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Calladine & Bayliss #12
Dead Real
SOMETHING BAD’S GOING DOWN — AND NO ONE WILL TALK.
One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.
But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.
Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk.
At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.
But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.
Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk.
At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
508 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 5, 2022
EXCERPT: Tuesday - Over the years the alleyway that ran between two of the tower blocks had become a dumping ground for rubbish. It was littered with old mattresses, fridges, anything the tenants didn't want and couldn't afford to have disposed of properly.
Lisa Woodley, single mum of two and new to the area, lived in a ground floor flat in Heron House, one of the pair of towers. A week ago she'd complained about the smell. The council promised to send a team around to shift everything within a couple of days. All very well, but the days were passing by, the weather was warm and the smell got no better.
The Hobfield Estate was not an easy place to live in. After dark the kids were noisy. They let off fireworks late into the night and screamed obscenities at everyone who walked past. They kept the children awake and made Lisa flinch. The smell was the final straw. She'd had enough.
Lisa planned to visit the council offices in Leesdon that afternoon, give them a piece of her mind. She was all fired up and ready to take them on when Bobbin', her cat, came home with a human foot in his mouth. The animal dropped it on the kitchen floor, looked up at Lisa and went to his basket where he began to lick his paws.
ABOUT 'DEAD REAL': One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.
But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.
Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk.
At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I never thought the day would come when I abandoned a Helen H. Durrant book. I have loved this series with it averaging 4⭐ in my ratings. I was looking forward to more adventures with Calladine and Bayliss. So what went wrong?
Bad decisions on the part of the police investigating the crimes. There are various threads to this story including current murders, historic murders and an abundance of top end trainers,handbags and watches that have obviously been stolen from somewhere, but don't seem to have been reported stolen. There was a clear course of action they should have taken and they just didn't.
At 46% I remarked, 'in this particular book Calladine is being an absolute walkover!' What I was thinking was another word altogether.
At 53% I felt like throwing my Kindle across the room, but instead said 'enough' and closed the cover.
I am aware that I am very much on my own with my thoughts on Dead Real, #12 in the Calladine and Bayliss series, so please do check out the many more favourable reviews.
Will I read more in this series. Right now, I don't think so. But by the time the next book is ready for publication I will probably be remembering only the fun I previously had with these books.
⭐
#DEADREAL #Netgalley
I: @hhdurrant_author @joffebooks
T: @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural
THE AUTHOR: Helen H. Durrant is a British author who sets her novels in the area she has lived for many years, the towns and villages that sit in the shelter of the Pennine hills. The area offers an interesting mix of the industrial and the countryside and makes for a great setting for a crime novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Dead Real by Helen H. Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Lisa Woodley, single mum of two and new to the area, lived in a ground floor flat in Heron House, one of the pair of towers. A week ago she'd complained about the smell. The council promised to send a team around to shift everything within a couple of days. All very well, but the days were passing by, the weather was warm and the smell got no better.
The Hobfield Estate was not an easy place to live in. After dark the kids were noisy. They let off fireworks late into the night and screamed obscenities at everyone who walked past. They kept the children awake and made Lisa flinch. The smell was the final straw. She'd had enough.
Lisa planned to visit the council offices in Leesdon that afternoon, give them a piece of her mind. She was all fired up and ready to take them on when Bobbin', her cat, came home with a human foot in his mouth. The animal dropped it on the kitchen floor, looked up at Lisa and went to his basket where he began to lick his paws.
ABOUT 'DEAD REAL': One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.
But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.
Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk.
At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I never thought the day would come when I abandoned a Helen H. Durrant book. I have loved this series with it averaging 4⭐ in my ratings. I was looking forward to more adventures with Calladine and Bayliss. So what went wrong?
Bad decisions on the part of the police investigating the crimes. There are various threads to this story including current murders, historic murders and an abundance of top end trainers,handbags and watches that have obviously been stolen from somewhere, but don't seem to have been reported stolen. There was a clear course of action they should have taken and they just didn't.
At 46% I remarked, 'in this particular book Calladine is being an absolute walkover!' What I was thinking was another word altogether.
At 53% I felt like throwing my Kindle across the room, but instead said 'enough' and closed the cover.
I am aware that I am very much on my own with my thoughts on Dead Real, #12 in the Calladine and Bayliss series, so please do check out the many more favourable reviews.
Will I read more in this series. Right now, I don't think so. But by the time the next book is ready for publication I will probably be remembering only the fun I previously had with these books.
