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Shaw and Darmody #2
When They See Me
A chilling blend of crime and psychological thriller from the bestselling author of If I TellAn au pair disappears in the heart of suburbia. When her body shows up, all eyes are on the only witness to her abduction, a two-year-old child.Detective and expert witness interviewer Laura Shaw knows she is needed. But in the aftermath of a case that nearly broke her, Laura questions if she can continue to do police work. Her partner, Detective Niamh Darmody, is on the case, but without Laura to rely on, she's struggling too.When the discovery of a second body blows all their theories out of the water, Laura and Niamh must accept that the killer is poised to strike again.All they know is that he is tantalisingly close, hidden in plain sight. But they won't see him - not until he wants them to . . ._________'A fantastically thrilling police procedural with two feisty, believable female leads. Everything I love in a book!' JO SPAIN'Pacy and intense . . . kept me frantically turning pages till the nail-biting end' ANDREA MARA'Utterly gripping! CLAUDIA CARROLL'I loved it! With a sinister plot and a creepy serial killer it's gripping and terrifying. And Laura and Niamh are characters I want to read about again and again!' PATRICIA GIBNEY
- GenresCrime
ebook
Published June 1, 2023
22 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Gill Perdue
10 books30 followersGill Perdue is the author of If I Tell (previously published as The Interview), the first in the Laura Shaw series of Crime novels published by Penguin, set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Clonchapel. She also writes for children. Her first children’s novel, Adam’s Starling, won a Bisto Award (the Eilís Dillon Memorial) for that year.
A primary school teacher by training, Gill worked for many years in Tallaght and other schools in south Dublin, and this experience informed and inspired her earliest writings, as did her work on a children’s helpline. A lifelong love of dance and music saw her train separately as a dance teacher, and for many years Gill has been teaching Ballet and Modern in a busy school in Rathfarnham.
She is drawn to the exploration of the domestic, behind the façade presented by adults and even very young children, reflecting the real experiences of living in a world where the best and worst of what it means to be human exist side by side.
Gill lives in Rathfarnham with Kevin and Angus (one of these is a dog). They have two adult daughters, one living in London and one recently returned to live here. Inky and Dusty - a pair of disapproving rescue cats - complete the picture.
A primary school teacher by training, Gill worked for many years in Tallaght and other schools in south Dublin, and this experience informed and inspired her earliest writings, as did her work on a children’s helpline. A lifelong love of dance and music saw her train separately as a dance teacher, and for many years Gill has been teaching Ballet and Modern in a busy school in Rathfarnham.
She is drawn to the exploration of the domestic, behind the façade presented by adults and even very young children, reflecting the real experiences of living in a world where the best and worst of what it means to be human exist side by side.
Gill lives in Rathfarnham with Kevin and Angus (one of these is a dog). They have two adult daughters, one living in London and one recently returned to live here. Inky and Dusty - a pair of disapproving rescue cats - complete the picture.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2023
Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody #2
I absolutely love the first book in the series, and I’ve been looking forward to the follow-up ever since and I’m so not disappointed.
After a scary start of the novel we get a bit of breathing space as Laura is being assessed if she’s fit for duty. Can she still do the job of a detective with An Garda Síochána after the last terrible case?? Meanwhile a body is found in the Dublin mountains – is it to that of missing Spanish au pair Mia Ruiz? Niamh and Senan McCarthy (McArsey) investigate. The story is told alternately by Laura and Niamh.
First of all, this is exceptionally well written, and I can barely put the book down once I begin it. I love hearing both of the main characters inner voices as they wrestle with a multitude of things, not just this case. I love Laura‘s sense of irony, but most of all you sympathise with her challenges and her uncertainties. As for Niamh, her “in the head“ thoughts on Senan are a hoot, and this helps take some of the sting out of the darkness encountered. Niamh too has some things to resolve and this makes for fascinating reading. I thoroughly enjoy how Niamh and Laura don’t need words, they are so in tune with each other. All the characters are done well, from the wee ones to the big cheeses, such as The Cigare, the SIO, Dan “not on my watch“ McNeil. As for the killers voice, which is interspersed throughout, take a deep breath as this is utterly chilling, and it gives oodles of horrifying creepiness and cringe or three. Wow – so powerful.
