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Detective Karen Hart #6
What She Said
9 hours, 7 minutes
Can DS Karen Hart rely on the word of a little girl to save the life of a woman in grave danger?
When a woman is abducted from a quiet suburban street and bundled into the back of a white van, the only witness to the crime is a child with a reputation for telling tall tales.
The police doubt the girl’s story, except for Detective Karen Hart, who is determined to follow her instincts—perhaps because the shy little girl reminds her of the daughter she’s still grieving.
When a playing card is found at the scene, Karen finds her first clue. And when a second card is found at the home of a missing woman, Tamara, Karen finds her victim. But before the team can catch their breath, another woman linked to Tamara is snatched. And then a body turns up in a farmer’s field.
With the crimes having escalated from kidnap to murder, Karen must unlock the killer’s calling-card code before any more victims are taken. But getting to the truth isn’t going to be easy when Tamara’s family has so much to hide…
©2022 D.S. Butler (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Can DS Karen Hart rely on the word of a little girl to save the life of a woman in grave danger?
When a woman is abducted from a quiet suburban street and bundled into the back of a white van, the only witness to the crime is a child with a reputation for telling tall tales.
The police doubt the girl’s story, except for Detective Karen Hart, who is determined to follow her instincts—perhaps because the shy little girl reminds her of the daughter she’s still grieving.
When a playing card is found at the scene, Karen finds her first clue. And when a second card is found at the home of a missing woman, Tamara, Karen finds her victim. But before the team can catch their breath, another woman linked to Tamara is snatched. And then a body turns up in a farmer’s field.
With the crimes having escalated from kidnap to murder, Karen must unlock the killer’s calling-card code before any more victims are taken. But getting to the truth isn’t going to be easy when Tamara’s family has so much to hide…
©2022 D.S. Butler (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 24, 2022
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About the author
D.S. Butler
35 books909 followersAuthor of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
June 22, 2022
Prolific author D S Butler has released the sixth book of her Detective Karen Blackwell series - What She Said. The police case begins with an imaginative five year old girl witnessing a kidnapping. Yet the police feel she cannot be relied upon despite her seeing the woman abducted off the street in front of her. Detective Blackwell is not so certain and sees a stark reminder of her own child. Initially, she is reluctant to accept help from a visiting American criminal profiler as the team chases down leads and the tensions and human dynamics interplay. An engrossing police procedural with great characters and a captivating case that builds to an unexpected outcome. It’s a most enjoyable crime novel with a four-star read rating. With thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and the author for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes, All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
May 25, 2022
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of What She Said.
When the police doubt a child's story about having witnessed a woman being abducted, Detective Karen Hart has a gut feeling the young girl is telling the truth and is determined to follow that gut feeling. What She Said takes off from there and provides quite a wild ride!
I was drawn in from the beginning and found the plot to be fast-paced. It was entertaining and surprising with every twist and turn!! I very much liked how the team worked together, other than a bump or two.
I wasn't familiar with this series but now I want to read more, more, more! Even though What She Said is #6, I'm happy to say I didn't spend a lot of time completely lost. In my opinion, it can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely recommend What She Said to anyone who wants to be entertained!!
When the police doubt a child's story about having witnessed a woman being abducted, Detective Karen Hart has a gut feeling the young girl is telling the truth and is determined to follow that gut feeling. What She Said takes off from there and provides quite a wild ride!
I was drawn in from the beginning and found the plot to be fast-paced. It was entertaining and surprising with every twist and turn!! I very much liked how the team worked together, other than a bump or two.
I wasn't familiar with this series but now I want to read more, more, more! Even though What She Said is #6, I'm happy to say I didn't spend a lot of time completely lost. In my opinion, it can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely recommend What She Said to anyone who wants to be entertained!!
May 27, 2022
Detective Karen Hart #6
When a woman is abducted from a quiet suburban street and bundled into the back of a white van, the only witness to the crime is a child with a reputation for telling tales. The police doubt the girls story, except for DS Karen Hart, who is determined to follow her instincts - perhaps because the shy little girl reminds her of the daughter she's grieving.
Detective Karen Hart needs to get as much info as she can from five year old Molly McCarthy, the only witness to a woman's abduction. They have no idea who the victim was. Then another woman is kidnapped.
The pace is steady from the beginning. With lots of twists and red herrings, I never knew where the story was taking me next. There's an interesting mix of characters and a gripping plotline. This well written book is easy to follow and can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishing and the author #DSButler for my ARC of #WhatSheSaid in exchange for an honest review.