⭐
#DEADREAL #Netgalley
I: @hhdurrant_author @joffebooks
T: @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural
THE AUTHOR: Helen H. Durrant is a British author who sets her novels in the area she has lived for many years, the towns and villages that sit in the shelter of the Pennine hills. The area offers an interesting mix of the industrial and the countryside and makes for a great setting for a crime novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Dead Real by Helen H. Durrant for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 8, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley, and Joffe books,and the author Helen Durrant for a copy of her book to read.
This is a fantastic series,Noah is 16 years old who lives on a rough estate Hobfield, he is found murdered in a brutal way.no one wants to talk to the police.he is wearing expensive items how can he afford them,is he involved with drugs?His body had the letter x in the past a killer known as the shadow,Has he returned. Detective Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss are on the case.This is a fast paced book that makes this book an exciting read.Highly recommend this series.
This is a fantastic series,Noah is 16 years old who lives on a rough estate Hobfield, he is found murdered in a brutal way.no one wants to talk to the police.he is wearing expensive items how can he afford them,is he involved with drugs?His body had the letter x in the past a killer known as the shadow,Has he returned. Detective Tom Calladine and DS Ruth Bayliss are on the case.This is a fast paced book that makes this book an exciting read.Highly recommend this series.
July 16, 2022
DEAD REAL by author Helen H. Durrant is book 12 of a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ruth Bayliss and D.I. Tom Calladine. Having read all the previous books in this series and really enjoyed them and the characters, it was like old home week, touching base with some of my old friends. I looked forward to starting the next crime thriller in the series. The books work great as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the complete series to really get the most out of them.
This book will have you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion. This is a crime thriller with an ending with a huge twist.
The Detectives
Detective inspector Tom Calladine is a workaholic, totally devoted to his job. He is a hands-on copper that does investigations and solves crimes. He is back at work full-time now, after two months ago he collapsed at work, a possible heart attack. But his personal life has not been so rewarding, being married and divorced before he was twenty-one. He now has a girlfriend, Kitty, and an old flame, Amy, that has just moved back to town, wanting to get back together.
Ruth Bayliss is in her mid-thirties, plain-speaking but loyal. She is balancing her professional life with looking after a small child.
The setting is the fictional village of Leesdon on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city. There is little work and a lot of crime. The curse of Calladine’s life is the Hobfield housing estate, breeding ground to all that is wrong with the area that he calls home.
THE CALLADINE & BAYLISS MYSTERY SERIES
Book 1: DEAD WRONG
Book 2: DEAD SILENT
Book 3: DEAD LIST
Book 4: DEAD LOST
Book 5: DEAD & BURIED
Book 6: DEAD NASTY
Book 7: DEAD JEALOUS
Book 8: DEAD BAD
Book 9: DEAD GUILTY
Book 10: DEAD WICKED
BOOK 11: DEAD SORRY
Book 12: DEAD REAL
This is my review of Dead Real.
A single mum and a new Hobfield estate tenant, is disturbed when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, who had been dumped in the alleyway on the grounds of the Hobfield estate, among bags of discarded rubbish. He was wearing an
expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and an expensive cell phone on him when he died. How could he have afforded these items? There is currently a battle going on between two different gangs dealing dope on the estate…one run by a newcomer, Ricky Spooner, aka “Spook”, and the other, a local, Luke Barton.
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, from twenty years before…a killer who was never caught.
But no one is willing to talk to Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss.
Also. Tom’s new girlfriend’s business shop is attacked, and even Kitty is not talking. What does she know?
This is a great series to follow, and in this novel the focus is on murder and robberies of high-end trainers, expensive watches and bags. Lots of action, and great relatable detectives. I will continue to follow this series. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
This book will have you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion. This is a crime thriller with an ending with a huge twist.
The Detectives
Detective inspector Tom Calladine is a workaholic, totally devoted to his job. He is a hands-on copper that does investigations and solves crimes. He is back at work full-time now, after two months ago he collapsed at work, a possible heart attack. But his personal life has not been so rewarding, being married and divorced before he was twenty-one. He now has a girlfriend, Kitty, and an old flame, Amy, that has just moved back to town, wanting to get back together.
Ruth Bayliss is in her mid-thirties, plain-speaking but loyal. She is balancing her professional life with looking after a small child.
The setting is the fictional village of Leesdon on the outskirts of an industrial northern English city. There is little work and a lot of crime. The curse of Calladine’s life is the Hobfield housing estate, breeding ground to all that is wrong with the area that he calls home.
