappearance of another. Then she receives a tweet presumingly from the killer.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written murder mystery. with it likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written murder mystery. with it likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 22, 2022
I had two MAJOR problems with this one.
The first one being that DCI Alice is close to retirement and has had a long-running feud (for lack of a better word) with this Mad Hatter character, and yet this is the FIRST we hear of it. I would have LOVED to have read other stories with these two characters so that the build-up felt more realistic. I get it, Alice was unable to solve any other murder that was attributed to the Mad Hatter before now, but that doesn't mean the character/murders couldn't have featured in prior stories. To make the final showdown happen in book one felt a bit like a cheat to be honest (even though I see where it will probably be used as a jumping off point for the series).
My second issue with this (and again I can see where this might be used in future novels), is that the "major twist" was something so unbelievably inconviceable that it just pissed me off. Unfortunately, I can't give anything away without ruining it, but I can say that when you look at things as a whole it left some gaping holes in an otherwise solid plot.
HOWEVER. Despite those issues, this was still a well-written police procedural that kept me up late reading just "one more chapter" so I could try and guess just who our killer was. I was thrown off a couple of times not just where the killer with involved, but where other pieces of the story fit in as well. And I think that the author did a nice job of setting up future novels in this series both in her expertise as a DCI and in the aspects of her personal life.
I would definitely read more of this series!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The first one being that DCI Alice is close to retirement and has had a long-running feud (for lack of a better word) with this Mad Hatter character, and yet this is the FIRST we hear of it. I would have LOVED to have read other stories with these two characters so that the build-up felt more realistic. I get it, Alice was unable to solve any other murder that was attributed to the Mad Hatter before now, but that doesn't mean the character/murders couldn't have featured in prior stories. To make the final showdown happen in book one felt a bit like a cheat to be honest (even though I see where it will probably be used as a jumping off point for the series).
My second issue with this (and again I can see where this might be used in future novels), is that the "major twist" was something so unbelievably inconviceable that it just pissed me off. Unfortunately, I can't give anything away without ruining it, but I can say that when you look at things as a whole it left some gaping holes in an otherwise solid plot.
HOWEVER. Despite those issues, this was still a well-written police procedural that kept me up late reading just "one more chapter" so I could try and guess just who our killer was. I was thrown off a couple of times not just where the killer with involved, but where other pieces of the story fit in as well. And I think that the author did a nice job of setting up future novels in this series both in her expertise as a DCI and in the aspects of her personal life.
I would definitely read more of this series!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 24, 2022
I generally enjoyed this police procedure featuring a new character. Alice, the DCI on the case, is a likable but flawed character. She is being taunted by a murderer and we know it has something to do with Alice's past. The backstory is eventually revealed and we can somewhat understand the passion behind the villain.
The plot is generally straight forward. Alice must find the murderer before the murderer makes good on the threat that Alice will be the last victim. I liked the way the plot developed until near the end. The identity of the villain was not a surprise as the character was clearly developed as such. The final confrontation between Alice and the villain was a disappointment and very anticlimactic. Then there was a twist I did not see coming at all, perhaps because it was quite unrealistic. And I am not so sure the tweet thing at the end worked.
I like Durrant's writing style and police procedure in the plot structure. This is the first mystery I have read by her and despite some flaws, I liked it well enough to look for more from her, especially ones featuring DCI Alice Rossi.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot is generally straight forward. Alice must find the murderer before the murderer makes good on the threat that Alice will be the last victim. I liked the way the plot developed until near the end. The identity of the villain was not a surprise as the character was clearly developed as such. The final confrontation between Alice and the villain was a disappointment and very anticlimactic. Then there was a twist I did not see coming at all, perhaps because it was quite unrealistic. And I am not so sure the tweet thing at the end worked.
I like Durrant's writing style and police procedure in the plot structure. This is the first mystery I have read by her and despite some flaws, I liked it well enough to look for more from her, especially ones featuring DCI Alice Rossi.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 12, 2022
The Ash Lake Murders is a quick mystery/thriller with a blurb that mentions a woman serial killer, which is extremely unique, so I was immediately curious to read this book. The main character is a DCI (Detective Chief Inspector for any other that didn’t know that acronym) & a middle aged woman & grandma at that, something else outside of the norm, which I appreciated & added another layer of complex authenticity to the story.
There were a few moments that felt like they were plucked out of a dramatic crime show, but then there were also moments where I felt genuine horror whilst reading this thriller. So I gave the author major props for being able to illicit real scary feelings.
I didn’t love part of the ending because it felt a bit far-fetched on how things were handled. But I did enjoy the main character & found some parts very clever.I also understand that because this is a series some things have to be set up for future stories.
The Ash Lake Murders comes out March 24, 2022.
