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Hell's Glen

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A cyber-criminal with a phobia…

The detective who caught her…

Their target: a religious community in Hell’s Glen.

Kathryn Sinclair has retreated from the world into cyberspace. This is her safe place, where no one can touch her. A skilled hacker, she’s finally arrested and faces years in prison.

When offered a deal by the security services — her freedom in return for her skills to investigate a religious community in a remote part of Scotland — she has little choice but to agree. But this is no ordinary operation for she must live amongst this closed sect posing as the wife of the detective who arrested her — Jamie Denton, a man she despises. Jamie’s no happier either and is determined to see her returned to prison.

Undercover in Hell’s Glen, Kathryn and Jamie soon discover that behind the religious façade and breath-taking scenery lurk some unsavory characters and ugly secrets. And, as they unravel the truth, they’ll be forced to confront their own demons.

With danger mounting and time running out, can Kathryn and Jamie unearth the mystery before all hell breaks loose?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2022

57 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

H.J. Russell

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Kevin Halter.
239 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2022
Hell's Glen by H.J. Russell is an interesting take on the cyber-thriller and seems like a cross between a lot of genres. As such it never quite comes down in any one particular place.
As others have noted it starts with a harrowing crime that directly shapes the character of Kathryn Sinclair and explains how and why she became a cyber criminal in the first place and winds up working with Jamie Denton after being outed by a fellow member of Grey Nemesis. I found this part of the book very promising and got vibes of Stieg Larsson the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo--but then that was over. Kathryn and Jamie go undercover in the Scottish countryside to investigate a religious cult and on the first night there is a murder and it becomes a mystery--and then a romance--and then a Bondian thriller. The shifts are never jarring but at times I felt there was SO much going on that the characters became secondary to the genre shifts.
I did enjoy it and as sometimes is often mentioned it has something for everyone.
It appears that this will become a series and I am curious to see where it will head in the future.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #BookWhisperer, and H.J. Russell for the ARC of #Hell's Glen.

Merged review:

Hell's Glen by H.J. Russell is an interesting take on the cyber-thriller and seems like a cross between a lot of genre's. As such it never quite comes down in any one particular place.
As others have noted it starts with a harrowing crime that directly shapes the character of Kathryn Sinclair and explains how and why she became a cyber criminal in the first place and winds up working with Jamie Denton after being outed by a fellow member of Grey Nemesis. I found this part of the book very promising and got vibes of Stieg Larsson the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo--but then that was over. Kathryn and Jamie go undercover in the Scottish countryside to investigate a religious cult and on the first night there is a murder and it becomes a mystery--and then a romance--and then a Bondian thriller. The shifts are never jarring but at times I felt there was SO much going on that the characters became secondary to the genre shifts.
I did enjoy it and as sometimes is often mentioned it has something for everyone.
It appears that this will become a series and I curious to see where it will head in the future.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #BookWhisperer, and H.J. Russell for the ARC of #Hell's Glen.
Profile Image for judy.
208 reviews
July 15, 2022
Hell's Glen started out as a gritty suspense novel then abruptly turned into an awkward, cringe-inducing, romance novel which i thoroughly disliked.

there was so much unlikely human behavior, repetitive writing and a juvenile expression of sexuality, i was hard pressed to finish this book.
1 review
August 16, 2022
Well done H. J. Russell...a great title and great read!

Set mainly in beautiful Scotland's Knoydart Peninsula, H.J. Russell has written a fast paced thriller which will appeal to a wide range of readers as it's a cracker of a book and covers a range of issues.

Interesting and 'damaged' main characters and I especially liked Kathryn as her resilience and determination shone through many difficult situations. A lady you wouldn't want to mess with and remain intact!

The cyber security aspect fascinated me and was particularly cleverly incorporated into the storyline...definitely want more of this please!
The use of cults and their leaders - whether religious or otherwise - also successfully built tension within the story with their ability to influence and control others is an important aspect of the book.