THE CALLADINE & BAYLISS MYSTERY SERIES
Book 1: DEAD WRONG
Book 2: DEAD SILENT
Book 3: DEAD LIST
Book 4: DEAD LOST
Book 5: DEAD & BURIED
Book 6: DEAD NASTY
Book 7: DEAD JEALOUS
Book 8: DEAD BAD
Book 9: DEAD GUILTY
Book 10: DEAD WICKED
BOOK 11: DEAD SORRY
Book 12: DEAD REAL
This is my review of Dead Real.
A single mum and a new Hobfield estate tenant, is disturbed when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, who had been dumped in the alleyway on the grounds of the Hobfield estate, among bags of discarded rubbish. He was wearing an
expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and an expensive cell phone on him when he died. How could he have afforded these items? There is currently a battle going on between two different gangs dealing dope on the estate…one run by a newcomer, Ricky Spooner, aka “Spook”, and the other, a local, Luke Barton.
The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, from twenty years before…a killer who was never caught.
But no one is willing to talk to Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss.
Also. Tom’s new girlfriend’s business shop is attacked, and even Kitty is not talking. What does she know?
This is a great series to follow, and in this novel the focus is on murder and robberies of high-end trainers, expensive watches and bags. Lots of action, and great relatable detectives. I will continue to follow this series. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.
July 24, 2022
Calladine & Bayliss #12
One of the Hobfield estate's newest tenants is horrified when her car returns home with a human foot in its mouth. The foot belongs to sixteen year old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn't robbery. But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
This is a cleverly crafted story that's well written with a fast pace. Tom Calladine and Ruth Bayliss are investigating the death of sixteen year old Noah Crosby. Noah has a X carved on his body which was reminiscent of the crimes The Shadow had made a few years ago. The story has lots of twists and the plotline is gripping. As always, this book is well written, I was pulled in straight away, and I was guessing throughout. I never saw the last twist coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #HelenHDurrant for my ARC of #DeadReal in exchange for an honest review.
One of the Hobfield estate's newest tenants is horrified when her car returns home with a human foot in its mouth. The foot belongs to sixteen year old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn't robbery. But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?
This is a cleverly crafted story that's well written with a fast pace. Tom Calladine and Ruth Bayliss are investigating the death of sixteen year old Noah Crosby. Noah has a X carved on his body which was reminiscent of the crimes The Shadow had made a few years ago. The story has lots of twists and the plotline is gripping. As always, this book is well written, I was pulled in straight away, and I was guessing throughout. I never saw the last twist coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #HelenHDurrant for my ARC of #DeadReal in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
A really good mystery that kept me guessing.
Her characters are well written and she’s a great author.
Her characters are well written and she’s a great author.
June 11, 2023
This is the twelfth book in the Calladyne and Bayliss series by author Helen H Durrant. I have read all of this authors work and generally enjoyed most of the books but the last two books I read lacked the excitement of the previous novels. This one however was back up there with the best of Helen H Durrants books. Fast paced, intriguing plot and colourful characters.
The excitement starts when a cat returns home with the remains of aa human foot in its mouth. The rest of the decomposing body of sixteen year-old Noah Crosby were found in an alleyway among discarded rubbish. On his wrist Noah was wearing an expensive gold watch and on his feet he had designer trainers. His expensive mobile phone was still on him when he died so this certainly didn’t look like a robbery that went wrong. Perhaps the most obvious question was how did a young person like Noah who was not well off afford such expensive items.
The post-mortem revealed that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught. Is this the same killer back on the scene or is there a copy cat.
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are leading the investigations but a case like this is never easy. No one is willing to offer help in fear of reprisals.
This is another fast paced police procedural that made an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The excitement starts when a cat returns home with the remains of aa human foot in its mouth. The rest of the decomposing body of sixteen year-old Noah Crosby were found in an alleyway among discarded rubbish. On his wrist Noah was wearing an expensive gold watch and on his feet he had designer trainers. His expensive mobile phone was still on him when he died so this certainly didn’t look like a robbery that went wrong. Perhaps the most obvious question was how did a young person like Noah who was not well off afford such expensive items.
The post-mortem revealed that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught. Is this the same killer back on the scene or is there a copy cat.
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are leading the investigations but a case like this is never easy. No one is willing to offer help in fear of reprisals.
This is another fast paced police procedural that made an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This is another good read in the series, recommended!