This is a strange, compelling and cracking read. It’s multilayered as it’s not just about the investigation. The dialogue is terrific, some of the Irish expressions are simply fantastic and as for the interviews that take place – talk about cats playing with mice! It twists, it turns, the storyline takes us in many different directions until we reach a belter of an ending. Love it! Can’t wait for number three.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I absolutely love the first book in the series, and I’ve been looking forward to the follow-up ever since and I’m so not disappointed.
After a scary start of the novel we get a bit of breathing space as Laura is being assessed if she’s fit for duty. Can she still do the job of a detective with An Garda Síochána after the last terrible case?? Meanwhile a body is found in the Dublin mountains – is it to that of missing Spanish au pair Mia Ruiz? Niamh and Senan McCarthy (McArsey) investigate. The story is told alternately by Laura and Niamh.
First of all, this is exceptionally well written, and I can barely put the book down once I begin it. I love hearing both of the main characters inner voices as they wrestle with a multitude of things, not just this case. I love Laura‘s sense of irony, but most of all you sympathise with her challenges and her uncertainties. As for Niamh, her “in the head“ thoughts on Senan are a hoot, and this helps take some of the sting out of the darkness encountered. Niamh too has some things to resolve and this makes for fascinating reading. I thoroughly enjoy how Niamh and Laura don’t need words, they are so in tune with each other. All the characters are done well, from the wee ones to the big cheeses, such as The Cigare, the SIO, Dan “not on my watch“ McNeil. As for the killers voice, which is interspersed throughout, take a deep breath as this is utterly chilling, and it gives oodles of horrifying creepiness and cringe or three. Wow – so powerful.
This is a strange, compelling and cracking read. It’s multilayered as it’s not just about the investigation. The dialogue is terrific, some of the Irish expressions are simply fantastic and as for the interviews that take place – talk about cats playing with mice! It twists, it turns, the storyline takes us in many different directions until we reach a belter of an ending. Love it! Can’t wait for number three.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 24, 2023
I loved Gill Perdue's first novel, which was called The Interview when I read it, though seems to have been later renamed If I Tell. Anyway (annieway, as Niamh would say), Dublin-based detectives and Specialist Victim Interviewers Laura and Niamh are back, with an intriguing and disturbing new case, when a young Spanish au pair is found dead, the only witness to her abduction being a two year old girl.
There's some deeply unsavoury stuff from the killer's POV (I really could do without all the Mummy's feet stuff) but it certainly paints a picture. There's not a huge amount of mystery, as we know more or less who the murderer is (though not his name) and the weird workings of his mind - it's more about catching him, and about what's going on for our two detectives in the meantime.
I love the characters of Niamh and Laura - both are very credible, both with their own issues. Niamh is laid uncharacteristically low by pain-in-the-neck new girlfriend Amber; Laura is coping with a new baby and some ongoing mental health struggles. Niamh's new landlady Dorothy is a treasure, too.
Though I don't know why Laura is so convinced "Noah" is an out-there, eyebrow-raising name for her baby, when it's been one of the top boys' names in Ireland over the last few years. (My generation is a different matter - you'd be doomed to a lifetime of ark jokes.)
Fantastic read, enjoyed it tremendously. Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy and provide an honest review.
There's some deeply unsavoury stuff from the killer's POV (I really could do without all the Mummy's feet stuff) but it certainly paints a picture. There's not a huge amount of mystery, as we know more or less who the murderer is (though not his name) and the weird workings of his mind - it's more about catching him, and about what's going on for our two detectives in the meantime.
I love the characters of Niamh and Laura - both are very credible, both with their own issues. Niamh is laid uncharacteristically low by pain-in-the-neck new girlfriend Amber; Laura is coping with a new baby and some ongoing mental health struggles. Niamh's new landlady Dorothy is a treasure, too.
Though I don't know why Laura is so convinced "Noah" is an out-there, eyebrow-raising name for her baby, when it's been one of the top boys' names in Ireland over the last few years. (My generation is a different matter - you'd be doomed to a lifetime of ark jokes.)
Fantastic read, enjoyed it tremendously. Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy and provide an honest review.