There wasn't anything I disliked about the book. I understand the reason for the author's detailing of the relationship between Jamie and Kathryn and it worked, but I also feel that 'less might have been more' ....!

Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down. As I said at the beginning it is a great read and very much look forward to the next book! Thank you!
Profile Image for Jane McDivitt Stanyer.
32 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
Don't Believe The Blurb!
I thought I was getting a psychological thriller that matched the Blurb and title.
What I got was a romance, with little plot and lots of repetition.
If you like your characters repeatedly and consistently holding hands, clutching waists, showering, leaving cups of tea by the bed in the morning, calling the female 'Babe' then this one is for you.
It definitely wasn't for me
Profile Image for LINDA BASS.
338 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2022
A POWERFUL STORY THAT KEPT ME READING IN THE DEAD OF THE NIGHT AND I LOVED IT!!!!!
927 reviews
July 3, 2022
Was a good read although bit predictable as to the outcome but an enjoyable and sometimes tense read .
3 reviews
June 22, 2022
Not a great read!

Writing was a bit awkward. The plot was too far fetched and unbelievable. The saving Grace was that it didn't take long to read. Not my preferred style of book, it was a book club selection!
Profile Image for Joan.
2,908 reviews57 followers
May 1, 2022
Review of eBook

Kathryn Sinclair, part of a cyber-hacking group known as Grey Nemesis collective, finds herself detained under several sections of the Computer Misuse Act. Facing years of imprisonment for cyber-crimes, she jumps at the offer of a deal, one that will ensure she does not face extradition, will waive her legal fees, and will drop all the charges against her.

In exchange, she will agree to go undercover to investigate a group suspected of large-scale international tax fraud. Her cyber skills will enable her to gather the evidence needed.

There’s just one catch . . . she must pretend to be married to the Detective Sergeant who arrested her. A man she detests.

Ultimately, Kathryn sees the deal as her only way out, and she agrees to go undercover with James Denton. But they’ll soon discover that nothing is quite as it seems in this remote, small religious community. It isn’t long before Jamie and Kathryn discover that the religious group is a façade; Hell’s Glen holds some repulsive people and some grisly secrets.

Will Kathryn find the necessary evidence to keep her freedom? And more importantly, will she find a way to convince the people around her that she and Jamie are a devoted couple?

=========

Although readers are sure to appreciate the trigger warning provided prior to the prologue, the main character . . . and the horrific events in her life . . . are realistically drawn. Sadly, her experience is true-to-life for many children. What sets this narrative apart is the handling of Kathryn’s issues. Granted, it does seem as if Jamie and Kathryn move from despising each other to falling into an immoderate relationship in the blink of an eye, but their relationship also moves the story along in a way that highlights the gentleness and patience with which Kathryn is treated. She's never forced beyond her comfort zone, never belittled or made fun of for her feelings.

With its strong sense of place and its compelling characters, the evolving story keeps the pages turning. At times grim and gritty, the narrative is occasionally cringeworthy, but [sadly] rather true to life. Astute readers may figure out the “secret” within the cult [it’s a doozy], but as the plot twists and turns its way toward a decidedly satisfactory denouement, everything has a way of working itself out.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from The Book Whisperer and NetGalley
#HellsGlen #NetGalley
1 review
June 9, 2022
Excellent read. Starts very fast with a harrowing, but necessary scene, that goes a long way to explain the rather damaged nature of the main character, Kathryn. Don't be put off by this as I found this book to be a real page turner, to the extent that I finished it in 2 days (Unusual for me). The straight forward style of writing was also to my liking. No Hillary Mantel's for me thankyou (Although I am sure her books are very clever). The story is based around a hacker forced into helping the UK Security services investigate a religious cult on an isolated location in Scotland - Hell's Glen. I found the detail of the hacks undertaken in this story fascinating (and apparently, they are all real). Mixed with the mystery surrounding cults, the combination was unputdownable (That should so be a word :-)). The book also delivers what was a very satisfying ending, 2 really, but I won’t give any more detail, find out for yourself.
Give this one a go, you won’t be disappointed. 5 stars for me.
Note to author: I think your characters have the legs for a series, just saying