When a woman is abducted from a quiet suburban street and bundled into the back of a white van, the only witness to the crime is a child with a reputation for telling tales. The police doubt the girls story, except for DS Karen Hart, who is determined to follow her instincts - perhaps because the shy little girl reminds her of the daughter she's grieving.
Detective Karen Hart needs to get as much info as she can from five year old Molly McCarthy, the only witness to a woman's abduction. They have no idea who the victim was. Then another woman is kidnapped.
The pace is steady from the beginning. With lots of twists and red herrings, I never knew where the story was taking me next. There's an interesting mix of characters and a gripping plotline. This well written book is easy to follow and can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishing and the author #DSButler for my ARC of #WhatSheSaid in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
A woman is abducted; the only witness is a young child known to fantasize. DS Karen Hart’s belief in the child’s story is validated when a woman is reported missing. A playing card found at the scene may or may not be a clue and soon a second abduction takes place.
This is the sixth in the Karen Hart series; it is the third I have read. I like this main character. She is likable, capable, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. The story is fast paced; I didn’t want to put it down and, in fact, read it in one day.
Fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this well written book, along with others in the series. Although there is mention of events from Karen’s background that are not fully explained, this will work well as a standalone. I look forward to the next issue in this series for another entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the DRC.
This is the sixth in the Karen Hart series; it is the third I have read. I like this main character. She is likable, capable, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. The story is fast paced; I didn’t want to put it down and, in fact, read it in one day.
Fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this well written book, along with others in the series. Although there is mention of events from Karen’s background that are not fully explained, this will work well as a standalone. I look forward to the next issue in this series for another entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the DRC.
April 26, 2022
This is the sixth novel in the Detective Karen Hart series by author D.S Butler. I really enjoy this series, great characters, exciting plots and so well written make this a must read for all fans of police procedurals.
A young child is known as a storyteller witnesses a woman being abducted through the window of her family home. The woman is bundled into the back of a white van and driven off. Both the police and her mother have doubts about her story and it is only when Detective Karen Hart hears it that it is given any credence. A playing card is found down the drain close by to where the abduction occurred and again only Karen show any interest. When a second card is found at the home of the missing woman it enforces what Karen already suspected, that it was left by the abductor. Shortly after discovering the identity of the missing woman is Tamara another victim is snatched who just happens to be linked to her. When a body turns up in a farmer’s field the crime is escalated to a murder enquiry.
Fast paced police procedural novel that is well written and makes a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A young child is known as a storyteller witnesses a woman being abducted through the window of her family home. The woman is bundled into the back of a white van and driven off. Both the police and her mother have doubts about her story and it is only when Detective Karen Hart hears it that it is given any credence. A playing card is found down the drain close by to where the abduction occurred and again only Karen show any interest. When a second card is found at the home of the missing woman it enforces what Karen already suspected, that it was left by the abductor. Shortly after discovering the identity of the missing woman is Tamara another victim is snatched who just happens to be linked to her. When a body turns up in a farmer’s field the crime is escalated to a murder enquiry.
Fast paced police procedural novel that is well written and makes a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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July 24, 2022Good Story
I’ve come to expect quite a thrill of this series, the first five have glued me to my reading but on this occasion it was just fine. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining about it but it was somehow lacking the intrigue that I’ve found before.
Again we see DS Hart, and we get to see a bit more of her life, throughout the series I’ve also come to enjoy meeting again Karen’s team.
When a kidnapping shakes the town the team is ready to investigate, with the added ingredient of everything going twisted and time running out as usual, but I still think it was missing part of the rush that keeps bringing me back.
I’ve come to expect quite a thrill of this series, the first five have glued me to my reading but on this occasion it was just fine. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining about it but it was somehow lacking the intrigue that I’ve found before.
Again we see DS Hart, and we get to see a bit more of her life, throughout the series I’ve also come to enjoy meeting again Karen’s team.
When a kidnapping shakes the town the team is ready to investigate, with the added ingredient of everything going twisted and time running out as usual, but I still think it was missing part of the rush that keeps bringing me back.
May 18, 2022
This was a fun British procedural. It's the sixth in a series and I have not read any of the others, but that wasn't an issue at all. It references some things that the main characters have gone through without spoilers and without leaving the reader feeling lost. The MC is a competent police officer who is likeable and dealing with grief. Other officers play supporting roles. The crime is a bit perplexing in a good way. There is very little violence, no sex, cussing, torture, etc. The "whodunnit" was a little Scooby Doo but that's to be expected in this kind of book, as nobody would read a mystery where everything was logical and predictable. :) Altogether a good, fast paced read. I'd happily read more by this author.
