Fatal Secrets

Forrester Detective Agency Mystery #1

by Anita Waller

Nothing is more important than family . . .

Matt Forrester has followed in his dad’s footsteps, climbing the police ranks to become a DI. But when he receives an urgent call for help, Matt has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt’s not going to let this case go. It doesn’t help that his current boss is sleeping with his ex-wife.

Hermia Forrester didn’t follow her brother into the police force, instead she works in research at the university. But, she’s not going to let that stop her from helping her brother find out what happened to their dad.

But the siblings soon find themselves surrounded by more danger than they ever imagined. Can they both survive this case or will there be more of their family in the morgue?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, British Literature, Thriller, Crime, Family, Procedural

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2023

About the author

I live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twisty thriller. Another new author for me and I’m so pleased I did. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Fictionophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracking beginning to a new crime series! With likeable characters, a fast-paced plot, and an interesting storyline, "Fatal Secrets" is a winner!

Set in Sheffield, this crime thriller features members of the South Yorkshire Police. It has a strong family vibe, while also dealing with a lot of violence and some lowlife criminals from the city's organized crime leaders.

The events that lead up to the creation of the Forrester Detective Agency were trying to read, yet the business survived to be manned by the founder's son and daughter, along with the son's best friend. Besides arduous police work, there was a lot of danger and also more than a little romance.

I can hardly wait for the next instalment of this series! Highly recommended!

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Matt Forrester and his sister Hermia are at Hillsborough Stadium, when he receives a phone call that unbeknown to him at that moment will change the course of his life .When Matt finds his father murdered, and his father's best friend badly injured at his father's buisness - The Forrester Investigation Agency , he is told he is off the case as it's too close to home ..But Matt cannot and will not let it go ..and leaves the force immediately. Along with Steve Rowlands, a landscape businessman, who is also his best friend , Matt vows to find those responsible..But neither Matt , his closest friends in the force or anyone has no inkling of the danger that lies ahead ..Or who the faceless killer is who is responsible for his father's death .With danger at every turning ..will Matt and those he trusts above all else find those involved ? ...Absolutely Stunning writing from Anita Waller ..So looking forward to book 2 in this series ...Stunning

[Holly Mcclain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what book everyone else read, but I can't see why the rating is so high. Sadly, because it was a 4+ rating, I purchased it-albeit for less than $3, but still.
It tried hard to be a serious crime procedural, but with the amount of romance (TWO brand new love affairs!) and the rambling rants that went on entirely too long AND the effort to be sensible (ie, calling the police instead of rushing in, etc) there was too much idiocy (she's being followed, sees a strange car outside the house, and says, "meh, probably just a visitor I never met, tra-la-la") for me to keep my eyes from rolling (don't go into the dark dark basement!")
It was a book. Not really a mystery. There were police. And detectives.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant start to a new Detective series.
The story starts with a bang as an ex policeman is attacked and killed in his office.
His son, Matt, is a Detective and starts the investigation straight away. Within a day he is taken off the case as his father is the victim, which he kind of expected but Matt hates the person who takes over so immediately resigns.
Matt’s Dad ran an investigation agency and Matt wants to take this on but first he needs to find his Dad’s killer.
His sister Hermia is soon the centre of the investigation and a Matt needs to work with an ex colleague to get things moving.
I loved Matt, Hermia, Steve and Karen and can’t wait to find out what is in store for them next.
I highly recommend this brilliant new crime series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of crime fiction and Anita writes it so well. You really feel like you are working the cases with thr characters.

This is the third of Anita's books I've read and possibly my most favourite. Anita's writing keeps you invested and I really wanted to know what happened, desperate to know more.

