What do you think?
Rate this book
DS Vicky Dodds #5
Guilt Trip
Two cops with a secret. Only one is a killer.
Over a year as a Detective Inspector during the worst time in living memory, Vicky Dodds is finally getting some balance into her life. A happy family and an engagement.
But when Vicky is called out to a Dundee flat, she finds a dead body, his skull smashed in by a hammer. As she investigates, Vicky is given assistance by someone from a recent case, DS Luke Shepherd of Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team.
AKA DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards & Ethics, Police Scotland’s internal affairs unit.
She knows Shepherd is investigating someone in Dundee, but Vicky doesn’t know who. After all, she took matters into her own hands in a recent case and the shadow of her actions still haunts her. As Vicky and Shepherd follow leads across Scotland, will she face justice for what she did?
Over a year as a Detective Inspector during the worst time in living memory, Vicky Dodds is finally getting some balance into her life. A happy family and an engagement.
But when Vicky is called out to a Dundee flat, she finds a dead body, his skull smashed in by a hammer. As she investigates, Vicky is given assistance by someone from a recent case, DS Luke Shepherd of Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team.
AKA DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards & Ethics, Police Scotland’s internal affairs unit.
She knows Shepherd is investigating someone in Dundee, but Vicky doesn’t know who. After all, she took matters into her own hands in a recent case and the shadow of her actions still haunts her. As Vicky and Shepherd follow leads across Scotland, will she face justice for what she did?
388 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2022
106 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 30, 2025
This is the fifth and final DS (now DI!) Dodds book. This novel focuses on Dodds being asked to check on a man who isn’t answering his police checks, only to find he has been brutally murdered. As she looks into this death, other people seem to be dropping like flies which means Dodds needs to quickly figure out who is killing these people and why. However, her job is made a lot more difficult when she is joined by DS Shepherd from the Major Investigations team. Is he there to check up on Dodds after she killed a man in the last book in order to protect her family? Or is her paranoia getting the better of her?
This was another gripping plot. I was left wondering who the killer was throughout, then there was the twist of them having an accomplice (among other twists) that made the book exciting! I liked the connection to an old serial killer too as it added layers to the novel that kept you guessing.
While the storyline was good, my rating went down a lot based on the ending. This is the final Dodds book, and yet it ended with so many unanswered questions. The main one that annoyed me was the fact we never find out the fate of DS MacDonald (spoiler ahead). We know he ended up in a coma after the car accident, but did he survive? This seems like a big thing to have left unanswered, particularly as MacDonald was involved in every book.
While the majority of the plot was good, for me personally the end ruined it as it felt rushed and as though we received no closure for any of the characters. I don’t know if the author intended on writing another book then didn’t, but it didn’t feel like a complete series at all and I feel a bit annoyed for investing my time in it only to be left with no conclusion.
Overall, a good series, it’s just a shame the ending felt incredibly rushed. I wanted an ending where there was one form of closure, but we didn’t get that at all.
This was another gripping plot. I was left wondering who the killer was throughout, then there was the twist of them having an accomplice (among other twists) that made the book exciting! I liked the connection to an old serial killer too as it added layers to the novel that kept you guessing.
While the storyline was good, my rating went down a lot based on the ending. This is the final Dodds book, and yet it ended with so many unanswered questions. The main one that annoyed me was the fact we never find out the fate of DS MacDonald (spoiler ahead). We know he ended up in a coma after the car accident, but did he survive? This seems like a big thing to have left unanswered, particularly as MacDonald was involved in every book.
While the majority of the plot was good, for me personally the end ruined it as it felt rushed and as though we received no closure for any of the characters. I don’t know if the author intended on writing another book then didn’t, but it didn’t feel like a complete series at all and I feel a bit annoyed for investing my time in it only to be left with no conclusion.
Overall, a good series, it’s just a shame the ending felt incredibly rushed. I wanted an ending where there was one form of closure, but we didn’t get that at all.