November 14, 2025
I came to When They See Me with high hopes, after the taut intensity of If I Tell, and I was eager to dive back into the world of Shaw and Darmody. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
From the very first pages, Perdue grips you by the collar and refuses to let go. We open with Garda Laura Shaw in an occupational health Fitness for Duty evaluation, fresh from a case that nearly broke her, still adjusting to life with a newborn, and wrestling with the lingering shadows of trauma. Meanwhile, Detective Niamh Darmody has been holding the fort, partnered with someone who is, to put it mildly, not her ideal professional match. It’s a fragile equilibrium, and the tension between past and present, home and work, immediately colours the narrative.
Then comes the case that changes everything: a young au pair disappears in the heart of Dublin suburbia. Her body is found, and the only witness, a two-year-old child, is miraculously unharmed. The stakes are high, the clock is ticking, and the police are chasing shadows. When a second body appears, all certainties crumble, and both Laura and Niamh are drawn in, compelled to confront a killer hiding in plain sight.
Perdue excels at weaving character and case so tightly together that you feel both the pulse of the investigation and the emotional undertow pulling at the protagonists. Laura’s struggle as a mother returning to work, her anxieties, her determination to remain sharp despite lingering trauma, all feel achingly real. Niamh’s frustrations, her sense of being slightly adrift without her partner, add another layer of authenticity. And the supporting cast, richly drawn, feisty where needed, never feels like filler; they live and breathe on the page.
The writing is precise, the tension relentless, and some passages, I won’t lie, had me furrowing my brow in disbelief at the darkness lurking just beneath the surface. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but in the best way because that discomfort fuels the suspense, makes the stakes feel palpably high, and keeps you turning pages late into the night.
For me, this book hits the perfect balance: a case that’s clever and unnerving, character depth that lingers long after the last page, and a perpetrator who makes your skin crawl. I found myself utterly absorbed, alternating between a NetGalley eARC and the audiobook, which was narrated beautifully, and racing through the pages, finishing it within two days.
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers that combine psychological nuance with fast-paced plotting, or if you simply love a duo of detectives who feel real in every flawed, brilliant way, this is a series you’ll want to read in order. When They See Me is a gripping, intense, and emotionally rich follow up that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read a review copy; as always, all opinions are my own.
From the very first pages, Perdue grips you by the collar and refuses to let go. We open with Garda Laura Shaw in an occupational health Fitness for Duty evaluation, fresh from a case that nearly broke her, still adjusting to life with a newborn, and wrestling with the lingering shadows of trauma. Meanwhile, Detective Niamh Darmody has been holding the fort, partnered with someone who is, to put it mildly, not her ideal professional match. It’s a fragile equilibrium, and the tension between past and present, home and work, immediately colours the narrative.
Then comes the case that changes everything: a young au pair disappears in the heart of Dublin suburbia. Her body is found, and the only witness, a two-year-old child, is miraculously unharmed. The stakes are high, the clock is ticking, and the police are chasing shadows. When a second body appears, all certainties crumble, and both Laura and Niamh are drawn in, compelled to confront a killer hiding in plain sight.
Perdue excels at weaving character and case so tightly together that you feel both the pulse of the investigation and the emotional undertow pulling at the protagonists. Laura’s struggle as a mother returning to work, her anxieties, her determination to remain sharp despite lingering trauma, all feel achingly real. Niamh’s frustrations, her sense of being slightly adrift without her partner, add another layer of authenticity. And the supporting cast, richly drawn, feisty where needed, never feels like filler; they live and breathe on the page.
The writing is precise, the tension relentless, and some passages, I won’t lie, had me furrowing my brow in disbelief at the darkness lurking just beneath the surface. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but in the best way because that discomfort fuels the suspense, makes the stakes feel palpably high, and keeps you turning pages late into the night.
For me, this book hits the perfect balance: a case that’s clever and unnerving, character depth that lingers long after the last page, and a perpetrator who makes your skin crawl. I found myself utterly absorbed, alternating between a NetGalley eARC and the audiobook, which was narrated beautifully, and racing through the pages, finishing it within two days.
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers that combine psychological nuance with fast-paced plotting, or if you simply love a duo of detectives who feel real in every flawed, brilliant way, this is a series you’ll want to read in order. When They See Me is a gripping, intense, and emotionally rich follow up that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read a review copy; as always, all opinions are my own.
May 2, 2024
They never really see me until I will it. Until they are in my arms – cool blade pressed against their throats. That's when I have their undivided attention. Yes. That's when I am seen.
