Under Parr

Norfolk Coast Investigation Story #2

by Andrea Bramhall

December 5th, 2013 left its mark on the North Norfolk Coast in more ways than one. A tidal surge and storm swept millennia-old cliff faces into the sea and flooded homes and businesses up and down the coast. It also buried a secret in the WWII bunker hiding under the golf course at Brancaster. A secret kept for years, until it falls squarely into the lap of Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon and her fellow officers.

A skeleton, deep inside the bunker.

How did it get there? Who was he…or she? How did the stranger die—in a tragic accident or something more sinister? Well, that’s Kate’s job to find out.

Themes: Brancaster · English Mystery · lesbian · Norfolk (UK) · North Norfolk Coast

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Fiction, Lesbian

1 pages, Audio CD

First published May 2, 2017

About the author

Andrea Bramhall wrote her first novel at the age of six and three-quarters. It was seven pages long and held together with a pink ribbon. Her Gran still has it in the attic. Since then she has progressed a little bit and now has a number of published works held together with glue, not ribbons, an Alice B. Lavender certificate, and a Lambda Literary award cluttering up her book shelves.
She studied music and all things arty at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 2002 with a BA in contemporary arts. She is certain it will prove useful someday… maybe.
When she isn’t busy running a campsite and hostel on the North Norfolk Coast, Bramhall can be found hunched over her laptop scribbling down the stories that won’t let her sleep. She can also be found reading, walking the dogs up mountains while taking a few thousand photos, scuba diving while taking a few thousand photos, swimming, kayaking, playing the saxophone, or cycling.

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part of the Norfolk coast investigation stories, and it is just as good as the first one. The events in Under Parr are directly linked to what happens in Collide-O-Scope, and even though there is a new case involved, the story of Kate and Gina continues and plays a very important role. So, I’d recommend reading part one before this one.

I enjoyed this title as much as part one. There are the same great characters, the setting and the plot are well-written, and the suspense and atmosphere added to the story so that I enjoyed reading on even more. Although the crime story is a good one, my favourite parts are actually those when Kate and Gina come closer. Both characters are wonderful women, very much life like and believable, and especially Gina’s story has tragic and saddening elements in it that I’d actually like to see resolved in the third part, as far as this is possible.

If you enjoy female characters that can be strong, but also struggle, who are believable and want to build a life together, then the story of Kate and Gina could be right for you. As a bonus, you get an excellent crime plot.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Bramhall had a hit on her hands with the book Collide-O-Scope, but for me this book was even better. Really great read that held my attention from page one, until the end. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for book 3.

The story picks up where book 1, left off. Gina is struggling from dealing with the violence she went through. Gina is worried Kate will leave her now that she is different. Besides the relationship being strained, Kate is thrown into a murder mystery of a skeleton found in an old war bunker. Can Kate find the killer, while still keeping her relationship together?

While the murder mystery is self contained within this book, I absolutely recommend reading Collide-O-Scope first. There is so much that Gina and even her daughter are dealing with, that you will miss without book 1. While Bramhall references things for new readers, it is not even close to the same as reading book 1.

I want to be careful not to spoiler anything so I will keep this kind of short. This book was great. I loved the murder mystery. While I had an idea of who it is, it is much harder to figure out than book 1's mystery. I also thought it was interesting what Gina and her daughter was going through. So many books, people survive violence, and it is kind of swept under the rug. This book shows the kind of trauma people really go through. I just thought it was all really well written.

While this book wraps up the murder mystery, it does leave one plot line left hanging. Bramhall, did leave a big clue, who it is, if you read the book carefully. Though I guess she could pull a 180 and just have it be a decoy. But if it is the person she left the clues for, damn book 3 could be really good:)

I really like this series. It is so easy for me to recommend it for mystery fans. The romance is very slow, especially with all Gina is going through, but I hope it will still pick up in future books. Bramhall, please don't take too long to write book 3, I don't think I can stand the wait.

An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.

[lov2laf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series, "Under Parr" picks up where "Collide-O-Scope" left off.

Unlike the first book, the mystery here is less personal though no less well-crafted. This story follows the thread of finding a John Doe, long dead, that trails back to a senior missing from an old folks home. Once this thread is picked, it unravels a number of others and each is intriguing to follow.

