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DCI Jonah Sheens #2
Wer auf dich wartet
One crime. One witness. One question : why didn’t he call the police?When a vibrant young woman is murdered while on a video chat, a small-town detective wades into a circle of friends and lovers with dangerous secrets.Aidan Poole logs on to his laptop late at night to Skype his girlfriend, Zoe. To his horror, he realizes that there is someone else in her flat. Aidan can only listen to the sounds of a violent struggle taking place in the bathroom—and then the sound of silence. He is desperate to find out if Zoe is okay. But then why is he so hesitant to call the police?When Aidan’s cryptic messages finally reach them, Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens and his team take the case—and discover the body. They soon find that no one has a bad word to say about Zoe, a big hearted young artist at the center of a curious web of waifs and strays, each relying on her for support, each hiding dark secrets and buried resentments. Has one of her so-called “friends” been driven to murder? Or does Aidan have the biggest secret of them all?
Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2020
317 people are currently reading
7136 people want to read
About the author
Gytha Lodge
18 books1,033 followersGytha Lodge is a multi-award-winning playwright, novelist and writer for video games and screen. She is also a single parent who blogs about the ridiculousness of bringing up a mega-nerd small boy.
She has a profound addiction to tea, crosswords and awful puns. When not writing, she heads up a copywriting team at a global translation firm, where she generally tries to keep all the video-game writing to herself.
She studied English at Cambridge, where she became known quite quickly for her brand of twisty, dark yet entertaining drama. She later took the Creative Writing MA at UEA.
She has signed with Penguin Random House worldwide for the first three books in her crime series featuring DCI Jonah Sheens. She Lies in Wait will be released in January 2019 and can be preordered in the US and the UK here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/She-Lies-Wai...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/198...
Facebook
She has a profound addiction to tea, crosswords and awful puns. When not writing, she heads up a copywriting team at a global translation firm, where she generally tries to keep all the video-game writing to herself.
She studied English at Cambridge, where she became known quite quickly for her brand of twisty, dark yet entertaining drama. She later took the Creative Writing MA at UEA.
She has signed with Penguin Random House worldwide for the first three books in her crime series featuring DCI Jonah Sheens. She Lies in Wait will be released in January 2019 and can be preordered in the US and the UK here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/She-Lies-Wai...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/198...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 635 reviews
August 14, 2020
Okay, it’s another fast and intriguing reading burned a lot of my grey cells. (Dunking my head in icy bucket to put down the fire) I have to admit I had a great time ( Even though my grey cells packed their bags and want to abandon my head forever)
The book is starting fast. We’re quickly introduced (actually we are not! Correction: We just see a random guy name Aidan who sits in front of his computer and we are not sure if he is pervert or a normal human being! He may be soul twin of Joe Goldberg! I have to stop binge watching second season of YOU) Aidan Poole staring his computer screen. Nope, he doesn’t watch something inappropriate, at least not at first. He got a Skype call from his girlfriend and accepts it but she is nowhere to be seen. He can only see her empty living room and hear water splashing so he realizes she is in the bath. Is it some kind of sick fantasy? Well, he gets intrigued and waits for more patiently. But what the hell, he sees that the front door slowly opens. Somebody is in the house.
Does his girlfriend have an affair with someone?
He hears the footsteps and opening of the bathroom door, more water splashing and… few minutes later, the front door slowly closes again. What the hell happened? Breaking and entering? Is his girlfriend okay? Should he call 999?
Quiet a great opening, what do you think? Like a thrilling opening of your favorite crime series! Let’s move on and see how this incident will connect us with our crime team. (If you already read the first book: “She lies in wait”, you already know the members and get ready to welcome them with open arms.)
DCI Jonah Sheens receives Aidan’s weird message: a guy is worried about his girlfriend’s well-being! He thinks she might be in big trouble!So he makes his Google research, gathering pieces, finding the name and address to check out the girlfriend’s situation. Her name is Zoe Swardadine. Yes, she is definitely dead!
It’s time to suit up and put his team into play. Domnall O’Malley: experienced, elder member of the team, smart, analytic, Juliette: enthusiastic member of the team, also smart, suffering some issues with her past and Ben is most secretive member of the team, he is so quiet and gives me a little creeps.
So this book gave me mind spinning because I changed my mind so many times to decide who the killer is. Angelina, Maeve, Victor, anyone from her past? My spider senses gave me their resignation letter because they thought they were useless.
At the end I finally found whodunit but I felt really exhausted and left my body hit the couch to take a long nap to ease my nerves.
I loved the first book and this one is also quite remarkable sequel. I’m so ready to read more adventures of this team.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
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The book is starting fast. We’re quickly introduced (actually we are not! Correction: We just see a random guy name Aidan who sits in front of his computer and we are not sure if he is pervert or a normal human being! He may be soul twin of Joe Goldberg! I have to stop binge watching second season of YOU) Aidan Poole staring his computer screen. Nope, he doesn’t watch something inappropriate, at least not at first. He got a Skype call from his girlfriend and accepts it but she is nowhere to be seen. He can only see her empty living room and hear water splashing so he realizes she is in the bath. Is it some kind of sick fantasy? Well, he gets intrigued and waits for more patiently. But what the hell, he sees that the front door slowly opens. Somebody is in the house.
Does his girlfriend have an affair with someone?
He hears the footsteps and opening of the bathroom door, more water splashing and… few minutes later, the front door slowly closes again. What the hell happened? Breaking and entering? Is his girlfriend okay? Should he call 999?
Quiet a great opening, what do you think? Like a thrilling opening of your favorite crime series! Let’s move on and see how this incident will connect us with our crime team. (If you already read the first book: “She lies in wait”, you already know the members and get ready to welcome them with open arms.)
DCI Jonah Sheens receives Aidan’s weird message: a guy is worried about his girlfriend’s well-being! He thinks she might be in big trouble!So he makes his Google research, gathering pieces, finding the name and address to check out the girlfriend’s situation. Her name is Zoe Swardadine. Yes, she is definitely dead!
It’s time to suit up and put his team into play. Domnall O’Malley: experienced, elder member of the team, smart, analytic, Juliette: enthusiastic member of the team, also smart, suffering some issues with her past and Ben is most secretive member of the team, he is so quiet and gives me a little creeps.
So this book gave me mind spinning because I changed my mind so many times to decide who the killer is. Angelina, Maeve, Victor, anyone from her past? My spider senses gave me their resignation letter because they thought they were useless.
At the end I finally found whodunit but I felt really exhausted and left my body hit the couch to take a long nap to ease my nerves.
I loved the first book and this one is also quite remarkable sequel. I’m so ready to read more adventures of this team.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
blog
July 31, 2023
Watching from the Dark (DCI Jonah Sheens #2) by Gytha Lodge (Author), John Hopkins (Narrator), Vinette Robinson (Narrator)
When Aidan Poole sits down for his late night session with his girlfriend, Zoe, he's miffed that she's late, again. Her Skype has started and he's staring at her empty chair while hearing her run a bath. Then he thinks he sees the front door open and the shadow of a figure, the sound of Zoe being surprised when someone enters the bathroom and then sounds of a struggle. Then nothing. After watching the screen for a couple of hours he leaves an anonymous, vague, message with the police. What a kind, loving, caring, concerned boyfriend, I think, with utter disdain.
When the police finally understand that something has really happened and get to Zoe's apartment, she's dead. Now starts the very complex process of trying to understand what led to Zoe's death. The current day investigation is mixed in with chapters going back over the last year and a half, where we see that Zoe was the rock that held up a group of needy, manipulative people, who used Zoe and fought for her attention. So many lies, secrets, and devious actions to wade through for the investigative team. At first, I preferred to be in the present day, with DCI Sheens and his team but eventually I got caught up in the dysfunctional lives of Zoe and her friends/enemies. This was another very satisfying entry in the DCI Jonah Sheens world and I look forward to the next book.
Pub Feb 25, 2020
When Aidan Poole sits down for his late night session with his girlfriend, Zoe, he's miffed that she's late, again. Her Skype has started and he's staring at her empty chair while hearing her run a bath. Then he thinks he sees the front door open and the shadow of a figure, the sound of Zoe being surprised when someone enters the bathroom and then sounds of a struggle. Then nothing. After watching the screen for a couple of hours he leaves an anonymous, vague, message with the police. What a kind, loving, caring, concerned boyfriend, I think, with utter disdain.
When the police finally understand that something has really happened and get to Zoe's apartment, she's dead. Now starts the very complex process of trying to understand what led to Zoe's death. The current day investigation is mixed in with chapters going back over the last year and a half, where we see that Zoe was the rock that held up a group of needy, manipulative people, who used Zoe and fought for her attention. So many lies, secrets, and devious actions to wade through for the investigative team. At first, I preferred to be in the present day, with DCI Sheens and his team but eventually I got caught up in the dysfunctional lives of Zoe and her friends/enemies. This was another very satisfying entry in the DCI Jonah Sheens world and I look forward to the next book.
Pub Feb 25, 2020
July 13, 2023
**4.5-stars rounded up **
Watching From the Dark was everything I was hoping for. Gytha Lodge, you have made me a very happy girl!
Signing on to his late night Skype date with his girlfriend, Zoe, Aidan Poole can tell right away something is off.
For one, Zoe isn't in front of the camera. He observes her moving through her apartment, but then she goes into the bathroom and starts running a bath.