Merged review:

Excellent read. Starts very fast with a harrowing, but necessary scene, that goes a long way to explain the rather damaged nature of the main character, Kathryn. Don't be put off by this as I found this book to be a real page turner, to the extent that I finished it in 2 days (Unusual for me). The straight forward style of writing was also to my liking. No Hillary Mantel's for me thankyou (Although I am sure her books are very clever). The story is based around a hacker forced into helping the UK Security services investigate a religious cult on an isolated location in Scotland - Hell's Glen. I found the detail of the hacks undertaken in this story fascinating (and apparently, they are all real). Mixed with the mystery surrounding cults, the combination was unputdownable (That should so be a word :-)). The book also delivers what was a very satisfying ending, 2 really, but I won’t give any more detail, find out for yourself.
Give this one a go, you won’t be disappointed. 5 stars for me.
Note to author: I think your characters have the legs for a series, just saying
1,269 reviews
May 28, 2022
This is the first book that I have read by H.J. Russell and I was gripped from the first page.
How had she ended up like this ? Katherine Sinclair was to be the fake wife of a man that she hated, Detective Jamie Denton, she had no choice, she had to bite the bullet or go to prison.
Katherine's young life had been indescribably horrific, what she had gone through had left mental scars that would never heal, she had become insular and isolated from life. She escaped into a cyber world where she felt safe, she was a member of the highly skilled hacking group called Grey Nemesis, they were ethical hackers dispensing cyber justice, that was until........
Detective Jamie Denton was riled, he had been expecting promotion after handing them Sinclair, she had been sentenced and would spend many years in prison, he had been passed over for the man who had stolen his wife.
Both Katherine and Jamie were thrown a lifeline, he could work for MI6 and her sentence would be quashed, the only problem was they had to act convincingly as man and wife.
In the highlands of Scotland was a religious sect that they were to infiltrate, people were going missing, bodies were turning up but something much more evil and sinister was happening at Hell's Glen and they had to find out what, the task was dangerous and there was no guarantee of success.
This story unfolds to follow Katherine and Jamie's journey, their attempts to unlock the secrets of devils Glen, meeting the wacky but undeniably evil characters living there, who could they trust ? what were the secrets hidden in the Glen.
The author has sensitively covered many emotive subjects that may cause triggers in some people. I love the slow burning relationship between Katherine and Jamie, the patient, understanding and protective way that he treats her, I love the descriptions of the beautiful scenery, the cold and windy settings and the very apt scripture quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This book is a real page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Tegan.
96 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2022
Note: I received this book for free as an ARC from Netgalley.

This was interesting. There's SA of a minor in the first chapter so watch out for that. The author doesn't describe the SA beat for beat, it's more of an 'off-screen' implied thing. It does have its purpose for being there in relation to the story but it is still upsetting. If partially described SA is too much for you I recommend skipping the first chapter. It's referenced/mentioned enough times during the rest of the book that I don't think you would be missing vital context by skipping it.

Other than that this book is enjoyable. The mystery captured me enough to keep reading. The tech stuff made me giggle at times especially at the end. There were a few steamy scenes that genuinely made me hot under the collar which is a rarity for me. The relationship between the protags was a bit far fetched but that matched the plot so I didn't mind.

My only critical feedback about it (apart from the SA) is the rushed ending because it gets into a bit of deus ex machina territory to resolve a dangerous situation and the loose ends are very rapidly tied up in the last two chapters. The pacing at the end of the book didn't match the pace of the previous chapters. It was a bit jarring and silly (in the laugh out loud sense) to me but I still liked it.

