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Maya Barton #1
Definitely Dead
Can you always trust the evidence?
Maya Barton has just embarked on her dream job as a scene of crime officer. When she attends her first death the post-mortem deems it to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.
Meanwhile, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.
When Maya is called to another apparent sudden death her reservations resurface. She is convinced a killer is on the loose; a killer who has evaded suspicion until now, but Maya's series of mistakes alienate those around her.
As she and her colleagues are drawn further into their investigations, they end up putting themselves in grave danger.
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her closet come back to haunt her? Who can Maya really trust? And who will make it out alive…
Maya Barton has just embarked on her dream job as a scene of crime officer. When she attends her first death the post-mortem deems it to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.
Meanwhile, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.
When Maya is called to another apparent sudden death her reservations resurface. She is convinced a killer is on the loose; a killer who has evaded suspicion until now, but Maya's series of mistakes alienate those around her.
As she and her colleagues are drawn further into their investigations, they end up putting themselves in grave danger.
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her closet come back to haunt her? Who can Maya really trust? And who will make it out alive…
Audiobook
First published May 24, 2021
About the author
Kate Bendelow
5 books38 followersKate Bendelow is from Greater Manchester where she has worked as a CSI for over 19 years. Kate is also a writer and poet.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 24, 2021
DEFINITELY DEAD is psychological thriller by Kate Bendelow (a real life CSI!).
Maya Barton has just started her dream job as a SOCO, Scene Of Crime Officer…the American version of a CSI.
SOCO Maya and her colleague, Chris Makin are called to a scene following the report of a sudden death…an unexplained death with no medical issues, suspicious in nature. This is Maya’s first death, but Senior crime-scene investigator, Kym Lawson, had felt it would be good experience for Maya to help with her first body recovery. Chris updated Maya on the procedures, and instructs her to take photographs. The victim was a known criminal…so no loss.
The post-mortem deems the death to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, Maya suspects a crime has been committed.
Maya had coped with her first death and post-mortem, and now was looking for more experience.
In the interim, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.
What followed were more deaths involving criminals. Maya is convinced a killer is on the loose; but Maya's series of mistakes has distanced her from those around her. Who can she trust?
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her past come back to haunt her?
Maya is a likeable but strong woman who stands up for what she believes. She does not mince her words, but delivers her message clearly. I liked her and the plot based on forensics was very entertaining and enriching. I can only hope this novel marks the beginning of a new series, which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Maya Barton has just started her dream job as a SOCO, Scene Of Crime Officer…the American version of a CSI.
SOCO Maya and her colleague, Chris Makin are called to a scene following the report of a sudden death…an unexplained death with no medical issues, suspicious in nature. This is Maya’s first death, but Senior crime-scene investigator, Kym Lawson, had felt it would be good experience for Maya to help with her first body recovery. Chris updated Maya on the procedures, and instructs her to take photographs. The victim was a known criminal…so no loss.
The post-mortem deems the death to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, Maya suspects a crime has been committed.
Maya had coped with her first death and post-mortem, and now was looking for more experience.
In the interim, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.
What followed were more deaths involving criminals. Maya is convinced a killer is on the loose; but Maya's series of mistakes has distanced her from those around her. Who can she trust?
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her past come back to haunt her?
Maya is a likeable but strong woman who stands up for what she believes. She does not mince her words, but delivers her message clearly. I liked her and the plot based on forensics was very entertaining and enriching. I can only hope this novel marks the beginning of a new series, which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
May 4, 2021
Maya Barton has finally landed her dream job as a SOCO .. scene of crime officer. She's been handling robberies, what they call soft crimes. But today she gets her first death. Suicide...accident ... murder?
The victim was a known criminal and no one seems upset about his death. But Maya has a feeling ... something isn't quite right but she can't pinpoint it. When the Medical Examiner comes back with a non-homicide diagnosis, the case is closed. Despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.
Two more deaths occur over the next couple of weeks ... both who were known criminals. Is someone trying to clean up after them ... or is there something else at play?