I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
May 21, 2022
3.5 stars
What She Said by D.S. Butler is the 6th in the Detective Karen Hunt series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, 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 Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DS Karen Hart lost her husband Josh and her daughter Tilly in a car accident. She later discovered it wasn't an accident, but it was covered up by some corrupt police officials. She works with DI Scott Morgan, DC Sophie Jones, and DC Rick Cooper. She has a new boss, DCI Churchill, and she isn't sure about him yet.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A 4-year old is sure that she saw a woman kidnapped off her street by a man in a white van. Everyone seems to doubt her, except Karen. When she finds a playing card at the scene, no one is sure that it is even a clue. That is, until, an identical card is found at the home of a missing woman.
Then, a second woman is kidnapped.
Meanwhile, a noted author from the US who often helps the FBI with their cases, steps in to help. Sophie, who is a big fan of the man, is ecstatic. Karen, not so much.
But the main thing is to find these women, and Karen will do whatever it takes to make that happen. If only people weren't keeping so many secrets!
My Opinions:
This was probably the best in the series. It could be that it was more case-centered, instead of police-corruption centered.
The plot was good, even if it was a little predictable. As usual, all the evidence pointed in one direction, so of course we knew that wasn't it. As well, the actual perpetrator was easy to guess quite early. As interesting as the plot was, for some reason I found it long. I didn't particularly like any of the characters other than the police officials. I still love Karen, Morgan and Rick. I still find Sophie really annoying.
As always, everything was laid out nicely in the end. Overall, it was good, but maybe a little too predictable.
Here's hoping your next read is 5 stars !!!
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/
May 30, 2022
4 Who Do You Believe Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
D. S. Butler presented in What She Said (Detective Karen Hart, #6) the standard question...who do you believe and why. When a woman is kidnaped and thrown into a white van, the only witness to this horrific event is a little girl who has the reputation of telling tales.
All dismiss her as unreliable except Detective Karen Hart. She has a serious gut reaction that this little girl is telling the truth and starts to find clues that lead her in the right direction.
This tale starts off intriguing and takes off from there. I am new to D.S. Butler and will search out more.
Bring Them Home (Detective Karen Hart #1)
Where Secrets Lie (Detective Karen Hart #2)
Don't Turn Back (Detective Karen Hart #3)
House of Lies (Detective Karen Hart #4)
On Cold Ground (Detective Karen Hart #5)
What She Said (Detective Karen Hart #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
D. S. Butler presented in What She Said (Detective Karen Hart, #6) the standard question...who do you believe and why. When a woman is kidnaped and thrown into a white van, the only witness to this horrific event is a little girl who has the reputation of telling tales.
All dismiss her as unreliable except Detective Karen Hart. She has a serious gut reaction that this little girl is telling the truth and starts to find clues that lead her in the right direction.
This tale starts off intriguing and takes off from there. I am new to D.S. Butler and will search out more.
Bring Them Home (Detective Karen Hart #1) Where Secrets Lie (Detective Karen Hart #2) Don't Turn Back (Detective Karen Hart #3) House of Lies (Detective Karen Hart #4) On Cold Ground (Detective Karen Hart #5) What She Said (Detective Karen Hart #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 20, 2022
*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review!*
Unpredictable, fast paced and engaging - three things you want from a crime book and this one delivered. I enjoyed the mystery throughout and every single time I thought I predicted a plot point I ended up being wrong. I could picture this being adapted really well as a tv series, it has that sort of vibe to it.
I found this really quick and easy to read, and ended up flying through it in just a couple of hours. Because of how it’s written and how focused on the crime it was there was never a dull moment. I will say that, I think I would have liked a bit more of Karen’s life outside of work here. I am aware this is a series though so I may have to dip back into previous instalments and find that there. I just would’ve liked to have known a bit more who she was as a person outside of her work.
The characters were pretty enjoyable and all had their own vibes that gave the book some interesting dynamics and dimension. I think that in some places though their speech was oddly rigid and I couldn't picture many things being said out loud in a natural instance. For example, constantly calling characters by their full names just felt a little dramatic and unnecessary.
There were a couple of things I didn’t get along with, such as the random points of view from strangers. It was a bit disorientating at first and though it served some sort of purpose I almost wish they weren’t included but the story unfolded in an alternative way. Also I feel like the crime didn’t actually achieve enough closure for me and things weren’t rounded off as neatly as they could be, I still ended up with a couple of questions.
Overall a worthwhile read if you’re a crime reader, very typical of the genre. Also just to put it out there, if GR did half stars I’d actually give this one 3.5.
