Perfecte Wraak

D.I. Callanach #7

by Helen Sarah Fields, Yolande Ligterink (translator)

Perfecte wraak is het zevende en nieuwste deel in de spannende Inspecteur Callanach-serie van Helen Fields ‘Wie de reeks nog niet kent, moet daar heel snel verandering in brengen.’ – VN Detective & Thrillergids

Edinburgh is in de greep van de grootste dreiging tot nog toe: een ogenschijnlijk zelfstandig opererende crimineel die met ingenieuze bommen aanslagen pleegt. Op meerdere plekken in de stad vallen slachtoffers, niemand lijkt veilig. Ava Turner en Luc Callanach zijn er inmiddels aan gewend om op dagelijkse basis met de dood om te gaan. Maar dan wordt duidelijk dat elke bom bedoeld is als een valstrik voor hen en dat de aanslagpleger het dus op hen gemunt heeft. De kans dat ze zelf zullen omkomen wordt steeds groter. Het dodental loopt verder op en de werkwijze van de dader wordt almaar gruwelijker. Luc en Ava moeten ontdekken wie de aanslagen pleegt, voordat ze zelf slachtoffer worden…

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery, Ebooks, Detective

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2022

About the author

Writes crime, mystery and thrillers. Loves historical fiction. Big horror fan. Goes back to one classic novel each month, to save her soul.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Luc Callenach and DCI Ava Turner #7.

DCI Ava Turner attends a funeral of a good friend, she’s dazed, angry and full of grief but informs Death that it hasn’t won and she will exact revenge no matter the cost. This is the start of an adrenaline fuelled, high octane investigation with fury unleashed on many people including the Edinburgh based MIT team led by DCS Overbeck placing them all in terrible danger. The race is in to find the source and cause of the cruel mayhem. Interspersed with the horror of the investigation is a back story that contrasts sharply with the terror being witnessed and which is absolutely heartbreaking and poignant. I’m keeping things as vague as possible as this one is best entered blind for maximum impact.

I have loved the series since Book One but in this Helen Fields is on fire, it really is a strap yourself ride into shock city. Talk about unleash all your creative juices in this latest instalment, it’s a no holds barred journey into anguish, fear, sadness and pain. The pace isn’t just fast it’s almost warp speed. What transpires makes for incredible reading, I literally gasp in a few places as it’s such an unexpected punch to the gut. The plot has everything from despair to danger and inconceivable violence that seems to defy explanation. I love this police team who feel so familiar now with all their likeable flaws and I’m still just a tad in love with Luc. There are such great vibes between Luc and Ava and I also enjoy the tense standoff between Ava and Overbeck. I do figure some of it out but not all by any means and as for the ending …. can you hear me shouting from here Ms Fields???? I trust you won’t keep your fans hanging too long.

Overall, if you want a jaw dropping, fast paced, tension as taut as piano wire read with excellent characters, a rollercoaster plot that has so many twists it’s dizzying and dazzling then this is for you. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the other six books (they are good though!) as this one is just begging to be read.

With thanks to Netgalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Helga · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

It's always a pleasure to read a Helen Fields book. I know it's going to be great.
In this seventh book and hopefully not the last in the series, we have two storylines. One, before the crimes are committed and the other after the murders, which focuses on the investigations.
If you like police procedurals with a fair amount of twists, I recommend you read the series from the beginning. That said, you can read the book as a stand-alone.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this electrifying, gripping police procedural/psychological thriller. I have read four of Helen Field's books and found them exciting and engrossing. One For Sorrow surpassed her previous excellent mysteries with its shocking twists and revelations. Its jaw-dropping surprises made it difficult to put down and kept me engaged throughout. The conclusion was grim and shattering, and hope to see it addressed in a future book.

This is the 7th book in the DI Luc Callanach series. He worked for Interpol in the past and was based in France. He returned to Scotland after his reputation was ruined by a false accusation. He now works alongside DCI Ava Turner in the Major Investigation Team based in Edinburgh. Both are dedicated detectives, supportive of each other in their investigations, and empathetic with crime victims. Ava is suffering both emotionally and physically from the impact of the newest crimes. This impedes any personal relationship with Luc from progressing to the next level.

A fiendish, crazed serial killer is placing victims on display in a most bizarre manner. It becomes horrifyingly evident that this is a plot to kill first responders who attend to the victims by setting up mass bombings. Numerous paramedics and police, bomb experts have been injured or killed by hidden explosive devices. Ava and Luc realize that their lives and the lives of many others are in jeopardy when trying to save the next victims. The city is terrorized.

Interspersed with this complex and difficult police investigation is the story of a naive young woman, Quinn. She had been in a relationship with a boyfriend who became manipulative and controlling. When she realized her supportive, loving family was correct in predicting that the relationship was an unhealthy one, she broke up with him. From this point, he becomes obsessive, stalking her, and worse. Her story adds a frightening and emotional element that is integral to the plot.