Maya is certain there is a serial killer on the loose, but she's made a few mistakes that have cost her the trust of her colleagues. How far will Maya go to prove what she thinks is true? Who can she trust?
I really like the character of Maya. She's multi-layered and not afraid to stand up for herself. At the same time, she's got a soft heart and is very caring. She's also got a senes of humor and can laugh at herself. Her colleagues, friends, family all bring a sense of a well lived life. But some of those people aren't exactly who they purport to be.
The plot is well executed, with a few surprises along the way. Twists and turns keep the suspense at a high level. The ending was quite unexpected. I recommend this one to all those who really like hearing/seeing about all things forensic. Hoping this one turns into a series .. I think it would be a really good one.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The victim was a known criminal and no one seems upset about his death. But Maya has a feeling ... something isn't quite right but she can't pinpoint it. When the Medical Examiner comes back with a non-homicide diagnosis, the case is closed. Despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.
Two more deaths occur over the next couple of weeks ... both who were known criminals. Is someone trying to clean up after them ... or is there something else at play?
Maya is certain there is a serial killer on the loose, but she's made a few mistakes that have cost her the trust of her colleagues. How far will Maya go to prove what she thinks is true? Who can she trust?
I really like the character of Maya. She's multi-layered and not afraid to stand up for herself. At the same time, she's got a soft heart and is very caring. She's also got a senes of humor and can laugh at herself. Her colleagues, friends, family all bring a sense of a well lived life. But some of those people aren't exactly who they purport to be.
The plot is well executed, with a few surprises along the way. Twists and turns keep the suspense at a high level. The ending was quite unexpected. I recommend this one to all those who really like hearing/seeing about all things forensic. Hoping this one turns into a series .. I think it would be a really good one.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 25, 2021
Interesting and suspenseful story with likable and unlikable characters. From the very first page to the end, it was intriguing and creepy.
March 12, 2025
I really enjoyed it. Definitely Dead is a first book in Maya Barton series and it's a great introduction to that new character.
We meet Maya when she's approaching her first crime scene. She's a rookie SOCO and she's got lots to prove. The case, seemingly straightforward, is just a first in a crime spree that's going to affect not just Maya but also the team she's just joined.
Maya's a great character. She's somebody who's trying to do her best, is dealing with a dark past, makes mistakes and yet still picks herself up and carries on. I like that she's a mix of feisty and vulnerable.
Kate Bendelow writing is great, the story flows nicely, the pacing's good. I can't wait to see what's next for Maya.
We meet Maya when she's approaching her first crime scene. She's a rookie SOCO and she's got lots to prove. The case, seemingly straightforward, is just a first in a crime spree that's going to affect not just Maya but also the team she's just joined.
Maya's a great character. She's somebody who's trying to do her best, is dealing with a dark past, makes mistakes and yet still picks herself up and carries on. I like that she's a mix of feisty and vulnerable.
Kate Bendelow writing is great, the story flows nicely, the pacing's good. I can't wait to see what's next for Maya.
October 16, 2021
I believe that this is the debut novel from this author but you wouldn’t know it. She cleverly sets up several trails of suspicion without really making anything too obvious but the denouement is still a massive surprise. Being a crime scene investigator herself the author knows how important forensic samples are to solving a crime and how they are gathered. She manages to give just enough information to help the reader to understand the processes on which the story stands, without falling into the trap of lecturing.
I will definitely read the next in the series in the expectation that it will be just as good.
I will definitely read the next in the series in the expectation that it will be just as good.
May 18, 2021
Accomplished fiction debut for this real life CSI who brings her extensive knowledge and skills to this exciting tale of a rookie scenes of crime officer investigating several seemingly natural deaths. Are they connected? Maya is convinced there is more to these incidents than meets the eye, but no one takes the new kid seriously. How can she prove herself without jeopardising the career she has fought so hard for?
Twists and turns abound in this gripping thriller with a pacy climax that will have you holding your breath.
Twists and turns abound in this gripping thriller with a pacy climax that will have you holding your breath.