Unpredictable, fast paced and engaging - three things you want from a crime book and this one delivered. I enjoyed the mystery throughout and every single time I thought I predicted a plot point I ended up being wrong. I could picture this being adapted really well as a tv series, it has that sort of vibe to it.
I found this really quick and easy to read, and ended up flying through it in just a couple of hours. Because of how it’s written and how focused on the crime it was there was never a dull moment. I will say that, I think I would have liked a bit more of Karen’s life outside of work here. I am aware this is a series though so I may have to dip back into previous instalments and find that there. I just would’ve liked to have known a bit more who she was as a person outside of her work.
The characters were pretty enjoyable and all had their own vibes that gave the book some interesting dynamics and dimension. I think that in some places though their speech was oddly rigid and I couldn't picture many things being said out loud in a natural instance. For example, constantly calling characters by their full names just felt a little dramatic and unnecessary.
There were a couple of things I didn’t get along with, such as the random points of view from strangers. It was a bit disorientating at first and though it served some sort of purpose I almost wish they weren’t included but the story unfolded in an alternative way. Also I feel like the crime didn’t actually achieve enough closure for me and things weren’t rounded off as neatly as they could be, I still ended up with a couple of questions.
Overall a worthwhile read if you’re a crime reader, very typical of the genre. Also just to put it out there, if GR did half stars I’d actually give this one 3.5.
May 26, 2022
I haven't read any of Butler's others but loved this one! Karen is called in when a young child "witnesses" an abduction of a young woman. But Molly has been known to fabricate and her imagination is wild so even her parents aren't sure she is being truthful. Fortunately Karen is a smart detective and utilizes all of her resources and intuition to figure out what's going on when the victim's sister is also kidnapped. Great tension and twists I didn't see coming so I inhaled this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
May 16, 2022
DS Karen Hart and her team are called in when a child appears to have witnessed a woman being abducted off the street. An already difficult case is made more complicated by internal politics and lying witnesses.
I really enjoy this series and especially like the main characters of Karen and her colleague DC Rick Cooper, although we didn't get to see a lot of him in this book. I have mixed feelings about DC Sophie Jones. She is becoming a good detective and supports DS Hart well, but her overeager attitude and immaturity can be annoying.
Overall, I like how this team works together to solve the case. This book focuses on the investigation while some of the prior books go into more depth about Karen's personal life. The case in this book is completely separate from the cases discussed in prior books so it works as a standalone. If you like it, you will want to go back and see the difficult situations Karen has gotten through both on and off the job.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Thomas & Mercer. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I really enjoy this series and especially like the main characters of Karen and her colleague DC Rick Cooper, although we didn't get to see a lot of him in this book. I have mixed feelings about DC Sophie Jones. She is becoming a good detective and supports DS Hart well, but her overeager attitude and immaturity can be annoying.
Overall, I like how this team works together to solve the case. This book focuses on the investigation while some of the prior books go into more depth about Karen's personal life. The case in this book is completely separate from the cases discussed in prior books so it works as a standalone. If you like it, you will want to go back and see the difficult situations Karen has gotten through both on and off the job.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Thomas & Mercer. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
May 16, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. When a young girl says she witnessed a woman being abducted outside her house everyone knows she has a vivid imagination and her mother almost doesn't report it. DS Karen Hart interviews and senses she is telling the truth and the hunt for the woman begins. Hart learns the husband was having a affair and he quickly becomes the prime suspect. Then another woman is abducted in similar circumstances. Will Hart and her team solve the case in time?
July 2, 2022
What She Said by D.S. Butler was a fabulous read that had me totally gripped from the start.
This is the 6th book in the series featuring DS Karen Hart, set in Lincolnshire and I picked up the series with Don't Turn Back (book 3) which I also thoroughly enjoyed. The fantastic plot line and brilliant characters made What She Said a superb tale that held me captive throughout.
With innumerable twists and turns, guessing the identity of the perpetrator was nigh on impossible and the zippy pacing meant there was no room for boredom or tedium. It was an impeccably crafted story and the absence of witnesses except for a fib-telling child at the beginning of the story when the hunt for an abductor started, helped towards creating the tense atmosphere. Danica Butler weaves a masterful police procedural that culminates in a surprising denouement. Her rich character development is both multi-dimensional and plausible. This tale should not be missed as it is a fantastic continuation of an excellent series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is the 6th book in the series featuring DS Karen Hart, set in Lincolnshire and I picked up the series with Don't Turn Back (book 3) which I also thoroughly enjoyed. The fantastic plot line and brilliant characters made What She Said a superb tale that held me captive throughout.