When the body of a young woman is found, Dublin police identify her as an au pair who went missing the previous day. The police's only witness is the two-year-old girl the au pair was minding.
Detective Niamh Darmody is in to help solve the murder. But without her partner, expert witness interviewer Laura Shaw, she wonders if she can perform at her best. Laura is still trying to recover from a very distressing case, and now has a newborn to look after.
When another body is discovered, Laura can't help herself and decides she wants to go back to work and help. Police seem to be chasing their tails – because the killer is close by, hidden in plain sight, if only they could find him.
I was glad to see the return of Shaw and Darmody – I previously read 'If I Tell' by the same author and enjoyed them. They're great characters with a lot of depth, and the author does well to explore Laura's struggle to cope as a mother with many anxieties and psychological trauma, all while she craves returning to a job she loves and is good at.
I often don't like getting the murderer's point of view in a mystery or police procedural, especially if it's written in the first person. It's hard for me to understand why. I find it a bit jarring sometimes and I prefer to discover the clues to solve the crime as the police do, or that the killer's POV is in the third person. Maybe I just like a bit of distance?
In any case, I look forward to reading more about Niamh and Laura in future books.
August 16, 2023
Enjoyable read. Felt engaged with the characters. Certainly felt for Laura with the pull between motherhood and her love of her job.
Not wanting to give anything away with the storyline. I did have an inkling about what would happen in the middle to the last part of the book but this did not distract from wanting to finish the book and enjoying it
Not wanting to give anything away with the storyline. I did have an inkling about what would happen in the middle to the last part of the book but this did not distract from wanting to finish the book and enjoying it
March 7, 2024
Gill Perdue has done it again with her second masterpiece, 'When They See Me.' If you were captivated by the brilliance of 'The Interview,' you're in for an even greater treat with this thrilling sequel.
The novel follows the dynamic duo, Laura and Niamh, as they embark on another heart-pounding investigation after the body of a missing au-pair is discovered. The only witness? Two-year-old Carly, the charge of the deceased. Perdue's skillful storytelling immediately immerses you in the gripping mystery, making it impossible to put the book down.
One of Perdue's greatest strengths lies in her mastery of character development. Niamh, Laura, and the ever-dieting 'Cig' feel like old friends, thanks to the author's ability to breathe life into her characters. The genuine connection you feel with these protagonists enhances the reading experience, making the twists and turns of the plot even more impactful.
'When They See Me' takes a slightly different approach, leaning more towards the traditional 'who-done-it' crime thriller style. However, this shift only adds to the allure of the narrative, maintaining the suspense from the very first chapter and building to a climax that will leave you breathless.
Written in the first person from three different narrators, the book provides a thrilling perspective on the investigation. Watching Laura and Niamh navigate the complexities of solving the crime while also delving into the mind of the murderer adds an extra layer of intensity and intrigue.
Perdue's inclusion of ballroom dancing as a backdrop adds a unique and delightful element to the story. Learning about this art form alongside the unfolding mystery demonstrates the author's knack for seamlessly blending entertainment with education.
'When They See Me' is a triumph, showcasing Gill Perdue's evolution as a storyteller. It's a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end, proving that Perdue is a master of her craft. This is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, and anyone who appreciates a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while introducing you to new and fascinating worlds. A solid five-star read!
The novel follows the dynamic duo, Laura and Niamh, as they embark on another heart-pounding investigation after the body of a missing au-pair is discovered. The only witness? Two-year-old Carly, the charge of the deceased. Perdue's skillful storytelling immediately immerses you in the gripping mystery, making it impossible to put the book down.
One of Perdue's greatest strengths lies in her mastery of character development. Niamh, Laura, and the ever-dieting 'Cig' feel like old friends, thanks to the author's ability to breathe life into her characters. The genuine connection you feel with these protagonists enhances the reading experience, making the twists and turns of the plot even more impactful.
'When They See Me' takes a slightly different approach, leaning more towards the traditional 'who-done-it' crime thriller style. However, this shift only adds to the allure of the narrative, maintaining the suspense from the very first chapter and building to a climax that will leave you breathless.
Written in the first person from three different narrators, the book provides a thrilling perspective on the investigation. Watching Laura and Niamh navigate the complexities of solving the crime while also delving into the mind of the murderer adds an extra layer of intensity and intrigue.