May 16, 2021
This was a great read with lots of twists and turns - ending was brilliant so unexpected. I love the fact that the author has experience in this field but doesn't become too technical in it. Will definately read more.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books and the author but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books and the author but the review is entirely my own.
June 25, 2021
Maya being a SOCO creates an interesting perspective for this story, and it is a good story with a lot of action as well as a few twists. I did think some of the plot lines were repetitive - Maya always being in big trouble for the slightest thing was stretching reality for example- and I thought the prison connection was weak unless this is going to be developed further in another book.
May 23, 2021
Maya Barton has recently moved offices to Beech Field police station after recently starting her new job as a SOCO. The call out on the dilapidated Poets Estate to the body of 65 year old Karl Gorman is the first death she has attended. Although the man had been in a fight the week before and is universally hated by his neighbours after it was made known he was a convicted rapist with a liking for young girls, the cause of death is called as natural by the pathologist at the post mortem. However something is niggling at Maya and she wonders if something more sinister had occurred. Putting it down to inexperience and nerves, she happily jumps at the chance of being involved on Operation Chrysalis, the investigation into a series organized crime gang run by Aiden Donnelly and Piotr Nowak who are targeting their rivals and other smaller dealers. After an exciting morning where Donnelly and his new bar manager, Spencer James who vehemently proclaims his innocence, were arrested, Maya proceeds to experience different crime scenes over the next few weeks. Out with her two best friends one night, she runs into Spencer again and has a drink with him. Could this be a very big mistake? We also meet Jim Baron, now 75, finally released after a life of crime and armed robberies, and reliant on his former cellmate and the district nurse for help. Little does he realize who else is coming calling for him. His sudden death is dealt with by a former colleague of Maya’s at her old station at Alder Street. Another one looking to be natural causes, a heart attack. A third sudden death comes Maya’s way but once again she has her doubts. Unfortunately her propensity to make mistakes and her unfounded theories start to annoy her colleagues and lead to doubts about her suitability for the job. While Donnelly and Novak plot to stay out of prison, someone has their eye on Maya. We also get treated to little snippets from someone leaving a trail of bodies behind but we have no idea who it is. As the bodies continue to pile up, and Maya’s hidden history seems to make her own life ever more complicated, the detectives and SOCOs are going to be very busy solving crimes they don’t even know about – yet.
The author is a CSI and her vast array of knowledge is clearly demonstrated in the pages, as the reader is treated to descriptions of crime scenes and how various evidence is gathered which are interesting without feeling like a lecture. The characters are well drawn in the main and easily pictured. With lots of twists and turns, and a host of suspects, this is a well written story to keep the reader gripped right to the very last page. 4*
The author is a CSI and her vast array of knowledge is clearly demonstrated in the pages, as the reader is treated to descriptions of crime scenes and how various evidence is gathered which are interesting without feeling like a lecture. The characters are well drawn in the main and easily pictured. With lots of twists and turns, and a host of suspects, this is a well written story to keep the reader gripped right to the very last page. 4*
June 6, 2021
Maya Barton was keen to be a scene of crime officer and she had just landed her dream job as one. She had been doing burglaries etc but now she would be big league and dealing with everything. Her first call out involved a death and when Chris had been told, he was a bit more helpful with her and explained things more. Through the pane of glass in the kitchen door she could see a shape of someone sitting at the table, she knocked and waited to be called in. When they didn’t answer, she pushed the door open and saw the dead body decomposing at the table. The pathologist came in the back door and asked why she hadn’t started yet? She got on with the photographs but got a feeling that something was out of place in the kitchen as it was piled high with rubbish, she just couldn’t think what it was.
When Maya was asked to attend a raid, she was thrilled to be asked. The address was kept secret until the raid started. When she arrives for the raid, in their office she finds Andy and he tries to pump her for information which she doesn’t have about the raid, luckily she is saved by an officer coming to collect her. They are hoping to get evidence to put some serious criminals away on this raid. She was surprised when they came to The Farmhouse Pub. It took a few police officers to take Aiden Connelly down but they had finally got enough to arrest him on, hopefully!
