The Line

Helen Scott Royal Military Police #2

by Rachel Lynch

The truth can have deadly consequences...

On a sunny morning, when the Mediterranean is dead calm, Captain Paul Thomas embarks on a dive to the wreck of the Zenobia, off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus. Within hours, he has taken his final, gasping breath in an accident below the surface. A new Royal Military Police liaison is required to pick up on his work, and Major Helen Scott gets the assignment.

It turns out Paul Thomas had rattled cages during his current case - four serving soldiers are in custody accused of the leaking of state intelligence. If proven, the scandal would rock the foundation of the armed forces. Once on Cyprus, it becomes clear that the island relies on a delicate balance of old-school glad-handing and turning a blind eye, and anyone who threatens to upset the equilibrium will find themselves in the line of fire...

Genres: Thriller, Crime

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2022

About the author

Rachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years.

A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the ‘Helen Scott’ series by author Rachel Lynch. I love Rachel’s other series featuring ‘Kelly Porter’ but struggled a little with the previous book in this series. This book however was much better and was an excellent read. Not sure if it was just that I am now more familiar with the new character but finished this one looking forward to the next one.

In this book Major Helen Scott finds herself on an assignment in Cyprus following the death of Captain Paul Thomas. Thomas died while diving in a suspected accident but suspicion arises when it is discovered that he had upset people while working on a case.

Four serving soldiers were accused of leaking state secrets and find themselves in custody in a case that could prove to cause a scandal that would rock the armed forces. It is not long before Helen discovers that the island is run by an old fashioned regime that turn a blind eye when they feel necessary.

Exciting novel full of action and in Helen Scott with have a character that is going to grow on readers.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major Helen Scott is back in The Line and she suure is back with a bang.
I really enjoyed The Rift that introduced us to Scott but I think that The Line is even better. It felt to me that Rachel Lynch is properly getting into her stride with a new character and her world and that this is shaping up to be a successful series.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from Helen Scott and seeing where her next investigation takes her.

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific thriller, on audiobook, set on the island of Cyprus! There was so much to enjoy about this novel, besides being set on a gorgeous island, it features a strong female military lead, Major Helen Scott, and is narrated by xxx, who has a beautiful accent and voice and kept my interest throughout the story.

GR LIBRARIANS: Ould you pretty please add the audiobook format as an edition for this ?? Many thanks! 🙏🏻

Major Scott in this 2nd book in the series is called to investigate the death of a military captain based in Cyprus. There are a lot of twists and turns, and interesting secondary characters, including Russian women forced into prostitution.

I didn’t read the first in the series but will definitely read the next one. Highly recommend.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading: July 3rd 2022

"Her worst fears had as good as been confirmed: this was a diplomatic game."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Canelo Crime in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***



I can never resist a thriller with an international setting, and I admit I was sold as soon as I first read the blurb of The Line. The setting on Cyprus and the diving angle alone were enough for me to convince myself I wanted to read this story, although I confess I didn't realize at the time it was actually the second book of a series. Thankfully I've had time to catch up before reading this sequel, and both books have brought this series firm on my radar.

Technically it's not too difficult to read The Line as a stand-alone: the case is a completely new one and you will only be missing out to minor character background not important to the understanding of the current situation. I'm personally glad to have read the first book The Rift though, because it gave me a better understanding of what the main character Helen Scott is like and what she is capable of. I enjoyed this sequel a tiny bit more than the first book, but both books were highly entertaining and solid reads.

The Line is mainly set on Cyprus, where we get to explore various parts of the island during our time with this story. The descriptions made the setting come alive for me, and I liked how the setting also played a role in the plot itself. There were a select few chapters set in Aleppo, Syria as well, although they weren't the main focus of the story. Instead, the plot evolves around the mysterious death of a fellow RMP Captain Paul Thomas and the case he was investigating. It almost had that conspiracy plot and spy thriller feel with the leaking of state intelligence and the secrets and lies everywhere... And it definitely made the story more exciting and suspenseful.

The plot uses a multiple POV structure where we switch between the different characters in play to slowly get a full picture of what is really going on. Helen Scott is the character that anchors them all, and while it seems like there are a lot of different characters in play to keep apart, somehow it's quite easy to do so and it doesn't slow down the pace at all. Helen herself is really growing on me and I like the way she isn't afraid of stepping on important toes and get the results. The story itself has a fast pace and just the right amount of action, twists and suspense to make you keep turning those pages.

All in all The Line was without a doubt a successful sequel for me and I loved the combination of the international setting with the action, intrigue and conspiracy feel. I definitely hope to hear more of Helen Scott in the future!

