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DS Lucy Golden #1
The Night Caller: An exciting new voice in Irish crime fiction
'Well plotted and page turning' - Patricia Gibney
'A tense, fast-paced, and deftly plotted thriller, which kept me guessing right to the end. I'm already looking forward to the next outing for Detective Sergeant Lucy Golden and her crew!'- Andrea Carter
Sometimes darkness stalks the most beautiful places...
On Doogort East Bog, Achill Island, a body is found. The close community is stunned to learn that it's Lisa Moran, a popular teacher who disappeared two days earlier.
DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case. For her, it's personal. As an Achill native, she knows that sometimes great evil can lurk in plain sight. Having moved back from Dublin, she has spent the last ten years trying to prove herself to her colleagues after her husband was jailed for fraud. This is her chance to put the past behind her. Her teenage son Luc's behaviour, however, is increasingly troubling and Lucy doesn't have time for distractions.
When another body is found in an abandoned property on the bog, with links to a murder 20 years ago, the stakes are raised - but a pattern is emerging. Can Lucy put the pieces together? Or will her family crisis mean the murderer claims his next victim?
'A novel that raises the bar for crime procedurals. . . artful, measured and gripping' Shots Magazine
' A twisty mystery, a moody setting and a troubled cop on a tricky case. What more could you want?' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
'A tense, fast-paced, and deftly plotted thriller, which kept me guessing right to the end. I'm already looking forward to the next outing for Detective Sergeant Lucy Golden and her crew!'- Andrea Carter
Sometimes darkness stalks the most beautiful places...
On Doogort East Bog, Achill Island, a body is found. The close community is stunned to learn that it's Lisa Moran, a popular teacher who disappeared two days earlier.
DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case. For her, it's personal. As an Achill native, she knows that sometimes great evil can lurk in plain sight. Having moved back from Dublin, she has spent the last ten years trying to prove herself to her colleagues after her husband was jailed for fraud. This is her chance to put the past behind her. Her teenage son Luc's behaviour, however, is increasingly troubling and Lucy doesn't have time for distractions.
When another body is found in an abandoned property on the bog, with links to a murder 20 years ago, the stakes are raised - but a pattern is emerging. Can Lucy put the pieces together? Or will her family crisis mean the murderer claims his next victim?
'A novel that raises the bar for crime procedurals. . . artful, measured and gripping' Shots Magazine
' A twisty mystery, a moody setting and a troubled cop on a tricky case. What more could you want?' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2022
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461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 14, 2021
The Night Caller introduces us to DS Lucy Golden (and DG Dan Brown) who has a point to prove when her husband is unveiled as a psychopath and imprisoned for fraud. Sometimes darkness stalks the most beautiful places, and this investigation will take everything she's got. Set on the remote Achill Island in Country Mayo, Ireland, when a woman’s unidentified body is discovered in Doogort East Bog on the island, Lucy and her partner Dan are called in to help with the investigation primarily because Lucy grew up on Achill and knows the area extremely well. The local community is tight-knit and rocked to the core by the idea that a brutal murderer could be living among them in an area of stunning natural beauty with so many places you could successfully hide or remain in plain sight. The remains are soon identified as those of Lisa Moran, a young and well-respected teacher who disappeared only two days prior. After beginning to look into Moran and her life, it becomes clear there was more to this woman than initially met the eye; that goes for her untimely death, too. There may be a connection to a decades-old murder but before this avenue can be explored, another body is found suspended in the mud.
Can Lucy, ably assisted by Dan, manage to balance her domestic issues regarding her husband, her teenage son and her traumatic and challenging past with the pressure of the murder enquiry and the hunt for a wanton killer? This is a compulsive and absorbing police procedural and hopefully the beginning of an Emerald Isle-based series. There are plenty of thrills, twists and turns, and it's fast-paced and suspenseful with an impeccably concealed perpetrator and obscured motive. The narrative exudes tension and despite being Murphy’s first foray into crime fiction she knows exactly how to pull the wool over your eyes, grip you from the start and ratchet up the tension to palpable proportions before it culminates in an explosive finale. Though primarily told from Lucy’s first-person perspective, we are also treated to the disturbed killer’s thoughts illustrating his warped psychopathology and state of mind. Murphy has woven the shocks and reveals strategically and the police must turn back the hands of time in order to unravel the reasoning behind the murders. All in all, an enthralling thrill ride with credible and engaging characters and a keen sense of time and place. Highly recommended.