Anticipating something kinky may be in the works, he sits back, watches and waits.
Things take a disturbing turn however, when he observes a shadowy figure entering the apartment, proceeding into the bathroom and closing the door behind them.
Next Aidan hears the obvious sounds of a struggle. Zoe is being attacked and there is nothing he can do to help her!
You're probably thinking, well, he could call the police, right?
Yes, that does seem logical, doesn't it? He can call, explain the circumstances and give them her address, but he doesn't do that. In fact, he doesn't do anything.
Not right away, anyway. He ultimately does end up calling the authorities the following day, but if Zoe were brutally attacked, wouldn't he want to get her help as soon as possible?
If you think this sounds like an intriguing way to a kick off a story, you're absolutely correct!
When Aidan's odd crime report makes its way to the desk of DCI Jonah Sheens, he and his team decide to take it seriously and begin to investigate.
They head to Zoe's apartment and discover she didn't survive the attack. Now faced with a murder investigation, Sheens and the team dig deep into Zoe's life, friend group and mysterious relationship with Aidan.
I really enjoyed the first installment to the Jonah Sheens series, She Lies in Wait, and was highly anticipating this release.
I am happy to report this exceeded all my expectations.
I feel like Lodge's writing has matured in such a pleasant way.
The investigatory aspects of this were so strong, as well as the plotting. There were many clever red herrings and twists along the way.
I loved being back with Sheens and the other officers. They work so well together and that is nice to see. Often there can be a lot of drama within investigative units, so it is nice to see a group that works together in a supportive way.
I do think this can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read the first book, please don't let that keep you from picking this one up. If the premise sounds good to you, jump on it.
I have a feeling you'll be adding the first book to your TBR List after. As you should, because it is great too!
As for me, I am so excited about the potential for this series. I hope it lasts a long, long time. I know I will be picking up every single one that gets released.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Penguin Random House, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I truly appreciate it.
I am looking forward to reading so much more from Gytha Lodge!
Watching From the Dark was everything I was hoping for. Gytha Lodge, you have made me a very happy girl!
Signing on to his late night Skype date with his girlfriend, Zoe, Aidan Poole can tell right away something is off.
For one, Zoe isn't in front of the camera. He observes her moving through her apartment, but then she goes into the bathroom and starts running a bath.
Anticipating something kinky may be in the works, he sits back, watches and waits.
Things take a disturbing turn however, when he observes a shadowy figure entering the apartment, proceeding into the bathroom and closing the door behind them.
Next Aidan hears the obvious sounds of a struggle. Zoe is being attacked and there is nothing he can do to help her!
You're probably thinking, well, he could call the police, right?
Yes, that does seem logical, doesn't it? He can call, explain the circumstances and give them her address, but he doesn't do that. In fact, he doesn't do anything.
Not right away, anyway. He ultimately does end up calling the authorities the following day, but if Zoe were brutally attacked, wouldn't he want to get her help as soon as possible?
If you think this sounds like an intriguing way to a kick off a story, you're absolutely correct!
When Aidan's odd crime report makes its way to the desk of DCI Jonah Sheens, he and his team decide to take it seriously and begin to investigate.
They head to Zoe's apartment and discover she didn't survive the attack. Now faced with a murder investigation, Sheens and the team dig deep into Zoe's life, friend group and mysterious relationship with Aidan.
I really enjoyed the first installment to the Jonah Sheens series, She Lies in Wait, and was highly anticipating this release.
I am happy to report this exceeded all my expectations.
I feel like Lodge's writing has matured in such a pleasant way.
The investigatory aspects of this were so strong, as well as the plotting. There were many clever red herrings and twists along the way.
I loved being back with Sheens and the other officers. They work so well together and that is nice to see. Often there can be a lot of drama within investigative units, so it is nice to see a group that works together in a supportive way.
I do think this can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read the first book, please don't let that keep you from picking this one up. If the premise sounds good to you, jump on it.
I have a feeling you'll be adding the first book to your TBR List after. As you should, because it is great too!
As for me, I am so excited about the potential for this series. I hope it lasts a long, long time. I know I will be picking up every single one that gets released.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Penguin Random House, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I truly appreciate it.
I am looking forward to reading so much more from Gytha Lodge!
January 3, 2020
This the sequel to Gytha Lodge's DCI Jonah Sheens of the Hampshire Constabulary series, a sequel I was really keen to read after enjoying She Lies In Wait. This is a multilayered blend of psychological thriller and police procedural, and it has a intriguing and fabulous beginning. Aidan Poole is a lecturer, on his laptop late at night, on skype to his girlfriend, Zoe Swardadine, only she has made her way to have a bath. He is waiting, looking at her flat, when he hears someone enter the flat, go into the bathroom, Aidan hears noises that sound like a deadly assault, then nothing. He is afraid that Zoe is dead but is reluctant to phone the police. Why? Sheens sees a message about the report of a death which he eventually decides to follow up, which leads to the discovery of Zoe's body, apparently having committing suicide, except for the chemical smell lingering on Zoe's face that makes it clear that this is without doubt a murder.
So Jonah and his team of detectives, Domnall O'Malley, Ben Lightman and Juliette Hanson begin to investigate, although O'Malley is left with the remnants of a blackmail case to complete. They begin to draw up a list of Zoe's circle of friends and family. Zoe is a gifted student artist whose talent has emerged in the last year, working part time at Gina's upmarket Coffee shop, with a close circle of friends that include the emotionally broken Angeline Judd, the Christian Maeve Silver, involved with her church pastor, the tempestuous Brazilian Victor Varos and retired PTSD suffering Felix Solomon, Zoe's landlord. The narrative goes back and forth in time from twenty months ago, at Zoe getting ready for Gina's wedding, where at the reception she first meets and is attracted to the sulky good looking Aidan. An intense relationship develops between the two of them, played out amidst the background of the issues, feelings and drama of Zoe's friends that lead to her murder.
Lodge writes a beautifully plotted and well written twisted story that unfolds slowly to reveal the surprising and horrifying truth of what happened to Zoe and why. Sheens and his team each play their integral part in uncovering the truth, and along the way suspect almost everyone of being the potential killer. Lodge creates a host of diverse characters that draw in the reader with ease, that you get to know well, as their secrets and lies are revealed one after the other. This is a great addition to a great series that I found compulsive reading and so very engrossing. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
So Jonah and his team of detectives, Domnall O'Malley, Ben Lightman and Juliette Hanson begin to investigate, although O'Malley is left with the remnants of a blackmail case to complete. They begin to draw up a list of Zoe's circle of friends and family. Zoe is a gifted student artist whose talent has emerged in the last year, working part time at Gina's upmarket Coffee shop, with a close circle of friends that include the emotionally broken Angeline Judd, the Christian Maeve Silver, involved with her church pastor, the tempestuous Brazilian Victor Varos and retired PTSD suffering Felix Solomon, Zoe's landlord. The narrative goes back and forth in time from twenty months ago, at Zoe getting ready for Gina's wedding, where at the reception she first meets and is attracted to the sulky good looking Aidan. An intense relationship develops between the two of them, played out amidst the background of the issues, feelings and drama of Zoe's friends that lead to her murder.
Lodge writes a beautifully plotted and well written twisted story that unfolds slowly to reveal the surprising and horrifying truth of what happened to Zoe and why. Sheens and his team each play their integral part in uncovering the truth, and along the way suspect almost everyone of being the potential killer. Lodge creates a host of diverse characters that draw in the reader with ease, that you get to know well, as their secrets and lies are revealed one after the other. This is a great addition to a great series that I found compulsive reading and so very engrossing. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
September 13, 2021
Watching From the Dark by Gytha Lodge is a 2020 Random House publication.
When Adrian Poole logs on the internet to accept a Skype call with Zoe, his girlfriend, he’s annoyed to discover she’s not in the camera’s view.
But, as he continues to watch, he believes something bad has happed to
Zoe. But, because of the circumstances of their relationship, instead of calling the police, like any other concerned person would, he leaves an anonymous message, instead.
It’s not until DCI Jonah Sheen happens across the report that Zoe’s body is found. Once he’s gathered his team, the unit must determine why anyone would want to murder Zoe.
This means interviewing her friends, family, and neighbors. As they dig into Zoe’s life, a complex web of manipulations, secrets, and lies, creates a number of possible suspects and motives, which keeps the team- and the reader- guessing, second guessing, and confused until the bitter end.
The current investigation is alternated with the Zoe’s voice, detailing her life leading up to her death, including her interactions with friends, colleagues, and of course, Adrian Poole.
This approach is one also used in the first installment, and I think it adds a haunting, atmospheric quality to what is, for all intents and purposes, a police procedural- which seldom comes with many bells and whistles.
Lodge again keeps the primary focus on the murder victim and the suspects, although we do get a closer glimpse of Sheen’s complicated private life.
For some reason, the atmosphere here reminds me a bit of Deborah Crombie’s series, only without the personal touches and developed private lives of the star detectives.
I wouldn’t mind if this series added a little more of those personal asides, but since we are only two books in, I’m thinking the recurring characters will slowly develop as the series continues.
As to the criminal case, the plot turns into a fascinating drama, and like the detectives, I thought I knew for sure who the murderer was, only to waffle and change my mind multiple times. I was constantly trying to work it out.
Overall, a fantastic effort by Gytha Lodge. This series is very promising and is one I will not let myself get behind on! I’ve already queued up the next installment!!