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Line by Rachel Lynch is the 2nd book in the Helen Scott series. I have been a big fan of Rachel’s previous series DI Kelly Porter and the first of this series I had mixed feelings but, now I am getting to know Helen Scott, this is turning out to be a great series too.
RMP Captain Paul Thomas is spending some rare time away from his investigations to take part in a dive of the coast of Larnaca in Cyprus. He is an experience diver and has done the same dive previous times over but, in this instance, he has somehow been separated from his dive buddy. Something he has discovers has shocked him to the core which alters his breathing that makes him run out of air. When he is found and brought to the surface it is too late, he is dead. The local Police think that it is just an accident. But the Royal military Police are not convinced, and Major Helen Scott is brought in to lead the investigation.
When the pathology reports are in, they discover that Captain Paul Thomas was murdered, and it wasn’t an accident after all. Major Helen considers if it has got to do with what he was investigating. The intelligence that has been leaked from the Ayios Nikolaos Listening station. Who is involved and why do they want it?
Thank you, Canelo, for a copy The Line by Rachel Lynch for an honest review. Told in several points of view, this has a unique storyline, great characters and loved the descriptions of the scenery etc. It brought the story alive. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more from this series. 5 stars from me.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this amazing book

after reading the synopsis of this book have to admit to dreading it...it sounded very political but i have always loved this authors books and requested it anyway and after putting it off for a while i headed in and boy after the first page i was hooked....

captain paul thomas is in cyprus but for relaxation he likes to dive and on this lovely day hes booked in to dive with his mate, they are going to dive the wreck and go deep inside...he knows his diving and his buddy who runs the dive shop has no worries about this dive...but for paul thomas its going to be his last day on earth

major helen scott is called in to take over the investigation that paul thomas was running and with 4 officers suspended with pay until the investigation is over she has her work cut out...

and like any internal affairs nobody wants them sniffing around but this is more deadly than they first thought and with the death of paul thomas things could get dicey at any minute and for helen who can she trust with the antagonism she faces off everyone

oh my word i lost hours in this book..so well written and based in Cyprus with a bit of history i loved this book and couldnt put it down...

cant wait for the next helen scott book...they are amazing

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll start this review with the last line of my review of The Rift “ I really liked the characters of both Helen and Grant and would love to read more with them in it” and here we have it with the second book in the Helen Scott series. Another brilliantly descriptive rollercoaster of a ride from this very talented author. Rachel Lynch writes in 3D, you can feel the heat, smell the sunscreen and hear the tide, in this military thriller set in Cyprus. Helen is sent to investigate the death of a fellow RMP whose ‘accidental” demise may not prove to be quite as accidental as they’d have her believe. Soon she’s entangled in a murky plot which uncovers that all is not as it should be in the garrison and causes her to question even those she’s come to rely on. Set in London, Cyprus and Syria it has a gripping main plot which will keep you turning the pages and nice developments in the subplot including the introduction of some new colleagues whose characters I hope we hear more of in the future.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of reviews like that out there already).

This is the second in Rachel Lynch's series featuring Major Helen Scott of the RMP. Having enjoyed the first novel, I was pleased to see this one being published.

The setting - Cyprus - added to the atmosphere and provided a great backdrop to the fast-paced action once the story took off. The writing was very descriptive - you could imagine the scorching heat and the slightly claustrophobic atmosphere of the married quarters. The plot has plenty of twists and turns - and a few red herrings - who can be trusted, apart from Helen herself?

Really enjoyed the novel on the whole. The only downside of me was the occasional use of a particular expletive - but maybe I'm just old-fashioned as it seems to be in the common parlance these days!

I'm hoping there will be more in the Helen Scott series - as there is surely plenty of work for her out there!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had enjoyed one of the author's books featuring Detective Inspector Kelly Porter so I thought I would give this one featuring Major Helen Scott of the Military Police a go.

The story is set in Cyprus where it is suspected people at the military communications centre have been passing on information to a foreign power. When the officer leading the investigation is found dead Helen Scott is sent out from London.

It's a very readable book and exciting in places but I did not really understand what was going on and had lots of things I wondered about were not explained to my satisfaction.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigue and Suspense

I have enjoyed Rachel Lynch and her DI Kelly Porter series. I just came across the Helen Scott RMP series and I really liked The Line. I don't know how I started on book #2 (?) but I am going to go read #1 now.

I love to read thrillers. The Line was intriguing and very suspenseful and it took place in an area I have never come across in my reading. The characters were well written. The story was very fascinating.