Maya has one or two more gut instincts about some sudden deaths but the team are getting sick of hearing about them. Also, what she doesn’t realise is things could get dicey for her and her mum as her dad is the cellmate of Aiden Connelly. He is more than happy to keep tabs on her for him.
Who is leaking information about what the cops are upto? Why is Aiden Connelly so keen to help his cellmate? What could Maya have spotted or think she did, that a seasoned CSI didn’t?
I really enjoyed this book as it gave good insight about crime scene investigation as well as an interesting story. Maya is a character I like and I hope there is another book in the pipeline. This was a good debut by Kate Bendelow.
When Maya was asked to attend a raid, she was thrilled to be asked. The address was kept secret until the raid started. When she arrives for the raid, in their office she finds Andy and he tries to pump her for information which she doesn’t have about the raid, luckily she is saved by an officer coming to collect her. They are hoping to get evidence to put some serious criminals away on this raid. She was surprised when they came to The Farmhouse Pub. It took a few police officers to take Aiden Connelly down but they had finally got enough to arrest him on, hopefully!
Maya has one or two more gut instincts about some sudden deaths but the team are getting sick of hearing about them. Also, what she doesn’t realise is things could get dicey for her and her mum as her dad is the cellmate of Aiden Connelly. He is more than happy to keep tabs on her for him.
Who is leaking information about what the cops are upto? Why is Aiden Connelly so keen to help his cellmate? What could Maya have spotted or think she did, that a seasoned CSI didn’t?
I really enjoyed this book as it gave good insight about crime scene investigation as well as an interesting story. Maya is a character I like and I hope there is another book in the pipeline. This was a good debut by Kate Bendelow.
June 4, 2021
This is a truly excellent debut novel. There is no question in my mind that it fully deserves my five-star rating.
From start to finish, the pace never lets up.
As you would expect from a writer who is a serving CSI, the authenticity is exceptional. Not only does that come through in the characters in the SOCO team and the situations in which they find themselves, but Kate Bendelow has obviously researched the police procedural side of the story too. She even manages to capture perfectly the point of view of a young person of mixed race who is finding her feet in modern society.
The story opens with main character, Maya, a new CSI on her way to the scene of her first dead body. Although she is accompanied by a very experienced CSI, she makes an embarrassing yet comical, rookie error which draws much mirth from her colleagues when she returns to base. But she can take it. She realises that it is all part of the job. Not being able draw some humour from situations that arise in her chosen professions would make life very tough and almost unbearable.
There is something that irks her in the first scene. Although the death looks like, and is declared, as not suspicious, Maya feels that something is not quite right. Opening up about her feelings is a big mistake and her boss, Kym, is soon making it very clear to her that she must put facts ahead of feelings.
Maya is naïve and far too trusting. That quickly leads her in into more trouble with her boss and her colleagues and with the CID team. It takes her a while to understand that it is dangerous to automatically trust people from first meeting.
There is a great diversity in the characters, which are very well developed as the story moves on. My favourite character, despite some of his despicably violent acts, is a giant called Lurch. I won’t say why in my review, as you should have the opportunity to form your own opinion. I wonder if you’ll agree with me?
This is a great start to what promises to be an enthralling series. I look forward to the appearance of the second episode.
From start to finish, the pace never lets up.
As you would expect from a writer who is a serving CSI, the authenticity is exceptional. Not only does that come through in the characters in the SOCO team and the situations in which they find themselves, but Kate Bendelow has obviously researched the police procedural side of the story too. She even manages to capture perfectly the point of view of a young person of mixed race who is finding her feet in modern society.
The story opens with main character, Maya, a new CSI on her way to the scene of her first dead body. Although she is accompanied by a very experienced CSI, she makes an embarrassing yet comical, rookie error which draws much mirth from her colleagues when she returns to base. But she can take it. She realises that it is all part of the job. Not being able draw some humour from situations that arise in her chosen professions would make life very tough and almost unbearable.
There is something that irks her in the first scene. Although the death looks like, and is declared, as not suspicious, Maya feels that something is not quite right. Opening up about her feelings is a big mistake and her boss, Kym, is soon making it very clear to her that she must put facts ahead of feelings.