Can Lucy, ably assisted by Dan, manage to balance her domestic issues regarding her husband, her teenage son and her traumatic and challenging past with the pressure of the murder enquiry and the hunt for a wanton killer? This is a compulsive and absorbing police procedural and hopefully the beginning of an Emerald Isle-based series. There are plenty of thrills, twists and turns, and it's fast-paced and suspenseful with an impeccably concealed perpetrator and obscured motive. The narrative exudes tension and despite being Murphy’s first foray into crime fiction she knows exactly how to pull the wool over your eyes, grip you from the start and ratchet up the tension to palpable proportions before it culminates in an explosive finale. Though primarily told from Lucy’s first-person perspective, we are also treated to the disturbed killer’s thoughts illustrating his warped psychopathology and state of mind. Murphy has woven the shocks and reveals strategically and the police must turn back the hands of time in order to unravel the reasoning behind the murders. All in all, an enthralling thrill ride with credible and engaging characters and a keen sense of time and place. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2022
This book is set in a small town in Ireland where we follow the detective who is trying to solve a recent gruesome murder of a young girl, that is eerily similar to one that happened decades ago.
I really liked the writing style of this book, I found it to be enjoyable to read but also informative and quite creative in some parts. The tension managed to build up throughout the book, especially because there were two different pov's. One from the killer and one from the detective. I wasn't sure if this was working throughout the book because I felt like it took away from some of the surprise about what was going to happen. However, I was quite literally turning the pages faster and faster by the end and I didn't expect the person to be the killer.
I really liked the atmosphere and culture that was created by the author. The interactions between people I really felt like showed the Irish way of life and I loved this aspect of the book. I also really liked how we got some insight into the personal lives and relations of the detectives. It added a refreshing element to the story and it was nice to sort of get a break from the murder mystery.
I really liked the writing style of this book, I found it to be enjoyable to read but also informative and quite creative in some parts. The tension managed to build up throughout the book, especially because there were two different pov's. One from the killer and one from the detective. I wasn't sure if this was working throughout the book because I felt like it took away from some of the surprise about what was going to happen. However, I was quite literally turning the pages faster and faster by the end and I didn't expect the person to be the killer.
I really liked the atmosphere and culture that was created by the author. The interactions between people I really felt like showed the Irish way of life and I loved this aspect of the book. I also really liked how we got some insight into the personal lives and relations of the detectives. It added a refreshing element to the story and it was nice to sort of get a break from the murder mystery.
July 13, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for an advance copy of The Night Caller, the first novel to feature DS Lucy Golden and DG Dan Brown, set on Achill Island, county Mayo.
When a body is found in Doogort Bog on Achill Island Lucy, as an islander, and her partner Dan are asked to join the investigation. The body is Lisa Moran, a young, popular teacher who disappeared three days earlier. Then another body is found and Lucy and Dan are soon digging into the past for answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Caller, which is an engrossing procedural with a well disguised perpetrator and motive. I understand that this is the author’s debut in crime fiction, although she is published in other genres under a variety of names. I’m impressed with her ability in a new to her genre and really liked her skill in building interest throughout and the tension engendered as the final showdown plays out.
The novel opens with The Captain living his first murder and then skips to Lucy and her first person narrative of the investigation. The Captain makes the odd appearance throughout the novel but never really adds much of value, apart from the usual psychopathic thoughts. The investigation is much more interesting with reveals in strategic places, several suspects and some solid police work. The reason for it all lies deep in the past and while not overly complicated it takes most of the novel to unravel it. I found it compulsive reading. The only disappointment was the ending, which was not clear enough in its explanations for me and required assumptions from the information given. I think this reflects reality, but I’m allowed to want no ambiguity in fiction.