In addition to story lines, Bramhall also juggles a full cast superbly and offers full dimensions to even the most minor of characters. One that comes to the fore is Gina's own mother.

This authors knack for writing tragedy, dark subject matter, complex mysteries, and even more complex characters and their relationships makes me want to stand back in awe. The realism that Bramhall brings is pretty grand.

For those interested in the romantic aspect, Gina and Kate are continuing to develop their relationship further. It's emotionally satisfying but not exactly fun. I appreciated that Bramhall didn't take the easy path here and have them leap over the traumas they encountered in the last book. What is good is seeing them move towards each other and not away, communicating as mature adults.

On the whole, this is a really great but heavy series. It's well worth your time but it's something to be in the mood for.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book with two main points of view (other than the prologue, there really are only two). Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon and Gina Temple.

Plotlines
Major Plots:

1) Police investigating a mystery

a) Skeleton found in a WWII bunker that got sealed by a storm that hit December 5 2013. While investigating the skeleton several other crimes were discovered and investigated
b) The police force, or at least the task force dealing with ‘the case of the skeleton’, has a certain ‘issue’ with one of their members. Personality clash? Bad cop? Something’s going on.

2) A mother and daughter attempting to deal with traumatic issues

a) Due to the nature of the events of the prior book, the townspeople and their children torment Sammy, Gina’s daughter; plus Sammy is still suffering mentally/emotionally
b) Due to the nature of the events of the prior book, the townspeople glare at and act mean towards Gina; plus Gina is still suffering mentally/emotionally

Subplots

1) Romance

a) Trouble in paradise? See: Gina and daughter suffering from the traumatic events of last book
b) Someone stalking/romancing/something Gina

2) Gina’s estranged mother pops up during the police investigation

a) Complications related to the mother being back in the picture.
b) ?

First off, though, I need to note that unlike some mystery series that involve the police, you really do need to have read the first book in the series before reading this book here. Since one of the story lines is more or less directly tied to the prior book – a reaction to the events that occurred in that prior book.

This book starts six weeks after Collide-O-Scope - well, no, literally the book starts before that first book, but that’s just the prologue. The prologue is set in December 5, 2013, when an old man stumbles around a nursing home, spots someone doing something wrong, stumbles out into a storm, and ends up in a WWII bunker. When the book moves to the main part, out of the prologue, it’s about four years later (or three?) and a skeleton has been found inside a WWII bunker on the North Norfolk Coast of England. The people from the first book fall into similar rolls as before, for the most part (and even when they don’t physically appear, they pop up in conversation, like Inspector Savage).

Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon, one of the two main points of view, works the skeleton case while her boss, like in the last book, goes off to deal with a different case (the boss, by the way, being Detective Inspector Timmons). Working with Brannon is Detective Sergeant Stella Goodwin, who both head of the investigation. Meanwhile Detective Constable Jimmy Powers is Brannon’s assistant until he is replaced by Detective Constable Gareth Collier (because of a personality clash between Collier and his partner). Len Wild and Dr. Ruth Anderson also return.

While Brannon is following the mystery angle of the book, Georgina ‘Gina’ Temple follows the PTSD angle. As in, her daughter had found a dead body in the prior book – her best friend, and for three days she, the daughter – Sammy – had thought she had killed her friend, and Sammy also happens to go to a school where all but maybe one of the other children there were deeply impacted by the prior book (one or more parents ending up being out of work, and/or facing long jail time for the drug smuggling ring [events] found in the prior book) and the children blame Sammy. Bully her mercilessly. Meanwhile, Gina herself has her own emotional and physical scars to try to overcome – recall it’s only been six weeks. And so that’s the second track/plot line/angle – a mother and daughter attempting to fight the demons created by the prior book.

That second plot line is interesting, in its way, though ultimately I find/found it to be a distraction I did not wish to read. It got in the way of the mystery, unfortunately. There was even one section that I ended up skipping (until I remembered I was reading an ARC so went back and read it; normally I’d have skipped certain paragraphs/sections/etc.).