The detective team strongly believes that they know the identity of the bomber, but are they correct in their theory? They need more evidence to make an arrest. The twists and discoveries are shocking, and its conclusion completely unforeseen. Recommended for readers who enjoy a complicated thriller with compelling characters and plenty of surprises.

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Harper 360, Helen Fields and Netgalley.
I was freaking glued to these pages! I really did enjoy the heck out of this book!
But, then came the ending.
It just somehow managed to break my heart.
Fantastic story with a heartbreaking end.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

5 horrified stars!

I’d like to leave it there but I guess I should say a bit more about the book. It was gut wrenching! It starts with the most bizarre death of DCI Ava Turner’s dear friend, pathologist Ailsa Lambert. And then it goes on a rampage of murder and violence. Edinburgh is in the grip of a deadly bomber who is always one step ahead of the police. He seems to be targeting his attacks on first responders (police, paramedics and firemen) while the public at large seems to be relatively safe.

The bomber sets up elaborate traps that no one can predict. It’s brutal and filled with jaw dropping moments. And he makes it quite clear that there is more to come. The police are at a complete loss to make sense of this series of crimes.

Interspersed with the mayhem we get the back story of a young woman who falls for the wrong guy and he makes her life hell with his stalking. You might wonder how these plot threads are related but things are not as they seem. I don’t want to say any more as I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. It is, however, very violent and indescribably sad so if you are sensitive bear that in mind. The story ends, I hope, on a cliff hanger as I’m not sure I could bear the alternative! This is book 7 of the author’s Luc Callanach series and it is one of the best crime thriller series out there. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[CarolG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, #7 in the DI Luc Callanach series, is intense and gruesome from the start although Ava Turner actually plays a more major role than Luc Callanach in this one. Talk about high octane! Incidents occur one after the other resulting in death and injury. In the background another story from "before" is developing with young Quinn McTavish and Liam Cook at its centre. This book had all the feels for me but be aware that more than likely there are also triggers for some readers.

Ava Turner and her team, including Luc Callanach, are overwhelmed by the number of deaths and injuries caused by random bombings with seemingly no connection to each other. Many first responders are included in the casualties. The characters in this series are vividly portrayed and the Edinburgh locale is very realistic as far as I can tell. The writing flows smoothly and the book is very well written. This one could probably be read as a stand-alone but I recommend the whole series. All the other books in this series have the word "Perfect" in their title so I'm wondering if the author intends for the series to branch out. I've read all the books in this series and they're just extraordinary. The version of the book that I read also contains an excerpt from the author's new stand-alone "The Last Girl to Die" which I'll definitely be on the look-out for. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers at the end of a book and that's how this one ends. Having said that, there's no doubt that I'll read the next book no matter what so I guess it doesn't really matter!

My deepest appreciation to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Publication Date: March 3, 2022

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Helen Fields, and Avon Books UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Helen Fields returns with another great police procedural that pulls the reader into the middle of a chilling investigation with horrible outcomes. No one is safe and many characters in the series find themselves inadvertently in the crosshairs. After a tragic crime leaves DCI Ava Turner gutted, she has a hard time moving on. However, Turner forced to keep working as she tries to locate a bomber who appears keen to kill as many as possible with highly devastating weaponry. DCI Turner and her right-hand man, DI Luc Callanach, will have to crack the code before it’s too late, or face more bodies. Fields does a masterful job at pulling the reader into this fast paced thriller.

DCI Ava Turner has always considered herself one who can separate work from personal life, no matter how closely run. However, when a bomb explodes in the morgue and the chief pathologist is killed, DCI Turner has second thoughts. A life-long friend is dead and the bomb used was embedded inside a corpse ready for autopsy. When the call comes in to Police Scotland about another bomb set to go off, it’s a race to the scene.

While Turner and DI Luc Callanach prepare to handle the situation, a bomb inside a pregnant woman explodes, killing many of the emergency attendants in the area, including one of Turner’s team. This only spirals her deeper into despair with no leads to work the case and superiors ready to send her packing.

In a flashback sequence, a young woman begins a relationship with an elusive man, one who has been able to sweep her off her feet. When a video emerges to show that she was raped, an event she does not remember, things take a turn and the suspect goes on the defensive. With little hard evidence to tie him to the assault, he walks free, but there is a great deal of animosity towards Liam Cook.

As the bombings continue, DI Callanach tries to get inside the murderer’s head to see what they might use as motivation to commit these acts. It’s a dark and sinister pathway, one that is filled with twists. However, the truth is out there, with an explosive (pardon the pun) ending that ties it all together. Helen Fields has done so well with this series, keeping fans on the edge of their seat!

Helen Fields created this series with a great spin on it, using DI Luc Callanach to offset the typical Scottish flavour of the police procedural. She’s been able to effectively work through a number of issues, using the Scottish Frenchman effectively while pairing him alongside DCI Ava Turner, a one-time equal who has risen the ranks. The story turns more towards Turner and her personal angst with what is going on, while layering two time periods and crimes that are seemingly unrelated. With great plot building and decent characters that series fans have come to enjoy, Fields keeps the reader enthused and entertained without hesitation.