This book is fast paced, moving even faster towards the end as the case is wound up. Can't wait to read the next one Anita ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book about interesting people and the crimes they work to solve. It is convoluted and sometimes seems to meander a bit, but that's not a bad thing. Set in Sheffield, UK, there is much the same departmental issues as anywhere in law enforcement and the family issues are much the same as well. Myself, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to start with the second book (much more cohesively written and a real *****) because it satisfied my curiosity about some of the deaths and motives. Don't miss this one, but be certain to read the next!
Gareth Bennett-Ryan does the narration well enough but sounds like the seasonal allergies got the better of him.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Secrets by Anita Waller is the first book in the Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries. It starts with the death of Dave Forrester, who was a police officer before he was attacked on duty and went on to start a detective agency with the help of his best friend Johnnie, who was also attacked in their office and later died in hospital.
His two children, Matt and his sister investigate their deaths and others, during which they are also injured and incidentally fall in love with two people who were already parts of their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this book in a new series by the author and will read the next in the series.
Highly recommended

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

 

I've never been disappointed with previous books by this author and Fatal Secrets is no exception.. Delighted that it is a first in series as there will be more to come featuring the believable and very likeable characters of Matt Forrester, his sister Hermia, and their friend Steve. I was gripped from the start of this crime novel and it continued to do so throughout the book. . A great yet sad circumstances introduction to the series, but it has certainly set the scene for the future books.

[Oonagh Clarke]

Enjoyed it even though a little irritating a times

[Holly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now, I was having withdrawal symptoms from The Connection Agency, but Anita Waller has certainly scratched the itch with the first book in The Forrester Agency series!

This book starts off with violence and sadness, and progresses to a well-written, thoughtfully plotted story which kept me gripped from the first senseless murder, right through to the satisfying conclusion.

Not only did I love the characters and the story, I am so excited that there will be more books in this series.., I'm hooked!

[Owl._. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I've read by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the flow of the story, it totally kept my interest. At some points, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next. Well done!

I look forward to reading the next one in this new series by this author.

Thank you #netgalley and #boldwoodbooks for the eARC.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The other 2 books I have read by Anita Waller courtesy of Amazon Prime Reading were okay, but this wasn’t. The characters that make up the embryonic detective agency were sickeningly sweet and much too good to be true; the plot was equally unlikely. I can’t imagine a shadowy gangster embarking on a killing spree on the basis of a couple of indiscreet remarks made to an academic writing a report on crime in Sheffield. Not the best way of keeping under the radar! What’s more in spite of the high body count, there was a distinct lack of narrative momentum to keep the reader engaged. Doubtless the first in what’s likely to be an anodyne series, I have had more than enough and won’t be coming along for the ride!

[CJ Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book one in the new Forrester Detective Agency by Anita Walker an author who I have not read before and it was a mediocre read for me.

I started off by enjoying the the book but then felt it fell a bit flat, my preferred genre is mysteries and thrillers and to me this was not as intense as my usual reads.

There were some parts that I felt didn't fit and that I was just waiting for it to step up a gear I was cruising rather than accelerating!

[Bex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, repetitive and dragged out. Don't waste your time, personally felt like it was all very predictable. Only reason I finished it was because I hate not finishing a book once I start it, I also had my fingers crossed it would improve - it did not. Took me so long to read as it felt like such a chore