The book was interesting – following the police as they investigate one thing, a skeleton found in a WWII bunker, which leads to even more things to investigate. The mystery itself was a good twist on the standard murder mystery; the interactions between the police and others (and amongst themselves) was good. If the book had just been the Mystery, I would likely rate this book highly. But it isn’t. Frankly, while well written and seeming as if it’d make a good book on its own, the PTSD plot was, as noted, distracting to me and might have been less ‘boring’ if it had been its own book. Potentially. I mean, I’ve read PTSD books before – where that’s the main and mostly only focus.

Publication Date: May 17 2017 (though you can purchase the book now from the Ylva Publishing website).

Rating: Mystery: 4.3; Other Stuff: 3.3 = 7.6/2=3.8 overall rating of 3.8.

May 12 2017

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burning romance which is overtaken by a crime thriller that is often more about the Police interaction, which I love. Recommended.

Love the re-reads!

[Samantha Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Bramhall is a masterful storyteller. She weaves in so much depth to her story lines and all the subplots. Every character is richly written. The mystery is a challenging one. The romance is a sexy slow burn. There's a healthy dose of comedy bits here and there too. Also of note, is a really well written child character. Normally kids in books don't do a whole lot to add to the story, but this one definitely does. She has charm, sass, a bit of snark, and a great sense of humor. Love all the interaction with her mom and the detective. Very much looking forward to the next in this series.

Received an ARC from Netgalley for an unbiased review.

[MZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series, this was a great second installment. Like the first book another excellent mystery with this typical English detective down-to-earth feeling. In parallel, the romance between Kate and Gina continues. They are ready to start dating seriously, but everything that happened during book one has left its scars. It’s recommended to read these books in order.

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fab continuance in the series of Detective Kate Brannon and her love interest Gina.

I enjoyed the mystery and case of the book and the setup for the next one. I definitely have my ideas about it and can't wait to see if I'm right.

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Brannon and Gina temple are back in Under Parr. We pick back up with these two amazing women about 6 weeks after the conclusion of Collide-O-Scope. For Kate, there is another crime to investigate. This time around, a skeleton has been found in an abandoned WWII bunker. From the reader’s perspective, we already know who the crime was committed and why the elderly man ended up where he did and how is life ending injury occurred. From the beginning, we know the details of why the killer kills and how they do it. We stand back and watch Kate and her team figure out the clues.

This already in the know aspect of the book, while an interesting concept, to me at times became a tad bit tedious. We know most of the details, and while of course there are still clues to uncover, it has a lot of detective talk, to finally get to oh yeah, it was that person, totally already knew it. It was great to see Kate back in action, but I felt like this piece of the story was too much the focus, when Gina’s part is so much more powerful and interesting.

Gina and her daughter Sammy are living with the aftermath of what happened in Collide-O-Scoop and the havoc Ally Robbins reeked on their lives. Life after does not go on with rainbows and butterflies. These two have now become the pariahs of Brandale Staite. Not to mention both are suffering from PTSD. I think the challenges that the Temple’s face was endearing and fascinating. I like that Bramhall didn’t gloss over the trauma both Sammy and Gina went through.

My guess is this book, is a big set-up for the third book in this series. At the end of this one, the investigation of the skeleton is easily wrapped up but there are still big issues facing Gina and Kate as both individuals and as a couple. There is also an unknown element that briefly appears and is left unresolved. Overall, I look forward to the next installment of this series. 3.5 stars

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Bramhall is in my lesbian authors top ten:

https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/... she's an author who delivers well crafted plots, multi-layered characters and isn't afraid of touching controversial issues.

This is book 2 of the Norfork Coast Investigation Story series which started brilliantly with Collide-O-scope. I recommend that you read this series chronologically as this book resumes with the relationship between the main characters, Detective Sargeant Kate Bannon and her girlfriend Gina Temple. If you read this book first, there are major spoilers for the first one. Additionally, book 2 leaves a few loose ends on the plot, so don't be disappointed if everything isn't resolved in this installment of the series.