Perdue's inclusion of ballroom dancing as a backdrop adds a unique and delightful element to the story. Learning about this art form alongside the unfolding mystery demonstrates the author's knack for seamlessly blending entertainment with education.
'When They See Me' is a triumph, showcasing Gill Perdue's evolution as a storyteller. It's a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end, proving that Perdue is a master of her craft. This is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, and anyone who appreciates a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while introducing you to new and fascinating worlds. A solid five-star read!
April 22, 2024
When I started reading When They See Me by Gill Perdue, I had no idea this was the second book in a series. Clearly, a lot has unfolded in the first book, but in no way did that spoil my enjoyment, or understanding of this gripping read.
We open with one our protagonists, Garda Laura Shaw, having an interview with occupational health, a Fitness For Duty evaluation. Not only has she recently had a baby, but just prior to this, she was involved in an intense police matter, where her judgement was under scrutiny.
During Laura’s maternity leave, Garda Niamh Darmody has been partnered with another Detective Garda, it’s not a professional match made in heaven. It’s fair to say that Niamh hasn’t enjoyed the last year.
A new and unsettling case drops on the team. A young au pair has met an unnatural demise, the only witness who can help crack the case is an innocent two year old, who was thankfully unharmed during the incident.
I loved the rich, deep, and in some cases feisty, characterisation. All of the cast felt very distinct. There are sections of the book that left my eyebrows raising further with every line I read. These disturbing passages made for extremely uncomfortable reading. All of which really upped the uneasy tension, which was already palpable.
The book is a perfect mix for me. There is good case to get your teeth into; depth of backstory to the characters, that make them fully formed in your mind; and a perpetrator that makes your skin crawl.
The book really drew me in, I found myself racing through the pages, finishing it within 2 days. I thoroughly enjoyed this 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thriller. I very much look forward to whatever the author writes next, and will be reading her back catalogue too.
We open with one our protagonists, Garda Laura Shaw, having an interview with occupational health, a Fitness For Duty evaluation. Not only has she recently had a baby, but just prior to this, she was involved in an intense police matter, where her judgement was under scrutiny.
During Laura’s maternity leave, Garda Niamh Darmody has been partnered with another Detective Garda, it’s not a professional match made in heaven. It’s fair to say that Niamh hasn’t enjoyed the last year.
A new and unsettling case drops on the team. A young au pair has met an unnatural demise, the only witness who can help crack the case is an innocent two year old, who was thankfully unharmed during the incident.
I loved the rich, deep, and in some cases feisty, characterisation. All of the cast felt very distinct. There are sections of the book that left my eyebrows raising further with every line I read. These disturbing passages made for extremely uncomfortable reading. All of which really upped the uneasy tension, which was already palpable.
The book is a perfect mix for me. There is good case to get your teeth into; depth of backstory to the characters, that make them fully formed in your mind; and a perpetrator that makes your skin crawl.
The book really drew me in, I found myself racing through the pages, finishing it within 2 days. I thoroughly enjoyed this 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thriller. I very much look forward to whatever the author writes next, and will be reading her back catalogue too.
July 24, 2023
I absolutely loved Gill Perdue's If I Tell (originally published as The Interview), a tense psychological crime thriller featuring Special Victims Interview detectives Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody.
I've been waiting for more...
When They See Me is a slightly more traditional crime thriller, with the same top quality character writing and this a is brilliant and very exciting book.
Refreshingly different characters, two lead female Police roles. We get chapters from both of their first person perspectives, including their internal dialogues. Shaw is facing up to extending her maternity leave into a career break, while Darmody is missing their special working partnership.
We also get the extremely dark and creepy perspective of the k*ller. A body has been found and they are thinking about the next victim.
The character writing is exquisite. Cop crime cliches are avoided. This is involving character crime writing of the highest order. While If You Tell was brilliant, it was a rather a niche style of novel, I'm delighted Gill Perdue has come up with this book - keeping her deeply involved character style while weaving it into a tense and accessible k*ller thriller.
The finale is sublime, the tension is off the charts. I couldn't read it fast enough while wanting it to never end.
Bound to be in my books of the year.
Read this book ASAP!
I've been waiting for more...
When They See Me is a slightly more traditional crime thriller, with the same top quality character writing and this a is brilliant and very exciting book.