DI Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are working the case of a 16-year-old murdered young man, found after a call from a woman whose cat brought home a human foot. Nobody's talking, everyone is afraid and it's difficult for the two detectives to make any headway.
Tom is living with a new girlfriend (one of many!)
but things aren't going as well as thought. Will this be another one of his failed romances?
Good series!
This is another good read in the series, recommended!
DI Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are working the case of a 16-year-old murdered young man, found after a call from a woman whose cat brought home a human foot. Nobody's talking, everyone is afraid and it's difficult for the two detectives to make any headway.
Tom is living with a new girlfriend (one of many!)
but things aren't going as well as thought. Will this be another one of his failed romances?
Good series!
July 30, 2022
This is the twelfth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading a few of the other novels first to get a better feel for the characters.
Sixteen-year-old Noah Crosby is found dead in an alleyway in the infamous Hobfield estate. He has a high end watch and trainers on him, but how was he able to afford it all? The case ramps up quickly for Calladine and Bayliss, getting a little too close to home for Calladine when his girlfriend is targeted by a masked gunman. It's up to Calladine and his team to stop the brutal killer before someone else dies.
It's nice to get back to a series I haven't read in a while, a bit like I'm coming back to see old friends.
Calladine is still his stubborn self, although this time he's trying to take care of himself a bit more due to a health scare. His love life is still a bit of a mess, but I'd honestly be worried if it wasn't! I felt Bayliss took more of a secondary role in this story, but is always there to put Calladine in his place.
Like previous novels, there's several storylines woven through the book. I felt some storylines got pushed to the side and overshadowed when they should have been more prominent in the story.
Dead Real is a solid police procedural with likeable detectives and plenty of clues and red herrings to keep you guessing along the way.
Sixteen-year-old Noah Crosby is found dead in an alleyway in the infamous Hobfield estate. He has a high end watch and trainers on him, but how was he able to afford it all? The case ramps up quickly for Calladine and Bayliss, getting a little too close to home for Calladine when his girlfriend is targeted by a masked gunman. It's up to Calladine and his team to stop the brutal killer before someone else dies.
It's nice to get back to a series I haven't read in a while, a bit like I'm coming back to see old friends.
Calladine is still his stubborn self, although this time he's trying to take care of himself a bit more due to a health scare. His love life is still a bit of a mess, but I'd honestly be worried if it wasn't! I felt Bayliss took more of a secondary role in this story, but is always there to put Calladine in his place.
Like previous novels, there's several storylines woven through the book. I felt some storylines got pushed to the side and overshadowed when they should have been more prominent in the story.
Dead Real is a solid police procedural with likeable detectives and plenty of clues and red herrings to keep you guessing along the way.
July 21, 2022
Dead Real by Helen H. Durrant is the WoW 12th book in the brilliant D.S. Ruth Bayliss and D.I. Tom Calladine series and this has been an excellent series especially as I have not read all these books within this series and in order, but i never found it hard to find my way around these book, Helen is an excellent author and has a way of drawing in new and old fans into the story I've always found her books interesting and always gripped at the beginning till the end. All the characters are brilliant and i love the 2 main characters D.S. Ruth Bayliss and D.I. Tom Calladine.
I highly recommend this series and looking forward to the next instalment..
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author for my ARC. I loved it x
I highly recommend this series and looking forward to the next instalment..