The main plot of Under Parr focus in Kate trying to solve the mystery surrounding a puzzling discovery of an skeleton in an old bunker. The relationship between the main characters and other aspects of their lives remain in the background so much so that Gina appears to be more like a secondary character. Personally, I would have preferred a better balance between the mystery and their personal lives: there's too much detail in the murder investigation compared with, for example, Gina's personal struggle. Hopefully we'll see how this resolves in book 3. An interesting addition is how Ms. Bramhall discusses the subject of euthanasia, the care of old people and the terminally ill in a thought provoking manner.

Overall, a very good read if you are into mysteries with a substance. 4 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Jane Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series, Collide-O-Scope, so I was looking forward to reading this second book, Under Parr. Too many sequels disappoint so I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this book is even better than the first.

I grew up in King’s Lynn and remember quite clearly the North Norfolk area that Bramhall draws so evocatively in her writing. A good sense of place in any novel helps to locate the action in the reader’s imagination. Think of the rugged Yorkshire landscape that is almost a character in Wuthering Heights, for example.

Bramhall has created two sympathetic leads in her police officer protagonist Kate Brannon and her love interest Gina Temple. It’s a pleasure to get to know them and to follow their relationship as it develops. Even more interesting though, is the plot of the mystery.

I’m really impressed with Bramhall’s work on this novel. She has obviously done her research into police procedure and the details she adds serve to enrich the story. Equally, she expertly weaves all sides of the euthanasia debate into the story, never reducing the complex issues to the trite or the simplistic.

The plot involves the unsavoury happenings in a nursing home for the elderly – a place where people are sent and forgotten when they become inconvenient. Bramhall paints a sympathetic – but not maudlin – picture of such a place and its people. Where an overworked staff are paid a measly wage to ‘wipe the arses’ of residents who are routinely stripped of their dignity. Bramhall highlights that most of the staff are immigrants – sometimes highly trained in other areas – who cannot find work elsewhere. In Britain currently, these people tend to be Eastern European. Bramhall does not enter into the politics of Brexit, but they are there as subtext.

What I enjoyed most about the book is that the reader is privy, courtesy of the prologue, to the details of the crimes that Brannon investigates (although not to the identity of the perpetrator). That puts us in possession of knowledge that Kate doesn’t have, so that we can see both how the mystery is constructed and unravelled by her investigation. We can see where Kate and her team are following red herrings, and the questions she asks reveal how difficult it is to understand the unusual series of events that led to the location, disappearance and discovery of the skeleton. This requires Bramhall to be very careful in the construction of the plot, because the reader will easily spot where something is illogical.

In addition to the great plot work, I also really appreciated that Kate and Gina are dealing with the negative consequences from the events of the first book. Too often, writers of thrillers present their heroes as automata who are unaffected by the trauma they receive. That is not the case here and the development of Kate and Gina’s relationship is all the better for it.

Those who like a lot of sex scenes in their books may be disappointed here, but those who appreciate a slow burn of sexual tension – who enjoy the foreplay that comes before the climax – will be rewarded by this book.

Bramhall has set the stage for the next instalment in the series, leaving some subplot threads untied, and has left me eager for more to read. I can’t wait for the next one.

Note: I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Ylva Publishing/ Book Enthusiast Promotions for a review copy of Under Parr, the second novel to feature DS Kate Brannon of the Norfolk police.

The novel opens in 2013 when dementia sufferer, Alan, walks in on a man suffocating another care home occupant. After a struggle Alan stumbles off to get help. Cut to 2016 and DS Kate Brannon is called in to the discovery of a skeleton found in a sealed off bunker. Everything about the case is undetermined from the cause of death to the victim's identity so Kate has her work cut out.

I enjoyed Under Parr. It has a good mix of a twisty plot and strong characterisation. Obviously the reader has more idea of motive than the police but the discoveries they make and secrets they uncover are mostly surprising and make for an absorbing read.

I liked the fact that many of the characters who come under suspicion or just into contact with the police are genuinely nice people with a desire to help and nothing to hide. It makes for a refreshing change. Apart from the investigation there is a fair amount of interaction between Kate and her colleagues and her girlfriend, Gina. I think the banter between the characters is natural and often amusing. I feel the novel is top heavy on Gina and Kate's relationship as Ms Bramhall rehashes all the key elements of her previous novel (no point in reading it now) and concentrates on Gina's efforts to survive its aftermath. While it is sweet it has no bearing on the investigation.