Refreshingly different characters, two lead female Police roles. We get chapters from both of their first person perspectives, including their internal dialogues. Shaw is facing up to extending her maternity leave into a career break, while Darmody is missing their special working partnership.
We also get the extremely dark and creepy perspective of the k*ller. A body has been found and they are thinking about the next victim.
The character writing is exquisite. Cop crime cliches are avoided. This is involving character crime writing of the highest order. While If You Tell was brilliant, it was a rather a niche style of novel, I'm delighted Gill Perdue has come up with this book - keeping her deeply involved character style while weaving it into a tense and accessible k*ller thriller.
The finale is sublime, the tension is off the charts. I couldn't read it fast enough while wanting it to never end.
Bound to be in my books of the year.
Read this book ASAP!
January 21, 2024
4.25⭐️
Book 2 in Shaw and Darmody series
I’m jumping straight into book two, and felt in the beginning a little on the back foot as to what happened to Laura previously.
Psychological crime thriller with two female leads, Laura Shaw a detective and expert witness interviewer who works with Detective Niamh Darmody.
It starts with a missing au pair who is k*lled, then another body turns up.
It unfolds via each of their POV plus that of the antagonist, whose perspective is very weird, I didn’t find it easy to get to understand his thought processes.
There’s great attention to character development, you really get to know the main characters well, the author leads the reader through Laura’s issues and problems, she’s quite flawed. A little concerning as she’s an armed officer. Niamh comes across more together, although acerbic as she’s struggling with her temporary partner while Laura has been on leave. She has a spiky dry wit which I like. It’s great getting into the minds of the protagonists, it makes you able to identify with them better.
I found it a bit of a slow burn due to the depth of the character building.
Although it certainly ends strongly, even if the lead felt too convenient.
I absolutely adore Irish accents, so for me this one I’ve no doubt would have been even better on audiobook, I’d love to catch the first instalment on audiobook.
Book 2 in Shaw and Darmody series
I’m jumping straight into book two, and felt in the beginning a little on the back foot as to what happened to Laura previously.
Psychological crime thriller with two female leads, Laura Shaw a detective and expert witness interviewer who works with Detective Niamh Darmody.
It starts with a missing au pair who is k*lled, then another body turns up.
It unfolds via each of their POV plus that of the antagonist, whose perspective is very weird, I didn’t find it easy to get to understand his thought processes.
There’s great attention to character development, you really get to know the main characters well, the author leads the reader through Laura’s issues and problems, she’s quite flawed. A little concerning as she’s an armed officer. Niamh comes across more together, although acerbic as she’s struggling with her temporary partner while Laura has been on leave. She has a spiky dry wit which I like. It’s great getting into the minds of the protagonists, it makes you able to identify with them better.
I found it a bit of a slow burn due to the depth of the character building.
Although it certainly ends strongly, even if the lead felt too convenient.
I absolutely adore Irish accents, so for me this one I’ve no doubt would have been even better on audiobook, I’d love to catch the first instalment on audiobook.
October 29, 2023
This is a gripping story that will be appreciated by anyone who enjoys a good police procedural. Because not only is this book a good crime novel, it's an excellent example what can be done with the genre.
An au pair disappears from a safe, secure suburban neighbourhood, leaving only a small child who can be considered as a witness to the events that have transpired. When her murder is quickly followed up with a second such case, the police team realises that this is going to be a tough one to crack.
Luckily, there is a crack team on the job (pun intended). Except that things are not straightforward because Laura is still recovering from the last terrible case that they had to handle, and Niamh is struggling to manage things by herself - particularly since everything is made much more difficult by a peculiarly annoying colleague with whom she is now stuck.
This is, in many ways a chilling story. As the investigation progresses layers are peeled away, and the same layered approach can be seen reflected in the subtlety of the storytelling. All in all, worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
An au pair disappears from a safe, secure suburban neighbourhood, leaving only a small child who can be considered as a witness to the events that have transpired. When her murder is quickly followed up with a second such case, the police team realises that this is going to be a tough one to crack.
Luckily, there is a crack team on the job (pun intended). Except that things are not straightforward because Laura is still recovering from the last terrible case that they had to handle, and Niamh is struggling to manage things by herself - particularly since everything is made much more difficult by a peculiarly annoying colleague with whom she is now stuck.