With innumerable twists and turns, guessing the identity of the perpetrator was nigh on impossible and the zippy pacing meant there was no room for boredom or tedium. It was an impeccably crafted story and the absence of witnesses except for a fib-telling child at the beginning of the story when the hunt for an abductor started, helped towards creating the tense atmosphere. Danica Butler weaves a masterful police procedural that culminates in a surprising denouement. Her rich character development is both multi-dimensional and plausible. This tale should not be missed as it is a fantastic continuation of an excellent series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 26, 2022
I thought the first quarter of the book was excellent, but I wasn’t quite as happy with the rest of the book.
The author has decided that part of the tension in these books will be from within the police investigation. She has made Karen only a DS so she has a little authority, but not enough to lead on cases, then she has added DCI Churchill who seemed to have issues with Karen. Into this mix she has thrown Dr Michaels and his assistant Zane. It might be that the author really has her sights on turning this into a TV police drama.
However, I thought this was a much better story than the last few books and would have happily given 3.5 stars.
The author has decided that part of the tension in these books will be from within the police investigation. She has made Karen only a DS so she has a little authority, but not enough to lead on cases, then she has added DCI Churchill who seemed to have issues with Karen. Into this mix she has thrown Dr Michaels and his assistant Zane. It might be that the author really has her sights on turning this into a TV police drama.
However, I thought this was a much better story than the last few books and would have happily given 3.5 stars.
June 2, 2022
Twisty and unpredictable is what you will get reading What She Said.
Though I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I had no issue reading this. With that said, I do want to catch up on the series and will be picking up the first books!
Suspenseful and thrilling domestic thriller.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Though I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I had no issue reading this. With that said, I do want to catch up on the series and will be picking up the first books!
Suspenseful and thrilling domestic thriller.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 6, 2022
another brilliant installment of this series. weirdly this book (the 6th) is first one I guessed the twist really early on but didn't take away from the story as I was excited to see if I got it right. I enjoyed seeing a few different characters in this one that had previously been mentioned in other books. overall a brilliant mystery and fantastic book
July 23, 2025
Back to form: no nonsense, just an excellent story well told, using a tried and tested set of characters. Recommended.
December 10, 2022
I did enjoy the book. However after the 5th edition which tied all of the books up nicely. I thought that this book was more like an epilogue. Still highly recommend the whole series though
April 25, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this copy to read and review.
Nobody believes the young girl who claims to have witnessed an abduction. Karen Hart does though, possibly as she reminds her of her own young daughter. With two women missing can Karen and her team solve the crime?
I really enjoyed this and have enjoyed the whole series. The characters are really likeable and work well as a team.
Lots of suspense and red herrings. I had my own theory of whodunnit- completely wrong but I still didn’t see the ending coming.
5 stars, I highly recommend!
Nobody believes the young girl who claims to have witnessed an abduction. Karen Hart does though, possibly as she reminds her of her own young daughter. With two women missing can Karen and her team solve the crime?
I really enjoyed this and have enjoyed the whole series. The characters are really likeable and work well as a team.
Lots of suspense and red herrings. I had my own theory of whodunnit- completely wrong but I still didn’t see the ending coming.
5 stars, I highly recommend!
September 14, 2022
I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this excellent British police procedural on May 24, 2022, from the author via Netgalley and the publisher, Amazon UK. I have read 'What She Said' of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I always enjoy D. S. Butler. She writes an intriguing tale with personable characters that I am always glad to visit. And revisit.
Molly McCarthy, soon to be 5 years old, witnessed the abduction of a woman in the street in front of her house early in the morning. The woman was wearing a coat and was tossed into the back of a white van. A white van like her Dad's but without writing on the side.
Molly has a wonderful imagination and is often the teller of tall tales, entertaining her family and their neighbors with stories involving her dolls or the next-door cat. Molly's mom is hesitant to call the police, but Molly is certain of what she had seen and after a delay, her mom does report the possible incident. DS Karen Hart is about the only person who takes Molly's story seriously - until a woman from a couple of streets over is reported as missing when her boss called her home to find out why she has missed a very important meeting. Tamara Lomax left for work as usual. And as usual, she chose to walk to work, crossing through the Lincoln neighborhood rather as the crow flies, cutting through streets as necessary to save steps. House-to-house searches leave the police with only little Molly as a witness. And there is unsolicited input from an American serial killer profiler, Dr. Michael, an author in England promoting a newly released book, who insists upon offering his reading of the clues available to them. Karen isn't sure his understanding of the situation is correct, though she is urged to take his advice to heart by her coworkers who 'believe' the Doctor's press. Especially her friend and co-worker Sophie Jones.