Under Parr is a good read.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collide-O-Scope, the first book in the Norfolk Coast Investigation series introduced us to Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon and her team of investigators. We also met her future love interest Gina Temple and her precocious daughter Sam. I recommend reading Collide-O-Scope before reading Under Parr as many events in the first novel impact events in the second.

Under Parr begins six weeks after the first novel with the discovery of a skeleton in an abandoned, sand- filled bunker. Thanks to a well written prologue the reader is privy to information the investigating detectives lack. Armed with this knowledge, the reader gets to sit back and watch the detectives work through leads and hunches trying to discover the identity of the victim and whether his death could be ruled accidental or a homicide. There are still unknowns but it does simplify (for the reader) the mystery. Brannon has her hands full directing her staff and working with a difficult new detective, DC Gareth Collier. She’s also dealing with issues in her personal life as her budding relationship with Gina is floundering.

This was an okay read but did not live up to the more complex police procedural we saw in Collide-O-Scope. While it was nice to see Brannon’s team back in action, the author tries too hard to make Kate’s team seem witty and fun in the opening chapters. It all felt a bit forced. Once the investigation begins and the detectives get busy solving the mystery the story improves.

It was interesting seeing how events in the first book impacted Sammy and Gina. It is rare in police procedurals to focus on the victims/witnesses from a previous case. This thread was filled with more drama and emotional range than the investigation. I thought the author did a good job of showing the challenges faced by both characters and how these issues impacted their lives and the relationship between Gina and Kate.

The author drops dirigible-sized hints at more mysteries to come so I look forward to the next Norfolk Coast Investigation with a now seasoned team of investigators and a more confident DS Brannon.

3.5 stars

ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.

[Sleady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 has hanging ending just like book 1 lol it's a bit frustrating but knowing there are next book, I forgive the author. I have my own suspect for who send those 50 damn yellow roses! but the author didn't reveal at the end lol *cries*

Btw good one again. I thought this involve higher up person and worried about the safety of those who helping the cops but no, I was wrong. For the first time, I am glad I did lol. The crime is interesting. You agree with the suspect at some point but no way of approving his method, just like our Kate Brannon.

Talking about Kate, I ship her more with Gina on this second book and actually enjoy their slow burn romance, though it's hanging again at the end lol. I am curious about a lot of things. Gina's insecurities, Gina's mom and those bastard who send the damn flowers!

I am better moving fast reading book 3 then.

[Velvet Lounger · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a skeleton is found in a previously sealed up WWII bunker Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon is faced with a cold case which some intriguing twists. Scraps of women's clothes on a man’s bones, different names on the labels, different sized shoes on the wrong feet. Kate isn't sure they will ever find out who he was, let alone how he died and ended up in a bunker that has been sealed since the storm floods of 2013, but she is determined to do her best find out.



As the investigation unfolds the twists and turns become more of a puzzle, unusual activity at the golf course, above average deaths at the local care-home, and a series of clues that just make the detective’s radar ping.



Book 2 of the Norfolk Coast Investigation Stories series and the events of book 1, “Collide-O-Scope” are still being felt in the fishing village of Brandale. Gina has recovered physically but emotionally the scars are deep. Sammy is having nightmares and being bullied at school by kids whose fathers are either waiting for trial or out of a job. The impact on Kate and Gina isn't good either, Gina has withdrawn, and Kate doesn’t know how to get through to her.



As always Andrea Bramhall’s story arc are excellently thought through and executed. This is a solid detective story, occasional leaps of intuition and faith, but essentially the local “Plod” following a series of interrelated clues and gradually uncovering how the events we see in the prologue came about.



The characters are becoming old friends, deepening as we get to know them, filling out details, colouring in history; their friendships and relationships growing over time. The police team has a new member who doesn't quite fit and is definitely causing friction, but Kate and Stella’s friendship provides wonderful light relief and flashes of laugh out loud humour.