May 21, 2022
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
It is the fifth in the DS/DI Vicky Dodds series and I would suggest these benefit from being read in order. I haven't read any of the earlier books, so hadn't encountered any of the myriad of police officers before and nor did I know about Vicky's last case, which was constantly referred to. From what I gather Vicky did something (no spoilers!) at the end of that story which Luke, her DS, then does at the end of this one. Apart from the fact that it is something I am opposed to, both in crime fiction and real life, it seems a little unimaginative of the author...
It is the fifth in the DS/DI Vicky Dodds series and I would suggest these benefit from being read in order. I haven't read any of the earlier books, so hadn't encountered any of the myriad of police officers before and nor did I know about Vicky's last case, which was constantly referred to. From what I gather Vicky did something (no spoilers!) at the end of that story which Luke, her DS, then does at the end of this one. Apart from the fact that it is something I am opposed to, both in crime fiction and real life, it seems a little unimaginative of the author...
January 14, 2024
Guilt Trip by Ed James is a gripping and suspenseful crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. In this four-star read, James weaves a complex tale of secrets, guilt, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the world of Detective Inspector Vicky Dodds.
The novel introduces us to Vicky Dodds, a Detective Inspector who, after a tumultuous year, is finally finding some semblance of balance in her life with a happy family and an engagement. However, her newfound stability is shattered when she is called to investigate a gruesome murder in a Dundee flat. The plot takes a thrilling turn when Vicky is assisted by DS Luke Shepherd of Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team, who is also revealed to be DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards & Ethics, Police Scotland's internal affairs unit.
The dynamic between Vicky and Shepherd adds layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of their working relationship, especially considering Vicky's past actions and Shepherd's investigation into someone in Dundee. The internal struggles faced by Vicky, haunted by the repercussions of her previous case, add depth to her character, making her relatable and engaging.
James's writing is sharp, and the pacing is relentless, keeping readers hooked as Vicky and Shepherd follow leads across Scotland. The plot is intricately crafted, with twists and turns that keep the suspense high. The exploration of justice, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions adds a thought-provoking layer to the crime thriller genre.
As the characters face moral dilemmas and the shadows of their past, the tension builds to a satisfying climax. The resolution is both unexpected and gratifying, tying up loose ends in a manner that leaves readers satisfied yet eager for more.
Guilt Trip is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, offering a compelling blend of suspense, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Ed James showcases his storytelling prowess, earning this book a well-deserved four-star rating.
The novel introduces us to Vicky Dodds, a Detective Inspector who, after a tumultuous year, is finally finding some semblance of balance in her life with a happy family and an engagement. However, her newfound stability is shattered when she is called to investigate a gruesome murder in a Dundee flat. The plot takes a thrilling turn when Vicky is assisted by DS Luke Shepherd of Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team, who is also revealed to be DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards & Ethics, Police Scotland's internal affairs unit.
The dynamic between Vicky and Shepherd adds layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of their working relationship, especially considering Vicky's past actions and Shepherd's investigation into someone in Dundee. The internal struggles faced by Vicky, haunted by the repercussions of her previous case, add depth to her character, making her relatable and engaging.
James's writing is sharp, and the pacing is relentless, keeping readers hooked as Vicky and Shepherd follow leads across Scotland. The plot is intricately crafted, with twists and turns that keep the suspense high. The exploration of justice, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions adds a thought-provoking layer to the crime thriller genre.
As the characters face moral dilemmas and the shadows of their past, the tension builds to a satisfying climax. The resolution is both unexpected and gratifying, tying up loose ends in a manner that leaves readers satisfied yet eager for more.
Guilt Trip is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, offering a compelling blend of suspense, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Ed James showcases his storytelling prowess, earning this book a well-deserved four-star rating.
July 9, 2022
If you are a fan of noir, suspense, murder, and police procedurals, then this is the book for you. This book is set in Dundee, Scotland. The author is Scottish, and the setting, characters, and language all felt authentic. However, I wasn't tempted to book a vacation there as the usual description included words like cold, damp, crowded and gritty. Occasionally I would have to re-read a sentence to parse the meaning, but that didn't happen often.
The main character is DI Vicky Dodds (detective inspector). I really liked Vicky - she is trying to balance an upcoming marriage, children and her job. Vicki also has a secret that could ruin her if it was ever discovered.