4 stars
When Adrian Poole logs on the internet to accept a Skype call with Zoe, his girlfriend, he’s annoyed to discover she’s not in the camera’s view.
But, as he continues to watch, he believes something bad has happed to
Zoe. But, because of the circumstances of their relationship, instead of calling the police, like any other concerned person would, he leaves an anonymous message, instead.
It’s not until DCI Jonah Sheen happens across the report that Zoe’s body is found. Once he’s gathered his team, the unit must determine why anyone would want to murder Zoe.
This means interviewing her friends, family, and neighbors. As they dig into Zoe’s life, a complex web of manipulations, secrets, and lies, creates a number of possible suspects and motives, which keeps the team- and the reader- guessing, second guessing, and confused until the bitter end.
The current investigation is alternated with the Zoe’s voice, detailing her life leading up to her death, including her interactions with friends, colleagues, and of course, Adrian Poole.
This approach is one also used in the first installment, and I think it adds a haunting, atmospheric quality to what is, for all intents and purposes, a police procedural- which seldom comes with many bells and whistles.
Lodge again keeps the primary focus on the murder victim and the suspects, although we do get a closer glimpse of Sheen’s complicated private life.
For some reason, the atmosphere here reminds me a bit of Deborah Crombie’s series, only without the personal touches and developed private lives of the star detectives.
I wouldn’t mind if this series added a little more of those personal asides, but since we are only two books in, I’m thinking the recurring characters will slowly develop as the series continues.
As to the criminal case, the plot turns into a fascinating drama, and like the detectives, I thought I knew for sure who the murderer was, only to waffle and change my mind multiple times. I was constantly trying to work it out.
Overall, a fantastic effort by Gytha Lodge. This series is very promising and is one I will not let myself get behind on! I’ve already queued up the next installment!!
4 stars
December 13, 2022
One sentence review: Lots of potential but falls short due to some questionable detective work
SYNOPSIS
Aiden witnesses his girlfriend Zoe's murder on Skype and calls the police. DCI Jonah Sheens and team are tasked with finding out what happened to the big-hearted art student that led to her tragic death.
MY OPINION
I must confess... months ago I tried to read an ARC of book #4 and DNFed it. I just couldn't get into how the story was told, despite the premise being hella juicy couture. I decided to give this series another crack because since attempting #4, I've become more a police procedural hoe, so I thought maybe I just wasn't on the right wavelength before. I wasn't tempted to DNF this one at any point, but I can't say I'm rushing to pick up #3... or #1 LOL (you know the vibes).
I did enjoy the prose. No complaints about Gytha Lodge's writing abilities. My issues were the storytelling and the amateur hour police work. Let's start with the storytelling. I did NOT understand why Lodge wrote two third-person perspectives, one of which the main character is referred to as Jonah, and the other where Jonah is referred to as Sheens? WHY? Just .... WHY???? It wasn't confusing but just illogical. I know in Cara Hunter's series she writes DI Adam Fawley in first person because he's the main character, and then writes the other POVs as third person, but why two third person POVs with the same character being called two different names????? HALP
Now, onto the shoddy police work. The chillaxing to the max approach to this murder investigation would've been more appropriate if the book took place in Farmville, Virginia (yes, real place. I survived it) instead of Southampton, population of 1.5 million. The first ??? moment was when they failed to do basic background investigations into two MAJOR suspects. First: Aiden. How did you not know he was married? And then with X who happened to be a copper (also weird that he never mentioned it, and this was a nonissue). They wouldn't have even realized if Juliette didn't have a "hunch" about X former employment. Bizarre. This is just one example of the many investigative missteps that held this book back from being great.
Just a warning: there is a ton of cheating in this book. Aiden is married (not a spoiler), and reading his flimsy ass excuses/justifications for his behaviour is revolting. Then you have Zoe, who gaslights herself into taking Aiden back, and describes him as a "good guy" because he doesn't speak poorly about his wife. WOW. Not slamming your wife while simultaneously cheating on her is now considered a virtue? That's some Simone Biles level of mental gymnastics, m'dear.
Even Jonah, or Sheens, depending on which third person POV Gytha deployed, was acting unfaithful. And then he was upset that his side piece didn't send him an enthusiastic enough text??? Isn't Jonah/Sheens like 45 yrs old??? Also, how am I supposed to root for him when he's out here spreading his legs for next thing?? Bye.
Tbh I struggled with connecting to any of the characters. They weren't particularly well-developed and for the life of me, I couldn't understand how or why any of them were friends. Zoe was bland and obsessed with being a "fixer" (although there's no explanation for her disposition), Maeve was a Jesus-lover who was also shebanging her married Pastor, Victor had major anger management issues (for no reason), and Angelique was an anorexic, alcoholic sugar baby(?). It felt more like Gytha assigned these characters random bad traits but failed to flush out WHY they acted the way they did. I couldn't make sense of any of their behaviours.
Ultimately, this book had potential, but Paw Patrol-level police work and illogical characters held it back from becoming a must-read crime series for me. I might give book #3 a chance, but in the meantime I'm turning back to my ole faithfuls.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting premise and case, solid writing
Cons: one-dimensional characters, police work plot holes galore, ending was kinda... "ok then"
SYNOPSIS
Aiden witnesses his girlfriend Zoe's murder on Skype and calls the police. DCI Jonah Sheens and team are tasked with finding out what happened to the big-hearted art student that led to her tragic death.
MY OPINION
I must confess... months ago I tried to read an ARC of book #4 and DNFed it. I just couldn't get into how the story was told, despite the premise being hella juicy couture. I decided to give this series another crack because since attempting #4, I've become more a police procedural hoe, so I thought maybe I just wasn't on the right wavelength before. I wasn't tempted to DNF this one at any point, but I can't say I'm rushing to pick up #3... or #1 LOL (you know the vibes).
I did enjoy the prose. No complaints about Gytha Lodge's writing abilities. My issues were the storytelling and the amateur hour police work. Let's start with the storytelling. I did NOT understand why Lodge wrote two third-person perspectives, one of which the main character is referred to as Jonah, and the other where Jonah is referred to as Sheens? WHY? Just .... WHY???? It wasn't confusing but just illogical. I know in Cara Hunter's series she writes DI Adam Fawley in first person because he's the main character, and then writes the other POVs as third person, but why two third person POVs with the same character being called two different names????? HALP
Now, onto the shoddy police work. The chillaxing to the max approach to this murder investigation would've been more appropriate if the book took place in Farmville, Virginia (yes, real place. I survived it) instead of Southampton, population of 1.5 million. The first ??? moment was when they failed to do basic background investigations into two MAJOR suspects. First: Aiden. How did you not know he was married? And then with X who happened to be a copper (also weird that he never mentioned it, and this was a nonissue). They wouldn't have even realized if Juliette didn't have a "hunch" about X former employment. Bizarre. This is just one example of the many investigative missteps that held this book back from being great.
Just a warning: there is a ton of cheating in this book. Aiden is married (not a spoiler), and reading his flimsy ass excuses/justifications for his behaviour is revolting. Then you have Zoe, who gaslights herself into taking Aiden back, and describes him as a "good guy" because he doesn't speak poorly about his wife. WOW. Not slamming your wife while simultaneously cheating on her is now considered a virtue? That's some Simone Biles level of mental gymnastics, m'dear.
Even Jonah, or Sheens, depending on which third person POV Gytha deployed, was acting unfaithful. And then he was upset that his side piece didn't send him an enthusiastic enough text??? Isn't Jonah/Sheens like 45 yrs old??? Also, how am I supposed to root for him when he's out here spreading his legs for next thing?? Bye.
Tbh I struggled with connecting to any of the characters. They weren't particularly well-developed and for the life of me, I couldn't understand how or why any of them were friends. Zoe was bland and obsessed with being a "fixer" (although there's no explanation for her disposition), Maeve was a Jesus-lover who was also shebanging her married Pastor, Victor had major anger management issues (for no reason), and Angelique was an anorexic, alcoholic sugar baby(?). It felt more like Gytha assigned these characters random bad traits but failed to flush out WHY they acted the way they did. I couldn't make sense of any of their behaviours.
Ultimately, this book had potential, but Paw Patrol-level police work and illogical characters held it back from becoming a must-read crime series for me. I might give book #3 a chance, but in the meantime I'm turning back to my ole faithfuls.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting premise and case, solid writing
Cons: one-dimensional characters, police work plot holes galore, ending was kinda... "ok then"
February 1, 2020
This is the second in the Jonah Sheens series. I really enjoyed the first book, but it took me slightly longer to engage with this one. Aidan Poole is attempting to Skype with his girlfriend when he sees someone entering her apartment and then it’s apparent something violent happens off screen. He reports the incident but for some reason, doesn’t give his name or contact info. Sure enough, she’s been murdered. Will the police believe him? And why the hesitancy about giving his name?
Part of my initial problem was that the book jumps back and forth between the investigation and Zoe’s life some 20 months before the murder and moving forward. I did feel sorry for Zoe, as most of her friends seemed to be real pain in the rear, needy sorts. But I also couldn’t understand why she continued to put up with all of them.
I enjoyed the investigation parts of the story, especially as we learn more about the team members. I especially liked learning more about Hanson. Sheens is impressed when she doesn’t get sick at her first postmortem. “Well, either you’re good at keeping it together under tough circumstances...or it means you’re a psychopath. But I’m sure there’s a place for you in the team either way.”