Maya is naïve and far too trusting. That quickly leads her in into more trouble with her boss and her colleagues and with the CID team. It takes her a while to understand that it is dangerous to automatically trust people from first meeting.
There is a great diversity in the characters, which are very well developed as the story moves on. My favourite character, despite some of his despicably violent acts, is a giant called Lurch. I won’t say why in my review, as you should have the opportunity to form your own opinion. I wonder if you’ll agree with me?
This is a great start to what promises to be an enthralling series. I look forward to the appearance of the second episode.
May 24, 2021
Wow what a fantastic debut book, with dealings as a real CSI (SOCO) you can tell from the detail of the writing. A really well written storyline that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go. Police procedural at its best some characters you love and there are some characters you hate, this book has both and boy I really really disliked one character that I wanted to put my hands in to the pages and throttle lol or give a good shake and ask if they were for real. I won’t write too much about the storyline as I feel that is the job of the blurb to peak your interest. I will say what a great read and look forward to future books hoping this is the start of a series.
July 19, 2021
Kept me gripped
I really enjoyed this book. A few twists and turns and lots of characters and you do need to keep track. The twist at the end was brilliant.
I really enjoyed this book. A few twists and turns and lots of characters and you do need to keep track. The twist at the end was brilliant.
May 26, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me and I look forward to seeing what is next for her in the future. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what would happen next. The author's use of attention to detail gave the story a realistic feel. The characters are relateable and brought the story to life. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. There is alot going on in this book but it is full of action and held my attention. I highly recommend this book.
June 21, 2021
It is the paperback edition I read, and found it a breathless zig-zag chase through secrets, suspicions, colleagues and criminals, with SOCO probationer Maya Barton coming to grips with a raft of new experiences under some very uncomfortable circumstances. The wealth of SOCO detail especially interesting.
May 25, 2021
Great debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I think that the authors personal experience as a CSI helps with the details in this story. There were some characters that I just wanted to set straight or have something happen to since they got under my skin. I felt lots of different emotions as I read this story and definitely had a few moments of taking a deep breath. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
August 23, 2021
Great first novel from Kate Bendelow. Most police procedural/crime fiction is written through the eyes of a police officer so I enjoyed the use of a young SOCO as the main character which gave the story a fresh feel. As this is written by a real life SOCO the forensic aspects feel authentic without going into distracting and unnecessary detail. I enjoyed the characterisation of the various players including the relationship between the various SOCO's in the office. I look forward to seeing how Maya develops!
June 13, 2021
Not a bad story/debut at all.
Although far too many “if they’d known what they’d find out in [five chapters time] they wouldn’t have made that decision” type chapter endings, which I loathe.
Although far too many “if they’d known what they’d find out in [five chapters time] they wouldn’t have made that decision” type chapter endings, which I loathe.
January 9, 2022
I wasn’t to sure about this book at first it took me a few chapters to really gel with the characters but from then on I was hooked. Maya is a great character and the plot is fascinating packed with enough forensic insight that you know the author is an expert without detracting from the plot. Filled with character who feel genuine and are all a mix of good and bad. An accomplished first novel that will leave you wanting More, luckily book 2 is already sat waiting for me. 5* from me
May 24, 2021
An excellent and exciting start to a new crime series!
Maya Barton has finally got the career she has coveted for so long and can’t wait to get on with carrying out her job as a Scene of Crime Officer, better known as SOCO. Attending her first few crime scenes, there seems to be something ‘off’ but it’s not showing in the evidence, just more of a feeling. Unfortunately, she also slips up on a couple of occasions and the powers that be are more concerned about her lack of protocol than any ideas she may have about a killer being on the loose. As more bodies and arrests follow, Maya is wary of protecting a secret of her own; who can she trust and just how much danger is she in?