I really like Lucy and Dan who appear as a fully formed partnership from the start. They work well together and have an easy style. I liked that the secrets from their pasts are revealed in a natural way during conversation and I loved the problem Lucy is having with her teenage son, Luc, which seems both catastrophic and everyday at the same time.
The Night Caller is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When a body is found in Doogort Bog on Achill Island Lucy, as an islander, and her partner Dan are asked to join the investigation. The body is Lisa Moran, a young, popular teacher who disappeared three days earlier. Then another body is found and Lucy and Dan are soon digging into the past for answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Caller, which is an engrossing procedural with a well disguised perpetrator and motive. I understand that this is the author’s debut in crime fiction, although she is published in other genres under a variety of names. I’m impressed with her ability in a new to her genre and really liked her skill in building interest throughout and the tension engendered as the final showdown plays out.
The novel opens with The Captain living his first murder and then skips to Lucy and her first person narrative of the investigation. The Captain makes the odd appearance throughout the novel but never really adds much of value, apart from the usual psychopathic thoughts. The investigation is much more interesting with reveals in strategic places, several suspects and some solid police work. The reason for it all lies deep in the past and while not overly complicated it takes most of the novel to unravel it. I found it compulsive reading. The only disappointment was the ending, which was not clear enough in its explanations for me and required assumptions from the information given. I think this reflects reality, but I’m allowed to want no ambiguity in fiction.
I really like Lucy and Dan who appear as a fully formed partnership from the start. They work well together and have an easy style. I liked that the secrets from their pasts are revealed in a natural way during conversation and I loved the problem Lucy is having with her teenage son, Luc, which seems both catastrophic and everyday at the same time.
The Night Caller is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this,and I think mainly due to our two main characters.
They come with a lot of issues and history (the best always do) but it never feels like it's being rammed down you.
An interesting crime that becomes a bit creepy when connected to something in the past,and a bad guy I didnt see coming.
Good little page turner.
They come with a lot of issues and history (the best always do) but it never feels like it's being rammed down you.
An interesting crime that becomes a bit creepy when connected to something in the past,and a bad guy I didnt see coming.
Good little page turner.
August 16, 2022
Was given this book for my birthday and had it read in one day! While the writing style can be a little contrived at times and the author clearly hasn’t met anyone from Limerick before (we NEVER say ‘yez’ that’s very Dublin, we would say ‘ye’), I was HOOKED on this story. Very much reminds me of a BBC melodrama and could very much see this becoming one. Absolutely loved it!
January 2, 2022
The Night Caller is a slow-burn thriller, interweaving a standard police procedural with an intriguing character study.
Set in Ireland, we follow our two main characters as they are investigating a murder. A young woman was found, beaten, and the investigation into her death throws up some rather odd facts. Though we don’t learn how until much later, it’s tied to a killing that took place years earlier and some more recent crimes.
I enjoyed learning about Dan and Lucy as we watch them carry out their investigation. They each have their issues, and I can certainly see these being explored further if this is part of a series. While this was interesting, it never became a distraction from the gritty focus of our main story.
As things progressed, I found myself slack-jawed at what was unravelling. The crime and our knowledge of the one responsible was quite unexpected, though the clues are there if you remain alert.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this before publication in exchange for my review.
Set in Ireland, we follow our two main characters as they are investigating a murder. A young woman was found, beaten, and the investigation into her death throws up some rather odd facts. Though we don’t learn how until much later, it’s tied to a killing that took place years earlier and some more recent crimes.
I enjoyed learning about Dan and Lucy as we watch them carry out their investigation. They each have their issues, and I can certainly see these being explored further if this is part of a series. While this was interesting, it never became a distraction from the gritty focus of our main story.
As things progressed, I found myself slack-jawed at what was unravelling. The crime and our knowledge of the one responsible was quite unexpected, though the clues are there if you remain alert.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this before publication in exchange for my review.
January 13, 2022
The night caller by Martina Murphy.