Good work, Ms Lodge, because I didn’t have a clue as to the murderer until the end. At various times, I was convinced it was each one of her friends.
Anyone that enjoys a well done police procedural will enjoy this one.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
Part of my initial problem was that the book jumps back and forth between the investigation and Zoe’s life some 20 months before the murder and moving forward. I did feel sorry for Zoe, as most of her friends seemed to be real pain in the rear, needy sorts. But I also couldn’t understand why she continued to put up with all of them.
I enjoyed the investigation parts of the story, especially as we learn more about the team members. I especially liked learning more about Hanson. Sheens is impressed when she doesn’t get sick at her first postmortem. “Well, either you’re good at keeping it together under tough circumstances...or it means you’re a psychopath. But I’m sure there’s a place for you in the team either way.”
Good work, Ms Lodge, because I didn’t have a clue as to the murderer until the end. At various times, I was convinced it was each one of her friends.
Anyone that enjoys a well done police procedural will enjoy this one.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
December 4, 2019
So imagine this. You’re on the computer late one night, waiting for your girlfriend to appear on your Skype feed. You can see her empty living room & it sounds like she’s in the bath. Suddenly, in the corner of the screen, you see the edge of her front door slowly open. Soft foot steps echo down the hallway. The next thing you hear is the sound of splashing water. Minutes later, you watch in horror as the front door quietly closes. Silence.
Aidan Poole doesn’t have to imagine it. He’s left staring at the screen, terrified by what he just witnessed. Clearly Zoe needs help ASAP. So then why is he strangely reluctant to call 999?
Now THAT’s how it’s done, folks. If this prologue doesn’t grab you, you’re…ungrabbable. Or possibly in a coma. If you read She Lies in Wait, you’ll be familiar with the returning cast.
DCI Jonah Sheens is back & as the story begins he receives a weird message at the Hampshire Constabulary: some guy called about some girl somewhere in the area who might be in trouble. Or dead. Huh? After consulting the records (and Google) he finally comes up with a name & address. A quick visit confirms that yes, Zoe Swardadine is in fact very dead. Time to gather the team.
Domnall O’Malley, Juliette Hanson & Ben Lightman make up his close knit squad & they waste no time assembling a list of Zoe’s nearest & dearest. Let’s see….there’s Aidan, the boyfriend with everything to lose. Angeline is a close friend who clearly has some issues. Maeve is her former room mate with a complicated love life. Victor is the co-worker who quietly carried a torch for her. And then there’s Felix, the older man who was her landlord.
What follows is a layered story full of people with something to hide. The challenge for the squad is figuring out which of their secrets are related to the murder. As little snippets of information surface, each of the people in Zoe’s life will top the list of suspects at one time or another.
Alternating with the present day investigation are chapters that begin 20 months before her death. Here we get the history of how Zoe & Aidan met & the complex relationships between the gang. As these progress, they begin to inform the present & change how you view each of the characters. You’ll find yourself giving one of them the side-eye & thinking Aha!. Then you read the next chapter & suddenly someone else becomes your prime suspect.
This is not an action packed, shoot-em-up kind of procedural. It’s a twisty psychological suspense story that touches on the darker sides of human nature such as obsession, jealousy, deception & the damage people do to each other. The middle section showcases the grunt work cops endure that makes or breaks a case. It’s also where they (and the reader) pick up the clues that ultimately point them in the direction of Zoe’s killer.
By the end of book #1, I knew the regulars were characters I wanted to meet again so I really enjoyed this. It’s a pleasure to come across a police force portrayed in a way that avoids the usual tropes of office politics & backstabbing. Instead you have distinct characters who actually get along & each brings something different to the table. Domnall is the elder statesman of the squad with a dry wit. Juliette is smart, keen & there are hints of a developing subplot concerning her past. Ben is a quiet guy who is bit of an enigma. And holding them all together is Jonah. He’s a likeable man who’s only really comfortable when he’s on the job. As for his personal life…well, that needs a little work.
All in all, a creepy & intricate story with an ending that may surprise many readers. Job done.
Aidan Poole doesn’t have to imagine it. He’s left staring at the screen, terrified by what he just witnessed. Clearly Zoe needs help ASAP. So then why is he strangely reluctant to call 999?
Now THAT’s how it’s done, folks. If this prologue doesn’t grab you, you’re…ungrabbable. Or possibly in a coma. If you read She Lies in Wait, you’ll be familiar with the returning cast.
DCI Jonah Sheens is back & as the story begins he receives a weird message at the Hampshire Constabulary: some guy called about some girl somewhere in the area who might be in trouble. Or dead. Huh? After consulting the records (and Google) he finally comes up with a name & address. A quick visit confirms that yes, Zoe Swardadine is in fact very dead. Time to gather the team.
Domnall O’Malley, Juliette Hanson & Ben Lightman make up his close knit squad & they waste no time assembling a list of Zoe’s nearest & dearest. Let’s see….there’s Aidan, the boyfriend with everything to lose. Angeline is a close friend who clearly has some issues. Maeve is her former room mate with a complicated love life. Victor is the co-worker who quietly carried a torch for her. And then there’s Felix, the older man who was her landlord.
What follows is a layered story full of people with something to hide. The challenge for the squad is figuring out which of their secrets are related to the murder. As little snippets of information surface, each of the people in Zoe’s life will top the list of suspects at one time or another.
Alternating with the present day investigation are chapters that begin 20 months before her death. Here we get the history of how Zoe & Aidan met & the complex relationships between the gang. As these progress, they begin to inform the present & change how you view each of the characters. You’ll find yourself giving one of them the side-eye & thinking Aha!. Then you read the next chapter & suddenly someone else becomes your prime suspect.
This is not an action packed, shoot-em-up kind of procedural. It’s a twisty psychological suspense story that touches on the darker sides of human nature such as obsession, jealousy, deception & the damage people do to each other. The middle section showcases the grunt work cops endure that makes or breaks a case. It’s also where they (and the reader) pick up the clues that ultimately point them in the direction of Zoe’s killer.
By the end of book #1, I knew the regulars were characters I wanted to meet again so I really enjoyed this. It’s a pleasure to come across a police force portrayed in a way that avoids the usual tropes of office politics & backstabbing. Instead you have distinct characters who actually get along & each brings something different to the table. Domnall is the elder statesman of the squad with a dry wit. Juliette is smart, keen & there are hints of a developing subplot concerning her past. Ben is a quiet guy who is bit of an enigma. And holding them all together is Jonah. He’s a likeable man who’s only really comfortable when he’s on the job. As for his personal life…well, that needs a little work.
All in all, a creepy & intricate story with an ending that may surprise many readers. Job done.
July 8, 2023
Creepy, Eerie And Suspenseful!
Late in the evening Aiden Poole is on Skype impatiently waiting for his girlfriend to arrive when he hears her splashing in the bathtub and wonders why is she teasing him this way and then he sees a shadow across the room and a door quietly open yet still hears his girl in the bathroom. What's going on? Does she know she is not alone or did she invite a friend over to chat, or? It's very dark on the screen but now Aiden is hearing struggling sounds and the hairs on the back of his neck are standing ups straight and chills are running up and down his spine. She's in trouble! She needs his help. Silence on the dark screen now. Where are they? Where is she?
He should call the police, Now! Why is he waiting so long???
This was a delicious and enticing story for me to read. I enjoyed all the characters and their interplay whether I liked them or not This is my second book by Gytha Lodge and I enjoyed it even more than the first. What a terrific writer! The story-telling was excellent and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time thinking, he did it, no, she did it or did they do it or, I just don't know who did it! The suspense had me in a frenzy but in such a wickedly fun way.
This book is part of a series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys suspenseful mysteries that are so well-written that they just leave you feeling satisfied yet wanting to read more!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing" and Netgalley for this complimentary copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.I
I have given this terrific book 5 Delicious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Late in the evening Aiden Poole is on Skype impatiently waiting for his girlfriend to arrive when he hears her splashing in the bathtub and wonders why is she teasing him this way and then he sees a shadow across the room and a door quietly open yet still hears his girl in the bathroom. What's going on? Does she know she is not alone or did she invite a friend over to chat, or? It's very dark on the screen but now Aiden is hearing struggling sounds and the hairs on the back of his neck are standing ups straight and chills are running up and down his spine. She's in trouble! She needs his help. Silence on the dark screen now. Where are they? Where is she?
He should call the police, Now! Why is he waiting so long???
This was a delicious and enticing story for me to read. I enjoyed all the characters and their interplay whether I liked them or not This is my second book by Gytha Lodge and I enjoyed it even more than the first. What a terrific writer! The story-telling was excellent and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time thinking, he did it, no, she did it or did they do it or, I just don't know who did it! The suspense had me in a frenzy but in such a wickedly fun way.
This book is part of a series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys suspenseful mysteries that are so well-written that they just leave you feeling satisfied yet wanting to read more!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing" and Netgalley for this complimentary copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.I
I have given this terrific book 5 Delicious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
April 2, 2020
Creepy, Eerie And Suspenseful!