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: This book mentions and/or contains gore, violence, murder, gambling & death of a child.
There were a few moments that felt like they were plucked out of a dramatic crime show, but then there were also moments where I felt genuine horror whilst reading this thriller. So I gave the author major props for being able to illicit real scary feelings.
I didn’t love part of the ending because it felt a bit far-fetched on how things were handled. But I did enjoy the main character & found some parts very clever.I also understand that because this is a series some things have to be set up for future stories.
The Ash Lake Murders comes out March 24, 2022.
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: This book mentions and/or contains gore, violence, murder, gambling & death of a child.
March 17, 2022
Another brilliant read from Helen H Durrant, It is full of suspense with a storyline that kept me guessing right up until the end. The descriptions bring the book to life and make the for an entertaining read. Can't wait for the next in the series.
March 12, 2022
A brand new series that has lots of potential, for me this book got better as I read through, I found the beginning a bit bland and not much new, as the characters started to develop and the story became a bit more of a mystery as to who did it and how it all came together. I am curious to read the next instalment and see if the twist at the end comes in too play in future books.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own .
I would recommend this book to friends and family.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own .
I would recommend this book to friends and family.
March 9, 2022
This is a very promising start to a new detective series. It features DCI Alice Rossi, who is on the brink of retirement. The story interweaves some of Alice's personal life and her nemesis from the past. She is investigating a missing person and a body found on a lake and it's certainly filled with tension. I did guess a bit of what's going on in the story but it never stopped me from enjoying the read. The ending left me feeling surprised and with the promise of a follow up. overall, a quick and easy holiday read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
March 7, 2022
The start of a new series is always exciting and this lives up to expectation, mainly because DCI Alice Rossi has such a fascinating background and personal life. It all becomes apparent as she investigates a killer on the loose at a luxury fishing retreat.
I thought it a bit gruesome in parts, but don't be put off by this because in all it kept me guessing and I found it thoroughly gripping and suspenseful with an astonishing surprise. One not to be missed.
I thought it a bit gruesome in parts, but don't be put off by this because in all it kept me guessing and I found it thoroughly gripping and suspenseful with an astonishing surprise. One not to be missed.
February 27, 2022
Alice has a long term nemesis in the “ Mad Hatter”. They share a secret, we know not what. Alice is due to retire soon from the police force and receives a message that she will be the Hatters last victim. A man has been found killed and a younger man missing in a country retreat- Still Waters- a luxury place with lodges for fishing and golf etc. DCI Alice is called in when it appears that the Hatter is back revealed through one of her trademark tweets. She is sending subtle messages to those around Alice giving her that uneasy feeling. Can she be caught before anyone else if murdered and is Alice herself safe?
I loved this and quickly found myself turning ever faster, immersed in the pages. Helen always gives a good solid plot and characters you can take to and empathise within a fast paced read. As one door is closed on a clue, another is opened, keeping the reader enthralled all the way through. Having several possible suspects gave this lots of twists and turns and a female serial killer making it all the more engaging. A wonderful, very entertaining page turner of a book.
March 3, 2022
THE ASH LAKE MURDERS opens with a heinous act. As it's discovered a man may be missing, grisly, horrific events are taking place. Subsequently, a mysterious game of cat and mouse ensues. The complexity of the baffling conundrum catapults the tension level and makes the riveting pages fly by. Every chapter is spellbinding as suspense skyrockets leading to a dynamite finish you'll never see coming.
THE ASH LAKE MURDERS IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL READ!!
THE ASH LAKE MURDERS IS A ONE SITTING SENSATIONAL READ!!
June 25, 2022
This is the start of a new series for Helen H. Durrant, featuring DCI Alice Rossi. I've read and enjoyed several books by Helen H. Durrant over the years, so I was looking forward to seeing what this detective had to offer.
Alice Rossi has faced her nemesis only known as the Madhatter many times over the years, but she lets her guard down, thinking the other woman had finished whatever sick game she was playing, but that's not the case. The killer lures her to the quiet retreat, Still Waters, to play her twisted game yet again.
I love a serial killer thriller, so the synopsis immediately intrigued me.
Alice was an interesting character. Almost ready to retire, she's rattling around her childhood home, living for her job. She's also hiding pain from her past in the form of an abusive and controlling relationship with her dead husband. I wouldn't say she's as memorable as Helen Durrant's other detectives, like Rachel King or Calladine & Bayliss, but I would be interested in seeing where her story goes next.
The story started off strong, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending. Yes, there were some surprises in there, but it didn't feel quite as satisfying as I usually find with Helen's books.
A solid police procedural and a good start to the series. I will be interested in seeing what's in store next for Alice and her team.