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author for my ARC. I loved it x
July 28, 2022
I have been a fan of Helen’s work for quite a while now. I have read and loved every book that she has written to date. I am a particular fan of the series featuring Detectives Calladine and Bayliss. When I heard that Helen was due to release another book in the series, I knew that I had to grab a copy at the earliest opportunity and squirrel myself away until I had finished reading. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over because ‘Dead Real’, which is the twelfth book in the ‘Calladine & Bayliss’, was released on 26th July 2022. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Real’ but more about that in a bit
The fact that there was a book with Helen’s name on that I hadn’t read, was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading, I knew that there was a fair chance that I wouldn’t be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day because I wouldn’t be able to put the book down. I must be psychic because that’s exactly what happened. I had picked the book up with the intention of reading a chapter or two to say that I had made a start on the book. I should have known that I wouldn’t be able to stick to just a chapter or two. I became so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading several chapters and over an hour later. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. This was one of those stories that stayed with me whether I had the book in my hand or not. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dead Real’ and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Calladine and Bayliss. I found ‘Dead Real’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Dead Real’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Helen H. Durrant. Helen has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. I love the way in which Helen makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. Reading ‘Dead Real’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. The series featuring Detectives Calladine and Bayliss goes from strength to strength and just gets better and better with each book that is released.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Real’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The fact that there was a book with Helen’s name on that I hadn’t read, was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading, I knew that there was a fair chance that I wouldn’t be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day because I wouldn’t be able to put the book down. I must be psychic because that’s exactly what happened. I had picked the book up with the intention of reading a chapter or two to say that I had made a start on the book. I should have known that I wouldn’t be able to stick to just a chapter or two. I became so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading several chapters and over an hour later. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. This was one of those stories that stayed with me whether I had the book in my hand or not. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dead Real’ and I had to say goodbye to Detectives Calladine and Bayliss. I found ‘Dead Real’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Dead Real’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Helen H. Durrant. Helen has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. I love the way in which Helen makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. Reading ‘Dead Real’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. The series featuring Detectives Calladine and Bayliss goes from strength to strength and just gets better and better with each book that is released.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Real’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 31, 2022
This is a very complicated plot with some very ugly murders. On the Hobfield, one resident is complaining about a smell, and then a cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth. Searching the area, the police find the decomposed body of young Noah Crosby, who had been doing errands for both Ricky Spooner and Luke Barton. The strange thing is why this poor boy has a very expensive wrist watch and very expensive trainers on his feet. Tom Calladine and Ruth Bayliss have the case. Everyone is scared, and no one wants to tell the police what happened. Tom has recently returned from medical leave, and is anxious to solve this case.
Later, Knowles, who had boxes of the fancy trainers and expensive designer bags in his storage shed, is found in an empty apartment viciously beaten and shot in the back of the head. And Luke Barton seems to be killed in a similar fashion. Two of the killings include an X carved into their skin. This was the sign of a killer many years before, and something which wasn't publicly noted. Tom, Ruth, and the team work very hard. DI Dawlish arrives from the midlands where he has seen loads of watches, trainers, and handbags stolen and is trying to track them. Tom's new girlfriend, PI Kitty, has her window shot out. She has been asked to find out about stolen trainers, but doesn't want to tell Tom. There are a few surprises at the end, but everything seems to be solved.
Later, Knowles, who had boxes of the fancy trainers and expensive designer bags in his storage shed, is found in an empty apartment viciously beaten and shot in the back of the head. And Luke Barton seems to be killed in a similar fashion. Two of the killings include an X carved into their skin. This was the sign of a killer many years before, and something which wasn't publicly noted. Tom, Ruth, and the team work very hard. DI Dawlish arrives from the midlands where he has seen loads of watches, trainers, and handbags stolen and is trying to track them. Tom's new girlfriend, PI Kitty, has her window shot out. She has been asked to find out about stolen trainers, but doesn't want to tell Tom. There are a few surprises at the end, but everything seems to be solved.
July 21, 2022
258 pages
4 stars
DI Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss have a very confusing case on their hands in this installment in the series.
A young, mouthy lad named Noah is killed on the Hobfield Estate. The Hobfield is a housing estate that is rife with crime. Word on the street is that Noah was working for one of the drug dealers who run the place. There is an ongoing underground war between the two men, or so the gossip goes. When found, Noah was wearing an expensive watch and trainers. Where did such a young kid get those?
Investigating this case is a real nightmare. No one wants to talk for fear of reprisals. The search for the killer or killers hardly moves. Everyone is too afraid to talk.
Another consideration for Calladine is that his girlfriend Kitty is being targeted for some reason, but she is not taking either.
This book is not Ms. Durrant’s best. It moves too slowly. I thought all the surmising and side trips were a little tedious. The writing and plotting, as usuals with Ms. Durrant’s novels are very good. I like Ruth, she speaks her mind. Tom is okay, I dod dislike his string of girlfriends. He needs to work on that.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
4 stars
DI Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss have a very confusing case on their hands in this installment in the series.
A young, mouthy lad named Noah is killed on the Hobfield Estate. The Hobfield is a housing estate that is rife with crime. Word on the street is that Noah was working for one of the drug dealers who run the place. There is an ongoing underground war between the two men, or so the gossip goes. When found, Noah was wearing an expensive watch and trainers. Where did such a young kid get those?
Investigating this case is a real nightmare. No one wants to talk for fear of reprisals. The search for the killer or killers hardly moves. Everyone is too afraid to talk.