While much of the series has worked through the relationship, professional and personal, that DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach have forged, it takes a backburner to some of the inner struggles that these murders have created. DCI Turner has been personally impacted by the bombings and is trying to piece her lifer together because of it, making little headway. Her issues are compounded when she has to function and lead, as well as keep her personal life in balance,. DI Callanach does play a role in this one, though it appears to be more secondary, at least for most of the novel. Still, there is something series fans will enjoy, should they pay close attention to what Fields is offering.

While police procedurals are plentiful, the genre is always looking for a unique take or interpretation. Fields has used Luc Callanach as her niche, embedding his French upbringing into every situation. Fields has tackled many topics within the book, using her narrative to push the story along effectively. The plots, while seemingly independent, have some threads left hanging for the reader to tie off, though it may take some attentive reading to do so. The two timelines work well in this piece, allowing the reader to appear as though there are two sets of crimes taking place throughout. While Fields has presented some great standalone thrillers, this series is where she blossoms and I cannot wait to see what’s next and how it will work with a broken and troubled DCI Turner!

Kudos, Madam Fields, for another series success! I hope others find it as exciting as I have.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfecte wraak is het zevende deel in de serie rond Ava Turner en Luc Callanach. De voorgaande boeken verslond ik als zoete broodjes en ook bij dit 7e deel behaalde ik in een recordtijd de eindmeet. Het boek handelt nochtans over een thema dat ik normaal minder graag lees: bommen en de link naar terrorisme die onvermijdelijk meteen gelegd wordt.

In het boek hebben we twee verhalen die elkaar afwisselen. Het stuk dat gaat over de bommenlegger en anderzijds het verhaal van Quinn en Liam. Het is aanvankelijk onduidelijk wat de twee verhalen met elkaar te maken hebben, maar dat wordt uiteraard wel duidelijk naarmate de laatste hoofdstukken eraan komen.

Het verhaal is sterk opgebouwd en naarmate er meer verhalen komen in deze reeks, hoe beter ik ze vindt. Het thema dat mij dus aanvankelijk niet echt zou liggen, werd er eentje waar ik met spanning de volgende pagina voor omdraaide en niet meer kon stoppen met lezen. Er is heel wat gruwel in dit boek zowel fysiek als emotioneel.

Maar wat er echt hartverscheurend is, is het einde. Laat ons hopen dat Helen Fields ons dit niet aandoet en snel met duidelijkheid komt met een 8e deel! Voor perfecte wraak geef ik een dik verdiende 5 sterren!
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the DI Callanach series by author Helen Fields. This is an excellent series that features a former member of Interpol, Luc Callanah who is now working for the Major Investigations Team of Police Scotland, based in Edinburgh. I really enjoy this series which has great characters, interesting plots and always a page turner. This latest book is again written at a very high standard and is sure to please readers of the series.

A lone bomber is spreading terror across Edinburgh as he targets victims and no one is safe. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach face death everyday in their chosen careers and not just the deaths of the people being taken hostage by the killer. It becomes apparent that with every tip-off they are walking into a trap designed to kill them too, It becomes a race against time to stop the bomber before he causes any more deaths with Ava and Luc facing the ultimate price. All the time the dead body count is rising as the police seek to find the bomber.

This is a real page turner with twists and turs and plenty of action. The tension rises to the very end of the novel.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Mohamed Dawood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wonder why "Perfect" was not prefixed when it comes in a series.
If i get a chance to complete a book in one night, only 2 authors come to my mind, one Chris carter and another definitely Helen Fields. A mind blowing author.
Story starting from graveyard just resembles similar to The shadow man, but it picks up the pace from chapter 2, with continues chase why the blast and who is the murderer.
Is it a Psychopath serial killer that Scotland police in search of a serial bomb blast, even though I found who is the killer before the end of few chapter, the pain that the person gone through is really a sorrow.
Overall it's fantastic as usual in Perfect Series. Some one should come front to adapt it for a web series.

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by the talented Helen Fields. I love this series. The characters are so well drawn, you feel like you know them personally as they chase down the killer committing the most horrifying acts. This book will bring you into the heart of a gut wrenching murder investigation and refuse to let you go. Don't pick up this book before bed time because you'll be reading until dawn.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting; cliff hanger for series followers

Edinburg is under attack by a lone bomber who sets off explosions at random (or not). DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach have no clues to work with even as bodies pile up. Every tip-off by the mysterious caller pulls them further into his trap. He knows everything. They seem to know nothing. The only way to stop the killer is to find the truth. But what price do they have to pay for it?
The blurb is super small because any more details would mean spoiling the fun. This is my first book by the author (and the first in the series). Since I don’t know the characters from start, my review will focus on the plot instead of interpersonal relationships.

• Despite being 400 pages (the last 5% is for promotional material), the book reads very fast. There’s enough action to keep us glued to the pages.

• A few personal scenes are interspersed to continue the personal subplot and to give some breathing space to the readers.

• There’s a second timeline where the chapters are mentioned ‘before’. It starts as an independent track, but by 45%, we know how the tracks will merge.