On Doogort East Bog, Achill Island, a body is found. The close community is stunned to learn that it's Lisa Moran, a popular teacher who disappeared two days earlier.
DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case. For her, it's personal. As an Achill native, she knows that sometimes great evil can lurk in plain sight. Having moved back from Dublin, she has spent the last ten years trying to prove herself to her colleagues after her husband was jailed for fraud. This is her chance to put the past behind her. Her teenage son Luc's behaviour, however, is increasingly troubling and Lucy doesn't have time for distractions.
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and plot. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
On Doogort East Bog, Achill Island, a body is found. The close community is stunned to learn that it's Lisa Moran, a popular teacher who disappeared two days earlier.
DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case. For her, it's personal. As an Achill native, she knows that sometimes great evil can lurk in plain sight. Having moved back from Dublin, she has spent the last ten years trying to prove herself to her colleagues after her husband was jailed for fraud. This is her chance to put the past behind her. Her teenage son Luc's behaviour, however, is increasingly troubling and Lucy doesn't have time for distractions.
I really really enjoyed this book. Great story and plot. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
December 4, 2022
Readers who also enjoy British cop dramas, think Midsomer Murders or Vera, will recognise the three act structure of The Night Caller by Martina Murphy. The opening scene, the finding of a corpse in an Irish bog, the detailed and thorough investigation, the personal or familial side story and the satisfying conclusion when the killer is arrested.
I would definitely recommend this to most readers as it isn't overly graphic or shocking. The characters develop well, the story is interesting and the writing is solid. I'll definitely be looking for the next in the series.
I would definitely recommend this to most readers as it isn't overly graphic or shocking. The characters develop well, the story is interesting and the writing is solid. I'll definitely be looking for the next in the series.
July 22, 2021
Described as an exciting new voice in Irish Crime Fiction, Martina Murphy has excelled in this fast-paced, page-turner. I sincerely hope this is the first of a series. A thriller that doesn’t hold back. I couldn’t put it down. The Night Caller introduces DS Lucy Golden. A native of Achill Island, she has lived and worked in Dublin for ten years. Back home in disgrace she works hard to prove herself and gets that chance when she is called in to investigate a murder.
At home, Lucy has the worry of bringing up her eighteen-year-old son alone (with the help of her mother). The reader is drawn into the very real challenges of balancing home life and work commitments.
The writing is excellent. I was reminded of the work of Val McDermid, Angela Marsons or Jo Spain. It is fast-paced, full of suspense, lots of twists and turns that kept me gripped right to the very end. The descriptions of Achill make you want to visit to take in its beauty, quite unusual in a thriller but adds to the atmosphere. The setting is integral to the story.
Everything is there. Believable characters, succinct writing, pace, drama. I would heartily recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series.
At home, Lucy has the worry of bringing up her eighteen-year-old son alone (with the help of her mother). The reader is drawn into the very real challenges of balancing home life and work commitments.
The writing is excellent. I was reminded of the work of Val McDermid, Angela Marsons or Jo Spain. It is fast-paced, full of suspense, lots of twists and turns that kept me gripped right to the very end. The descriptions of Achill make you want to visit to take in its beauty, quite unusual in a thriller but adds to the atmosphere. The setting is integral to the story.
Everything is there. Believable characters, succinct writing, pace, drama. I would heartily recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 24, 2024
3.75 stars
January 31, 2024
Good little page turner this one! And not because I’m obsessed with all things Irish. Keeps you guessing until the last 20 pages, well plotted and smart pace. Will be reading her again.
February 21, 2024
3.5. classic police procedural w some good dialogue, steady case but maybe a few too many characters and names to keep track of
September 25, 2025
Luettu suomeksi
January 14, 2022
So very intense and gripping. Every time I picked up the book I didn't want to put it down again. A great storyline, brilliant storytelling and great characters. I absolutely loved the Irishness of it all, the description of Achill Island, the people, the banter,... all of it.
Thank you @NetGalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for this amazing
Thank you @NetGalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for this amazing
August 11, 2021
I'm happy I read this book because I discovered a new to me interesting author.