Late in the evening Aiden Poole is on Skype impatiently waiting for his girlfriend to arrive when he hears her splashing in the bathtub and wonders why is she teasing him this way and then he sees a shadow across the room and a door quietly open yet still hears his girl in the bathroom. What's going on? Does she know she is not alone or did she invite a friend over to chat, or? It's very dark on the screen but now Aiden is hearing struggling sounds and the hairs on the back of his neck are standing ups straight and chills are running up and down his spine. She's in trouble! She needs his help. Silence on the dark screen now. Where are they? Where is she?
He should call the police, Now! Why is he waiting so long???
This was a delicious and enticing story for me to read. I enjoyed all the characters and their interplay whether I liked them or not This is my second book by Gytha Lodge and I enjoyed it even more than the first. What a terrific writer! The story-telling was excellent and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time thinking, he did it, no, she did it or did they do it or, I just don't know who did it! The suspense had me in a frenzy but in such a wickedly fun way.
This book is part of a series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys suspenseful mysteries that are so well-written that they just leave you feeling satisfied yet wanting to read more!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing" and Netgalley for this complimentary copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.I
I have given this terrific book 5 Delicious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Late in the evening Aiden Poole is on Skype impatiently waiting for his girlfriend to arrive when he hears her splashing in the bathtub and wonders why is she teasing him this way and then he sees a shadow across the room and a door quietly open yet still hears his girl in the bathroom. What's going on? Does she know she is not alone or did she invite a friend over to chat, or? It's very dark on the screen but now Aiden is hearing struggling sounds and the hairs on the back of his neck are standing ups straight and chills are running up and down his spine. She's in trouble! She needs his help. Silence on the dark screen now. Where are they? Where is she?
He should call the police, Now! Why is he waiting so long???
This was a delicious and enticing story for me to read. I enjoyed all the characters and their interplay whether I liked them or not This is my second book by Gytha Lodge and I enjoyed it even more than the first. What a terrific writer! The story-telling was excellent and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time thinking, he did it, no, she did it or did they do it or, I just don't know who did it! The suspense had me in a frenzy but in such a wickedly fun way.
This book is part of a series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys suspenseful mysteries that are so well-written that they just leave you feeling satisfied yet wanting to read more!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing" and Netgalley for this complimentary copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.I
I have given this terrific book 5 Delicious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
June 16, 2024
Aidan Poole has been waiting all night to Skype with his girlfriend, Zoe Swardadine. So eager, in fact, that he’s camped out online just waiting for the light to show that she’s online. When it finally turns green, he jumps to engage a call. But as it connects, he’s confused to find nothing but an empty chair. In the background, however, he hears the sounds of Zoe taking a bath. Just as he’s about to disconnect, though, he hears the unmistakable sound of an outside door being unlocked and opened. What follows are the terrifying sounds of a struggle from inside of Zoe’s bathroom. Noises that are just as quickly replaced only by an equally terrifying silence.
Panicked about what he should do, Aidan goes back and forth about calling the police. After all, will they even believe him? Ultimately, however, he decides that he has to know if she’s okay. But why is he so hesitant to leave his name and contact information? What does he have to hide?
When the report finally makes its way to the Criminal Investigation Department, however, the information is taken with a grain of salt. After all, the caller had neglected to leave even their name, so who knows if the call can be believed. But it catches the eye of DCI Jonah Sheens nonetheless. Sensing something not quite right with the message, he rushes off to Zoe’s flat to investigate. What’s waiting for him, however, speaks to that uneasy feeling, as they discover not a lively young woman—but her very dead body.
As they dive into the case, they discover secrets and lies floating around a group of friends. With each of them leaning heavily on Zoe in a way that raises the DCI’s hackles, he begins to wonder. Is one of them a murderer hiding in plain sight? Or is Aidan not just a frantic boyfriend? Could his aim in calling merely have been to conceal his own evil plan? What’s clear, however, is that one of Zoe’s “friends” might not have had her best interests at heart, but the very worst of intentions instead.
In no uncertain terms, Watching from the Dark took me on quite the ride even though this was a reread for me. A winding tale of near perfect lies, deeply buried secrets, and dark revenge, it featured plenty of potential suspects and red herrings to keep me oblivious to the true murderer. Easily spellbinding and deliciously chilling, I found myself staying up waaay too late just to finish.
Yet again, though, my favorite bit was easily the CID team at the center of the investigation. An impressive character study, all of the detectives were drawn as far from perfect, a fact that only further illustrated how genuine and true-to-life the characters just so happened to be. This time around, though, I was even more intrigued by the various suspects, who were each hiding plenty of secrets. Secrets that were slowly revealed at just the right pace which only kept me thirsty for more.
With a complex plot that alternated between twenty months before the murder and the present day investigation, it kept my mind spinning with possibilities. In the same breath, however, I did have a bit of difficulty tracking who did what when here and there, leaving me lost in the details several times. Ultimately, however, it didn’t ruin the storyline in the least, but it did somewhat slow me down.
As compared to the first in the series, She Lies in Wait, this book felt decidedly more like a straight police procedural. While the last one had a strong thriller edge running throughout, the back and forth interviews and exchange of theories was crime fiction through and through. Don’t get me wrong, the storyline that took place in the past definitely had plenty of thrills and suspense, but it felt like there was more emphasis on the investigation in this book versus the last.
The premise itself was quite the treat and it started out with quite the bang. Drawn in from the get-go, I found myself reading faster and faster just yearning to discover who the true evil doer really was. And then I got to that climax. Well, let me just say it was absolutely flawless. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, my blood pressure definitely took quite the jump. Even the conclusion was sublime, only I was kind of disappointed to not learn what exactly Hanson was on the cusp of discovering about the blackmail case. But then you can’t have everything you want, can you?
All said and done, Gytha Lodge has surely done it again. Twisted and beautifully organized, she managed to keep the facts deftly obscured until the perfectly timed reveal. I don’t know quite how she does it, but all I know is that I leaves me eager with anticipation to revisit book three in the series, Lie Beside Me. So, if you have yet to give this author a try, I beg of you to do just that. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: depression, infidelity, eating disorder, stalking, assault, spying via a camera, PTSD, alcohol abuse, mention of: suicide
Panicked about what he should do, Aidan goes back and forth about calling the police. After all, will they even believe him? Ultimately, however, he decides that he has to know if she’s okay. But why is he so hesitant to leave his name and contact information? What does he have to hide?
When the report finally makes its way to the Criminal Investigation Department, however, the information is taken with a grain of salt. After all, the caller had neglected to leave even their name, so who knows if the call can be believed. But it catches the eye of DCI Jonah Sheens nonetheless. Sensing something not quite right with the message, he rushes off to Zoe’s flat to investigate. What’s waiting for him, however, speaks to that uneasy feeling, as they discover not a lively young woman—but her very dead body.
As they dive into the case, they discover secrets and lies floating around a group of friends. With each of them leaning heavily on Zoe in a way that raises the DCI’s hackles, he begins to wonder. Is one of them a murderer hiding in plain sight? Or is Aidan not just a frantic boyfriend? Could his aim in calling merely have been to conceal his own evil plan? What’s clear, however, is that one of Zoe’s “friends” might not have had her best interests at heart, but the very worst of intentions instead.
In no uncertain terms, Watching from the Dark took me on quite the ride even though this was a reread for me. A winding tale of near perfect lies, deeply buried secrets, and dark revenge, it featured plenty of potential suspects and red herrings to keep me oblivious to the true murderer. Easily spellbinding and deliciously chilling, I found myself staying up waaay too late just to finish.
Yet again, though, my favorite bit was easily the CID team at the center of the investigation. An impressive character study, all of the detectives were drawn as far from perfect, a fact that only further illustrated how genuine and true-to-life the characters just so happened to be. This time around, though, I was even more intrigued by the various suspects, who were each hiding plenty of secrets. Secrets that were slowly revealed at just the right pace which only kept me thirsty for more.
With a complex plot that alternated between twenty months before the murder and the present day investigation, it kept my mind spinning with possibilities. In the same breath, however, I did have a bit of difficulty tracking who did what when here and there, leaving me lost in the details several times. Ultimately, however, it didn’t ruin the storyline in the least, but it did somewhat slow me down.
As compared to the first in the series, She Lies in Wait, this book felt decidedly more like a straight police procedural. While the last one had a strong thriller edge running throughout, the back and forth interviews and exchange of theories was crime fiction through and through. Don’t get me wrong, the storyline that took place in the past definitely had plenty of thrills and suspense, but it felt like there was more emphasis on the investigation in this book versus the last.
The premise itself was quite the treat and it started out with quite the bang. Drawn in from the get-go, I found myself reading faster and faster just yearning to discover who the true evil doer really was. And then I got to that climax. Well, let me just say it was absolutely flawless. Keeping me on the edge of my seat, my blood pressure definitely took quite the jump. Even the conclusion was sublime, only I was kind of disappointed to not learn what exactly Hanson was on the cusp of discovering about the blackmail case. But then you can’t have everything you want, can you?
All said and done, Gytha Lodge has surely done it again. Twisted and beautifully organized, she managed to keep the facts deftly obscured until the perfectly timed reveal. I don’t know quite how she does it, but all I know is that I leaves me eager with anticipation to revisit book three in the series, Lie Beside Me. So, if you have yet to give this author a try, I beg of you to do just that. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: depression, infidelity, eating disorder, stalking, assault, spying via a camera, PTSD, alcohol abuse, mention of: suicide
February 19, 2020
I didn't realize, upon requesting this ARC, that it was the second in a series of books.