This is, in many ways a chilling story. As the investigation progresses layers are peeled away, and the same layered approach can be seen reflected in the subtlety of the storytelling. All in all, worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2023
When they see me by Gill Perdue is the 2nd book in the Shaw and Darmody series and you can read it as a standalone, as I have not read the first book in the series.
When a body turns up of a Spanish Au pair Mia Ruiz and the only witness is the little girl she was looking after. Dublin based Niamh Darmody and Senan McCarthy is on the case to investigate.
Laura Shaw however, after the birth of her baby and the last case. Maybe not ready to be fit for work and wonders if she is better of following her partner instead and head to New York.
The story is told in Laura and Niamh point of view. And the author does a great job of depicting the role of a struggling mother. And Niamh and the difficulties surrounding the creepy case of a killer who has mummy issues.
I found the story intense and compelling, but I found the back story on the killer with the problems with his mother a bit overwhelming. For me personally I thought it just went on a bit too much and kind of spoilt the rest of the storyline. But I did love the conclusion to this story. 3.5 stars from me.
When a body turns up of a Spanish Au pair Mia Ruiz and the only witness is the little girl she was looking after. Dublin based Niamh Darmody and Senan McCarthy is on the case to investigate.
Laura Shaw however, after the birth of her baby and the last case. Maybe not ready to be fit for work and wonders if she is better of following her partner instead and head to New York.
The story is told in Laura and Niamh point of view. And the author does a great job of depicting the role of a struggling mother. And Niamh and the difficulties surrounding the creepy case of a killer who has mummy issues.
I found the story intense and compelling, but I found the back story on the killer with the problems with his mother a bit overwhelming. For me personally I thought it just went on a bit too much and kind of spoilt the rest of the storyline. But I did love the conclusion to this story. 3.5 stars from me.
January 5, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! What a brilliant book. Definitely deserves a 5 star review- in fact deserves an even higher score.
The only disappointment was being finished! I must read more from this author, Gill Perdue!!
The setting was Dublin. I really enjoyed the police procedural process of investigation.
The plot is creative and comprises of three main threads that come together as the tension explodes in a most satisfying finale!
Two of the threads are told by two female police detectives! Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody. The have their own life complications to cope with as well as murder investigations. I could definitely relate to the huge pressures in bringing up two children and being married. Not to mention working!
The third thread helps the creative plot to evolve at a smooth pace. It highlights the perspective of a serial killer. I do wonder how the author managed that!
First class entertainment - surely a TV series in the making! Surely!!
#netgalley #WhenTheySeeMe @GillPerdue
The only disappointment was being finished! I must read more from this author, Gill Perdue!!
The setting was Dublin. I really enjoyed the police procedural process of investigation.
The plot is creative and comprises of three main threads that come together as the tension explodes in a most satisfying finale!
Two of the threads are told by two female police detectives! Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody. The have their own life complications to cope with as well as murder investigations. I could definitely relate to the huge pressures in bringing up two children and being married. Not to mention working!
The third thread helps the creative plot to evolve at a smooth pace. It highlights the perspective of a serial killer. I do wonder how the author managed that!
First class entertainment - surely a TV series in the making! Surely!!
#netgalley #WhenTheySeeMe @GillPerdue
January 3, 2024
This is my first read by author Gill Perdue and I enjoyed it. This is in a series and is book 2, I think you can read this perfectly fine without having read book 1, as I did.
I really enjoyed the characters in When They See Me, the story is told from two detectives Niamh and Laura. They are thrust upon a case again after a previous case that was all consuming. We also learn about the culprit, which is eerie and captivating.
The women are on the case of a missing au pair, no witnesses, except a 2 year old and they have to piece together who and why someone would target her.
I found this novel easy to read and enjoyable throughout. If you love a good phycological thriller then this is a book for you. I will be reading book 1 and hoping book 3 is on its way soon.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gill Perdue and the publishers for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the characters in When They See Me, the story is told from two detectives Niamh and Laura. They are thrust upon a case again after a previous case that was all consuming. We also learn about the culprit, which is eerie and captivating.
The women are on the case of a missing au pair, no witnesses, except a 2 year old and they have to piece together who and why someone would target her.