She is assigned to investigate the murder of a man who was killed by having his skull bashed in with a hammer. When she is assigned a partner who also investigates police wrongdoing she is worried that he may be investigating her instead. However, she is not the only officer with secrets and hers are not as serious as some. This is the fifth book in the series, and while I looked back occasionally to refresh my memory about some of the characters, any difficulty I had in following the plot is because that this is a complex story with roots that go back years. I stayed up far too late reading this book and now plan to read this whole series.
I received a review copy of this book from publisher The Book Whisperer (Grey Dog) through NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions expressed here are mine.
The main character is DI Vicky Dodds (detective inspector). I really liked Vicky - she is trying to balance an upcoming marriage, children and her job. Vicki also has a secret that could ruin her if it was ever discovered.
She is assigned to investigate the murder of a man who was killed by having his skull bashed in with a hammer. When she is assigned a partner who also investigates police wrongdoing she is worried that he may be investigating her instead. However, she is not the only officer with secrets and hers are not as serious as some. This is the fifth book in the series, and while I looked back occasionally to refresh my memory about some of the characters, any difficulty I had in following the plot is because that this is a complex story with roots that go back years. I stayed up far too late reading this book and now plan to read this whole series.
I received a review copy of this book from publisher The Book Whisperer (Grey Dog) through NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions expressed here are mine.
June 25, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and The Book Whisperer, Grey Dog for an advance copy of Guilt Trip, the fifth novel to feature Dundee based DI Vicky Dodds.
Vicky calls in to a Dundee flat and finds the resident, Gavin Mason dead from a hammer attack. DS Luke Shepherd is sent from Edinburgh to help in the investigation, that will be DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards and Ethics when he’s masquerading as a murder detective. Vicky finds it hard to believe he’s not investigating her after she took the law into her own hands eighteen months ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilt Trip, which made me laugh out loud on several occasions. Maybe it’s a Scottish thing, because I don’t see much about the humour in other reviews. Surprisingly this is the first novel in this series that I have read, but I felt that I slotted in well, perhaps because so many weel kent faces from other series make an appearance.
The murder investigation held me gripped, because it doesn’t stop at one murder and I was constantly wondering what linked the victims. There are obvious and not so obvious answers to this question and they tie together nicely, although not before disappearing down a couple of confusing rabbit holes. I was less enthusiastic about the emphasis on Vicky’s feelings of guilt as it gets repetitive and solves nothing.
Guilt Trip is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Vicky calls in to a Dundee flat and finds the resident, Gavin Mason dead from a hammer attack. DS Luke Shepherd is sent from Edinburgh to help in the investigation, that will be DCI Luke Shepherd of Professional Standards and Ethics when he’s masquerading as a murder detective. Vicky finds it hard to believe he’s not investigating her after she took the law into her own hands eighteen months ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilt Trip, which made me laugh out loud on several occasions. Maybe it’s a Scottish thing, because I don’t see much about the humour in other reviews. Surprisingly this is the first novel in this series that I have read, but I felt that I slotted in well, perhaps because so many weel kent faces from other series make an appearance.
The murder investigation held me gripped, because it doesn’t stop at one murder and I was constantly wondering what linked the victims. There are obvious and not so obvious answers to this question and they tie together nicely, although not before disappearing down a couple of confusing rabbit holes. I was less enthusiastic about the emphasis on Vicky’s feelings of guilt as it gets repetitive and solves nothing.
Guilt Trip is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 23, 2022
Review of eBook
Detective Inspector Vicky Dodds, called out to the scene of a homicide, finds Gavin Mason lying dead in his Dundee flat, his skull smashed in with a hammer. With the assistance of Detective Sergeant Luke Shepherd from Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team, she sets out to find the murderer.
But Shepherd, also assigned to Professional Standards and Ethics, the police department’s internal affairs unit, is investigating someone in Dundee. Who is under investigation and what will Vicky find as she investigates Mason’s murder?
=========
Fifth in the Detective Inspector Vicky Dodds series, the narrative is short on backstory, leading to some confusion for readers new to the series. The continual reference to Vicky's last case without sufficient explanation leaves readers at a loss to understand the nuances of the situation.