I wish I had. Although I suppose you could consider this a stand-alone, the characters (those in the police force) weren't fleshed out at all. As I was reading, it felt as though I should know who all these people were, and their back stories; but I didn't. It was this big, huge hole that I couldn't fill because I hadn't read book one.
Beyond that, the writing had a quality which I found...floundering. The story happily bounced around, seemingly going nowhere.
The red herrings were decent, had the twist not been the oldest in the book. I mean, of course that was the killer. It always is. I won't say more than that, but if you're a fan of this genre, and you know about crime and who detectives immediately look at as suspects, the ending won't be a surprise.
And what a group of loathsome characters, man. Just awful. I felt sorry for Zoe, having this clingy, needy group of misfits in her life.
That book cover though...gorgeous!
An average read. 2.5 stars rounded down
You can get your own copy of this book (and I'd recommend the first in the series too), on February 25, 2020.
Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
I wish I had. Although I suppose you could consider this a stand-alone, the characters (those in the police force) weren't fleshed out at all. As I was reading, it felt as though I should know who all these people were, and their back stories; but I didn't. It was this big, huge hole that I couldn't fill because I hadn't read book one.
Beyond that, the writing had a quality which I found...floundering. The story happily bounced around, seemingly going nowhere.
The red herrings were decent, had the twist not been the oldest in the book. I mean, of course that was the killer. It always is. I won't say more than that, but if you're a fan of this genre, and you know about crime and who detectives immediately look at as suspects, the ending won't be a surprise.
And what a group of loathsome characters, man. Just awful. I felt sorry for Zoe, having this clingy, needy group of misfits in her life.
That book cover though...gorgeous!
An average read. 2.5 stars rounded down
You can get your own copy of this book (and I'd recommend the first in the series too), on February 25, 2020.
Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
February 4, 2020
Well that was delightful.
Loving this series and loving Gytha Lodge's style.
I am eager for more cases with these detectives!
Much love to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Random House for my DRC.
Loving this series and loving Gytha Lodge's style.
I am eager for more cases with these detectives!
Much love to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Random House for my DRC.
February 25, 2020
4.5 Stars. Gytha Lodge previously wrote She Lies In Wait, a meticulous police procedural which was one of my favourite books in 2019. I was thrilled to learn that there was a second book featuring the same team of police detectives. Watching From the Dark proves that her first intricately plotted, complex novel which detailed the work necessary in solving crimes was not beginners' luck and places her among the top authors of slow-burning British police procedural/ psychological thrillers.
.
The beginning is gripping and most intriguing. Aidan, a university lecturer, sits down at his computer to chat with his girlfriend, Zoe. She is a talented art student who has a small, dysfunctional circle of friends but seems well-loved by everyone she meets. Her group of friends look upon her for her cheerful, unselfish comfort and support.
As Aidan watches is the screen, he is puzzled that Zoe does not show up. He hears her in the bathroom. While he waits, he hears someone enter her flat. This intruder goes into the bathroom. He wonders if she has another lover. Then he hears what seems like a deadly struggle. The intruder leaves, but their image is not visible on screen. He is shaken fearing Zoe has been murdered.
After some hesitation, Aidan calls the police. He refuses to give his name or reveal where the crime occurred. Later he learns that her dead body was discovered in her bathtub. He is now prepared to reveal more to the police. He confesses that they were having an affair, but not that he has a wife. When Zoe discovered the existence of the wife, she was furious and broke up with him several times but then reconciled. At first, her death looked like suicide, but forensics showed she had been subdued by chemicals.
Detective Chief Inspector, Jonah Sheens and his talented team conduct a painstaking investigation which includes repeated interviews. Their work is careful and detailed but the truth is elusive. We see the importance of tracing phone calls, the use of computers and images captured on traffic and security cameras in crime-solving.
Among the suspects are Zoe’s close-knit group of friends:
Maeve, a moody outgoing young woman who professes Christian values, but who have been reported having an affair with her married pastor or stalked and harassed him into leaving his parish.
Angelina, a fragile girl, constantly demanding attention and comforting.
Victor, a hot-tempered Brazilian, who seemed jealous of Zoe’s affair with Aidan.
Felix, her older landlord, suffering from bouts of PTSD.
All these friends relied on Zoe for emotional support.
Why would any of them have a motive to kill this vibrant girl?
Then there is Aidan, prime suspect, due to his lies of omission to the police and his secrets. Was he angry because Zoe wanted him out of her life?
As the detectives delve deeper into the lives of the many suspects, they learn that any and all of them might have reason to kill Zoe. How will they solve this twisted and complicated case?
Recommended to readers who enjoy a slow-burning British police procedural with complicated and needy characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this engaging mystery in return for an honest review.
.
The beginning is gripping and most intriguing. Aidan, a university lecturer, sits down at his computer to chat with his girlfriend, Zoe. She is a talented art student who has a small, dysfunctional circle of friends but seems well-loved by everyone she meets. Her group of friends look upon her for her cheerful, unselfish comfort and support.
As Aidan watches is the screen, he is puzzled that Zoe does not show up. He hears her in the bathroom. While he waits, he hears someone enter her flat. This intruder goes into the bathroom. He wonders if she has another lover. Then he hears what seems like a deadly struggle. The intruder leaves, but their image is not visible on screen. He is shaken fearing Zoe has been murdered.
After some hesitation, Aidan calls the police. He refuses to give his name or reveal where the crime occurred. Later he learns that her dead body was discovered in her bathtub. He is now prepared to reveal more to the police. He confesses that they were having an affair, but not that he has a wife. When Zoe discovered the existence of the wife, she was furious and broke up with him several times but then reconciled. At first, her death looked like suicide, but forensics showed she had been subdued by chemicals.
Detective Chief Inspector, Jonah Sheens and his talented team conduct a painstaking investigation which includes repeated interviews. Their work is careful and detailed but the truth is elusive. We see the importance of tracing phone calls, the use of computers and images captured on traffic and security cameras in crime-solving.
Among the suspects are Zoe’s close-knit group of friends:
Maeve, a moody outgoing young woman who professes Christian values, but who have been reported having an affair with her married pastor or stalked and harassed him into leaving his parish.
Angelina, a fragile girl, constantly demanding attention and comforting.
Victor, a hot-tempered Brazilian, who seemed jealous of Zoe’s affair with Aidan.
Felix, her older landlord, suffering from bouts of PTSD.
All these friends relied on Zoe for emotional support.
Why would any of them have a motive to kill this vibrant girl?
Then there is Aidan, prime suspect, due to his lies of omission to the police and his secrets. Was he angry because Zoe wanted him out of her life?
As the detectives delve deeper into the lives of the many suspects, they learn that any and all of them might have reason to kill Zoe. How will they solve this twisted and complicated case?
Recommended to readers who enjoy a slow-burning British police procedural with complicated and needy characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this engaging mystery in return for an honest review.
February 28, 2020
Aidan is on Skype with his girlfriend Zoe when he hears the sounds of a struggle. He's concerned about Zoe, but his call to the police is cryptic. The police investigate and find Zoe has been killed. Their investigation leads to a unique group of people each connected to Zoe.
This is the second book in the DCI Jonah Sheens series, but Watching from the Dark can be read as a standalone. I've read the first book, and found this second book to be a little better. Both are good reads for fans of British police procedurals.
There is an assorted group of characters that the police must interview and investigate to solve who the killer is. It seems none of the characters is quite as innocent as they appear, and everyone has secrets.
An entertaining crime read. Well paced and it's not a super obvious mystery. Twisty and interesting.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the DCI Jonah Sheens series, but Watching from the Dark can be read as a standalone. I've read the first book, and found this second book to be a little better. Both are good reads for fans of British police procedurals.
There is an assorted group of characters that the police must interview and investigate to solve who the killer is. It seems none of the characters is quite as innocent as they appear, and everyone has secrets.
An entertaining crime read. Well paced and it's not a super obvious mystery. Twisty and interesting.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2020
3.5 stars
A man waits for his girlfriend to pick up his Skype call. Waiting for her on the webcam, he sees something in her apartment that he wasn't expecting to see—her murder.
Concept: ★★★★ 1/2
Characters: ★★★
Mystery(s)/Reveal(s): ★★★
Watching from the Dark comes out on February 25, 2020.
Watching From the Dark is the second novel in the British detective series centered on DCI Jonah Sheens and his police team, Hanson, Lightman, and O'Malley.
Aidan Poole is waiting for Zoe on Skype one night, and instead of a chat he's greeted with a gruesome murder. Who killed Zoe, and what should he do about it?
Adding fuel to the fire, Aidan doesn't directly go to the police, and his dodgy avoidance of detail raises the suspicions of DCI Sheens.
As the secrets and lies start to bubble to the surface, it appears that Zoe's life as a graduate art student wasn't as simple as it appeared...
So, some background on this series and my views on DCI Sheens. I read and reviewed the first novel, She Lies in Wait, last year and thought it was...fine. I loved the set-up and I liked the twisty turns to the finish line, but I really, really struggled with feeling a connection to DCI Sheens and found the final reveal to be a small letdown.
I had a similar experience with Watching From the Dark. So at this point it's safe to say that this is definitely a "me" problem and not the fault of these books.