This is a gripping and highly entertaining story that kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
Interesting setting, a solid plot full of twists and turns, well developed characters.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a gripping and highly entertaining story that kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
Interesting setting, a solid plot full of twists and turns, well developed characters.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 19, 2025
Hard to put down. A great set of characters and an intriguing plot. Loved the audiobook read by fantastic Aoife McMahon. Highly recommended for crime fans.
April 16, 2023
"The Night Caller" by Martina Murphy is the first book in a new crime series set on Achill Island in Ireland, featuring DS Lucy Golden. It is described as "a twisty mystery with a moody setting and a troubled cop on a tricky case."...... Well, I just finished reading it and can't find enough words to describe this incredibly thrilling and cleverly plotted crime novel. I was hooked from the first chapter and raced in record time through the twisty plot right until the satisfying end. I loved the main characters, DS Lucy Golden and her colleague Dan Brown, who both not only put their lives at risk to catch a serial killer, but also had some private problems to deal with. I felt drawn into their lives, their worries and fears and found it hard to leave them at the end of the book. Thank God the next book in this fantastic series is already available (title: "The Branded") and book 3 will be published on August 24. So if you are interested in starting a new crime series, make it this one!!! 😍
October 27, 2022
This is Martina Murphy’s debut crime novel and what a gem it is! The novel is set on Achill Island County Mayo, Ireland. We are introduced to DS Lucy Golden and Detective Garda Dan Brown who have a fantastic working relationship. The body of a young teacher is found murdered having been missing for three days. Soon after another body is found which leads the investigation down a very winding path and into the past. It gradually builds momentum with slow reveals along the way and insights into the thinking of the perpetrator.
Alongside the crime procedure we are allowed into the personal lives of both Lucy and Dan, revealing their pasts slowly through conversations. This is a great character building devise.
This kept me guessing and the end didn’t disappoint. I do hope that this becomes a series and we see more of Lucy and Dan. Four well deserved stars!
Alongside the crime procedure we are allowed into the personal lives of both Lucy and Dan, revealing their pasts slowly through conversations. This is a great character building devise.
This kept me guessing and the end didn’t disappoint. I do hope that this becomes a series and we see more of Lucy and Dan. Four well deserved stars!
February 5, 2024
I do enjoy a good serial killer story; especially one set in Ireland!
What drew me to The Night Caller, in particular, was the setting. Living just across Clew Bay from Achill (the crime location), it was a treat to imagine the events playing out in places that I know well.
Having read quite a few third person narratives, of late, the first person narrative, employed here, was both welcome and engaging. I enjoyed accompanying DS Lucy Golden as she (and her partner Dan Brown - yes, really!) travelled Achill, Westport and beyond trying to capture the killer of young women, before he could strike again.
Lucy is a relatable character, in that we get to see the drama in her personal life as well as her work. There is a good supporting cast and the story has a decent twist/reveal. I believe that this is the first book in a series and I would definitely read the others.
What drew me to The Night Caller, in particular, was the setting. Living just across Clew Bay from Achill (the crime location), it was a treat to imagine the events playing out in places that I know well.
Having read quite a few third person narratives, of late, the first person narrative, employed here, was both welcome and engaging. I enjoyed accompanying DS Lucy Golden as she (and her partner Dan Brown - yes, really!) travelled Achill, Westport and beyond trying to capture the killer of young women, before he could strike again.
Lucy is a relatable character, in that we get to see the drama in her personal life as well as her work. There is a good supporting cast and the story has a decent twist/reveal. I believe that this is the first book in a series and I would definitely read the others.
November 12, 2021
I was recommended this by my Mum and she was right that I would enjoy it. I listened to it on Audible and was finished in a couple of days - I even walked more so I could listen!
A local teacher is found dead in the Doogort East Bog on Achill Island. DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case alongside Dan Brown. As they investigate they find that Lisa Moran wasn't all sweetness and light as she is made out to be by the local population. This leads them in many different directions in the investigation and when the case is linked to another murder a few years before, they seem no further forward.
Meanwhile Lucy is having to cope with more personal issues at home which in turn link to her past.