Alice Rossi has faced her nemesis only known as the Madhatter many times over the years, but she lets her guard down, thinking the other woman had finished whatever sick game she was playing, but that's not the case. The killer lures her to the quiet retreat, Still Waters, to play her twisted game yet again.
I love a serial killer thriller, so the synopsis immediately intrigued me.
Alice was an interesting character. Almost ready to retire, she's rattling around her childhood home, living for her job. She's also hiding pain from her past in the form of an abusive and controlling relationship with her dead husband. I wouldn't say she's as memorable as Helen Durrant's other detectives, like Rachel King or Calladine & Bayliss, but I would be interested in seeing where her story goes next.
The story started off strong, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending. Yes, there were some surprises in there, but it didn't feel quite as satisfying as I usually find with Helen's books.
A solid police procedural and a good start to the series. I will be interested in seeing what's in store next for Alice and her team.
April 6, 2025
This was sufficiently entertaining and written well enough to be good and kept my interest.
Which sounds like a rather clinical and average statement but I've had a pretty shit run with audio books lately so I'm just happy I was able to finish one.
I think the mystery was pretty straightforward, there was one red herring which I could spot from a mile away but then it was pretty cut and dry. This was a bit disappointing, in my opinion there could have been a much more exciting finish and explanation.
The last twist I didn't see coming but also I feel like there's a bit of a gaping plot hole with forensics and all that but I'm happy to continue the series and see where it goes.
Which sounds like a rather clinical and average statement but I've had a pretty shit run with audio books lately so I'm just happy I was able to finish one.
I think the mystery was pretty straightforward, there was one red herring which I could spot from a mile away but then it was pretty cut and dry. This was a bit disappointing, in my opinion there could have been a much more exciting finish and explanation.
The last twist I didn't see coming but also I feel like there's a bit of a gaping plot hole with forensics and all that but I'm happy to continue the series and see where it goes.
July 10, 2022
I rounded this up to a 4. It was an interesting crime and investigation, but I figured out part of the solution early on.
July 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. I thought I might know who the killer was from about 1/3rd of the way in and seen the twist coming but it was still an excellent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
Another fantastic read from Helen H. Durrant
December 13, 2024
Better than some of her other series, twist at the end a little predictable
March 9, 2022
A new series from the author and what a start.
A missing twenty four year old Callum Hilton at the holiday lodge on still waters and a murder in the lake, sparks a warning off for DCI Alice Rossi fearing the mad hatter is back to make her revenge once again, the killers name is yet unknown, its a fable Alice in wonderland and this time Alice and her team are going to get that woman, still waters run deep, and the pattern is very familiar.
What a twisted story to this police procedural, and the main characters search far and wide with a added sense of humour, I loved it and will be reading more in this new series.
A missing twenty four year old Callum Hilton at the holiday lodge on still waters and a murder in the lake, sparks a warning off for DCI Alice Rossi fearing the mad hatter is back to make her revenge once again, the killers name is yet unknown, its a fable Alice in wonderland and this time Alice and her team are going to get that woman, still waters run deep, and the pattern is very familiar.
What a twisted story to this police procedural, and the main characters search far and wide with a added sense of humour, I loved it and will be reading more in this new series.
March 8, 2022
This is the first book of a brand new series, and WOW, what a great start.
For years Alice has been tormented by the Mad Hatter, a woman serial killer. She leaves Alice messages, and is so forensically aware that there’s never any trace left behind.
People are going missing from the Still Waters retirement complex, a luxury community. While the bodies start piling up, Alice begins to feel threatened, and must do her upmost to catch the killer before anyone else is harmed. You an feel how scared she must have been alone in a huge Edwardian house, wondering if someone was lurking in the shadows.
The modus operandi is always the same, the bodies are dismembered, and the police have some gruesome finds.
Her son, Michael comes to stay, and for once Alice is able to tell her side of the story about his father whom he adored, but who wasn’t a very nice person at all.
This makes a gripping read, and there is such a sting in the tail at the end, that you wont see coming.
My thanks to Helen and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
For years Alice has been tormented by the Mad Hatter, a woman serial killer. She leaves Alice messages, and is so forensically aware that there’s never any trace left behind.
People are going missing from the Still Waters retirement complex, a luxury community. While the bodies start piling up, Alice begins to feel threatened, and must do her upmost to catch the killer before anyone else is harmed. You an feel how scared she must have been alone in a huge Edwardian house, wondering if someone was lurking in the shadows.
The modus operandi is always the same, the bodies are dismembered, and the police have some gruesome finds.
Her son, Michael comes to stay, and for once Alice is able to tell her side of the story about his father whom he adored, but who wasn’t a very nice person at all.
This makes a gripping read, and there is such a sting in the tail at the end, that you wont see coming.
My thanks to Helen and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
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