Another consideration for Calladine is that his girlfriend Kitty is being targeted for some reason, but she is not taking either.
This book is not Ms. Durrant’s best. It moves too slowly. I thought all the surmising and side trips were a little tedious. The writing and plotting, as usuals with Ms. Durrant’s novels are very good. I like Ruth, she speaks her mind. Tom is okay, I dod dislike his string of girlfriends. He needs to work on that.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
July 10, 2022
Dead real by Helen H Durrant.
Calladine and Bayliss book 12.
One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk. At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
Another brilliant read in this non stop series. I loved it. Couldn't put it down. Had my theory. Partly right. Definitely recommend. 5*.
Calladine and Bayliss book 12.
One of the Hobfield estate’s newest tenants is horrified when her cat returns home with a human foot in its mouth.
The foot belongs to 16-year-old Noah Crosby, whose decomposing remains are found in a rubbish-strewn alleyway. He was wearing an expensive gold watch, high-end trainers and had a top-of-the-range mobile phone on him when he died. The motive clearly isn’t robbery.But how could a young lad from the wrong side of the tracks afford such expensive gear?The post-mortem reveals that the letter X has been carved into Noah’s skin. The signature of a killer known as the Shadow, who plagued the estate more than twenty years before. A killer who was never caught.Could the Shadow be back at large?
Detective Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are finding it difficult to make headway. People are scared. No one will talk. At the same time, Tom’s new girlfriend’s shop is targeted — and it’s clear she’s not telling him the whole truth about the attack. Just what is Kitty hiding? And when an old flame returns to Leesdon, Tom senses trouble ahead . . .
Another brilliant read in this non stop series. I loved it. Couldn't put it down. Had my theory. Partly right. Definitely recommend. 5*.
July 10, 2022
Tom Calladine is back after his illness and there is soon a call about a cat having found a foot- sadly a human one. Tom and his sidekick Bailey soon find the rest of the body when there is a report of a smell. for some reason the victim who was off the Hobfield estate- not known for anything high end, was wearing some rather expensive trainers. He also has an X carved into his skin- something Tom remembers from a perpetrator many years before who was never caught. Could the shadow be back and what is the link to the trainers and Kitty , a PI who is Tom's other half, who is being coy about the whole thing?
Although one of a series this happily stands alone.I really enjoy Helens books and find myself racing through them. There are very likeable characters and an excellent plot line which keeps me intrigued and buried between the pages. I like characters with a little back story to give them depth and Helen always does this very well without it detracting from the main plot line. A wonderful read that I really enjoyed and very much look forward to the next in the series.
Although one of a series this happily stands alone.I really enjoy Helens books and find myself racing through them. There are very likeable characters and an excellent plot line which keeps me intrigued and buried between the pages. I like characters with a little back story to give them depth and Helen always does this very well without it detracting from the main plot line. A wonderful read that I really enjoyed and very much look forward to the next in the series.
July 18, 2022
This book is #12 in the ‘Calladine and Bayliss’ series but can easily be read as a standalone.
DI Tom and DS Ruth work really well together, and the partnership is believable. There’s enough of their private lives to be interesting without detracting from the main storyline.
On their patch is the Hobfield estate, known well to the local police force. A new tenant’s cat presents her with a human foot which turns out to belong to Noah Crosby, the rest of whom is discovered in an alley. He wasn’t killed for his possessions, as there are expensive trainers, a gold watch, and a high-end mobile still with him. But how could a 16-year-old from a sink estate own them?
The post-mortem reveals a cross cut into Noah’s body, which was the signature left by a murderer from years ago called The Shadow. Is The Shadow back after a long break?
This book hooked me in and kept me guessing, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
DI Tom and DS Ruth work really well together, and the partnership is believable. There’s enough of their private lives to be interesting without detracting from the main storyline.
On their patch is the Hobfield estate, known well to the local police force. A new tenant’s cat presents her with a human foot which turns out to belong to Noah Crosby, the rest of whom is discovered in an alley. He wasn’t killed for his possessions, as there are expensive trainers, a gold watch, and a high-end mobile still with him. But how could a 16-year-old from a sink estate own them?
The post-mortem reveals a cross cut into Noah’s body, which was the signature left by a murderer from years ago called The Shadow. Is The Shadow back after a long break?
This book hooked me in and kept me guessing, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
This is a very enjoyable read. This time Tom and Ruth have the death of a young boy to investigate. He has a X carved on his body, reminiscent of the old crimes of The Shadow from years before. This detail was never made public so this makes things more interesting.