A strong sense of place and well-developed characters keep the story moving, but readers new to the series are likely to be a bit bewildered as they try to sort out who's who. The intriguing plot is action-packed, offering readers continually-building suspense. But the revelations at the end of the story are not likely to endear readers to the detectives and the denouement is disappointing, even for fans of the series.
I received a free copy of this eBook from The Book Whisperer, Grey Dog and NetGalley
#GuiltTrip #NetGalley
Detective Inspector Vicky Dodds, called out to the scene of a homicide, finds Gavin Mason lying dead in his Dundee flat, his skull smashed in with a hammer. With the assistance of Detective Sergeant Luke Shepherd from Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team, she sets out to find the murderer.
But Shepherd, also assigned to Professional Standards and Ethics, the police department’s internal affairs unit, is investigating someone in Dundee. Who is under investigation and what will Vicky find as she investigates Mason’s murder?
=========
Fifth in the Detective Inspector Vicky Dodds series, the narrative is short on backstory, leading to some confusion for readers new to the series. The continual reference to Vicky's last case without sufficient explanation leaves readers at a loss to understand the nuances of the situation.
A strong sense of place and well-developed characters keep the story moving, but readers new to the series are likely to be a bit bewildered as they try to sort out who's who. The intriguing plot is action-packed, offering readers continually-building suspense. But the revelations at the end of the story are not likely to endear readers to the detectives and the denouement is disappointing, even for fans of the series.
I received a free copy of this eBook from The Book Whisperer, Grey Dog and NetGalley
#GuiltTrip #NetGalley
June 9, 2022
Sometimes answering your phone when you're not working is a really bad idea! DI Vicky Dodds was only asked to check on a local resident because he had missed a scheduled call to the police, what she found plunged her into an investigation which swung from baffling to obvious and back again far too often for her liking.
Plagued by the aftermath of decisions made during a previous investigation, resulting in sleepless nights and a deep seated fear for her future, Vicky isn’t delighted to be working with an undercover detective from internal affairs. As the case moves forward, those involved increase to include familiar faces on both sides of the divide but they are still no nearer to a solution when Vicky comes up against her worst nightmare with no guarantee of a favourable outcome.
In the fifth Vicky Dodds book there is a case which needs to be solved in such a way that most of author Ed James' main protagonists get a mention if not an actual appearance. The investigation was multi faceted but not everything was dealt with giving hope for at least one more in this popular series.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book, before buying my own, thanks to the author, Ed James, and Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are all mine. I enjoy this author's writing and this is another very good addition to my collection of his work.
Plagued by the aftermath of decisions made during a previous investigation, resulting in sleepless nights and a deep seated fear for her future, Vicky isn’t delighted to be working with an undercover detective from internal affairs. As the case moves forward, those involved increase to include familiar faces on both sides of the divide but they are still no nearer to a solution when Vicky comes up against her worst nightmare with no guarantee of a favourable outcome.
In the fifth Vicky Dodds book there is a case which needs to be solved in such a way that most of author Ed James' main protagonists get a mention if not an actual appearance. The investigation was multi faceted but not everything was dealt with giving hope for at least one more in this popular series.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book, before buying my own, thanks to the author, Ed James, and Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are all mine. I enjoy this author's writing and this is another very good addition to my collection of his work.
July 9, 2022
Net Galley eARC. When Dundee's DI Vicky Dobbs calls around to the flat of a witness in protective custody she discovers his battered body. Still haunted by a disturbing decision she made on a previous case she is apprehensive about working with DI Shepherd from Internal Affairs. As the investigation drags on more bodies crop up with the suspect list growing and changing... This is a gritty contemporary British crime procedural with a diverse and interesting cast of characters and solid plotting. This is the fifth entry in the series and although it worked as a stand alone I feel I would have enjoyed it more from knowing the back story of the prior cases. referred to. The interaction between the officers was realistic and the prose clearly conveyed Vicky's struggle to balance her family life and maintain investigative standards. The plot addresses the challenges of modern policing with the prevalance of human trafficking, drugs, and corruption an ongoing battle. This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed the complexity and brooding atmosphere. so will backtrack to catch up with the series.