On day 2 as Karen and her partner, DC Rick Cooper, are going through camera footage from the small Lincoln neighborhood in Aubourn seeking white transit vans, word comes to them of yet another abducted woman in Washingborough, a woman several adult witnesses saw, one of whom even attached her molester with whom the victim was also fighting, before being forced into the back of a white transit van. This abduction was on a busy street and there were miles of CC footage to sort, lots of white transit vans but only a couple who were also in the Lincoln neighborhood footage. The cases seem to be coming together. Or are they completely wrong with their investigation? Dr. Michael seems to think so...
Balance of series on KU
pub date May 24, 2022
received May 24, 2022
Amazon Publishing UK
Reviewed on Goodreads, AmazonSmile,
Molly McCarthy, soon to be 5 years old, witnessed the abduction of a woman in the street in front of her house early in the morning. The woman was wearing a coat and was tossed into the back of a white van. A white van like her Dad's but without writing on the side.
Molly has a wonderful imagination and is often the teller of tall tales, entertaining her family and their neighbors with stories involving her dolls or the next-door cat. Molly's mom is hesitant to call the police, but Molly is certain of what she had seen and after a delay, her mom does report the possible incident. DS Karen Hart is about the only person who takes Molly's story seriously - until a woman from a couple of streets over is reported as missing when her boss called her home to find out why she has missed a very important meeting. Tamara Lomax left for work as usual. And as usual, she chose to walk to work, crossing through the Lincoln neighborhood rather as the crow flies, cutting through streets as necessary to save steps. House-to-house searches leave the police with only little Molly as a witness. And there is unsolicited input from an American serial killer profiler, Dr. Michael, an author in England promoting a newly released book, who insists upon offering his reading of the clues available to them. Karen isn't sure his understanding of the situation is correct, though she is urged to take his advice to heart by her coworkers who 'believe' the Doctor's press. Especially her friend and co-worker Sophie Jones.
On day 2 as Karen and her partner, DC Rick Cooper, are going through camera footage from the small Lincoln neighborhood in Aubourn seeking white transit vans, word comes to them of yet another abducted woman in Washingborough, a woman several adult witnesses saw, one of whom even attached her molester with whom the victim was also fighting, before being forced into the back of a white transit van. This abduction was on a busy street and there were miles of CC footage to sort, lots of white transit vans but only a couple who were also in the Lincoln neighborhood footage. The cases seem to be coming together. Or are they completely wrong with their investigation? Dr. Michael seems to think so...
Balance of series on KU
pub date May 24, 2022
received May 24, 2022
Amazon Publishing UK
Reviewed on Goodreads, AmazonSmile,
April 24, 2022
When a young child sees a woman being abducted and bundled into a van, nobody is sure if it really happened - the young girl is known for telling lies. However Detective Karen Hart feels like the girl is telling the truth, perhaps because she reminds her of her own daughter who she is still grieving for. Soon a missing woman is reported and it becomes clear that the team must do all they can to find the missing woman and solve the mystery as fast as possible.
Another brilliant entry to the Karen Hart series. Thrilling and full of secrets, lies and twists. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
Another brilliant entry to the Karen Hart series. Thrilling and full of secrets, lies and twists. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
April 23, 2023
Well, as storylines go ut wasn't the best 🙄 at a push 3⭐️
July 6, 2022
Book 6 in the Karen Hart series and as per usual i absolutely loved it. I will say if you haven't read the first 5 books do so!!! It's a great series and totally worth the read, however you could read this as a stand alone if you like.
When a little girl watches the lady from the shop get kidnapped on her way to work, her mum doesn't believe her, she's known for making up stories and her mum thinks this is one. But to be on the safe side she calls it in. Unlikely her mum detective Karen Hart completely believes the little girl and begins to investigate. Meanwhile Sophie's dreams come true when she meets her favourite true crime author who worked as a profile. He's in town on a book tour. When a playing card is found at the scene of the abduction scene they invite him to consult him on the case, as one famous serial killer from his past used playing cards only issue is he's in prison in America so do they have a copy cat on their hands.
Honestly i really enjoyed this instalment, i love Karen's character and she brings so much to the role. Karen dives head first into the case, whilst everyone is looking one way she's looking the other, although the profilers expertise is great she feels the team is being mislead and misdirected. This was made worse when information about the case is leaked and her face is front page, she can't help but wonder is their lack of progress her fault?
it's interesting the team dynamic with the addition of the visiting profiler, Sophie is obsessed with him and thinks he knows best but her loyalty still lies with Karen so she is torn. when Sophie see's the newspaper article she has her suspicions about who is selling information about the case but she has to get her facts first.