• The second half of the book is where readers know more than the main characters and want to see how things unfold. (Needless to say, I started guessing around the same time and got it right).

• The forensic and criminal profiling scenes are my favorite. I love them when done well (I have a special love for forensics).

• There are plenty of characters but no confusion. That’s probably because I assumed that the ones from the force are recurring characters.

• One thing I found odd is the language and dialogues. Except for the places, the book doesn’t say Scottish thriller. It seemed more like something from the UK. Maybe Edinburg is that way (I wouldn’t know).

• The main plot ends with no loose ends (though one point is left for us to assume). The pace slows downs towards the end as the revelation is followed by introspection and some progress in the subplot.

• There is a cliffhanger, yes. Quite a brutal one (for those invested in the series), but I’m okay with it. My involvement is limited to the case. I’ll read the previous and next ones in the series, though.

To sum up, One for Sorrow is a good police procedural dealing with important social themes and manages to keep me hooked almost throughout.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper 360, and Avon, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#OneforSorrow #NetGalley

*****

TW: Stalking, obsession, drugged rape, child death.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI Ava Callanach #7

One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret soon to be told.

DI Ava Callanach is grieving the loss of her friend, pathologist Dr Alisa Lambert who had been horrifically murdered in a targeted attack in her laboratory. News comes in about another threat to life on the streets of Edinburgh. The story has a dual timeline and they are seamlessly woven together as the story moves along. You will have mixed feelings while reading this engaging plotline. The twists come at us fast and furious. The ending has left me wanting to read the next book now!

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #HelenFields for my ARC of #OneForSorrow in exchange for an honest review,

[Jennifer Oslowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first by this author and it was SO good!!! Being that it is number 7 in a series, I am going back and looking up all the others now. That ending though?? WHY Helen Fields, why? I felt emotion from this book and actually almost cried, not a normal for me. I am definitely invested in the next book with that cliffhanger! 5 stars!

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

One For Sorrow is the seventh book in what is referred to as the DI Luc Callanach series set in Edinburgh, but the main protagonist here is DCI Ava Turner with Luc in a supporting role. I’ve read the last couple but they all work fine as stand-alones. I moved this up my ARC queue because every time I saw the title on my reading list, I’d get the poppy song of the same name by British 90s band Steps in my head and it’s been driving me crazy. I had forgotten how dark and twisted this author’s books are, or I might’ve delayed it, and this one was equally grim yet compelling, with a high body count.

Ava is grieving the loss of a dear colleague and friend, who was murdered at work in a particularly horrible way, when the team are called to another major incident, which ends very badly for the emergency services. A bomber is wreaking havoc on the city and is always one step ahead of the police. How do they connect to an earnest young woman embarking on her first relationship?

I feel this could do with a bunch of trigger warnings, but to do so would involve significant plot spoilers, so let’s just say that it should appeal to those who like their crime fiction tense, gory and bleak, and be avoided if you’re feeling sensitive or sad. I guessed roughly what was going on quite early but was tripped up a couple of times on the who and how. It ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger - Ms Fields is as cruel to her characters as GRR Martin - I’m undecided whether I want to continue the series - they’re great but I’m losing my taste for this much darkness - but probably will need to know what happens next!

My main criticism here is with the dialogue - it’s set in Scotland but other than references to the Polis, nobody sounds remotely Scottish and the characters all speak the Queen’s English - even Luc who is supposed to have a strong French accent. I’m not saying it has to be all “Ach hen” and “Sacré Bleu” and I know Edinburgh is quite English - I lived there for ten years - but some variation in the voices and local colloquialisms would flesh out the characters and make them more realistic. I also got a bit bored with Ava’s angst and the weird dynamic with Natasha. On the plus side, the hilarious Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man makes a significant cameo appearance.

Overall this was a gripping well-plotted police procedural with some clever twists so fans of the series will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC; I am posting this honest review voluntarily. One For Sorrow is published on March 3rd.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fields returns with the seventh book in the series and her writing remains as fresh as a (murdered, bloody) daisy. From the beginning, the narrative was fast-paced, compelling and intriguing. I could not stop reading until I had solved this horrific case with Ava and Luc.

My hands were sweating as I read this book, so caught up in the plot development. It’s a racy, pacey narrative that I think is the most intense of the series yet. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, understanding the connection between Ava and Luc, plus the rest of her supporting squad, can only really be gained from reading the previous books. However, you won’t be disappointed: even after seven books, each novel remains different from one another.

I think Fields’ writing goes from strength to strength. The opening chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book and I felt like was racing with Ava and Luc to discover the perpetrator before more innocent lives were lost. In contrast to previous books, this one did not feature as much banter and light-heartedness between the officers; I think this is a reflection of the gravity of crimes that are haunting the people of Edinburgh.

The narrative switches between investigating the bombings to a timeline marked ambiguously as ‘Before’. Unlike many crime stories, we don’t truly find out the perpetrator until the police start making progress. There is no switch to the perpetrator’s perspective and this adds to the intensity of the story. Even then, I could not help but make my own predictions in a desperate attempt to assist Ava and Luc.