Sammy is particularly well drawn and the combination of childhood simplicity and trauma induced maturity is intriguing to see. Bramhall always manages to introduce a serious theme in her novels and here we have several; Sammy’s bullying, Gina’s emotional struggles and care-home abuse. However his is not a heavy book, these serious threads add to the reality without detracting from the gentle romance. The flashes of humour and the reasonably fast paced unfolding make it a genuinely pleasurable read.



“Under Parr” is set a few weeks after the events in “Collide-O-Scope” and while it stands alone as a story arc there is no doubt it is firmly part of a series; indeed we are left with a tantalising thread to carry over into book three. I would definitely recommend reading them as a series, if you like romance/crime and excellent writing, this is one you don’t want to miss.



Set on the east coast of England these stories have a decidedly English feel, and it is a delight to read. The characters are solid, the events fit the time and place, even the weather has a very English role to play. The angst is there but underplayed, the emotions and relationships are realistic and the whole is grounded in a very English setting. Midsomer Murders with a lesbian twist.




[LenaRibka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in the series, Collide-O-Scope, but I didn't feel I missed something essential, you can read Under Parr as a stand alone.

A lesbian mystery isn't a frequent guest on my TBR, and those few books I read, I mostly picked up by chance. I don't think I will become a regular reader of the genre, but from time to time to come across a book that is not your usual read and enjoyed it is a welcome change.

A great North Norfolk's atmosphere and scenery of a murder mystery. I read it during our summer vacation, melting under the Greece sun, but with a strong feeling of the salt wind and the rain of the Norfolk Coast. I enjoyed the romance between Kate and Gina, their careful and slow approach, and was actually glad that it was kept on a slow burn.

All in all- a promising good written series that I'll keep on my radar.


***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a series. I read as a stand alone novel, which worked well and has made me want to add book one and others that will follow to my reading list.

The story centres on a mystery of a skeleton found inside a WW2 bunker and the ongoing relationship/courtship of the 2 main characters.

I felt the mystery was reasonable easy to work out, but this did not detract from the story telling and I found myself wanting to read on. I enjoyed the slow burn romance, understandable given one of the MCs traumas from book one. It felt realistic and showed depth of both characters dealing with the aftermath in a sensitive way.

I loved the scene setting of Norfolk. Overall a well written story, which kept my interest. I particularly enjoyed the balance between character development and the mystery.

The only thing I did not like about it is having to wait for book 3 to see how some subplots turn out. Patience is not a virtue of mine.

ARC received from Ylva in return for honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Norfolk Coast Investigation series, so if you haven’t done so read book 1 first. I was so ready to start book 2 after finishing the first book. However, I didn’t end up enjoying this one as much as the first. It was interesting and kept me reading but it didn’t feel like the same page turner as book 1. I found myself wanting to rush through the parts of investigating the murder/death to get to the Kate and Gina moments. I think this was probably just book that will build to the next. I think the mystery part wasn’t great in this book, but this is still a must read because the relationship between Gina and Kate. I finished this one and wanted to quickly begin the next. A lot to think about for book 3. For me this is a 3.5 rounded up.

[lauraღ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. As a mystery/romantic suspense story, this was fine. Nothing super objectionable about it, no huge flaws that I can point to. But I really didn't enjoy myself much. We continue about six weeks after the end of the first book. Gina and her daughter are dealing with the fallout of the things that happened in that first book. Kate is onto a new investigation, this one involving a home for the elderly. Kate and Gina are slowly deepening their relationship, but they both (especially Gina) have things to work through and trauma that has to be dealt with. I appreciated that the book took that into consideration in a serious way, especially with regard to Gina's daughter. A lot of it, though, I wish we'd covered in some way in the first book. This just felt belated. I'm still not the biggest fan of Gina; she just rubs me the wrong way. At the beginning of the book, it irked me the way she expected the other employees to have 'loyalty' to the business, even though she knows that things are up in the air. What's 'loyalty' worth when people's livelihoods are on the line? And yeah yeah, Sarah turns out to be even shallower than it seems, but that just seems like it was written in to make her the bad guy and vindicate Gina.