I liked this a lot and will read more from this author.
A local teacher is found dead in the Doogort East Bog on Achill Island. DS Lucy Golden is assigned to the case alongside Dan Brown. As they investigate they find that Lisa Moran wasn't all sweetness and light as she is made out to be by the local population. This leads them in many different directions in the investigation and when the case is linked to another murder a few years before, they seem no further forward.
Meanwhile Lucy is having to cope with more personal issues at home which in turn link to her past.
I liked this a lot and will read more from this author.
October 12, 2023
Als Hörbuch gehört.
Spielt auf Achill und wird mit irischem Akzent vorgelesen, da kann quasi nichts schief gehen.
Die meiste Zeit erzählt die Kommissarin. Landschaft, Personen, Abläufe, die Gedanken der Kommissarin werden nachvollziehbar beschrieben. Am meisten mochte ich die detaillierte Beschreibung der Polizeiarbeit.
Punktabzug für den Fall, der war für meinen Geschmack zu psycho. In einigen Abschnitten erzählt der Täter. Seine Gedanken erschienen mir zu konstruiert. Die Figur wurde für die Handlung als Bösewicht benötigt und für mich nicht nachfühlbar genug ausgeformt.
In der Geschichte geht es um Familien und wie manchmal alles schief geht, manchmal alle zusammenhalten und bei keinem ist es einfach.
Wetter-Beschreibungen: Top!
Spielt auf Achill und wird mit irischem Akzent vorgelesen, da kann quasi nichts schief gehen.
Die meiste Zeit erzählt die Kommissarin. Landschaft, Personen, Abläufe, die Gedanken der Kommissarin werden nachvollziehbar beschrieben. Am meisten mochte ich die detaillierte Beschreibung der Polizeiarbeit.
Punktabzug für den Fall, der war für meinen Geschmack zu psycho. In einigen Abschnitten erzählt der Täter. Seine Gedanken erschienen mir zu konstruiert. Die Figur wurde für die Handlung als Bösewicht benötigt und für mich nicht nachfühlbar genug ausgeformt.
In der Geschichte geht es um Familien und wie manchmal alles schief geht, manchmal alle zusammenhalten und bei keinem ist es einfach.
Wetter-Beschreibungen: Top!
August 16, 2022
4.5 stars for this Irish based murder mystery thriller.
I really enjoyed the plot and the setting of the bog was eerie enough whilst having a sense of calm along with it. I liked how we got snippets from the killer and their thoughts without knowing who they were, it was enough of a nibble that kept you reading
Pace was good kept me reading, the only reason it isn’t 5 stars is that although there was suspense towards the end that was built it didn’t quite become suspenseful enough for me.
I really enjoyed the main characters Lucy and Dan and their background, I kept wanting to know more about them and I could tell lots of effort had gone in to building their backgrounds.
I really enjoyed the plot and the setting of the bog was eerie enough whilst having a sense of calm along with it. I liked how we got snippets from the killer and their thoughts without knowing who they were, it was enough of a nibble that kept you reading
Pace was good kept me reading, the only reason it isn’t 5 stars is that although there was suspense towards the end that was built it didn’t quite become suspenseful enough for me.
I really enjoyed the main characters Lucy and Dan and their background, I kept wanting to know more about them and I could tell lots of effort had gone in to building their backgrounds.
October 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this police procedural which dealt with an investigation into a serial killer operating in a quiet part of Ireland.
The lead detective, DS Lucy Golden, is an interesting woman, with a backstory in which her husband had swindled some people out of money a decade ago, leaving her operating under a bit of a cloud. She is keen to prove herself to be honest and competent, and in The Night Caller we see her making brilliant deductions as she does so.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me is that the ending all came in a bit of a rush. But apart from that, it was a great story, very well-written, and beautifully read on Audible by Aoife McMahon. I look forward to the next book in the Lucy Golden series.