At the same time, there are high-end stolen goods to investigate and someone has also shot into the office of Kitty, a local PI and Tom's latest girlfriend.
This is a compelling police procedural which keeps you totally gripped due to the different crimes involved and trying to figure out who knows what and how things fit together. There was a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I enjoy these surprises in a book especially when you think you know what has happened and then suddenly you don't. However, when you look back at it, the clues were there. I have previously read the first in this series and also enjoyed it so must go back and read the rest of the series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy and this is my honest review.
At the same time, there are high-end stolen goods to investigate and someone has also shot into the office of Kitty, a local PI and Tom's latest girlfriend.
This is a compelling police procedural which keeps you totally gripped due to the different crimes involved and trying to figure out who knows what and how things fit together. There was a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I enjoy these surprises in a book especially when you think you know what has happened and then suddenly you don't. However, when you look back at it, the clues were there. I have previously read the first in this series and also enjoyed it so must go back and read the rest of the series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy and this is my honest review.
July 15, 2022
Dead Real by author Helen H. Durrant is number twelve in the Calladine & Bayliss mystery series. The book starts with sixteen-year-old Noah Crosby of the Hobfield estates being questioned and intimidated by an unknown male. Later Noah's remains are found in a trash pile at a local dumping area. His phone and watch were found so his death was not due to robbery. There is one clue left on the body that refers to a person from the past who is called Shadow. DI Tom Calladine and his partner DS Ruth Bayliss are investigating the case and trying to figure out who would want to kill Noah. It is hard to solve a case when there seem to be no witnesses and no one in the neighborhood will talk to the investigators. The case takes a twist when Tom's girlfriend becomes a target for danger. Read and Enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Publication date: July 26, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Publication date: July 26, 2022
July 9, 2022
Fantastic read I love this series of books and characters.
Tom Calladine and Ruth Bayliss are back with a dead real book Twelve.
Sixteen years old Noah Crosby is found on the Hobfield estate after Lisa Woodley complains of a awful smell and her cat Bobbin brings home a human foot, the poor lad has been in the alley for three weeks with his throat slit, is this anything to do with Spooner and Barton gangs running a drug ring who was Noah working for.
Oh my this is full of twisted chapters, that you wont want to leave behind or put down, with a whirl of catching the killer it a race against time for the two detectives. As always this clever authors mind has been working over time to thrill her readers, with another cracking end, then BOOM it left me satisfied, just never expect a straight forward chapter. 5 stars from me
Tom Calladine and Ruth Bayliss are back with a dead real book Twelve.
Sixteen years old Noah Crosby is found on the Hobfield estate after Lisa Woodley complains of a awful smell and her cat Bobbin brings home a human foot, the poor lad has been in the alley for three weeks with his throat slit, is this anything to do with Spooner and Barton gangs running a drug ring who was Noah working for.
Oh my this is full of twisted chapters, that you wont want to leave behind or put down, with a whirl of catching the killer it a race against time for the two detectives. As always this clever authors mind has been working over time to thrill her readers, with another cracking end, then BOOM it left me satisfied, just never expect a straight forward chapter. 5 stars from me
July 24, 2022
Another excellent addition to the Calladine and Bayliss series with the notorious Hobfield estate front and centre as always.
This one is a difficult one for them, it seems to have links to an old case, no-one is talking, Calladine’s current girlfriend is targeted and then one of his old flames turns up!
There’s lots of twists and turns, believable villains and a few red herrings and for me, a couple of surprises in there too.
All in all, a good read.
Thank you to Joffe’s Books for the ARC of this book.
This one is a difficult one for them, it seems to have links to an old case, no-one is talking, Calladine’s current girlfriend is targeted and then one of his old flames turns up!
There’s lots of twists and turns, believable villains and a few red herrings and for me, a couple of surprises in there too.
All in all, a good read.
Thank you to Joffe’s Books for the ARC of this book.
December 29, 2022
I haven't read all of the books in this series of thrillers featuring DS Ruth Bayliss and DI Tom Calladine. This certainly didn't stop me from enjoying this book in anyway.
As always you are never disappointed with Helen Durrant's books.
This one is definitely a gripping and captivating book, with great characters a well written storyline line and plot leading to surprising twists.
I would certainly recommend this book to those who love a great crime thriller
My thanks to Joffe books for the copy this is my honest unbiased review.
As always you are never disappointed with Helen Durrant's books.