I have the feeling this is one series which is going to go from strength to strength; Maya Barton is a rookie in her chosen field and, as such, makes mistakes – some of which are very amusing. As the newest member of a team, she is on the lowest rung of the ladder and still has a lot to learn. It’s quite obvious that the author is writing about a subject she knows thoroughly and has constructed a well-planned, entertaining read centred around multiple crimes. Did I work out whodunnit? Not a chance! Certainly didn’t she THAT coming! A well-written introduction to a series which will be worth following and a fabulous debut. I’m happy to recommend this one to everyone who enjoys an enigmatic crime thriller, and give it 4*.
Maya Barton has finally got the career she has coveted for so long and can’t wait to get on with carrying out her job as a Scene of Crime Officer, better known as SOCO. Attending her first few crime scenes, there seems to be something ‘off’ but it’s not showing in the evidence, just more of a feeling. Unfortunately, she also slips up on a couple of occasions and the powers that be are more concerned about her lack of protocol than any ideas she may have about a killer being on the loose. As more bodies and arrests follow, Maya is wary of protecting a secret of her own; who can she trust and just how much danger is she in?
I have the feeling this is one series which is going to go from strength to strength; Maya Barton is a rookie in her chosen field and, as such, makes mistakes – some of which are very amusing. As the newest member of a team, she is on the lowest rung of the ladder and still has a lot to learn. It’s quite obvious that the author is writing about a subject she knows thoroughly and has constructed a well-planned, entertaining read centred around multiple crimes. Did I work out whodunnit? Not a chance! Certainly didn’t she THAT coming! A well-written introduction to a series which will be worth following and a fabulous debut. I’m happy to recommend this one to everyone who enjoys an enigmatic crime thriller, and give it 4*.
May 20, 2021
Book 1 in a new crime series and what a great first novel from this real life CSI/SOCO. Her expertise is clear throughout the book as she brings the crimes scenes to life. Well written with a great storyline.
Briefly, Maya Barton is a new SOCO who has a dark secret. One that could lose her her dream job. She also speaks before thinking and this gets her in trouble. But she has an eye for a crime and despite her colleagues scepticism she is convinced that a spate of recent deaths are murders, not accidents or suicides. In addition, the police are working on an operation to catch and convict two rival gangster ‘families’. Is this connected? Then when Maya meets a man she has feelings for can she trust him? With suspicions about one of her colleagues who can she trust?
This was a very enjoyable read. Lots of red herrings and although I often guess ‘who dun it’ this time I didn’t have a clue. They are a couple of really good twists at the end I didn’t see coming. I will definitely be looking out for book 2 in the series. 4.5*
Briefly, Maya Barton is a new SOCO who has a dark secret. One that could lose her her dream job. She also speaks before thinking and this gets her in trouble. But she has an eye for a crime and despite her colleagues scepticism she is convinced that a spate of recent deaths are murders, not accidents or suicides. In addition, the police are working on an operation to catch and convict two rival gangster ‘families’. Is this connected? Then when Maya meets a man she has feelings for can she trust him? With suspicions about one of her colleagues who can she trust?
This was a very enjoyable read. Lots of red herrings and although I often guess ‘who dun it’ this time I didn’t have a clue. They are a couple of really good twists at the end I didn’t see coming. I will definitely be looking out for book 2 in the series. 4.5*
May 26, 2021
This is a fantastic read following Maya Barton, scene of crime officer. Through her journey to achieve this long-coveted rank Maya has had to keep parts of her past secret; secrets that could jeopardize her position within the force.
After being called to her first crime scene seemingly by suicide Maya can’t let go of a feeling that something is not as it seems. With her determination and nose for unravelling the truth Maya is swiftly reprimanded about leaving the detective work to the detectives but when another apparent suicide is called in Maya’s hunches will not subside. The deeper she digs into these suicides the more it seems they have a murderer working under the radar. As more bodies start to turn up Maya starts to feel her past catching up to her. Can she continue her dream job with her secrets intact or is Maya walking a dangerous line?
I really enjoyed the way this story worked out and can’t wait to read what adventures Maya will be up to next!