The initial set-up, great. The red herrings and false alarms, entertaining. The interpersonal quagmire of the victim, really interesting. But the detective? Nope. I still didn't vibe with DCI Sheens. I found his sections distanced, nonessential to the plot, and his team's belief in his infallibility seemed extremely bizarre and unfounded to me—he's this super great detective, supposedly, but throughout the entire book I didn't see it.
In addition to my continued lack of interest in Sheens, I also found the ending of Watching From the Dark to be an interesting choice considering the different options presented to us throughout the book. Again, given my response to both books in this series, it seems to be a compatibility issue on my part—which is so personally frustrating, as I keep finding myself drawn to these books.
However, to end on a positive note, this novel NAILED its pacing—I was engrossed in the whodunit. I may have tried to skip through Sheens' parts, but in terms of the mystery itself I found it extremely compelling and couldn't wait to find out who did it.
Thank you to Random House for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Original notes: I enjoyed Gytha Lodge's debut, She Lies in Wait, and this second novel sounds like it has the potential to be even better! Excited to find out.
A man waits for his girlfriend to pick up his Skype call. Waiting for her on the webcam, he sees something in her apartment that he wasn't expecting to see—her murder.
Concept: ★★★★ 1/2
Characters: ★★★
Mystery(s)/Reveal(s): ★★★
Watching from the Dark comes out on February 25, 2020.
Watching From the Dark is the second novel in the British detective series centered on DCI Jonah Sheens and his police team, Hanson, Lightman, and O'Malley.
Aidan Poole is waiting for Zoe on Skype one night, and instead of a chat he's greeted with a gruesome murder. Who killed Zoe, and what should he do about it?
Adding fuel to the fire, Aidan doesn't directly go to the police, and his dodgy avoidance of detail raises the suspicions of DCI Sheens.
As the secrets and lies start to bubble to the surface, it appears that Zoe's life as a graduate art student wasn't as simple as it appeared...
So, some background on this series and my views on DCI Sheens. I read and reviewed the first novel, She Lies in Wait, last year and thought it was...fine. I loved the set-up and I liked the twisty turns to the finish line, but I really, really struggled with feeling a connection to DCI Sheens and found the final reveal to be a small letdown.
I had a similar experience with Watching From the Dark. So at this point it's safe to say that this is definitely a "me" problem and not the fault of these books.
The initial set-up, great. The red herrings and false alarms, entertaining. The interpersonal quagmire of the victim, really interesting. But the detective? Nope. I still didn't vibe with DCI Sheens. I found his sections distanced, nonessential to the plot, and his team's belief in his infallibility seemed extremely bizarre and unfounded to me—he's this super great detective, supposedly, but throughout the entire book I didn't see it.
In addition to my continued lack of interest in Sheens, I also found the ending of Watching From the Dark to be an interesting choice considering the different options presented to us throughout the book. Again, given my response to both books in this series, it seems to be a compatibility issue on my part—which is so personally frustrating, as I keep finding myself drawn to these books.
However, to end on a positive note, this novel NAILED its pacing—I was engrossed in the whodunit. I may have tried to skip through Sheens' parts, but in terms of the mystery itself I found it extremely compelling and couldn't wait to find out who did it.
Thank you to Random House for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Original notes: I enjoyed Gytha Lodge's debut, She Lies in Wait, and this second novel sounds like it has the potential to be even better! Excited to find out.
May 2, 2023
When Aidan Poole logs onto Skype to chat with his girlfriend Zoe, he witnesses a horrible incident--Zoe being attacked just out of frame. Terrified that she's dead, Aidan tries to reach her without success. But, for some reason, Aidan is reluctant to reach out directly to the police. When DCI Jonah Sheens finally gets Zoe's case, he discovers the dead body of the vibrant young artist. Zoe was beloved by her group of friends. So why was she killed--and why didn't Aidan want to contact the police?
This was a good one! Told in a back and forth storyline, jumping between the present-day investigation of Zoe's murder and the past, starting with Zoe meeting Aidan at a wedding and falling for him, WATCHING FROM THE DARK is an exciting thriller! I loved that it kept me guessing with its full slate of suspects (Zoe has a lot of friends and acquaintances). I am a total sucker for British police novels--if there's a DCI or DI, I'm totally in. I've read the first book in the series but cannot really remember it, but I quite enjoyed seeing DCI Jonah Sheens and his team again.
Lodge does an excellent job delving into the nuances of all the characters--both Sheens' team and all those suspected in Zoe's murder. We learn a lot about Zoe via the past excerpts, so our victim comes alive, creating empathy and pushing forward the desire to solve the crime. I also loved the concept of someone both witnessing a crime via Zoom and also being a suspect for said murder. Overall, this is a quick-moving mystery filled with a slate of mysterious suspects. 4 stars.
This was a good one! Told in a back and forth storyline, jumping between the present-day investigation of Zoe's murder and the past, starting with Zoe meeting Aidan at a wedding and falling for him, WATCHING FROM THE DARK is an exciting thriller! I loved that it kept me guessing with its full slate of suspects (Zoe has a lot of friends and acquaintances). I am a total sucker for British police novels--if there's a DCI or DI, I'm totally in. I've read the first book in the series but cannot really remember it, but I quite enjoyed seeing DCI Jonah Sheens and his team again.
Lodge does an excellent job delving into the nuances of all the characters--both Sheens' team and all those suspected in Zoe's murder. We learn a lot about Zoe via the past excerpts, so our victim comes alive, creating empathy and pushing forward the desire to solve the crime. I also loved the concept of someone both witnessing a crime via Zoom and also being a suspect for said murder. Overall, this is a quick-moving mystery filled with a slate of mysterious suspects. 4 stars.
March 29, 2020
Aidan Poole is online waiting for a video chat to begin with his girlfriend Zoe when he hears sounds of a struggle in her apartment, but he doesn’t call the police immediately. He does eventually point them to her apartment where they find her dead. The book alternates between the current police investigation and a description of Zoe’s relationships with Aidan and her other friends, family and acquaintances (all of them whiny and dependent), many of whom are suspects in the case.
This is the second book in the police procedural series featuring Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens. If you insist on having the backstories of your detectives then you need to read the first book. However, that really doesn’t interest me and I thought that the first book went way overboard with backstory, so I was relieved to find it largely omitted here. I found the plot engaging and even though I am not a huge fan of police procedurals I liked watching the police following the clues. I didn’t like the victim or any of the people in her circle, but the book still entertained me. I would read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This is the second book in the police procedural series featuring Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens. If you insist on having the backstories of your detectives then you need to read the first book. However, that really doesn’t interest me and I thought that the first book went way overboard with backstory, so I was relieved to find it largely omitted here. I found the plot engaging and even though I am not a huge fan of police procedurals I liked watching the police following the clues. I didn’t like the victim or any of the people in her circle, but the book still entertained me. I would read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
January 31, 2020
In brief - Decent enough read and very good in parts.
In full
I read and enjoyed Gytha Lodge's first book. While I wasn't blown away by it it was a decent crime read and I did like a couple of the characters in it. One them was DCI Jonah Sheens and this book finds him involved in another puzzling case. Aidan is on his computer late at night to call his girlfriend Zoe on Skye. He realises that there seems to be someone else in her flat and then hears a violent struggle taking place. It all goes quiet and he wonders if Zoe has come to harm. Given that why is he reluctant to call the police and when he eventually does why does he not hand over vital information? It strikes Jonah that all is not as it seems with this case.
The book follows Jonah and his team's investigation into the case. The book switches between this and events in Zoe's past. These narratives gradually come together by the end of the case. Much of the investigation is around Zoe's friends and Aidan. I confess I didn't find any of the characters outstanding but they were not bad.
Ultimately the chapters on the current investigation held me better than the historical ones for some reason. I guess Zoe's past life and incidents with her friends simply were not as interesting as the actual case. I think overall I prefer the previous book however I did find parts of this - particularly towards the end - very compelling and quite powerful. In the end I would call this something of a holiday read. I'd probably read another book about Jonah and his team in the future.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
https://viewson.org.uk/police/watchin...
In full
I read and enjoyed Gytha Lodge's first book. While I wasn't blown away by it it was a decent crime read and I did like a couple of the characters in it. One them was DCI Jonah Sheens and this book finds him involved in another puzzling case. Aidan is on his computer late at night to call his girlfriend Zoe on Skye. He realises that there seems to be someone else in her flat and then hears a violent struggle taking place. It all goes quiet and he wonders if Zoe has come to harm. Given that why is he reluctant to call the police and when he eventually does why does he not hand over vital information? It strikes Jonah that all is not as it seems with this case.
The book follows Jonah and his team's investigation into the case. The book switches between this and events in Zoe's past. These narratives gradually come together by the end of the case. Much of the investigation is around Zoe's friends and Aidan. I confess I didn't find any of the characters outstanding but they were not bad.
Ultimately the chapters on the current investigation held me better than the historical ones for some reason. I guess Zoe's past life and incidents with her friends simply were not as interesting as the actual case. I think overall I prefer the previous book however I did find parts of this - particularly towards the end - very compelling and quite powerful. In the end I would call this something of a holiday read. I'd probably read another book about Jonah and his team in the future.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
https://viewson.org.uk/police/watchin...
December 10, 2021
This was my first experience of Lodge's DCI Sheen's series, the engaging plot works really well as a standalone mystery.
In a way it felt very relevant as Adian Poole witnessed his girlfriend Zoe being murdered on Skype.
Where the mystery deepens is Adain's reluctance to report the crime to the police - eventually telling them anonymously the following day.