January 9, 2023
All in one world
One thing I like about Harlen Coben is his setting for all of his books is a world accessed by all his characters as they cross into other stories. He reuses his people however minimally.
And in one book Ed James shows how he has achieved this by bringing together characters from all his series. Although not from beyond the grave!! And it hangs together well.
Not sure anyone can sleep so little and be so active as Vicky. But Ed James is not first to keep his protagonists awake.
Fenchurch and Cullen not treated as well in a Dodds as James portrays them in their own areas. For someone he professed to have finished as a character, Scott Cullen gets about since that supposed demise. This is 2 Dodds running and the Galashiels prequel.
Think he should have given Sharon McNeill more page time in her own series. Look who she has had to endure at Mr James keyboard. A rare empathetic contribution again in this series.
One thing I like about Harlen Coben is his setting for all of his books is a world accessed by all his characters as they cross into other stories. He reuses his people however minimally.
And in one book Ed James shows how he has achieved this by bringing together characters from all his series. Although not from beyond the grave!! And it hangs together well.
Not sure anyone can sleep so little and be so active as Vicky. But Ed James is not first to keep his protagonists awake.
Fenchurch and Cullen not treated as well in a Dodds as James portrays them in their own areas. For someone he professed to have finished as a character, Scott Cullen gets about since that supposed demise. This is 2 Dodds running and the Galashiels prequel.
Think he should have given Sharon McNeill more page time in her own series. Look who she has had to endure at Mr James keyboard. A rare empathetic contribution again in this series.
May 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher The Book Whisperer, Grey Dog for granting me a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book is the fifth book in a series. Having not read any of the previous books in the series, I had a very hard time following this book as it kept referencing past events I recommend reading the previous books in order before jumping into this one.
I am not a huge fan of this genre, although I have enjoyed other mystery crime books. I just could not get into this book, but perhaps it is because I felt so lost not having followed the series.
Fans of the series may enjoy the book, but the book did not leave me wanting to read more.
This book is the fifth book in a series. Having not read any of the previous books in the series, I had a very hard time following this book as it kept referencing past events I recommend reading the previous books in order before jumping into this one.
I am not a huge fan of this genre, although I have enjoyed other mystery crime books. I just could not get into this book, but perhaps it is because I felt so lost not having followed the series.
Fans of the series may enjoy the book, but the book did not leave me wanting to read more.
July 1, 2022
Guilt Trip is the fifth novel to feature Dundee based DI Vicky Dodds. This is the first book I have read in the series but I found no issues with keeping up with the story.
This is a thriller/ police procedural that kept me reading and one that made me chuckle too. I found it a twisty and intriguing story. With multiple murders to solve and plenty of blind alleys to run down, it kept me guessing.
The characters are well developed and believable. I like Vicky and hope to catch up with the books I have missed too.
Thanks to Ed James and Book Whisperer for my copy of this book.
This is a thriller/ police procedural that kept me reading and one that made me chuckle too. I found it a twisty and intriguing story. With multiple murders to solve and plenty of blind alleys to run down, it kept me guessing.
The characters are well developed and believable. I like Vicky and hope to catch up with the books I have missed too.
Thanks to Ed James and Book Whisperer for my copy of this book.
July 4, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and this is my review. This book is set in Scotland and London and the characters appear in several series of books written by Ed James. These characters have depth and are gloriously flawed. The twists made my head spin and the story keeps changing - just when it seems simple to figure out, the characters shift and the answer is not so obvious. I loved this book and totally recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with hitmen and serial killers everywhere.
July 14, 2022
Part of a series set in Dundee, Scotland. Vicky is working with a new partner. In the first couple of chapters there are deaths of people previously involved in a child abuse and people trafficking ring. The perpetrators are very careful and seemingly aware of the need to prevent leaving evidence. The investigation broadens as it follows different directions. At times it takes a fair amount of concentration to keep track of all of the different threads.
Towards the end everything comes together, there are twists in the plot along the way.
A good read, there have been more in the series, but this is fine as a stand alone too. There is enough information in the book so that you know about the traumas Vicky previously experienced.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Towards the end everything comes together, there are twists in the plot along the way.