I enjoyed the added twist of a second person being kidnapped also and i found myself even more confused about what was going on and yet i couldn't put the book down at all.
what i really enjoyed about this case is the why? i did guess the twist quite early on but i couldn't work out what the motivation was for the kidnap. that is what kept me reading but why is all i kept asking myself throughout. The police investigation was great to follow and i really felt like i was part of the investigation myself.
it is very well written, and i loved the different POV's that you are given throughout the book it kept me completely hooked. I also found that the investigation is written extremely well with well researched police procedure.
All in all i really enjoyed book six of the Karen Hart series and i cannot wait for book 7. Get ready for twist and turns throughout the book and i promise you when you think you've worked it out completely well you haven't, i promise you. 4 stars. recommend if you enjoy M.K Farrar, C.L Taylor, Helen Phifer and basically any amazing crime thriller/psychological thriller writers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer publishers and D.S Butler for the digital ARC of what she said in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
review will be posted on blog Instagram @jazzreadsreviewsrepeats
When a little girl watches the lady from the shop get kidnapped on her way to work, her mum doesn't believe her, she's known for making up stories and her mum thinks this is one. But to be on the safe side she calls it in. Unlikely her mum detective Karen Hart completely believes the little girl and begins to investigate. Meanwhile Sophie's dreams come true when she meets her favourite true crime author who worked as a profile. He's in town on a book tour. When a playing card is found at the scene of the abduction scene they invite him to consult him on the case, as one famous serial killer from his past used playing cards only issue is he's in prison in America so do they have a copy cat on their hands.
Honestly i really enjoyed this instalment, i love Karen's character and she brings so much to the role. Karen dives head first into the case, whilst everyone is looking one way she's looking the other, although the profilers expertise is great she feels the team is being mislead and misdirected. This was made worse when information about the case is leaked and her face is front page, she can't help but wonder is their lack of progress her fault?
it's interesting the team dynamic with the addition of the visiting profiler, Sophie is obsessed with him and thinks he knows best but her loyalty still lies with Karen so she is torn. when Sophie see's the newspaper article she has her suspicions about who is selling information about the case but she has to get her facts first.
I enjoyed the added twist of a second person being kidnapped also and i found myself even more confused about what was going on and yet i couldn't put the book down at all.
what i really enjoyed about this case is the why? i did guess the twist quite early on but i couldn't work out what the motivation was for the kidnap. that is what kept me reading but why is all i kept asking myself throughout. The police investigation was great to follow and i really felt like i was part of the investigation myself.
it is very well written, and i loved the different POV's that you are given throughout the book it kept me completely hooked. I also found that the investigation is written extremely well with well researched police procedure.
All in all i really enjoyed book six of the Karen Hart series and i cannot wait for book 7. Get ready for twist and turns throughout the book and i promise you when you think you've worked it out completely well you haven't, i promise you. 4 stars. recommend if you enjoy M.K Farrar, C.L Taylor, Helen Phifer and basically any amazing crime thriller/psychological thriller writers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer publishers and D.S Butler for the digital ARC of what she said in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
review will be posted on blog Instagram @jazzreadsreviewsrepeats
May 28, 2022
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
This is book 6 in DS Butler’s Detective Karen Hart series. I’ve only listened to one other book in this series. While I do feel like if I read the entire series, I would get more from the series than just listening to a few here and there. I don’t know why I haven’t invested my time in this entire series though, I like the characters and the books have been enjoyable. Anyways, while you can listen to this book without listening to the other books, I’d still suggest that you listen to the other five first. I liked the story behind this one… a girl tells the police that she witnessed a woman being abducted but the police don’t believe her except for Detective Karen Hart. Hart’s gut is telling her that the girl is telling the truth.
The book keeps a decent pace the entire time. I love when an author tosses in some red herrings and DS Butler does just that. I loved the narration by Henrietta Meire. I have an obsession with the UK accent and just love hearing their voices and tone mixed with a different vocabulary than the US uses. I could listen to them all day! I feel like the narration was my favorite part of the entire storyline. She brought additional storyline and personality to the audiobook! I’d follow this narrator around and have her narrate all my books!
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the complimentary copy of this audiobook with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
This is book 6 in DS Butler’s Detective Karen Hart series. I’ve only listened to one other book in this series. While I do feel like if I read the entire series, I would get more from the series than just listening to a few here and there. I don’t know why I haven’t invested my time in this entire series though, I like the characters and the books have been enjoyable. Anyways, while you can listen to this book without listening to the other books, I’d still suggest that you listen to the other five first. I liked the story behind this one… a girl tells the police that she witnessed a woman being abducted but the police don’t believe her except for Detective Karen Hart. Hart’s gut is telling her that the girl is telling the truth.