The narrative includes various flashbacks as the reader learns more of Zoe's backstop and her circle of friends.
This leads to more than one suspect and how Zoe has changed since being with Adain.
During this procedural the police are curious to know exactly what Adain is withholding and becomes a prime suspect.
A really enjoyable thriller that continually kept me guessing.
In a way it felt very relevant as Adian Poole witnessed his girlfriend Zoe being murdered on Skype.
Where the mystery deepens is Adain's reluctance to report the crime to the police - eventually telling them anonymously the following day.
The narrative includes various flashbacks as the reader learns more of Zoe's backstop and her circle of friends.
This leads to more than one suspect and how Zoe has changed since being with Adain.
During this procedural the police are curious to know exactly what Adain is withholding and becomes a prime suspect.
A really enjoyable thriller that continually kept me guessing.
February 26, 2020
Aiden Poole is sitting with his laptop waiting to Skype with his sort-of girlfriend, Zoe. He's waiting for her to get out of the shower, when he's horrified to see that someone is in her apartment. Did she have company? Or is this an intruder?
He hears fighting coming from the bathroom ... and then there's silence ... utter silence. . He is desperate to find out if Zoe is okay. But then why is he so hesitant to call the police?
DCI Jonah Sheens and his team take the case. The phone call they received was a little sketchy. The caller wasn't sure of her address and he stated he had not seen the intruder's face. He denied knowing if she was hurt.. or dead. It takes some excellent police work to track down her residence .... and find her body.
Sheens and his team can find no one who has an unkind thing to say about Zoe. According to family and friends, she was the one they turned to for help, support. Was she privy to something she should not have heard ... or seen? . Has one of her so-called “friends” been driven to murder? Or does Aidan have the biggest secret of them all?
Nicely plotted, the story takes the reader from the here and now, following the police investigation, to the backstory of Zoe. Who was she really? What made her tick? Who would want her dead..and why? The suspense starts at the very first page and never lets up until the unexpected ending. Twists and turns will have you forgetting breathe.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Random House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
He hears fighting coming from the bathroom ... and then there's silence ... utter silence. . He is desperate to find out if Zoe is okay. But then why is he so hesitant to call the police?
DCI Jonah Sheens and his team take the case. The phone call they received was a little sketchy. The caller wasn't sure of her address and he stated he had not seen the intruder's face. He denied knowing if she was hurt.. or dead. It takes some excellent police work to track down her residence .... and find her body.
Sheens and his team can find no one who has an unkind thing to say about Zoe. According to family and friends, she was the one they turned to for help, support. Was she privy to something she should not have heard ... or seen? . Has one of her so-called “friends” been driven to murder? Or does Aidan have the biggest secret of them all?
Nicely plotted, the story takes the reader from the here and now, following the police investigation, to the backstory of Zoe. Who was she really? What made her tick? Who would want her dead..and why? The suspense starts at the very first page and never lets up until the unexpected ending. Twists and turns will have you forgetting breathe.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Random House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 30, 2021
Solid book! Even without reading the first book in this series, I completely followed the plot. If not for his name in the title, I wouldn't placed Jonah as the primary character. Just something I found interesting. I do plan to read the next book as well.
Overall, it was a tidy little thriller that I did enjoy.
*Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, it was a tidy little thriller that I did enjoy.
*Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Pradžia buvo kiek sunkoka, vangi ir nuobodoka, bet jau neužilgo ėmė reikalai taisytis ir aš įsitraukiau į istoriją. Čia taip viskas painu! Visi veikėjai pateikiami taip, kad norom nenorom, bet imi įtarinėti visus, kol galiausiai priėjau iki to, jog įtariau pačią Zoją - kad jinai pati viską surežisavo ir taip visiems savotiškai atkeršino. Ne visos vietos buvo įtikinamos ir ne visi personažai tobulai išvystyti, bet bendrai paėmus- tai neblogas detektyvas be visų baisybių ir besitaškančio kraujo.
Pradžia buvo kiek sunkoka, vangi ir nuobodoka, bet jau neužilgo ėmė reikalai taisytis ir aš įsitraukiau į istoriją. Čia taip viskas painu! Visi veikėjai pateikiami taip, kad norom nenorom, bet imi įtarinėti visus, kol galiausiai priėjau iki to, jog įtariau pačią Zoją - kad jinai pati viską surežisavo ir taip visiems savotiškai atkeršino. Ne visos vietos buvo įtikinamos ir ne visi personažai tobulai išvystyti, bet bendrai paėmus- tai neblogas detektyvas be visų baisybių ir besitaškančio kraujo.
November 29, 2019
I loved Gytha Lodge's first novel and her second is just as compelling - we have the same detective team but as with the last book the story is mostly driven by the group dynamic of the characters caught up in a murder...
Zoe dies, watched in part from afar by someone with a lot to lose should he report it - from then on in we have a beautifully plotted and presented mystery with insightful twists and turns, an eclectic and absorbing set of darkly intriguing suspects leading towards an unpredictable outcome.
Gytha Lodge does an excellent mash up of psychological thriller, police procedural and character study which is why the stories engage me so thoroughly.
Very excellent
Highly Recommended.
Zoe dies, watched in part from afar by someone with a lot to lose should he report it - from then on in we have a beautifully plotted and presented mystery with insightful twists and turns, an eclectic and absorbing set of darkly intriguing suspects leading towards an unpredictable outcome.
Gytha Lodge does an excellent mash up of psychological thriller, police procedural and character study which is why the stories engage me so thoroughly.
Very excellent
Highly Recommended.
March 21, 2020
I felt about this second book as I did the first. Not sure I'll read the next, if there is one.
January 7, 2021
A great police procedural full of red herrings and twists. Looking forward to book 3 later this year
July 23, 2020
4.5* I enjoyed this second instalment in Gytha Lodge's DCI Jonah Sheens series. Like its predecessor, She Lies in Wait (Jonah Sheens #1), which I read and reviewed last year, this was a slow-burning character-based psychological mystery, only entering thriller territory in the final denouement. It also shares the plot device of alternating timelines, with chapters switching between those describing the present day investigation by Sheens' team and those told from the perspective of the victim over the 20 months preceding her murder.
Zoe Swardadine is a talented 26-year-old art student, at the centre of a pretty eclectic group of friends, for whom she tends to be the shoulder everyone leans and/or cries on. At the wedding of her employer, she meets Aiden Poole, a 30-something economics lecturer, and they begin a passionate relationship. Twenty months later, Aiden is watching through an open Skype window one night, ostensibly waiting for Zoe to join the call, when he witnesses a shadowy figure enter her flat while she's in the bath...
Once again, DCI Jonah Sheens' small but competent team are called in to investigate, and begin teasing out the tangled web of relationships, expectations and obligations that made up Zoe's life.
Gytha Lodge's writing is intelligent, her plotting well-crafted and her characterisations strong. I felt transported back to that very particular phase of life, as a 20-something exploring relationships and developing a sense of self, while navigating the boundless choices and possibilities of the future and the associated heightened emotional state that brought. I detected echoes of myself and my own group of friends within Zoe and hers, and felt that their reactions, interractions and manipulations were realistic, despite sometimes seeming exaggerated or disproportionate. The character of Aiden Poole seems perhaps less complex and the situations in which he found himself certainly drew less of this reader's sympathy.
I also appreciated the further character development of Sheens and the members of his team, particularly DS Juliette Hanson, and am delighted to have seen on social media that Gytha Lodge has recently completed the third book in the series, currently titled "Lie Beside Me", with an anticipated release date in the (northern hemisphere) spring of 2021. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
Zoe Swardadine is a talented 26-year-old art student, at the centre of a pretty eclectic group of friends, for whom she tends to be the shoulder everyone leans and/or cries on. At the wedding of her employer, she meets Aiden Poole, a 30-something economics lecturer, and they begin a passionate relationship. Twenty months later, Aiden is watching through an open Skype window one night, ostensibly waiting for Zoe to join the call, when he witnesses a shadowy figure enter her flat while she's in the bath...
Once again, DCI Jonah Sheens' small but competent team are called in to investigate, and begin teasing out the tangled web of relationships, expectations and obligations that made up Zoe's life.
Gytha Lodge's writing is intelligent, her plotting well-crafted and her characterisations strong. I felt transported back to that very particular phase of life, as a 20-something exploring relationships and developing a sense of self, while navigating the boundless choices and possibilities of the future and the associated heightened emotional state that brought. I detected echoes of myself and my own group of friends within Zoe and hers, and felt that their reactions, interractions and manipulations were realistic, despite sometimes seeming exaggerated or disproportionate. The character of Aiden Poole seems perhaps less complex and the situations in which he found himself certainly drew less of this reader's sympathy.
I also appreciated the further character development of Sheens and the members of his team, particularly DS Juliette Hanson, and am delighted to have seen on social media that Gytha Lodge has recently completed the third book in the series, currently titled "Lie Beside Me", with an anticipated release date in the (northern hemisphere) spring of 2021. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
November 7, 2020
3.5 stars - For whatever reason, I was not expecting this to be a police procedural, but I was very happy to discover not only that it was but that it's one with a squad very much to my taste in that subgenre! The ultimate solution to the mystery soured this for me a bit (happened to include a trope/motive that I hate), but I will definitely look forward to going back to the first book to see how the crew gets started
February 10, 2020
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