Three Word Review: Relatable lead detective
The lead detective, DS Lucy Golden, is an interesting woman, with a backstory in which her husband had swindled some people out of money a decade ago, leaving her operating under a bit of a cloud. She is keen to prove herself to be honest and competent, and in The Night Caller we see her making brilliant deductions as she does so.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me is that the ending all came in a bit of a rush. But apart from that, it was a great story, very well-written, and beautifully read on Audible by Aoife McMahon. I look forward to the next book in the Lucy Golden series.
Three Word Review: Relatable lead detective
November 22, 2021
With great descriptions of the remote bog land surrounding Achill Island the author really sets the scene for this detective novel. Lucy and Dan are tasked with finding the murderer of a popular teacher Lisa Moran. But as they investigate the case it appears that Lisa wasn't as clean cut as many people are saying.
A really good read, great police work with a likeable team. Would love to see this as a series of books.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
A really good read, great police work with a likeable team. Would love to see this as a series of books.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
July 2, 2024
Readable and I got to the end whereas at one point I was ready to give up. I didn't find the characters particularly engaging or memorable. But what really undermined the plot for me was the key role of 2 informal local helplines for children. Having worked in child protection and on the ChildLine helpline in UK I was shocked by the amateurish, frankly dangerous disregard for safety of children and volunteers. So I checked with Google and of course Ireland does have a ChildLine equivalent so those local lines would never exist.
May 19, 2025
The Night Caller is een meeslepende en duistere thriller die zich afspeelt op het ruige Achill Island in Ierland. DS Lucy Golden keert terug naar haar geboortedorp en wordt geconfronteerd met een moordzaak die haar persoonlijk raakt. Murphy verweeft op knappe wijze Lucys persoonlijke worstelingen met een complexe moordzaak, waarbij geheimen uit het verleden langzaam aan het licht komen. De sfeer is beklemmend en de beschrijvingen van het Ierse landschap dragen bij aan de spanning. Hoewel sommige plotwendingen voorspelbaar waren, bleef het verhaal boeien tot het einde. Een sterke start van een veelbelovende serie.
August 13, 2021
Beautiful Achill Island, most Irish people know how wonderful it is there. A body is found in Doogort Bog there, a quiet community and local police couple Lucy and Dan (who are from here and recently moved back from Dublin) are investigating the case.
The stunning words of Achill, mixed with this fast paced, reeling story of murder is an odd but wonderful combination in this book!
What an amazing first novel, I could not put this down
The stunning words of Achill, mixed with this fast paced, reeling story of murder is an odd but wonderful combination in this book!
What an amazing first novel, I could not put this down
August 15, 2021
Lucy and Dan are working on the case of a woman’s body that has turned up battered and bloodied. The victim is a cherished daughter but it seems she also has a nastier side.
Can Lucy and Dan work to catch the killer before he strikes again.
I really enjoyed this. The writing was engaging and the characters were fantastic. The differing Irish dialects and the glossary of terms was helpful as well.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Can Lucy and Dan work to catch the killer before he strikes again.
I really enjoyed this. The writing was engaging and the characters were fantastic. The differing Irish dialects and the glossary of terms was helpful as well.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2022
I will admit that this book was on my reading pile because it was set on Achill island and I am obsessed with the place. However, the book is more about the people involved than the island itself, so I sort of left empty handed. I wanted the island to be a character in itself.
The storyline is good, for a whodunnit, I didn't guess the ending, which is amazing and all around it was a pleasant read.
I was left feeling a little sad that I didn't get to delve deeper into Lucy Goldens' past, but I think this may be the first book in a series.
The storyline is good, for a whodunnit, I didn't guess the ending, which is amazing and all around it was a pleasant read.
I was left feeling a little sad that I didn't get to delve deeper into Lucy Goldens' past, but I think this may be the first book in a series.
November 14, 2022
A grim tale but it kept me interested and I found it to be a well paced thriller overall. I had guessed who the guilty party was before the big reveal and had also guessed that he was responsible for more than the Gardaí realised. I did think his back story was a bit far-fetched ( e.g. did the investigators of the first murder years before really have no idea there was another son or no one in this small rural community knew either??) but I’d still recommend this book despite these flaws.
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