The setup of the mystery was pretty good, how it starts and where they find the body, seeing all the steps of the investigation. But I liked Kate less than I did in the first book, because she was even more of a cop in this one. Breaking/bending the law to get at suspects, lying to suspects to trap them, all this being painted in a positive light because hey, they're police and they need to do what they need to to get the job done... eh. I could do without it. Even where there was a bit of nuance, the conclusions the book would come to were mind-boggling to me. And the wrap-up to the case felt way lazier and less creative than the set-up.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Henrietta Meire; I really liked it. I'll reiterate; the mystery is very good, but I'm steadily losing whatever affection I ever felt for these characters, so the book just wasn't my fave. Part of me wants to finish the series for completion's sake, but I don't think it would be fair, since I doubt I'll like it any better than this. We'll see. I'm a big fan of the super slow burn, so it'll be nice to see the culmination of the romance.

Content warning: murder, descriptions of gore, blood, violence, domestic abuse

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I don't think going into this that you can get away with not reading Collide-O-Scope though. I mean she does explain some of what happens and you *could* go into it as a stand alone but I really think it's better to read the first one. I'm a huge Bramhall fan. The mystery/crime drama is done very well. Kate and Gina have to sort some stuff out and there's no doubt that another novel is planned. I look forward to seeing book 3.

[A.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under Parr was interesting in its own right but I think I preferred Collide-O-Scope.

I like that this story follows Gina and her daughter's story and get to know how they are doing after the aftermath of the previous story.

I felt that the actual crime investigation was lacking in excitement.

I think there was a little foreshadowing was done and I'd like to see if i was right.

Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-L8

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

I really hope there is a book three in the works. I know this one just came out. I have to know who is sending Gina flowers...and what happens with her mother. Also have to know what happens with Kate. I love this series and definitely recommend it.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, actually a lot more than the previous one. The prolog was very catchy and intriguing and it was interesting to find out what happened and how all the different pieces fit together. Like in her first book, the mystery part was not predictable and the case was not a usual murder mystery kind of thing but with more substance and meaning. I think Andrea Bramhall ventured into a very difficult topic with this book. PTSD on one side and the problematic situation in nursing homes on the other side. She described the PTSD part very well and what emotions and worries come with it and that the smallest trigger can be enough to cause an episode of PTSD with flashbacks. Gina suffers because of her scars and it is portrait in a realistic way. The situation in the nursing home is also very realistic and true for some nursing homes. It is definitely eyeopening and takes on two difficult subjects that many other books are not talking about.
All the characters are very likable and the flow of the dialogue feels natural. The romantic part in the book is kind of slow but that is where the PTSD part comes in so it is used as a medium to describe Gina's fight with her demons since the attack. Since they have only been together for 6 weeks in this book and the circumstances, the speed of their relationship seems realistic to me.
She explained a lot of things from the first books to better understand the connections that are to the first book but I think it is still easier to understand some of the context better with the first book but the mystery part is a stand alone one. I think the book could be read alone but I would recommend to read the first one first.

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[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great mystery! We know from the prologue that someone is killing elderly patients at a rest home, but the detectives don’t know that. We get to watch them figure everything out as well as deal with some personal and professional issue. Gina, Sammy and Kate are all back from Collide O Scope and the women are still dating. There is more than that going on in this book, though.

Sammy is having nightmares and being bullied at school due to the events in the previous book. Gina seems to have PTSD from her traumatic experience as well. They struggle throughout the book as they try to cope with the past and continue their lives. More than that, the past is catching up with both Kate and Gina as the novel unfolds. It’s a multilayered story with that plus the introduction of Gareth Collier, a detective who partners with Kate because he can’t get along with his previous partner. The story kind of ends on a cliffhanger. I say kind of because the killer is found and arrested but something else happens but we don't know who or why. Based on a brief passage, I have a suspicion, but now I have to wait for the next book. I hope Ms. Bramhall writes quickly.

This was a great read which I finished in a day because I couldn’t put it down. It’s well-written and has depth and layers. I think Andrea Bramhall improves with each book and I can't wait for the next one.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I can not believe Bramall ended her book the way she did. Talk about leaving it open, Frustrated is an understatement. So I'm guessing there is going to be a third. If not I am not going to be very happy. I hope it is released soon.