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Matt Foster is hanging out with his sister Hermes add a footie game he gets an urgent call from his dad. Years before his dad and best friend Johnny were both high ranking cops and they were after a very dangerous man. Right when they were about to arrest him the bed got shot in would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life but him and his best friend Johnny starting in investigation service with Johnny be in the legs of the operation and they were both pretty tough guys. So when Matthew got the distress call him and his sister immediately went to the dad‘s business/home. Unfortunately their dad was in a pool of blood and had been knocked out of his wheelchair and was clearly deceased and Johnny was hanging on by a thread. Needless to say mat in Hermes were very distressed over the death of the father in Matthew knew he was going to investigate this and find out who did this to his family. Matthew himself was a very respected investigating detective for the area but unfortunately his wife cheated with one of his superiors in who immediately took him off the case and why Matthew turned in his warrant card and resignation letter. This is how Matthew Steve and Hermes decided to investigate the case together and first on the agenda what’s the talk to Johnny when he woke up out of the coma and when they do Matthew was blown away by what Johnny has to say. It seems whoever killed his dad and almost killed Gianni who is trying to get to his sister Hermes but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I really liked this book and I liked all the characters I did think Matthew and Hermes relationship was borderline cringe he… Not exactly cringing but came close. I mean who called a 26-year-old PhD graduate sweet sister and baby girl in other endearments I mean may be that says something about me I just thought that was weird. Now having said that I loved the story I love Matt I loved Steven and even loved sweet sister Hermes. If this would become a series I would definitely be down to read it. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received it from NetGalley and boldwoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 2013. DI Dave Forrester and DS Johnny Keane are in pursuit of a man called Andy Beardow, Sheffield’s most wanted since he murdered a female police officer. A shot rings out and Dave is injured, left in a wheelchair. He resigns and so does his loyal friend Johnny, joining Dave at his newly formed Forrester Investigation Agency where for the next nine years they live together and work mainly soft cases like adultery and missing persons. Meanwhile Dave’s son has risen to the rank of DI himself in South Yorkshire Police and is enjoying watching a football match with his sister Hermia, a university researcher, when he receives a life-changing phone call. At their offices, Dave lies dead and Johnny is critically ill. Matt starts to investigate, wondering if Beardow has returned to finish the job he started but soon butts head with his ex-wife’s new partner, Supt Brian “Dickhead” Davis and promptly resigns from his job. Joining forces with Hermia and his close friend and neighbour landscape gardener Steve, Matt is determined to find his Dad’s murderer and the trio take on the mantle of private detectives. However when Johnny recovers, he tells Matt the men were actually after Hermia, and events become a whole lot darker when she is attacked and her neighbour murdered. Could it be her newly acquired research into Gangland culture in the area that has put her in the sights of a murderer or is it connected to Dave’s current cases? Was he correct in believing that his computer had been hacked? With help from DS Karen Nelson and the rest of his old team of loyal detectives and working under the radar, Matt, Steve and Hermia set out to solve these cases and catch a ruthless clever killer before anyone else gets hurt.
This book was an absolute delight to read, with the humour and witty caring dialogue balancing out the grim nature of some of the discoveries made during the course of the investigations, of which there is a good healthy dose, culminating in a dramatic and breath taking ending. Brilliantly crafted, as always by this author, with characters who you can immediately love and care about, this is a superb start to a new series which I can guarantee will capture readers’ hearts and minds. I am already looking forward to book two! 5*

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waller sets the pace of this novel right from the prologue and doesn't let up on the action throughout the book. With surprising twists and turns, heart-wrenching moments, surprising twists and a well though out puzzle to untangle, Fatal Secrets has a little bit of everything.

Fatal Secrets is a skillfully drafted gritty crime novel that takes us into the darkest underbelly of Sheffield's streets whilst tempering the brutality with some light-hearted moments and a dusting of romance.

I think what made reading this novel so compelling was the very human nature of the characters. I found myself really rooting for them and at times thinking (shouting out loud to an empty room) NO, don't do that! or please don't let that happen. Each of the four main characters has their own distinct nature and quirks which makes them an entertaining quartet when they are together and a formidible one when they are apart. The women characters are strong, able and determined, whilst the men are also strong, but they listen and it was such a feel good moment when one of the women achieved something totally unexpected (no spoilers so that's all you get on that one) .

Fatal Secrets is a beautifully devised blend of police procedural and private investigator novel and that made it a very unique read that kept me hooked to the last pages. Waller's sassy dialogue and attention to detail made this a flowing read that just kept delivering page after page.

I know she has started writing book 2 in the series and I hope she finishes it quickly because I for one am hooked. I can't wait to see how this series develops and to reacquaint myself with the characters .

An easy FIVE WHOPPING STARS from me!

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Fatal Secrets’ is a blistering start to a brand new series from Anita Waller! I loved it - brilliant characters that have a great dynamic between them, a twisty thriller that keeps you guessing till the end and I can't wait for the next instalment. I flew through this in one sitting and especially loved the bond between the three main characters.