This one is definitely a gripping and captivating book, with great characters a well written storyline line and plot leading to surprising twists.
I would certainly recommend this book to those who love a great crime thriller
My thanks to Joffe books for the copy this is my honest unbiased review.
July 13, 2022
Helen Durrant never disappoints with her superb characters and plotting. I like her realistic writing style. Everything is so believable and down to earth. Murder and robberies of designer sportswear, watches and bags. It all happens at a gripping pace.
I love how its all set within two tightly knit communities - that of the police alongside the one of the residents living on the Hobfield estate.
Well worth reading, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love how its all set within two tightly knit communities - that of the police alongside the one of the residents living on the Hobfield estate.
Well worth reading, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 16, 2022
Book 12 in the Calladine and Bayliss series and it's still as fresh as the first one. I really like the writing style in this fast paced and cleverly plotted thriller, and the plot topic is bang up to date. The characterisation is excellent and apart from Kitty, I could empathise with them! Tom can certainly pick the girlfriends! It's an easy 5* from me for this read and I can recommend the series. Thanks to Net Galley, Joffe Books and the author for my ARC.
July 18, 2022
This is book twelve in the Calladine & Bayliss series and another fantastic edition to a well established series.
I've read more of the later books in the series and have enjoyed everyone that I have read.
This book draws you in has you spinning and reeling and then spits you out with a satisfying ending.
Helen has a talented for written engaging and interesting characters and intense suspenseful plots look forward to the next edition.
I've read more of the later books in the series and have enjoyed everyone that I have read.
This book draws you in has you spinning and reeling and then spits you out with a satisfying ending.
Helen has a talented for written engaging and interesting characters and intense suspenseful plots look forward to the next edition.
July 11, 2022
DEAD REAL opens with a brutal act leading to a gruesome discovery. Violence, unrest and turmoil creates a myriad of mysteries. Trying to solve the baffling conundrums keep the pages flying by. Riveting chapters will have you so absorbed you'll finish in one sitting right up to an ending you'll never see coming.
July 23, 2022
I received an ARC via Joffe Books in return for an honest review.
I’ve read all the previous books in this detective series and this one didn’t disappoint! I love the interaction between the main characters and the fact that characters from the author’s other series are brought into play eg Greco.
Recommended
I’ve read all the previous books in this detective series and this one didn’t disappoint! I love the interaction between the main characters and the fact that characters from the author’s other series are brought into play eg Greco.
Recommended
July 23, 2022
Another great read from Helen Durrant featuring Calladine and Bayliss, after a series of murders on the Hobfield Estate the 2 Detectives investigate, it's a story full of twists and turns with every page, from gangland style murders to stolen goods this story has it all..!!
September 10, 2024
#12 gets me all caught up with the series...will Tom ever retire? This entry is centered around stolen goods and murder. Also a small boy is hit by a car and killed. Tom and Ruth will have to tackle these cases and contend with Calladine's ever changing love life. I mean really it's is implausible that so many young women would just throw themselves at Tom I mean come on. That has been the biggest reason I can't give the series 5 stars. I find his love life annoying.
October 18, 2024
A good read. However, I got the feeling the author made a list of possible villains and culprits and then tried to weave them into the story and, as the main story glides towards the end - all the extra villains suddenly made an appearance. Had they appeared halfway through the story line, they just might have added "something". Never-the-less a great read.
January 27, 2025
Another good read.
When a man is murdered, and had the markings of an old serial killer on him, Tom, Ruth and the team need to investigate.
The story takes a twist when there's a link between missing designer goods turning up in the area too.
Tom's old lover turns back up in his life too which puts a personal twist on the story.
When a man is murdered, and had the markings of an old serial killer on him, Tom, Ruth and the team need to investigate.
The story takes a twist when there's a link between missing designer goods turning up in the area too.
Tom's old lover turns back up in his life too which puts a personal twist on the story.
February 25, 2025
Very good Series
Great main characters, good storyline, and excellent editing.
I felt that perhaps the stories could have been a bit shorter. Calladine seems to spend a great deal of time thinking, pondering, and guessing without coming to any conclusions. There are so many auxiliary characters, it's difficult to keep them straight.
Great main characters, good storyline, and excellent editing.
I felt that perhaps the stories could have been a bit shorter. Calladine seems to spend a great deal of time thinking, pondering, and guessing without coming to any conclusions. There are so many auxiliary characters, it's difficult to keep them straight.
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