The Devoted

DI Erica Swift #10

by M.K. Farrar

An obsession leads to murder…

When the body of a young woman is discovered in an East London canal, DI Erica Swift and her team are on the case.

It’s quickly noted that the woman is missing both her arms from the shoulder down, but the amputations aren’t new.

Does her death have something to do with her disability, or is it simply a coincidence?

Erica is still reeling from a previous investigation, doubting herself and her abilities to perform her job correctly. Two girls are still missing and the suspects have not been apprehended, and she’s wondering if it’s too late.

A new victim needs her help now, and Erica is forced her to put aside her doubts to catch a killer.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

M K Farrar had penned more than ten novels of psychological noir and crime fiction. A British author, she lives in the countryside with her three children and a menagerie of rescue pets. When she’s not writing—which isn’t often—she balances out all the murder with baking and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

Reviews

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 10 in this amazing series, Each one is individual but at same time a continuation of the previous characters threads. I highly recommend reading all of the series especially book 9 before you read this one

The Devoted was definitely an eye-opener to me, I had never heard of these people but at the same time not surprised, that they exist.

I read this in over a few nights, but could of easily read in one if work and life didn't get in the way

It moves along a great pace is well plotted and will probably educate you!

I received an ARC from Booksprout, in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do enjoy this series and this was such an unusual plot I had never heard of these type of people before, wow it was unbelievable. I do admire authors that bring something completely out of left field so keep the genre interesting. As such I devoured the book in an evening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must admit to just not liking this book. Definitely the weakest in a very good series. The main character, DI Erica Swift, simply did not show well throughout the entire book either professionally or in her personal life. She had allowed the previous still unsolved case to get under her skin to a point that she became obsessed with it. She began drinking at night which led to a near tragedy with a small fire at her home. Frankly, I’m surprised that her daughter wasn’t taken away from her. It also seemed that her involvement in the ongoing investigation into the previous case was a bit insulting to the officers in the other jurisdictions involved. Then, and this is not a criticism of the book, there is the “ick” factor of the current case. Also, the situation between Erica and Shawn was treated as if nothing had ever happened and Shawn, who has always been an excellent partner, was all but written out of the story. In the end both cases were solved and lives were saved. I’m hoping for a much, much better book next time.

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition

I love this series and read this in practically one sitting. An interesting story which I have not come across before. Erica is splitting herself in two having received news of a sighting of one of the missing girls from the Foundling case which has caused her sleepless nights after solving but with the perpetrators getting away with two of the girls at the last minute. She has become obsessed with catching these men and rescuing the girls but now also has a new case she needs to give her all to. Great read and would recommend reading this series from the start.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a body is found in an East London canal Di Erica Swift and her task force are assigned the case and things take some interesting turns. This is a fast paced, captivating mystery with believable characters, nail biting suspense, and descriptive writing that pulled me into the story. The Devoted is book ten and a great addition to the Di Erica Swift Thriller series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this was a gruesome and disturbing story, it was well-written and fascinating - I had never heard of such strange people before.

The plot was good, the characters suited the story and past cases weren't forgotten, so that DI Erica Swift had multiple thoughts, feelings and dilemmas...not forgetting her life as a woman, a mother and a detective.

Overall, this was a great read, one I would recommend to those who enjoy crime thrillers.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gave me the creeps, trust but verify is the object of this story as people get hurt exactly by those they believed in. A great plot and a good story, I just don't give it 5 stars because I was too shocked by the culprit's thinking and actions. Detective Erika's behavior and actions were spot on!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

riveting

I love this series, a devoted detective, a loving Mother and a woman who loves a man that she could have in her life but for her job. I feel that Shawn and Erica could make it work by keeping their personal and work life separate and a secret. I think it would be so good and Poppy would love it.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and riveting. Kept the pages turning.
Beginning of book starts off with a dead body floating in the water. And the story from there makes twists and turns that only the author can make.
Dark subjects are discussed in book. Reader beware.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauline Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

The storyline kept me interested. Once the plot developed and as an old case was brought into the story things got quite addictive!
A case of 'case closed and a job well done' M K Farrar has an excellent way to keep the reader wanting more. Next book please 😀

[poodlechick17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book is so different as it's quite an unusual topic. I love the characters especially Erica and the background story is just right,not too much. It flows nicely with the story .

[Munur Mehmet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rushed

THe story line was ok ,the story's never gripped me like before , even the bit with the fire never had the usual suspense for me ,let's hope the next books are better

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Read in one day so easy to read and couldnt stop great story and hope there will be another book on erica swift

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent book and great to get a finale for Book 9. Tense and addictive reading. Let’s hope we get some more DI Swift in the future.

[kenwykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read kept me enthralled

[Holly Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really gripping plot. A bit of an unusual subject matter and not what I expect from this author but I still really enjoyed it.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica is still beating herself up over a case that never really ended.
In the mean time she has a new killer to hunt and he or she is one sick, twisted and evil person.
Someone is taking handicapped women. Why?
Then they show up dead? WTH...
This author can weave a tale so real, so twisted you feel like you are actually right there with the victims. I absolutely loved this one, and I am so glad another story got its closure. Can't wait to see who is next.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[JJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The support groups immediate focus on the fetish-istic aspect of having an amputation when meeting the victim was really jarring, it felt like a misrepresentation of that community (however I cannot speak to it).The twist was quite obvious, but I enjoyed the build up nonetheless and this book was more about the rescue than catching the kidnapper. The character perspectives were wonderful again, with me being fully invested in all the characters.