A book that held many surprises along the way, this was an intense, emotional thriller from start to finish. The ending was completely unexpected and I think the writer was a little naughty in how the story concluded: how am I supposed to wait until goodness knows when for the next book to be released?! Fans will be appreciative that there is still more to come for Luc and Ava.

Easily one of my favourite reads this year (and it is only February!), this is an author who I highly regard and I am completely fan-girling with excitement for Fields’ next novel. Bring it on!

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me so I hadn't read any in the series so far. In terms of reading as a standalone, I think it can be read as an isolated book. But let me tell you, if this book is a guide, I'm off to preorder the rest of the series!
This is a BELTER. The opening scene was outstanding and will stay with me for a while. As will that ending. I gasped, shook my head in disbelief, and whimpered. Actually WHIMPERED.
This was a fantastically fast paced thriller which blew my mind at times, in awe at Fields' imagination.
The only flaw I had was with the amount of sub-plots to keep track of, and the characters I hadn't read about in previous books. I felt like the author crammed a LOT of ideas into this one, and perhaps could have been saved for a different book. But I would much rather a book have too much content than not enough.

[Val (pagespoursandpups) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The tension and anticipation of trouble in this book is so high throughout to the very last page. Talk about a cliffhanger ending - this one leaves you with your jaw hanging open.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series (although it’s #7). It was fine as a stand-alone, but I could see how a deeper understanding of the personal and work relationships would be beneficial. The main character, DCI Ava Turner, is a strong female character which always makes me happy. She finds herself thrown into an investigation of a serial bomber in this book. The actions and the investigation were so smart. The chapters where not in linear order and focused on different characters, but rather than being confusing, it allowed the reader to see how the pieces intersected. The story was action-packed and gripping. As soon as you thought the action was dying down, it flared back up.

I had ideas on who might be behind the attacks, but I was never able to pin down one suspect. The twists, intensity and race against time had me unable to put this book down for long. This is much more than a police procedural as there were definitely psychological thriller elements too. The creepiness factor for one of the characters was so good! I loved this line:

“ Not that he had anything planned. Not that he would enter, even if he found it unlocked. Just to see. To smell her in the air.”

I thought this book was excellent and I will definitely be reading more of this series and author! Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advance copy to read and review.

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Riveting from start to finish*

This is the seventh and final book in the Di Callanach series. In my opinion, it’s the best one yet. From beginning to end, it kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting it to end while also savouring the last book. I know it’s been a while since this book, but I feel there’s still another one to come.

Throughout the book, I experienced a range of emotions, including despair, devastation, and heartbreak. It also demonstrated the devastating consequences of when the justice system fails and complete carnage ensues.

The book begins with the horrific death of a beloved character, who was simply doing her job and was also a mother figure to one after a promise was made.

We then meet a young man who takes a shine to a young girl. She quickly realises that he’s not who he seems and dumps him. However, he doesn’t go quietly and begins to stalk and act like the model citizen.

A chance encounter in a store (he’s been watching her) leads him to do something heinous, and he continues to act like it’s all in her head. When he makes a threat, the police are called, but to no avail. He seems to have everything covered. She’s not believed, and he continues to obsess and stalk her very subtly so not to be discovered.

The weight of not being believed pushes her over the edge, but what happens next sets the stage for someone taking matters into their own hands.

Deaths in Edinburgh by bombing targeting specific people push DCI Ava Turner and Di Callanach and their team to the brink. Not only are people dying, but some of their own are dropping like flies.

With the body count rising, will there ever be a way to stop the bomber and find the connection in time?

Just when they think it’s all wrapped up, someone else is hiding in plain sight to carry out one final act. Who will be left standing? I absolutely need more of this series.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE FOR SORROW is the seventh book in the DI Callanach series. I liked it — not because of the ending, which I was expecting before I even started reading it, because some reviewers kind of gave it away (without actually stating anything resembling a spoiler). I liked this novel because the “secondary” narrative was excellent — a narrative describing the psychological effects of a stalker on a normal family. As mentioned previously, this author is excellent at describing how psychos think, and the effects on their victims, and this is what the story is about, although one might not realize it until the ending.

…driving victims “crazed but not crazy”…

On the surface, the book is about a mad bomber who is killing first responders, including a couple of members of DCI Ava Turner’s team. It does contain author Helen Fields’ trademark twists and turns — even darker and more shocking than usual — but it doesn’t, for once, feel over-the-top outrageous.