I found this novel easy to read and enjoyable throughout. If you love a good phycological thriller then this is a book for you. I will be reading book 1 and hoping book 3 is on its way soon.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gill Perdue and the publishers for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2025
This book is the sequel to "The interview" (now retitled to "If I tell"). It follows detectives Laura Shaw & Niamh Darmody as they try to solve the case of a serial killer but their only witness is a toddler. At the end of each chapter there's an excerpt from the killers pov which traces his evolution from his past to present, we learn how he started killing & how his mind works, but we don't learn his identity until we reach towards the end of the book. The suspense was killing me and kept me hooked.
This book was very different to the first book, in tome and structure, but I absolutely loved it. It was like reading an episode of law & order SVU, gripping & intense.
This book was very different to the first book, in tome and structure, but I absolutely loved it. It was like reading an episode of law & order SVU, gripping & intense.
January 24, 2024
Loads of twists a book you can`t put down
A creepy killer with a mother fetish trying to recreate the feeling he had with his mother before she died.
Detective Niamh Darmondy is on the case hoping her partner Laura Shaw will return from maternity leave to help but Laura has two small children and is finding it difficult to decide what to do and her last case left her with lasting problems.
The POV of the killer was a bit to long and repetitive.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
A creepy killer with a mother fetish trying to recreate the feeling he had with his mother before she died.
Detective Niamh Darmondy is on the case hoping her partner Laura Shaw will return from maternity leave to help but Laura has two small children and is finding it difficult to decide what to do and her last case left her with lasting problems.
The POV of the killer was a bit to long and repetitive.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
August 19, 2023
I liked this. I liked the backgrounds given in to the main detectives as part of the story. I assume there will be more books to come in the series so that background will be useful to know. The killer was creepy and sinister, with many of the first person parts from him making me shudder! I would read more by this author.
February 19, 2024
Having read Book 1 of the series, I was delighted to catch up with Laura and Niamh again. I really enjoyed delving further into their characters and lives and relationship with each other. I think I even preferred this book to the first one although book 1 was great too. Niamh came into her own and was so real and funny. The writing is excellent and that's what makes this book stand out from other crime novels for me. There were so many moments and passages throughout that I felt hit home.
September 28, 2025
It's interesting picking up a book and recognising the areas that the author has used, with the exception of the fictional place Clonchapel. I ordered this from the library and read it shortly after the first book in this series. The book is good but there are definitely parts which assume you have read the first one, an editor should have picked that up
November 27, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd in series.
Really enjoyed getting to know Laura and Niamh in more depth and loved the pace and content. Kept the pages turning. I’ll miss them all I’ll the next one .
Really enjoyed getting to know Laura and Niamh in more depth and loved the pace and content. Kept the pages turning. I’ll miss them all I’ll the next one .
October 6, 2025
Gripping
December 21, 2023
'When they see me, It's too late' by Gill Perdue
If you enjoyed the first in this series 'The Interview', you won't be disappointed with this one! Detectives Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody are back working together to track a very creepy serial killer with a serious mummy complex 🤢I found the detectives themselves more interesting than the crime plot. Perdue did an excellent job of portraying Laura's struggles to balance being a mother and having a full time job. She made had some interesting points about feminism and it wasn't patronising but written with compassion.
I also loved the story about Niamh and her partner Amber, really absorbing and Niamh is a very well written character who feels very authentic. Seeing her struggle with her relationship and self esteem was a very high point of the novel for me.
I am a bit sick of reading the POV of serial killers and I did feel this got very repetitive in places. She could have made the point without labouring it so much.
Overall, enjoyed reading this and love that it's set in Dublin and that they use Irish colloquialisms etc! Thanks @netgalley for the ARC!
4*
If you enjoyed the first in this series 'The Interview', you won't be disappointed with this one! Detectives Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody are back working together to track a very creepy serial killer with a serious mummy complex 🤢I found the detectives themselves more interesting than the crime plot. Perdue did an excellent job of portraying Laura's struggles to balance being a mother and having a full time job. She made had some interesting points about feminism and it wasn't patronising but written with compassion.
I also loved the story about Niamh and her partner Amber, really absorbing and Niamh is a very well written character who feels very authentic. Seeing her struggle with her relationship and self esteem was a very high point of the novel for me.
I am a bit sick of reading the POV of serial killers and I did feel this got very repetitive in places. She could have made the point without labouring it so much.
Overall, enjoyed reading this and love that it's set in Dublin and that they use Irish colloquialisms etc! Thanks @netgalley for the ARC!
4*
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