I look forward to more of the Helen Scott RMP series.

[Aeterna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like diving and Cyprus, so this premise is quite appreciated even though the story moves along very slowly at first. Things only starts getting a bit heated more than halfway in.

How come British military officers do not know about Mata Hari? It surprised me a whole lot.

I like Paul, Nico and Sophia, Ani, and Gem. They are nice people :D
lol Gem

Quick summer read.

Thank you for sending me this e-ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Line by Rachel Lynch is the second book in the Helen Scott Royal Military Police series and was another excellent book that will have you gripped from the beginning till the end. I found this a great holiday read especially as its set in sunny Cyprus. It's full of great twists and turns throughout and will have you wanting to finish this latest book to find out what happens.

I highly recommend this new series. It will not disappoint. 5 stars.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, the 2nd book in the Helen Scott series. Helen is with the Military Police. When I first started reading The Rift, book 1 in the series I just couldn't get into it and put it aside for a couple of months. The reason I tried it again was because I love Rachel's Kelly Porter series. I'm so glad I did as I loved it and the same with book 2. It was a great read. This one is set in Cyprus and secrets are getting into the wrong hands.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this second novel in the Major Helen Scott series an engaging, fast-moving and convincingly credible story and loved how it so effectively captured the strategic (geographically, militarily and politically) significance of Cyprus. As I love this beautiful island and have done lots of walking in the Troodos Mountains, I loved how the author's evocative descriptions of the landscape, the coastline, the towns and villages, the people (and the summer heat!) transported me back!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Lynch is fast turning into one of my favourite authors and this book is another 5/5 from me! Great characters, a great storyline that has you intrigued but not confused as you go through the various twits in the plot. I do hope there is a 3rd book in the Helen Scott series.

[Ian Pruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read other authors who have the ability to write stories with different lead characters and they include David Baldacci, Michael Connolly and Tom Robb Smith. After reading DI Kelly and now Helen Scott stories I can look forward to more I'm sure.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Samantha Nicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second outing for Helen Scott - another enjoyable read and hoping for a third!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful thriller that kept the reader on the edge of the page. Perfectly done thrills and twists.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheer Brilliance

Absolutely spellbinding!! Rachel Lynch is a brilliant authoress and her novels are epic !!! Make sure to read every one of her thrillers !!!

[Lori Gookin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ I like the female MC and the series and will continue to read it.

[Glenda Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in ages. Definitely want to read more Helen Scott adventures.

[Colette Lamberth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. When I read The Rift I said that Major Helen Scott was a great character and I’d love to see her return. Not only did she return in this book but I think it’s even better than the first one. When an RMP Captain dies in a diving accident in Cyprus, Helen is tasked with taking over his investigation into leaked intelligence. There are a few strands to the story and the author does a good job of making them all interesting. This is the only crime series I have read which features Royal Military Police and at risk of repeating myself I hope there are more books planned.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Cyprus, the second book in the Helen Scott Royal Military Police series uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and dark secrets. I like the authentically described setting and Helen Scott's character development. Elements from her past are alluded to, but the investigation is complete and standalone.

The suspense builds as the investigation progresses, and an underlying level of menace keeps the reader immersed in the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read his complete review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Four corporals are in the brig for the death of a naval officer who drowned off the coast of Cyprus. A seasoned and well-trained diver should not have drowned at 60 meters exploring a wreck. Major Helen Scott RMP is sent to investigate the incident.

Helen does not believe such an accident would have occurred with a trained diver. Her investigation reveals some very strange and frightening facts about this quiet Mediterranean island. How could the officer have drowned when being accompanied by three other seasoned divers? Why was he not able to get back to the surface by following his dive line back to the opening in the ship being investigated?

Major Helen Scott is an extremely strong character and an excellent effective member of the navy. This book has many twists and well-developed characters guaranteed to keep you turning pages. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major Helen Scott has been sent to Cyprus to continue the investigation of her colleague who was killed whilst investigating intelligence leaks from the Cypriot base. From finding all the pieces to putting them all together, you learn all about the military setup, the RMP and how estranged some people can really become from the real world.

This book is fast-paced, informative and full of twists. Every time you feel like it’s coming together, another piece of information needs fitting into the puzzle. Helen Scott is an incredible, strong female lead and truly inspiring.

I would highly recommend giving this book a read, I struggled to put it down! Can’t wait to read more books by Rachel Lynch.

**Thank you NetGalley and Canelo who sent me this ARC in exchange for an honest review**