I am giving this one five stars, with one caveat. Helen Fields still isn’t a great writer. A great plotter, yes, but she lacks the writing skills that make an author outstanding. This was made clear to me because immediately after finishing ONE FOR SORROW, I started reading a book by an author who had outstanding writing skills, and the difference between that book and the Helen Fields’ books I have been reading was conspicuous.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

« Perfecte wraak - Helen Fields »
💣💣💣💣💣♾️

Ik geef dit boek ♾️ veel sterren, punten, bommen, whatever!
Wauw! 😨
Het beste boek… van de reeks, van deze maand, van dit jaar, van de afgelopen jaren, … gewoon het allerallerallerbeste boek! ❤️
Dit is niet normaal meer! Ik ben fan, ik ben verliefd… op Ava, op Luc, op Natasha, op Lively, op iedereen, maar vooral op Helen! 😍
Ze doet het weer! 👍🏻
En dan…
DAT
EINDE
!?
WAT?! 🫣😨😨😨

[Silvie Klokgieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edinburgh is in de greep van de grootste dreiging tot nog toe: een ogenschijnlijk zelfstandig opererende crimineel die met ingenieuze bommen aanslagen pleegt. Op meerdere plekken in de stad vallen slachtoffers, niemand lijkt veilig. Ava Turner en Luc Callanach zijn er inmiddels aan gewend om op dagelijkse basis met de dood om te gaan.

Maar dan wordt duidelijk dat elke bom bedoeld is als een valstrik voor hen en dat de aanslagpleger het dus op hen gemunt heeft. De kans dat ze zelf zullen omkomen wordt steeds groter. Het dodental loopt verder op en de werkwijze van de dader wordt almaar gruwelijker. Luc en Ava moeten ontdekken wie de aanslagen pleegt, voordat ze zelf slachtoffer worden…

Wow! Wat was dit weer een enorm goed verhaal, vergeleken met het vorige deel. Ik ben weer helemaal enthousiast geworden.

In 'Perfecte wraak' zijn er twee verhaallijnen. Zo lees je over Ava en Luc die een seriemoordenaar proberen tegen te houden. De moorden zijn echt gruwelijk en er vallen erg veel slachtoffers. Het lijkt erop dat de dader ook hen achterna zit. En dan heb je nog een verhaallijn over Quinn en Liam. Dit tweetal wordt verliefd op elkaar, maar is het wel allemaal zo perfect?

Ik vroeg mij af wat deze twee verhaallijnen met elkaar gemeen hadden, maar dit wordt uiteindelijk allemaal duidelijk en ik moet zeggen dat het plot erg verrassend was. Je denkt te weten hoe het zit, maar... klopt dat?

Hoe deze moordenaar de moorden allemaal heeft gepland is echt 'wow'. 'Perfecte wraak' is ontzettend spannend, heftig én ontroerend en dat einde... poe poe! Ik moest het allemaal dan ook even laten bezinken. Helen Fields, bedankt voor dit geweldige verhaal!

Beoordeling 4,5 ⭐️ (en ik neig zelfs naar vijf sterren)

[Gail C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a police procedural, not just a psychological thriller, not just a few twists and turns, but all that combined and then put on steroids. That’s the best description I have for One for Sorrow by Helen Fields. This may be the most intense book I’ve ever read, and certainly is the most intense one I’ve read in the recent past. Not only is there good, solid police work shown being completed, complete with personality clashes and departmental divides, the psychological tension is enormous; and that’s before you get to the twist that turns the whole thing on its edge.

The beginning of the book establishes two important storylines. Initially there is the police procedural storyline, which starts with a painful view of the coroner's death, captured on tape and being viewed by DCI Ava Turner. If you don’t like violent details, you may want to stop here, because this is just the beginning. DCI Turner is immediately drawn into battle with her superior officer over whether or not she will run the case, a discussion that gets cut short with an urgent call into headquarters requiring available resources to assemble at the scene. The police work and the graphic violence are part and parcel throughout this storyline of the book.

The second part is woven throughout the police procedural and tells the story of a young man who becomes obsessed with a young woman he meets at her place of employment. They begin a slowly developing romance, which feels disconnected from the other part of the book. Thus begins the reader’s introduction into the psychological thriller that awaits them in between periods of policework.At this point the reader either makes a leap of faith based on other information about where this portion of the story is going, or continues to read, perhaps with a suspicion of how the two stories fit together, and hoping they are wrong.

Throughout the book there are revelations about characters, some of whom are familiar to readers of Fields' other books. These characters are well developed and so succinctly drawn the reader may see them in their mind’s eye or even in unknown strangers they pass on the street. They are distinct, and crisp in their presentation.

It would be a major spoiler to discuss the twists and surprises that exist within this novel, which I choose not to do. I would not want to lessen in even a tiny amount the reader’s enjoyment of the book and the revelations to come. I will say, while some of these turns may be expected and some readers may be braced for the turn, there are at least one or two twists that will come out so unexpected that no reader will be expecting or preparing for them.

This is a stand-alone novel that features some characters who have been central in previous books Fields has written. To determine who, if anyone, will continue to a new book, or whether the series will continue in a different form or not, the reader will simply have to wait for the next book to be released.

Be prepared to sit up late into the night as you read, this is a hard book to put down. While it was a little difficult to get started, that may be because it begins with a gripping narrative that leaves you knowing this is not going to be an easy read. The only question left is how compelling it is going to be. My answer, about as compelling as they come.