A good read, there have been more in the series, but this is fine as a stand alone too. There is enough information in the book so that you know about the traumas Vicky previously experienced.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2022
Two cops have a secret but only one is a killer. Vicky Dobb who has bee a Detective Investigator for over a year is finally able to get some balance in her life. Vicky is happily engaged. Things change quickly when Vickie is called out to a Dundee flat and finds a body with the head smashed with a hammer. As Vicky tries to solve the case she gets help from Luke Shepard of Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team. Shepard is investigating someone in Vicky's town but she has no idea who. Will Vicky and Like be able to solve this without Vicky's past coming back to haunt her?
June 28, 2022
This book has all the right ingredients and in the right proportion. There is a bit of backstory for several characters, but not so much as to slow the flow of the story. The same goes for the politics of the police force. The crime is confusing and only becomes more so with more than one murder and questions of just what the motive really is. Oh, and quite a bit of excitement too. I really enjoyed this book. It is the first I've read by Ed James so there are plenty more in my future.
July 1, 2022
Guilt Trip by Ed James is the fifth book in the brilliant DS Vicky Dodds series and I have enjoyed this series and I was gripped within the first chapter and i ended up reading in two sittings. I loved all the characters especially DS Vicky Dodds and I am looking forward to the next instalment.
I highly recommend this book especially of you enjoy police procedural books.
Thank you NetGalley and The Book Whisperer, for the eAR in exchange of a review..
I highly recommend this book especially of you enjoy police procedural books.
Thank you NetGalley and The Book Whisperer, for the eAR in exchange of a review..
July 4, 2022
Ed James didn't disappoint!!
I've been looking forward to this installment ever since then end of book 4 (no spoilers if you aren't there yet) and if there would be repercussions. As always Ed James was at
his finest and the fact it was like a whos who of his books just made it better for me - Fenchurch, Cullen and Hunter a making an appearance.
Best Vicky Dodds book yet. The world really isn't black and white with these books! 🙂
I've been looking forward to this installment ever since then end of book 4 (no spoilers if you aren't there yet) and if there would be repercussions. As always Ed James was at
his finest and the fact it was like a whos who of his books just made it better for me - Fenchurch, Cullen and Hunter a making an appearance.
Best Vicky Dodds book yet. The world really isn't black and white with these books! 🙂
July 10, 2022
Brilliant read. So gripping I was unable to put the book down. Vicky still dealing with inner demons is catapulted into the case just checking in on someone who was supposed to be accepting a check in call. So many characters came into play from Ed’s other series of books that is was thoroughly jam packed with intrigue and held you captive into reading on, and on…. Can’t wait for the next Vicky instalment and/or Cullen and Fenchurch. Thanks Ed. Keep up the brilliant stories
July 13, 2022
Guilt Trip.
Ed, I enjoyed this book but at times there was so much going on I found it difficult to keep up with the amount of characters and locations. Guest appearances from Fenchurch and Cullen only added to my confusion. I found Vicky Dodds a bit tiresome at times and didn't feel she was on the same page as everyone else involved in the book. The end was exciting but with so many people involved it was hard to keep up . A good effort never the less !
Ed, I enjoyed this book but at times there was so much going on I found it difficult to keep up with the amount of characters and locations. Guest appearances from Fenchurch and Cullen only added to my confusion. I found Vicky Dodds a bit tiresome at times and didn't feel she was on the same page as everyone else involved in the book. The end was exciting but with so many people involved it was hard to keep up . A good effort never the less !
July 18, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book. I think in all fairness since I haven't read the previous books in this series I should be a little less tough on Ed James. I had a rough time with the first part of the story and then the last half came together and it made more sense. I had no idea who the bad guy was and that is the way I like a story to be at the end.
My daughter reads his books all the time and she just loves his writing. That is what got my attention.
My daughter reads his books all the time and she just loves his writing. That is what got my attention.
July 31, 2022
Best one yet
Love this series, so many twists and turns and keeps you gripped till the end. It was good to have Cullen and Fenchurch featured who are character's that have their own series, which have all been great reads. I hope there will be another Vicky Dodds book as she is my favourite character. Looking forward to the new Fenchurch book, roll on December. Once again Ed you nailed it and thank you for such an enjoyable read.