This book is the second book in an on going series. Yes, you could read this as a stand alone book, but I personally would not advise it. Although the author keeps you up to date by referring to book one, I think you would enjoy it better having read book one first.


If you want a good mystery then this book is for you. The main character Kate is really easy to like. She is honest and straight forward copper (Police). Old School in someways. Her partner Gina is where you need book one as she is coping from her ordeal and so is her daughter Sammy. That is all you are getting. This is a down to earth police investigation on the North Norfolk coast. With all the problems that result from such an investigation.


I really enjoyed this book and I really could not put it down. The other thing I liked was that it is set just up the road from me. I was able to recognise the places and language used a lot easier. Also, I like the way Bramall continued the aftermath from book. It added more depth to just a mystery.


I would recommend this book to all crime fans, but with the caution that you should read Collide-o-Scope first.


*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good second installment in the Norfolk Coast series.

Another suspicious body found means another crime to solve. Like the first book, there are many potential suspects and numerous interviews.

This time around, I felt I knew the main players on a deeper level.

We continued to explore the relationship between Kate and Gina. I understand the trauma Gina is trying to recover from, but her attitude with Kate was off-putting for me.

While the main investigation was wrapped up nicely, there were a couple of arcs that I'm sure will be resolved in the 3rd and final book. Looking forward to reading it.

[Tiffany Shamaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say, I love an Andrea Bramhall mystery. This was another great addition to the series she has started. The characters are great and fun and of course have their own issues they need to work on, but it's nice to see Kate stand by Gina while she works those issues out. The mystery itself was interesting and kept me guessing for a while. Of course the leaving it with a bit of a cliff hanger was frustrating, but just because I want the next installment sooner than later, but I'm sure it'll be worth the wait. Run don't walk to read this story. Great read!!

[Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know there’s a 3rd book, and I’m glad I already have it and can read it soon, but even given that I was surprised at the abrupt ending to this. I get leaving some plot points open for a sequel, but damn.

[Mazzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this one, but not as much as I did with the first book in this series, Collide-O-Scope. It was fun reading about Kate and her team try to solve their case regarding the skeleton found in a bunker. However, I think the person who "did it" was easy to figure out from my perspective. Still, I enjoyed the investigation process and didn't mind knowing who it was.

The relationship between Gina and her daughter, Sammy, is endearing. They both went through trauma in the first novel and They relied on each other for support as they face several challenges during this novel. I think that how they react to situations regarding their traumas was pretty realistic and flawed in good way.

The main downfall of this novel, in my opinion, is lack of progress or development in the relationship between Kate and Gina. It kind of was put on backburner while Kate focused on the investigation and Gina focused on dealing with her trauma. I can see hints of progress, but feel like that was not enough. I assume that the author will save some of that for next novel (it totally will happen considering the ending of the novel!).

Overall I enjoyed this novel and will read next one for sure.

[Colleen Corgel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sequel to Collide-O-Scope we are reintroduced to Sergeant Detective Kate Brannon and Gina Temple as they work through the aftermath of the first book. Kate is thrown into another intriguing murder investigation involving a body uncovered in an old World War II bunker. Gina must work through the emotional trauma she and her daughter, Sammy, experienced.

The mystery takes a back seat to the the characters in this sequel, which is a bit of a mixed bag. Gina really shines here as she handles the worst of the fallout from the events from the last book. She and Sammy must now face a town that views them as the sole reason for its downfall and deal with their traumatic experiences. Kate, while still interesting, doesn't have too much development happening - she just seems to be there for all the people in her life. I'm glad that Gina's emotional issues aren't treated as traumatic fodder to propel their relationship, and Kate's understanding is more believable due to her profession.

The murder investigation and the mystery surrounding it is the weakest point of the book. It was kind of interesting, and had some great moments, but it really didn't have that same emotional impact that the first book did. I felt that it was just a way to highlight Kate's interpersonal skills and her talent as a detective. The reveal of the murderer was fairly anti-climatic, as well. There are one or two hints that Bramhall might have set up for a super exciting mystery, but they look like they weren't addressed in this book, so I hope we get a third one to explore them further.

*This is an ARC that I received from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.