Matt Forrester followed his dad into the police force but never did he think he would have to say investigate his own dad’s murder. Retired from the force after a failed assassination he set up his own private investigation firm with an old friend. Matt now needs to see if it was any of this firm's cases that led to his murder. But when Matt is taken off the case he has a huge decision to make - carry on investigating the case even if it costs him everything… Teamed up with his sister Hermia and best friend Steve, Matt jumps right in!

It's rare that I gel with a team straight away in a series but I just fell for them from the get-go! The dynamic between the three of them was one of love, trust and undying support and we all need a bit of that in our lives, don't we? I think having the goal of working out who killed their father gave them a cohesive train of thought and belief in what they were doing, I wonder if that will continue in the series. It will be interesting to see how their relationships develop, especially with the mixture of family and romantic relationships!

This was one fast-paced book, from the opening chapters to the final resolution the reader barely has time to take a breath before the next revelation occurs! It makes for an exciting and addictive read and I for one can't wait for the next book!

Let me know if you read this one.

[Elaine Tomasso]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of Fatal Secrets, the first novel to feature the Forrester Detective Agency, set in Sheffield.

Matt Forrester has followed in his father’s footsteps as a Detective Inspector, but his priorities change when his father is murdered. He will be investigating, no matter what, with the help of his friend Steve and his sister Hermia, even if turns out to be a dangerous proposition.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fatal Secrets, which is a fast paced investigation with several murders and a lot of danger. It is told from the investigative point of view, so the reader can attempt their own investigation, probably fruitlessly, as the main suspect keeps a low profile.

This is quite a difficult novel to describe because it has elements of a cosy, but is far too violent for that genre. Basically the bad guy is a gangster and that’s apparent almost from the start, so the question is which one and why. The answer may lie in David Forrester’s files or his past, but it may not. It’s interesting to follow Matt, his friends and unofficial police sources as they gradually get closer to the truth. The resolution, when it comes in a flurry of violence, feels hollow and a bit of a letdown after all the previous excitement of the journey to that point.

There is a fair amount of romance in this novel with both Matt and his sister Hermia starting new relationships. Neither are particularly convincing, especially so soon after a bereavement and the plot doesn’t need it.

Fatal Secrets is an easy way to pass a few hours so I can recommend it.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In so many ways this book was a pleasant surprise that grabbed me from the very beginning. The mystery/murder is almost immediate and is the catalyst for what follows. This is not a cozy, and the brutality may be relatively graphic for the cozy fan, but not unnecessarily so. It isn't a hardboiled police procedural. The life-long friendships between the main characters, Matthew, Hermia, and Steve are always a draw for me; along with the ongoing professional loyalty afforded DI Forrester (senior and junior). The relationships and dialogue are intelligent but fun. I like these people. Their tendency to quote Shakespeare out of the blue, is also entertaining.

Given all that, I intended to give this book a 5 Star rating, but then two offensive but totally unnecessary things happened. First, the language deteriorated. Perhaps there is a time and place for the use of foul language, but this book is not one of them. It would have been just as good, better, in fact, without sprinkling the "f-bomb" throughout. In my opinion, the use of that kind of language is evidence of lazy writing. The other is the adulterous relationship between 2 of the characters. That complication was completely unnecessary, not to mention ironic. The professional issue was sufficient to carry the storyline without stooping to writing in the marriage.

More than likely, I will read the next book in this series, in hopes that the language and adultery will not be continuing factors.

#fatalsecrets #anitawaller #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #mystery-suspense #policeinvestigation #privateinvestigator #amateursleuth #strongfemalelead #bookrecommendations

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Forrester has followed in his dad's footsteps, climbing the police ranks to become a DI. But when he receives an urgent call for help, Matt has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt will not let this case go. It doesn't help that his current boss is sleeping with his ex-wife.

I love these types of covers. They draw me in right away. I enjoyed the police procedural and how the author laid out the clues to find the culprit(s).

However, inconsistencies and annoyances dropped my rating to 4 out of 5 stars. Here are some examples. Sometimes it was a bit annoying with the head-hopping. For example, the scene starts from Karen's perspective and then in the next paragraph, it's Matt. It was also irritating in Chapter 22 when Harry arrived at Matt's house, and even though Matt said he would take Harry back to his mom's house, the characters kept changing it to taking him that night and then in the next sentence saying they would take him the next day. Pick one and stick with it. Another inconsistency was Diana was at the police station and the police said they found her at home, but earlier, she had actually gone to the Hilton to stay.

The story was good overall, but the ending felt a bit rushed and was weirdly wrapped up, in my opinion. I'm not sure it made 100% sense.

All in all, Fatal Secrets was a good read, a good police procedural with solid characters. A 4 out of 5 stars for me.

#FatalSecrets #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Matt Foster has the police in his blood as his father was also a serving officer, now retired. Years beforehand his father was at a scene and was shot leaving him in a wheelchair. Since then he and a close friend have been running a PI agency mainly doing the mundane work of divorce and shadowing etc. Matt gets a call from his father asking for help in a faint voice. By the time he gets there it's too late, his father is dead and his partner Jimmy is critically ill. Matt's boss quickly arrives and takes him off the case- Matt responds by resigning, his DS however is loyal and promises to keep him abreast of the situation. He, his friend Steve and Matt's sister Hermia decide to find out for themselves why this terrible tragedy has happened. Could the man who shot their father finally have reappeared to finish what he started?

I very quickly got into this. Anita has a wonderful style of writing that quickly engages the reader in the characters and plot and I soon found myself liking Matt and his tenacity and determination. Hermia, Steve and Karen are also very very likeable and there's a good mix of plot, relationships and interaction between the characters. There is lots of drama and twists and turns which kept me very engaged within the pages- just how I like it. I didn't want this to end- but wanted to find out the who and what etc. A brilliantly crafted, well thought out plot with a twist. A very engaging read with characters I loved. A huge 5* from me

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of this authors books and they are always good. This is no exception. The first in a new three book series called The Forrester Detective Agency, set in Gleadless, a suburb of Sheffield. In the distressing prologue it’s January 2013 and DI Dave Forrester is shot in pursuit of a criminal and left unable to walk. Well written this was a real page turner and I finished it in an evening. I loved the main characters, Matt, his sister Hermia, best friend Steve and former colleague DS Karen Nelson, they are well introduced and I look forward to finding out more.

Briefly, 9 years after the shooting Dave Forrester runs a succession PI agency with his friend Johnny. Dave’s son Matt, a DI like his father, is at a football match with his sister when he gets a phone call. Rushing to their fathers office they find their father dead and Johnny seriously injured. When Matt is then told he can’t be involved in the case he resigns. No one is going to stop him finding out who killed his father.

Excellent plot with some good twists and turns I thought this was probably going to be a cozy read but with the gruesome, one in particular, killings it definitely wasn’t. Alongside the investigation both Matt and Hermia start new romantic relationships, we will see where they go but both have been brewing for a while. A good entertaining read, and I look forward to book two.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Secrets by Anita Waller

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Nothing is more important than family . . .

Matt Forrester has followed in his dad’s footsteps, climbing the police ranks to become a DI. But when he receives an urgent call for help, Matt has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt’s not going to let this case go. It doesn’t help that his current boss is sleeping with his ex-wife.

Hermia Forrester didn’t follow her brother into the police force, instead she works in research at the university. But, she’s not going to let that stop her from helping her brother find out what happened to their dad.

But the siblings soon find themselves surrounded by more danger than they ever imagined. Can they both survive this case or will there be more of their family in the morgue?

My Opinion

This is the first book I have read by Anita Waller, but this was such a good opening book to a series that I have no doubt I will be back for more. There was a very strong sense of family in this book. I thought that this book had a great, fast-paced plot that held my attention very well.

Will Matt be able to find the killer? Will Matt be able to save the agency? Give this book a read to find out!

Rating: 4/5

[John Thys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following footsteps

Fatal Secrets written by Anita Waller. Matt Forrester has followed his dad's footsteps, climbing the ladder to become a DI . But when he receives an urgent call for help he has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt's not going to let the case go . It doesn't help his current boss is sleeping with his wife . Hermia Forrister didn't follow her brother into the police force instead she worked in research at the University. But she's not going to let that stop her helping her brother find out what happened to there dad . But the siblings soon find themselves surrounded by more danger than they ever imagined. Can they both survive the case or will there be more of there family in the morgue? Well that's the blurb ,what did I think ? Well we start off with a shooting then a murder so that's a promising start .As usual I won't say anymore about the storyline as I don't want to give any spoilers. As this is the start of a new series the first few pages are getting to know the characters, but that's soon done ,so what can I say other than it's an excellent read kept me turning the pages (so to speak) looking forward to the second book of three ,but that can change with a bit of luck there may be more .So if you've not read any of Anita Waller's books start with this one you'll be in for a treat

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a lot of books by this author and liked the premise of this book which sounded intriguing. I really enjoyed this book, it was smoothly written and after a great start I soon became hooked in the storyline, characters and plot. I liked the author’s writing style, and thought the book flowed seamlessly and I loved the intrigue and suspense. When Matt’s father is murdered he and his sister are determined to leave no stone unturned in finding out why and by whom. Their findings put them both in danger along with those they care about. I enjoyed the glimpses into both Matt and Hermia’s personal, home and love lives. For me, this read combines both police procedural and a private investigation and I have to say both merge well together and fit into the story and plot line effortlessly. I felt the ending was a bit rushed though, and that once or twice the book felt a little too long. These are only minor things and didn’t take anything away from what I thought was overall a thoroughly enjoyable read and a good start to a new series. I’ll definitely be interested to read the next book and would recommend this if you’re a fan of police procedurals, crime, mystery books.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anita is a new author to me and I am really impressed with how she creates the best plot with plenty of other asides yet never loses the way. There is plenty going on to keep your attention, from murder to romance. Lots of pizza and detectiviness (is that a word?) you know what I mean though 🙂

Fatal Secrets is a gripping story that revolves around Matt and Hermia Forrester and the untimely death of their father. Matt is a DI in the police force and wants to bring to justice the killer or killers who took their father away. There are some very nasty gangland characters that made me shrink back with their brutality. Every character is created with a level of reality that brings you into the story wholly. Matt, Hermia and Steve bounce off each superbly and keep the story bonded all the way through.

However in amongst all the gritty drama there is another side involved that makes it feel warm and cosy. The strong relationship that Hermia has with her brother is heart-warming and then Steve, Matt’s best friend is equally strong and they all support each other.

This is a excellent start to a brand new Mystery Detective series and I for one will be looking out for the next instalment.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of a series, I felt that the scene was being set too much in the first chapters of the book. The main character, Matt, walks out of his DI job having been taken off the case of the murder of his own father (an ethical nightmare, I would have thought) . Determined to keep looking into the case, Matt is kept up to date on the case by collegues. The reasoning behind his dislike for his replacement only becomes apparent as the book progresses.
Lots of action in the Sheffield underworld and the reasons for the crimes do slowly become more obvious. The investigation involves Karen, A detective sergeant who becomes romantically involved with Matt, his university researcher sister and friend Steve. A lot happens quite quickly in the first half of the book (perhaps too quickly) but this settles down in the second half and the investigation is well described and believable. Some of the conversations between family members/ friends felt a bit contrived, though this also improved later in the book.
I reckon that this has the makings of of a good series, strong characters and an interesting location.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Fatal Secrets, the first in a brand new series by Anita Waller starts with a bang and refuses to let go until the final page.
When DI Matt Forrester’s dad is murdered, he, along with his sister Hermia are determined to find his killer. Helped by Matt’s friend Steve and DS Karen Nelson they dive into the dark underbelly of the city. But they’re soon in more danger than anyone them could have imagined.
With action right from the beginning, this is a real page turner that had me constantly on tenterhooks. And with a couple of shocking moments it had me racing through the pages. All the characters are wonderfully written and I could feel the love and loyalty they have for each other.
I loved the Connection Trilogy and although I was saddened when the series ended, Fatal Secrets is an amazing successor with a whole new set of characters to fall in love with and believe in. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long the the second in the Forrester Detective Agency series. Anita Waller, you’ve done it again!