Love this series, so many twists and turns and keeps you gripped till the end. It was good to have Cullen and Fenchurch featured who are character's that have their own series, which have all been great reads. I hope there will be another Vicky Dodds book as she is my favourite character. Looking forward to the new Fenchurch book, roll on December. Once again Ed you nailed it and thank you for such an enjoyable read.
Read
April 10, 2025The fifth Vicky Dodds book sees her dealing with murders that are linked to cases Fenchurch is investigating in London and they briefly meet up.
People trafficking and abuse of children and teenagers is involved
There are twists and turns and Vicky has to work out who she can trust, while dealing with her own demons after killing a suspect who would have killed her and her kids, even if he had to arrange it from prison.
People trafficking and abuse of children and teenagers is involved
There are twists and turns and Vicky has to work out who she can trust, while dealing with her own demons after killing a suspect who would have killed her and her kids, even if he had to arrange it from prison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and The Book Whisperer, Grey Dog for the eARC.
It seemed to me I should have read the previous books in the series because I couldn't get into the story, it was confusing as there were so many characters with back stories that I lost interest. Because of that I couldn't get invested in the people either. Sorry!
It seemed to me I should have read the previous books in the series because I couldn't get into the story, it was confusing as there were so many characters with back stories that I lost interest. Because of that I couldn't get invested in the people either. Sorry!
June 9, 2022
This is the best Vicky Dodds yet, full of twists and great plot. It would work well as a standalone or as the 5th in the Vicky Dodds series. I really enjoyed the storyline and dialogue and loved how the author managed to incorporate characters from his other detective series. It was good to see some familiar characters!
July 6, 2022
Love Vicky Dodds books.
Another great read. Ed James brings Vicky Dodds to life as he does with all the characters in his books whether it's Scottish or English detectives. Hopefully another Vicky Dodds book will appear before too long. Thank you to Ed James for all his hard work in producing these fantastic stories.
Another great read. Ed James brings Vicky Dodds to life as he does with all the characters in his books whether it's Scottish or English detectives. Hopefully another Vicky Dodds book will appear before too long. Thank you to Ed James for all his hard work in producing these fantastic stories.
August 31, 2024
Best book of the series, I believed in the character of DI.Vicky Dodds, which is important to me when I read such a book.
I have read the DI.Rob Marshall series too and as such they are an excellent read. Again, strong, believable characters.
As Ed has cross over characters in his books I'm now reading the DCI.Simon Fenchurch series, thanks to Guilt Trip.
Got me hooked Ed!! Thanks.
I have read the DI.Rob Marshall series too and as such they are an excellent read. Again, strong, believable characters.
As Ed has cross over characters in his books I'm now reading the DCI.Simon Fenchurch series, thanks to Guilt Trip.
Got me hooked Ed!! Thanks.
September 7, 2025
A Good, Gritty Crime Story
As usual, Ed James writes his usual well-plotted crime mystery. This book delved a lot into the 'grey' areas of policing.
I found some of the plot lines a little
unbelievable, but it is crime fiction, so I did enjoy going on the journey with DI Vicky Dodds.
As usual, Ed James writes his usual well-plotted crime mystery. This book delved a lot into the 'grey' areas of policing.
I found some of the plot lines a little
unbelievable, but it is crime fiction, so I did enjoy going on the journey with DI Vicky Dodds.
July 1, 2022
This book was engaging and had me wondering who the killer was. The identity of the guilty party was a surprise to me. I look forward to reading more Vicky Dodds mysteries. I highly recommend this book to other police procedural readers.
July 10, 2022
Gritty reading! From the off I was into this story. Ed James incorporated characters from several of his other novels and they intertwined beautifully with this latest Vicky Dodd's saga. Well worth buying this well-written novel.
September 23, 2023
Always. brilliant!
A new character for me. I’ve read these five so far about Vicky and this one let me catch up with some of my other favourites. Love Ed James books and have read over 25 now. I’m never bored and I’m looking forward to the next one already!
A new character for me. I’ve read these five so far about Vicky and this one let me catch up with some of my other favourites. Love Ed James books and have read over 25 now. I’m never bored and I’m looking forward to the next one already!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews