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Flash Point
'A great cast of characters, a riveting storyline, a nail-biting climax' Valerie Keogh 'By page 3 I was hooked. By the end I was addicted' Owen MullenA city on fire. A killer who can't be stopped. Who will be next? When two teenagers are found dead in a fire, DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are called in to investigate. They believe it was a revenge attack gone wrong. But soon fires are cropping up everywhere, and the police suspect they're dealing with something much bigger . . . something that could bring the city to its knees. With time running out, can the detectives find the arsonists before the city goes up in flames? What readers are saying about Anita Waller: 'I was completely hooked' 'She just gets better . . . An absolutely fabulous read' 'Grabs you from page one' 'Absolutely phenomenal' 'A cracking good read' 'Honestly, I cannot get enough of this author'
274 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2022
About the author
Anita Waller
37 books485 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 15, 2022
DI Laura Hensall and DS Will Peters, who are beginning a personal relationship, are called to the scene of a fire that has killed two local teenagers. Soon, there are other fires throughout the city as well as a ransom note. They and their team race to stop the arsonists before there is a major catastrophe.
This is a solid mystery/police procedural. The story is well written; it pulled me into it and I spent most of the day reading. Even though the “who done it” was evident a little more than halfway through the book, I still couldn’t put it down. The characters are well developed and inspire empathy in the reader.
I’d love to see this become a series.
Thanks to netgalley and boldwoodbooks for the ARC.
********
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January 10, 2023
One Hot Summer starts with a fire in a Summer house that results in the death of two teenagers. DI Laura Henshell and DS Will Peters begin their investigation into what turns into a series of arson attacks in Sheffield. The book started with a lot of promise to be a fast paced thriller.
With one attack after another and a deadline to meet a ransom request, I expected a nail biting and edge of the seat thriller with loads of action. But half way through the book, it fizzled out into a slow paced novel with too much mundane routine about buying coffee machines, filling paperwork and just assigning cops to do night checks. It also didn't help that I figured out the fourth arsonist who is supposed to be the leader of the gang.
I definitely appreciate the plot setting and how the storyline of the book is different from usual thrillers that I read. The writing was detailed and descriptive which made the first half of the book, a quick read for me. The author painted a vivid picture of the characters, but some lacked depth. Overall, One Hot Summer had all the elements of a good thriller but I think it had potential to be better.
With one attack after another and a deadline to meet a ransom request, I expected a nail biting and edge of the seat thriller with loads of action. But half way through the book, it fizzled out into a slow paced novel with too much mundane routine about buying coffee machines, filling paperwork and just assigning cops to do night checks. It also didn't help that I figured out the fourth arsonist who is supposed to be the leader of the gang.
I definitely appreciate the plot setting and how the storyline of the book is different from usual thrillers that I read. The writing was detailed and descriptive which made the first half of the book, a quick read for me. The author painted a vivid picture of the characters, but some lacked depth. Overall, One Hot Summer had all the elements of a good thriller but I think it had potential to be better.
August 7, 2022
Another great book from Anita Waller.
Two teenagers are having a bit of fun together in a summer house that they’ve sneaked into when suddenly there’s a bang and it’s full of fire. They don’t stand a chance as a few petrol bombs have been thrown.
Laura and Will are called when the teenagers are reported missing and after the DNA comparison with their mums, it’s clear the two teenagers have been murdered.
There’s soon another fire set by the arsonists and Laura and Will know they have a limited amount of time before the next one.
It’s clear there’s a mole on the team but Laura has no idea who it is until it’s too late.
This is a gripping thriller that will have you racing through the pages.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Two teenagers are having a bit of fun together in a summer house that they’ve sneaked into when suddenly there’s a bang and it’s full of fire. They don’t stand a chance as a few petrol bombs have been thrown.
Laura and Will are called when the teenagers are reported missing and after the DNA comparison with their mums, it’s clear the two teenagers have been murdered.
There’s soon another fire set by the arsonists and Laura and Will know they have a limited amount of time before the next one.
It’s clear there’s a mole on the team but Laura has no idea who it is until it’s too late.
This is a gripping thriller that will have you racing through the pages.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
November 14, 2023
I don't think I get on with this authors writing style. It's too predictable, and the first part of the book starts really well, and it ends really well but the middle feels like filler. Like 100 pages could be cut out.
Nice easy read though, typical detective who dun it thriller
Nice easy read though, typical detective who dun it thriller
July 8, 2023
This book sounded really promising when I found it, but in the end it disappointed.
Some of the narration became quite repetitive as the detective repeated information from one person to another.
Most of the book was slow and just felt like one thing melted into another with not much to go off, I feel it could’ve benefited from even a little nugget of a clue to keep me guessing.
And by the end, I knew exactly what was going to happen. The information was given so blatantly that it almost made me mad! I spent 2 thirds of the book just waiting for the inevitable.
The narration was boring and the whole book felt uneventful, I understand showing detectives on a wild goose chase and the reality of knowing nothing but this book literally gave.. nothing. Even the ending felt lacklustre.
Some of the narration became quite repetitive as the detective repeated information from one person to another.
Most of the book was slow and just felt like one thing melted into another with not much to go off, I feel it could’ve benefited from even a little nugget of a clue to keep me guessing.
And by the end, I knew exactly what was going to happen. The information was given so blatantly that it almost made me mad! I spent 2 thirds of the book just waiting for the inevitable.
The narration was boring and the whole book felt uneventful, I understand showing detectives on a wild goose chase and the reality of knowing nothing but this book literally gave.. nothing. Even the ending felt lacklustre.
July 25, 2022
One Hot Summer was a perfect getaway for the weekend, thanks to the publisher for my advance copy. This is my first Book of the author and I'm very glad I'd found her.
One Hot Summer begins with two teenagers getting murdered in a shed in Sheffield, where the arsonists threw petrol bombs, not knowing there were two innocent lives. What follows is the police investigation but they are nowhere near finding the culprits and the arsonists have only just begun. Soon, there are many summer houses and sheds and shops on fire and more lives are lost. The police try and try to zero in, but somehow the culprits are one step ahead. Time is ticking and DI Laura Henshall and her team must crack the case before more lives are lost.
Pacy and full of likeable characters and even a budding romance, I loved this book. Although there aren't many mind-blowing twists thrown your way, you'll not be bored of the book. Being a fan of police procedural, the British way of doing things have always fascinated me. A proper popcorn read to binge read over the weekend. Raced right through it.
One Hot Summer begins with two teenagers getting murdered in a shed in Sheffield, where the arsonists threw petrol bombs, not knowing there were two innocent lives. What follows is the police investigation but they are nowhere near finding the culprits and the arsonists have only just begun. Soon, there are many summer houses and sheds and shops on fire and more lives are lost. The police try and try to zero in, but somehow the culprits are one step ahead. Time is ticking and DI Laura Henshall and her team must crack the case before more lives are lost.
Pacy and full of likeable characters and even a budding romance, I loved this book. Although there aren't many mind-blowing twists thrown your way, you'll not be bored of the book. Being a fan of police procedural, the British way of doing things have always fascinated me. A proper popcorn read to binge read over the weekend. Raced right through it.
July 29, 2022
Two teenagers are killed by arsonists as they throw petrol bombs into shed. Then more arson fires are started and the arsonist always seems to be one step ahead of the police. Then police get threatening letter and are worried they won’t be able to find the people responsible in time. Then they finally figure out who is doing it and why.
July 28, 2022
I thought this was a fast paced and thrilling read. It got off to a great start and the opening chapter certainly grabbed my attention! I really liked the main character DI Henshall, she is tenacious, determined and portrayed very believably and realistically. She, along with her team, investigate the murders of two teenage children in a fire. When other fires are started deliberately resulting in more deaths Henshaw knows they are in a race against time to prevent further loss of life. I liked the small glimpses into the home and personal lives of some of the characters, and that the story was told through different characters and their perspectives, and was very easy to follow and flowed really well. I found I had a lot of empathy for two of the characters and felt that the author wrote of their feelings, thoughts and emotions very eloquently and with a lot of care. I’d guessed who was behind the events just over half way in and found out I was right as the book raced to a thrilling ending. In my opinion, the author has wrote a very good book here, her writing style immediately had me hooked and she is able to make her characters jump out of the pages so I can picture them and the scenes in my mind. The plot line was well thought out and the book had more than enough action in it to keep me engaged and wanting to now what happens next. I’m not sure if this is going to become a series, if it is I would definitely want to read the next book to see how the characters develop. I’d recommend this if you like good, solid police procedurals with characters you can connect with.
March 11, 2023
Oh, No, No, No - Not Shocking Nor Thrilling
Okay, I'm certain that the author is a nice woman. A kind woman. The kind of woman who would give us, upon materializing on her doorstep, a great big bosomy hug, then scurry off to make us a cuppa tea.
However, this novel has some SERIOUS flaws. The protagonist, Laura, has an illicit affair with her SUBORDINATE, Will. That's right, she's his direct supervisor. He's married, but when their interest from crime solving turns toward the possibility of a relationship, even though she's his BOSS, everyone in the station applauds, and gives a "good job, mate!" to the couple.
Come on, puhleeze. I dunno, maybe I'm unfamiliar with ethical HR practices across the pond, but this would NEVER be tolerated in the US. Period.
I *think* the author was trying to find a balance between a British detective novel v. a cozy mystery v. a romantic suspense novel. It didn't work as she was trying to be too many things to too many people.
Oh, and the unknown miscreant? Way too obvious.
I sincerely believe this could be, with some serious rewrites, a decent romantic suspense novel.
As it is? Take a hard pass - unless you have a penchant for self-flagellation.
Okay, I'm certain that the author is a nice woman. A kind woman. The kind of woman who would give us, upon materializing on her doorstep, a great big bosomy hug, then scurry off to make us a cuppa tea.
However, this novel has some SERIOUS flaws. The protagonist, Laura, has an illicit affair with her SUBORDINATE, Will. That's right, she's his direct supervisor. He's married, but when their interest from crime solving turns toward the possibility of a relationship, even though she's his BOSS, everyone in the station applauds, and gives a "good job, mate!" to the couple.
Come on, puhleeze. I dunno, maybe I'm unfamiliar with ethical HR practices across the pond, but this would NEVER be tolerated in the US. Period.
I *think* the author was trying to find a balance between a British detective novel v. a cozy mystery v. a romantic suspense novel. It didn't work as she was trying to be too many things to too many people.
Oh, and the unknown miscreant? Way too obvious.
I sincerely believe this could be, with some serious rewrites, a decent romantic suspense novel.
As it is? Take a hard pass - unless you have a penchant for self-flagellation.
May 2, 2023
Cracked it half way through... Both the main villain and the final target
August 25, 2022
The story begins with wo teenagers who are killed in a fire in a summer house, the owner initially outcasted by his neighbours. But soon other fires are popping up in other neighbours summer houses and DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters realise they have a huge problem on their hands.
The two detectives have just entered into a new romantic relationship and to be honest I did get sick a bit lovey dovey banter going back and forth between them but this could just be me as I am not a person that likes romance in my books, I can handle a little but this just got on my nerves - I do not mean to offend the author or other readers.
As the book progresses it becomes evident that there is a mole in the police station working against them, I do have to say I picked this person very early in the story but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, just clarified that I was on the right track. Soon a ransom demand is requested or further fires will occur endangering more lives. This has the station in a frenzy until they are finally able to identify the suspects and take some control over the situation. The ending is also quite sad.
I would not say that this is my favourite Anita Waller book but as I said it was still an enjoyable read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The two detectives have just entered into a new romantic relationship and to be honest I did get sick a bit lovey dovey banter going back and forth between them but this could just be me as I am not a person that likes romance in my books, I can handle a little but this just got on my nerves - I do not mean to offend the author or other readers.
As the book progresses it becomes evident that there is a mole in the police station working against them, I do have to say I picked this person very early in the story but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, just clarified that I was on the right track. Soon a ransom demand is requested or further fires will occur endangering more lives. This has the station in a frenzy until they are finally able to identify the suspects and take some control over the situation. The ending is also quite sad.
I would not say that this is my favourite Anita Waller book but as I said it was still an enjoyable read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
What a cracking read! The story starts off with a bang and never lets up throughout. A gang of arsonists who call themselves Flashpoint, have the city of Sheffield living in terror as a series of fires are started throughout the area leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. As the body count begins to rise, so does the anxiety of DI Laura Henshall and her team who work around the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This is a compelling and brilliantly written read that had me gripped throughout. The attention to detail is superb, the characters so lifelike they all but jump off the page at you. Another fantastic story by Anita Waller, this book comes highly recommended. A full 5 stars from me!
This is a compelling and brilliantly written read that had me gripped throughout. The attention to detail is superb, the characters so lifelike they all but jump off the page at you. Another fantastic story by Anita Waller, this book comes highly recommended. A full 5 stars from me!
December 5, 2023
Im rarely surprised and this book did just that and had my crying at the end.
February 11, 2024
Audio version of this book - A good listen , recommend
July 25, 2022
Well, what can I say. One Hot Summer kicks off with a particularly compelling first few pages. So much so that, I was lulled inot a false sense of security only to turn onto page two and WHAM! she hit me with the first unexpected whammy. I'm not ashamed to admit that , at that point I squeaked like a castrated mouse and well... from there on in, I was on tenterhooks, waiting for the next squeakable moment - and there were a few - Damn you Anita Waller for keeping me up at night!
I was immediately hooked and Waller, as I've come to expect in her books, didn't let me off for the duration of the read.
One of the things Waller does so very, very well is she creates a real understanding of her characters. They are always well drawn and she always creates an emotional , very human, dilemma in her main characters that really makes you empathise with their predicaments. Alongside that, the sense of family dilemmas and community interactions is strong.
More than that though, Waller has a tricksy little knack of keeping you on the back foot and playing with your perceptions as the novel unravels. For me, this was ONe Hot Read, never mind One Hot Summer.
I'd definitely recommend this book, so what are you waiting for? 5 stars from me!
I was immediately hooked and Waller, as I've come to expect in her books, didn't let me off for the duration of the read.
One of the things Waller does so very, very well is she creates a real understanding of her characters. They are always well drawn and she always creates an emotional , very human, dilemma in her main characters that really makes you empathise with their predicaments. Alongside that, the sense of family dilemmas and community interactions is strong.
More than that though, Waller has a tricksy little knack of keeping you on the back foot and playing with your perceptions as the novel unravels. For me, this was ONe Hot Read, never mind One Hot Summer.
I'd definitely recommend this book, so what are you waiting for? 5 stars from me!
August 14, 2022
One hot summer is a gripping and page turner ,psychological book. Psychological books are my favourite and One hot summer did not let me down loved it and I even cried at the end. The beginning of the book was brilliant which helped me to be hooked the story line. I really liked Anita Wallet writing styler and will definitely read more . The story starts of with two teenages in a house summer shed that sets on fire. Laura and Will are sent to look into this tragic fire and then there becomes more fires and murder they have to investigate. It definitely kept me guessing me I got it right who it was. Thank you rararesource and Anita Waller for letting be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Anyone that likes Psychological thriller will love this 5 stars. Will be reading more of Anita Waller books in the future. one hot summer is out to buy in Amazon . Author Bio Anita Waller is the author of many bestselling psychological thrillers and the Kat and Mouse crime series. She lives in Sheffield, which continues to be the setting of many of her thrillers, and was first published by Bloodhound at the age of sixty-nine. Her first book for Boldwood will be published in August 2022.
October 6, 2023
I love it when you find a new author and there is a group of books that you can enjoy from them. I have enjoyed every one I have read and still have more to catch up on.
July 23, 2022
People are dying in Sheffield by an unknown team of arsonists who the police are desperately hunting.
First to be killed are 2 teenagers whose deaths devastates their families and friends. DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are determined to find the killers and bring them to justice. Further buildings are targeted by the arsonists and the death toll increases.
This is another 5* read from Anita Waller. She has a wonderful way of writing such engaging and interesting characters that you feel you know from the minuteyou start reading. The partnership of Laura and Will is engaging from the start and you are immediately invested in their relationship. The storyline itself is another page turning cracker from the start. If you have read previous books by this author you will know she isn't shy about throwing a curveball at the end, and this was no different.
This is a definite 5* read which i highly recommend.
First to be killed are 2 teenagers whose deaths devastates their families and friends. DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are determined to find the killers and bring them to justice. Further buildings are targeted by the arsonists and the death toll increases.
This is another 5* read from Anita Waller. She has a wonderful way of writing such engaging and interesting characters that you feel you know from the minuteyou start reading. The partnership of Laura and Will is engaging from the start and you are immediately invested in their relationship. The storyline itself is another page turning cracker from the start. If you have read previous books by this author you will know she isn't shy about throwing a curveball at the end, and this was no different.
This is a definite 5* read which i highly recommend.
August 4, 2022
It's always a pleasure to read a book by Anita Waller. This one is no exception. Engaging characters and a terrific well thought out plot that keep the pages turning. Although a little more predictable than her previous books (there was enough information for the reader to make educated guesses) it still had me gripped and emotionally aghast by the turn of events. Something big is about to happen in Sheffield and it's up to DI Henshall and her close knit team to investigate and stop it before it's too late. Time is running out. The arson attacks are out of control and the deaths are mounting. The arsonists are always one step ahead but how can that be? Security is tight! Nicely paced and well written, very entertaining throughout. Recommended.
July 17, 2022
There’s something about Anitas book. Something that cleverly draws you in and steals time. Something magical, entrancing almost. This one is about some arsonists who are throwing petrol bombs at sheds and summerhouses. What they perhaps didn't realise was that in the first one they torched there were two youngsters inside who both lost their lives. DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are doing their very best to try and find out who and why. It soon appears that the gang have either inside information as they are one step ahead or even someone? A note is received saying that there is a threat of a much larger fire with potential huge loss of life unless demands are met. Can the team find out who and why in time?
I loved this and was unable to put it down. I liked Laura and Will who came across very well and a little backstory which adds depth and even a little romance. A cleverly thought out plot and a stunning awesome read.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
July 30, 2022
Review
I love a police drama and this book was just like an episode of those dramas. It was brilliant.
I guessed the killer about 60% of the way through but then with every page turn doubted myself time and time again.
It was an addictive read and I couldn't put it down. A must read for any crime lovers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a police drama and this book was just like an episode of those dramas. It was brilliant.
I guessed the killer about 60% of the way through but then with every page turn doubted myself time and time again.
It was an addictive read and I couldn't put it down. A must read for any crime lovers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 28, 2022
When two teenagers are found dead in a fire, DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are called in to investigate. They believe it was a revenge attack gone wrong.
But soon fires are cropping up everywhere, and the police suspect they’re dealing with something much bigger . . . something that could bring the city to its knees.
With time running out, can the detectives find the arsonists before the city goes up in flames?
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Boldwood Books
I just reviewed One Hot Summer by Anita Waller. #OneHotSummer #NetGalley
But soon fires are cropping up everywhere, and the police suspect they’re dealing with something much bigger . . . something that could bring the city to its knees.
With time running out, can the detectives find the arsonists before the city goes up in flames?
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Boldwood Books
I just reviewed One Hot Summer by Anita Waller. #OneHotSummer #NetGalley
June 11, 2023
just no….
I didn’t care for the romantic relationship between the two officers or the boring daily ongoings of the police station. It could have been so much better, it just lacked depth and was too slow paced.
I didn’t care for the romantic relationship between the two officers or the boring daily ongoings of the police station. It could have been so much better, it just lacked depth and was too slow paced.
July 8, 2023
Was delighted to finish this book! Found it very slow and was no twist. Knew the plot from the start, thought it can't be that simple, there has to be a twist but sadly wasn't.
July 12, 2023
Clunky dialogue and a really irritating romance between the two main characters. Story just fizzles out.
August 27, 2022
I have been a fan of Anita's work for a while. I haven't quite caught up with everything that she has written to date but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for 'One Hot Summer' and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Anita Waller - a psychological thriller that gets under your skin. Well it was certainly that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Hot Summer' but more about that in a bit.
The synopsis of 'One Hot Summer' intrigued me and as soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that there was a fair chance that I wouldn't be able to put the book down. Well that's exactly what happened. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of 'One Hot Summer'. I found 'One Hot Summer' to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
'One Hot Summer' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Anita Waller. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading 'One Hot Summer' felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, catch your breath and let your blood pressure settle then off the action would go again. I love the way in which Anita makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Hot Summer' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Anita's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The synopsis of 'One Hot Summer' intrigued me and as soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that there was a fair chance that I wouldn't be able to put the book down. Well that's exactly what happened. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered in the opposite direction entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of 'One Hot Summer'. I found 'One Hot Summer' to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
'One Hot Summer' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Anita Waller. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading 'One Hot Summer' felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, catch your breath and let your blood pressure settle then off the action would go again. I love the way in which Anita makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Hot Summer' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Anita's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 29, 2023
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I’ve read another Anita Waller book and absolutely loved it. This book doesn’t disappoint either. I also think that the opening chapter is one of the best I have ever read: explosive, gripping, well written and instantly sets you up for the story engrossing you immediately. Anita Waller is 100% a clever and extraordinary writer with the ability to shock her readers and immerse them fully into her stories.
The plot:
Sharon and Adam: 14 year old teenage sweethearts meeting in a back garden pool house for their first date. Tragically the building is petrol bombed with them inside and they both die instantly in a horrific manner.
DCI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are in charge of the case and the horrific aftermath. They are tasked with uncovering who caused these deaths. On the route of discovery they find this was not just one random occurrence, other attacks happen and other deaths occur. Will they be able to find who is ultimately responsible before the death count increases?
What I liked about this book:
* The opening chapter = absolutely incredible writing. 10/10 shock factor.
* The focus on the police investigation: how you felt like you were on the hunt and uncovering clues alongside them: really drew you into the experience.
What I disliked about the book:
* I had a hunch early on who maybe responsible and it was a little bit predictable towards the end as to how it was revealed and it wasn’t that much of a gripping surprise.
* I kind of feel that the horror of Sharon and Adams death was forgotten about, and brushed under the rug a bit and those characters that were associated with them: Mothers etc were forgotten about in the latter half of the book. This was because it became more centralised on Laura Henshall and the investigation.
* The epilogue- rather than it just focusing on Laura I would have liked to have read about the feelings and developments of other characters who had experienced losses of people to see how they moved on from the experience.
Other books read by this author:
* The Family at Number 12
I’ve read another Anita Waller book and absolutely loved it. This book doesn’t disappoint either. I also think that the opening chapter is one of the best I have ever read: explosive, gripping, well written and instantly sets you up for the story engrossing you immediately. Anita Waller is 100% a clever and extraordinary writer with the ability to shock her readers and immerse them fully into her stories.
The plot:
Sharon and Adam: 14 year old teenage sweethearts meeting in a back garden pool house for their first date. Tragically the building is petrol bombed with them inside and they both die instantly in a horrific manner.
DCI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are in charge of the case and the horrific aftermath. They are tasked with uncovering who caused these deaths. On the route of discovery they find this was not just one random occurrence, other attacks happen and other deaths occur. Will they be able to find who is ultimately responsible before the death count increases?
What I liked about this book:
* The opening chapter = absolutely incredible writing. 10/10 shock factor.
* The focus on the police investigation: how you felt like you were on the hunt and uncovering clues alongside them: really drew you into the experience.
What I disliked about the book:
* I had a hunch early on who maybe responsible and it was a little bit predictable towards the end as to how it was revealed and it wasn’t that much of a gripping surprise.
* I kind of feel that the horror of Sharon and Adams death was forgotten about, and brushed under the rug a bit and those characters that were associated with them: Mothers etc were forgotten about in the latter half of the book. This was because it became more centralised on Laura Henshall and the investigation.
* The epilogue- rather than it just focusing on Laura I would have liked to have read about the feelings and developments of other characters who had experienced losses of people to see how they moved on from the experience.
Other books read by this author:
* The Family at Number 12
December 1, 2022
Anita Waller’s One Hot Summer is edgy, chilling and nail-biting crime fiction at its most addictive.
When two teenagers are found dead in a fire, DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are called to the scene to get to the bottom of this tragic accident. All the evidence points to this being a revenge attack that had gone badly wrong and claimed two young lives. However, Henshall and Peters shouldn’t draw a line under this case so quickly because fires begin to crop up all over the city, leading them to wonder that there is something far more sinister and deadly afoot.
With the emergency services barely able to keep up with all the fires that are suddenly overwhelming the city, it’s becoming clear that somebody out there is determined to cause maximum havoc and destruction. With innocent lives at stake and a crazed killer on the loose, the detectives are up against it as they do their utmost to catch a murderer intent on bringing the city to its knees.
With time not on their side, will Henshall and Peters find the perpetrator in time? Or will more lives be lost as they find themselves going down one dead end after another?
One Hot Summer is a fast, furious and captivating crime novel that I struggled to put down. Anita Waller is a master at writing complex, layered and intelligent crime novels that keep readers guessing and One Hot Summer is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the early hours of the morning.
Guaranteed to keep crime fiction addicts glued to its pages, One Hot Summer is another superb page-turner by Anita Waller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When two teenagers are found dead in a fire, DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are called to the scene to get to the bottom of this tragic accident. All the evidence points to this being a revenge attack that had gone badly wrong and claimed two young lives. However, Henshall and Peters shouldn’t draw a line under this case so quickly because fires begin to crop up all over the city, leading them to wonder that there is something far more sinister and deadly afoot.
With the emergency services barely able to keep up with all the fires that are suddenly overwhelming the city, it’s becoming clear that somebody out there is determined to cause maximum havoc and destruction. With innocent lives at stake and a crazed killer on the loose, the detectives are up against it as they do their utmost to catch a murderer intent on bringing the city to its knees.