I would like to thank Avon Books, UK for providing me with an advanced publication of this novel for review. For anyone who likes complex books, strong characters, gripping action, and people you can care for, this book is for you. This recommendation, along with the other recommendations and observations expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

One for Sorrow by Helen Fields is the 7th in the Detective Luc Callanach series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Luc Callanach is half French and half Scottish, living most of his life in France, and working for Interpol. A false rape allegation made by co-worker Astrid Borde, had him leave France, his job, his friends, his mother. He headed to Edinburgh to take command of a homicide team.  He has adjusted to the change, making friends with a colleague, newly appointed DCI Ava Taylor, her friend Natasha, and he finds an unlikely friend in a journalist.  He may never be close with DS Lively. Other team members are DS Max Tripp, DC Janet Monroe and DI Pax Graham.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A bomber is targeting the city, and seems to be concentrating his attacks so that most of the victims are law enforcement or first responders.  Each time a bomb is detonated, there are more deaths.

Ava feels that she is responsible for all the lives lost.  Between Natasha's cancer, and the death of another dear friend, Ava is struggling.  Then a member of her team is struck down.

It becomes evident that every time they are called out, they are putting their lives on the line.

In a side story, a young woman named Quinn meets an abusive man.


My Opinions:
These books are amazing.  They must be read in order,  so you can truly appreciate the backstory of each character.   Speaking of characters...I love the banter between Ava and Natasha...true friends!

The plots are great, and this one just grabbed me from the beginning, and did not let go.  It is definitely the best of the series!   As always, it has graphic details, and is a little gruesome, and Helen Fields does gruesome really well.

The book is about stalking, and about revenge.  It is also about love, and loss, and the grieving process.  In some ways the book is rather depressing.  The fact that stalking is such a hard crime to prove, and the results can be devastating to many people.  (Okay, this particular case of stalking may have been blown up just a little in this book -- pun intended).  So, yes, depressing, and I ended up feeling compassion for so many.  I was surprised at the characters we lost in this book.   It was an emotional ride!

The story is told from two angles.  One is the bombings, and one is about a young woman who falls for an abusive man.  It takes a long time for the two story lines to mesh....and then not quite as I expected.  Great twist!

Interesting that profiler Dr. Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man makes an appearance in this book.  I like when authors throw in a character from another book/series.

On a side note, I still haven't figured out why these are "Luc's" books, when Ava is often more involved than he is.

Again, I think this was the best so far, and of course, I highly recommend this series!



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and contact details, as well as a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Cisz Geverink - Strasters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfecte wraak (7) ~ Helen Fields
Ambo Anthos, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Onvoorwaardelijke liefde is de meest vernietigende kracht in het universum. Vroeg of laat gaan we er allemaal aan kapot." ~ p146.

Ik ga per deel meer van deze auteur houden, ook al heeft ze dit keer tijdens de laatste 50 bladzijde met haar blote handen mijn hart uit mijn borst getrokken. Ik heb gehuild... en stiekem zelfs wel 2 keer. Misschien wordt het tijd om toe te geven (kan ik dit echt?) dat Helen Fields mijn nummer 1 van de troon heeft gestoten met haar schrijven. Dit boek is weer zó enorm goed uitgewerkt. De psychische kant, de geschiedenis van alle personages, het samenkomen van alle puzzelstukjes, en het aller belangrijkst: de rode draad. Want je kan zeggen wat je wilt, we blijven lezen dankzij haar hoofdpersonages Ava en Luc natuurlijk. Als je denkt dat dat haar vorige boek, Perfecte Moord, al heftig was, maak je borst dan maar nat.... en over die cliffhanger ga ik het gewoon niet hebben. Nope. Ontkenningsfase, alles!!!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gasping … for … air! Seriously! I can’t breathe. What the fu…dge was that?!

I genuinely have so much adrenaline coursing through me right now that I’m pretty sure I can provide power to a small city. Holy … haggis! Goodness me, where to even begin.

‘One For Sorrow‘ is the seventh instalment in the Turner/Callanach series. In this one, Edinburgh is in the grips of a terrorist bomber. They seem to be telling a story somehow and the body count is rising fast. Every incident law enforcement and paramedics attend puts them right in the line of danger as they walk straight into a trap. DCI Turner and DI Callanach have to find a way to stop this bomber from striking again … but at what cost?

That’s it. I’m not telling you anything else. I will share these words of wisdom that were imparted to me when I started reading this book : prepare to be shooketh. And shooketh I was, dear reader. Right from the start, ‘One For Sorrow‘ grabs you by the throat and does not let go. The opening chapters … I can’t even … I suspect that’s what it feels like to be hit by a freight train. Twice.

From that point on, it’s all systems go. Just like the team investigating the bombings, I too felt like I didn’t get a moment to catch my breath or had any idea of what was around the corner. There is so much happening, there is so much to wrap your head around. Most of all there is an abundance of emotions to go through and quite frankly, I felt utterly wrung out by the end. My crime fiction isn’t supposed to leave me with a lump in my throat and on the verge of ugly crying, FFS.