The book keeps a decent pace the entire time. I love when an author tosses in some red herrings and DS Butler does just that. I loved the narration by Henrietta Meire. I have an obsession with the UK accent and just love hearing their voices and tone mixed with a different vocabulary than the US uses. I could listen to them all day! I feel like the narration was my favorite part of the entire storyline. She brought additional storyline and personality to the audiobook! I’d follow this narrator around and have her narrate all my books!
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the complimentary copy of this audiobook with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
August 30, 2022
This book starts with a cute little girl seeing a woman shoved into the back of a white van. Although the child is certainly an unreliable witness, Detective Karen Hart takes her seriously enough to carefully investigate.
This was a good mystery. I guessed parts, but not all of, what was happening, and I especially like the main character (so I like the series). Karen sticks up for herself, and treats her coworkers with respect. She also finds ways to work with people who are annoying. I also like her coworkers, and a big shout out to Rick who is trying to cope with work and a mother who has dementia.
I have now read three books in this series with plans to read the other three. This one can certainly be read as a stand alone, but I was also glad I'd read a couple of the previous books because Karen has developed and grown.
This was a good mystery. I guessed parts, but not all of, what was happening, and I especially like the main character (so I like the series). Karen sticks up for herself, and treats her coworkers with respect. She also finds ways to work with people who are annoying. I also like her coworkers, and a big shout out to Rick who is trying to cope with work and a mother who has dementia.
I have now read three books in this series with plans to read the other three. This one can certainly be read as a stand alone, but I was also glad I'd read a couple of the previous books because Karen has developed and grown.
June 23, 2023
4,5 Sterne
I've previously enjoyed other books of the Karen-Hart-series, and this didn't disappoint me either. It starts simple enough, but develops into a very tricky case for DS Karen Hart and her colleagues. Where should you start looking for the missing woman without any clues and any motive? And soon there are two women missing - but who is this second woman? Questions like that kept me reading and reading...
Since the book is told from the perspective of the police detectives, it is not a "thriller" and not really nerve-wracking. The reader never follows the perpetrator first-hand. But still, my curiosity how the whole thing will play out was definitely high and so I really enjoyed this crime novel.
I've previously enjoyed other books of the Karen-Hart-series, and this didn't disappoint me either. It starts simple enough, but develops into a very tricky case for DS Karen Hart and her colleagues. Where should you start looking for the missing woman without any clues and any motive? And soon there are two women missing - but who is this second woman? Questions like that kept me reading and reading...
Since the book is told from the perspective of the police detectives, it is not a "thriller" and not really nerve-wracking. The reader never follows the perpetrator first-hand. But still, my curiosity how the whole thing will play out was definitely high and so I really enjoyed this crime novel.
June 4, 2022
Karen Hart is a good police officer but she is still grieving for her little girl and is this colouring her reaction to what another little girl is telling her?
Karen and her colleagues follow the clues, even with a less-than-supportive boss and an overly confident author who like to obstruct her.
There are some twists and turns in this book, but at the end of the day this is a solid police procedural with a murderer revealed whom I suspected earlier on of being a bit suspicious but who knows with books like these!
Would definitely like to read the next book in the series :)
4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
Karen and her colleagues follow the clues, even with a less-than-supportive boss and an overly confident author who like to obstruct her.
There are some twists and turns in this book, but at the end of the day this is a solid police procedural with a murderer revealed whom I suspected earlier on of being a bit suspicious but who knows with books like these!
Would definitely like to read the next book in the series :)
4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
May 26, 2022
I haven't read any of Butler's others but loved this one! Karen is called in when a young child "witnesses" an abduction of a young woman. But Molly has been known to fabricate and her imagination is wild so even her parents aren't sure she is being truthful. Fortunately Karen is a smart detective and utilizes all of her resources and intuition to figure out what's going on when the victim's sister is also kidnapped. Great tension and twists I didn't see coming so I inhaled this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 21, 2022
This book was a good twister. I admit that the suspense had my mind jumping here and there with a number of possibilities as to who is behind the crimes committed. I enjoyed that the story read very easily for me. The dialogue and narrative was captivating and engaging to me as the reader. The characters dialogue amongst each other was outstanding,it was as though they had a real conversation over an actual crime being committed. I found a number of details related to the police force came with a lot of factual information. This is a very good entertaining book.
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