With time not on their side, will Henshall and Peters find the perpetrator in time? Or will more lives be lost as they find themselves going down one dead end after another?
One Hot Summer is a fast, furious and captivating crime novel that I struggled to put down. Anita Waller is a master at writing complex, layered and intelligent crime novels that keep readers guessing and One Hot Summer is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the early hours of the morning.
Guaranteed to keep crime fiction addicts glued to its pages, One Hot Summer is another superb page-turner by Anita Waller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2022
Today, I’m taking part in Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books blog tour for Anita Waller’s firestarter of a read One Hot Summer. I’m so happy that I took part on this blog tour as this thriller was a joy to read. This exhilarating, thrilling and cracking read held my interest and attention from the very first page to the last one. I simply couldn’t put this novel down once I started to read it. In fact, I stayed up well into the night reading it, as I wanted to find out what happened in the end. If there ever was a thriller worth a read it’s this one.
It tells a story of a gang of arsenists starting fires in summer houses, a supermarket and even a police station, as the death toll from these crimes increases so does the desperation from the police to catch the culprits. This novel keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. I loved the author’s writing style, I loved the character development and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded and I loved the thrill of the investigation and the chase. The police procedural parts of this novel were interesting, and I found myself fascinated by the investigation. This novel certainly was the edge of your seat and unputdownable kind and it was a thrill to read.
I’m so happy to have discovered a new author for me whose writing style I love, and I’m hoping to read more by Anita Waller in the future. I’m yet to read a thriller published by Boldwood Books that I don’t love, and always look forward to the publication of their new releases and sign up for their blog tours straight away. I’m giving One Hot Summer 5 stars as I really loved it and I know that other readers will love it too.
It tells a story of a gang of arsenists starting fires in summer houses, a supermarket and even a police station, as the death toll from these crimes increases so does the desperation from the police to catch the culprits. This novel keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. I loved the author’s writing style, I loved the character development and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded and I loved the thrill of the investigation and the chase. The police procedural parts of this novel were interesting, and I found myself fascinated by the investigation. This novel certainly was the edge of your seat and unputdownable kind and it was a thrill to read.
I’m so happy to have discovered a new author for me whose writing style I love, and I’m hoping to read more by Anita Waller in the future. I’m yet to read a thriller published by Boldwood Books that I don’t love, and always look forward to the publication of their new releases and sign up for their blog tours straight away. I’m giving One Hot Summer 5 stars as I really loved it and I know that other readers will love it too.
September 1, 2022
📖BOOK TOUR REVIEW📖
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read this author’s work but I have several of her books on my TBR list. She has an entertaining writing style. The first chapter pulled me in and I was kept entertained throughout the rest. While it’s not extremely graphic, it could be a trigger for some.
I instantly became attached to the two mothers that lost their children. They were the characters that kept me invested in reading this police procedural to the end.
The relationship between the two cops was a bit of a drawback for me. I don’t read romance and their new relationship, with its flirtation, was a little much for my liking. But if the fast-paced, head-over-heels falling in love is your thing, you’ll probably like Laura and Will more than I did.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the complimentary ARC provided through NetGalley. And thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite.
#onehotsummer #anitawaller #boldwoodbooks #newrelease #policeprocedural #rachelsrandomresources #blogtour #blogtourhost #booktour #netgalley #advancedreaderscopy #giftedbook #honestbookreview #usbookreviewer #bookreviewer #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew
#mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks#cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read this author’s work but I have several of her books on my TBR list. She has an entertaining writing style. The first chapter pulled me in and I was kept entertained throughout the rest. While it’s not extremely graphic, it could be a trigger for some.
I instantly became attached to the two mothers that lost their children. They were the characters that kept me invested in reading this police procedural to the end.
The relationship between the two cops was a bit of a drawback for me. I don’t read romance and their new relationship, with its flirtation, was a little much for my liking. But if the fast-paced, head-over-heels falling in love is your thing, you’ll probably like Laura and Will more than I did.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the complimentary ARC provided through NetGalley. And thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite.
#onehotsummer #anitawaller #boldwoodbooks #newrelease #policeprocedural #rachelsrandomresources #blogtour #blogtourhost #booktour #netgalley #advancedreaderscopy #giftedbook #honestbookreview #usbookreviewer #bookreviewer #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew
#mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks#cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #readingintherockies
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