I would recommend this book to others who like lighter reads that focus on mystery elements. The plot doesn't get too bogged down in details which helps it move along at a good clip (until the super speed ending). The protags are nuanced enough that they're not clichés and the mystery piqued my curiosity enough to keep me engaged even when I had minor issues with the plot or characters.

I don't usually re-read books but I could see myself reading this again on my commute or while travelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for books.tea.happy.
575 reviews
May 30, 2022
This book was provide by the publisher via Netgalley and I happily give my honest opinion. Kathryn has had a difficult childhood which leads her to join a grey hat hacking group to try to punish evil. Jamie is the detective tasked with catching her and when he does he has no sympathy for her. They are reunited a year later when MI5 need her skills. They are sent in to a remote religious community with links to an American businessman to find out what is really going on. There was a lot of time devoted to developing the love story as Jamie and Kathryn learn more about each and who the other person really is. There is plenty of heat between them and it all takes place behind close doors. There are lot of hurdles in their way, but Jamie is patient and Kathryn is determined and it was lovely to see them growing together. The thriller side of they story was definitely a bit slower and took a while to get going, but maybe that was more realistic? I guessed from the clues what the plot was before the reveal, but still found it interesting and entertaining. I loved reading books set in Scotland and recognising places mentioned. I believe this is the first book by this author and I would definitely read more.
Profile Image for Madison MacDonald.
3 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2022
“A cyber-criminal with a phobia…
The detective who caught her…
Their target: a religious community in Hell’s Glen.”

When I read the blurb for this novel, I knew this was right up my alley and I had to read it. The prologue does have a scene that may be triggering for some, but it was necessary to really understand Kathryn’s character. There were so many good elements to this story…mystery, murder, romance, a community of absolute whackos (or “happie clappies” as Jamie and Kathryn call them), and even a grumpy man-hating dog. I did not expect such a sweet romance in this story, I adored Jamie and Kathryn’s relationship. I would have liked to see more of the police units side of the story while Jamie and Kathryn were undercover, but besides that, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I loved it. The ending was so satisfying…a real cherry on top!

Thank you to Net Galley and The Book Whisperer for and advanced readers copy of this novel!
Profile Image for Annie.
940 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2022
Quite a short book, but at times it was difficult reading. More of a romance with added murders. Set in a lonely religious community in the wilds of Scotland, the scenary was described well. The crimes were reasonably well thought out. The main characters were well described, others a bit too one dimensional.
Not a bad book, some of the personal relationship scenes were too much. I got the impression that this could be the first in a series and so it was setting the scene as Kathryn and Jamie get to know each other. I look forward to reading more about them

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
108 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2022
Interesting concept had me hooked from the beginning, but the ending wrapped up a bit too neat and tidy in the last few pages for me. Also, major trigger warning for sexual assault throughout the book.
I wished the author had delved farther into what Jamie and Kathryn had discovered and let that play out more. I think it would have made for a more satisfying ending. But I did enjoy the character and think they were developed well. All in all, a good story I would recommend. I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara Dougherty Evans.
743 reviews38 followers
May 8, 2022
This was a sad story describing the brutal treatment as a young 16 year old prisoner of war in the Philippines immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It details how it haunted his life and relationships for 30 years. Eventually he finds comfort and relief from his trauma when he a finds Jesus Christ and turns his life over to him as his Lord and savior. Truly loved this book. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Meagan O.
137 reviews15 followers
Currently reading
June 26, 2022
I decided to give this book a try and found the Hell’s Glenn book to be enjoyable and written well. Reader if you like technology, romance, crime, and life struggles topics then give this book a read. The two main characters are like able and the story is interesting so it won’t hurt to pick up a copy for yourself!
Profile Image for Louise Gray.
893 reviews22 followers
June 1, 2022
This book kicks in with immediate, full on action from page one and doesn’t really stop. It is a page turner and lives up to the “thriller” label. I loved the descriptive language used to describe the setting for this novel amd the characters all seem to perfectly fit.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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