Again, I don’t want to give anything away but throughout the story there are chapters dealing with “the before”. These got under my skin like you wouldn’t believe. They make for some uncomfortable reading and left me feeling incredibly angry. Unfortunately, they’re also utterly realistic and believable, and they will leave you raging against the injustice of it all. This is something Helen Fields always does so well in this series.

The shooketh level kept rising and rising as I swiped the pages faster and faster. I thought I knew what was going on but I was never really sure. ‘One For Sorrow‘ is a nail-biter for sure, deliciously twisty, incredibly tense, massively emotional and just when you think it’s safe to come out of hiding … well … you’ll just have to find out for yourself, won’t you. Honestly, I couldn’t decide if I needed a drink (or ten) or a run around the block. All shook up.

I can’t recommend this entire series enough and it is one I will never abandon. Helen Fields is a powerhouse in the crime fiction genre and you should all be reading her books. They may not always be for the faint-hearted but they often deal with themes that haunt modern society and the characters are just magnificent. Also, you know, if you need another incentive, Luc Callanach is dreamy.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days!!! No no no! When's the next book in the series coming out? Please let there be another book. I just can't! I'm shook! That was perfection! Helen Fields I bow to you! You are a genius!
Okay, I've calmed down a bit now but... that book is everything. The plot, the writing, the characters, it's perfection. I don't have enough words to express my love for it and for the whole series.
Just please please let there be more.
If you haven't read that series yet, please do yourself a favour and do. It's genius.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s how she ended this series ???????
PLEASE SAY WE WILL KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT??

This is by far my favorite book of the series and maybe of the year. The dual timelines, one of which is seamless told in a different time frame unfolded an intricate story. At one point I thought, “this isn’t nearly as gruesome as the other books” … and then it was … only this time? It was devastating with no descriptions necessary. Fields has a way for making you feel for each character and/or understand them.

My heart aches. For the loss and for the love and for not knowing what will happen next because I refuse to accept that this is not a cliffhanger ending …. !!!

(This novel was published in 2022).

[Nei_dienos_be_knygos · Rating 5 out of 5]

#perskaičiau
Helen Fields "Tobulas kerštas"

Kai tikėjau, kad tai PABAIGA... gavau šokiruojantį siužetą! 🤯

Būtent su tokiu nusiteikimu puoliau skaityti šią serijos dalį: gaudžiau kiekvieną detalę, tikėdamasi galutinio Avos ir Luko likimų sudėliojimo. Ir tikrai – autorė sukūrė pabaigą, kuri paliko tokį didelį „Oho“ efektą, kad visiškai patikėjau, jog tai finalas. Knygos pabaiga man labai patiko! 👏👏👏
Bet, ups... KURIOZAS! 🤭 Po poros dienų sužinojau, kad Fields mus pakišo – serija tęsiasi! Viskas, kas atrodė kaip uždarymas, virto įžanga į pabaigos pradžią. Teko iš naujo įvertinti šią knygą, džiaugiuosi, kad grįšime pas Avą ir Luką! ❤️

Kas labiausiai patiko "Tobulame keršte"?
NUSIKALTIMAI: Fields išmonė kuriant siužetus vėl pribloškia. Šioje knygoje motyvas buvo tikrai svarus ir tamsus, o nusikaltimai – itin negailestingi. 🩸
ĮTRAUKIMAS: Nors byla man atrodė kiek nuspėjama, puslapiai tiesiog ištirpo akyse, nes autorė meistriškai surezonavo nusikaltimus su motyvais. 📖
EMOCIJOS: Net jei tai ne finalas, asmeninė Avos ir Luko drama pasiekė aukščiausią tašką. Labai abejoju, kad įmanoma labiau suklaidinti 💔

„Tobulas kerštas“ yra dar vienas puikus Helen Fields trileris. Dabar belieka laukti tikrosios pabaigos pradžios. ⌛

Ar jau skaitei? Kaip tau „Oho“ efektas? 👇

[Emaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘May your days be filled with sunshine, your nights be filled with stars and your life be filled with laughter.’

‘Every time I think I’ve seen the most fucked up thing I’m ever going to see, someone goes one better,’ why is that so truee 😭😭

‘I told her that I had no intention of letting Ailsa’s killer face trial. No one who causes this much devastation has the right to a comfy cell, gym equipment, a TV and three square meals a day.’ As you rightfully should

‘All those soulless idiots who claim that cleaning is therapeutic forgot that a single hug equates to roughly fifty hours of ironing, forty hours of vacuuming and infinite toilet cleans.’

Which makes us a perfect match. We have no expectations of each other except to be kind and pick up the pieces as necessary. Marry me, Ava. You know me better than I ever wanted anyone to know me. I believe I know you as well as I know myself. No compromise required.’ 😍😍

‘You always make everything your fault. What’s new?’ Natasha asked.



Amazing series, 4.5 stars for all it could've been 5 stars if Helen Fields hadn't left a cliffhanger at the end with no hope of another book but overall all books were incredibly gripping and left you wanting more.