After being called to her first crime scene seemingly by suicide Maya can’t let go of a feeling that something is not as it seems. With her determination and nose for unravelling the truth Maya is swiftly reprimanded about leaving the detective work to the detectives but when another apparent suicide is called in Maya’s hunches will not subside. The deeper she digs into these suicides the more it seems they have a murderer working under the radar. As more bodies start to turn up Maya starts to feel her past catching up to her. Can she continue her dream job with her secrets intact or is Maya walking a dangerous line?
I really enjoyed the way this story worked out and can’t wait to read what adventures Maya will be up to next!
May 24, 2021
Excited Maya Barton landed the job she’s been wanting for a long time. Her first day as a SOCO (scene of crime officer) she finds herself at a the home of a known criminal. His death is no loss to society but she walks away from the scene with a gut feeling that maybe this wasn’t a death of natural causes. This death begins a string of deaths of known criminals. Maya is beginning to see a pattern. Could these deaths all be related? Is there someone murdering notorious criminals?
Maya is a very likable character, she has a sense of humor and she is not afraid to speak up. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment of Maya Barton.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for an advanced ecopy.
May 17, 2021
I’ve always been fascinated by the forensic side of policing and so this was right up my street. Meet Maya a SOCO with a past who makes an impression in her new job! Maya talks to their first dead body she has to deal with and quickly realises there is something linking a number of murders that no-one else seems to see. Her unwillingness to drop her concerns gets her into trouble and nearly loses her her job.
This is a well written easy read and I didn’t want to put it down. I totally engaged with Maya and needed to find out whether she was right or whether she ended up out on her ear - well worth a read.
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is a well written easy read and I didn’t want to put it down. I totally engaged with Maya and needed to find out whether she was right or whether she ended up out on her ear - well worth a read.
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 12, 2021
We meet Maya, a SOCO who is about to meet her first dead body. As we get to know her, we realise that she has a secret (which the reader does find out about). She seems to fall foul of her body at every turn, partly due to naivety, partly due to keeping her secret. The story centres around an investigation by the police and most of the main characters are involved in one way or another. However, there are other sub stories that continue all the way through but interweave with the main story beautifully. I really enjoyed this.
May 13, 2021
As a new SOCO (Scene Of Crime Officer), Maya Burton has just gone to her first crime scene. Things didn't go as well as she had planned, but she got through it. She continues her job and is assigned to a high-profile case. But something is nagging in her, something isn't right with the cases. She suspects a serial killer, but there really isn't proof of that...or is there? But the killer isn't the only one hiding secrets. Maya has one of her own...a big one! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 24, 2021
Maya Barton has had to fight hard to get her dream job - scene of crime officer or SOCO. On her first day, she finds herself talking to the dead body much to the amusement of her colleagues. A big player in the crime world found dead in his house, no foul play considered but Maya feels something is wrong. The more the bodies stack up, the more she’s convinced there’s a serial killer taking the big crime bosses out.
After an initial good start, this book dragged a bit, being packed with lots of procedural details. I keep reading and eventually it got better, the ending was quite unexpected.
After an initial good start, this book dragged a bit, being packed with lots of procedural details. I keep reading and eventually it got better, the ending was quite unexpected.
May 24, 2021
Someone is killing off the big players in the crime world...but will the killer surprise you...probably. I am not sure if this was the first book with this main character, or if it's a companion book as there are some parts that hint at information that should already be known but then get explained later as if it's new information. There were a lot of stories going on at one time with a few never quite getting closure. Overall a good read.
May 26, 2021
The first book by this author and it’s a good debut novel. Maya is on a probation period as a SOCO in the police force. She has a secret that she hasn’t told her employers. Much as o tried, I couldn’t guess her secret until it was revealed!
It took me a bit to get into this book but it’s worth persevering as the story is really good and there are lots of twists and turns.
The finish left it open for a second book featuring Maya and I would definitely read it if there is a sequel.
It took me a bit to get into this book but it’s worth persevering as the story is really good and there are lots of twists and turns.
The finish left it open for a second book featuring Maya and I would definitely read it if there is a sequel.
May 5, 2021
Maya has started her dream job as part of a SOCO team but harbours a big secret. This story follows her new life and the intriguing secrets that unfold in the cases she is assigned to. A great read and a brilliant ending.
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